OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "One More Time is Not Enough" by Belle Ami.]

As Belle Ami’s book One More Time is Not Enough opens, Adelia Lindstrom Breman’s life is getting back to normal. After a previous book’s traumatic episode involving an ugly divorce, a horrifying family secret exposed, and the endangerment of her children, Adelia is taking control and putting her life back together. She’s got big ideas for the future of her parents’ environmental trust, and she plans to reach out to her half-sister, of whose existence Adelia has only just learned. What is more, there are now two attractive and eligible men vying for her attention: David, the hero who rescued her children, and Miles, the wealthy ex-husband who wants her back. Adelia’s world might be complicated, but it’s headed in the right direction at last.

Meanwhile, David has joined the FBI, and his first case involves the murders of several scientists who have made their skepticism of man-made climate change public knowledge. David and his new FBI partner Cass lead the international manhunt, hoping for a big break that will finally put them one step ahead of their murderer. When Adelia announces a new direction for her inherited trust, David fears she may have just made herself a target for this new predator.

One More Time is Not Enough is categorized as crime/thriller novel, but it also bridges into the romance genre. Both the hunt for the killer and the development of several romantic relationships feature prominently in this third novel of the author’s The Only One series. The fact that it is the third novel in a series does hurt the book a little. While it can be read as a standalone, I found that doing so renders the beginning a bit confusing. The backstory concerning previous plot elements and previously-established characters is present, but reading about it from this vantage feels like playing catch-up. For example, I had no idea if I was supposed to like or trust Miles Bremen. The facts of his role in prior dramas were reviewed, but I felt like I had no frame of reference concerning his alleged change of heart. As the book continues, these dilemmas are usually resolved, but the beginning suffers a bit. There are also a few editing errors: occasional sentence fragments, subject/verb disagreements, and redundant phrases like “self-perpetuate itself”.

The plot is suitably complex and detailed. There is a sense of convenient coincidence at times; the characters and plot elements seem a little too interconnected. However, each plot line ends up being one strand in what becomes a beautiful tapestry. The romance angle is definitely geared toward adults. There is graphic language and sex throughout the book. As sweet and passionate as these relationships were, I wish the author had spent more time really developing the details. Several of the characters were “in love” very suddenly, and it occasionally made some of them seem a little fickle as their interests switched around without the appearance of deliberation.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. Between the occasional editing errors, the elaboration that I missed in the development of the various romantic relationships, and the abundance of coincidence in the major plot line, I feel as though I can’t offer the book the maximum rating. At the same time, this is still definitely an enjoyable read and generally well-executed. I would recommend Belle Ami’s One More Time is Not Enough to adults looking for a steamy romance with a gripping plot.

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One More Time is Not Enough
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Like L_Therese's review? Post a comment saying so!

Thanks for such an honest review. I'm glad you enjoyed the book overall.

The plot sounds interesting and I'm glad you enjoyed the book. Great review.

I just finished a book that was the second in a sequel and because I had not read the first book, I had trouble understanding the characters and the plot. I understand your struggle.
I do like murder mysteries, but to me, sex diminishes the story. Writing about sex is like spending three pages describing an incredible meal, boring and unnecessary. Therefore, this does not sound like a book that I would be interested in. Thank you for your review. Good job!

I think that One More Time is Not Enough makes my day reading it. I like the penmanship that Belle Ami puts into the writing is most excellent. It has finesse and continues being very interesting. I cannot wait to read it.

Sounds like an interesting book. I am intrigued with David's character. He seems like a determined guy and probably the one I would be rooting for as Adelia's partner. Too bad about the errors. Great job on the review. n

The plot seems interesting. Thanks for the review

This review was very helpful. I really enjoy a good romance, but this sounds like it falls into several different genres.

Probably not a book I am going to be reading anytime soon, but all the same thanks for the review!

Lovely review L_Therese! As someone whose niche is in Romance, this sounds like a book worth checking out!

great job on the review sounds interesting

This review was magnet to this fantastic book. So much described within those passage.

Good job on the review but it does not seem like a book that I will enjoy. Congratulations to the author for getting such a good review.

The plot sounds interesting.
However underdeveloped charachters and sudden unjustified 'jumps' in the story line are a big discouragement.
I'll pass

I have recently read Belle Ami's book called 'Escape' and even posted a review. She is really good at writing romance. She uses a quite detailed way of writing.