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Hometown Heartbreakers #9
One in a Million
Sometimes love shows up where you least expect it…maybe even right to your front door in this fan-favorite story from
New York Times
bestselling author Susan Mallery!
Stephanie Wynne has given up on finding a man who can help her raise her kids instead of acting like one himself—as her late husband did most of the time. No, she’s in control of her own life now. Maybe she’s just a little lonely, but there are temporary solutions for that…
FBI negotiator Nash Harmon is trained to be cool and detached in every situation. But when he comes to Stephanie’s Bed & Breakfast, he finds that something about her lively family just draws him in. For the first time in a long time, he starts to realize why people have ties…
Originally published in 2003
Stephanie Wynne has given up on finding a man who can help her raise her kids instead of acting like one himself—as her late husband did most of the time. No, she’s in control of her own life now. Maybe she’s just a little lonely, but there are temporary solutions for that…
FBI negotiator Nash Harmon is trained to be cool and detached in every situation. But when he comes to Stephanie’s Bed & Breakfast, he finds that something about her lively family just draws him in. For the first time in a long time, he starts to realize why people have ties…
Originally published in 2003
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
456 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 24, 2020
Türkçe adı Milyonda Bir
March 29, 2012
Fantastic book. Nash had come to town to meet some half brothers he hadn't known he had. When he finally met them, as a group they were overwhelming with all the spouse and kids. While staying at Stephanie's B&B, he began to experience feelings he didn't know he could have. He had always been one to keep a lid on his emotions. Stephanie was an open, fun loving single mom who was very independent. She'd had a bad marriage with a man who was irresponsible and wasn't interested in any more relationships. She had three sons to raise and that was enough for her. Almost immediately she felt an attraction to him that she'd never felt for anyone before. He felt the same for her, and was also drawn to her sons - something he'd never experienced, not knowing anything about kids. He was only going to be in town for a couple weeks, and they decided to indulge in a no-strings affair. It wasn't long before they both wanted more! I loved the way that he automatically helped with things like dishes, cleanup, and even offering to help her paint. She wasn't used to that and wasn't sure how to cope. I also liked the way she and the kids went to family get-togethers with him to help him cope with the chaos. I thought the final scene at the pool was fantastic.
January 18, 2025
So excited this is on Kindle unlimited. I had read the first eight and I needed to know what ended up with Nash and Quinn!!
October 19, 2018
This tenth book in the series tells a complete story and could be read by itself, but it does build on some of what has come before in the previous books.
The plot is pretty thin and so many of the circumstances seem unrealistic and contrived. Even the backstories of the two leads are lackluster but SM teases the reader as they are slowly revealed. They are a little sad, but mild in comparison to those in previous books. There is one little bit of excitement at the end, but mostly the book is wit and humor combined with relationships.
Stephanie is responsible and competent. Although she hasn't dated since her marriage, she is anything but stiff and boring. Nash is caring and generous but still withdrawn after the death of his wife.
I continue to find it interesting how SM recycles plot elements. We have already had a female lead, Sandy I think, who had an irresponsible husband that seemed more like an additional child. Just like her, concern for her children's welfare is what kept her from leaving. Another element shared with at least one other book is that her parents took off traveling and left her behind when she was young. And another, because of irresponsible parents, she had to be the responsible one as a teen even to the point of paying bills.
Again, this book isn't bad. The wit and a few tender moments make it a pleasant read but it doesn't stand out at all. 3 stars is generous. At this point, I am reading the books to complete the larger family saga. At this point, I'm starting to think SM continues to produce them as an excuse to for steamy love scenes. I just scan past those. I will not be starting others of her series.
Mature themes: Nash is a hostage negotiator and there is mention of hostage deaths, but no description. As in previous books, the love scenes are fairly long and very steamy. There is some rehash of Earl Haynes disgusting history.
The plot is pretty thin and so many of the circumstances seem unrealistic and contrived. Even the backstories of the two leads are lackluster but SM teases the reader as they are slowly revealed. They are a little sad, but mild in comparison to those in previous books. There is one little bit of excitement at the end, but mostly the book is wit and humor combined with relationships.
Stephanie is responsible and competent. Although she hasn't dated since her marriage, she is anything but stiff and boring. Nash is caring and generous but still withdrawn after the death of his wife.
I continue to find it interesting how SM recycles plot elements. We have already had a female lead, Sandy I think, who had an irresponsible husband that seemed more like an additional child. Just like her, concern for her children's welfare is what kept her from leaving. Another element shared with at least one other book is that her parents took off traveling and left her behind when she was young. And another, because of irresponsible parents, she had to be the responsible one as a teen even to the point of paying bills.
Again, this book isn't bad. The wit and a few tender moments make it a pleasant read but it doesn't stand out at all. 3 stars is generous. At this point, I am reading the books to complete the larger family saga. At this point, I'm starting to think SM continues to produce them as an excuse to for steamy love scenes. I just scan past those. I will not be starting others of her series.
Mature themes: Nash is a hostage negotiator and there is mention of hostage deaths, but no description. As in previous books, the love scenes are fairly long and very steamy. There is some rehash of Earl Haynes disgusting history.
August 25, 2020
Good book about a widower, Nash Harmon, a negotiator for the FBI, and a widow, Stephanie Wynne, who has three sons and runs a B&B, both of whom have vowed, for very different reasons, never to marry again.
Nash is in town for a few weeks, as is his fraternal twin, Kevin, and Kevin’s fiancée, Haley, to meet their Haynes half brothers and sister and their families. Nash, a loner, chooses to stay in Stephanie’s B&B, even after he learns that his brother is staying at another B&B across town.
The reunion includes a number of events, and Nash invites Stephanie and her sons to most of them, since they know various members of the family. Neither Nash nor Stephanie expects the seemingly instant attraction between them.
A no-strings affair seems like an obvious solution, but neither expects it to lead to more? Might it? If so, both Nash and Stephanie will have to re-examine their vow never to marry again. Is there hope for a happy ending for this couple?
Nash is in town for a few weeks, as is his fraternal twin, Kevin, and Kevin’s fiancée, Haley, to meet their Haynes half brothers and sister and their families. Nash, a loner, chooses to stay in Stephanie’s B&B, even after he learns that his brother is staying at another B&B across town.
The reunion includes a number of events, and Nash invites Stephanie and her sons to most of them, since they know various members of the family. Neither Nash nor Stephanie expects the seemingly instant attraction between them.
A no-strings affair seems like an obvious solution, but neither expects it to lead to more? Might it? If so, both Nash and Stephanie will have to re-examine their vow never to marry again. Is there hope for a happy ending for this couple?
June 10, 2024
Narra la historoia de nash y elizabeth dos personas biuda sin ganas de volver a confiar en el amor por difertes razones que lo llevaron a desconfiar sobre si el verdadero amor existe.
Pero con el paso de los dias van desarollando una quimica imposible de evitar, por ende deciden terner una aventura de verano sin ningun compromiso.¿pero sera la actraccion mas fuerte que el amor.(Creo que sí 🤔)
Es una historia linda corta fácil de leer con personajes increíbles, a mi siempre me han gustado este tipo de novelas que no son complicadas y la puedes leer de una manera muy sencilla y muy poco tiempo
Pero con el paso de los dias van desarollando una quimica imposible de evitar, por ende deciden terner una aventura de verano sin ningun compromiso.¿pero sera la actraccion mas fuerte que el amor.(Creo que sí 🤔)
Es una historia linda corta fácil de leer con personajes increíbles, a mi siempre me han gustado este tipo de novelas que no son complicadas y la puedes leer de una manera muy sencilla y muy poco tiempo
October 11, 2020
Laughter, Trust, Love
Few can tell a breezy, fun, delicious love story the way Susan Mallery does. One In A Million is no exception. Nash and Stephanie have instant chemistry. What follows is a very, somewhat unbelievable, intense falling in love story. I am not fully sure of how the back story of several brothers born to the same father plays a part in the plot. Still, the novel is great fun and love triumphs.
Few can tell a breezy, fun, delicious love story the way Susan Mallery does. One In A Million is no exception. Nash and Stephanie have instant chemistry. What follows is a very, somewhat unbelievable, intense falling in love story. I am not fully sure of how the back story of several brothers born to the same father plays a part in the plot. Still, the novel is great fun and love triumphs.
August 31, 2020
Your one in a million
How do you do that, Susan? Take a nice pleasant story and then turn me into a pile of tearful mush in the last pages? How do you do that just about every time? Yeah I really liked the story. I like the characters and am already missing them. That's some skill!
How do you do that, Susan? Take a nice pleasant story and then turn me into a pile of tearful mush in the last pages? How do you do that just about every time? Yeah I really liked the story. I like the characters and am already missing them. That's some skill!
September 3, 2020
Loved it!
A sweet romance between two individuals who weren’t looking for forever. But sometimes you just have to open your heart and let love in. Great family dynamics, compassion, new beginnings, and true love. A little suspense toward the end, and you might even need a few tissues.
A sweet romance between two individuals who weren’t looking for forever. But sometimes you just have to open your heart and let love in. Great family dynamics, compassion, new beginnings, and true love. A little suspense toward the end, and you might even need a few tissues.
March 10, 2019
Nash's Confession part is too good. Loved it. Can't put the right words to describe how much I enjoyed while reading this book.. Stephanie's kids we're adoring.. And I loved Brett among them.. I love the way how he is so protective about her momma.. Nash and Stephanie would make good pair
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2021
Awwwwwww.....
It’s been a long time since I purchased this book. It I have been a Susan Mallery fan for a long time, since. It was a fun, romantic, sweet story and I loved the kids. Perfect HEA fix for the day!
It’s been a long time since I purchased this book. It I have been a Susan Mallery fan for a long time, since. It was a fun, romantic, sweet story and I loved the kids. Perfect HEA fix for the day!
January 18, 2022
One in a million right
This was a continuation of the Haynes Brothers, it was a very sweet story. I really enjoyed it.
I always enjoy her books
This was a continuation of the Haynes Brothers, it was a very sweet story. I really enjoyed it.
I always enjoy her books
February 20, 2023
Early Susan Mallery Sillhouette Special Edition. Stephanie Wynne is running a Victorian B&B, raising her three lively boys, and trying stay on top of everything. And in comes Nash Harmon, in town for a family reunion with family he just found that he had.
December 22, 2017
SSE #1543 = 3+ stars
January 7, 2019
3-1/2 stars
July 29, 2019
2.5 Stars. Could have been a great story but it kept feeling flat.
October 24, 2019
Quick reading book. I enjoyed it!
August 18, 2020
Ok. Nothing over the top or really objectionable. Just sort of eh.
September 29, 2020
Young widow running a B&B meets FBI man and falls in love
September 14, 2025
Great book
December 16, 2025
Boring. The characters seem shallow... and I just realized this was part of a series. BYEE
March 23, 2013
** spoiler alert ** While reading this one I found I preferred the second story but both stories sort of dragged for me. While I loved the general premise of both I wished different aspects had been explored longer than the ones that were.
I've been running into this problem with some romance novels, especially the Harlequin lines. Most of the books are either long (in excess) but never broach the topics I find interesting (more on this later) or they are short (too short) and never delve into anything for any length of time.
For example, in Susan Mallery's book, the heroine lives in a Bed and Breakfast and runs the place while caring for her three sons. Nash is a guest, which is understandable. I like the Inn dynamic and wish there had been more exploration of the Inn and the town she lived in, rather than Nash and Stephanie fighting the attraction.
I understand this was part of a series so the town had some exploration before this story but that raises another problem with the Harlequin/category romances. Each author builds a little storyline to go through a bunch of their contracts. They might be months or a year apart but they follow the same characters. The problem is newcomers cannot always access the backstory or the world building easily. I've run into that since some big names in romance novels have major backlists and I cannot seem to catch up. I like to fall in love with the story by reading the books in order.
I liked the concept of Stephanie and Nash but I got lost in the details I missed. I had no feelings towards any of the side characters who had been heroes in past books. I wanted more from the children who became virtual plot moppets. They had no purpose except to cause some minor conflict. At the end of the story I had no feeling of their personalities.
I would have loved to have seen Stephanie and Nash have a more complete story with the above things being addressed. I would have loved to see more from the kids and much more from the side characters but of course, that didn't happen.
I spent a lot of time looking for something that would suit the above review. Then I found this.
I had a similar problem with "A Dad For Her Twins" by Tanya Michaels. The book felt short to me and I kept wanting more information. For example, I wanted more about the ex-husband. They had all these issues but of course he turned his life around instantly. This story had a big case of instant fixing.
Magic is all in the wrist.
The kids are sort of useless other than the son being the one who joins the hero and heroine (art classes). The daughter has some good one-liners but the son tends to act as the reason to bring the two together. The story follows the premise of two people fighting their attraction. Sure each have relationship issues (dead spouse/horrible ex) but still! They spend so much time fighting the attraction that when they actually get together I kind of don't believe it.
At the end of the book everything is suddenly resolved effortlessly. The plans Kenzie had in place were horrible for her because she fell in love (weird stuff). The ex was better while the hero and heroine found true love. I'm all for the happy ending but I just couldn't believe how effortless everything was in the last twenty pages or so.
Maybe I'm too hard to please...
One in a Million: 2/5 Stars
A Dad for Her Twins: 2/5 Stars
~Read as part of an anthology. Both reviews are identical.
I've been running into this problem with some romance novels, especially the Harlequin lines. Most of the books are either long (in excess) but never broach the topics I find interesting (more on this later) or they are short (too short) and never delve into anything for any length of time.
For example, in Susan Mallery's book, the heroine lives in a Bed and Breakfast and runs the place while caring for her three sons. Nash is a guest, which is understandable. I like the Inn dynamic and wish there had been more exploration of the Inn and the town she lived in, rather than Nash and Stephanie fighting the attraction.
I understand this was part of a series so the town had some exploration before this story but that raises another problem with the Harlequin/category romances. Each author builds a little storyline to go through a bunch of their contracts. They might be months or a year apart but they follow the same characters. The problem is newcomers cannot always access the backstory or the world building easily. I've run into that since some big names in romance novels have major backlists and I cannot seem to catch up. I like to fall in love with the story by reading the books in order.
I liked the concept of Stephanie and Nash but I got lost in the details I missed. I had no feelings towards any of the side characters who had been heroes in past books. I wanted more from the children who became virtual plot moppets. They had no purpose except to cause some minor conflict. At the end of the story I had no feeling of their personalities.
I would have loved to have seen Stephanie and Nash have a more complete story with the above things being addressed. I would have loved to see more from the kids and much more from the side characters but of course, that didn't happen.
I spent a lot of time looking for something that would suit the above review. Then I found this.
I had a similar problem with "A Dad For Her Twins" by Tanya Michaels. The book felt short to me and I kept wanting more information. For example, I wanted more about the ex-husband. They had all these issues but of course he turned his life around instantly. This story had a big case of instant fixing.
Magic is all in the wrist.
The kids are sort of useless other than the son being the one who joins the hero and heroine (art classes). The daughter has some good one-liners but the son tends to act as the reason to bring the two together. The story follows the premise of two people fighting their attraction. Sure each have relationship issues (dead spouse/horrible ex) but still! They spend so much time fighting the attraction that when they actually get together I kind of don't believe it.
At the end of the book everything is suddenly resolved effortlessly. The plans Kenzie had in place were horrible for her because she fell in love (weird stuff). The ex was better while the hero and heroine found true love. I'm all for the happy ending but I just couldn't believe how effortless everything was in the last twenty pages or so.
Maybe I'm too hard to please...
One in a Million: 2/5 Stars
A Dad for Her Twins: 2/5 Stars
~Read as part of an anthology. Both reviews are identical.
May 12, 2011
One in a Million was kind of predictable book. Based in a small town where all the Haynes brothers live and the newly discovered one's come for a reunion.
Nash is a FBI negotiator, who is getting burned out ever since his wife died 2 years ago and he is staying at a B&B run by Stephanie. Stephanie is a widow with 3 kids, her husband was just like her parents, childish and irresponsible but she stayed for her kids. She knowing her track record doesn't want a 4th kid but is still attracted to Nash. So both of them start a no-strings affair.
Honestly, the book was bland, nothing new or special, they set some rules but wanted to change them. They spend time with Nash's new family and Nash starts looking at this past in a new manner and HEA.
Pretty standard.
Rating 2.5
Nash is a FBI negotiator, who is getting burned out ever since his wife died 2 years ago and he is staying at a B&B run by Stephanie. Stephanie is a widow with 3 kids, her husband was just like her parents, childish and irresponsible but she stayed for her kids. She knowing her track record doesn't want a 4th kid but is still attracted to Nash. So both of them start a no-strings affair.
Honestly, the book was bland, nothing new or special, they set some rules but wanted to change them. They spend time with Nash's new family and Nash starts looking at this past in a new manner and HEA.
Pretty standard.
Rating 2.5
July 21, 2016
I am a big fan of Susan Mallery, but I wasn't too thrilled about this book. This book was a bit slow for my taste with an anticlimactic ending. I've read a few of her other books and was a bit disappointed in how this one ended. The characters were developed enough to fall in love with but with the ending feeling rushed I wouldn't put this particular book on my top 100 list of favorite books. Still, I don't want to bash in Susan Mallery or this book because it was still a very good story.
March 12, 2012
Susan Mallery does it again. This was definitely a cute short read. Good short story that touches all the bases and you can't help but love. Nash was and stephanie where perfect together even though she annoyed me near the end with her just brushing Nash away then being depressed he's gone. But other then that I like it and will be definatly re reading this book
May 5, 2020
Although a Silhouette, this one is more than just a romance. As usual for Susan Mallery, it is fun light reading but this one gives some insight into single parenting problems. Plus I like books with kids in them.
December 4, 2014
A sweet but short read. I enjoyed it nevertheless! But would have enjoyed it more if i had read the whole series from first! Lot of characters from previous books so you kind of miss their stories!
Anyways, i always love a happy, light-hearted book!
Anyways, i always love a happy, light-hearted book!
June 19, 2015
aww ! this was SWEET! i especially loved dat stephanie had 3 adorable lil boys! nash was awesome wid them and really marshmallow where stephanie was concerned, and he handled brett really well! i was a bit bored wid all the family drama going on. else the book was really good!
what-to-read-next
November 16, 2015**note: my copy of this book is found here, One in a Million / A Dad for Her Twins
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews