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One Call Away
Eloise Bailey is a down-and-out individual rapidly approaching rock bottom, who has a peculiar knack for destroying her phone. After her car burns to the ground, Eloise’s life takes an unforeseen turn. Fumbling with a new phone, she inadvertently sends a text to the wrong number - a number that belongs to Doctor Dianah Mitchell, a successful and accomplished surgeon.
Dianah, a talented professional, is living a solitary life, content within the walls of her career accomplishments until a mistake by a colleague changes her life completely. That same day, she receives Eloise's accidental message, setting the stage for an unusual connection to blossom.
As Eloise makes the life-changing decision to join the army, Dianah becomes a constant presence in her life, offering encouragement and a listening ear through a series of text exchanges. Through the difficulties of military training, Eloise and Dianah's bond deepens, growing stronger with every message despite Eloise's continual phone mishaps. Unbeknownst to them, an unbreakable connection forms, transcending the boundaries of friendship, slowly evolving into a romance neither of them ever anticipated.
What starts as an amusing mishap soon evolves into a lifeline of friendship for Eloise, as Dianah becomes the steadfast source of support in their time of need. For Dianah, Eloise becomes the friend she never knew she needed.
"One Call Away" is a touching story of resilience, the power of human connection, and the transformative journey of two souls who found friendship and love when they least expected it. Join Eloise and Dianah on their heartwarming voyage of self-discovery, as they redefine their lives, and discover that sometimes, the most beautiful love stories are the ones that were never planned.
Dianah, a talented professional, is living a solitary life, content within the walls of her career accomplishments until a mistake by a colleague changes her life completely. That same day, she receives Eloise's accidental message, setting the stage for an unusual connection to blossom.
As Eloise makes the life-changing decision to join the army, Dianah becomes a constant presence in her life, offering encouragement and a listening ear through a series of text exchanges. Through the difficulties of military training, Eloise and Dianah's bond deepens, growing stronger with every message despite Eloise's continual phone mishaps. Unbeknownst to them, an unbreakable connection forms, transcending the boundaries of friendship, slowly evolving into a romance neither of them ever anticipated.
What starts as an amusing mishap soon evolves into a lifeline of friendship for Eloise, as Dianah becomes the steadfast source of support in their time of need. For Dianah, Eloise becomes the friend she never knew she needed.
"One Call Away" is a touching story of resilience, the power of human connection, and the transformative journey of two souls who found friendship and love when they least expected it. Join Eloise and Dianah on their heartwarming voyage of self-discovery, as they redefine their lives, and discover that sometimes, the most beautiful love stories are the ones that were never planned.
457 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 9, 2024
I don’t usually reference other reviews in my reviews but there are two reviews on this book for a DNF, one is fair and totally understandable and while the other could have been, I think they were unfair and the thought of that being someone’s impression for this book is a bit sad.
There is a character both of these reviews had a problem with however as I said, both are DNF which meant they didn’t give the story a chance to work out that character.
I think it’s absolutely fair to DNF when you just can’t get into (as the first review did) but I don’t think it’s fair to act like the author did something wrong by writing an unlikable character (as the second review did) and then not give them a chance to deal with it and act like that’s a reflection of the book and not just your lack of interest in it.
This book was a refreshing read from the recent brigade of cliches in the Les fic realm, a bit different and probably filled with unrealistic ideas but funny and original!
You do get two lovable main characters, had me laughing from the very first chapter. One of the side characters seems to be the area of contention for some, but she gets what she deserves, I would say she should’ve gotten worse tbh. The romance wasn’t boiling hot but it was definitely cute!
Not the best accuracy, not the craziest.
I do recommend!
There is a character both of these reviews had a problem with however as I said, both are DNF which meant they didn’t give the story a chance to work out that character.
I think it’s absolutely fair to DNF when you just can’t get into (as the first review did) but I don’t think it’s fair to act like the author did something wrong by writing an unlikable character (as the second review did) and then not give them a chance to deal with it and act like that’s a reflection of the book and not just your lack of interest in it.
This book was a refreshing read from the recent brigade of cliches in the Les fic realm, a bit different and probably filled with unrealistic ideas but funny and original!
You do get two lovable main characters, had me laughing from the very first chapter. One of the side characters seems to be the area of contention for some, but she gets what she deserves, I would say she should’ve gotten worse tbh. The romance wasn’t boiling hot but it was definitely cute!
Not the best accuracy, not the craziest.
I do recommend!
January 13, 2024
One Call Away
This takes slow-burn romances to the extreme. Glacial pace. However, it's very worth it. You get time to really invest in the characters and watch their growth. Your heart will break, and you will want to cheer on both MCs. I didn't care for the best friend from the beginning, and it made me cheer on the character even more and made the relationship between the MCs more powerful. It had amazing chemistry. I would not call this book angsty, just a true slow burn, while both MCs had to get used to the changes. I enjoy Camryn Eyde's books and will continue to follow her.
This takes slow-burn romances to the extreme. Glacial pace. However, it's very worth it. You get time to really invest in the characters and watch their growth. Your heart will break, and you will want to cheer on both MCs. I didn't care for the best friend from the beginning, and it made me cheer on the character even more and made the relationship between the MCs more powerful. It had amazing chemistry. I would not call this book angsty, just a true slow burn, while both MCs had to get used to the changes. I enjoy Camryn Eyde's books and will continue to follow her.
March 24, 2024
Superb book - read in a day, yes it was that good! Had so many themes, it’s making me think, making me laugh, making me cry. A class act, thank you.
March 26, 2026
6 stars read
this was incredible. the growth, the love, the angst, the friends to lovers romance, just everything, im in love
this was incredible. the growth, the love, the angst, the friends to lovers romance, just everything, im in love
January 13, 2024
Was so close to totally loving it
I liked the plot and getting to know both characters, but there were a few things that held me back. One was the never ending self doubt that Eloise exhibited. After the first 200 pages, I grew tired of reading about it. Another was the best friend Rita. The dynamic of their relationship, which spanned numerous instances of fat shaming and essentially verbal abuse, never really made sense. Like, why are they even friends?
Overall, the plot was good and moved at a fairly decent pace. I liked the character of Dianah. If grammatical/spelling errors will ruin a book for you, there are a fair number, so this might not be the one for you.
I liked the plot and getting to know both characters, but there were a few things that held me back. One was the never ending self doubt that Eloise exhibited. After the first 200 pages, I grew tired of reading about it. Another was the best friend Rita. The dynamic of their relationship, which spanned numerous instances of fat shaming and essentially verbal abuse, never really made sense. Like, why are they even friends?
Overall, the plot was good and moved at a fairly decent pace. I liked the character of Dianah. If grammatical/spelling errors will ruin a book for you, there are a fair number, so this might not be the one for you.
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January 6, 2024DNF at 40%. I’m really disappointed with this book. The book felt so long and the character beats were constantly repeated that it became tedious and boring. Ellie has low self-esteem and constantly doubts her intelligence, her perseverance, her ability and is sure she’s going to give up again and again. “Eloise saw the writing on the wall. She was slow to learn, doubted everything, and was almost ready to give up before she started.”
“Who are you and what have you done with Eloise Bailey, the loser?” Eloise felt her body tense. “I’m right here.” What a shitty thing to say to a friend and then “No, you ain’t. You sound like you have your shit together. The Lulu I know doesn’t. She has no fucking idea. I don’t even know how she gets out of bed and ties her own shoelaces.” Rita puts Ellie down all the time and discourages her and then doubles down on it even when it hurts Ellie’s feelings and this further feeds into Ellie’s own insecurities about her abilities and self-worth. She is a terrible friend.
I would have liked more about Dianah as a person and her job as a doctor (it felt very surface level and brushed over compared to the detail given to Ellie’s career in the military). Her character and motivations were also more vague and she didn’t seem very interesting.
“She is. She’s a full-on lesbo. Dude, you need to end that relationship now. She’s grooming you.” Ellie’s friend Rita continues to be insufferable and just a terrible negative part of Ellie’s life. She’s homophobic, mean-spirited and digs at Ellie all the time. I’m surprised Ellie hasn’t cut her from her life because she’s so aware how shitty her parents have treated her and she’s no longer in contact with them.
“Who are you and what have you done with Eloise Bailey, the loser?” Eloise felt her body tense. “I’m right here.” What a shitty thing to say to a friend and then “No, you ain’t. You sound like you have your shit together. The Lulu I know doesn’t. She has no fucking idea. I don’t even know how she gets out of bed and ties her own shoelaces.” Rita puts Ellie down all the time and discourages her and then doubles down on it even when it hurts Ellie’s feelings and this further feeds into Ellie’s own insecurities about her abilities and self-worth. She is a terrible friend.
I would have liked more about Dianah as a person and her job as a doctor (it felt very surface level and brushed over compared to the detail given to Ellie’s career in the military). Her character and motivations were also more vague and she didn’t seem very interesting.
“She is. She’s a full-on lesbo. Dude, you need to end that relationship now. She’s grooming you.” Ellie’s friend Rita continues to be insufferable and just a terrible negative part of Ellie’s life. She’s homophobic, mean-spirited and digs at Ellie all the time. I’m surprised Ellie hasn’t cut her from her life because she’s so aware how shitty her parents have treated her and she’s no longer in contact with them.
July 8, 2024
Ugh I cannot express how happy it makes me to read a novel set in Australia that depicts the way we speak in all its sweary glory. Though at some points I thought the dialogue might be a bit over the top, I quickly realised that I have in fact met people who speak that exact way, and I could absolutely imagine Eloise, Dianah, and the other characters existing in real life. The only unrealistic thing was the lack of c-bombs... but that's probably for the best.
That aside though, I really enjoyed this novel and I read the whole thing through in one sitting. The burn is slooooow and the characters' arcs are very non-traditional (if you've read it, you know what I mean). I didn't mind though. It all felt very fitting and true to who Eloise and Dianah were and how they grew together as a couple, and I was so happy there was no stupid third-act breakup to derail their relationship.
I know some reviewers have complained about Eloise's constant negative self-talk. Yes, I can absolutely see how that would be annoying. However, as someone whose self esteem has been nonexistant for as long as I've had memories.. I related so hard to Eloise and her constant fears of not being good enough. Of course, I've never had to go through anything quite as horrific as what happened to her with her dad, but the repeated messing-up, lack of direction, and non-existant support system were things I could definitely link to my own life. I think it helped that I'm about the same age as Eloise too, and having to face the same tough decisions about where I want my life to go.
Also, I'm very happy that the dropkick side characters after continuing to screw Eloise over both mentally and physically. I'm a bit tired of novels that forget the supporting characters' actions can have consequences on the leads, so that was very cathartic to see.
I will say that the level of polish on the writing is not quite there. I've definitely read far worse, and it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the book, but a second edition with some input from an external editor could really give this novel the audience it deserves. Would recommend. :)
That aside though, I really enjoyed this novel and I read the whole thing through in one sitting. The burn is slooooow and the characters' arcs are very non-traditional (if you've read it, you know what I mean). I didn't mind though. It all felt very fitting and true to who Eloise and Dianah were and how they grew together as a couple, and I was so happy there was no stupid third-act breakup to derail their relationship.
I know some reviewers have complained about Eloise's constant negative self-talk. Yes, I can absolutely see how that would be annoying. However, as someone whose self esteem has been nonexistant for as long as I've had memories.. I related so hard to Eloise and her constant fears of not being good enough. Of course, I've never had to go through anything quite as horrific as what happened to her with her dad, but the repeated messing-up, lack of direction, and non-existant support system were things I could definitely link to my own life. I think it helped that I'm about the same age as Eloise too, and having to face the same tough decisions about where I want my life to go.
Also, I'm very happy that the dropkick side characters after continuing to screw Eloise over both mentally and physically. I'm a bit tired of novels that forget the supporting characters' actions can have consequences on the leads, so that was very cathartic to see.
I will say that the level of polish on the writing is not quite there. I've definitely read far worse, and it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the book, but a second edition with some input from an external editor could really give this novel the audience it deserves. Would recommend. :)
April 2, 2024
Fantastic. Not perfect, but close to it.
I wish I could convey the emotion of how much I loved this book. Some sort of feelings transplant to state how great this was.
Eloise is a young woman who has never really had the full support of someone who love her. She comes from a troubled past and is struggling to survive in a world that views her as a perpetual screw up.
That changes when a wrong number text message conversation introduces her to Dianah. The pair bond, and as time goes by they get closer and closer.
Why I love this? Because it’s two hurt people coming together to become something better. It’s supportive and it’s loving and it’s what I love seeing in books. The big misunderstandings weren’t because of useless lesbian drama, but because Eloise and Dianah are both hurt people. Eloise especially, coming from a horrific background.
But the best part of it is the maturing. From both characters, growing up on the pages and seeing the way they improve as people. Just fantastic is what I think. And it reads well. Enjoyable. Lighthearted in some places, heavy in others. It balanced out well.
10 out of 10, would recommend.
I wish I could convey the emotion of how much I loved this book. Some sort of feelings transplant to state how great this was.
Eloise is a young woman who has never really had the full support of someone who love her. She comes from a troubled past and is struggling to survive in a world that views her as a perpetual screw up.
That changes when a wrong number text message conversation introduces her to Dianah. The pair bond, and as time goes by they get closer and closer.
Why I love this? Because it’s two hurt people coming together to become something better. It’s supportive and it’s loving and it’s what I love seeing in books. The big misunderstandings weren’t because of useless lesbian drama, but because Eloise and Dianah are both hurt people. Eloise especially, coming from a horrific background.
But the best part of it is the maturing. From both characters, growing up on the pages and seeing the way they improve as people. Just fantastic is what I think. And it reads well. Enjoyable. Lighthearted in some places, heavy in others. It balanced out well.
10 out of 10, would recommend.
July 3, 2024
Eloise and Dianah, the main characters in One Call Away, are brought together by a misdirected text message. Their relationship develops over several years, making for an extremely slow burn romance. Eloise suffers from such overwhelming feelings of inferiority that it is hard for her to commit to Dianah. That said, the women complement each other in ways that makes them work as a couple. There is a decent albeit perfunctory supporting cast. They play their respective roles, but most are not integral enough to provide additional insights into the main characters. There is some angst and a few moments of melodrama, but much of the story arc focuses on Eloise relentlessly working to make a life for herself. Overall, this is a very engaging read with a satisfying conclusion.
February 10, 2025
Unlikely couple that just fit together
I love everything that Camryn Eyde writes.
This story is no exception. Anna and Ella’s relationship flows well from a start of witty text messages to a fake marriage. It survives an overseas deployment and injury and the family angst that both live with.
I enjoyed watching both characters grow and open up to one another. I It models good mental health seeking behavior, and the power of a true ally. It is real enough not to have a kiss or good relationship fix everything.
This US physiatrist thought the orthopedic surgeon was credibly represented.
I love everything that Camryn Eyde writes.
This story is no exception. Anna and Ella’s relationship flows well from a start of witty text messages to a fake marriage. It survives an overseas deployment and injury and the family angst that both live with.
I enjoyed watching both characters grow and open up to one another. I It models good mental health seeking behavior, and the power of a true ally. It is real enough not to have a kiss or good relationship fix everything.
This US physiatrist thought the orthopedic surgeon was credibly represented.
Read
May 21, 2024DNF
I love Camryn Eyde's The Tricky Series so much. I was so thrilled to find out that there was a new book last year. But this book... I almost couldn't stand Eloise, and then there's Rita, Eloiser's best friend, who seems like the worst person to me. Whenever the POV switched to Eloise's side, it made me anxious and annoyed. I gave myself a break and decided it was time to abandon this one.
The Tricky Series was still my favorite series though.
I love Camryn Eyde's The Tricky Series so much. I was so thrilled to find out that there was a new book last year. But this book... I almost couldn't stand Eloise, and then there's Rita, Eloiser's best friend, who seems like the worst person to me. Whenever the POV switched to Eloise's side, it made me anxious and annoyed. I gave myself a break and decided it was time to abandon this one.
The Tricky Series was still my favorite series though.
February 3, 2024
Unexpected
This was such a refreshing and unexpected romance. The storyline and characters were so well developed and relatable. You couldn't help but cheer for Ellie and Anna come out on top after having such traumatic childhoods. The story had a several twist.... some predictable and some not so predictable. This was really good read that I highly recommend.
This was such a refreshing and unexpected romance. The storyline and characters were so well developed and relatable. You couldn't help but cheer for Ellie and Anna come out on top after having such traumatic childhoods. The story had a several twist.... some predictable and some not so predictable. This was really good read that I highly recommend.
April 15, 2024
wow!
I love discovering authors that keep me turning pages until the end. This is a beautiful story of opposites that help each other find their wholeness. Anna and Ellie are engaging characters and the story is filled with the challenges that only love can heal. Just read it.
I love discovering authors that keep me turning pages until the end. This is a beautiful story of opposites that help each other find their wholeness. Anna and Ellie are engaging characters and the story is filled with the challenges that only love can heal. Just read it.
January 31, 2024
the best of eyde's so far. she's polished her writing by lot and i can't wait to read the upcoming tricky series!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews