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Grayson Family #4
Only You
ONLY YOU is the SWEET edition of Lips That Touch Mine
He Was Everything She Didn’t Want—But Was Everything She Needed
Haunted by her past, Claire Ashier must protect her home and her heart from Boyd Grayson—the charming saloon owner who is ruining her business. That’s not easy do when her best friend is Boyd’s silly dog. While matching wits, Claire and Boyd develop an unexpected friendship that changes the game for both of them. Boyd wants more, but is the risk too high for Claire to trust Boyd and open her heart to love again?
“A heartwarming tale” ~Road to Romance”
“Riveting – a wonderful story. Couldn’t put it down.” ~L. Benner
“Beautifully written. Much more than just a romance.” ~Old Book Barn Gazette
“Absorbing!” ~Harriet Klausner
“The characters practically leapt from the pages, they seemed so alive.” ~ Dafna Yee
Read the rest of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Second Chance Brides series:
Book One: Meet Evelyn Tucker in RITA Award-winning TWICE LOVED (the SWEET edition of SHADES OF HONOR). She planned to marry her best friend—then his brother returned home and complicated everything.
Book Two: Continue the series with Amelia Drake in THEN CAME YOU—a Romantic Times 4 1/2 star Top Pick! A marriage of convenience...and unexpected romance. Can she break through her husband’s staunch business demeanor and show him that laughter and love are possible?
Book Three: Meet Claire Ashier in ONLY YOU. He was everything she didn’t want—but was everything she needed. Is the risk too high for Claire to trust a saloon owner and open her heart to love again?
Book Four: MY HEART’S DESIRE. Faith Wilkins is a woman in danger with a hidden past. Sheriff Grayson is the only man who can protect her—and the one who can hurt her the most.
Book Five: A CHRISTMAS PROMISE is a heartwarming novella about Adam and Rebecca Grayson. A boy learns about love, the spirit of giving, and what it means to become a man of integrity. (Prequel to MY FOREVER LOVE)
Book Six: MY FOREVER LOVE. How could she have forgotten Adam Dearborn, the boy she has loved since her teens? After a tragic accident that steals her memory, Rebecca wonders if she can find her way back to the boy who promised her forever.
This Victorian historical romance series is filled with emotional romance about brides and grooms, a marriage of convenience, a sheriff romance, stories about hidden identity, amnesia, beta heroes, love and laughter, moments that make you cry, and so much more. These popular romance novels (romance top sellers) make up a best selling family saga romance series about heartfelt romance and second chances. One of the best historical romance novels is TWICE LOVED, book one of this Victorian romance kindle books series, and it’s a Kindle Unlimited free romance (find it in kindle unlimited romance series, kindle unlimited romance books, and kindle unlimited romance novels). If you’re looking for clean romance or sweet historical romance books for kindle, read the New York Times bestselling Second Chance Brides series by RITA award-winning and NYT bestselling author Wendy Lindstrom.
He Was Everything She Didn’t Want—But Was Everything She Needed
Haunted by her past, Claire Ashier must protect her home and her heart from Boyd Grayson—the charming saloon owner who is ruining her business. That’s not easy do when her best friend is Boyd’s silly dog. While matching wits, Claire and Boyd develop an unexpected friendship that changes the game for both of them. Boyd wants more, but is the risk too high for Claire to trust Boyd and open her heart to love again?
“A heartwarming tale” ~Road to Romance”
“Riveting – a wonderful story. Couldn’t put it down.” ~L. Benner
“Beautifully written. Much more than just a romance.” ~Old Book Barn Gazette
“Absorbing!” ~Harriet Klausner
“The characters practically leapt from the pages, they seemed so alive.” ~ Dafna Yee
Read the rest of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Second Chance Brides series:
Book One: Meet Evelyn Tucker in RITA Award-winning TWICE LOVED (the SWEET edition of SHADES OF HONOR). She planned to marry her best friend—then his brother returned home and complicated everything.
Book Two: Continue the series with Amelia Drake in THEN CAME YOU—a Romantic Times 4 1/2 star Top Pick! A marriage of convenience...and unexpected romance. Can she break through her husband’s staunch business demeanor and show him that laughter and love are possible?
Book Three: Meet Claire Ashier in ONLY YOU. He was everything she didn’t want—but was everything she needed. Is the risk too high for Claire to trust a saloon owner and open her heart to love again?
Book Four: MY HEART’S DESIRE. Faith Wilkins is a woman in danger with a hidden past. Sheriff Grayson is the only man who can protect her—and the one who can hurt her the most.
Book Five: A CHRISTMAS PROMISE is a heartwarming novella about Adam and Rebecca Grayson. A boy learns about love, the spirit of giving, and what it means to become a man of integrity. (Prequel to MY FOREVER LOVE)
Book Six: MY FOREVER LOVE. How could she have forgotten Adam Dearborn, the boy she has loved since her teens? After a tragic accident that steals her memory, Rebecca wonders if she can find her way back to the boy who promised her forever.
This Victorian historical romance series is filled with emotional romance about brides and grooms, a marriage of convenience, a sheriff romance, stories about hidden identity, amnesia, beta heroes, love and laughter, moments that make you cry, and so much more. These popular romance novels (romance top sellers) make up a best selling family saga romance series about heartfelt romance and second chances. One of the best historical romance novels is TWICE LOVED, book one of this Victorian romance kindle books series, and it’s a Kindle Unlimited free romance (find it in kindle unlimited romance series, kindle unlimited romance books, and kindle unlimited romance novels). If you’re looking for clean romance or sweet historical romance books for kindle, read the New York Times bestselling Second Chance Brides series by RITA award-winning and NYT bestselling author Wendy Lindstrom.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2013
About the author
Wendy Lindstrom
15 books137 followersNew York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Wendy Lindstrom is known for the riveting emotional power of her work. Romantic Times has dubbed her “one of romance’s finest writers,” and readers rave about her enthralling characters and “masterfully crafted” stories. She is the creator of the “original Grayson Brothers” series that begins with RITA award-winner Shades of Honor. This bestselling series is available in ebook, paperback editions, and audiobooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 13, 2019
Very emotional story on multiple levels. I shed a few tears. Both characters are trying to overcome some issues and I liked the chemistry and the maturity of the characters. Families can be supportive or tear you apart and these two experienced opposite sides of that coin. They were good for each other.
March 13, 2014
The setup
Claire Ashier runs a respectable boarding house located near Boyd Grayson's saloon. She's a widow trying to support herself but can't keep boarders because of the noise from her business neighbor disturbing her customers late into the night. She wants to shut down the saloon. Boyd is sympathetic and taken by the lovely Mrs. Ashier but has no plans to close down his thriving business.
The issues
There's so much more going on here than a noisy saloon. Claire's deceased husband was an alcoholic and an abuser. When a group of women from the church begin talk of a temperance movement, Claire's enrolled into leading the effort. When the campaign strengthens, she's threatened and Boyd takes steps to ensure her safety. As they grow closer, they are at an impasse on how to move forward with a relationship while Claire associates alcohol with spousal abuse and marriage as a loss of independence.
What I enjoyed
There were so many layers to this story. What starts out as a simple issue regarding the noisy saloon evolves into situations regarding spousal abuse, the inequities between men and women's rights, alcoholism and family secrets. These subplots were seamlessly interwoven, making this a rich reading experience. Claire and Boyd's romance was complicated by her past and her baggage from her marriage. While there were moments where her stubbornness was irritating, it was true to her nature and the story. Boyd has his own issues, despite his affable and charming outward nature, and they have a place in this conflict.
The bottom line
I don't often find meaty and tough issues in historical romances that have contemporary relevance. This story offered so much more than the traditional romance and it was very well presented without burdening the love story. The narration continues to be subtle and understated, not overpowering a riveting story. Each book in this series seems to best the last so I'm excited about starting the next one. The Grayson brothers keep surprising me.
(I received an ARC from the author)
Claire Ashier runs a respectable boarding house located near Boyd Grayson's saloon. She's a widow trying to support herself but can't keep boarders because of the noise from her business neighbor disturbing her customers late into the night. She wants to shut down the saloon. Boyd is sympathetic and taken by the lovely Mrs. Ashier but has no plans to close down his thriving business.
The issues
There's so much more going on here than a noisy saloon. Claire's deceased husband was an alcoholic and an abuser. When a group of women from the church begin talk of a temperance movement, Claire's enrolled into leading the effort. When the campaign strengthens, she's threatened and Boyd takes steps to ensure her safety. As they grow closer, they are at an impasse on how to move forward with a relationship while Claire associates alcohol with spousal abuse and marriage as a loss of independence.
What I enjoyed
There were so many layers to this story. What starts out as a simple issue regarding the noisy saloon evolves into situations regarding spousal abuse, the inequities between men and women's rights, alcoholism and family secrets. These subplots were seamlessly interwoven, making this a rich reading experience. Claire and Boyd's romance was complicated by her past and her baggage from her marriage. While there were moments where her stubbornness was irritating, it was true to her nature and the story. Boyd has his own issues, despite his affable and charming outward nature, and they have a place in this conflict.
The bottom line
I don't often find meaty and tough issues in historical romances that have contemporary relevance. This story offered so much more than the traditional romance and it was very well presented without burdening the love story. The narration continues to be subtle and understated, not overpowering a riveting story. Each book in this series seems to best the last so I'm excited about starting the next one. The Grayson brothers keep surprising me.
(I received an ARC from the author)
January 8, 2015
Aaahhh...this book has it all...laughter,tears, love, hate, happiness and anger. It is by far my favorite so far in the Grayson Brother series. Boyd is so sweet and funny and charming and Claire can be equally funny and playful when she isn't being Cold Claire.
Claire narrowly escaped an alcoholic and abusive husband and is finally free to live a safe life running a boarding house. But Boyd's saloon is ruining her chance of happiness by disrupting the peace of her patrons and chasing business away. Not to mention that it is unnerving to have drunk, rowdy men just across the way. Claire has her mind set on ridding the town of alcohol and insights a movement in town with the ladies (and some God fearing men)to march upon each establishment serving alcohol. Boyd is adamant that he'll keep his saloon open. It is his life, his home and it houses the greatest treasure of his heart - a gorgeous handmade bar shelf and mirror that was the last thing he carved together with his father before his father died. But when Boyd sets eyes on Claire, he can't help his rakish ways and instantly sets out to seduce the beautiful widow. Only Claire has no interest in men.
What ensues is a series of fun and heart-felt moments between the two as Boyd tries to seduce Claire and she tries to resist - all the while as she marches against the heathen establishments that sell liquor - including Boyd's saloon. The more she resists, the more Boyd falls for her and the more she finds herself drawn to him. And the more she marches, the more dangerous it becomes as the men in town begin to resent the lost income and loss of locales where they can go to let off steam. Claire suddenly finds herself in as much danger as she ever was with her abusive husband.
This story had so many layers to it. I loved the side story about Claire's grandmother, who deeded her home to Claire. Claire finds her grandmother's journal and reads about a short affair her grandmother had 50 years earlier. I also loved the role that Boyd's dog Sailor played in bringing the two together. And I also loved Boyd's struggle with learning to forgive himself for how he behaved in the last days of his father's life.
I laughed, I cried and I shouted out "no, no, no" a few times. Both characters were stubborn but steadfast in their convictions. I loved this story. Kudos to Wendy Lindstrom.
I only have one criticism and that is the number of grammatical errors in this entire series. It's actually quite shocking how bad the punctuation is. I've never seen so many commas where a period belongs, missing periods and misplaced or missing quotation marks.
Claire narrowly escaped an alcoholic and abusive husband and is finally free to live a safe life running a boarding house. But Boyd's saloon is ruining her chance of happiness by disrupting the peace of her patrons and chasing business away. Not to mention that it is unnerving to have drunk, rowdy men just across the way. Claire has her mind set on ridding the town of alcohol and insights a movement in town with the ladies (and some God fearing men)to march upon each establishment serving alcohol. Boyd is adamant that he'll keep his saloon open. It is his life, his home and it houses the greatest treasure of his heart - a gorgeous handmade bar shelf and mirror that was the last thing he carved together with his father before his father died. But when Boyd sets eyes on Claire, he can't help his rakish ways and instantly sets out to seduce the beautiful widow. Only Claire has no interest in men.
What ensues is a series of fun and heart-felt moments between the two as Boyd tries to seduce Claire and she tries to resist - all the while as she marches against the heathen establishments that sell liquor - including Boyd's saloon. The more she resists, the more Boyd falls for her and the more she finds herself drawn to him. And the more she marches, the more dangerous it becomes as the men in town begin to resent the lost income and loss of locales where they can go to let off steam. Claire suddenly finds herself in as much danger as she ever was with her abusive husband.
This story had so many layers to it. I loved the side story about Claire's grandmother, who deeded her home to Claire. Claire finds her grandmother's journal and reads about a short affair her grandmother had 50 years earlier. I also loved the role that Boyd's dog Sailor played in bringing the two together. And I also loved Boyd's struggle with learning to forgive himself for how he behaved in the last days of his father's life.
I laughed, I cried and I shouted out "no, no, no" a few times. Both characters were stubborn but steadfast in their convictions. I loved this story. Kudos to Wendy Lindstrom.
I only have one criticism and that is the number of grammatical errors in this entire series. It's actually quite shocking how bad the punctuation is. I've never seen so many commas where a period belongs, missing periods and misplaced or missing quotation marks.
August 17, 2016
Boyd and Claire. I couldn't even get through this book. Again, too many characters. Claire moves in across the street from a saloon and then demands that the saloon close down?! She was just too pious and irritating for me.
March 11, 2023
Note: I read the clean version of this book called "Only You", which I couldn't find on Goodreads.
I went back and forth on this book. I liked Claire. Others found her too goody two shoes or prudish or whatever, but I think given her background it made total sense. She was desperate to make a success of the only business available to her that would allow her independence and she wanted to protect others from what she went through. I liked Claire's friendship with Anne and most of her relationship with Boyd.
I didn't like Boyd as much as though. He made some good points about Claire's crusade (men who beat women and gamble would do so without drink or would make their own, saloons provide jobs for good people, not everything that happens in a saloon is immoral). I liked these parts because their disagreements complicated their relationship in a realistic way but neither was wholly wrong or right.
But that was like 1/3 of what he said. The rest was just dumb.
One of his main arguments with Claire is that she needs to stop because her crusade is doing nothing and putting her in danger. If he had just focused on the 2nd part out of concern for her safety, that would have been fine. But he simultaneously claims the women's protest is doing nothing while complaining how they have half the town signing sobriety pledges and like 2 other saloons and 3 shops that sell alcohol have closed down. So how ineffective is this protest again? (Also, how big is this "small town"?!!)
Boys also repeatedly says things along the lines of "silly women trying to think and do things" and this is not portrayed as wrong. And his argument about Claire's safety is "your cause puts you in danger so it's dumb" instead of a more reasonable "Its admirable you care so much about this issue (even if I disagree with it), but it's putting you in danger so you should stop."
I was also slightly peeved that when Boyd spends the night at Claire's, he has a big revelation about how loud and disruptive his saloon is to her business - which she has explained multiple times. But no apologies from him or reflection on why he dismissed her complaints before. And this revelation doesn't really lead to him changing anything after like a chapter or two so...good for him, I guess. *Eye roll*
Another minor complaint is there was a lot going on in the book that in retrospect felt like filler - like Claire's grandma's past affair. Boyd's issues over his dad's death seemed shoehorned in the end - I'm pretty sure the closest mention to his supposedly big problem with it in the first half of the book is that he couldn't enjoy carving anymore. I like when there are side stories so the romance isn't the only thing going on, but not when there's like 5 side stories that go nowhere.
I went back and forth on this book. I liked Claire. Others found her too goody two shoes or prudish or whatever, but I think given her background it made total sense. She was desperate to make a success of the only business available to her that would allow her independence and she wanted to protect others from what she went through. I liked Claire's friendship with Anne and most of her relationship with Boyd.
I didn't like Boyd as much as though. He made some good points about Claire's crusade (men who beat women and gamble would do so without drink or would make their own, saloons provide jobs for good people, not everything that happens in a saloon is immoral). I liked these parts because their disagreements complicated their relationship in a realistic way but neither was wholly wrong or right.
But that was like 1/3 of what he said. The rest was just dumb.
One of his main arguments with Claire is that she needs to stop because her crusade is doing nothing and putting her in danger. If he had just focused on the 2nd part out of concern for her safety, that would have been fine. But he simultaneously claims the women's protest is doing nothing while complaining how they have half the town signing sobriety pledges and like 2 other saloons and 3 shops that sell alcohol have closed down. So how ineffective is this protest again? (Also, how big is this "small town"?!!)
Boys also repeatedly says things along the lines of "silly women trying to think and do things" and this is not portrayed as wrong. And his argument about Claire's safety is "your cause puts you in danger so it's dumb" instead of a more reasonable "Its admirable you care so much about this issue (even if I disagree with it), but it's putting you in danger so you should stop."
I was also slightly peeved that when Boyd spends the night at Claire's, he has a big revelation about how loud and disruptive his saloon is to her business - which she has explained multiple times. But no apologies from him or reflection on why he dismissed her complaints before. And this revelation doesn't really lead to him changing anything after like a chapter or two so...good for him, I guess. *Eye roll*
Another minor complaint is there was a lot going on in the book that in retrospect felt like filler - like Claire's grandma's past affair. Boyd's issues over his dad's death seemed shoehorned in the end - I'm pretty sure the closest mention to his supposedly big problem with it in the first half of the book is that he couldn't enjoy carving anymore. I like when there are side stories so the romance isn't the only thing going on, but not when there's like 5 side stories that go nowhere.
January 3, 2022
This book is full of emotions from both Boyd Grayson and Claire Asher. It takes them to fully open their eyes to begin to heal but in between there is danger and hurt and passion.
I loved Boyd Grayson and just wanted to wrap him in a hug. He is holding so much pain and guilt and he hides it with his fun flirty ways and love them and leave them approach to the ladies. When he meets his beautiful neighbor, Claire, things start to change. He wants more from life than an lonely saloon and a dog for a companion. He wants the beautiful widow that wants no part of him and he will do whatever he needs to do to win her heart.
Claire Asher came from money but her young foolish heart lead her down a road she wouldn't wish on anyone. When she is finally free from her abusive husband she comes to take over her grandmothers boarding house in order to support herself. She has no plans of ever having a husband to rule and control her again. The handsome saloon owner next door is causing her problems and giving her thoughts she never expected to have but her stubborn will may prevent her from having the future she deserves.
This book was so good and will keep you on your toes the entire time. There are secrets and danger and sensitive issues as well as the attraction between Boyd and Claire. There are funny moments and lots of sad ones. I enjoyed reading this book so much.
This is part of the Grayson Brothers series but can be read alone. I would recommend reading the others as they are great as well.
I loved Boyd Grayson and just wanted to wrap him in a hug. He is holding so much pain and guilt and he hides it with his fun flirty ways and love them and leave them approach to the ladies. When he meets his beautiful neighbor, Claire, things start to change. He wants more from life than an lonely saloon and a dog for a companion. He wants the beautiful widow that wants no part of him and he will do whatever he needs to do to win her heart.
Claire Asher came from money but her young foolish heart lead her down a road she wouldn't wish on anyone. When she is finally free from her abusive husband she comes to take over her grandmothers boarding house in order to support herself. She has no plans of ever having a husband to rule and control her again. The handsome saloon owner next door is causing her problems and giving her thoughts she never expected to have but her stubborn will may prevent her from having the future she deserves.
This book was so good and will keep you on your toes the entire time. There are secrets and danger and sensitive issues as well as the attraction between Boyd and Claire. There are funny moments and lots of sad ones. I enjoyed reading this book so much.
This is part of the Grayson Brothers series but can be read alone. I would recommend reading the others as they are great as well.
August 10, 2018
I can't believe I finished this book. That's several hours I'll never get back. Where to start...
Claire, our intrepid heroine was a sanctimonious twit. What a horrible, rigid, uncompromising, doesn't care to see anyone else's point of view, person. One of the worst heroines I've seen in a book in a long long time. I'm stunned at the number of reviewers who liked her.
Now Boyd was another story. I liked him, liked his character, his sense of humor, his outlook on life. I don't know why he wanted to hook up with a Carrie Nation type like Claire.
The story was ok, but could have been better. There were a lot of stereotypes and cardboard characters in this book, and the author tried to pack too much drama into a book that didn't work for me. I also didn't like the whole prohibition angle where Claire and her buddies didn't care if they ruined people's livelihood--people who were not even in the bar business.
I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them, but this one is a stinker.
Claire, our intrepid heroine was a sanctimonious twit. What a horrible, rigid, uncompromising, doesn't care to see anyone else's point of view, person. One of the worst heroines I've seen in a book in a long long time. I'm stunned at the number of reviewers who liked her.
Now Boyd was another story. I liked him, liked his character, his sense of humor, his outlook on life. I don't know why he wanted to hook up with a Carrie Nation type like Claire.
The story was ok, but could have been better. There were a lot of stereotypes and cardboard characters in this book, and the author tried to pack too much drama into a book that didn't work for me. I also didn't like the whole prohibition angle where Claire and her buddies didn't care if they ruined people's livelihood--people who were not even in the bar business.
I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them, but this one is a stinker.
December 29, 2017
This book, the second novel I've read by Wendy Lindstrom, was just okay for me. While the story was touching at times when dealing with delicate subject matter, I found the characters a bit more tedious than I anticipated. Boyd was written having loads of charm and a playful manner. However, that sometimes came across a bit annoying in his pursuit of Claire, the troubled widow who ran the neighboring boarding house. I thought their relationship was quite awkward at times causing me to shake my head at some of the back and forth antics that ensued. I'm still interested in reading more from this series, as I really enjoyed the first novel. But, this one missed the mark for me.
February 12, 2018
I think Boyd and Claire's story is my favorite of the series. They are both interesting characters and they have real conflict being on either side of the temperance movement. They both have solid arguments for their position but are willing to try to understand the others viewpoint. Claire has a compelling back story and I admire her determination to improve the lives of other women in her position. This novel also had more history in it that others in the series, which I enjoyed.
March 29, 2018
I didn’t like this book as much as the others in the series. I’m not sure if it was longer than the other books but it sure seemed LONG and there was just TOO much going on. I really skimmed the last 25%
What I DID like about this book...it really made me reflect on how little basic human rights women had during this time. It’s easy to forget and get wrapped up in the “romance” of the time period while reading. I appreciated this historical piece of the story.
What I DID like about this book...it really made me reflect on how little basic human rights women had during this time. It’s easy to forget and get wrapped up in the “romance” of the time period while reading. I appreciated this historical piece of the story.
June 5, 2018
Good historical fiction story with a romance undertone. Please be aware this story may be a trigger to some as the subject of alcoholism and domestic violence is prevalent throughout the story. It was a good continuation to the series and you get to know what happens which the other two prior couples. The narration is OK although the narrators male voices are not that good.
March 28, 2019
Great Reading
Found myself laughing and crying in places where you can hear the hearts rollercoaster ride from this page turning story line, stayed up till 12.10am not wanting to stop reading.
However needed to continue this at a reasonable time, recommended to read this when you have the time to read from start to finish.
Found myself laughing and crying in places where you can hear the hearts rollercoaster ride from this page turning story line, stayed up till 12.10am not wanting to stop reading.
However needed to continue this at a reasonable time, recommended to read this when you have the time to read from start to finish.
December 17, 2019
Boyd and Claire
This series of stories is written by Wendy Lindstrom and is a sweet and touching love story. It is the fourth in this great series. Wendy created this story with excitement, adventure, bits of humor, betrayal, sadness and everything in between. You will enjoy discovering Boyd and Claire’s happily ever after.
This series of stories is written by Wendy Lindstrom and is a sweet and touching love story. It is the fourth in this great series. Wendy created this story with excitement, adventure, bits of humor, betrayal, sadness and everything in between. You will enjoy discovering Boyd and Claire’s happily ever after.
March 26, 2021
Lips That Touch Mine : The Grayson Brothers Book 4
The love story of Claire and Boyd. Claire is a widow who want to close all saloons and stop all men from drinking alcohol. Because her actions someone wants to hurt her. Boyd is a saloon who is in love with Claire and want to protector her. Will he close his saloon to make her happy?
The love story of Claire and Boyd. Claire is a widow who want to close all saloons and stop all men from drinking alcohol. Because her actions someone wants to hurt her. Boyd is a saloon who is in love with Claire and want to protector her. Will he close his saloon to make her happy?
February 29, 2024
Lovers at last
Great book I've cried about through the whole book. So many memories of my own came rushing in . Loves the characters and the way I was there in person to see it in color as they say. Can't wait to buy the next book
Great book I've cried about through the whole book. So many memories of my own came rushing in . Loves the characters and the way I was there in person to see it in color as they say. Can't wait to buy the next book
July 5, 2024
Lips That Touch Mine (The Grayson Family Book 4)
This has another truly amazing Book in this Series of the Grayson Family and their wonderful love stories!! I have never enjoyed a Series as much as this one!
This has another truly amazing Book in this Series of the Grayson Family and their wonderful love stories!! I have never enjoyed a Series as much as this one!
September 3, 2017
Lips That Touch Mine
I loved this story. I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie.
I loved this story. I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie.
October 20, 2017
God, I disliked Claire. And Boyd was funnier and a greater character in the second book of the series than in this one.
April 30, 2018
most humorous of series.
July 11, 2018
DNF. Writing style was fine and story moved at a good pace, this just isn’t my favorite time period.
October 17, 2020
Greatly crafted story
Wendy Lindstrom has created characters that keep you riveted to the story, unable to put it down until the last sentence is read.
Wendy Lindstrom has created characters that keep you riveted to the story, unable to put it down until the last sentence is read.
August 23, 2024
Boyd was my favorite brother
I didn’t like this story. There was nothing about Claire’s character i liked. I think Boyd deserved a better story.
I didn’t like this story. There was nothing about Claire’s character i liked. I think Boyd deserved a better story.
May 7, 2015
Only You stirred up so many emotions in me that I'm sitting in front of my computer having trouble putting my thoughts and feelings into words. Only You is the 3rd book in the "Second Chance Bride" series (the sweet versions of the Grayson Brothers series). We meet Claire, a widow who is new to town and starts a movement to shut down the pubs; and Boyd, a Grayson brother who works with his brothers at the mill and owns a local pub. Like the other books in the series, the author weaves socials issues of the time into the storyline of the characters - in this case, it was temperance (a movement to stop the drinking of alcohol) and domestic abuse. The author's depiction of the impact of this movement on the people of Fredonia really enables the reader to experience the events right along with the characters. As the story progressed, I found my own emotions stirring with the characters and as the character began the emotional self-analysis of their situations, their pasts, and their feelings, my tears began to flow. I was hurting right along with Claire and Boyd as they each sought the peace they both so desperately needed so they could move forward with hope ... and love.
Claire and Boyd were both wonderfully-complex characters. While we met Boyd in the previous books of the "Second Chance Brides" series, this book peels back the layers of his personality and what we find is a multi-faceted character who I quickly fell in love with. Boyd has always come across as a "happy go lucky" man but the reality is that he is a man seeking to assuage the guilt and grief and loneliness he feels by running a local pub. I believe he hopes that being in the presence of his friends, in a place that displays his pride in the carvings he and his father made, will help fight off the loneliness he feels; but instead he continues to feel lonely in a room full of people. Coming out on the other side of a horrible marriage to an abusive man, Claire's strength drives her to fight to prevent that from happening to any other woman. Her belief that alcohol is the root of men's evils, albeit misguided, motivates her to rally the women of Fredonia against alcohol consumption. Her experiences skew the reality of her views, but her heart is truly in the right place. As the relationship between Claire and Boyd develops, the author creates a complicated back-and-forth as their personal relationship and "professional" relationships constantly collide. One sense of pride to Boyd is his personal integrity and as Claire continues to paint Boyd with the brush of her ex-husband's actions, his frustration level rises. He battles between his personal feelings for Claire, the hurt he feels each time she generalizes behavior that he doesn't exhibit, and ultimately the fear he feels for her safety. Both Claire and Boyd both battle internal struggles that the reader feels as the story progresses. The compelling character development of Boyd and Claire, as well as the supporting characters in Fredonia, evokes emotions in the reader and enables the reader to feel what the characters are feeling through the words on the page.
The author also creates wonderful visual imagery of the events in Only You. Through her words, she paints a picture of what is happening to the characters in such a way that the reader experiences life in Fredonia right along with Boyd and Claire. It's not often that a book evokes deep emotions in me as a reader but this book was one of those. By the end of this book, the tears were flowing - initially sad tears as I mourned with Boyd and Claire through their pain and grief, and ultimately happiness, as Boyd and Claire finally find their way back to each other.
As was previously mentioned, this is the "sweet"version of Lips That Touch Mine. I have previously read Lips That Touch Mine but can honestly say that I could not identify portions of that book that were edited or removed in order to create this "sweet" version. The storyline was well developed and progressed smoothly and any sensual aspects of the story weren't missed nor impacted the progress or the story or the emotions that were evoked as the story progresses.
A "5 tissue rating" is earned by Wendy Lindstrom with Only You.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Claire and Boyd were both wonderfully-complex characters. While we met Boyd in the previous books of the "Second Chance Brides" series, this book peels back the layers of his personality and what we find is a multi-faceted character who I quickly fell in love with. Boyd has always come across as a "happy go lucky" man but the reality is that he is a man seeking to assuage the guilt and grief and loneliness he feels by running a local pub. I believe he hopes that being in the presence of his friends, in a place that displays his pride in the carvings he and his father made, will help fight off the loneliness he feels; but instead he continues to feel lonely in a room full of people. Coming out on the other side of a horrible marriage to an abusive man, Claire's strength drives her to fight to prevent that from happening to any other woman. Her belief that alcohol is the root of men's evils, albeit misguided, motivates her to rally the women of Fredonia against alcohol consumption. Her experiences skew the reality of her views, but her heart is truly in the right place. As the relationship between Claire and Boyd develops, the author creates a complicated back-and-forth as their personal relationship and "professional" relationships constantly collide. One sense of pride to Boyd is his personal integrity and as Claire continues to paint Boyd with the brush of her ex-husband's actions, his frustration level rises. He battles between his personal feelings for Claire, the hurt he feels each time she generalizes behavior that he doesn't exhibit, and ultimately the fear he feels for her safety. Both Claire and Boyd both battle internal struggles that the reader feels as the story progresses. The compelling character development of Boyd and Claire, as well as the supporting characters in Fredonia, evokes emotions in the reader and enables the reader to feel what the characters are feeling through the words on the page.
The author also creates wonderful visual imagery of the events in Only You. Through her words, she paints a picture of what is happening to the characters in such a way that the reader experiences life in Fredonia right along with Boyd and Claire. It's not often that a book evokes deep emotions in me as a reader but this book was one of those. By the end of this book, the tears were flowing - initially sad tears as I mourned with Boyd and Claire through their pain and grief, and ultimately happiness, as Boyd and Claire finally find their way back to each other.
As was previously mentioned, this is the "sweet"version of Lips That Touch Mine. I have previously read Lips That Touch Mine but can honestly say that I could not identify portions of that book that were edited or removed in order to create this "sweet" version. The storyline was well developed and progressed smoothly and any sensual aspects of the story weren't missed nor impacted the progress or the story or the emotions that were evoked as the story progresses.
A "5 tissue rating" is earned by Wendy Lindstrom with Only You.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
February 5, 2016
Book 3 continues the story of the Grayson brothers and focuses on Boyd.
Like the previous stories featuring Radford and Kyle, which focused on complicated topics such as PTSD, Blackmail, and morality, this story focuses on the temperance movement and domestic abuse.
The story picks up around 2 1/2 years after book 2. Boyd is now a successful saloon owner. However, the noise coming from his place is disturbing the neighbors - especially one neighbor in particular who has captured his attention.
Claire is a widow with a painful past. She wants nothing more than to shut down every place that sells alcohol. She's convinced that this will protect women and children from abusive men who drink too much and gamble their money away. However, she doesn't expect to meet a handsome bar owner who shows her another side of the argument.
Each of them have much to learn. The road ahead will be filled with obstacles and trouble, but can they survive it. Will Claire be able to secure protection for abused women? What about the effort to shut down alcohol sales? Will Boyd keep his saloon?
I personally found this story better than book 2 and equally good as book 1. It was long enough to fully develop each character and their argument - to flesh out the pros and cons of each. Even secondary characters were fully developed. But, it was not so long that it dragged.
Only You is the sweeter version of the two stories. I felt that the author did a better job with this than book 2. Yes, there are romance scenes that are removed, but she rewrote enough of the scene where the reader didn't sense that anything was missing. It flowed better and didn't feel as chopped up as the previous book.
Lips That Touch Mine is the original story and contains the romance scenes. However, I never found them offensive or crude. Yes, you know what's going on, but it's not graphic in any way.
Themes - Temperance Movement, Domestic Abuse
Secondary Themes - Extramarital Affair, Integrity, Trust
Romance - PG / PG13 - depending on which book
Language - PG
My rating - 5 stars
Like the previous stories featuring Radford and Kyle, which focused on complicated topics such as PTSD, Blackmail, and morality, this story focuses on the temperance movement and domestic abuse.
The story picks up around 2 1/2 years after book 2. Boyd is now a successful saloon owner. However, the noise coming from his place is disturbing the neighbors - especially one neighbor in particular who has captured his attention.
Claire is a widow with a painful past. She wants nothing more than to shut down every place that sells alcohol. She's convinced that this will protect women and children from abusive men who drink too much and gamble their money away. However, she doesn't expect to meet a handsome bar owner who shows her another side of the argument.
Each of them have much to learn. The road ahead will be filled with obstacles and trouble, but can they survive it. Will Claire be able to secure protection for abused women? What about the effort to shut down alcohol sales? Will Boyd keep his saloon?
I personally found this story better than book 2 and equally good as book 1. It was long enough to fully develop each character and their argument - to flesh out the pros and cons of each. Even secondary characters were fully developed. But, it was not so long that it dragged.
Only You is the sweeter version of the two stories. I felt that the author did a better job with this than book 2. Yes, there are romance scenes that are removed, but she rewrote enough of the scene where the reader didn't sense that anything was missing. It flowed better and didn't feel as chopped up as the previous book.
Lips That Touch Mine is the original story and contains the romance scenes. However, I never found them offensive or crude. Yes, you know what's going on, but it's not graphic in any way.
Themes - Temperance Movement, Domestic Abuse
Secondary Themes - Extramarital Affair, Integrity, Trust
Romance - PG / PG13 - depending on which book
Language - PG
My rating - 5 stars
February 5, 2016
Book 3 continues the story of the Grayson brothers and focuses on Boyd.
Like the previous stories featuring Radford and Kyle, which focused on complicated topics such as PTSD, Blackmail, and morality, this story focuses on the temperance movement and domestic abuse.
The story picks up around 2 1/2 years after book 2. Boyd is now a successful saloon owner. However, the noise coming from his place is disturbing the neighbors - especially one neighbor in particular who has captured his attention.
Claire is a widow with a painful past. She wants nothing more than to shut down every place that sells alcohol. She's convinced that this will protect women and children from abusive men who drink too much and gamble their money away. However, she doesn't expect to meet a handsome bar owner who shows her another side of the argument.
Each of them have much to learn. The road ahead will be filled with obstacles and trouble, but can they survive it. Will Claire be able to secure protection for abused women? What about the effort to shut down alcohol sales? Will Boyd keep his saloon?
I personally found this story better than book 2 and equally good as book 1. It was long enough to fully develop each character and their argument - to flesh out the pros and cons of each. Even secondary characters were fully developed. But, it was not so long that it dragged.
Only You is the sweeter version of the two stories. I felt that the author did a better job with this than book 2. Yes, there are romance scenes that are removed, but she rewrote enough of the scene where the reader didn't sense that anything was missing. It flowed better and didn't feel as chopped up as the previous book.
Lips That Touch Mine is the original story and contains the romance scenes. However, I never found them offensive or crude. Yes, you know what's going on, but it's not graphic in any way.
Themes - Temperance Movement, Domestic Abuse
Secondary Themes - Extramarital Affair, Integrity, Trust
Romance - PG / PG13 - depending on which book
Language - PG
My rating - 5 stars
Like the previous stories featuring Radford and Kyle, which focused on complicated topics such as PTSD, Blackmail, and morality, this story focuses on the temperance movement and domestic abuse.
The story picks up around 2 1/2 years after book 2. Boyd is now a successful saloon owner. However, the noise coming from his place is disturbing the neighbors - especially one neighbor in particular who has captured his attention.
Claire is a widow with a painful past. She wants nothing more than to shut down every place that sells alcohol. She's convinced that this will protect women and children from abusive men who drink too much and gamble their money away. However, she doesn't expect to meet a handsome bar owner who shows her another side of the argument.
Each of them have much to learn. The road ahead will be filled with obstacles and trouble, but can they survive it. Will Claire be able to secure protection for abused women? What about the effort to shut down alcohol sales? Will Boyd keep his saloon?
I personally found this story better than book 2 and equally good as book 1. It was long enough to fully develop each character and their argument - to flesh out the pros and cons of each. Even secondary characters were fully developed. But, it was not so long that it dragged.
Only You is the sweeter version of the two stories. I felt that the author did a better job with this than book 2. Yes, there are romance scenes that are removed, but she rewrote enough of the scene where the reader didn't sense that anything was missing. It flowed better and didn't feel as chopped up as the previous book.
Lips That Touch Mine is the original story and contains the romance scenes. However, I never found them offensive or crude. Yes, you know what's going on, but it's not graphic in any way.
Themes - Temperance Movement, Domestic Abuse
Secondary Themes - Extramarital Affair, Integrity, Trust
Romance - PG / PG13 - depending on which book
Language - PG
My rating - 5 stars
April 10, 2014
Lips that Touch Mine is book 3 in the Grayson brothers stories by Wendy Lindstrom. She just keeps getting better as the stories continue.
This is Boyd's story. Boyd does not want to work fulltime at the lumber business with his brothers. He doesn't mind working part time but not full time. He wanted to spend all his time sculpting things out of wood or making furniture but this is no longer the case. He keeps his hand in helping the local business in teaching young men to carve and make furniture. What he wants to do is run a saloon. He defies his brothers and buys a local saloon and sets out to live life free and easy.
Claire Ashier comes to town to her Grandmother's house which was willed to her. It is the only place she has left to go to after getting out of an abusive marriage by having her husband drown. She doesn't have the money to keep the house up so is forced to open the house to boarders. This proves difficult when no one wants to stay with her because of the noise from the saloon across the road.
Claire gets involved with the Temperance movement in town and stages marches on the saloons and any place else that sells liquor. Despite her attraction to Boyd, he is number one on her list to close down. Boyd is attracted to Claire and tries to use that to get her to leave his saloon alone. He is also concerned about her safety once she starts getting threatening messages.
Can Boyd keep her safe from whomever is after her? Is it the Temperance movement that is causing her to get these messages or something from her past? What secret is she keeping?
This is Boyd's story. Boyd does not want to work fulltime at the lumber business with his brothers. He doesn't mind working part time but not full time. He wanted to spend all his time sculpting things out of wood or making furniture but this is no longer the case. He keeps his hand in helping the local business in teaching young men to carve and make furniture. What he wants to do is run a saloon. He defies his brothers and buys a local saloon and sets out to live life free and easy.
Claire Ashier comes to town to her Grandmother's house which was willed to her. It is the only place she has left to go to after getting out of an abusive marriage by having her husband drown. She doesn't have the money to keep the house up so is forced to open the house to boarders. This proves difficult when no one wants to stay with her because of the noise from the saloon across the road.
Claire gets involved with the Temperance movement in town and stages marches on the saloons and any place else that sells liquor. Despite her attraction to Boyd, he is number one on her list to close down. Boyd is attracted to Claire and tries to use that to get her to leave his saloon alone. He is also concerned about her safety once she starts getting threatening messages.
Can Boyd keep her safe from whomever is after her? Is it the Temperance movement that is causing her to get these messages or something from her past? What secret is she keeping?
November 18, 2014
1873
This is Boyd's story. He is the 3rd son of the Grayson's. Boyd's dad taught him to carve wood. Since his dad's death he has had trouble carving anything. Working the family saw mill is not making him happy. One of the last projects Boyd and his dad completed was a huge cabinet with mirrors and intricate carving taking up the space behind a bar in one of the town's saloons. Boyd buys and works at the bar. He feels closer to his dad there.
Claire inherits her grandmother's house which is across the street from the bar. She needs to work the house as a bed and breakfast to earn money. But the noisy saloon drives her customers away. Claire's late husband was abusive. He drank and gambled all their money away. Her parents were against her marriage and disowned her and refused to give her her dowry. She only has a few dollars left to her name. Desperate she writes to a known prohibitionist and asks him to come to town and speak at her church. He gets the women all stirred up and they start marching to and into establishments serving or selling liquor. Now someone is trying to hurt Claire. Boyd wants to protect her, but she can't trust him. Who is threatening Claire? Can Boyd get past his artistic block? Will Claire's family ever forgive her? What happens when Claire discovers a secret in her grandmother's diary? Do the prohibitionists win in town? Will Claire be able to earn a living? Will Claire ever learn to trust after the abuse of her late husband?
This is Boyd's story. He is the 3rd son of the Grayson's. Boyd's dad taught him to carve wood. Since his dad's death he has had trouble carving anything. Working the family saw mill is not making him happy. One of the last projects Boyd and his dad completed was a huge cabinet with mirrors and intricate carving taking up the space behind a bar in one of the town's saloons. Boyd buys and works at the bar. He feels closer to his dad there.
Claire inherits her grandmother's house which is across the street from the bar. She needs to work the house as a bed and breakfast to earn money. But the noisy saloon drives her customers away. Claire's late husband was abusive. He drank and gambled all their money away. Her parents were against her marriage and disowned her and refused to give her her dowry. She only has a few dollars left to her name. Desperate she writes to a known prohibitionist and asks him to come to town and speak at her church. He gets the women all stirred up and they start marching to and into establishments serving or selling liquor. Now someone is trying to hurt Claire. Boyd wants to protect her, but she can't trust him. Who is threatening Claire? Can Boyd get past his artistic block? Will Claire's family ever forgive her? What happens when Claire discovers a secret in her grandmother's diary? Do the prohibitionists win in town? Will Claire be able to earn a living? Will Claire ever learn to trust after the abuse of her late husband?
April 3, 2015
Claire Ashier has her secrets. She needs to keep them to survive. New to Fredonia, she wants nothing more than to start a new life. An independent life. Except as a result of the nightly noise from the saloon across the street, she hasn't managed to keep any guests in her boarding house for more than a night or two. Down to her last few dollars, she's had enough. When Boyd Grayson's new neighbor confronted him in front of his patrons and his brother Duke, he couldn't help the train of thoughts that invaded his mind. The woman was beautiful, feisty and from that moment on, the ruler of his dreams. She was also the cause of his nightmares. Her campaign to close all alcohol selling establishments was a bother to him and to other business owners in town. But aside from that, they could be friends, couldn't they? Falling for the gorgeous man next door was never in Claire's plans. Her plans didn't involve giving anybody power over her. She knew Boyd was a good, honorable man, but she was not. Not anymore. She was broken. The third installment of the Grayson Brothers series deals with some hard issues like lost love, abuse, gambling and alcoholism. It's done masterfully with a love affair that brings time and priorities to mind. Boyd is playful, caring, gentle, kind and sexy. Irresistible really. And Claire hasn't got a prayer...
January 28, 2013
As the youngest Grayson brother, Boyd Grayson had it all. A thriving saloon business and a woman anytime he wanted one. Just one little problem. The new resident of his old friend’s home has a real problem with men who drink and the people who sell the drink. Clair Ashier organizes the woman of the community to boycott the saloons, the owners and the demon drink. Boyd is fascinated with the stunning little woman. She’s nothing like any of the women he’s ever known and it’s driving him crazy. While trying to pursue the aloof widow, he learns about her devastating secrets and she helps him overcome the painful memories in his own life. But when he wants to abandon his life as a carefree bachelor, Chair wants nothing to do with marriage—especially marriage where the man is king and the woman nothing but property to use and abuse at will. Can Boyd overcome her image of what she thinks men are to help her find that joy can be hand in a marriage where two people love with their whole hearts? Plot twists and turns and shocking situations plague Boyd and Clair as they fight for their love.
February 16, 2014
I read this series a bit out of order. I read the first book (Radford) and then the fourth book (Duke). From reading Duke's story, I thought this one sounded intriguing. I sort of already knew how it would turn out, but I wanted to take the journey.
My main problem was Claire and her temperance group. A significant amount of time was spent on her and her church group trying to shut down the saloons and keep liquor out of the town. It just seemed so tedious, and Claire was so narrow-minded on the subject. I really couldn't bring myself to care, and I didn't agree with her viewpoint at all.
I liked Boyd. He was charming, thoughtful and sweet. I liked his relationship with Claire, when they could forget about the saloon problem.
The side plot about Boyd coming to terms with his father's death was sweet and sad. The side plot about Claire's grandmother, I didn't like. I saw "Abe's" identity coming a mile away.
Although there were parts I liked, I would recommend Radford or Duke's story over this one.
My main problem was Claire and her temperance group. A significant amount of time was spent on her and her church group trying to shut down the saloons and keep liquor out of the town. It just seemed so tedious, and Claire was so narrow-minded on the subject. I really couldn't bring myself to care, and I didn't agree with her viewpoint at all.
I liked Boyd. He was charming, thoughtful and sweet. I liked his relationship with Claire, when they could forget about the saloon problem.
The side plot about Boyd coming to terms with his father's death was sweet and sad. The side plot about Claire's grandmother, I didn't like. I saw "Abe's" identity coming a mile away.
Although there were parts I liked, I would recommend Radford or Duke's story over this one.
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