You're The One That I Don't Want

by Alexandra Potter

How do you know he's The One?
Are you getting butterflies just thinking about him?
Have you dreamt of marrying him?
Do you just know?

When Lucy meets Nate in Venice, she knows instantly he's The One. And, caught up in the whirlwind of first love, they kiss under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset. Which - according to legend - will tie them together forever.
But ten years later, they've completely lost contact. That is, until Lucy moves to New York and the legend brings them back together. Again. And again. And again.
But what if Nate isn't The One? How is she going to get rid of him? Because forever could be a very long time...

A funny, magical romantic comedy about how finding The One doesn't always have to mean happily ever after.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult, Romantic Comedy, Young Adult

387 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Alexandra Potter is the best-selling author of fourteen romantic comedy fiction novels including Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k Up (which is now the basis of a major US TV show, NOT DEAD YET on ABC, Hulu and Disney+) MORE Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k Up and One Good Thing. These titles have been published in twenty-five territories and have sold millions of copies worldwide (making the bestseller charts in the UK, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Serbia).

Yorkshire born and raised, Alexandra lives in London with her Californian husband and their Bosnian rescue dog. When she's not writing or travelling, she's getting out into nature, trying not to look at her phone and navigating this thing called mid-life.
https//www.instagram.com/alexandrapotter
https://www.facebook.com/Alexandra.Po...

Reviews

[Norah Una Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is probably my least favourite book by my queen Alex Potter but it was still fun nevertheless! I love Potter's magical realism and humor. The story was definitely interesting and funny, but the characters were a bit too manic and clumsy for my taste. Alexandra's more recent books are much better when it comes to this element. Yes, the story is predictable but I enjoyed reading it. I loved the supporting characters and their unique lives as well. Overall, a fun quick read for relaxing your brain and losing yourself in the "Bookland" for a few hours!

[Goddess Of Blah · Rating 1 out of 5]

DUMB. DUMB. DUMB. SO DUMB IT HURTS.

Ultra chick lit, utterly predictable, clichéd, far-fetched and pathetic with zero dimensional characters.



I had to read this book due to a review week exercise. I loathed it.

Lucy is an airhead. I don't mind reading a book with a bimbo for a heroine if they have interesting idiosyncrasies or are funny or have that special something which makes them unique.


But Lucy is incredibly clichéd and boring. She's a struggling artist who doesn't understand what "mergers or acquisitions" means... perhaps an English dictionary ought to be on her shopping list.

Nate - the guy she doesn't want is a typical clichéd "baddie" guy. Rich, mean, and blond who hasn't aged well. I couldn't blame him for treating her like an idiot because she is an utter idiot.

Adam the hero was so boring that its difficult to even realise he's there. He just drifted in and out the book with no personality.

JUST SHUT UP. YOU'RE STUPID.


The plot was pathetic, the characters were worse and if your thinking of getting this book - JUST DON'T.

Her other books are better

NO MORE PLEASE! YOU DUMB.

***SNORE**** BORING *****

[Vanessa Wester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the kind of reader that has moods... I read anything and everything, but I definitely read different types of books depending on what I "need" to read (if that makes sense). Well, at the moment I need to read chick lit... And this one was superb!

Ever since I watched the movie "Only you" years ago I have loved all the fate or destiny stuff... "When Harry Met Sally" being another classic... And "Sleepless in Seattle" another great.

This story was all those combined... The power of fate, with a supernatural twist!

The main character, Lucy, is a creative "airhead" and yet she is the kind of person I know I would be best friends with. She is funny, impulsive, and driven by her hormones... At times. And she hangs on to the hope that her lost love was "the one" until she realises he really wasn't... What happens next is hilarious and I found myself in stitches with many of the scenarios constructed by Alexandra Potter.

This (for me anyway) is pure chick lit... Escapism at its best.

If you are in the mood for romantic, feel good, laugh out loud drama... This is the book for you.

Enjoy - I certainly did...

[Vera Neves (Sinfonia dos Livros) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antes de mais, quero agradecer à editora pelo envio deste exemplar deste livro para leitura e review. 🙏
🎨Para começar, tenho de dizer que o título foi o que mais me chamou a atenção assim que este livro saiu. É um tipo de título que não é habitual. Dá a ideia de haver um "anti-amor" ou algo assim e achei a ideia bastante apelativa.
🎨Em relação à história em si, não posso dizer que tenha funcionado comigo na sua totalidade. Houve partes que gostei bastante, mas houve outras partes que não me deram aquele "clic" que sempre se espera quando se começa uma nova leitura.
🎨O início leva-nos a quando Lucy era mais jovem e estava em Veneza com aquele que ela pensava que seria o seu amor para toda a vida. Dez anos depois e, muito por causa de uma espécie de mito em que se um casal enamorado se beijar na Ponte dos Suspiros em Veneza ao pôr-do-Sol (o que aconteceu), Lucy ainda está presa ao seu amor por Nate, embora já não estejam juntos desde que saíram de Veneza. Quando menos esperavam eles voltam a encontrar-se e tentam retomar aquilo que os tinha juntado dez anos antes. No entanto, Nate está a sair de um casamento falhado e Lucy começa a sentir que, talvez, Nate não seja aquele que ela verdadeiramente quer.
🎨Assim que voltam a namorar os dois percebem que o que sentiam já acabou há muito, mas, por uma razão desconhecida, acabam sempre por estar ligados nas situações mais estranhas e improváveis. Será o feitiço de Veneza que não permite que eles sigam caminhos separados?
Admito, não gostei de Nate. Demasiado arrogante e snob para o meu gosto. Gostei particularmente de Adam, o amigo improvável que Lucy conhece na galeria onde trabalha. Um homem descontraído e divertido que, aos poucos, começa a entrar na vida de Lucy e a tomar o seu espaço.
❤️Gostei imenso do relacionamento de Lucy, a irmã Kate e Robyn, a colega de casa, que estava lá para ela sempre que ela precisava, nem que fosse para lhe dar os conselhos mais tolos de sempre.
Acabei por gostar das mensagens que este livro nos passa. Nem sempre o primeiro amor é o amor para toda a vida e está tudo bem! Ficam as experiências❤️

Opinião Publicada
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0y4EbTtD...
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...

[EeeJay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some funny bits don't make up for the predictable plot. What I'd like to know is how these characters always manage to snag TWO guys at the same time when it's hard enough to grab one????

[Fani *loves angst* · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Sweet, humorous, easy to read but got a little boring at some point before it picked up again. I enjoyed reading it, but did not love it.

[Patrícia Reiçadas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

[Beverly C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first, this book may contain spoilers oh and...



I gave this book 4/5 stars because I was wondering whether or not I should give it 5 stars, but then after having a war with myself, I decided to stick with 4 stars. Fair enough right?
I just want to start my review with, well, a few quotes that I love from this book :

If only men were like New York taxi-cabs and had a light that they can switch on when they're interested and off when they're not available. Then you'd know exactly where you were and you wouldn't have to worry about getting it wrong and being horribly embarrassed.
- Lucy

A break-up is one thing, but heartbreak is another.
- Robyn

Forget men, I want to marry my MacBook. It’s dependable, reliable and you can even go shopping with it.
- Lucy

This book is amazing, it is definitely a page turner, that's for sure! The characters are awesome, I love Artsy. Yes, quite a shocker isn't it? I bet you thought I would love the main character, Lucy, but no, I like her, but I don't love her. Artsy hands down for me. He's unique, and it's sad that he didn't play that much of a big role in the story, I mean, I know this sounds crazy, but, am I the only one that fantasize about Lucy and Artsy? If he wasn't gay, then well, yeah, I could totally see them as a couple, but I'm glad she ended up with Adam. They suit each other I guess. And I'm satisfied with the ending, and the changes of the characters, like Kate for example. I do not regret reading this book, it was definitely fun and memorable, that's for sure.

So yeah, give this book a shot! Especially if you love romantic comedy novels that are surely realistic. And trust me, this book is no stultifier! And the vocabulary used in this book isn't highly complicated that makes you bored and confused at the usage of the words, it's totally readable, you know what I mean? XD

Anyway, it has been a pleasure reading this book, and I just want to say thank you for reading this review, and I hope you give this book a chance! <3



((The gif above is by no intention to offend anyone. Seriously.))

[Eatonlm · Rating 1 out of 5]

This sounded like a great concept. At times it was even cute. In execution it requires a complete re-write. The main character, Lucy's feelings are portrayed to us redundantly. I wouldn't be surprised if the exact wording was verbatim to the first time we were introduced to her feelings or her messy habits, or one of the other million things that made her completely unlikable. Who would want to be stuck with this girl forever? I'd be doing my best to get rid of her too.

The ending was predictable.

The writing wasn't great.

The characters were not likable.

The situations presented were impractical.

All in all I would highly recommend skipping this book.

[Sina & Ilona Glimmerfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amüsanter Roman um einen Liebeszauber.

[Fátima Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vídeo de Opinião:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP1FI...

[Bru · Rating 2 out of 5]

A proposta é gira e a escrita é muito boa mas é demasiado irreal e pipi para o meu gosto. Chega a uma altura em que os acontecimentos estão constantemente a repetir-se... Para mim foi tudo meio boring no geral :/

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is the definition of "eh." It's not terrible, but there is nothing particularly redeeming about it. I kept reading because of a potentially interesting plot - a couple bind themselves together for eternity, according to legend, and then discover they don't so much want to be together. But the characters are stereotyped stock - a clumsy, ditzy, gave-up-on-her-dreams narrator (I'm deliberately not saying "heroine"); a New Age roommate; a high-achieving, workaholic sister. Characterization is not a highlight. There is a dominant focus on finding "the One" and soulmate which was too much for me. One further complaint: her American characters kept offering up British slang. I shouldn't be surprised, since they all sounded the same, but still - that's lazy writing. Bottom line: an uninspired jaunt into what could have been a reasonably novel plot. I'd like to see what Sophie Kinsella could do.

Note: Goodreads seems to think this has to be the kindle edition, but it was a paper book. It seems it was also published as "You're the One I Don't Want"

[Faith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was such a cliched rom-com. I wanted to finish it before I returned it to the library. Lucy, the proagonist, fulfills all the cliches of this genre and manages to be flat and immature in the process. If you're looking for a contemporary romance to read, there are better ones out there.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy and Nate. Is he the one that got away or the one you cannot wait to get rid of even though you have waited years to see him again. Lucy is a likeable character who is clumsy and loveable. New York and Venice are two perfect locations for this hilarious at many points book. A light read 4.5 stars

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lucy meets Nate in Venice aged 18, she believes that he’s The One and that they’re destined to be together forever. When Lucy and Nate learn of the Bridge of the Sighs and the legend behind it – that everyone who kisses underneath the bridge, at sunset, are destined to be together forever – they go ahead and do as the legend says. Ten years later, Lucy has moved to New York and she and Nate have lost contact until the Legend brings them back together again. Lucy thinks they’re fated to be together and everything’s fine for a while, until the both realise they’ve changed and their relationship goes sour. The Legend, however, keeps bringing them back to each other again, and again, and again. Is Nate ‘The One’ for Lucy and if not, just how is she going to get rid of him?

I’m quite a fan of Alexandra Potter, the way she manages to blend magic with love-able characters makes for a perfect story. It’s true that some of the magical aspects leave me a little bewildered and let down (particularly concerning Who’s That Girl?), but nevertheless I still enjoy her books because they’re always quick and enjoyable reads. I particularly loved the sound of her newest book when I read about it on Amazon a while back so when I received a copy in the post, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in. I had a few books to get through before hand and I knew it wasn’t going to be released until August but I finally managed to find the time to read it – thanks to an electricity cut!

Unlike most chick lit, which seems to start to blend into one another should you read too many in a row, Alexandra Potter’s books are a little bit different due to her magical aspects that have been present in her last four books. The only other chick lit author to insert a bit of magic into her stories is Cecelia Ahern but Alexandra and Cecelia’s writing styles differ wildly so there’s no cross-over or same-ness. The only problem I’ve had thus far with Alexandra’s book is the inability for the magical aspects to fully stick and I’ve found the explanations a bit twee so I was hoping You’re The One That I Don’t Want would fully restore my faith in Alexandra’s magical aspects.

You’re The One That I Don’t Want opens with a prologue set in Venice, when Lucy and Nate first meet, and just before they fulfil the Legend of the Bridge of Sighs. It pulls you right into the story before heading into present day New York where Lucy works for an art gallery. It takes a few pages for Lucy and Nate to be brought back together and they quickly fall back into the relationship they left off 10 years ago. They both soon realise that they’ve changed dramatically since their holiday in Venice and they’re soon fed up with each other and the relationship quickly goes wrong. That’s where the fun starts; as Lucy and Nate try to get away from each other for good, but they keep ending up in the same place, at the same time, driving them both insane. It soon turns into some sort of game as they try to avoid each as best they can and they fail dramatically, with some hilarious consequences.

Lucy, like most of Alexandra’s characters, was a warm and likeable leading lady. She seemed more real than most fictional characters, too, and she’s definitely someone you’d want as a friend. Her clumsiness, instead of being annoying, was endearing and I laughed out loud at the juicer incident. I also quite liked Nate, he and Lucy seemed so sweet together both at the beginning in Venice and when they rekindled their romance at the beginning of the book, but it soon became clear Nate had changed in the 10 year break and he didn’t seem as nice and as his and Lucy’s relationship gets worse, it’s clear to see that both of them were clinging onto a fantasy from 10 years ago. One of my favourite characters, though, was Adam, someone Lucy meets when he crashes her art gallery’s party. He and Lucy seemed so alike and he was a fantastic character. Another favourite character was Robyn, Lucy’s friend and room-mate, she was hilarious and I loved her hippy-ish, bohemian ways. I must also mention Magda, Lucy’s boss, who I loved. Finally we have Lucy’s sister Kate and her husband Jeff. They have their own little sub-plot and although Kate is a bit of an ice-queen when we first meet her, it was nice to see her thaw a little.

You’re The One That I Don’t Want is written in a very easy, chatty style, which works so so well, particularly since the book is told entirely from Lucy’s point of view. It must be such a difficult writing style to pull off but Alexandra appears to do it with apparent ease. The book was a bit slow in some parts, and predictable in others, but it was a fun way to spend my Sunday afternoon. I enjoyed the ways in which Lucy and Nate tried to get away from each other, and I liked how everyone else pitched in to try and help Lucy in her quest. But what really made the book for me was the fact the magical aspect made a lot of sense. I have no idea if the Bridge of Sighs legend actually exists, and I don’t want to Google it for fear of disappointment, but I liked the legend itself, probably because it was such a romantic kind of legend (not that it turned out that way for Lucy). I definitely recommend the book, it’s the perfect way to whittle away a day or so!

[Knjigožderka · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nisu za mene ovakve '' bajke''.

[Shxrxn · Rating 2 out of 5]

See, we can never be apart now. Wherever you go, I go.
- Nathaniel
'If you want to be together, you can always be together.'
- Nathaniel
I'd say the chances of marrying him are less than zero. But that's OK. I'm perfectly fine with it. That's just the way things are, and that's cool.
- Lucy
OK, I confess. I Googled him once. Maybe twice. Oh, all right, so I've lost count over the years. But so what? Who hasn't gone home and Googled a man they're in love with? Hang on - did I just say the L word?
- Lucy
Everyone dreams of finding their soulmate. It's a universal quest. All over the world millions of people are looking for their true love, their amore their ame soeur, that one special person with whom they will spend the rest of their life. And I'm no different. Except it doesn't happen for everyone. Some people spend their whole life looking and never find that person. It's the luck of the draw.
- Lucy
If, by some miracle, you're lucky enough to meet the One, whatever you do, don't let them go. Because you don't get another shot at it.
- Lucy
Soulmates aren't like buses; there's not going to be another one along in a minute. That's why they're called 'the One'.
- Lucy
Consequently, my dreams of being an artist ended up just that. Dreams.
- Lucy
Well, recently I've had this feeling. As if there's something missing. As if I'm waiting for my life to begin. Waiting for something to happen.
- Lucy
When it comes to love, I just have to put my faith and trust in the power of the universe.
- Robyn
Big bags might look fashionable, but in reality you just end up carrying around a load of junk.
- Lucy
Now I know what people mean when they talk about electricity between two people. It's as if someone has just plugged me straight into the mains. I feel alive. As if I spent the first nineteen years of my life asleep and it was only when I met Nate that I finally woke up.
- Lucy
Why did he just pop into my head? What's he got to do with anything?
- Lucy
A break-up is one thing, but heartbreak is another.
- Robyn
If only men were like New York taxi-cabs and had a light that they can switch on when they're interested and off when they're not available. Then you'd know exactly where you were and you wouldn't have to worry about getting it wrong and being horribly embarrassed.
- Lucy
Fate likes to portray itself as a genial character, a helpful soul, a guardian angel who will be there for you to lean on when the going gets tough. Don't know what to do? Leave it up to Fate to decide. Life in a mess? Let Fate sort it out - he knows best. Single and heartbroken? Fate's got something wonderful in store for you.
- Lucy
Forget men, I want to marry my MacBook. It’s dependable, reliable and you can even go shopping with it.
- Lucy
Too many people miss out on real love because they're too busy waiting for the ONE to show up
- Lucy

[Limau Nipis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Refreshing indeed. The heroine, Lucy is independent - even though she has some issues about finding her 'The One' back. And she is so lovable (compared to some other chick lit authors who made their heroine a shopaholic and seems never grows up!). Lucy is Lucy, with her quirky characters and had a wonderful housemate in the name of Robyn.

And Kate, her sister is not a bitch. I like the sister relationship. Kate is workaholic but has a wonderful husband, who is totally brother in law material to Lucy. Kate never cracks up, but she love Lucy to bits.

Lucy, apparently, has been harboring her secret love to Nate for ten years. Love lost and found. And it turns out that Nate is actually not 'The One' (who wants to date a guy with pineapple prints on his boxer?). Everything seems bad luck after she breaks up with Nate.. yowww! So after trying to flirt with Adam, even the universe says she should be with Nate who is totally a jerk.

Nice to read on how Lucy tries to break the spell :). And I find Alexandra Potter's writings wonderful.

[Nina Draganova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Въпреки,че скоростта на авторката е малко по-забавена в сравнение с всичко онова , което прочетох в последните години , ми е приятно да си припомня нейните книги.
Оказа се , че най-важните събития не съм забравила, само някои детайли.
Непоправима романтичка , подправила с щипка магия всеки свой роман.
Разбира се и този не прави изключение.
Понякога се прокрадва и опит за здрав разум , под формата на качества ,които трябва да притежава мъжа с главно М .

"Трите най-добри качества на един мъж са: кредитна карта, часовник, обувки!
Точка първа — „Кредитни карти“. Никога „Виза“ или „Мастъркард“!— Само „Американ Експрес“! Но никога зелена! Само черна! — Черната няма никакъв кредитен лимит!
— Точка втора — „Часовник“. — „Ролекс“ или „Картие“, и двете марки стават.
— Ами „Суоч“? — „Суоч“ при часовниците е равносилен на квартира на четвъртия етаж .
Точка трета — „Обувки“. Обувките трябва да бъдат с ръчен шев, кожени и итал��ански!"

Мечтателка.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Every now and then I make myself read a book from outside of my 'reading bubble'. Every now and then I find something surprising and wonderful. This book is not one of these.
A romantic comedy with a touch of magic? I was half sold, considering that it was a no risk library book. Hey, some reviewers even called it magic realism! (baby you have no idea what that is. But I digress). A romantic love guaranteed to last for life thanks to a magical spell in Venice. So the young lovers drift apart... meet again 10 years down the road and bang! love good as new. I read and read with less and less enthusiasm... stereotypical characters, predictable plot, and then comes a scene that is supposed to be funny and sure, yep, it is... for about half a page. Only the scene goes on, and on, and on... like John Galt's speech. So I gave up. That was about 1/3 into the book. Don't know how it ends and I don't care.

[Rita Laranjeira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um livro sobre um jovem casal apaixonado que quer ficar junto para sempre. Até que cada um vai para o seu país de origem e a distância torna tudo demasiado difícil.
Um livro sobre uma mulher e um homem que, passados 10 anos, se redescobrem e retomam o seu amor... ou talvez não seja bem assim...
Um livro sobre uma mulher que tem receio de tornar o seu sonho de trabalho realidade, já que o sonho do amor ela vai fazendo o que pode para o concretizar.

Este livro tem uma base que poderia fazê-lo ser divertido... mas comigo não funcionou. É repetitivo na forma como as peripécias fazem duas pessoas continuarem a cruzar-se.
Agora gostei de ler sobre uma mulher que luta pelo que quer, quando sabe o que quer.

[Maria Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Li algures que este era dos piores livros que a autora já tinha escrito… então mal posso esperar por ler os próximos! Foi o primeiro que li da autora e ri-me da primeira à última página. Que criatividade e que comédia!

[Krissy Ko · Rating 2 out of 5]

Das Buch war ganz nett geschrieben. Dir Story selber war machnchmal etwas schleppend und das Ende wirkte dann etwas überzogen und sehr komisch. Ich mag die Storues von Alexandra potter sehr aber diese Buch hat mich bei weiten nicht so mitgenommen wie andere Bücher von ihr.

[Um Rapaz Que Lê · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Estrelas!!

Gostei imenso deste livro da Alexandra Potter. É muito divertido, cómico e original!

[Alicia Nobilo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was ok but a bit repetitive in places and I wasn't really that sold on the characters. Not one of Alexandra's best.

[Inês · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

Uma comédia romântica é um género que me deixa sempre um bocadinho de pé atrás porque tenho sempre receio de não achar assim tão engraçado como devia. Mas este livro foi sem dúvida engraçado. Não um exagero, o necessário.

Achei o início um bocadinho chato, mais por causa de umas personagens principais, mas rapidamente a leitura ganhou ritmo.

Uma leitura leve e divertida para passar uma tarde.

No final até achei a história engraçada (acho que estou a dizer engraçado muitas vezes). Mas até para mim, que lê imensos livros de ficção, achei este livro demasiado irrealista!! Mas adivinhem… foi engraçado 😆

[Tania Martins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance meio estapafúrdio, uma lenda sobre a Ponte dos Suspiros em Veneza, um amor da juventude nunca esquecido, mundo da arte e das galerias. Tudo premissas interessantes mas que acabaram por não vingar, demasiado confuso, o regresso do amor do passado, a amiga esotérica, a irmã workaholic, a patroa completamente louca com o seu cão, amores e desamores mas tudo escrito de forma muito atabalhoada!

[Sarah Dane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a nice story, it makes you wonder and reflect after reading. However, I can't imagine the characters since they're not described in details.


Catching lines

“That life can change in the blink of any eye. All you have is right now. So don’t ever put off telling someone how you feel about them, don’t assume that they know, because they might not and it might be too late.”

“The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire.”

“And yet you can spend a lifetime with someone and still be a stranger to them, but on the flipside you can meet someone briefly who can see inside your soul. Can you measure love by time? By anything? Or is it something inexplicable that has no rhyme or reason, no scientific explanation. Something that just happens. Like magic.”

“Soulmates are like buses; there’s not going to be another one along in a minute. that’s why they’re called “the ONE”.”


"See, we can never be apart now. Wherever you go, I go.
- Nathaniel
'If you want to be together, you can always be together.'
- Nathaniel
I'd say the chances of marrying him are less than zero. But that's OK. I'm perfectly fine with it. That's just the way things are, and that's cool.
- Lucy
OK, I confess. I Googled him once. Maybe twice. Oh, all right, so I've lost count over the years. But so what? Who hasn't gone home and Googled a man they're in love with? Hang on - did I just say the L word?
- Lucy
Everyone dreams of finding their soulmate. It's a universal quest. All over the world millions of people are looking for their true love, their amore their ame soeur, that one special person with whom they will spend the rest of their life. And I'm no different. Except it doesn't happen for everyone. Some people spend their whole life looking and never find that person. It's the luck of the draw.
- Lucy
If, by some miracle, you're lucky enough to meet the One, whatever you do, don't let them go. Because you don't get another shot at it.
- Lucy
Soulmates aren't like buses; there's not going to be another one along in a minute. That's why they're called 'the One'.
- Lucy
Consequently, my dreams of being an artist ended up just that. Dreams.
- Lucy
Well, recently I've had this feeling. As if there's something missing. As if I'm waiting for my life to begin. Waiting for something to happen.
- Lucy
When it comes to love, I just have to put my faith and trust in the power of the universe.
- Robyn
Big bags might look fashionable, but in reality you just end up carrying around a load of junk.
- Lucy
Now I know what people mean when they talk about electricity between two people. It's as if someone has just plugged me straight into the mains. I feel alive. As if I spent the first nineteen years of my life asleep and it was only when I met Nate that I finally woke up.
- Lucy
Why did he just pop into my head? What's he got to do with anything?
- Lucy
A break-up is one thing, but heartbreak is another.
- Robyn
If only men were like New York taxi-cabs and had a light that they can switch on when they're interested and off when they're not available. Then you'd know exactly where you were and you wouldn't have to worry about getting it wrong and being horribly embarrassed.
- Lucy
Fate likes to portray itself as a genial character, a helpful soul, a guardian angel who will be there for you to lean on when the going gets tough. Don't know what to do? Leave it up to Fate to decide. Life in a mess? Let Fate sort it out - he knows best. Single and heartbroken? Fate's got something wonderful in store for you.
- Lucy
Forget men, I want to marry my MacBook. It’s dependable, reliable and you can even go shopping with it.
- Lucy
Too many people miss out on real love because they're too busy waiting for the ONE to show up
- Lucy"

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

When 18-year-old British girl Lucy Hemmingway met American boy Nathaniel Kennedy when they were in Venice, Italy, it was as if they were being hit by Cupid's arrow. Perhaps they are young, or perhaps they got carried away by the romantic atmosphere that they kissed under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset with the church bells ringing. And according to the legend, any couple who did that will be tied to each other for eternity.

However ten years later, they had went on separate ways and Lucy is now working in an art gallery in New York since her paintings have gotten her to nowhere in London, despite that she still has a passion for them. Just when she thought she had forgotten about Nate, she stumbled upon him and she brushed off their encounter as merely a coincidence. But it seems more like fate when they start to bump into each other, again and again until Lucy began to wonder if the legend is indeed true.

Lucy decided to give their relationship another chance, since Nate is separated with his wife, Beth and perhaps she thinks he is indeed The One after all this time. But as the time goes by, Lucy did not think their relationship is as wonderful as they were back in Venice, and to complicate things, Lucy thinks she has fallen in love with another man called Adam. Perhaps it is cursed by the legend, but Lucy finds it is hard to not bump into Nate wherever she goes, and vice versa. It is certainly hard to explain when things simply turned out to be that way, no matter how much they hated it.

I have not read a romantic comedy for a while, so this is one reason why I find this book so enjoyable and refreshing besides the fact that I had read one of Alexandra Potter's earlier releases and loving it. Alexandra Potter has a way with the plots and that is not all, she also makes her characters seem likeable. You would have thought my favourite characters are Lucy and Nate don't you, after all they are the protagonists but I have to say it is actually Lucy's employer, Magda and Lucy's friend, Robyn who have made this story so much more interesting and entertaining. Their dialogues are witty most of the times and it is always interesting to hear their side of their stories, from topics such as the laws of attraction in the universe (that's Robyn talking) right down to matchmaking and making meatballs (and that's Magda). While I find Robyn's opinion of believing in stars and fate to be romantic, I think one shouldn't take those too seriously and to be more open and observant to the people surrounding you because your true love might be hidden out there.

All in all, I had fun reading this book! So who did Lucy end up with? I wish I can tell you the answer but as you already know, I won't so you will have to read it and find out yourself.