by Lauren Blakely
Narrator: Zachary Webber, Andi Arndt
Length: 3 hours and 32 minutes
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4
Let's say there was this guy. And he gave you the most mind-blowing night of sex in your life. And you never saw him again.
Until 10 years later.
Now, it turns out he's the only one in all of Manhattan whose restaurant is available for my charity's event. The trouble is, he doesn't recognize me.
This woman I'm working with is so damn alluring. The first time I set eyes on her, I'm captivated and I can't get her out of my mind. Even if it's risky to tango with someone I'm working with, she's a risk I'm willing to take.
The trouble is, she won't give me the time of day.
But I'm determined to change that.
THE ONLY ONE by Lauren Blakely is A One Love Novella and part of 1001 Dark Nights. It delivered a standalone second chance romance. Find out what happens when the man who made you swoon before standing you up ends up catering your fundraising event ten years later. Hot and heartwarmer this tale is slightly different from Blakely’s recent rom coms.
Narrated by Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt THE ONLY ONE begins with a prologue from ten years ago on the night Penny waits in Manhatten for Gabriel. The two met in Barcelona and spent passionate time together. With Gabriel coming to America for a position as a Chef, the two arrange to reunite at a set time and place before she departs. Expect Gabriel never showed, never called and broke Penny’s, heart.
Penny has changed a lot in the last ten years but it hasn’t stopped her from thinking about Gabriel. When her assistant books appointments for her to see caterers for her event to support her Little Friends Animal Rescue she finds Gabriel listed. I enjoyed the build up to the meeting and could imagine calling my BFF in for help if facing an old lover that ended without closure.
When Penny finally works up the nerve she is crushed when he doesn’t recognize her. Gabriel, on the other hand, is convinced she is his long lost love Penelope but the woman before him looks drastic different and isn’t working in the corporate world as she planned. He asks questions, but she denies a connection, He asks her out to dinner and what follows is a quirky, adorkable romance complete with cute puppies, advice from girlfriends and flashbacks.
I enjoyed THE ONLY ONE and Blakely certainly does an excellent job of sharing the past and building the romance. I did, however, miss the humor and development I have previously enjoyed in her full-length stories. I struggled a little with Penny and her handling of their first meeting. When he asked certain things, I felt she was deceptive, but they quickly moved on from that. I thought the reasons for Gabriel missing their meeting ten years ago were valid. Thankfully the romance was low on drama and high on romance. I adored Penny’s pup and the playful descriptions of her.
The narration was delightful. I enjoy the pairing of Webber and Arndt. Zachary Webber’s voice for Gabriel was seductive and made my ears tingle. Both handled the voices of the opposite sex quite well, and their pacing and tone work well together. I would listen to this duo again.
If you are looking for a fun, fast, and hot, listen THE ONLY ONE offers a pleasurable escape.
The Only One by Lauren Blakely narrated by Webber and Arndt offers a quick second chance romance Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Dragonfly
oh a hot hot novella. Perfect for this summer when I want to read but not too much LOL
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it offers a nice quickie *winks*
Dragonfly
haha! you naughty girl! [winks back]
Victoria (aka zEmfIrKa)
Sounds right up my alley. 🙂 Adding it to my list. I’m always looking for good audiobooks. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Victoria!
Geybie's Book Blog
Awesome review, Kim. Your issues are common in novellas. I found them too rushed and missed several important things.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, although some authors can pull it off.
Lorna
I enjoy her books, but the 1001 Dark Nights put me off. These are usually not near as good as a full length book and I always end up feeling a bit cheated by the length. What is dark about the book? 1001 Dark Nights, I dunno.
kimbacaffeinate
This franchise is weird. Although almost 4 hours on audio is a perfect treat.
Kristin
I love this trope but I’m not to keen on the deceiving bit, either. It’s too bad I’ve kind of taken a break from Blakely’s books for a while – it does sound good. And it’s Penny, as in we KNOW her 🙂 Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I understand she was hurt, but as an adult, you ask questions.
Jennifer
I enjoyed this one when I read. I love pretty much anything Blakely writes. Both on audio and reading.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed although I have only listened to her books.
Mary Kirkland
Thanks for the great review. This sounds pretty good.
kimbacaffeinate
This was a lot of fun. Her books always make me laugh and feel good.
Sophia Rose
I was just about to get leery of little things about it from the blurb until I read your review. I love what you’re saying about it. And ‘adorkable’ 2nd chancess do draw my interest. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..they really are 🙂
kindlemom1
Glad you did like this, happy 4th Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Same to you Ali 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Love her, I would get the anthology just for her novella 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This is the only story in this book 🙂
Debbie Haupt
oops sorry the cover looks like an anthology. Thanks Kim
kimbacaffeinate
No worries Debbie. I don’t really understand these 1001 books myself and yes many are anthologies.
Anna
This one sounds like a hoot. Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Anna from elements of emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Anna!
Vanessa
OMG! I love the sound of this one. I’ve read a Lauren Blakely before and so far, I love her writing style. This one added to my TBR.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy it Vanessa
verushka
Second chances romance can be so satisfying!
kimbacaffeinate
I agree and Blakely makes it fun
Nadene
Yay, to second chances. This sounds sweet and cute.
kimbacaffeinate
Her books always offer a fun romance Nadene
Jeann
I love it when books build up the romance over years and yay, the pup sounds adorable!
kimbacaffeinate
This was a lot of fun with cute moments. Thnks Jeann
blodeuedd
I need to try her one day, pretty sure I have a freebie…somehwere
kimbacaffeinate
Her books are fun and always manage to make me smile
Melliane
Oh that’s nice, I hear a lot about these novellas!
kimbacaffeinate
This is the first 1001 I’ve tried.