There’s Only Been You: A Western Marriage of Convenience Romance

by Mikayla Robbins

It has always been him—but choosing him could cost her everything.

Alice Walsh never intended to marry. Burdened with raising her younger siblings, she has no room for dreams—especially not the one she’s hidden for a life with Jeremy O’Leary. Now she stands on the brink of that very future… as his wife in a marriage built on duty, not love.

While his brother chases gold, Jeremy O’Leary is determined to prove himself worthy of the land his father refuses to give him. He dreams of building a prosperous ranch—but he has neither the means nor the security to support a family. However, when a tragedy leaves Alice in need, obligation compels him to marry her.

Treasure in his pockets and love still set on Alice, Francis O’Leary returns expecting the future he left behind, only to find his brother living it instead. Resentment turns dangerous. Loyalties fracture. And long-buried secrets threaten to ignite a feud neither family will survive.

Now Alice and Jeremy must choose to protect the families who depend on them or risk everything for a love they were never meant to have.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2026

Reviews

[Faith Mathewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robbins has done it again, delivering her best work yet. With its raw depictions of broken faith, shattered dreams, and the hope we cling to, *There’s Only Been You* is a story that will break your heart before tenderly piecing it back together.

—Faith Mathewson, author of All the King’s Horses and This Knot of Thorns

I genuinely could not put this book down and managed to finish it in just two days.

From the characters to the themes to the faith it was all so beautifully done. I couldn’t recommend it more.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily’s Content Guide

💋 Romance level: Kisses only shown, two fade-to-black scenes between a married couple (intimacy implied, nothing explicit)
🗣️ Language: None
⚠️ Content Warning: depression, anxiety, death of two parents, near starvation, emotional abuse, heavy drinking
📚 Genre: Historical Romance
🎀 Lily’s verdict:💛 Loved it

This was such a beautiful, heartfelt story🥹🤎

The characters had so much depth, and I absolutely loved watching their growth throughout the story. There was so much emotion woven into their journeys, which made everything feel that much more meaningful.

This is one of those stories that slowly breaks your heart before gently piecing it back together in the most beautiful way🥹

Such a wonderful addition to the series and one I thoroughly enjoyed🧡

✨Friends to Lovers
🧡Marriage of Convenience
✨Cinnamon Roll MMC
🧡Stolen Lover
✨Forced Proximity
🧡She Falls First

[Ariana Ochoa · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

There’s Only Been You is a heart-felt book about faith, family, betrayal, and love.

Although this book didn’t have impending doom lurking around the corner like in the first book, it was still an engaging romance about two broken people building a life together.

I enjoyed the marriage of convenience, feuding brothers, historical romance, sprinkled with Christian faith aspects of the story. If you love books that also have Irish themes, you’ll enjoy the book!

[Sara Thren · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's Only Been You sweeps the reader up into the beautiful, wild country of Montana, immersing one in the life and struggles of some of the most real and raw characters I have had the pleasure of meeting.
The married romance of Jeremy and Alice is gentle and sweet and authentic in a way that makes the end of this story so poignant.
I highly recommend this book for readers of western, historical romance. You will not be disappointed!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I was a bit disappointed in this one after reading the first in the series, but it is still a really good read. The title of the book is the very essence of the book and what they overcome and learn to get there. Thank you for the advanced read!

[Elora Maxwell · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Mikayla never misses! I always find myself completely engrossed in this author’s words. This was no exception. This was beautifully written with down to earth and lovable characters surrounded by gritty and realistic historical obstacles and championed by faith.

I cannot recommend this one enough!

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 (4/10 hearts). A marriage of convenience between two friends in love—now that's a twist I haven't read before. I really related to Alice as an oldest daughter, and the trials she went through with her family hurt my heart. So did the rivalry between the brothers! I was pleased by how it all turned out, though, and it was fun to see Travers & Josie again... and I appreciated the message.

N.B. This story contains brief, undefiled mentions of marital things.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Wendy · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Montana Brides series. The books can be read as a standalone, but note that Travis and Josie, who are featured in the first book, are prominent side characters in this one.

This is an interesting read with heavier undertones. The book captured my attention from the beginning and kept it through to the end. As the trials hit the Walsh family hard, we are reminded how harsh life could be in Montana in the late 1870s.

I did enjoy the relationship between Alice and Jeremy. I did have to chuckle though because at one point I thought "this isn't a love triangle, this is a love square." You'll get what I mean when you read the story. However, one thing that I did like was that while the main reason Jeremy and Alice married was because Jeremy promised to protect and provide for her, they both confessed their love quickly for each other. While it started as a marriage of convenience it quickly turned into a real marriage that they both wanted. Although, that didn't mean that their path was smooth.

The hits and the tragedies keep coming in this book. We get death, famine, the threat of starvation, massive injuries, family feuds, and revenge. However, we also get hope, friendship, love, forgiveness, and healing. This is a Christian romance where the characters struggle with their faith, but find their way back to God in the end.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:
"So many if-onlys, and it wasn't fair. Why couldn't she have the life she so desperately wanted?"

"We can't always save people we love. But we must trust God has a plan in all of this."

"Why must everything fall apart."

"I don't want a perfect woman, just one who makes me happy."

[Cora Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy Review:

Set in the 19th-century American West, Robbins skillfully weaves the story of two people from broken families coming together to build their own. Through tragedy, heartbreak, and increased responsibility, Alice finds that the man she has loved for years is the one who will love her forever. As Jeremy learns what it means to be a good, godly husband, he must confront lingering childhood trauma and recent betrayal to care for his new family. Can these two work through disappointment and misunderstanding to create a new legacy, or will unfortunate history repeat itself?

For those who enjoy clean, closed-door historical romance with every emotion present, There’s Only Been You is sure to become a new favorite! Themes of questioning faith, perseverance through hardship, and navigating family tension will leave you on the edge of your seat to learn what happens next. Prepare for a tear or two as you attend funerals, weddings, and bedside confessions. Let yourself be swept into the world Robbins creates on the wild frontier, and be reminded that God is the ultimate Provider, Healer, and Savior. He alone can make beauty come from ashes.

Trigger warning: Heavy drinking, descriptive death scenes, fistfights, and a fade-to-black scene.

[Mikayla Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s Only Been You is the second installment in a western marriage of convenience trilogy called Montana Brides. This novel follows three perspectives—the MMC, FMC, and one outside source.

Before reading, know this books is a gritty western romance. The prequel of the series was more like a thriller (sadistic villain pov) and this one is more calm.

The first part of the book is very emotional and gritty. The Montana Territory was a very harsh place to live during the winters. It came with starvation, sickness, and isolation.

Content Warnings: near starvation, child birth, emotional abuse, heavy drinking, two fade to black scenes, flirtations between a newly wed couple, depression, and anxiety.

TROPES:

☘️Best Friends to Lovers
☘️She Falls First
☘️Irishman/Cinnamon Roll MMC
☘️Bossy FMC
☘️Marriage of Convenience
☘️Lost love letter
☘️Prodigal Brother
☘️ Brother feud
☘️Multi POV
☘️Stolen Lover
☘️Extra Romantic Side Plot
☘️Snowed-In Forced Proximity
☘️Couple Nicknames
☘️Surrogate family

[Gracie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book and boy am I glad I got it. I fell in love with this best friends to lovers marriage convenience romance because it was so unique. It reminded me a lot of little House on the Prairie growing up, and I can tell the author researched this time in order to write a good story.

Everything felt realistic for the time all the struggles that the pioneers went through and of course there was some family drama like the prodigal brother coming home and a father who favors one son over the other.

This book also had a lot of biblical allegory. It was almost like a retailing of Jacob and Esau and the prodigal son.


I also like how relatable Alice was. She’s an older daughter was so much responsibility and she also fears becoming a mother. I felt like I knew her watching her struggle so much.

This is the book. I highly recommend. I like this so much better than the first one. I can’t wait to see how the series ends with book 3.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this story! It is excellent. Be forewarned there are a lot of tragic moments but lots of great moments too. I loved Alice and Jeremy. They were so supportive of one another and both had tough situations. I felt bad for them both with all the tragedies and am so glad they had each other. This story has great Christian content, I especially like the conversation between Alice and Aunt Polly towards the end. I also liked the other storyline with Francis. And it was nice to see characters from the previous book again as well! And I just loved how everything turned out in the end! Overall, this is a fantastic story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: past child death, severe depression, death, suicide, verbal abuse

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Savannah M · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Mikayla Robbins knows how to weave a love story that is both atmospheric, deep and reads like a saga. In this second Montana Brides book, there is so much to love. There is family feuds, threatening secrets, childhood friends and hidden feelings.
Alice and Jeremy have such a raw and honest connection, and I loved it. They were not less in love because of their struggles are their love stronger and more grounded.
Alice is someone that your heart just breaks for, and I was so happy to see how Jeremy cared for her. And Jeremy had needed someone to cheer him on and believe in him for so long and he had that in Alice. They both grew, they both made mistakes, and they both had to learn how to choose each other and that is what makes this book special!

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankly, I was not ready for this book. I wasn't ready for it to hit me so deeply especially since it follows an eldest daughter who feels responsible for her whole family and an eldest son who seeks respect and validation from his father. However, even with tragedy after tragedy, there is such hope in this story. Hope that we don't have to depend on our own strength, that reconciliation can happen, that forgiveness can be a powerful tool even when it feel impossible at times, and that life can continue on after tragedy. It is not an easy story, but it is not meant to be.

This is a second book in a series. However, it can be read before the first book (though it appears that some details may spoil aspects of the first story.). Highly, highly recommended.

[Cindy R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) Review:

Robbins did a fantastic job immersing her readers in this sequel! This book covers the natural disasters that occur in the wild Montana frontier, and as heart-wrenching as it was at times, I enjoyed how the author weaved hope throughout the tragedies in this story. My heart ached for the FMC, Alice, and I felt as though I walked alongside her as she discovered her journey to faith in the Lord. Jeremy was maybe my favorite character with his wit, compassion, and growth. This book deals with hard topics such as family death and betrayal, but the story ends hopeful. I would highly recommend this book (and this series)!

[Manasa C S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one starts heavy. I was already in a rough patch and the first chapters were so bleak I wondered what I'd gotten myself into. Both leads have painful, lonely lives and for a while it felt like nothing would go right for them.

But once the story finds its footing, it turns into something really warm and emotional. I teared up more than once and the slow healing in the second half got to me. The family bonds and the way the two leads open up to each other felt real.

It's a faith-based story, so keep that in mind if it matters to you. It worked for me. A feel-good read with a rough start and a hopeful ending and I honestly have no complaints.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Ashley Barfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gritty western romance is a must read!
This is my first book written by Mikayla and she truly has a gift. The characters are relatable and you fall in love with their story. If you like a realistic Western romance that doesn’t shy away from the harshness of life, this is for you. Alice Walsh is a relatable firstborn daughter tasked with helping care for her family and Jeremy O’Leary is the Irish-born son trying to prove himself to his father. They struggle with their faith and the hardships' life throws at them. Mikayla writes this story in such a beautiful way, highlighting how God is always there with us, even in our anger.

[Charisa Hagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed "There's Only Been You" by Mikayla Robbins. The love story between Jeremy and Alice is sweet. I was very interested in reading this book. It was a clean read. I appreciate how the characters pray for each other. The responsibility Alice carries is real, and I was glad the author had her learn how to share those with others. Some parts near the end felt a little to swiftly solved. It did go to a third viewpoint part way through which was took some time to adjust to, but it still read fine.

[Jewel Carrie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENDORSEMENT REVIEW:

There's Only Been You brings back beloved characters from the previous book while introducing memorable new ones and weaving in the history of nineteenth-century Irish immigration, ranching, homesteading, and mining in the Black Hills. Though the story can be gritty, its treatment of the hardships of the American West is historically grounded, while its Christian values offer meaningful lessons about faith, commitment, sacrifice, and marriage.

[Grace Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Mikayla Robbins has published a thrilling novel filled with tumbles and turns of emotions, relationships and love. The characters are flawlessly imperfect and relatable... and don't get me started on this trope!! I loved the development seen in each character and the real issues and emotions that arose after certain circumstances. There's Only Been You was not only entertaining and gripping but also contemplative.
Would definitely recommend this novel!

[Courtnie ~ courtniemustreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, enjoyable read about loss, love, and redemption. I loved the Montana setting and the character development. There was a lot of heart break in this story, but I loved how although the characters struggle with faith they learn to trust in God despite it.

Content: Fade to black scene between a married couple that doesn’t go beyond kissing. Characters deal with grief from loss, drunkenness and past abuse.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
I think this might be my favourite Robbins book, it was so good! Mikayla has crafted such a beautiful, raw, and emotional story with There’s Only Been You. The themes of forgiveness and redemption were beautiful to read. Alice and Jermey’s devotion to each other and their stubbornness to see things out were an inspiration despite their dark circumstances.

[Millie Bowker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful read!!
Alice & Jemmy's story was real, raw & incredibly emotional - from start to finish I was fully immersed in the world (it was giving total Little House in the Prairie vibes!) 🤍

Though the story is a little dark in times I never felt bogged down or overwhelmed - it was a wonderful balance!

Thank you to the author for the review - all opinions are my own!

[S.L. Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endorsement:

Robbins does it again!—to no surprise of mine. I loved every moment of this western romance, filled with such raw themes and magnificent character arcs. With unexpected twists, glimpses at life in pioneer Montana, and how terrifying faith and love can be, There's Only Been You is one sure you leave you weeping tears of every kind.

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hardship on the frontier was a given. It was not easy on anyone. The way individuals handled the hardships made or broke them. There’s Only Been You is a story of persistence, resilience, faith, and forgiveness. An incredible story that keeps your attention, making you wonder how you would have handled the hardships and situations, and keeps you reading until the last words are read.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENDORSEMENT:

From the very first page, Robbins delivers a captivating story full of twists that leave you flipping to the next chapter, hungry for more. There's Only Been You pays homage to eldest daughters, first loves, and patient faith through its emotional prose, drawing you into the narrative as if you're homesteading in the Montana mountains alongside the characters.

[Riley Perrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endorsement:

There's Only Been You is a beautiful portrayal of forgiveness, hope, and second chances. Robbins paints a sweet story of perseverance against the backdrop of the western frontier as a sister, struggling with her faith, risks everything to provide for her siblings. There's Only Been You will have you crying, hoping, and praying right alongside the characters.

[Ashlyn Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I highly enjoyed every page of this adventure. Once again, heavy and real subjects are addressed and faced. I loved how much the real struggles of faith are present and the strength of the Lord is revealed. The characters were dynamic and had true growth throughout. All-in-all a great read, and one I will be reading again!
Thank you for the arc!

[Emma B · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely read! Yet again, Mikayla Robbins has crafted such real and vibrant characters. The tropes, the plot, the descriptions - they've all come together to make a powerful novel that is definitely worth reading!

[Devonna R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Great book!