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If Only...
An accidental slip on a patch of ice gives Bree Sexton the opportunity she has always dreamed of—a chance to go back in time and make things right, changing her life and her future. A poignant tale of second chances, and a woman’s fight to find her happily-ever-after.
What would you do if you had the opportunity to go back and relive your greatest mistake?
Five years ago, Bree Sexton walked out on her fiancé and into the arms of a charming and handsome stranger. She has regretted her decision ever since. Instead of a fairy-tale marriage, her “prince” shattered her dreams and her spirit with physical violence and emotional cruelty she barely escaped.
She then mysteriously wakes up in bed with the fiancé she loved and left, the life she’d dreamed of now a reality, until her cruel ex-husband reappears to destroy her new life. But what is real, and what is make-believe? Is she really getting the chance she has always dreamed of? And when it is all said and done, will she finally end up with the man she has always regretted leaving? Or will she wake up to discover herself alone?
What would you do if you had the opportunity to go back and relive your greatest mistake?
Five years ago, Bree Sexton walked out on her fiancé and into the arms of a charming and handsome stranger. She has regretted her decision ever since. Instead of a fairy-tale marriage, her “prince” shattered her dreams and her spirit with physical violence and emotional cruelty she barely escaped.
She then mysteriously wakes up in bed with the fiancé she loved and left, the life she’d dreamed of now a reality, until her cruel ex-husband reappears to destroy her new life. But what is real, and what is make-believe? Is she really getting the chance she has always dreamed of? And when it is all said and done, will she finally end up with the man she has always regretted leaving? Or will she wake up to discover herself alone?
Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2012
46 people want to read
About the author
Lisa M. Owens
6 books7 followersI am a fresh face to the writing world. I enjoy writing about strong, stubbornly independent women and the swoon-worthy heroes that love them.
If you like what you read, please write a review. You can also Like me on my Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-M-...
Or follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_lisamowens
Let me tell you a story...
If you like what you read, please write a review. You can also Like me on my Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-M-...
Or follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_lisamowens
Let me tell you a story...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 13, 2020
I finished If Only last night and I have to say, this was a very well written, emotional and vivd story, especially given the fact this was the first book by this author.
The love story was sweet and Scott and Bree's love balanced well the telling of some of the more violent scenes describing Bree's abusive past with her ex-husband. I liked both Scott and Bree right from the start and, although I knew how it would end as it is a romance, I still wanted to flip to the end- just in case. I just wasn't sure how the author was going to pull it off, but she did.
Ms. Owens states in her bio that she was a victim of domestic violence and I have to say this book could only be written by someone who could have survived something like that. She told those scenes without holding back - from the actual physical violence to the emotional state of the victim. I was in tears and even afraid for Bree in some scenes.
Well done, I'd recommend it.
The love story was sweet and Scott and Bree's love balanced well the telling of some of the more violent scenes describing Bree's abusive past with her ex-husband. I liked both Scott and Bree right from the start and, although I knew how it would end as it is a romance, I still wanted to flip to the end- just in case. I just wasn't sure how the author was going to pull it off, but she did.
Ms. Owens states in her bio that she was a victim of domestic violence and I have to say this book could only be written by someone who could have survived something like that. She told those scenes without holding back - from the actual physical violence to the emotional state of the victim. I was in tears and even afraid for Bree in some scenes.
Well done, I'd recommend it.
January 22, 2013
My Rating: ★★★½
An accidental slip on a patch of ice gives Bree Sexton the opportunity she has always dreamed of—a chance to go back in time and make things right, changing her life and her future. A poignant tale of second chances, and a woman’s fight to find her happily-ever-after.
What would you do if you had the opportunity to go back and relive your greatest mistake?
Five years ago, Bree Sexton walked out on her fiancé and into the arms of a charming and handsome stranger. She has regretted her decision ever since. Instead of a fairy-tale marriage, her “prince” shattered her dreams and her spirit with physical violence and emotional cruelty she barely escaped.
She then mysteriously wakes up in bed with the fiancé she loved and left, the life she’d dreamed of now a reality, until her cruel ex-husband reappears to destroy her new life. But what is real, and what is make-believe? Is she really getting the chance she has always dreamed of? And when it is all said and done, will she finally end up with the man she has always regretted leaving? Or will she wake up to discover herself alone?
Page Count: 107 pages
My Thoughts:
This book was provided from the author for an honest review.
Bree Sexton celebrates her divorce from her abusive husband with a night out with her friends. While her friends enjoy libations, Bree reflects on the state of her broken life. Her five year marriage to her abusive husband, Bryan, was filled with abuse on every level, miscarriages, and fear. But, he was Bree's choice over her loving and gentle high-school sweetheart and one time fiancé, Scott. As the evening grows later, Bree's mind carries her back to her time with Scott when she was happy, loved, and above all...safe. Deciding to bow out on her friends, Bree leaves the bar and runs right into Scott, the man that has consumed her thoughts all evening. Shocked by his presence, Bree and Scott exchange pleasantries and she finds out that he is happily married with a baby on the way. Now utterly depressed, Bree allows Scott to continue into the bar to celebrate his brother's bachelor party. After dejectedly walking away from the bar, Bree slips on a patch of ice and hits her head on the sidewalk knocking herself unconscious. When she comes to the world as she knew it no longer exists. She wakes up in Scott's arms and her life takes a sweetly emotional turn.
So, I'm going to say it right out. This story depressed me. Ok, that's not exactly true. The abuse inflicted by Bryan depressed me because I felt powerless to help Bree (and even Susan).
My heart broke for both of them but I was utterly incensed and kinda driven into a murderous rage by Bryan's actions.
It angered me on behalf of the many women who have been violated and abused at the hands of a man. Whew Glad I got that out. :)
Now, with that being said, there are parts of the story where I just wanted to shake Bree...HARD!
Poor Scott was thrown for a loop by her claims of living another life with another man. On several occasions she got frustrated with him for not understanding. But really...how could he when he only knew of his life with her.
Scott was so sweet and loving even when dealing with his own emotional turmoil. Even when he got frustrated, he never got so angry with Bree that he threatened to hurt her. He was just the type of man she needed to help her heal from her years of continued abuse.
Although I enjoyed the story, there were a few secondary elements that I didn't understand (i.e. the insertion of Bree's mother). That story trail didn't seem to have any importance and didn't particularly add anything substantive to the story for me.
If Only is definitely not a story for the faint of heart. Your emotions will definitely be pulled into the story as you feel each and every emotion felt by the characters - fear, frustration, desire, and love. Overall, a well done story!
Reading Time: 2.5 Hours
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GOOD: The characteristics of a 3 star book include: interesting characters, a decent storyline, and unique story elements; there was something about the story that I didn’t completely connect with; the book will never be a star player but definitely made the team. I would recommend to a friend.Book Description:
An accidental slip on a patch of ice gives Bree Sexton the opportunity she has always dreamed of—a chance to go back in time and make things right, changing her life and her future. A poignant tale of second chances, and a woman’s fight to find her happily-ever-after.
What would you do if you had the opportunity to go back and relive your greatest mistake?
Five years ago, Bree Sexton walked out on her fiancé and into the arms of a charming and handsome stranger. She has regretted her decision ever since. Instead of a fairy-tale marriage, her “prince” shattered her dreams and her spirit with physical violence and emotional cruelty she barely escaped.
She then mysteriously wakes up in bed with the fiancé she loved and left, the life she’d dreamed of now a reality, until her cruel ex-husband reappears to destroy her new life. But what is real, and what is make-believe? Is she really getting the chance she has always dreamed of? And when it is all said and done, will she finally end up with the man she has always regretted leaving? Or will she wake up to discover herself alone?
Page Count: 107 pages
My Thoughts:
This book was provided from the author for an honest review.
Bree Sexton celebrates her divorce from her abusive husband with a night out with her friends. While her friends enjoy libations, Bree reflects on the state of her broken life. Her five year marriage to her abusive husband, Bryan, was filled with abuse on every level, miscarriages, and fear. But, he was Bree's choice over her loving and gentle high-school sweetheart and one time fiancé, Scott. As the evening grows later, Bree's mind carries her back to her time with Scott when she was happy, loved, and above all...safe. Deciding to bow out on her friends, Bree leaves the bar and runs right into Scott, the man that has consumed her thoughts all evening. Shocked by his presence, Bree and Scott exchange pleasantries and she finds out that he is happily married with a baby on the way. Now utterly depressed, Bree allows Scott to continue into the bar to celebrate his brother's bachelor party. After dejectedly walking away from the bar, Bree slips on a patch of ice and hits her head on the sidewalk knocking herself unconscious. When she comes to the world as she knew it no longer exists. She wakes up in Scott's arms and her life takes a sweetly emotional turn.
So, I'm going to say it right out. This story depressed me. Ok, that's not exactly true. The abuse inflicted by Bryan depressed me because I felt powerless to help Bree (and even Susan).
My heart broke for both of them but I was utterly incensed and kinda driven into a murderous rage by Bryan's actions.
It angered me on behalf of the many women who have been violated and abused at the hands of a man. Whew Glad I got that out. :)Now, with that being said, there are parts of the story where I just wanted to shake Bree...HARD!
Poor Scott was thrown for a loop by her claims of living another life with another man. On several occasions she got frustrated with him for not understanding. But really...how could he when he only knew of his life with her.
Scott was so sweet and loving even when dealing with his own emotional turmoil. Even when he got frustrated, he never got so angry with Bree that he threatened to hurt her. He was just the type of man she needed to help her heal from her years of continued abuse.Although I enjoyed the story, there were a few secondary elements that I didn't understand (i.e. the insertion of Bree's mother). That story trail didn't seem to have any importance and didn't particularly add anything substantive to the story for me.
If Only is definitely not a story for the faint of heart. Your emotions will definitely be pulled into the story as you feel each and every emotion felt by the characters - fear, frustration, desire, and love. Overall, a well done story!
Reading Time: 2.5 Hours
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August 17, 2013
Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/08/interview-excerpt-review-if-only-by.html
If Only is an emotional story about a woman named Bree who has just divorced her abusive husband. Marrying him was a huge mistake, but an even bigger mistake was leaving the love of her life for him. Scott was the man of her dreams, but she fed into the lies Bryan told her and paid dearly for it. After celebrating her divorce, she happens to run into Scott and finds her feelings for him have never diminished. Sadly for her though, Scott is married with a baby on the way. Feeling more depressed than ever, she leaves the bar and hit her head on the concrete, hard. She wakes up, however, with Scott. She finds that they are married and happy. Has she been given a second chance or is this all just a dream?
Wow, talk about a roller coaster ride. Goodness gracious! You will feel every emotion imaginable reading this book and it is only a little over 100 pages! Our main character Bree was great. You will instantly click with her. She is a woman who has been through with her devil of an ex-husband. Bryan was physically, mentally, and sexually abusive. His violent outbursts caused her to have three miscarriages. He controlled what she wore and who she was with. She can't believe she fell for the nice-guy routine when she was already engaged to her high school sweetheart, Scott. Scott was perfect and she regrets the stupid decision she made of leaving him.
I love Scott and Bree's relationship. One could only pray to have a marriage like theirs. Bree would have moments that remind her of Bryan's viciousness and I love that Scott was there for her and did his best to let her know he was there. It was so sad to see because sometimes he didn't know what to do and Bree wouldn't confide in him when she should. I kept yelling at the book, "Tell him! Tell him so he can kick that guy's ass!" Trust me, you will be yelling that and more reading this book.
I loved this story a lot. Now even though Bree is in some alternate universe, that doesn't mean Bryan won't make an appearance or he would be any different. She finds that Bryan is her and Scott's boss. They are authors for his publishing company. Bryan is there and he wants Bree no matter what. He will destroy any and everybody to get what he wants. But Bree knows he is still just as evil and this time she will do what she can to save herself and whoever else he has in his crossfires.
What would happen if you made the biggest mistake of your life and could go back to fix it? What a wonderful concept Owens has played with here. I loved it. Although I will say, this book will take a lot out of you. It was depressing. Not that it was the story in itself, but Owens had some pretty terrifying scenes of when Bree and Bryan were together. I had a few tears in my eyes during some of these scenes. I myself have witnessed abuse and it scared me that much more. I wanted to just reach in the book and go bats**t crazy on Bryan. If you are a woman, you will be wanting some justice, preferably with a baseball bat or any other blunt instrument.
This was a quick read that I really loved. It has loads of sexy scenes (did I mention Scott is mouthwatering?), sad moments, and intense moments? I really enjoyed it. There were some scenes that had me scratching my head though. Bree's mom, Karen, was a bit unnecessary especially given that she is walking piece of sh**. Also the second to last chapter in the book (chapter 16 I think) felt a little out of place. I feel like it should have been a few chapters back instead of where it ended. That may be me nitpicking, but it just felt misplaced. When you get to it, you might see what I am talking about. But overall, this is a beautifully written story that will have you bouncing every which way. This is one of those reads you have to prepare for. Like I said, you will feel every kind of emotion reading this and it is worth it.
If Only is an emotional story about a woman named Bree who has just divorced her abusive husband. Marrying him was a huge mistake, but an even bigger mistake was leaving the love of her life for him. Scott was the man of her dreams, but she fed into the lies Bryan told her and paid dearly for it. After celebrating her divorce, she happens to run into Scott and finds her feelings for him have never diminished. Sadly for her though, Scott is married with a baby on the way. Feeling more depressed than ever, she leaves the bar and hit her head on the concrete, hard. She wakes up, however, with Scott. She finds that they are married and happy. Has she been given a second chance or is this all just a dream?
Wow, talk about a roller coaster ride. Goodness gracious! You will feel every emotion imaginable reading this book and it is only a little over 100 pages! Our main character Bree was great. You will instantly click with her. She is a woman who has been through with her devil of an ex-husband. Bryan was physically, mentally, and sexually abusive. His violent outbursts caused her to have three miscarriages. He controlled what she wore and who she was with. She can't believe she fell for the nice-guy routine when she was already engaged to her high school sweetheart, Scott. Scott was perfect and she regrets the stupid decision she made of leaving him.
I love Scott and Bree's relationship. One could only pray to have a marriage like theirs. Bree would have moments that remind her of Bryan's viciousness and I love that Scott was there for her and did his best to let her know he was there. It was so sad to see because sometimes he didn't know what to do and Bree wouldn't confide in him when she should. I kept yelling at the book, "Tell him! Tell him so he can kick that guy's ass!" Trust me, you will be yelling that and more reading this book.
I loved this story a lot. Now even though Bree is in some alternate universe, that doesn't mean Bryan won't make an appearance or he would be any different. She finds that Bryan is her and Scott's boss. They are authors for his publishing company. Bryan is there and he wants Bree no matter what. He will destroy any and everybody to get what he wants. But Bree knows he is still just as evil and this time she will do what she can to save herself and whoever else he has in his crossfires.
What would happen if you made the biggest mistake of your life and could go back to fix it? What a wonderful concept Owens has played with here. I loved it. Although I will say, this book will take a lot out of you. It was depressing. Not that it was the story in itself, but Owens had some pretty terrifying scenes of when Bree and Bryan were together. I had a few tears in my eyes during some of these scenes. I myself have witnessed abuse and it scared me that much more. I wanted to just reach in the book and go bats**t crazy on Bryan. If you are a woman, you will be wanting some justice, preferably with a baseball bat or any other blunt instrument.
This was a quick read that I really loved. It has loads of sexy scenes (did I mention Scott is mouthwatering?), sad moments, and intense moments? I really enjoyed it. There were some scenes that had me scratching my head though. Bree's mom, Karen, was a bit unnecessary especially given that she is walking piece of sh**. Also the second to last chapter in the book (chapter 16 I think) felt a little out of place. I feel like it should have been a few chapters back instead of where it ended. That may be me nitpicking, but it just felt misplaced. When you get to it, you might see what I am talking about. But overall, this is a beautifully written story that will have you bouncing every which way. This is one of those reads you have to prepare for. Like I said, you will feel every kind of emotion reading this and it is worth it.
August 17, 2013
Queen of Tarts Review of originally posted on The Book Tart
http://thebooktart.com/book-review/th...
I like stories with a touch of the paranormal… an element of the unusual. If Only is the story of Bree waking up to find herself living in the past with a new life because of different choices. I enjoyed the alternate history storyline and Lisa Owen’s spin on it.
Bree broke up with her sweetheart Scott and married Brian, the man who swept her off her feet and made her feel like she was in heaven… and then turned her world to living hell. Brian abused her and tore her down. Warning! Those scenes are raw and honest and gutwrenchingly painful.
She finds the courage to leave Brian and is celebrating her divorce one night with girlfriends when she falls in the parking lot and hits her head. She wakes up in the arms of Scott! It’s a different life… another trouser in time…what might have been if she hadn’t zigged when she could have zagged.
Bree’s relationship with Scott is sweet and sexy. She is so happy to be safe in the arms of the man she loves and has regretted leaving for years! I liked seeing how Scott cherished her. I empathized with his confusion dealing with a wife who says she was living another life and time traveled back 3 years. He has to adjust to this Bree with new baggage (and knowledge) from the life she’d lived and damage she suffered.
A few of my fav lines…
♥ Bree’s mouth pressed against his, her heart and soul seeming to go into the kiss.
♥ “Will you forgive me for being such an ass?” he questioned with an embarrassed grin as he enfolded her into a huge bear hug and nuzzled her neck.
She sighed dramatically before giving him a mischievous smirk. “Don’t I always?”
The story is told in third person and switches view points between Bree, Scott, the ex Brian and a few more people as well. It was interesting being about to get inside various people’s heads. I liked seeing into Scott’s and Bree’s heart to see where they were coming from. Brian’s perspective squeaked me out! But he was supposed to. I wanted more from Scott’s sister and less of Bree’s mom. But as a whole I felt it was an interesting storytelling device.
If Only is a heart touching story about second chances and finding the strength to get out of an abusive relationship and live again.
((hugs))) Kat
The Queen of Tarts
♦ eARC provided for review for my honest opinion.
http://thebooktart.com/book-review/th...
I like stories with a touch of the paranormal… an element of the unusual. If Only is the story of Bree waking up to find herself living in the past with a new life because of different choices. I enjoyed the alternate history storyline and Lisa Owen’s spin on it.
Bree broke up with her sweetheart Scott and married Brian, the man who swept her off her feet and made her feel like she was in heaven… and then turned her world to living hell. Brian abused her and tore her down. Warning! Those scenes are raw and honest and gutwrenchingly painful.
She finds the courage to leave Brian and is celebrating her divorce one night with girlfriends when she falls in the parking lot and hits her head. She wakes up in the arms of Scott! It’s a different life… another trouser in time…what might have been if she hadn’t zigged when she could have zagged.
Bree’s relationship with Scott is sweet and sexy. She is so happy to be safe in the arms of the man she loves and has regretted leaving for years! I liked seeing how Scott cherished her. I empathized with his confusion dealing with a wife who says she was living another life and time traveled back 3 years. He has to adjust to this Bree with new baggage (and knowledge) from the life she’d lived and damage she suffered.
A few of my fav lines…
♥ Bree’s mouth pressed against his, her heart and soul seeming to go into the kiss.
♥ “Will you forgive me for being such an ass?” he questioned with an embarrassed grin as he enfolded her into a huge bear hug and nuzzled her neck.
She sighed dramatically before giving him a mischievous smirk. “Don’t I always?”
The story is told in third person and switches view points between Bree, Scott, the ex Brian and a few more people as well. It was interesting being about to get inside various people’s heads. I liked seeing into Scott’s and Bree’s heart to see where they were coming from. Brian’s perspective squeaked me out! But he was supposed to. I wanted more from Scott’s sister and less of Bree’s mom. But as a whole I felt it was an interesting storytelling device.
If Only is a heart touching story about second chances and finding the strength to get out of an abusive relationship and live again.
((hugs))) Kat
The Queen of Tarts
♦ eARC provided for review for my honest opinion.
February 12, 2013
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review for Hearts On Fire Reviews. The opinions expressed are very much mine alone and I am not required to give a positive critique.
Who hasn't wondered what could have been? Who hasn't ever thought, in a moment of nostalgia, about "the one that got away"??? When I first read the blurb for this book, this premise drew me in straight away. I'm a huge one for what-if's, and here was a story entrenched in it.
We meet Bree on the night of her divorce, celebrating at a bar with friends... well actually she was contemplating the paths her life has travelled, and the horrors she's lived through during her marriage to a physically and sexually abusive man. She thinks wistfully of the love of her life, Scott, whom she'd broken up with when she met her ex-husband, and lo and behold, she runs into Scott at the bar. He is now happily married and expecting his first child with another woman. This really brings home to Bree everything she has missed out on when she gave Scott up. Outside a few minutes later, a fall on the ice sends her back in time, and to a different life... and another chance to get things right.
Although the writing was at times clunky or overdone, this is easily forgiven when you take into account this is the author's first published work. My only gripe here is that although the story was well-told, and definitely emotional, I personally would have liked to have seen some growth in the characters during the plot. There were a few times where I just didn't understand the characters' motivation for their actions... something that a 3rd-person POV should afford a reader. The pacing moved the story along well, and helped hide some holes in the plot. I particularly enjoyed the way the plot was threaded in such a way to keep the reader interested and guessing - what is real and what's imagined? Which life will she get to keep in the end?
This story had many heartbreaking elements, from the sadness and violence that Bree has suffered at the hands of her ex-husband, Bryan - to the sweetness and love that is so evident in the relationship between herself and Scott. The author has done a great job in mixing the dark and light-hearted elements of Bree's tale .
Who hasn't wondered what could have been? Who hasn't ever thought, in a moment of nostalgia, about "the one that got away"??? When I first read the blurb for this book, this premise drew me in straight away. I'm a huge one for what-if's, and here was a story entrenched in it.
We meet Bree on the night of her divorce, celebrating at a bar with friends... well actually she was contemplating the paths her life has travelled, and the horrors she's lived through during her marriage to a physically and sexually abusive man. She thinks wistfully of the love of her life, Scott, whom she'd broken up with when she met her ex-husband, and lo and behold, she runs into Scott at the bar. He is now happily married and expecting his first child with another woman. This really brings home to Bree everything she has missed out on when she gave Scott up. Outside a few minutes later, a fall on the ice sends her back in time, and to a different life... and another chance to get things right.
Although the writing was at times clunky or overdone, this is easily forgiven when you take into account this is the author's first published work. My only gripe here is that although the story was well-told, and definitely emotional, I personally would have liked to have seen some growth in the characters during the plot. There were a few times where I just didn't understand the characters' motivation for their actions... something that a 3rd-person POV should afford a reader. The pacing moved the story along well, and helped hide some holes in the plot. I particularly enjoyed the way the plot was threaded in such a way to keep the reader interested and guessing - what is real and what's imagined? Which life will she get to keep in the end?
This story had many heartbreaking elements, from the sadness and violence that Bree has suffered at the hands of her ex-husband, Bryan - to the sweetness and love that is so evident in the relationship between herself and Scott. The author has done a great job in mixing the dark and light-hearted elements of Bree's tale .
October 2, 2013
The premise of this book reminds me of something I could watch on the Hallmark channel around Christmastime - which I love. My only complaint is that we spend a lot of time on some scenes that I didn't think we needed to spend as much time on, and we glossed over, or rushed through others that I wanted to see more of. I understand Lisa's reasoning for doing this and I imagine this story is one that's absolutely very personal to her but I still would have liked to see some expansion and a little more build up in parts. Overall it was mostly a sweet read with some very dark, disturbing, uneasy to read, but incredibly important parts. The book is a granny smith apple - sweet and tart.
June 1, 2024
Well, that's pretty boring.
October 29, 2015
As someone who is familiar with these types of relationships, it was a read of joy yet pain. The love scenes were superb, and it is very important for young women to recognize the signs of these types of men and most importantly...which is the point of this novel...Do Not Throw away What you Have For Something that seems initially Sparkly. I'm glad that didn't happen to this woman, and she was able to use her pain to help others. I appreciate having this story told.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews