Letting go is the main theme explored by author Becky Wade in Her One and Only, the fourth and final novel in the Porter Family series. It highlighted the lives of kick-ass, strong-willed, female protection agent Dru Porter and her relationship with NFL superstar Gray Fowler.
Former Marine Dru was assigned to protect Gray, who received threatening letters from a stalker. Romance blossomed as the two spent time together but the past is making it difficult for Gray to establish a loving relationship with Dru, while Dru struggles with her self in an attempt to guard her heart from eventual hurt.
While reading this book, I couldn’t help but entertain this nagging feeling that something was missing in the way the story was told. I did not realize that this is the last book in a series so I was confused why the author inserted the story of Meg and Bo, the main characters in the first Porter Family novel Undeniably Yours.
I appreciate, however, that the author discussed the issue of infertility as there are many couples who face challenging situations. Providing a faith-based angle on the infertility and pregnancy discussion is comforting.
I like the part where the Dru and Gray visited Gray’s hometown and was faced with people from his past that he tried so hard to block. It was this part of the story that I felt so strongly about the characters in the story. That was a powerful and painful chapter.
On the entirety though, I did not enjoy this novel that much.
I just felt that the plot is quite typical. I wanted to see unique details about the empowered and self-sufficient woman that is Dru. The bodyguard-client love angle didn’t also sit well with me. Last month, I finished reading a romance novel about a dog sitter and pro baseball player so reading Her One and Only was sort of redundant.
Several times, I just wanted to put this book down and forget about it but I had then made guesses in my mind as to the identity of the stalker. Those guesses motivated me to continue reading.
I was right.
I am a big CSI fan so I was hoping to see more police and detective action when they were examining evidence (e.g. letters and bullets). What magic could have Horatio and her team of CSI Miami have done if this happened within their jurisdiction? Or what would Mac Taylor say to Lindsey and Danny? The name Detective Carlyle was mentioned in the story but the character is a “ghost”; you can’t feel him there. It was just questionable how the joined forces of the security agency and the police could not find the stalker, who is, by the way, not a sophisticated and seasoned criminal.
I also felt that the ending of the story — although it highlighted the letting go theme — did not present an angle of redemption for the stalker, who is also plagued with unresolved issues from the past. I believe that was an angle that should have been explored — or at least a short chapter could have been written about it.
Was my interest piqued to read the three novels that came before Her One and Only?
Not really.
I’m content with this one. I had too much romance novels in the last month so I would have to take a break and explore more non-fiction and non-romantic novels for the rest of the month.
I’ll try again in June.
Perhaps.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a signed copy of this book from the Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write positive reviews. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.
