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Only #1
Only for Him
Grayson Ford and Emma Kinglsey--close since they were kids, opposites in every way. He's the stuff high school crushes are made of, Mister Popular, and captain of every team. She's artsy, cute, and not in his league, though fully aware of Summerland's "I Dream of Dating Grayson Ford" support group. I can't say no. The girl's had my heart since before I knew it went missing. He hides a life of hell. His father hates him, his mother's gone. Emma is his only savior, yet she doesn't know her power over him. She's the only girl he wants, the only one he could ever tell--though he won't. I'm stronger, bigger, more of a man than he'll ever be, but because I ruined his life, I've taken his crap, his attacks, the vulgar nature of his existence. Until she discovers Gray's embarrassment, his humiliation. Emma fights for him and for a chance. Theirs is a Cinderella story that she believes impossible. But as the layers peel back, it's just a guy who needs a girl in order to keep breathing. My mind is already doodling Mrs. Grayson Ford in imaginary notebooks. He has no clue where my head is at... But, given that I didn't see what just happened coming, maybe I have no clue where his head is at either.
126 pages, ebook
First published February 24, 2015
1045 people are currently reading
3990 people want to read
About the author
Cristin Harber
54 books2,356 followersCristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy romantic suspense, military romance, and new adult. Fans voted her onto Amazon's Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller.
The Titan Series:
Winters Heat
Sweet Girl
Garrison's Creed
Westin's Chase
Gambled
Chased
Savage Secrets
Hart Attack
Sweet One
Live Wire
Black Dawn
Bishop’s Queen
Locke and Key
Jax
Deja Vu
The Delta Series:
Delta: Retribution
Delta: Revenge
Delta: Rescue*
Delta: Redemption
Delta: Ricochet
*Delta: Rescue is a novella in Liliana Hart's MacKenzie Family Collection. It can read as a standalone story or in conjunction with either authors' series.
The Only Series:
Only for Him
Only for Her
Only for Us
Only Forever
Each Titan and Delta book can be read as a standalone (except for Sweet Girl), but readers will likely best enjoy the series in order. The Only series must be read in order.
7 Brides for 7 Soldiers:
Ryder (#1) - Barbara Freethy
Adam (#2) - Roxanne St. Claire
Zane (#3) - Christie Ridgway
Wyatt (#4) - Lynn Raye Harris
Jack (#5) - Julia London
Noah (#6) - Cristin Harber
Ford (#7) - Samantha Chase
The Titan Series:
Winters Heat
Sweet Girl
Garrison's Creed
Westin's Chase
Gambled
Chased
Savage Secrets
Hart Attack
Sweet One
Live Wire
Black Dawn
Bishop’s Queen
Locke and Key
Jax
Deja Vu
The Delta Series:
Delta: Retribution
Delta: Revenge
Delta: Rescue*
Delta: Redemption
Delta: Ricochet
*Delta: Rescue is a novella in Liliana Hart's MacKenzie Family Collection. It can read as a standalone story or in conjunction with either authors' series.
The Only Series:
Only for Him
Only for Her
Only for Us
Only Forever
Each Titan and Delta book can be read as a standalone (except for Sweet Girl), but readers will likely best enjoy the series in order. The Only series must be read in order.
7 Brides for 7 Soldiers:
Ryder (#1) - Barbara Freethy
Adam (#2) - Roxanne St. Claire
Zane (#3) - Christie Ridgway
Wyatt (#4) - Lynn Raye Harris
Jack (#5) - Julia London
Noah (#6) - Cristin Harber
Ford (#7) - Samantha Chase
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
April 28, 2015
"What if we only had tonight?"
This is part one of a 4 part serial, it is a bit on YA side but with some steam included, nice friends to lovers story and well written. I liked it a lot, must say, definitely a good start.
The story is about Emma and Grayson. Emma is a school nerd, she has been in love with her brother's best friend since forever, but never brave enough to act on it. Grayson is Emma's brother said best friend, he is a popular football star, most wanted and desired guy at school. He seems to have it all but no one really knows that behind that facade is a broken boy who struggles every day while dealing with his drunk, abusive father. No one also knows, including Emma herself, that she is the one who kept him going all this time.
"The girl's had my heart since before I knew it went missing."Gray thinks he's not good enough for her, therefore it takes him some time to show Emma more attention than usual friendship.
"- I'm not as strong as you think I am.When he finally pursues her, Emma can't believe her feelings might be reciprocated. When the air between them is cleared and they become a couple, all seems to be going in good direction.
- Probably stronger.
- Not like that, Ems. Like... I'm broken inside and you, you're perfect."
Grayson is sweet and lovely, everything Emma dreamt off, but nothing good ever lasts, after some drama with his father, things go a bit south and Grayson distances himself. He is confused and lost in life, makes the decision that he can not back away from.
Whole bunch of friends, Emma and Gray included, as every year, spend a week at the beach house after school year. Being in each other's company is unavoidable, they work things out and seem strong together again, but Gray is hiding something and wants to act like there's no tomorrow. They spend one, hot unforgettable night at the beach together.
At the end of this part, we are taken few years ahead in the story only to get banged in the head with a massive cliffhanger. Arghhh. Can't wait to see what's next.... Will be continuing with this series.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2015
4.5 - "Never tell me goodbye." Stars!
I am an avid novella reader, but I very rarely go above a 3.5 rating for them. Generally due to the restricted development that the author is able to bring into the story because of the limited length of the book. That is so not the case with this one, Cristin Harber pulled me in from the get go; I can honestly say this is probably the best novella I have ever read.
Bruises are a part of life.
This isn’t a unique story; Grayson is Emma’s brother Ryan's best friend, and Emma has been in love with him forever. What makes it so special is that it is beautifully written, well developed and at no point does it feel rushed. What Emma doesn’t know that Grayson feels the same way, until one night he decides to act on his feelings.
”We’re done ignoring us.”
Reciprocation of their feelings towards each other is mutual, acceptance of their relationship by their peers is a given, what they don’t figure into the mix is Gray’s douchey alcoholic father turning up and embarrassing Emma on her prom night whilst she is at her most vulnerable, the incident has long reaching consequences for both of their futures.
Cristin did offer a surprise in the way she closed this part of Gray and Emma’s story out. I was kind of expecting events in Gray’s life to go the way they went, Emma’s no-so-much. I really, really hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next part of the Only Series; Only for Her to be released, as I am dying to know whether this couple will get their happily ever after!
ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I am an avid novella reader, but I very rarely go above a 3.5 rating for them. Generally due to the restricted development that the author is able to bring into the story because of the limited length of the book. That is so not the case with this one, Cristin Harber pulled me in from the get go; I can honestly say this is probably the best novella I have ever read.
Bruises are a part of life.
This isn’t a unique story; Grayson is Emma’s brother Ryan's best friend, and Emma has been in love with him forever. What makes it so special is that it is beautifully written, well developed and at no point does it feel rushed. What Emma doesn’t know that Grayson feels the same way, until one night he decides to act on his feelings.
”We’re done ignoring us.”
Reciprocation of their feelings towards each other is mutual, acceptance of their relationship by their peers is a given, what they don’t figure into the mix is Gray’s douchey alcoholic father turning up and embarrassing Emma on her prom night whilst she is at her most vulnerable, the incident has long reaching consequences for both of their futures.
Cristin did offer a surprise in the way she closed this part of Gray and Emma’s story out. I was kind of expecting events in Gray’s life to go the way they went, Emma’s no-so-much. I really, really hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next part of the Only Series; Only for Her to be released, as I am dying to know whether this couple will get their happily ever after!
ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
December 1, 2019
Not one of my Cristin Harbor favorites. DNF
August 6, 2015
DNF. This book is too misogynistic to finish.
This author didn't write this way when writing adult fiction. Now she writes NA, all the women are "skanks" who look like they've "just been fucked" and they're "clingers" hanging off the men.
This author didn't write this way when writing adult fiction. Now she writes NA, all the women are "skanks" who look like they've "just been fucked" and they're "clingers" hanging off the men.
January 30, 2015
Ahhhh cliffhanger!!!
Why must the author do this??? Give me the second book!! Shit.Shoot.Shit (sorry I always make reference to the book I just read, don't worry you'll get me after reading this book) I got an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. First, I requested this one from netgalley because I was in the mood for some new adult, and as most of you may know, new adults often run the same storyline, that after you have read so many of them you could not actually pinpoint which is which. Sad to say, but this book will soon have the same fate, it can easily be mistaken from another novel. Let's just say that it isn't something you have not seen before. It was familiar as it was generic. But don't get me all wrong about it, I really enjoyed it in its truest and sincerest sense, because I am such a sucker for romance and those cheesy stuff. What I'm saying is you can give this a try, and there is a big probability that you will like and enjoy it too.
The storyline goes something like this, they were best friends and is in love with each other since forever but is too afraid to admit it to each other. And then there are buried secrets that would change everything. You get the idea, I think that is the theme of new adult novels nowadays. I am not saying it is particularly bad, but I just wished there is something more to it, something fresh, something that would make it a cut above the rest.
One more issue is the description of the characters, the guy - Grayson Ford was described as the beach god, hot with soapy scent and all that jazz - again the all too familiar descriptions of guys in books, I know it is supposed to make girls like me swoon and all, I did swoon, yes, but after a while, when the same thing is repeated over and over, it gets old. And of course the description of the girl - Emma, of course she thinks she's not beautiful enough for a god like Grayson Ford, it took every ounce of patience in me not to roll my eyes because obviously Grayson's world revolved around her. I have seen this too many times, and yes it does get old.
Secondly, well this time I am going to say something positive. I don't want you to get the idea that I loathed the book, because I really liked it. I loved the huge turn of events! I was shocked it had come to that. I was itching to know what happened after the beach and to Grayson's mom. Props to the author for being such a tease, now I will have to patiently wait for the next book. I loved the character growth and the progress of the story. I loved that it started in highscool and ended when they are adults. You can see the transition, Emma being the reserved type in the beginning then letting loose towards the end and Grayson, well he was consistent, I don't know if I like it or not. He had been second guessing himself most of the time and always throwing the pity-party, which I wish he could just snap out of sooner rather than later.
Thirdly, I liked the cover, not too over the top and not too simple, just right. And I also love the two point of views! Now I wish the second book will be greater, because as I have said a million times I need the book two like yesterday! So all in all I enjoyed it, so if you fancy reading New Adults and the romantic stuff. Then this book is definitely for you!
The girl's had my heart since before I knew it went missing.
Why must the author do this??? Give me the second book!! Shit.Shoot.Shit (sorry I always make reference to the book I just read, don't worry you'll get me after reading this book) I got an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. First, I requested this one from netgalley because I was in the mood for some new adult, and as most of you may know, new adults often run the same storyline, that after you have read so many of them you could not actually pinpoint which is which. Sad to say, but this book will soon have the same fate, it can easily be mistaken from another novel. Let's just say that it isn't something you have not seen before. It was familiar as it was generic. But don't get me all wrong about it, I really enjoyed it in its truest and sincerest sense, because I am such a sucker for romance and those cheesy stuff. What I'm saying is you can give this a try, and there is a big probability that you will like and enjoy it too.
The storyline goes something like this, they were best friends and is in love with each other since forever but is too afraid to admit it to each other. And then there are buried secrets that would change everything. You get the idea, I think that is the theme of new adult novels nowadays. I am not saying it is particularly bad, but I just wished there is something more to it, something fresh, something that would make it a cut above the rest.
One more issue is the description of the characters, the guy - Grayson Ford was described as the beach god, hot with soapy scent and all that jazz - again the all too familiar descriptions of guys in books, I know it is supposed to make girls like me swoon and all, I did swoon, yes, but after a while, when the same thing is repeated over and over, it gets old. And of course the description of the girl - Emma, of course she thinks she's not beautiful enough for a god like Grayson Ford, it took every ounce of patience in me not to roll my eyes because obviously Grayson's world revolved around her. I have seen this too many times, and yes it does get old.
Secondly, well this time I am going to say something positive. I don't want you to get the idea that I loathed the book, because I really liked it. I loved the huge turn of events! I was shocked it had come to that. I was itching to know what happened after the beach and to Grayson's mom. Props to the author for being such a tease, now I will have to patiently wait for the next book. I loved the character growth and the progress of the story. I loved that it started in highscool and ended when they are adults. You can see the transition, Emma being the reserved type in the beginning then letting loose towards the end and Grayson, well he was consistent, I don't know if I like it or not. He had been second guessing himself most of the time and always throwing the pity-party, which I wish he could just snap out of sooner rather than later.
Thirdly, I liked the cover, not too over the top and not too simple, just right. And I also love the two point of views! Now I wish the second book will be greater, because as I have said a million times I need the book two like yesterday! So all in all I enjoyed it, so if you fancy reading New Adults and the romantic stuff. Then this book is definitely for you!
The girl's had my heart since before I knew it went missing.
February 28, 2015
Seriously?! How do you give us only 70 pages and then just leave hanging on something like that!? Ugh, give me the second book now!!
February 17, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
If you are looking for romance, you'll want to look elsewhere. This is a somewhat creepy story of a guy who has 'nailed every girl in the school' stalking what is apparently the only virgin left - his best friend's little sister. And what does little sister think? That all the girls in the school are skanks or sluts out to get the one guy she likes. This is a very unpleasant book.Plot: Grayson has a difficult situation at home - an abusive father who brings home women every night typically leading to drunken bouts of physical abuse. He hates all women but idolizes Emma. So he decides (rather suddenly) it is time to deflower her since she's about to go away to college. She has a crush on him and they have unprotected sex. Cue a few years in the future and both lives have taken turns for the worse.
At only 70 pages, this is an hour read, tops. Within that hour, they go from wanting each other to talk of BJs, erections, and being naked. In about 25 pages (!). The parents of our virgin are, of course, blissfully stupid that perhaps the son who has done every girl in the school along with his callous, cold, swearing, vulgar, 'nail anything that moves' best friend from the broken home is a fine candidate to be trusted and left alone with their innocent daughter. But hey, she loves him, so it's ok.
We're given almost no background information on Emma despite her being a POV for half the book. Other than swearing a lot, having no clue about what she wants, and possibly liking photography, there's nothing else to really say about her. I wasn't invested in her at all and therefore had no idea why I was supposed to appreciate Grayson's interest in her. Author Harber wrote the guys well but seriously must hate women. The misogyny in here is pronounced.
All the slut shaming (literally EVERY single female in the story, including the older sister of our virgin, is just out to screw guys) is rampant. Seriously - when our hero Grayson is hanging out with a girl, he just pushes her away when he sees Emma - and upon Emma saying she's jealous of the cheerleader, he replies, "She's a slut."
Most of the book was crude like that - and manages to get even cruder (cue girls working for money at a Gentleman's Club) by the end. What I thought from the blurb was a story about redemption and healing, perhaps high school romance, is instead "life sucks, then you get screwed." Literally. The next part of this story carries on with their adult life after leaving a random cliffhanger.
Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher. Quotes above may change before publication.
December 19, 2015
Currently free, but not a standalone. You'll need the next three books and honestly, it could have been one book.
January 20, 2016
*HAPPY RELEASE DAY!*
My Blogging Star Rating for ONLY FOR HIM is: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. :)
My ‘Blogging Reader’s Review’ after reading an ARC Copy of ‘ONLY FOR HIM’(via: BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com):
This is the first novella titled “Only For Him” of a four part series by Cristin Harber. I’ve never read any previous work from this author but I am now a new fan of her work because of this story. “Only For Him” is of the New Adult genre and is a Contemporary Romance story with plenty of romantic and emotionally high points. This novella is written from the two main character’s P.O.V.’s(point of views), Grayson Ford and Emma Kingsley.
Grayson Ford lives with only his father “Pops” in a trailer on the other side of town from where he attends high school. His relationship with his father is definitely not a good or healthy one. Bruises, beatings, and verbal put-downs are a regular occurrence and Grayson just takes it because he carries some sort of guilt that stems from his mother. At school, Gray is a talented athlete, swooned and adored by the girls, and popular. He seems very confident and outgoing to everyone around him but he carries very dark secrets from everyone, including his closest friends, Ryan and Emma Kingsley. Grayson has a heart full of secrets because another secret he’s held onto through the years has been how strongly he has feelings for Emma. She is the one girl that brings peace to his life and the one that keeps his mind right through all of the dark days that he’s had to endure in private.
Emma Kingsley is only eleven months younger than her well-liked brother Ryan Kingsley, which has made them close and they tend to hang around at the same parties and have mutual friends. Emma is the opposite of her brother, where he is well-dressed and popular, Emma is an artsy-casual girl. Their mutual best friend, Grayson has always been around since they were kids and is the one guy, other than her brother, that her family trusts so much. The only thing is that Emma has kept a secret from Grayson through the years and that is the secret long-time crush she’s had for him. Is it ever a right time to tell someone your true feelings for them and is it harder to do with someone you’d hate to risk losing?
When senior year arrives, things are going the same between these two and their close friendship. Even though there is always a flurry of girls that chase him everyday, he somehow always seems to make sure to notice Emma. Then they decide to change things up. One day, one kiss. And it changes everything. “No more stories. That’s all I’ve ever needed.” That is what he says to her which is such a turning point in the story. But as soon as they begin to open up about their feelings for each other, Gray’s dark truth is revealed. Grayson feels angry and embarrassed. He makes a decision about his future that would send his life down an entirely unexpected road. Knowing that both of their lives are headed down unpredictable paths toward the future, they decide to live it up on a fun-last vacation with friends toward the end of their senior year. This week long vacation would become a major turning point to both of their futures.
To say that this was not even a full-length novel and simply a novella, really says a lot about the story because it pulled me in. The characters were enjoyable and the storyline had pretty much most of the topics I enjoy reading about in my personal opinion. You get the first love, the feel of an unrequited love, a smidge of alpha-male persona, and a few other things that I won’t list because it would give away too much about the actual story. :) Will Grayson let Emma know how much she means to him? Will Emma confess her feelings to Grayson? Are these two meant to be together or will life rip them apart? Can dark secrets ruin what could become something beautiful?
There is so much in this novella that makes it all together amazing, captivating and entertaining. This is definitely worth the read, I recommend it. I’m very anxious to get my hands on what’s next in this series. Heads Up: It ends on a major Cliff-hanger BUT the story is well worth it! That final sentence left me “mind blown!” Loved it all. The next novella of this series is out very soon. So check it out!
My star rating for ONLY FOR HIM is: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. :)
Visit my Blog and see Memorable quotes and character photos of how I imagined them while reading ONLY FOR HIM.
Click Here to Visit the Blog: Books,Movies,Fandoms
Check us out on Twitter & Follow Here
#MG
#BMF
------------------------------------------------------------------
PREVIOUS EARLY REVIEW BEFORE MY FULL-REVIEW POSTED ABOVE:
My star rating for Only For Him is: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars! :)
This was a quick read since it's a novella but it was packed with
so many things I love to read about.
This is about two best friends, Emma and Grayson, who
have no clue about their secret feelings beyond friendship
that they have for each other.
There are other secrets that are also held back that
can make or break their friendship and lives.
This one was an amazing one.
My full-review will be posted on Goodreads and on my blog soon:
BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com
My Blogging Star Rating for ONLY FOR HIM is: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. :)
My ‘Blogging Reader’s Review’ after reading an ARC Copy of ‘ONLY FOR HIM’(via: BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com):
This is the first novella titled “Only For Him” of a four part series by Cristin Harber. I’ve never read any previous work from this author but I am now a new fan of her work because of this story. “Only For Him” is of the New Adult genre and is a Contemporary Romance story with plenty of romantic and emotionally high points. This novella is written from the two main character’s P.O.V.’s(point of views), Grayson Ford and Emma Kingsley.
Grayson Ford lives with only his father “Pops” in a trailer on the other side of town from where he attends high school. His relationship with his father is definitely not a good or healthy one. Bruises, beatings, and verbal put-downs are a regular occurrence and Grayson just takes it because he carries some sort of guilt that stems from his mother. At school, Gray is a talented athlete, swooned and adored by the girls, and popular. He seems very confident and outgoing to everyone around him but he carries very dark secrets from everyone, including his closest friends, Ryan and Emma Kingsley. Grayson has a heart full of secrets because another secret he’s held onto through the years has been how strongly he has feelings for Emma. She is the one girl that brings peace to his life and the one that keeps his mind right through all of the dark days that he’s had to endure in private.
Emma Kingsley is only eleven months younger than her well-liked brother Ryan Kingsley, which has made them close and they tend to hang around at the same parties and have mutual friends. Emma is the opposite of her brother, where he is well-dressed and popular, Emma is an artsy-casual girl. Their mutual best friend, Grayson has always been around since they were kids and is the one guy, other than her brother, that her family trusts so much. The only thing is that Emma has kept a secret from Grayson through the years and that is the secret long-time crush she’s had for him. Is it ever a right time to tell someone your true feelings for them and is it harder to do with someone you’d hate to risk losing?
When senior year arrives, things are going the same between these two and their close friendship. Even though there is always a flurry of girls that chase him everyday, he somehow always seems to make sure to notice Emma. Then they decide to change things up. One day, one kiss. And it changes everything. “No more stories. That’s all I’ve ever needed.” That is what he says to her which is such a turning point in the story. But as soon as they begin to open up about their feelings for each other, Gray’s dark truth is revealed. Grayson feels angry and embarrassed. He makes a decision about his future that would send his life down an entirely unexpected road. Knowing that both of their lives are headed down unpredictable paths toward the future, they decide to live it up on a fun-last vacation with friends toward the end of their senior year. This week long vacation would become a major turning point to both of their futures.
To say that this was not even a full-length novel and simply a novella, really says a lot about the story because it pulled me in. The characters were enjoyable and the storyline had pretty much most of the topics I enjoy reading about in my personal opinion. You get the first love, the feel of an unrequited love, a smidge of alpha-male persona, and a few other things that I won’t list because it would give away too much about the actual story. :) Will Grayson let Emma know how much she means to him? Will Emma confess her feelings to Grayson? Are these two meant to be together or will life rip them apart? Can dark secrets ruin what could become something beautiful?
There is so much in this novella that makes it all together amazing, captivating and entertaining. This is definitely worth the read, I recommend it. I’m very anxious to get my hands on what’s next in this series. Heads Up: It ends on a major Cliff-hanger BUT the story is well worth it! That final sentence left me “mind blown!” Loved it all. The next novella of this series is out very soon. So check it out!
My star rating for ONLY FOR HIM is: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. :)
Visit my Blog and see Memorable quotes and character photos of how I imagined them while reading ONLY FOR HIM.
Click Here to Visit the Blog: Books,Movies,Fandoms
Check us out on Twitter & Follow Here
#MG
#BMF
------------------------------------------------------------------
PREVIOUS EARLY REVIEW BEFORE MY FULL-REVIEW POSTED ABOVE:
My star rating for Only For Him is: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars! :)
This was a quick read since it's a novella but it was packed with
so many things I love to read about.
This is about two best friends, Emma and Grayson, who
have no clue about their secret feelings beyond friendship
that they have for each other.
There are other secrets that are also held back that
can make or break their friendship and lives.
This one was an amazing one.
My full-review will be posted on Goodreads and on my blog soon:
BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com
August 29, 2016
☆☆☆☆ 4 "Future" ☆☆☆☆ Stars
Miss Harber wrote one hell of a fast paced and heartbreaking book! Hold on tight, this love will twist you.
Emma and Grayson have been friends since they were 6 years old. So loving each other came easy until that love blossomed into a deeper love that both needed.
After sharing a kiss that was more than friendship, their relationship was a whirlwind path to destruction.
When a night of romance and first time for Emma begins with desire and passion, ends with a front row seat into the hell that Grayson calls his life.
Emma witness the abuse Grayson has worked so hard to hide. The abuse he accepts because his father has every right to hate him, Grayson hates himself. He us to blame for blood and bruises he wears daily.
As Emma works to help Grayson and try to understand his dark secrets, their relationship seems to be on the right path once again and their love once again is shared in a night of passion. A night that is the beginning of the rest of their life together.
"What if we only had tonight?
Until their lives are NOT together.
And this where Miss Harber guts me, this ending........UNBELIEVABLY HEARTBREAKING!!
This is book 1 of 4 in the Only Series and is sure to be a heart string puller with each book.
Miss Harber wrote one hell of a fast paced and heartbreaking book! Hold on tight, this love will twist you.
Emma and Grayson have been friends since they were 6 years old. So loving each other came easy until that love blossomed into a deeper love that both needed.
After sharing a kiss that was more than friendship, their relationship was a whirlwind path to destruction.
When a night of romance and first time for Emma begins with desire and passion, ends with a front row seat into the hell that Grayson calls his life.
Emma witness the abuse Grayson has worked so hard to hide. The abuse he accepts because his father has every right to hate him, Grayson hates himself. He us to blame for blood and bruises he wears daily.
As Emma works to help Grayson and try to understand his dark secrets, their relationship seems to be on the right path once again and their love once again is shared in a night of passion. A night that is the beginning of the rest of their life together.
"What if we only had tonight?
Until their lives are NOT together.
And this where Miss Harber guts me, this ending........UNBELIEVABLY HEARTBREAKING!!
This is book 1 of 4 in the Only Series and is sure to be a heart string puller with each book.
January 9, 2019
For Y/A, for being short and part 1 of 4, it actually was pretty well done. I don't often enjoy YA books because of all the unnecessary drama llama moments, and because apparently I'm old and cranky. But this was pretty darn good. I really liked our hero, Grayson. He was particularly swoonworthy. And our heroine, Emma, was very likeable. It had the requisite "I'm no good for you/you're better off without me/I don't care and can't live without you" moments. And it had quite a little cliffy at the end. I might even be tempted to see where this one goes! And this fulfills my 2019 Levels Reading Challenge for "Read a YA book". Yay!!!
March 22, 2015
NOOOO! When is the next one coming out?!'
I NEED it - right NOW!
REVIEW
First off if you not into serials this is not for you. Just thought I'll mention that.
Because Harber decided to publish this in a novella serial, four of them to be exact. I personally quite love them. Well at least I like the idea of it, until I realise I am gonna have to wait nearly two month to get the next crumb. And that's what this felt like a crumb. I was given a tiny taster. The amazing thing? I am hooked.
In this short amount of time Harber made me care for Grayson and Emma. I am invested in them, their story. Even if the beginning was a wee bit melodramatic at time. Then again, they are in their late teens. It comes with the territory. The group of friends are sweet, the relations ship between Grayson and Emma adorable. I love their chemistry, the smut is delectable...
It's your usual teencute & fluffy. Until it suddenly isn't anymore. There is a huge twist at the end. One I didn't really see coming. Well, at least Emma's part of it. And the mega cliffy left me hanging in the air. Literally.
I have no idea what happened. I am totally shell shocked.
And I just want more.Correction. I need more.
Which is in my opinion the best reference I could give Harber actually.
The plot is short, sweet and with a wicked twist, the character building while a bit cliche, is well done and the writing style is great, just as expected from Harber
What I can say is that I see Harber's MO when it comes to Grayson. Emma, I can just not even fathom, let's just not go there, I just can't. It's brilliant master stroke on Harbers side. That garanties that I shall be reading the next 3... whenever I manage to get my hands on them that is. Did I mention TWO months?!!
Which brings me back to the beginning, if you have issues with serials, this might not be your kinda thing. Well, actually, wait until the last is published and read them all in one go.
A must for fans of the genre and the author.
I NEED it - right NOW!
REVIEW
First off if you not into serials this is not for you. Just thought I'll mention that.
Because Harber decided to publish this in a novella serial, four of them to be exact. I personally quite love them. Well at least I like the idea of it, until I realise I am gonna have to wait nearly two month to get the next crumb. And that's what this felt like a crumb. I was given a tiny taster. The amazing thing? I am hooked.
In this short amount of time Harber made me care for Grayson and Emma. I am invested in them, their story. Even if the beginning was a wee bit melodramatic at time. Then again, they are in their late teens. It comes with the territory. The group of friends are sweet, the relations ship between Grayson and Emma adorable. I love their chemistry, the smut is delectable...
It's your usual teencute & fluffy. Until it suddenly isn't anymore. There is a huge twist at the end. One I didn't really see coming. Well, at least Emma's part of it. And the mega cliffy left me hanging in the air. Literally.
I have no idea what happened. I am totally shell shocked.
And I just want more.Correction. I need more.
Which is in my opinion the best reference I could give Harber actually.
The plot is short, sweet and with a wicked twist, the character building while a bit cliche, is well done and the writing style is great, just as expected from Harber
What I can say is that I see Harber's MO when it comes to Grayson. Emma, I can just not even fathom, let's just not go there, I just can't. It's brilliant master stroke on Harbers side. That garanties that I shall be reading the next 3... whenever I manage to get my hands on them that is. Did I mention TWO months?!!
Which brings me back to the beginning, if you have issues with serials, this might not be your kinda thing. Well, actually, wait until the last is published and read them all in one go.
A must for fans of the genre and the author.
February 24, 2015
I’m a huge fan of Cristin Harber’s Titan series, so when the opportunity arose to read the opener to her new Only series I grabbed it. And she delivers; Only For Him held everything I could possibly want to find; something which often seldom happens at novella length.
“He’s Grayson Ford, the dream boyfriend, the ideal catch. I’m me: cute but not gorgeous, friendly but not super popular.”
It didn’t feel like reading a novella. It grabbed me from the opening page and held on tight right until the last moment…when I wailed a little, as I don’t cope well with cliff-hangers. Everything flowed, the shifts forward in time were seamless, it held emotion and I became completely invested in both Grayson and Emma.
And with a twist to the story I didn’t see coming, I am certain our wait for #2 will be worth every minute, because the foundation has been laid for this to be a corker of a series. Hopefully, we won’t have too long to wait.
4.5 stars.
Copy received courtesy of NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
“He’s Grayson Ford, the dream boyfriend, the ideal catch. I’m me: cute but not gorgeous, friendly but not super popular.”
It didn’t feel like reading a novella. It grabbed me from the opening page and held on tight right until the last moment…when I wailed a little, as I don’t cope well with cliff-hangers. Everything flowed, the shifts forward in time were seamless, it held emotion and I became completely invested in both Grayson and Emma.
And with a twist to the story I didn’t see coming, I am certain our wait for #2 will be worth every minute, because the foundation has been laid for this to be a corker of a series. Hopefully, we won’t have too long to wait.
4.5 stars.
Copy received courtesy of NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
April 16, 2015
3.5 Stars
For as short as this book was, it managed to pack a real punch. I love books where the boy and girl have been friends since they were young and then fall in love. This book follows that formula, with some drama thrown in to keep you on your toes :)
It spans about 6 years of Emma and Grayson's relationship. While the beginning included just a few interactions, it started to get a bit more in depth when they were seniors in high school. It was definitely a bit of an emotionally trying read. It was fairly steady at the beginning and then it started moving really quickly and it ran the whole gamut of emotions. One second it was almost sickly sweet, then it was heart-breakingly depressing, only to turn around and be utterly shocking.
It is part of a serial so it ended with quite the cliffy. All three parts of the serial are out, though there is quite a price jump from the first (0.99) to the second (2.99) and the third is priced the same as the second.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
February 3, 2015
Great start to Grayson and Emma's story....but that ending? Bahhhhhhhh! Need the next one now!!!! Loved it!
February 17, 2015
Check out my other reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
First. Of. All. It would be super appreciated if someone would have let me know that this was a NOVELLA!! Fine. Maybe it was listed on it's Goodreads page and on the Netgalley page but how in the world was I supposed to pay attention to one little word down at the bottom of the page when the blurb for this was so utterly amazing?!? I can't be expected to pay attention after reading a great summary. It just won't happen.
Whew. This was one amazing novella. Oh! Let me tell you when I realized that it was a novella ... this is a funny little story ... yeah ... it was when the damn thing ended and I wanted to know what in the world happened!!! Total bullshit. Okay, fine. The story isn't bullshit. The fact that the novel wasn't complete was bullshit. I mean, it was JUST getting so good and then there was an advertisement for the next portion of the series. Man, was I hot. I got really mad! I was so mad because the story was incredibly good. I was being a greedy reader and I wanted more. MORE, I say!
There is so much more to say but any little detail could spoil the surprises within the pages. I just can't do that to you! I want you to go in as blind as I did ... well, maybe not THAT blind. You'll know that it's a novella (you're welcome).
The story itself was so good. It was nice to read something about a girl pushing for a relationship and a guy holding back, such a nice change. This is a love story that you won't be able to get enough of .... it's full of heartbreak, elation, turmoil, sadness, impossible odds and the idea of forever. It's a story that I will find myself reading again and for once, I'm actually stoked to see what happens next in a series. This is one that I HAVE to know what happens next. I'll be first in line to get #2 when it comes out.
March 4, 2015
ONLY FOR HIM is the start of a novella serial that takes up through the start of Grayson and Emma's relationship. How their friendship turned into more and how one fairly ugly run-in with Grayson's father turned the course of their relationship.
This book absolutely, positively below me away. Yes, I'm a sucker for the heroine falling in love with her brother's best friend. But this one had a slightly different element, where that best friend has always been in love with his best friend's sister but didn't want to taint her with the messiness of his life. Grayson hasn't had an easy life and often sought solace at the Emma's family home. He was best friends with her brother, but it was the relationship Grayson had with Emma that always helped him get through the crap that waited for him at home.
There wasn't much I didn't love about Grayson, other than him making a snap decision after an embarrassing and ugly run-in with his father. That decision not only changed the course of his life, but altered Emma's as well. And as we get to the last page of ONLY FOR HIM, we see just how much that decision took from her.
ONLY FOR HER, the next installment in the series comes our March 17th, so we don't have long to wait to find out how Grayson is going to make up for his decision.
This book absolutely, positively below me away. Yes, I'm a sucker for the heroine falling in love with her brother's best friend. But this one had a slightly different element, where that best friend has always been in love with his best friend's sister but didn't want to taint her with the messiness of his life. Grayson hasn't had an easy life and often sought solace at the Emma's family home. He was best friends with her brother, but it was the relationship Grayson had with Emma that always helped him get through the crap that waited for him at home.
There wasn't much I didn't love about Grayson, other than him making a snap decision after an embarrassing and ugly run-in with his father. That decision not only changed the course of his life, but altered Emma's as well. And as we get to the last page of ONLY FOR HIM, we see just how much that decision took from her.
ONLY FOR HER, the next installment in the series comes our March 17th, so we don't have long to wait to find out how Grayson is going to make up for his decision.
January 31, 2015
5 Stars and I want the next installment NOW!
Grayson is living with pain that no one knows, and the only thing that makes it bearable is Emma. Emma is his best friend and the one person he loves in this life. Emma and Grayson have knowing each other since they were young and she has loved him that whole time.
The plot was a joy to follow and brought me back to those days in high school. I enjoyed how Cristin Harber showed us glimpses of them at different stages of their relationship and then the glimpse at now that sets us up for the next installment.
I generally avoid reading New Adult books, and even rarer read a book that could be considered a serial or one with a cliff hanger like ending. I broke that rule for Cristin Harber and I am glad I did. I will follow this couple to the end.
I opened this novella on my Kindle to see how long it was and thought I would read only a few pages – yeah that didn’t happen. I was consumed and I barely moved until I was done.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
My complete review will appear on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/ close to release day.
January 1, 2016
LOVE THIS! Review to come...
BUY THE BOOK
BUY THE BOOK
February 28, 2015
This could've been so much better if it's not a novella. Anyway, full review to follow!
P.S.
Ahhhh, COVER LOVE!! *_*
P.S.
Ahhhh, COVER LOVE!! *_*
November 13, 2019
I am not a fan of new adult typically but this first installment of the Only series was so good. This is a novel in parts so don't be shocked when it ends with a huge cliffhanger. Have no fear the next part has been released so there's no waiting for what happens next.
Grayson and Emma have pretty much grown up together. Grayson is not only Emma's best friend but her friend as well. It just so happens she wants more, but doesn't think that Grayson could ever feel the same. Grayson's home life is beyond awful so he spends as much time as possible at the Kingsley house. Emma's parents trust Grayson as if he were there own son so never think much about Emma and Grayson having time alone. Which is fine because there's never been anything between them. A couple weeks before graduation that all changed. Grayson can't hold back anymore and lets Emma knows just how much she means to him.
Their coming together was so sweet and loving. It's also heartbreaking. Reading it you just know what's coming.
Grayson and Emma have pretty much grown up together. Grayson is not only Emma's best friend but her friend as well. It just so happens she wants more, but doesn't think that Grayson could ever feel the same. Grayson's home life is beyond awful so he spends as much time as possible at the Kingsley house. Emma's parents trust Grayson as if he were there own son so never think much about Emma and Grayson having time alone. Which is fine because there's never been anything between them. A couple weeks before graduation that all changed. Grayson can't hold back anymore and lets Emma knows just how much she means to him.
Their coming together was so sweet and loving. It's also heartbreaking. Reading it you just know what's coming.
May 10, 2015
received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
full review can be found at blog: http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Cristin does emotion well (umm, Cat and Rocco's big scene? Mia breaking in front of Colby? Cash trying to explain to Nic what it was like to grieve alone?), and the emotion is dripping in this introduction to the lives of Gray and Emma.
Gray doesn't have a very easy life (and he sadly believes he deserves everything given to him), but has always been able to go to Kingsleys as a second home -- his best friend is Ryan, and his little sister (by less than a year) Emma. The three of them do everything together, and always have.
Gray keeps his home life a secret, but his one saving grace, the one thing that keeps him going, is Emma's face -- and he can't ever tell her.
Emma has been in love with Gray as long as she can remember, but she won't act on it. She's his best friend's sister; she's the art nerd and he's the sport jock that all the girls hang all over
Like every Cristin Harber book I've read for review, I have highlights and notes throughout the entire manuscript. There was so much done right in this story, and I feel like my little questions that I have (like what was the conversation about after the big fall-out {even though one can easily guess by context}, did he really just up and leave after that one scene?, and what in the world has such a bright girl needing to resort to her 'career choice' in the end?) will be answered in the following books, so I can't even be 'mad' about them.
Until ONLY FOR HER.... I will be sitting anxiously at the edge of my seat (pondering... when does it come out? Will the entire series be done before Parker's book? How much does Parker play a roll in this series? Is he the main com-voice in Gray's ear, or is he the second one he heard? What about.........)
full review can be found at blog: http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Cristin does emotion well (umm, Cat and Rocco's big scene? Mia breaking in front of Colby? Cash trying to explain to Nic what it was like to grieve alone?), and the emotion is dripping in this introduction to the lives of Gray and Emma.
Gray doesn't have a very easy life (and he sadly believes he deserves everything given to him), but has always been able to go to Kingsleys as a second home -- his best friend is Ryan, and his little sister (by less than a year) Emma. The three of them do everything together, and always have.
Gray keeps his home life a secret, but his one saving grace, the one thing that keeps him going, is Emma's face -- and he can't ever tell her.
Emma has been in love with Gray as long as she can remember, but she won't act on it. She's his best friend's sister; she's the art nerd and he's the sport jock that all the girls hang all over
Like every Cristin Harber book I've read for review, I have highlights and notes throughout the entire manuscript. There was so much done right in this story, and I feel like my little questions that I have (like what was the conversation about after the big fall-out {even though one can easily guess by context}, did he really just up and leave after that one scene?, and what in the world has such a bright girl needing to resort to her 'career choice' in the end?) will be answered in the following books, so I can't even be 'mad' about them.
Until ONLY FOR HER.... I will be sitting anxiously at the edge of my seat (pondering... when does it come out? Will the entire series be done before Parker's book? How much does Parker play a roll in this series? Is he the main com-voice in Gray's ear, or is he the second one he heard? What about.........)
February 5, 2015
In all honesty, i went into this with no expectations, it looks like a YA book and not something i'd be interested in ....
I WAS WRONG ~~
I loved this book ~ in fact, it was too short in my opinion ... left me wanting more more more ~~
Grayson was definitely a damaged soul, coming from an abusing household, the only thing that kept his head on straight was Emma, his best friends sister and the girl he didnt really think he could have forever.
Emma, the sweet younger sister to Grayson best friend, was in love with him since she was a little girl. She never imagined in her wildest dreams he felt the same for her. I cant really say much, it is way to easy to give too much info away and to be honest, its worth every penny to buy the first in this serial and get yourself a little bit of Grayson and Emma.
I will say, however, that the book is very well written, and the characters are not at all what i expected. Im not a YA kinda gal, and thats what i really expected out of this. Immaturity and just stuff meant for a much much younger crowd, but that isnt what i got. I got some amazing characters, some insight into their high school years, and THE CLIFFHANGER FROM HELL ~~ lol
The author did a fabulous job getting a stick in the mud like me who hates all things High school, to be in love with the young characters and know that i will be getting more of them and their adult life as the serials continue. The characters work well together and they arent annoying little high school kids, but extremely well written, mature characters that have a story to tell. The spelling is perfect and there are a few minor grammar errors but nothing that is distracting or that takes away from the book.
The cliffhanger is completely unexpected and so so good. I cant wait for book 2 i really need more Grayson and Emma
I absolutely recommend this author and this Serial.
I WAS WRONG ~~
I loved this book ~ in fact, it was too short in my opinion ... left me wanting more more more ~~
Grayson was definitely a damaged soul, coming from an abusing household, the only thing that kept his head on straight was Emma, his best friends sister and the girl he didnt really think he could have forever.
Emma, the sweet younger sister to Grayson best friend, was in love with him since she was a little girl. She never imagined in her wildest dreams he felt the same for her. I cant really say much, it is way to easy to give too much info away and to be honest, its worth every penny to buy the first in this serial and get yourself a little bit of Grayson and Emma.
I will say, however, that the book is very well written, and the characters are not at all what i expected. Im not a YA kinda gal, and thats what i really expected out of this. Immaturity and just stuff meant for a much much younger crowd, but that isnt what i got. I got some amazing characters, some insight into their high school years, and THE CLIFFHANGER FROM HELL ~~ lol
The author did a fabulous job getting a stick in the mud like me who hates all things High school, to be in love with the young characters and know that i will be getting more of them and their adult life as the serials continue. The characters work well together and they arent annoying little high school kids, but extremely well written, mature characters that have a story to tell. The spelling is perfect and there are a few minor grammar errors but nothing that is distracting or that takes away from the book.
The cliffhanger is completely unexpected and so so good. I cant wait for book 2 i really need more Grayson and Emma
I absolutely recommend this author and this Serial.
March 4, 2015
I'm not a big novella fan. They usually don't have enough to make them a good story. So NOT THE CASE for this one. I'm flew through this one and was wanting the next NOW.
I adore Grayson. He's got a life that both sucks and rocks. Everyone thinks he has it all but his home is the worst. He keeps breathing because of Emma but she doesn't know. They're friends. She loves him. But he's out of her league, or so she thinks. Really, she's his everything.
I love friends to lovers kinda stories. I love guys that try to protect the girl they love from themselves when really they are all the girl needs too.
Such a great start to this series. I want more and fast. I felt like a caged animal when I was done, pacing around wanting the next volume.
If you love a great friends who really love each other kinda romance, then this is the one to grab next.
I adore Grayson. He's got a life that both sucks and rocks. Everyone thinks he has it all but his home is the worst. He keeps breathing because of Emma but she doesn't know. They're friends. She loves him. But he's out of her league, or so she thinks. Really, she's his everything.
I love friends to lovers kinda stories. I love guys that try to protect the girl they love from themselves when really they are all the girl needs too.
Such a great start to this series. I want more and fast. I felt like a caged animal when I was done, pacing around wanting the next volume.
If you love a great friends who really love each other kinda romance, then this is the one to grab next.
January 17, 2016
DNF
Too much back and forth with the questioning. I love these type of stories, but I am tired of stories where the hero constantly questions his worth to the heroine and vice-versa.
I wanted to love this story. Grayson comes from an abusive home. Grayson is best friends with the heroine's brother. He finally admits his feelings to the heroine, but one thing or another gets in the way. The heroine has always loved Grayson and is willing to do anything for him, but there is that back and forth that I mentioned I get very tired of in stories.
This may work for you, but it did not work for me. I can't spend my precious reading time with stories that go back and forth until (almost) to the very end. 9 out of 10 times they do and it is not worth my time to find out.
I am not telling you not to read it. You may love it.
Too much back and forth with the questioning. I love these type of stories, but I am tired of stories where the hero constantly questions his worth to the heroine and vice-versa.
I wanted to love this story. Grayson comes from an abusive home. Grayson is best friends with the heroine's brother. He finally admits his feelings to the heroine, but one thing or another gets in the way. The heroine has always loved Grayson and is willing to do anything for him, but there is that back and forth that I mentioned I get very tired of in stories.
This may work for you, but it did not work for me. I can't spend my precious reading time with stories that go back and forth until (almost) to the very end. 9 out of 10 times they do and it is not worth my time to find out.
I am not telling you not to read it. You may love it.
February 22, 2015
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
This novella series is definitely worth checking out.
The characters and the friendship between Emma, Grayson
and Ryan was enjoyable to read about. The story grows
somewhat rapidly since it's a novella but it still
was enthralling and believable. I am very much looking
forward to see where this story goes in the next
book of this series especially with that cliffhanger!
I'm glad it won't be a long wait.
My full blogging review will be posted here soon:
BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com
This novella series is definitely worth checking out.
The characters and the friendship between Emma, Grayson
and Ryan was enjoyable to read about. The story grows
somewhat rapidly since it's a novella but it still
was enthralling and believable. I am very much looking
forward to see where this story goes in the next
book of this series especially with that cliffhanger!
I'm glad it won't be a long wait.
My full blogging review will be posted here soon:
BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com
February 5, 2015
Received an ARC for review
YA's are not my fav. Actually, I try to stay away from them, but I absolutely LOVE Cristin Harber and her Titan boys. I didn't realize this was a novella when I requested it, and a cliffhanger too. But that's ok because it was great and now I have another book to be stalking her for. Emma and Gray were amazing. I really need to know why he just stood there and how did Emma get to that place. How long to do I have to wait for part 2? A day is too long...
YA's are not my fav. Actually, I try to stay away from them, but I absolutely LOVE Cristin Harber and her Titan boys. I didn't realize this was a novella when I requested it, and a cliffhanger too. But that's ok because it was great and now I have another book to be stalking her for. Emma and Gray were amazing. I really need to know why he just stood there and how did Emma get to that place. How long to do I have to wait for part 2? A day is too long...
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