Poignant, realistic story of life, love & loss

Not the One is a beautiful story about Reyna Miracle and the tragedies that have shaped her life. There were so many powerful moments that anyone who has experienced loss can truly identity with. This isn't your typical boy meets girl, things go awry and then they make up and the world is perfect. You really feel the struggles of all the characters. It's imperfect and touching and will reach your heart in a way many books don't. There is also humor from the wacky Brits that Amy Daws loves to write about that will keep you laughing.

The narrator definitely had some issues with the male voices/accents but I still HIGHLY recommend this book. Looking forward to more from Amy Daws!

5 people found this helpful

Something different for a change!

I had a hard time rating this book. I enjoyed the writing style and the story line but I did have a few issues with this book. The characters for one were very hard to connect with for me. Reyna was way to much a drama queen for me. I get that she knew loss but it felt like an excuse to be damaged too me (especially the whole sisters thing). She was a love tornado, taking down every man in her wake and turning a blind eye to their feelings claiming no one could love her. Her now best friend Hayden is an alcoholic with issues stemming from his sisters death. They are a terrible pair, they fed into each others problems and she is blind to all the issues their friendship creates for him especially. Liam is her "dead best friends fiancé", she has a history with him and she runs, crushing him when he needs her most. I loved his character even though he dealt with way more crap then I would have. In the end I love that all of these characters found their way and grew. Even though I had things I didn't like, this book did exactly what a book should, it sucked me in from page one and I didn't stop until it was over. The story line, the writing, the narration and the great cover is why I gave it 4 stars.

The narration was good. At first I didn't think I'd enjoy the accents but I got used to them very quickly.

9 people found this helpful

Interesting Emotional Story

The narration was great and brought the book to life for me.

This was a realistic story that goes back and forth telling the story about Reyna and Liam.

Reyna is broken and carry the burden of having cheated on her best friend Melissa. Reyna has spiraled out of control after the death of her best friend. Flashbacks from 3 years prior show just how deep the past still haunts her.

Liam sees her 3 years after their graduation and tries to approach her. She is full of doubts, regrets, and unwanted feelings. She doesn't usually let anyone in but when things go too far, she has to evaluate her life, get help, and see herself in a different light.

Reyna has vivid dreams that caused a bit of confusion for me a few times. The timeline back and forth is a bit choppy at times.

One of my favorite characters was Frank.

Overall, this is a very emotional story and truly quite different than what I'm used to reading. I did enjoy it quite a bit.

I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.

2 people found this helpful

Amazing

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, because this book is about second changes and conquering obstacles if one is dedicated .

What was one of the most memorable moments of Not the One?

The most memorable moment was when Rena's mom tells her how she really feels about Rena's choices for the first time.

What does Cassandra Trullo bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brings life to the story and her British accent was right on. She brings out Rena's spunky attitude.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes I really wanted to know what happened because I got caught up in the story with the characters.

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful story of heartbreak and redemption

I love this narrator. She breathed life into these characters with her accents and her tone. I still hear them in my head. I am new to audio books but if this is th etalent I have been missing I am definitely gonna start buying more.

This book hurt my heart. It was such a sad, tragic story that I thought for sure was not going to end the way I expected it too. I have never been so happy to be wrong!

I get her guilt, but the real stand out for me was Liam. His vulernability still gives me the shivers. And Hayden's downward spiral was painful to listen to as well.

The ending kinda blew me away, it wasn't rushed, like, she wasn't better overnight. She had a constant struggle to come to terms with her skewed verson of herself she saw in the mirror every morning. It fit in just right for me. I am for sure going to read the next one.

1 person found this helpful

Lost in Translation

It was a very well written and thought out book ,but the lead female got on my nerves from the beginning of the book until the end. She was a whining ,simpering mess that I could not relate to. By the end of the book I wasn't even sure if I wanted her to have a happy ending or not.

3 people found this helpful

4 Searching Stars

This was a pretty intense book, emotional, and a little heart breaking too.

So much loss it’s hard to see the light with how much Reyna has to go through. I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say we have familial loss and friend loss and then a lot of self-destruction.
But it’s also a story of hop and finding yourself through the darkness. Maybe even a little self-discovery and know when something is bad for you when to let go. And when to fight, for what you truly want.

Some of the time I didn't really like Reyna I kind of wanted to shake her and be like it’s not all about you!! Can’t you see what you’re doing or what is happening around you!!

I loved Hayden her best friend, you can’t help but feel for the guy and understand why he does the things he does.

Liam I kind of wanted to punch in the face too esp. near the endish.. I mean dude… DUDE!!

But I guess that kind of what makes a good book right when you want to shake and hug and punch the characters and you still want to finish the book?? So over all I enjoyed this book!!

*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*

14 people found this helpful

A heartbreaking beautiful story...

I liked this book! It is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. I loved the ending! Reyna is a beautiful young woman who falls in love and tries to fight it the entire time . Reyna also is the sole living child of quintuplets. As life come full circle for her, we get a birds-eye view of how she feels fro the inside.

This is my first read by the author, Amy Daws. I have to say I liked the book. Miss Daws has a creative view for books and a way of expressing emotions thru her words.The narrator, Cassandra Trullo did a great job o the delivery of this story. I loved all the different voices and her accents are spot on! It was a very smooth read.

I received this audiobook as a gift to introduce me to author's writing. I liked it and decided to leave a review for it.

2 people found this helpful

Quality book, worth a listen

Really was a a great concept with an interesting love triangle. You could fall in love with a few characters in this book including a very flamboyant Frank (aka franks-n-beans). Frank was also a good tension reliever at many points with his humor. The Liam and Hayden created a very captivating push n pull environment, kept me intrigued to the last chapter. I didn't love the narration. There were a lot of different accents in this book, which weren't done very well. The Latino accent sounded middle eastern, the British accents were over-done, etc. not to mention I didn't like the attempt at male characters. There were also parts where the tone or inflection did not come close to matching what was occurring in the book (i.e. She was supposed to sound angry but tone sounded maybe excited?) however I didn't feel that the narration took anything away from the enjoyment of the story.

I received this audible book for free in exchange for an honest review.

2 people found this helpful

Stick with me & keep reading

Ok…let me preface with a warning that I am about to be real…but stay with me!!
I can honestly say, it’s not often that I despise a heroine the way I spent a large majority of this book despising Reyna. Her ability to spectacularly sabotage every single relationship & situation was insane. Every single situation, fight, tragic event, & conversation for that matter all came back to “I don’t deserve to be alive.” God didn’t make a mistake with her…he created a miracle that her mother desperately needed during a depressing and dark time. For someone with so little self worth, she was the most selfish person I’ve ever seen. Her ability to be so focused on what she “doesn’t deserve” completely overshadowed the effect her horrid words and actions had on those around her who saw deeper than her clammy exterior and loved her despite her actions & attitude.
Now…that being said (bc I had to get that out), the ability of Amy Daws to write a character that effects me to the point that I yell at my car while riding down the street…that’s talent. Again, I am not saying at all that I despised this book, but instead, the characteristics of one character.
Liam was absolute perfection. He loved Reyna for who he knew she could be. He looked past the anger & resentment & saw her dark & guarded heart. Her support system of her mother, Frank, and Al were such awesome additions to an overall lovable cast. I understand her issues with her mom, but at the same time, her mother just wanted to love her harder, longer, & closer. Again…despite her thoughts on the matter, she WAS a miracle for her mom. A calm in a horrific storm that I can imagine was nearly impossible to navigate.
I honestly was torn about whether or not I even cared if Reyna got her HEA. I know that’s harsh 😬. But…Liam absolutely deserved his! As the saying goes, “The heart wants what the heart wants.” I wish Liam would have fallen in love with someone who didn’t break him so much, but sometimes love does hurt.
In the end, the love of a good man, the insight of a therapist, and the unyielding support from a close friend, a caring mother, & fill in father figure were perfect catalysts to repairing a black hollow soul to bring her to a shining vibrant flower worthy of all of the love and devotion.