3.5 stars

Only Ever You by C.D. Reiss was a lighter read from this author that was a mix of friends-to-lovers, a marriage pact and second chances. Rachel and Sebastian were friends when they were younger and made a pact to marry each other if they were not married by the age of 30. Rachel had plans, but life sometimes gets in the way and right now, life has not been too good for her. For Sebastian, life had definitely been good. The once nerd is now a very handsome and successful man. When they meet again, suddenly the marriage pact cannot be ignored, but no one would truly go through with it, correct?

There was a lot of push and pull between Rachel and Sebastian. I did not always feel the chemistry between them and some of the reasoning for what they do had me shaking my head. Even so, Only Ever You by C.D. Reiss was a quick, light read with little angst.

I love authors who showcase their writing prowess by shifting gears and stepping outside of the kind of romances they’re known for into something completely different. CD Reiss is known for her dark romances, and in her latest release, Only Ever You, readers get a lighter side of Reiss’ storytelling, and as she tells Rachel Rendell and Sebastian Barton’s story, she meshes several romance tropes together to illustrate how a childhood pact made between friends becomes something tangible as adults and maybe even essential if meddling family members, a fake marriage, and rediscovered feelings with a little bit of faith have anything to say about it.

What I find most intriguing about Rachel and Sebastian’s story is the way that Reiss crafts her characters - both when they knew each other in high school and then when they reconnect 10 years later. The characters’ defining characteristics seem to shift drastically when they cross paths after a decade - the once independent and strong-willed Rachel is no longer due to a series of heartbreaks and her inability to achieve her self-made goals, and the new Sebastian is someone who doesn’t need another person to stand up for him because he’s become a successful, sexy, alpha male all on his own.

The path to a happily ever after for these two characters was a bit nerve wracking, if I’m being honest, because it felt like, at times, Rachel was too narrow-minded when it came to their ‘fake’ relationship, and I’m sure a huge part of that was because of her fear and her cynicism, but Sebastian seriously wore his heart on his sleeve, and I wanted Rachel to see him…see all of him because he was all in back when they were just friends and now even more since they reconnected, and I needed to feel like Rachel understood everything she could and would have with Sebastian.

I enjoyed Only Ever You, and while I had some concerns with Rachel and her hesitancies toward going all in with Sebastian, I adored Sebastian’s transformation to hot nerd and how he helped Rachel to remember the girl she used to be so that she could get past all her heartache and reclaim her independence and feel love from a man who has only ever seen her.

4 Poison Apples

4 Stars

Only Ever You is the all new contemporary romance novel by CD Reiss. It is a stand-alone book and it is completely different than all of the other authors previous work. Only Ever you was soooo good! I have been a Reiss fan for quite awhile and man, this story was so unexpected. It was charming, sweet, but also dealt with some serious topics.

When you’re sixteen and make a promise to marry pact with your best friend, you really don’t expect it to happen. Now, fourteen years later, Sebastian and Rachel are facing the very real possibility that it might.

Rachel is a writer who thought her life would be so much different at thirty. She thought her career would be booming and would’ve been married. But as we all know, sometimes life doesn’t always turn out the way we thought it would. When she comes face to face with her childhood friend Sebastian, sparks fly. But Rachel has been burned one too many times…

Sebastian has been in love with Rachel for years. Never having the confidence to act on it, he finally may have his chance…

I enjoyed reading this book so much! Seb and Rachel stole my heart! Reiss has undeniable talent and it was evident in Only Ever You. Everything flowed well and the plot had a few surprises thrown in. I highly recommend reading this book!

ONLY EVER YOU by C.D. Reiss is a new contemporary romance not like any previous books I have read from this author. I think dark, erotic and intense usually when I see this author’s name, but this romance is different. Sebastian and Rachel’s story is lighter, full of family, hope and love. The angst and steamy is still there, but not as often and with a twist.

When Sebastian was in school, he was a stick thin, nerd who was bullied.

Then a beautiful girl named Rachel moved in across the lane. She became his best friend. She defended him and included him.

As they plan their futures, they decide on a back-up plan and write a marriage contract stating if both are single when they turn thirty years old, they will marry each other.

The future happens and it does not always go as planned. Rachel and Sebastian are both home for Christmas. Sebastian has become an extremely successful and gorgeous man. Rachel is still struggling in her career and has dated a string of losers. Nothing has gone as she planned, but she also would not have changed the time she put her career on hold to help her mother through her cancer.

Are they really going to go through with their marriage contract?

This is a very entertaining friends to lovers contemporary romance. Sebastian is a hero we all love to cheer for. The dweeb to heart-throb, smart to successful, but no matter the success, he is still very vulnerable. Rachel was strong as a young girl, but she let fear and the wrong men make her doubt herself to the point of losing her confidence in herself. As the two reunite, they learn how they are still alike, but also different. This is a cute couple with crazy family members and friends that love them and only want them to be happy. The sex scenes occur towards the end of the book and there is a very interesting twist involved, especially from this author.

This is one of those feel good, fun romances to enjoy curled up on your favorite chair.

While the synopsis really pulled me towards this book, I didn’t really like it. We are thrown into the story with grown-up Rachel and Sebastian and expected to feel that they were supposed to be together. There wasn’t enough time spent in the past for us to see them actually being friends and caring for each other.

While Sebastian was okay, Rachel came off harsh and a bit selfish throughout the book. Her “woe is me” attitude was very draining to read about. Basically, this one just wasn’t it for me.

Rachel had tried to fight the bullies -Scott and Brock who always tormented Sebastian as they walked to school. Today they got Sebastian’s sketch book and teased him about his comic drawings until everyone was laughing Rachel swung at Brock and he swung back and Sebastian jumped on Brock. When an adult appeared the bullies became victims. Rachael got expelled for three days and couldn’t be in the school play- Our Town. Rachel decided she was going to have to be careful or she would never get into NYU. Rachael and Sebastian lived across the street from each other since he was eleven. That way she could kill two birds with one stone -live in NYC and go to school. Than spend two years on film and tv sets . Than Grad school USC or UCLA . That would make her twenty six, work on her career for two years, marry at twenty eight, and first child by thirty. Sebastian said she should have a plan B and added marry your best friend. Than they wrote up a silly contract laying out the terms of a ridiculous deal that would never happen. Rachel was sixteen. Fourteen years later- Nothing has gone as Rachel planned. She lived in Hollywood in a crappy apartment with a roommate-Ruth. Rachel had been seeing Bruce but he cheated on her so they broke up. Rachel was a writer’s assistant on Romancelandia.- a terrible show about a thing that didn’t exist. She hadn’t seen Sebastian in ten years. She’d gone to NYU and he had went to Stanford after HS. Her mother gave Rachel a Christmas card from Sebastian and on it he asked if she remembered their deal? He said he’d moved back from Silicon Valley and hoped to see her. Sandra, the showrunner told Rachel she wasn’t fulfilling her potential. She needed to move Rachel up or she was going to move her out. Than Sandra said” break your story to CJ. “ When she got home she ran right into Sebastian on her way to the bathroom, Sebastian thought Rachel haven't changed at all she had an easy beauty . he wasn’t just talking about her looks. She got him, she always understood him. Rachel said she heard he sold his company and congratulated him. Sebastian had turned into a very hot successful rich man. Than the marriage contract they had made was brought up by their family. Sebastian was leaving to go back to Santa Monica after Rachel said, “See you next Christmas.” Once back in LA all Rachel thought about was Sebastian. After Tammy, Sebastian dated but none of the women worked out. He didn’t realize until he turned thirty he was looking for Rachel Rendell. A strong, loyal fierce tiger of a woman with a warm heart. Bruce had called her Christmas Eve and she had cut him off to talk to Sebastian. Rachael agreed to go with Sebastian to the Ebell Theater on New Years eve. Than Bruce called again - the third time in as many days. Bruce had got her offered the job she currently has. An assistant gig was less than she thought she’d get when “Barista Dairies” started making making the rounds but she had no choice. Rachael was almost sure her mother was sick again- with cancer- and Rachel suggested she and Sebastian fulfill the contract and marry. She said the whole thing: a band, a long white dress, a honeymoon in Paris. It would be all talk but they might as well talk big. Sebastian asked her if she really wanted to do this and then kissed her. Rachel realized she was attracted to Sebastian and guys she was attracted to broke her heart. Sebastian even took her for a two-and- a half- quarter karat diamond engagement ring. Than Sebastian’s sister called to tell him that e and rachel were getting married on March eighth and why.
I absolutely loved this book. I didn’t do anything all day and most of the night but read this book so yeah read it in one setting -so worth it! I didn’t want to put this down as i wanted to see what was going to happen next. Happily I found nothing to criticize in this book. I loved Rachel and Sebastian and how they interacted together. I loved the plot and pace. I loved how close the two families were. I loved how Sebastian felt rachel helped him to be the man he was today. I also loved how Rachel would do anything to make her mother happy and Sebastian though a lot of her. Rachel was even planning a fake wedding with Sebastian and all the steps to a wedding. I absolutely loved the ending. I smiled a lot while reading this but there were also times I choked up. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.

This best friends-to-lovers, teenage marriage pact romance was sweet and heartwarming. It was a story about friendship, family, and love.

Sebastian was so sweet and swoon-worthy. He blossomed from a nerdy teenager to a successful businessman yet he still held a sense of vulnerability. Rachel was strong and hopeful even when life had thrown her curve balls to skew her off her dream path. I loved that their relationships was built on friendship and loyalty. I did not agree on their initial intention when they carried out the marriage pact at first. However, I was happy that they finally pull their heads out and see how perfect they were for each other. I loved both Sebastian and Rachel’s crazy families which added so much entertainment to the story.

I really enjoyed this low angst, easy and sweet romance and would recommend it.

Only Ever You is a change of pace for CD Reiss. It is sweet and endearing, and these two characters are just endearing on every single level.

Rachel and Sebastian are friends from a young age, and the moments in their youth establish the sweet relationship that develops for them throughout the story. Although Seb grows up to be a hunk of man, I still felt as though CD Reiss kept who he was in tact. She didn't make him the arrogant playboy out to get revenge on people who bullied him, but she showed us a kind and gentle hero who respected woman.

Rachel was a bit lost in this book, and it sounds cliche to say she found herself in Seb but she kind of did. He didn't change her, she didn't change for him, but he reminded her of the girl she was and the dreams she had. That was a fantastic component to their story.

There were elements of the plot, which I won't reveal for spoiler reasons, that I wasn't expecting, and I enjoyed how they added not only to the characterization of the H/h but also acted as an impetus for the relationship and the plot of the story. The conflict is pretty expected and the resolution while being an epic grand gesture still has this low key vibe to it. The epilogue was actually really great, too. It really drove home the themes of the novel.

The sweet switch up from CD Reiss was refreshing. I love to see this author stop outside her typical darker and grittier novels. It truly shows the range of her writing capabilities, and most readers are going to fall in love with Seb and Rachel's journey.

Rachel’s life is not turning out the way she planned as not only has she kissed a lot of frogs without finding her prince, but the dreams she had for her career have not materialized and she feels like she is spinning her wheels and not getting any further ahead.

When she sees Sebastian, her best friend from high school, he is no longer the geeky boy that she protected from the bullies as he is now sweet, sexy and successful. As teenagers he had a crush on her but didn’t believe that she would be interested and now she doesn’t see how a man like him would be interested in a woman like her.

When a marriage contract that they created as teenagers comes to light will they realize this is fate’s way of saying it is finally their time or are they destined to remain as friends despite the matchmaking attempts of their parents?

This is a friends to lovers story that will leave a smile on your face. They have nothing in common with the teenagers they used to be except for the feelings that they have always had for each other.

I was looking forward to this book. It sounded really good. And who doesn't loved a good bestfriends to lovers read.

I loved the concept of the storyline. But for me I just couldn't connect with the characters as a couple. I loved their relationship when they were younger. But as adults something just seemed like it was missing for me. I didn't hate it. But it wasn't may favorite by CD Reiss.

I received a advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars!
Rachel Rendell just turned 30, and feels she has nothing to show for it. It’s like everything in her life is one big joke, and nothing has gone according to plan. She thought her life would take a certain path with college, career, love, marriage, and then children. Instead all she feels she’s accomplished is heartbreak and disappointment. Then a blast from the past shows back up in her life, and things suddenly get interesting.

Rachel hasn’t seen Sebastian Barton in ten years since they went to different colleges, and time and distance got in the way of their friendship. They’d been neighbors in San Diego, and high school best friends. He’d been the nerdy artist kid, and she’d defended him against the class bullies.

Sebastian must have been a late bloomer, because the vulnerable, weak boy she remembered was now a strong, successful, wealthy, confident, gorgeous man. He was still kind, loyal, intelligent, and wearing grandpa cardigans, but now he also had bulging biceps, and looked like a model on a GQ cover. She was so attracted to him she could hardly be in the same room with him without swooning, and could quickly develop a king size crush on him if she wasn’t careful.

Sebastian never forgot Rachel or the way she made him feel. Growing up she was always his fierce warrior coming to his rescue. He’d been infatuated with her back then, when he was the school dork, and she was his only friend. She was still breathtakingly beautiful, and he would like the chance to date her.

Then their parents come across their childhood marriage contract, and things turn complicated when they decide to play matchmaker. Seb & Rachel once agreed to be each other’s back up plan. They made a pact at age 16 to marry each other if they reach 30 and are still single. They were never serious, but their families run with the idea, and start planning, even going so far as to set a date. Worrying that Rachel’s mom may be ill, they allow it, and play along. As they spend time together again Rachel can truly be herself with Seb, and he realizes she still feels like home to him after all these years. As they are still discovering who they are and how they fit together things turn very real as they begin falling for one another.

Only Ever You by CD Reiss is a heartwarming friends to lovers romance that will captivate you. First I must say I LOVE sexy nerds, and then throw in a dirty talking, delicious, dreamy man with a heart of gold. Sold, sold, and swooning hard! I adored this beautiful man, and this story about friendship and discovering the special, unique love that was there all along.

A sweet and low angst read about childhood friends who make a pact. What happens when you meet your best friend years later and you’re both single? Sebastian has always loved Rachel, will be win her heart in the end? Dive in and enjoy this easy read.

Only Ever You is a contemporary second chance romance. In high school, Rachel was the determined go-getter with big goals. Sebastian was her nerdy neighbor she had to defend at school. After years apart, can they find a connection? Will their marriage contract of their youth secure their happily ever after?
I enjoyed Rachel and Sebastian's connection and their relationship with their families. Sebastian is sweet book boyfriend with positive character development. Overall, this was an enjoyable, easy read. Thanks Montlake Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this title.

Didn't work for me. It was slow and I wasn't invested at all. They were supposed to be 30 but both acted like they were still teens. It felt contrived and silly. Just not for me. 2.5 Stars

Rachel is about to turn 30. It's a milestone she's not looking forward to. Nothing in her life is as she planned. While at home, she sees her childhood friend Sebastian. The geeky nerd has turned into a hot, sexy hunky! Who knew? He reminds her of their contract made years ago that if neither one of them is married by their 30th birthday, they'd marry each other. Once their family hears this, their off and running, planning their wedding. Rachel goes along with their families plan for reasons of her own, and Sebastian agrees. They begin to get to know each other again. I enjoyed this book, although the beginning was a little confusing. Hard to understand their relationship, but eventually you figure it out. Sebastian has a big secret that seems impossible to believe. Luckily for him, it gets resolved in the end.

ONLY EVER YOU. The premise of this book alone makes me all emotional and gooey inside already … even now after I’ve read it – it still does things to me. Rachel and Sebastian’s story is a rare jewel. One of those stories that do not need angst and unnecessary drama to be utterly compelling. A story about years of friendship turning more, about loyalty as much as family, hope and love.

And Sebastian … oh, Sebastian. Such a wonderful hero. He is everything. Just … everything. His vulnerability, all the ways he shows his love for Rachel, his heart on his sleeve wherever she was concerned. And the glorious fact that he was the shy one – the nerd who was bullied in his childhood and needed defending from his best friend – Rachel – and not the other way around. I loved the reversal of the stereotype – as much as I loved him being this beautiful, successful and confident sexy swan today, yet still not fitting the norm in every regard. He’s perfectly imperfect. Yes, I was rooting for him the entire way through!

A fateful love-story if there ever was one. A sweet and enchanting romance that makes the perfect summer read.

Only Ever You was a sweet friends to lovers romance with so many swoon-worthy moments. CD Reiss gave us lovable characters in Rachel and Sebastian. This is a classic romance story that every romance enthusiast will enjoy.

Rachel and Sebastian were adorable from the start. Rachel was a tough, confident, and brave young woman when we meet her. She stands up for what is right. She meets Sebastian, who also happens to be her next-door neighbor, and he is being bullied at school. He is the new kid and doesn't have many friends, but Rachel befriends him.

As their friendship grows stronger they are comfortable with each other and can talk about anything. They decide to create a marriage contract. If they weren't married by thirty and weren't in a committed relationship, then they would get married.

Well, thirty came quickly. They are both still single, but they haven't seen each other for a while. One of their family members finds the contract and springs it on to them during Christmas. They made this deal when they were kids so they can't possibly go through with it...right?

WRONG. They have different motivations as to why they say yes and agree to the marriage. It's fun to see them be a fake couple while developing real feelings for each other. To be honest, the feelings have always been there but no one acted on them.

The big question is "is their engagement real"? You will get your answer at the end. Let me just say that the ending was satisfying and charming.

I give Only Ever You 4 stars. This is my first CD Reiss book that I have read and her writing style is very much of what I love to read about. This story was romantic while not being cheesy. Such a cute, relatable friends to lovers romance!

3.5 stars. Only Ever You was a "like it", but not a "love it" for me. I have read many of Ms. Reiss's books and have come to expect them to be angsty, sexy and sometimes dark. I found this book to be very different. Only Ever You is Rachel and Sebastian's story. The two were platonic best friends growing up. Sebastian was a nerd who was often bullied, while Rachel was his protector who stood up for him. The two made a pact/contract then that if they were not married by 30 that they would marry each other. Now, they are both 30 and haven't seen each other since high school, even though their parents still live on the street they grew up on. They run into each other again when both are home for a holiday and they laugh over their old contract. But when their parents find out about it, they are overjoyed and think they are really engaged. When Rachel's mother appears to have had a cancer relapse, Rachel is heartbroken and will do anything to make her mother happy. So she convinces Sebastian to help hide the truth from her mother, planning a fake wedding with him. As they get to know each other again, they begin to fall for each other and the lines between real and fake get blurred.

I enjoyed this book in general, but it read more like women's fiction to me, than a true romance. It reminded me of Christina Lauren's recent women's fiction books. I am not a huge women's fiction fan and I prefer a higher heat level, but this is not a bad book. The story is a little meandering and slow. There isn't much chemistry for the first half of the book, in fact the book is pretty slow burn and low heat in general. Still, it is sweet and sentimental. I liked Sebastian and Rachel. Sebastian is no longer a wimpy nerd. He is a hot tech genius who owns his own company. Rachel had big plans to be a tv writer, but finds herself fighting for her low level job. When they meet again as adults, they feel an attraction, but both are reluctant to act on it for awhile for various reasons. I found them both to be wishy washy at times, especially Rachel. Still, I liked the way Rachel and Sebastian's story ended up. The ending made their journey worth it.

Overall, I enjoyed Only Ever You, even if it was totally different than what I expected. Rachel and Sebastian were really sweet together once they were both all in. The ending was cute too. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a slow burn, friends to lovers story.

This book wasn't for me. I almost didn't finish it, but I'm a trooper and dedicated until the end. What if it turned around and I missed it, wasn't going to happen. So I stuck it out, and...I didn't miss anything. Sebastian and Rachel lacked connection together, and therefore I didn't connect with them. Especially Rachel, she was not my cup of tea. Sebastian had so much potential to be the geek turned tech-millionaire with a heart of gold, but I felt like he was constantly chasing Rachel who wasn't reciprocating his feelings.

The story line had great premise, childhood friends with a pact to marry each other if they weren't already in committed relationships by the time they are 30. There was A LOT of added side stories that made the main plot line murky. I felt there were too many additional problems to solve that didn't allow for a full focus on Sebastian and Rachel finding their way back to each other. In the end, I was relieved and happy for the destined HEA, but it was a long road to get there.

3.5 stars. I liked the concept of the story. Childhood romance /fake engagement. Cute read. I have to say I'm glad I listened to the audio.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.