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The One #1

The One to Walk Away

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For FBI Special Agent Lake Stuart, doing the right thing had come at a price—her family. Years later, in a new city, a new career, she’s still feeling the burden of the cost. She refuses to let anyone close enough to break her heart again. She’s the one to walk away now—until she goes home with Dr. Mel Pascale for one of her many routine one-night stands. What happens to Lake’s ‘one and done’ way of companionship when she can’t get Mel out of her head?

Pediatrician Mel Pascale likes her life the way it is: working at a premier hospital and volunteering at a refugee clinic, hanging out with her nephew, sister, and best friend, and surfing. But she yearns to find someone special. When she (literally) runs into a beautiful, assertive woman, she’s taken with her immediately. And when she does something she’s never done before–take a stranger home for the night—something clicks into place and falls into an incongruous mess all at once.

Just as the two women are figuring out who they can be to each other, Mel gets embroiled in Lake’s multi-agency drug cartel corruption investigation, putting their burgeoning relationship—and lives—at risk.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2022

64 people are currently reading
202 people want to read

About the author

L. Dreamer

10 books105 followers
Luc Dreamer is a transman, dad, and full-time wanderer. He writes queer stories with heart and soul.

Check out his website and subscribe to his newsletter if that's your thing: www.lucdreamer.com

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5 stars
189 (54%)
4 stars
103 (29%)
3 stars
42 (12%)
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12 (3%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Wallace.
1,457 reviews173 followers
August 3, 2022
**'Most writers build themselves out of whatever storyline is in their heads and that is why stories has to be told constantly..'

Evocative read!
A very tantalizing story. Recommended to all interested readers!
Profile Image for Della B.
653 reviews180 followers
July 27, 2024
What an adrenaline rush! Between the romance and the police drama I can see why everyone is raving about this novel. It is definitely not one to miss if you love heart pounding, action packed drama.
Profile Image for MZ.
432 reviews133 followers
March 14, 2022
4.5 stars. I’ll happily read anything Dreamer writes. “The Burden of Happiness” was one of my 2021 favorites and I have to say I’m amazed by his versatility as this book falls yet in another genre. As a big fan of crime investigative stories, I was happy to see this book is partly a crime investigation, but it is also heavy on the romance, or should I say lust?

The MCs are FBI agent (Lake) and a pediatrician (Mel). Yes, a cop-doc combination, I don’t know why, but I always seem to like those. They don’t meet in a hospital though.

Lake is always looking for a hookup while Mel never does casual sex, but decides to walk on the wild side and enjoy herself. A large part of this book is pure instalust, about the first half of the book is largely focused on their encounters and lusty feelings. While instalust doesn’t often work for me this one does. They do not have a lot of conversation between them for quite some time, but you do get to know the MCs separately and learn about their history, their insecurities and their dreams and it made me look forward to that moment they start to talk even more. The actual romance only starts very late in the book as both MCs are reluctant to take things further and as this is a first book in the series it gives room to continue the romance in the next book. There are no forced I love yous (yay), only the promise of more and I liked this ending. I only have one minor comment about something that Lake does that is quite a big deal at the time, they wanted to talk about it and should have talked about it, but it seems to be forgotten later on.

Mel is instantly likeable, but Lake is a bit more complex to empathize with. However, once I understood where she’s coming from she won me over. There is a butch-femme dynamic, but not in the most standard or expected way. Lake is a cocky femme agent and Mel is a sweet butch doctor who secretly, or not so secretly, dreams of a wife and kids. I’m often amazed by how wlw fiction often follows (traditional) role patterns or expectations, so I appreciated this casting.

I’m not going to say much about the crime story here, but it involves rogue cops, drug trafficking and drug cartels. It starts slowly but picks up speed in the second half of the book building towards the big ending with a dose of danger.

Generally, with a combination of crime/romance I tend to like one storyline better than the other, but I found that I liked them equally well in this book. I’ll easily recommend this crime procedural and steamy romance and will certainly be reading the next book.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Simone11.
249 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2022
At the beginning of the book I was very frustrated with the one MC Lake. She was not very likeable in contrast to the other MC Mel which was a sweetheart from the beginning. But L. Dreamer did a great job in describing the past pain which explains Lakes behavior. And slowly Lake realises that she seeks a new chance at a relationship.
In addition to the complex romance there was an interesting crime background story. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Sam.
840 reviews113 followers
January 14, 2023
After reading Dreamer’s The Burden of Happiness, which is a fantastic read, one of my all time favourites, any book he writes automatically becomes a must read.
With this book Dreamer shows how versatile he is in his writing. This book is action packed and I am a sucker for a crime romance. I must say it’s rather light on the romance, but heavy on the sexy times. The romance really gets into gear rather late. What we do see here from the characters is something I really like. The characters are scared and complicated, deal with their emotions the way they want to (or not). I really like how Dreamer wrote these layers in while keeping the action going and the characters just interesting enough and very believable.

I’m very happy this is the start of a new series by Dreamer and I for one can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Gail.
990 reviews58 followers
April 4, 2022
I will be short and to the point. If you haven't read any of the author's books before, read this one.
Whew, the opening paragraph had me reaching for a cold one before settling down to read through the night!
Drug dealing and cartels, police drama, action, romance and sex all come together in book 1 of Dreamer's new series and damn it is all handled so well. Lead characters are Mel Pascale (pediatrician) and Lake Stuart (dedicated FBI agent) with a supporting cast that adds perfectly to the storyline. Both women are burdened emotionally in different ways. Lake satisfies her physical needs with dispassionate single flings. Mel searches for that special someone to make her life complete. One warm and one cold - the two meet in a bar ending with a scorching one night stand. Not so, subsequent meetings with feelings explored and a slow recognition of love are skillfully written into the underlying cop story with action, drama, danger and there's more to come in the series. I shouldn't ask for more but bring on book 2 please.
Highly recommend and firmly on my re-read shelf.

I rec'd a copy from the author however this is a completely voluntary, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
106 reviews11 followers
April 20, 2022
A spilled drink at a bar brings FBI Special Agent Lake Stuart and Pediatrician Mel Pascale together.
The story had the perfect balance between the romance and the investigation part.
I appreciated that there was no black moment at around 70% and that Lake and Mel didn't fall in love instantly.
The book started a bit slow, but in the end there was a lot of action.
I'm excited to read the next book in this series soon!
Profile Image for Conny B.
324 reviews53 followers
March 17, 2022
I am a huge of Luc Dreamer’s writing and The Burden of Happiness is one of my all time favourite books. Having to wait more than a year for a new book by Luc wasn’t easy. Knowing about the plot for a few weeks (or probably months) didn’t make the waiting any easier. Lol But in the end it was all the waiting that left me even more excited when I finally got to read this this book. 😍

And what can I say I got reminded once more why I am such a huge fan of Luc‘s writing. The story is built in a way that you won’t be able to put it down. It’s like having 2 stories in one book. One is about Lake’s FBI investigation and the other is her trying to stay away from Mel and Mel trying not to fall for Lake. I loved both parts and it made it difficult for me to decide which part I loved more. I came to the conclusion that I loved both parts equally. It was interesting and exciting to read about the whole FBI work and to see that this work has to be so difficult. Because it’s about finding the balance between a case and people‘s safety.

On the other hand I loved Lake‘s and Mel‘s thing they had (just don’t call it a relationship, lol). Both characters were hurt in the past, but both decided to deal differently with everything. While Lake is all about not letting people in, Mel still believes in relationships and finding the right one at some point. What they have in common right from the start is an amazing chemistry. Some of the scenes definitely won’t leave you cold. 🥵 Both go into this believing it will only be a one night stand, but when they start seeing each other more and more lines get blurred. So much at some point that the danger isn’t only about losing their heart.

In the end I only have two little complains. One is a chat I thought Lake and Mel are going to have at some point in the book about something Lake did. It was hinted that they have it at some point but it never happened. The other thing is that I wish we would have gotten a bit more of them at the end, like a chapter more or an epilogue. But both definitely belong to the category of complaining on a very high level because the story is incredible and I had the best time. Have I already mentioned how much I love Luc’s writing? Because I totally do. I highly recommend this story just like I recommend all of his books. Can’t wait to read more of him and this series. There are actually two side characters I would love to see again. Charlie and Angela definitely need their own story at some point. ☺️

I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews107 followers
March 30, 2022
Good start to the series. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,341 reviews104 followers
October 8, 2022
Really got into this one - a bit WTF but got away with it. Clearly part one of a series with part 2 moving straight into the same time line (first pages printed with this book) … BUT NOT YET PUBLISHED!! EEEK!
Profile Image for Alicia Reviews.
480 reviews50 followers
March 14, 2022
• The one to walk Away (The one #1 )
• Luc Dreamer
• MC Mel & Lake
• Thriller


The book opens with a hot one night stand in progress. Lake doesn’t do relationships. She picks up women and moves on once her desire are met. Lake is an FBI agent, currently working on cases involving dirty cops. Her life consists of work, her aunt and one night stands. For years Lake has had estranged relationship with the rest of her family. Her life changed when she made that bust while she was a police officer. Her husband walked out the door and didn’t come back. It left her feeling guarded, alone and not wanting any attachments.


Mel is a pediatrician, who spends time volunteering at a boarder clinic. The situations that Mel comes across breaks her heart. (And mine) Mel has a heart of gold. Mel has her own set of issues, sadly from her parents, who disowned her. She holds the relationship she has with her sister Pam and her adorable nephew Ben close to her heart, and she spends time with them whenever she can.


Enter a night out, a spilled drink and a woman who decides tonight is the night for a change. And the story with the main characters take off. And boy, does it take off! They have many hook ups, but things start to change when you let feelings get in the way. Let’s not forget that Lake is an FBI agent, working a pretty dangerous case, so dangerous situations do arise. While I was reading I couldn’t help but wonder, will they make it or will they fall prey to the danger that lurks around the corner.

I adored Mel in this book. The writer did an amazing job at making you really feel like you were there right with her in certain situations. Especially the ones where she is in the clinic.

This is the first time I have read a crime/romance novel. I was unsure if I would enjoy it. The cartle, drugs, dirty cops and a lesbian love affair makes for a thrilling read. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dreamer, in one book, made it to my top five favorite author list.

I received the book by the author for an honest review.
I would like to thank L. Dreamer for the advanced copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Angie.
118 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2022
Great crime/romance balance. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Larissa.
95 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2022
Really good. Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Tory.
392 reviews11 followers
March 31, 2022
Another great one

I have read all Luci Dreamer’s books because they are great. I am so stoked that she is writing this series. I jumped on this book as soon as I was done reading the books I had started. I read it in one sitting and can’t wait to read the next one. I highly recommend anything by this author.
Profile Image for Monique S..
Author 12 books55 followers
May 27, 2022
The one to walk away starts slowly, building suspense, then picks up the pace.

Lake has a difficult past with her family she tries to keep a secret and it is making her life difficult, to say the least. Mel has her own baggage, but not quite as much or as bad, yet they are more and more throw together in the pursuit of trying to help while also keeping safe, themselves and others, while Lake is trying to do her job. There is no doubt about the mutual attraction, though.

The way things come to a head is hair raising as the pace and tension pick up momentum and it seems pactically impossible for both to get out alive, the show-down almost costing Lake her lfe.

If you like thrillers this is a really good one, the romance only takes second place, even though the end is promising.
Profile Image for Lady Olenna.
850 reviews68 followers
May 13, 2024
3.5 Stars

I knew it! I bloody knew this was a series of some sort. It had the vibe from the get go. Although, it’s still not out, but still, it has promise.

Anyway, the characters were likeable. I especially enjoyed Lake (kinda weird name but oh well) because she just owned her libido like no one’s business. I love that she loves sex and there’s no shame in her. Dr Paediatrician felt like your typical butch retriever. She’s cute.

I’m living for the cartel and FBI cat and mouse. I love me some police drama. It’s kind of light if I’m being honest. There’s room for more serious police work.
Profile Image for Women Using Words.
483 reviews68 followers
March 16, 2022
I’ve always looked forward to Dreamer’s new books and this one was no different. Dreamer sent out a teaser a few months ago and I was immediately hooked on The One to Walk Away. I wanted the rest, like ASAP. I emailed Dreamer after reading the first few chapters and ask about the rest of the story. Dreamer replied back and reported that it was a work in progress and the full version would be coming out shortly. I wanted to reply back and tell Dreamer to hurry it up, that I was in suspense over here! I needed to know how things were going to play out with Lake and Mel!

Well, I’m happy to report that this story was worth the wait and things end up playing out fantastically well. The story is very good and Lake and Mel—as I had sensed in the teaser—set the pages on fire with their heat. Their chemistry is undeniable and unavoidable, making for great sex scenes. Their romance feeds into the sub-plot superbly well, giving the storytelling more fat to chew on and enjoy.

The crime drama involving the drug cartel investigation is well-written and well-paced. Dreamer has a keen eye for details, making the police action credible and believable. The story world is especially fun for those that enjoy thrilling cop dramas. It’s infused with convincing cop-speak and exciting cop-action, making the overall storytelling very engrossing and highly entertaining.

Final remarks…

The One to Walk Away is the first book in The One series by Dreamer and it’s a great leadoff book. It’s the perfect mix of heartfelt romance and action-filled drama. Dreamer does a nice job of telling a tender and vulnerable tale of romance while leading readers there slowly, planting the HEA seeds in a believable manner. The police drama is spot on and full of tension and thrills, especially the last fourth. Readers find the storytelling to be well-constructed and smooth, flowing naturally across the page. Fans of cop dramas and lesfic romance will not be disappointed with Dreamer’s latest; it’s well-worth the read.

Strengths

Intriguing crime story
Exciting romance
Interesting characters
Smooth storytelling
Profile Image for Ivy Whitaker.
Author 13 books63 followers
June 27, 2022
You guys. When I tell you that this book had me on the edge of my seat! I just finished THE ONE TO WALK AWAY by L. Dreamer and boy, what an adventure.

I’m not often surprised by books. I often anticipate what’s going to happen next, and am seldom wrong. It’s always a treat for me when books take unexpected turns. THE ONE TO WALK AWAY got me. It got me good! Dreamer did a fantastic job with bringing us down a winding road from point A to point B, and I am more than certain everyone will enjoy.

Worlds collide when Special Agent Lake Stewart and Doctor Mel Pascale have a chance encounter. Their torrid night together is supposed to be a one-off, but after a few more run-ins, both can’t help but wonder if it’s fate. Lake is emotionally distant — and frankly, too busy — to consider a relationship. but Mel, ever the sweet, open, kind-hearted one, insists on keeping a space open to Lake. Even if it seems like it’s a lost cause. Neither could have anticipated how fully their paths would collide when a case weaves their stories tighter together.

Dreamer has a beautiful writing style that kept me engaged the entire time. The book was beautifully paced, excellently executed, and left me keen to read more! I can’t wait to read more of Dreamer’s work in the future!
Profile Image for maani.
35 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2022
(I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review)

I've loved Luc's previous work so I was really excited to get into this one and I think this is possibly the best book of his so far. It starts well and dives right into the meat of the story in a way that's really engaging. I also loved the chapter names - there aren't enough of that in books nowadays and these ones added an extra dimension to the story.

Usually when reading books where a wider action plot is happening alongside the romance, there's a feeling that the author's struggling to balance the two and you walk away feeling slightly underwhelmed in one form or the other. This book was the opposite of that - I felt like both the action plotline and the romance were really balanced out, and I got more than enough of each.

One thing I really also enjoyed was

The supporting cast was interesting too, full of lively personalities that filled out the world of the book in a really engaging way. I really can't wait to see what else Luc comes up with - this one's a definite winner for me.
Profile Image for Ummi Shedd.
107 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2024
I promised myself that I would not leave a comment unless I had constructive criticism or encouraging feedback, and this is far from constructive criticism, but I could not let it go... A book does not work for me if one of the protagonists has a serious issue of lacking self-preservation or having low self-esteem, and Mel lacks both, so while I think both characters are likeable in their own rights, this tiny probably has put me off completely. I only finished the book out of decorum and because I want it to remain true to my reading gaol.
Profile Image for Cherie.
716 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2022
Good action packed book, especially the ending. Ok romance. I needed more emotion from both mc’s especially Lake to make it 5 stars.
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,510 reviews130 followers
did-not-finish
June 8, 2022
Everyone else rated this very highly, so check it out yourself on Kindle Unlimited.

Just not for me, I really disliked the main character.
Profile Image for JP Munroe .
75 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2022
Luc Dreamer’s confidence as a writer grows from book to book and this is evident in his ability to write in more than one genre. “The One to Walk Away” combines crime and romance in a well crafted narrative brimming with tension and chemistry. The main characters are flawed and vulnerable and Dreamer avoids many of the cliches often found in the butch/femme dynamic. His storyline is believable and full of exciting twists and turns and I really enjoyed the development of Mel and Lake both as individuals and as a couple. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I received an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Carolyn G. Manuel.
1,070 reviews
April 5, 2022
Catching The Cartel

FBI Special Agent Lake Stuart had always done the right thing even when she turned in her brother for working for the cartel. It cost her everything, her family, her husband and her job as a deputy in Arizona. Now in the FBI in San Diego she’s Working a huge case and trying to balance her attraction to Dr. Mel Pascale and risking her heart as their emotions and passion grows. A marvelous law enforcement and medical romance by an excellent author.
Profile Image for Louise Ball.
50 reviews
April 11, 2022
Brilliant Read!

Absolutely loved this story! I binge read it over the weekend and it was hard to put it down.

The One to Walk Away was a thrilling read that has a great plot, is well paced and includes a steamy romance. Although it was lust at first sight, the MC’s weren’t in insta-love but instead we see them trying to break down walls and get past hang ups that have held them back romantically. I can’t wait for the sequel to see what happens next.

Profile Image for Frances Bell.
434 reviews11 followers
March 29, 2022
Enjoyed it

Very good book I love the characters the story line the mystery Just up my alley if Love a mystery and romance of lesbian novels I recommend this book this is the 1st time I read from this author and I will definitely be reading more Can't wait for the next book


Profile Image for Julie Kilo.
52 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2022
drugs, sex and surfing

Many times during this book, I said to myself Lake you are an idiot, don’t mess this up! Kept me want to keep reading to see what would happen next!
Loved the multiple storylines and how they all joined together.
32 reviews
May 10, 2022
Has there ever been an opening scene like this?

Picked this one up after reading the Heart series.

It’s a real change of pace with gorgeous MCs.

Sexy, angsty and hard to put down.

Can’t wait for the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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