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You're the One That I Want
Maddy, dressed in white, stands at the back of the church. At the end of the aisle is Rob - the man she's about to marry. Next to Rob is Ben - best man and the best friend any two people ever had.
And that's the problem.
Because if it wasn't Rob waiting for her at the altar, there's a strong chance it would be Ben. Loyal and sensitive Ben has always kept his feelings to himself, but if he turned round and told Maddy she was making a mistake, would she listen? And would he be right?
Best friends since childhood, Maddy, Ben and Rob thought their bond was unbreakable. But love changes everything. Maddy has a choice to make but will she choose wisely? Her heart, and the hearts of the two best men she knows, depend on it...
And that's the problem.
Because if it wasn't Rob waiting for her at the altar, there's a strong chance it would be Ben. Loyal and sensitive Ben has always kept his feelings to himself, but if he turned round and told Maddy she was making a mistake, would she listen? And would he be right?
Best friends since childhood, Maddy, Ben and Rob thought their bond was unbreakable. But love changes everything. Maddy has a choice to make but will she choose wisely? Her heart, and the hearts of the two best men she knows, depend on it...
372 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2014
282 people are currently reading
9724 people want to read
About the author
Giovanna Fletcher
24 books6,175 followersGiovanna grew up in Essex with her Italian dad Mario, mum Kim, big sister Giorgina and little brother Mario, and spent most of her childhood talking to herself (it seems no one wanted to listen) or reading books.
At thirteen she left Essex behind to attend the full-time Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she met her husband Tom Fletcher. Following SYTS she completed an acting BA (hons) at Rose Bruford – since then she's been acting, chaperoning mini actors and dabbling in a spot of freelance journalism.
Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. To see what makes Giovanna smile, view her blog at www.giovannasworld.com, or her Twitter page @mrsgifletcher
Billy and Me is Giovanna's debut novel.
At thirteen she left Essex behind to attend the full-time Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she met her husband Tom Fletcher. Following SYTS she completed an acting BA (hons) at Rose Bruford – since then she's been acting, chaperoning mini actors and dabbling in a spot of freelance journalism.
Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. To see what makes Giovanna smile, view her blog at www.giovannasworld.com, or her Twitter page @mrsgifletcher
Billy and Me is Giovanna's debut novel.
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March 18, 2017
A Felicidade é como Roma - são múltiplos os Caminhos para lá chegar...
Confesso que nutro um especial prazer por qualquer estória que ponha em causa aqueles valores sociais que nos foram impingidos com o leite materno - já cá estavam antes da nossa vinda ao Mundo e são-nos transmitidos como um prolongamento do ADN!
Se não fosse isso, esta seria uma daquelas leituras com etiqueta "mais do mesmo"...
A, B e C conhecem-se muito jovens e crescem juntos.
Vivem, descobrem e interpretam o Mundo sempre inseparáveis.
Abdicam duma existência a solo, tornando-se um Tripé !
Tratando-se dum grupo de heterossexuais , onde apenas B é rapariga, a biologia vai-se manifestando duma forma crescente, e o Tripé transforma-se progressivamente num triângulo amoroso
Contudo, é bom de ver que numa sociedade onde a monogamia é Lei, esse Tripé-Triângulo-Amoroso já nasceu com uma bomba-relógio incorporada...
Durante esta leitura, a minha mente foi palco de sentimentos contraditórios que lutaram entre si como num ringue de boxe:
Se dum lado estavam os inconvenientes sociais de se viver num triângulo amoroso, do outro estava o desejo de ver aquela felicidade a três durar e perdurar!...
Para muitos, a homossexualidade é um Caminho; pode ser que os Tripés sejam outro?!
Ao fim ao cabo, três até é um excelente número para desempatar as frequentes querelas de apaixonados! ;)
Enfim...são múltiplos os Caminhos para alcançar a Felicidade!...
Confesso que nutro um especial prazer por qualquer estória que ponha em causa aqueles valores sociais que nos foram impingidos com o leite materno - já cá estavam antes da nossa vinda ao Mundo e são-nos transmitidos como um prolongamento do ADN!
Se não fosse isso, esta seria uma daquelas leituras com etiqueta "mais do mesmo"...
A, B e C conhecem-se muito jovens e crescem juntos.
Vivem, descobrem e interpretam o Mundo sempre inseparáveis.
Abdicam duma existência a solo, tornando-se um Tripé !
Tratando-se dum grupo de heterossexuais , onde apenas B é rapariga, a biologia vai-se manifestando duma forma crescente, e o Tripé transforma-se progressivamente num triângulo amoroso
Contudo, é bom de ver que numa sociedade onde a monogamia é Lei, esse Tripé-Triângulo-Amoroso já nasceu com uma bomba-relógio incorporada...
Durante esta leitura, a minha mente foi palco de sentimentos contraditórios que lutaram entre si como num ringue de boxe:
Se dum lado estavam os inconvenientes sociais de se viver num triângulo amoroso, do outro estava o desejo de ver aquela felicidade a três durar e perdurar!...
Para muitos, a homossexualidade é um Caminho; pode ser que os Tripés sejam outro?!
Ao fim ao cabo, três até é um excelente número para desempatar as frequentes querelas de apaixonados! ;)
Enfim...são múltiplos os Caminhos para alcançar a Felicidade!...
July 14, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“BITTER SWEET LOVE STORY”
(#3 book read for the buzzword readathon & #1 for contemporary-a-thon weekend)
Around fifteen pages into this book I went to the end (always do that to know the exact amount of pages) where I found a quiz that you’re supposed to do after you read the story to see which guy in the story you’d be more attracted to or happy with. I did it in that moment and the result gave me this vibe that I was going to end up crying at the end of the story. I wasn’t wrong. I cried for like 10 minutes, took a break, pulled myself together to write this. When a book makes me cry hard, it’s probably a 5 star read. Not always, there are exceptions, I cried with “The light we lost” and gave it 4 stars because I found some segments to be quite cheesy. Not in this case. This love story is really hard-hitting especially for romantics like myself. I picked it up at my local bookstore for the readathon, and wasn’t expecting much since it is low in reviews and number of ratings.
This is a bitter sweet, but also tender love story. And it is about friendship. Love and friendship and how falling in love may jeopardize such friendship. Three best friends since age 9: two boys and a girl. When children they form this little circle against the world called “the tripod”. It works fine until adolescence kicks in and hormones start flying and the girl falls for one the guys. Robbie is handsome, charismatic, athletic, outgoing, the kind of guy girls wait in line to get. Ben is cute, but shy, he has a hard time to put himself out there, so he bottles up his feelings. Ben is less likely to get the girl. By now, you may have guessed who I got in the quiz I mentioned, right? Maddy, the girl, is clever, beautiful, she’s charming without even knowing it. Ben is the one who falls for her right from the start, and the book is told only by Maddy and Ben’s point of views, not by Robbie’s. By now you may have guessed why I cried a lot at the end of the book. Don’t get me wrong, it has a happy ending, an appropriate one, but bitter sweet. I enjoyed the ride of reading their love story, it reminded me of “My best friend’s wedding” with opposite genre roles, and more emotional. I loved it. It was a nice surprise even though I ended up crying. Crying is cathartic, it makes me feel more humane.
For anyone who loves bitter sweet love stories which will probably make you cry (if you’re a crybaby), check this one out.
“BITTER SWEET LOVE STORY”
(#3 book read for the buzzword readathon & #1 for contemporary-a-thon weekend)
Around fifteen pages into this book I went to the end (always do that to know the exact amount of pages) where I found a quiz that you’re supposed to do after you read the story to see which guy in the story you’d be more attracted to or happy with. I did it in that moment and the result gave me this vibe that I was going to end up crying at the end of the story. I wasn’t wrong. I cried for like 10 minutes, took a break, pulled myself together to write this. When a book makes me cry hard, it’s probably a 5 star read. Not always, there are exceptions, I cried with “The light we lost” and gave it 4 stars because I found some segments to be quite cheesy. Not in this case. This love story is really hard-hitting especially for romantics like myself. I picked it up at my local bookstore for the readathon, and wasn’t expecting much since it is low in reviews and number of ratings.
This is a bitter sweet, but also tender love story. And it is about friendship. Love and friendship and how falling in love may jeopardize such friendship. Three best friends since age 9: two boys and a girl. When children they form this little circle against the world called “the tripod”. It works fine until adolescence kicks in and hormones start flying and the girl falls for one the guys. Robbie is handsome, charismatic, athletic, outgoing, the kind of guy girls wait in line to get. Ben is cute, but shy, he has a hard time to put himself out there, so he bottles up his feelings. Ben is less likely to get the girl. By now, you may have guessed who I got in the quiz I mentioned, right? Maddy, the girl, is clever, beautiful, she’s charming without even knowing it. Ben is the one who falls for her right from the start, and the book is told only by Maddy and Ben’s point of views, not by Robbie’s. By now you may have guessed why I cried a lot at the end of the book. Don’t get me wrong, it has a happy ending, an appropriate one, but bitter sweet. I enjoyed the ride of reading their love story, it reminded me of “My best friend’s wedding” with opposite genre roles, and more emotional. I loved it. It was a nice surprise even though I ended up crying. Crying is cathartic, it makes me feel more humane.
For anyone who loves bitter sweet love stories which will probably make you cry (if you’re a crybaby), check this one out.
February 24, 2014
After the huge success of Billy And Me last year, I have been waiting rather impatiently for Giovanna’s second novel to hit the shelves. Billy And Me was by far one of my favourite books of last year and I had really high hopes that this second novel would be just as good, if not better.
I wasn’t disappointed.
You’re The One That I Want tells the story of Maddy, Robert and Ben: three friends who have known each other since childhood. Growing up together, Maddy, Robert and Ben were affectionately known as ‘The Tripod’ they were three people that made up one whole; without each other they were nothing. We follow them in this novel as they go through childhood, adolescence and their early to mid-twenties.
Maddy has never fancied either of the boys, they’ve always just been her friends; she’s seen them at their best and at their worst and has never wanted to be anything more. However, as the three grow up, a whole host of complicated emotions stem from each of them and soon the three of them are trapped in a love triangle; one that is full of emotion and potential heartbreak.
What do you do when you have to choose between the two people you love most in the world?
Wow, this book was FULL of emotion. I found that I connected instantly with Maddy; when I was growing up I had a lot more male friends than female friends and have had two best male friends, so I could completely relate to the dynamic between the three main characters. I think this is a really strong point of the novel, so many people will be able to relate to the situation Maddy finds herself in.
The story is told from three viewpoints which made for some really lovely insights into the way each character was feeling. I loved getting into Ben’s head and seeing how he felt (he was probably my favourite of the two guys) and it was really interesting seeing how each character perceived the others behaviour in totally different ways. Maddy is the perfect female lead; she is funny, caring, confusing, loveable, just everything a teenage/young female character should be!
The novel takes place in various locations: in Peaswood where the three grow up, at university, in Paris, in London…the list is endless! I loved how smooth the transition from each location was and how accurately and concisely Gi managed to describe them. I really felt like I was in all the different locations with the characters. The pacing was also superb and I couldn’t put the book down! Each chapter ending just made me want to keep reading and I am almost disappointed I read it so quickly! I’d love to go back and re-read a little slower to really appreciate the beauty of Gi’s writing.
Gi has the perfect narrative voice for this genre and writes in such an experienced way that you fall head first into her fictional world. The characters are beautifully formed and develop spectacularly well over the course of the book. As previously mentioned, the descriptions are tangible and suck you right into the action.
I honestly cannot fault this book! I adored it from the first page to the last and I am so very excited about what else we can expect from Gi’s pen in the future. I think she has a VERY exciting career ahead of her.
A beautifully told story exploring the notion of friendship and first love through three gorgeous characters who will capture your heart.
I wasn’t disappointed.
You’re The One That I Want tells the story of Maddy, Robert and Ben: three friends who have known each other since childhood. Growing up together, Maddy, Robert and Ben were affectionately known as ‘The Tripod’ they were three people that made up one whole; without each other they were nothing. We follow them in this novel as they go through childhood, adolescence and their early to mid-twenties.
Maddy has never fancied either of the boys, they’ve always just been her friends; she’s seen them at their best and at their worst and has never wanted to be anything more. However, as the three grow up, a whole host of complicated emotions stem from each of them and soon the three of them are trapped in a love triangle; one that is full of emotion and potential heartbreak.
What do you do when you have to choose between the two people you love most in the world?
Wow, this book was FULL of emotion. I found that I connected instantly with Maddy; when I was growing up I had a lot more male friends than female friends and have had two best male friends, so I could completely relate to the dynamic between the three main characters. I think this is a really strong point of the novel, so many people will be able to relate to the situation Maddy finds herself in.
The story is told from three viewpoints which made for some really lovely insights into the way each character was feeling. I loved getting into Ben’s head and seeing how he felt (he was probably my favourite of the two guys) and it was really interesting seeing how each character perceived the others behaviour in totally different ways. Maddy is the perfect female lead; she is funny, caring, confusing, loveable, just everything a teenage/young female character should be!
The novel takes place in various locations: in Peaswood where the three grow up, at university, in Paris, in London…the list is endless! I loved how smooth the transition from each location was and how accurately and concisely Gi managed to describe them. I really felt like I was in all the different locations with the characters. The pacing was also superb and I couldn’t put the book down! Each chapter ending just made me want to keep reading and I am almost disappointed I read it so quickly! I’d love to go back and re-read a little slower to really appreciate the beauty of Gi’s writing.
Gi has the perfect narrative voice for this genre and writes in such an experienced way that you fall head first into her fictional world. The characters are beautifully formed and develop spectacularly well over the course of the book. As previously mentioned, the descriptions are tangible and suck you right into the action.
I honestly cannot fault this book! I adored it from the first page to the last and I am so very excited about what else we can expect from Gi’s pen in the future. I think she has a VERY exciting career ahead of her.
A beautifully told story exploring the notion of friendship and first love through three gorgeous characters who will capture your heart.
June 13, 2023
saben que me gusto de este libro? que te dice “a veces lo que sentimos es un quilombo y ni nosotros nos entendemos” y los personajes se mandan cagadas pero al mismo tiempo los entendes
me gusto que me generó un conflicto de emociones
no era tan fácil como decir “que se quede con el otro!” y problema resuelto
banco totalmente
me gusto que me generó un conflicto de emociones
no era tan fácil como decir “que se quede con el otro!” y problema resuelto
banco totalmente
May 28, 2016
A glittering 5 stars!
My emotions are a freaking mess right now. Because of this book, this amazing, emotional, tension filled read. Ahh!
I only purchased this book today while out shopping with my parents and within a few hours of purchase, I've read it. And the truth is: I'm not disappointed at all. I really don't know how to write this review up because i'm literally speechless. Even my cat thought I was being mad. But here goes.
Maddy, Rob and Ben met for the first time during their childhood when Maddy first moved to the local area of Peaswood. Together, their friendship is an unique bond that continues into adulthood. We learn and follow their moves every step of the way and learn secrets about all of the characters within the novel that just makes you, the reader want to stay on and discover just what lurks on the other side. The opening part starts at Maddy's wedding and then over the course of the novel, flashes back to the past. I love the city of Bristol which was mentioned a lot within the novel as both Maddy and Ben attend University there.
Gorgeous read whilst sitting outside in the garden under a bright sunset and with a cold drink of cloudy lemonade in your hand. This was my first novel that I've read that is written by Giovanna, I eagerly look forward to reading Billy and Me plus her other novels as well.
For book reviews: Subscribe to my blog Married To Books Reviews and Blog
Follow my Twitter: @marriedtobooks3
My emotions are a freaking mess right now. Because of this book, this amazing, emotional, tension filled read. Ahh!
I only purchased this book today while out shopping with my parents and within a few hours of purchase, I've read it. And the truth is: I'm not disappointed at all. I really don't know how to write this review up because i'm literally speechless. Even my cat thought I was being mad. But here goes.
Maddy, Rob and Ben met for the first time during their childhood when Maddy first moved to the local area of Peaswood. Together, their friendship is an unique bond that continues into adulthood. We learn and follow their moves every step of the way and learn secrets about all of the characters within the novel that just makes you, the reader want to stay on and discover just what lurks on the other side. The opening part starts at Maddy's wedding and then over the course of the novel, flashes back to the past. I love the city of Bristol which was mentioned a lot within the novel as both Maddy and Ben attend University there.
Gorgeous read whilst sitting outside in the garden under a bright sunset and with a cold drink of cloudy lemonade in your hand. This was my first novel that I've read that is written by Giovanna, I eagerly look forward to reading Billy and Me plus her other novels as well.
For book reviews: Subscribe to my blog Married To Books Reviews and Blog
Follow my Twitter: @marriedtobooks3
April 8, 2019
It's Robert and Maddy's wedding day at Aged 26 years old, the story takes you through details of there life at different stages. Ages 9,11,16,18,21,24,25,26. I loved the childhood chapters before girls and boys can't just be friends. Before three was a crowd.
Robert and Ben have been friends for years even at nine and then a new girl starts the school Maddy, they become the tripod and it's a great group of friends. I admit at this stage i'm Team Ben who is the shyer one and his love for his mum is lovely. Then there's Rob the more confident one of the two and it's not that i dislike him, he grows on me just i still prefer Ben.
Paris is where everything changes Ben was planning one thing, Rob beats him too it. I can't help feeling for Ben through all of the story. It's like i thought Rob could have had anyone but i was routing for Ben and Maddy. It isn't to say i dislike Rob and Maddy just there is something about Ben i seem attracted too. I do wish though he'd speak now then he might have stood a chance of getting the girl. If the book teaches me anything is grab what you want before someone else does.
The heart does break for the one who doesn't get Maddy. The better part of me wishes they'd all ended up with different people then it wouldn't feel like one was left out. The bad side of me wishes Maddy had ended up with Ben. Then i think i'd have liked Rob more, because i didnt hate him as a character just was more drawn to Ben and Maddy. Everyone else Ben is with seems forced and i wasn't buying him with anyone else. Even at the end. I'd hope Ben's child would have better luck with Maddy's daughter than he did with Maddy.
My song choices would be a mix between Speak Now and How you get the Girl by Taylor Swift.
Lastly i love the mention of Billy Buskin and loved his story so much it was hard to compete with such great books with him in for me.
Robert and Ben have been friends for years even at nine and then a new girl starts the school Maddy, they become the tripod and it's a great group of friends. I admit at this stage i'm Team Ben who is the shyer one and his love for his mum is lovely. Then there's Rob the more confident one of the two and it's not that i dislike him, he grows on me just i still prefer Ben.
Paris is where everything changes Ben was planning one thing, Rob beats him too it. I can't help feeling for Ben through all of the story. It's like i thought Rob could have had anyone but i was routing for Ben and Maddy. It isn't to say i dislike Rob and Maddy just there is something about Ben i seem attracted too. I do wish though he'd speak now then he might have stood a chance of getting the girl. If the book teaches me anything is grab what you want before someone else does.
The heart does break for the one who doesn't get Maddy. The better part of me wishes they'd all ended up with different people then it wouldn't feel like one was left out. The bad side of me wishes Maddy had ended up with Ben. Then i think i'd have liked Rob more, because i didnt hate him as a character just was more drawn to Ben and Maddy. Everyone else Ben is with seems forced and i wasn't buying him with anyone else. Even at the end. I'd hope Ben's child would have better luck with Maddy's daughter than he did with Maddy.
My song choices would be a mix between Speak Now and How you get the Girl by Taylor Swift.
Lastly i love the mention of Billy Buskin and loved his story so much it was hard to compete with such great books with him in for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2020
Adorável!!!
Por norma, consigo ter preferência pelas personagens, quem fica com quem e tal. Neste não consegui. Qualquer que fosse a escolha, iria sempre querer a outra, mas a vida é feita de escolhas e isso está bem presente neste livro.
O Robert devia ter uma parte mais activa na narração, gostava de ter lido o seu lado também. E terminou abruptamente, depois de tanta história deveria ter havido um bocadinho de mais closure.
Não tenho mais nada "negativo" a apontar.
Cativou-me desde o primeiro capitulo.
Por norma, consigo ter preferência pelas personagens, quem fica com quem e tal. Neste não consegui. Qualquer que fosse a escolha, iria sempre querer a outra, mas a vida é feita de escolhas e isso está bem presente neste livro.
O Robert devia ter uma parte mais activa na narração, gostava de ter lido o seu lado também. E terminou abruptamente, depois de tanta história deveria ter havido um bocadinho de mais closure.
Não tenho mais nada "negativo" a apontar.
Cativou-me desde o primeiro capitulo.
May 22, 2014
I’m currently a little over 100 pages in and I get the feeling that this book was written to just get another book out after the success of “Billy and Me”. Maybe if there had been a bit more time, both the writer and editor could have caught the remaining spelling mistakes.
The book reads as a diary of sorts and it’s just... not really my thing. Plus the different POV’s made it not easy to read.
I’m all for a good love story but why go for the predictable “two boys, one girl in a friendship and girl ends up with one of her boy-friends” thing? I think it would have been a lot more interesting to see the ‘threesome’ respond to relationships outside their ‘threesome’ and how they manage to keep their friendship tight while they all date people outside of their circle. It is possible for a girl to be just friends with a boy.
I don’t know, maybe I’m just expecting too much.
---
Ah, Billy!
----
I’m 125 pages away from the ending and I’m wondering where the story is...
----
FINISHED!
And unfortunately, my thoughts about the book haven’t changed. It feels rushed, there were no surprises, there’s no real story, the ending feels like a total let down and anti-climatic and... I dunno. I just don’t like it.
The book reads as a diary of sorts and it’s just... not really my thing. Plus the different POV’s made it not easy to read.
I’m all for a good love story but why go for the predictable “two boys, one girl in a friendship and girl ends up with one of her boy-friends” thing? I think it would have been a lot more interesting to see the ‘threesome’ respond to relationships outside their ‘threesome’ and how they manage to keep their friendship tight while they all date people outside of their circle. It is possible for a girl to be just friends with a boy.
I don’t know, maybe I’m just expecting too much.
---
Ah, Billy!
----
I’m 125 pages away from the ending and I’m wondering where the story is...
----
FINISHED!
And unfortunately, my thoughts about the book haven’t changed. It feels rushed, there were no surprises, there’s no real story, the ending feels like a total let down and anti-climatic and... I dunno. I just don’t like it.
November 14, 2019
3 stars because of the ending
January 12, 2023
it's giving stefan and damon salvatore fighting for elena gilbert's love
October 21, 2014
I have to say, I do love a good chick-lit. They are easy to read, usually pretty concise, and will steer clear of any complicated subject matters. After reading a selection of academic literature, I needed a break. This is where Giovanna Fletcher came in.
I had heard through the grapevine that she was the next big thing with chick-lit. Many people had recommended her to me, so this along with a number of good reviews led me to this book. I was excited. I ran myself a bath, lit a few candles and poured myself a glass of wine. After a hard day of University assignments, I needed a long soak in a bubble bath with a good book.
The first chapter pulled me in straight away. A scandal waiting to happen. I loved it. What was Maddy going to do? Then the book completely switched and was written from the perspective of a young boy. It was different but again, I liked it. The first meeting of these three friends, their childhood, and high school years were all leading to what was hinted at in the first chapter. Then they all went to Uni, and I can only say that the rest of the book was a massive disappointment. Maddy turned into an unlikeable character. As did Robert. I felt sorry for Ben. I wanted him to get his happy ending with the love of his life but not if it meant that he would end up with Maddy. Then, Robert did a bad thing and the story seemed to be going Ben's way. Except that it didn't. Despite declaring his love for Maddy, she went back to Robert. Yes, she now realised that she could in fact love Ben, but her actions spoke louder than words. From then on, she became a bratty teenager for the rest of the book. I was relieved when Ben met Alice. Alice I loved. Alice was extremely likeable. Alice should have been the main female character. But no! Ben got rid of her. By this point, he really started to annoy me. What in the hell did he see in Maddy? Why was he letting her ruin his chances with the lovely Alice? The end was a complete disappointment and unremarkable to say the least. Nothing happened. She got married to Robert. Brilliant. He deserved better. I actually started to like him. He did a bad thing that he made up for in a big way. He deserved so much better than a girl who wanted to have her cake and eat it too. I liked the epilogue as it was nice to see that Ben had moved on and had a family of his own. He deserved happiness after everything he had been through, but on the whole this book bored me to death.
The story wasn't good, but the writing was worse. I won't go into the ridiculous amount of spelling mistakes. They speak for themselves. Proof read anyone? The writing was ok at the beginning as it was from the perspective of children. It read a bit like a diary entry of a teenager. As the story continued, I expected the writing to mature too. It didn't and it made the adult relationships seem so ridiculous and childish. There was something else too. While reading it, the general feeling was that I was reading something terrible. I can't put my finger on what it was. Something about Fletcher's writing completely alienated me and I'm still trying to figure out what it was. I just didn't enjoy it. I did however, have a serious craving for chocolate Hobnobs afterwards. Bloody Pearl!
I'm sad that I didn't enjoy it. I love the Fletchers and read Giovanna's blog on a daily basis. She comes across as a lovely, smart and dignified woman. It's just a shame that this didn't resonate within the book. This is one I won't be recommending to others.
I had heard through the grapevine that she was the next big thing with chick-lit. Many people had recommended her to me, so this along with a number of good reviews led me to this book. I was excited. I ran myself a bath, lit a few candles and poured myself a glass of wine. After a hard day of University assignments, I needed a long soak in a bubble bath with a good book.
The first chapter pulled me in straight away. A scandal waiting to happen. I loved it. What was Maddy going to do? Then the book completely switched and was written from the perspective of a young boy. It was different but again, I liked it. The first meeting of these three friends, their childhood, and high school years were all leading to what was hinted at in the first chapter. Then they all went to Uni, and I can only say that the rest of the book was a massive disappointment. Maddy turned into an unlikeable character. As did Robert. I felt sorry for Ben. I wanted him to get his happy ending with the love of his life but not if it meant that he would end up with Maddy. Then, Robert did a bad thing and the story seemed to be going Ben's way. Except that it didn't. Despite declaring his love for Maddy, she went back to Robert. Yes, she now realised that she could in fact love Ben, but her actions spoke louder than words. From then on, she became a bratty teenager for the rest of the book. I was relieved when Ben met Alice. Alice I loved. Alice was extremely likeable. Alice should have been the main female character. But no! Ben got rid of her. By this point, he really started to annoy me. What in the hell did he see in Maddy? Why was he letting her ruin his chances with the lovely Alice? The end was a complete disappointment and unremarkable to say the least. Nothing happened. She got married to Robert. Brilliant. He deserved better. I actually started to like him. He did a bad thing that he made up for in a big way. He deserved so much better than a girl who wanted to have her cake and eat it too. I liked the epilogue as it was nice to see that Ben had moved on and had a family of his own. He deserved happiness after everything he had been through, but on the whole this book bored me to death.
The story wasn't good, but the writing was worse. I won't go into the ridiculous amount of spelling mistakes. They speak for themselves. Proof read anyone? The writing was ok at the beginning as it was from the perspective of children. It read a bit like a diary entry of a teenager. As the story continued, I expected the writing to mature too. It didn't and it made the adult relationships seem so ridiculous and childish. There was something else too. While reading it, the general feeling was that I was reading something terrible. I can't put my finger on what it was. Something about Fletcher's writing completely alienated me and I'm still trying to figure out what it was. I just didn't enjoy it. I did however, have a serious craving for chocolate Hobnobs afterwards. Bloody Pearl!
I'm sad that I didn't enjoy it. I love the Fletchers and read Giovanna's blog on a daily basis. She comes across as a lovely, smart and dignified woman. It's just a shame that this didn't resonate within the book. This is one I won't be recommending to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2016
My initial thought after the intro was:
Maddy either chooses the initial groom and the whole story in between would kind of be unnecessary OR she leaves her groom for their mutual best best friend and that would be pretty awful for their friendship.
Sounds promising, right?
The story is told from two points of view: Ben and Maddy's, recalling various milestones of their lives from age 9, when they met, until the present day. Their narrations overlap sometimes, so you can see how both of them experienced a certain situation. (Which could be similar or completely different - poor Ben in Paris! The 'trio' had to get awkward after that... It didn't, though. The really awkward thing happened years later.)
The milestones are introduced by pieces of Robert's wedding speech or something. That was quite interesting and sometimes gave hints about what is about to follow in the next part of the story.
For me, it was often possible to imagine different outcomes of certain events - those imaginations didn't necessarily become true (as they were too absurd or too good to be true etc.) But it was still fun to engage with the story in such way.
The only actually annoying thing was Maddy after that awkward incident mentioned above. (Won't tell what it was, but it was generally solved in a satisfying way.) But at this point you realise that the years of the two boys' attention really got to her head. At least the narrator-her admits that she acted in an awfully bitchy way.
Now how did it end? Did my initial fears become true? Well yes, they did. But fortunately not in a bad way. Whatever version it is, it was built up in a nice way, so it didn't feel unnecessary or awful. (Although I'm not the hugest fan of the epilogue. I mean, of course, it had to be like this, but it's just not really for me.)
Maddy either chooses the initial groom and the whole story in between would kind of be unnecessary OR she leaves her groom for their mutual best best friend and that would be pretty awful for their friendship.
Sounds promising, right?
The story is told from two points of view: Ben and Maddy's, recalling various milestones of their lives from age 9, when they met, until the present day. Their narrations overlap sometimes, so you can see how both of them experienced a certain situation. (Which could be similar or completely different - poor Ben in Paris! The 'trio' had to get awkward after that... It didn't, though. The really awkward thing happened years later.)
The milestones are introduced by pieces of Robert's wedding speech or something. That was quite interesting and sometimes gave hints about what is about to follow in the next part of the story.
For me, it was often possible to imagine different outcomes of certain events - those imaginations didn't necessarily become true (as they were too absurd or too good to be true etc.) But it was still fun to engage with the story in such way.
The only actually annoying thing was Maddy after that awkward incident mentioned above. (Won't tell what it was, but it was generally solved in a satisfying way.) But at this point you realise that the years of the two boys' attention really got to her head. At least the narrator-her admits that she acted in an awfully bitchy way.
Now how did it end? Did my initial fears become true? Well yes, they did. But fortunately not in a bad way. Whatever version it is, it was built up in a nice way, so it didn't feel unnecessary or awful. (Although I'm not the hugest fan of the epilogue. I mean, of course, it had to be like this, but it's just not really for me.)
November 2, 2016
A vida dá nos oportunidades que têm de ser aproveitadas... caso contrário podemos não ter uma segunda hipótese
May 13, 2016
'choose your love story and stick to it'
What a wonderful, wonderful book. ♥
'You're The One That I Want' is about Maddy and her two best friends Ben and Robert. They meet in school when they are only nine years old. Both boys start to fall for Maddy (and Maddy kind of falls for both of them), but only one of them gets the chance to really be with her. And that is Robert. On a school trip to Paris Ben wants to tell Maddy his feelings, but Robert is a step ahead of him. First come, first served. So, at the beginning of the book Maddy is about to marry Robert, but Ben has never really left her head (or heart)...
I loved every single page of this book. I'm ashamed of how long it took me to take this book and read it, because I had bought it like a million years ago.
So, the book is told from either Maddy's or Ben's view. We see them in different schools and at different ages. At the beginning of some of those 'chapters' there's a little extract of a wedding speech. I liked those parts really much, because they always showed a little bit of what was to come on the next pages. So it was always a little cliffhanger-ish. Maddy says things about the future as well, like 'at that time I didn't know, that ...' or something. I love stuff like that.
What I also loved was, that the small wedding-and-walking-down-the-aisle-thing from the beginning is being continued at the end of the book, it basically just starts again where it left off before. That was great, because you could see how Maddy decides and what the leftover-man thinks about all that.
I love epilogues, so it was lovely to have one to this story ♥ it was a really nice one as well! The ending was kind of heart-wrenching, though. But in a good way, if that makes sense. However, I really, really loved it.
I basically loved everything about this book. ♥
What a wonderful, wonderful book. ♥
'You're The One That I Want' is about Maddy and her two best friends Ben and Robert. They meet in school when they are only nine years old. Both boys start to fall for Maddy (and Maddy kind of falls for both of them), but only one of them gets the chance to really be with her. And that is Robert. On a school trip to Paris Ben wants to tell Maddy his feelings, but Robert is a step ahead of him. First come, first served. So, at the beginning of the book Maddy is about to marry Robert, but Ben has never really left her head (or heart)...
I loved every single page of this book. I'm ashamed of how long it took me to take this book and read it, because I had bought it like a million years ago.
So, the book is told from either Maddy's or Ben's view. We see them in different schools and at different ages. At the beginning of some of those 'chapters' there's a little extract of a wedding speech. I liked those parts really much, because they always showed a little bit of what was to come on the next pages. So it was always a little cliffhanger-ish. Maddy says things about the future as well, like 'at that time I didn't know, that ...' or something. I love stuff like that.
What I also loved was, that the small wedding-and-walking-down-the-aisle-thing from the beginning is being continued at the end of the book, it basically just starts again where it left off before. That was great, because you could see how Maddy decides and what the leftover-man thinks about all that.
I love epilogues, so it was lovely to have one to this story ♥ it was a really nice one as well! The ending was kind of heart-wrenching, though. But in a good way, if that makes sense. However, I really, really loved it.
I basically loved everything about this book. ♥
April 26, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
If only falling out of love was as easy as falling in it. If only being with the girl I loved was as easy as all the songs on the radio insisted.
I know some people don’t believe that you can love two people at the same time… You can and it’s an awful feeling, because no matter what you decide to do about it you’re always going to hurt someone.
Well, when I was six we were asked to draw a picture of what we thought the millennium would look like – I drew some elaborate flying car and a robotic dog. My teacher said I was unrealistic but imaginative… I guess I’m still waiting for my flying car to be invented.
My Review:
This story squeezed my heart and turned me inside out - I have never felt so indecisive and unsettled. Throughout the entire book, I could not decide what or who would be the best or most desirable outcome for the three characters, while there wasn’t a bad choice to be had either way. Being best friends and loving two men since they were boys made either selection bittersweet. However, my heart hurt for sweet, thoughtful, and insecure Ben. I adored him, but his timing and communication skills were the worst. Giovanna Fletcher’s writing was insightful, amusing, emotive, and highly observant, while the storyline was unique, relevant, engaging, and achingly well-crafted. I am in awe.
If only falling out of love was as easy as falling in it. If only being with the girl I loved was as easy as all the songs on the radio insisted.
I know some people don’t believe that you can love two people at the same time… You can and it’s an awful feeling, because no matter what you decide to do about it you’re always going to hurt someone.
Well, when I was six we were asked to draw a picture of what we thought the millennium would look like – I drew some elaborate flying car and a robotic dog. My teacher said I was unrealistic but imaginative… I guess I’m still waiting for my flying car to be invented.
My Review:
This story squeezed my heart and turned me inside out - I have never felt so indecisive and unsettled. Throughout the entire book, I could not decide what or who would be the best or most desirable outcome for the three characters, while there wasn’t a bad choice to be had either way. Being best friends and loving two men since they were boys made either selection bittersweet. However, my heart hurt for sweet, thoughtful, and insecure Ben. I adored him, but his timing and communication skills were the worst. Giovanna Fletcher’s writing was insightful, amusing, emotive, and highly observant, while the storyline was unique, relevant, engaging, and achingly well-crafted. I am in awe.
April 22, 2017
Heartbreaking, bittersweet and emotionally resonant!
This is an engrossing love triangle that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of young love, tension, heartache, happiness, guilt, regret, romance and enduring friendship.
The writing is eloquent. The characters are loyal, dependable, generous and sympathetic. And the story is narrated from two different perspectives and uses a past/present style to give both depth and understanding to all the relationships, personalities and underlying motivations between the characters.
This is ultimately a compelling, moving story full of drama, chemistry, unexpected twists, passion and unrequited love. I really enjoyed it and although I never like to give too much away I will say I was kind of rooting for the other guy!
Thank you to NetGalley, especially St. Martin's Press, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
This is an engrossing love triangle that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of young love, tension, heartache, happiness, guilt, regret, romance and enduring friendship.
The writing is eloquent. The characters are loyal, dependable, generous and sympathetic. And the story is narrated from two different perspectives and uses a past/present style to give both depth and understanding to all the relationships, personalities and underlying motivations between the characters.
This is ultimately a compelling, moving story full of drama, chemistry, unexpected twists, passion and unrequited love. I really enjoyed it and although I never like to give too much away I will say I was kind of rooting for the other guy!
Thank you to NetGalley, especially St. Martin's Press, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
August 2, 2017
I'm really surprised this has gotten such good reviews. This book is like a 15 yr old masturbation fantasy. It is so implausible, the characters are completely flat, and they change their motivations whenever it's convenient for the plot. 2 seemingly perfect, attractive boys who are both in love with her, and they're all best friends... how could she possibly choose? I only made it halfway through this; I just couldn't do it anymore.
May 18, 2017
Adorei um livro cheio de amor !
November 30, 2014
Beautiful beautiful book. Yet another masterpiece from Mrs Giovanna Falcone Fletcher. ♥ I adore her and her family as you might already know. Tom is the sun. (not relevant,i know) This book was like 'One Day' only with a love triangle. BUT BUT before you guys start complaining about the triangle,its not the usual triangle. Its true and pure and just the right kind,perhaps the most destructive kind.
Its a story about three best friends,them growing up, and the complications that come with it. Maddy is not the best female character,she's messy, but she's real. So are Robert and Ben. I love love love them all. I was hoping for another ending,but perhaps thats the point of the book. That's the ending i NEEDED,not wanted. Its funny how much i needed that right now,at this point in my life.
So thank you Gi. And thanks baby-unborn-Buzz for the kicks that helped her write this book.
Brilliant book!!! Loved it ♥
Its a story about three best friends,them growing up, and the complications that come with it. Maddy is not the best female character,she's messy, but she's real. So are Robert and Ben. I love love love them all. I was hoping for another ending,but perhaps thats the point of the book. That's the ending i NEEDED,not wanted. Its funny how much i needed that right now,at this point in my life.
So thank you Gi. And thanks baby-unborn-Buzz for the kicks that helped her write this book.
Brilliant book!!! Loved it ♥
September 22, 2015
O que posso dizer sobre este livrinho *delicioso* e sobre esta história a não ser que foi das histórias de amor e amizade mais ternurenta e comovente que li nos últimos tempos? Bem... foi mesmo! Maddy, Ben e Robert fazem um tripé perfeito. Um não avança sem os outros dois e nenhum deles tem uma decisão sem consultar os restantes. Achei esta amizade fantástica. o tipo de relacionamento que qualquer criança e mais tarde adolescente gostaria de ter. Saber que se pode contar com alguém, sem qualquer restrição ou constrangimento é algo, para mim, precioso. Nunca tive esse tipo de amizade e faz imensa falta.
Opinião Completa
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Opinião Completa
http://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
July 2, 2014
You’re The One That I Want is Giovanna Fletcher’s second novel and I loved Billy and Me, so I couldn’t wait to get started on this story. I was so happy when this book arrived at my doorstep.
The story follows Maddy, who is about to get married to her childhood sweetheart Robert. Next to Robert at the end of the aisle, there is Ben, the best man and their best friend. Maddy is in love with Robert, but the thing is she also loves Ben, did she make the right decision?
The story gets back to their childhood, starting from the moment they have met and as a reader we can dive into their past, reading about how the three of them got to know each other.
We get to read the whole thing from Maddy’s and also Ben’s perspective and it was great to have them both being able to express their feelings. I felt really close to them both and Robert wasn’t left out at all, we also get to learn a lot more about him as well.
As the story develops they grow older and the topic of first loves comes up. Ben has been in love with Maddy for a long time, but then in Paris it’s Robert who kisses her and they develop a sweet and adorable relationship.
When it’s time to go to colleague Ben and Maddy go to Bristol and Robert ends up in Nottingham. Robert ends doing a big mistake and that’s where Ben is finally honest about his feelings, but will that change anything.
After that the story developed in a surprising way for me, but that made the story even more interesting and gripping. What will Maddy do about her feelings and will all three of them find their happiness somehow? The epilogue gives a cute and adorable answer to that, but getting there was full of real emotions. I just wanted all three of them to find their happily ever after…
The one thing I liked the most about this book was the friendship between Ben, Maddy and Robert. Everybody deserves friends like that, just wanting the best for each other. They always had a true connection.
So now, Team Ben or Team Robert. I have to say Team Ben all the way from the start, he’s perfect, loyal, caring, sweet and a little shy, but he’s a guy every girl dreams off. I got a bit annoyed with his behaviour at one point, but I understood why he was doing it. Towards the end of the book I got to like Robert more and more as well, I took a while though, so def Team Ben.
So Giovanna did it again, well done fabulous lady! Her writing is just beautiful and with such a clear narrative voice. The characters were developed in such a great way and I just couldn’t put this book down!!!
The story follows Maddy, who is about to get married to her childhood sweetheart Robert. Next to Robert at the end of the aisle, there is Ben, the best man and their best friend. Maddy is in love with Robert, but the thing is she also loves Ben, did she make the right decision?
The story gets back to their childhood, starting from the moment they have met and as a reader we can dive into their past, reading about how the three of them got to know each other.
We get to read the whole thing from Maddy’s and also Ben’s perspective and it was great to have them both being able to express their feelings. I felt really close to them both and Robert wasn’t left out at all, we also get to learn a lot more about him as well.
As the story develops they grow older and the topic of first loves comes up. Ben has been in love with Maddy for a long time, but then in Paris it’s Robert who kisses her and they develop a sweet and adorable relationship.
When it’s time to go to colleague Ben and Maddy go to Bristol and Robert ends up in Nottingham. Robert ends doing a big mistake and that’s where Ben is finally honest about his feelings, but will that change anything.
After that the story developed in a surprising way for me, but that made the story even more interesting and gripping. What will Maddy do about her feelings and will all three of them find their happiness somehow? The epilogue gives a cute and adorable answer to that, but getting there was full of real emotions. I just wanted all three of them to find their happily ever after…
The one thing I liked the most about this book was the friendship between Ben, Maddy and Robert. Everybody deserves friends like that, just wanting the best for each other. They always had a true connection.
So now, Team Ben or Team Robert. I have to say Team Ben all the way from the start, he’s perfect, loyal, caring, sweet and a little shy, but he’s a guy every girl dreams off. I got a bit annoyed with his behaviour at one point, but I understood why he was doing it. Towards the end of the book I got to like Robert more and more as well, I took a while though, so def Team Ben.
So Giovanna did it again, well done fabulous lady! Her writing is just beautiful and with such a clear narrative voice. The characters were developed in such a great way and I just couldn’t put this book down!!!
April 22, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book however looking back at it it does seem to lack a storyline- the story doesn't really go anywhere. This book adopts an unusual style where it starts off in the present, then skips back to the character's earlier lives from when they were 9 up until they were 25 then returns to the present again. I quite enjoyed this style as it allowed you to learn much more about the characters and get to know them before you find out what is happening to them currently. I was excited to read this book as I read Giovanna's first novel Billy and me and completely loved it and luckily You're the one that I want lived up to my expectations.
MIGHT CONTAIN SPOLIERS
Maddy is used to being one of the boys having grown up with her two best friends Robert and Ben. The three are super close and do everything together. On a school trip to Paris as eighteen year olds something changes between them as Robert and Maddy share a kiss. This turns Ben's world upside down as after having developed feelings for Maddy he planned to confess his love for her on the trip. Immediately after the trip Maddy and Robert become the hot new couple whereas Ben is left to keep his growing feelings for his best friend to himself. The friends eventually grow up and start their journeys to university. Maddy and Ben end up at the same one whereas Robert is on his own at Nottingham, much to Ben's delight as now he gets Maddy all to himself! However Maddy and Robert's relationship doesn't continue as smoothly as it started, like most couples they experience their fair share of drama along the way. Ben eventually confesses his feelings for Maddy on a drunk night out and she admits she feels the same but somehow ends up back with Rob much to Ben's confusion. Although Ben dates other girls and even gets engaged to one he still cant seem to accept the fact that Maddy will never be his. After looking back at Maddy and Ben's past the book then skips back to where it started, at the wedding of Robert and Maddy. After all the reader has learnt about Maddy and Ben and their feelings for each other what happens in the end might not surprise but certainly frustrate them!
MIGHT CONTAIN SPOLIERS
Maddy is used to being one of the boys having grown up with her two best friends Robert and Ben. The three are super close and do everything together. On a school trip to Paris as eighteen year olds something changes between them as Robert and Maddy share a kiss. This turns Ben's world upside down as after having developed feelings for Maddy he planned to confess his love for her on the trip. Immediately after the trip Maddy and Robert become the hot new couple whereas Ben is left to keep his growing feelings for his best friend to himself. The friends eventually grow up and start their journeys to university. Maddy and Ben end up at the same one whereas Robert is on his own at Nottingham, much to Ben's delight as now he gets Maddy all to himself! However Maddy and Robert's relationship doesn't continue as smoothly as it started, like most couples they experience their fair share of drama along the way. Ben eventually confesses his feelings for Maddy on a drunk night out and she admits she feels the same but somehow ends up back with Rob much to Ben's confusion. Although Ben dates other girls and even gets engaged to one he still cant seem to accept the fact that Maddy will never be his. After looking back at Maddy and Ben's past the book then skips back to where it started, at the wedding of Robert and Maddy. After all the reader has learnt about Maddy and Ben and their feelings for each other what happens in the end might not surprise but certainly frustrate them!
April 26, 2017
I really loved this book. I loved the style that it was written and the way it was written from two different people's points of view. I loved the romance and suspense of this book and I extremely loved the characters and the ending.
Something that the old romantic in me keeps coming back to and thinking about is this. Although Maddie and Ben get married to different people (the right people I believe) I also like to think that after years of being married to Robert and Katie when they are old and grey and Robert and Katie have had lived, magical wonderful lives. That Ben and Maddie's would still have the same thoughts and feelings about each other and that they cling to each other in their time of grief and have their own perfect happy ever after. Knowing in their hearts that Robert and Katie would give them their full blessings.
At least that's what I would like to believe. A wonderful enchanting story. Will have to find more Giovanna Fletcher books to read now
Something that the old romantic in me keeps coming back to and thinking about is this. Although Maddie and Ben get married to different people (the right people I believe) I also like to think that after years of being married to Robert and Katie when they are old and grey and Robert and Katie have had lived, magical wonderful lives. That Ben and Maddie's would still have the same thoughts and feelings about each other and that they cling to each other in their time of grief and have their own perfect happy ever after. Knowing in their hearts that Robert and Katie would give them their full blessings.
At least that's what I would like to believe. A wonderful enchanting story. Will have to find more Giovanna Fletcher books to read now
February 19, 2016
Nem sei por onde começar... É difícil transmitir o quanto gostei deste livro! Não é nenhuma obra prima, mas transparece valores importantes. Foi um livro que descobri por acaso numa livraria e mal o comecei, já não o consegui largar. Foi mesmo um grande achado! Adorei acompanhar a amizade desde crianças da Maddy, do Ben e do Robert. Ri e chorei ao acompanhar os seus crescimentos. Vibrei com cada um deles quando descobriram o amor. Este foi um dos triângulos amorosos mais bem conseguidos que li num livro. E apesar de estar sempre ali a torcer por uma das personagens, compreendo o desfecho escolhido pela autora e até a aplaudo, pois transmite o quão importante é a amizade. Recomendo, sem reservas! Muito bom!
May 15, 2017
OK, this book pissed me off. Seriously. There hasn't been a more irritating ending in the history of books. Just don't read it, because right when you think it has something to offer you, it takes it all back in the sliest of ways! DON'T do that to yourself.
March 17, 2017
I really didn't expected to like this book the way that I did.
The story of Ben and Maddy is so cute, sad and happy at the same time.
I read it on ebook, but I will definitely buy a physical copy.
The story of Ben and Maddy is so cute, sad and happy at the same time.
I read it on ebook, but I will definitely buy a physical copy.
May 7, 2014
4.5 stars
Straight off the bat I want to put it out there that I am not a fan of love triangles. A story where one girl is in love with two guys and messes everybody around as she tries to decide which one she wants to be with has a tendency to rub me the wrong way. But once in a while a book comes along featuring the kind of love triangle that I adore, one where love runs not just between the girl and each man but between the two guys also. The love story in You’re The One That I Want is between three best friends and this anti-love triangle girl loved every minute of it!
The book follows Maddy, Ben and Rob from childhood right up to their early twenties on Maddy’s wedding day. From days of tree climbing and scraped knees the three best friends have been inseparable. Ben has loved Maddy for as long as he can remember but has worried what confessing his love might do to their friendship and so has kept his feelings bottled up for years.
On a school trip to Paris Maddy and Robert’s friendship blossoms into first love leaving Ben in a world of pain. Falling in unrequited love with your best friend is bad enough but watching her fall in love with your other mutual best friend? That is on a whole other level of hurt.
Right from the beginning Ben stole my heart and I just knew that he was the guy I wanted Maddy to end up with. He’s kind, selfless and loyal and my heart broke for his awful situation. Being such a Ben fan you’d think that I wouldn’t like Rob but I loved him and Maddy together too! They’re all such wonderful characters and friends that you quickly see why the situation is so messy and impossible.
The book is told between Ben and Maddy but I would really have liked Rob’s point of view in there as well. I’d constantly wonder what Robert thought of things and if he ever had an inkling as to Ben’s feelings.
The ending was hands down my favourite thing about this book. It’s not an ending I saw coming but afterwards you can’t imagine it ending any other way. It was perfect and bittersweet and the last couple of chapters and epilogue made me cry.
Overall I’d say that I enjoyed You’re The One That I Want even more than Giovanna’s debut Billy and Me. I was emotionally invested from start to finish and fell in love with all three characters and their beautiful friendship. Giovanna Fletcher is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Straight off the bat I want to put it out there that I am not a fan of love triangles. A story where one girl is in love with two guys and messes everybody around as she tries to decide which one she wants to be with has a tendency to rub me the wrong way. But once in a while a book comes along featuring the kind of love triangle that I adore, one where love runs not just between the girl and each man but between the two guys also. The love story in You’re The One That I Want is between three best friends and this anti-love triangle girl loved every minute of it!
The book follows Maddy, Ben and Rob from childhood right up to their early twenties on Maddy’s wedding day. From days of tree climbing and scraped knees the three best friends have been inseparable. Ben has loved Maddy for as long as he can remember but has worried what confessing his love might do to their friendship and so has kept his feelings bottled up for years.
On a school trip to Paris Maddy and Robert’s friendship blossoms into first love leaving Ben in a world of pain. Falling in unrequited love with your best friend is bad enough but watching her fall in love with your other mutual best friend? That is on a whole other level of hurt.
Right from the beginning Ben stole my heart and I just knew that he was the guy I wanted Maddy to end up with. He’s kind, selfless and loyal and my heart broke for his awful situation. Being such a Ben fan you’d think that I wouldn’t like Rob but I loved him and Maddy together too! They’re all such wonderful characters and friends that you quickly see why the situation is so messy and impossible.
The book is told between Ben and Maddy but I would really have liked Rob’s point of view in there as well. I’d constantly wonder what Robert thought of things and if he ever had an inkling as to Ben’s feelings.
The ending was hands down my favourite thing about this book. It’s not an ending I saw coming but afterwards you can’t imagine it ending any other way. It was perfect and bittersweet and the last couple of chapters and epilogue made me cry.
Overall I’d say that I enjoyed You’re The One That I Want even more than Giovanna’s debut Billy and Me. I was emotionally invested from start to finish and fell in love with all three characters and their beautiful friendship. Giovanna Fletcher is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
June 2, 2014
I have been a fan of Giovanna Fletcher since I first read her beautiful debut – Billy and me. Knowing how much I had enjoyed her first novel, I was very excited about You’re The One That I Want.
Maddy is standing at the back of the church on her wedding day ready to walk down the aisle. Waiting for her at the end is Rob – the man she’s about to marry. Next to Rob is Ben, Rob’s best man and their best friend. But if it wasn’t Rob waiting for her then there is a high chance it would be Ben.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I particularly liked that there was so much emotion and feeling within the novel – it grabbed me and touched my heart and I felt such a connection with the story and the characters.
I loved Maddy as a character – she particularly shone from the pages and I found myself really identifying with her and aspects of her life. I liked that we go back in time and see sections of their lives along with things that are happening in the present too, I really loved this idea as I enjoyed learning about what had happened in their past, and it pulled me in further to the story.
Yes this is a love story but the one thing that I think I loved most about this was the BEAUTIFUL friendship between Maddy, Ben and Rob. I loved that they had each other, and that they had always been around for each other – even if there were ups and downs there had always been the friendship as a base for everything else. With the romance I was completely torn between being on Team Rob or Team Ben…and I still am! I had an overwhelming urge for them all to be happy!
You’re The One That I Want is another brilliant story from Giovanna Fletcher. It is full of love, friendship, and is a perfect read for the summer! Buy a copy, relax and enjoy!
Maddy is standing at the back of the church on her wedding day ready to walk down the aisle. Waiting for her at the end is Rob – the man she’s about to marry. Next to Rob is Ben, Rob’s best man and their best friend. But if it wasn’t Rob waiting for her then there is a high chance it would be Ben.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I particularly liked that there was so much emotion and feeling within the novel – it grabbed me and touched my heart and I felt such a connection with the story and the characters.
I loved Maddy as a character – she particularly shone from the pages and I found myself really identifying with her and aspects of her life. I liked that we go back in time and see sections of their lives along with things that are happening in the present too, I really loved this idea as I enjoyed learning about what had happened in their past, and it pulled me in further to the story.
Yes this is a love story but the one thing that I think I loved most about this was the BEAUTIFUL friendship between Maddy, Ben and Rob. I loved that they had each other, and that they had always been around for each other – even if there were ups and downs there had always been the friendship as a base for everything else. With the romance I was completely torn between being on Team Rob or Team Ben…and I still am! I had an overwhelming urge for them all to be happy!
You’re The One That I Want is another brilliant story from Giovanna Fletcher. It is full of love, friendship, and is a perfect read for the summer! Buy a copy, relax and enjoy!
December 22, 2015
I’ll say one thing for Giovanna Fletcher. She knows how to write real, believable characters. However, being real characters doesn’t make them any less annoying.
As you know from the blurb, Maddie has two best friends and she’s marrying Rob, while also being in love with Ben. We’re taken back all the way to when they were 9 and met at school, we go through their whole teenage and college years, which makes the book read a lot like a Young Adult movie. And Maddie acts a lot like a teenage girl during those years. She loves Ben, but she loves Rob, but she loves Ben.
I’m not going to lie, it’s very real. I remember being a lovesick, annoying, know-it-all teenager... and I don’t want to relieve it.
Around a 25% I started to get bored and I think I made it all the way to 60% before I finally gave up; life’s too short to keep reading books you don’t like.
I did go ahead and read the ending and I’m quite happy with my decision of quitting.
As you know from the blurb, Maddie has two best friends and she’s marrying Rob, while also being in love with Ben. We’re taken back all the way to when they were 9 and met at school, we go through their whole teenage and college years, which makes the book read a lot like a Young Adult movie. And Maddie acts a lot like a teenage girl during those years. She loves Ben, but she loves Rob, but she loves Ben.
I’m not going to lie, it’s very real. I remember being a lovesick, annoying, know-it-all teenager... and I don’t want to relieve it.
Around a 25% I started to get bored and I think I made it all the way to 60% before I finally gave up; life’s too short to keep reading books you don’t like.
I did go ahead and read the ending and I’m quite happy with my decision of quitting.
February 6, 2017
My one-word review is: BITTERSWEET.
It's really hard to write a review without giving away spoilers. But I'll keep it short and try. It's a love triangle, so it sort of goes without saying that someone is going to end up left out. What I wasn't prepared for was the emotional turmoil this book gave me! it literally took my heart out of my chest and split it in two!
I wanted it to end the way it ended and I wanted it to end the opposite way. As I said, bittersweet. No ending could be entirely satisfying when a choice so hard needs to be made.
Anyway, this was an impossibly romantic, emotionally intense read.
It's really hard to write a review without giving away spoilers. But I'll keep it short and try. It's a love triangle, so it sort of goes without saying that someone is going to end up left out. What I wasn't prepared for was the emotional turmoil this book gave me! it literally took my heart out of my chest and split it in two!
I wanted it to end the way it ended and I wanted it to end the opposite way. As I said, bittersweet. No ending could be entirely satisfying when a choice so hard needs to be made.
Anyway, this was an impossibly romantic, emotionally intense read.
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