Search - Only You

Only You, my first book by author Deborah Grace Staley, is a fun and lighthearted romance. It’s the kind of read that makes one feel warm and fuzzy and wish that perfect little towns full of perfectly flawed people really existed. In short, and nice little trip down Escapism Lane.
This story has my favorite kind of romance, love from afar, or as I jokingly call it “the loving stalker.” The kind of hero who patiently waits for the right time to claim the women he wants, watching over her in the mean time, falling deeper in the love all the while. I also liked the cast of characters that are too good to be true, but quirky enough that you are willing to overlook it. It has some really amusing parts as well, such as when Josie and Cole have a serious discussion about hickeys. The element that most impressed me about this book is that, while the damsel is in distress, it doesn’t render her incapable or suddenly stupid. In fact, she resents the fact that her knight in shining armor assumes that it does.
Some of the more trite and obvious characterizations, specifically with the antagonists, were disappointing. A man with clammy hands and a Poodle named Fifi? Really? I also found Cole’s big secret to be rather frustrating. I don’t want to spoil anyone’s read so I’ll just say that, given the build up, I was expecting something a bit more exciting and controversial. But these are minor complaints that shouldn’t deter anyone interested in a relaxing read.