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The One
Matilda has the perfect night with the perfect man. Jamie is heart-breakingly beautiful in every way and the electricity between them is undeniable.
She puts all her trust in him; her heart is instantly his. She’s so sure he feels the same, she shares things with him she’s never wanted to share with anyone.
But then, he doesn’t call. And she didn’t get his number! How can she have got it so wrong?
Matilda is heart-broken, she honestly thought he was The One and now chastises herself for allowing the stupid, childish belief of love at first sight, to consume her.
As she starts to accept she will never see him again, and gets used to the idea that it was just one wonderful night, he walks right back into her life, unexpectedly and not alone.
What is Jamie hiding?
Can Matilda cope with the truth?
Or will Jamie’s darkest secret have her running for the hills?
She puts all her trust in him; her heart is instantly his. She’s so sure he feels the same, she shares things with him she’s never wanted to share with anyone.
But then, he doesn’t call. And she didn’t get his number! How can she have got it so wrong?
Matilda is heart-broken, she honestly thought he was The One and now chastises herself for allowing the stupid, childish belief of love at first sight, to consume her.
As she starts to accept she will never see him again, and gets used to the idea that it was just one wonderful night, he walks right back into her life, unexpectedly and not alone.
What is Jamie hiding?
Can Matilda cope with the truth?
Or will Jamie’s darkest secret have her running for the hills?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2021
18 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Nerys McCabe
10 books15 followersNerys McCabe was born in Shropshire in the UK. She gained her degree in English and Popular Music at The University of Wolverhampton. After several years of soul-searching and odd-jobbing (including working a Summer Season at Buckingham Palace) she finally decided to become an English Teacher and gained her PGDE at Aberdeen University, Scotland.
Now, having taught for nearly 15 years, she is finally writing novels. Her writing predominantly explores love and relationships, with the occasional bit of humour added to the mix. Nerys' love of music also embellishes her writing. Her characters are often driven by a particular song which, if listened to alongside the reading of the novel, can enhance the reader experience.
Nerys has a website, where she writes a fortnightly blog, as well as an increasingly popular serialized novel in which readers get to vote for 'what happens next?'
www.nerysmccabe.com
Now, having taught for nearly 15 years, she is finally writing novels. Her writing predominantly explores love and relationships, with the occasional bit of humour added to the mix. Nerys' love of music also embellishes her writing. Her characters are often driven by a particular song which, if listened to alongside the reading of the novel, can enhance the reader experience.
Nerys has a website, where she writes a fortnightly blog, as well as an increasingly popular serialized novel in which readers get to vote for 'what happens next?'
www.nerysmccabe.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 27, 2021
What happened if you met THE ONE? The person of your dreams? Your soulmate? Well that's exactly what happens to Matilda in what seems to be the start of a world wind romance with Jamie. Sparks fly and she is certain he's her soulmate, that is until he ghosts her. It seems that there is a lot about Jamie that Matilda doesn't know. As the story progresses, the mystery unfolds.
There are so many little things I loved about this story
1. There is a strong tie in to music, with a Spotify playlist. I absolutely love this!
2. Great GREAT characters, which is so important to me. Matilda is well developed, she has a great friend in Ian and her relationship with her mom had me laughing out loud early on. I adored their relationship.
3. More about Matilda, I really felt like I knew her. She was such a sweet person, to a fault. She was always so worried about hurting the feelings of others, to a fault. She often neglected her own needs.
4. This was a story full of "real life." No big reveals, no shocks, just a look at life, tough choices, bad choices and living with consequences.
I will definitely read more by Nerys McCabe. She is one to watch.
Thank you to the author for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
There are so many little things I loved about this story
1. There is a strong tie in to music, with a Spotify playlist. I absolutely love this!
2. Great GREAT characters, which is so important to me. Matilda is well developed, she has a great friend in Ian and her relationship with her mom had me laughing out loud early on. I adored their relationship.
3. More about Matilda, I really felt like I knew her. She was such a sweet person, to a fault. She was always so worried about hurting the feelings of others, to a fault. She often neglected her own needs.
4. This was a story full of "real life." No big reveals, no shocks, just a look at life, tough choices, bad choices and living with consequences.
I will definitely read more by Nerys McCabe. She is one to watch.
Thank you to the author for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 15, 2023
After their “amazing” and “honest” one night stand, the heroine basically chases the hero. It is full of manufactured angst since it all could have been figured out in one conversation. Plus, the hero was not honest since he had a kid. The hero was never protective of the heroine. Ever. He got made at her for visiting baby mama. The baby mama was not upset, but the hero was. His nonsense that he could not stay with the heroine because he went to jail was an excuse, I feel, to just stay apart. He ghosted her.
She chases him throughout the book.
The heroine had no self respect. Good luck and goodbye.
She chases him throughout the book.
The heroine had no self respect. Good luck and goodbye.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
Mixed feelings
At first I wasn't going to review, because I have mixed feelings about this book.. I loved the emotion and connection of the characters, you could feel the bonds of friendship and love. However, I felt there was WAY TOO MUCH angst and back and forth about accepting and forgiving and loving eachother... it turned me off. I found myself skipping because it was just too much. I dont feel like Jamie's "past" was anything to freak out about, it was anticlimactic... I was expecting this horrible thing, and it really wasn't. And then Tilly's reaction was just annoying! There was so much back and forth with the two leading characters -- I love you, let's be together -- then no I can't trust you -- you'll hate me -- I can't forgive you -- I mean it was a little painful sometimes to read! Some people thrive on the angst, I just don't... I want more loooove!! BUT BUT!! It was beautifully written, I loved the characters and truly wanted to see more of each one of them! I want to read more about Jilly and her trip to India! I want to hear what happens to Caz and Ian, Ellie and the friendship between Jamie and Gemma! Just beautiful!! Omg and little Toby, my heart!! SO! although I didn't care for the turmoil and constant back and forth angst, I did love the characters and truly wish to read more about how their lives turned out! I wish there was more of that and less back and forth turmoil :(
At first I wasn't going to review, because I have mixed feelings about this book.. I loved the emotion and connection of the characters, you could feel the bonds of friendship and love. However, I felt there was WAY TOO MUCH angst and back and forth about accepting and forgiving and loving eachother... it turned me off. I found myself skipping because it was just too much. I dont feel like Jamie's "past" was anything to freak out about, it was anticlimactic... I was expecting this horrible thing, and it really wasn't. And then Tilly's reaction was just annoying! There was so much back and forth with the two leading characters -- I love you, let's be together -- then no I can't trust you -- you'll hate me -- I can't forgive you -- I mean it was a little painful sometimes to read! Some people thrive on the angst, I just don't... I want more loooove!! BUT BUT!! It was beautifully written, I loved the characters and truly wanted to see more of each one of them! I want to read more about Jilly and her trip to India! I want to hear what happens to Caz and Ian, Ellie and the friendship between Jamie and Gemma! Just beautiful!! Omg and little Toby, my heart!! SO! although I didn't care for the turmoil and constant back and forth angst, I did love the characters and truly wish to read more about how their lives turned out! I wish there was more of that and less back and forth turmoil :(
June 8, 2021
If you liked Bridget Jones & The Holiday movie, you’ll love this book
When Tilly meets Jamie and sparks fly, she thinks she’s found The One…until he never calls. A random meeting at her workplace later she thinks him worthy of the worst sin there is…except he harbours a deep dark secret far more sinister than she could have ever imagined. Despite all the secrets, the book is a lighthearted commentary on a 30-something Londoner single lifestyle with an angsty sideline of will-he/won’t he. I chuckled at quite a few instances of nights out in good ole London, including the underground clubs, warmed my heart, it did. The book and Jamie’s commitment issues felt a bit like a cross between He’s Not That Into You and The Holiday movie with Jude Law and I kept thinking the dude has got to have a redeeming quality of being gravely ill for playing with Tilly’s head, but the reader gets a happily ever after in the end despite the rollercoaster of dra-ma! Overall, a solid 4,5 stars for this Birdget Jones kind of romance (without the diary). Recommended for lovers of angsty romance where the dude is the damsel in distress for a change.
When Tilly meets Jamie and sparks fly, she thinks she’s found The One…until he never calls. A random meeting at her workplace later she thinks him worthy of the worst sin there is…except he harbours a deep dark secret far more sinister than she could have ever imagined. Despite all the secrets, the book is a lighthearted commentary on a 30-something Londoner single lifestyle with an angsty sideline of will-he/won’t he. I chuckled at quite a few instances of nights out in good ole London, including the underground clubs, warmed my heart, it did. The book and Jamie’s commitment issues felt a bit like a cross between He’s Not That Into You and The Holiday movie with Jude Law and I kept thinking the dude has got to have a redeeming quality of being gravely ill for playing with Tilly’s head, but the reader gets a happily ever after in the end despite the rollercoaster of dra-ma! Overall, a solid 4,5 stars for this Birdget Jones kind of romance (without the diary). Recommended for lovers of angsty romance where the dude is the damsel in distress for a change.
May 26, 2021
First time reader of Nerys McCabe.
This was a great, one-sit reading for me. These funny, yet cute and unique characters both had to work HARD to get this HEA. At times the back and forth seemed tedious, but as the full background developed and came known to the reader it all made sense! I was intrigued from the beginning and needing to know what Jamie was hiding had my interest peaked throughout the entire story. I love when it is hard and not easily remedied. Jamie and Matilda both had to knock down the emotional walls to get their happy ending.
The side characters in this story were fantastic! All were different but tied into the story in the most perfect way. I need an Ian in my life.
Loved The One and am looking forward to checking out some of Nerys' other novels.
This was a great, one-sit reading for me. These funny, yet cute and unique characters both had to work HARD to get this HEA. At times the back and forth seemed tedious, but as the full background developed and came known to the reader it all made sense! I was intrigued from the beginning and needing to know what Jamie was hiding had my interest peaked throughout the entire story. I love when it is hard and not easily remedied. Jamie and Matilda both had to knock down the emotional walls to get their happy ending.
The side characters in this story were fantastic! All were different but tied into the story in the most perfect way. I need an Ian in my life.
Loved The One and am looking forward to checking out some of Nerys' other novels.
May 29, 2021
A page turning heart warming romance
I love to read romance books and The One was a treat to read. I became so invested in Jamie and Matilda.
Matilda was such a fantastic character so loveable and vibrant. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree because her mom is equally vibrant and loveable.
Then there’s Jamie. He’s mysterious and intense. I think the addition of him is what will keep readers turning page after page eager to find out what happens.
This story was quite an emotional ride with lots of highs and lows.
I’m sure other readers will be eager to find out if Jamie is the one for Matilda.
I definitely recommend this!
June 5, 2021
Do you believe in love at first meeting?
Matilda sure did after meeting Jamie for the first time and having a wonderfully romantic evening.
However, the other doesn't make this a sweet and simple romance. She takes you on a journey of heartache and growth for both characters.
I was surprised by the twists and turns and the shocking revelation the author placed throughout the book to keep me reading. She did an amazing job of holding my interest and making me read more to find out what was really going in with Jamie. While Jamie and Matilda struggle to find themselves and each other it is nice to see such a pure love develop between them.
Matilda sure did after meeting Jamie for the first time and having a wonderfully romantic evening.
However, the other doesn't make this a sweet and simple romance. She takes you on a journey of heartache and growth for both characters.
I was surprised by the twists and turns and the shocking revelation the author placed throughout the book to keep me reading. She did an amazing job of holding my interest and making me read more to find out what was really going in with Jamie. While Jamie and Matilda struggle to find themselves and each other it is nice to see such a pure love develop between them.
May 11, 2021
New to me author.
As I have mentioned on previous reviews, I always find it hard to get pulled into a story when is not written in first POV, I always feel like there’s no connection to the characters and I just find it hard to get pulled to the story. However, I don’t know what the author did differently, but I was not only pulled in but the author got a hold of my heart and didn’t let go until the end! 💖
Jamie and Matilda met by chance and share a wonderful night that ended way to soon! Matilda is finally coming to terms that maybe that night wasn’t as special to Jamie as it was to her. That is until she sees him again..... at her work place none less..... and he’s not alone!!!! 😳
At this point I thought other woman drama 🤦🏻♀️ but no the case! With every chapter, the author kept pulling me in and I was trying to unveil the secret that was keeping them apart! Jamie was such an intriguing character and I wanted to find out what was consuming him and why he kept pushing Matilda away! 💔 🥺
This quote ‘“Any doubt she ever had was long gone and in fact seemed ridiculous now.” — The One by Nerys McCabe’ is exactly what I thought! Matilda wanted to know the truth and when she find out about it I thought she made a big deal out of it than what it had to be. 🤦🏻♀️
I do get Matilda’s reaction and at some point agreed with her, but I still think she overreacted! 🤷🏻♀️ Now, have in mind that she only knows the truth told by Jamie, and maybe to her this was a big deal. But my dark side was like ‘really, that’s it?’!!! When she finds the WHOLE truth.... I would have done the same thing Jamie did if not worse! 😡
This is a fade to black romance, so this is where your imagination comes handy! 🤣
I received an ARC of this story and this is my voluntary review.
As I have mentioned on previous reviews, I always find it hard to get pulled into a story when is not written in first POV, I always feel like there’s no connection to the characters and I just find it hard to get pulled to the story. However, I don’t know what the author did differently, but I was not only pulled in but the author got a hold of my heart and didn’t let go until the end! 💖
Jamie and Matilda met by chance and share a wonderful night that ended way to soon! Matilda is finally coming to terms that maybe that night wasn’t as special to Jamie as it was to her. That is until she sees him again..... at her work place none less..... and he’s not alone!!!! 😳
At this point I thought other woman drama 🤦🏻♀️ but no the case! With every chapter, the author kept pulling me in and I was trying to unveil the secret that was keeping them apart! Jamie was such an intriguing character and I wanted to find out what was consuming him and why he kept pushing Matilda away! 💔 🥺
This quote ‘“Any doubt she ever had was long gone and in fact seemed ridiculous now.” — The One by Nerys McCabe’ is exactly what I thought! Matilda wanted to know the truth and when she find out about it I thought she made a big deal out of it than what it had to be. 🤦🏻♀️
I do get Matilda’s reaction and at some point agreed with her, but I still think she overreacted! 🤷🏻♀️ Now, have in mind that she only knows the truth told by Jamie, and maybe to her this was a big deal. But my dark side was like ‘really, that’s it?’!!! When she finds the WHOLE truth.... I would have done the same thing Jamie did if not worse! 😡
This is a fade to black romance, so this is where your imagination comes handy! 🤣
I received an ARC of this story and this is my voluntary review.
May 24, 2021
Wow just wow! First time I have read this author and loved every minute of it! Read this in one sitting. Characters were so real and funny! No one deserves an HEA more than Jamie and Mathilda. Fun, fun story! There is a lot of back and forth here on an issue which is a bit frustrating. But that just adds to the touch of angst. Besides the angst there is a lot of soul searching and true understanding! Enjoyed this very much!
June 1, 2021
I enjoyed McCabe's first book, so when her latest one was released I read it straight away. It's a bit of a departure from the first as it's more serious, but all the better for it. The characters are more rounded and believable. At times I was screaming at the two protagonists to just sort it out, but only because I loved them and wanted them to be together. A must for lovers of contemporary romance.
June 7, 2021
I picked this book because of the cover and I stayed for the story. Nerys McCabe packs quite a punch with this romance read.
What happens when one night changes your life? What happens when you’ve met “the one?”
Well, that’s what happened to Matilda when she meets Jamie by chance. They spend one magical night together. Unfortunately, Jamie disappears and Matilda is left wondering how she got it all wrong. Until he walks back into her life….Jaime has secrets, will Matilda still think he’s the one after he reveals them?
This book was great! The characters are very relatable, they’re flawed, and they make dumb mistakes. You can’t help but root for them.
What happens when one night changes your life? What happens when you’ve met “the one?”
Well, that’s what happened to Matilda when she meets Jamie by chance. They spend one magical night together. Unfortunately, Jamie disappears and Matilda is left wondering how she got it all wrong. Until he walks back into her life….Jaime has secrets, will Matilda still think he’s the one after he reveals them?
This book was great! The characters are very relatable, they’re flawed, and they make dumb mistakes. You can’t help but root for them.
June 8, 2021
OMG, this story. I dont know what to say about this story. This story is amazing. This is a page turning romance story. I love and became so invested on what was going on with Matlida and Jamie. I want to see how things changed. The story was such an emtotional ride for me and I would definitely recommend the story. The story has some highs and lows. This is the first from this author and it was such a great read.
January 13, 2022
A night of passion, a secret. Lots of mystery and a great HEA
After a perfect night with the perfect man, Matilda is upset when she doesn't hear from Jamie again. When he turns up at her library, Matilda is outraged to discover he's a cheater. And so the story unfolds! I'm not adding any spoliers, but I couldn't wait to find out how the author was going to get us out of each twist and turn in the tale. All very well done. A lovely sweet romance with lots of twists and a great HEA.
After a perfect night with the perfect man, Matilda is upset when she doesn't hear from Jamie again. When he turns up at her library, Matilda is outraged to discover he's a cheater. And so the story unfolds! I'm not adding any spoliers, but I couldn't wait to find out how the author was going to get us out of each twist and turn in the tale. All very well done. A lovely sweet romance with lots of twists and a great HEA.
May 31, 2021
The One is an amazing book! I had a hard time putting it down once I had started it. Jamie and Matilda's story will make you come back for more! This story had me hooked in the first chapter.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Romance. I even recommend this book to people who don't like romance but want to give it a try. It is an absolutely great book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Romance. I even recommend this book to people who don't like romance but want to give it a try. It is an absolutely great book.
June 1, 2021
I was instantly drawn into Matilda, and Jamie's story. They had an instant connection, and one night was all it took to fall in love, or so it seemed. I was intrigued about what Jamie seemed to be hiding, and so many times I wanted to shout, at them to just communicate, quit jumping, to conclusions.
I thought The One was a good story, with likeable characters.
I'm happy to find a new author to read, as this was my first story I have read from Nerys McCabe
I thought The One was a good story, with likeable characters.
I'm happy to find a new author to read, as this was my first story I have read from Nerys McCabe
June 9, 2021
Absolutely beautiful, heartbreaking, painful and equally lovely.
A pure emotional rollercoaster of a story.
I loved Jamie from the start and I honestly didn't care what his issues were in the end. So naturally I was screaming at Matilda far too often, her character depth was perfect to her faults.
And who wouldn't want a best friend like Ian.
A pure emotional rollercoaster of a story.
I loved Jamie from the start and I honestly didn't care what his issues were in the end. So naturally I was screaming at Matilda far too often, her character depth was perfect to her faults.
And who wouldn't want a best friend like Ian.
May 29, 2021
We could all do with some escapism just now and The One lures you off into Matilda’s world.. the intrigue and suspense of whether love at first sight can ever end well? With a rich soundscape bringing the passion and angst alive, Wild Horses wouldn’t stop you wanting to know where it all leads!
October 16, 2021
Good book
Good read ,got a bit annoying expecting to find out his secret but sort of expected what it was so sort of knew what was coming, but overall kept me engrossed enough to read it fairly quickly
Good read ,got a bit annoying expecting to find out his secret but sort of expected what it was so sort of knew what was coming, but overall kept me engrossed enough to read it fairly quickly
May 10, 2021
A whirlwind romance, an evening of perfection and hope...but all is not as it seems. Matilda the librarian, a loveable character. Jamie, good looking, with a hidden talent for singing. Everything should be simple, but the course of true love never did run smooth.
Twists and turns, highs and lows. We are left guessing throughout, what is holding them back?
Matilda's predicament becomes one of frustration, and it's easy to see her point of view. Her relationship with her widowed Mother provides further depth to her situation and a relationship that I can imagine most would relate to. I enjoyed Matilda's supportive friends and would like to find me an Ian!
Read this book if you enjoy a realistic romance with a pinch of mystery.
Twists and turns, highs and lows. We are left guessing throughout, what is holding them back?
Matilda's predicament becomes one of frustration, and it's easy to see her point of view. Her relationship with her widowed Mother provides further depth to her situation and a relationship that I can imagine most would relate to. I enjoyed Matilda's supportive friends and would like to find me an Ian!
Read this book if you enjoy a realistic romance with a pinch of mystery.
May 4, 2021
A solid 3.5 stars for this love story 👍🏼.
Matilda and Jamie spend an amazing night together, and by morning she's head over heels in love. Then he doesn't call. And she doesn't have his number to contact him.
Matilda is heartbroken. Then Jamie turns up at the library she works in, and she starts to wonder if everything she thought she knew about him was even true.
There is a lot of back and forth between the characters and their feelings, which does get frustrating at times when all you want is for the characters to move forward so the story can move on, but then they seem to take a step back instead.
It seems to take a very long time for the secret Jamie is hiding to finally come out.
Apart from that, this is a very sweet story of pretty much love at first sight, and I definitely found myself rooting for Matilda & Jamie to be together.
If you're looking for a sweet story of love at first sight, with a guaranteed HEA, then you'll probably love this book 😊
Matilda and Jamie spend an amazing night together, and by morning she's head over heels in love. Then he doesn't call. And she doesn't have his number to contact him.
Matilda is heartbroken. Then Jamie turns up at the library she works in, and she starts to wonder if everything she thought she knew about him was even true.
There is a lot of back and forth between the characters and their feelings, which does get frustrating at times when all you want is for the characters to move forward so the story can move on, but then they seem to take a step back instead.
It seems to take a very long time for the secret Jamie is hiding to finally come out.
Apart from that, this is a very sweet story of pretty much love at first sight, and I definitely found myself rooting for Matilda & Jamie to be together.
If you're looking for a sweet story of love at first sight, with a guaranteed HEA, then you'll probably love this book 😊
April 25, 2021
To start with, this is a long book. It’s the story of finding your one and doing everything in your power to be with that person. I enjoyed the story but there was so much backwards and forwards between these two I started to wish Jamie would just tell his secret so they would finally get together. They do get their HEA but it takes a while to get there.
April 18, 2021
How far would you go to protect your heart?
Matilda did what we all dream of doing, and met 'The One'. Only after their night together, Jamie disappears. I have never felt such an instant comraderie with a character like I did with Matilda. I felt her anguish and longing over her separation from the man she wanted and a desperate need to comfort her. Since it couldn't be me, I am glad she had faithful Ian and Caz. This story is told brilliantly after the night Matilda and Jamie met, and you get bits and pieces of detail from that night along the way. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for their next encounter. Your head will swim with speculations as to why Jamie never called, and chances are, you won't be right!
Matilda did what we all dream of doing, and met 'The One'. Only after their night together, Jamie disappears. I have never felt such an instant comraderie with a character like I did with Matilda. I felt her anguish and longing over her separation from the man she wanted and a desperate need to comfort her. Since it couldn't be me, I am glad she had faithful Ian and Caz. This story is told brilliantly after the night Matilda and Jamie met, and you get bits and pieces of detail from that night along the way. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for their next encounter. Your head will swim with speculations as to why Jamie never called, and chances are, you won't be right!
April 20, 2021
Have you ever had a one night stand that felt like so much more? I have, and so did Matilda.
Matilda and Jamie (yes, it was weird to read a MMC with my name) had one magical night together, and then he disappeared. Even though she never heard from him, she never stopped thinking about him until one day he appears at the library where she works!
Misunderstanding and miscommunication keep throwing obstacles in their way. Can they truly put the past behind them so they can have a future? With their best friends and family all rooting for them, I think they've got a pretty good shot.
Matilda and Jamie (yes, it was weird to read a MMC with my name) had one magical night together, and then he disappeared. Even though she never heard from him, she never stopped thinking about him until one day he appears at the library where she works!
Misunderstanding and miscommunication keep throwing obstacles in their way. Can they truly put the past behind them so they can have a future? With their best friends and family all rooting for them, I think they've got a pretty good shot.
May 31, 2021
Not what I was expecting but kept me guessing the whole time. What was he hiding? Would she ever find out? Would it break them apart or could they keep it together? Matilda and Jaime are an interesting couple and I was really pulling for Jaime.
March 5, 2022
3.5 stars
When Matilda meets Jamie, she's certain he's the one. All it took was one perfect night with him, filled with passion, music and dancing, for her to fall in love. But when the night is over she never sees or hears from him again...until she does. And he's got a secret...
This type of book is not usually one I'd normally pick up (I'm not really one for the romance genre) but the author of this book asked me if i would like to be an ARC reader for it... and I'm so glad I said yes! This book was simply lovely to read. The author writes in such a way, i was hooked from the very begining; each chapter had me desperate to find out whether Matilda and Jamie would end up together! And I was dying to find out what Jamie was hiding!
I especially loved how the author created such beautiful and wholesome relationships, particular that of the mother-daughter relationship; I found it to be incredibly relatable and moving in parts. I also found the character of Matilda to be very relatable (now, I'm not just saying that because she works in a library like me, or because at one point she even quoted John Lennon, my favourite musician) and because of this I felt so invested in her happiness. I even went to bed at night, hoping and praying she would get her happily ever after!
Basically, this is exactly the book you should read if you just want a day on the sofa, wrapped in a snuggly blanket with an endless supply of chocolate and cups of tea! OR, one to throw in the suitcase if you're lucky enough to be jetting off for a glorious week of lounging round a swimming pool!
Wholesome, hilarious and filled with mystery.
When Matilda meets Jamie, she's certain he's the one. All it took was one perfect night with him, filled with passion, music and dancing, for her to fall in love. But when the night is over she never sees or hears from him again...until she does. And he's got a secret...
This type of book is not usually one I'd normally pick up (I'm not really one for the romance genre) but the author of this book asked me if i would like to be an ARC reader for it... and I'm so glad I said yes! This book was simply lovely to read. The author writes in such a way, i was hooked from the very begining; each chapter had me desperate to find out whether Matilda and Jamie would end up together! And I was dying to find out what Jamie was hiding!
I especially loved how the author created such beautiful and wholesome relationships, particular that of the mother-daughter relationship; I found it to be incredibly relatable and moving in parts. I also found the character of Matilda to be very relatable (now, I'm not just saying that because she works in a library like me, or because at one point she even quoted John Lennon, my favourite musician) and because of this I felt so invested in her happiness. I even went to bed at night, hoping and praying she would get her happily ever after!
Basically, this is exactly the book you should read if you just want a day on the sofa, wrapped in a snuggly blanket with an endless supply of chocolate and cups of tea! OR, one to throw in the suitcase if you're lucky enough to be jetting off for a glorious week of lounging round a swimming pool!
Wholesome, hilarious and filled with mystery.
June 15, 2021
I have never been so annoyed with a character as badly as I did Matilda. Maybe that's the author's purpose... to write the most annoying character. All her inner monologue was childish , annoying, and plain annoying. I could not stand her to the point that I just could not finish. She was weak, pathetic, irritating, had no dignity, no pride.. the worst kind of character for a romance novel.
The guy said NO.. he's not interested.. ghosted you (actions and words) and you still literally beg him... Ugh.. doormat.
The guy said NO.. he's not interested.. ghosted you (actions and words) and you still literally beg him... Ugh.. doormat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
I could not put this book down. I was hooked from page one. I will say I'm not a huge fan of back and forth and drama but it kept me turning the page to find out what he was hiding.
A wonderful story about true love and taking a chance.
A wonderful story about true love and taking a chance.
July 23, 2021
This was lovely!
The author did such a good job of unfolding Matilda and Jamie's story. She gives the reader little pieces of the how's and why's of their night together . . . and it soon becomes apparent that Jamie's hiding some very dark secrets. And poor Matilda struggles to come to terms with it all.
Why does the heart always win?The story begins with the main characters, Jamie and Matilda, having shared a single night of passion and a deep emotional connection. Much to Matilda's confusion and dismay, Jamie ghosts on her . . . until they meet again by chance.
The author did such a good job of unfolding Matilda and Jamie's story. She gives the reader little pieces of the how's and why's of their night together . . . and it soon becomes apparent that Jamie's hiding some very dark secrets. And poor Matilda struggles to come to terms with it all.
"Surely the way we feel about each other, the love we have for each other, is worth that risk."If you're looking for . . .
✔contemporary romance. . . you've found your next read!
✔sweet with heat
✔real, genuine characters
✔secrets
✔lies of omission
✔a strong heroine
✔a stubborn, yet vulnerable hero
✔a great supporting cast
June 9, 2021
Love Can Be Grand, If We Push Pride Aside
When we allow pride to get in the way, we miss out on so much love.
Matilda and Jamie proved this, over and over in this story which shows us how easily we can all miss out on the good things, when we focus on the bad.
The entire time I kept thinking I wouldn't put up with a guy who couldn't find the brave inside him to tell me what haunted him so badly. Then when we finally find out, it's Matilda's turn to let pride get in the way, because honestly his past wasn't that bad. Not when you stopped and saw the big picture. I did begin to realize it wasn't the secret that bothered her, but that she felt he didn't trust her with the secret. I get it, I've been through it. Dang that pride!
Will Matilda and Jamie allow pride to dictate their happiness? Will they get their happy ending or will it be another "coukd have been" regret that they look back on years from now? I guess you'll have to read to find out!
When we allow pride to get in the way, we miss out on so much love.
Matilda and Jamie proved this, over and over in this story which shows us how easily we can all miss out on the good things, when we focus on the bad.
The entire time I kept thinking I wouldn't put up with a guy who couldn't find the brave inside him to tell me what haunted him so badly. Then when we finally find out, it's Matilda's turn to let pride get in the way, because honestly his past wasn't that bad. Not when you stopped and saw the big picture. I did begin to realize it wasn't the secret that bothered her, but that she felt he didn't trust her with the secret. I get it, I've been through it. Dang that pride!
Will Matilda and Jamie allow pride to dictate their happiness? Will they get their happy ending or will it be another "coukd have been" regret that they look back on years from now? I guess you'll have to read to find out!
August 7, 2021
My usual reads are a lot darker than this, but I found myself enjoying the sweet angst of the will they won't they as the main characters navigated their way through all the ups and downs thrown at them before they eventually got the HEA they deserved. Don't be put off by the possibility that there is cheating, I'll let you discover this for yourself, but it's not what you think. This sweetly romantic book is well worth a read.
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