What do you think?
Rate this book
One and One #3
The One that Stayed
Life can throw a man all sorts of curve balls, as David discovers when a senseless act of violence tries to deprive him of his lover of two decades. They've had their good and bad times, but it's the good ones that David remembers and wants to hold on to. In fact, he wants more of them, wants to experience more than just the memories that fill his mind as he waits to discover Russell's fate.
Between meeting Russell for the first time and the horrific instant that tries to take Russell away, their lives have been a series of moments, ranging from awkward to amazing. David wants to believe that their love will conquer all, because he can't let go. But does Russell feel it, too? Can Russell hold on as tightly, through the surgery that will either save his life or end it? Does Russell love David enough to stay?
Between meeting Russell for the first time and the horrific instant that tries to take Russell away, their lives have been a series of moments, ranging from awkward to amazing. David wants to believe that their love will conquer all, because he can't let go. But does Russell feel it, too? Can Russell hold on as tightly, through the surgery that will either save his life or end it? Does Russell love David enough to stay?
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
91 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 27, 2010
David and Russell have been together for twenty years. Through good and bad times but all that comes close to being taken away when Russell is the victim of a horrible hate crime. As Russell struggles to first survive and then recuperate David must deal with the anger over what's happened and his worries about Russell. Their story is wonderfully told in flashbacks inter-spaced with the drama and emotion of Russell's situation. With love and support from family, friends and even strangers David and Russell find a way to deal and slowly reclaim their lives.
The One That Stayed is an emotional look at an established couple dealing with a horrible crisis. T.C. Blue's wonderful writing style shines through in the third installment of her One and One series. The characters are likable and three-dimensional, their relationship interesting and what I really loved is that the story feels real. There is no quick fix in this book instead we see Russell struggle with his injuries and while it's heartbreaking to read about his recuperation the fact that it's not magically fixed in the end really impressed me. Touching, emotional, at times humorous and sexy, this is a can't miss for fans of the author and anyone looking to read a well-written and engaging love story. Reader beware, although this story may at times require the use of tissues it's all worth it in the end.
The One That Stayed is an emotional look at an established couple dealing with a horrible crisis. T.C. Blue's wonderful writing style shines through in the third installment of her One and One series. The characters are likable and three-dimensional, their relationship interesting and what I really loved is that the story feels real. There is no quick fix in this book instead we see Russell struggle with his injuries and while it's heartbreaking to read about his recuperation the fact that it's not magically fixed in the end really impressed me. Touching, emotional, at times humorous and sexy, this is a can't miss for fans of the author and anyone looking to read a well-written and engaging love story. Reader beware, although this story may at times require the use of tissues it's all worth it in the end.
November 28, 2010
The One That Stayed by TC Blue is the third book in her One and One series and it features the story of David Sargent and Russell Hartwell first introduced to us as recurring secondary characters in The One That Got Away (Book 1).
I have followed the One and One series since its inception and with each book TC Blue continues to write quality stories with multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers. In my review of Book 1, The One That Got Away, I attributed the author’s ability to do this through her well-developed characters that are "written with emotional depth and convincing dialogue that makes their respective reactions to their situation quite believable." She demonstrates this ability once again in The One That Stayed, a well-written and moving story of love and commitment, for better or worse, in sickness and in health.
Read the complete review of The One That Stayed by TC Blue at Indie Reviews.
March 24, 2010
This story is emotionally draining and I almost lost my edge reading it. David reminisced on how they, he and Russ first met and it's true this is fact it does happen when dealing with life or death, outcome unsure of a loved one at dire moments. When involving a hate crime is much more to deal with and swallow as depicted in this book. Hate crimes are always disturbing and reading about them in detail is even more so.
A touching story. Emotional one that reaches out in areas where we've all been at least a time or two and hope never to be.
A touching story. Emotional one that reaches out in areas where we've all been at least a time or two and hope never to be.
March 3, 2017
3.5
It was great to read about a couple that really weather the test of time. Even when fate seemed to test them to their limits. It was also great to see how the couple claimed 'new children' as they went. I would have liked to read about the incident that lead to Russ sending David the tools everyday, since it impacted not only this couple about another in the series. Though it was amusing to have the nephew of the man who created the problem in the first place think they were 'good' friends.
It was great to read about a couple that really weather the test of time. Even when fate seemed to test them to their limits. It was also great to see how the couple claimed 'new children' as they went. I would have liked to read about the incident that lead to Russ sending David the tools everyday, since it impacted not only this couple about another in the series. Though it was amusing to have the nephew of the man who created the problem in the first place think they were 'good' friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2014
What a wonderful ending to a fantastic series. The three couples that make up this series are all in this story and we get to see the guys from the first two books find their own HEA's.
What steers this story is a horrible shooting in which Russell is severely injured and, while waiting to find out his fate, David relives their first meetings and early years together. Through flashbacks, nicely interspersed with current events in the hospital, we learn of David's struggle with self-worth and with being a gay man in the 80's. We get to see how the two finally got together and to learn of many of the struggles they faced in their early years. But most importantly, we get to witness their strong and enduring love for each other.
It's one of those series that leaves the reader feeling good and this particular book just struck such a sweet and sentimental note for me that I'm going back to reread the early books again. Highly recommend.
What steers this story is a horrible shooting in which Russell is severely injured and, while waiting to find out his fate, David relives their first meetings and early years together. Through flashbacks, nicely interspersed with current events in the hospital, we learn of David's struggle with self-worth and with being a gay man in the 80's. We get to see how the two finally got together and to learn of many of the struggles they faced in their early years. But most importantly, we get to witness their strong and enduring love for each other.
It's one of those series that leaves the reader feeling good and this particular book just struck such a sweet and sentimental note for me that I'm going back to reread the early books again. Highly recommend.
August 31, 2010
Now this one had me by the throat from the very beginning and didn't let me go till the last page. I like stories about mature men and I like stories about established couples. This has both, coupled with a life changing experience and a love that stays true to the end, made me a very happy reader.
TC's writing once again was wonderful. I like the plot devices and writing style she used in this one. The flashbacks were extremely effective. I also like how she continues with portrayals of couples as equals, as men and deeply in love. Made me sad to finish the book but happy because there still is another book in the series and I can keep up with the characters I have come to know and enjoy.
OK off to read The One That Broke Free
TC's writing once again was wonderful. I like the plot devices and writing style she used in this one. The flashbacks were extremely effective. I also like how she continues with portrayals of couples as equals, as men and deeply in love. Made me sad to finish the book but happy because there still is another book in the series and I can keep up with the characters I have come to know and enjoy.
OK off to read The One That Broke Free
June 27, 2010
Poignantly sweet m/m romance with characters who will be familiar to those who've read T.C. Blue's The One That Was Lost and The One that Got Away. The story is told in a mixture of present day and flashbacks, with perhaps a bit too much headhopping.
July 29, 2010
Keep the tissues handy for this one! I don't know how T.C. Blue manages to blend angst and humour so beautifully - I only wish I could do it half as well. The highs and lows always have that edge of reality that is rare in romance writing.
Sometimes I complain that something was too real and the reality overshadowed or smothered the romance; after all romance is for escaping reality not reliving it! But that complaint has never applied to T.C. Blue - maybe it is that leavening dose of humour that does the trick.
Sometimes I complain that something was too real and the reality overshadowed or smothered the romance; after all romance is for escaping reality not reliving it! But that complaint has never applied to T.C. Blue - maybe it is that leavening dose of humour that does the trick.
November 2, 2012
Nice ,romantic and intense love story. The love and life that Russ and David share go above the illness but I wanted know all their story also if the memories of David tell me as passionate was the lovemaking when them had met.
March 7, 2010
4.5 stars. My favorite of "The One That" series.
December 28, 2010
Ho how I want to be original in my review but Indigene already write exactly how I feel about this story...so, hum, just read her review loll!
July 6, 2011
I loved this book. Russell and David was lovely and endearing. The story would have gotten 5 stars but I really wanted to know what happened with William Worthington.
November 15, 2012
3.5 stars
July 29, 2011
One advice : have a kleenex box handy.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews