Now an Amazon top 30 Bestselling Title!Three reasons why rebound s-e-x with my hot neighbor is a very bad idea.1.My life is already complicated enough2.He knows I wear Batman undies (please don’t ask)3.He’s older, sophisticated, and so hot he makes me weak at the kneesI know that’s more than three. But it still didn’t stop me.On paper, we’re the worst kind of match. He’s rich.I’m . . . not. My … paper, we’re the worst kind of match.
He’s rich.
I’m . . . not. My second job is pet sitting!
He says we’re friends.
I say barely, but I do love those benefits . . .
The man rocks my world,
But he’s so not the one.
Which is unfortunate,
Because he is the the one who got me pregnant.
Disclaimer: This is not (just) a story about accidental pregnancy. It’s a story about accidental love.
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I am slowly but surely making my way through this author’s collection and with each book I read of hers, the more I fall in love with her way with words.
(NOT) The One was funny and delicious. The author bought two characters back from her last book and created an awesome, entertaining love story that I could not get enough of. I couldn’t help but fall in love with these two, adding in a steamy, intense, fun plot and I was a goner.
Miranda and James met by chance, and it was not at all what they ever expected… Well, meeting by chance never is… But this one was hilarious… for me and probably James, but not so much for Miranda.
Marinda was driven, quirky, sassy and just all around funny. She hasn’t had the best luck with love and is fresh out of a relationship with her ex-fiance. This lands her working as a pet sitter as well as working her day job to make enough money to move back out of her parents’ home and into her own and that is where she meets James.
James was swoon-worthy, witty, confident, smart and he was delicious in every way possible and I was completely smitten with him. He is a tender and sweet man, yet he still had that alpha feel to him. When he wanted something, he got it… And he would fight for that someone/something until he got it and he wanted Miranda.
James and Miranda met in the funniest way possible. I laughed my head off on how these two met. James found Miranda stuck in her dad’s doggy door. After losing one of the pets’ she was meant to be looking after, she finds herself on a hunt to find it around the neighborhood, add in the fact that she is a little tipsy and you get how she got herself into this embarrassing mess. James found it beyond amusing, and I couldn’t stop laughing myself. This is a unique, funny chance meeting and I honestly haven’t read anything quite like it. I loved it.
James was taken back by this woman, he was smitten and he wanted nothing more than to have her, but she was reluctant as hell and was trying to do everything in her power to change that and prove to him that she wasn’t the one for him.
But even though she fought him at every turn, he wasn’t giving up that easily and she herself couldn’t deny her attraction to the man.
The chemistry between these two was off the charts. Seriously… It was so damn hot and once these two came together and that sexual tension turned into actual sex.. So damn hot! Like kindle melting hot. The author knows how to write a sex scene, that is for sure!
Will Miranda stop being so damn stubborn and see that James could actually BE THE ONE or will she keep trying to push him away?
This book was amazing, but I expected nothing less from Donna. The books I have read of hers already have been outstanding and this one is no exception. Ms. Alam has a way of pulling you fast and keeping your attention all the way through the book. She can write the funniest scene that will have me crying from laughing so hard, and then switch gears and throw me into a scene so thick with angst that I could snap my kindle in half. It’s one of the many reasons why I think I have fallen hard for this author’s books, and she did just that with NOT The One.
I honestly couldn’t get enough. I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
5 Stars!
I love Donna’s books and this in no exception! I love how her characters are witty, snarky, super sexy and Miranda and James have this in spades!! Miranda is pet sitting to supplement her income after leaving her cheating fiance. The last thing she expects is to be stuck in a pet door, with her Batman undies showing, in the house of the super hot neighbor! James is immediately taken with Miranda and their one hot night will be a simple as they thought!! I loved their story as they find their way to what didn’t know they needed….so good!
What an angst filled journey. I was screaming at this pair, well mainly Miranda to open her eyes and see how much James loved her.
Miranda is a little jaded with love, her ex-fiancé cheated on her and her parents own marriage isn’t something she looks up to so when James swoops in, she’s not prepared for the feelings and how he makes her feel.
James, this man will make you swoon so bad. He’s got it all, older, confident, wealthy and will set you on fire.
I love their first meet. Alam sure knows how to write those awkward/funny scenes. I laughed so much when Miranda got caught in the dogs pet door.
The sexual tension and chemistry between this pair is hot! You will need to fan yourself a few times! James is one hot, dirty talking, older man that I want for myself!
Their journey has lots of push and pull, James knows she is the person for him and he just needs to make her believe it. Just when everything is coming together and Miranda realises her true feelings, the unthinkable happens and my heart actually ached, damn you Alam!
This book will keep you turning pages with the humour, the exciting storyline and those real heart melting moments bringing everything together. I loved the cameos from the previous book and I loved having Will back (from Easy)!
Alam is a one-click author for me who’s writing makes me fall in love with all her characters and I look forward to every release.
.
*An ARC received for an honest review*
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 10%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
This book is an age-gap, contemporary romance with a touch of comedy. It is a standalone with a HEA. Their initial encounter was hilarious. It was the most awkward of circumstances that turned a one night stand into a romance. For the most part, I liked this book. It was entertaining and the chemistry was great between the H and h. The characters were great. When I got about 80-85% in, things started happening so quickly, I could hardly keep track of what was going on. It led to some confusion and a feeling of “How did we get here?” The ending felt very rushed and there are some parts that feel like they have gaping holes in the story. Overall not a bad story but didn’t like that the ending was so rushed.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
Miranda is a woman whose trust in men has been shattered when her fiance Cameron sleeps with her best friend. In a drunken stupor, pet sitter by night Miranda follows an escaped cat under her charge into the neighbor’s house and promptly gets stuck in their dog door. This is where hot neighbor James finds her- in a compromising position with only her sharp witt to rely on. Never could she have imagined that James would find her appearance to be a sexy rare gift at the end of a long, dreadful evening. From this moment forward, James is entranced by Miranda and their spirits are teethered together through a series of explosive sexual encounters. Can James figure out a way to get this jilted girl to trust him and open her heart to him? Can she look past their obvious age and socioeconomic differences? This story is one of perseverance, patience and the belief that true love can conquer all.
While “Not the One” is a stand alone novel, I particularly enjoy that many of the books by this author have intertwined storylines so that the reader is able to catch up on characters from previous books who make appearances within this novel: Olivia, Beckett, Heather and “Dr. P”.
This book evokes all the feels! Sadness, despair, laughter, passion, love, frustration, patience, manipulation, denial, anguish, etc. Author Donna Alam knows how to weave a tale that is sure to lead the reader on a never ending ride of conflicting emotions. Toss in the author’s witt and James being the perfect book boyfriend and what we have in “Not the One” is a must read, wildly entertaining, smash hit novel.
4 1/2 stars
An accidental love story that has a huge element of fun, a fantastic mix and works so well.
Miranda Jennings cartoon character undies is just one of the humorous elements in this story. I laughed out loud in many, many scenes due to the hilarious comments, often self directed, and fun banter between the characters. This alone was worth reading the story and a reason for an extra half a star.
James Harrison is older than Miranda but just right for her! He is one swanky, hunky man! His sense of fun and caring attitude are winners, he might have been a workaholic and a bit of a bull terrier professionally but in his personal life he is the one!
Miranda and James are so sexy together, their chemistry is so combustible with their red hot passion. Their growth as a couple is also fun to witness, and yes you really see them with such great detailed descriptions.
This author has a fantastic writing style, the way she words things is often extremely humorous but also so apt, the words literally flow across the page. For example… “…looks as at home here as a Hermès scarf tucked into the back of a pair of dirty overalls.” This is so accurate you can easily visualise the scene. Another reason for the extra half a star.
Being the first book by this author that I have read I am delighted with the story and want to devour all of her other books.
The storyline was wonderfully written, the plot flowed smoothly from page to page and the characters were written with such great detail and depth that Miranda and James kept me totally engaged throughout the entire book!
Miranda thought she’d met the man she would marry until an unforgivable betrayal. Now she’s just trying to get a handle on her life. While working she meets James and the attraction is definitely there for both of them. Janes had a tough day until he met Miranda. Could this be more than attraction?
A Most Deliciously Delightful Storyline
Author, Donna Alam is a gifted writer of romance stories. She gives her characters wonderful, unique witty dialogue and inner voices. In this story Miranda and James, aka Harry meet when she gets stuck in his father’s doggy door. From then on they don’t know what to do with each other except to have sex. That activity, they are very good at. So good Miranda becomes pregnant. James is over ten years older and yet he is more ready for the responsibilities then given credit. Then out of the blue tragedy strikes and all is re-evaluated. But don’t fear, an HEA is waiting.
Once I started reading I had a hard time stopping…so I just kept going with only minimal breaks. I really became attached to Miranda and James and haven’t felt that way in a long time about two characters. Bravo!
I’m wholeheartedly recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and pleasure.
I received this ARC from “Bad Boy Update” for my honest review so I’m leaving this for your consideration. Peace.
Is pet-sitting overrated? Not when it produces this kind of meet-cute!
4 and a half stars
My favorite part of a Donna Alam romance is the humor and this one began with some classic farce involving a doggy door, then punched into full-blown steam and romance. With a sizeable age and social gap and distrust in love thanks to a snake of an ex-fiance and parents who star in their own Way of the Roses, Miranda is stubbornly reluctant to let debonair James in for more than sharing her goodies. She’s also floundering financially, resorting to pet-sitting as a second job for the income and living quarters, but unwilling to accept help that might threaten her hard-fought independence when their energetic fooling around has sobering consequences. What barriers! Yet, despite it all, this pair incinerates the pages as they get together wherever and whenever. Even cats, dogs and a pair of giant rabbit observers don’t phase them! And, in the process, an emotional bond strengthens.
For me, the emotional content, not the ever-present steam, was the heart and winning element of the story. With some critical surprises and twists near the end, I have to say it was all worth the wait.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
(NOT)The One by Donna Alam is the story of Miranda Henry and James “Harry” Harrison.
Miranda is working to get her life back after a break up and trying to move forward. When she is chasing one of the pets from her job it leads her to a embarrassing situation with the hot neighbor James which then leads to so hot times. But just as her life is now this hot encounter has left her with some extra in her life that she has to work through. Harry is Several years older, which I always love a older male lead with a funny young heroine..so this was a story I couldn’t put down. Loved it and hope to read more from this author.
What a great, sexy, fun read! Donna Alam has a gift for weaving compelling stories and this is one of my favorites. James and Miranda are well written, interesting characters. Their paths cross in an unusual way and even though it appears to be a one night stand, neither can get the other off their mind. James finds her again and is determined to find out where this can all go. The book draws you in and is definitely a page turner. I’ve loved everything else I’ve read by Donna and this was no exception. You’ll love this book!!
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Bad Boy Update.
What happens when a chance meeting turns into somethng that you were so Not expecting ? You have (Not The One) . Miranda is a young fabulously funny quirky woman that is fresh off a bad break up. She is now working her day job and also moonlighting as a house/pet sitter. When she losses one of the furry critters she is forced to go on a slightly tipsy chase through the neighborhood . She ends up in quite a tight situation when the prissy critter makes it way though a neighbors pet door . While she is now stuck the owner appears and finds this entire situation quite amusing but he also finds the lovely Miranda quite sassy and fabulously funny.
James can’t believe the sight before him a neighbor literally stuck an not only is she funny, persuasive she is also quite sexy. So yes this handsome, refined, art dealer is quite enamored by the lovely sight before him and the crazy things that begin to spew from her mouth are so refreshingly funny! This night just got a whole lot more interesting ! Join in on the famously funny, sexy journey of how these two strangers become more acquainted More than they could have ever imagined !!!
~~Michele McMullen~~
I adore James (Harry) & his quest to conquer Miranda’s heart!
Some familiar faces, James & Miranda, but also Bolivia, Heather, and the E-Volve office as well as Beckett’s friends since he’s James’ best bud.
What starts with the most absurd hilarious meet cute, ends with all humor and love. We get to explore Miranda’s side of the infamous speed date night. And boy, what a night she had!
James’ finds himself intrigued by his charmingly awkward one night stand and in even deeper when he finds her again and their attraction for each other is undeniable. Miranda doesn’t trust and James has to work hard to gain her trust and love.
They are both so cute!! I love seeing him be the one who has to convince her he’s the one, because she’s built the wall around her heart to keep everyone out.
Full of the feels, humor, and heat Donna is so good at delivering. My heart is full of happy!
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I am at a perfect loss for words. I just don’t know what to say about this book that won’t give away all the best parts and be more in depth than “I loved every word of it”. Miranda is fiercely independent and uproariously feisty. She’s also pretty sure she doesn’t believe there’s any such thing as true love anymore. James is the hot older guy next door. But that description doesn’t even begin to scratch his surface. (I’m just afraid that if I go much deeper than that I’m going to give away the whole story.) I loved this pair together. They broke my heart and then with hilarity and love they put it back together again. The snarky wit and sniping banter had me howling laughter to the point that my sides ache and I still haven’t completely caught my breath. And did I see inklings of the next pairing on the horizon? I hope so because those two secondary characters pretty regularly ran away with the show and I would love to learn more about them.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Bad Boy Update.
THE GUIDE TO ROMANCE NOVELS – ARC REVIEW
Not my first review by author and she was a NEW to me author not too long ago but one of her books GOT ME HOOKED! This one is a 50/50 for me. It had the potential I just couldn’t connect with the heroine. Yes she was younger but it was a bit more immature that I wanted. Honestly, I am not sure…just the dynamic between them in the beginning, it felt always an inch off to me. If that makes sense, I really loved her other books so I was surprised I felt this but again, I am always honest and that’s how it felt to me. But I will say this: It’s one S-E-X-Y book, you’ll see when you read what I mean! Hands down this author is really good with the sexiness of the story!
Miranda and Harry met while she was stuck in his window ledge, literally stuck. Dang skirt! Miranda has been going through a rough break up and well, one thing leads to another and she meets this mystery man who is so sexy and handsome…one night of rebound passion couldn’t hurt. After-all she did just come off an engagement where she got screwed royally and not in the good way. One night…mmmmhm! A night that eventually leads to a POSITIVE PREGNANCY TEST!
The characters were different in it’s own. Miranda is 23 and still young, at times very immature and just not sure which direction her life is going. Harry is sophisticated, well off, smart, handsome…basically a MAN she would dream of having one day. He is definitely a DIRTY gentleman *sizzling* but where they go from the whole her being pregnant, is an interesting turn of events. It’s like a missed-opportunity that keeps rolling around them. Everything seems to be AGAINST them, which makes them question their own sanity and choices But maybe she can turn that NOT into IS?! p.s. I really enjoyed the ending portion, around 75% and up, something clicked for me and it picked up and I was glued to it. Rather then dwelling how I couldn’t connect…I guess it just took me a little longer to in this one!
I would like to say that, bring the tissues for the conclusion..I…I was left speechless.
FULL BLOG REVIEW: https://tgtrnbookreviews.com/2019/10/04/r-e-v-i-e-w-%e2%9e%a0-not-the-one-by-donna-alam/
Rating: 4.5
Romance:
Steamy:
Type: Book Standalone
Recommended:
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦
ONE WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!!
Lock and load! Donna showcases such imagination that’s so touching and heart melting with passion, style and finesse that blows this baby wide open. The love and chemistry between the two main characters is such a beautiful thing to behold. Hurdling the trials and tribulations as we witness the struggles our characters endure brings them together move by move. Donna brought out the magic and heat with 100% on point realism that thrusts this baby to life flawlessly. A sizzling storyline and gripping plot melds this bad boy together piece by piece. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it weaves a web around you so intense until everything else ceases to exist. You feel everything the characters feel. You become part of the story instead of a bystander. You fall so deeply in love with the characters you can’t help but root for them to make it. Amazing job Donna, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
I want to crawl under your ribs and wrap myself around your heart.
This book is set in the same world as To Have and to Hate. Remember Olivia, starting up her own company? Miranda works for Olivia but also has a side job as a pet sitter, which is how she meets James and Rufus. How can their meeting be hilarious, humiliating, and hot all at the same time? This story hooked me from the start, and kept me totally riveted until I was crying at the end. I could feel the wanting James has for Miranda, who guards her heart so tightly. Such patience, understanding, and love. A beautifully emotional read.
I am so blissfully exhausted by this book! Donna Alam has once again put my heart and soul through the wringer and given it a new shiny loved-up lease on life!!
I couldn’t wait for this next instalment in Donna’s new series following on from To Have and Hate, and this stand-alone Age Gap romance did not disappoint!
The vibrant, driven Miranda Henry we met in THAT.
This PA/come Marketing Manager/come Pet Sitter is working hard to move out of her parents’ ‘Hate Nest’ after a recent and timely relationship death and to get her life back on track.
So when in pursuit of one of her runaway furry charges she ends up stuck red handed (or red faced) in her HOT neighbours dog door, they both take advantage of the situation and scratch a lust filled itch!
Only, said neighbour is no stranger. And this is no one night stand, with no thanks to an untimely pregnancy!!
I loved Miranda’s self dialogue and steadfast conviction.
This lady is a woman after my own heart; determined to rise above her ex-fiancee’s rejection and get her life on track, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t want to shake her senseless at times for holding out on our Hero!!
I swooned SO hard for James “Harry” Harrison.
He was so very gentle and patient with the stubborn and bewildered Miranda, until he wasn’t!
Then he’s deliciously devious with the most honourable of intentions…to make her his!!
And Oh, this man’s dirty dirty mouth!!!
He’s gone for this girl, and she does her utmost to convince herself she’s not as well.
But neither can deny their enviable and obvious sizzling hot chemistry.
And there’s one particular scene in this book which is easily the best sex scene I believe, I have ever read! SO HOT!!!!
This is a standout read for me this year and that is entirely due to the way Donna evokes such intense emotion in one scene and then lovingly lightens another with rib-tickling wit and infectious dialogue.
She has long been a one-click author for me but with every story she just gets better and better!
Thank you Donna Alam for this wonderful story, that for SO many reasons, will stay in my heart FOREVER!!!