Review by AKShanmar12 -- One Way or Another

[writingShannon]

[Following is a volunteer review of "One Way or Another" by Mary J. Williams.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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One Way or Another by Mary J. Williams is a fast-paced romance set in the world of the New York City elite. Surrounded by upper-class snobbish attitudes, the Benedict sisters are a breed apart. While their mother and four different fathers might be self-centered prima donnas, the four sisters are loyal to each other and strive for success within each of their chosen fields.

With their mother’s man-eating tendencies (comprised of seven marriages, uncountable affairs, and many one-night-stands), Calder Benedict and her sisters are not sure they believe in “happily ever after”. Calder first meets Adam, the man who just might change her mind, as he saves her from an overzealous date. After assuming he was the bouncer, she is surprised to see him next with the painting crew working on her family’s Upper East Side mansion.

Neither Calder’s impending children’s charity Gala or the mystery surrounding their mother’s smarmy new lover can distract Calder from the attraction she feels for this hunk of maleness. He has characteristics she didn’t even know a man could have. As Calder proves to him that she is more than her millions, their relationship moves on to new levels and new challenges.

While this novel nicely fits into the romance genre, I also enjoyed the added dimension brought by the intricate and loving bond between the sisters. Because of their care for each other, Calder knows what a good connection should look like, despite the examples of her parents. At the same time, the entertaining antecedents about all the ways their parents fail to achieve any sort of healthy relationships provided a good dose of humor. I also enjoyed how well the characters were developed. The various personalities of the sisters were well identified, but so were secondary individuals, like Adam’s friends and the household staff.

I was a little frustrated at how fast the romance took off. Calder and Adam went from a having a slight animosity to happily jumping in bed together with no turning point or qualms. Almost immediately, she is sharing family secrets, and they are falling in love. But the relationship has a great feel so that somewhat makes up for the speed of it. As my husband of 29 years asked me to marry him one week after we started dating, and I said yes, there is really no reason I should find this unrealistic!

This book would be a great fit for anyone who likes the type of romance where the two lovers are on the same team for the bulk of the story, rather than the type where they are at odds with each other until they finally acknowledge their attraction. The love scenes are not insanely graphic, but nor do they leave the reader with any question as to what occurred.

In the romance category, I would give One Way or Another a 4 out of 4 rating. It was a story that I couldn’t put down. I eagerly rushed on to read the next three books in the series to learn the happy endings for the other three sisters.

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One Way or Another
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[Prisallen]

I do love romance books especially when they are well done. I will have to take a look at this one. Thanks for a great review!

[Nisha Ward]

I've not had a good run with the romance genre lately, but Calder's exploits remind me of Gossip Girl for some reason? I'm absolutely willing to read this. Thanks!

[rumik]

Sounds like a wonderful book, I love books where female characters have loving bonds with each other instead of competing with each other. Thanks for the great review!

[writingShannon]

I do love romance books especially when they are well done. I will have to take a look at this one. Thanks for a great review!

It really had some great things going for it! I hope you enjoy it.

[writingShannon]

I've not had a good run with the romance genre lately, but Calder's exploits remind me of Gossip Girl for some reason? I'm absolutely willing to read this. Thanks!

There was a lot about it that was well done...If I read the next three books in the next 3 days that is probably a good sign! I never actually read Gossip Girl, so I can't give you a comparison.

[writingShannon]

Sounds like a wonderful book, I love books where female characters have loving bonds with each other instead of competing with each other. Thanks for the great review!

Exactly! Although their mother, who still thinks she is 29, does compete with her own daughters, the girls themselves don't take her seriously.