Review: One and Only by Jenny Holiday

One and Only by Jenny Holiday

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've never taken part in a read-along before, but for a Jenny Holiday novel, I couldn't resist.

With the wedding season upon us, this is a perfect time to read One and Only. With a bridezilla and her band of bridesmaids, One and Only has a hilarious narrative but still has a depth which balances perfectly with the fun and frivolity.

Cameron MacKinnon, soon to be brother-in-law to Elise the bride, is a bad boy she doesn't want to spoil her wedding. On his arrival, Jane, a bridesmaid is given the job to babysit him; to keep him from causing trouble. However, he's someone who doesn't fit his reputation when the truths are revealed along with his feelings of love for the least expected woman.

Jane and her friends are going above and beyond the call of duty as bridesmaids to Elise. They are sacrificing a week of their time to ensure their friend has the wedding of her dreams. When they are told about the infamous brother of the groom, the group are horrified by the list of 'crimes' he's committed. Yet pragmatic Jane willingly accepts the challenge to watch him. After all its a respite and surely more fun than the numerous arts and crafts the bride has signed them up for...because Cameron can't really be such a problem, can he?

One of the overriding features of this novel is the closeness and unswerving support the four friends have for each other. The pact of sisterhood shines through as Jane, Wendy and Gia go along with Elise's crafty whims. The four women are very different and I love how Jane somehow managed to maintain her unique spirit and identity. It's refreshing and charming even if some of the group don't fully appreciate her individuality.

Cameron is definitely misunderstood and has carried the burden of his past for many years as he's tried to overcome problems on his part. I like that he owns his issues and finally acknowledges how it is possible for others to see the real 'him' if he allows them too. As a pair, he and Jane seem very different, but despite their individual issues, they somehow manage to help each other to overcome the problems that have hindered them to finally enable them to move forward on both a person and mutual front.

If you haven't discovered Jenny Holiday's novels before, this is a fabulous place to start. Well written, I appreciate the humour and the references incorporated into the narrative. Whether you are reading along with friends or down at the beach or pool, this is a perfect read for the wedding season.

***ebook received courtesy of Forever Publishing via NetGalley***

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With her bridezilla friend on a DIY project rampage, bridesmaid Jane Denning will do anything to escape - even if it means babysitting the groom's troublemaker brother before the wedding. It should be a piece of cake, except the "cake" is a sarcastic former soldier who is 100% wicked hotness and absolutely off-limits.

Cameron MacKinnon is ready to let loose after returning from his deployment. But first he'll have to sweet talk the ultra-responsible Jane into taking a walk on the wild side. Turns out, riling her up is the best time he's had in years. But what happens when the fun and games start to turn into something real?

Jenny Holiday is a cunning Slytherin who is constantly being told she's unduly optimistic. This year, after realizing she had accidentally put "hero makes late-night grilled cheese sandwiches for heroine/other hero" in three books, she started doing it on purpose. When she's not writing, she's probably having porch wine with her neighbours and enjoying having gardened. Follow her @JennyHoli on Twitter, @holymolyjennyholi on Instagram, and find other fun stuff at JennyHoliday.com.