Thank you to NetGalley and Forever publishing for allowing me to read this ARC early. I loved the writing style and thought this book was entertaining, but I low key hated everything else about it. This book is about Emily and Tim. Emily owns a bakery and Tim owns a outdoors store in Sapphire Springs. They have supposedly been friends forever, yet they really didn't seem to have any chemistry-- friendly or romantic. Anyway, Tim was apart of a Bachelorette type show and his girlfriend picked someone else. Social media goes wild and starts hounding him and creates #Timforseason2 or something like that. In an attempt to get some peace and quiet, he asks Emily to fake date so everyone will get off his back. She has pined after him forever and so she says no, knowing it won't end well for her. However, he owns a boat that her grandma wants to have her bday party on so she says if he cancels his reservations for that night to host her grandma's bday then she'll agree. So they start fake dating. They instantly start revealing things to each other about their lives that I would assume they would've already known if they were best friends, but they didn't and I guess the fake label is just what they needed to spill their guts. Of course, after this vulnerability its suddenly more serious and real feelings are involved (because thats the way it works, right?). Both of these people are doormats and get railroaded into hosting a maple event so they're also working together on that. Furthermore, they're both shocked when the social media trolls start harassing Emily. Tim has a fear of commitment which OF COURSE presents itself at the one moment where Emily needs him most and for me that really cemented his status as Grade A Douche material. However, things recover until the next jerk move and yet theres still an HEA. I thought the town was sweet and this book was charming in theory, but I didn't like either of these characters and have much lower hopes for the rest of the books.

SPOILERS AHEAD:
Her grandma gets diagnosed with cancer and when she finds out is when he runs. Then later after things are patched up, she reveals that she's had a crush on him forever so he accuses her of wanting to fake date just to get close to him. JERK. Combined those things are too much for me. Her grandma ends up being fine, the maple thing goes great, and they live happily ever after.

In the second installment of the Sapphire springs series, we follow Tim and Emily. After a very big, very public breakup, Tim wants to lay low. He decides that a fake relationship with the small town sweetheart Emily, (who happens to be a very good friend) will do the trick. He's sworn off love, but doesn't expect to feel what he does for Emily.
Emily however, has no chill and can't fake her crush and feelings for Tim. She is afraid of getting hurt, yes. But she decides to risk it.
This book was equally as sweet as the first. A solid second book in the series.

Only for You by Barb Curtis is the second book in the contemporary romance Sapphire Springs series. The common theme in this contemporary romance series is the setting of Sapphire Springs with the main couples in each book changing. Since each of the books is a new couple with a new story they can all be read and enjoyed as a standalone without reading the others in the series.

The first book of the series brought a second chance romance which is among my favorite types and now the second book of the series has another favorite trope of a fake dating set up. Tim Fraser and Emily Holland have been best buds forever so when Tim went through a horrible break up Emily was right there to help pick him back up and be the shoulder her needed.

All the time Tim and Emily have been spending together though has only made Emily’s long time crush even harder to endure so she makes a New Year’s resolution to find someone to love and not spend so much time with Tim. That resolution is shattered when the reality TV show Tim’s ex was a part of finally airs Tim’s horrible break up making the fandom go wild over Tim instead of his ex. To avert all the attention Tim asks Emily to enter a fake romance with him so the world will think he’s happily unavailable.

While this is the second book of the Sapphire Springs series it’s also the author’s second book and I would never guess that when reading. Maybe it’s the fact I love the tropes in the series so far but I just couldn’t help but get lost in the story again when picking this one up. I love a fake dating situation because it forces characters into romantic situations they would never chose on their own and with Tim and Emily being longtime friends it made the story that much better. I can also be a reality TV addict and I just loved this one took a look at the people left behind in those over the top get ratings moments for the show. Regardless of that though this was still a small town romance through and through and it made me want a third book in the series even more so I’ll definitely be back to Sapphire Springs if the author let’s me!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Barb Curtis does it again! When I read her debut book, Forever With You, I fell in love with the small-town of Sapphire Springs and all its characters. I anxiously waited for Tim and Emily's story and was not disappointed. These two have been friends forever. Little does Tim know that Emily has secretly wished for more for years. When Tim gets dumped on national TV, attracting lots of unwanted attention, he asks Emily to pose as his fake girlfriend to get everyone off his back.

I love an unrequited love, friends-to lovers trope. The angst just gets me every time. While I don't always go for the fake dating scene, especially in a small town, it really works here. Tim is just that oblivious and I love him for it. He's such a great guy and good with boats (a trait I can't resist). Emily is super sweet. I love how happy she is when they get together. Even with the closed-door nature of this book, the chemistry is fantastic. The wintry scenes give you that warm and cozy feeling and I loved everything surrounding the maple festival. While It was fun to see characters from the previous book, this could definitely be read as a stand-alone. I could not put this one down and think if you are a fan of Jill Shalvis then you will love this series. Looking forward to the next one from this author! 4.5 stars

SO in the first book Forever with You I loved Emily and was so ready for her to have her happily ever after so I was excited when I got this book. I still liked Emily and I loved that Leyna was back and she was just as feisty as ever. I liked Fuzzy he was super eccentric and while he seemed to use a situation for his greater good but his heart was in the right place. I was not a huge fan of Tim I just felt he was selfish and overall not a huge fan of his. I did like Emily's grandma she was a pistol and while she faced something tough she stopped at nothing to show Emily how worthy she was of love. This book does have adult content and may not be suitable for all.

ONLY FOR YOU by @barb_curtis_writes is the second novel in the Sapphire Springs series and I was looking forward to this one! I loved the cute upstate New York town after the first book Forever With You. This is a sweet friends to lovers with fake dating in an adorable small town. What's not to love?

I can't wait to read book 3!

We've come back to Sapphire Springs for the second book in this series by Barb Curtis. I really enjoyed the first book and I was excited to get this one in my hands as well! I always enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story, so that's another reason this one appealed to me!

Emily Holland runs a bakery in Sapphire Springs and while not ideal, she's had a secret crush on her best friend, Tim Frasier since they were in high school. Tim and Emily are constantly in one another's orbit since they are very involved with town functions and projects.

Tim's girlfriend ends up going on a reality television show and she breaks up with him in public. After the break up, the fans of the show come to Sapphire Springs and make Tim's life miserable. In order to try to throw the "fans" off, he ends up asking Emily if she would pose as his girlfriend to get these fans off his back. Of course she says yes. Will it end up being fake between the two of them or will they find that their relationship is more than friendship?

I love small town romances and all that comes along with them. There are always so many interesting and fun people, and Sapphire Springs is no different! I enjoyed Emily and Tim as people and it was so refreshing that the issues they had were "real" issues that we might deal with in our daily lives.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to what Barb Curtis has for us next!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Thanks to Forever Publishing for the free book.
I did not read the first book in this series, but that didn't affect my experience here. This is a light, quick escapist romance that could easily be read in an afternoon. It is perfect for when you're wanting something set during the cold months. I enjoyed the friendship in this book. Tim and Emily were such great friends and were also surrounded by supportive friends. I also liked how their romance came together, even though I thought it took a while to get it going. I wish there had been a bit more depth when it came to the relationship issue that was present.
However, this book is full of fun. Theres a maple festival, snowshoeing, and a Nana that's the best. If you're looking for a light read, this would be perfect.

A second great book from Barb Curtis! She's quickly become my favorite small-town closed-door romance author, which sounds very niche, but if you read romance you know how competitive and saturated this category is.

In this story, Tim and Emily--BFFLs--start fake dating each other so Tim can avoid the hoards of fans he's gained since his ex-girlfriend dumped him on national television. But when feelings become real are the two on the same page?

One thing I really liked about this book is, despite the always far-fetched fake dating concept, the rest of this book felt unbelievably real. The core problems of the couple stem from very normal things: men's inability to commit and communicate. For real. Emily, we've all been there girl. Curtis just has a way of creating flawed yet likable characters that don't feel too detached from our own lives. I can't wait to continue reading this series!

Thanks for Forever for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

Love, love, love this sweet town! Returning to it, and the beloved characters, was a delight. I loved this duos story and found it to be incredibly well written. I just adore this charming town and the townspeople. I was thrilled to return and see what everyone was up to. Thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

Super cute town, decade long crush, wine and TV/Movies, and one fake relationship. It took just a bit to get into this one but then it was just yelling at Tim to get his shit together - but love that Emily says it finally! This is a wonderful friends to lovers. I think most of us have been in Emily's shoes so we can just fill it all and it seems like you crush is always Tim just clueless dude. Add in some national TV drama, small town, great families, and side characters!

This is a great summer read!! Can't wait for more of this series.

4 stars
2.5 steam (closed door)

thanks to forever for this book

Only for You is a wonderful friends to lovers and fake relationship book. It is the second book in the Sapphire Springs from Barb Curtis which I read and reviewed earlier this summer (my review can be read here). Those who read the first book will already know Tim and Emily but the book 100% works as a standalone.

I really liked both Tim and Emily. I liked that there was some mutual pining for each other despite their friendship as it added tension to their fake relationship. I also found the circumstances behind their fake relationship very entertaining (Tim’s ex is on a reality show and it needs to appear that he has moved on) and a nice departure from the standard need a fake parter for family reasons.

I really enjoyed returning to Sapphire Springs. Like the first book in the series, this book is filled with wonderful side characters that add to the overall experience. I can’t wait to read whatever Barb Curtis has coming out next.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC.

In Short: Emily, a bakery owner, find herself in a fake relationship with her best friend Tim, the man she’s always pined after. She just made a New Year’s resolution to give up on a relationship with him. He recently sworn off all relationships after his girlfriend broke up with him on her reality tv show. Will a fake relationship fend of the fans swarming into town?

My thoughts: I love small town romances and this one made me so happy! I love this series, the characters, the town, all of it.

What I liked:
*This is book 2 of what I believe will be a 3 part series focusing on 3 best friends; Jay (book 1), Tim (book 2) and Rob (out next spring). I love reading each of their love stories and seeing the friendships grow and change. Each book can easily be a stand alone but reading together makes the series even better.
*Emily and Tim had great chemistry
*Emily’s bakery and all the talk of maple taffy.
*The big tension. I ‘m not sure how to say anything further without spoiling the story, lets just say this was done well.
*Tie in with a reality tv show and the aftermath with crazy fans and those only interested in fame.

This is the second book from Barb Curtis set in the small town of Sapphire Springs. Emily has had a crush on her best friend, Tim, for years. After Tim is publicly dumped by his girlfriend on a reality tv show, he decides to ask Emily to be in a fake relationship to try stop the unwanted attention he's been receiving. I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.

We are back in Sapphire Springs and this time some reality TV drama sparks up a fake relationship that soon turns all too real for two best friends!

Emily has lusted for her friend Tim for years, but she has been firmly in the friend zone for just as long! So when Tim’s ex comes to town to break up with in on with reality crews rolling and he becomes a sensation over night, she reluctantly agrees to pretend date to hopefully ward off all of his new fans…

Pretend dating starts to feel pretty real for these two, but Tim has commitment issues after growing up the son of Navy captain who was not around for his wife and kids and being burned by his ex. Can these two create the fantasy forever after that Emily has always dreamed of or will Tim pull up anchor and leave this relationship high and dry?

Emily and Tim; what can I say, these two were so perfect for each other! They were practically a relationship with their friendship before, but when they brought it to the next level they were #RelationshipGoals ! Tim, when he wasn’t freaking out about commitment issue was uber sweet and considerate and I absolutely adored him! Emily on the other had was a gal I want to hang out with! Ready for anything always there to help.

This was a fun read and I can’t wait to return to Sapphire Springs again!

Only For You by Barb Curtis is scheduled to be released July 27th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Grand Central Publishing and ebook through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#OnlyForYou #BarbCurtis #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Cute, romantic, and utterly beguiling!

Only For You is an uplifting, highly entertaining tale that takes you on a journey into the life of Emily Holland, a kind, considerate, young baker who finds herself inadvertently faking her true feelings for the one man, Tim Fraser, who she’s always secretly adored when he requires a temporary, pretend girlfriend to ward off his newly acquired, unwarranted stardom.

The writing is smooth and sweet. The characters are charismatic, supportive, and endearing. And the plot is a delightfully irresistible mix of friendship, family, fame, life, community, introspection, misunderstandings, secrets, and ultimately true love.

Overall, Only For You is another lighthearted, cosy, lovely addition to the Sapphire Springs series that I absolutely devoured and which I can confidently say has quickly solidified Curtis on my must-read authors list.

My first book by this author and she didn't disappoint. Loved the story line and the characters are wonderful. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

This book was about as sweet as the bakery treats Emily bakes for her shop!

This was a classic setup, girl secretly in love with friend, friend is clueless, friend goes through breakup and needs a fake relationship to get back his credibility, girl goes along with it, and.........

I don't write spoilers, so I will leave that last line unfinished. This is a light, fluffy tale, so cheat on your diet this once and take in this sweet story. Nothing deep, thoughtful or substantive, just a few hours of escapism.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

This is a small town romance, centered around 2 longtime friends, Tim and Emily. Emily has had feelings for Tim since high school, but Tim has never noticed, or paid attention to Emily as anything more than a friend.. Emily makes a New Years Resolution to move on with her life and forget about Tim at the very same time that Tim’s world blows up - his heart is broken on National TV when his girlfriend admits to cheating on him while on a reality show. Tim is gaining a lot of unwanted female attention and asks Emily to be his pretend girlfriend to take the focus off of him. This is a dangerous proposition for Emily, because of how she feels.

I enjoyed the interaction between Tim and Emily, and I think this story unfolded into a cute story. I enjoyed it, and I am going to be looking up other books by this author.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After reading Forever with You last year I was so excited to see Emily and Tim had their own book coming out. Fake dating plus friends to lovers is always a good time and this one did not disappoint. After Tim goes through a messy break up he starts to lean on his long time friend Emily who has been harboring a crush on him from high school. This fake dating blurs some lines and soon they don't know if its fake anymore.

I really enjoyed seeing everyone from Sapphire Springs again and getting to know Emily more. I did enjoy this book alot but one thing kept it from being a five star read but that is kind of a spoiler. If you don't mind some spoilers continue to read. If not turn away and know that you will probably love this book! There are a few things that annoy me in books (this being one of them) and I am sure most people will not care.

Keep reading at your own risk.


The timeline throughout this whole book just seemed rushed. Tim and his ex broke up in September ON NATIONAL TV. He thought that he was going to marry this girl and yet is only given like 3 months to get over the whole three year relationship. From the very beginning he tells Emily that he wants to take things slow which is completely understandable but only two months in to their fake/now real relationship she freaks out and dumps him because "he won't commit to me fast enough". Even when other characters bring up the fact that it is unfair to give him an ultimatum when he literally just got out of a serious relationship/started to understand his feelings for you when Emily has been in love with him for years, Emily just brushes it off. They literally start fake dating maybe the second or third week of January and shes freaking out about commitment by the middle of March. If the author had made the time line longer or Tim's past relationship shorter maybe I could look past the absurd behavior by Emily. Again this is a tiny thing but it just turned me off of liking Emily by the end. I get being older and not wanting to waste time, but telling someone that you are okay with taking things slow and then immediately going back on your word is not okay.