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Only in Seaside #4

Only for Convenience

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A Single mom, a nurse with great healthcare & a marriage of convenience.

Addison:
It might be the craziest thing I’ve ever done.
Besides trusting my ex when he said he had birth control covered.
But I can’t afford my son’s medication anymore and it seems like a good enough plan.
Marry the nurse, with the incredible healthcare who just so happens to need to get married.
That is, until I start falling for her…

Nova:
When Addison and her son walk into my ER, the last thing I expected was to see them again.
She was beautiful, but I knew better than to hit on patients.
Until my green card is expiring and the only way to stay is to get married, and quick.
So when my friend introduces me to Addison at a party, joking about us getting married, we both can’t help but think it’s a good idea.
That is, until I start to fall for her and her son…

Will they be able to get married and keep their feelings at bay or will their marriage of convenience be less than convenient?

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2024

35 people are currently reading
555 people want to read

About the author

Shannon O'Connor

64 books854 followers
Shannon O’Connor is a twenty something, bisexual, self published poet of several books and counting. O’Connor enjoys life’s simple pleasures: coffee, reading, traveling, and spending time with her new baby. O’Connor is continuously working on new poetry projects, book reviews, and more, while also diving into motherhood. She loves supporting local indie authors & shops as much as possible.

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shans...

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5 stars
58 (24%)
4 stars
69 (28%)
3 stars
81 (34%)
2 stars
24 (10%)
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6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Gail.
990 reviews58 followers
May 25, 2023
O'Connor's quick, hot romance has two women with individual problems requiring swift solutions.
Nova's work visa is expiring and won't be renewed. Addison, single mom needs to get health insurance - her part time job doesn't provide benefits. A wild idea is floated - a sham marriage to satisfy both needs. The attraction is there plus Aaron (Addison's son) likes Nova but like life, it's not smooth sailing. While this is a quick read, I liked how the author included Addison taking time to learn how to braid Nova's hair and for me the warmth it brought to the storyline.
Too short but with a HEA another fine addition to the series.

I rec'd a copy from the author. My review is completely voluntary.
Profile Image for Lez_be_readin_ya.
350 reviews185 followers
August 2, 2024
Addison and Nova's story is charming. I enjoyed the plot; it is very easy to read, as with all of Shannon's books. I certainly recommend it.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Georgette B.
234 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2023
When Nova and Addison meet in the emergency room, they are strangers. Addison, who is there with her son, is at her wit's end since her son requires surgery and she does not have health insurance. Nova, a nurse at the emergency room, is a Canadian immigrant in America on a work visa that is about to expire. When both women meet for the second time at a common friend's wedding, the concept of a "marriage of convenience" is presented by their mutual acquaintance. This partially solves both women's problems: Nova may stay in the nation while she waits for citizenship, and Addison can acquire health insurance.

This story piqued my interest because I appreciate interracial love stories. I commend the author, who is not a person of color, for being genuine to cultural nuances, particularly the variances in our hair. That is such a crucial aspect of a Black woman's life and a subject of great significance. The author's description of the interaction between the two MCs in the passage where Addie makes a concerted effort to learn how to braid Nova's hair--an act of intimacy and love--was fantastic. The true acknowledgment of Nova's race, however, ended there. I would have liked to hear more about the contrast in their skin tones, especially during their romantic parts. Perhaps having both MCs comment on how lovely the mix was. But there was a lot of talk about hair, and Addison went from being a bleached blond (at the start of the novel) to a natural blond (in the middle of the story). The interplay between doctors and nurses was also a good addition, if overblown.

I really want to give this story a 4 or 5, because it was fantastic. But I'm only giving it a 3 since there were so many editing errors and inconsistencies that it took me far longer to read than it should have.

The author clearly did their homework and crafted a terrific story, but the beauty of the story was lost in all of the necessary modifications.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for MissSteph (Bold Brilliant and Bookish) .
171 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2023
I loved their love!

This was such a beautiful story of instant attraction, with a little friendly intervention leading to forced proximity.

Their marriage of convenience is more believable and understandable than most other stories. (Reading this as an Aussie genuinely makes me feel for anyone having to care for sick children in the US, which I won't assume to understand). I appreciate the timing of this story that allows weeks to pass without seeming like you are missing anything as the relationship develops quite naturally.

The spice level is amazing in this book and love the need to savour every moment of alone time they get to just be together. Nova is just a naturally giving person and loves to help others, so my heart melted in the scene about her hair. Love language is so special to understand in any relationship so Addy learning Nova's and wanting to show she cares in a very personal way had me falling for their relationship.

Honestly, a beautiful novella that really ticked the boxes, the only loss of 1 star was that I felt the bit of drama in the end was a little bit out of nowhere. Despite knowing this is part of what makes a great plot is the ups and downs, that part just didn't feel like it worked well for me.
Profile Image for luisasreads.
32 reviews12 followers
Read
August 21, 2025
I received a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Booksirens!

*3.5 stars

I want to start off this review by saying I absolutely loveeeed the concept behind it the marriage out of convenience trope is so excellent. I really did like the characters introduction to each other and the will they won’t element especially when the tension was clearly there all along even though they made the rule not to get feelings for each other. I absolutely ADORE that one of the main characters has a son and that he has such a sweet relationship with the love interest. I also loooved that the chapters were dual pov. Sometimes I love fast burns unfortunately this particular one didn’t pay off as much as i hoped it would but I was LIVING for the spicy scenes. Seeing sapphic sex being depicted in such a realistic way means a lot to me and I am delighted that I finally get to read lesbian spice the same way I’ve been subjected to straight content all my life.
All in all a very entertaining read that I would recommend to everyone who needs a hot fast paced sapphic summer read, it just didn’t do it for me quite as much as I hoped it would which is why I’ve only given it 3 1/2 stars.

DNF at 90%
Profile Image for Anna On Board.
32 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2025
it's cute. it's easy. it's sweet.

That's about it, actually. The story is good, and the thought behind it is clear. It's not bad; it just feels like it could be edited one more time. At first, I thought it was worth a 4 until I reached the end and... well? The stupidest reason to ever leave the woman you love and live with, and might I remind you, a child who got close to you, too? Like that's not good enough, girl. She read your visa confirmation and didn't tell you right away, so now it's a big deal, and you're skipping out of this house forever? She was logical and thoughtful until she wasn't, I guess.

Another thing: we were told in the beginning, with both women pointing out that Addison wasn't a natural blonde, and then suddenly in the middle of the book, the girl goes in her thoughts, "Well, my body hair is unnoticeable because I'm blonde." Make it make sense. Whatever, I guess. Also, Nova had a cat who is mentioned just twice: in the beginning and somewhere in the middle when she points out that Addie's son likes to feed and play with her cat. What was the point in writing about it if it's mentioned twice and not for an understandable reason? Like, Nova moved into their house, and there isn't even a sentence about the cat moving with her or that she is doing something in the damn house. Does this creature even exist? It could have been pointed out at least a couple more times, or I really don't see any point in mentioning that our main character has a cat. Also, a big thing is that it wasn't always mentioned how exactly this or that happened. I guess I would love to have a bit more detail, and if it's meant to be quick, then just like two sentences.

It is a quick, nice read. Nothing much, just something to get your mind off things. Maybe that's the point.

(Also, she was worried about her son and how his birthday is his day, and how she would be happy for him. Then she stole the party to apologize to her girlfriend and ask for another chance. Shouldn't she have gotten the cake? I swear, there's no other place for confessions these days besides a child's birthday party?)
Profile Image for Emilie.
210 reviews40 followers
March 25, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up

My initial interest in this story was because:

1. sapphic romance (of course!)

2. marriage of convenience trope (!!!)

3. one of the MCs being a single mom

4. a POC MC.

These four aspects combined got me curious about this novella. I also hadn’t read anything by Shannon O’Connor before, but noticed she has published several sapphic novels and the one felt like a great place for me to start.

Right away I could tell I was really going to enjoy her writing. I enjoyed the characters and I could feel the chemistry between them. The spice was… hot. Nothing can take me out of a book faster than poorly written spice, but that was not a problem here.

Additionally I loved the relationship between Nova and Aiden. It was so sweet without her trying to mother him (considering Addison and Nova’s situation). There were so many caring interactions from Nova all around (which makes sense being she’s a nurse). It was lovely to see.

The main reasons I had to take away one (and a half) stars is because, frankly, I wanted more! This book was a fast, hot burn, but the timeline actually wasn’t. I felt like there could have seen much more build up to the wildfire between Nova and Addie. I think stretching out this story into a full length novel would have been more satisfying.

Also, I feel like Nova’s Black identity wasn’t as prominent as I would have liked. While I’m a white woman, my little sister (and best friend!) is Black. Because of this I love seeing Black representation in the books I read. Just as I yearned for lesbian representation in books growing up, I know how much my sister values Black representation. I felt like Nova’s character could have been stronger in this aspect. That being said I did like the scene regarding Nova’s hair. I just wish there was more. Had this been a full-length book, I think there could have been more insight into that part of her identity.

I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens for review purposes. This review is my honest opinion and left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nyki Mancera.
620 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2023
pleasantly surprised

I was not expecting this book to be as good as I wound up finding it to be. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Nova, Addison, and Aaron. Sometimes two people’s worlds collide to make them better. This is what happened between Addison and Nova.

Addison was very sweet and kind to everyone she encounters. So sweet that it was the first thing that Nurse Nova noticed about her. But surprisingly in the bedroom, she ruled.

These two had been dodging a blind dates set-up by a mutual friend. This friend winds up being right. What brings them together is altogether crazy. This gamble pays off but it also makes you question what you’re feeling because it is not the orthodox approach to dating and love.

I wanted them to be a family. I wanted a HEA for them. I am also happy that I got a chance to read about normal everyday people living normal lives. After reading story after story of successful and wealthy women, it gets tiring and is so unrealistic. These were two down to earth women needing something from each other that society/governments were refusing to supply. I’m glad that got it and each other.
Profile Image for Heather.
767 reviews12 followers
June 14, 2023
a cute quick story

A nurse and a tattoo artist get together in a fake marriage to help with insurance needs and citizenship. This book was very fast paced. Lots of feels. Lots of spice!! Only a little angst. Definitely worth the read!!
Profile Image for Alicia Reviews.
480 reviews51 followers
May 26, 2023
Only for Convenience Only in Seaside Book 4 Shannon O’Connor
New Release


Addison, a single mom, had a sweet little boy who brought joy to her life. Nova, a kind-hearted individual, was drawn to Addison and Aaron from the moment they met at the ER while Aaron was struggling with his tonsils. Nova went out of her way to help Addison by providing a list of affordable doctors. Fate brought them together again at a mutual friend's wedding, and sparks flew as they realized they needed each other's assistance. Nova needed to stay in the US, while Addison required insurance for Aaron's surgery. What began as a convenient arrangement quickly transformed into love and a newfound family. This is my first book by the author's it was a delightful read, filled with heartwarming moments like Addison learning to braid Nova's hair. The book is a quick and enjoyable read, which I highly recommend and is available on Amazon. The author's next book is set to release in November 2023, so keep an eye out!
Profile Image for Jessica Rush.
Author 1 book72 followers
May 27, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
👩🏾‍⚕️💐✒️🍕👩🏼‍❤️‍👩🏾

Addie needs healthcare to help get her sick son surgery. Nova needs a visa to stay in America. So the perfect solution is to get married right? No feelings, just a piece of paper so that Addie can use Nova's healthcare for her son, and Nova gets to become an American citizen. Perfect. Except, how could you not end up falling deeply in love with each other and want to be together for real?

This book has your single-mother, marriage of convenience trope. It has a nurse, and tattoo artist professions. It has SPICY scenes including 💦, face-sitting and 🍆. (🤤). Our couple is interracial and so beautiful. I loved the instant family vibes and the relationship between Nova and Aaron (Addie's son).

I was glad everything worked out in the end, despite Addie's mistake.

This novella was a cute, fast-paced, sexy read.


Thank you to Shannon O'Conner for a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.
497 reviews15 followers
May 20, 2023
One of the best marriage of convenience books I’ve ever read! Such a page turner! A must read! Addison and Nova are so amazing together. They meet when Addison brings her son into the ER. She’s a single mom who works at a tattoo shop. She doesn’t have the insurance to get him the procedure he needs done. Nova needs to get her visa approved to stay in the US and not go back to Canada. In order to help each other, they get married. They agree basically not to fall for the other. This arrangement is just to help the other out. The more time they spend together and Nova gets to know Addison’s son, it seems their connection and feelings grow for each other. They start spending more time doing things only couples would do. When it’s all said and done, will they decide to stay together or go their separate ways? Will a certain incident tear them apart? Wait til you find out.
28 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2023
This is the second ARC I have read from this author and I felt like many of the comments I made about that book could be said about this one.

Very sweet story about falling in love with someone you maybe shouldn't, I liked the characters and the basic story plot.

The issue I have is also the same, the story felt rushed, things happened so quickly, the marriage for instance was so quick, without too luch worry or hesitation, and then things moved quickly from there. I was waiting for the angsty part that would add intensity to the story, but it came too close to the end, and seemed like an over reaction and then quick make up

Overall I'm glad I read this book, and I would read more in the series too!

I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Reese.
34 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2023
I'm starting to really love and look forward to Shannon O'Connor's Sapphic novels! She has a really great writing style and the steam scenes are on fire. Now on to the review, I wish there were less time skips because I was really enjoying the story and the ending was way too abrupt. I would love to see some masc (butch/stud) represention, but I get everyone has their preference. I also enjoyed the alternating points of view and how Nova didn't really feel sparks at first while Addie did, that was a nice realistic touch. And the inclusion of anxiety! Mental health should be talked about and incorporated more, so many people and relationships go through this. Overall this is a sweet quick read; I think you should give it a go.
220 reviews10 followers
September 10, 2023
Catching Feelings in a Temporary Relationship

This was a sweet story with likable MCs who get married temporarily so one can stay working legally as a nurse in the US and the other can have great health insurance for her six-year-old son, Aaron.

Only both women catch feelings while trying to hide their relationship from everybody, including Aaron and his grandparents, but immigration and the insurance company, and a few, very few, close friends.

It ends a bit suddenly though happily with an HEA but an epilogue would have been a welcome delight. It could use a bit of editing, still, it's an enjoyable read.

Thank you BookSirens for an ARC of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Den Brown.
11 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2023
If you like marriage for convenience that turn into love this book is for you. Single mom Addison and her 6 year old son one night go to the hospital because he doesn't feel well. At the hospital they meet Nova a nurse that will ultimately change their life. Since Addi does not have insurance and Nova needs to become a citizen to stay in the country they decided t0 get married. over the next year they become a family. There is some up's and downs but a very solid and entertaining book. can be read stand alone however other character's from the other books in the series do pop up in different ways throughout the book!
Profile Image for McKenzie Dew.
321 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2023
Only For Convenience by Shannon O’Connor
✨ARC Book Review✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

💋Marriage of Convenience
💋F/F
💋Single Mother
💋Spicy

A cute, spicy, quick read! If your looking for an FF marriage of convenience this book will be for you.

It follows single mom Addison and her six year old son who doesn’t feel good one night so they go to the hospital. At the hospital they meet Nova a nurse that will ultimately change their life.

Since Addison need’s insurance and Nova need to become a citizen to stay in the country they decided to get married.

Over then next year they become a family with lots of ups and downs but continued to get stronger and eventually they fell for one another.
299 reviews7 followers
May 29, 2023
Only for Convenience is the fourth book in the Only in Seaside Series. All the books can be read as stand alone, however if read out of order you will experience spoilers for previous books. I love the series, I liked this book. Addison and Nova are extremely likeable character, with an extremely cute Fake Marriage, Single Mother, Lesbian Love story. The plot progresses very quickly, which left me wanting more details. The spicy scenes were the one place where details were not lacking! Knowing I was reading a Novella length book I was able to forgive the lack of details I desired and was able to enjoy the overall story and spiciness.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,929 reviews22 followers
May 29, 2023
I am loving this series and I enjoyed this book so much. Shannon O’Connor gives us a lighthearted romance about two women who marry for convenience but their friendship/attraction grows into love. Addison and Nova both consent to this marriage due to Addison needing health insurance so her son can have an operation and Nova needs to be married so she can become a citizen. There is some very passionate moments but overall this is a great female/female romance. Loved it so much. Ms O’Connor always delivers!

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Rebekah Powers.
279 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2023
A marriage of convenience is needed for Nurse Nova to remain in the US while giving Addison and her son the health insurance they so desperately need to afford a much needed surgery. What could go wrong?

This was definitely a love comes softly kind of story. A lovely slow burn that doesn’t force the characters or their interactions. I adored their sweet moments on dates with each other that leads them to admitting that they are falling for each other, especially after they both agrees to a no-feelings arrangement.

And that moment when both ends of the deal are fulfilled - my heart was aching and my anxiety was though the roof!!
Profile Image for Grace Rose.
145 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ this was such a lovely second book in the series! I loved the almost instant chemistry between Nova and Addison, and even though it went from fake to very real I liked the way they handled the serious aspects of it like their interwining Nova into Aaron’s life. The pacing of the book felt good to me even with the outlandish fake marriage but that’s what I liked about it! I will say the ending felt a little rushed to me but overall it was a really enjoyable read and I really liked the relationship shannon made between the two of them. I would love to read more of these two and their life with Aaron together and where it leads!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sandi.
159 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2024
Only For Convenience is a fast-paced fake relationship book that is very easy to read and follow. The author's style is open and clear and as a result, energetically propels the reader through a plot that is well organized and flowing. The result is an effortless, solid read.
A little more angst and detail in the dynamics of the MC's relationship would have earned a 5 star. Regardless, it is a good solid read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Martez HB.
85 reviews
June 28, 2024
This fake romance was quick but enjoyable read.

Nova and Addison have instant chemistry, but must put their feelings aside as they enter into an sham-marriage for mutual benefit. Nova needs a visa and Addison needs health insurance for her son's surgery.

The characters are thoughtful and caring, and enjoy a healthy sex life.

The ending seemed quiet abrupt, and I would have like a little more time spent in wrapping up the ending.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for SiSi ❤️.
236 reviews13 followers
May 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this one, I didn't like the ending very much though because I definitely would have loved more of their story.
It was a cute story of a marriage that benefited them both and of course as most stories go, they fell for one another.
I love a good female/female story and this one was pretty good with a good amount of spice. 🥵
I'd recommend if you're looking for a short female/female love story.
Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,131 reviews33 followers
May 21, 2023
It may have started as a crazy idea that helped solve both Addison & Nova's problems, but it changes quickly. They agreed to not catch feeling for each other and they failed at that. Their relationship evolves and they can't deny the attraction between them. Nova also bond with Addison's son Aaron. They make a nice family. The story have some heat as well as a touch of angst. You will see characters from the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Pluto Lunaris.
97 reviews17 followers
May 23, 2023
4.5☆
I was so very excited to meet both of these characters and see where life took them! I love them both so dearly and I love every minute of reading it. My only issue is that I wish there was more! The beginning felt a bit rushed and like they just jumped into things. And I would have liked to see a bit more of them both together and separately. But overall I absolutely loved it! Shan always does such an amazing job and I'm so excited every time I read one of her books.
Profile Image for Laci  Steimel.
709 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2023
Addison and Nova made a super adorable couple! I love how they both saw the convenience (and the connection) and went for it! I also love how connected Nova got with Addison's son. The aspects of Nova's ethnicity was also nice, showing how an interracial couple might learn things for their partner, such as how to do the other's hair. That was such an emotional moment in the story, and one of my favorite parts. Such a great read!
139 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2024
A wonderful read

I would definitely recommend this book to all. It's as good as the first, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was waiting for a good while for whatever drama was lurking around the corner to threaten their relationship... and I can honestly say, I never saw that coming. It was a very refreshing twist I had never actually read before. But if you want to know you're going to have to read it yourself... what are you waiting for?
Profile Image for Eric.
283 reviews
July 10, 2024
What a cute and entertaining book. While reading I could picture it all and how it all comes together.

The characters worked so well off each other and the supporting cast was really well done. It was easy to fall in love with the characters and want to follow them on their journey. I only wish we could continue to follow their lives and see how they continue to grow together.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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