Review: Only for Him (Only #1) by Cristin Harber

Grayson Ford and Emma Kinglsey—close since they were kids, opposites in every way. He’s the stuff high school crushes are made of, Mister Popular, and captain of every team. She’s artsy, cute, and not in his league, though fully aware of Summerland’s "I Dream of Dating Grayson Ford" support group.

I can’t say no. The girl’s had my heart since before I knew it went missing.

He hides a life of hell. His father hates him, his mother’s gone. Emma is his only savior, yet she doesn’t know her power over him. She’s the only girl he wants, the only one he could ever tell—though he won’t.

I’m stronger, bigger, more of a man than he’ll ever be, but because I ruined his life, I’ve taken his crap, his attacks, the vulgar nature of his existence.

Until she discovers Gray’s embarrassment, his humiliation. Emma fights for him, for a chance. Theirs is a Cinderella story that she believes impossible. But as the layers peel back, it’s just a guy who needs a girl in order to keep breathing.

My mind is already doodling Mrs. Grayson Ford in imaginary notebooks. He has no clue where my head is at… But, given that I didn’t see what just happened coming, maybe I have no clue where his head is at either.

Overall Rating:  4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆

Love is patient, love understands and love will always be there.  This is the first book in the Only Series by bestselling author Cristin Harber. It is a story of friendship, love and pain. Ms. Harber sets the scene for an unforgettable love between two young lovers that finally acknowledge that they love each other, only to have it ripped away.

Think about the most popular boy in high school and you will have a picture Grayson Ford.  Gray has always loved Emma Kingsley but has never felt worthy of her.  He tries to deny his feelings and keep her at arm’s length but with only weeks left before they graduate he decides to let her know how he feels.  But Gray has secrets that he keeps hidden deep inside and not even his best friend knows them.  Those secrets may destroy any chance he has with Emma and a HEA.

Have you ever felt like a nerd?  Emma Kingsley thinks that she is the biggest nerd alive and that is all anyone sees when they look at her.  She has had a crush on her brother’s best friend for years and has dreamed that one day he would belong to her.  When Gray sends signals that he wants to be more than friends, Emma is confused.  How could he possibly want her?  He is so everything and she is just nerdy Emma. Is he really serious?  Or is this just a dream?

Gray’s self-loathing pushes him to make decisions that could cost him the one thing he wants more than life, Emma. This novella is the beginning of their story and is a must read!

Hero: Grayson Ford 4.5 stars
Heroine: Emma Kingsley 4.5 stars
Steam: 4.5 stars 
Plot: 4.5 stars 
Cliffhanger: Yes

Would I recommend this book: Yes! If you want to read about forever love that loses its way, this is the book for you. It is a beautiful story that starts the tale of two young lovers that love deeply and want their HEA. It also sizzles with sexual tension and really hot sex.


Would I recommend this author: Yes! When I see Cristen Harber’s name on a book, I grab it!  She is that talented and gifted a writer.  When it comes to creating the stories she shares with her readers each one is unique and her characters are like friends that you want to have.

***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***