Limecello’s review of The One I Want by Nancy Warren
Contemporary Romance released by Brava 1 May 08
When I found out this was Chloe’s story, Jack’s little sister from Union Jack in the anthology British Bad Boys, also by Ms Warren, I had to read it. I didn’t particularly like Chloe, but I loved Jack, and when I found out the story is set in Austin, Texas, I was sold. And you know what? It’s a good thing. This is the best book I’ve read in a while.
You start reading, and wonder why you like Chloe. She’s spoiled, shallow, has no concept of the difficulties of life – other than frivolously ending engagements days before the wedding is supposed to take place-and has Daddy clean up all her messes. In short, she’s everything you dislike about the privileged. BUT! You do like her! She’s so matter of fact, and out there, that you can’t help but be amused. Chloe’s incredibly personable. She’s a bit spoiled, but so charming about it you let it go – especially because she’s dropped by her family, and lands on her feet. What also helps is that Chloe doesn’t have an overblown sense of entitlement. Rather, she simply hasn’t found her place in the world, and has no niche. She’s flighty and has a short attention span, because everything she’s chosen to do, or been forced to do, holds no interest for her.
Matthew Tanner, isn’t your typical hero. For one, he already has a girlfriend when we meet him and it’s not Chloe. He’s a relatively steady character, but that’s probably because he’s a perfect hero – extremely hot, established, good sense of humor, heroic, and responsible. I love that Matthew knows what he wants, and goes for it. He’s not overbearing, and knows when to back off, but he gets the job done.
I thought the idea of a break-up service was very unique – and to be honest, a good idea. I know some people I’d refer to it. However, one issue I have with the book is that the romance between Chloe and Tanner seems almost secondary.
Now the secondary characters, however, all five or six of them, are terrific. Rafe and Stephanie were some of my favorite characters in any Warren book, and I wish they could have their own. Alas, their story is over. Still, even with the larger than life supporting cast, Chloe and Matthew stand out.
I don’t know what it is about this book – it wasn’t really hyped. I didn’t go mad for it, but I actively tried to poke holes in it, and couldn’t. That’s impressive. I tend to like Nancy Warren’s books, especially her Brava releases, and this is one of her best. I not only recommend you read this book, I suggest you read her anthology British Bad Boys as well. Yup – it was that good.
Grade: A-
Summary:
Lucky for Chloe Flynt, everyone knows it’s harder to get out of a bad relationship than it is to get in one. But when it comes to hot, steamy, long-lasting passion, even Chloe is at a loss-until this British playgirl comes face to face with a true-blue Texas cowboy who tempts her to toss away her commitment phobic habits one and for all for a walk down the aisle…
Falling in love is much harder than breaking up…
With three broken engagements under her oh, so fashionable belt, it’s high time London party girl Chloe Flynt gets a job. Unfortunately, Chloe isn’t exactly qualified for anything, except dumping a Mr. Wrong or two (or three!) with a little dignity. Realizing she needs a new beginning, she lands in Austin, Texas and opens a company breaking up bad relationships.
Too bad Chloe’s tall, tough-talking and take-charge landlord, Matthew Tanner, isn’t interested in her expertise. Because anyone can see that his girlfriend is clearly all wrong for him. Not that Chloe cares. She and Matthew have nothing in common-other than mind-blowing attraction, that is. But when his girlfriend requests Chloe’s services, all hell breaks loose. If there’s one thing Chloe knows for sure, it’s that just because she’s good at breaking up bad relationships doesn’t mean she has a talent for putting together good ones. Maybe it’s finally time she gives it a try…
Read an excerpt here.
