It's a fun and flirty story readers are introduced to as coworkers become unexpected friends, before slowly becoming something more, in this tale of opposites attracting. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The One I Want by S.L. Scott, along with getting my impressions of it, then get ready to add this rom-com to your shelf!
She was everything he never knew he needed.
He was everything she avoided.
~
It’s not the first time I’ve been called a stalker.
I can’t blame Andrew Christiansen for thinking that since we keep crossing paths, especially when I pop up in the most unexpected of places—his office.
We’re opposites in every way. Not the kind that attract.
I’ve been called a ray of sunshine. He’s been called a grumpy workaholic that needs an attitude adjustment. By me.
Somehow, we become friends, the teasing, flirting, and kissing kind. But this thing blooming between us threatens to turn this relationship from friends-to-lovers into a full-blown office romance.
That’s the least of my worries because one or two, little, okay big, secrets I’ve been keeping may turn him from the one I want into the one I can’t have.
EXCERPT:
I hear a familiar bark and turn back. The woman from the park rushes toward the nearest shop as if I didn’t just bust her for following me. “What are you doing?” I ask. “Are you stalking me?” I might be jumping ahead of myself, but better to settle it now. A lot of weird stuff was happening at the park. Is she to blame?
Despite Rascal’s joy to see me, obstinance stiffens her shoulders, and she scoffs. “You wish.” Her hand flies out. “It just so happens that I’m walking in the same direction. So what?”
“Defensive,” I reply, analyzing her body language. Crossed arms. Straight line across her lips. Half-mast eyelids as she glares at me.
“I’m not defensive. I’m offended. You just called me a stalker.”
“My bad.”
“You’re bad, all right.” She angles her chin up, and adds, “You can go about your day now.” I’m tempted to chuckle, but I’m thinking it’s wise to restrain myself. “I will. Good day.” “Good day, sir,” she says to my back as I walk away.
I stop again, but this time, I don’t look back. Forcing myself to walk forward, I continue
through the upscale neighborhood to the next block. I busy my attention on the architecture until I hear Rascal bark again.
I knew I shouldn’t have talked to a stranger. She may be hot, but she could also be deranged, using her dog as a ploy to trick her next victim to her lair. What am I even talking about?
When I turn back this time, she sidles quickly up to a coffee shop window, pretending to know the people sitting on the other side.
By how they turn their backs to her, they don’t reciprocate. “Nice try,” I tease.
Glancing at me, she huffs. “I’m walking in the same direction. It’s no big deal, for God’s sake.” She punctuates the words with an epic eye roll as if I’m putting her out. Huffing, she grabs Rascal, clutching him to her side.
“His feet have—”
“Shit.”
“Exactly.”
Anger fills her chest, and she shakes her head, exhaling it loudly with a foot stomp. “Ugh! I’ll
go this way.”
As. If. I’m the nuisance. Me?
Why am I even sticking around to have this conversation? Why am I bothering? Going in different directions—that’s us. She crosses the street, and I turn the corner, both of us heading back to our own lives and hopefully never seeing each other again.
I continue toward the building up ahead alone. I’m good. I’m fine. Alone is how I thrive. I’ll be here a year or two. That’s nothing. I have plenty of work to keep me busy.
Work.
I’m here for work. That’s it. I have a plan in place, and nothing and no one will keep me from achieving my goals.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
With today being Mother's Day I found this to be the perfect read as the power of a mother's love fuels the changes businessman Andrew Christiansen undergoes once he meets the bubbly Juni. From the very start readers will find themselves captivated by this pair and their differences that make them oh so perfect together. From witty banter, to warm and intimate moments, this tale will charm you and keep you up late watching these two work through their issues in a mature and satisfying journey.
Readers have heard of Andrew before as his brother found love in the previous story in this loosely connected series of books. At first glance Andrew seems like the typical CEO, dedicated to the family business to the exclusion of his own desires. He's a workaholic, a bit stuffy, and a bit buttoned-up. Beyond this exterior though is a truly good man, a kind man who's a very good soon. He's a successful man, but his mother knows he's capable of being something more and gives him a list of tasks that will change his life irrevocably while endearing him to readers throughout his journey.
The first task on his list unexpectedly introduces him to Juni, a pretty and quirky young woman, an independent soul who's a bit bruised and guarded from a painful past. She's a breath of fresh air to Andrew though, pushing him to fully embrace life beyond work and it's the beginning of a beautiful friendship that morphs into more. Juni's a likable character, one beloved by all, and reading the scenes between her and Andrew brought a smile to my face.
This was a heartwarming read, one of personal growth and being more than what you thought you were destined to be. The connection between Andrew and Juni was sweet, virtually angst-free, with humorous and feel good interactions. Surrounding this appealing main couple was a cast of equally delightful secondary characters who were a strong support to this pair every step of the way. In Juni's corner there's Mrs. Hendricks and Mr. Clark, just two people whose words of wisdom help guide her. Andrew's brother Nick is a big support too as is their mother and the familial bond between them warm my heart. Add in Rascal's antics and you end up with an all-around fun and flirty tale, one that slowly evolves through a romance full of heart and soul....along with bits of humor. S.L. Scott has once again captured reader's hearts and minds in a delightful journey that has me greatly anticipating where we'll be taken next!
My rating for this book is an A-
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
New York Times and USA Bestselling Author, S. L. Scott, lives in the capital of Texas with her family. Besides writing, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She's obsessed with epic romances and loves a great plot twist, as well as dreams of seeing one of her own books on the big screen one day. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she's a pro.
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