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I'll Be the One
For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall graduate.
Rachel Wheaton
The senior Economics project is supposed to teach us about real life. Budgeting. Social classes. Careers. I was supposed to plan it all out with my school husband. I didn't plan on actually falling in love with him, too.
But sometimes real life doesn't go according to plans. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions and sacrifices for the person you love. That's what marriage is about, right?
James Tennyson
I've always known things before they happen. Nothing major, like lottery numbers, but it's been pretty useful for things like playing football and dodging clingy girls. I've never been able to see my future. I didn't think much about it, to be honest.
Until second period, when she walked through the door.
Falling in love with her unlocked something inside me. Those little things I know? Now they're big things. Life-saving things. So who do I save? And at what cost? I made a vow to her.
For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.
Rachel Wheaton
The senior Economics project is supposed to teach us about real life. Budgeting. Social classes. Careers. I was supposed to plan it all out with my school husband. I didn't plan on actually falling in love with him, too.
But sometimes real life doesn't go according to plans. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions and sacrifices for the person you love. That's what marriage is about, right?
James Tennyson
I've always known things before they happen. Nothing major, like lottery numbers, but it's been pretty useful for things like playing football and dodging clingy girls. I've never been able to see my future. I didn't think much about it, to be honest.
Until second period, when she walked through the door.
Falling in love with her unlocked something inside me. Those little things I know? Now they're big things. Life-saving things. So who do I save? And at what cost? I made a vow to her.
For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.
339 pages, ebook
First published May 17, 2016
84 people are currently reading
2295 people want to read
About the author
Hazel James
9 books630 followersHazel James owes her writing career to her 12th grade English teacher, who wrote, “You should consider a career in writing” on the top of her short story. As a kid who grew up bringing books to the dinner table, Hazel took that advice to heart and became a journalist in the Army.
Years later, Hazel read four books that gave her the courage to begin writing her own novels: Divergent by Veronica Roth, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, and Bright Side by Kim Holden.
Hazel is best known for her military romance novels, which weave in pieces of her husband’s Army career and journey with PTSD. Connecting with readers and promoting the importance of mental health awareness will always be the biggest highlight of her career.
Hazel lives in Tampa Bay, Florida with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, she can be found knee-deep in a DIY project (usually accompanied by 90s music and a Diet Coke).
For a list of upcoming events, go to www.authorhazeljames.com.
Instagram and TikTok:@realhazeljames
Facebook: www.facebook.com/realhazeljames
Reader group: www.facebook.com/groups/hazelsnuts
Years later, Hazel read four books that gave her the courage to begin writing her own novels: Divergent by Veronica Roth, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, and Bright Side by Kim Holden.
Hazel is best known for her military romance novels, which weave in pieces of her husband’s Army career and journey with PTSD. Connecting with readers and promoting the importance of mental health awareness will always be the biggest highlight of her career.
Hazel lives in Tampa Bay, Florida with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, she can be found knee-deep in a DIY project (usually accompanied by 90s music and a Diet Coke).
For a list of upcoming events, go to www.authorhazeljames.com.
Instagram and TikTok:@realhazeljames
Facebook: www.facebook.com/realhazeljames
Reader group: www.facebook.com/groups/hazelsnuts
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 27, 2020
I liked this book more than watching boat crashes on youtube. Hazel knows what's up.
never-no-way
May 27, 2020At first, the blurb sounded interesting but then I read some reviews and thanks to one of those reviews, which I have shared below, now I will definitely stay away from this book as it doesn't have a HEA. .
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 30, 2016
I don’t know how to write this review objectively. I mean—it’s about my opinion, right? So, let’s keep that in mind. Because if I pull my own feelings and opinions out of this review, I’m left with telling you that it’s a well written, sometimes charming, cute little story about the purity and intensity of first love. I was completely enchanted by that blurb and that gorgeous cover. I liked James and Rachel a lot and honestly, I adored Avery and Fletcher (and truly, I would read their story in a heartbeat).
That said, I struggled to connect to the love story here. I loved all the side stories, and I loved moments about Rachel and James, but I can’t put my finger on if it was the pacing, or the storytelling, or something inside of me that just wouldn’t open itself up to invest.
This didn’t play out the way I hoped it would—at all. I stuck with it because I was intrigued, but I felt a little cheated in the end. And that’s all me. I recognize that there is cleverness and ingenuity in the way it played out. I just…my feels hurt right now. And I’m a little angry. And, um, that’s not how I like to walk away from books.
So, it’s me.
It’s not the writing—because like I said, I would read Avery and Fletcher’s story in a heartbeat.
It’s not the story itself—because I recognize that there is a charming, interesting story going on here.
It’s that I don’t like the way I felt when I turned the last page, and I can’t shut my heart up enough to let my brain be more objective. ~ Shelly, 2 stars
That said, I struggled to connect to the love story here. I loved all the side stories, and I loved moments about Rachel and James, but I can’t put my finger on if it was the pacing, or the storytelling, or something inside of me that just wouldn’t open itself up to invest.
This didn’t play out the way I hoped it would—at all. I stuck with it because I was intrigued, but I felt a little cheated in the end. And that’s all me. I recognize that there is cleverness and ingenuity in the way it played out. I just…my feels hurt right now. And I’m a little angry. And, um, that’s not how I like to walk away from books.
So, it’s me.
It’s not the writing—because like I said, I would read Avery and Fletcher’s story in a heartbeat.
It’s not the story itself—because I recognize that there is a charming, interesting story going on here.
It’s that I don’t like the way I felt when I turned the last page, and I can’t shut my heart up enough to let my brain be more objective. ~ Shelly, 2 stars
July 29, 2018
It had potential and the risk did not pay off
**MASSIVE SPOILER**
Look.
I know this author wanted to be different and set apart from the rest but fuck this ending. The story itself was ok - James’ premonition type gift was unexplained and ambiguous. Rachel acted like your typical teenage girl and to be brutally honest she wasn’t anything really special or outstanding.
You do take a journey of self discovery with James and Rachel and in the end the author fucking kills off James and has Rachel marry this random Adam. Literally in the last couple of pages. When I read a romance I expect a HEA or at least a HFN.
I finished this book feeling super disappointed and dissatisfied. Won’t read again and I don’t recommend. I hope the author continues to write though but it’s a freaking romance...I don’t want a Shakespearean tragedy.
**MASSIVE SPOILER**
Look.
I know this author wanted to be different and set apart from the rest but fuck this ending. The story itself was ok - James’ premonition type gift was unexplained and ambiguous. Rachel acted like your typical teenage girl and to be brutally honest she wasn’t anything really special or outstanding.
You do take a journey of self discovery with James and Rachel and in the end the author fucking kills off James and has Rachel marry this random Adam. Literally in the last couple of pages. When I read a romance I expect a HEA or at least a HFN.
I finished this book feeling super disappointed and dissatisfied. Won’t read again and I don’t recommend. I hope the author continues to write though but it’s a freaking romance...I don’t want a Shakespearean tragedy.
not-interested
May 28, 2020No HEA!
The hero dies and the heroine marries another one. I mean seriously!
The hero dies and the heroine marries another one. I mean seriously!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2016
"He smiles again, but this one is different. This one has hope behind it. I know, because I'm wearing the same one."
Books like this are why I love Young Adult/New Adult stories. I love stories of first loves. All the little details that you take for granted as you get older. All the glances across the room, the brushing of fingers against each other, the butterflies in the pit of your stomach when that certain person admits they have feelings for you.
"The heart knows what it wants. It's the head that usually gets in the way."
James has moved around, a lot. When he first sees Rachel Wheaton, everything just clicks into place. He has a way of knowing certain things before they happen, but nothing could prepare him for Rachel. She opened his heart in a way that no one has been able to do before. Lucky for him that Rachel feels the same for him. They may only be high school seniors, but James has found his soul mate in Rachel. In the end, he may have to make the biggest sacrifice of them all.... for Rachel.
"Everyone deserves a shot at growing old with the person they love."
This is Hazel's first book and I hope it won't be her last. She has tapped into a genre that I hold close to my heart and has done it proud. All the little pieces that make this genre special.... she made sure to touch on them all. You have the ultimate book boyfriend in James and a female lead that everyone will love and can relate to in some way. Not to mention an ending that you won't see coming. at. all. (and quite honestly, I'm slightly mad at Hazel James for getting some tears out of me). The plot is set up in a way that has a slow build until you get towards the end. You're given little pieces along the way, that won't completely make sense until the end.
Think you don't like New Adult? Read this one because I'm pretty sure it'll change your mind.
Books like this are why I love Young Adult/New Adult stories. I love stories of first loves. All the little details that you take for granted as you get older. All the glances across the room, the brushing of fingers against each other, the butterflies in the pit of your stomach when that certain person admits they have feelings for you.
"The heart knows what it wants. It's the head that usually gets in the way."
James has moved around, a lot. When he first sees Rachel Wheaton, everything just clicks into place. He has a way of knowing certain things before they happen, but nothing could prepare him for Rachel. She opened his heart in a way that no one has been able to do before. Lucky for him that Rachel feels the same for him. They may only be high school seniors, but James has found his soul mate in Rachel. In the end, he may have to make the biggest sacrifice of them all.... for Rachel.
"Everyone deserves a shot at growing old with the person they love."
This is Hazel's first book and I hope it won't be her last. She has tapped into a genre that I hold close to my heart and has done it proud. All the little pieces that make this genre special.... she made sure to touch on them all. You have the ultimate book boyfriend in James and a female lead that everyone will love and can relate to in some way. Not to mention an ending that you won't see coming. at. all. (and quite honestly, I'm slightly mad at Hazel James for getting some tears out of me). The plot is set up in a way that has a slow build until you get towards the end. You're given little pieces along the way, that won't completely make sense until the end.
Think you don't like New Adult? Read this one because I'm pretty sure it'll change your mind.
May 6, 2016
James is just....everything. This book gives you all the feels. It's not just first love, but THE love. You know the one I'm talking about, the one that is forever and soul consuming. James is the first bbf I have claimed in a long time, with this kind of fierceness. You would never think that this is a book by a debut author. Hazel writes like she has been doing this for years, and I can't wait to see what she does next!!!
May 19, 2016
I just finished this book. I really enjoyed the authors writing style. She made the characters very real and like able. It was a good story and an easy read. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
June 15, 2016
Why did it have to end that way?! Whyyyyy!
July 26, 2016
I'll Be the One was an all-around solid debut book by Hazel James telling a story of young love, and a first love that changes everything. From the moment I saw this book's fantastic cover, and after reading its blurb, I knew I wanted to read it. There was just something about the premise of this book that hooked me in, and I was happy to find that from that first chapter I was hooked in even more to what I was reading. Through every page of this book I became more and more pulled into what James and Rachel were sharing, and the two of them definitely gave me a good story to enjoy and feel.
The story in I'll Be the One follows the blossoming love story between Rachel and James, two high school seniors who are put together for a school project. James is the new boy in school, and has moved around his entire life. He's never felt like he had a place to land, but all of that changes when he sees Rachel and gets to know her. Soon he's finally feeling like he has a place to call home, and he can't help but fall hard and fast and oh so deep for Rachel and everything that she is. Rachel is a girl who's never dated or gone out with a guy because her sole focus has always been track and keeping her dad happy. She's never experienced what she starts to feel for James, and it equally scares her and excites her.
Over the course of this book these two get to know one another, and soon start to realize that what they share is something more than either of them expected. Sure they may be young, but what they start to feel and share is very real, and very deep. Soon things become very real for them, and Rachel and James must figure out what they're going to do with all that they're feeling, and with everything that comes their way. The two of them definitely go through a lot in this book, and there are so many emotional ups and downs they must face, but all of that pushes them deeper into everything that they're feeling. What started off as a school project leads these two into something straight from the heart, and soon has them questioning themselves, their wants, and all their hopes for what the future might bring.
I don't want to say much more about the story itself as to not reveal spoilers, but what I will say is that there are definitely many moments in this book that will shock you, and that will probably take your breath away. I definitely had a feeling about some things that would happen, and getting to be there with Rachel and James as everything came to be was captivating in so many ways. Hazel James did a great job of hooking me into their story and investing me in their characters. She made me want things to be okay for them, she made me want them to find a way to sort through their feelings and find a way, and she made me feel like understood exactly where everything they were feeling and thinking came from. All of that definitely combined to make this a story full of heart, some definite feels, and a love that may be young, but is still oh so deep.
I really liked getting to be in both James and Rachel's heads while reading this book. Hazel James allowed me to understand both of their characters really well, and she gave them both unique voices that were great to get to know. I loved also getting to be their through the evolution of what James and Rachel shared. Their love might have been young, but it still packed the feels and it still felt authentic. I never doubted that those two were sharing something meaningful, and that was great to feel while reading because it pulled me in even more to what they were sharing. Their characters were both mature and wise, yet at the same time they still felt 17, and that worked well for the story and everything I got for them. I found them both to be very believable characters that my heart went to from the start.
I loved so many things about them both too. I loved how caring James was, and how good of a guy he was. I loved that he wasn't afraid to put his feelings and everything else on the line when it really mattered, and I loved that he was always willing to go there. I also loved Rachel. I loved that she was smart, I loved that she came into her own in so many ways in this book, and I loved that she did that with the help of James, but she also did it on her own too. I loved how much Rachel felt and how it all changed her. I loved how these two and their feels changed each other. I loved how together they were, and I loved every moment that reiterated that fact to me again and again.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was getting to know all the supporting characters of this book as well. They definitely made this book even more enjoyable, and they each added a unique piece to the puzzle that was this story. I loved Avery, Fletcher, Sunny, Gran and Grandpa, and they were each so wonderful to get to know. Avery and Fletcher totally stole my heart in a lot of ways too and I loved getting so much of their story in this story too. They definitely added a fantastic layer to this story that I loved. They were all so meaningful and fun and memorable, and that is just part of what I loved about them all.
I'll Be the One was an overall good debut novel that packed a story full of feels, love, and friendship, and the life changing things that can happen when you have all three. This story made me feel, it definitely made me cry, and it put me in it all with Rachel and James as they felt it all together. Hazel James's writing was great, and it definitely created a story I could get lost in, while also giving me two characters to love. I look forward to reading more of her books soon, and getting to experience more of what she offers with her engaging characters. For a debut novel, I was definitely impressed with what she gave me in this book with Rachel and James, and I definitely look forward to whatever she has coming next!
If you're looking for an all around good read, with some feels, and a story of first love that is definitely memorable, then be sure to check out this book!!
The story in I'll Be the One follows the blossoming love story between Rachel and James, two high school seniors who are put together for a school project. James is the new boy in school, and has moved around his entire life. He's never felt like he had a place to land, but all of that changes when he sees Rachel and gets to know her. Soon he's finally feeling like he has a place to call home, and he can't help but fall hard and fast and oh so deep for Rachel and everything that she is. Rachel is a girl who's never dated or gone out with a guy because her sole focus has always been track and keeping her dad happy. She's never experienced what she starts to feel for James, and it equally scares her and excites her.
Over the course of this book these two get to know one another, and soon start to realize that what they share is something more than either of them expected. Sure they may be young, but what they start to feel and share is very real, and very deep. Soon things become very real for them, and Rachel and James must figure out what they're going to do with all that they're feeling, and with everything that comes their way. The two of them definitely go through a lot in this book, and there are so many emotional ups and downs they must face, but all of that pushes them deeper into everything that they're feeling. What started off as a school project leads these two into something straight from the heart, and soon has them questioning themselves, their wants, and all their hopes for what the future might bring.
I don't want to say much more about the story itself as to not reveal spoilers, but what I will say is that there are definitely many moments in this book that will shock you, and that will probably take your breath away. I definitely had a feeling about some things that would happen, and getting to be there with Rachel and James as everything came to be was captivating in so many ways. Hazel James did a great job of hooking me into their story and investing me in their characters. She made me want things to be okay for them, she made me want them to find a way to sort through their feelings and find a way, and she made me feel like understood exactly where everything they were feeling and thinking came from. All of that definitely combined to make this a story full of heart, some definite feels, and a love that may be young, but is still oh so deep.
I really liked getting to be in both James and Rachel's heads while reading this book. Hazel James allowed me to understand both of their characters really well, and she gave them both unique voices that were great to get to know. I loved also getting to be their through the evolution of what James and Rachel shared. Their love might have been young, but it still packed the feels and it still felt authentic. I never doubted that those two were sharing something meaningful, and that was great to feel while reading because it pulled me in even more to what they were sharing. Their characters were both mature and wise, yet at the same time they still felt 17, and that worked well for the story and everything I got for them. I found them both to be very believable characters that my heart went to from the start.
I loved so many things about them both too. I loved how caring James was, and how good of a guy he was. I loved that he wasn't afraid to put his feelings and everything else on the line when it really mattered, and I loved that he was always willing to go there. I also loved Rachel. I loved that she was smart, I loved that she came into her own in so many ways in this book, and I loved that she did that with the help of James, but she also did it on her own too. I loved how much Rachel felt and how it all changed her. I loved how these two and their feels changed each other. I loved how together they were, and I loved every moment that reiterated that fact to me again and again.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was getting to know all the supporting characters of this book as well. They definitely made this book even more enjoyable, and they each added a unique piece to the puzzle that was this story. I loved Avery, Fletcher, Sunny, Gran and Grandpa, and they were each so wonderful to get to know. Avery and Fletcher totally stole my heart in a lot of ways too and I loved getting so much of their story in this story too. They definitely added a fantastic layer to this story that I loved. They were all so meaningful and fun and memorable, and that is just part of what I loved about them all.
I'll Be the One was an overall good debut novel that packed a story full of feels, love, and friendship, and the life changing things that can happen when you have all three. This story made me feel, it definitely made me cry, and it put me in it all with Rachel and James as they felt it all together. Hazel James's writing was great, and it definitely created a story I could get lost in, while also giving me two characters to love. I look forward to reading more of her books soon, and getting to experience more of what she offers with her engaging characters. For a debut novel, I was definitely impressed with what she gave me in this book with Rachel and James, and I definitely look forward to whatever she has coming next!
If you're looking for an all around good read, with some feels, and a story of first love that is definitely memorable, then be sure to check out this book!!
June 16, 2019
Break out the tissues.
5stars ⭐️
If I could rate this book over and over a million times I would. It’s been a while since a book like this has torn at my heartstrings. This author is so new to me and this story will be one I’ll remember for awhile.
I’ve read sooo many young love stories and most of them have been the same but this one is not what I would have expected.
James and Rachel are high school teens bordering on their last year as seniors. They were both partnered together for an assignment in the same class. Now I don’t want to give so much away, but I will say this, James is the star of this story, and what you will read, I thought that I knew what was going to happen. No. It’s an ending I didn’t see coming.
5stars ⭐️
If I could rate this book over and over a million times I would. It’s been a while since a book like this has torn at my heartstrings. This author is so new to me and this story will be one I’ll remember for awhile.
I’ve read sooo many young love stories and most of them have been the same but this one is not what I would have expected.
James and Rachel are high school teens bordering on their last year as seniors. They were both partnered together for an assignment in the same class. Now I don’t want to give so much away, but I will say this, James is the star of this story, and what you will read, I thought that I knew what was going to happen. No. It’s an ending I didn’t see coming.
July 19, 2017
Perpetual new kid James Tennyson has a gift (if you can really call it that).
He's got a knack for predicting the future. Nothing extravagant like picking next week's lotto numbers, but simple little things. Like whether the next person to walk through a door will be male or female. Whether she'll be short or tall. Whether she'll be blonde or brunette. Those sorts of things he gets right much more often than not.
What he never saw coming though, was Rachel Wheaton, and how she would change his life, nor how he, and his gift, would impact hers.
Capturing all of the needless angst and drama of high school, complete with cliques, social outcasts, and that one project that has more of an impact on your life than anyone could have ever imagined, Hazel James endearing debut I'll Be The One really grabbed me.
I loved how the two main characters, and most of their contemporaries struggled with the innate dichotomy between the desire to blend in and being unique, how several of them had contentious and tumultuous relationships with their parents, and how each was somewhat hopeful, even eager about the prospect of falling in love while being wary of whether their emotions were "the real thing" bordering on despair over whether they'd ever really find true love.
For me, all of that combined to give the story, which with James' abilities borders on the supernatural, an air of authenticity that grounded it without it becoming too fanciful.
Gripping to the very last page, I powered straight through the easygoing prose effortlessly and fell in love with the characters. Just a gorgeous read that I'm sure I'll come back to and read again.
He's got a knack for predicting the future. Nothing extravagant like picking next week's lotto numbers, but simple little things. Like whether the next person to walk through a door will be male or female. Whether she'll be short or tall. Whether she'll be blonde or brunette. Those sorts of things he gets right much more often than not.
What he never saw coming though, was Rachel Wheaton, and how she would change his life, nor how he, and his gift, would impact hers.
Capturing all of the needless angst and drama of high school, complete with cliques, social outcasts, and that one project that has more of an impact on your life than anyone could have ever imagined, Hazel James endearing debut I'll Be The One really grabbed me.
I loved how the two main characters, and most of their contemporaries struggled with the innate dichotomy between the desire to blend in and being unique, how several of them had contentious and tumultuous relationships with their parents, and how each was somewhat hopeful, even eager about the prospect of falling in love while being wary of whether their emotions were "the real thing" bordering on despair over whether they'd ever really find true love.
For me, all of that combined to give the story, which with James' abilities borders on the supernatural, an air of authenticity that grounded it without it becoming too fanciful.
Gripping to the very last page, I powered straight through the easygoing prose effortlessly and fell in love with the characters. Just a gorgeous read that I'm sure I'll come back to and read again.
July 10, 2016
"The biggest heartbreak in your life shouldn't be the one who got away. It should be the thought of him getting away."
This book completely blew me out of the water! I absolutely loved this book from page 1! The concept was amazing! It evoked so many emotions! I was laughing one minute, and tearing up the next.
I related to this book on a primal level. Gran reminded me of my own gramma so much. It was so nice seeing the relationship between Gran and James!
Kudos to Hazel on an epic debut novel!
This book completely blew me out of the water! I absolutely loved this book from page 1! The concept was amazing! It evoked so many emotions! I was laughing one minute, and tearing up the next.
I related to this book on a primal level. Gran reminded me of my own gramma so much. It was so nice seeing the relationship between Gran and James!
Kudos to Hazel on an epic debut novel!
June 20, 2016
It grabbed my attention from the very first page, it sucked me in and then it ended... I just kind of felt like the ending was kind of rushed. I felt like it just ended very abruptly and the ending did not set well with me. That being said, this was a very well written book and I would definitely read more by Hazel. Just not my favorite ending! But the book has stayed with me because I can't quit thinking about it and how it ended!
July 26, 2018
I love trying new authors! This is my first book of Hazel James. It started so well! I love the feels the book brings it. James is a perfect book boyfriend, and he is the reason that I liked the book. Rachel, I am not sure, there was something that bothers me. Sometimes she could be petty, slut shaming. I was not a big fan of her. I don't know how to review more without spoiling. I will look for more books from Hazel James.
May 20, 2016
OMG! Loved this book!
June 30, 2017
Reading for Summer Bingo Reading Challenge
Soon as I read the first word in this book I already know this will be amazing. The challenge has officially given me one of my favorite books, congratulation!
James has never stayed one place longer than 6 months all his life. His mother is a hippie free spirit who likes moving around and not settling somewhere bringing her son with him. But suddenly, she decided to start planting her roots.
James, new student, partners up with her seatmate on a school project called Pretend Marriage. And this is how their whirlwind of a story will start.
I consumed this book in a day. It was just that amazing- yknow those books which you just can't stop reading cos its friggin amazing? This was one of it.
One of my favorite quotes:
It was really perfect. Until the very end. I won't have it any other way.
Soon as I read the first word in this book I already know this will be amazing. The challenge has officially given me one of my favorite books, congratulation!
James has never stayed one place longer than 6 months all his life. His mother is a hippie free spirit who likes moving around and not settling somewhere bringing her son with him. But suddenly, she decided to start planting her roots.
James, new student, partners up with her seatmate on a school project called Pretend Marriage. And this is how their whirlwind of a story will start.
I’ve never been pretend married before, but I already know I can never give another girl a ring again. I’m a senior in high school and I’m ruined for life. I want to get married for real and have her babies. I mean, make her have my babies.
I consumed this book in a day. It was just that amazing- yknow those books which you just can't stop reading cos its friggin amazing? This was one of it.
One of my favorite quotes:
Distance does to love what wind does to fire. It extinguishes the weak and feeds the strong. It’s up to you to figure out what kind of fire you have.
It was really perfect. Until the very end. I won't have it any other way.
September 7, 2021
DNF at 53%
James is the only interesting character. Everything and one else it's less interesting and I don't feel connected to it.
The only book I really loved by this author is Saved. I've tried Chased and really didn't like that one, and this one I could put down any time and didn't really have a desire to pick it back up again.
James is the only interesting character. Everything and one else it's less interesting and I don't feel connected to it.
The only book I really loved by this author is Saved. I've tried Chased and really didn't like that one, and this one I could put down any time and didn't really have a desire to pick it back up again.
Read
August 19, 2018Dnf
42%
Too much lengthy :|
42%
Too much lengthy :|
March 26, 2020
Heart? Crushed. RIVER JAMES TENNYSON I LOVE YOU 🤧
May 26, 2016
When I first saw this book, I think what interests me the most was the blurb. I thought it was an interesting premise to have the main characters get together in a pretend marriage for the sake of an Economics assignment. That's what happened when James Tennyson who had just moved to the town was paired up together with Rachel Wheaton. It was love at first sight, sparks flying everywhere and of course, insta-love (consider yourself warned!)
In terms of plot, this story was basically about how James and Rachel got together and how they navigate through their love life with the usual high school drama. It was fairly straight forward; boy and girl meets, they fall in love, etc etc. I thought that the pacing of the story was done quite well, it was not very slow but not very fast either so it made for a nice reading because readers were kept interested with whatever that is going to happen next. I love all the little aspect of being 'psychic' (to use the term very loosely here) and also the bucket list being used in the story.
The characters in this book are really worth mentioning, especially James. He's such an interesting character and you just can't help falling in love with him from the get go. When I read the first chapter, I knew that I would end up loving him so much and it really did happen. He makes me swoon with all the things that he said and did and I really thought that Rachel was a very lucky girl to have him. I love Rachel and Avery's friendship, how they are very different but they actually complement each other. I also love Fletcher and wished that there was more of him and Sam in this.
Another thing that I love about this book is the focus on family, where we can see the differences between James and Rachel's family and how Rachel couldn't imagine going back to her own family when she had had dinner with James' family. James' family is a really lovely lot, especially Gran, who is such a special soul with affinity for pies.
However, if there's one thing that I really don't like about this book was when Rachel started being bitchy and was talking trash to people whom she thought was taking away James from her. I understand that most of the time it's her insecurity that makes her act that way but she should have known that James only has his eyes on her. It was a pity cos I felt that I would have loved her more if it wasn't because of that.
I would definitely recommend this book for those who are looking for fluffy, light and contemporary read because this is all around fluffy and swoony and makes my heart happy. The story might seem unrealistic and some of the dialogues are not written like they were spoken by eighteen year olds but there's something charming about this story that makes me want to keep reading. There are also a few instances where it punches me in the gut and made me cry. Dear Hazel James, can you change the ending please? :'(
In terms of plot, this story was basically about how James and Rachel got together and how they navigate through their love life with the usual high school drama. It was fairly straight forward; boy and girl meets, they fall in love, etc etc. I thought that the pacing of the story was done quite well, it was not very slow but not very fast either so it made for a nice reading because readers were kept interested with whatever that is going to happen next. I love all the little aspect of being 'psychic' (to use the term very loosely here) and also the bucket list being used in the story.
The characters in this book are really worth mentioning, especially James. He's such an interesting character and you just can't help falling in love with him from the get go. When I read the first chapter, I knew that I would end up loving him so much and it really did happen. He makes me swoon with all the things that he said and did and I really thought that Rachel was a very lucky girl to have him. I love Rachel and Avery's friendship, how they are very different but they actually complement each other. I also love Fletcher and wished that there was more of him and Sam in this.
Another thing that I love about this book is the focus on family, where we can see the differences between James and Rachel's family and how Rachel couldn't imagine going back to her own family when she had had dinner with James' family. James' family is a really lovely lot, especially Gran, who is such a special soul with affinity for pies.
However, if there's one thing that I really don't like about this book was when Rachel started being bitchy and was talking trash to people whom she thought was taking away James from her. I understand that most of the time it's her insecurity that makes her act that way but she should have known that James only has his eyes on her. It was a pity cos I felt that I would have loved her more if it wasn't because of that.
I would definitely recommend this book for those who are looking for fluffy, light and contemporary read because this is all around fluffy and swoony and makes my heart happy. The story might seem unrealistic and some of the dialogues are not written like they were spoken by eighteen year olds but there's something charming about this story that makes me want to keep reading. There are also a few instances where it punches me in the gut and made me cry. Dear Hazel James, can you change the ending please? :'(
February 15, 2017
Amazing!!!
OMG this was so good!! I promise you will love it so just buy it and read it now! Hurry!!
OMG this was so good!! I promise you will love it so just buy it and read it now! Hurry!!
June 1, 2016
If it's possible to love a book and hate a book, this was it for me. This story is so sweet! James moves to a new town (he does this routinely). On his first day of school, he is paired up with Rachel to be a "married" couple for Economics class and they have to figure out budgets, etc. They are smitten with each other when they meet. There are some angsty moments. Rachel's dad won't let her have a boyfriend because she needs to focus on track and he is able to sense/see things that are going to happen (but not always). I loved following their journey into becoming a couple. There are moments where you can feel their passion.... When he sings to her and they have their photo shoot together. There are great secondary characters.. Rachel's Beef, Avery and James' "Gran" who bakes the best pies. I could go on and on all the reasons that I loved it. I'm not going to tell you about the moments that I hated it, because then that would be a spoiler. But I'll be honest that my heart actually ached at moments during this story. I'm blown away that this is a debut book and can't wait to see what else Hazel James can give us. I can't recommend this enough. This would be a rare 10 star review from me if I could.
June 18, 2016
This was such a well written and intriguing book. From the very first page to the last I felt every intensity this book offered. This story is about a young girl and boy, Rachel and James who meet in Economics class and are assigned to a fake marriage. I just think these two are so cute. Their young love is beautiful. I loved what these two brought out of one another and I loved there sweet young journey.
This book is exactly what I love in a YA/NA book, but yet the subject and the plot twist were quit unique and gave this book that something more, and many parts took me by surprise. You the reader will definitely fall in love with so many of these amazing, funny, and charming characters. Avery, Fletcher (which BTW. I would love to read a book about them)...Grams...The list is endless.
This is a book I would recommend to anyone! This is a #MustRead
PS.. I know this is a shorter review...But there are so many little surprises, I would not dare ruin any of them for you. JUST READ THIS BOOK!
This book is exactly what I love in a YA/NA book, but yet the subject and the plot twist were quit unique and gave this book that something more, and many parts took me by surprise. You the reader will definitely fall in love with so many of these amazing, funny, and charming characters. Avery, Fletcher (which BTW. I would love to read a book about them)...Grams...The list is endless.
This is a book I would recommend to anyone! This is a #MustRead
PS.. I know this is a shorter review...But there are so many little surprises, I would not dare ruin any of them for you. JUST READ THIS BOOK!
July 15, 2016
Baffled. I am completely baffled by the fact that this is Hazel James's debut novel! She has such a strong voice and incredible talent that shone through from the first page to the last page of this book. I was hooked early on by her incredible knack for character development, interesting plot line, and witty dialogue. She wove in elements that were fun to identify, such as specific clothing brands, bands, and book references into the story. Every time I came across one, I smiled and gave Hazel a mental high five. Towards the end of the story, I kept looking at my kindle completed percentage and was like, "no way can I be at 96%. There's no way that this is going to be resolved and resolved well in like 4% more!" I have to say, the ending was resolved. It left me reeling and feeling, but it was complete. Hazel James, I have a full-fledged lady crush on you right about now, and can't wait to see what your future in the literary world holds!
June 12, 2016
Rachel and James meet when they pair up for a project in Economics class. They are attracted to one another quickly, and find their way through first love while dealing with the obstacles of young adulthood and more.
Rachel and James are likable individually, and charming together. They are fun, funny, and caring. Their friends are equally endearing and I was cheering on the lot of them throughout the story. There is a slight element of the paranormal as James has some pre-cognition stuff going on. That added an interesting element to the story, and didn't disconnect me from the characters and story like I feared it might. The characters got a little hyperbolic at times, and the story took a turn I wasn't expecting. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to someone looking for a charming teenage love story with some twists. 3.5 stars.
Rachel and James are likable individually, and charming together. They are fun, funny, and caring. Their friends are equally endearing and I was cheering on the lot of them throughout the story. There is a slight element of the paranormal as James has some pre-cognition stuff going on. That added an interesting element to the story, and didn't disconnect me from the characters and story like I feared it might. The characters got a little hyperbolic at times, and the story took a turn I wasn't expecting. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to someone looking for a charming teenage love story with some twists. 3.5 stars.
May 25, 2016
Speechless
What a debut, Hazel James! I'll Be The One delivered a sweet, soulful, and nostalgic kind of love story... with an inventive and really cool twist. I loved everything about this book, but I think my favorite take-away piece of wisdom would be, to not define what love looks like or how it came to be. Love can truly happen at any age and can happen instantly. Who are we to judge? James' & Rachel's love was pure and beautiful, and what they learned from each other was inspirational.
What a debut, Hazel James! I'll Be The One delivered a sweet, soulful, and nostalgic kind of love story... with an inventive and really cool twist. I loved everything about this book, but I think my favorite take-away piece of wisdom would be, to not define what love looks like or how it came to be. Love can truly happen at any age and can happen instantly. Who are we to judge? James' & Rachel's love was pure and beautiful, and what they learned from each other was inspirational.
April 18, 2016
This story grabs you by the heart and pulls you along for the amazing ride between James & Rachel. James is the teenage boy every teenage girl dreams of having. Rachel is the teenage girl who we all wish we were. James & Rachel together are the couple dreams are made of. You fall in love with not only James & Rachel, but every character introduced. It leaves you with a fulfilled sigh.
May 18, 2016
This was a debut?!?!
This was a debut?!?! Say what!?!?! Bravo Hazel James Bravo!!! I wish I had a James when I was in High School, I'm pretty sure every girl would agree with me. I loved the EPIC love story between James & Rachel, and even though "I'll be the one" made me cry, I ended up smiling
This was a debut?!?! Say what!?!?! Bravo Hazel James Bravo!!! I wish I had a James when I was in High School, I'm pretty sure every girl would agree with me. I loved the EPIC love story between James & Rachel, and even though "I'll be the one" made me cry, I ended up smiling
July 20, 2016
Wonderful and great read!
James and Rachel are wonderful together. Their relationship is what people hope to find and many don't. I felt like their story was a little rushed but in so glad I took a chance and read their story. Also, Gran is fabulous!
James and Rachel are wonderful together. Their relationship is what people hope to find and many don't. I felt like their story was a little rushed but in so glad I took a chance and read their story. Also, Gran is fabulous!
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