Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Escort #5

The Almost One

Rate this book
Every day is like a ticking time bomb.
For every blissful moment in the sun, the universe punishes me with unforgiving darkness.
I’m so close to the truth yet the obstacles keep piling up, the deaths keep destroying us and I’m afraid one of us will eventually succumb to this cruelty.
The secrets, the lies, the deceptions are all part of my husband’s world, but the moment I chose to walk beside him, they became part of my world too. If only he would let me all the way in.
I want my forever one to be my best friend, my confidant in all things, but there is a missing puzzle piece I’m determined to find.
I just hope I can handle it when the time comes.

287 pages, ebook

Published December 29, 2022

295 people are currently reading
393 people want to read

About the author

N.O. One

32 books585 followers
Our books are graphic and morally on the fence containing extremely sensitive material that may not be adapted to your needs. If you’re okay with all of this, just remember… we warned you. If you’re still reading after all of that then, by all means, sit down, relax, and enjoy the filthy, bumpy road ahead.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
507 (58%)
4 stars
244 (28%)
3 stars
98 (11%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Hilary Barber.
259 reviews9 followers
November 27, 2022
This is Book 5 of a 6 book series. Book 6 is scheduled to be out in February. But go ahead an start reading this now. It’s. So. Good. It’s everything I love in a book. I feel like an absolute puppet on a string. These authors just dangle their strings and tell their tale and completely dictate how I feel and who I feel it for. This is absolutely in no way a stand alone and must be read in order. Start with Book 1 “The Rich One.”

The entire series is about River Fox who is an escort. You met several of her clients and follow her tangled tale. This series is smutty and spicy and angsty and dark. There’s sweet men, there’s alpha holes, there’s murderers, there’s friends and brothers. Name your type, there’s something for everyone in this series.

This particular book picks up right after Book 4, “The Broken One.” It follows River as she falls in love and KINDA finds out some earth-shattering secrets. I loved this book and absolutely can’t wait for the final book in this series, “The Forever One.” River has absolutely earned her happily ever after and I have a feeling there’s going to be so much more in the final book. Go read right now. This series is on Kindle Unlimited but totally worth the retail space on your bookshelf.

Thank you so much Misses NoOne for the ARC. I apologize for harassing you in the Spoiler Room on Facebook. But not really. Expect more until this series is complete. Now go type until your fingers are numb because you’ve got some happily ever afters to write. This is my honest review of “The Almost One,” Book 5 in the Escort Series, by Misses NoOne.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,758 reviews212 followers
August 18, 2025
N O One Escort bk 05 The Almost One

Caveman Unleashed

Trouble seems to love finding River Rose Fox Mancini. Every installment in this series, there's been something life altering, and this one keeps the theme alive. *rubbing hands together with glee* I love digging into this couple. And the truth that comes to light, while I anticipated it, is enough to upend River's world.

I do love how Marco Mancini's relationship with River continues to grow and flourish. Sure, there are plenty of bumps, but that's to be expected with two strong personalities. Aside from the one area that he avoids like the plague, I love how they get to the bottom of some of their issues. Meeting Marco's "fiancée" is possibly the best example. LOL! What River does is epic!

He shakes his head in amusement, as if he doesn’t know what to do with me, before he stands, grabbing my legs as he does, and throws me over his shoulder like a motherfucking caveman.
-- River Mancini

The fire between River and Marco burns very bright. It's their best form of communication. Plus, it's hot AF. 🌶🔥

As expected, this ends on another cliffhanger (heavy grumbling may be going on). This is where I say that this needs to be read in... yep, you guessed it, order. Thankfully, there's only one book left, and I can't wait!

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are Kallestra Spencer and Sean Masters. As most of the book is from River's POV, I really wish this was in duet, but I like the narrators and can deal.

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

H = 30s? 40s?; h = 27
Profile Image for Mandi Miller.
254 reviews5 followers
November 27, 2022
So, apparently we’ve issued a challenge after each book for these two brilliantly evil authors to see how close to the edge they can take us and this time I absolutely came closer than before. Thank everything there’s only 1 book left so our anxiety levels can calm down a bit.
River is a drastically different person than when we met her initially and it’s absolutely beautiful to see, so much is different but one of the things that is the same is her loyalty and love are non-negotiable and she’ll do anything and everything to ensure those she loves are taken care of and safe. Marco is keeping secrets still, and although River is aware she’s reaching her limit to how long she will wait for answers even if she understands it’s because he loves her completely and isn’t doing it maliciously.
I continue to fully support & cheer for River & Marco’s marriage/relationship (even the messed up pieces). I adore the depth of love Marco has for River & seeing him so out of his element at times just to be with her & bond with her family is everything!
I’m ticked at & suspicious of a few previous characters (for different reasons) and absolutely have only found 1 new character that I think I like from everyone introduced this book.
There were absolutely some heartbreaks this time and that ending and cliffhanger (basically the entire last chapter) literally made my breath catch for multiple reasons. I can’t wait for The Forever One to see what happens next!
348 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2022
I just can’t with the cliffhanger! River and Marco are seriously goals! River is a boss b!it€h and Marco is so alpha Dom sexiness - but his love for her is beyond words and feelings. There were three points in the book that I broke down and tears flowed. There were also times that I laughed out loud - usually during Marco’s inner dialogue about River. I love that they are finding their groove together as a couple in this book - this has been my favorite one so far. Looking forward to the next book but not looking forward to the end of the series. I love it!! Maybe one with Lina Enzo and Tyler ?? Hmmm?!?!
Profile Image for Meaghan.
271 reviews7 followers
November 29, 2022
River is a fierce FMC, she’s had some serious challenges in her life and things don’t seem to be slowing down. Marco is a possessive alphahole, but it definitely leads to some amazing 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘 between them. River and Marco could not be more perfect for each other. But it seems like fate has other plans and decides to put them through the wringer. Things from their pasts come back to haunt them and while some truths are exposed, we are still left with questions.

I do believe the sadistic duo, also known as 𝑁.𝑂. 𝑂𝑛𝑒, have outdone themselves again! And to top it off, they left us with an intense cliffhanger. I can not wait for the next book and the answers we will get. Definitely recommend this series!
1,162 reviews23 followers
August 24, 2024
The Story Continues . . . 



And with it so do the twists and turns. This series is truly amazing and I keep waiting for one of the books to not be at the same caliber as the others, but every book is even better than the last. This book - I could’t put it down. I loved every minute of every moment of it. River is someone who has had to over come so much but she is strong, determined and I look up to her. I want more of all of them and now I have to start mourning the end of this series because there is only one book left. I know I will be living with these characters long after I have finished reading this series.

Profile Image for jamies_bookreads.
1,306 reviews19 followers
January 2, 2023
OMG 😱 & Yes!

Okay 1) I Love a good cliffhanger…this one is top notch! Well done ladies. 2) OMG 😱 that cliffhanger!!!! 3) River has gone from girl crush status to “I would wife her.” Last but not least 4) Marco is by far my favorite of the guys in this series! He treats River like the Queen she is and wants her beside him to rain right along with him. Hooked and in love with this series. The story & yummy spice are a perfect blend. I’m so glad I only have a month to wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Danielle Clayton.
112 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2024
The way my jaw fucking dropped and i had to immediately start the next book. Queens of cliffhangers and im here for it.

I swear River gets more and more thrown at her with each book. Somehow it just makes her stronger. I feel like she has finally accepted her feelings for Marco and is ready to step up as a queen of the mafia.

Who tf is sending her these letters. I feel like we get a few questions answered but that leads to so many more.

ahhhhhhhh i can’t believe im onto the last book, i feel a book hangover coming on.
Profile Image for Enni (on hiatus) ✨.
399 reviews35 followers
December 13, 2023
The greatest part of loving someone is offering your vulnerability without expecting anything in return.

It turns out that the cliffhanger from last book with the police wanting to talk to River was due to her apartment being burned down.

River cannot seem to catch a break in this book either. She received anonymous letters and in one of them, she is called Skittles. That was the nickname Nathaniel gave her. My spider senses started immediately tingling with ”what if he is not dead”, especially knowing that the Reapers had a bad apple who was involved in the clean up of River’s apartment after the unfortunate accident with Nathaniel.

Her bed. 
My bed. 
Our fucking marital bed.


With utmost joy I can say that it seems like River has finally made her choice with all of her men. She seems to have accepted being married to Marco and is actually enjoying being his wife. It is clear by now that she has friendzoned Kai for good.

This book actually does not have that much spice, instead there is a good balance between the spice and the plot. In my opinion, the spice could be spicing more but, at the same time, I think many people find the spice to be quite pleasing.

My father always said, “The bigger you are, the harder you’ll fall.”
Well, boom, mother fuckers, we’ve come crashing down.


In the middle of a family dinner, Marco’s dad collapses all of a sudden and he ends up dying of a heart attack after a heart surgery. This means that Marco officially becomes the new don of the Mancini family.

There is also a rival family, the Ambrosios who seem to only be in NY to cause trouble to Marco and River. Originally, Marco was supposed to marry their daughter Elizabeth but after having found and married River, the Amborios want to get rid of River to ensure the marriage between Elizabeth and Marco. Also, Nathaniel’s mother makes a few surprise appearances which leads me to thinking that there is more to her than what we have seen so far.

Marco once told me he would let the world fall to ashes if it meant saving me and, at the time, I thought it was a lot, but now? Now I get it. 
They can all rot in Hell, and I’m going to be the one to put them there.


Marco is still keeping secrets from River, which leads to them having a small tiff. At the end of the book, River arrives to Mancini family’s warehouse to confront Marco when all of a sudden shit gets real and they are attacked. After the attack, River finds out that Marco and his right hand man Enzo have been kidnapped, which leads to her both wanting to crumble but also swearing to get revenge.
Profile Image for Sandie Chraponski.
1,759 reviews18 followers
February 5, 2023
I have no idea who this N.O.One is, but I can’t wait to read more of their books!

My Review ⤵️

I’m going to start sounding redundant, but I haven’t been this invested in a book series in a while and I just can’t stop reading . N.O. One, whoever you are, I think this is your calling, I don’t know what your process for writing together is, but this is magic.

We are at book 5 people, and the suspense keeps coming. All River and Marco need is a minute to just relax, and then maybe Marco will be able to finally tell River the secrets he’s been keeping. But do they get that minute? Not quite yet, and it’s really starting to weigh on River, she loves Marco, but can she trust him if he won’t let her in?

One would think that after so many books to tell a story you would get bored or repetitive, but neither of those things are happening. River and Marco’s connection is intense, they both are hardheaded and are used to standing on their own, but it takes tragedy for them to realize that no matter how strong they are on their own, when they stand together they are fierce in the best possible way.

This story is gritty and doesn’t shy away from the dark subject manner, it also doesn’t hide the sensual connection of these two. I mean if they aren’t fighting then there’s a good chance they are doing something else 😏. N.O. One doesn’t seem to know the meaning of “fade to black”, they put everything out there and it’s amazing!

Just remember you must read these in order, otherwise you are going to miss out on so much, so start with “The Rich One” and don’t stop until you have to. I know that’s what I’m going to do!

#noone #kindleunlimited #spicy #availablenow #somuchheat #somuchmore #whowrotethis #couldntputitdown #readthemall
Profile Image for Chaos.
3,644 reviews117 followers
December 30, 2023
“River doesn’t need your protection. She needs your support. She’s a queen not a princess.”

I admire Enzo so much for standing up to Marco for River. It shows he really respects her. He realizes that she needs the truth, and Marco hiding it from her is not the way to go. Marco wants to protect her, but his doing her a disservice. She doesn't need protection. She is a queen, his queen. He needs to treat her as such. Enzo pointing that out, made me love him even more.

"The greatest part of loving someone is offering your vulnerability without expecting anything in return."

I genuinely love the vulnerability that River shows with Marco. It shows that they are perfect for each other. Though Marco is hiding secrets, he has opened up so much to River. They are so sweet together, yet they are so strong in their vulnerabilities. She may be his weakness, but she's freaking strong all on her own. And she's learning to stand and be the Mafia Queen she was born to be.

"They can all rot in Hell, and I’m going to be the one to put them there."

Yes. That's my girl. Burn it all down, my queen!!! Ugh!! I can't wait to see her really step into her own! Also can I just say J is freaking amazing. Her being Capo, and the Capo to the reapers make me love Marco even more for knowing women can be fiercer and stronger than men sometimes! J and Lina and River are about to set the whole world on fire and I'm here for every second!!!
Profile Image for Sue Ouellet-Cofsky.
2,567 reviews48 followers
December 6, 2022
Oh River, what on earth can happen to you next? Is Marco the ONE? It would almost seem so, wouldn't it? You weren't supposed to catch feelings. You are a tough, super independent, super sufficient woman and no man is necessary. But when you find the ONE, how can you even come close to resisting? Our authors have us on a thin, razors edge of explosive chemistry, explosive secrets, and explosive...well everything. They have kept us in complete suspense and every single turn they take brings us to another edge. I'm waiting with bated breath for what promises to be an explosive, eye opening conclusion.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Cate.
46 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2022
That did not just happen!!

These books are killing me. These books are the reason I do not read unfinished series. I need answers and I need them now!
I was so anxious to start this book, the title alone had me on edge. Who is “the almost one?” Was it almost a real relationship with Kai?! Almost a HEA with Marco?? I’m a sucker for friends to lovers so I’m low key loyal to Kai and want him to prevail eventually. But Marco is growing on me, totally my kind of cinnamon roll alpha. 🖤 I was also hoping for answers about the odd comment Marcos’ mother made about River resembling someone.
Without giving anything away, this series is a must read, 5/5 stars. The ending definitely leaves you hungry for more. When sh!t started to go down I realized I was at 97% and started to fear for the absolute worst. I was so worried I knew who “the almost one” was and it was not the way I’d anticipated a relationship ending? Or is this just a bump in the road? Idk what the heck is gonna happen but that title sure has me worried bc at this point I have deep feelings for both men. I cannot wait for the final chapter to Rivers story, even if I am terrified to get the answers to book fives cliffhanger 😅
493 reviews9 followers
December 8, 2022
River and Marco, Marco and River flow together seamlessly in so many ways, the chemistry, the banta they are the power couple but not matter how far they have come there is still a gulf of lies and secrets between them.

The writers of this series do seriously enjoy inflicting emotional damage on their readers... if it feels like things are going well then it is. So be aware they will crush you're heart like a bug under their shoe and trust me they do.

I have loved watching River be pushed out her comfort zone and made to grow into a truer version of herself but this cliffhanger will see the River we know fall and a new stronger version rise. She is not a queen, no, River was born to be an empress. She will become master and commander of this chessboard she's been thrown on and bring all the players to their knees I have no doubt.

I can't wait to see her rise!
Profile Image for Marisa.
880 reviews34 followers
December 13, 2022
Another great addition to the series

Somehow this duo makes each book of this series better than the last. To be honest, this does not feel like five books and it does not feel stretched at all. The story is occurring at an appropriate pace and I know the next book will finally give us that satisfying HEA.

There is just enough tension and heat in the book and the answers to the mystery are right there. However, the answers to that cliffhanger better not break my heart. I’m going to try trust the process.

I’ve praised them before and I will do it again, I cannot wait to see what this duo has in store. I absolutely love their storytelling and will continue to follow their journey.

4.5/5
61 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2022
Not Bruce!!!!

I mean we all know River is gonna kick some butt for Marco and Enzo but Bruce??? She will kill for Bruce.

Marco and River's relationship is finally growing and becoming so much more than the agreement they started with. They have even connected with each other's families in profound ways. Marco loses someone so close to him which brings River into the fold even more. But in the end, his inability to confront and admit his secrets have put not just himself but his entire family in a very bad position. But, if anyone can bring things to right it is the bad ass bitch River.

Can't wait for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Shauni.
579 reviews
January 2, 2023
NO NO NO! Send Help!

Blondie and Brunette are €vil... Leaving us on a cliffhanger like that after already stomping on my heart and making me ugly cry. This series, I love for it, it's hot with a fierce in her own right FMC, with the whole intrigue behind all the smut. Honestly though this book they threw a wrench, not only is it all of the above; it's an emotional rollercoaster. I cried and I cried again. It wasn't pretty. This book just hit all the feels and I'm so ready for River to get her HEA but I don't want this series to end. Some characters I love (I've loved watch River develop connections with these) and some I dislike with a passion and yet I'm praying for more.
Really though read this book, read this series...It hooks you in

#TEAMMARCO
Profile Image for Liz.
2,141 reviews15 followers
February 14, 2023
I can’t tell you how much I’m loving the Escort series not withstanding the cliffhangers….. alright so I might’ve cursed the authors a time or two especially at the end of this book. Full of secrets, intrigue and suspense that has gripped me from the start not to mention the amazing characters, wicked dialogue and sizzling sex scenes I am so glad I found these books. A part of me doesn’t want this series to end but I can’t help feeling that we ain’t seen nothing yet. The character development of River has been amazing and I’m thinking New York had better look out, Marco’s Mafia Queen is about to get down and dirty.
Profile Image for JJ.
396 reviews
November 30, 2022
ARC TEAM
This is book 5 of 6
Omg omg omg soooooooo Good
I just love the chemistry between River and Marco

River is getting her life sorted out (go girl )
And then there is the big beautiful puppy MARCO

There may be married but Marco needs to let his lady breathe
The sex scenes are fantastic
The relationship is growing between them
Yes love is there we can see it as a reader

All the characters are fantastic and have their lives and stories adding to the mix of River life

Thanks, lovelies looking forward to book 6 will I'm not as it is the end of this fantastic series
Profile Image for Kim.
693 reviews24 followers
April 16, 2023
I'm so glad this is the last cliff hanger in this series... I don't think I can take too many more.
Again, this is why I wait for a series to be finished before I start it!

It took 5 books to finally feel the connection between Marco and River, and now the series is nearly over! I mean, there was sexual tension, but you finally feel an emotional connection.
We still don't have any answers to our many questions, and in fact have even more questions added to the list. I don't even know how that's possible to be honest.

I see the potential for a spin off series with Lina as the FMC.

On to the last book, fingers crossed we get all the answers!
Profile Image for Erin - Books&nails&puppydogtales.
618 reviews29 followers
April 28, 2023
Holy crap!!!

I have immersed myself in this series the last.... two days? Three, maybe? I'm not sure, I just know that all life has ceased to exist around me since I started book 1. There is only one more book to go. I am sad to see it coming to an end. This will forever be a favorite of mine. River is a queen, and I truly believe Marco is the only person on earth who could handle her. They were meant for each other. Now that the war has started we can only hope they both make it out alive.
Profile Image for Scarlett Chase.
Author 8 books162 followers
December 1, 2022
Heat level: 4/5. I'm so happy I've ARC'ed this whole series. I can't believe this is the second to last book in this series. Every single one packs a punch and this one punched me in the feels and made me cry. Second time this series has made me cry. That twist though my dudes. Holy shit. And another cliffhanger ending! Tag me in, I'm ready to help dish out some payback. I can't wait to read the finale. I don't care if it's twice the size of the rest, I'll happily read it all and want more.
Profile Image for Mercedes.
128 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2022
AMAZEBALLS. These authors did it again, they created an amazing story with plenty of spice and then crushed my soul at the end. They are the best soul crushers and I love the emotional turmoil that these books put me through. I did not see that ending coming for The Almost One and I can't wait for the last book, River is a bada$$ and I know she is going to shine in this last one! I'd give more than five stars if I could!
Profile Image for Zoe-Amelia Harris.
553 reviews16 followers
December 9, 2022
How? HOW? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WRITE A REVIEW WHEN I CANT EVEN!

Okay I'll try but my god this duo is going to be the death of me. We quite clearly dared the Sadistic Duo to do their best, and with a gleam in their eyes they chuckled, cracked their knuckles, and said "challenge accepted" because this one FLOORED me!

The cliffie? The feels? Gahhhhhhh someone pass me some tequila because I'm never NEVER going to get over this one!

If you think we're going to get answers.. well we do, but many many more questions!

River is, and always will be, my number one FMC! She's a Goddamn Boss Queen and proved herself ten times over during this series, but in this installment? She really showed how it takes a woman to do a man's job!

And Marco and River are #CoupleGoals

But what you did, and you know what you did, that's unforgivable 😭 I won't give spoilers because that's not cool, but when you know, you know 🥺

Now excuse me while I go back to my silent treatment 👀
17 reviews
December 8, 2022
Another incredible installment! Answers are given, but there’s so many more questions! This one is packed with spice and action. River’s story just keeps getting more and more riveting! I can’t believe there’s only one more book!
Profile Image for Mihaela Cristina.
769 reviews5 followers
December 16, 2022
love love love

Omg I knew it!!! I was 100% convinced River had some sort of connection to the life. I can’t wait to see how things will progress from now. Super excited for the next book
Profile Image for Lacie.
626 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2022
Holy guac

The transition from reluctant wife to living wife that's integrated into the family while he has put the effort in to do the same with her family is beautiful. I'm excited to watch the final evolution that is River!
Profile Image for Ms. Amnah.
408 reviews5 followers
December 30, 2022
oh my God

What a roller coaster..what did you get yourself in River..?? Amazing plot where you really don’t see things coming your way..hot, smutty and spicy scenes that would definitely make you seek your significant other…loved this chapter of River’s life and can’t wait to read the final one..highly recommend it..
Profile Image for Courtney Hurd.
203 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2022
I absolutely loved this book!! It had all the spice and I could not put it down. River and Marco are one of my favorite book couples of all time. That cliffhanger was an awful and I will be *patiently* waiting for the last book. These ladies hit it out of the park again!!!
Profile Image for Jessica.
120 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2023
aaaahhhh that cliff hanger

I’ve been team Marco since he was introduced to the storyline. Off, not going to give anything away but that cliffhanger is brutal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.