If book one of the Oakwood Lane series had you hooked on Shannen and Cal, Only With You takes everything you felt for them and turns it up considerably. This is a well written, engaging sequel that brings their story to a deeply satisfying close — though the road to that ending is anything but smooth, and that’s very much the point.
Kyra Lennon wastes no time throwing her characters into the deep end. Shannen’s world has collapsed around her, Cal is walking away from the thing he wants most, and neither of them has the full picture of why. The slow unravelling of the truth — the twists, the secrets, the moment things finally click into place — is handled really well, and there’s a genuine sense of danger underpinning the drama that gives the story an edge beyond the romance. This one is a proper emotional rollercoaster, and you’ll be willing Shannen and Cal on every step of the way.
One of the highlights for fans of Lennon’s wider work is the crossover with characters Tegan and Cameron from Picture I’m Perfect. Their reappearance here is a lovely touch — it feels like catching up with old friends — and it adds an extra warmth to the story that readers of that book will really appreciate.
The supporting cast continue to develop nicely, the dialogue is credible throughout, and the pacing is confident — drama, angst, heartfelt moments and steamy passion all woven together without any one element overwhelming the others. Lennon clearly knows these characters inside out and it shows.
A well-crafted and emotionally rich conclusion to Shannen and Cal’s story.
I award 5 Stars.
