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Love in Short #3
You Only Love Once
Five years ago my pride got in the way of love.
Now I’m about to swallow it.
Willow:
He was my first crush, my first love, and my first time.
He’s also the brother of my arch-enemy.
When he enlisted in the marines, he promised he’d be back soon.
He lied.
Now he’s back, and he’s wondering why the gorgeous kid, who looks a lot like him, is calling me mamma.
Ethan:
We agreed it was forever, but she never wrote me back.
My sister hates her, but she hates everyone.
When I lay my eyes on her, it’s as if nothing has changed.
She’s still fiercely independent and packs a mean right hook.
But now there’s a kid involved, it’s time to put our games aside.
And this time, I’m playing for keeps.
Now I’m about to swallow it.
Willow:
He was my first crush, my first love, and my first time.
He’s also the brother of my arch-enemy.
When he enlisted in the marines, he promised he’d be back soon.
He lied.
Now he’s back, and he’s wondering why the gorgeous kid, who looks a lot like him, is calling me mamma.
Ethan:
We agreed it was forever, but she never wrote me back.
My sister hates her, but she hates everyone.
When I lay my eyes on her, it’s as if nothing has changed.
She’s still fiercely independent and packs a mean right hook.
But now there’s a kid involved, it’s time to put our games aside.
And this time, I’m playing for keeps.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2020
334 people are currently reading
1621 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 11, 2024
- 23 years old single mother
- Second chance 6 years later
- Both celibate during separation
- Former army, now bar owner
6 years ago, she went to college. He saw how happy she was and he didn’t se how he could shatter her and force her home, something he knew she would do if he told her his brother died. So he joined the army without telling her and left her (ghosted her). He wrote her a letter, but he sent it to her college, and she left college when he left. She was going home to tell him she was pregnant, and then finds out he left her without saying anything. She tried calling without any luck, so she didn’t tell him.
He’s now back, and when he finds out, he wants them both. He already wanted her, but thought she had a kid with another man. When he found out it was his, he was all in.
Safety:
- Author confirms on IG that hero wasn’t with anyone while they were separated (wasn’t so clear in the book). So both faithful
- No manwho, but had been with other before her (only mentioned once)
- No owd (his sister is a bit*h but they make up)
Not going to read the rest of the series. Next book, he’s a player and plans to sleep with different girls each night while having h as a tenant? No thank you.
- Second chance 6 years later
- Both celibate during separation
- Former army, now bar owner
6 years ago, she went to college. He saw how happy she was and he didn’t se how he could shatter her and force her home, something he knew she would do if he told her his brother died. So he joined the army without telling her and left her (ghosted her). He wrote her a letter, but he sent it to her college, and she left college when he left. She was going home to tell him she was pregnant, and then finds out he left her without saying anything. She tried calling without any luck, so she didn’t tell him.
He’s now back, and when he finds out, he wants them both. He already wanted her, but thought she had a kid with another man. When he found out it was his, he was all in.
Safety:
- Author confirms on IG that hero wasn’t with anyone while they were separated (wasn’t so clear in the book). So both faithful
- No manwho, but had been with other before her (only mentioned once)
- No owd (his sister is a bit*h but they make up)
Not going to read the rest of the series. Next book, he’s a player and plans to sleep with different girls each night while having h as a tenant? No thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2022
1,5 🌟
This was not great. At all.
Everything was not believable: reactions, situations, relationships of MC. Some things were repetitive.
The kid did not act her age.
The ending was predictable.
This was not great. At all.
Everything was not believable: reactions, situations, relationships of MC. Some things were repetitive.
The kid did not act her age.
The ending was predictable.
October 15, 2025
3.5✨
C’est intense, on passe par plein d’émotions. Willow et Ethan sont trop mimi.
C’est intense, on passe par plein d’émotions. Willow et Ethan sont trop mimi.
July 13, 2023
Tropes
Friends to lovers
Second chance
Accidental pregnency
Miscommunication
Spice 🌶️
The guy left without telling her cuz he didn't want to hold her dream he can't simply message her before leaving but he sent a letter to wait for him which she didn't receive after he left and there the girl found out she was knocked up and goes with cousin to tell MMC but found he left and the mmc sister read all things wrong and thought FMC cheat on him that's why he left and tell MMC that FMC moved on 6 year later MMC is back found that he has a daughter they clear all misunderstanding and move on no plot 😮💨
1 the 5 year old kid doesn't act like her age
2 the story was too rushed and poorly written so many side characters but well it's a series
Friends to lovers
Second chance
Accidental pregnency
Miscommunication
Spice 🌶️
The guy left without telling her cuz he didn't want to hold her dream he can't simply message her before leaving but he sent a letter to wait for him which she didn't receive after he left and there the girl found out she was knocked up and goes with cousin to tell MMC but found he left and the mmc sister read all things wrong and thought FMC cheat on him that's why he left and tell MMC that FMC moved on 6 year later MMC is back found that he has a daughter they clear all misunderstanding and move on no plot 😮💨
1 the 5 year old kid doesn't act like her age
2 the story was too rushed and poorly written so many side characters but well it's a series
August 16, 2020
I adored You Only Love Once. I knew from prior books that I was going to fall in love with Willow and Ethan’s story and Ms. James didn’t disappoint me. This emotional heartwarming romance had me enthralled from the very start.
Ethan is back from the service. Back in his small hometown where he left the love of his life 5 years ago without saying a word because he was mad at the world for causing all his pain back then. Little does he know exactly what all he left behind that day. As for Willow, she was devastated when Ethan left without even a goodbye. She was left to believe, by his sister, that he left because of her. But she has pulled herself up and managed to get by without him.
But now Ethan is back and the past is about to meet the present and it makes for one unforgettable read. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars for a great book that this reader highly recommends grabbing up ASAP.
Ethan is back from the service. Back in his small hometown where he left the love of his life 5 years ago without saying a word because he was mad at the world for causing all his pain back then. Little does he know exactly what all he left behind that day. As for Willow, she was devastated when Ethan left without even a goodbye. She was left to believe, by his sister, that he left because of her. But she has pulled herself up and managed to get by without him.
But now Ethan is back and the past is about to meet the present and it makes for one unforgettable read. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars for a great book that this reader highly recommends grabbing up ASAP.
August 18, 2020
Can he be the kind of man that she and his daughter can depend on?
Ethan and Willow were in love many years ago but got separated by a Series of bad choices. He left for six years never knowing about his unborn child. Willow was heartbroken thinking he didn't love her anymore. Now he's back to stay and Willow has to decide if she wants to give him a second chance at being the man that she and her daughter deserve. Loved this story! This is a great addition to a wonderful series!
Ethan and Willow were in love many years ago but got separated by a Series of bad choices. He left for six years never knowing about his unborn child. Willow was heartbroken thinking he didn't love her anymore. Now he's back to stay and Willow has to decide if she wants to give him a second chance at being the man that she and her daughter deserve. Loved this story! This is a great addition to a wonderful series!
September 18, 2021
Such a great story!
My heart absolutely burst for these two. Ethan just comes home after being in the military for 6 long years. He actually runs into his old girlfriend Willow at his friend's condo. They are both in shock at seeing the other. When they get over the situation that brought them to Rosie and Luke's place they are both invited to a party at Luke's. Luke asks about Jessica, Willow's 5 year old daughter and tells her to bring her too. Ethan is angry that Willow was with another man soon after he lo left for the military.
Things get interesting real quick when Ethan meets Jessica and comes to realize that's his own daughter.
I loved reading this story. How these two come back together and share all that happened in the past. Such a great series. I love this little town of Heaven. Put this on your to be read file for sure. Enjoy!
My heart absolutely burst for these two. Ethan just comes home after being in the military for 6 long years. He actually runs into his old girlfriend Willow at his friend's condo. They are both in shock at seeing the other. When they get over the situation that brought them to Rosie and Luke's place they are both invited to a party at Luke's. Luke asks about Jessica, Willow's 5 year old daughter and tells her to bring her too. Ethan is angry that Willow was with another man soon after he lo left for the military.
Things get interesting real quick when Ethan meets Jessica and comes to realize that's his own daughter.
I loved reading this story. How these two come back together and share all that happened in the past. Such a great series. I love this little town of Heaven. Put this on your to be read file for sure. Enjoy!
July 29, 2022
The book lacked emotions in my opinion. Because there were only eighteen chapters everything was crammed in so you couldn't connect with the characters. Also, the miscommunication was a flaw, there was no good reason for how things happened and ended.
But other than that, I thought it was a fun book and enjoyed reading it
But other than that, I thought it was a fun book and enjoyed reading it
August 22, 2024
2.5 ★★☆
Skip it if you can!!!
The book was ok— got annoying af with the repetition, or how insta everything it was (i don't mind insta love sometimes) bur this was just annoying..
Not being in the picture for 6 years. Ghosting the fmc? And bam they get together without much effort..
This book wasn't for me..
Skip it if you can!!!
The book was ok— got annoying af with the repetition, or how insta everything it was (i don't mind insta love sometimes) bur this was just annoying..
Not being in the picture for 6 years. Ghosting the fmc? And bam they get together without much effort..
This book wasn't for me..
Read
January 29, 2023Dnf
Read
May 4, 2023Dnf at 40%
December 19, 2020
Do you know that person that touches your heart but you haven't seen him or her in person? That sweet friend that is always there but you haven't meet?
Well, that's me with this amazing author.
I feel like we can talk about anything and everything and it's wonderful.
And to top it all she's an amazing writer.
Her books are to die for and you should give her a chance.
Emily James is the author in question and her writing is not only funny but also super hot.
Just go and see for yourself.
YOLO or You Only Love Once is her latest release and you will love it.
I must advise you to read OMFG (Operation My Fake Girlfriend) and SWAT (Sexy With Attitude Too) to get an insight into the entire series.
You'll love it. That's for sure.
This new book explores the lives of Willow and Ethan.
Ethan's life is the Marines. He left when he was young to follow that oath leaving all behind.
Now he's back into his hometown and...
Willow dedicates her life to raise her daughter and to help her mom. She's a busy girl trying to balance everything but she will do whatever it takes to achieve her goal.
The boy she loved left and she thought that they wouldn't see each other again until...
Perfect. This book was perfect in every way.
Fantastic plot, super engaging, super cute, and hot sometimes.
I adored every chapter and I couldn't stop reading it.
Once I got it started, I devoured it in one sitting.
These two are a bit stubborn but perfect for each other.
And Jess... Oh, Jessica was sweet and perfect.
It's amazing when you see the characters talking to you.
It's amazing that they can awake the need to see their stories evolve and I saw myself wanting to catch up with the new ones.
I love it when an author has the ability to make me want more.
As I said, this book was perfect and I advise you all to read it.
Emily... Dayum girl, you nailed it again.
I loved it so much and the insight into the new book...
Will you take too long to write it?
I really hope not.
Well, that's me with this amazing author.
I feel like we can talk about anything and everything and it's wonderful.
And to top it all she's an amazing writer.
Her books are to die for and you should give her a chance.
Emily James is the author in question and her writing is not only funny but also super hot.
Just go and see for yourself.
YOLO or You Only Love Once is her latest release and you will love it.
I must advise you to read OMFG (Operation My Fake Girlfriend) and SWAT (Sexy With Attitude Too) to get an insight into the entire series.
You'll love it. That's for sure.
This new book explores the lives of Willow and Ethan.
Ethan's life is the Marines. He left when he was young to follow that oath leaving all behind.
Now he's back into his hometown and...
Willow dedicates her life to raise her daughter and to help her mom. She's a busy girl trying to balance everything but she will do whatever it takes to achieve her goal.
The boy she loved left and she thought that they wouldn't see each other again until...
Perfect. This book was perfect in every way.
Fantastic plot, super engaging, super cute, and hot sometimes.
I adored every chapter and I couldn't stop reading it.
Once I got it started, I devoured it in one sitting.
These two are a bit stubborn but perfect for each other.
And Jess... Oh, Jessica was sweet and perfect.
It's amazing when you see the characters talking to you.
It's amazing that they can awake the need to see their stories evolve and I saw myself wanting to catch up with the new ones.
I love it when an author has the ability to make me want more.
As I said, this book was perfect and I advise you all to read it.
Emily... Dayum girl, you nailed it again.
I loved it so much and the insight into the new book...
Will you take too long to write it?
I really hope not.
July 23, 2023
I saw a tiktok of this book and I decided I wanted to read it and I really enjoyed it, it was a short and easy read and I loved how things worked out for Willow and Ethan, they spent 5 years apart thanks to a miscommunication so while Ethan joined the marines, Willow was left pregnant and alone. They were both hurt by each other’s actions but when Ethan came back Willow knew she had to let him know about their daughter and really talk about what happened between them in the past.
Things were awkward at first between them but they still teased each other and it was obvious that their feelings were still there. After some time they finally understood why they acted like that in the past, and Ethan always wanted a family so he tried to be there for Jessica from day one and I really enjoyed their interactions and how his relationship with Jessica and Willow started growing. It took them a while to figure this out but I loved how Ethan knew he didn’t want to let them go and how after some time they finally got the family and the happy ending they deserved after the time they spent apart.
Ethan’s sister wasn’t very nice at first but it was nice reading how she worked things out with Willow and how at the end she asked for forgiveness. The side characters were all great too so while this was my first book by the author I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see more of all those characters.
Things were awkward at first between them but they still teased each other and it was obvious that their feelings were still there. After some time they finally understood why they acted like that in the past, and Ethan always wanted a family so he tried to be there for Jessica from day one and I really enjoyed their interactions and how his relationship with Jessica and Willow started growing. It took them a while to figure this out but I loved how Ethan knew he didn’t want to let them go and how after some time they finally got the family and the happy ending they deserved after the time they spent apart.
Ethan’s sister wasn’t very nice at first but it was nice reading how she worked things out with Willow and how at the end she asked for forgiveness. The side characters were all great too so while this was my first book by the author I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see more of all those characters.
May 17, 2021
Starting out as a heartbreaking story of an unexpected pregnancy, and miscommunication that tears two people apart, the story morphs into a funny, flirty, second chance romance. Nearly six years after Ethan impulsively joined the military, and Willow was left pregnant and alone at eighteen, not even having a chance to tell him about their baby on the way, Ethan is back in town and sparks fly as they run into each other again. But he doesn’t know about their now five year old daughter, and since he thinks she cheated on him when she went to college (thanks to his horrible sister’s mistaken assumptions), he doesn’t make the connection that her daughter is his. Their interactions are pretty funny, both angry at each other, but equally attracted to each other in equal measure. But as things come to light, and truths are finally revealed, their romance rekindles. She keeps him on his toes, not letting him get away with anything, and he enjoys poking the bear, as it were, just to get a rise out of her. Their back and forth both before and after revelations is always quick and funny. We also get to see the sweet relationship develop between Ethan and his daughter Jessica, which is a bonus. Overall, it’s sweet and funny, and just the right amount of steamy.
January 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️
Guys I really wanted to like this book, but it just wasn’t it. The plot had great potential and the author wasn’t a bad author. But it was just so underwhelming.
I hated how the sister treated the heroine just because she was having a hard time. I get being upset about the misunderstanding, but that’s what communication is for. I feel like she got off the hook to easily for the miscommunication she caused.
Next I didn’t like how quickly the heroine forgave the hero. Is groveling too much to ask for. I again understand that it was a misunderstanding, but leaving your gf with no explanation is terrible.
The sex scene was uneventful to say the least and I skimmed through most of it. (That doesn’t make a book bad, but it just added to the underwhelming aspect of the story.)
I never want to leave a bad review because I know that someone has spent a lot of time on this book and it would be terrible for it to not only go unappreciated but also unliked. I honestly feel that the author has a lot of potential, but this wasn’t an enjoyable book personally.
Guys I really wanted to like this book, but it just wasn’t it. The plot had great potential and the author wasn’t a bad author. But it was just so underwhelming.
I hated how the sister treated the heroine just because she was having a hard time. I get being upset about the misunderstanding, but that’s what communication is for. I feel like she got off the hook to easily for the miscommunication she caused.
Next I didn’t like how quickly the heroine forgave the hero. Is groveling too much to ask for. I again understand that it was a misunderstanding, but leaving your gf with no explanation is terrible.
The sex scene was uneventful to say the least and I skimmed through most of it. (That doesn’t make a book bad, but it just added to the underwhelming aspect of the story.)
I never want to leave a bad review because I know that someone has spent a lot of time on this book and it would be terrible for it to not only go unappreciated but also unliked. I honestly feel that the author has a lot of potential, but this wasn’t an enjoyable book personally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2021
As with the other two books in this series, I listened to the audiobook and I adored the narrators, Sophie Hunter-Scott and Greg Michaels although definitely especially Sophie. She had such a fun voice, with great comedic timing. But overall, the narration totally elevated the story.
This is a second-chance romance where Ethan had to leave for the marines and he left thinking that Willow cheated on him. This is a secret baby story (of course, he finds out years later so maybe a secret child story?) and I enjoyed seeing them overcome the miscommunication (and frankly an awful sister's ridiculous machinations) to get back together. Fun banter, sweet romance and funny situations accent this book, like the other two. I overall really enjoyed this series, especially because the narration was so great!
This is a second-chance romance where Ethan had to leave for the marines and he left thinking that Willow cheated on him. This is a secret baby story (of course, he finds out years later so maybe a secret child story?) and I enjoyed seeing them overcome the miscommunication (and frankly an awful sister's ridiculous machinations) to get back together. Fun banter, sweet romance and funny situations accent this book, like the other two. I overall really enjoyed this series, especially because the narration was so great!
November 20, 2021
Bit disappointed since I was looking forward to reading Ethan and Willow's story. Tbh, this was the first book in the series I wanted to read, but I decided to read through the series chronologically. This was a bit underwhelming, but an okay read nonetheless. Didn't have much of a conflict and I guess I'm a bit glad that they both just acknowledged that they still loved each other and went for it.
January 28, 2024
cute short story
Willow had her heart broken when her boyfriend left without saying anything to her. He joined the military and left her pregnant and he didn’t even know. 6 years later he is back and she is determined to tell him he is a father.
Cute little story. If it had more then I think I would have rated it higher. It needed more to the story and characters but overall was a cute story.
Willow had her heart broken when her boyfriend left without saying anything to her. He joined the military and left her pregnant and he didn’t even know. 6 years later he is back and she is determined to tell him he is a father.
Cute little story. If it had more then I think I would have rated it higher. It needed more to the story and characters but overall was a cute story.
November 9, 2025
Good book, once you get past all the overthinking!
Willow and Ethan have been in love or a long time, but, since heis a Marine and just coming home from over seas, he doesn't know she has had his Daughter. It takes a while for her to be willing to let him know this, but she finall does. It is interesting how the whole town gets behind them a couple. Read it for yourself, skipping past all the overthinking that she feels necessary.
Willow and Ethan have been in love or a long time, but, since heis a Marine and just coming home from over seas, he doesn't know she has had his Daughter. It takes a while for her to be willing to let him know this, but she finall does. It is interesting how the whole town gets behind them a couple. Read it for yourself, skipping past all the overthinking that she feels necessary.
July 24, 2023
Realmente me costo terminar el libro, todo paso súper rápido , reaccionan de manera no esperada ante las situaciones que vivieron, él llega y al enterarse de que tiene una hija literal es el hombre más feliz y se siente papá al 100%.
Z
No me encanto y la verdad no se me antoja leer el siguiente. No de mis mejores lecturas
Z
No me encanto y la verdad no se me antoja leer el siguiente. No de mis mejores lecturas
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2025
2.75⭐️
I was enjoying this lighthearted romance book until the ending. I could over look the American terms that filtered through when the book and characters are set in Britain, but the ending?
It was sacrificed for an epilogue on a vague character of this story purely to line up their next book. Weird
I was enjoying this lighthearted romance book until the ending. I could over look the American terms that filtered through when the book and characters are set in Britain, but the ending?
It was sacrificed for an epilogue on a vague character of this story purely to line up their next book. Weird
August 22, 2020
I loved it!
Oh my god. And here I thought this series couldn't get any better! Well, I loved Ethan and Willow's story and not forgetting little Jessica. She made me laugh so much. This was a lovely story and a very HEA! Looking forward to reading Carter's next :)
Oh my god. And here I thought this series couldn't get any better! Well, I loved Ethan and Willow's story and not forgetting little Jessica. She made me laugh so much. This was a lovely story and a very HEA! Looking forward to reading Carter's next :)
May 23, 2021
Misunderstandings!
The improbable romance of Ethan and Willow is complicated by youth, miscommunication, and interference of opinionated family and friends. So builds the misunderstandings that must be overcome. Good series.
The improbable romance of Ethan and Willow is complicated by youth, miscommunication, and interference of opinionated family and friends. So builds the misunderstandings that must be overcome. Good series.
June 27, 2021
loved them all, but i particularly ADORED book 3. well written and well narrated. the narrators have more mature voices and very thick accents and i was a bit perplexed in the 1st book, but i then got used to them and i believe they did a great job, especially in book 3.
September 15, 2022
Saw it on tik tok, it was a short book so I decided on a quick read whilst feeling ill. And Omg I love them. I love the way he reacted to it being his kid, he was mature about it, and AH. And Jessica is so adorable omg😫
July 9, 2023
YOLO
I really enjoyed this story it just show how one can miscommunication if not in the same page. It was a Hart felt story and I really connection with the characters. I definitely recommend this book it was sassy drama and romantic
I really enjoyed this story it just show how one can miscommunication if not in the same page. It was a Hart felt story and I really connection with the characters. I definitely recommend this book it was sassy drama and romantic
July 18, 2025
Ethan and Willow were so cute. This was a short and easy read to get into. I loved the characters, the town and overall feel of the book. I know I started like mid series but I definitely want to go back to the first two books and get those stories and I am excited for what comes next!
October 29, 2025
4 stars
Ethan, Willow and Jessica
Childhood sweethearts get back together in a second chance with a suprise baby in a small town.
Jessica was the star of the show for me. She was the cutest and so funny!
Ethan, Willow and Jessica
Childhood sweethearts get back together in a second chance with a suprise baby in a small town.
Jessica was the star of the show for me. She was the cutest and so funny!
May 6, 2022
Cute, light read. Not really memorable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews