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Just One More Thing
Ten years ago, Jake Wheeler told his best friend, Emory Donovan, he loved her.
She said thank you.
Now Emory is back in Blue Crab Bay just long enough to help her grandmother run the town's doughnut shop while she recovers from a broken leg.
Jake is back too. The former NFL quarterback has traded stadium lights for crab boats and dock sunrises, and when Emory walks back into town, he looks at her like she never left.
Between festivals, movie night on The Green, and a town that loves love a little too publicly, the distance Emory swore she'd keep disappears. So do the walls she built to protect herself from the one person she never truly got over.
She still sleeps in his jersey. He still sends Morse code across the water. And the words she couldn't say at twenty are getting harder to outrun at thirty.
In a town where everyone has an opinion, privacy is mostly theoretical, and romance is practically a community event, Emory and Jake must decide whether first love belongs in the past...
...or if some people are worth risking your heart for twice.
Just One More Thing is a laugh-out-loud small town romantic comedy about childhood best friends, first love, second chances, a scene-stealing bulldog, and the kind of town you'll wish was real.
The first book in the Blue Crab Bay series.
Closed Door Readers: If you prefer a closed-door romance, skip Chapter 21. In Chapter 46, skip ahead to the paragraph that begins, "And all I can think is..." You won't want to miss the rest of the chapter.
She said thank you.
Now Emory is back in Blue Crab Bay just long enough to help her grandmother run the town's doughnut shop while she recovers from a broken leg.
Jake is back too. The former NFL quarterback has traded stadium lights for crab boats and dock sunrises, and when Emory walks back into town, he looks at her like she never left.
Between festivals, movie night on The Green, and a town that loves love a little too publicly, the distance Emory swore she'd keep disappears. So do the walls she built to protect herself from the one person she never truly got over.
She still sleeps in his jersey. He still sends Morse code across the water. And the words she couldn't say at twenty are getting harder to outrun at thirty.
In a town where everyone has an opinion, privacy is mostly theoretical, and romance is practically a community event, Emory and Jake must decide whether first love belongs in the past...
...or if some people are worth risking your heart for twice.
Just One More Thing is a laugh-out-loud small town romantic comedy about childhood best friends, first love, second chances, a scene-stealing bulldog, and the kind of town you'll wish was real.
The first book in the Blue Crab Bay series.
Closed Door Readers: If you prefer a closed-door romance, skip Chapter 21. In Chapter 46, skip ahead to the paragraph that begins, "And all I can think is..." You won't want to miss the rest of the chapter.
446 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2026
About the author
Dani Akard
2 books49 followersDani Akard writes contemporary small-town romance full of laugh out loud chaos.
Her debut novel, Just One More Thing, introduces readers to Blue Crab Bay, a coastal town where privacy is cute in theory. Rare in practice.
She believes there’s nothing more romantic than falling in love with the person who makes you laugh.
When she isn’t writing, Dani is usually at the water’s edge with her husband, two English bulldogs, and entirely too many feelings about fictional people.
Instagram: @withlovedani
Her debut novel, Just One More Thing, introduces readers to Blue Crab Bay, a coastal town where privacy is cute in theory. Rare in practice.
She believes there’s nothing more romantic than falling in love with the person who makes you laugh.
When she isn’t writing, Dani is usually at the water’s edge with her husband, two English bulldogs, and entirely too many feelings about fictional people.
Instagram: @withlovedani
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 18, 2026
4.75⭐️
I absolutely adored this book by Dani Akard. Full of yearning, second chance love and hilarious moments, Just One More Thing is an incredible read. I loved all the almost moments and the yearning between Jake and Emory. The town of Blue Crab Bay and all the inhabitants made me laugh alongside their shenanigans and moments throughout the book. Dani’s writing style is captivating and so easy to read, I can’t wait to read book 2!
Thanks to Dani Akard and Net Galley for this ARC.
I absolutely adored this book by Dani Akard. Full of yearning, second chance love and hilarious moments, Just One More Thing is an incredible read. I loved all the almost moments and the yearning between Jake and Emory. The town of Blue Crab Bay and all the inhabitants made me laugh alongside their shenanigans and moments throughout the book. Dani’s writing style is captivating and so easy to read, I can’t wait to read book 2!
Thanks to Dani Akard and Net Galley for this ARC.
August 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! I couldn’t believe it was a debut novel. It was such an easy, feel-good read that had me smiling the whole way through, and there were definitely a few laugh-out-loud moments. I loved all of the characters and their unique personalities, but the MMC and his dog completely stole the show for me. They were so lovable! The banter was chef’s kiss, and I walked away feeling completely satisfied with the ending. If you’re looking for a cozy romance set in a charming coastal town, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
July 31, 2026
A cozy small crab town read with two lovers who reconnect at just the right moment. Just One More Thing is a very very slow burn. Emory (FMC) was generally unlikable. I get she is supposed to have unexplained anxieties, but damn lady, get it together.
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August 12, 2026Hello from Blue Crab Bay.
I can't believe the day has arrived. "I've asked myself more than once today: What in the world was I thinking?"
What started as simply writing a story I wanted to read became a story I wanted you to read.
And now you can. Just One More Thing is available.
You can read it on Kindle or Kindle Unlimited, turn the pages of a paperback or hardcover, or listen on Audible or Apple Books.
This is my town. These are my people. Today you get to meet them and love them like I do. EEP.
When you get to the end, I hope you'll read the Dear Reader. There's a little bit of me in Emory, especially in the way she experiences anxiety. I intentionally didn't give her one defining trauma or a tidy explanation for why she feels the way she does because I don't have one for myself. Many of us who live with anxiety will tell you we don't know the why. We just know that we do.
I fear happiness. I fear sadness. Sometimes I fear the feeling of simply feeling too much. I wanted others who experience these same feelings to know they're not alone, and that's the truth I wanted Emory to carry.
I hope you love Blue Crab Bay—the people, the chaos, and the love behind it all.
With love,
Dani
I can't believe the day has arrived. "I've asked myself more than once today: What in the world was I thinking?"
What started as simply writing a story I wanted to read became a story I wanted you to read.
And now you can. Just One More Thing is available.
You can read it on Kindle or Kindle Unlimited, turn the pages of a paperback or hardcover, or listen on Audible or Apple Books.
This is my town. These are my people. Today you get to meet them and love them like I do. EEP.
When you get to the end, I hope you'll read the Dear Reader. There's a little bit of me in Emory, especially in the way she experiences anxiety. I intentionally didn't give her one defining trauma or a tidy explanation for why she feels the way she does because I don't have one for myself. Many of us who live with anxiety will tell you we don't know the why. We just know that we do.
I fear happiness. I fear sadness. Sometimes I fear the feeling of simply feeling too much. I wanted others who experience these same feelings to know they're not alone, and that's the truth I wanted Emory to carry.
I hope you love Blue Crab Bay—the people, the chaos, and the love behind it all.
With love,
Dani
August 16, 2026
Although it's not my normal kind of reading I absolutely laughed my ass off with tears in my eyes reading it. Being from a small community growing up I could relate to all the characters. I laughed when Glady's made her appearance. I could still see her peeking around the curtain of her house of a certain television series back in the day. The comments on the cups of coffee had me in stitches "The Walk of Shame Latte" Typical tight commity with humor. From the serenity of Willard to absolute crazyness of Wayne. Tell Bobby I'm a little more Wayne than Willard. And if course your pup "Hank". For all those who have followed Bobby over the years we know the love for your furr babies.
"Great Job" Dani. I'm looking forward for the next hilarious adventure.
"Great Job" Dani. I'm looking forward for the next hilarious adventure.
August 16, 2026
Hallmark eat you heart out.
OK, I'm only on page 130, and jumped to the review, to write this. The story should become a Hallmark series. I'm NOT a reader of rom com, but when the teaser email landed in my in computer I was tired of the storylines I've been reading. Fate has a way I guess. The story and writing are the perfect combination for a Hallmark move. The escape from our everyday turmoil. Can't wait to read the rest of the story and the following books..
OK, I'm only on page 130, and jumped to the review, to write this. The story should become a Hallmark series. I'm NOT a reader of rom com, but when the teaser email landed in my in computer I was tired of the storylines I've been reading. Fate has a way I guess. The story and writing are the perfect combination for a Hallmark move. The escape from our everyday turmoil. Can't wait to read the rest of the story and the following books..
August 16, 2026
a fantastic debut novel
Dani hit it out of the park on her debut novel. It was equal parts angst, funny and heartwarming. I immediately fell in love with the town and the two main characters were just an added bonus!
Dani hit it out of the park on her debut novel. It was equal parts angst, funny and heartwarming. I immediately fell in love with the town and the two main characters were just an added bonus!
August 11, 2026
There are some genuinely cute ideas here: a small beach town where everyone knows everyone’s business, childhood friends reconnecting after ten years, a football-star-turned-local-hero, adorable animals who basically become supporting characters, and a second-chance romance.
The biggest problem for me was how often the author would build up to a romantic moment and then immediately cut away. The lighthouse kiss? Cut away. Their adorable boat “non-date”? Cut away. Their first real date where Jake literally closes his restaurant early, cooks everything perfectly, AND makes a dessert from her magazine? She asks for a kiss and—CUT TO NEXT CHAPTER. Ma’am. 😩 At some point I felt like I was being personally punished for wanting to read the romance in my romance novel.
And when they finally have the big emotional conversation about Jake telling her he loved her ten years ago and her responding with “thank you,” I REALLY wanted that moment to land. Instead, the dog farted.
I am begging you. 😂
There were moments where I thought, Okay! HERE WE GO! Now we’re getting somewhere! Jake finally opens up about his parents. They finally talk about what happened between them. They finally get together. And then it would be over almost immediately. I think that’s why the book felt so surface-level to me despite having some genuinely emotional material to work with.
I also never fully understood Emory’s commitment issues. Jake is basically devoted to this woman from childhood through adulthood, continually chooses her, gives her space, waits for her, and loves her through everything. I understood that she had anxiety around commitment, but I never quite understood why Jake specifically made her so afraid. Their eventual happily-ever-after was sweet, but I wanted to understand her journey to get there more.
That said, there were things I really enjoyed. The small-town meddling was cute(ish- repetitive to the point of annoying but for some they might like that in a “Gilmore Girls” kind of way). The carnival dunk-tank scene was adorable. The lighthouse and meteor shower were romantic. I loved the final football game and thought the proposal was incredibly sweet. And Jake? That man LOVES this woman. His “I want love without having to beg for it” moment genuinely hurt my heart. 💔
And I have to give the book credit for finally giving us a real intimate scene later on that wasn’t rushed, skipped, or interrupted by a dog. 😂 It was tender and actually made me think, Oh! The author CAN write these moments!
Ultimately, though, this felt a little too innocent and surface-level for me. I think if I were a younger reader discovering romance for the first time, I would have absolutely devoured this. The childhood-friends-to-lovers, small-town meddling, football star, donuts, lighthouse kisses, and happily-ever-after are all there.
But as a woman in her thirties, I found myself wanting more emotional depth and more payoff from the history between these two. I kept waiting for the story to dig deeper, and it just never quite did.
Cute? Yes. Sweet? Definitely. But for me, it was a little too much fade to black and not quite enough let me actually feel this. (Side note: I never want to read about a girl and her bkr again ps omg😒) 2.5⭐
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ebook in return for an honest review.
The biggest problem for me was how often the author would build up to a romantic moment and then immediately cut away. The lighthouse kiss? Cut away. Their adorable boat “non-date”? Cut away. Their first real date where Jake literally closes his restaurant early, cooks everything perfectly, AND makes a dessert from her magazine? She asks for a kiss and—CUT TO NEXT CHAPTER. Ma’am. 😩 At some point I felt like I was being personally punished for wanting to read the romance in my romance novel.
And when they finally have the big emotional conversation about Jake telling her he loved her ten years ago and her responding with “thank you,” I REALLY wanted that moment to land. Instead, the dog farted.
I am begging you. 😂
There were moments where I thought, Okay! HERE WE GO! Now we’re getting somewhere! Jake finally opens up about his parents. They finally talk about what happened between them. They finally get together. And then it would be over almost immediately. I think that’s why the book felt so surface-level to me despite having some genuinely emotional material to work with.
I also never fully understood Emory’s commitment issues. Jake is basically devoted to this woman from childhood through adulthood, continually chooses her, gives her space, waits for her, and loves her through everything. I understood that she had anxiety around commitment, but I never quite understood why Jake specifically made her so afraid. Their eventual happily-ever-after was sweet, but I wanted to understand her journey to get there more.
That said, there were things I really enjoyed. The small-town meddling was cute(ish- repetitive to the point of annoying but for some they might like that in a “Gilmore Girls” kind of way). The carnival dunk-tank scene was adorable. The lighthouse and meteor shower were romantic. I loved the final football game and thought the proposal was incredibly sweet. And Jake? That man LOVES this woman. His “I want love without having to beg for it” moment genuinely hurt my heart. 💔
And I have to give the book credit for finally giving us a real intimate scene later on that wasn’t rushed, skipped, or interrupted by a dog. 😂 It was tender and actually made me think, Oh! The author CAN write these moments!
Ultimately, though, this felt a little too innocent and surface-level for me. I think if I were a younger reader discovering romance for the first time, I would have absolutely devoured this. The childhood-friends-to-lovers, small-town meddling, football star, donuts, lighthouse kisses, and happily-ever-after are all there.
But as a woman in her thirties, I found myself wanting more emotional depth and more payoff from the history between these two. I kept waiting for the story to dig deeper, and it just never quite did.
Cute? Yes. Sweet? Definitely. But for me, it was a little too much fade to black and not quite enough let me actually feel this. (Side note: I never want to read about a girl and her bkr again ps omg😒) 2.5⭐
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ebook in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2026
Can I move to Blue Crab Bay?
Absolutely loved this sweet HEA romcom!
Jake & Emory are so well-written. One chapter had me soooo mad at Emory but stay calm, it'll all work out. I laughed so hard I cried thanks to the antics of humans and animals in town. Maddy and Hattie are hilarious, and Wayne & Ryan.... I'm hoping future books include them. Especially Ryan, I suspect still waters run deep there. And Willard and Walt, what shenanigans are they getting up to when everyone is watching Maddy and Hattie?????
It's clear Dani absolutely adored everyone she wrote about, and I'm amazed she was able to pluck this whole town from her imagination and bring it to life for us readers.
Little bit of spice, 🌶🌶 of 5 in my opinion
10/10. So glad I took a chance on this debut novel!
Absolutely loved this sweet HEA romcom!
Jake & Emory are so well-written. One chapter had me soooo mad at Emory but stay calm, it'll all work out. I laughed so hard I cried thanks to the antics of humans and animals in town. Maddy and Hattie are hilarious, and Wayne & Ryan.... I'm hoping future books include them. Especially Ryan, I suspect still waters run deep there. And Willard and Walt, what shenanigans are they getting up to when everyone is watching Maddy and Hattie?????
It's clear Dani absolutely adored everyone she wrote about, and I'm amazed she was able to pluck this whole town from her imagination and bring it to life for us readers.
Little bit of spice, 🌶🌶 of 5 in my opinion
10/10. So glad I took a chance on this debut novel!
August 14, 2026
I found this book absolutely beautiful. The longing and love story is so pure and deep. As much as I enjoyed the story, the final chapters felt really drawn out and mostly unnecessary. We could have gone from the game to the beach with just a little info to set the scene.
Favorite character? Hank. When you know-❤️
These are characters I could use in my life today and every day. Definitely look forward to more books by this author
Favorite character? Hank. When you know-❤️
These are characters I could use in my life today and every day. Definitely look forward to more books by this author
August 16, 2026
I want to live in Blue Crab Bay!
Fantastic first novel by Dani. Loved the characters, the town, and of course, Hank. Also loved the teaser at the end. What a fun twist! Now, April 2027 can’t get here soon enough to hear all about the newest love match!
Fantastic first novel by Dani. Loved the characters, the town, and of course, Hank. Also loved the teaser at the end. What a fun twist! Now, April 2027 can’t get here soon enough to hear all about the newest love match!
August 4, 2026
Dani Akard’s debut novel feels like stepping into Stars Hollow if it were moved to a charming coastal town.
This second chance romance follows Emory and Jake as they navigate their rekindled romance alongside the town’s entertaining side-characters and one adorable pup named Hank 🐶
The ultimate rom-com to round out the summer! A big thank you to the author for the ARC 💗
This second chance romance follows Emory and Jake as they navigate their rekindled romance alongside the town’s entertaining side-characters and one adorable pup named Hank 🐶
The ultimate rom-com to round out the summer! A big thank you to the author for the ARC 💗
August 19, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to enjoy this one because the blurb sounded right up my alley, but unfortunately I struggled to connect with the story and the writing.
The biggest issue for me was how repetitive the writing felt. Certain phrases, sentence structures and descriptions appeared often enough that I kept noticing them.
The small-town setting was cute and there were some sweet moments between Emory, Jake and the townspeople, but overall I found myself struggling to stay engaged. Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me, but I look forward to the next book and where Dani Akard takes the series.
I really wanted to enjoy this one because the blurb sounded right up my alley, but unfortunately I struggled to connect with the story and the writing.
The biggest issue for me was how repetitive the writing felt. Certain phrases, sentence structures and descriptions appeared often enough that I kept noticing them.
The small-town setting was cute and there were some sweet moments between Emory, Jake and the townspeople, but overall I found myself struggling to stay engaged. Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me, but I look forward to the next book and where Dani Akard takes the series.
July 31, 2026
This book gave me all the warm and fuzzies. Truly the most scrumptious second-chance romance, complete with the absolute best small-town meddlers.
The banter between the FMC and MMC? Top tier. But the banter within the friend group? Elite. I cackled out loud more than once because somehow the sweetest, most heartfelt moments would immediately spiral into complete chaos, and I was obsessed.
I loved watching the FMC work through her anxiety around making big life decisions instead of repeating the choices she made the first time around...because WOOF that would've been a tough pill to swallow a second time 👀
And can we please give the MMC the standing ovation he deserves? That man has the patience of a saint, the emotional intelligence of a therapist, and the kind of unwavering hope we should all aspire to have when it comes to love.
I genuinely can't say enough good things about this book. And if Dani Akard is listening...I need books for every single member of this friend group because I am far too invested now!!!
Sleep Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Absolutely worth losing sleep over. This book was pure feel-good magic.
A big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
The banter between the FMC and MMC? Top tier. But the banter within the friend group? Elite. I cackled out loud more than once because somehow the sweetest, most heartfelt moments would immediately spiral into complete chaos, and I was obsessed.
I loved watching the FMC work through her anxiety around making big life decisions instead of repeating the choices she made the first time around...because WOOF that would've been a tough pill to swallow a second time 👀
And can we please give the MMC the standing ovation he deserves? That man has the patience of a saint, the emotional intelligence of a therapist, and the kind of unwavering hope we should all aspire to have when it comes to love.
I genuinely can't say enough good things about this book. And if Dani Akard is listening...I need books for every single member of this friend group because I am far too invested now!!!
Sleep Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Absolutely worth losing sleep over. This book was pure feel-good magic.
A big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
August 7, 2026
I really liked the idea and plot of this book. It was a nice small-town second chance romance book. I am not a huge fan of second chance romances, however I wanted to give this a try because it seemed like a cozy read. Overall, it was a pretty solid book, but I did not feel connected to the characters. I would say I did feel bored at some parts and wanted more from this.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for giving me an opportunity to read this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for giving me an opportunity to read this arc!
August 18, 2026
Just One More Thing is a compelling, deeply relatable second change Romace read that hits all the right emotional notes. Dani Akard crafts a story filled with heart, nuance, and characters that feel like old friends by the final page. Hank absolutely made my day every time I sat down to read. Dani created the perfect bookboyfriend with Jake. All green flags sign me up. I wish Blue Crab was a real place because I would move there in a heartbeat. The whole time reading i felt like Emory was my best friend. This is an absolute must read for 2026. I can't wait to see what Dani has in store for us next.
August 24, 2026
Honestly, Hank was my favorite character in this one!
Jake was a good character and I really enjoyed the humor throughout the book but I never quite felt like I connected with Emory. I also found myself a little weirded out by the whole town seemingly following along with their love story and knowing way more about their intimate life than needed. 😂
Also, I hope the author got a bkr sponsorship for how many times it was mentioned in this book. Haha!
Overall, a fun read with great scenery - I just didn't connect with the story as much as I was hoping to.
Jake was a good character and I really enjoyed the humor throughout the book but I never quite felt like I connected with Emory. I also found myself a little weirded out by the whole town seemingly following along with their love story and knowing way more about their intimate life than needed. 😂
Also, I hope the author got a bkr sponsorship for how many times it was mentioned in this book. Haha!
Overall, a fun read with great scenery - I just didn't connect with the story as much as I was hoping to.
August 17, 2026
I really loved this book. There was just something about Jake & Emory that had me hooked from the first page. I loved the childhood friends to lover trope and how well it was written in this book. Jake yearned for Emory for YEARS and he was so patient with her when she came back around. Their entire relationship was written so beautifully and Emory’s declaration of love was PERFECT!!
July 14, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 stars! This debut novel will have you kicking your feet, giggling, smiling, and maybe shed a tear or two. Dani does such a great job with the dialogue and scene setting in this book, it literally feels like you’re there in Blue Crab Bay with the characters. All of the characters were so fun and small-town quirky, you can’t help but love them. For those of you that love shows like Gilmore Girls (it’s me, hi), this would be perfect for you. Things I loved: 1. We get both Jake and Emory chapters, which is always nice in a romance. 2. We know early on what happened between Jake and Emory to cause the 10 years of no contact. 3. The short chapters. 4. Hank and French Fry. Duh! 5. Second chance romance. I'm a sucker for it and it was well done here! Jake and Emory's romance was so refreshing and gave me all the feels. One thing I wish was different: I wish there was a bit more detail in the chapters while still keeping them somewhat short. The endings of the chapters sometimes felt abrupt. Overall, such a cute story, and I can’t wait to continue with the series! I will patiently wait for the day this HOPEFULLY becomes a movie. It would be PERFECT on the big screen.
4.25 stars! This debut novel will have you kicking your feet, giggling, smiling, and maybe shed a tear or two. Dani does such a great job with the dialogue and scene setting in this book, it literally feels like you’re there in Blue Crab Bay with the characters. All of the characters were so fun and small-town quirky, you can’t help but love them. For those of you that love shows like Gilmore Girls (it’s me, hi), this would be perfect for you. Things I loved: 1. We get both Jake and Emory chapters, which is always nice in a romance. 2. We know early on what happened between Jake and Emory to cause the 10 years of no contact. 3. The short chapters. 4. Hank and French Fry. Duh! 5. Second chance romance. I'm a sucker for it and it was well done here! Jake and Emory's romance was so refreshing and gave me all the feels. One thing I wish was different: I wish there was a bit more detail in the chapters while still keeping them somewhat short. The endings of the chapters sometimes felt abrupt. Overall, such a cute story, and I can’t wait to continue with the series! I will patiently wait for the day this HOPEFULLY becomes a movie. It would be PERFECT on the big screen.
August 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Dani Akard for the advanced copy of Just One More Thing; in exchange for my honest review.
💭Thoughts💭
Just One More Thing is the debut novel for the author Dani Akard.
This was not a difficult storyline to get caught up in, I found it very enjoyable. I would find myself at times actually laughing out loud, where my husband was asking me what was so funny. Now don’t get me wrong, this book definitely a contemporary romance, but when you through in a spunky granny and bulldog named Hank, you get some moments of comedic relief.
Just One More Thing is a deeply heartfelt story, that is centered around Emory and Jake. Emory has been coming to Blue Crab Bay since she was a little girl to stay with her grandmother; where she grows up being friends with Jake, who grew up in the town. In some respects I could relate to Emory, who runs when things get difficult. At times I got frustrated while reading because it is never stated why Emory has such terrible anxiety, and why her character is the way she is. It was going to be a critique for this book, but when I read the afterword from the author and she stated that she did it on purpose, because sometimes someone’s anxiety doesn’t make sense and has no reason exactly. The fact that Emory has anxiety things and the way her brain would work through things really resonated with me.
Jake is a retired NFL quarterback who is the perfect friend and has patience like a saint. I love the way he is with his friends and how he doesn’t try to push Emory into more than she is willing to give. Jake is a character who lives with his whole heart, and he isn’t afraid to show that. It also helps that he has a bulldog named Hank, who is practically a main character all on his own.
The town of Blue Crab Bay kind of reminds me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. Not because of the location but because of the atmosphere. This is a town where the people care for one another, and the way that they show that is by getting into everyone’s business. I love that!
💭Thoughts💭
Just One More Thing is the debut novel for the author Dani Akard.
This was not a difficult storyline to get caught up in, I found it very enjoyable. I would find myself at times actually laughing out loud, where my husband was asking me what was so funny. Now don’t get me wrong, this book definitely a contemporary romance, but when you through in a spunky granny and bulldog named Hank, you get some moments of comedic relief.
Just One More Thing is a deeply heartfelt story, that is centered around Emory and Jake. Emory has been coming to Blue Crab Bay since she was a little girl to stay with her grandmother; where she grows up being friends with Jake, who grew up in the town. In some respects I could relate to Emory, who runs when things get difficult. At times I got frustrated while reading because it is never stated why Emory has such terrible anxiety, and why her character is the way she is. It was going to be a critique for this book, but when I read the afterword from the author and she stated that she did it on purpose, because sometimes someone’s anxiety doesn’t make sense and has no reason exactly. The fact that Emory has anxiety things and the way her brain would work through things really resonated with me.
Jake is a retired NFL quarterback who is the perfect friend and has patience like a saint. I love the way he is with his friends and how he doesn’t try to push Emory into more than she is willing to give. Jake is a character who lives with his whole heart, and he isn’t afraid to show that. It also helps that he has a bulldog named Hank, who is practically a main character all on his own.
The town of Blue Crab Bay kind of reminds me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. Not because of the location but because of the atmosphere. This is a town where the people care for one another, and the way that they show that is by getting into everyone’s business. I love that!
August 14, 2026
Can I be honest and say: I would have ran from Blue Crab Bay too, Mo...
Let me start by saying that I love a small-town romance, especially one that is setting up a universe for sequels but this town is not one that I see myself coming back to. The novel is the introduction to Blue Crab Bay, a town where everyone is overly nosy and there seems to be no semblance of privacy at all. Initially, I was charmed by the description of the crushed shell path, the lack of cars and the quirky townspeople but as the novel went on, it seemed like all of the important moments for the MCs were ruined by people who have nothing better to do then spy on their neighbors with binoculars and display not-so-subtle signs with coded messages.
Overall, the love story between Jake and Emory was just... fine. I really wish the author would have spliced in flashbacks so I could truly understand why Jake still yearned so hard for Emory after ten years. Their chemistry just wasn't there for me and I think seeing them fall in love in their youth would have helped this.
I liked the author's incorporation of Emory's anxieties but I truly wish we got to explore them more and that her issues weren't just solved because of Jake's choices. As someone with anxiety, I completely understand the emotional support object/person, etc. but if I had to hear about her bkr one more time, I was going to scream.
I can see myself revisiting this town (and this author) for more of Bethany's backstory and anything more with Ryan.
Hank was an absolute star though and I will not say anything negative about him.
Thanks to #Netgalley & Dani Akard for an ARC of this novel!
Let me start by saying that I love a small-town romance, especially one that is setting up a universe for sequels but this town is not one that I see myself coming back to. The novel is the introduction to Blue Crab Bay, a town where everyone is overly nosy and there seems to be no semblance of privacy at all. Initially, I was charmed by the description of the crushed shell path, the lack of cars and the quirky townspeople but as the novel went on, it seemed like all of the important moments for the MCs were ruined by people who have nothing better to do then spy on their neighbors with binoculars and display not-so-subtle signs with coded messages.
Overall, the love story between Jake and Emory was just... fine. I really wish the author would have spliced in flashbacks so I could truly understand why Jake still yearned so hard for Emory after ten years. Their chemistry just wasn't there for me and I think seeing them fall in love in their youth would have helped this.
I liked the author's incorporation of Emory's anxieties but I truly wish we got to explore them more and that her issues weren't just solved because of Jake's choices. As someone with anxiety, I completely understand the emotional support object/person, etc. but if I had to hear about her bkr one more time, I was going to scream.
I can see myself revisiting this town (and this author) for more of Bethany's backstory and anything more with Ryan.
Hank was an absolute star though and I will not say anything negative about him.
Thanks to #Netgalley & Dani Akard for an ARC of this novel!
Want to Read
August 12, 2026Hello from Blue Crab Bay.
I can't believe the day has arrived. "I've asked myself more than once today: What in the world was I thinking?"
What started as simply writing a story I wanted to read became a story I wanted you to read.
And now you can. Just One More Thing is available.
You can read it on Kindle or Kindle Unlimited, turn the pages of a paperback or hardcover, or listen on Audible or Apple Books.
This is my town. These are my people. Today you get to meet them and love them like I do. EEP.
When you get to the end, I hope you'll read the Dear Reader. There's a little bit of me in Emory, especially in the way she experiences anxiety. I intentionally didn't give her one defining trauma or a tidy explanation for why she feels the way she does because I don't have one for myself. Many of us who live with anxiety will tell you we don't know the why. We just know that we do.
I fear happiness. I fear sadness. Sometimes I fear the feeling of simply feeling too much. I wanted others who experience these same feelings to know they're not alone, and that's the truth I wanted Emory to carry.
I hope you love Blue Crab Bay—the people, the chaos, and the love behind it all.
With love,
Dani
I can't believe the day has arrived. "I've asked myself more than once today: What in the world was I thinking?"
What started as simply writing a story I wanted to read became a story I wanted you to read.
And now you can. Just One More Thing is available.
You can read it on Kindle or Kindle Unlimited, turn the pages of a paperback or hardcover, or listen on Audible or Apple Books.
This is my town. These are my people. Today you get to meet them and love them like I do. EEP.
When you get to the end, I hope you'll read the Dear Reader. There's a little bit of me in Emory, especially in the way she experiences anxiety. I intentionally didn't give her one defining trauma or a tidy explanation for why she feels the way she does because I don't have one for myself. Many of us who live with anxiety will tell you we don't know the why. We just know that we do.
I fear happiness. I fear sadness. Sometimes I fear the feeling of simply feeling too much. I wanted others who experience these same feelings to know they're not alone, and that's the truth I wanted Emory to carry.
I hope you love Blue Crab Bay—the people, the chaos, and the love behind it all.
With love,
Dani
July 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Dani Akard for this arc! ✨
minor spoilers review 🪄
I had a good time reading this book! I fell in love with Jake and felt very protective of him, he was literally pouring out his heart the entire book, and I love him for it. As for Emory, I think it was in the middle of the book that I disconnected with her character, but by almost the end, I reconnected again and I think that was because we’re so similar 😭 lol.
Their story made me feel so much comfort and joy in a lot of aspects. Also, for me, some constructions of the city were difficult to maintain, I feel that so many things were happening in the middle of Jake and Emory's relationship and it felt overwhelming to have to follow so many people (that's my reason in the 4 stars); but at first I really liked how they described the bay and the summer vibes, I felt like I was there☀️🦀. Btw, shoutout to Hank, he was so funny 🤭
I’m so happy how it turned out, now I really hope the second book it’s about Wayne because he’s so funny and his relationship with *SHE* intrigued me A LOT 🤭
minor spoilers review 🪄
I had a good time reading this book! I fell in love with Jake and felt very protective of him, he was literally pouring out his heart the entire book, and I love him for it. As for Emory, I think it was in the middle of the book that I disconnected with her character, but by almost the end, I reconnected again and I think that was because we’re so similar 😭 lol.
Their story made me feel so much comfort and joy in a lot of aspects. Also, for me, some constructions of the city were difficult to maintain, I feel that so many things were happening in the middle of Jake and Emory's relationship and it felt overwhelming to have to follow so many people (that's my reason in the 4 stars); but at first I really liked how they described the bay and the summer vibes, I felt like I was there☀️🦀. Btw, shoutout to Hank, he was so funny 🤭
I’m so happy how it turned out, now I really hope the second book it’s about Wayne because he’s so funny and his relationship with *SHE* intrigued me A LOT 🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
*Just One More Thing* was a bit of a mixed bag for me, but there was still a lot to appreciate.
The story follows Emory as she returns to her tiny hometown to care for her grandmother after she breaks her leg and helps run the family's donut shop, Holey Moley. Being back home means coming face-to-face with Jake, her childhood best friend—and the man she left behind ten years earlier after he confessed his feelings and she walked away. Their second-chance reunion is full of unresolved emotions, shared history, and plenty of opportunities for healing.
What stood out most to me was how inconsistent the writing felt. Some chapters completely pulled me in. I laughed out loud more than once, and there were several moments that were incredibly heartfelt and moving. Those scenes captured the comfort and nostalgia of returning home so well, and I found myself genuinely rooting for Emory and Jake.
Other chapters didn't work as well for me. At times the writing felt more juvenile, and there were sections that felt forced or unnecessary, which led me to skim here and there. The pacing occasionally lost momentum because of it, making the reading experience feel a little uneven.
That said, I really enjoyed the small-town setting, and the relationship between Emory and Jake had a sweetness that made it easy to keep turning the pages. Their shared history gave their romance an emotional foundation, and the way the title is woven back into the story at the end was a touching full-circle moment that I thought was really well done.
Overall, while the writing style wasn't always a perfect fit for me, I still found plenty to enjoy. If you like second-chance romances, small-town settings, lovable family dynamics, and stories about finding your way back to the people who have always felt like home, this one is worth checking out.
*Just One More Thing* was a bit of a mixed bag for me, but there was still a lot to appreciate.
The story follows Emory as she returns to her tiny hometown to care for her grandmother after she breaks her leg and helps run the family's donut shop, Holey Moley. Being back home means coming face-to-face with Jake, her childhood best friend—and the man she left behind ten years earlier after he confessed his feelings and she walked away. Their second-chance reunion is full of unresolved emotions, shared history, and plenty of opportunities for healing.
What stood out most to me was how inconsistent the writing felt. Some chapters completely pulled me in. I laughed out loud more than once, and there were several moments that were incredibly heartfelt and moving. Those scenes captured the comfort and nostalgia of returning home so well, and I found myself genuinely rooting for Emory and Jake.
Other chapters didn't work as well for me. At times the writing felt more juvenile, and there were sections that felt forced or unnecessary, which led me to skim here and there. The pacing occasionally lost momentum because of it, making the reading experience feel a little uneven.
That said, I really enjoyed the small-town setting, and the relationship between Emory and Jake had a sweetness that made it easy to keep turning the pages. Their shared history gave their romance an emotional foundation, and the way the title is woven back into the story at the end was a touching full-circle moment that I thought was really well done.
Overall, while the writing style wasn't always a perfect fit for me, I still found plenty to enjoy. If you like second-chance romances, small-town settings, lovable family dynamics, and stories about finding your way back to the people who have always felt like home, this one is worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ARC Review✨
4/5 stars 🌟
Dual POV
Small town
Second chance romance
Friends to lovers
Thank you NetGalley and Dani Akard for an e-arc!!
This sweet book gave me all the feels! First I want to say that I LOVE the map at the beginning of the book! Rarely do romance books get maps of the small fictional towns they take place in, so this was really fun to see! I felt as if I was experiencing Blue Crab Bay with Jake and Mo. The Bay was so cozy feeling. It’s very small town where everyone knows everyone and everything that happens. The town reminds me of the Lovelight Farms series by BK Borison and I’m all here for it.
The characters were so fun! I loved Jake. Big hunky former football player living in his home town with his ADORABLE bull dog? Say less. And Emory - such a sweet FMC! Coming back home to help her Grandmother who has a broken leg and has to face seeing Jake and how things ended between them when they were much younger. I do wish we got to see more of Emory’s job and her passion for food. It was fun to see Jake back in action with football and I would have loved to have seen even more of that. And can we take a moment to appreciate Hank, French Fry, and Chip???? The BEST side characters EVER!
The plot of the story was cute. Mo and Jake have a second chance at their relationship. I did feel like they rekindled it very quickly. They didn’t even address the reason they broke up in the first place until a little while after they got back together. I also am not a fan of third act break ups, so that automatically got a little side eye from me. I was frustrated with Mo by that point because Jake was obviously choosing her (and I felt like she knew that) but still got in her head and ran away after promising she would not do that exact thing.
Overall the book was a very cute and light read! I am VERY excited for the second installment and am invested in a certain bodyguard and a different football player!
TWs: explicit sexual content
4/5 stars 🌟
Dual POV
Small town
Second chance romance
Friends to lovers
Thank you NetGalley and Dani Akard for an e-arc!!
This sweet book gave me all the feels! First I want to say that I LOVE the map at the beginning of the book! Rarely do romance books get maps of the small fictional towns they take place in, so this was really fun to see! I felt as if I was experiencing Blue Crab Bay with Jake and Mo. The Bay was so cozy feeling. It’s very small town where everyone knows everyone and everything that happens. The town reminds me of the Lovelight Farms series by BK Borison and I’m all here for it.
The characters were so fun! I loved Jake. Big hunky former football player living in his home town with his ADORABLE bull dog? Say less. And Emory - such a sweet FMC! Coming back home to help her Grandmother who has a broken leg and has to face seeing Jake and how things ended between them when they were much younger. I do wish we got to see more of Emory’s job and her passion for food. It was fun to see Jake back in action with football and I would have loved to have seen even more of that. And can we take a moment to appreciate Hank, French Fry, and Chip???? The BEST side characters EVER!
The plot of the story was cute. Mo and Jake have a second chance at their relationship. I did feel like they rekindled it very quickly. They didn’t even address the reason they broke up in the first place until a little while after they got back together. I also am not a fan of third act break ups, so that automatically got a little side eye from me. I was frustrated with Mo by that point because Jake was obviously choosing her (and I felt like she knew that) but still got in her head and ran away after promising she would not do that exact thing.
Overall the book was a very cute and light read! I am VERY excited for the second installment and am invested in a certain bodyguard and a different football player!
TWs: explicit sexual content
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Dani Awad for giving me the honor of reading this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our first main character, Emory, returns to Blue Crab Bay to care for her injured grandmother. It is revealed that she hasn't been to her hometown for a while because she fled from her childhood best friend (the second MC) after he confessed his love for her 10 years ago. After they reconnect, they find that there is still a chance for love between the two.
The biggest takeaway from this book is that Hank, the English bulldog, is clearly the star. I could read about him all day. I found the main characters a bit frustrating. Emory seemingly just makes decisions out of nowhere and there really is no explanation as to why she does these things. I see that the author intended it to be this way to show anxiety but we really had no feel for her character and no real insight into her mind. As for Jake, I found him to be too unwavering in his love for Emory. Had a person treated me this way I would have been upset and not so quick to forgive. It was a little hard for me to feel invested in the relationship because of this. Even with the dual POVs it still didn't really make me feel connected to either lead. However, the other characters in this story seem fully fleshed to me. I was very invested in the town and the supporting characters. Blue Crab Bay feels like something I can visualize in my mind. The banter was also impeccable. Perhaps there will be an improvement in the main characters for the next story as there is another book in this universe due next year. I will be giving that one a read as well since I do enjoy the world they created.
Our first main character, Emory, returns to Blue Crab Bay to care for her injured grandmother. It is revealed that she hasn't been to her hometown for a while because she fled from her childhood best friend (the second MC) after he confessed his love for her 10 years ago. After they reconnect, they find that there is still a chance for love between the two.
The biggest takeaway from this book is that Hank, the English bulldog, is clearly the star. I could read about him all day. I found the main characters a bit frustrating. Emory seemingly just makes decisions out of nowhere and there really is no explanation as to why she does these things. I see that the author intended it to be this way to show anxiety but we really had no feel for her character and no real insight into her mind. As for Jake, I found him to be too unwavering in his love for Emory. Had a person treated me this way I would have been upset and not so quick to forgive. It was a little hard for me to feel invested in the relationship because of this. Even with the dual POVs it still didn't really make me feel connected to either lead. However, the other characters in this story seem fully fleshed to me. I was very invested in the town and the supporting characters. Blue Crab Bay feels like something I can visualize in my mind. The banter was also impeccable. Perhaps there will be an improvement in the main characters for the next story as there is another book in this universe due next year. I will be giving that one a read as well since I do enjoy the world they created.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just One More Thing is a lighthearted small-town sports romance filled with gossip, messy relationships (many of them self-inflicted), and a charming coastal setting.
For a debut novel, I thought this was a solid start. Dani Akard did a wonderful job bringing Blue Crab Bay to life—I could easily picture the town and its quirky community. I also enjoyed the cast of characters, who felt relatable and easy to root for, and I appreciated that the story moved at a steady pace, making it easy to stay invested in their journeys.
The writing itself has a very fast-paced, cinematic quality. It leans heavily on dialogue and visual comedy, with short sentences and quick scene transitions that make it feel almost like watching a rom-com unfold on screen. That style keeps the story moving and makes the scenes easy to visualize.
As the story progressed, though, I found myself wishing for a bit more depth. At times, the quick pacing and dialogue-heavy approach felt repetitive, and I wanted more opportunities to step inside the characters' heads—to experience their emotions alongside them rather than simply being told how they felt. A little more backstory, reflection, and emotional introspection would have made me feel even more connected to the characters and their relationships.
Overall, I think this is a promising debut, and I'm excited to see how Dani Akard's writing continues to evolve. She has a strong foundation, and I'll definitely be interested to see what she writes next.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC!
For a debut novel, I thought this was a solid start. Dani Akard did a wonderful job bringing Blue Crab Bay to life—I could easily picture the town and its quirky community. I also enjoyed the cast of characters, who felt relatable and easy to root for, and I appreciated that the story moved at a steady pace, making it easy to stay invested in their journeys.
The writing itself has a very fast-paced, cinematic quality. It leans heavily on dialogue and visual comedy, with short sentences and quick scene transitions that make it feel almost like watching a rom-com unfold on screen. That style keeps the story moving and makes the scenes easy to visualize.
As the story progressed, though, I found myself wishing for a bit more depth. At times, the quick pacing and dialogue-heavy approach felt repetitive, and I wanted more opportunities to step inside the characters' heads—to experience their emotions alongside them rather than simply being told how they felt. A little more backstory, reflection, and emotional introspection would have made me feel even more connected to the characters and their relationships.
Overall, I think this is a promising debut, and I'm excited to see how Dani Akard's writing continues to evolve. She has a strong foundation, and I'll definitely be interested to see what she writes next.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lover of small-town romance? This book is for you!
Meddling neighbours and family? This too has that!
Loveable, chaotic dogs who fart far too much? That too!!
Funny jokes, puns and gloriously poor humour? That too!
Hot men who play professional football? YES, YES, & YES even that too! 😂
Mo and Jake’s love story was not your typical swoony romance. It was endearing, funny and chaotic all at once, and I absolutely loved it.
I was hooked from page one. The characters of Blue Crab Bay made this little town so much fun and entertaining, while Akard has captured the beauty of the place so well that you’ll find yourself wishing you could retire or relocate and live in this fictional town yourself, just like me!
And the animals (dog included)… 😂
“For the record French Fry pecked him on the butt.”
Honestly, I couldn’t make this stuff up.
Then there was:
“I will absolutely encourage him. That mother flocker assaulted him.” 😂
As many laugh out loud moments as there was, there were a couple of things that stopped this being a perfect read for me. I didn’t love not knowing more about Emory’s story. We hear a lot about her growing up with her grandma and about Jake’s parents, but I really wanted more of Emory’s past and what shaped her.
I found myself needing a slight nudge around the middle of the book, but with a third still to go, something shifted and I found myself completely hooked again, feeling that same pull I had during the first third.
Overall, an excellent debut, and I cannot wait to return to Blue Crab Bay for the next book in the series! 💕
Meddling neighbours and family? This too has that!
Loveable, chaotic dogs who fart far too much? That too!!
Funny jokes, puns and gloriously poor humour? That too!
Hot men who play professional football? YES, YES, & YES even that too! 😂
Mo and Jake’s love story was not your typical swoony romance. It was endearing, funny and chaotic all at once, and I absolutely loved it.
I was hooked from page one. The characters of Blue Crab Bay made this little town so much fun and entertaining, while Akard has captured the beauty of the place so well that you’ll find yourself wishing you could retire or relocate and live in this fictional town yourself, just like me!
And the animals (dog included)… 😂
“For the record French Fry pecked him on the butt.”
Honestly, I couldn’t make this stuff up.
Then there was:
“I will absolutely encourage him. That mother flocker assaulted him.” 😂
As many laugh out loud moments as there was, there were a couple of things that stopped this being a perfect read for me. I didn’t love not knowing more about Emory’s story. We hear a lot about her growing up with her grandma and about Jake’s parents, but I really wanted more of Emory’s past and what shaped her.
I found myself needing a slight nudge around the middle of the book, but with a third still to go, something shifted and I found myself completely hooked again, feeling that same pull I had during the first third.
Overall, an excellent debut, and I cannot wait to return to Blue Crab Bay for the next book in the series! 💕
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ugh, I honestly hate having to write a review like this, but Just One More Thing by Dani Akard just didn’t work for me at all. ⭐️ I really tried to push through it, I swear I did, but I ended up having to DNF. I almost *never* do that, but reading it started feeling like such a chore that I just had to wave the white flag. 🏳️
On paper, the premise sounded so cute...a small-town, second-chance romance set in a cozy coastal town with childhood best friends and a grumpy-meets-sunshine or golden retriever dynamic. I totally see why other readers loved the charming vibes, the witty town gossip, and the cute bulldog. But execution-wise, I just couldn't get past how Emory and Jake actually got back together. 🙈
The transition from their past baggage to their rekindled romance felt completely unearned and rushed to me. Instead of giving us that satisfying emotional buildup we crave in a second-chance arc, the way they fell back into each other made zero logical sense within the plot. The chemistry that everyone else was raving about just fell completely flat for my brain, leaving me rolling my eyes when I was supposed to be swooning. 🙄💔
I wanted to love this one and escape into Blue Crab Bay so badly, but the forced narrative choices totally broke the immersion for me. I'm honestly bummed to leave a one-star review, but sometimes a book and a reader are just a massive mismatch. Onto the next one! 📚✨
On paper, the premise sounded so cute...a small-town, second-chance romance set in a cozy coastal town with childhood best friends and a grumpy-meets-sunshine or golden retriever dynamic. I totally see why other readers loved the charming vibes, the witty town gossip, and the cute bulldog. But execution-wise, I just couldn't get past how Emory and Jake actually got back together. 🙈
The transition from their past baggage to their rekindled romance felt completely unearned and rushed to me. Instead of giving us that satisfying emotional buildup we crave in a second-chance arc, the way they fell back into each other made zero logical sense within the plot. The chemistry that everyone else was raving about just fell completely flat for my brain, leaving me rolling my eyes when I was supposed to be swooning. 🙄💔
I wanted to love this one and escape into Blue Crab Bay so badly, but the forced narrative choices totally broke the immersion for me. I'm honestly bummed to leave a one-star review, but sometimes a book and a reader are just a massive mismatch. Onto the next one! 📚✨
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