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One Year Left
In the last year of his life, Will moves to Portland in search of happiness, but the disappointment and despair of his past aren't influenced by distance. Then he meets his new roommate, Kristen. Even with her own emotional scars, she's everything he's ever wanted. The trouble is, old habits are hard to break and if they can't find a way to move forward, they risk losing their best chance at love.
152 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 18, 2017
The story begins with Will moving to Portland, Oregon to start a food truck business with his best friend Daichi. Will moves to Portland to start what he calls “Operation One Year Left”. He wants to get a fresh start and make the most of his last year. This creates some mystery over what is wrong with Will. Does he really have one year left to live? Is he sick?
Will ends up renting an apartment with a girl names Kristen. Kristen’s’ last roommate didn’t get along with the landlord so the roommate left one day and never returned. Immediately, Kristen and Will really hit it off. Unfortunately, Kristen has a boyfriends. I didn’t expect Kristen to have a boyfriend in the story and that bothered me. . Kristen met Cooper on an online dating site. He kept inviting her to parties and she kept declining. She sensed that he was losing interest so she finally went to meet him at a party. She caught him making out with some other girl at the party. Even after all that, she decided to start dating Cooper because she thought he was the best out of the bunch of guys she dated. There is another part of the book where it says that she first met Cooper at a bar and gave him her number. I don’t if that was a typo? Unfortunately, Kristen had terrible luck with men. She does end up breaking up with him shortly after meeting Will.
I really don’t like to read about the main characters with other people. There is a scene where Kristen shares way TMI with Will about her sex life with Cooper. The story completely lost me after that whole conversation. It’s a pet peeve of mine. I started skimming the story her TMI boyfriend talk with Will.
There were some flashbacks in the book of some of Will’s past crushes and relationships. At times I found it confusing when it would go into a flashback. Sometimes it would randomly go into a flashback. There was a flashback after the TMI talk and it confused me at first because it took a second to realize it was a flashback. I think there could have been a better transition into that flashback. The flashbacks did show that Will didn’t have the best luck with women. I guess that Kristen and Will made a good match because they both had bad luck with the opposite sex.
I was wondering if Will had some illness like cancer in the story. He said that he only had a year left to live.
I’m sorry but I just had trouble getting into the story. As I mentioned it had some pet peeves of mine in the story. Other people might enjoy the story. It just wasn’t for me.
* I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Will ends up renting an apartment with a girl names Kristen. Kristen’s’ last roommate didn’t get along with the landlord so the roommate left one day and never returned. Immediately, Kristen and Will really hit it off. Unfortunately, Kristen has a boyfriends. I didn’t expect Kristen to have a boyfriend in the story and that bothered me. . Kristen met Cooper on an online dating site. He kept inviting her to parties and she kept declining. She sensed that he was losing interest so she finally went to meet him at a party. She caught him making out with some other girl at the party. Even after all that, she decided to start dating Cooper because she thought he was the best out of the bunch of guys she dated. There is another part of the book where it says that she first met Cooper at a bar and gave him her number. I don’t if that was a typo? Unfortunately, Kristen had terrible luck with men. She does end up breaking up with him shortly after meeting Will.
I really don’t like to read about the main characters with other people. There is a scene where Kristen shares way TMI with Will about her sex life with Cooper. The story completely lost me after that whole conversation. It’s a pet peeve of mine. I started skimming the story her TMI boyfriend talk with Will.
There were some flashbacks in the book of some of Will’s past crushes and relationships. At times I found it confusing when it would go into a flashback. Sometimes it would randomly go into a flashback. There was a flashback after the TMI talk and it confused me at first because it took a second to realize it was a flashback. I think there could have been a better transition into that flashback. The flashbacks did show that Will didn’t have the best luck with women. I guess that Kristen and Will made a good match because they both had bad luck with the opposite sex.
I was wondering if Will had some illness like cancer in the story. He said that he only had a year left to live.
I’m sorry but I just had trouble getting into the story. As I mentioned it had some pet peeves of mine in the story. Other people might enjoy the story. It just wasn’t for me.
* I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2017
I finished it but it was a struggle.
April 8, 2017
Wow!! What a book!! It really drags you in!! I know love at First sight works, but that it would work like this I never knew! A quick read that Does not dissapoint, and leaves you on your toes, wondering What will happen! A must read!
June 15, 2017
Readers of Nicholas Sparks and John Green (Fault in Our Stars) will love this new adult romance.
What would you do if you were given one year left to live? What would you focus on and what if the Universe matched you up with the perfect girl? Would you pursue it to see what happens or would you keep your distance, knowing you have little time left?
Such is the dilemma for Will. He’s got one year to live and decides to seize the moment in a big way. He moves to Portland, works with his best friend at a food truck, trying to figure out life. He meets his new roommate, Kristen, and is immediately smitten. She’s everything he wants in a girlfriend but she’s unavailable. He decides it’s better to be in her life than not at all. But when she finds herself sans boyfriend, Will makes his move. Will the past continue to hold them back, destroying their shot at love, or can they overcome all odds together?
Such a great romance, reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks, and I really enjoyed reading it. Realistically written with honest dialogue and relatable characters. I hated Kristen’s boyfriend and was happy when he was out of the picture. The relationship between Will and Kristen developed naturally and the conflicts were very real. There’s not a lot of character growth with Will and Kristen but that’s just a personal preference. Robinson doesn’t hold back Will’s dark thoughts on death and dying. I found it refreshing and somewhat inspiring.
If you’re looking for a sweet romance dealing with love, romance, healing from the past and terminal illness, pick up One Year Left. You’ll be glad you did!
Favorite Character/Quote: “I like your…” He looked me in the eyes and I saw him take in the entirety of me visible above the table. “I like your everything, to be honest.”
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
What would you do if you were given one year left to live? What would you focus on and what if the Universe matched you up with the perfect girl? Would you pursue it to see what happens or would you keep your distance, knowing you have little time left?
Such is the dilemma for Will. He’s got one year to live and decides to seize the moment in a big way. He moves to Portland, works with his best friend at a food truck, trying to figure out life. He meets his new roommate, Kristen, and is immediately smitten. She’s everything he wants in a girlfriend but she’s unavailable. He decides it’s better to be in her life than not at all. But when she finds herself sans boyfriend, Will makes his move. Will the past continue to hold them back, destroying their shot at love, or can they overcome all odds together?
Such a great romance, reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks, and I really enjoyed reading it. Realistically written with honest dialogue and relatable characters. I hated Kristen’s boyfriend and was happy when he was out of the picture. The relationship between Will and Kristen developed naturally and the conflicts were very real. There’s not a lot of character growth with Will and Kristen but that’s just a personal preference. Robinson doesn’t hold back Will’s dark thoughts on death and dying. I found it refreshing and somewhat inspiring.
If you’re looking for a sweet romance dealing with love, romance, healing from the past and terminal illness, pick up One Year Left. You’ll be glad you did!
Favorite Character/Quote: “I like your…” He looked me in the eyes and I saw him take in the entirety of me visible above the table. “I like your everything, to be honest.”
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
April 11, 2017
Very Confusing
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book, One Year Left by J. C. Robinson.
I must not be reading the same book as these other reviewers because my opinion of this book is quite different from theirs. The story does match the books description listed here though so I don't know.
I only made it 26% into the book before I had to stop. It's all over the place. I wasn't always sure, at first, if I was reading about their past or present. And I'm so confused when it comes to Kristen's relationship with Cooper. Pretty much all the facts about it are contradictory. He's a great guy with one fault, he's a jerk and Kristen wants to dump him, she met him at a bar, she met him on OKCupid.
I guess the author can't decide how she wants it so she throws it all in there.
For the author's sake I'm glad others liked this book so much but it didn't do it for me.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book, One Year Left by J. C. Robinson.
I must not be reading the same book as these other reviewers because my opinion of this book is quite different from theirs. The story does match the books description listed here though so I don't know.
I only made it 26% into the book before I had to stop. It's all over the place. I wasn't always sure, at first, if I was reading about their past or present. And I'm so confused when it comes to Kristen's relationship with Cooper. Pretty much all the facts about it are contradictory. He's a great guy with one fault, he's a jerk and Kristen wants to dump him, she met him at a bar, she met him on OKCupid.
I guess the author can't decide how she wants it so she throws it all in there.
For the author's sake I'm glad others liked this book so much but it didn't do it for me.
April 30, 2017
Fast paced romance that was very sweet. Two lost souls with unsavory pasts try to make a go at an HEA. Will they be able to shed their pasts & allowing the other to help them heal? MUST get yourself a copy to find out. I voluntarily read this ARC &this is my honest review
August 12, 2025
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book has become an unfortunate victim of one of my New Years resolutions to star more harshly- it says two stars, but really it is 2.5 and maybe even 2.75 and I would still definitely recommend it if you are looking for a fun, easy romance and aren't too bothered about realism etc.
Ultimately, this book was fun. It was not a masterpiece, it was not life-changing and it wasn't incredible, but I laughed and smiled and it made me feel better when I was sick.
As I like ending on a positive note and I absolutely hate writing negative things about a book I enjoyed reading, I will start with what wasn't so great: the time frame and development of the story. Everything moved so fast! I will be the first to admit that I read very quickly, but this book probably took at most one hour to read. Which is good... until I realised that I was 50% through the novel and the characters had hardly met yet. The whole romance took whirlwind to the extreme. Whilst I love some good romance, and this book was a romance, I still felt like in order to fully appreciate the romance between the two characters, we needed to see more of their everyday lives... plus, becoming so obsessed you can't talk or think about anything else within a couple of minutes of meeting might be realistic, but it is not the basis of a relationship. The things that happened felt like the things I would expect after months and months of dating, not hardly a couple of weeks. So, yes I enjoyed the romance, but I didn't believe it. That and I hardly know anything about the characters beyond their torn up romantic lives which seem to drive them at every corner.
That was my major issue, but there were a few other small ones. This book was also written from two POV... and I found it hard to tell the difference between them- their voices were too similar. I also felt like the characters were trying to be flawed and create their own identity and had a lot of potential, but they weren't given the room to grow and blossom into beautiful baby-flower-characters. The concept of One Year Left was not fully developed and I think it is wrong to say that a girl you just met will make you fall in love and after one small problem a week in, you will quickly overcome all of your depression and other mental health problems. Jumping to the end of the year wasn't the best, in my opinion- this book was 142 pages and it could have done with drawing out the romance more, taking the time develop the characters and adding on another 200ish pages.
Now onto the things I did enjoy! This book was funny. As someone who is currently in the midst of writing a novel and has not managed to make a single funny scene, props to any author who makes me laugh. It's harder than you might think. And all the cheesy corniness of this novel works, because in the end it is a romance. It feels like a feel-good romance, which is part of the issue: the characters both have troubled pasts and issues that are glossed over or used as plot devices but don't really seem real of significant enough to break through the feel-good romance feel of the novel. Ignoring that, the feel-good romance feel was still fun and I would seriously like Will to take me on some dates: he seriously has the best ideas. I love the idea of roommates-become-lovers and props to J. C. Robinson for casually including a bi main character and having everyone act like it's no big deal.
Overall, if you are willing to overlook the fact that this book did not completely fulfil its true potential, it is still a fun, clean romance with funny characters and a couple of golden-nugget scenes.
This review can also be found at pirateladypages.wordpress.com
Ultimately, this book was fun. It was not a masterpiece, it was not life-changing and it wasn't incredible, but I laughed and smiled and it made me feel better when I was sick.
As I like ending on a positive note and I absolutely hate writing negative things about a book I enjoyed reading, I will start with what wasn't so great: the time frame and development of the story. Everything moved so fast! I will be the first to admit that I read very quickly, but this book probably took at most one hour to read. Which is good... until I realised that I was 50% through the novel and the characters had hardly met yet. The whole romance took whirlwind to the extreme. Whilst I love some good romance, and this book was a romance, I still felt like in order to fully appreciate the romance between the two characters, we needed to see more of their everyday lives... plus, becoming so obsessed you can't talk or think about anything else within a couple of minutes of meeting might be realistic, but it is not the basis of a relationship. The things that happened felt like the things I would expect after months and months of dating, not hardly a couple of weeks. So, yes I enjoyed the romance, but I didn't believe it. That and I hardly know anything about the characters beyond their torn up romantic lives which seem to drive them at every corner.
That was my major issue, but there were a few other small ones. This book was also written from two POV... and I found it hard to tell the difference between them- their voices were too similar. I also felt like the characters were trying to be flawed and create their own identity and had a lot of potential, but they weren't given the room to grow and blossom into beautiful baby-flower-characters. The concept of One Year Left was not fully developed and I think it is wrong to say that a girl you just met will make you fall in love and after one small problem a week in, you will quickly overcome all of your depression and other mental health problems. Jumping to the end of the year wasn't the best, in my opinion- this book was 142 pages and it could have done with drawing out the romance more, taking the time develop the characters and adding on another 200ish pages.
Now onto the things I did enjoy! This book was funny. As someone who is currently in the midst of writing a novel and has not managed to make a single funny scene, props to any author who makes me laugh. It's harder than you might think. And all the cheesy corniness of this novel works, because in the end it is a romance. It feels like a feel-good romance, which is part of the issue: the characters both have troubled pasts and issues that are glossed over or used as plot devices but don't really seem real of significant enough to break through the feel-good romance feel of the novel. Ignoring that, the feel-good romance feel was still fun and I would seriously like Will to take me on some dates: he seriously has the best ideas. I love the idea of roommates-become-lovers and props to J. C. Robinson for casually including a bi main character and having everyone act like it's no big deal.
Overall, if you are willing to overlook the fact that this book did not completely fulfil its true potential, it is still a fun, clean romance with funny characters and a couple of golden-nugget scenes.
This review can also be found at pirateladypages.wordpress.com
April 11, 2017
I received an ebook of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you J.C. Robinson!
This was a really light and cute read. The love story between Will and Kristen was extremely caring, and lighthearted. I liked how they were genuinely good people, who were there to support each other. At some point, the author mentioned Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, and I got super excited! It's one of my favourite songs. Although that was completely irrelevant I wanted to mention it.
The whole one year left was a little iffy for me. I would have liked to have seen a greater contrast in character in Will from the beginning until the end. I felt like his character lacked development. The same could be said about Kristen, however, less so in her case.
I would have liked to see a bit mire of an emphasis on the food truck. It appears to want to be a central part of the story, yet it doesn't come across as such. If more time was spent on the business of the food truck, or the workings if it, it would have added another dimension to the story.
Overall, this book has potential! Good work by J.C. Robinson.
This was a really light and cute read. The love story between Will and Kristen was extremely caring, and lighthearted. I liked how they were genuinely good people, who were there to support each other. At some point, the author mentioned Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, and I got super excited! It's one of my favourite songs. Although that was completely irrelevant I wanted to mention it.
The whole one year left was a little iffy for me. I would have liked to have seen a greater contrast in character in Will from the beginning until the end. I felt like his character lacked development. The same could be said about Kristen, however, less so in her case.
I would have liked to see a bit mire of an emphasis on the food truck. It appears to want to be a central part of the story, yet it doesn't come across as such. If more time was spent on the business of the food truck, or the workings if it, it would have added another dimension to the story.
Overall, this book has potential! Good work by J.C. Robinson.
April 2, 2017
Great sweet read for a love in fast time. Tremendous people wrote about in this book.
May 9, 2017
Right from the beginning I didn’t like the style. Too negative and rigid somehow. It just didn’t feel right to me. For me, this was a book I just couldn’t get into. It was a bit all over the place. The frequent memories take the flow out and feel more like stating facts to me. Too dry.
To be honest, I skipped parts that just weren’t interesting.
The Blurb says that it’s a sweet romance, but my definition of sweet is not the same as the author’s, I guess.
It does have a HEA , I did like that. But the negative vibe running through the whole book just didn’t do it for me.
I really don't like writing ‘bad’ reviews, because I know that each book is the result of an author's hard work and creativity. But I can't help it with this one; it’s just not for me.
To be honest, I skipped parts that just weren’t interesting.
The Blurb says that it’s a sweet romance, but my definition of sweet is not the same as the author’s, I guess.
It does have a HEA , I did like that. But the negative vibe running through the whole book just didn’t do it for me.
I really don't like writing ‘bad’ reviews, because I know that each book is the result of an author's hard work and creativity. But I can't help it with this one; it’s just not for me.
May 17, 2020
Easy read
This book came with a lot of mixed reviews and I decided to just give it a try I wanted something fun and easy. That is exactly what this book gives you a quick simple read with an easy story line. Of course the flashbacks in time are to be considered because they do interrupt the story frequently. All in all I was not disappointed. It was well written and had the promised happy ending. The title is truly what intrigued me and I think in would have given it 5 stars if it would have made it just a little bit clearer at the end how this would have eneded up being one year left. Still I will happily read another book by J.C. Robinson to see what else this author can do. The writing was clean and easy to follow.
This book came with a lot of mixed reviews and I decided to just give it a try I wanted something fun and easy. That is exactly what this book gives you a quick simple read with an easy story line. Of course the flashbacks in time are to be considered because they do interrupt the story frequently. All in all I was not disappointed. It was well written and had the promised happy ending. The title is truly what intrigued me and I think in would have given it 5 stars if it would have made it just a little bit clearer at the end how this would have eneded up being one year left. Still I will happily read another book by J.C. Robinson to see what else this author can do. The writing was clean and easy to follow.
November 5, 2017
What a disappointment! I was intrigued by the description, but felt like the content was lacking!Depression is a serious illness, but I feel like the author could have used this as a platform to raise awareness about all the resources out there, instead of glimpsing past them and treating the fact that he wanted to end his life so nonchalantly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2017
Right away, this book hooked me in. The premise of only having one year left to live, then stumbling across love. Of letting go of your past and embracing the future. Even better, I enjoyed the humor thrown in. Well done. I'll be reading more books by J.C. Robinson.
May 26, 2017
I thought this story had good bones, but didn't quite flesh out. The story didn't seem to flow very well. The dialog is good, the plot is interesting, the characters are interesting, the thoughts seem scattered.
May 29, 2017
Closer to a 1.5 stars since I did end up finishing it.
This book was all over the place, and it was a real struggle to read. FRTC soon!
This book was all over the place, and it was a real struggle to read. FRTC soon!
April 2, 2017
what a great story it really pulled you into it . I must say I did get a bit confused at first until I got into it and worked out all the characters and who was telling each part of the story but it really had meaning behind it and how both will and kristen had been hurt in their past relationships and how it had scared them. Awesome read.
April 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this book,the story sucked me in and kept me until the end of the book
April 11, 2017
An easy weekend read. Enjoyed the complexity of the characters and storyline.
April 12, 2017
A beautiful romance story between two people, Kristin and Will. Amazing light reading by a super author that leaves you wanting more. Received an ARC and my pleasure to review
April 14, 2017
Well, it's an interesting story of two people who kind of lost their believe in love. The title of the book suggests something 'deadly' is happening within the year... I could not figure out, what it's actually refering to... The style of writing - switching between past and present - has been kind of confusing to me. He's talking/thinking about Kristen and in the next paragraph it's Molly or someone else...
April 19, 2017
I admit when I initially read the plot I was really curious about this book and I decided to give it a try. On the other hand the story seemed at the beginning, very confusing and quite inconclusive. For this reason I continued reading the book and as I delved into the story I realized what was the real purpose of the author. This is overall an introspective trip towards a new life with a few glimpses of the past experiences of the characters. The story of two lost souls that meet and in just a few days realize that they are meant for one another. Not actually my typical book but if you are willing to read something quite demanding then this could be something to give a chance to.
April 15, 2017
Looking to leave his disappointments behind, Will moves from Maryland to Portland, Oregon, to find something to motivate him, he decided hehad One Year Left. After a list of bad relationships due to shyness, trust issues and social fear, he gets to meet his new roommate Kristen, who just broke with her last boyfriend is also full of trust issues.
It's a great positive story, where after going through piles of problems and insecurities, the sun finally shines and love wins the day!!
It's a great positive story, where after going through piles of problems and insecurities, the sun finally shines and love wins the day!!
April 15, 2017
What a sweet story that is well written with captivating characters. It's love at first sight and this book draws you in right at the beginning and has you page turning from there. A quick read. I received a reader copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
April 29, 2017
What do I say about a book that both pulled at my heartstrings, and also made me laugh out loud?
One Year Left by J.C. Robinson is an excellent entrance into the world of first loves and romance. Will, our hero, has been burned in the past, and seeks a new start in Portland. I'll admit that when I first start reading this book, I wasn't sure what to expect! I love my HEAs and I hoped that J.C. Robinson wouldn't disappoint me -- disappointment didn't happen whatsoever.
Will and Kristen's relationship is certainly an interesting one, and accurately portrays the merge into first loves. There are certain scenes in this book (I won't give spoilers!) that had goosebumps teasing to my skin. Those scenes in particular, where Will and Kristin are allowed to explore their growing attraction to each other, are pure gems.
The secondary characters are also great, and add to the upbeat/optimistic tone that moved the plot forward.
If you are looking to try out a new romance author, and want to dive into a book that gives you all of the good feels, then look no further than One Year Left!
One Year Left by J.C. Robinson is an excellent entrance into the world of first loves and romance. Will, our hero, has been burned in the past, and seeks a new start in Portland. I'll admit that when I first start reading this book, I wasn't sure what to expect! I love my HEAs and I hoped that J.C. Robinson wouldn't disappoint me -- disappointment didn't happen whatsoever.
Will and Kristen's relationship is certainly an interesting one, and accurately portrays the merge into first loves. There are certain scenes in this book (I won't give spoilers!) that had goosebumps teasing to my skin. Those scenes in particular, where Will and Kristin are allowed to explore their growing attraction to each other, are pure gems.
The secondary characters are also great, and add to the upbeat/optimistic tone that moved the plot forward.
If you are looking to try out a new romance author, and want to dive into a book that gives you all of the good feels, then look no further than One Year Left!
April 18, 2017
This is quite a quick read. i kind of started slow though because I wasn't getting into yet, but once Will and Kristen's story start unfolding you'll be hooked!
truthfully, I kind of don't understand why it was short. this is more of a novella than a novel. the plot has a great potential to become one. and I really thought the author could play with the story though.
When I finished the story, I kind of didn't get the Operation One Year Left. I didn't know if it was a metaphor, or was he sick... i just didn't get the reason of how it came to be even though the book really gave us a reason. I guess what I'm trying to say is the book doesn't really have a proper hold of the story.
i also didn't get Will's flashbacks... I mean they play a role in the story. but the way ot was laid out in the book was weird for me. I guess I just rather have Will explain them rather than the scene being cut just to have past-Will's point of view be relieved.
the only thing I really liked in this is Will and Kristen's love story. I swear I'm all giddy just remembering all the cheesy adorable things that happened! it's innocent yet a tease but so adorable. their whole story made me hooked. i swear i was stuck in the book wanting more and knowing what will happen next is so exciting!
in general though, this is the type of book I would pick up just to kill time. it's not totally memorable, but the love story is definitely the only saving grace here. i'm not saying the book sucked. it's good and has great potential but it just felt short.
*I received and eARC from the author in exchange for a review*
truthfully, I kind of don't understand why it was short. this is more of a novella than a novel. the plot has a great potential to become one. and I really thought the author could play with the story though.
When I finished the story, I kind of didn't get the Operation One Year Left. I didn't know if it was a metaphor, or was he sick... i just didn't get the reason of how it came to be even though the book really gave us a reason. I guess what I'm trying to say is the book doesn't really have a proper hold of the story.
i also didn't get Will's flashbacks... I mean they play a role in the story. but the way ot was laid out in the book was weird for me. I guess I just rather have Will explain them rather than the scene being cut just to have past-Will's point of view be relieved.
the only thing I really liked in this is Will and Kristen's love story. I swear I'm all giddy just remembering all the cheesy adorable things that happened! it's innocent yet a tease but so adorable. their whole story made me hooked. i swear i was stuck in the book wanting more and knowing what will happen next is so exciting!
in general though, this is the type of book I would pick up just to kill time. it's not totally memorable, but the love story is definitely the only saving grace here. i'm not saying the book sucked. it's good and has great potential but it just felt short.
*I received and eARC from the author in exchange for a review*
April 20, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This book was just okay for me...I tried to get into it...this was a new author as well.
April 19, 2017
I was given this ARC when I gave for an honest review for it.
I did not see what the point of this book was. I understood he said he only had one year left to live in the beginning, but was expecting more about it. I guess it was a metaphor for starting a "new" life. It was very confusing when the two main characters goes to flash back and back into real time without notating it. I did actually read the whole book, and still questioned what the point was the entire time.
It did have some cute romantic moments in it every once in awhile. But this book was not for me. Maybe for the YA audience. But truly did not find the point of anything the entire time.
I did not see what the point of this book was. I understood he said he only had one year left to live in the beginning, but was expecting more about it. I guess it was a metaphor for starting a "new" life. It was very confusing when the two main characters goes to flash back and back into real time without notating it. I did actually read the whole book, and still questioned what the point was the entire time.
It did have some cute romantic moments in it every once in awhile. But this book was not for me. Maybe for the YA audience. But truly did not find the point of anything the entire time.
April 20, 2017
This was a he said she said kind of story and I found it kind of hard to follow, maybe if I had spent more time I would have gotten more into the story. I was gifted and copy and am leaving a voluntary review.
April 29, 2017
You can also find this review on Hedgehog Book Reviews!!
Will has one year left to live. His last wish is to move to a new city, Portland, and spend his time working on a food truck with his close friend. Will doesn’t put much research into his new house, neighborhood, or, most importantly, roommate. She introduces herself as Kristen and captures his attention from the moment he meets her. At the time, Kristen is in a failing relationship with a guy who doesn’t listen to her and heavily buys into the gender stereotype of women being the people who cook dinner. Will knows that he cannot pursue Kristen when she’s taken, but the possibility of her becoming single appears, and he might have a shot at making things work after all.
I want to thank the author of One Year Left, J.C. Robinson, for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m honored that you chose me to read your work!
I have a lot of mixed thoughts on this book. I want to start by saying that the story kept me glued to the pages. The plot was very smooth and the conversations flowed easily. There wasn’t too much dialogue or too little plot development. J.C. Robinson did an excellent job balancing all the dynamics of the book and making it easy to follow and fun to read. In addition, there was a clear beginning, climax, and resolution track. A lot of romances don’t have an actual plot, so that was refreshing to read.
I am not very fond of the way Will and Kristen were written. They feel very shallow to me, almost like they rely on a lot of tropes from romance movies. Will is the good, semi-awkward guy who never got the girls in high school and Kristen is the girl who always ends up with the wrong guys who treat her badly. This makes them absolutely perfect for each other, but also creates a boring and predictable storyline. I understand that romances are supposed to be predictable, because the main character and their love interest usually end up together, but this was too stereotypical for me.
In addition, I wish the ending wrapped up more plot and showed the reader how it affected the ‘big picture’. I felt pretty empty handed during the last few pages of One Year Left and wanted to see more final character development within Will. He doesn’t evolve much from the person he is in the first chapter of the book. I love getting a sense of clarity about the takeaways of a book when I finish it, and I didn’t get that from this. I am sad because Will and Kristen were written with such great chemistry and I was rooting for them! I wish the last 10 pages had as much thought put into them as the rest of the book.
Overall, I both liked and disliked a lot of things about One Year Left. The way the book read, as a whole, was perfect. I couldn’t put it down and wanted to get to the ending as quickly as possible. On the other hand, Will and Kirsten were not very dimensional; you can see other characters just like them in many popular romantic comedies. Unfortunately, this led to little character development and a sub-par conclusion that left me wanting more. This book is a very quick read, because of its length and fast-paced plot, so I’d recommend it to someone looking for an easy romance. It’s very feel-good, so it’s a great read to put you in a good mood. Again, a big thank you to J.C. Robinson for giving me a copy of his work. I really enjoyed reviewing it!
Will has one year left to live. His last wish is to move to a new city, Portland, and spend his time working on a food truck with his close friend. Will doesn’t put much research into his new house, neighborhood, or, most importantly, roommate. She introduces herself as Kristen and captures his attention from the moment he meets her. At the time, Kristen is in a failing relationship with a guy who doesn’t listen to her and heavily buys into the gender stereotype of women being the people who cook dinner. Will knows that he cannot pursue Kristen when she’s taken, but the possibility of her becoming single appears, and he might have a shot at making things work after all.
I want to thank the author of One Year Left, J.C. Robinson, for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m honored that you chose me to read your work!
I have a lot of mixed thoughts on this book. I want to start by saying that the story kept me glued to the pages. The plot was very smooth and the conversations flowed easily. There wasn’t too much dialogue or too little plot development. J.C. Robinson did an excellent job balancing all the dynamics of the book and making it easy to follow and fun to read. In addition, there was a clear beginning, climax, and resolution track. A lot of romances don’t have an actual plot, so that was refreshing to read.
I am not very fond of the way Will and Kristen were written. They feel very shallow to me, almost like they rely on a lot of tropes from romance movies. Will is the good, semi-awkward guy who never got the girls in high school and Kristen is the girl who always ends up with the wrong guys who treat her badly. This makes them absolutely perfect for each other, but also creates a boring and predictable storyline. I understand that romances are supposed to be predictable, because the main character and their love interest usually end up together, but this was too stereotypical for me.
In addition, I wish the ending wrapped up more plot and showed the reader how it affected the ‘big picture’. I felt pretty empty handed during the last few pages of One Year Left and wanted to see more final character development within Will. He doesn’t evolve much from the person he is in the first chapter of the book. I love getting a sense of clarity about the takeaways of a book when I finish it, and I didn’t get that from this. I am sad because Will and Kristen were written with such great chemistry and I was rooting for them! I wish the last 10 pages had as much thought put into them as the rest of the book.
Overall, I both liked and disliked a lot of things about One Year Left. The way the book read, as a whole, was perfect. I couldn’t put it down and wanted to get to the ending as quickly as possible. On the other hand, Will and Kirsten were not very dimensional; you can see other characters just like them in many popular romantic comedies. Unfortunately, this led to little character development and a sub-par conclusion that left me wanting more. This book is a very quick read, because of its length and fast-paced plot, so I’d recommend it to someone looking for an easy romance. It’s very feel-good, so it’s a great read to put you in a good mood. Again, a big thank you to J.C. Robinson for giving me a copy of his work. I really enjoyed reviewing it!
April 23, 2017
Was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review
Okay, from the very cover itself and the fact that it was going to be just about 100+ pages and nothing more; I already expected this book to be fast paced. I also expected things to be very light in the story because again, ice cream truck and a couple kissing on the cover doesn't really scream much.
To be honest, I don't mind reading romance books; in fact, I'm all for it but there comes a point where the romance can come off as cheesy and it completely changes my perspective. I have read a diversity of romance books from historical to new adult etc. And One Year Left is the contemporary book that was just too perfect for me that it became unrealistic and off.
So it started off with Will's operation called "One Year Left" and that alone made me wonder what his reason was for having one year left to live. All I understood was that he needed to find a purpose in life, hence the move to Portland. He ends up having a female roommate and of course he ends up liking her. Cue the insta-love story, everyone! Cute guy moves in, girl breaks up with her boyfriend, guy starts shameless flirting with girl, girl ends up falling for the guy but don't worry, let's add one fight in the story to add a bit of angst, then they live happily ever after.
Now I know that there are details in the story that talks about both Kristen and Will's past, the writing of how Will's flashbacks were portrayed made the story messy in a sense that you wouldn't know if the part that you're reading is a flashback or not. Ultimately, I just got really confused as to how the transition from past to present was happening. I was also not a fan of how the POV's would shift all of a sudden. It made the chemistry between Kristen and Will shallow because everything about them became pretty predictable so I didn't connect to them as much.
Don't get me wrong though, I understand that there are some people who enjoy these type of stories, like I said earlier, it's a light read. Mostly I ended up skimming the book because there were parts where I found it irrelevant to the story. In my case, this book could definitely have more potential. If the writing itself was improved and character development became more put together; then the book would have more depth making things a lot more interesting.
Okay, from the very cover itself and the fact that it was going to be just about 100+ pages and nothing more; I already expected this book to be fast paced. I also expected things to be very light in the story because again, ice cream truck and a couple kissing on the cover doesn't really scream much.
To be honest, I don't mind reading romance books; in fact, I'm all for it but there comes a point where the romance can come off as cheesy and it completely changes my perspective. I have read a diversity of romance books from historical to new adult etc. And One Year Left is the contemporary book that was just too perfect for me that it became unrealistic and off.
So it started off with Will's operation called "One Year Left" and that alone made me wonder what his reason was for having one year left to live. All I understood was that he needed to find a purpose in life, hence the move to Portland. He ends up having a female roommate and of course he ends up liking her. Cue the insta-love story, everyone! Cute guy moves in, girl breaks up with her boyfriend, guy starts shameless flirting with girl, girl ends up falling for the guy but don't worry, let's add one fight in the story to add a bit of angst, then they live happily ever after.
Now I know that there are details in the story that talks about both Kristen and Will's past, the writing of how Will's flashbacks were portrayed made the story messy in a sense that you wouldn't know if the part that you're reading is a flashback or not. Ultimately, I just got really confused as to how the transition from past to present was happening. I was also not a fan of how the POV's would shift all of a sudden. It made the chemistry between Kristen and Will shallow because everything about them became pretty predictable so I didn't connect to them as much.
Don't get me wrong though, I understand that there are some people who enjoy these type of stories, like I said earlier, it's a light read. Mostly I ended up skimming the book because there were parts where I found it irrelevant to the story. In my case, this book could definitely have more potential. If the writing itself was improved and character development became more put together; then the book would have more depth making things a lot more interesting.
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