Only for You

Sapphire Springs #2

by Barb Curtis

Return to Sapphire Springs with this heartwarming romance where a small-town bakery owner finds herself in a fake relationship with the man she's always pined after.

Will a fake relationship between two friends lead to true love?

After having his heart broken on national television, Tim Fraser knows only one way to stop the gossip about his love life-a new girlfriend. The problem is, he's done with romance forever. A fake relationship with his friend and Sapphire Spring's sweetest baker, Emily Holland, seems the perfect solution to getting rid of his newfound fame, but their fleeting fauxmance is stirring up the kinds of feelings Tim has sworn off for good.

Emily has secretly lusted after Tim for years, but pretending her feelings are all for show never factored into her fantasy. Still, her decades-long crush makes it impossible to say no to Tim's proposal. But with each date, the lines between pretend and reality blur, giving Tim and Emily a tantalizing taste of life outside the friend zone . . . if they can find the courage to give real love a chance.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Small Town Romance, Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance

319 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 29, 2021

About the author

A happily-ever-after-crafter at heart, Barb Curtis’ love for writing began with a quick-witted style column, and her background in marketing led to stints writing print and web copy, newsletters, and grant proposals. The switch to fiction came with the decision to pair her creativity with her love for words and crafting characters and settings she could truly get lost in. Barb happily lives in a bubble in rural New Brunswick with her husband, daughter, and dog. You’ll find her restoring the century-old family homestead, weeding the garden, and no doubt whistling the same song all day long.

She is represented by Stacey Graham at 3 Seas Literary Agency. FOREVER WITH YOU is available Nov 10, 2020 from Forever / Grand Central Publishing.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only for You by Barb Curtis is the second book in the contemporary romance Sapphire Springs series. The common theme in this contemporary romance series is the setting of Sapphire Springs with the main couples in each book changing. Since each of the books is a new couple with a new story they can all be read and enjoyed as a standalone without reading the others in the series.

The first book of the series brought a second chance romance which is among my favorite types and now the second book of the series has another favorite trope of a fake dating set up. Tim Fraser and Emily Holland have been best buds forever so when Tim went through a horrible break up Emily was right there to help pick him back up and be the shoulder her needed.

All the time Tim and Emily have been spending together though has only made Emily’s long time crush even harder to endure so she makes a New Year’s resolution to find someone to love and not spend so much time with Tim. That resolution is shattered when the reality TV show Tim’s ex was a part of finally airs Tim’s horrible break up making the fandom go wild over Tim instead of his ex. To avert all the attention Tim asks Emily to enter a fake romance with him so the world will think he’s happily unavailable.

While this is the second book of the Sapphire Springs series it’s also the author’s second book and I would never guess that when reading. Maybe it’s the fact I love the tropes in the series so far but I just couldn’t help but get lost in the story again when picking this one up. I love a fake dating situation because it forces characters into romantic situations they would never chose on their own and with Tim and Emily being longtime friends it made the story that much better. I can also be a reality TV addict and I just loved this one took a look at the people left behind in those over the top get ratings moments for the show. Regardless of that though this was still a small town romance through and through and it made me want a third book in the series even more so I’ll definitely be back to Sapphire Springs if the author let’s me!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Holland has been in love with Tim Fraser since high school, but he never got the hint. It seems she’ll never move out of the friend zone with him. Emily’s unrequited yearning breaks her heart and makes it impossible to move on keeping things status quo. Emily’s made it her New Year’s resolution to limit ties with Tim so she can finally move forward and find love. However, Tim’s messy, very public breakup has him proposing a crazy idea.

Tim isn’t one for a HEA after seeing how his parent’s relationship play out. He took a chance with Melissa, but that ended in disaster when she decided to go on a reality TV show and then break it off with him on camera to pursue a relationship with another guy. What a creep, right?! Well, the publicity created hype and shenanigans for Tim, and he’s hit with an onslaught of media and crazy women who want to step in and “cure” his heartache. He wants the whole thing to go away and decides that a fake relationship would help keep the propositions at bay, and his bestie Emily seems perfect for the role.

Unrequited love is a special kind of heartache! I’ve felt it personally so when I read about it, I want the characters to wake up, realize what they’ve been missing and grab on! Emily initially refuses the ruse, as she doesn’t want to risk her heart anymore, but a situation makes her reconsider. Plus, as her friend points out maybe Tim will finally wake up and see how perfect they’d be together.

My heart ached for Emily, and I was so happy when Tim finally started t see her as a desirable woman! The shake up couldn’t have happened at a better time when both Emily and Tim, as Sapphire Springs council members, are thrown into festival planning for the town’s maple syrup harvest. It’s summer and hot where I live, but all the activities made me wish I was in blustery small town enjoying the wintery festivities!

Tim and Emily spent time planning for the festival, magical dates that had them falling harder with every moment spent together! They were perfect for each other, but Tim needed to get out his own way before they could find their HEA. There was a time or two I wanted to shake Tim! Thankfully, he wasn’t stupid for too long!

Only For You was a lovely romance featuring unrequited love in a way I could easily relate to, bringing back all those feelings of longing in the past. Of course, Tim and Emily found their way to each other, this is a romance after all, and I was thrilled to take the journey with them!

A copy was kindly provided by Forever in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONLY FOR YOU is the second book in the Sapphire Springs series! That being said, it can easily be read as a stand alone. Emily has been in love with Tim for a very long time. Tim just got out of a relationship with Melissa who is an actress on a reality tv show. She broke up with Tim on the show. So now millions of fans are obsessed with him and he needs to end their fan girling of him. He comes up with a stupid plan to have him and Emily pretend to be in a relationship. Hang on to your seats people. You know how this is going to go right?

ONLY FOR YOU takes the reader on one crazy ride. Tim has no idea that Emily has loved him since high school. She agrees to the charade because she sees how much Tim is suffering. But she is also wondering if it will back fire on her. Can she possibly fall in love with Tim even more than she already is? To say that Tim has commitment issues is a huge under statement. All Emily has to do is push forward, either with or without Tim. What could possible go wrong? All of Barb’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.

ONLY FOR YOU by Barb Curtis is the perfect small town romance. I read it fairly quickly and have the next one in the series ready to go. The romance that is growing between Tim and Emily is not rushed. They take their time to work through their history together and find themselves falling for each other as adults. Well, Tim is. Emily has loved Tim for many many years. It is a sweet romance with wonderful secondary characters and the troubles they are facing are realistic. ONLY FOR YOU had me flipping pages like mad, grinning endlessly and laughing and giggling out-loud more times than I could count! It is insanely well-written. Barb Curtis has an absolute gift with words and I still can’t believe this is only her second novel. Her writing style is so effortless, you feel like you are right in the head of the main characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever and Grand Central Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

[Wendy W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only for You is the second book in Barb Curtis’s Sapphire Springs Series. This book reminded me of a Hallmark Movie, perfect setting, small town, sweet romance, and loveable characters. It’s just the kind of book that makes you happy.

Emily Holland runs a bakery in the idyllic town of Sapphire Springs and has a secret crush on her best friend Tim Fraser ever since high school. Both Emily and Tim are town council members and have worked together on many town projects and festivals. When Tim’s girlfriend goes on a reality television show, and breaks up with Tim publicly, the fans of the show swarm into Sapphire Springs, and makes life for Tim very uncomfortable.

When Tim proposes to Emily to forge a fake romantic relationship in order to get rid of the swarm of fans that are making his life miserable, Emily cannot refuse. As they spend time faking it, they learn that something more than friendship can be real.

The town of Sapphire Springs is full of quirky small-town characters and provides a fun backdrop to this sweet romance. Emily and Tim are both well-developed characters with their own baggage they have to deal with in order to fall in love.

The book is a nice quick read, without any dragging parts. The book is the second in the Sapphire Springs series and although this book is a stand-alone book, I think it’s better to read them in order as I missed some of the drama of the other characters. So, I will go back and read the first book.

I thought the author did an excellent job of describing the town, and the other characters. I felt part of the town and the festival.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in a small-town sweet romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This checked all my boxes! I fell absolutely in love with Emily, Tim, and their fake-dating arrangement. Despite being hesitant towards commitment, Tim was filled with the most thoughtful romantic gestures. It was almost more than my swooning heart could handle.

Always in the friend zone, baker extraordinaire Emily has been pinning after Tim for YEARS. Finding himself caught up in unwanted publicity, Tim approaches Emily to pose as his girlfriend. And let me say, these two were as sweet as can be!

Like book one, the setting of Sapphire Springs and its secondary characters were fantastic! And what a fun surprise to discover this was set during the colder months. It would make a perfect autumn or winter read. Included within all this was a Maple Syrup Festival—It was the perfect touch! I cannot wait for book three.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever publishing for allowing me to read this ARC early. I loved the writing style and thought this book was entertaining, but I low key hated everything else about it. This book is about Emily and Tim. Emily owns a bakery and Tim owns a outdoors store in Sapphire Springs. They have supposedly been friends forever, yet they really didn't seem to have any chemistry-- friendly or romantic. Anyway, Tim was apart of a Bachelorette type show and his girlfriend picked someone else. Social media goes wild and starts hounding him and creates #Timforseason2 or something like that. In an attempt to get some peace and quiet, he asks Emily to fake date so everyone will get off his back. She has pined after him forever and so she says no, knowing it won't end well for her. However, he owns a boat that her grandma wants to have her bday party on so she says if he cancels his reservations for that night to host her grandma's bday then she'll agree. So they start fake dating. They instantly start revealing things to each other about their lives that I would assume they would've already known if they were best friends, but they didn't and I guess the fake label is just what they needed to spill their guts. Of course, after this vulnerability its suddenly more serious and real feelings are involved (because thats the way it works, right?). Both of these people are doormats and get railroaded into hosting a maple event so they're also working together on that. Furthermore, they're both shocked when the social media trolls start harassing Emily. Tim has a fear of commitment which OF COURSE presents itself at the one moment where Emily needs him most and for me that really cemented his status as Grade A Douche material. However, things recover until the next jerk move and yet theres still an HEA. I thought the town was sweet and this book was charming in theory, but I didn't like either of these characters and have much lower hopes for the rest of the books.

SPOILERS AHEAD:
Her grandma gets diagnosed with cancer and when she finds out is when he runs. Then later after things are patched up, she reveals that she's had a crush on him forever so he accuses her of wanting to fake date just to get close to him. JERK. Combined those things are too much for me. Her grandma ends up being fine, the maple thing goes great, and they live happily ever after.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Barb Curtis's debut book
Forever with You I just knew I had to read the next in the series and I am so excited to have done so now. This book, Only for You is the second book in the Sapphire Springs series and it's every bit as great as the first. The series is fun and lively drawing you into this small town read with it's dynamic characters that just make you want to laugh and have fun right along with them.


I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Sapphire Springs series is about Tim and Emily. Is a fake relationship ever really fake? One of the two always has a few feelings going in as Tim and Emily risk their (good friends for years) friendship on the folly.

We still get all the charm and likable characters as in the first book. I enjoyed the small-town feel, the strength of Emily, and Tim’s cluelessness!

An excellent sophomore book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever(Grand Central Publishing); this is my voluntary review.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second installment of the Sapphire springs series, we follow Tim and Emily. After a very big, very public breakup, Tim wants to lay low. He decides that a fake relationship with the small town sweetheart Emily, (who happens to be a very good friend) will do the trick. He's sworn off love, but doesn't expect to feel what he does for Emily.
Emily however, has no chill and can't fake her crush and feelings for Tim. She is afraid of getting hurt, yes. But she decides to risk it.
This book was equally as sweet as the first. A solid second book in the series.

[Sophia · Rating 2 out of 5]

ive never cringed so much but 2 stars bc of u hamelynn. thanks for the commentary!

[Susan Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic friends to lovers story
Review to follow.
I hope there is a third book in this fabulous small town series!


Barb Curtis writes an engaging friends to lover’s romance for Emily Holland and Tim Fraser. Tim and Emily appeared in this first book in the series- Forever With You – I couldn’t wait to read their story!
Emily Holland has made two New Year’s resolutions. She is reorganizing her life –she’s tossing out her old clothes and shoes. And, she’s determined to kick her secret crush to the curb with the Goodwill bags. Tim Fraser has vowed never to fall in love again after his actress girlfriend dumped him on her reality TV show. Tim is so over the unwanted attention and publicity. His solution? Ask his friend Emily to pretend to be his girlfriend.
Emily’s secret crush combined with Tim’s new found social media fame entertained me from the first page. Emily’s romantic nature, her love for her family and friends and her community spirit appealed to me. Emily’s feelings for Tim resonated with me—it reminded me in a good way of a past friendship.
Tim is a complex, flawed character. He believes he disappointed his late father when he left the Navy. Tim serving in the Navy was his Dad’s dream, not his. He also believes that romantic Emily is looking for a perfect Prince Charming. Tim intrigued me—I couldn’t figure out if he was afraid to commit, disappointed in love or afraid to trust his heart—and I love how his story unfolded during the novel.
Loved the sexual chemistry between Emily and Tim and the romantic buildup this story. The fake dating relationship enables the author to push the friendship boundaries… to see what might happen. This plot choice worked perfectly in this novel from their first kiss to the last page—it added drama, tension and emotion throughout the novel. Loved the author’s descriptive voice and the use of imagery throughout the novel. The characters are not perfect, they make mistakes and learn from them. Loved catching up with Layna Jay and Rob and meeting Tim’s Mom and Emily’s Dad who make significant contributions to the storyline. I love the small town feel of this series, the sense of community, the lifelong friendships and the quirky characters.
Emily and Tim’s journey is romantic, emotional and tugs at your heartstrings. I was invested in Tim and Emily’s story from the first page of the book. There were several time I wanted to tell Tim—hey, buddy—OPEN YOUR EYES- your soulmate is right in front of you!!
If you are looking for a small town romance with engaging characters --this is the book for you!

[Mel (whilemelwasreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 “He seriously had no idea that he’d described something she’d longed for day in and day out for-freaking-ever. And it was nothing but a big joke to him.”

What You’ll Find:
✔️Friends to Lovers Romance
✔️Fake Relationship
✔️Smalltown
✔️Unrequited
✔️Closed Door
✔️Dual POV

Right from the beginning I was pulled in. I am a sucker for an unrequited love story and this one just has so many feels. I just felt for Emily. Who I really loved from book 1 of this series by the way. But Tim, he’s just SUCH. A. GOOD. GUY. But utterly clueless.

I picked this story up intending to read a few chapters and just got immersed in the story and didn’t want to put it down. This story is a closed door romance, but don’t let that deter you. It has the perfect amount of chemistry and tension to keep you satisfied. That first, fake kiss. Oh my gosh. I felt it. And the after, that hesitation. Written perfectly!!!

The author writes such likeable characters, in a fun small town, while adding in some wise women. And I really enjoyed it. It was sweet, heartfelt and with minimal conflict. A perfect light summer read! I hope Rob’s story is next! Look forward to more!

*Thank you to the author and Forever Publishing for the eARC via Netgalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Katee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad to be back in Sapphire Springs with the second book in the series, Only for You.

In Only for You, we read about the romance between Emily and Tim, two best friends who decide to forego a fake romance to help with the social media pressures a recent breakup he went through as stirred up. After an aired breakup occurs between Tim and his reality star ex-girlfriend, social media starts buzzing about Tim leading to a lot of interest from women. To help curb their unwanted attention, Tim asks his best friend Emily to pretend to be his girlfriend. What Tim doesn't know is that Emily has been pining for him since high school. When Emily needs Tim's help to throw her grandmother's birthday, she pushes her feelings aside and decides to help Tim since she'll get his help in return. When the mayor throws them together to help plan their yearly Maple Festival, Tim starts to realize his feelings for Emily are anything but made-up.

I'm so glad that Barb Curtis decide to continue with this series. I fell in love with Sapphire Springs after reading Forever with You last year. It has a small town feel where everyone is just so darn nice. I'm not a big fan of Love Actually but I couldn't help but love one particular moment in this novel. Want to know what it is? You'll have to read to find out. Only for You is a closed-door friends-to-lovers romance. Although we don't see what happens behind closed doors you can sense the chemistry between Tim and Emily from the beginning. This isn't the last we'll see of Sapphire Springs, as the third book in the series, Falling for You, is set to come out in 2022.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Sapphire Springs and this time some reality TV drama sparks up a fake relationship that soon turns all too real for two best friends!

Emily has lusted for her friend Tim for years, but she has been firmly in the friend zone for just as long! So when Tim’s ex comes to town to break up with in on with reality crews rolling and he becomes a sensation over night, she reluctantly agrees to pretend date to hopefully ward off all of his new fans…

Pretend dating starts to feel pretty real for these two, but Tim has commitment issues after growing up the son of Navy captain who was not around for his wife and kids and being burned by his ex. Can these two create the fantasy forever after that Emily has always dreamed of or will Tim pull up anchor and leave this relationship high and dry?

Emily and Tim; what can I say, these two were so perfect for each other! They were practically a relationship with their friendship before, but when they brought it to the next level they were #RelationshipGoals ! Tim, when he wasn’t freaking out about commitment issue was uber sweet and considerate and I absolutely adored him! Emily on the other had was a gal I want to hang out with! Ready for anything always there to help.

This was a fun read and I can’t wait to return to Sapphire Springs again!

Only For You by Barb Curtis is scheduled to be released July 27th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Grand Central Publishing and ebook through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...

#OnlyForYou #BarbCurtis #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

[Erin (erinevelynreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily and Tim have been friends for years. When Tim’s girlfriend breaks up with him and broadcasts the breakup on her reality show, Tim skyrockets to fame overnight. Although good for his boating business, Tim wants nothing to do with his newfound celebrity. He thinks he’s found the perfect solution: enlist Emily’s help and create a fake relationship. There’s only one problem: Emily is secretly in love with Tim. As the two grow closer they must work together to plan the winter festival. But how far are they willing to go to keep up the charade?

Told in alternating third-person perspectives between Tim and Emily, Only For You is the sweetest second chance romance. Emily and Tim were such a great couple. I loved following their dynamic from friends at the very beginning to lovers by the end.

Sapphire Springs definitely gave me Stars Hollow vibes. I didn’t notice it as much in the first book in the series, Forever with You, but it’s much more prominent in this one. A big part of that was because of the winter festival, but also Fuzzy, the town mayor was basically Taylor Doose.

Thank you so much to Forever for the finished copy! I loved this book so much. It was such a treat to be able to return to Sapphire Springs.

[Stephanie (read_with_steph) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second great book from Barb Curtis! She's quickly become my favorite small-town closed-door romance author, which sounds very niche, but if you read romance you know how competitive and saturated this category is.

In this story, Tim and Emily--BFFLs--start fake dating each other so Tim can avoid the hoards of fans he's gained since his ex-girlfriend dumped him on national television. But when feelings become real are the two on the same page?

One thing I really liked about this book is, despite the always far-fetched fake dating concept, the rest of this book felt unbelievably real. The core problems of the couple stem from very normal things: men's inability to commit and communicate. For real. Emily, we've all been there girl. Curtis just has a way of creating flawed yet likable characters that don't feel too detached from our own lives. I can't wait to continue reading this series!

Thanks for Forever for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

[Tara (the.readingredhead) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only for You is like watching a Hallmark movie, so sweet and lovable! There were so many moments that I was just cheesin’ so hard! I mean at one point, Tim learns the flashcard moment is Emily’s favorite Love Actually moment, and he recreates it for her, I mean come on! Tim and Emily are so sweet, and I just love how it all plays out. This is a friends-to-lover, faking dating romance where Emily has had feelings for Tim since high school. Now that he’s in the midst of a media frenzy, he needs a fake girlfriend to ward off the press and he picks his closest friend Emily, who has made it her New Years resolution to ditch this crush. Of course that doesn’t happen, but Emily is so strong and she fights for what she deserves. This girl is just smart! Her first reaction for the fake dating is anger too, which I actually super loved! She was feisty and knew what she deserved and just would not settle for less. And the family dynamics are wonderful in this too! Tim’s relationship with his mom is so sweet! I love that while these characters have such solid friends, it’s their families that really strengthen then. Tim is so adorable too, he’s so good-hearted and when he messes up, he truly reflects to figure out what’s the best way to fix it. He takes care of Emily as a friend and a partner and it was just refreshing and heartwarming to read this healthy relationship! Even their conflicts felt organic and understandable! This is a light, quick read with lots of smiles… plus with all the maple treats they talked about, it had me craving a sweet treat!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the Sapphire Springs series, I have been waiting to read Emily and Tim’s story, and it did not disappoint. I fell in love with Emily and her unrequited love storyline in the first book of this series. I loved watching Emily and Tim get together and figure out what they both wanted and needed in life. Sapphire Springs is such a cute quirky town, with a lot of fun characters. I hope there will be many more books in this series! I received an ARC from netgalley, and this is my honest review.

[Bonnie Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay romance—too saccharine for me, but overall delivers on its promises.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily Holland might be fake dating her best friend but her feelings for him have always been real since high school. These days, she realize she'll always be in the friend zone and one of her New Year's resolution is to keep her distance. But now Tim needs her help to get rid of the public attention his TV reality show ex-girlfriend brought in his life.

Being back in Sapphire Springs was as enjoyable as the first time! Despite the pretense the MC were 100% authentic with each other, confiding in the other more than ever and the romance added a depth to their friendship. It felt like they were already a team. But then, maybe it's being both town councilors that made them work so well together😉.

Don't be fooled by the beautiful cover, the story is mostly set in winter😛❄.

[Sara | sara.reads.too.much · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barb Curtis is the ultimate small town romance author.

If you love small town, closed door romances with some amazing characters and story, Barb Curtis is the author for you! I'm so lucky to have read her first book and knowing that Tim and Em's story would be next, I was over the moon excited! It had fake dating, friends to lovers, and lots of maple syrup. Way too sweet for words.

This book will make your heart burst with cuteness, give you cavities because of it's sweetness, and make you believe in happily ever afters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Pub for the earc in return for an honest review.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely series that keeps the setting the same as the couples in focus change, there are no issues with reading each of these books as a standalone, although the town and its people will encourage you to want more. In this book we have town residents Emily and Tim. Owner of the local bakery and truly a town’s daughter, she’s had a crush on Tim for years – but his own romantic hero life, including a televised heart-breaking have left him wary of any sort of connection, even as he’s determined to find a way out of his fame because of the breakup. He’s long considered Emily “one of the guys’ and doesn’t look at her ‘that way’, and wouldn’t it be simpler if he could fend off the speculation about his relationship status with a relationship that can show the world he’s just fine, without the added complication of feelings?

He just didn’t account for the fact that somewhere, deep inside, the reason he and Emily are such good friends is that they are perfect for one another. Even as Emily would give up her favorite mixers and cookie sheets rather than admit that she’s always dreamed of Tim in a far from platonic way. It wouldn’t be long before the ‘fake’ part of their relationship comes into question for them both – but who will break the tension first?

It’s hard to believe that this is only Curtis’ second book ever, and the small town setting that informs the ‘connection’ between these two long term friends, her ability to tell a story, and to bring us two characters that we want to know, hope only the best for, and even (a few times) want to knock their heads together to get them to see what we do all made this story one well worth reading, and sure to bring you back to Sapphire Springs to grab the first book in the series as you not so patiently wait for the next. Or perhaps that’s me speaking it into existence, in my hands, in a short while! This is a sweetly plausible series that allows you to make new friends, find a new place to want to visit, and a new author to add to the ‘auto-buy’ list.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Only for You continues the Sapphire Springs series with a charming love story of forever friends, one who would love to make that relationship far more than friends and one who has had his heart destroyed on national television leaving him open game for all those “I’ll heal your broken heart” females who are hounding him at the moment. For Tim, a fake relationship with his best friend sounds like the perfect solution – for Emily with the crush and the longing heart it’s going to be much harder to pretend… but for Tim, she’ll give it a shot. Neither expected the very real sparks or that one fake relationship could possibly lead to a forever love.

I had fun with Only for You. If maybe, I wanted to give Tim a good shaking and a stern talking to occasionally well, he is after all the hero and they often need a reality check, right? Watching his turn from never going to give my heart again to falling for Emily completely was an enjoyable journey for when Tim finally gives his heart to his best friend he does it knowing he’ll never be hurt again. I adored Emily. She’s always felt more for Tim than friendship and just when one of those infamous New Years Resolutions seemed like it would finally stick he comes along with a fake relationship offer. What’s a girl in love with a man who only sees a friend to do but agree and hope she can guard her heart again. Their journey to a lifetime love was sweet, engaging, and kept me hoping for that happy ending for them both.

While Emily and Tim’s story could stand on its own, I’d still recommend reading the first story in the series, Forever With You, combined they give you a really good feel for Sapphire Springs, and hopefully we’ll return again soon. If you love a sweet, friends to lovers romance then Only for You is a perfect read for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Fraser is done with love, feelings, and anything resembling a relationship. After being humiliated on television and being dumped by his ex, it's pretty obvious to him that he is just not cut out for it. But the lingering looks of sympathy and non-stop gossip in town is starting to wear on him, he needs to do something to put a stop to it. So he enlists the help of his friend and Sapphire Springs best baker Emily Holland.

The plan is simple, make everyone in town believe that they are dating, that his love life is perfect and happy once again, and there is no reason to give him the looks of pity anymore. Which starts off great, but the more he's around her, the more he feels a stirring in his heart... and that can't happen. He can't go down that road again, or can he?

Only For You is the sweetest and most heartwarming fake romance story you'll ever read! Best friends Tim and Emily made a deal, she'd play his fake girlfriend for a bit, show everyone he is no longer alone and sad, and get the town's rumor mill to settle down. But somewhere between playing fake lovers and following the rules of their pact things start to get a little muddled and real feelings start to settle in. Knowing that Tim isn't willing to give love another try, Emily is determined to keep her real feelings a secret for the sake of her heart. But what happens when she learns she isn't the only one keeping a secret?

As soon as I cracked the cover on this one I found myself mesmerized by it's well penned words and charming characters. It made the perfect weekend escape, I settled down with it, and didn't come up for air until I had devoured every last page! This one is perfect for those who love sweet small town romances, it's words are bound to touch your heart in all the rights places! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barb Curtis is back with book two in the Sapphire Springs series! And I thought you couldn't ask for a more perfect pairing for a second chance romance than Jay Winter and Lyna Milan from book one. Well, I wasn't wrong, but Tim and Emily may have just pushed them from the top spot. The fake relationship/friends to lovers trope is a favorite of mine and Barb Curtis did it so well.

Only You is everything I love in a sweet romance.
~Tanja


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[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've come back to Sapphire Springs for the second book in this series by Barb Curtis. I really enjoyed the first book and I was excited to get this one in my hands as well! I always enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story, so that's another reason this one appealed to me!

Emily Holland runs a bakery in Sapphire Springs and while not ideal, she's had a secret crush on her best friend, Tim Frasier since they were in high school. Tim and Emily are constantly in one another's orbit since they are very involved with town functions and projects.

Tim's girlfriend ends up going on a reality television show and she breaks up with him in public. After the break up, the fans of the show come to Sapphire Springs and make Tim's life miserable. In order to try to throw the "fans" off, he ends up asking Emily if she would pose as his girlfriend to get these fans off his back. Of course she says yes. Will it end up being fake between the two of them or will they find that their relationship is more than friendship?

I love small town romances and all that comes along with them. There are always so many interesting and fun people, and Sapphire Springs is no different! I enjoyed Emily and Tim as people and it was so refreshing that the issues they had were "real" issues that we might deal with in our daily lives.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to what Barb Curtis has for us next!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Courtnie Pollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily’s only two New Years Resolutions include organizing her life and avoiding Tim Fraser at all costs. Emily Holland has had a large, secret crush on Tim since they were in high school, and she’s ready to move on from him in order to find Mr. Right, but he’s not making it easy. Not even 12-hours go by, and she’s already breaking that resolution, and then she ends up in a fake relationship with him…
Tim recently got dumped by his reality-TV-star girlfriend on camera, out of the blue, which has left Tim jaded and weary about commitment. As soon as the episode of their break-up airs, Tim’s social media blows up, the online sales for his store explode, and random people are trying to take pictures with him in the street. The only way he can think of to curtail the frenzy is to start a fake relationship with someone, but who would go along with it?
The fauxmance between Emily and Tim starts with each person having their own motive for the charade, but real feelings start to seep into the fake relationship.

In Barb Curtis’ second Sapphire Springs novel is another quick and cute read with likable characters. I felt that the chemistry between Emily and Tim were great, and I actually enjoying seeing more of Fuzzy in this book. I am definitely looking forward to the third installment, Falling for You, coming out Spring of 2022.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Gail Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book. Apparently this is the second book in a series, but I don’t feel like I was missing out not having read the first book. I enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters and felt the main conflict between them was pretty realistic. Apart from the reality show aspect, I can imagine countless real life couples have gone through exactly the same thing.
There were a few small things that bugged me a bit:
-using the word java in place of coffee is just cheesy!
-when the male lead described the female lead as having “spunk” I had to roll my eyes
-the female main character is stereotypical petite and at one point is described as having “tiny forearms”
-there was so much licking of lips I imagine both main characters have chronically dry lips
-the female main character is annoying described as a shoe girl with “countless cocktail dresses”
-I’m assuming this story takes place in the modern day and the main characters are in their early 30’s, yet they are said to have used cassette tapes and having a Walkman. I am older than they are and was using cds and a discman by then. Burning cds was definitely a thing by then. The timing doesn’t quite make sense there.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would consider reading another book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for allowing me access to this eARC!

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet romantic read. Can long term friends transition in to a real relationship when one is hopelessly in love and the other is clueless, afraid of ruining a friendship and again clueless??? Tim is a good guy. A little broken on the inside, but who has decided to deal with his heartbreak and public humiliation on a national reality show by hardening his heart to everyone everyone except his best pal and possibly the sweetest person in town Emily. To get the world to back off he asks, no pleads with Emily to be his fake girlfriend. While she is trying to shield her heart from falling further in love they spend a lot of time together. She is being who she is and has hopes that he will finally figure out how amazing she is, she is careful. They’re hounded by the paparazzi, his heinous ex, who keeps trying to use him to stay in the limelight, their town filled with good, kind yet seriously invasive nosy people and then some. Slowly, but surely he figures out what has been in front of him all along, but is he willing to take the risk? Its a wonderfully written fun journey they take to get to their happily ever after. Its such a fun sweet story in a series. I am very much looking forward to the next one.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review. It did not influence my comments.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only For You by Barb Curtis is a wonderful, sweet, and entertaining contemporary romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.

This is the second book in the equally enjoyable series: Sapphire Springs. I loved the first book, Forever With You, so I knew I had to visit again. This is a continuation of a series, however can easily be read as a stand alone.

I really loved Emily Holland and Tim Fraser. They were both excellent main characters that were likable, down to earth, and had great chemistry. Both had their own complicated pasts, but through one another, were able to open up, and work through issues, leaving the reader with an optimistic and sunny outlook.

I loved the faux relationship/arrangement turning to friendship and then true romance plot line. It was written flawlessly, and I really loved the smooth and natural progression.

This is an excellent series and I cannot wait to read more from this series.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.