The decision to read Quintessentially The One stemmed from the fact that Aleatha Romig wrote it. After all, once you have been Aleathaโd there is no turning back. However, imagine my surprise at learning that it featured the secret baby trope. This is a trope I usually stay far away from for obvious reasons. Hence, despite it being penned by Romig,ย reservations regarding how much I would enjoy her newest release raided my mind. Well, it fared out better than I thought.ย Quintessentially The One delivered a lovely second chance romance, despite the many times the heroine deserved a good dressing down.
Author(s): Aleatha Romig
Series: ABCs of Love #17
Published by Romig Works on July 28, 2022
Pages: 302
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Source: Wildfire Marketing Solutions
Format: eArc
Purchase: Amazon|B&N|Kobo
Heat Level:
The ABCs have never been sexier... A secret baby, second-chance, contemporary stand-alone romance
โRepresenting the most perfect example of quality or classโ ~ Quintessential
A trip back to the small Indiana town of Riverbend to finalize my grandmotherโs last will and testament throws my world off its axis. I wasnโt prepared to learn the stipulations of her will or that sheโd left her beloved mercantile Quintessential Treasures to my college summertime love, Kandace Sheers.Imagine my greater surprise when I learn about the secret thatโs been roaming Riverbend for the last five years. Here are a couple of hints:Sheโs five years old.She has her motherโs silky auburn hair and my golden eyes.The answer is simple.I take responsibility for the girl and go back to Chicago where my life awaits.It turns out, Grandma had other plans because lifeโs never that simple.
Have you been Aleathaโd?
Enjoy this sweet, funny, and sexy, secret-baby, second-chance, contemporary stand-alone romance that brings back the feelings of what itโs like to be young and in love. A stand-alone in the ABCs of Love and one of Aleatha Romigโs โLighter Ones,โ QUINTESSENTIALLY - the ONE.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Quintessentially The One is book #17 in a series of standalones written by different authors. In this installment Romig delivered a sexy, sweet and surprisingly angst free secret baby, second chance romance.
The story introduces Kandace and Dax and follows their relationship from teenagers to adulthood. Friends who became lovers, they share a special bond. They both loved each other, but Dax had plans that didnโt involve living in a small town. Kandace thought he would change his mind, especially after he declared his love for her on his last visit. However, with his eye on making it big in the city, he left, unknowingly leaving behind a broken Hearted and pregnant Kandace.
Fast forward to the present day, Dax returned to Indiana to settle his grandmotherโs estate. He believed it would be a simple task, which would not require more than a one-day visit. Meanwhile, Kandace couldnโt wait for him to complete what he came to do and leave. She didnโt want him finding out about his daughter. However, they would both learn that his Grandmotherโs matchmaking skills extended beyond the grave.
The story unfolded on a beautiful note. Dax was a sweet guy. His willingness to step up to his responsibilities the moment he learnt of his child demonstrated his maturity and selflessness. He did what any ambitious young man would do, but one will never know if he would make the same decision if the truth came to light. It is for this reason it upsets me that Kandace chose not to tell him about her pregnancy. Frankly, I found her actions selfish. She only thought of herself and failed to consider the effect her decision would have on Dax and ultimately, her child. Her fears didnโt justify her actions.
Thankfully, when the truth came to light, she acknowledged her mistake and took steps in remedying same, thus redeeming herself in this reader’s eyes. Their romance came with a blend of sweet and heat.
I so love the innocence of a child, which was aptly portrayed here. Molly accepted Dax as her father with ease. Their interactions throughout the story will have you smiling.
Quintessentially The One is a sweet and heartwarming story which satisfied the reader from beginning to end. Its a tale of secrets, second chances and forgivenessย and beautiful endurance that took my breath away!
Story Evaluation | |
---|---|
Plot | |
Characters | |
World Building | |
Writing Style | |
Pacing | |
Cover | |
Enjoyment | |
Ending | |
Overall: |
- Tempting Promises: Corinne Michaels - March 28, 2024
- Famous Last Words: Claudia Burgoa - March 22, 2024
- Blitz: Devney Perry - March 19, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
I love that Dax stepped up to his responsibilities. I’m not sure I’d be a fan of Kandace not telling him about the baby.