Member Reviews

The One That I Want Is book three in the Ever-after series by Sandy Baker. I haven't read the first two installments in this series but can happily say that this book can be read just fine as a stand alone even though it features characters that have obviously appeared in previous books.

I loved Greta! Her relationship with Tiggy had me reminiscing about my own best friend, and the banter with Ewan was brilliant!
Breakfast tea with a shot of espresso? Definitely cause for concern, I do agree!

The story flowed well and I really liked the idea of the dating articles and the setting of Nouveau and the world of magazine publishing.
However, (and I expect It could be because I haven't bonded with the characters from reading the previous installments) the chapters from Poppy's perspective just didn't do much for me.

A whitty, laugh-out-loud Romantic comedy, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me access to an advance copy of this novel through Netgalley.

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The One That I Want is the third book in the Ever After Agency book series and even though I somehow managed to miss the second book (I will be going back to read it!) I’ve absolutely loved this book and series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really love books that have the original characters from a first book, but how the later books focus on new characters while still having moment of the old characters. I love finding out how their story is progressing too.

This books focuses on Greta, whose boss wants her to find her perfect match. With the help of Poppy and the ever after agency, they come up with a plan to ‘help’ Greta without her realising their true goal. I love the focus on the real life struggles of dating these days and how Greta takes it on without (many) complaints.

Overall this is a really good third book to a series and sometimes that can be the tricky book! solicitors definitely worth a read.

Thank you Netgalley, Sandy Barker and Boldwood Books for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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**NetGalley Book Review: *The One That I Want* by Sandy Barker**

Rating: 5/5🌟

Sandy Barker’s *The One That I Want* is a delightful and laugh-out-loud addition to her romantic comedy series. This novel is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and the charming chaos that ensues when life doesn't go exactly as planned.

The story revolves around Greta Davies, a successful features editor at a women’s magazine who seems to have it all—except for a fulfilling love life. Greta is a relatable and endearing protagonist, whose work-obsessed nature and stubbornness lead to a series of hilarious and often disastrous dating adventures.

Barker’s writing shines with wit and warmth, capturing Greta’s journey with a perfect balance of comedy and heartfelt moments. The concept of a dating column in the city is a brilliant setup that allows for a variety of humorous scenarios and character interactions. Each date Greta goes on is a comedic gem, filled with awkward moments and unexpected twists.

One of the standout elements of *The One That I Want* is the friendship and support network around Greta. Her boss and friend, who secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency, adds a layer of intrigue and sweetness to the story. The secondary characters are well-developed and add depth to the narrative, making Greta’s world feel vibrant and authentic.

The romantic subplot is both charming and satisfying. As Greta navigates her way through a series of less-than-perfect dates, the realization that the perfect man has been right in front of her all along unfolds naturally and beautifully. The chemistry between Greta and her true match is palpable, and their journey from friendship to romance is filled with tender and swoon-worthy moments.

Barker draws inspiration from romantic classics like *How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days*, *Thirteen Going on Thirty*, and *Sex and the City*, and she manages to infuse her own unique touch into the story. The references to these beloved films and series add a nostalgic and fun element, enhancing the overall reading experience.

*The One That I Want* is not just a romantic comedy; it’s a story about self-discovery, friendship, and the importance of being open to life’s unexpected possibilities. Greta’s character growth throughout the novel is both realistic and inspiring, making her someone readers will root for from beginning to end.

Overall, *The One That I Want* is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies. Sandy Barker has crafted a story that is as heartwarming as it is hilarious, with characters that feel like old friends and a plot that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a good laugh and a sweet, satisfying love story.

Rating: 5/5🌟

#TheOneThatIWant #SandyBarker #NetGalley #BookReview #RomanticComedy #MustRead

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This is an enjoyable story with endearing characters and an interesting premise. As one would expect from SB - it's well-written and executed.
However, I find it difficult to cope with a huge cast of characters and this is one of those books with one.

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Heartwarming and cute. But overall, entirely forgettable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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The One That I Want by Sandy Barker
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 23 July 2024

Sandy Barker's "The One That I Want" is a charming addition to the Ever After Agency series, proving once again that Barker has a knack for crafting engaging romantic comedies. This third instalment maintains the high quality of its predecessors while introducing fresh characters and scenarios.

The story centres around Greta Davies, a successful magazine features editor whose love life leaves much to be desired. Barker's portrayal of Greta is immediately endearing, making her relatable and easy to root for. The author's choice to set the story in the magazine industry provides an interesting backdrop that adds depth to the narrative.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its clever concept of turning Greta's dating mishaps into a magazine column. This innovative approach not only drives the plot forward but also offers insightful commentary on the challenges of modern dating. The resulting scenarios are a perfect mix of heartwarming and hilarious, with Greta's disastrous dates and her friendship with Tiggy providing many laugh-out-loud moments.

Barker skilfully balances the romantic elements with humour, creating a story that is both sweet and entertaining. The gradual realisation that the perfect man might have been there all along adds a layer of anticipation that keeps readers engaged until the very end.

While part of a series, "The One That I Want" stands well on its own, though fans will appreciate the appearances of familiar characters from previous books. The introduction of new characters alongside the established ones keeps the series fresh and exciting.

Drawing inspiration from classic romantic comedies like "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days" and "Sex and the City," Barker's novel feels both familiar and fresh. It captures the essence of what makes these stories beloved while adding her own unique twist.

In conclusion, "The One That I Want" is a delightful, heartwarming read that offers the perfect escape for fans of romantic comedies. Its blend of humour, romance, and relatable characters makes it a must-read for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet insightful take on love and dating in the modern world. Sandy Barker continues to prove herself as a standout author in the genre with this charming addition to the Ever After Agency series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author, Sandy Barker, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

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Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

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Sandy Barker’s books are always a treat to look forward to, and this latest offering from an author who knows her game was no exception. There is the writer’s tell-tale humour, some fabulous one liners, great writing and of course romance. In Greta we have an interesting and very likeable central character, a successful features writer on a women’s magazine who has yet to find that one true love. What better way to find it than through the Ever After Agency as well as a great idea for a new column in the magazine? I thoroughly enjoyed the whole romp through the intricacies and nuances of modern dating. Great research from Barker on dating, dating agencies and feature writing. All wrapped up in a novel that zips along and ends, as we always hope it will in a fabulous HEA. 5 stars from me!

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"The One That I Want" by Sandy Barker is a delightful romantic comedy that hits all the right notes. Greta Davies, a successful magazine editor, navigates disastrous dates while her friend secretly intervenes with the Ever After Agency. Barker’s witty storytelling and charming characters, inspired by rom-com classics, unfold with humor and heart. As Greta searches for love in the city, the perfect match may be closer than she realizes. Full of laughs and heartfelt moments, this novel is a must-read for fans of feel-good romance. Barker delivers a fun and uplifting story that will leave readers smiling from ear to ear.

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This sounded like something right up my alley, and the groundwork was there for a great story. But I just didn't feel the spark or chemistry between the main two and I also had a hard time with how anxiety ridden Greta became over Every. Single. Decision. Some of the bad dates were funny and I liked a lot about the plot here but for some reason this one didn't quite work for me.

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I wanted to love this book because of its description and because the characters are so great. However, it felt slow moving (I think we could have cut to the chase much earlier) and not that funny or even romantic. I was also missing real spark/energy/wit/attraction between Greta and her love interest/s.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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What a lovable book!!! I loved the main AND side characters! Greta is such a relatable person, I really didn’t thought I’d have this much fun. I loved how the book really showed the reality of dating apps, to be honest what made me laugh the most were her awful dates.

I’d highly recommend this book and I think a lot of people will love it!!

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Thanks kindly to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I finished this book extremely quickly - I quite liked the storyline and was pleasantly surprised by the character development that brought depth to the story as it progressed.

The book follows magazine editor Greta Davies on her dating journey, as her boss sets her an assignment to date folks and write about her experiences - guided by an undercover matchmaker. I love how the story unfolds, and Greta begins to open her heart to love. And I won’t spoil it, but the story’s climax is simply delightful.

While the story was decently thought through, I felt that at times the execution was a little lacking. The writing quality felt inconsistent and kept pulling me out of the world it created.

Overall it’s genuinely a decent read and delivers a heartwarming romcom - I still did after all, devour it till my eyes hurt.

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This is the third book in the Ever After Agency series, a series I have loved and devoured and this book does not disappoint.

It’s so refreshing to read a series where every book is a five star read. I love how there is the original characters from the first book in the series but every book introduces new characters too as the main subjects for Poppys case.

I immediately fell in love with Greta in this book and her situation. She is a magazine editor which is a job that makes such an interesting read. The way it is written is such a clever concept and also highlights today’s struggles in the dating world. It was such a heartwarming romance but also hilarious in parts with Gretas disastrous dates and her friendship with Tiggy.

Sandys writing is written so beautifully again and flows so well. This was such another enjoyable read. You need to read this series!

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I enjoyed this book, with its unique storyline. Our heroine is just a normal woman who’s been good enough at her job to be promoted to a high level position, but has still kept her normalcy. Her friend, whilst featured a lot, is very much a background character, which is a shame as she seems like a cool, badass character that I would’ve liked to have seen more of. The story is written from dual perspectives of our heroine and her matchmaker, but sadly I don’t think that really works; dual perspectives only tend to work when it’s from a couple for example, and not 2 characters with only a slight overlap. Due to this, I found myself skipping Poppy’s parts unless Greta was in them, as I found them throwing the flow of the story. Apart from that, it is a good book, with only some slight twists and turns, but nothing too surprising, and a guaranteed HEA

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I am very excited to be reading this book! My full review to follow.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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I love this author and this books was great! I really enjoyed the tropes, as well as the character development! Her characters are so realistic and lovable, and I didn’t want to put it down!

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Another fabulous story by Sandy Barker! Greta Davies has had some terrible dates, and although I was laughing and enjoying them as a reader, Greta was not! I loved the concept of turning her horrible dating life into a magazine column. It felt very Sex in the City, though with a twist, because her friend has enlisted the Ever After Agency to help her find the right guy. Enter Ewan. I loved these two together (super relatable and lovable characters). I was rooting for both of them the whole time. There are some hilarious moments, as only Sandy Barker can write them, and some sweet moments too. I highly recommend this story!

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The One That I Want intrigued me when I read the blurb and I'm sure it has a lot of potential.

Unfortunately, I didn't like the writing one bit. Parts of it sounded a little childish and like the book was trying too hard to put the comedy part in romcom.

I'm really sorry to say that I just couldn't enjoy it.

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Humorous and really funny! Great characters. The story was entertaining. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

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