Only You

Every time I read one of Denise's books I'm sucked in from the beginning. I laugh, cry and make those around me wonder what kind of crazy person is in their midst. I look forward to the rest of this series. This book is joyous to read!!!

This book focuses on Kevin Vandemeer, and if you have read the Wedding Pact series you will already know him as Megan’s very protective older brother. In that series he was a little hot-headed and had an attitude for a while because of some issues he had with his sister’s groom, understandably, and his attitude improved towards the end of Megan’s book, The Substitute, but I feel we still didn’t really know him as a person. It was great to see him as a main character in his own book, one where he isn’t just the older brother, but his own person living his own life and doing his own thing. I absolutely loved this book, especially the humorous parts and Holly’s side of the story is fantastic as well. It is also really nice seeing Megan, Blair, Libby, and a handful of other characters again in this book after meeting them in the Wedding Pact series. Overall, Only You is a fantastic book!

This is my first read by Denise Grover Swank and I am completely smitten! I absolutely LOVED this book! ONLY YOU is one of the best books I’ve ever read! It’s charming, hilarious, heart-felt and enchanting! I couldn’t put it down! The characters are easily relatable. The dialogue is witty and had me laughing out loud throughout the book. Holly is a strong, hardworking woman with a lot on her plate. She doesn’t need the distraction of her sexy new neighbor…no matter how tempting he is. After a string of crazy relationships, Kevin has sworn off women, that is until he meets Holly. He’s instantly mesmerized by Holly’s awkward charm, blunt honesty and sexy curves. It was a joy to follow their love story through all their cheeky shenanigans right along with a brilliant cast of secondary characters including: a methodically matchmaking sister, an overbearing mother, two onery grandmas, a cantankerous cousin and a cute little kitten! ONLY YOU is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s a beautifully written story full of hope, laughter and love. I highly recommend it to every reader! ***I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***

Couldn't put this book down from the beginning. Fast moving story of romance, humor and believable characters. Great read! Enjoy!

What a delightful rom com. Kevin buys a fixer upper next door to Holly and her cousin, Melanie. Melanie encourages Holly to introduce herself to their new neighbor and the attraction is instantaneous. However, Kevin has sworn off women, along with his buddies, and Holly is dedicated to her ailing Grandmother and her job/dream. Once Holly finds out that Kevin's mother is her difficult boss, she's adamant about them remaining "friends". Turns out that is easier said then done. I won't leave any spoilers about the ending but bring your tissues. I absolutely cannot wait until book two in this series. As a matter of fact, I'm going to dive into all of Denise's stories right away.

* I received a copy from the author but this in no way influenced my opinion or review. * This is the first book that I have read by author Denise Grover Swank, but it will not be the last!! She writes funny, chemistry filled, drama ridden, angst that grabs the readers attention from the very start and never lets it go! The reader feels like they are instantly part of the book - they make instant connections to the characters and instead of seeing the story through the eyes of the reader it is more like seeing it through the eyes of a friend. I love the character's dynamics, the fact that not everyone gets along or likes each other and the caring that the reader shows through her stories. Holly is responsible for her grandmother, she is missing key family members and at times is so overwhelmed that the reader can't help but to relate to her and feel for her. Kevin is not sure what he wants from life, he is so used to structure, rigidness and being in charge that it is almost too much to come home and not have to be on point for everything. The two of them have instant chemistry but a list of things that will come between them about 2 miles long....do they make it work? Can they? The plot is fun, a bit predictable at times, but it works for the author and the story. I love being able to sit back and enjoy a book that I don't have to "think" in. I can go with the flow and understand everything that is going on. I love the secondary characters and can't wait to see what happens next in this series! If you haven't read anything by this author, don't miss out! Grab this one or one of her others and you are sure to make a new favorite author for your list! Enjoy, this book is easily going to become one of your favorites -

In Only You, the first book in the Bachelor Brotherhood Series, a spinoff from the popular Wedding Pact Series, author Denise Grover Swank weaves an entertaining romantic comedy that follows the quirky romantic trials and tribulations of wedding planner Holly Greenwood and ex-Marine Kevin Vandemeer. Set in the Kansas City suburb of Blue Springs, Missouri, Only You is an entertaining tale that easily draws the reader into Holly and Kevin's story. Holly is an event planner who wants to own her own wedding planning business. She hasn't dated in a while, and has been completely focused on her career. Kevin has returned to his hometown after spending twelve years in the Marine Corps. After his second tour in Afghanistan, he decides that it is time to change, and is ready to live a civilian life. After his most recent breakup and a string of disastrous relationships, Kevin decides to take a self-imposed six month break from women. Along with his best buddies Matt and Tyler, they form the Bachelor Brotherhood, and have sworn off all women ... that is until Kevin meets Holly, his next door neighbor, when he moves into a money pit of a house that he is going to restore and flip. Follow along as both Holly and Kevin journey down the path and discover unexpected love. Only You is a delightful story that had a great mixture of humor, romance, drama, and unexpected twists and turns that easily kept me engaged and turning the pages. You can't help but cheer for Holly and Kevin as they struggle to overcome the crazy misunderstandings, challenges, trials and tribulations that they face while discovering that maybe they are ready for a relationship and true love. With a wonderful cast of characters, witty dialogue, humorous antics and interactions, and a sweet romantic storyline that will met your heart, Only You is a fun story that will leave you wanting more. I look forward to reading Until You, the second book in the Bachelor Brotherhood Series. Only You is a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy tale that will keep you in stitches and leave a satisfied smile on your face. Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, what a totally absorbing book from new to me author Denise Grover Swank. Only You grabs you right from the beginning and the heart-stirring journey never lets up. The two primary characters, Holly Greenwood and Kevin Vademeer, have undeniable chemistry, and their romantic courtship is replete with friendship, desire and love. Ms. Swank is a talented storyteller and her words kept me glued to my seat. This is the first book from the the author's brand new series, Bachelor Brotherhood, and it can be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone. Holly loves her job as a wedding planner, but she does not love her new, extremely difficult boss. However, she knows that paying her dues now will enable her to open her own event planning company in the very near future. Holly has no time for love, yet she finds her hot new neighbor to be quite distracting. Kevin is an ex-marine, hoping to quickly flip the dilapidated house his sister purchased for him while he was deployed. He is also the current CFO of his friend's construction company, in the process of organizing a financial mess left by his predecessor. Kevin finds Holly extremely attractive, clever, and down-to-earth, so his recent oath to stay away from women has become null and void. Holly and Kevin develop strong feelings for each other, but because Kevin's mother is Holly's boss, they have to remain only friends until the wedding of the year that Holly is planning comes to a successful fruition. This is a quick-paced story with well-defined and identifiable characters. I loved the way Ms. Swank evolved Holly and Kevin's relationship, with tenderness, delightful banter, and longing. This is a well-written novel that has many laugh out loud moments. Kevin's circle of friends and his sister add a ton depth to the story. Holly's grandmother's situation brought me to tears, while her sister made me angry at times. In a nutshell, I felt every emotion known to woman while reading this gem, and I enjoyed every minute of it. If you are looking for a contemporary romance with the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, an engaging plot, and a happily ever after that will leave a smile on your face, read this book. Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

ONLY YOU is the first installment in Denise Grover Swank’s contemporary, adult BACHELOR BROTHERHOOD romance series focusing on three friends (Kevin, Tyler and Matt) who call themselves The Bachelor Brotherhood. This is former-Marine Kevin Vandemeer, and events planner Holly Greenwood’s story line. The Bachelor Brotherhood series is a spin off from the author’s The Wedding Pact Series but you do not need to have read the previous series to enjoy The Bachelor Brotherhood. Told from dual third person perspectives (Holly and Kevin) ONLY YOU follows Holly Greenwood as she struggles in both her personal and professional life-a demanding boss who thinks of Holly as her very own personal assistant; a bridezilla client who could make or break Holly’s career; a grandmother whose dementia and mind are quickly deteriorating; and a new neighbor who is everything Holly wants but is strictly off limits and insists on being part of Holly’s life-one way or another. What ensues is the building relationship between Holly and Kevin, and a series of misunderstandings and revelations that force Holly to push Kevin into the friend-zone. ONLY YOU is a sweet, fun and humorous look at two people as they struggle with family issues, and well-meaning friends. Kevin is caught between trying to please his family as his sister Megan (The Wedding Pact #1) and his mother Nicole continue to meddle in the relationship department. As an events planner Holly is making a name for herself but struggles with a boss who refuses to acknowledge all of our heroine’s hard work. The relationship between Holly and Kevin is one of immediate attraction but both have sworn off relationships for the forseeable future. Holly’s cousin Melanie is a pitbull as it pertains to Holly’s relationship and potential broken heart, and gives Kevin fair warning if something where to happen. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic without the over the top graphic imagery and text. The world building looked at the frenetic life of a wedding planner-the clients, the rants, the back room drama when things don’t go according to plan. We are also up close and personal as Kevin enters the world of home renovations-broken pipes and all. We are introduced to Holly’s cousin Melanie and their grandmother Barb. Holly and Melanie were raised by Grandma Barb, and they are both struggling, in different ways, with their grandmother’s deteriorating condition. Kevin’s well-meaning but interfering family continue to intrude in his ‘lack’ of a personal life-sister Megan whose impending baby shower throws another wrench into Kevin and Holly’s relationship status; and mother Nicole whose own plans for Kevin include a crazy woman who believes that Kevin is the one. Kevin’s friends and beer drinking bromance with Tyler and Matt add some comic relief as each reveals their disastrous dating relationships with no plans for the future. There is plenty of easy going, back and forth banter between the story line characters that will elicit a smile or two on every page. ONLY YOU is a lighthearted and delightful story line. The premise is heartwarming and wonderful; the characters are playful and energetic; the romance is provocative. Denise Grover Swank invites the reader into the world of the Bachelor Brotherhood, and three men who never expect to find love.

I LOVE this Author and this is another home run book for her series.

Only You by Denise Grover Swank Bachelor Brotherhood #1 3.5 Stars - This was a good straightforward love story. There were some funny situations which gave me a chuckle, a decent hitch that made it a little more difficult for Kevin and Holly to be together and I really liked how the author made it possible for me to like the mother-inlaw.. when ealier in the story I didn't. I enjoyed the chemistry between Holly and Kevin and found myself looking forward to seeing them together. I do wish Holly hadn't drifted back and forth between we can be friends.. maybe we can be more.. so often, but it wasn't so much that I was rolling my eyes or anything. The ending was sweet but I wish there had been a bit more passion. Also.. there was a mention of the house costing him $22,000… that seemed really low..even for a fixer-uper... maybe this was just the down payment? Cause if not, maybe I should move!!! Ha ha!! This was the first book I have read by this author and I found her writing style engaging and easy to read. I would read more from her and I am hoping Tyler gets a story! *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I haven't had the pleasure of reading anything by Denise Grover Swank before now, but with this introduction to her writing I'll definitely be remedying that immediately. ONLY YOU is sweet, cute and funny. I enjoyed it so much because it had me laughing right from the beginning and it kept me engrossed all the way to the end! Holly Greenwood loves to put a smile on the faces of brides by giving them the weddings of their dreams, but she's not holding out hope of walking down the aisle anytime soon. First, she would have to fall in love and that is a long shot as well. For now, she's pouring her emotions into planning weddings and getting enough experience to set up her own event planning company. Until the most attractive and captivating man moves in next door and she finds herself acting way out of character. After a hot and steamy night together, a series of misunderstandings and the revelation that he is her boss's son means that Holly must keep their relationship platonic to avoid losing her job. Kevin Vandemeer just wants to relax in his new home and enjoy some normalcy, except the new house can only be charitably described as a rat trap and his next door neighbor may be a little crazy. Well, Kevin has dated his fair share of crazy women so he knows just what to look out for. Or does he? His pact with his two friends to remain woman-free, while reasonable in theory is actual a nonstarter in reality because he lasts only about twenty-four hours before ending up in bed with his neighbor. Even though he wants more from her, she is not willing to risk her career on what could be nothing and it's Kevin's job to convince her that taking a chance on him could be the best thing that ever happened to her. I enjoyed pretty much every character in this book except the boss from hell, but even her issues made sense in the end. Holly is a charming mix of worldly and innocent, vulnerable and strong, and also very sweet and Kevin is a really good guy. I loved his relationship with his sister as well as his interactions with his friends. With an interesting mix of secondary characters and really great dialogue, the entire story was delightful and enjoyable and lighthearted and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun summer read. Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This is the first book I have read by thus author and I loved it! I live a romantic comedy!

Holly has a new neighbor. He is sexy and sweet. Surprisingly, she wants to get to know him better. Until she finds out what could happen. Kevin comes home to so many surprises. Bad things come in threes, right? Between the house, the mom, and the job, what is a guy to do? Well for right now, getting to know his new neighbor sounds about right. Such a sassy and sweet story. The characters both have their hangups and their secrets. For good reasons. The give and take is compelling and draws the reader in. Plenty of surprises in store. ***This ARC provided by Netgalley and its publisher in exchange for an honest review only.

- I was sad to leave the characters from The Wedding Pact series behind once I was done reading about them. However, I was elated when it was announced that there would be a spin-off series and I would be able to reconnect with the characters in that series and get to love more characters in that world. Denise Grover Swank creates such wonderful people that you never want to see them go! Behold The Bachelor Brotherhood series!! In this book we get to meet Megan’s brother, Kevin, and follow his story. You will love everything about Kevin and Holly. I don’t want to give anything away but this book is a keeper! I dare you to read it without laughing out loud at least once!!

Love how she writes

**Review contains spoilers** 2.5 stars I'm always looking for some sweet sorbet to read and this one sounded perfect. I liked Holly and Kevin well enough. They're both good people. They're loyal to their friends and family. I liked their playfulness together and the small pockets of banter. I struggled with the push and pull between them. I didn't feel like enough of a connection was shown to have Kevin believe Holly was the one he wanted to marry when they had only talked 4 times for about 30 seconds each time. I especially didn't see or feel the connection to justify them getting married after a month. There were other pieces of the plot that felt forced to me as well. Overall, it had potential in the characters, but fell flat with the execution. Judging from the reviews that are already here, I'm in the minority. **Huge thanks to Forever and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**

After I finished Only You, I had one question ... why have I not read this author before?!? Apparently, it's because I'm a bumbling idiot. Denise Grover Swank is now on my list of 'Always Read' authors that I've been working on for the last decade. I really just loved every single little thing about this book. I thought that Kevin and Holly were beautifully created. I found myself immediately enamored with both of them and I don't know if I could say which was my favorite because they are pretty much tied. Holly was just the right amount of sweet and innocent and spunky while Kevin was proud and devoted and had just the right amount of mommy-issues to make him perfect. There were some absolutely adorable exchanges between Kevin and Holly that were sweet and funny. I was grinning like a fool in some spots. From the very first page until the last, I found myself completely swept up in this story. I was able to lose myself within the pages for a few hours as I was sitting by the pool. The plot and character development were completely on point for me. The story chugs along at a nice pace, I never found myself praying for it to just be over and instead, I was hoping that it would never end. I could say more but really, it will just be about how much I love everything about this book, so I'll save you a couple of very long paragraphs and just tell you that you should read this one. If you like semi-awkward girls who become flustered around handsome guys, then this book is for you. If you like handsome dudes who get put into awkward situations that make you laugh, then this book is for you. And if you enjoy a charming romance novel that you can fall in love with, then this book is definitely for you. Great job, Swank and I'll be checking out more of your stuff sometime very soon. Thanks for the getaway. * I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *

Love it!!!!

Kevin had told his sister Megan that he wanted a house to fix up and flip but he wanted to be able to live in it while he was fixing the house up. Kevin had moved back to his home town after being in the marines for twelve years with two deployments. His life long friend Matt had a job already for Kevin to oversee a large construction project. His friend owned Osborn Construction. Holly was twenty nine and Kevin was her new neighbor. Holly had never been in love and Kevin wanted nothing to do with women as he always picked the crazy shallow ones. Holly lived with her cousin Melanie and until eleven months ago their grandmother Barb who now had dementia and was in a supervised nursing home. For the first time when Holly stopped to see her grandma Barb didn’t know her. Melanie had made lasagna and told Holly to take some to their new neighbor Holly did but felt she had made a fool of herself and rushed home Both Melanie who was seven and Holly who was five had been taken in by their grandmother when both sets of parents had been together and died in an accident. I totally loved this story and did not put it down until I had read it all. When i was finished I was not in any way disappointed. This story had a wonderful plot. There were a few typos and words left out but you were told in the beginning and these minor things toke nothing away from the story. I do believe Holly and Kevin rushed into sleeping together but then they slowed everything down and really got to know each other. I loved the characters especially Holly and Kevin but also the others . I loved the twists and turns of this story especially the ones Kevin and Holly went through. I just loved this story and I highly recommend. I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.

**Minor spoilers, maybe, kinda, so just a warning** FYI, I didn’t read the Wedding Pact series and while there are references to it – especially with Kevin’s sister – it didn’t impact this story much. I think it can easily stand on its own. I’m going to start by saying that the ending seems a little rushed to me, not the relationship so much as just the timing. I think the whole story covers about 3 weeks, and while it reads like a movie rom-com (funny, wacky and sweet), what works for me on the screen needs a little more time on the page for some reason here :) I want to emphasize it is definitely a very minor complaint, because if you take the timing out of it, I am highly satisfied with how things go for these two. As I say that, I have to admit that I do kinda wish I’d read at least Megan’s story so I have a better feel for Kevin because I think that he was probably a handful in the previous book. The stories about the crazies that he attracts, and thus the very funny misunderstanding with Holly, are a hoot. And he's got such a wonderful relationship with his sister, supportive but still snarky, that I would love to see that from her side. Once their misunderstandings get straightened out, the interactions between Kevin & Holly are sweet, spicy and humorous. The main drama then comes from his mother and the fact that Holly works for her. It’s not the best of situations for either but they eventually make it work. (There's those rom-com moments again :) ) I’m looking forward to Kevin’s friends getting their own romances because I definitely believe those two need to be shaken up! (Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)

Only You is an entertaining, romantic, sweet & sexy story. I enjoyed Holly and Kevin's story from beginning to end. Holly is such a great character; hard working, thoughtful, respectable, and creative. And even though she's stuck in a less than fabulous position at work and becomes a bumbling mess in front of her hot-as-hell neighbor, Holly is definitely not a pushover. So when Kevin acts like a DB, I'm right there with Holly on the "I want to smack Kevin" train. But don't think that Kevin is all bad. More, this dude is pretty cool, even if his past choices have been, um, lackluster. Even before he gets over his issues I was won over. Only You is filled with fab humor, steamy kisses (and a little more *wink wink*), colorful characters, and romance...everything I love in an easy weekend read :)

Another winner by this extremely talented author. This is the first book in a new series and I just can't wait to read what comes next. If you like your romance with a bit of sexiness and sass, you will love this book. The author has long been on my must read authors' list and this book demonstrates why.