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If Only
Life is straightforward, right?
Everything always turns out, just as we planned it would, right?
‘If Only’ is a romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud, cry into your pillow, and come out the other side with bells on!
Rachel is twenty-five, a piano teacher and is living a life of celibacy, but - most definitely - not through choice. It's nearly Christmas and she is off on a skiing holiday to Aviemore with her best friends. She wants to unwind, possibly learn how to ski again, and obviously, wallow some more in her own self pity. What could possibly go wrong?
Marty is twenty nine, has lived in Aviemore his whole life, and seems content on moseying his way through life, or does he? What is really going on behind those steely blue eyes?
Whatever life throws at you, there's always a way to fight back up to the top again.
Everything always turns out, just as we planned it would, right?
‘If Only’ is a romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud, cry into your pillow, and come out the other side with bells on!
Rachel is twenty-five, a piano teacher and is living a life of celibacy, but - most definitely - not through choice. It's nearly Christmas and she is off on a skiing holiday to Aviemore with her best friends. She wants to unwind, possibly learn how to ski again, and obviously, wallow some more in her own self pity. What could possibly go wrong?
Marty is twenty nine, has lived in Aviemore his whole life, and seems content on moseying his way through life, or does he? What is really going on behind those steely blue eyes?
Whatever life throws at you, there's always a way to fight back up to the top again.
- GenresNew Adult
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2017
14 people want to read
About the author
Yvonne Beattie
2 books20 followersYvonne lives in Aberdeen, Scotland, with her husband, and two children. After living in Houston, TX, Malaysia and Denmark, it is refreshing to be home, close to family, and settled again. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, or chasing after her two little ones and their endless, yet incredible, social lives. Yvonne has a BA in Corporate Communication and an MBA in Oil and Gas Management.
Contact: authoryvonnebeattie@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 15, 2017
Rachel and her friends have been working hard, so they all need a little vacation. They go to Aviemore to celebrate the holidays and to do some skiing. When they arrive, there isn’t any snow so no skiing. They do still enjoy their time there and visit some places. She meets Marty on a trip. After a few days, it does snow and they go skiing. Rachel isn’t great at it, but she takes some lessons and becomes better at it. While skiing, she runs into Marty again and it won’t be the last time she runs into him. Marty and Rachel spend some time together and fall in love.
I wanted to read this book since I saw the cover. I love it because of its simplicity. I really liked this book. There were a few twists and turns that I never expected. Great setting and characters, but I don’t have the feeling that I know Marty as well as I do Rachel. I loved Rachel and Marty together. I also loved Maggie and Marty’s family!
I only read blurbs to decide if I want to read a book or not. I don’t reread a blurb when I start the book. So I didn’t know the character’s names of If Only. When I was reading, I was thinking that Joel felt something for Rachel and that they would end up together, so I was rooting for them. But then Rachel went on a date with Marty and liked being with him, so I wasn’t sure what to think anymore. Then there was a huge revelation about Joel and from that moment it was clear that Rachel and Marty would be a couple and I started to love this book.
I wanted to read this book since I saw the cover. I love it because of its simplicity. I really liked this book. There were a few twists and turns that I never expected. Great setting and characters, but I don’t have the feeling that I know Marty as well as I do Rachel. I loved Rachel and Marty together. I also loved Maggie and Marty’s family!
I only read blurbs to decide if I want to read a book or not. I don’t reread a blurb when I start the book. So I didn’t know the character’s names of If Only. When I was reading, I was thinking that Joel felt something for Rachel and that they would end up together, so I was rooting for them. But then Rachel went on a date with Marty and liked being with him, so I wasn’t sure what to think anymore. Then there was a huge revelation about Joel and from that moment it was clear that Rachel and Marty would be a couple and I started to love this book.
May 30, 2017
3 Stars
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
This is a contemporary Scottish romance that had a little bit of everything including bits of humor here and there, some moderately hot sexy scenes and overall good storyline. It actually started out as a 5 star read for me and then at about 30% it started to fall apart.
So we have Rachel, who has just ended her relationship with her long term boyfriend, who is taking a Christmas vacation with 3 of her friends. I actually loved the interaction between these characters. I loved their snarky, sarcastic humor. Without giving the plot away, there a few scenarios that occur that make you feel like the story is going in a certain way and then at 30% there is a huge revelation that essentially nips that in the bud. I get that the author was going for the element of surprise, which is fine, except now you realize that the previous scenes JUST DID NOT MAKE ANY SENSE!! So that was a little disappointing.
As the story progresses, we have Rachel and Marty 'accidentally' meeting up with each other every day. The chemistry between the these two were JUST OK. I can honestly say after reading this book that I really don't know Marty. I never felt a connection with him. So decide what you will with that...
I'm so sorry to say this but Rachel is one of the most annoying heroines I've ever read about. I felt like she annoyed her friends, she annoyed Marty and there was just something about her that I just didn't care if she got her HEA or not. And Marty, well I didn't much care if he got his HEA either because I felt like I didn't know him. At the end of the book we get this whole explanation on why Marty distanced himself from Rachel in about 2-3 kindle pages!!??
I did absolutely love all the side characters in this book! Loved Bex and Simon- now they should have had their own book! I also loved Maggie, who was Marty's grandmother. She was a great character and the relationship with Rachel and Maggie was definitely heartfelt.
So overall, this an OK read. I just wish I loved the MCs as much as I loved the side characters.
3 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Standalone
Single POV- Heroine
HEA
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
This is a contemporary Scottish romance that had a little bit of everything including bits of humor here and there, some moderately hot sexy scenes and overall good storyline. It actually started out as a 5 star read for me and then at about 30% it started to fall apart.
So we have Rachel, who has just ended her relationship with her long term boyfriend, who is taking a Christmas vacation with 3 of her friends. I actually loved the interaction between these characters. I loved their snarky, sarcastic humor. Without giving the plot away, there a few scenarios that occur that make you feel like the story is going in a certain way and then at 30% there is a huge revelation that essentially nips that in the bud. I get that the author was going for the element of surprise, which is fine, except now you realize that the previous scenes JUST DID NOT MAKE ANY SENSE!! So that was a little disappointing.
As the story progresses, we have Rachel and Marty 'accidentally' meeting up with each other every day. The chemistry between the these two were JUST OK. I can honestly say after reading this book that I really don't know Marty. I never felt a connection with him. So decide what you will with that...
I'm so sorry to say this but Rachel is one of the most annoying heroines I've ever read about. I felt like she annoyed her friends, she annoyed Marty and there was just something about her that I just didn't care if she got her HEA or not. And Marty, well I didn't much care if he got his HEA either because I felt like I didn't know him. At the end of the book we get this whole explanation on why Marty distanced himself from Rachel in about 2-3 kindle pages!!??
I did absolutely love all the side characters in this book! Loved Bex and Simon- now they should have had their own book! I also loved Maggie, who was Marty's grandmother. She was a great character and the relationship with Rachel and Maggie was definitely heartfelt.
So overall, this an OK read. I just wish I loved the MCs as much as I loved the side characters.
3 Stars
Contemporary Romance
Standalone
Single POV- Heroine
HEA
May 30, 2017
If Only by Yvonne Beattie is a novel full of surprises. Its main character, Rachel, is a free-spirited girl who's trying to move-on at first until she encountered Marty. I can say that Marty is that kind of a guy who really goes for what interests him. It was a kind of a slow=paced read, but worth it!
May 29, 2017
A thoroughly enjoyable and well written romance.
A few surprises and a range of emotions throughout.
This is the 2nd book of Yvonnes that I have read and can't wait for the next.
A few surprises and a range of emotions throughout.
This is the 2nd book of Yvonnes that I have read and can't wait for the next.
June 2, 2017
Oh my!!! This book was awesome. It had me laughing so hard one minute then ugly crying the next but it's an amazing story. I loved it.
March 4, 2017
Another wonderful book from my favourite author. I couldn't put it down. I laughed, cried and was disappointed when I finished it. Loved it!
May 28, 2017
"If Only", set in Highlands, always wanted to visit but never got a chance, been to England twice but still missed out! Reading this book, first and foremost, makes me long for the scenery and the environment and the peace that words can't even describe and yet, Yvonne does, and does it remarkably. Her story is in sync when it comes to her characters and the scenic beauty, accepting, welcoming and calm. There's a lightness to the whole setting.
Marty, is fun, easily embarrassed and incited, down to earth kinda guy, whereas Rachel even though sweet and accepting, knows when enough is enough and tries to take life by the horns. The two meet when Rachel who has recently broken up with her mooching, good for nothing (literally nothing) and her friends visit the highlands for skiing. The story is set at the time of Christmas, so the whole "adventure" has a festive and light air to it. And the lightness also depicts itself in our side characters, specially Maggie, God, and you thought it'd be the hero or heroine you'd fall in love with the most, well think again, Maggie is a firecracker and she'd literally crack you up with every word she utters. Wise and uninhibited, she lets you know what rule is on her mind. Other characters, Joel, Bex, Simon and Marty's parents, all are adorable and leave a lasting mark on the reader.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did, I had this idea that the book might be angsty or way too serious, and even though it has the ups and downs of life, it doesn't let you down at any point.
I thank Yvonne for the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. A must read book and an auto read author from now on 😉.
Marty, is fun, easily embarrassed and incited, down to earth kinda guy, whereas Rachel even though sweet and accepting, knows when enough is enough and tries to take life by the horns. The two meet when Rachel who has recently broken up with her mooching, good for nothing (literally nothing) and her friends visit the highlands for skiing. The story is set at the time of Christmas, so the whole "adventure" has a festive and light air to it. And the lightness also depicts itself in our side characters, specially Maggie, God, and you thought it'd be the hero or heroine you'd fall in love with the most, well think again, Maggie is a firecracker and she'd literally crack you up with every word she utters. Wise and uninhibited, she lets you know what rule is on her mind. Other characters, Joel, Bex, Simon and Marty's parents, all are adorable and leave a lasting mark on the reader.
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did, I had this idea that the book might be angsty or way too serious, and even though it has the ups and downs of life, it doesn't let you down at any point.
I thank Yvonne for the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. A must read book and an auto read author from now on 😉.
June 17, 2017
I chose If Only by Yvonne Beattie only because of Title and description. If I had to go on the cover, this book wouldn't even have grabbed my attention. I love covers and my honest opinion, think this cover could've been done better then what it is currently at.
Now that I have that out of the way, the first 40 percent the book was okay.
If I had not chose to review it, I would've not finish this novel. It just did not grab my attention at all, or hold it in order to turn the pages. The first 40 percent of a novel is so important. Around the 50 percent mark I actually got drawn into the book. The characters, Marty, Rachel, Bex, Si and Joel all started to became more real. I still feel that it should be something that needed to be present from the first page.
If I had to built my review on only the first 50 percent, I would've given in a one star rating, but I give it a three and a half star because of how really invested I got around the 70 percent mark.
I wish so badly that this book could have been a 100 percent all the way. The characters was there, they were just not that interesting for me in the beginning. The plot was slightly weak but it did get little stronger during the end.
So the beginning and middle didn't really do it for me, but the last 40 percent or so, well done Yvonne. I really rooted for Rachel and Marty. I just struggled to get there.
Now that I have that out of the way, the first 40 percent the book was okay.
If I had not chose to review it, I would've not finish this novel. It just did not grab my attention at all, or hold it in order to turn the pages. The first 40 percent of a novel is so important. Around the 50 percent mark I actually got drawn into the book. The characters, Marty, Rachel, Bex, Si and Joel all started to became more real. I still feel that it should be something that needed to be present from the first page.
If I had to built my review on only the first 50 percent, I would've given in a one star rating, but I give it a three and a half star because of how really invested I got around the 70 percent mark.
I wish so badly that this book could have been a 100 percent all the way. The characters was there, they were just not that interesting for me in the beginning. The plot was slightly weak but it did get little stronger during the end.
So the beginning and middle didn't really do it for me, but the last 40 percent or so, well done Yvonne. I really rooted for Rachel and Marty. I just struggled to get there.
June 8, 2017
I'm not sure where to start with this review.
I'll start with it held my attention for most of it but toward the end I found myself flipping the pages just to get to the end.
Bex and Simon were two side characters who I enjoyed throughly. I kind of wish they could have had their own book.
Joel, I loved him.
Rachel was a bit aloof about things. She sort of irritated me to a point. And then come Marty who is a whole mystery. I couldn't connect with him. The two main characters left a lot to the imagination. I just couldn't click with them. Plus some of the wording confused me. But overall I liked it just not my cup of tea.
I'll start with it held my attention for most of it but toward the end I found myself flipping the pages just to get to the end.
Bex and Simon were two side characters who I enjoyed throughly. I kind of wish they could have had their own book.
Joel, I loved him.
Rachel was a bit aloof about things. She sort of irritated me to a point. And then come Marty who is a whole mystery. I couldn't connect with him. The two main characters left a lot to the imagination. I just couldn't click with them. Plus some of the wording confused me. But overall I liked it just not my cup of tea.
June 13, 2017
I'm not sure where to start with this review.
I'll start with it held my attention for most of it but toward the end I found myself flipping the pages just to get to the end.
Bex and Simon were two side characters who I enjoyed throughly. I kind of wish they could have had their own book.
Joel, I loved him.
Rachel was a bit aloof about things. She sort of irritated me to a point. And then come Marty who is a whole mystery. I couldn't connect with him. The two main characters left a lot to the imagination. I just couldn't click with them. Plus some of the wording confused me. But overall I liked, it's just not my cup of tea.
I'll start with it held my attention for most of it but toward the end I found myself flipping the pages just to get to the end.
Bex and Simon were two side characters who I enjoyed throughly. I kind of wish they could have had their own book.
Joel, I loved him.
Rachel was a bit aloof about things. She sort of irritated me to a point. And then come Marty who is a whole mystery. I couldn't connect with him. The two main characters left a lot to the imagination. I just couldn't click with them. Plus some of the wording confused me. But overall I liked, it's just not my cup of tea.
June 13, 2017
If Only was a nice surprise! It was really easy to read, when you start it's hard to stop and it makes me laugh. I really like that the story takes place in Scotland (I'm French and Scotland always makes me dreaming!!).
At the beggining you don't know what think of Marty, but as soon as you know him better, you can't dislike him! (seriously the guy is able to do everything!!). Also, I am a big fan of Maggie! I hope I will be like this at 85! All the characters are well elaborated, you learn a lot on everyone and it's really nice. it's well written and I will looking for other books from Yvonne Beattie!
At the beggining you don't know what think of Marty, but as soon as you know him better, you can't dislike him! (seriously the guy is able to do everything!!). Also, I am a big fan of Maggie! I hope I will be like this at 85! All the characters are well elaborated, you learn a lot on everyone and it's really nice. it's well written and I will looking for other books from Yvonne Beattie!
June 16, 2017
This is the first book I read from this author and I liked it. An enjoyable love story that started out as a holiday romance. Loved the storyline it was a funny, romantic, emotional story with some steamy love scenes. Loved the characters especially Maggie. Look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
March 9, 2017
Wonderful heartwarming rom-com set in Scotland with easily loveable characters. Made me laugh and cheerlead for the main character Rachel. I couldn't put it down. Great story and I throughly recommend it. It would be a fab addition to your suitcase this summer.
March 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, a real feel good book. I really enjoyed the story, and I liked all the characters. I liked how it is based in Aberdeen and Aviemore, both familiar places to me. I highly recommend this book, for those looking for a light hearted read. Well done to Yvonne Beattie, for a brilliant second book. Looking forward to Yvonne's next book.
June 1, 2017
Great book
I loved this book it was as if I was sitting in the room with all the characters ! Great story!
Well done Yvonne can't wait for number 3
I loved this book it was as if I was sitting in the room with all the characters ! Great story!
Well done Yvonne can't wait for number 3
July 26, 2017
Overall, I found the story good not great. It is a sort of a holiday story that is likable and humorous. From other reviews, I know that most people love this book. For me there were some quirks that held me back from thoroughly enjoying this story. I will also say that I do not usually read holiday stories so it is possible that the type of story is just not for me. It could also be that had I read it at a different time I would have loved it, but as it is, this was a three star read that might have been less if half stars were available. I was not a big fan of most of the characters, although I did love Maggie. Three stars for the humorous bits and because I loved Maggie and the sentiment she brought to the story.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
September 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It has a little bit of everything as well as surprises I did not pick up on. It does make you feel connected to the characters and easy to feel Rachel's emotions. Maggie was by far my favorite character she was funny and full of life. I would love to read a story focused on her as the main character. Overall it was a good read. it kept me engaged so that I wanted to continue reading the story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews