Review by ritah -- One Way or Another by Mary J. Williams

[ritah]

[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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“You smell like a garden. All sweet and sultry and made for love.”

Refusing to take no for an answer, Milo taunts Calder Benedict—his words grow vulgar by the minute as he refuses to let her go. When Adam Stone sees what’s happening, he immediately steps in to help Calder. Although thankful to the stranger, Calder couldn’t help but be annoyed by his criticism of her choice in men or that he had an air of arrogance. After the incident, she was sure she’d never see him again. However, the next couple of days would have them running into each other in the most unexpected places. Who knew that these two strangers, who’ve lived completely different lives, would be drawn to each other despite their different wants and needs. Far from his ideal type, Adam would have been happy with a simple girl and lifestyle. As for Calder, she hasn’t had much luck in finding someone who cares for her more than her money. Could Adam be the true love she’s been hoping for? Or will he, like other men in her life, deceive her?

One Way or Another: A Friends to Lovers Contemporary Romance is the first book in The The Sisters Quartet series. The romance novel takes readers on a journey filled with drama, lust, love, and betrayal. Though the novel is part of a series and ends with a few cliffhangers, the conclusion to the main plot is satisfactory and therefore can be read as a standalone.

Even though the story introduces us to four sisters, each with their own charm and personality, this book focuses on Calder’s romantic encounters. I enjoyed the dynamic between the sisters and how they genuinely cared for each other. The author also does a great job of building tension between Calder and her romantic interest. I could feel the butterfly moments and the build of excitement and anticipation along with them.

The author’s first-rate, easy-to-read writing style, and evocative descriptions easily painted pictures of the characters and events that occurred. The fast-paced, captivating plot kept me glued to the pages, while the backstories provided deeper insights into the characters.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is the strong, independent female lead. I found Calder to be likable and relatable in some aspects. I also liked Adam because although he was from a different background, he held his own and was strong-willed.

The only criticism I have is that the stories revolving Billie, Calder’s mother, seemed a little too far-fetched sometimes, especially the revelation made about her at the end. Though it wasn’t completely out of the realm of possibility, I scratched my head a little on that one.

The novel is extremely well-written and professionally edited, which is why I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I would highly recommend it to fans of novels with themes of sisterhood and, of course, fans of the genre. I should mention that the novel has a few moderate descriptions of sexual scenes and violence.

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One Way or Another
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[Diana Lowery]

Your review is accurate and interesting. I also reviewed this book, and then went on to read the other books in the series. I agree with your assessment of the mother.