“Neither of then expected to fall in love, but sometimes life has other plans.”

I definitely did not stay up till 5am reading this because I absolutely had to know how it ended. Definitely not.

This wasn’t just a romance story, there was so much learning to be done for both characters. Such as acceptance, healing and grieving, this story shows that grief will forever be there, but there are ways in which you can manage your grief so that it doesn’t forever consume you. You can learn to love again after loss, and it is okay to do that, even if those you lose still possess fractions of your heart.

After Wren’s husband falls in love with another woman, she thinks that she will never fall in love again. However, this story proves something that I am a heavy believer of, that there is someone there for everyone, and fate will bring them together in ways you wouldn’t expect. In this case, that person is Anders, a man on the other side of the world whose heart was consumed by grief after losing his wife.

Wren decides to spend the summer in the UK with her father to help his family to heal her heart and bring back her passion for architecture. What she didn’t expect, was to fall in love once more, and travel the world only to have it turned on its head. Before these two can commit to one another, there are secrets to be learned which could make or break everything they have built so far. Wren must make a choice, whether to stay and fight for who she loves, or walk away, knowing the secrets and grief that Anders is harbouring.

This was such an easy read for me, in theory, but it in practise, I felt so many emotions. There were times I found myself smiling at my phone, and a couple of times I was on the verge of tears. This being said, if you’re looking for a romance packed story, this book probably isn’t for you. I feel this was done intentionally by the author to show the journey of grief, healing and letting go, and how terrifying it is to offer your heart up to someone new after having it broken. It was beautiful to me to see the characters develop and fully heal before allowing themselves to fall in love with someone else.

Only Love Can Hurt Like This is an emotional escape for the reader. Surrounding grief, acceptance, family and love. The ending left me satisfied and my heart so full. I can’t wait for this to be released and find out what everyone else thinks about this story. Also, can we talk about the artists that were mentioned in this book?! Sam Fender? Wolf Alice? Paige Toon I might just be in love with your music taste.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House UK for sending me an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Also, to Paige Toon for allowing me to read this beautiful book early.

I have read every Paige Toon book since the beginning and this did not disappoint. In true Toon style it was heartwarming, heartbreaking and heart-wrenching in all the best ways! I devoured this as always, her writing style is perfection and her character development is enchanting. I can safely say I am still one of her biggest fans.

So Paige Toon has done it again with another heartwarming but heartbreaking book! I’m so, so pleased I got early access to this as I just don’t think I could have waited until it’s release date. The cover is stunning, the title is fab and the story is so wholesome which that hint of trauma. Loved it.

We got treated to some wonderful but complex characters in this book. The main lead Wren is just beautiful. Such a lovely, but slightly insecure woman. So caring and kind and you just tooted through her throughout the entire book.

Bailey was gorgeous and fab. The younger half sister with a zest for life who loved without condition. What a fab relation to have.

I loved sanders and Jonas. Would have liked more of a back story as to why Jonas felt the way he did. I feel there was more potential there with his back story that I would have liked more on.

Anders was a respectful guy. A lovable, heartbroken guy who you just wished happiness and love for.

I’d love to see these characters in another book! I feel we have so much more of this story to go! So much more to see with them all.

Can it be done Paige Toon? Pretty please.

Only Love Can Hurt Like This is told from first person POV from the character of Wren. The book stars with Wren as she sees her fiancé in love with another woman. They break up and Wren moves to America where her father lives. Wren then meets Anders who lost his wife four years ago and Is finding it hard to move on. Wren and Anders heal together but Anders is keeping a secret. This was well written and easy to read but it wasn’t very compelling. This was my last chance with Paige Toon as I just don’t connect with her work like I used to. The story was enjoyable but I didn’t feel anything towards it which is why it is a three star for me.