If Only You Knew

Haven Bay #4

by Alexa Rivers

She left her ex and had his baby in secret. Now her ex’s sexy brother is her new boss, and he wants answers. But he might just steal her heart, too.

Single mother Bex Cane’s life is turned upside down when she discovers that her ex’s brother has moved to her hometown… and is her boss. Michael used to be one of her closest friends, but now he’s the guy who could destroy everything she’s worked so hard for.

As soon as Michael meets Bex’s daughter, Izzy, it’s clear he’s noticed the family resemblance. Bex wants to hate him for interfering. Unfortunately, Michael is so smitten with Izzy that he’s impossible to dislike, and he stirs up emotions she never expected to feel for him.

Can Bex resist her newfound attraction to Michael? When her ex arrives in town, will their budding relationship survive?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Small Town Romance, Fiction, Adult

Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2021

About the author

Alexa Rivers writes about genuine characters living messy, imperfect lives and earning hard-won happily ever afters. Most of her books are set in small towns, and she lives in one of these herself. She shares a house with a neurotic dog and a husband who thinks he’s hilarious.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.

Reviews

[Soesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why do all romance books need to have shirtless men on the cover? It is sooo unrelevant to the story… but I liked the book it was just missing something I guess

[Tani · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐
This my first time reading Alexa's work and I love her writing. This is such a cute amazing story of Bex and Michael.
Michael was in love with her brother's ex-girlfriend who up and left six years ago. So imagine his surprise when he saw her in the new school where he was now the new principal.
Bex was a strong, independent and an amazing single mother. Her daughter, Izzy was her whole world. And her life turned upside down when his ex's brother came in town as his new boss(she was a part-time art teacher in the school).
I loved both the characters and what an amazing pair they make. Also that scene where they tell each other about their feelings and Izzy was encouraging them was just so adorable.

If you are into small town happily-ever-afters then I recommend this to you.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.*

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Only You Knew, is one of the books you can settle down with on a cold winters day and know that at the end of it that warm feeling will stay with you for the remainder of the day.

Michael had been secretly in love with his brother's girlfriend, Bex, but when she up and left in what he was lead to believe her doing, he has kept her at the back of his mind for over 5 years now he is in her town of Haven Bay as the Principle of the school where Bex is a part-time art teacher, the chemistry is still there by the lies and deceit remain. Bex has had to become a strong woman and it shows in Alex Rivers, portrayal of her.

I was invested in this couples journey from the start, I wanted them to get the HEA they so deserved and was swept away with how Ms Rivers got us there.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters. The author does a great job developing the story and pulling you in with the interesting story line. She moves the story fluidly with her detailed and descriptive scenes.and delivers another winner!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Ara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough summary

Rebecca Cane has been living with a secret the past 5 years. Almost 6 years ago, she left her politician boyfriend and started from scratch in her hometown. Her secret was her daughter. A child neither her ex-boyfriend nor his family knew anything about.
However, that secret is threatened when the new guy in town just so happens to be her ex-boyfriend’s brother. And he most certainly doesn’t know about her daughter, his niece. But he, too, has a secret.
Michael Briggston has always loved his brother’s, now, ex-girlfriend. When she left all those years ago, he thought it was for the best that he never confessed his feelings. But years later, his feelings are still the same. And not even her little secret could stop him from wanting her.


Review

- Small town
- Single parent
- Secret baby (not the H’s baby)
- Ex-boyfriend’s brother
- Cinnamon H
Those are the tropes you can expect.

Alexa River’s writing is just as good as I remembered, maybe even better since the last time I picked up one of their books.
The blurb was quite interesting and it drew me in right away. The storyline in this was splendid, and not at all too angsty, considering the tropes.
The characters were all really loveable. They had their strong points, but they also had their weaknesses and insecurities. The entire book was beautifully told and heartfelt.

But it was the characters themselves that really made me love this story.
Bex was an amazing mother. She was caring, strong, and did everything in her power to give Izzy the best life possible. 3 jobs, that’s how many she had in order to properly care for her daughter. Yet, she still had plenty of time to spend time with Izzy. Single parenthood is difficult as hell, but Bex made it work.

Michael is the total opposite of the H that I usually read. He’s soft-spoken, a fumbling mess at times, and just an absolute sweetheart. He grew up thinking that he would always come second to his brother, and this is something that he still goes through in this story. He’s a very selfless person, and at some points, his selflessness made it seem like he didn’t care, when in reality all he was doing was stepping aside to make space for the other person. Michael is an absolute angel. His decisions were not always the best, but they were always well-intended.

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa Rivers has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Bex and Michael. Bex was with Wesley, Michael's brother. Michael was in love with Bex and went to tell her how he felt for her. When he gets there, he is shocked when she tells him that she is pregnant. Michael and Wesley's parents are not happy with the situation and their mother pays her to get rid of the baby saying it would not be good for Wesley's race for parliament. Bex took the money but she used part of it to put the down payment on her gym and then put the rest in the bank for her daughter, Isobel (Lizzy). Michael was friends with Bex when she was with Wesley but when he stood with his family about getting rid of her baby, she didn't want anything to do with the family. Now Michael is the new principal of the school she teaches at and Izzy goes to. Bex goes into a meeting and comes face to face with Michael. Michael tries to talk to her but she doesn't want to have any to do with him. Things happen and Michael finds out about Izzy and he tells Bex that Wesley needs to know he is a father. Bex goes off on him over that saying that Wesley didn't want anything to do with her nor did he want the baby when she told him she was pregnant, so why would she tell him now. He tells her that he wants to get to know Izzy. She told him she would have to think about it and decide if it was in the best interest of her daughter. Bex allows Michael to go with them to an outing they are going on that weekend. The more time Michael spends with Izzy, the more he falls for her and her mother. Bex and Michael get together and become a couple. He spends a lot of time with them. Wesley calls Michael and tells him he is coming to town and wants to stay with him. Michael tells him that he can't do that. Wesley wants to know why not. Michael ends up telling Wesley about Izzy. This changes things between Bex and Michael when she finds out what he has done. Wesley shows up a week after he is told about Izzy wanting to meet his daughter. When he meets Izzy, things at first don't go so well. When Michael and Wesley's mother finds out about Izzy, she is not happy. She still thinks that Bex is no good for her son. Michael sees Bex, Izzy, and Wesley together and thinks that they deserve a chance to become a family so he stops seeing Bex. Bex tries to find out what is wrong but Michael tells her nothing. Wesley is the one who tells her what is going on and also tells her to ask him about Penelope, his ex-girlfriend. Izzy has gotten sick at school and Michael brings her home and has Wesley watch her while he goes to a meeting. He thought he sent a message to Bex telling her that Izzy was at his house but he started to but it was never sent. When Bex gets to Michael's house and walks in, she sees his parents with her daughter. She gets mad and as she and Izzy are leaving, Michael comes home. She lets him have it. Michael goes inside and after their parents leave, he and Wesley have a talk. After their talk, Wesley tells him that he needs to go and tell Bex how he feels.
How will things work out between Bex and Michael?
Will Wesley become a part of Izzy's life?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of the Haven Bay series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Anytime you have grandma’s, mother’s and very precocious little people (Izzy) who basically call all the shots. Bex is a hardworking single mom to a 5-year-old little girl Izzy, and she struggles working three job to support them both. Bex walked away from her ex when the relationship became too complicated, moved completely away, and didn’t realize she was pregnant until after she left but felt it was in her best interest as well as the baby’s best interest to stay away. Fast forward five years later and her ex. brother moves to the same town to become the principal at the school Bex teaches art at part time. Michael sexy as all get out new principal, who has always had feeling for Bex when she was dating his brother and those feelings come rushing back throwing him for a loop. The chemistry is insanely intense, and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored but will he still want her after finding out the truth behind Izzy, will he inform his brother that he is a father, can they accept the emotions brewing between them, and can they find happiness with their little girl (yep I went there).

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Only You Knew by Alexa Rivers is a fabulous romance with a secret baby, in love with your siblings (ex) partner, small town romance. Alexa Rivers wrote a fantastic book that I could not put down, and I was so excited to read it when I read the synopsis.
Michael Briggston was alway in love with his brother's girlfriend, Bex, he loved her so much that he was willing to ruin the relationship he had with his brother, Wesley, to tell her how he felt. But just when he was going to tell her how he felt she told him she was pregnant with Wesley's baby, so Michael decides not to tell her about his feelings. Those feelings are changed when he hears that Box took money from his mother to get rid of the baby, and he knows he can never feel the same about her again...
When Bex Cane told her boyfriend, Wesley that she was pregnant she knew he wasn't happy about the news and how it would affect his chances to be elected to parliament. But she didn't realize how unhappy he was until his mother offered to pay her off to end the pregnancy. So Bex did the only thing she could... She took the money, pretended to lose the baby and moved to her hometown to raise her daughter, Izzy. It's been six years and she was unpleasantly surprised to find out that the new principal at the school she works at part time is none other than Wesley's brother Michael. Determined to keep Izzy a secret from the Briggston clan she tries to hide the truth from Michael and accepts the hatred that he has for her for "getting rid" of the baby.
When Michael sees Bex again all the feelings he thought died with the baby come right back to the surface, but he's determined to keep them at bay. But then he finds out that Bex has a daughter that is the right age and he isn't sure what to think... When Michael finds out the truth about Izzy and Bex he can't help but still love Bex and this time he's determined to make her his. While Bex does think Michael is attractive she doesn't know if she should trust him not to tell Wesley the truth about Izzy... Will the truth come out and will Michael and Bex's relationship survive the fallout?

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star Review of If Only You Knew (Haven Bay #4) by Alexa Rivers
Alexa Rivers is a relatively new author to me but what I have read I have enjoyed. I was drawn into the story that Ms. Rivers wove about single mum Bex Cane and Michael Briggston.

I love stories set in small towns and single parents, so for me this was a win/win. Five years ago, Bex left behind her ex, Wesley. Imagine how shocked she is to find out that her ex’s brother turns out to be the new principal at the school where she has a part time job. What will happen when Michael learns the truth about Bex’s adorable little girl, Izzy?

The writing was descriptive and I could easily imagine Haven Bay. Bex is in a state; she has no idea what Michael will do when he learns the truth and she will be even more shocked when she learns that he has had feelings for her for years. I really liked Bex, she is independent, strong, focused and determined to do the best for Izzy. Little Izzy almost stole the book away from our couple as she played miniature matchmaker and she was too cute for words.

Even though they know that pursuing a relationship will bring a lot of complications the attraction that sparks between them is hard to ignore. Do they dare take a chance? What will happen when Michael’s brother comes to town? Will their blossoming relationship be over before it even has a chance to develop?

One click and find out.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in Fear . . .

Bex Cane is a single mom to 5-year-old Izzy. She has no time for men with 3 jobs to handle. Friends and family make it possible for her to deal with everything. But her ex’s brother Michael Briggston arrives in town as the principal where Bex teaches part-time. Michael never imagined running into Bex again since she dumped his brother Wesley and moved away. He had been about to tell her how he felt about her, took her a bouquet of flowers, and she told him she was pregnant. Next thing he knew, she walked out on his brother. Michael didn’t know Wesley’s political career meant more to him than a child. Now Bex worked here in the school, not even full time. People who are like her, sell outs, didn’t deserve success. How could he face her when she took money from his mother to abort her baby?

Bex was freaking out. Michael was in town. What if he saw Izzy? If he put two and two together and alerted his family, the Briggstons would descend on the town in force and she could lose her. Wesley never signed away his parental rights, thinking she would terminate the pregnancy. What could she do to protect Izzy? What would Michael do now that he knew?

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Getting On The Right Path -
Michael has been in love with his older brother’s girlfriend, Bex for years, but he never had the courage to voice it. Unfortunately, just when he was about to tell her, she revealed a piece of news that threw a wrench in his plans. When Bex found out she was pregnant, she couldn’t fathom the path fate had set for her. Bex was weary when she met a Michael after years apart, but everything changed after they spent time together and Michael uncovered her secret, but still wanted to pursue a relationship with her.

This is a wonderful story with a feisty mama bear, a know-it-all child, a lovable headteacher and a clueless politician. It was a truly captivating read, that hooked me from the beginning and kept my attention all the way through to the end. This is a book that you will be happy t9 bread it over and over again.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shebb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5-star winner from Alexa Rivers.

What a wonderful story! I'm a huge fan of Alexa's writing (please read the rest of this series if you haven't already! Or anything written by this talented author!), and enjoyed every moment, twist and turn this adventure with Bex, Izzy and Michael pulled me through.

I've always been intrigued by Bex, curious about her past and how she parents Izzy. This novel gave me a closer look into her life, and I enjoyed each moment and her thought processes.

I was on Michael's side from the first page, feeling so much sadness for him, and cheering him on when he eventually broke through the hurt and discovered Bex was still the woman he had loved years before.

Such a wonderful story! Was so glad things turned out the way they did - yes, even the painful things in their journey - and am looking forward to the next book!

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

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

Bex Cane was the woman he let slip through his fingertips, the woman that his brother claimed to love and then let walk away. He knows he screwed up that day when she packed her things and left town and he chose to stand by his family instead of following his heart. But now she is back, working at the same school he is and he wants that second chance. But little does he know she has a secret... one that could change everything for both of them!

If Only You Knew is a wonderfully penned second chance romance that comes brimming with all the feels to leave your feeling fully warmed! Bex and Michael are unexpectedly reunited when she is called in to talk to the principal and discovers that her ex-boyfriends brother is now her boss. The reunion is a tension filled one as Bex has a secret she doesn't really want him finding out about, so she tries to avoid talking about anything personal. But it doesn't take long for him to discover her secret, but it doesn't wreck things like she thought it would... it actually turns out to be a good thing for all involved. That is until his brother returns home and wants to visit...

The pages of of this one held a heartfelt and captivating story that kept me thoroughly invested the whole way through. With family drama, secrets being kept, and a blossoming romance there was plenty of action to keep my eyes glued to the words!! Highly recommend this one, it's characters will steal your heart!

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

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex comes back to her hometown to raise her daughter alone. When Michael moves to Haven Bay, it doesn't take long for him to figure out Bex's secret. And when he inadvertently discloses the information to his brother... I absolutely loved this book in the Haven Bay series. Bex doesn't have it easy - cobbling together several very different jobs to support her little family, but she never complains about hard work. Michael makes mistakes - hey, he's a man! - but there's no intent to hurt Bex, and he has other redeeming qualities. Wesley still sees her as a conquest, although he does the right thing in the end. Her family and friends in Haven Bay are protective and supportive, and I suspect that the Bridge Club would take care of anyone who tried to mistreat Bex. Izzy is just adorable, and steals the show every time she appears. The author has a real hit with this book, showcasing why she's a must-read for me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathryn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and couldn’t read it fast enough!
Bex moved home several years ago after her painful breakup with her high profile guy. She was pregnant and now Izzy is the light of her life. She’s working three jobs but all is well until her ex’s brother moves to the area. This complicates her entire life as his family knows nothing about Izzy.
Michael was as surprised as she was to meet again and he realized immediately that she’s his brothers daughter. He’s had a thing for Bex as far back as she was with his brother and he falls for her and Izzy immediately. Sparks fly between them but what will happen when his brother comes to visit!
You’ll love this book. Don’t miss it.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed If Only You Knew.

We first meet Michael as he’s about to go for it and confess he’s in love with Bex, his brothers girlfriend. Only, she’s pregnant.

Fast forward six years and she’s on NZ’s North Island working like crazy to support her daughter, Izzy. They are going to be in close proximity in the tiny town of Haven Bay.

Though Michael’s opinion of Bex has greatly changed for the negative (judge much). I did like that he was the new principal but didn’t like that he was gloating that he was her boss.

I did appreciate the mix of Michael’s emotions. He’s all over the place. Smug, pining and basically a mess. Don’t forget judgmental and totally clueless about his family.

Recommend.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Alexa's books and this was no exception. I was thrilled to be back in Haven Bay! I don't usually like secret baby stories but in this case I think Bex was justified. Izzy was adorable and Michael? Oh my goodness he was just the perfect combination of sexy and sweet, I'd love a Michael of my own please :-) It was great to catch up with a few characters from the past books too. Alexa is a born storyteller and writes such engaging characters, well crafted storylines and creates an immersive experience for the reader. They're the kind of stories you can't out down but don't want to end either! I received an ARC copy but would have read with KU anyway.

[Anne Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous return to Haven Bay, thank you Alexa Rivers! The blurb has the basic storyline, but it doesn’t share just how well the tension builds, how fearful Bex is that Michael (and by extension his family) will learn about Izzy, and how Michael’s feelings for Bex have simmered, apparently unrequited, for years. There is so much emotion, so many tears, so much hope and fear and a really sweet little girl that is worth everything to Bex. I was actually sorry when this story ended; I could have read more.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five years ago, she left her ex and gave birth in secret. Now her ex’s sexy brother has moved to town, and he wants answers. But he might just steal her heart, too.

Sometimes you come across a book that's extremely hard to stop reading once you start, this is one of those books! A great read that's heartwarming, delightful, and high on romance. The characters are intriguing, engaging and easy to get to know.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good small town romance but this one has a different feel and vibe to me. The characters have a lot of depth and you sink into their stories and lives, losing all track of time. This author has risen to a must read level for me and I continue to look forward to every story she writes. The writing is terrific and each character is one that, even if you want to dislike, you wind up loving. Make sure you pick this one up.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an captivating storyline , Micheal and Rebecca’s story makes you feel as if you were there, watching their life’s as it unfolds. You will follow them questioning and learning about their true feelings starting in their young life. Those 2 wonderful characters grow throughout their journey and it is Intense, emotionally charge romance, lots of heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, misunderstandings. I highly recommended it. Thanks to the author for providing my review copy.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Haven Bay series a story that held my interest until the end. Single mother Bex Cane gets a surprise when Michael Briggston become the new principal of the school she works at. Bex has been keeping a secret from his family for years, because of the way they treated her. I enjoyed seeing this story come together with all its twists and turns. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED it!!

What a fabulous book! I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved Michael, Bex and Izzy and their beautiful story. This was my first time in Haven Bay and I can't wait to catch up on the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Michael was ready to tell Bex how he felt about her she told him she was pregnant with his brother's child. Five years later Michael finds Bex again and realizes he still has feelings for her, he just has to find a way to get her to feel something for him. This is a sweet, steamy romance with a lot of emotional situations that keep you interested.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and romantic secret baby story with a twist

If Only You Knew is the fourth book in the Haven Bay series and is the story of Micheal Briggston and Bex Cane. This is a well written book with a lovely woven story of small town, secret baby, best friend's younger sister/brother's best friend and boss/employee tropes all swirled together to make a deliciousness that you just want to lick all up. Plus then add in the fact that the series is set in New Zealand and you get the sexy accents. I really enjoyed this story and was so hoping and then cheering as Bex and Micheal journey to finding their sweet and romantic HEA. BTW - your heart will break for Bex early on and you will want to kick Wesley's butt six ways from Sunday and then back again, but when Micheal comes into her life again you just know she will be able to find love again if she is willing to open her heart to it.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Sheryl Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the feels. Its sweet but suspenseful. A single mom who's baby daddy did not want a baby so grandma pays her to have an abortion that doesn't happen, goes it alone until the uncle comes to town and figures out what's going on, then the baby daddy makes a visit and he gets involved too! I really liked the book.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much angst throughout this story. Michael has had feelings for Rebecca (Bex) every since she was dating his brother. When he gets the nerve to finally tell her, his world came crashing down. Six years later Michael and Bex meet again. Secrets and misconceptions and fear need to be faced first. Loved it.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a complicated but wonderful story about love, second chances, and giving everyone a fair shot. Bex, Izzy, and Michael are everyday characters, dealing with a challenging situation, but true love always finds the perfect resolution for all the people concerned.

[heerr | bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

10/10, so adorable! this was a cute quick read with a fair amount of steam and build up. also love that the conflict wasn't unnecessarily prolonged.

—————

I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but definitely plan to after having read this one🥰

[Truth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different kind of read for me. I'm used to the HEA with twists and turns and wrenches, but this one had a kid, a politician and a principal tossed in the mix. I enjoyed reading overall.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.