The decision to read Quintessentially The One stemmed from the fact that Aleatha Romig wrote it. After all, once you have been Aleatha’d 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, reservations regarding how much I would enjoy her newest release raided my mind. Well, it fared out better than I thought. Quintessentially The One delivered a lovely second chance romance, despite the many times the heroine deserved a good dressing down.
Title: Quintessentially The One
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
“Representing the most perfect example of quality or class” ~ Quintessential
A trip back to the small Indiana town of Riverbend to finalize my grandmother’s last will and testament throws my world off its axis. I wasn’t prepared to learn the stipulations of her will or that she’d left her beloved mercantile Quintessential Treasures to my college summertime love, Kandace Sheers.Imagine my greater surprise when I learn about the secret that’s been roaming Riverbend for the last five years. Here are a couple of hints:She’s five years old.She has her mother’s 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 life’s never that simple.
Have you been Aleatha’d?
Enjoy this sweet, funny, and sexy, secret-baby, second-chance, contemporary stand-alone romance that brings back the feelings of what it’s like to be young and in love. A stand-alone in the ABCs of Love and one of Aleatha Romig’s ‘Lighter Ones,’ 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 didn’t 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 grandmother’s estate. He believed it would be a simple task, which would not require more than a one-day visit. Meanwhile, Kandace couldn’t wait for him to complete what he came to do and leave. She didn’t want him finding out about his daughter. However, they would both learn that his Grandmother’s 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 didn’t 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 forgiveness and beautiful endurance that took my breath away!
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About Aleatha Romig
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life! Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat. In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016. In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT. Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
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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.