The One That I Want

by J. Keely Thrall

She’s team no strings. He wants something more. Which one will get what they want? What do you do when your no-strings-attached, spicy fling stops being fun, and begins to turn serious? I learned early on not to trust emotional attachments. So when Connor Mack, the nice guy I’m hooking up with, asks me out on an actual date, cutting him loose is a no brainer. It's a flawless strategy--until we're asked to plan our best friends’ engagement party. Together. Working–and playing–with Connor during a long, hot summer in New York City is more fun than I’ve had in forever, but scarier, too. Because each luscious kiss and every scene we negotiate cracks me open just a little bit more, making me feel way too vulnerable for comfort. Now my estranged parents have restarted their old, manipulative games, forcing me into a life-changing choice. Do I retreat and stay safe–or risk my heart going after Connor, the one that I want? ** The One That I Want is a funny, hot contemporary romance with 1) a sunny hero who insists on coordinating safe words, 2) a grumpy heroine whose emotional support animal is a stuffed camel, 3) chocolate chip cookie cravings, and 4) quite a variety of silk ties. **

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Nadine Monaco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved J. Keely Thrall’s The One That I Want. This is one sexy book!
Keira and Connor are fun buddies who meet up once a month at a networking (ha…networking) event. Keira tries to break it off—monthly being too serious for her—but she can’t because her best friend and Connor’s best friend are getting married, and Keira and Connor are tapped to put together an engagement party for the lovebirds. While trying to arrange this fabulous fete, the hook-ups—the ones Keira wanted to stop—get hotter and hotter. (This woman knows how to tie a tie.) Connor thinks she’s the one, but a lifetime of unpleasant baggage makes this impossible for her to see. As a side note, I loved Kiera’s awful parents, and I loved Connor’s family. There are obviously more stories coming from Connor’s side of the family, and I can’t wait.

[Morgan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a book for the people who hate slow burns! J. Keely Thrall gets right down to business 🔥 This book has it all: witty banter, a golden retriever main man, and multiple laugh-out-loud moments.

[Skye Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy yet sensitive! This book will make you hot in one moment and make you cry in the next! What more could you want? And as Scrappy Heroines are kinda my thing in my books, I’m deeming myself the authority, and Keira totally qualifies as a first-rate SH. This story also juxtaposes a truly dysfunctional family with a very loving one, artfully showcasing how those relationships impact the main character arcs. The family dynamics of the brothers and their father are particularly touching!

[J.T. Bock · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. Keely Thrall knows how to write awesome dialogue. The sexy, witty banter between the two main characters, Connor and Kiara, make for a sizzling romance between two people who are perfect for each other—even if they both have to unpack serious emotional obstacles to get there. I recommend this story as your next vacation read, although you may want to be near the A/C when you read this hot romance.

[Shelly Wygant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read starts our light hearted with Kiera and Conner as friends with benefits. However when Conner wants more Kiera tries to put a stop to it. No matter what they have to see each other because their best friends are getting married. I absolutely loved the banter between these two. Although they seemed funny as you get more into the story you see they both have pasts that have left marks on their hearts. It is an uphill battle for them to trust and fall in love with each other. With many highs and lows in their relationship it is a read that will keep you turning the pages. To add all the main characters in this book were awesome.

[Pia Gasberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my kinda book, but not because of the sex scenes. I just didn't connect at all with either Keira og Connor, I couldn't feel them as characters, despite the dual perspective, their voices were distinct, but felt cliché to me.

[Alys Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book as a gift from a friend and really enjoyed it. The banter was excellent and I loved the dual point of view! Highly recommend you check this author out.