Book Review
The One I'm With by J. Lynn Rowan
Book 3: A Sweet Somethings Series
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Publication Date: October 12, 2016
Format: eBook - 164 pages
Kindle - 1147 KB
ASIN: B01LX1DXSL
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book:
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Buy The Series: A Sweet Somethings Series
Book 1: Better Than Chocolate
Book 2: When In Rome
Book 3: The One I'm With
Amazon
Goodreads
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book blast event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Book Description:
Interior designer Marissa O’Brien has sworn off long-term relationships, instead protecting herself from a broken heart by following a specific set of rules when it comes to her many flirtations and first dates. She’s content to just have fun in the world of romance, but all her rules fly out the window when she grabs the attention of a sexy, international stranger during her weekly Girls’ Night Out.
Josh Mattingly has spent the last two years trying to turn over a new leaf, focusing on his role in the family corporation and erasing his womanizing reputation. In Asheville, North Carolina, on business, the last thing he’d planned on was getting involved with a local girl. But one encounter with Marissa has him hooked. He soon falls hard for the designer, and now he’s terrified to reveal his romantic past for fear she’ll bolt.
Marissa recognizes a playboy when she sees one and tries to keep her attraction to Josh under wraps–until they share a passionate kiss that leaves both of them singed. Still, she knows their love affair has an expiration date, and everything is destined to end once Josh finishes his business in Asheville. Now, along with showing his family that he’s left his old habits behind, Josh has a new challenge–proving to Marissa that she can trust him with her heart.
Book Excerpt:
After I climb up the three brick steps, I pause and face
him. “Listen, Josh . . .”
Thankfully, my words halt him at the bottom of the steps. He
hooks his thumbs into his jeans pockets and tips his head to one side,
smirking. “Uh, oh. That doesn’t usually precede something a guy wants to hear
after a first date.”
“Oh, no. I wasn’t going to say . . . Let me start over.”
Closing my eyes, I draw a huge breath. Then I release it slowly, willing my
skittishness to go with it, and look at him again. “People who know me—or at
least know of me—will tell you I date. A lot. My friends will even tell you
that, and they give me shit about it all the time.”
“There’s nothing wrong with dating a lot,” he says, frowning
a little.
“No, of course not. But to most people, it seems like I,
well . . .” I pause, thinking how to phrase things. “I don’t exactly have a
reputation, if you know what I mean. But I haven’t dated anyone seriously in a
really long time.”
A perplexed line forms between his brows. “How long are we
talking?”
“Three years.”
He lets out a soft whistle.
“But like I said, I’ve dated. Nothing long term. Four or
five dates at most. I just— I have my reasons.”
Josh gazes at me for a few seconds, then climbs up the first
two steps to my porch. The move brings him within six inches and manages to
knock the air out of me without him even touching me. We aren’t quite at eye
level, but it’s close. He’s still taller.
“So we’ll take it slow,” he murmurs. “You decide when and
where. We get to know each other. We have fun. And if we get past four or five
dates . . .”
I don’t think I’ve breathed in the last sixty seconds. My
head spins. “Then what?”
“Then . . .” He leans forward until his smooth-shaven cheek
brushes mine, his lips drifting close to my ear. Sparks fly across my skin as
his breath tickles my neck. “Let’s just say it’ll be a nice change of pace for
both of us.”
How can a whisper feel like an intimate caress?
A series of twitches flicker down my arms as the impulse to
grab ahold of him and steal a kiss races through my muscles. But before I do
anything, he backs down the steps, a look of satisfaction on his face.
Neither of us says anything else as he returns to his car,
climbs in, and drives away with a quick triple-beep of the horn.
I can’t move until his taillights disappear from the end of
my driveway.
My Book Review:
If you are looking for a delightful romantic story set in the picturesque Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountain regions of Asheville, North Carolina, then look no further, The One I'm With is the book for you!
The One I'm With is a thoroughly entertaining romantic tale that will easily keep the reader turning the pages. The story is told in the first person narrative by sassy Marissa O'Brien, an Asheville based interior decorator, who has been solely focused on her career since her heart was broken three years ago. That is until she meets visiting corporate businessman Josh Mattingly, who is determined to break down her emotional walls, make her take a chance on love, and win her heart.
I really enjoyed following Marissa and Josh's story. I couldn't help but enjoy watching the chemistry that developed between them, especially when Josh accepts Marissa's intriguing cat and mouse challenges, because he is determined to win her love. And even when Marissa and Josh's pasts comes back to haunt them, I couldn't help but cheer them on as they fought to overcome the obstacles that stood in their way to getting a lifetime partnership in love.
The One I'm With is a fast paced and fun novella that has engaging characters, humorous interactions and witty dialogue, flashbacks to the past and secrets that come to the surface, drama, suspense, and a sweet romance. The author provides the reader with a rich description of the beautiful setting of Asheville, North Carolina, that will make them long to visit the sights and sounds of this picturesque mountain town for themselves. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved the fun relationship between Marissa and her best friends Caitlin, Ava, and Mel. Their crazy antics and sassy humor easily kept me in stitches, and left me wanting more, so give these girls their own stories!
The One I'm With is an enjoyable and lighthearted romance story that will leave a smile on your face.
The One I'm With is the third book in the Sweet Somethings series, and can be a stand alone read.
RATING: 5 STARS
About The Author
J. Lynn Rowan started writing stories as a small child, usually starring her favorite cartoon characters. Most of her work through middle and high school was filled with typical teenage angst and melodrama, and usually mirrored the books she loved to read. But eventually she found her own author’s voice and decided to seriously pursue a writing career.
Historical fiction remains J. Lynn’s “first love”, but she has enjoyed the journey to becoming an author of romance and chick lit. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Central New York Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. She is also a teacher who tries to instill a love of learning, reading, and writing in her students.
When she’s not writing, J. Lynn enjoys travelling, gardening poorly but enthusiastically, studying various topics in American history for her own expertise, and channeling Julia Child every time she steps into the kitchen.
A native of Oswego, NY, she now lives in Charlotte, NC, with her own Romantic Hero of a husband and the most adorable toddler on the planet.
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Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hosting me today, and for the wonderful review! :)
ReplyDeleteHi J. Lynn! Thank you for the opportunity to host your book blast event. I love reading the books from this series, keep em coming! :)
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