A gorgeous romance with a few twists set in Rome, Blackpool and London. The main Italian location is what personally sets this book up as being so romantic for me, along with references to ballet and the opera - so romantic! The story follows Alf and Letty, who meet in an Italian language class after both escaping their own troublesome pasts. The two characters come from very different backgrounds but have a similar love of dance. Alf is positive about his future and has come to terms with his past but Letty is haunted by her past and what happened all those years ago. Dance is something mutual that they love and something that could help with Alf growing up and Letty coming to terms with her history. After this book sitting on my shelf for a while, I’m glad I finally picked it up and got stuck in as I did really enjoy it and felt like I was there within the romance in Italy.

Due to the current global situation, a book that could take me away from home was ideal. I loved the gorgeous descriptions of the Italian setting, it was so vivid I could have been on holiday! Well, almost! I also really enjoyed how the author included social media references within the novel, as it made the situations and the depth of the characters much more realistic than if these details had not been included. I also really enjoy books about ballroom dancing, and this topic tends to be included in historical fiction, so it was fantastic to be able to read about this in a modern day context. It made the plotline feel original and has stayed with me since reading the extract. I enjoyed how hopeful and vivid this book was. This was exactly what I needed when I wanted to get away from real life for a while, and the gorgeous setting was exactly the right place to do it!

What a sweet telling story! Who doesn’t love a romantic story? A lovely couple who meet up become good friends and what to take it further. She has eyes only for him, and their spark for each other grows. Read on as to how they met, what similarities they have together and what adventures they go on. The 2 main characters are quite sweet and sincere, and the story mainly focuses on them only. You get to find about who they meet along the way and how much of-an influence they have on the pair. I would recommend this book to my friends and family and I’d rate it a 7/10. The grammar is quite easy to read and would be suitable for readers young and old. I would also like to read other books from this author due to the style of writing, as it’s not too complex. The cover is quite nice, wouldn’t normally catch my eye however once reading the story I’m glad I picked it up.

Only you tells the story of Alf and Letty, a boy from Blackpool and a girl from London, who have both run away to Rome to try and forget what they are running away from. Brought together with a passion for dance it seems that they have found everything they need in each other but sometimes your past has a way of catching up on you. I found the characters to be warm and engaging with hidden depths. The story, whilst long, has plenty of twists and turns which kept me interested and wanted to know what happened to Alf and Letty next. This is the perfect summer read, and whilst we may not be jetting off anywhere soon I found it to be the perfect lockdown escapism. Overall a lovely book that I would recommend.

Such a beautiful novel! Romantic, but not soppy - if you know what I mean - and definitely not a story easily forgotten. Letty and Alf both join a class in Rome to help them be fluent in the Italian language; both in the city for differing reasons, they are the only two English people there. Seemingly poles apart they feel a connection when they dance together, waltzing around the Piazza Navona - and from that moment on, things between them begin to change. It fairly obvious that both of them have secrets and throughout the book we get to know them better; but do they have what it takes to make a future together? I've been very lucky recently - and during the world-wide lockdown - to read several books set in dream locations and now feel very Italian since finishing this one (even had spaghetti carbonara this evening). The setting is idyllic, and Kate Eberlen does full justice to this wonderful city, showing off it's sights and sounds throughout her novel. The characters will touch your soul, for several reasons, and I cannot think of anyone who won't be rooting for them to make it together. This is a marvellous story with a well-crafted array of characters, each clearly described and easy to imagine. With a clever storyline, it's very appealing from beginning to end and the kind of book which makes you sigh with satisfaction as you reach the end. A stunningly romantic read, one I'm very happy to recommend and give 4.5 shining stars.