Review by Loran621 -- One Way or Another
Posted: 22 Feb 2019, 07:47
[Following is a volunteer review of "One Way or Another" by Mary J. Williams.]
4 out of 4 stars
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In One Way or Another: A Friends to Lovers Contemporary Romance, Mary J. Williams exceeded all my expectations of a good romance. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. It took me a few chapters before I finally escaped to the world of the Benedict Sisters. Williams depicted a realistic world of a completely dysfunctional and unique family dynamic. The Benedict sisters, having been born into a wealthy family, must find their way to the trust and love that was lost in their childhood. This novel, in particular, follows Calder Benedict, the middle sister, on her journey. When she first meets Adam, she is exceptionally skeptical of his character, but who wouldn't be when their wealth has brought some unsavory characters into their lives? Afraid to trust Adam, Calder wonders if her decision to go on a first date with him is wise. As she spends more time with him, she realizes that he is truly one of the good guys, but can she trust him with her family's secrets?
Williams creates a world of mystery and intrigue around the Benedict family and captures the reader's attention in a way that makes them want to know more. Her story line flows with only a few grammatical errors, errors that could easily be missed by a hooked reader. Williams ensures that the character's grow throughout the novel seen by Calder's ability to trust Adam and Adam's ability to accept Calder as herself.
With the unique story line, the relatable characters, and the almost flawless editing, I would rate this book a four out of four. There is no doubt in my mind that Williams took great care in providing her readers with an exceptional story. I loved the way she presented each character and how she didn't stick to generic stereotypes often found in romance novels. She created a world that is realistic for both women and men. I loved the fact that Calder is a bold and strong woman and that Adam was a good man with a slight protectiveness rather than the overused pairing of good girl meets bad boy. I also loved Williams' unique writing style, giving a voice to all the prominent characters in the novel. It made understanding the main characters much easier.
While Williams presented us with some amazing aspects, the prologue felt like it was happening between the adult Benedict sisters rather than the younger Benedict sisters. The conversation between the sisters seemed too grown up. I understand that the family dynamics would have made the sisters grow up faster than usual, but the dialogue still seemed too mature to me, making me question the writer at first. Also, there was some repetitiveness about the misogynistic grandfather. It was introduced rather early on, then mentioned again a few different times. The parts that pertained to what was happening in the story worked, but there were a couple occasions where I read about the grandfather and thought, I read this already.
Other than the two things mentioned, I loved every part of the book including the characters, the plot, and the intrigue that I was left with at the end of the book. Williams dropped a bomb, leaving the ending as a cliffhanger, but also making the reader need to know what happens next. It was the perfect ending to such a wonderful book and one that made me go buy the second book in the series. One Way or Another: A Friends to Lovers Contemporary Romance is truly a story for all adult readers looking for a great romance with complex characters. Be aware though if you are a reader looking for a completely clean romance, this may not be the best choice for you.
******
One Way or Another
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
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In One Way or Another: A Friends to Lovers Contemporary Romance, Mary J. Williams exceeded all my expectations of a good romance. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. It took me a few chapters before I finally escaped to the world of the Benedict Sisters. Williams depicted a realistic world of a completely dysfunctional and unique family dynamic. The Benedict sisters, having been born into a wealthy family, must find their way to the trust and love that was lost in their childhood. This novel, in particular, follows Calder Benedict, the middle sister, on her journey. When she first meets Adam, she is exceptionally skeptical of his character, but who wouldn't be when their wealth has brought some unsavory characters into their lives? Afraid to trust Adam, Calder wonders if her decision to go on a first date with him is wise. As she spends more time with him, she realizes that he is truly one of the good guys, but can she trust him with her family's secrets?
Williams creates a world of mystery and intrigue around the Benedict family and captures the reader's attention in a way that makes them want to know more. Her story line flows with only a few grammatical errors, errors that could easily be missed by a hooked reader. Williams ensures that the character's grow throughout the novel seen by Calder's ability to trust Adam and Adam's ability to accept Calder as herself.
With the unique story line, the relatable characters, and the almost flawless editing, I would rate this book a four out of four. There is no doubt in my mind that Williams took great care in providing her readers with an exceptional story. I loved the way she presented each character and how she didn't stick to generic stereotypes often found in romance novels. She created a world that is realistic for both women and men. I loved the fact that Calder is a bold and strong woman and that Adam was a good man with a slight protectiveness rather than the overused pairing of good girl meets bad boy. I also loved Williams' unique writing style, giving a voice to all the prominent characters in the novel. It made understanding the main characters much easier.
While Williams presented us with some amazing aspects, the prologue felt like it was happening between the adult Benedict sisters rather than the younger Benedict sisters. The conversation between the sisters seemed too grown up. I understand that the family dynamics would have made the sisters grow up faster than usual, but the dialogue still seemed too mature to me, making me question the writer at first. Also, there was some repetitiveness about the misogynistic grandfather. It was introduced rather early on, then mentioned again a few different times. The parts that pertained to what was happening in the story worked, but there were a couple occasions where I read about the grandfather and thought, I read this already.
Other than the two things mentioned, I loved every part of the book including the characters, the plot, and the intrigue that I was left with at the end of the book. Williams dropped a bomb, leaving the ending as a cliffhanger, but also making the reader need to know what happens next. It was the perfect ending to such a wonderful book and one that made me go buy the second book in the series. One Way or Another: A Friends to Lovers Contemporary Romance is truly a story for all adult readers looking for a great romance with complex characters. Be aware though if you are a reader looking for a completely clean romance, this may not be the best choice for you.
******
One Way or Another
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Loran621's review? Post a comment saying so!