Only Rivals

Only You, Book 1

By: Charity Ferrell

Narrated by: Samantha Cook, Connor Crais

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

The first boy I ever hated was Jax Bridges.

The first man I loved was his best friend. 

My plan was to meet a boy, fall in love, and live happily ever after. 

That ended when my boyfriend died and left me half of his business. 

Now, his best friend and I are business partners. 

There’s just one problem: We hate each other. 

Jax and I have been rivals since childhood. 

He wants me out of the business, but it’s all I have left. 

The more time we spend together, the more we question if we were ever rivals at all. 

Will my last love be his best friend?

Or will we destroy each other?

©2022 Charity Ferrell (P)2022 Charity Ferrell

Wow

I knew going in that this one was going to be a doozy. But wow, this was a devastatingly emotional book. I absolutely adored Connor Crais and Samantha Cook’s narration of Jax and Amelia's story.

The Narration is Perfectly Done!!

Jax is so amazing and so broody, but man does he love hard! He may just have jumped to the top spot of favorites by Charity.

Amelia is such a wonderful character and you can feel her emotions through the pages...

I loved this book so much, I read it in one sitting. I could not put it down.
This story is heartbreaking and beautiful! I love it being the second generation from her previous series.

I love seeing past characters in a different light. This world that Charity created is one of my favorites!

Please read the trigger warning.

Holy emotions!!!

This is such a beautiful story!!

Only Rivals is book #1 in the Only You series and is narrated by Samantha Cook and Connor Crais.

This was my 1st time listening to Samantha and Conor and it won't be my last! They were perfect as Jax and Amelia! This is such an emotion filled book, and they portrayed each one in such an amazing way. You will feel right along with them.

And the story!! Charity broke my heart, then mended it back together!!

Amelia is heartbroken and is grieving her fiancee that passed away. She also has to deal with Jax, his best friend and business partner constantly tearing her down.

When Amelia is left her fiancees part of the business, Jax is very angry. They have to be business partners when they can barely be in the same room together.

There is so much history between them, they grew up together and feelings started changing. When Jax introduces Amelia to Chris, they fall in love, instead of Jax having her.

This is an emotional read, and you will need tissues on hand, but its so worth it! Another amazing read from Charity!

Rollercoaster of 🖤

Only Rivals (Only You, Book 1) By: Charity Ferrell
Narrated by: Samantha Cook, Connor Crais
Series: Only You, Book 1

I am a sucker when it comes to growing up together romance but you put also, rivals/enemies to lovers + second chance romance all in one, wowzers. I was hesitate for reading/listening to this story. Yet when I was 5 chapters in, I could not stop listening/reading the book at all. I truly devoured this book like there is no tomorrow. Jax and Amelia has an intense love story: There is plenty of angst and such dramatic crazy, heartwarming to heartache banters with one another.

This is my 1st time listening/reading a book by this author, Charity Ferrell and she did such magnificent job to keep my attention. Extreme measures the characters had to go through actually put me into tears. The moments felt so realistic before, during, and after the loss of a fiancée (Chris) with Amelia & his best friend, Jax. I keep changing my mind about them 2, together or not together. If I keep going back and forth of the relationship to continue on and if they will get any better. She did a wonderful job on the character development, for sure!

The audiobook was remarkable & bonus in my life considering the voices of Connor Crais and Samatha Cook. I haven’t heard them together and boy, let me tell you, all the feels & sizzling hott! Connor and Samantha are the perfect fit for Jax and Amelia! The book is already rollercoaster of emotions but gosh damn, they took me along the ride with their enticing, liberating, passionate, and outrageous voice performances. So, if you want a book a book full of angst to passionate love to take your heart in a whole another level (you know, your heart tear into pieces, and many pieces and slowly go back together again), this is it!

Tugs on your heart strings...

I seriously went back and forth with this audiobook… did I love it? Did I just like it? I’m not sure but I couldn’t stop listening so it held me captive that is for sure! My main issue was Jax. Lord this man acted like a toddler at times and I wanted to give him a fierce talking to on how to treat people. I think the author missed the mark a bit on showing healthy ways to grieve and how to move forward… and I say this a person who lost her husband almost two years ago. I wish somewhere in this book there was talk of counseling or support groups, something to help those grieving. Anyways, those were my only issues with this audiobook. I still give this a solid 3.5 stars. It’s a book that kept me intrigued until the end.


If you just look at this on face value it really had the opportunity to be a 5-star audiobook. The story was solid and quite deep… it deals with suicide and mental health issues so if that is a no go for you, you should know that. But there’s some beautiful growth here too. Amelia starts to grow and really find herself. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to Amelia and Jax as kiddos. It’s amazing to see how things could have been so different with just a word from Jax or Amelia. This is a deep book with a ton of angst and drama, not too much humor, but tons of heat. The narrators, Samantha Cook and Connor Crais really added some heart to the story. I really feel like both narrators showcased both characters so flawlessly. I mean they started out acting as kids and really grew through the story… Cook and Crais really portrayed every emotion and held my attention.

Had me intrigued

I enjoyed listening to this story. It captured me at the beginning and I couldn't wait to listen to more. I recommend listening or reading this book. You will not regret it. I am looking forward to listening to the entire series.

Beautiful Story!

This is the first book in the Only You series, a small town romance. OMG!! Amelia and Jackson/Jax’s story is heartbreaking! I wasn't prepared for it. They are such wonderful characters. The storyline is emotional, and full of angst. The back and forth, past to present, is well done and easy to follow. I loved to follow them in their second chance to love. This is a beautiful story. Samantha Cook and Connor Crais did an outstanding job with the narration. I can't wait for Only Coworkers, the next book in the series. I highly recommend it.

Best friends girl 2nd chance frenimies

I really enjoyed the story line. Usually I’m not one for 2nd chance story lines but the angst in this one is so worth it. I loved the character development along with the relationship development.

Emotional and Steamy Rollercoaster Ride

Only Rivals was actually my first book by Charity Farrell and I was immediately sucked into this emotional and angsty story of two childhood rivals who secretly always wanted to be more, but life and others got in the way. Amelia and Jax both were crushed when Chris, Amelia’s finance and Jax’s best friend, died. When Chris leaves his half of his business with Jax to Amelia, they are forced to work together and confront their past.

Amelia and Jax’s story was so heartbreaking. I felt the pain of both of them but especially Jax. He denied his feelings for so long to help his friend and it broke my heart. Their behavior started out so juvenile as a way to mask the pain they were both living with, but they finally realized that they need to face some truths about themselves in order to move forward. I loved watching their relationship grow and evolve.

Narrated by Connor Crais and Samantha Cook, the audiobook was engrossing. Both narrators fully embraced all the emotion and heart of the characters and brought the story to life perfectly. I was so involved in the story thanks to their performances.

Full of so much betrayal, heat, second chances, love and heart, Only Rivals was a stunning and emotional roller coaster ride.

A Really Great Listen

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

The first boy I ever hated was Jax Bridges. The first man I loved was his best friend.
My plan was to meet a boy, fall in love, and live happily ever after. That ended when my boyfriend died and left me half of his business. Now his best friend and I are business partners. There's just one problem: We hate each other. Jax and I have been rivals since childhood. He wants me out of the business, but it's all I have left. The more time we spend together, the more we question if we were ever rivals at all.
Will my last love be his best friend? Or will we destroy each other.

I love a good enemies to lovers and best friends anything books and this one is really really good. This is the story of Amelia and Jax. These two have been enemies for as long as either of them can remember. However Amelia fell in love with his best friend Chris and got engaged to him. Now that he is gone, they have both lost someone very important in each of their lives. Chris and Jax were business partners and he has left his half of the business to Amelia and she and Jax are now forced to run the business together. He wants her out and she is not giving up the only connection she has to Chris left.
I loved how this book was written and we didn't have to really go through the death of Chris. The story begins after his death but the past is woven in to the story so you get the full background of Jax and Amelia. I love when I get a great deal of the past in stories that it is important in to have and this one is. It shows you so much of why things are the way they are and why they really can't stand each other. I really loved when they got in some of their fights. I know that sounds crazy, but that's when your really see that these two have some serious sparks flying all over the place. These two can either help each other heal or they can tear each other apart? Which one will it be? You have to read to find out. I loved this book, the characters and everything were just perfect. You do not want to miss this one.

Good story, didn’t like the narrator

The narrator sounds very robotic, which is such a shame because the storyline is great. Unfortunately the robotic, over-pronounced narration is distracting and annoying!

The best Charity Ferrell book I’ve read yet!

This definitely is Charity Ferrell at her best! This book was honestly just soo good! First before I get ahead of myself, ‘Only Rivals’ is the first book of the 2nd generation series from her Twisted Fox & Blue Beech series’ and it stars Jax & Amelia, the kids of Sierra & Maliki, and Lola & Silas respectively. And after finishing the Twisted Fox series just last month, I was soo excited to jump back into the world. This book certainly did not disappoint!

Jax & Amelia have always been rivals whom annoyed each other as kids, but this rivalry developed into romantic feelings. But after some unfortunate circumstances, Jax’s best friend, Chris, ends up with Amelia. After Chris’ death, Jax and Amelia struggle with their feelings towards each other, and feelings of betraying Chris (who was engaged to Amelia at the time of his death).

This book was def a roller coaster. There was so much angst. I loved how the writing was used to show us all the heartbreaking moments that occurred in their lives, and the difficulty that they were going through because of their circumstances. It was soo emotional at times, but the pay-off was worth it! I enjoyed every moment!

I listened to the audio version which was narrated by Samantha Cook and Connor Crais. They both did an amazing job at bringing Jax and Amelia to life. Both their voices and the tone in which they spoke felt like what I imagine the characters to sound like. Great work!

I highly recommend this book if you want an angsty enemies-to-lovers / childhood romance rekindled as adults, read.

Trigger Warning: this book deals with heavy subjects including mental health issues (depression and Suic**e).

Amelia and Jax!

Amelia’s parents are best friends with Jax’s parents, and their fathers are business partners, so they have always been a part of each others lives. At face value you would see their relationship had them competing with each other on a constant basis however there was much larger emotions at play which came to a halt when Chris entered their lives. He became Jax’s best friend and Amelia’s fiancé until he tragically passed away and all they are left with is guilt, regrets, and pain.

Keeping their distance is not possible when Amelia inherits Chris’s position in the brewery that he and Jax owned. They now find themselves at odds as they face not only the aftermath of Chris’s death but the hurt and resentment regarding their feelings for each other. Let the angst begin!

This is an emotional story about making peace with the past and trying to reclaim the part of themselves that they lost after the painful events they have endured. They have both been through so much and if anyone deserves happiness it is this couple but getting there will certainly have its turmoil. The narrators gave a wonderful portrayal of the emotions the characters were feelings and their journey.

Heartwrenching.

Trigger Warning: Mentions of Suicide.

Second Generation story of the Twisted Fox series.

I read it front to back. Absolutely loved it. Couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between Jax and Amelia is captivating. Through alternating points of view, Only Rivals depicts the narrative of Jaxson "Jax" Bridges and Amelia "Millie" Malone. Amelia is still mourning the loss of her fiancé Chris and has been left feeling confused and devastated. She is therefore unclear of what to do when she learns that he has left his share of the company in her name. Particularly considering that Chris's best buddy Jax, who has been her nemesis since childhood, controls the other half of the company. Amelia and Jax have hated each other all of their lives. they are forced to work together.

They were adept at pushing each other's buttons, but occasionally one of them would go too far. They were both grieving the loss of a loved one, and both of them were devastated by it. Even though they were hurling foul language at one another, you could still sense their chemistry and connection. Samantha Cook and Connor Crais did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. From the beginning, you could sense how they were battling one other and their emotions. This story is one to read if you're seeking for a small town, enemies to lovers, angry, or emotional one.

Only a love story

This hit is one hit after another. You will enjoy it more. It’s a top pick it’s an enjoyable story that has atmosphere and passion. The heroine and hero are passionate towards each other , thing is they try to hide it the hero will make your heart sign and the heroine who will match him whit to wit There is suspense and thrilling moments. This story is one I highly recommend it’s not the first time I listened to Charity Ferrell .

The performance of Connor Crais and Samantha Cook is fantastic. They brought the story and characters to life.

Captured my attention and wouldn't let go.

Emotionally driven and a romance impossible not to get caught up in, Charity Ferrell takes us on a journey of guilt, pain, healing and second chance love. I can't even begin to say how much I love this story. Amelia and Jax were young and exploring. High school friends, they could not remember a time they didn't know each other. When Chris came into the picture, Jax stepped back and let his best friend pursue the girl. But now with tragedy, Amelia and Jax are thrown together again. And now they have a lot of obstacles to overcome. Will they be able to face their demons? Ferrell has written a powerful story with relevant issues. The romance is a bonus! Amelia is a strong woman, and she learns how to deal with her feelings. It's a long journey and definitely not an easy one. Finding his new normal is what Jax is trying to do, and coping with all guilt is next to unthinkable. Their fractured friendship leads to an incredible foreplay and only together will they be put back together. This is an amazing story and I can't wait to hear the next in the series.

Samantha Cook and Connor Crais are our storytellers and they are phenomenal. Cook brings out the grief and pain with Amelia, and lets us in her heart as her feelings for Jax reignite. Crais digs deep and pulls the guilt and passion out of Jax. This narration is perfectly cast and held me intrigued until the very end.

Very emotional story.

I don't know how many times my heart broke listening to this audio. The depth of feelings expressed, the exploration of the longevity and intensity of grief, is explored and described in a manner which is so very believable. Amelia and Jax are suffering through a true maelstrom of understandable feelings of deep loss and hurt followingthevdeath of Chris, boyfriend/friend. Jax's responses are wildly different from Amelia's and there were many times when I wanted to stamp on his feet in frustration, but, I also understood what was happening. These two go through hell to get to peace and happiness.
The two narrators Samantha Cook and Connor Crais are outstanding. Their interpretation of the text rang true and real. It was heartfelt. A terrific listen 💖💖💖💖💖

Great book

Amelia is getting over her Fiancés suicide but his best friend Jax isn’t helping . Jax blames her for Chris’s death even though he knows it wasn’t her fault. Really enjoyed listening to this but Jax was infuriating projecting his own guilt on to Amelia , I’m glad they got their HEA in the end though.

Jax and Amelia

4.5 stars.
I'm still wiping my tears away after finishing this audiobook. It was such a rollercoaster of emotions. Jax and Amelia have known each other since they were young but their rivalry was always their very own demonstration of love. Growing up they eventually go their separate way but never actually too far as there is still so much that connects them. I'm happy they found each other in the end but I'm eternally sad of all the heartbreak that brought them back together.

Samantha Cook and Connor Crais gave voice to the characters and what an outstanding job they did.