This was an entertaining book that held my attention throughout. It’s a pretty light romcom that also has a large focus on friendship. I loved reading about the different dynamics between the characters. I listened the the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator as well.

If Only is a stand-alone novel by British author, Angela Marsons, who is well known for her crime novels. This one is a light romance that features three main female characters. Initially, Cher will probably strike the reader as shallow: too dazzled by her manager’s good looks to notice the genuinely decent guy in front of her; Sarah, whose selfish plan to fall pregnant to lure her married lover away from his family, makes her difficult to like; Deb is plagued by a manipulative, controlling prospective mother-in-law and needs to grow a backbone.

It says something about this trio that the only criticism Sarah’s plan to snare a married man with a baby attracts is logistical rather than moral. These women are all wishing for something: to be noticed by a cocky, arrogant male, or for a man to leave his wife, or for a woman to disappear; on their girls’ night in, they consult a spell book and drunkenly try to magic what they want. A few weeks later, their lives look very much like a case of “be careful what you wish for.”

There are subplots to fill out the main stories and distract the women from their primary wants: Cher’s workplace is subject to a management audit; Deb is thrown into competition with her work rival for a better position; Sarah begins to focus on her lifelong ambition to write.

While there are some twists and surprises, overall the plot is fairly predictable. Cher will frustrate with her ongoing blind loyalty to a user; sympathy for Sarah’s situation is hard to muster; and Deb takes way too long to stand up for herself. Three of the four children are obnoxious and only two male characters really impress. This one may appeal to readers wanting a light romcom, but is likely not representative of her usual quality, and fans of her crime fiction will probably be disappointed
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Bookouture.

It was such a fun and enjoyable story! I truly enjoyed how this group of 4 womens who support each other no matter what the other wants.
It is aboiut a group of girlfiends who in a night of drinks tried to make some wishes about their personal life. And the result of that night afects in differents (but fun) their lifes.
It was a quick story that you can enjoy in a saturday afternoon. You will enjoy i assure you.

Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it! Lovely read about a group of girlfriends, it was my first non-crime read (if you have read the Kim Stone series, you really should!!) from this very talented author and I’m glad to say she hasn’t disappointed me.

"Thank you to Angela Marsons, the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review"

If Only is a contemporary romance about three friends in different relationships in which each has their own unique set of issues. Sadly, only one out of the three is even a remotely likable character. I saw that one reviewer said she was most likely too old for chick lit, but I think this was just not good.

Cher, the main character, is a secretary who is in love with her boss, Michael Hunter, who is honestly a kind of jerk. It is never explained why she likes him as it is clear to anyone reading the book how much of a jerk he is. I almost felt like she was being deliberately obtuse regarding her other boss, who is in love with her. Sadly, she comes across as not that smart which I don't think was the author's intention. Sarah has been having an affair with a married man for five years. She is trying to get pregnant without his knowledge, so he will leave his wife for her. None of her friends seem to have any issue with that. Deb, a successful saleswoman, is getting married to her soulmate, who has a mother from hell. The three friends use an old spell book to cast a spell to make their wishes come true. Does it work? Not the way they want it to.

Some of this book is cringeworthy and some of it is hilarious! But I wanted to shake some sense into these women. As I understand it, Angela Marston is a crime writer, and this is her first romance book. It is written very well but my overall impression is the characters are lacking and I didn't feel like I could root for them!

Full review can be found on Goodreads.

🍷The story🍷
The book is about three friends, Cher, Sarah and Deb, who each have their own troubles in life. The story follows them on their journey, while coping with their problems.

I had quite some trouble with getting invested in this story. I'm not sure what it was, but I just hated the characters so damn much at first, that it was hard to keep reading. I was on the verge of DNF-ing this book quite a few times, but in the end I'm glad I pulled through, because the story definitely got better. However, I must say that I feel like the blurb of the story was kind of deceiving. I mean - it talks about them doing a spell that might change their lives. Yes, sure, that happens, but it made me think that the magic would at least be obvious and they would all want to change it back or something like that. That didn't happen at all - they did mention it again at the ending and there were some hints to their wishes taking root, but I feel like that was quite deceiving since it wasn't really an important part of the story. I was satisfied with how the story ended.

🍷The characters🍷
I'm going to start off with talking about Deb, because I liked her the most.

👰🏽Deb👰🏽
When the characters were first introduced, I immediately liked Deb the most. Which wasn't hard, because I really disliked the others, but still. I really didn't understand why she wouldn't just tell Margie off, nor why she'd cancel her wedding like that so many times, but okay then. I really loved her relationship with Mark, and I wish we'd gotten more of them together, because the moments we did get were damn good. From the blurb it seemed like Mark didn't support her - which again, wasn't true. I loved how he had her back and was ready to beat up his mother for her.

It feels like we just scratched the surface of Deb's character; we still barely know anything about her parents and stuff like that. I was left wondering why her relationship with her father had been so strained, why he treated her and her brothers like that when they were younger, why he was barely taking care of himself now, etc. etc. It also took me a while to figure out what exactly her job was, because it wasn't really clear what she did exactly in that company - nor what the company even was.
I was really rooting for her in the race for the job. I definitely didn't understand why she didn't stand up to Margie earlier! Damn, that woman is so infuriating, I would totally freak out if she was my mother in law lol.

🛵Cher🛵
I hated Cher SO much until like 50% into the story. The way she was pining for Michael wasn't relatable - it was bordering on stalker psycho. That might be a bit exaggerated lol, but still. I can't believe you'd be so in love with someone you literally don't even know? Again, from the blurb I got the impression that Michael would actually be her boss, but he wasn't? Sure, she had to work for him a couple of days, but that doesn't make him her new boss. Sorry, but that's just not what the blurb said. I just really don't understand why she kept defending him throughout this entire book while he had been nothing but a dick to her and everyone else. It just annoyed me so damn much that she was so convinced that Michael was in love with her - he literally never spoke a word to you? How desperate can a person be?!

But, after a while, I liked her more and more. I was rooting for Dan so much, it annoyed me how she couldn't see what was right in front of her. But like I said, I liked her character development and the way she was finally put in her place by Michael. I mean sure, it was terrible, but also very necessary. What the hell was she thinking, asking a guy who is her boss and who she has barely ever spoken to, to meet her parents? Damn, that was so desperate and I hated it. I loved every scene with Dan, and her hate for her nephews was so relatable, it made me laugh quite a few times. I really loved the scene where she had to babysit her nephews, although it was ruined again when she wished Dan was Michael though. But I really didn't hate her that much in the end!

📝Sarah📝
Onto the girl I really freaking hate. I've never seen a more desperate character in my life, holy shit. The way she wanted to get pregnant to ensnare David? That was so messed up and needy, I hated it. I was happy with her character development, when she started to write again - because she was finally not just sitting around and moaning about wanting to be with David. I again feel like we have barely scratched the surface of this character, since we barely know anything about her sister Stella and her husband. I'm still wondering what happend for Sarah and Stella's relationship to be this strained, and I was left wondering what Stella's husband exactly knew about Stella and her activities (if you get what I mean), and whether or not he was having an affair with that Amelia - or America or something? - neighbour woman. Like I said, I still have many questions.

🍷Writing🍷
The time jumps were a bit confusing at times, because sometimes there were just sudden jumps and the story was way ahead in time without any real clue that it even happend. Maybe that’s just because of the Netgalley app, but I'm not sure if that's the case. Take Deb’s meeting for example, Mrs Stringer was asking Ricky about his handicap, the next sentence was her talking about why they were there..? So we didn't get his answer, and I was really confused at the sudden jump. After a while it was more obvious when there was a time jump, but it just wasn't always very clear in the Netgalley app. Besides that, it was easy to read, with both short and long sentences.

🍷Overall conclusion🍷
Overall, the characters reminded me of children/teenagers at first. The character development was good, but I feel like the author threw in all kinds of terrible pasts/family relations without really explaining them or elaborating on them. My own stubbornness not to DNF the book kept me going and in the end, I'm glad that I did keep reading, because there were definitely some cute scenes. But still, I'm not too sure if I really liked this book.


👍🏻 Character development; Dan; the ending

👎🏻 How annoying most of the characters were at first; the shallowness of the side characters; the deceiving information in the blurb

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

DNF 20%

I couldn't do it. I wanted to enjoy this book. I love romcoms, I love witchy things, I love Monkey's Paw type situations. To me this book had it all. But honestly, the three women were so unlikeable that I couldn't get into the story. Cher was annoying in her idiocy, which I found even more grating since she wanted to be viewed as more than her job. Deb was spineless when it cam to her mother-in-law, and it was frustrating to watch. But really, Sarah was the worst of the three. Having a five-year long affair with a married man is bad enough, but then deciding to try and trap him with a child? Perhaps Sarah should check out the words of Greg Behrendt before trying love potions.

This book had a lot of good potential that was completely wasted on awful characters.

If only centers around three women in their mid-20s trying to get a handle on their life. Cher is the average secretary who has an obsessive crush on her boss. Sarah is in love with a man who is semi loves her but won’t leave his wife. Deb hates her mother-in-law’s consistent nagging and phone calls. Cher, Sarah and Deb dad drastically want to make changes to their lives. One magical wish later and their luck has changed. But is life all that they hoped and dreamed of?

I listened to this tale with high hopes. I was curious to see how drastically the characters lives would change after their wish. However; as a story wore on the characters became less likable and more dry. The plot seemed over done and I was rushing to get to the end.

If Only is the latest book from Angela Marsons. This tale gives us the story of three women friends and their hopes and dreams. This is a heartwarming romance that shows you what you want isn't necessarily what you need. I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an early copy to review.

What many readers of the Kim Stone series possibly don't know is that Angela Marsons, Queen of the West Mids crime scene that she is, also has form when it comes to the old Women's fiction too. I read and loved her two none crime titles, Dear Mother and The Forgotten Woman, so it wasn't so much of a leap of faith for me to pick up this title as it was a moment of wondering what delights she would be serving up this time. What I found in If Only, was a warm and often funny story of life, love and friendships, delivered through the eyes of three close friends, Cher, Deb and Sarah.

I think that any woman reading this book will find something to identify with amongst the friendship and day to day madness that makes up our three protagonists lives. Unrequited love, illicit affairs and cold feet, or at least strong doubts about forthcoming nuptials, maybe even just getting trollied on cheap booze whilst setting the world to rights. Most of us have been there are some stage. Perhaps not chucking the contents of your spice rack around the garden whilst trying to cast spells, but that's a minor detail ...

I really did like all three of the women in this story, Yes ... it can be argued that Sarah should know better and being 'the other woman' is never a good look on anyone, no matter who they are. But she still had redeeming qualities, her love of her friends for one thing, and you do get the sense she is trying, even if the object of her affections is really not the perfect answer she hoped he'd be. Then there is Cher. Bless her. She's the kind of woman I'd likely slap to be fair,mooning after her boss and missing the obvious. Whilst bubbly, there really is that sense that she doesn't understand her true worth and, once again, the object of her affections is far from being the perfect guy either. Then there is Deb. Confident, strong and absolutely with her perfect match. She's straight talking, forthright ... and so absolutely full of doubt and insecurity about her twice postponed wedding that I found myself rooting for her. And for her to slap her soon to be mother in law. Can you tell I have a limited tolerance of typical female behaviour patterns ...

The story is full of humour, a particular scene featuring Sarah and her family a stark reminder why you should never go swimming whilst drunk (no pun intended). But aside from those times when you will be chuckling along with. the friends, maybe even at them, there are some very tender and romantic moments too, the author kicking it up a notch when a certain someone finally makes his feelings for one of the three. friends very clear. But the moral of the story? Well, be careful what you wish for. Do the friends get their heart's desire? Well, maybe they do, maybe they don't, but tempting face has consequences and it's very important to always read the small print when doing a deal with fate.

Funny, romantic, with a Lindsey Kelk kind of vibe (yes I've read the odd pastel covered book in my time!) its undoubtedly just a cracking good read, fans of the author, and fans of rom-coms are going to love this. Definitely recommended.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for allowing me to read #IfOnly by #AngelaMarsons
As a devoted reader of Angela Marsons Kim Stone Series I just automatically chose the book to read without reading anything about it, and I am so glad I did.
It’s the wonderful story of three friends, Cher, Deb and Sarah looking for their happy ever after, and the missteps they go through
It will make you laugh 😁and cry 😢 and by the end you are rooting for the three friends to be happy ever after.
A unputdownable book that you will devour in one sitting.
Congratulations #AngelaMarsons on a new hit. 😍

Romcoms aren’t normally my cup of tea, but I do enjoy a good one now and again and I love Angela Marsons’ crime novels so thought I’d give this a try. Alas, it wasn’t really for me, but it was well written with some funny moments and those who enjoy a light, fun romcom might enjoy it..

The novel is centred around three young women who are close friends, Cher, Sarah and Deb, and each have a problem in their lives, either with their love lives or with an interfering, controlling mother-in-law to be. One night after a few glasses of wine they go into the garden and cast a spell wishing all their problems away. However, when this comes to pass, they find that what they get might not be what they had imagined. I found all the characters fairly shallow and there were few surprises in the plot but it made for a quick, entertaining read. Perfect for the beach.

I have to say that the only character I liked in this meant to be a rom-com was Deb who wants help in dealing with her mother in law to be. The others- well- Cher wants a relationship with her boss and Sarah wants her married lover to leave his wife and have a baby with her. That last one was the stake through the heart of this novel. These three might try casting spells to make their dreams come true but someone needed to tell Sarah that a man that cheated on his wife with her might very well cheat on her with another woman. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This was a DNF for me.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

The story is about three different women and each wishing that things in their lives were different. Cher wants for her boss to fall for her, Sarah, her partner is married but she wants a child with him and the last women Deborah, she wants a perfect wedding.

So, whilst they are having a laugh one day, they throw some herbs around the garden, each saying what they want, thinking it’s not going to come true, only, the next day it does.

But, was this what they really wanted…..

Well-written easy read and easy to follow story with likable characters. Nothing that strays from the plot to distract from the story. It’s a gentle reminder that you can find something else out there.

This book is not:
Funny
Likable
Enjoyable
...Good?

I hated it. I hate contemporary fiction and should have known better.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book.

"Three best friends all searching and wishing for the one thing they want the most" ....... if only.
I like to occasionally read books from this genre inbetween the crime and thrillers I usually read but sometimes find them a little predictable. But that wasn't the case with this book as the author delivers a fabulous book with well developed characters. It's all about life and friendship with plenty of humour which made me chuckle out loud a long with some touching parts.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this advance read.

I was really excited to get this book by one of my favourite authors, Angela Marsons. I love her Kim Stone series, so I was eager to delve into this story, which is a romantic, light-hearted read. To be honest, I found the story a bit hard to get into at first, but at about 25 percent in, I started to enjoy it a lot more and I loved the ending. At first, I found it hard to connect with the characters, but later in the book, I connected with them more.

The story is about three women called Cher, Sarah and Deb, who each have different romantic needs and have different scenarios going on. Cher wants her boss to fall in love with her, but will he? Sarah wants her boyfriend to leave his wife and Deb is having problems with her future mother in law. The women decide to try casting a wishing spell together, to manifest what they want in life. I liked this part of the story. Did they manage to manifest what they wanted? Read the book to find out!

Many thanks to Angela Marsons, Bookouture and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This just wasn’t it for me. The three women in Angela Marsons’ If Only were pretty unlikeable, and even though they were well into their twenties never actually dealt with their problems, instead they (drunkenly) cast a “wishing spell” with random herbs and spices found in your kitchen.

While Cher is ditzy and insecure, and Deb can’t seem to tell her overbearing mother in law to back off - they both seem to enable Sarah, who (and this is not a spoiler) has been sleeping with a married man, and wants to have his baby so he will leave his wife.

This did have some cute and funny moments, but overall I didn’t really enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for advanced digital copy in exchange for review.

I must admit I would never have guessed this book was written by Angela Marsons, having read all her Kim Stone books. A total departure in both style and content, it follows the lives of three best friends, Deb, Sarah and Cher, as they negotiate their way through romance, work, family issues and dreams. It offers an insight into the lives of independent young women in the modern world,with all it's challenges and pitfalls. They each think they have a clear idea of what they want and drunkenly cast a spell one night in Cher' s garden. All nonsense of course ...but is it? This book is funny , insightful, endearing and I think allows a little peak into Angela's more vulnerable side. It starts out a little hesitantly but quickly gains momentum as she allows us into her world. Very enjoyable