Member Reviews
I received a free copy of, Still The One, by Aimee Brown, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Eve Cassidy thought Guy Foster was the one, that's why she married him. Though they did end of divorcing him, she never forgot about him. This was a good read, I enjoyed the characters.
3.3 Stars
One Liner: enjoyable but has some loose ends
My Thoughts:
The premise is rather sweet, and I hoped for a heartwarming story. It is a sweet book, no doubt there. However, it doesn’t reach its full potential.
Eve and Foster are well-written. Since we get both POVs, we see their feelings for each other, their fears, their vulnerability, etc. I like that we never have to doubt Foster’s love for Eve. It is steady and unwavering from start to finish. Eve’s feelings are clear too though she is a bit more tentative and wary of commitment (the second time).
The flashbacks of the past are short yet detailed. Those they are not linear, it is easy to put the pieces together. What started as an insta-love ends up being something convincing by the end. However, I wish we had more scenes (at least 2 more) from the past.
Foster injuries make this a slow burn with no spice (not even in the past). I admit it’s a little disappointing but fine. The banter is childish and silly but fun too. I laughed and rolled my eyes at their flirting. It fits the character arcs.
I also like the medical and nursing part of the plot. The author’s professional experience blends the details into the storyline seamlessly. (This isn’t my field, I don’t know if something is incorrect)
The premise calls for extra depth to the narrative and some tears. However, the story doesn’t dig deep. Quite a few leads have been provided but have gone nowhere. Sustaining those would have made it better (the memory lapse part, the video, the annoying friend & sis, the lack of official documents which Eve didn’t seem to wonder about until the end, Eve’s other exes, etc.).
That said, the MCs do have good conversations and don’t try to hide their feelings (or confusion). Even if they messed up in the past, they try to fix things by being open about their current situation.
I tend to like the best friends more in this genre but I couldn’t really like Kait and Jess. Gen, Phil, and Matt are much better. I was glad when Eve stood her ground and set boundaries.
Don’t go into the book for the tropes, though. The forced proximity part is okay but the one-bed thing is not even an issue in a way. Read it as a clean second-chance romance (not really smoldering in there). It’s got a steady pace, so you can finish it in a couple of hours.
To summarize, Still The One is a good read about lovers finding their way back to each other after a painful separation. It could have been a lot better but should work if you want something light yet touching.
The author’s note throws a light on some of the whys, but I wish the editors worked a little more on the inconsistencies to iron out the wrinkles.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Five years after their breakup, Eve is shocked to discover she’s still listed as the next of kin for Foster. When he’s injured in an accident, she agrees to let him move into her small apartment to recover. Foster sees this as an opportunity to reconcile their past, knowing she’s the only woman he’s ever truly loved.
This second-chance romance explores their complex history and the emotional baggage they’ve both carried over the years. The story alternates between past and present, using dual POV to reveal what went wrong in their relationship and how they still feel about each other. While their feelings are slowly unpacked, at times the story could have delved deeper into their emotions.
3.5 *
This was cute and entertaining. It kept my interest but it was a very slow build-up (hence the minus half a star for me) to the romance. Great banter. If you like your romances clean and with no steam (I do prefer a little bit of steam 🤭) this might be one for you. I love the writing style! I'd try another Aimee Brown book in a heartbeat!
Foster and Eve were married five years ago but have since divorced. He's a daredevil and an FMX (Motocross) Champion. She's a trauma nurse. One day while on the job the ambulance brings in a trauma patient. It's Foster and he's had an accident while competing. Eve is shocked and scared but manages to stay calm. She ends up nursing him back to health. Isn't that a great premise? It's a sweet second chance romance and not to forget Foster is harbouring a secret.
I enjoyed a slew of ARCs from this author last year and couldn't wait to dive into this one! Everything from the summary screamed I'm going to love it (second chance, close proximity, a clear someone is going to fall first and fall fast, and just all the feels that are guaranteed to be front and center for Eve and Foster). And it was every bit as heartwarming as I was hoping it would be. 🥰 watching eve and foster reconnect 5 years after their divorce, seeing the people in their corners root for them and their ultimate reconciliation was everything one would want in a one sitting afternoon read.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my review!
3.5/5
Eve and Fost were married five years ago, but it only lasted a month. Both have since moved on, but were unexpectedly reunited after Fost has an accident. They work through the emotions, what ifs, memories, forgotten feelings to see if they are ‘Still the One.’
A fun and quick read, second chance romance with witty banter, slow burn, flirty conversation and sweet moments.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. I am excited to read some more of Aimee Brown’s books!
This was a cute second chance, forced proximity romance. Was it memorable enough to want to read it again? No, but I found it fairly enjoyable.
I liked the flashbacks as we got an insight into how their whirlwind romance began but not really how it ended. The scene of her leaving is not described, only briefly mentioned so I felt there was not as much explanation as to why they were both so devastated or what happened in the aftermath. I would have loved to have had more of the post relationship fallout.
I could see the chemistry bubbling under the surface but this was a very clean read, so I did miss the potential fire they could have had, although Jellybean is a very cute nickname. There was potential for the characters to have more banter and more substance, their second chance romance still felt a little superficial.
It was a nice read but nothing I'd shout out from the rooftops about.
This book was really great! The story was unique and very entertaining! The main characters were well written and enjoyable!
Eve is an ER nurse who is shocked when her ex husband Foster is brought into her recovery room, a professional stunt motorcycle rider, who has had a serious accident that has left him badly injured. She is even more shocked when she finds out that she is still listed as next of kin. They had split after a whirlwind romance five years before, but now she has to help him recover from his injuries.
I had a motorcycle accident a few years ago, although nowhere near as serious as Foster's, and relied upon my wife to help me whilst I recovered. It helped me understand what both Eve and Foster are going through during his recovery. It is one of those books where the reader knows that they both still love each other, but are struggling to acknowledge this. Foster is totally committed to his career, which caused the original breakup, and Eve felt that she was second best to this, and this is still in the way of the reconciliation. A slow burner that uses dual viewpoint and flashbacks to help you understand the struggles they are having.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
It was a good read, a bit far-fetched how their paths crossed again, but it made for a cute storyIt was a good read, a bit far-fetched how their paths crossed again, but it made for a cute story
I absolutely loved this ‘will they, won’t they’ romance and loved the two main characters right from the start. Eve works in the ER in Portland but when her ex husband turns up in the department after having an accident her life is turned upside down. When Foster regains consciousness he can’t believe that the only woman he has ever loved is there. They have some unfinished business to work through and with Eve offering to look after Foster during his recovery…… This has some fantastic characters, humorous moments and some really lovely moments between Eve and Foster. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC
thank you netgalley for the e-arc. when this was marketed for lovers of emily henry, i thought this would be highly rated by me. it was just okay, i would've regretted preordering if i did. cute idea to make the characters a divorced but second chance love story, though.
I’m a sucker for a second chance romance story, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The writing flowed nicely, making it a pleasure to read. I immediately liked both of the main characters, and got sucked into their stories. The dual timeline (flashbacks) worked well, revealing the background in a way that kept me intrigued. The romance was a slow burn, but there was good chemistry between the characters, keeping me engaged. I was never overly worried about the relationship not working out, and might have enjoyed a little more tension. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a close-door romance with relatable characters and beautiful writing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced reader copy!
Get the tissues and be prepared to ugly cry!!!
In this book we have the loads of brilliant characters including Jess, Kait, Phil and Matty but the main 2 are Jellybean aka Eve Cassidy and Fost aka Guy Foster.
So the book starts by introducing us to Eve. She's a single, hardworking nurse who works in the OHSU ER. Eve loves her job, until 1 day an ambulance crew rush a patient into trauma bay 2 and she instantly recognises a tattoo. It's non other that her ex-husband Guy Foster.
What a rollercoaster of a book this is. From laugh out loud one liners like 'Holy Shiitake Mushrooms' to 'She's trying to shoot that baby out of her vajajay, explosive diarrhoea style. To the other end of the scale of unbelievable heartbreak that left me crying like a baby. This book is so well written. I'll even go so far as to say, it's outstanding!!!
Still The One by Aimee Brown is a heartfelt and emotional second-chance romance that explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and starting over. The story revolves around Eve, a compassionate ER nurse, who finds herself face-to-face with her ex-husband, Foster, after he suffers a serious accident during an FMX bike event. Their unexpected reunion forces both of them to confront the pain of their past and the lingering feelings they still have for one another.
As Foster embarks on a challenging journey of recovery, Eve becomes an integral part of his healing process, both physically and emotionally. The alternating perspectives between the two characters provide a deep look into their struggles and growth, making their story both relatable and engaging. Their rekindled connection is a slow burn, filled with tender moments and the realization that sometimes love deserves a second chance.
Aimee Brown crafts a touching narrative with relatable characters and an authentic portrayal of healing—both individually and as a couple. Still The One is a beautiful story about overcoming hurt, finding closure, and rediscovering what it means to truly love. It's perfect for fans of emotionally rich romances with a satisfying, feel-good ending."
This story was okay. Dual POV, second chance, age gap, forced proximity, miscommunication. The story started off slow and took a lot for me to get into. Some parts were pretty repetitive. I loved Evie’s strength and unwavering support and Fost’s dedication. Phil provided great comedic relief.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced copy. Still The One is a second chance romance of Foster and Eve.
Eve is a ER trauma nurse. On what is a normal day, Foster is brought in to the ER and Eve's instincts kick in to save his life. Told in dual POV Foster and Eve truly get to know each other again.
I really enjoyed the writing and character development in this book.
This book kept me hoping that it would end with a happily ever after.
Absolutely enjoyed the 2nd chance romance in this one and I loved how the little twist was teased.
I'd love to read more if there are bonus chapters and sequels.
Dual POV, age gap, second chance romance with a strong ‘will they, won’t they’ vibe running throughout. Not overly heavy on the spice and overall a good, easy read
My favorite thing as a reader is finding new-to-me voices in contemporary romance, and I’ve struck gold with this one. While this is my first romance from this gifted storyteller, it definitely won’t be my last!
Eve Cassidy gets quite the shock when her ex husband shows up in her emergency room after wrecking his motorcycle during a motocross competition. Somehow, she's still listed as his emergency contact five years later.
Foster lives on the other side of the country and has no one to look after him, so Eve stays by his side then moves him into her apartment when he's discharged but still to ill to travel back home to Florida. Who better than a trauma nurse to change his dressings, help with PT, and make sure he takes his medication?
One theme of this story is the “what ifs." We all have them. Watching Eve and Foster take a chance on their own what ifs and fight for their forever the second time around made this this phenomenal read. Their story is a reminder that life is precious and too short to live with regrets.
I would be remiss not to give a shout-out to this author for taking a challenging, traumatic life event and using it as the backdrop of this story. Having gone through something similar but very different, I vividly recall the jumble of chaotic emotions, and I’m in awe of her strength, determination, and ability to use something so personally difficult to touch readers' lives and gift us with an uplifting reading experience. Brava, Ms. Brown, with thanks and gratitude.
While this one is charming and humorous, it’s heart is in the deep emotions, in healing past pain, in learning to forgive, and in a glorious second chance. Hang on tight for this exhilarating, evocative ride, and make a big space in your heart for Eve and Foster. They'll be your new favorite couple and will stay with you forever.