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If Only You Hurt
Laney and Grant grew up together, and their lives were intertwined in a way that only made their love for each other blossom. The moment both see a future beyond friendship, tragedy strikes.
Laney James had her life on the right track. She grew up surrounded by love, and as the years passed, her best friend became her soulmate. Unfortunately, life had a different plan, and she didn’t realize the cataclysmic effect that would have on her future. In the span of a few minutes, Laney’s existence shifted into a shell of what it once was, and now she was left to cope and navigate down a path that consumed her with fear and the unknown.
Grant Stanley was always the carefree person who knew no matter what life handed him, he’d tackle it with his best friend nearby. What started as an innocent friendship blossomed into a love he never expected. His movements became centered around whatever outcome would lead to his love for Laney. The moment her life took a drastic turn, his heart had to shift with her. Laney was his everything until one day when she unearths a secret that might destroy the one relationship that meant the world to each of them.
This is a best friends-to-lovers story about heartache, love, and redemption. Laney now lived her adult life realizing the fragility of each moment; however, the pain crippled her ability to see past all she lost on that fateful day. Grant wanted love and she didn’t know how to embrace that.
Laney James had her life on the right track. She grew up surrounded by love, and as the years passed, her best friend became her soulmate. Unfortunately, life had a different plan, and she didn’t realize the cataclysmic effect that would have on her future. In the span of a few minutes, Laney’s existence shifted into a shell of what it once was, and now she was left to cope and navigate down a path that consumed her with fear and the unknown.
Grant Stanley was always the carefree person who knew no matter what life handed him, he’d tackle it with his best friend nearby. What started as an innocent friendship blossomed into a love he never expected. His movements became centered around whatever outcome would lead to his love for Laney. The moment her life took a drastic turn, his heart had to shift with her. Laney was his everything until one day when she unearths a secret that might destroy the one relationship that meant the world to each of them.
This is a best friends-to-lovers story about heartache, love, and redemption. Laney now lived her adult life realizing the fragility of each moment; however, the pain crippled her ability to see past all she lost on that fateful day. Grant wanted love and she didn’t know how to embrace that.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2024
15 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Stefanie Castro
8 books80 followersAs a first-generation American, born and raised in Southern California, Stefanie found a love for writing after she had built her career in nursing. She continues to work as a full-time nurse in a remote position, but has incorporated writing into her routine, writing at night and when possible during the weekend. She also enjoys reading when time allows. This was never something she imagined possible, but it has opened up a world of connection with readers all across the world. Romance writing is something that has filled her cup and has brought immense joy to her life. Stefanie currently resides in Southern California, with her husband, two kids, and their Cavalier King Charles dog.
Instagram ⇢ @stefaniecastro.author
Email ⇢ stefanie.castro.writes@gmail.com
Instagram ⇢ @stefaniecastro.author
Email ⇢ stefanie.castro.writes@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 13, 2024
NOPE. NOPE. NOPE.
Why is it so hard these days to find a good fictional romance?
Why is it so hard these days to find a good fictional romance?
June 4, 2024
This is book three in the If Only series, and like the two before it, it is an emotional journey. A story that begins in childhood and moves to their youth. A strong supporting friendship, until it becomes more.
Grant’s devotion to Laney is what I want in a book boyfriend. His strength and protection are what she needs. Life has not been kind to her, and his support helps her move forward.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Grant’s devotion to Laney is what I want in a book boyfriend. His strength and protection are what she needs. Life has not been kind to her, and his support helps her move forward.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
May 27, 2024
Rating: 4.5 🌟
Spice: 3.75 🌶️
Laney and Grant’s journey to love from friendship was wrought with tribulation and passion. As the two MC ventured through childhood to adulthood, their friendship withstood the pressure of time and distance. The sweetness of each of them being one another’s first love was endearing.
Laney’s traumatic experiences rocked me to the core. As she grappled with trying to find her way back to her center, her best friend stood in the wings… ready to catch her. As she moved to a larger city, she tries and succeeded in making her way through through the darkness. But the secret… blew my mind.
Grant was everything one could want in a best friend and soulmate. His love for Laney knew no boundaries. His free spirit and career provided a perfect opportunity for him to experience the world. But fate wasn’t always kind… which his world is turned upside down, not once but twice.
This book was well crafted. I was enamored with the protagonists and their journey to becoming the couple that they were destined to be. The twist of the story really had me on the edge of my seat. I did not see that one coming. The discussion of loss, mass shooting, and grief was done with such grace and compassion.
Spice: 3.75 🌶️
Laney and Grant’s journey to love from friendship was wrought with tribulation and passion. As the two MC ventured through childhood to adulthood, their friendship withstood the pressure of time and distance. The sweetness of each of them being one another’s first love was endearing.
Laney’s traumatic experiences rocked me to the core. As she grappled with trying to find her way back to her center, her best friend stood in the wings… ready to catch her. As she moved to a larger city, she tries and succeeded in making her way through through the darkness. But the secret… blew my mind.
Grant was everything one could want in a best friend and soulmate. His love for Laney knew no boundaries. His free spirit and career provided a perfect opportunity for him to experience the world. But fate wasn’t always kind… which his world is turned upside down, not once but twice.
This book was well crafted. I was enamored with the protagonists and their journey to becoming the couple that they were destined to be. The twist of the story really had me on the edge of my seat. I did not see that one coming. The discussion of loss, mass shooting, and grief was done with such grace and compassion.
June 3, 2024
If Only You Hurt is the third book in the If Only series by Stefanie Castro and my goodness, Laney and Grant's story had my heart all kinds of twisted- but that just meant their HEA was all the better ❤
Similar to the other two books in this series, If Only You Hurt is this emotional ride and contains some topics that are sensitive in nature. This book is quite the journey though- starting off with snippets of Laney and Grant's friendship as it evolved over their youth to the heartbreaking trauma Laney endured and Grant's steadfast support and friendship through the next decade before things take the turn into more. The attraction and love is there just below the surface through the entire story but there is also this slowness in the forward progress of their relationship.
I adored Grant- his devotion to Laney was everything book boyfriends are made of. The man would do just about anything for her and the way that he sought out help so that he could be in a better position to help Laney in her journey gave me all the heart flutters. I loved his generally laid back demeanor but I also loved his protectiveness when it came to Laney. Now Laney was obviously dealt a rough hand- she experienced not one but two traumas essentially simultaneously and while it dimmed her light for a while, she didn't lose it all completely. Her healing and admitting the secrets she was keeping was such a big part of this story especially when it came to her progress with Grant but then Stefanie through in another twist that I wasn't expecting.
I loved how things basically came full circle for these two- the little glimpse into their future had happy tears forming in my eyes. Definitely worth the wait for these two!
Similar to the other two books in this series, If Only You Hurt is this emotional ride and contains some topics that are sensitive in nature. This book is quite the journey though- starting off with snippets of Laney and Grant's friendship as it evolved over their youth to the heartbreaking trauma Laney endured and Grant's steadfast support and friendship through the next decade before things take the turn into more. The attraction and love is there just below the surface through the entire story but there is also this slowness in the forward progress of their relationship.
I adored Grant- his devotion to Laney was everything book boyfriends are made of. The man would do just about anything for her and the way that he sought out help so that he could be in a better position to help Laney in her journey gave me all the heart flutters. I loved his generally laid back demeanor but I also loved his protectiveness when it came to Laney. Now Laney was obviously dealt a rough hand- she experienced not one but two traumas essentially simultaneously and while it dimmed her light for a while, she didn't lose it all completely. Her healing and admitting the secrets she was keeping was such a big part of this story especially when it came to her progress with Grant but then Stefanie through in another twist that I wasn't expecting.
I loved how things basically came full circle for these two- the little glimpse into their future had happy tears forming in my eyes. Definitely worth the wait for these two!
May 21, 2024
So much happened right at the beginning that I bawled through most of the book! This is my second book by Stefanie and it was wonderful! There was some funny parts I think as a mom you’d find funny but this is a must read!!
June 23, 2024
A Most Definitely Must 💯 percent Read !
Do not pass go do not hesitate go grab this absolutely beautiful story .
Firstly let me just say this before I get into it … Please call me Mrs Grant Stanley thank you very much .
Jesus this man … I’m in a serious sweetness overload, Grantie is the ultimate book boyfriend..yup he made it without a single thought..
This is more than a romance story about these two main characters. This is a story about healing loss and self discovery. It’s the push and pull of one of life’s most profound lessons, Pain, and the way one’s life can change because of our very own experiences and circumstances, especially when we experience trauma past or present it’s a demon none can expect to escape, it is life changing and something that can disrupts all future experiences going forward.
This book… omg.. this book highlights these important issues perfectly for the reader.
Listen .. Grant soul was called to Laney from an early age this man loved this woman beyond words !
And the way how it was written whew let me tell you it brought tears to my eyes , there’s just no describing the way how this man was beautifully portrayed. None .
And Laney aka Bean Grants world … she too was fated to be Grant’s entire world .. she too loved Grant without reason and was happy and excited to be his finally .. but of course life has other plans . A bump a detour towards their HEA .
And lord knows I didn’t see that road block and neither did they!
Laney experienced the unexpected but did the wrong thing by keeping this sweet sweet man who would walk through fire for her at bay, she held on to a secret that would change their lives!
“No matter where I am, I will always love you”.
I have needed her like I need my next breath; my life depends on feeling her by my side.
“You are my everything, Grant. I’m always looking for you because you’re my forever.”
Grants and Laney Journey from friends to lovers was realistically portrayed by this Author new to me .. and I can safely say she’s my new favorite author.
She made the list just as Grant did she has Managed to solidify the entire book in one place in a single day in my heart .
Absolutely love this book and most definitely 💯 recommend reading it !
It’s not A dark book by any means but deals with trauma in a realistic way and it’s beautifully written so that you will be sucked into it.
Although I didn’t start with the first book in this series I wasn’t lost, again it was well written with every character storyline past and present beautifully highlighted in this book and i enjoyed every single chapter of it!
A Must Read
🌸Best Friends to Lovers
💕Traumatic Past
🌸Accidental Pregnancy
💕Mental Health Rep
🌸Golden Retriever/Cinnamon Roll
💕HEA
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
An ARC Review
Georgious_eleanorpb
Link below for book
If Only You Hurt (If Only Series Book 3) https://a.co/d/g1ZXwyP
Do not pass go do not hesitate go grab this absolutely beautiful story .
Firstly let me just say this before I get into it … Please call me Mrs Grant Stanley thank you very much .
Jesus this man … I’m in a serious sweetness overload, Grantie is the ultimate book boyfriend..yup he made it without a single thought..
This is more than a romance story about these two main characters. This is a story about healing loss and self discovery. It’s the push and pull of one of life’s most profound lessons, Pain, and the way one’s life can change because of our very own experiences and circumstances, especially when we experience trauma past or present it’s a demon none can expect to escape, it is life changing and something that can disrupts all future experiences going forward.
This book… omg.. this book highlights these important issues perfectly for the reader.
Listen .. Grant soul was called to Laney from an early age this man loved this woman beyond words !
And the way how it was written whew let me tell you it brought tears to my eyes , there’s just no describing the way how this man was beautifully portrayed. None .
And Laney aka Bean Grants world … she too was fated to be Grant’s entire world .. she too loved Grant without reason and was happy and excited to be his finally .. but of course life has other plans . A bump a detour towards their HEA .
And lord knows I didn’t see that road block and neither did they!
Laney experienced the unexpected but did the wrong thing by keeping this sweet sweet man who would walk through fire for her at bay, she held on to a secret that would change their lives!
“No matter where I am, I will always love you”.
I have needed her like I need my next breath; my life depends on feeling her by my side.
“You are my everything, Grant. I’m always looking for you because you’re my forever.”
Grants and Laney Journey from friends to lovers was realistically portrayed by this Author new to me .. and I can safely say she’s my new favorite author.
She made the list just as Grant did she has Managed to solidify the entire book in one place in a single day in my heart .
Absolutely love this book and most definitely 💯 recommend reading it !
It’s not A dark book by any means but deals with trauma in a realistic way and it’s beautifully written so that you will be sucked into it.
Although I didn’t start with the first book in this series I wasn’t lost, again it was well written with every character storyline past and present beautifully highlighted in this book and i enjoyed every single chapter of it!
A Must Read
🌸Best Friends to Lovers
💕Traumatic Past
🌸Accidental Pregnancy
💕Mental Health Rep
🌸Golden Retriever/Cinnamon Roll
💕HEA
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
An ARC Review
Georgious_eleanorpb
Link below for book
If Only You Hurt (If Only Series Book 3) https://a.co/d/g1ZXwyP
May 23, 2024
In the third and final book in the series, we get Grant and Laney and their love story. It's sweet, and tragic, filled with angst and devastation as well as profound loss and emotional strength. The past and present are woven together between the dual perspectives, and it had me in tears practically from the start.
Laney experiences something so awful and calamitous that her life is thrown completely off course. She struggles, but is lucky to have both her family as well as Grant's for a support system, which, along with therapy and time, bringing her to something of a comfortable present. Grant wants nothing more than forever with Laney, but has been afraid to push for more. His therapist tells him that she needs time and she needs to be in control of the situation; he needs to be there for her with love and patience.
I loved that Grant saw a therapist with the goal of learning how to be there and support Laney through her experience and recovery. His love for her is clear, as is his devotion. At times, I found myself frustrated with Laney, but I had to remember that I haven't experienced what she did, and I have no idea how I would react if I was in her shoes, so I needed to give her grace and continue to cheer for her progress along with the rest of the characters.
I'm not sure, but I think I needed more showing and less telling when it came to Grant and his feelings. He repeatedly talks about how much he loves Laney, she's his person, he feels complete with her, etc., but it began to feel repetitive. I don't think I needed to be reassured about his feelings as often as I was. Other than that, it was an emotional tale of endings and beginnings, of love and loss, and I cared deeply for the characters and the outcome. I appreciated the glimpses from the other couples at the end of the book, and feel like the series, as heartbreaking as it is, was tied up nicely.
Thank you so much to the author and to The Author Agency for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Laney experiences something so awful and calamitous that her life is thrown completely off course. She struggles, but is lucky to have both her family as well as Grant's for a support system, which, along with therapy and time, bringing her to something of a comfortable present. Grant wants nothing more than forever with Laney, but has been afraid to push for more. His therapist tells him that she needs time and she needs to be in control of the situation; he needs to be there for her with love and patience.
I loved that Grant saw a therapist with the goal of learning how to be there and support Laney through her experience and recovery. His love for her is clear, as is his devotion. At times, I found myself frustrated with Laney, but I had to remember that I haven't experienced what she did, and I have no idea how I would react if I was in her shoes, so I needed to give her grace and continue to cheer for her progress along with the rest of the characters.
I'm not sure, but I think I needed more showing and less telling when it came to Grant and his feelings. He repeatedly talks about how much he loves Laney, she's his person, he feels complete with her, etc., but it began to feel repetitive. I don't think I needed to be reassured about his feelings as often as I was. Other than that, it was an emotional tale of endings and beginnings, of love and loss, and I cared deeply for the characters and the outcome. I appreciated the glimpses from the other couples at the end of the book, and feel like the series, as heartbreaking as it is, was tied up nicely.
Thank you so much to the author and to The Author Agency for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
June 4, 2024
✍️ 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾 ✍️
“IF ONLY YOU HURT” STEFANIE CASTRO ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Con “If only you hurt” diciamo addio alla trilogia esordio di Stefanie Castro
Grant e Laney sono amici da quando avevano 4 anni, le loro sorelle sono migliori amiche e le loro madri sono migliori amiche, quindi per loro era quasi naturale crescere insieme come migliori amici. Hanno fatto tutto insieme, tra di loro c’è sempre stata una complicità unica, tanto da far sviluppare a entrambi sentimenti che arrivati a un certo unto della loro vita non sono più riusciti a ignorare. Ma poi un giorno qualcosa cambia nella vita di Laney, qualcosa di estremamente traumatico, che la fa allontanare da tutto e da tutti. Grant però è sempre lì per lei, silenzioso e affidabile, pronto a raccogliere i cocci di quella che è la donna della sua vita. Gli anni passano, e Grant e Laney sono sempre Grant e Laney, ma con qualcosa in più stavolta.
E’ difficile spiegare la storia di questo libro. E’ sicuramente strutturata diversamente da qualsiasi altro best friends to lovers: i due sanno di essere attratti l’uno dall’altro fin da subito, fin dai primi momenti di pubertà, e decidono di agire riguardo a questa cosa. Ma poi succede quel che succede e tornano a essere semplicemente due amici. Non posso dire altro per non spoilerarvi troppo la storia, ma se cercate qualcosa di un po’ più originale rispetto al classico contemporary romance, leggete questa trilogia.
Apprezzo tantissimo la penna della Castro. Tuttavia non ho apprezzato l’elemento suspense che c’era in questo libro: sembrava buttato un po’ lì per caso per riempire un buco che altrimenti avrebbe fatto finire il libro troppo presto… nonostante ciò mi è piaciuto tantissimo tutto il resto. La narrazione scorre una meraviglia, i personaggi sono complicati ma semplici allo stesso tempo: i loro caratteri sono in sincronia, ma quello che provano individualmente, soprattutto Laney, gli dà uno spessore diverso.
Il primo libro della trilogia, “If only you knew”, continua a rimanere il mio preferito, e ora che la serie è finita confermo la mia preferenza.
Nulla eguaglierà per me la storia tra Becca e Shane, ma Grant e Laney ci sono andati molto vicino.
“IF ONLY YOU HURT” STEFANIE CASTRO ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Con “If only you hurt” diciamo addio alla trilogia esordio di Stefanie Castro
Grant e Laney sono amici da quando avevano 4 anni, le loro sorelle sono migliori amiche e le loro madri sono migliori amiche, quindi per loro era quasi naturale crescere insieme come migliori amici. Hanno fatto tutto insieme, tra di loro c’è sempre stata una complicità unica, tanto da far sviluppare a entrambi sentimenti che arrivati a un certo unto della loro vita non sono più riusciti a ignorare. Ma poi un giorno qualcosa cambia nella vita di Laney, qualcosa di estremamente traumatico, che la fa allontanare da tutto e da tutti. Grant però è sempre lì per lei, silenzioso e affidabile, pronto a raccogliere i cocci di quella che è la donna della sua vita. Gli anni passano, e Grant e Laney sono sempre Grant e Laney, ma con qualcosa in più stavolta.
E’ difficile spiegare la storia di questo libro. E’ sicuramente strutturata diversamente da qualsiasi altro best friends to lovers: i due sanno di essere attratti l’uno dall’altro fin da subito, fin dai primi momenti di pubertà, e decidono di agire riguardo a questa cosa. Ma poi succede quel che succede e tornano a essere semplicemente due amici. Non posso dire altro per non spoilerarvi troppo la storia, ma se cercate qualcosa di un po’ più originale rispetto al classico contemporary romance, leggete questa trilogia.
Apprezzo tantissimo la penna della Castro. Tuttavia non ho apprezzato l’elemento suspense che c’era in questo libro: sembrava buttato un po’ lì per caso per riempire un buco che altrimenti avrebbe fatto finire il libro troppo presto… nonostante ciò mi è piaciuto tantissimo tutto il resto. La narrazione scorre una meraviglia, i personaggi sono complicati ma semplici allo stesso tempo: i loro caratteri sono in sincronia, ma quello che provano individualmente, soprattutto Laney, gli dà uno spessore diverso.
Il primo libro della trilogia, “If only you knew”, continua a rimanere il mio preferito, e ora che la serie è finita confermo la mia preferenza.
Nulla eguaglierà per me la storia tra Becca e Shane, ma Grant e Laney ci sono andati molto vicino.
June 4, 2024
I absolutely loved the If Only series! While I was sad to see it come to an end, I think Stefanie Castro saved the best for last with Grant and Laney's story! Having read the two previous books, there were many breadcrumbs dropped about these two characters and their friends-with-benefits situationship hinted at. I was so excited to really dive into this book, and I thought that SC did a fantastic job exploring not only their friendship and romance but the nuances of grief, trauma and loss!
Laney survived the unthinkable. She has carried grief and trauma with her every day for the past 12 years. She became a shell of her former self, but Grant was there with every step of the way in her recovery. Steadfast, golden retriever, cinnamon roll Grant. I adored him. And I appreciated how we got to see how he handled the grief of losing their romance as well. These two were on the precipice of changing their relationship forever the day that Laney's life changed forever, and it took a really long time for them to reclaim what they once had. Years! And while both of them dated in the interim, they each knew that the other was home. A safe place. But when they finally reconnect and move forward, will a secret Laney has been keeping all this time threaten to tear them apart for good?
This book was so well done, told through chapters set in the past and in the present. All three of the If Only books have an overlapping timeline, and it was really interesting to re-read previous scenes from the perspective of Grant and Laney. And I can't thank the author enough for that lovely epilogue, set 10 years in the future, told from the perspective of the three husbands where we get to see where each of the couples (and their kids) are a decade from now!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Laney survived the unthinkable. She has carried grief and trauma with her every day for the past 12 years. She became a shell of her former self, but Grant was there with every step of the way in her recovery. Steadfast, golden retriever, cinnamon roll Grant. I adored him. And I appreciated how we got to see how he handled the grief of losing their romance as well. These two were on the precipice of changing their relationship forever the day that Laney's life changed forever, and it took a really long time for them to reclaim what they once had. Years! And while both of them dated in the interim, they each knew that the other was home. A safe place. But when they finally reconnect and move forward, will a secret Laney has been keeping all this time threaten to tear them apart for good?
This book was so well done, told through chapters set in the past and in the present. All three of the If Only books have an overlapping timeline, and it was really interesting to re-read previous scenes from the perspective of Grant and Laney. And I can't thank the author enough for that lovely epilogue, set 10 years in the future, told from the perspective of the three husbands where we get to see where each of the couples (and their kids) are a decade from now!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
May 25, 2024
Well, the author sure as shit succeeded in making me hurt. My heart aches for this couple. The turmoil that they endured is just ... too much.
I can't exactly tell you all of the ways that my heart hurts because that will spoil a lot of this story, but please know that for all of the pain & sadness inflicted, the author honestly heals you by the end.
Grant & Laney are soulmates. They have been drawn together since they were still in diapers. Their connection is so strong, and their love for each other is so deep. They are best friends while mutually pining for the other - too scared to voice their desire for fear of ruining their friendship. Age old trope, yanno.
Tragedy strikes Laney while in college, and her world gets flipped on its head. She will never be the same. While she copes & learns to maneuver thru life, Grant is there... patiently holding her hand.
Grant is a saint. I love this male character so much. He is just so full of love, devotion, kindness, patience, etc. He is everything that a woman needs IRL.
Laney's heart is so fragile, and I just wanted to hold her & cuddle her. I wanted to take her suffering!!! Ugh
Then add in the TAD situation...
Fuh, ck me. That was just simply uncalled for. The author needs a time-out for that one.
I enjoyed how we got to see Wyatt & Shane one last time in little epilogues. It was nice to have all of the stories tied up in a neat little bow.
This story was the most emotional of the 3. I cried the most. I didn't know I even needed to cry. Apparently, I did. Thanks, Stefanie, for this ARC. I'm so honored to have read it a bit early
I can't exactly tell you all of the ways that my heart hurts because that will spoil a lot of this story, but please know that for all of the pain & sadness inflicted, the author honestly heals you by the end.
Grant & Laney are soulmates. They have been drawn together since they were still in diapers. Their connection is so strong, and their love for each other is so deep. They are best friends while mutually pining for the other - too scared to voice their desire for fear of ruining their friendship. Age old trope, yanno.
Tragedy strikes Laney while in college, and her world gets flipped on its head. She will never be the same. While she copes & learns to maneuver thru life, Grant is there... patiently holding her hand.
Grant is a saint. I love this male character so much. He is just so full of love, devotion, kindness, patience, etc. He is everything that a woman needs IRL.
Laney's heart is so fragile, and I just wanted to hold her & cuddle her. I wanted to take her suffering!!! Ugh
Then add in the TAD situation...
Fuh, ck me. That was just simply uncalled for. The author needs a time-out for that one.
I enjoyed how we got to see Wyatt & Shane one last time in little epilogues. It was nice to have all of the stories tied up in a neat little bow.
This story was the most emotional of the 3. I cried the most. I didn't know I even needed to cry. Apparently, I did. Thanks, Stefanie, for this ARC. I'm so honored to have read it a bit early
May 29, 2024
Book: If Only You Hurt
Author: Stefanie Castro
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
❤️childhood best friends to lovers
❤️overcoming trauma
❤️”You’re it for me”
❤️golden retriever MMC
❤️emotional
❤️accidental pregnancy
I don’t even really know how to start this review. Laney and Grant were childhood best friends as toddlers. Grant had to move away when he was 5, but their families always visited each other and kept in touch. We see Grant and Laney grow up together and see from both POV’s how their feelings grew to be more than friends over the years. When they finally get the courage to confess their feelings, tragedy strikes. This book was SO emotional. Laney went through SO much. Grant was right by her side through it all. He was so supportive and just UGH such a great man. The TENSION in this book was unreal. When I got to the “10 years later” I had to put my kindle down. The absolute pain these two had to endure for those 10 years of being just friends due to Laney’s trauma was just heartbreaking. They were both dealing with the trauma the best they could. Laney trying to heal and Grant being her support every step of the way. I read this book in one sitting because I could not put it down. If you love emotional childhood friends to lovers with tension and a little bit of spice this is the perfect book for you!
Author: Stefanie Castro
Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
❤️childhood best friends to lovers
❤️overcoming trauma
❤️”You’re it for me”
❤️golden retriever MMC
❤️emotional
❤️accidental pregnancy
I don’t even really know how to start this review. Laney and Grant were childhood best friends as toddlers. Grant had to move away when he was 5, but their families always visited each other and kept in touch. We see Grant and Laney grow up together and see from both POV’s how their feelings grew to be more than friends over the years. When they finally get the courage to confess their feelings, tragedy strikes. This book was SO emotional. Laney went through SO much. Grant was right by her side through it all. He was so supportive and just UGH such a great man. The TENSION in this book was unreal. When I got to the “10 years later” I had to put my kindle down. The absolute pain these two had to endure for those 10 years of being just friends due to Laney’s trauma was just heartbreaking. They were both dealing with the trauma the best they could. Laney trying to heal and Grant being her support every step of the way. I read this book in one sitting because I could not put it down. If you love emotional childhood friends to lovers with tension and a little bit of spice this is the perfect book for you!
June 3, 2024
Ⓐⓡⓒ ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓘𝓯 𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓗𝓾𝓻𝓽 by @stefaniecastro.author
I cried within the first 3% of this book. Literal tears streaming down my face. The anguish and heartbreak, it was devastating.
Grant was amazing. Like as pure and wholesome as a person could get. His love spanned so much heartache and trauma and he made himself go to therapy in order to figure out how to help her. He just wanted to love her the best way he could and damn did he ever. He was patient, kind, and so supportive of everything.
Quote from Grant that i loved him more for: “I feel even more love for her because the appreciation I feel for her still living in this world overwhelms me with gratitude.”
Laney was heartache personified. The trauma she faced was deep. She had reasons to not want things to change, but when the light started coming back into her eyes, i loved how she was with Grant. Their friendship was everything to her. A lifeline. The air she breathed. It was beautiful to see it blossom even after all the hurt.
A quote that really resonated with me, “People don’t put enough weight on the need to feel pain when that discomfort is warranted. I was raised by a mother that taught me that pain is part of life. It’s something we have no control over, yet it’s something that allows for growth and perspective.”
Trigger warning are a real thing for some, please check them before diving in.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓘𝓯 𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓗𝓾𝓻𝓽 by @stefaniecastro.author
I cried within the first 3% of this book. Literal tears streaming down my face. The anguish and heartbreak, it was devastating.
Grant was amazing. Like as pure and wholesome as a person could get. His love spanned so much heartache and trauma and he made himself go to therapy in order to figure out how to help her. He just wanted to love her the best way he could and damn did he ever. He was patient, kind, and so supportive of everything.
Quote from Grant that i loved him more for: “I feel even more love for her because the appreciation I feel for her still living in this world overwhelms me with gratitude.”
Laney was heartache personified. The trauma she faced was deep. She had reasons to not want things to change, but when the light started coming back into her eyes, i loved how she was with Grant. Their friendship was everything to her. A lifeline. The air she breathed. It was beautiful to see it blossom even after all the hurt.
A quote that really resonated with me, “People don’t put enough weight on the need to feel pain when that discomfort is warranted. I was raised by a mother that taught me that pain is part of life. It’s something we have no control over, yet it’s something that allows for growth and perspective.”
Trigger warning are a real thing for some, please check them before diving in.
May 31, 2024
My feelings are so conflicted with this book. I love Stefanie Castro and her If Only series and this book definitely hurt and will pull at all of your emotions.
Laney my heart broke for her she has been through more than any person should face and you just want to be there through her journey back to herself and the pain she has been through.
Grant is Laney's best friend. They had been friends since they were children. This man would walk through fire for Laney if she asked him to. When Laney goes through what she did (I don't want to spoil) Grant seeks a therapist so he can be the best person that Laney needs. Grant is so patient and the most loving man to Laney. I honestly commend him for everything he did and how patient he was with her when at time imo she didn't deserve it.
Now here is where my conflicted review/feelings come in and I will try not to spoil.....
I want to understand the reasons Laney did what she did. I can't imagine her decision because I have not been through something like that however, I thought at times Laney was very selfish. She was constantly pulling Grant in close and imo using him to just push him away when he was wanting more from her (And if/when you read the book it makes sense why he wants more with her and your heart will break for both but mine broke for him a lot). When Laney's secret is revealed to Grant I felt for him. I did not think that should have been hidden from him for 10 years and honestly I was disappointed with even how some other characters reactions to his feelings about the situation (but again never been through what she did so take what I say with a grain of salt but imo she was selfish for withholding for 10 years and Grant was right to feel what he felt).
I want to thank The author agency for the ARC of this book.
Laney my heart broke for her she has been through more than any person should face and you just want to be there through her journey back to herself and the pain she has been through.
Grant is Laney's best friend. They had been friends since they were children. This man would walk through fire for Laney if she asked him to. When Laney goes through what she did (I don't want to spoil) Grant seeks a therapist so he can be the best person that Laney needs. Grant is so patient and the most loving man to Laney. I honestly commend him for everything he did and how patient he was with her when at time imo she didn't deserve it.
Now here is where my conflicted review/feelings come in and I will try not to spoil.....
I want to understand the reasons Laney did what she did. I can't imagine her decision because I have not been through something like that however, I thought at times Laney was very selfish. She was constantly pulling Grant in close and imo using him to just push him away when he was wanting more from her (And if/when you read the book it makes sense why he wants more with her and your heart will break for both but mine broke for him a lot). When Laney's secret is revealed to Grant I felt for him. I did not think that should have been hidden from him for 10 years and honestly I was disappointed with even how some other characters reactions to his feelings about the situation (but again never been through what she did so take what I say with a grain of salt but imo she was selfish for withholding for 10 years and Grant was right to feel what he felt).
I want to thank The author agency for the ARC of this book.
May 27, 2024
I have waited for Laney's story. Now that I've read it, I'm sad to have finished. Laney and Grant are soulmates. We often read of characters as soulmates but I've never really felt that connection in a book. These two were written as the ultimate soulmates, together from early childhood. While life changes their paths, they are never truly apart, simply separated by distance.
Grant is the ultimate Golden Retriever - caring, protective, willing to do whatever needs to be done to support his love. Laney is broken by circumstances beyond her control. Grant never attempts to fix her; he simply accompanies her on her journey. Seriously, I'm a little in love with him myself.
While you don't need to read the other If Only books, they do make each story richer as they happen concurrently. Each couple supports the other couples in the trilogy, and the author has done a fabulous job weaving the stories together. I'm sad these books have ended. Maybe Olive can have a book??
(Please note that this story in the trilogy begins with a school shooting that is not mentioned in the previous books. Please read Stefanie's trigger warnings.)
Grant is the ultimate Golden Retriever - caring, protective, willing to do whatever needs to be done to support his love. Laney is broken by circumstances beyond her control. Grant never attempts to fix her; he simply accompanies her on her journey. Seriously, I'm a little in love with him myself.
While you don't need to read the other If Only books, they do make each story richer as they happen concurrently. Each couple supports the other couples in the trilogy, and the author has done a fabulous job weaving the stories together. I'm sad these books have ended. Maybe Olive can have a book??
(Please note that this story in the trilogy begins with a school shooting that is not mentioned in the previous books. Please read Stefanie's trigger warnings.)
June 20, 2024
If Only You Hurt is the third book in the If Only Series by Stefanie Castro. Wow where can I begin, like the two previous books in the series. This one it’s another emotional journey. The more emotional the journey is the better their HEA will be, since they earn it.
Stefanie, girl you wreck me with Laney and Grant’s story, even though the journey was emotional I had faith that the ending would be worth the pain.
Stefanie I love the fact that you are not afraid to write about topics that not everyone would feel comfortable with. I won’t lie, reading this book was hard and emotional for me, but I’m glad I did.
If Only You Hurt tells the story of Laney and Grant, how they went from being childhood friends, to lovers. The real journey takes place in the process of becoming lovers. In that gap we see how they grow into the persons they are meant to be. How events of the past can change the outcomes of their crafted future. How omitting to tell the truth can still hurt.
The devotion and love that Grant has for Laney, make him the perfect book boyfriend. Him being there for Laney helped her deal with things easiest. Laney suffers multiple traumas in her life that impact her in a way that makes her keep a secret. Which is a hard secret to keep especially when it takes a big part in the story of Grant and Laney. But like always Stefanie knows how to bring us back from the edge, If Only You Hurt is proof of that. The If Only Series, it’s a most read series,Stefanie would take you in a must needed roller coaster ride, full of love, forgiveness, protective man, and trusting that healing is possible.
Stefanie, girl you wreck me with Laney and Grant’s story, even though the journey was emotional I had faith that the ending would be worth the pain.
Stefanie I love the fact that you are not afraid to write about topics that not everyone would feel comfortable with. I won’t lie, reading this book was hard and emotional for me, but I’m glad I did.
If Only You Hurt tells the story of Laney and Grant, how they went from being childhood friends, to lovers. The real journey takes place in the process of becoming lovers. In that gap we see how they grow into the persons they are meant to be. How events of the past can change the outcomes of their crafted future. How omitting to tell the truth can still hurt.
The devotion and love that Grant has for Laney, make him the perfect book boyfriend. Him being there for Laney helped her deal with things easiest. Laney suffers multiple traumas in her life that impact her in a way that makes her keep a secret. Which is a hard secret to keep especially when it takes a big part in the story of Grant and Laney. But like always Stefanie knows how to bring us back from the edge, If Only You Hurt is proof of that. The If Only Series, it’s a most read series,Stefanie would take you in a must needed roller coaster ride, full of love, forgiveness, protective man, and trusting that healing is possible.
June 6, 2024
I adore a best friends to lovers story and Grant and Laney had one of the best. These two have been best friends since babies and even Grant moving away didn’t hurt their friendship. They shared many firsts with each and had genuine love for one another. Neither had the courage to tell the other about their feelings and assumed that the other’s feeling were just that for a friend. Tragedy strikes in the most horrific way that changes the trajectory of their lives for many years. Even though Grant wants to be there to fix her, Laney is a shell of who she was and holds so much pain and grief she doesn’t share with anyone. Eventually these twin flames find their way back to each other and what they had and rebuild their relationship. I love the author’s ability to thoroughly explain trauma post tragedy. She was so spot on with the emotions and the grief and just how hard it takes to pull yourself out of this hole of pain. The story was beautifully written and I greatly enjoyed it.
June 4, 2024
Oh goodness! Stefanie has this beautiful habit of breaking your heart then stitching it back together when you read her books. If Only You Hurt was no different. This book is the third in the series but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Bring tissues.
I knew I was in big trouble with this book when the prologue had me in tears! Laney and Grant are true soulmates and Grant is absolute perfection. He waits for Laney, helping to make her whole again, but most importantly, giving her the time, space and encouragement for her to heal herself. He went out of his way to learn how to be there for her. I just love him!
Check the triggers going into this book, as although they sensitively written they are heavy.
Thank you to Stefanie Castro and The Author Agency for the ARC of this book.
I knew I was in big trouble with this book when the prologue had me in tears! Laney and Grant are true soulmates and Grant is absolute perfection. He waits for Laney, helping to make her whole again, but most importantly, giving her the time, space and encouragement for her to heal herself. He went out of his way to learn how to be there for her. I just love him!
Check the triggers going into this book, as although they sensitively written they are heavy.
Thank you to Stefanie Castro and The Author Agency for the ARC of this book.
May 23, 2024
The journey to love for Laney and Grant is one filled with pain, hurt, and trauma that is life changing. These two are childhood best friends but when Laney experiences something horrific, their lives are forever changed.
Your heart will be ripped out during the prologue, and slowly put back together as Laney and Grant find one another through love, compassion, understanding and communication.
Stefanie Castro takes you on an emotional ride with each passing page, and each book within this series, so if you haven’t read the other books, circle back and do so.
Thank you @stefaniecastro.author and @theauthor.agency for the e-ARC of this book. I’m thankful for the honour to read it, the journey it took me on and the love that oozed from every pore of Grant and Laney.
4 stars
Your heart will be ripped out during the prologue, and slowly put back together as Laney and Grant find one another through love, compassion, understanding and communication.
Stefanie Castro takes you on an emotional ride with each passing page, and each book within this series, so if you haven’t read the other books, circle back and do so.
Thank you @stefaniecastro.author and @theauthor.agency for the e-ARC of this book. I’m thankful for the honour to read it, the journey it took me on and the love that oozed from every pore of Grant and Laney.
4 stars
May 29, 2024
⭐️: 5/5
Laney and Grant had an extremely emotional journey from best friends to lovers. It was beautiful to see the love that they shared as kids grow into such a strong connection. While events separated them, they were always able to find their way back to one another.
The way Grant cares for Laney while she struggles with her traumatic past is nothing short of perfection. He continued to support her while their romantic relationship took a back seat to Laney’s healing.
The book kept you coming back for more. The twist at the end of the book was very unexpected and kept you in the edge of your seat.
I personally am a sucker for a nice revisit of the characters of intertwined books and this gave me that as well!
Thank you so much for the ARC!
Laney and Grant had an extremely emotional journey from best friends to lovers. It was beautiful to see the love that they shared as kids grow into such a strong connection. While events separated them, they were always able to find their way back to one another.
The way Grant cares for Laney while she struggles with her traumatic past is nothing short of perfection. He continued to support her while their romantic relationship took a back seat to Laney’s healing.
The book kept you coming back for more. The twist at the end of the book was very unexpected and kept you in the edge of your seat.
I personally am a sucker for a nice revisit of the characters of intertwined books and this gave me that as well!
Thank you so much for the ARC!
June 4, 2024
This is Laney and Grant's story. Laney and Grant grew up together. They were always best friends. After puberty happened it became clear they were attracted to each other. Even though Grant's family moved far away, they still somehow shared each other's firsts. Their bond seemed unbreakable, until Laney goes through a tragic situation. It takes Laney a long time to come to terms with what happened but Grant is determined to wait for her no matter how long it takes. This is a beautiful story of friends to lovers. Grant's patience and unwavering love toward Laney is a beautiful thing. This is a book about love, heartbreak and two soulmates finding their way back to each other. It really is a beautiful story.
June 4, 2024
This was book 3 in Stefanie’s “If Only” series and I was absolutely stoked to read Laney and Grants story. I do believe these books can be read as standalone if you WANTED, but because it is basically 3 separate love stories within a huge family/friend group with some cross-overs it’s best to read them together in this order: If Only You Knew, then If Only You Fell, THEN If Only You Hurt.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆
Since book one I have absolutely LOVED Stefanie’s writing which only continued throughout the series. Stefanie has a way of writing extremely emotional situations that makes you really FEEL those emotions like you’re IN THE BOOK. And yes, all 3 books were VERY emotional. If you love easy to read but emotion packed romances. You’ll love the writing in these.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒
I already adored Laney and Grant from the first two books. They’re introduced as children and you get to watch them grow which is amazing. Laney is fierce but broken dealing with severe PTSD from trauma no one should ever experience and Grant is ever the patient man. THE PERFECT MAN. Reading things from their POVs as both children and adults made me love them even more.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓
Simply beautiful. It was raw, emotional and hard to read at times, but the love story between those two was everything. Even though it was hard I will say the read was more relaxed than that of books 1 & 2 just because these two grew up together and ALWAYS had each other from diapers. I kind of had an idea what was going to come from Easter eggs left in the other books but leave it to Stefanie to still throw a couple curve balls in there lol! It was a beautiful conclusion to the series if I say so myself.
⚠️THIS BOOK CONTAINS TRIGGERS SUCH AS:⚠️
- surprise pregnancy
- Miscarriage
Thank you Stefanie for my ARC. Book 3 releases 06.03.24 💕
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆
Since book one I have absolutely LOVED Stefanie’s writing which only continued throughout the series. Stefanie has a way of writing extremely emotional situations that makes you really FEEL those emotions like you’re IN THE BOOK. And yes, all 3 books were VERY emotional. If you love easy to read but emotion packed romances. You’ll love the writing in these.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒
I already adored Laney and Grant from the first two books. They’re introduced as children and you get to watch them grow which is amazing. Laney is fierce but broken dealing with severe PTSD from trauma no one should ever experience and Grant is ever the patient man. THE PERFECT MAN. Reading things from their POVs as both children and adults made me love them even more.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓
Simply beautiful. It was raw, emotional and hard to read at times, but the love story between those two was everything. Even though it was hard I will say the read was more relaxed than that of books 1 & 2 just because these two grew up together and ALWAYS had each other from diapers. I kind of had an idea what was going to come from Easter eggs left in the other books but leave it to Stefanie to still throw a couple curve balls in there lol! It was a beautiful conclusion to the series if I say so myself.
⚠️THIS BOOK CONTAINS TRIGGERS SUCH AS:⚠️
- surprise pregnancy
- Miscarriage
Thank you Stefanie for my ARC. Book 3 releases 06.03.24 💕
May 23, 2024
This is an ARC review
First, I want to say please check the TW. This book has a heavy theme that might not be for everyone.
This book has my heart. Grant and Laney's story was beautiful, heartbreaking, tragic, but with a HEA. What Laney went through is hard and life altering. But Grant was patient with her. He lets her be and heal in her own way.
Laney and Grant were best friends since they were very young. Grant moved away a few years later, but they always kept in touch. Their love for each other grew, even though they dated other people. They always kept coming back to each other.
If you love best friends to lovers and soulmates, then this book is for you.
First, I want to say please check the TW. This book has a heavy theme that might not be for everyone.
This book has my heart. Grant and Laney's story was beautiful, heartbreaking, tragic, but with a HEA. What Laney went through is hard and life altering. But Grant was patient with her. He lets her be and heal in her own way.
Laney and Grant were best friends since they were very young. Grant moved away a few years later, but they always kept in touch. Their love for each other grew, even though they dated other people. They always kept coming back to each other.
If you love best friends to lovers and soulmates, then this book is for you.
June 2, 2024
Laney and Grant’s story is an emotional roller coaster! Check the trigger warnings as the story touches on some sensitive subjects. I loved that the author handled the subjects with finesse and grace.
Laney was such a strong and resilient character. She went through such a traumatic experience that changed her as a person. Grant had to watch his best friend, the woman he loved for years, piece herself back together. He was such an amazing character, always there for Laney and always loving her.
This story is beautifully crafted and their journey was amazingly written.
Laney was such a strong and resilient character. She went through such a traumatic experience that changed her as a person. Grant had to watch his best friend, the woman he loved for years, piece herself back together. He was such an amazing character, always there for Laney and always loving her.
This story is beautifully crafted and their journey was amazingly written.
June 3, 2024
Phenomenal and an emotional ride. I was by far an emotional train wreck when reading this book. The devotion, love, tragic losses have me tearing up at how beau written this book was. While this book does deal with some trauma and emotional wreckage it was written in such a way the reader is lost into the book and just wants to see how Grant and Laneys story ends. Such an amazing story that I’m grateful I got to read.
June 3, 2024
I received an advanced copy of Stefanie Castro's If Only You Hurt. Oh my goodness! This book is about the journey of Laney and Grant. How best friends can turn into lovers and how pain can heal the brokenness inside. Castro knows how to mix romance, hard truths, and love. I was hooked from the start and got hit so many times in my heart, I could not turn away. The characters and world-building are fantastic. I look forward to starting this series from the beginning.
May 30, 2024
4 out of 5 stars⭐️
A great read that has you wanting to keep going back to it to see what happens next!
Laney and Grant went from best friends to lovers whilst trauma, and everyday life occurred.
Bound together by fate, they go through life’s crazy obstacles and find their way back to eachother.
A great read that has you wanting to keep going back to it to see what happens next!
Laney and Grant went from best friends to lovers whilst trauma, and everyday life occurred.
Bound together by fate, they go through life’s crazy obstacles and find their way back to eachother.
June 6, 2024
This was so good I started crying 2 chapters in. Grant and Laney took first place from Shane and Becca. Grant and Laneys story was heartbreaking but so good and I'm glad we got to see it over the years and not just jump in now. The chemistry was fantastic and it was well written.
June 1, 2024
I really did enjoy this book. Some parts I just wanted to shake the fmc tho. But she went through two traumas at once and I could never imagine. I really got into this book because this stuff does happen in the US every day.
June 11, 2024
Omg. This book!!!! It’s so much more than just a friends to lovers romance. It’s emotional, and showcases what it’s like to love someone who is facing a mental battle. Through it all, Grant showed up and learned how to love Laney through it all. He was THE book boyfriend. 🩵
June 7, 2024
This story was hard hitting and I loved it! This book felt like what true, deep love is and what it takes to go through it! I loved the love between Grant and Laney. All the trouble they go through and heartache wrecked me! It was a great story. I felt it went on a little too long and got a little to descriptive at times so I took away a star for that. Otherwise I loved it!
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