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One Big Mistake
One night together could ruin everything...
Keane Colburn was my best friend. Ever since childhood, we could always count on each other to be there no matter what—though when I confessed my love to him, things didn’t turn out as planned.
Thankfully, my little crush didn’t ruin our friendship. I shoved those feelings to the back of my mind, watching him chase after other girls and silently wishing it was me. I resigned us to friendship—that was more important than anything else.
But a drunken one-night stand changed everything. Because even though we vowed to forget about it, I couldn’t get it out of my head. And as old memories began to rise to the surface, our lives collided in ways we had never imagined.
Keane Colburn was my best friend. Ever since childhood, we could always count on each other to be there no matter what—though when I confessed my love to him, things didn’t turn out as planned.
Thankfully, my little crush didn’t ruin our friendship. I shoved those feelings to the back of my mind, watching him chase after other girls and silently wishing it was me. I resigned us to friendship—that was more important than anything else.
But a drunken one-night stand changed everything. Because even though we vowed to forget about it, I couldn’t get it out of my head. And as old memories began to rise to the surface, our lives collided in ways we had never imagined.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2019
77 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Barbetti
18 books1,342 followers***Please message me via my website - I am almost never on Goodreads! Thank you!***
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I am the author of new adult and contemporary romance novels. Please visit my website to see all of my current novels.
Join my Facebook fan group (not a street team) for first looks at upcoming books, exclusive cover reveals, and giveaways!
I am the author of new adult and contemporary romance novels. Please visit my website to see all of my current novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 1, 2020
I'm just... ugh!! It has one of my favourite tropes and I wanted to love this book so hard and up until a certain point, I thought I would. Advertised as a friends-to-lovers romance, One Big Mistake while delivered the 'friends' aspect of the story failed to touch on the 'romance' aspect.
Navy and Keane, our two main leads, who should have been the focus of this story weren't the only focus. With a little too many characters, it felt as if the focus was all the secondary characters — Navy and her sisters, Keane and his brother and mother — so much so that there was hardly any special or noteworthy moments between Navy and Keane.
What lacked majorly was any kind of significant development between the main leads. Their relationship felt too much like a routine and the chemistry was next to non-existent. For two people who've liked each other in a more-than-friends capacity, especially for Navy, there was no tension or spark of any kind.
Add to this Navy's blatant unwillingness to talk to Keane, which stretched in the entirety of the book, and her sister Violet taking quite a lot of focus away from the main problem at hand, the story was lagging. The climax was anti-climatic and quite disheartening.
Whitney Barbetti has written some real heart-wrenchingly beautiful romances but her last few releases, including this, haven't been working for me. Hopefully, we will get something that will blow our minds.
2 Stars!
↠ Buy One Big Mistake (Kindle)
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* ARC gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review. *
Navy and Keane, our two main leads, who should have been the focus of this story weren't the only focus. With a little too many characters, it felt as if the focus was all the secondary characters — Navy and her sisters, Keane and his brother and mother — so much so that there was hardly any special or noteworthy moments between Navy and Keane.
What lacked majorly was any kind of significant development between the main leads. Their relationship felt too much like a routine and the chemistry was next to non-existent. For two people who've liked each other in a more-than-friends capacity, especially for Navy, there was no tension or spark of any kind.
Add to this Navy's blatant unwillingness to talk to Keane, which stretched in the entirety of the book, and her sister Violet taking quite a lot of focus away from the main problem at hand, the story was lagging. The climax was anti-climatic and quite disheartening.
Whitney Barbetti has written some real heart-wrenchingly beautiful romances but her last few releases, including this, haven't been working for me. Hopefully, we will get something that will blow our minds.
2 Stars!
↠ Buy One Big Mistake (Kindle)
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
☛ Facebook Page
☛ Main Blog
* ARC gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review. *
March 2, 2020
3-3.5
I wanted at least an epilogue. That would of bumped it up. But I would of also liked her sisters to say sorry at some point. Man they weren't thankful for anything. Esp Violet for Navy paying out of pocket for her doctors visits.
I wanted at least an epilogue. That would of bumped it up. But I would of also liked her sisters to say sorry at some point. Man they weren't thankful for anything. Esp Violet for Navy paying out of pocket for her doctors visits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2020
"you twist up my insides, navy"
Basically, I’m going to just name Whitney the queen of secondary characters. Right this second. One Big Mistake not only had awesome character interactions and dynamics/relationships but some kick ass secondary characters as well. Not only that, but Whitney did a great job at making sure each secondary's dilemma's and situations didn't over-power the story on hand. Keane and Navy.
I felt like the balance of the characters we have come to know and love from One Little Lie was executed perfectly. They played the best roles in this one and the way they supported and communicated with Keane and Navy really just melted my heart. The roles they played were so crucial in this one.
Whitney, I know you’ll never read this review and I know I already told you this but I’m so proud of you. You are really out here putting out the content that so many of us are looking for in the indie book world. You consistently put out book after book after book with excellent character development, plot depth, amazing secondary characters and meaningful story lines. Every single time. You really are so awesome. And you DO so awesome. I am so proud to know you and to call you a friend.
If you are for any reason sleeping on Whitney Barbetti you need to wake tf up. Her books are genuine, original, funny, romantic, and a treat for us all. I would love for so many people to pick up just any of her books, and I will always do my best to make sure any one and every one does so. She puts in so much more than what most do and it certainly shows. She isn’t out here putting out random stories or trash, she’s putting out books that people can relate and connect to. Books that they can just get lost in for a little while and not have smut or sex fill their pages. It’s shit that matters. It helps people grow. That’s the good shit.
Basically, I’m going to just name Whitney the queen of secondary characters. Right this second. One Big Mistake not only had awesome character interactions and dynamics/relationships but some kick ass secondary characters as well. Not only that, but Whitney did a great job at making sure each secondary's dilemma's and situations didn't over-power the story on hand. Keane and Navy.
I felt like the balance of the characters we have come to know and love from One Little Lie was executed perfectly. They played the best roles in this one and the way they supported and communicated with Keane and Navy really just melted my heart. The roles they played were so crucial in this one.
Whitney, I know you’ll never read this review and I know I already told you this but I’m so proud of you. You are really out here putting out the content that so many of us are looking for in the indie book world. You consistently put out book after book after book with excellent character development, plot depth, amazing secondary characters and meaningful story lines. Every single time. You really are so awesome. And you DO so awesome. I am so proud to know you and to call you a friend.
If you are for any reason sleeping on Whitney Barbetti you need to wake tf up. Her books are genuine, original, funny, romantic, and a treat for us all. I would love for so many people to pick up just any of her books, and I will always do my best to make sure any one and every one does so. She puts in so much more than what most do and it certainly shows. She isn’t out here putting out random stories or trash, she’s putting out books that people can relate and connect to. Books that they can just get lost in for a little while and not have smut or sex fill their pages. It’s shit that matters. It helps people grow. That’s the good shit.
February 26, 2020
Whitney Barbetti is a new author to me, I’ve seen her name about before, but this is the first time I’ve ever had the privilege of getting to read one of her books and after picking up this book, I have to say that she has now gained me as a fan. Her writing is quite gripping and no matter how much you need to pull away to do other things, you can’t help but get sucked in and just keep reading as you want to know what exactly is going to happen within the story. I think that Whitney did an great job with this book, she had me hooked from the beginning and I wasn’t expecting some of the things to happen that did, but overall I think they made a great addition to the story. I would of loved to have known more when it came to how things progressed when Navy’s Aunt came back after being away for three weeks as through the book you can see that Navy goes through quite a lot. Other than that though, I really enjoyed the story. I do plan on reading more books by Whitney as she has intrigued me with her writing. I couldn’t fault the story, the plot or the characters, plus I can understand why Navy does what she does throughout the book.
I would recommend that if you’re looking for a new author and something to read, then Whitney might be a good place to start. After reading this book myself, I think that she is talented and I’m so happy that I got to give this book a try.
Navy has had to an adult for most of her life, when it came to looking after her younger siblings when they were all younger, she was the one that took on the responsibility of making sure they were all fed and looked after. After so long, they all ended up living with their Aunt as they were a burden on their own parents. So as you can imagine, Navy’s never really found the time to relax.
Keane is such a sweet guy, he would do anything for Navy, hell, he’d do anything for her siblings too because that’s how much he cares about her. Navy knows that she can go to him with anything, but now with her Aunt going away for 3 weeks, Violet (her one sister) ringing out the blue needing help to come home, looking after her twin sisters and then minding the store her Aunt owns, you can see that she’s starting to be stretched thin. However, when Keane decides that he’s taking Navy out for the night so that she can let loose, will things ever be the same when they wake up in bed together the next morning? How will their friendship survive??? What will become of Violet once she’s back???
I would recommend that if you’re looking for a new author and something to read, then Whitney might be a good place to start. After reading this book myself, I think that she is talented and I’m so happy that I got to give this book a try.
Navy has had to an adult for most of her life, when it came to looking after her younger siblings when they were all younger, she was the one that took on the responsibility of making sure they were all fed and looked after. After so long, they all ended up living with their Aunt as they were a burden on their own parents. So as you can imagine, Navy’s never really found the time to relax.
Keane is such a sweet guy, he would do anything for Navy, hell, he’d do anything for her siblings too because that’s how much he cares about her. Navy knows that she can go to him with anything, but now with her Aunt going away for 3 weeks, Violet (her one sister) ringing out the blue needing help to come home, looking after her twin sisters and then minding the store her Aunt owns, you can see that she’s starting to be stretched thin. However, when Keane decides that he’s taking Navy out for the night so that she can let loose, will things ever be the same when they wake up in bed together the next morning? How will their friendship survive??? What will become of Violet once she’s back???
March 2, 2020
4,5
One Big Mistake is a best friend story, but one event changes everything.
Navy is a sweet girl, helpful and ready to help everyone. We can call her kindness a huge asset, but sometimes this side of her can backfire.
Keane on the other hand is a much more "relaxed" character, he takes life very easy and this sometimes, to his detriment, makes him blind to the people around him, not realizing the feelings of others.
Theirs is a pure and genuine friendship.
Whitney Barbetti's writing captures the reader's attention, it is impossible to stop! You get sucked into the story and you never get out again. From the beginning, this story has fascinated me and I think that this friends to lovers has all the cards on the table not to be missed.
One big mistake is a great novel to start with to get to know the author, if you've never read it, but what I recommend are the following books: Ten below zero and Mad Love Duet. These books will destroy you and I hope that one day they will arrive in Italy, because it deserves so much!
In the meantime I would like to thank the author for including me in the acknowledgments, I will always support her and I can't wait to read the books to come. For me it is a great honor and an enormous joy to find my name in the book of one of the authors that I greatly esteem!
In conclusion, read Whitney's books!
One Big Mistake is a best friend story, but one event changes everything.
Navy is a sweet girl, helpful and ready to help everyone. We can call her kindness a huge asset, but sometimes this side of her can backfire.
Keane on the other hand is a much more "relaxed" character, he takes life very easy and this sometimes, to his detriment, makes him blind to the people around him, not realizing the feelings of others.
Theirs is a pure and genuine friendship.
Whitney Barbetti's writing captures the reader's attention, it is impossible to stop! You get sucked into the story and you never get out again. From the beginning, this story has fascinated me and I think that this friends to lovers has all the cards on the table not to be missed.
One big mistake is a great novel to start with to get to know the author, if you've never read it, but what I recommend are the following books: Ten below zero and Mad Love Duet. These books will destroy you and I hope that one day they will arrive in Italy, because it deserves so much!
In the meantime I would like to thank the author for including me in the acknowledgments, I will always support her and I can't wait to read the books to come. For me it is a great honor and an enormous joy to find my name in the book of one of the authors that I greatly esteem!
In conclusion, read Whitney's books!
February 26, 2020
Straight up, I avoided most of my adulting today because this book was so consuming.
It was super angsty, dramatic, emotional and even sweet.
Keane and Navy were just... argh! Frustrating, cute, amazing, maddening and perfect.
I'm still a little torn up over this amazing book (no tears, though I came very close) and I hope to read more about these two in future books.
5+ stars, AMAZING
It was super angsty, dramatic, emotional and even sweet.
Keane and Navy were just... argh! Frustrating, cute, amazing, maddening and perfect.
I'm still a little torn up over this amazing book (no tears, though I came very close) and I hope to read more about these two in future books.
5+ stars, AMAZING
February 27, 2020
I'm almost certain I say this every single time Whitney Barbetti releases a book, but this is her best yet! I absolutely love Navy and Keane and their journey from Best friends to lovers! ❤
July 23, 2021
I throughly enjoyed this book. I think Keane is written as a man that any woman would want, and Navy is extremely enduring, the only downfall to this book is they focused to much on the friendship. I think the romantic side to their story could have been explored so much more and so much fluff could have been left out. I also feel like the secondary characters such a Violet get totally forgotten about. I would love to know what happens with her. She was a big part of the book only to be left in the dust.
This book badly needed a “1 year later” chapter.
Overall though, it satisfies my romantic read needs.
This book badly needed a “1 year later” chapter.
Overall though, it satisfies my romantic read needs.
March 3, 2020
Without a doubt, the best friends-to-lovers book I've ever read. I loved Navy and Keane--beautifully flawed and multifaceted. The secondary characters had the perfect amount of depth, enough to make them real, but they never stole the story.
As always, Whitney paints stories and characters you can't help but fall in love with.
Whitney Barbetti, you have a fan for life.
As always, Whitney paints stories and characters you can't help but fall in love with.
Whitney Barbetti, you have a fan for life.
Read
March 2, 2020DNFed
March 8, 2020
4 “Pinky promise” stars!
Navy and Keane have been best of friends for years but it's never evolved into more. Even though Navy's had a crush on Keane, she pushed her feelings down ever since being let down gently back in ninth grade. She’s tried not to think about it but one night out and a little, OK a lot of, alcohol leads to an passionate night where lines are crossed and relationships change forever.
One Big Mistake delivers an entertaining friends-to-lovers romance that reminds me why I love this trope so much. A strong friendship provides a fantastic foundation for what can develop into a beautiful love story and Navy and Keane share that kind of connection. They have such a great, fun, easy going friendship. It’s natural and believable. The banter is fantastic and fresh, and it’s light hearted and entertaining. They just get each other know each other better than anyone else. They have been there for each other through the ups and downs and they don’t want to risk their friendship. Yet, I felt their attraction even when they deny it and it was no surprise that they end up sharing an unforgettable night together.
Afraid to ruin what they have, Navy and Keane try to forget that night but it changes everything. The emotion is real and the confusion is believable. Fighting the feelings that consume them makes it hard to ignore the connection they have, and how perfect they could be together.
However, both Navy and Keane have a lot on their shoulders and when you add everything else that is going on it their lives, they find themselves pulled even further apart. The majority of the book takes place between the one-night stand and when they finally make their move so you don’t get a lot of time where they are actually together together; however, the journey to love is beautiful, swoony, and realistic, and I loved experiencing their love story play out.
Overall, One Big Mistake is a wonderfully entertaining friends-to-lovers romance and a must read for lovers of the trope!
*ARC generously provided by the author*
Navy and Keane have been best of friends for years but it's never evolved into more. Even though Navy's had a crush on Keane, she pushed her feelings down ever since being let down gently back in ninth grade. She’s tried not to think about it but one night out and a little, OK a lot of, alcohol leads to an passionate night where lines are crossed and relationships change forever.
One Big Mistake delivers an entertaining friends-to-lovers romance that reminds me why I love this trope so much. A strong friendship provides a fantastic foundation for what can develop into a beautiful love story and Navy and Keane share that kind of connection. They have such a great, fun, easy going friendship. It’s natural and believable. The banter is fantastic and fresh, and it’s light hearted and entertaining. They just get each other know each other better than anyone else. They have been there for each other through the ups and downs and they don’t want to risk their friendship. Yet, I felt their attraction even when they deny it and it was no surprise that they end up sharing an unforgettable night together.
Afraid to ruin what they have, Navy and Keane try to forget that night but it changes everything. The emotion is real and the confusion is believable. Fighting the feelings that consume them makes it hard to ignore the connection they have, and how perfect they could be together.
Somehow, we kissed like it was natural, like this was something we’d done together for years instead of something I’d only dreamed about.
However, both Navy and Keane have a lot on their shoulders and when you add everything else that is going on it their lives, they find themselves pulled even further apart. The majority of the book takes place between the one-night stand and when they finally make their move so you don’t get a lot of time where they are actually together together; however, the journey to love is beautiful, swoony, and realistic, and I loved experiencing their love story play out.
It was some full circle kind of thing, like finding a piece to a puzzle you’d known your whole life, a puzzle piece you didn’t know you were missing.
Overall, One Big Mistake is a wonderfully entertaining friends-to-lovers romance and a must read for lovers of the trope!
*ARC generously provided by the author*
September 1, 2020
the first half of this book was just plain boring to me. but the last half was really great. it was emotional and i really loved that.
i wish she would’ve had done in epilogue cause i feel like the ending just ended so fast and also the book was just to slow for me. don’t get me wrong i’ll get behind a slow burn but this was tooo slow.
not my favorite from Whitney but i’m curious to read Tori’s and Violet’s books.
i wish she would’ve had done in epilogue cause i feel like the ending just ended so fast and also the book was just to slow for me. don’t get me wrong i’ll get behind a slow burn but this was tooo slow.
not my favorite from Whitney but i’m curious to read Tori’s and Violet’s books.
February 28, 2020
One Big Mistake and a teeny tiny problem...
When you make a mistake, generally your first response is to tey and fix it. Navy and Keane have a teeny tiny problem though...
This mistake can't be put back in the box. You can't return it to the store like a shopping spree splurge. There's no return to sender and no way to hop in the Delorean and undo it. Their big mistake is now lingering, haunting, and affecting eveything.
Some would say its a terrible thing to be in love with your BFF, Navy has somehow made it less terrible- in her own mind. After practiced years of feigning her indifference to the bevy of beauties, this big mistake should be a piece of cake. Huh. Ha. Hahahahahaha! Watch how quickly that lie sinks.
Best friends know you the best. They can sense, feel, and judge your moods. When they are part of the "mistake" it gets complicated. And by complicated, I mean the reader gets to agonize, mentally berate, and imagine shaking the characters all for their own good- Tori style.
As book two in the stand alone series, One Big Mistake is its own story but it's more fun to experience it having read about their friends first. However, it will in no way detract from the Navy and Keane show if you haven't read One Little Lie. I'm actually making fan fic plans in my head for the future of the series. Fingers crossed Whitney hears them! 😂
When you make a mistake, generally your first response is to tey and fix it. Navy and Keane have a teeny tiny problem though...
This mistake can't be put back in the box. You can't return it to the store like a shopping spree splurge. There's no return to sender and no way to hop in the Delorean and undo it. Their big mistake is now lingering, haunting, and affecting eveything.
Some would say its a terrible thing to be in love with your BFF, Navy has somehow made it less terrible- in her own mind. After practiced years of feigning her indifference to the bevy of beauties, this big mistake should be a piece of cake. Huh. Ha. Hahahahahaha! Watch how quickly that lie sinks.
Best friends know you the best. They can sense, feel, and judge your moods. When they are part of the "mistake" it gets complicated. And by complicated, I mean the reader gets to agonize, mentally berate, and imagine shaking the characters all for their own good- Tori style.
As book two in the stand alone series, One Big Mistake is its own story but it's more fun to experience it having read about their friends first. However, it will in no way detract from the Navy and Keane show if you haven't read One Little Lie. I'm actually making fan fic plans in my head for the future of the series. Fingers crossed Whitney hears them! 😂
March 31, 2020
I hate to rate this one so low, but I just really struggled with it. I wanted to DNF a few times but kept pushing through. Navy annoyed me for probably 90 percent of the book, I kept getting so frustrated with her. I also felt like there was way too much other stuff going on throughout the book that detracted from the whole friends to lovers theme. Too many side characters and details about unimportant stuff. Like Delilah and Brad and Roger just to name a few. Also, a big deal was made about keeping Violet hidden and safe and then besides Navy finding out that people found out Violet was back, and then being mad about it, that part of the storyline felt completely unresolved. I know coming up there's going to be a Violet book, but I'd rather get less info about Violet throughout this book than we did, so I wouldn't notice her storyline ended so abruptly OR keep all of the Violet stuff a main part of this book, but get more of a conclusion to it in this one as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2020
Cute and Dramatic
Navy is a twenty three year old with serious abandonment issues trying to take care of her younger sisters and trying not to fall deeper in love with her best friend Keane. Lots of family drama from one younger sister that’s a victim of domestic violence and now pregnant, another sneaking out and creating chaos with an older boyfriend and then Keane’s brother a veteran with a TBI. Not to mention all the ex girlfriends and work issues. While there was one crazy sex scene all the rest is the fallout from it. Was just a little too much chaos. Liked it but not a favorite.
Navy is a twenty three year old with serious abandonment issues trying to take care of her younger sisters and trying not to fall deeper in love with her best friend Keane. Lots of family drama from one younger sister that’s a victim of domestic violence and now pregnant, another sneaking out and creating chaos with an older boyfriend and then Keane’s brother a veteran with a TBI. Not to mention all the ex girlfriends and work issues. While there was one crazy sex scene all the rest is the fallout from it. Was just a little too much chaos. Liked it but not a favorite.
April 8, 2020
Loved it
I loved this book. It was funny and sweet. Navy's life was stressing me out towards the end. I can't wait to read Violet's book. I think Tori is going to send us on a wild ride.
I loved this book. It was funny and sweet. Navy's life was stressing me out towards the end. I can't wait to read Violet's book. I think Tori is going to send us on a wild ride.
July 4, 2020
One Big Mistake isn't your average friends to lovers romance. But still a very much enjoyable read. Although it's not one my favourite of Whitney's it was still enjoyable and kept me turning the pages. A pleasant 3.5* read.
March 29, 2020
This is advertised as a friends to lovers romance but it focuses more on Navy’s issues with abandonment and raising her sisters than her relationship with Keane. I was bored by the end of the book and didn’t feel any pay off when they got their HEA as their relationship wasn’t developed enough.
March 5, 2020
Keane could only offer friendship to Navy even after she confessed she had a crush on her in high school.
Keane was focused on needing a stable and reliable friend that the idea of having more with his friend scared him.
Navy being the responsible and sensible sister had to grow up fast since her parents abandoned her and her sisters at a very young age. Navy always felt since she was the oldest that it was her role to mother the girls.
Overall:
While there were two main characters in this story there were also several supporting characters making this a character driven story. Personally I thought all these other characters crowded the story taking away from the main characters blossoming friend-lovership.
This was an extremely detailed story in which not much was left to the imagination for the reader. Everything was spelled out leaving no room to question anything. Kinda dissatisfying. I’ve found from reading other authors that leaving out some details is quite thrilling as it allows the mind to ponder thoughts of your own, broadening my imagination, making it not only the authors story but mine as well.
I thought Navy intentionally made it awkward between her and Keane with her unwillingness to talk. With her making excuses and pushing the much needed talk aside it made room for the other insignificant mini plots. The pace was expansive and slow inching towards the big talk. Personally the long stretch of avoidance was the cause for the slow pace. With all the character friends filling in the void of the avoidance it was too much. Avoiding a conversation is a difficult plot line to pull off especially when ladled with excuses. This plot device wasn’t winning any brownie points with me. With both characters tiptoeing around each other I had to take several breaks from the story.
The writing style was so unlike Whitney. It’s nothing like I expected. I had higher expectations for this story.
I’m so disappointed and sad that this book didn’t workout for me. It just didn’t read like Whitney wrote it. This is why I’m leery of rom-com labeled books. The writing style always leaves me disappointed. Not to mention the ending was rushed to the last few sentences which was anticlimactic.
Keane was focused on needing a stable and reliable friend that the idea of having more with his friend scared him.
Navy being the responsible and sensible sister had to grow up fast since her parents abandoned her and her sisters at a very young age. Navy always felt since she was the oldest that it was her role to mother the girls.
Overall:
While there were two main characters in this story there were also several supporting characters making this a character driven story. Personally I thought all these other characters crowded the story taking away from the main characters blossoming friend-lovership.
This was an extremely detailed story in which not much was left to the imagination for the reader. Everything was spelled out leaving no room to question anything. Kinda dissatisfying. I’ve found from reading other authors that leaving out some details is quite thrilling as it allows the mind to ponder thoughts of your own, broadening my imagination, making it not only the authors story but mine as well.
I thought Navy intentionally made it awkward between her and Keane with her unwillingness to talk. With her making excuses and pushing the much needed talk aside it made room for the other insignificant mini plots. The pace was expansive and slow inching towards the big talk. Personally the long stretch of avoidance was the cause for the slow pace. With all the character friends filling in the void of the avoidance it was too much. Avoiding a conversation is a difficult plot line to pull off especially when ladled with excuses. This plot device wasn’t winning any brownie points with me. With both characters tiptoeing around each other I had to take several breaks from the story.
The writing style was so unlike Whitney. It’s nothing like I expected. I had higher expectations for this story.
I’m so disappointed and sad that this book didn’t workout for me. It just didn’t read like Whitney wrote it. This is why I’m leery of rom-com labeled books. The writing style always leaves me disappointed. Not to mention the ending was rushed to the last few sentences which was anticlimactic.
February 27, 2020
Original review: A Novel Glimpse
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
★ ★ ★ ★ ½
I've been in this weird reading mood lately -- almost a funk of sorts. I've read some good books and I've read some mediocre books. When One Big Mistake hit my Kindle, I thought, "This is the book I've been waiting for." I don't know how I knew it was going to get me out of my funk, but I was right. One Big Mistake WAS the book I was waiting for.
Why? Well, let me break it down without giving too much away.
This is a best friends to lovers story that starts off with an accidental bang...if you know what I'm saying. Keane and Navy have a lot of feelings to work through. Navy - her unrequited crush on Keane. Keane - not seeing Navy as someone other than a best friend. It's all very cute, even when it was a little distressing.
Navy is a nice girl who tries to help everyone. She puts herself last. The little distressing I talked about before goes with this aspect of her personality. It is both one of the best and worst things about her. A few times I wanted to give her a good shake. Keane, on the other hand, is a much more relaxed character. He is kind of oblivious, but totally lovable. Together, they balance each other out in a good way. Their friendship and possible relationship is super sweet and all sorts of fun.
A couple other things to come play in this book. Family has a big impact. Keane's family issues are subtler in this book, but just as important as the family drama going on in Navy's life. Navy's sisters...Oh please, dear God. Do not let my daughter act like them when she gets older!
One thing that surprised me was I expected other friends to be a bigger part of this book. This books is related to One Little Lie and I just expected those characters to be a larger part of the story. They all weren't, but at least Tori played a little part. Navy's interactions with her were priceless and important.
Overall, One Big Mistake was a great best friends to lovers romance. I could tell Whitney Barbetti put a lot of thought into the actions and reactions of Keane and Navy. Their relationship felt like something that could truly happen in real life between best friends. I loved every minute of it.
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
★ ★ ★ ★ ½
I've been in this weird reading mood lately -- almost a funk of sorts. I've read some good books and I've read some mediocre books. When One Big Mistake hit my Kindle, I thought, "This is the book I've been waiting for." I don't know how I knew it was going to get me out of my funk, but I was right. One Big Mistake WAS the book I was waiting for.
Why? Well, let me break it down without giving too much away.
This is a best friends to lovers story that starts off with an accidental bang...if you know what I'm saying. Keane and Navy have a lot of feelings to work through. Navy - her unrequited crush on Keane. Keane - not seeing Navy as someone other than a best friend. It's all very cute, even when it was a little distressing.
Navy is a nice girl who tries to help everyone. She puts herself last. The little distressing I talked about before goes with this aspect of her personality. It is both one of the best and worst things about her. A few times I wanted to give her a good shake. Keane, on the other hand, is a much more relaxed character. He is kind of oblivious, but totally lovable. Together, they balance each other out in a good way. Their friendship and possible relationship is super sweet and all sorts of fun.
A couple other things to come play in this book. Family has a big impact. Keane's family issues are subtler in this book, but just as important as the family drama going on in Navy's life. Navy's sisters...Oh please, dear God. Do not let my daughter act like them when she gets older!
One thing that surprised me was I expected other friends to be a bigger part of this book. This books is related to One Little Lie and I just expected those characters to be a larger part of the story. They all weren't, but at least Tori played a little part. Navy's interactions with her were priceless and important.
Overall, One Big Mistake was a great best friends to lovers romance. I could tell Whitney Barbetti put a lot of thought into the actions and reactions of Keane and Navy. Their relationship felt like something that could truly happen in real life between best friends. I loved every minute of it.
March 1, 2020
I just finished One Big Mistake by @barbetti . My favorite trope is Friends to lovers. I love the angst it brings. Seriously, give me all the angst!
.
One Big Mistake a a little different though. If you hope on Whitney's website you can read the first chapter and know that this book doesn't start at the angst and the build. It starts with the friends getting drunk, and having sex. One Big Mistake if they want to keep their friendship. .
The first few chapters of this book have all the angst and the build. You get to see how strong and true their friendship is as well as the feelings that laid dormant under the surface. So much was given to that first kiss. It was beautiful.
.
After that Keane and Navy had to figure out to to either stay the best friends they were before their mistake, or figure out if they could be more without losing their friendship.
.
I felt the majority of this book was more about Navy and her struggles. Keane is always there wanting to help her but she has a difficult time accepting the help. I thought this book would have been an awesome duet, with the first book being all the teenage angsty friends with unrequited love. And would have loved to read more about Navy's past and her upbringing. Also I kept questioning where Keane's dad was. Yes he was away working jobs, but how often was that because the book implied a lot. How did that effect Keane? .
Overall this was a sweet, quick read and would recommend it to anyone!
.
One Big Mistake a a little different though. If you hope on Whitney's website you can read the first chapter and know that this book doesn't start at the angst and the build. It starts with the friends getting drunk, and having sex. One Big Mistake if they want to keep their friendship. .
The first few chapters of this book have all the angst and the build. You get to see how strong and true their friendship is as well as the feelings that laid dormant under the surface. So much was given to that first kiss. It was beautiful.
.
After that Keane and Navy had to figure out to to either stay the best friends they were before their mistake, or figure out if they could be more without losing their friendship.
.
I felt the majority of this book was more about Navy and her struggles. Keane is always there wanting to help her but she has a difficult time accepting the help. I thought this book would have been an awesome duet, with the first book being all the teenage angsty friends with unrequited love. And would have loved to read more about Navy's past and her upbringing. Also I kept questioning where Keane's dad was. Yes he was away working jobs, but how often was that because the book implied a lot. How did that effect Keane? .
Overall this was a sweet, quick read and would recommend it to anyone!
March 21, 2020
Overall, One Big Mistake is a wonderfully entertaining friends-to-lovers romance and a must read for lovers of the trope! It was super angsty, dramatic, emotional and even sweet.
Keane and Navy were just... urgh! Frustrating, cute, amazing, maddening and perfect. I'm still a little torn up over this amazing book.
Keane and Navy were just... urgh! Frustrating, cute, amazing, maddening and perfect. I'm still a little torn up over this amazing book.
March 8, 2020
I loved the dynamic between Navy and Keane! I really enjoyed their story, even through the rough spots. Navy’s bullheadedness made me love her; I could relate to her in so many ways. Crossing the line with your lifelong best friend could only go one of two ways; I loved where Whitney Barbetti took them.
March 8, 2020
Full review to come.
February 29, 2020
I have read all of Whitney Barbetti's books......but this one has jumped to the top of the list of my favorites from her (right next to Ten Below Zero)! I absolutely adored Keane and Navy and everything about this story. It was a beautiful and sweet friends to lovers story, done in a totally different way than you normally see. Loved watching how they tried navigating life after "accidentally" having sex, while still trying to maintain their friendship. It brought to the surface all the feelings Navy has always felt for Keane, while he was faced with the realization that he wanted more with her. Loved how Tori ended up being the voice of reason with Keane - and I also loved the scenes with her and Navy. She is a scene stealer (two words.....and I cannot wait for her story. And the ending - swoon!! Absolutely perfect for these two!
February 28, 2020
What book of Whitney’s have I not loved?? It comes as no surprise that she released yet another amazing story. I didn’t want to put it down.
Keane is the perfect man and everyone should strive to fine a man that loves so completely as he does with Navy.
Navy agitated me at times with how oblivious she was to how Keane felt about her. I get no relationship is perfect and going from friends to more than can be a difficult road.
I loved the ending, however I wish there was more. I felt a small bit of remorse that we didn’t get to see them as a true couple more than the last little bit. Maybe Whitney has a surprise in store with her next book and Navy and Keane make an appearance. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you Whitney for once again providing an amazing love story.
Keane is the perfect man and everyone should strive to fine a man that loves so completely as he does with Navy.
Navy agitated me at times with how oblivious she was to how Keane felt about her. I get no relationship is perfect and going from friends to more than can be a difficult road.
I loved the ending, however I wish there was more. I felt a small bit of remorse that we didn’t get to see them as a true couple more than the last little bit. Maybe Whitney has a surprise in store with her next book and Navy and Keane make an appearance. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you Whitney for once again providing an amazing love story.
February 27, 2020
All the stars for Keane & Navy’s friendship. Seriously.
The two of them, they just worked, even when things were all kinds of muddled.
I laughed, I cried a little, and I cheered HARD for this couple to get it right.
Each one alone was kind of stuck in the pattern of being what they thought everyone else needed, but together, they just were. They didn’t have to do that with one another, and that was the most relaxing relationship I’ve ever read in my life. A bit like their home base.
I also enjoyed the side characters and their dilemmas, as well as how they interacted with the main characters. I’d love to get Tori in her own story, because that girl, she definitely would be an attention grabber.
The two of them, they just worked, even when things were all kinds of muddled.
I laughed, I cried a little, and I cheered HARD for this couple to get it right.
Each one alone was kind of stuck in the pattern of being what they thought everyone else needed, but together, they just were. They didn’t have to do that with one another, and that was the most relaxing relationship I’ve ever read in my life. A bit like their home base.
I also enjoyed the side characters and their dilemmas, as well as how they interacted with the main characters. I’d love to get Tori in her own story, because that girl, she definitely would be an attention grabber.
February 28, 2020
Oh god. Oh god.
This was amazing!! This read like a traditionally published novel!!! Just amazing flow and pacing.
Ticked off all my favorite boxes
*great dialogue/ banter
*chemistry
*intimacy
*slow burn (even though “it” happens once in the beginning)
*side characters that you get attached to
*phenomenal character development
And that ending! What I like to call the “Jane Austen” moment!! Swoon!! Whitney Barbetti nailed the romcom ending!! I could practically hear the music. It was like “Pretty in Pink” and “Sixteen Candles” and “Pretty Woman” and “Overboard”..: I think you get the idea.
Just a masterpiece of writing. *chef’s kiss*
This was amazing!! This read like a traditionally published novel!!! Just amazing flow and pacing.
Ticked off all my favorite boxes
*great dialogue/ banter
*chemistry
*intimacy
*slow burn (even though “it” happens once in the beginning)
*side characters that you get attached to
*phenomenal character development
And that ending! What I like to call the “Jane Austen” moment!! Swoon!! Whitney Barbetti nailed the romcom ending!! I could practically hear the music. It was like “Pretty in Pink” and “Sixteen Candles” and “Pretty Woman” and “Overboard”..: I think you get the idea.
Just a masterpiece of writing. *chef’s kiss*
March 1, 2020
Whitney has delivered a really sweet friends-to-lovers story that follows Keane and Navy. I was thoroughly entertained throughout this read. Their friendship was so sweet and watching them try to navigate their friendship after 'accidentally' sleeping together. All their feelings they had kept hidden all these years are now brought to the surface.
They have so many people putting pressure on them for other things its nice to see them just be them when they are together, they can actually breathe. They were home <3
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
They have so many people putting pressure on them for other things its nice to see them just be them when they are together, they can actually breathe. They were home <3
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
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