One Little Word

by Elizabeth Perry

First loves...they're magical, aren't they? For awhile, you feel amazing, all wrapped up in the fantasy that it could really always be this good. And sometimes, for a few lucky people, it actually all works out. Some people live happily ever after with the very first person that they ever loved. And then the other times? You just end up with a damn broken heart. It hurts to even say it, but it's the truth. And instead of just being a man and admitting that? He cheated on me, and basically crushed my soul. Hell, I didn't just leave. I literally fled, driving my beat up old jeep as fast as I could, trying to put as much distance between my hometown of Westmont, Tennessee and me as I possibly could. And for the last ten years, I have stayed far away, never allowing myself to as much as glance in my rearview mirror. I've moved on, and managed to heal my very shattered heart. I haven't even uttered his name since. And guess who just happens to be the very first person that I see when I return? Yep-you guessed it. Beckett. He's not exactly rolling out the welcome wagon, but that's ok. Because I have no intention of sticking around and digging up the past with him. Yet, he has the nerve to act as if I hurt him. Please. All I have to do is handle the business that forced me to come back, and then, I can get the hell out of here. Should be easy, right? Except, I didn't expect him to look even better than he did on the day that I left. And I certainly didn't expect to feel that familiar pull that I was never able to resist. But, I'm older now and wiser. No way will I fall for his charms again. Can I keep my heart intact this time? Or am I destined to let him break it all over again?

Genres: Second Chance

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ever since she learned to spell her name, Elizabeth Perry has been writing stories.
As an adult, she fell back into writing as her four children began to grow up and spread their wings. She loves writing cozy mysteries and romantic comedies featuring funny & strong heroines who remind her of the influential women she's met along the way.
She resides in Michigan with her husband, children, and yellow lab named Lucy. If she's not reading, she's writing, or spending time with her beloved family and friends.

Reviews

[Natalie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese left home 10 years ago leaving her fiancé Beckett at the alter and never came back. Now a successful criminal defense lawyer she has been summoned to come back and appear in court.

Beckett who has a successful business has never settled down with anyone, still has unresolved feelings.

Both Reese and Beckett were given misinformation that caused these soulmates to not be together. They must find out the truth, but can Reese stop running.

This is a hot angsty read that I could not put down. They are both stubborn and still so much in love, but can they find their way back to each other? I highly recommend this book which will keep you guessing until the end!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that this book deserves more than 5 stars. I am a huge fan of angst with twist and turns that leave you gasping, hand-over-mouth, tears rolling down your cheek while your heart aches. If you don't want that in a story then this isn't for you. You will also want to bang Reese and Beckett's heads together because they are so obviously meant for each other but both are too hard headed and stubborn to fess up. Their love story and the realness that Elizabeth Perry brings to this story makes for such an excellent read. I definitely have book hangover from this one!

Now, since you are still reading I will let you know that this story is a slow-burn, second-chance romance that is gripping, frustrating, hot, and heartbreaking. Reese and Beckett met when they were just teens. It was an instant attraction and they both knew something was different about each other. They fell deep in love and were to be wed when Reese was only 18. Enter in an evil step-sister who wanted Beckett, but was turned down for Reese. Aurora, the evil step-sister, hated Reese and Beckett wanting Reese over her made her do very cruel things to both of them. I only wish we had seen Aurora get her just desserts.

The love and chemistry between Reese and Beckett is intense. You can feel it as you read. They can't deny it even though the past is something they do not want to deal with. When Reese is forced to move back to their sleepy small town she's forced back into Beckett's life in more ways than they like. Things do not go over smoothly for them. Poor Reese's life is turned upside down and Beckett's family is adamant that Reese stays far away from him. She is of course from the wrong side of the lake and he deserves someone more their status.

The back and forth between Reese and Beckett is how real life happens and I love that it's written that way. Beckett is sexy, dominant, takes control of his life, and stays true to his commitments. Reese is a smart woman with what she thought was her whole career and life ahead of her. She's made something of herself and is almost completely proud of her work. Things change, people change. However, she takes a long time to come to terms that she's changed. Luckily she does it before things are unable to be fixed.

I was scared toward the end that this book wouldn't give me the HEA I so desperately needed to heal the emotional roller coaster this book put me through. Like a friend told me, hang in there, it gets better. It does, but you will have tears, both sad and happy, the last half of the book. This book is well written, with strong, well-developed characters, a storyline that has you step into the world of Reese and Beckett fully, and a HEA that soothes all the frustration and heartache they cause you and each other. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Avy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know a lot of people enjoyed this book but it's just not for me. I liked her other book "Bet on it" and thought I'd give it a try because the premise seemed interesting.

There were many issues with this book but the main points are:
a) she believed the word of her step sister who was always cruel to her and never confronted him about it which seems unrealistic to me.

b) After she left the second time, Beckett started a relationship that moved at super speed. Engaged after 10 months and nobody in Angie's family was suspicious? Maybe I'm just bitter but it didn't sit well with me.

c) Her mother was worried about her commiting suicide and she said
“Jesus, Momma. No. I’m sad, I’m not crazy.” I lost all respect for her at this point. People don't commit suicide because they're crazy. It happens because the pain of living is too much to bear.

d) He made Angie fall in love with him and then broke her heart and I'm supposed to forget that while he gets his happy ever after. I stopped caring about them being happy.

[*Book*Crazy* · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book I've read of this new author. I really enjoy her books. Check out her "Bet on it" if you haven't read it. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for her next book.

[Tea, And My Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. This is a second-chance romance at its best and it is not an easy ride to get to the happily ever after. Characters, Reese and Beckett are high school sweethearts who were supposed to get married ten years ago, but life happened and lies were told. Reese left Beckett at the altar and Beckett was left devastated. This couple went through so much together and I was so glad when the truth was revealed. They lost so much time together and I really loved them together. There were flashbacks in this story and it gave both characters a backstory and revealed how their loved bloomed and crashed. The chemistry between these two jumped off the page and I could not get enough of Beckett. Beckett was a man who loved hard and his poor heart was broken by Reese. Reese is another character who loved hard but instead of facing her problems she ran away.

There were a lot of grammatical errors. The usage of "your" was not used correctly. Another thing that bothered me was the timing in which everything happened and its lack of consistency. I will not go into the specifics but it kind of threw me off with the timing. I had to take notes to keep up. I really wished the author would have included the conversation between Angie and Beckett. When you read the story you will know what I am speaking of and that would have been a good scene to read.

An intense, hot, and touching read that is sure to make you grab some tissues at the end. As I said before, this is one of the best second-chance romance stories out there. Add this book to your to-read list pronto.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese left her hometown ten years ago when her heart was broken by Beckett McCallister, and she really never got over him. Now she's a successful defense attorney with a long time boyfriend who is a bit boring, but safe for her. She refuses to get her heart completely involved ever again. But when she has to come home for a court date, the first person she runs into is Beckett, and has no choice but to let him help her. When she finds out that she was left with a place that meant the world to her growing up, she learns that it's very broken and Beckett's company is the one who is hired to help her renovate it. What she doesn't expect is for Beckett to be just as mad & heartbroken as she is, but they can't stay away from each other, so they become friends with benefits. Will these two finally clear the air, or will Reese run again?! One Little Word was a story that pulled out all the feels from me, as the angst filled journey was intensely emotional. I could literally feel Reese's hurt through my kindle, and while I understood that Beckett was feeling hurt as well, I still wanted to junk punch him more than once for his douchey attitude. And while the colorful cast of secondaries only added more to the story, many of them made me want to hurt the people that had negative attitudes towards Reese. Elizabeth Perry's talented writing style definitely immersed me into her world instantly, and boy was it a roller coaster ride of dramatic emotions. I could go on and on, but instead I'll just end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING THIS STORY TO ALL!

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have been given the chance to read by this writer. I was very interested in reading this one when I heard about it. Elizabeth did not disappoint with this one. This was a very interesting, keep my attention, gripping at time, well written book. It had parts in it where I had to take a step back from the deep intense emotions. Beckett is a character that is just not only yummy but downright lovable. How could you walk away from that man? I absolutely loved how the writer shows that he does indeed have emotions and will gladly show you those emotions. I absolutely loved the storyline with his niece and their fishing every sunday after church. Reese is a strong woman who has dealt with so much in her life. She left town and beat herself up for everything that happened before she left. She threw herself into work and didnt really deal with her past. But upon returning to town she has no option in the matter. She has to deal head on with everything. But love gets in the way and that is when things get interesting. I loved her character. No matter what was going on with her she was not a push over. Granted she did the unspeakable but she realized her mistake thank god and fixed it the only way she knew how. I absolutely loved Beckett and Reese together. A very strong bond and love between these two. Highly recommend reading this book. I enjoyed it very much from the beginning to the end.

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed One Little word Elizabeth is one my list of one click authors after reading Bet On it I was excited to see she had another story out and it was this one . While the blurb is very intriguing was a little hesitant to start with it being a second chance romance I feel like I've read that sorta genre a lot lately but I am so glad I gave this a chance even though my heart broke for both characters . Can't wait to read more by this author
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=8 secondary characters=8 Chemistry=10
romance=8 humor=4 darkness level=3 action=3 mystery=5
enjoyment=9 angst=5 story line=8 Story ending=9
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 stars=4 author=8
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author=yes

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely beautiful story. A second chance at love for two people who were so very much meant to be together.
Reese and Beckett were teenage lovers, and they loved each other with everything they had. But because of their youth, rather than trusting in each other, they let lies and other peoples interference get in the way of their love.
Ten years later, Reese is forced back to her hometown. Beckett is still so very angry with Reese, but after being in one another's company, old feelings that never really went away resurfaced.
This is my first book by Elizabeth Perry, and I can confidently say it is one of the best stories I have read this year. I could not put it down and had to read it in one sitting.
Loved every word.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book

[Michelle Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book !! From the very first page to the last its full of HOTNESS, love, lies, truths, heartbreaks, dramas and so much more. Reece and Beckett's paths were mapped out for them right from the minute they met although their journey was not plain sailing. They fought so much for their relationship and gave up so much too. Fate has a way of ensuring that what is meant to be will be no matter what gets in the way or how far you run. I literally couldn't put this book down, you are kept on your toes all the way through. I want a Beckett all of my own, he is full of charm and the right amount of cockiness to make you fall in love with him, Reece has become a sassy independent woman who is out to make a point but her soft side soon comes out. Their chemistry is off the charts. Without revealing any spoilers all I can say is you will not be disappointed !!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start this review by saying I think my expectations were a little high. After reading Bet On It (Sliding Home Book 1) I was looking forward to reading more books by this author

The book was very well written. The story flowed quite well, you know if you were reading about the past or the present.

I really like second chance romances, especially when they are written well. There was one part of this story that I didn't like, as it didn't really make sense to me with how the rest of the story had been going.

I am still keen on reading the rest of the Sliding Home Series by this author and I would definitely read another book by her.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great second chance romance!

I loved the bickering/hating on each other that Beckett and Reese did, I know, I know, that is probably wrong, but it was spot on with how their relationship had ended all those years ago.

This was my first book from Ms. Perry and I was thoroughly entertained. I laughed a few times (bickering) and I was heartbroken as well.

I highly recommend One Little Word.

[Dawn Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being gone for ten years, Reese returns to her hometown. While there she runs into the one man she has never forgotten, Beckett. Can two very stubborn people move from past hurts and begin a new future together? This is the first book by Elizabeth Perry, and I very much enjoyed reading Reese and Beckett's story of second chances. A slow burn but well worth reading.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being gone for ten years, Reese returns to her hometown. While there she runs into the one man she has never forgotten, Beckett. Can two very stubborn people move from past hurts and begin a new future together? This is the first book by Elizabeth Perry, and I very much enjoyed reading Reese and Beckett's story of second chances. A slow burn but well worth reading.

[Carola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cuppa

[Alex Sosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, this quantity of drama in a book it's too much for me, I loved it, but too much D-R-A-M-A

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this second chance romance. So much angst.

[-ˏˋ D ˊˎ- · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Jena]

Need Safety info please. Any cheating?

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I am a sucker for second chance romances, and this book by far is the best one that I have ever read. I fell in love with Reese and Beckett. I literally felt my heart break for the two of them, and all that they went through. I mean, they lost so much time over other peoples lies!!
This is my first time reading anything from this author, but I look forward to more. I hope she writes another book just like this one!!

[rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read this author. At first I picked up this book to pass the time. The blurb sounded interesting. Well let me tell you it gave me all the warm and fuzzy's that I like out of books. But the best part was that it kept my stomach in knots I love second chance romances. The heart ache that these two people go through and try to MoveOn from because of lies made me feel like I was there with them . I will definitely be keeping an eye on this author I hope she has more books just like this one.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This can be a 4 or 2 well written just did not like that he gave up on her within 10 months wanting to marry another women but do understand so after thinking about it gave it a 4.