| Title | : | I Only Have Eyes for You (San Francisco Sullivans, #4; The Sullivans, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 384 |
| Publication | : | First published February 21, 2012 |
here .
"Not since Nora Roberts has anyone been able to write a big family romance series with every book as good as the last. Bella Andre never disappoints." ~ Revolving Bookcase Reviews
BOOK DESCRIPTION: The only woman Jake McCann wants is the one he can never have. But even though he knows loving Sophie Sullivan isn’t the right thing to do...how can he possibly resist?
Sophie Sullivan, a librarian in San Francisco, was five years old when she fell head over heels in love with Jake McCann. Twenty years later, she’s convinced the notorious bad boy still sees her as the “nice” Sullivan twin. That is, when he bothers to look at her at all. But when they both get caught up in the magic of the first Sullivan wedding, she knows it’s long past time to do whatever it takes to make him see her for who she truly is...the woman who will love him forever.
Jake has always been a magnet for women, especially since his Irish pubs made him extremely wealthy. But the only woman he really wants is the one he can never have. Not only is Sophie his best friend’s off-limits younger sister...he can’t risk letting her get close enough to discover his deeply hidden secret.
Only, when Sophie appears on his doorstep as Jake’s every fantasy come to life—smart, beautiful, and shockingly sexy—he doesn’t have a prayer of taking his eyes, or his hands, off her. And he can’t stop craving more of her sweet smiles and sinful kisses. Because even though Jake knows loving Sophie isn’t the right thing to do...how can he possibly resist?
I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU is part of Bella Andre's New York Times and USA Today #1 bestselling Sullivan series. While it can easily be read as a stand-alone story, you'll likely enjoy reading the other Sullivan books, too.
THE SULLIVANS series:
The Look of Love
From This Moment On
Can't Help Falling In Love
I Only Have Eyes For You
If You Were Mine
Let Me Be The One
Come A Little Bit Closer
Always On My Mind
Kissing Under The Mistletoe
One Perfect Night (Seattle Sullivans)
The Way You Look Tonight (Seattle Sullivans)
It Must Be Your Love (Seattle Sullivans)
Just To Be With You (Seattle Sullivans)
I Love How You Love Me (Seattle Sullivans)
All I Ever Need Is You (Seattle Sullivans)
REVIEWS:
“A great combination of smokin' hot sex, emotions, and a great secondary cast. I am absolutely smitten with…the Sullivan family. I can't wait to read the rest of their stories."
~ Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
"The Sullivan's will be a great family to follow."
~ Happily Ever After Reads, Jess
“The perfect combination of sexy heat and tender heart.” Barbara Freethy, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Bella Andre writes warm, sexy contemporary romance that always gives me a much needed pick me up. Reading one of her books is truly a pleasure." New York Times Bestselling author Maya Banks
“I’m hooked on the Sullivans!” Marie Force, Bestselling Author of Falling For Love
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Having sold more than 5 million books, Bella Andre's New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world. Known for "sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance" (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine "Red Hot Reads" twice and have been translated into ten languages. She also writes "sweet" contemporary romances under the pen name Lucy Kevin.
I Only Have Eyes for You (San Francisco Sullivans, #4; The Sullivans, #4) Reviews
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I Only Have Eyes for You is the fourth book in Bella Andre’s The Sullivans series and such an awesome story! It’s my first taste of this author’s writing, but it most certainly will not be my last.Sophie Sullivan has been in love with Jake McCann since she first laid eyes on him when she was just five years old. She knows that Jake has always seen her as the “nice” girl who’s simply too good for him and his bad boy ways, but Sophie’s decided to pull out all the stops and make him see the real her.
I can’t even begin to express how excited I am to have found a new contemporary romance author who knows how to bring characters to life in a world that I’d love to live in! Jake’s insecurity and vulnerability had me in tears, and I wanted to bring him home and love him until he could see what an amazing, worthy man he is. And Sophie’s loving, compassionate nature had me cheering for her as she fought for the happily ever after she knew they deserved.
Jake knows that Sophie’s been crushing on him forever, but he does all he can to keep her at arms distance. It’s not that he’s not attracted to her – because he is – the real problem is that he has a humiliating secret and he’s not about to let Sophie find out what it is.
When Sophie sets in motion a plan to force Jake to see her as the woman she is, Jake doesn't know what hit him - but quits trying to resist - and that made for one of the best stories I've read in a very long time.
The bottom line: If you’re looking for a very romantic, very sexy story – a friends to lovers tale – then look no further! From the first page to the last, Ms. Andre delivered a deeply heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking tale that had me laughing one moment, crying the next, and fanning myself often. I can’t wait to get back to San Francisco and spend more time with the Sullivans.
I Only Have Eyes for You was provided by netgalley.com in behalf of Oak Press LLC in exchange for an honest review. -
As a woman, do you need to:
1. Get offended when a guy you have a crush on calls you NICE? (which is your real nickname)
2. Get more offended when he calls you PRINCESS?
3. Tell lies by asking him to pretend as your boyfriend because you need to make your ex jealous? (the ex boyfriend is NOT really your ex)
4. Insult him when he hesitates to believe in your LIES? (with saying: "We’ve all seen the kind of girls you go for. I would be surprised if half of them can even spell their own names")
5. Beg and flirt to deceive him?
6. Get offended when he finally agrees to help you because he says you looks so DESPERATE? and HE IS RIGHT!
I can't continue for now because -obviously- the heroine needs:
1. Lessons about How To Grow Up And Act Like A Woman,
2. Black eyes.
Seriously.
-
This book was decent for the most part. I do feel like it did not realize its potential. I like the friends to lovers theme. I like the unrequited love theme. I like the falling in love with your brother's best friend theme. This book didn't really take advantage of any of them. The writing was not bad but I felt that the plot was not really tight. The rest of this review is what I would tell this author if I was in a critique group with her. There are major spoilers so read at your own peril.
That all sounds harsh. It really wasn't bad it just needed polish and some thought to making the plot and motivations tighter. -
I loved it!
I instantly fell in love with Jake as it was obvious that he was a sexy dominant man but had issues and insecurities but kept those from Sophie. When combined with Sophie’s issues and insecurities it made a story that was full of angst which I really liked.
Poor Sophie felt the ‘invisible’ member of her family and had been in love with Jake for years but knew that she just wasn’t in his league and wasn’t the type of girl he would normally go for. Jake was considered to be a bit of a bad boy and had a reputation with his relationships in that he was a bit of a love ‘em and leave ‘em type. Unfortunately he had had a sad and unhappy childhood and came from the wrong side of the tracks. He had loved and wanted Sophie for years but he never felt that he was good enough for her or the Sullivan family so desperately tried to stay away from her.
I really enjoyed reading about Jake & Sophie and thought it was a great addition to the Sullivan series and I am looking forward to the reading about the remaining family members. The next book is about Zach which I am looking forward to but I can’t wait to get my hands on Smith’s story!
Copy kindly supplied by Oak Press LLC via Netgalley -
I Only Have Eyes For You by Bella Andre
Book # 4 in the Sullivan Series
Read: 6/14/2012
Heat Factor: 5/5 - Sizzling Hot and Sensual
My Rating: 4/5
I received this eArc courtesy of Netgalley/Oak Press LLC.“If you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.”
And without a doubt there are many moments in this book that completely took my breath away!
Sophie Sullivan has loved Jake McCann ever since she was a little girl. If only he would look at her as something more than the nice Sullivan twin. She’s tired of him ignoring her and is determined he will finally see the real woman she has become!
Handsome, sexy, bad boy Jake McCann has kept his distance from Sophia knowing there is no way he will allow himself to get closer to his best friend’s baby sister. Each time they are thrown together it takes all his will power to resist pulling her into his arms and tasting every sweet drop! Even the threat of her brother’s anger is not his main deterrent. He’s resolved himself to a life without Sophie, knowing that once his shameful secret is revealed, she will only walk away.Jake and Sophie’s journey held me enthralled. I admired Sophie’s determination, her courage and honesty. Jake McCann is one of the sexiest and most lovable heroes I’ve read. I can easily understand why women flock to this sinfully gorgeous man. Tortured from a heartbreaking childhood and humiliated by a secret that causes him to deny a relationship with the only woman he’s ever truly loved, this man WOWed me!
I Only Have Eyes For You is an exciting, sensual and tender love story. The emotional pull is palpable as well as the incredibly hot love scenes.“She’d never felt anything like this, had never known what it was to step inside a bolt of lightning and become light and flames.” The intense raw heat along with a heartwarming love story, a heroine I admired and a hero that quickly stole my heart made for a most enjoyable read!
While this is my first book by this author, it definitely will not be my last! I’m excited and looking forward to reading her backlist and also catching up and following the Sullivan family.
My thanks to netgalley and Oak Press LLC for providing me with a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review. -
"If you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love.
If you must steal, steal away from bad company.
And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away."
Jake has been an honorary member of the Sullivan family for nearly twenty years. And Sophie Sullivan has been in love with him since she was five. But she's the "nice" twin, the shy librarian, the one always in the background who does what she should instead of what she wants. Until now. Chase and Chloe's wedding brings out the stars in her eyes, and she makes a last ditch attempt at making Jake see her as more than his friend's kid sister.
Little does Sophie know that Jake's always stood in awe of her quiet, reserved beauty. So he displays very little resistance when Sophie attempts seduction.
It's a little hard to not spoil the big idea behind this book. Suffice it to say, Sophie and Jake don't have to worry about losing each other. Circumstances are already set for them to be important in one another's lives. Now they just have to find a way to accept that their love is returned to them. Jake has a hard time feeling like he deserves Sophie due to his background of poverty and because of his learning disability...even though he's extremely successful as the owner of McCann's pubs. And though Sophie braved a seduction once, she has a long way to go to feeling like she's enough woman to keep the interest of playboy Jake.
Another fabulous installment to the Sullivan's series...this one moved the series forward with a wedding and an engagement and a couple other life altering surprises.
As of 3-18-13, the first four of these books are free to read here on Goodreads!!!! Can't beat that! -
A worthy addition to this extremely well-done series. This one seemed shorter to me than the others -- maybe because I enjoyed it so much that time just flew by. Both Jake and Sophie were fun characters to get to know. Jake's "secret" caught me completely by surprise but given Sophie's career, it fit well with the storyline. Together they made a wonderful couple and watching their relationship deepen made for a very romantic read.
Also fun to be a part of Chase and Chloe's wedding day and to see the entire family gathered to celebrate the first Sullivan sibling get his HEA. I am SO looking forward to Smith Sullivan's book. Each time I get a glimpse of him, I am hooked more. -
"If you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love.
If you must steal, steal away from bad company.
If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away."
I loved this book! This fourth book in the Sullivan Series has been my favorite so far! This was the story of Jake McCann and Sophie Sullivan, and how they fell in love. I should point out that they have been in love with each other since they were children; Jake hid it and Sophie was more open about it. Jake was a friend of her brother Zach, and basically ended up being called the "Ninth Sullivan" as his own home life was not a good one. Jake has held a secret about himself all of those years, and because of this secret he felt he would never be good enough for Sophie.
Then there was Sophie, who was the twin sister that her siblings nicknamed Nice. Her sister Lori was named Naughty and the girls truly did live up to their nicknames. Sophie liked to be in the back of the family, rather than the attention being on her. She grew up to become a librarian, but still loved Jake from afar. At Chase and Chloe's wedding she decides to throw caution to the wind and come out of her shell and seduce the man she loves. A wild night of passion is what takes place, and once the night ends nothing will ever be the same again.
Jake is the ultimate Alpha male! I happen to have a major soft spot when it comes to Alphas, and the more dominant and possessive they are the better! Jake does not disappoint in that area, and I adored how jealous he would get, and how he would call Sophie "Mine" with that rough growly voice. Underneath his dominant,gruff,exterior, he is a man who cares very deeply and when he claims someone as his; there is absolutely no turning back. He would walk through the fires of Hell for His Sophie, and because of that; I fell hard for him!
Sophie was a likeable heroine too. She may have been called "Nice" by her family, but deep down she had an adventerous spirit. Once she came out of her shell, she was willing to throw caution to the wind and experience life to the fullest. She had so much strength within her, and she was a kind individual that goes above and beyond for other people. Her love for Jake is unconditional and eternal. The sex between these two was at times heart warming, and then sometimes wild! They certainly didn't just stick to "vanilla', and they both were adventurous in the bedroom..ahem..or even in public places!!!
This series truly is getting better and better. I think a part of that is because the more that I read the more I feel like I get to know the Sullivan family. At Chase and Chloe's wedding, we were treated to speeches from each sibling. They were heart wrenching at times and some even caused me to get a bit teary eyed. I feel like they are a family that I really do know. This is why I love continuing family series like this, because you truly feel as if you are coming back home when you crack open the next book. I can't wait to see what is in store for the next Sullivan to fall in love. I believe the next up is Zach, the well known mechanic! He believes that he will be the one who will escape falling in love..but we all know different, and I bet when he falls...he will be the one to fall the hardest! -
** Content warning - this review will contain an uncomfortable amount of gushing, fan girl squealing and the occasional swoon of excitement **
Loved it. Loved it, loved it, loved it, LOVED IT.
This is exactly the type of romance I crave. The entire story is based on the love between the two protagonists. Nobody is trying to save the world, there isn't a side story that distracts from the relationship and the additional minor characters only play a small role.
*insert schoolgirl squeal*
My heart is still pounding away, beating rapidly over how much I adored this book. And no, there wasn't anything overly hard hitting or exciting, it was pure and simplistic romance at its finest.
Sophie and Jake have been in love with each other since they were children, but Jake has always hidden his feelings because he knows he's not good enough for Sophie 'Nice' Sullivan. *sigh*
Although Jake wasn't made out to be a hardcore bad boy, he did have the endearing qualities of one. He was dominant, protective, wasn't afraid to yell to prove his point and was taunted by his insecurities. To sum it up - he was swoon worthy.
From start to finish I was enthralled, not only because of the story, but because of the ease I had in reading it. It was smooth, clear and precise. And the balance was perfection, 100% romance with tasteful yet damn erotic sex scenes that weren't overbearing or monotonous. I honestly can't fault it.
I also need to mention that the end of the story struck home with me - like a sledgehammer to the face. It isn't hard to anticipate the turn of events leading up to the happily ever after and having first hand experience in the same situation, I felt like I had a connection to this book. Unfortunately, I didn't get my happily ever after in that respect, but it made for a damn emotional ending for me.
However, by the final pages I was smiling, completely drowning in the lovey dovey happiness of it all. I am also entirely convinced Jake and Sophie's future will be as bright and shiny as the Australian sun.
Now all I need to do is lock away my credit cards and try and resist Amazon's 'Buy with 1 click' option, because I am going to need to spank the rest Bella Andre's books as soon as humanly possible. -
3.5 Stars
Twenty-five year-old Sophie Sullivan is one of six children. With four overly protective brothers and twin sister, any man she decides to date doesn’t stand a chance. But Sophie doesn’t want just any man; she wants long-time family-friend and bad-boy, Jake. Unbeknownst to either of them, they’ve each harbored a secret crush and longing for the other for years. Sophie feels Jake could never notice her, the “nice” one of the twins, she feels plain and ordinary compared to the other Sullivan siblings.
Jake feels Sophie is out of his league. She’s gorgeous, smart and accomplished. He feels like he’s not good enough for her and is certain her brothers would never approve, especially in light of his womanizing reputation. Also, Jake has a closely guarded secret that makes him feel even less worthy, and he’s not about to tell her about that.
After witnessing her brother’s wedding and love story, Sophie’s determined to make Jake notice her and capture his heart. She shows up at his doorstep, throwing caution to the wind, with a plan to seduce him. That night Sophie and Jake’s dreams come true:
”No one has ever kissed me like that,” she said in a breathless voice, “like you couldn’t get enough, like you couldn’t stop yourself and I was driving you crazy. All these years and I never knew it would be like that.”
Unfortunately, the morning is a different story altogether.
What I love about this story:
There is no third-party angst: No one that you wish would be written out of the story so the lovers could get on with it already!
There is no insta-love: Sophie and Jake have known each other since she was five. Through the story they both come to realize how much attention they both quietly paid to each other, how much they’ve been on each others radar.
This is relatively frustration and drama free: You know what I’m talking about. The part when we reach about 75-80% in the story and they figure out they can never be together. Usually it’s some sort of highly annoying situation where lack of communication is involved.
This is a perfect light and sexy read! Wonderful for when you need an escape from real-life, and don’t well all need that once in a while? Win and win! This was part of the Sullivan series but you don’t need to read them before to enjoy this. However, I probably would’ve appreciated the references/updates on the other brothers if I had. My only complaint was at the beginning of the story Sophie is treated so much like a child and I found over the top. Fortunately, this goes on for only a small portion of the story. This was a sweet and very addictive story, and I find myself wanting to find out about the other Sullivan siblings.
Thank you to Netgalley and Oak Press LLC for allowing me to read this.
You can read this review and more at
The Readers Den
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Another winner from this series! I know it's not the most original storyline, but it's sweet, sexy and just downright addictive! Jack McCann and Sophie are perfect for each other, not to mention, I was a little teary in some parts. Loved it!
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2,5 / 5
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3,5 se lo avessi letto quando lo aspettavo tanti anni fa, prima dell'interruzione della pubblicazione, credo che lo avrei apprezzato di più. Adesso mi è sembrato carino ma niente di più e con "troppo" sesso a discapito del contesto familiare che ha sempre avuto un ruolo importante nella serie.
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This wasn't a really good use of the two hours it took to read this. I didn't like it. And I'm out.
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Great read
Just goes to show sometimes love is right under your nose and knocks you off kilter. Really enjoyed this book and yes you can see why they tried desperately to not fall for each other but you just knew in was inevitable. -
Alright, I'm done. This series is not for me and I'm sure it isn't anything to do with the author or the book other than it just isn't my cuppa. It's probably easier to point out what I didn't like than what I did (considering I liked very little and considered DNFing the book, but I had already invested too much time listening to it and I needed to see it through).
1. Sophie lays out her big plan to get Jake to notice her....but then spills her guts to him, effectively derailing the plan. What was the point to her big monologue about it?
2. Jake nails and bails. Then doesn't apologise to her for it. I love a good alpha-hole as much and the next bad boy lover, but considering the place Sophie had in his life, this was poor form and it annoyed me for him not owning up to it.
3. Jake and Sophie had very little connection outside of sex. One date and buying a kite does not make a relationship. The seven day rule was ridiculous and while she kept on reminding herself that he was only with her because she was pregnant, he only had to look at her for her to jump into bed with him. Sophie turned into a complete doormat around him. She showed no inner strength like what the characters kept bleating on about, she thought one thing and did the complete opposite. Ugh.
4. Jake's pity party got boring. Lots of people have dyslexia. He conquered it through private tutors and made a successful business. Cool. But I got really tired of his "I'm stupid, I'm not good enough" routine.
I could go on, but now I'm over it. This is probably a case of it's me, not the book. All the books I have read in the series have been a bit average so I won't be continuing. -
4 stars – Contemporary Romance
This started out a strong 4.5 stars, but I got really irritated with Sophie's and Jake's lack of communication. There were too many times I wanted them to actually TALK to each other instead of thinking everything. That's a complaint I have about the previous books in the series as well, but it really annoyed me this time since I liked the H/h better and was more invested in their relationship and HEA. But this is still my favorite of the series so far. -
Like Celine Dion song playing on elevator. That is what this book impression to me. Soothing. Vanilla flavor. But I like it. Even though I am not Celine Dion fan.
I like Sophie 'virgin' character. Jake character can be more intense but I like him OK. Not much of character development between them.
And bonus point is the dates around San Francisco. I now have craving for that dumpling.
4 stars -
There are two plot points in contemporary romances I am a sucker for and I Only Have Eyes For You had both of them! I absolutely loved this book. I tore through it; I could not put it down. I knew Sophie's book was going to be good but I didn't think it was going to be that good! As much as I like her brothers, Sophie's book is my favorite book of the series. I can't wait to see how Bella Andre is going to top this one. She definitely knocked this one out of the park.
Jake isn't a Sullivan by blood but he has grown up with the Sullivan kids with Zach Sullivan being his best friend. He has lusted after Sophie for a long time and feels that he has no business doing so because she deserves the best. And Jake doesn't feel as though he's the best.
Jake is sexy and funny and damaged. Both he and Sophie have their insecurities that prevent them from being who they truly are. Sophie is tired of being the "nice" twin and she proves that she can be naughty just like the next girl. Jake's insecurities are heart-wrenching. His childhood was not the best and it affected him greatly.
I Only Have Eyes for You is everything you want in a romance. I laughed. I sighed. The sex scenes were steamy and hot as hell! The overall plot romantic and the love between the characters borderline epic. With great characters, a wonderful supportive family as the foundation and a heroine who finally decides to go after what she wants and a hero who doesn't stand a chance of resisting her, I Only Have Eyes for You hits the mark.
I highly recommend reading this book and this series. You won't regret it.
A+ -
Can I have 6 stars please!!
I loved this book! Sophie is the youngest Sullivan sibling. She's been in love with Jake McCann since she was five years old. Jake is known as the ninth Sullivan and has always acted like an older brother to Sophie (little did she know Jake's feelings for her weren't brotherly). :)
I immediately fell in love with these two. I cheered for Sophie when she went after Jake and I felt for her when her heart was breaking. I loved that she took ownership of her feelings for Jake and wasn't going to settle for anything less then true love from him.
I didn't think anyone could replace my love for Marcus Sullivan but boy was I wrong. Jake McCann is Hot!! He might be rough around the edges but when he dropped that tough guy act, allowed himself to be vulnerable and realized he wasn't giving Sophie up, I thought I was going to melt.
Without giving too much away, when circumstances bring Sophie and Jake back together we learn more about why Jake runs hot and cold towards Sophie and how she deals with their issues in order to get their much deserved HEA. -
So... I didn't rate this because I honestly skimmed the last 60%... yup, 60%. I haven't read the other books in this series, but the author has pointed out you don't need to.
I won't drag this out but here's why I didn't like this at all. Sophie was annoying. People don't speak like that, especially how clingy she got with Jake the first time they got together. The whole 'forever' thing was cheesy and I love romance. That pretty much covers what turned me off, enough so that I'm sure there would have been other things, but I wasn't sticking around to find out. -
I love Bella Andre, she can do no wrong in my book.
Sweet and dirty uncomplicated romance - just what I needed! -
CREME de la CREME pick!
Review Posted at
Guilty Pleasures
Two months into 2012 and I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU by Bella Andre has raised the bar my for favorite books of 2012 to astronomical heights.
Sophie Sullivan aka NICE to her twin's Lori's NAUGHTY. Sophie has grown up surrounded by the love of her 7 siblings and her mother. Sophie is the "normal" one in a family full of superstars and even with all of their love and companionship she has lived her life in the shadows of their shine. Tired of being the "good" girl she decides to go after the man she fell in love with when she was five years old.
At ten years old, Jake McCann was convinced he was unlovable, a failure and unworthy of affection or success. All his life he wanted someone to love, someone to love him, he wanted to fit in, but gave up hope of ever achieving it. In his mind if the two people who should have loved him unconditionally, turned their backs on him, why would anyone else love him. The only happiness Jake knew growing up was when he became friends with the Sullivan clan. Through the years Jake thought of Sophie as a younger sister, but as she got older he had to fight deeper feelings for her. In his mind he was not worthy of her nor the happiness he could achieve with her.
Jake and Sophie have one night of out of this world passion, that neither can forget, nor did they imagine the overwhelming emotional repercussions that would result from that night. When they realize they can't ignore what happened they commence on a journey filled with laughter, tears, tenderness, joy, fear, hope, sensuality and love. Not to mention dealing with Sophie's six overprotective brothers, who happen to be Jake's long time friends.
Ms. Andre drew me into Sophie and Jake's story from the very beginning with superbly written depictions of Sophie and Jake's feelings, tastefully and well paced love scenes, a dominant man fighting his inner demons for the only woman he's ever loved and a feisty NICE girl who is determined not to finish last. The Sullivan family's love, dedication and support of each other is beautifully portrayed and leaves you feeling like one of the family.
Every single element of the plot in I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU is on my list of favorite romance scenarios. There is not one thing I can say was wrong with it.
Not only has Ms. Andre created an emotionally packed, heartbreaking, heartwarming story of love, faith and hope with I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU, she has also created an amazing, epic family saga with the Sullivan series. Ms. Andre includes Momma Sullivan and all of the Sullivan siblings in every story and each book just gets better and better.
I can't give much more as far as details about Jake and Sophie's journey to their HEA without spoiling the story, but I can share a couple of my favorite moments (this is only a couple, I think I highlighted something as my favorite on literally every page of the book)
(Sophie) "You should know that any progress you just made with me (...)has just been eradicated by that stupid smirk on your face." (...) "I made some progress, huh?" (...) "The orgasms might have won you a few points, (...) but the way you're acting now just put you back into negative territory. Way back."
He didn't kiss her, just stared at her with those dark eyes, and she was held completely in his thrall. "You're Mine." This time there was no sage protective inner voice to stop her from agreeing. (...) "I'm Yours."
If someone was to ask me "Give me the name of one book you've read that you consider a total package, feel good romance?" My answer would be "I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU by Bella Andre".
I am totally smitten with all of the Sullivan men, Gabe has a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see what is hidden behind Smith's Hollywood persona. I am anxiously waiting to read his and the rest of the Sullivan's stories, color me happy that Zach's book will be out this summer. -
3.5
First of all: my absolute favorite part of this book was Chase and Chloe's wedding. The couple that started it all tied the knot and it was absolutely adorable, not only because of how much they love each other, but also because of all the love The Sullivans have for their own. The speeches each of them gave to Chase and Chloe were moving and hilarious! I LOVED THEM!!!! They made my heart all mushy and I love it.
Now, onto Sophie Sullivan's chance at love:
She and her man, Jake, had obvious chemistry, but it took me longer to believe a love connection because of all the sex scenes. I guess there were a lot of them because of all the years they hid what they felt? Or perhaps Sophie's pregnancy hormones? Hahah, whatever the case I would've loved more scenes of them getting to know each other outside of the bedroom. Yes, the characters let us know they've known each other since kids, but I wanted them to share more no-sex moments as adults.
Nevertheless, the ending didn't leave me unhappy. Sophie and Jake made me laugh, smile and almost cry. It was a journey I very much enjoyed.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series. The epilogue with Zach made me laugh. I can already see him losing that bet to Lori.
**
The Sullivans series
The San Francisco Sullivans
Book 1:
The Look of Love (Chase and Chloe)
Book 2:
From This Moment On (Marcus and Nicola)
Book 3:
Can't Help Falling in Love (Gabe and Megan)
Book 4: I Only Have Eyes for You (Sophie and Jake)
Book 5:
If You Were Mine (Zach and Heather)
Book 6:
Let Me Be The One (Ryan and Vicki)
Book 7:
Come A Little Bit Closer (Smith and Valentina)
Book 8:
Always on My Mind (Lori and Grayson)
Book 9:
Kissing Under the Mistletoe (Jack and Mary Sullivan)
The Seattle Sullivans
Book 10:
The Way You Look Tonight (Rafe and Brooke)
Book 11:
It Must Be Your Love (Mia and Ford)
Book 12:
Just to Be With You (Ian and Tatiana)
Book 13:
I Love How You Love Me (Dylan and Grace)
Book 14:
All I Ever Need Is You (Adam and Kerry)
San Francisco & Seattle Sullivans reunite for Zach & Heather, and Ryan & Vicki's wedding
Book 14.5
Every Beat Of My Heart
The New York Sullivans
Book 15:
Now That I’ve Found You (Drake and Rosa)
Book 16:
Since I Fell For You (Suzanne and Roman)
Book 17:
You Do Something to Me (Alec and Cordelia)
Book 18:
Every Time We Fall in Love (Harry and Molly -
Review posted:
Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 4.5/5
This fourth book in Bella Andre’s Sullivan family series is my favorite. The heroine is a quiet, smart, book worm librarian, who has always loved Jake from the moment her little five year old self saw him. Jake is a business man, running a successful chain of pubs, but his life growing up was anything but normal. He had an abusive father and even worse for Jake, he never learned to read. Reading never came easy for him, the only Sullivan aware of this is Zach and as Jake got older, he barely made it through high school and has had ten years worth of tutors to help him learn. He’s managed to work around this for his business, doing much over the phone or in person, but when Sophie makes it very clear early on about her feelings, he knows that a man who can’t stand books won’t have much in common with a librarian.
I loved how this story started. Jake and Sophie have already had years and years of knowing each other. Each of them secretly loving the other person, but never letting on about it to the one they love. They spend one night together and Jake avoids her completely after that. Two and a half months later Sophie gets the biggest shock of her life, she’s pregnant.
Jake loves Sophie but never thought he could ever deserve a girl like her. But when Sophie comes to his door with the big news, he instantly goes into “MINE” territory, wanting Sophie with him 24/7. He wants it all, marriage, kids – it scares him completely, especially worrying about his kids having the same struggles with reading that he's had, but he wants so badly to have Sophie in his life.
He didn’t kiss her, just stared at her with those dark eyes, and she was held completely in his thrall. “You’re mine.”
This time there were no sage, protective inner voices to stop her from agreeing. How could there be when they were all on the edge of anticipation?
“I’m yours.”
Sophie is incredibly hesitant now thinking that Jake only wants to marry her because of the pregnancy, so Jake wants one week of her time to prove himself. Sophie agrees and it’s full of bumps along the way. Jake waits too long to come clean about his past, his family and how struggling with reading has always impacted his life. But they’re just so sexy together, I loved their relationship from the beginning and Jake is wonderful hero, having that combination of sexiness and vulnerability.
The Sullivan siblings weren't as present this time around, the bulk of the story takes place over the week that Jake wants from Sophie to prove that their relationship could and will work. The one thing I really wish would have happened on page was the birth. I would have loved to have seen it play out through both Sophie and especially Jake’s eyes. But time isn’t passing that quickly in the series so I’m crossing my fingers that Bella gives us a little short story for the birth when it happens.
This was my favorite book of the series so far. I loved Sophie, I loved Jake and their romance was so completely satisfying. -
Let's start this out with a note: it totally seems like I am not the target audience for Bella Andre's books... or at least the two I have read from The Sullivans series. I can understand why some people love these types of books, but they are just not for me. As I have a few other The Sullivans books in my possession, I might give her another chance, but I don't want anyone to see this as me deliberately reading books not for me for bashing them - it's more like I am trying to find some common ground with the people who write rave reviews.
I first read From This Moment On, which I did not really like... Sophie's character seemed interesting (I wanted to read about a bookish girl), so I started reading this one... and I liked it even less.
The only positive thing I could find here were some of the Sullivan family dynamics, but even there I found uncharacteristic things.
Cons:
- I just found the whole why Jake is not pursuing Sophie thing weird... not even weird, but not really thought over from the author's side... how come he is keeping resisting the girl who is giving him hints for god knows how many years, but when she gets pregnant, he almost wants to force her to marry him???... that does not make sense. Even with the potential "my child has to be raised in a family" guilt, it would not have happened with such ease.
- I, again, just like in a lot other books like this, I hated this "now I don't want to be together, now YOU don't want to be together" pagefiller dramafestival
- his deep dark secret that was promoted in the blurb... OMG. With that sort of pretentious introduction in the blurb, I thought he at least murdered someone or got someone wrongfully in prison... but this... Sophie seems an understanding enough person not to make a fuss out of it
- I really did not like this whole "nobody was really interested in me in my whole entire life because I'm kind of plain and my twin sister is hotter than me" antic when almost every other guy wanted to bang Sophie in the book
- the brothers' reactions to Sophie's actions and her wearing makeup and get together with guys was laughable... she's not a 14 year old teen.
- I would have loved more of Sophie's love for books and how it plays a huge role in her life portrayed... other than "I am smart, I read books" and "I am not an unexperienced girl because I read sex books, too".
- this whole pregnancy plotline is so overused and cheap, and nothing really innovative was put in to redeem it -
Vanaf de eerste bladzijden werd ik in het verhaal gezogen. Ik kon me heel erg herkennen in Sophie. Die intense stille verliefdheid op de prille leeftijd van vijf jaar: yep, been there. Het stille wachten, dromen, hopen, met mijn neus in de boeken: done that!
Alleen bleef het onderwerp van haar verliefdheid in haar leven als de vriend aan huis bij de Sullivans.
Het wordt al snel duidelijk dat de aantrekking wederzijds is. Hoe en waarom, moet je zelf maar lezen. :-) Dat ga ik niet vertellen, maar het loont zeker de moeite. Beloofd!
"Life is about creating yourself":
Wat mij zo enorm aantrekt in Jake McCann is dat ondanks zijn moeilijke jeugd, hij er toch in slaagde om een goed leven en een goede toekomst voor zichzelf op te bouwen. En dat ondanks zijn slechte reputatie als vrouwenversierder er toch onder dat beruchte uiterlijk en al die tattoos een authentieke gentleman schuilt.
Het maakt niet uit waar je vandaan komt en welke waarden je meekreeg van thuis uit, Jake laat druppelgewijs zien dat een mens in staat is om zichzelf dankzij wil, discipline en toewijding opnieuw op te voeden tot de man die hij wilt zijn. Ik was daarom helemaal weg van Jake en dat is ook net hetgene dat Sophie enorm waardeert in Jake.
Toch was ik even heel boos op haar broers die ondanks alle gedane moeite van Jake's kant tijdens zijn leven om een goede toekomst op te bouwen, hem toch niet goed genoeg vonden voor haar. Gelukkig was dit voor Sophie het gouden moment om eindelijk zelf controle te nemen over haar muurbloemachtige leven als bibliothecaresse en haar hart na te jagen. You live only once!
Een aanrader van formaat! Dit boek vergeet ik nooit meer en ik hoop stiekem heel erg dat ik een man, zo oprecht en echt, mag leren kennen in mijn leven. Dit is voor mij mannelijke schoonheid in zijn meest pure vorm. En ik dronk het allemaal in als zonlicht op een warme, wolkeloze zomerdag. :-) -
This was fantabulous!! I love this series and this book did not fail my expectations.
Nice girl and the bad boy, who could ask for a better pairing. Jake was yummy and hard core and sensitive and . . . yummy! And Sophie was sweet and caring and adventurous and daring!
Sophie went after what she wanted and got it, big time. Let's add determined to that list above. Even when she gets way more than she bargained for she does not step down and cower in the corner. She preservers and pushes past all of life's obstacles ultimately getting the guy she has always loved.
Jake is caught off balance by Sophie's determination but ends up enjoying his one night with his heart's desire. One night is all he allowed himself and he made sure he and Sophie never crossed paths. Well, sometime life puts obstacles in your way and you have change course. He does not feel worthy of Sophie but tries to show her he can be the man she needs. His secret eventually comes to light but Sophie is a better woman than anyone every gave her credit for!
Those Sullivan's have my heart, I just love them all. I'm thinking either Zack or Lori is next and I CAN'T WAIT!! Way to go Bella Andre! Your books rock and your characters have substance and flaws and love and heart! And adding the fact these books are based in my old stomping grounds (San Fran and Napa) I am a fan for life!!
Thank you
NetGalley.com for providing me with this ebook! -
Bella Andre’s voice as a romance writer just keeps getting stronger and stronger with her SULLIVANS SERIES. The latest volume in the series, #4, is I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU, and it is a keeper, to be read again and again.
Ms Andre writes from the heart so this is a very emotional book. She can find the words to wring laughter, tears, joy, and deep sadness out of her characters as well as her readers, yet wind up with an HEA that brings great satisfaction. I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU is a character-driven book. Beginning with the first book in the series I fell in love with these characters and am totally invested in their lives. The main characters of each book, including this one, shine brightly, but the secondary characters are strongly drawn and equally important to the story. I loved this book, the three previous Sullivans Series books, and can hardly wait for the next book, Zach Sullivan’s story, IF YOU WERE MINE.
See my complete review at
http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (Feb. 27, 2012) -
Oh my stars. This book was way too cute. I sat down one afternoon and read through most of it in an hour and a half, and spent every free moment I had the next day waiting to finish the rest of it. This is my first Bella Andre book, and I cannot wait to pick up the rest of the series, in addition to Bella Andre's other books.
I loved not only the relationship between Jake and Sophie, but also the family dynamics between all the different characters. Even though it is an outwardly what might be a broken family, they all stand together and really are a great family.
Jake and Sophie's relationship was HOT. The tension just leaps off the page. I loved the unconventional start to their romance and the build up for it.
Basically, this one was a complete win for me. It was everything I look for in a good book - addicting, steamy, and a great love story.
