Only One

The Reed Brothers #5.5

by Tammy Falkner

He knows the value of life.


She's still learning.


What would you do if you had one last moment to say goodbye? Would you take it?

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Short Stories, Adult

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2014

About the author

Tammy Falkner lives on a farm in a lovely, sprawling little town in rural NC with her beekeeper husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two (or five – who has time to count?). As half of the Lydia Dare team, she has co-written ten books, including the Westfield Wolves series and the Gentlemen Vampyre series. A huge fan of Regency England, she often wonders what other kinds of magical, mythical and strange creatures might live and interact within the ton. Exploring the theory that the fae can walk between Regency England and their own land, Tammy spends as much time as possible with the lords and ladies of society, horse-drawn carriages, and elegant balls. Now add to that some faeries, a little murder, a bit of mayhem, and a troublesome garden gnome, and you have her exciting new series. She hopes you enjoys her world as much as she does.

Also writes as
Lydia Dare

Reviews

[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars



Oh boy this was a huge disappointment. This was just lacking in everything. Even the Reed brothers making an appearance couldn't save it. It was like the author was trying to cram too much in the 90 odd pages.



It was more about Carrie and her issues with her mum. I guess it was kind of a sweet second chance romance but I felt nothing. I'm still a fan of TF and I am excited for Sam's book.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Husband: What are you smirking about
Me: (nothing because apparently I didn't hear him)
Husband: HEY!!!
Me: WHAT Jesus (almost fell off the couch)
Husband: What r u smirking at
Me: Her parents are having sex, knocking boots LMAO
Husband: Tammy got an other book out huh?
Me: Yup

Nothing else existed in my world, except that one little hiccup of a discussion above. Funny? Yup (see convo above) Exciting? Yup (thanks to a guest appearance) Sad? YUP (snotty-nose with a tear-stained face to prove it) Educational? YES!!! Educational? YES!!! A topic rarely discussed that needs discussing and was discussed!!! Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and get to reading this one!

[-C- · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a book that makes you cry and laugh, feel the pain of losing a loved one, feel the happiness of having the unconditional love of someone.

“You and summer go hand in hand. Like ice cream and chocolate syrup. Like popcorn and salt. Like…me and you—a summer boy and a vacation girl. There’s no summer without you. It’s just endless seasons without the perfect.”

This book made me laugh, swoon and cry. I never doubted for a moment that it may happened. Tammy Falkner just knows how to write a book that makes you to settle in and feel everything. She will always be able to write tough issues by adding simplicity.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

He knows the value of life.
She's still learning.
What would you do if you had one last moment?

This is a beautiful little story very loosely linking with the Reed Brothers series and featuring two new characters – Nick and Carrie.

Nick and Carrie fell for each other during a summer when they were 15 and 14, they haven’t seen each other since and are now both 19 and about to be reunited once again when Carrie returns with her family to the seaside town where Nick lives. And when their reunion does take place, it takes Nick no time at all to let Carrie know how it’s going to be.

“You and me, we’re going to spend some time together, because I want to get to know you all over again. That okay with you?” he asks.
I brush water back from my face. “Why?”
“Because I like you. I’ve always liked you. And you broke my heart when you left and didn’t come back.”
…
“You and summer go hand in hand. Like ice cream and chocolate syrup. Like popcorn and salt. Like… me and you – a summer boy and a vacation girl. There’s no summer without you. It’s just endless seasons without the perfect.”

It’s a sweet little romance with no angst or stupid and lots of beautiful little moments and it’s intermingled beautifully with family issues that Carrie has going on. She is facing a heartbreaking tragedy, and Nick is there for her all the way. I really like the way this storyline was handled, and found myself tearing up on more than one occasion.

Moving next door to Carrie for the summer are the fabulous Reed brothers along with partners and children. They are all present and fabulous as usual (and there’s even a little bit of a surprise thrown in there), and they also become a huge support for Carrie.

There are a number of other characters introduced, with backstory and some new story threads beginning, and it feels like there may be more books featuring these characters in the future. If so, I’d be all over that!

There’s a lot of feeling squished into a short novel, and I think this would have made a really amazing novel if all of those little threads had been expanded out, but Tammy Falkner does a great job of putting a lot of feels and story into such a short book.

I loved it – 4 stars.

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Nick and Carrie, Carrie's parents and throw in ALL the Reed brothers their women and children and you have a sweet, funny and heart wrenching short story of love and loss that made me cry.

Those Reed brothers have the biggest hearts.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me a blubbering mess.
So well written.

So emotional.

Loved it!

[Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I talk about Nick and Carrie - the main characters in this book - I just really need to mention the Reeds! I'm so glad to see them doing so well here. They're kinda famous now because of their reality show. I was doing my happy dance because these guys deserve the best in life. They were still the same bunch of good-looking guys with equally good hearts. They were filming summer episodes for their show at the beach, and that's how they met Nick.

Nick & Carrie met when they were 14 years old. Carrie took summer vacations at the beach where Nick was a local. Unfortunately, they lost touch because Carrie went through some family crisis. Four years later they reconnected.

It was a sweet, beautiful, short story of young love. But just like the other novela in this series, less pages didn't mean less fun or life lessons. I didn't feel shortchanged. It delivered the same emotional impact like a full novel would.

This story hit close to home. I lost my mom to cancer four years ago, and Tammy was spot on in describing how one feels when faced with that situation.

“..... devastated, but it was a good kind of loss, the kind where you have to be thankful because someone is no longer in pain. The kind that guts you, because you will never have them again, but it makes you relieved to see their pain end, when relief is the opposite of what you want to feel.”

This book was packed with all the right ingredients to make it worth your time.

[Fanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fue una lectura hermosa.
Tammy Falkner siempre consigue emocionarme con todas su historias, ya sean largas o cortas.

4 Estrellas!!

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total crying self for this one guys,

I fucking hate cancer.

[Megan Fall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried a lot while reading this one. Short, but so good!!

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful gem that thoroughly tugged at my heart strings. I don’t remember ever wanting to give a novella more the five stars before but I certainly want to now. I’m fighting back tears while replaying this story in my head.

“You and summer go hand in hand. Like ice cream and chocolate syrup. Like popcorn and salt. Like… me and you – a summer boy and a vacation girl. There’s no summer without you. It’s just endless seasons without the perfect.” ~ Nick

Even if Only One is a Reed novella, Nick and Carrie are new and not of the Reed clan. But don’t worry, the Reeds are all present and being their usual funny, nosy and charming selves.

It amazes me how Tammy packs in this short story so much emotion and depth. Her writing style makes her books flow easily and her characters feel very real and loveable.

Nick is a good, caring and a bit intense at times guy. Carrie was being a bit of a brat, but it was due to her hurt. Both have insecurities and pained souls. But more than dwelling on them they help each other.

I love how this tale is so much more than a romance. Nick and Carrie are at its heart, but learning to live life to its fullest, to love and appreciate family and friends, surround them and even a bit more subtly realizing that depression is real and has real consequences.

Throughout the book, when I wasn’t grinning, I felt constricted with emotion and had to fight back tears. I’m being purposefully elusive about the plot because I think you should just dive in. You don’t need more than the blurb.

He knows the value of life.
She's still learning.
What would you do if you had one last moment to say goodbye? Would you take it?

If you’ve been following the Reeds then this is a must read. If you’ve never heard of them, you can read this as a standalone. And if you’re somewhere in between what are you waiting for?

Buy link of Only One -> On Amazon US

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[LPJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is really sweet, but a little mystifying. The Reeds do show up (yes, all of them!) but it's Nick and Carrie's story - two new characters.

The mystifying part is why Jack, Malone, Amber, Rose and Dale/Dean (his name seems to change 1/2 way through) are even in this book - it can only be to introduce them for future books, though this was set in one of the Carolinas and not NYC as the others. Plot lines were opened and never really addressed again, but that's just how she keeps us coming back for more. Can't really be mad at that, but I think the story suffered a bit.

I also liked that I thought I knew where this was going Who else predicted a confrontation with a naked Jack in Nick's bed? Or in that shower scene? Yeah, that would have been too easy. and it never went there.

Very short, and while I didn't find Carrie super engaging, I had to love how Falkner managed to fit so much story here. Maybe too much story - the pace was truly break-neck and I felt like we had a lot of summarization to keep the length down. However, if you've come this far with the Reeds, you'll eat this up and be ready for the next part of the saga.

[Alba M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carrie se ve obligada a pasar un último verano con su madre pero en realidad es lo último que quiere. Ella la abandonó y nunca dio una mirada atrás y ella simplemente tiene que olvidarlo todo porque ella se está muriendo? No puede perdonarla por lo que hizo... Pero en realidad sabe la verdad de lo que pasó?
Nick se enamoró de Carrie hace años pero ella se marchó y nunca volvió. Ahora que vuelve para pasar un último verano con su madre ambos aprenderán que la vida da muchas lecciones que tenemos que aprender.

Me gustó la historia pero me dio demasiada pena. Todo muy rápido pero aún así me hizo llorar. Creo que la historia de Carrie y Nick necesitaba más tiempo porque fue un poco forzada para mí gusto aunque se supone que las cosas vienen de atrás. Pero bueno, aún así es una historia bonita 😁

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series and I LOVE the Reed brothers. The novellas that have come in between the novels have been some of my favorites. They feature characters outside of the Reed brothers family, but the brothers are included within the story.

The Reed brothers have big hearts and they are a tight knit family. They are always willing to help someone who needs a hand and they do it without ever expecting anything in return. They are awesome.

Nick and Carrie and perfect for each other! I love the relationship that Nick has with Carrie's Dad as well. A great little story that packed some tears as well as some laughs.

Buddy read with Mishyjo (although she listened to her audio book while I read lol)!

[Big Joe Rossi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the perfect example why I rarely give a short novella more than a 3 star rating. This felt rushed. A little more and it could of been a great read.

Story centers around Nick and Carrie, they are new to the Reed stories, but we will see the Reeds in this novella. Nick lives day to day trading hard work and gaining favors to survive. Its been 3 yrs since he last saw Carrie, his 1st everything. A lot has changed.

Carrie is coming to the beach with her estranged mother. Seems mom is dying and wants to make things right. Carrie on the other hand is battling with being forgotten since she left and is reluctant to give her a chance.

This story had a lot of promise, I liked the new characters, I liked the story arc, its just rushed. Its like we meet ago, its two weeks later, its the end. I wish it had just a little more meat to make it a stronger novella.

[DaJa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In diesem Buch geht es nicht um die Reeds, trotzdem sind sie dabei.. Mir hat es wirklich gut gefallen das Carrie im Mittelpunkt stand, ihre Geschichte sich mit der Krebserkrankung ihrer Mutter auseinander zu setzen.
Die Reeds sind da und helfen, so wie man das von der Familie gewohnt ist.

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[giuls212 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

[Jena Hemsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was really lovely. I really like seeing the impact the Reeds have on people in everyday circumstances. It goes to show that the way we are will always impact those around us.

[Lauren at Live Read and Breathe Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Beautiful Stars!!

Another sweet companion novella to this amazing series. 

Carrie is bitter.  She's bitter at the world and her mom's choices. So the last thing she wants is to spend the summer with the her mom.  

Nick is stuck in his home town especially after the loss of his parents.  He has to make different choices then he first wanted but life has thrown him a curveball.  The only slice of happiness for him is seeing his first love Carrie, whom is coming back for the summer.

The Reeds need a break so they are coming to this small lake town to get some reprieve from their new hectic but happy lives. 

Carrie's mom has cancer and is dying but she can't stop being bitter.  Nick would have given anything for another moment with his parents so he lays into Carrie so she can open up her eyes and see the gift she was given.  

After realizing that Nick is right she want so start over but it may be to late when her mom collapses.  Thankfully the Reeds are next door and help her and Nick when they need it the most. 

Now with a second chance with her family as well as Nick she makes the best of it.  The Reeds help make every moment count for Carrie and her family.  Gosh, this book was so sad and beautiful. 

~ Because it's not only one moment that defines a life. There are lots of moments, and I revel in them all.~

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[Jessica ♡. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bueno como siempre todo lo que tenga que ver con esta saga me cautiva y si bien es cierto que la historia no tiene que ver con ellos pues moria de amor cada vez que hacian sus apariciones, awww los amo y siguen siendo adorables.
Ok centrandonos en esta historia están Carrie y Nick, los personajes principales, en un inicio Carrie no me convencía al menos no totalmente, y bueno por la situación se ve forzada a ir a la casa de la playa con su mamá (juro que no quiero lanzar spoilers) al principio no quiere por supuesto pero digamos que Nick le hace abrir los ojos y empieza a llevarse mejor con su mamá, luego viene su papá y digamos que la verdad sale a la luz, ahora lo que me dio un poco de bronca es que a su papá lo perdona sin pensarlo un segundo pero a su mamá la hizo pasar un mal rato pero bueno luego tenemos a Nick y juro que me daba risa porque cada vez que veía a alguno de los Reed era como "Oh Dios estoy con los malditos Reed" o "Oh Dios Paul se acuerda de mi nombre" (claro ahora ellos son famosos) pero enserio Nick ya era demasiado, en fin.
En resumen aunque fue un libro corto a mi me gustó, no siento que la autora haya dejado detalles en el aire, como siempre ella excelente y me hace amar lo que escribe por ahora Los Reed <3 jeje y enserio este libro me hizo llorar, no lo quería acabar y me hizo llorar (si ya se que ya lo dije pero es la verdad!)

Http://ClaryWayland.blogspot.com

[Carla Krissinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good message, short read. Involves a nice little touch of the Reed family, but this book is NOT set in New York and does NOT focus on the Reed family. Although we do find out a few nice little things about the Reed's lives, so it's definitely worth the read to keep up!

Set on the Carolina coast, a young girl deals with the trials and tribulations of divorced parents. Her parents, however, are keeping a huge secret from her. During this time, she is asked to visit a once happy vacation home with her mother and really doesn't want to go, but she does. While there, she revisits an old but young crush/love.

Because this is a novella, it moves rather rapidly and I was almost disappointed because there were some issues I thought were mentioned enough that they should have been sorted. So I can only think that somewhere along the road, we will revisit this nice little Carolina coastal region to finish the story because they are referenced again towards the end.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written, moving story. It's 92 pages and part of the Reed Brothers Series. The Reed family play a great part in the book but it's about Carrie and Nick, new characters. Nick has been through loss, struggles to make ends meet, and is a really impressive 19 year old who lives in a beach town vacation area. He hasn't seen Carrie, the girl he can't forget, for a few years. Carrie shows back up in his life with her own life issues she needs to come to terms with. These two are wonderful characters and you really get a feel for the beach, their friends, and the special times they've spent together during summers over the years. I love how Tammy Falkner can write about sad things and still make a story uplifting and happy, like she did here. This book will be sticking with me for a while.

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet young love read

I'd rate this 3.5 stars. I usually avoid young adult books, and this definitely had that feel. I believe the hero and heroine were 18 and 19? It made for a pretty simple, easy romance. I enjoyed when the Reeds made their appearances. I do feel this book is quite over-priced at its current $2.99 listing. Its only 88 pages long. With it being such a short read, I feel this took away from character depth. I didn’t get a good feel or connect emotionally to the characters. I will still read just about anything Falkner releases though because I really enjoy her writing style.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! These novellas to the Reed Brothers series are all so great! Who would have thought that these stories which are so short would have such an impact on me! This was Carrie and Nick's story with of course the Reeds as secondary characters and I just LOVED it!

I am going to go through Reed Brothers withdrawal over the next couple months without them so Tammy Falkner you better hurry up and get me Sam's story! I'm dying here!

[Sian Apperley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Well this certainly tugged at the heart strings. I love this series and this short story which features two new characters and the Reed brothers is no exception. I'm glad I was on my own reading it as the emotions were all over the place. Well written, sensitive, humorous and love. What more could you ask for?

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is how a short story should be written. Loved the characters and of course the Reed brothers are still amazing.

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. This was nice for being so short. Loved seeing the Reed brothers.

I would have loved this to be a full novel.

[Sol (unlibroparamii) · Rating 4 out of 5]

TRISTE, TIERNO, ESPERANZADOR, TRISTE OTRA VEZ.....Y MUY REED. LLORE...
UNA HISTORIA CORTA AL ESTILO TAMMY FALKNER.

[Silvia Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

cortito pero muy intenso las perdidas el amor cosas que solo Tammy logra hermoso libro me encanto MASSSSSSSSS aun los hermanos REED siempre presentes mas unidos que nunca