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pause_theframe's review against another edition
5.0
Daws has done it again! With each book she adds to her London-based series, she makes me fall more in love with the London Lovers crew. She has a way of creating an entire world in each book. Each book is so real and involving that I cannot help but get completely addicted, trying to read through to the morning.
This book took a deeper look into some of our favourites from the original clan. I love that we started with a couple and, through the series, we have met more of their friends and gotten to know their lives. Yet, we can still pick up each book and read, without having met them previously, and we get to know them completely.
It was great that we went deeper into the lives we did, in this book, but I love that the author still uses the book to keep us up to date on our crew. The romance, angst and passion that she put into the story created something unforgettable.
I must say, with each book Daws writes, her reads just get better and better. I highly recommend checking out this book and all of her books.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
This book took a deeper look into some of our favourites from the original clan. I love that we started with a couple and, through the series, we have met more of their friends and gotten to know their lives. Yet, we can still pick up each book and read, without having met them previously, and we get to know them completely.
It was great that we went deeper into the lives we did, in this book, but I love that the author still uses the book to keep us up to date on our crew. The romance, angst and passion that she put into the story created something unforgettable.
I must say, with each book Daws writes, her reads just get better and better. I highly recommend checking out this book and all of her books.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
sonja_ahrb's review against another edition
5.0
I've been craving a nice, emotional read lately. The synopsis for Not the One certainly intrigued me. I need angst in my books. The scenes that make my heart flutter and the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
I was so emotionally invested in these characters. I sat here and devoured page by page, letting the words sink in. This book was so damn good. The heroine was tough yet vulnerable and very well rounded. I loved her. I hated her. I wanted to shake her in frustration.
I'm officially a fan of Amy Daws. I'll be looking for more of her books in the future. Not the One was "The One" that pulled me out of a massive book funk. Totally awesome.
~ Lia, 4.5 Stars
I was so emotionally invested in these characters. I sat here and devoured page by page, letting the words sink in. This book was so damn good. The heroine was tough yet vulnerable and very well rounded. I loved her. I hated her. I wanted to shake her in frustration.
I'm officially a fan of Amy Daws. I'll be looking for more of her books in the future. Not the One was "The One" that pulled me out of a massive book funk. Totally awesome.
~ Lia, 4.5 Stars
kaitlin_durante's review against another edition
3.0
I'm sad to say this one wasn't my favorite.
I just didn't connect with Rey and Liam.
I just didn't connect with Rey and Liam.
lauraew333's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to the author, Amy Daws, for gifting me with a copy of Not the One in exchange for an honest review!
I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the romance to the mental issues that characters had to work through to just regular life drama. Let's start with the romance.
The romance is pretty central to this book. The book displays perfectly what a good relationship and what a not-so-good relationship look like side by side (Reyna and Liam vs. Reyna and Hayden). What I love about the romance the most is that fact that the author kept it from developing into a love triangle. While it could be seen that way at one point in the middle of the book, I beg to differ. At that point, Reyna is trying to find herself and fix what she thinks is broken. She knows that her relationship with Hayden is toxic but she's not ready to love herself quite yet. Which leads us to our next topic.
The main theme and meat of this book is the journey of the mind and expectations of yourself. Reyna was born a preemie quadruplet and she was the only one to survive. Her father also died when she was very young and consequently, led her mother to 'smother' Reyna. Reyna then does everything she possibly can to show her mother she isn't perfect, which, obviously, goes south really fast. I really liked how Reyna recognized what was wrong and took steps to fix it before it was too late. The ending was so wonderful and I wouldn't have it any other way. One comment I do have about Reyna's issues with herself: at times I was completely fed up with her. Her desire to be as far from perfect as possible was reiterated again and again and again and it felt like she was completely mental. Which could have been the point although it did get a bit annoying after a while.
Between the dramatic and dark scenes, there is everyday life. What I really like about this series is that you don't necessarily have to read them in order. Yes, it helps you understand the backstory of other characters and what was going on with them (all of the books take place in relatively the same time period) but it isn't entirely necessary. Frank and all of our other favorite characters from the other books (but especially Frank) make an appearance in this book. Have I mentioned how much I love Frank? He adds the perfect light contrast to buoy the book and keep it from dragging itself down in a dark spiral.
The Final Verdict:
This book is dark and gritty while still having it's light moments. I loved how the romance was developed as well as the main themes. However, Reyna's mantra of 'don't be perfect' left me exasperated at times.
4.5 stars
Quotes:
"'Hullo?' Alden's voice croaks through the phone line.
'Hi, is this Mr. Darkby?' I ask politely.
'Yes, bloody hell,' the phone muffles as I hear Liam's dad shout, 'Bertha... it's a bloody telemarketer from America again. Probably selling something. Should I tell them to get stuffed?'
'Alden!' I shout into the phone as I hear it muffle again."
"'I hate your tattoos. All of them,' she blurts. 'Even the black roses. I think they are dark and twisty and look like something Marilyn Manson would have.'
She covers her mouth in shock at her emotional outburst. My jaw drops and before I know it, we're both laughing and staring incredulously at each other. She pauses to wipe laughter tears from her eyes and I reach over and grab a tissue, handing it to her. I've never seen my mother laugh like this before.
'That was definitely something real,' I laugh and look over to Miguel for approval."
I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the romance to the mental issues that characters had to work through to just regular life drama. Let's start with the romance.
The romance is pretty central to this book. The book displays perfectly what a good relationship and what a not-so-good relationship look like side by side (Reyna and Liam vs. Reyna and Hayden). What I love about the romance the most is that fact that the author kept it from developing into a love triangle. While it could be seen that way at one point in the middle of the book, I beg to differ. At that point, Reyna is trying to find herself and fix what she thinks is broken. She knows that her relationship with Hayden is toxic but she's not ready to love herself quite yet. Which leads us to our next topic.
The main theme and meat of this book is the journey of the mind and expectations of yourself. Reyna was born a preemie quadruplet and she was the only one to survive. Her father also died when she was very young and consequently, led her mother to 'smother' Reyna. Reyna then does everything she possibly can to show her mother she isn't perfect, which, obviously, goes south really fast. I really liked how Reyna recognized what was wrong and took steps to fix it before it was too late. The ending was so wonderful and I wouldn't have it any other way. One comment I do have about Reyna's issues with herself: at times I was completely fed up with her. Her desire to be as far from perfect as possible was reiterated again and again and again and it felt like she was completely mental. Which could have been the point although it did get a bit annoying after a while.
Between the dramatic and dark scenes, there is everyday life. What I really like about this series is that you don't necessarily have to read them in order. Yes, it helps you understand the backstory of other characters and what was going on with them (all of the books take place in relatively the same time period) but it isn't entirely necessary. Frank and all of our other favorite characters from the other books (but especially Frank) make an appearance in this book. Have I mentioned how much I love Frank? He adds the perfect light contrast to buoy the book and keep it from dragging itself down in a dark spiral.
The Final Verdict:
This book is dark and gritty while still having it's light moments. I loved how the romance was developed as well as the main themes. However, Reyna's mantra of 'don't be perfect' left me exasperated at times.
4.5 stars
Quotes:
"'Hullo?' Alden's voice croaks through the phone line.
'Hi, is this Mr. Darkby?' I ask politely.
'Yes, bloody hell,' the phone muffles as I hear Liam's dad shout, 'Bertha... it's a bloody telemarketer from America again. Probably selling something. Should I tell them to get stuffed?'
'Alden!' I shout into the phone as I hear it muffle again."
"'I hate your tattoos. All of them,' she blurts. 'Even the black roses. I think they are dark and twisty and look like something Marilyn Manson would have.'
She covers her mouth in shock at her emotional outburst. My jaw drops and before I know it, we're both laughing and staring incredulously at each other. She pauses to wipe laughter tears from her eyes and I reach over and grab a tissue, handing it to her. I've never seen my mother laugh like this before.
'That was definitely something real,' I laugh and look over to Miguel for approval."
yeriwithaj_'s review against another edition
4.0
There's so much I want to say about this book. So, many things that right now I can't seem to put into words. So, I'll say this: This story was deep. It was awkward in certain parts. Sweet or disastrous in others but entirely deep. Kinda like the bottom of the ocean. The way you see yourself isn't always how the world sees you. In order to love you must first begin by loving yourself.
F.irst
L.ove
Y.ourself
F.irst
L.ove
Y.ourself
ruby7moon31's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
whatcha_listening_to's review against another edition
4.0
4 Searching Stars
This was a pretty intense book, emotional, and a little heart breaking too.
So much loss it’s hard to see the light with how much Reyna has to go through. I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say we have familial loss and friend loss and then a lot of self-destruction.
But it’s also a story of hop and finding yourself through the darkness. Maybe even a little self-discovery and know when something is bad for you when to let go. And when to fight, for what you truly want.
Some of the time I didn’t really like Reyna I kind of wanted to shake her and be like it’s not all about you!! Can’t you see what you’re doing or what is happening around you!!
I loved Hayden her best friend, you can’t help but feel for the guy and understand why he does the things he does.
Liam I kind of wanted to punch in the face too esp. near the endish.. I mean dude… DUDE!!
But I guess that kind of what makes a good book right when you want to shake and hug and punch the characters and you still want to finish the book?? So over all I enjoyed this book and I am ready to dive in to book 2.
*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
This was a pretty intense book, emotional, and a little heart breaking too.
So much loss it’s hard to see the light with how much Reyna has to go through. I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say we have familial loss and friend loss and then a lot of self-destruction.
But it’s also a story of hop and finding yourself through the darkness. Maybe even a little self-discovery and know when something is bad for you when to let go. And when to fight, for what you truly want.
Some of the time I didn’t really like Reyna I kind of wanted to shake her and be like it’s not all about you!! Can’t you see what you’re doing or what is happening around you!!
I loved Hayden her best friend, you can’t help but feel for the guy and understand why he does the things he does.
Liam I kind of wanted to punch in the face too esp. near the endish.. I mean dude… DUDE!!
But I guess that kind of what makes a good book right when you want to shake and hug and punch the characters and you still want to finish the book?? So over all I enjoyed this book and I am ready to dive in to book 2.
*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
bookaddict1975's review
4.0
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
2nd Listen
I listened to all the Harris Brothers books last week and decided to listen to the London Lovers series when I was done. When I got to this book I was surprised to see I had already listened to it 2 years ago. I didn't remember it at all and have no idea why I would listen to only book 4 and I almost didn't re-listen after reading my original review, I thought why listen again if I didn't love it the 1st time but in the end I decided to give it a new shot now that I had the back story on all these characters and let me tell you, It made all the difference! Having the character backgrounds, this book was so different for me. I felt so much more for Reyna & Liam and was so happy to see them find their way to each other. And Hayden.... seriously I never imagined Hayden this way when I listened to Harris Brothers, I couldn't have imagined him being this damaged in the past and I am seriously looking forward to Vi & Hayden's book more than ever now!
***Audio Review 3/22/2016***
I had a hard time rating this book. I enjoyed the writing style and the story line but I did have a few issues with this book. The characters for one were very hard to connect with for me. Reyna was way to much a drama queen for me. I get that she knew loss but it felt like an excuse to be damaged too me (especially the whole sisters thing). She was a love tornado, taking down every man in her wake and turning a blind eye to their feelings claiming no one could love her. Her now best friend Hayden is an alcoholic with issues stemming from his sisters death. They are a terrible pair, they fed into each others problems and she is blind to all the issues their friendship creates for him especially. Liam is her "dead best friends fiancé", she has a history with him and she runs, crushing him when he needs her most. I loved his character even though he dealt with way more crap then I would have. In the end I love that all of these characters found their way and grew. Even though I had things I didn't like, this book did exactly what a book should, it sucked me in from page one and I didn't stop until it was over. The story line, the writing, the narration and the great cover is why I gave it 4 stars.
The narration was good. At first I didn't think I'd enjoy the accents but I got used to them very quickly.
2nd Listen
I listened to all the Harris Brothers books last week and decided to listen to the London Lovers series when I was done. When I got to this book I was surprised to see I had already listened to it 2 years ago. I didn't remember it at all and have no idea why I would listen to only book 4 and I almost didn't re-listen after reading my original review, I thought why listen again if I didn't love it the 1st time but in the end I decided to give it a new shot now that I had the back story on all these characters and let me tell you, It made all the difference! Having the character backgrounds, this book was so different for me. I felt so much more for Reyna & Liam and was so happy to see them find their way to each other. And Hayden.... seriously I never imagined Hayden this way when I listened to Harris Brothers, I couldn't have imagined him being this damaged in the past and I am seriously looking forward to Vi & Hayden's book more than ever now!
***Audio Review 3/22/2016***
I had a hard time rating this book. I enjoyed the writing style and the story line but I did have a few issues with this book. The characters for one were very hard to connect with for me. Reyna was way to much a drama queen for me. I get that she knew loss but it felt like an excuse to be damaged too me (especially the whole sisters thing). She was a love tornado, taking down every man in her wake and turning a blind eye to their feelings claiming no one could love her. Her now best friend Hayden is an alcoholic with issues stemming from his sisters death. They are a terrible pair, they fed into each others problems and she is blind to all the issues their friendship creates for him especially. Liam is her "dead best friends fiancé", she has a history with him and she runs, crushing him when he needs her most. I loved his character even though he dealt with way more crap then I would have. In the end I love that all of these characters found their way and grew. Even though I had things I didn't like, this book did exactly what a book should, it sucked me in from page one and I didn't stop until it was over. The story line, the writing, the narration and the great cover is why I gave it 4 stars.
The narration was good. At first I didn't think I'd enjoy the accents but I got used to them very quickly.
lisaluvsliterature's review against another edition
5.0
Maybe 4.5? But so hard to put down I had to bump it up to a 5. Full review to come on Lisa Loves Literature soon.
littlebits84's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75