The Only One: A One Love Novella

Dear Lauren Blakely,

Stop it. Seriously, just stop. I can't handle the fact that every single book grabs me from the beginning. I'm exhausted because I devour the book and I can't put it down, I'm tired of reading books that leave tears in my eyes and my heart in my throat as I fall totally in love with yet another one of your heroes.

Ok. Not really complaints and please don't stop.

Gabriel and Penny were phenomenal. They were like the perfect desert... something to be savored slowly and fully enjoyed. The "does he know me" and "is that her" tension was exquisite and so immediately engaging you felt a kinship with each of them... you know how it feels to not know how their story was going to play out.

The moment when he just KNEW...my heart jumped. I won't spoil it for you, but I will admit I read the scene more than once.

This is a novella, but yet again, it feels like a much longer story. You get characters you love and get to know and a story that flows from point to point while building a wonderful tension with the narrative. It's perfect.

So, Ms. Blakely, I guess what I'm saying is don't stop writing books that are this good... because I love knowing that the next one is coming, that I will love it, and that it will be as good as this one.

And, in case you missed it, you really want to read this novella.

Lauren has brought us yet another amazing story. After having her heart broken 10 years ago Penny will finally come face to face to the man her broke her. Gabriel is the guy you want to hate at the beginning but after learning what happen you will fall for him like penny did again. From cute lil dogs, food, sweet elderly neighbors, and bands with crazy name this book will have you laughing and fanning yourself all through. Thanks Lauren for another amazing story and guy. And who doesn't love a guy that can cook with a accent.

This was a really well written and passionate novella!!! I love second chance romance books and this is one second chance that Gabriel & Penny each deserve.

Gabriel is a star chef and Penny is the owner of Little Friends and they haven't seen each other in years and when I say years I mean 10. I loved Penny's inner thoughts, she was hilarious and I felt connected to her. I felt what she was feeling. She was independent, funny, sweet & very hung up on Gabriel. She has compared every man to him, and she hasn't truly been happy in 10 years. Gabriel is swoon worthy, even how he talks about food is sexy!! He is drawn to Penny in ways that he can't comprehend, but old memories and new memories are starting to blend and when he finally realizes who she actually is, there is no stopping him to have Penny in his life again. I loved Gabriel's determination and his drive. He worked his way from the bottom to the top and he is very humble about it. When these two characters reconnect, they have some obstacles to overcome, but their passion and connection cannot be ignored!!!

This novella was emotional and I loved every second of reading it!!! Lauren Blakely writes amazing books and this is one to definitely read!!

What happens after waiting 10 years and you see the love of your life again? This is what happens to Penny when she has to meet Gabriel for a charity drive. After waiting for 10 years to get an explanation Penny doesn't give it away that she is who Gabriel thinks she is.

Gabriel has waited 10 years to be able to tell Penny what happened and that fate had other things in store for them. He thinks he recognises her at their first meeting but it takes a while to get it to click.

Once it clicks and they clear the air then they are burning up the sheets and they would be melting with the heat from these two.

Another great story from Lauren who knows how to write some really great characters that can get you from the first words until the end.

Second chance romance written by Lauren Blakely? YES PLEASE! This is my absolute favorite type of romance. Second chances really hit me in the feels and I love them to pieces and to have one written by Lauren Blakely, well that is just icing on the cake.

This story will make you laugh, swoon, and beg for more! It is amazing to me how much story can be fit into a tiny novella, but Lauren definitely pulls it off.

Her characters (that I have been hoping would have their own story), were still just as developed and still made you fall just as hard as if it was a full length novel.

The sexiness, the intelligence and the fun is all wrapped up in this one beautiful package that you will definitely want to open.

The Only One is a sweet second chance romance. It reminds a lot of a feel good Hallmark movie I'd watch while snuggling up in a blanket with a hot cup of chocolate.

Penelope Jones waited at a fountain in Manhattan for two hours for the man she fell in love with while in Spain. When he didn't show Penelope moved on. Ten years later, Penny (aka Penelope) must find a new caterer last minute for the Picnic in the Park event that will raise money for a coalition of local animal rescues. To her surprise her best options is also the man who had left her waiting at the fountain so long ago, Gabriel Mathias.

Gabriel has a feeling that he's met Penny before, she seems familiar. He questions her but she insists that they haven't met. He's determined to get to know her and pursues a date.

Will Penny give love a second chance or continue to deny their past? I enjoyed this short story. It's a feel-good, second chance type of love story. It also reminds me that I should write down all the information I store on my phone just in case. 4.5 Stars.

10 yrs ago Gabriel was supposed to meet Penelope after their amazing time in Spain. But, when she is stood up she has no choice but to move on. 10 years later she is a completely different person. When she is stuck trying to find a caterer for her organization’s fundraiser she doesn’t expect to run smack into the man she’s been trying to forget. Unfortunately, he doesn’t recognize her but their spark is still there. Can the two of them rekindle what they had or will Penelope push him away?

This was a great novella. It had the perfect full bodied story in a small package. Gabriel and Penelope were fantastic. You really feel what they feel through Lauren Blakely’s storytelling. This story is a wonderful addition to the 1001 Dark Nights series. With memorable characters and a story that will stay with you, you won’t be able to put this novella down until you turn the last page. Lauren Blakely hits another homerun with this story.

***I was given this book for an honest unbiased review***

This novella is another perfect story from Lauren Blakely who knows how to mold heat, passion, love, emotion, and heart into an amazing tale. This is a second chance romance and you will be drawn into the story and wonder if the characters will take that chance again or walk away. Each character, whether main or secondary, add to the story and to the development of the main characters. Penny and Gabriel had a whirlwhind romance when they were both traveling and made plans to meet up, but one was left waiting. Years later when they are brought back together through business, the passion may still be there if they are willing to see where it goes. Great story and a good choice to read on a cold night.

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

'Only him. Always him. It’s only ever been him.'

Ten years ago Penny and Gabriel spent three magical nights together in Barcelona and as fate would have it they realized they were both heading to NYC to start the next chapter of their lives and despite having to part so soon, they promised they would find each other in NYC and continue their whirlwind romance. It’s the stuff fairy tales are made of, only he never showed and left Penny heartbroken waiting for him for over two hours. Fast forward ten years and despite the remembered heartache, Penny has done her best to move on. Fate intervenes once again, however, when she comes face to face with the man who broke her heart ten years prior. It turns out his restaurant is the only one available to cater her charity event. She’d know that man anywhere, but it seems that Gabriel doesn’t recognize her, though he is quite intrigued by this beautiful woman. Is this fate’s way of giving them a second chance or is it just setting them up for more heartbreak?

It’s no secret that I love Lauren Blakely’s books, especially Well Hung and The Sexy One where we first meet Penny and Gabriel. I thought this was a great little novella and managed to capture a well-rounded second-chance love story in a limited number of pages. Things moved fast, but I loved how their history of their time together in Barcelona was woven into their present day reunion. I didn’t feel like we were missing out on anything just because it was a novella. I really liked Penny and Gabriel made me swoon hard. I thought their pairing was very sweet and quite hot. There was plenty of romance to be had as they found their way back to one another. If you’re looking for a sweet, sexy, romantic second-chance love story, you’ll want to check this out! Can definitely be read as a standalone.

“It’s only ever been you, Penny.” He pulls back, runs the pads of his fingers across my chin, and meets my gaze. “You’re the only one for me.”

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 these two. Both handle the opposite sex voices 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.

No surprise here that I loved this novella from Lauren Blakely. It may only be a novella but this book is full with enough tender and sexy moments that I was sad to see it end. Gabe and Penny meet while on vacation and have a whirlwind romance parting with the promise to reunite in a week. That week turns to years. :( When the stumble upon each other again Penny of course recognizes that man who swept her off her feet but the immediate recognition isn't there for him.

Gabe sweeps Penny off her feet and me right along with her. I am a sucker for second chance romances and Lauren Blakely does them well. Don't just take my word for it...Go #1click your copy and see for yourself.

Deep, heartfelt romance between two people ideally made for one another. The pair of narrators made the audible edition even better. Hearing both Penny's side of the story and Gabriel's also made a winning combination. This novella made me believe that real love can survive separations and disappointments, abandonment and a decade apart. I wanted to see Penny and Gabriel together from the moment I first met him. Supremely romantic.

Sensuality Level: Hot, hot, hot! Rated R+, as sexually graphic.
Language: Rated R, no words spared.
Violence: none

4 Stars

Lauren Blakely has written some amazing books, I have loved her previous books Big Rock and The Sexy One so I had high hopes for this novella.

This was a pretty quick read and I have to say it was so sweet it almost gave me a tooth ache! There was so little drama and to be honest thats what I needed at the moment, a light hearted book that was going to pick me up and cheer me up!

The characters were both totally likeable and relatable, I felt connected to the two of the instantly and was drawn straight into their story. I felt like I was part of their love story right from the very beginning! A great story from lauren!!

An Affair to Remember has nothing on Penny and Gabriel. The Only One is a sensual twist on a piece of movie Americana. A spicy affair marks the beginning of a journey of love, lust and confusion between two soul mates. The connection between these two singes the pages pulling the reader into this torrid romance. Ms. Blakely knows how to grab hold and captivate with her brand of mysteriously seductive romances. So tempting, I can't stop craving more.

I loved this book, yet another great story by Lauren. Gabriel and Penny are so wonderful, I love this couple, this story is so romantic. The story is a different kind of start for a romance and I liked that and any story that has doggies in it cannot ever be bad. This was a quick, romantic, fun read and I look forward to reading more about this couple in her upcoming books.

The Only One
By: Lauren Blakely

4 Star Review by Kristie K

A truly seductive story of devastating separation, hard won reunion, and passionate love…

Penelope Jones met the man of her dreams on a spontaneous trip to Europe before starting as an analyst on Wall Street. Three incredible days with Gabriel was more than she ever dreamed of…but their inevitable parting crushed Penny in ways she never thought possible. When a chance encounter with her long lost love comes with the realization that he has no idea who she is, Penny is flabbergasted, hurt, and frankly, she’s plain pissed off! Will Gabriel realize who he’s really dealing with, or will the fickle finger of fate cross these lovers again?

The Only One is a wonderful tale of passionate young love, hopes for the future, devastating heartbreak, and eventual redemption. Ms. Blakely is a wizard at weaving stories that keep you enchanted, and begging for more. A relatively short read, this book is perfect for curling up on a cold winters night, with plenty of gasp worthy moments, as well as steamy scenes to warm your toes. The characters were well developed, though I would have loved to get to know them even better. A sweet story with a side of spice, The Only One is the perfect read for a lover of all things romance. A true testament to why Ms. Blakely is a favorite author of mine, The Only One is a 4 star winner!

Kristie K.

“THE ONLY ONE” is one heart stopping, sexy, second chance romance!
I loved this novella. I couldn't help but fall, for the whirlwind
storyline. The dirty talking and the every loving sex! Plus that feverish tempo is one to die for. Otherwise known as quick, easy and dirty! But nevertheless it was so majestic! Just what every needs in her life.

The Only One by Lauren Blakely (Audiobook)
Narrated by: Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt

3.5 Stars. This novella was a sweet second chance type story. I would have liked a little bit more time to get to know the characters, however they had nice chemistry together. The narrators did a wonderful job.

~Paragraphs and Petticoats~

Gabriel sure can voice his opinions, “there are a million ways I want to eff you,” I tell her, and her lips part. “I want to bend you over the bed, I want to put you on all fours, and I want to slam you against the wall and hook your legs around my waist.” I loved this novella I loved the second chance story.

Rating~ 3- 3.5 Stars.

Penelope ‘Penny’ Jones is the owner of Little friends shop, an animal rescue she runs with her friend. She has been a minor character in some of the previous contemporaries by Lauren Blakely. When Penny caterer cancels at the last minute for a charity event she is planning for her animal rescue, she ends up looking for a replacement restaurant and to her dismay finds out that the owner is man she thought she’d never see again and has been living in her city for years.

Gabriel Mathias is a TV chef and owns a restaurant in NYC. When a client who shows up reminding him of the woman he lost in Barcelona, he is shocked but elated. The woman tells him they have never met but even though she looks different, everything about her reminds Gabriel of Penelope.

The Only one is a second chance at love with the one who got away. Gabriel and Penny met on vacation in Barcelona, after an intense and passionate affair they promised to meet in US but fate intervened. Penny left broken hearted and angry when Gabriel didn’t show up at their place of rendezvous. Now 10 years later, they meet again but Penny is still quite angry and Gabriel can’t believe that he has finally found his Penelope.

I really enjoy Lauren Blakely’s writing and her characters along with the story line, they are always unique and completely suited to the couple. Penny and Gabriel were cute together, they had fallen for each other back in Barcelona and meeting again and being with each other was like the 10 years apart that never happened. They still had the amazing connection and chemistry they had when they first met.

why not 5 stars? I did have slight issues with some aspects of the story, one of them being the amount of time they spend together in Barcelona which made my enjoyment a bit less than I usually have with Lauren Blakely’s book. « Hide Spoiler
Overall, I quite liked this short story, it had little drama and more sweetness of being with the one you wanted for years. I’m really looking forward to reading Full Package by Lauren Blakely which releases in Jan 2017!

ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

If you didn’t believe in second chance love, this book will change your mind. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and Lauren gave her readers a hot, sexy story leaving them believing that love conquers all! Lauren continues to bring her readers the heart stopping, steamy books as she explores both sides of the story. Lauren introduced us to Gabriel and Penny in previous book and gave her readers a second chance love story that left me fanning myself.

Gabriel met Penelope (Penny) 10 years ago in Spain. They had a mad three day love affair that ended with a promise to meet in New York at the fountain of Lincoln Center at a set date, however Gabriel missed the date. As fate intervened and brought them back together after 10 long years. To say sparks flew would be an understatement as Penny can’t believe that he doesn’t recognize her at first but little does she know Gabriel does recognize in a way she doesn’t see.

The one thing about these two, is that when they’re together sparks fly and the world falls off their radar. The chemistry between them is never in short supply so when things start to heat up between them you find yourself feeling a lot hotter and totally addicted to the story. I mean how could you not fall in love with the hot, sexy Latin lover who knows how to cook? Gabriel and Penny’s story captivated me and had me on a reading binge as I wanted to see what was in store for these two and hope that fate gave them just what they needed, each other! If you’re looking for a romantic book where your faith in second chance love comes true then this is the book for you.

Friends Till The End Book Blog: [...]

Reviewing on behalf of Relentless Book Chics Ramblings and Reviews

A sweet and fun second chance romance.

From the first time the characters of Gabriel and Penny were introduced in one of the Authors previous books I’ve been looking forward to reading their stories and how they were connected.

Penelope Jones met a man who she instantly fell in love with during a vacation in Spain. What seemed to be the perfect romance went completely wrong the minute the love of her life was a no show at their arranged meeting place back in New York.

Now 10 years later, Penny still remembers the deeply emotional love she shared with Gabriel and has never completely got over him. She enjoys her life with her dog, Shortcake and helping to run an animal shelter. It’s while organising a fundraiser for the shelter and interviewing caterers that she comes face to face with him again, Gabriel.

After all this time she’s finding it hard to ignore the feelings he invokes in her but at the same time, to her dismay, Gabriel doesn’t seem to recognise her at all.

What follows are fun, light hearted but also heart warming encounters between the two as they both develop feelings for each other and the truth about why Gabriel didn’t show up 10 years previously is revealed.

I recommend this story if you enjoy a short, fun romance and previous knowledge of the characters isn’t required.

I have no idea how Lauren Blakely keeps giving birth to these enjoyable book babies so often! The Only One is a novella about young love, fate, and second chances.

Gabriel is a famous reality TV chef and Penny is an animal advocate who owns a doggie rescue. It’s been ten years since the two had a very brief but intense affair in Barcelona, back when Penny was fresh out of college and Gabriel was only dreaming of becoming a professional chef. Ten years have passed since they last saw each other; ten years since Gabriel broke her heart. Penny’s search for an event caterer unexpectedly leads to a reunion with Gabriel.

Despite time, distance, and wounds, the spark is still there between Penny and Gabriel. They have a decade’s worth of sexual tension to burn off which leads to several spicy encounters. Some of the dialogue is on the corny side, but this sweet story is blessedly drama free. I liked the way memories from their first time together are interspersed with present day narratives.

As long as you don’t expect complex characters or a complicated plot, you should be pleasantly entertained with this quick read. Penny’s adorable little dog, Shortcake, adds the extra "awww" factor that makes the story even more fun.

The Only One is a little bit of naughty and a whole lot of nice!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

An Affair to Remember has nothing on Penny and Gabriel. The Only One is a sensual twist on a piece of movie Americana. A spicy affair marks the beginning of a journey of love, lust and confusion between two soul mates. The connection between these two singes the pages pulling the reader into this torrid romance. Ms. Blakely knows how to grab hold and captivate with her brand of mysteriously seductive romances. So tempting, I can't stop craving more.

I loved this book, yet another great story by Lauren. Gabriel and Penny are so wonderful, I love this couple, this story is so romantic. The story is a different kind of start for a romance and I liked that and any story that has doggies in it cannot ever be bad. This was a quick, romantic, fun read and I look forward to reading more about this couple in her upcoming books.

The Only One
By: Lauren Blakely

4 Star Review by Kristie K

A truly seductive story of devastating separation, hard won reunion, and passionate love…

Penelope Jones met the man of her dreams on a spontaneous trip to Europe before starting as an analyst on Wall Street. Three incredible days with Gabriel was more than she ever dreamed of…but their inevitable parting crushed Penny in ways she never thought possible. When a chance encounter with her long lost love comes with the realization that he has no idea who she is, Penny is flabbergasted, hurt, and frankly, she’s plain pissed off! Will Gabriel realize who he’s really dealing with, or will the fickle finger of fate cross these lovers again?

The Only One is a wonderful tale of passionate young love, hopes for the future, devastating heartbreak, and eventual redemption. Ms. Blakely is a wizard at weaving stories that keep you enchanted, and begging for more. A relatively short read, this book is perfect for curling up on a cold winters night, with plenty of gasp worthy moments, as well as steamy scenes to warm your toes. The characters were well developed, though I would have loved to get to know them even better. A sweet story with a side of spice, The Only One is the perfect read for a lover of all things romance. A true testament to why Ms. Blakely is a favorite author of mine, The Only One is a 4 star winner!

Kristie K.

“THE ONLY ONE” is one heart stopping, sexy, second chance romance!
I loved this novella. I couldn't help but fall, for the whirlwind
storyline. The dirty talking and the every loving sex! Plus that feverish tempo is one to die for. Otherwise known as quick, easy and dirty! But nevertheless it was so majestic! Just what every needs in her life.

The Only One by Lauren Blakely (Audiobook)
Narrated by: Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt

3.5 Stars. This novella was a sweet second chance type story. I would have liked a little bit more time to get to know the characters, however they had nice chemistry together. The narrators did a wonderful job.

~Paragraphs and Petticoats~

Gabriel sure can voice his opinions, “there are a million ways I want to eff you,” I tell her, and her lips part. “I want to bend you over the bed, I want to put you on all fours, and I want to slam you against the wall and hook your legs around my waist.” I loved this novella I loved the second chance story.

Rating~ 3- 3.5 Stars.

Penelope ‘Penny’ Jones is the owner of Little friends shop, an animal rescue she runs with her friend. She has been a minor character in some of the previous contemporaries by Lauren Blakely. When Penny caterer cancels at the last minute for a charity event she is planning for her animal rescue, she ends up looking for a replacement restaurant and to her dismay finds out that the owner is man she thought she’d never see again and has been living in her city for years.

Gabriel Mathias is a TV chef and owns a restaurant in NYC. When a client who shows up reminding him of the woman he lost in Barcelona, he is shocked but elated. The woman tells him they have never met but even though she looks different, everything about her reminds Gabriel of Penelope.

The Only one is a second chance at love with the one who got away. Gabriel and Penny met on vacation in Barcelona, after an intense and passionate affair they promised to meet in US but fate intervened. Penny left broken hearted and angry when Gabriel didn’t show up at their place of rendezvous. Now 10 years later, they meet again but Penny is still quite angry and Gabriel can’t believe that he has finally found his Penelope.

I really enjoy Lauren Blakely’s writing and her characters along with the story line, they are always unique and completely suited to the couple. Penny and Gabriel were cute together, they had fallen for each other back in Barcelona and meeting again and being with each other was like the 10 years apart that never happened. They still had the amazing connection and chemistry they had when they first met.

why not 5 stars? I did have slight issues with some aspects of the story, one of them being the amount of time they spend together in Barcelona which made my enjoyment a bit less than I usually have with Lauren Blakely’s book. « Hide Spoiler
Overall, I quite liked this short story, it had little drama and more sweetness of being with the one you wanted for years. I’m really looking forward to reading Full Package by Lauren Blakely which releases in Jan 2017!

ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

If you didn’t believe in second chance love, this book will change your mind. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and Lauren gave her readers a hot, sexy story leaving them believing that love conquers all! Lauren continues to bring her readers the heart stopping, steamy books as she explores both sides of the story. Lauren introduced us to Gabriel and Penny in previous book and gave her readers a second chance love story that left me fanning myself.

Gabriel met Penelope (Penny) 10 years ago in Spain. They had a mad three day love affair that ended with a promise to meet in New York at the fountain of Lincoln Center at a set date, however Gabriel missed the date. As fate intervened and brought them back together after 10 long years. To say sparks flew would be an understatement as Penny can’t believe that he doesn’t recognize her at first but little does she know Gabriel does recognize in a way she doesn’t see.

The one thing about these two, is that when they’re together sparks fly and the world falls off their radar. The chemistry between them is never in short supply so when things start to heat up between them you find yourself feeling a lot hotter and totally addicted to the story. I mean how could you not fall in love with the hot, sexy Latin lover who knows how to cook? Gabriel and Penny’s story captivated me and had me on a reading binge as I wanted to see what was in store for these two and hope that fate gave them just what they needed, each other! If you’re looking for a romantic book where your faith in second chance love comes true then this is the book for you.

Friends Till The End Book Blog: [...]

Reviewing on behalf of Relentless Book Chics Ramblings and Reviews

A sweet and fun second chance romance.

From the first time the characters of Gabriel and Penny were introduced in one of the Authors previous books I’ve been looking forward to reading their stories and how they were connected.

Penelope Jones met a man who she instantly fell in love with during a vacation in Spain. What seemed to be the perfect romance went completely wrong the minute the love of her life was a no show at their arranged meeting place back in New York.

Now 10 years later, Penny still remembers the deeply emotional love she shared with Gabriel and has never completely got over him. She enjoys her life with her dog, Shortcake and helping to run an animal shelter. It’s while organising a fundraiser for the shelter and interviewing caterers that she comes face to face with him again, Gabriel.

After all this time she’s finding it hard to ignore the feelings he invokes in her but at the same time, to her dismay, Gabriel doesn’t seem to recognise her at all.

What follows are fun, light hearted but also heart warming encounters between the two as they both develop feelings for each other and the truth about why Gabriel didn’t show up 10 years previously is revealed.

I recommend this story if you enjoy a short, fun romance and previous knowledge of the characters isn’t required.

I have no idea how Lauren Blakely keeps giving birth to these enjoyable book babies so often! The Only One is a novella about young love, fate, and second chances.

Gabriel is a famous reality TV chef and Penny is an animal advocate who owns a doggie rescue. It’s been ten years since the two had a very brief but intense affair in Barcelona, back when Penny was fresh out of college and Gabriel was only dreaming of becoming a professional chef. Ten years have passed since they last saw each other; ten years since Gabriel broke her heart. Penny’s search for an event caterer unexpectedly leads to a reunion with Gabriel.

Despite time, distance, and wounds, the spark is still there between Penny and Gabriel. They have a decade’s worth of sexual tension to burn off which leads to several spicy encounters. Some of the dialogue is on the corny side, but this sweet story is blessedly drama free. I liked the way memories from their first time together are interspersed with present day narratives.

As long as you don’t expect complex characters or a complicated plot, you should be pleasantly entertained with this quick read. Penny’s adorable little dog, Shortcake, adds the extra "awww" factor that makes the story even more fun.

The Only One is a little bit of naughty and a whole lot of nice!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet and romantic second chance love story. It's a short novella with a hint of mystery.

Gabriel and Penny spend together three hot nights in Spain. They parted with a promise to meet again in the United States. But it never happens. Only after 10 years professional matters incidental join them again. He is not sure if this is the same woman, and she does not want to tell him the truth. What will happen as it comes out?

I thoroughly enjoyed it, it quickly hooked me up and held in good tension until the end. A lot of chemistry between the characters and very romantic glimpses of the past. I really liked the heroine, who is outspoken and funny. In particular, where she has interaction with her pet Shortcake. It was adorable.

I highly recommend this story. It's quick and perfect for a quiet romantic evening. Not only for fans of Lauren Blakely's series. You can read it independently and get to know the author if you haven't had occasion. Definitely worth it!

I've been looking forward to reading The Only One since it was first announced, and I was not disappointed! The Only One is just a novella, rather than a full length book, but it still packs a punch in its pages. It follows Gabriel and Penny, who had a red hot romance ten years prior. Penny needs a chef to cater a picnic on short notice and Gabriel's name is one of the ones on her list.

I loved being in Penny's head. Her feelings for Gabriel felt very real. I loved the little things like her being nervous about seeing him for the first time in ten years. The romance was very well-written. Gabriel and Penny have chemistry that just leaps off the page. Despite the amount of time that's passed, they seem to fall back together rather easily. There's a brief hump where Gabriel doesn't immediately recognize Penny and Penny stops him from doing so with a fake name, but once the truth gets uncovered, Gabriel and Penny go right back to red hot romance like all that time apart meant nothing.

The Only One was a very enjoyable read. It's short, sexy, romantic, and humorous. Blakely's writing is easy to relate to and easy to follow. I'm certain it's impossible for her to write a bad book. She has such a way with words, and it shows every time. I loved The Only One. Go buy it.

I was expecting more from this book, like food play and lots of wine, many French words whispered and maybe some travel but as this isn't a full length novel, it's understandable that we don't get the full potential Gabriel have.

This is a second chance love between a couple separated by 10 years. It's not until we get the reason behind this separation that we understand how stupid fate can be. But fate isn't the only one to blame... sometimes if we weren't so proud things could be different and Penny learns that the hard way.

I didn't like the way Penny confronted Gabriel, it was in a childish way and not very impressive... but Gabriel is a gentleman who never forgotten her.

In the end everything comes together and they get their HEA in a romantic and funny way.

* Read and reviewed for The Bookery Review *

This book is exactly what you have come to expect and love from Lauren Blakely.

This was short book, but it was sweet and adorable. Gabriel was hot and I could picture is his accent and he just had it going on, the jealous streak was my favorite!

Penny had matured a lot since she first met Gabriel and I loved that we got to see them fall in love all over again, as adults and the fire and passion for what she does and I loved seeing that.

My favorite thing from this couple was their kisses. They were just perfect.

Before you run off I just want to leave you with my favorite quote from this book, "Fine, we're talking about my dog. But we're talking about lips and kisses. And no one has ever kissed me like Gabriel."

The Only One is an interesting story about second chance.

Penny and Gabriel met ten years ago on Penny’s trip abroad. They had three days filled with fun, passion, and love. Gabriel was supposed to meet Penny in New York and never showed. With a broken heart Penny tries to move on. Now ten years later Penny is working at a charity for dogs and needs a chef to make food for her event. Gabriel turns out to be the right man for the job and memories of the past come flying at both. Now they’re wading through the past heartache and ten years trying to find the love they lost.

Gabriel and Penny are a cute couple with a romantic past. Penny thought Gabriel betrayed her but it’s more complicated and Penny must learn to let go of ten years of pain.

This book was not my favorite, but a definite quick read.

The Only One by Lauren Blakely is a novella about second chances. It's about the idea of fate and how some things in life--like love--are just meant to be.

Penelope (aka Penny) runs an animal rescue and has a big fundraiser planned. The restaurant she had booked to cater the event bailed at the last minute, so she's scrambling to find a replacement. While interviewing potential candidates, she crosses paths again with Gabriel.

Ten years ago, Penny and Gabriel had a hot fling in Europe. They had agreed to meet up at Lincoln Center on a specific date, but when the time came, Gabriel never showed. Devastated and heartbroken, Penny moved on with her life, but she never forgot Gabriel. Likewise, he never forgot her.

Fast forward ten years. Penny has an established business. Gabriel has become a hugely successful chef, which includes a winning season on a culinary reality show. He's known as the heartthrob chef.

When Penny and Gabriel meet again, there's some miscommunication that prevents a happy reunion. When the previous misunderstanding from the past is revealed as to why Gabriel didn't meet Penny at Lincoln Center, again, it's revealed to be a lack of good communication. In my mind, I thought that a simple Google or Facebook search could have cleared up their snafu quite easily.

Additionally, when Penny and Gabriel become romantically involved again, there are some petty jealousies that happen on both their parts. In one sense, I felt that this was understandable since their reunion and current relationship is so new. But on the other hand, throughout the story the point is driven home about how they're meant to be together because of fate, so I thought those immature moments seemed out of place for people who believe that they're soulmates.

Lastly, I thought it was a bit far-fetched that they would have made such a lasting impact during those brief days in Europe together--so great of an impact that they'd still be carrying a torch for each other after ten years. Five years, maybe. But ten was a stretch of the imagination for me.

Despite my criticisms, I still enjoyed the book. It's a departure from Lauren Blakely's popular romantic comedies, which continue to be my favorites. But both Penny and Gabriel are fairly likeable characters--when they make a point of being rational and acknowledging their mistakes, in spite of their obviously passionate and emotional relationship.

And that's what I think I enjoyed the most--that despite the odds and external forces that worked against them in the past, somehow they found their way back to each other eventually. It's an idealistic point of view that ends this story on a feel-good, optimistic note.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and InkSlinger PR.

Cute and spicy novella. Gabriel and Penny were a very likable couple and their story was certainly sweet. If you want a second chance romance story then this is for you.
I liked the pace of the novella although it was missing a little something to make this thrilling for me. Still, the fans of the genre and the author will enjoy this.
3.75 Stars from me.

Lauren Blakely delivers another perfect rom com with The Only One. This story is told with a mixture of the present and flashbacks. Gabriel and Penny shared an amazing three days together in Barcelona. They planned to meet again in NY but Penny is stood up and heart broken. Now 10 years later Penny unexpectedly runs into Gabriel and all her feelings come crashing to the surface. The biggest one being hurt because Gabriel doesn't know who she is. Penny refuses to tell him and she is left with so many unanswered questions and the uncertainty of it all is driving her crazy. When Gabriel finally figures out who Penny really is, things go from a slow sizzle to a fast burn!

Oh what a precious, sweet, sexy second chance romance. Gabriel and Penny had a connection than stood the test of time, and Lauren did a wonderful job bringing it to life for her readers. Great afternoon read.

A Novella in the 1001 Dark Knights- Sexy little read- they had a one fabulous night 10 yrs ago and now they meet up again.  If they can learn to trust each other things might work out.  Cute