One Good Thing

by Jennifer Millikin

Today's the day I was supposed to say ‘I do’.Kiss the groom, cut the cake, and dance our first dance as husband-and-wife.So much for forever.

Instead of sipping fruity cocktails and soaking up the sun on my honeymoon, I’ve escaped to Lonesome, Oregon. It seems as good a place as any to lick my wounds. It's peaceful, remote, and my favorite person in the world lives my grandma. She needs help running the Sweet Escape Bed and Breakfast, and I need a place to lie low while I attempt to recover from the mess my life has become.

And it appears I’m not the only person here who’s running from something painful. A gorgeous man with sad eyes has been holed up in cabin seven since he arrived. I told myself to stay away from him, but my curiosity got the better of me.

If only I hadn't knocked on his door.That’s when things got a whole lot more complicated.

I came to Lonesome to recover from a broken heart, but with a man like him around? Something tells me I’ll be leaving with a heart more damaged than it was when I arrived.Author's One Good Thing is a standalone, but it features a main character from Beyond The Pale. If you're cool with spoilers, start here. If not, grab Beyond The Pale first, have your heart broken, and then let me rebuild it with One Good Thing.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2020

About the author

Jennifer Millikin is a two-time recipient of the Readers Favorite award. She writes contemporary fiction with elements of romance, emotion, and hard-learned lessons. Her characters are flawed and authentic, and some parts of her stories are more fact than fiction.

Reviews

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Update: July 5th, 2020

OMG, how could I possibly miss reviewing this awesome book!?!?!!!!!
I finished devouring this book three days prior to the official release day on April 7th, and I thought I've raved and ranted about it everywhere but now I'm feeling so bad that I totally missed posting my review here on Goodreads. *SO SORRY!!!!!*

Okay, so you all know how much I love and adore Jennifer Millikin, right? I'm officially her biggest fan after reading and falling head over heels for Aiden (and Natalie) from Good On Paper last April and I've been shamelessly stalking her ever since. So whenever she's having a new book or new writing project, I hope I will always be aware of them. *wink* Anyways, my third favorite book from Jennifer, Beyond the Pale, featuring a love triangle (thankfully not a messy one), got a spin-off installment, One Good Thing, and I simply couldn't say no.

In case you’re wondering, ONE GOOD THING features a significant side(!?) of a love triangle in Jennifer’s previous book, BEYOND THE PALE, where Lennon, Finn, and Brady have been besties since childhood. Not sure if this counted as a spoiler but this book shows a unique, new, and refreshing perspective of Brady Sterling, the ever-so-loyal guy, and I LOVE IT.💓

It’s truly amazing how two broken-hearted souls can find each other in a simple B&B called Sweet Escape in Lonesome, Oregon. What surprises me more is how beautifully (and cleverly) Jennifer weaves some beloved moments from BEYOND THE PALE into this lovely story. Besides, Kate Masters also makes an appearance and I honestly can’t think of anything more perfect than THAT SCENE.😍🙌🏼

Enough said, GO READ THIS BOOK, GUYS!!! I’m sure you’ll all fall in love with Jennifer’s writing, the storyline she plots, and the one-of-a-kind characters she breathes life into. Highly recommend One Good Thing and you can thank me later.

***Huge thanks to Jennifer for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brady has been nursing a broken heart for 10 months now. He has taken a year away from his job as an attorney in Chicago and ends up in Lonesome, Oregon -- a fitting name for his condition. Addison has escaped back home to her grandmother's bed & breakfast in Lonesome nursing her own broken heart. The two share a cute meet-greet that totally begins with the wrong impression.

I didn't know if Brady's story would come close to the story of three friends in "Beyond the Pale" where we first met Brady and his besties, Finn and Lennon. But Jennifer Millikin stepped up and gave him an equally sweet and emotionally heart-throbbing love story -- and the same for Addison. There were some bumps along the way, but a wonderful wrap-up left me happy for the once "triangle" that found its fourth side to become a happily-ever-after "rectangle" of endless love.

[Stephanie]

dnf 34%

not a bad book by any means but I just couldn’t get into it

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Addison leaves Chicago becasue her life was falling apart. She ends up in Oregon with her grandma. Here she meets Brady and sadly their first meeting didn't go well. As the book goes on they begin to fall for each other. However, both of them have some things they are dealing with. Thankfully in the end it all works out and they get their happy ending.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Good Thing - Jennifer Millikin

*Book Rec*

“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝑰 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖?
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅.”

I am going to preface this by saying that his book should definitely be considered a DUET with Beyond the Pale. If you want to read this please start there. This is a continuation of a love triangle story so that EVERYone gets their HEA.

I am SO happy Brady got his HEA with Addison. They were just so perfect for each other and I adored this book. They each found themselves at the same B&B (after a not so meet cute) that Addison's grandmother (THE REAL MVP) runs. One thing leads to another and two broken hearts come together and mend as one.

𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒐𝒕. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒃 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.”

🖤Second Chance at Love
💜Not So Meet Cute
🖤Small Town Vibes

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen a few reviews of this raving about it so I was curious. A new to me author. I knew before this features a character from a previous book that had a love triangle and this was unchosen party, I'm how do you call that. This is his story, Brady nursing a broken heart is wandering and went to Oregon. Addison's broken dreams of a wedding sent her to her favorite childhood spot as well.

They didn't have the a good meet cute but it left an impression. I'd say. It all starts out rocky but got to a place where both are friends. There's definitely chemistry and all that. Somehow all the time together brought them closer. I can see they bonded over nursing broken hearts. They grew to love where they are and found new things about themselves.

They're pretty honest and all about everything. It's pretty sweet and easy despite all the hanging baggage between them. It wasn't to hard to get past for them a bit fast paced. But the big drama comes in the end. I felt like it was a bit of stretch, not sure if that's possible. I had a feeling it would happen though. They It felt a bit rushed conflict to me and to the resolution. But it ended ok with an epilogue to tie it all up.

Overall, easy to read and light. It was nice to see the other guy get a happy ending. I'm fine with not going over a triangle. Oh also note this was mostly fade to black steamy level not descriptive but was much hinted at heavily which suited the storyline. Would read the author again.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet second chance romance

I enjoyed how Addison and Brady had stories that were parallel to each other in certain aspects. Especially the twist at the end. This was beautifully written and the author really delved into character interaction and the slow-building friendship.

These steamy times we're not explicit. More inferred on what they were doing and then fade to black. So if you're looking for more erotic scenes this would not be your favorite. However, you'd miss a great story.

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m on a quest to read the back list of my favorite authors, Jennifer Millikin being one of them. But this one fell kinda flat for me. Both the hero and heroine are nursing broken hearts, yet I didn’t feel any of it. I liked how Brady and Addison’s relationship grew organically, and I (surprisingly) liked the soap-opera style plot twist near the end. Otherwise, there’s not much here to recommend.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I couldn't wait to read Brady's book, he deserves every bit of happiness that he found in One Good Thing. And just like her previous books, Jennifer Millikin dropped in a twist that gave me whiplash.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.

This book is not part of an official series but it follows closely after the end of Beyond the Pale. I loved Beyond the Pale but this one was even better. The emotional turmoil and growth that both of these characters go through is really well written. The plot isn't complicated but it was still very enjoyable. I will definitely look for more by this author!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Good Thing!!! Oh my I've been waiting patiently for this book and the author did not disappoint! It can be read as a standalone but I would advise the reader to read book 1, Beyond The Pale to get a better foundation of the characters and the story.
Brady and Addison made the perfect couple! They are both strong but broken characters. Brady has been crushed since the girl he loved choose to be with his best friend Finn. He know he has to move on but a lifetime of loving her has him torn apart and he flies to the small town of Lonesome where he rents a cabin in a small B&B....
Addison was set to have it all, shes engaged to her fiance Warren, and running her small bakery, but one night changes her world forever...packing up she runs to Lonesome to help her grandmother run her small B&B...
The chemistry between these two were so real and powerful I dont think either of them could deny or resist it!! I devoured thus book, at one point I was like nooo, the author did not do that! But as I read on with bated breath, i realised my favourite character Brady was finally getting his much deserved HEA!!! Thank you Jennifer,i really did enjoy this book!!

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

From heart break and tragedy comes at least one good thing
One Good Thing by Jennifer Millikin is a really wonderfully well written romance with emotional drama that keeps the reader entirely engrossed from beginning to end. This author creates beautiful characters so full of depth, you are completely immersed in their plight, joy, sorrows and every thought. Addison and Brady are so clearly made for each other. While carrying massive baggage, they still find a way to see past all that to who and how they want to be.
The plot of this book kept me on tender hooks throughout and as the characters moved through the story. As details are revealed, antagonists show their true colors, I became more and more invested in Addison and Brady’s outcome. One heartrending twist stole my breath, but they work through it, making Addison and Brady’s much deserved HEA possible and inevitable. And it’s a really fun HEA with lots of promise.
Overall, a really well written and enjoyable read that is as light as it is heavy by an author that never disappoints.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of big emotions in this story and some deeply heartbreaking situations. I think I’m glad I hadn’t read the book before this. I suspect it would have killed me because this one came close and I only know Brady’s side of that story. I was immediately captivated by this book. I needed to know what would happen next. If and how Addison and Brady would overcome their individual heartbreaks. I had to see them forge a happy and lasting future together. There are a lot of moving pieces in this book, but they’re all important to how the story develops and how it gets to where it’s going. There are few of those pieces that I would have liked to know a little bit more about or have seen more of a resolution to; such as the horrible treatment Addison received at the hands of Warren’s family. But that might just be my vindictive streak talking. This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster ride. From laughter to tears to sweet “awe”s, I went through it all. And now that the ride’s over, I find that I can’t wait to do it again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.

[Jessica's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish authors would make a series instead of keeping books marked as a stand alone when the characters are connected and it would be major spoilers if you read them out of order. So word to the wise, if you plan on reading One Good Thing by Jennifer Millikin, I highly suggest reading Beyond The Pale first or you will get a major spoiler.

So don’t read the review if you haven’t read Beyond The Pale yet.


“What did I ever do to deserve someone like you?” “You existed.”


In Beyond The Pale we meet Brady. He is left heartbroken when the woman he loves chooses the other guy. His best friend. Brady is left picking up the pieces of his life and wants a change. He quits his job and decides a cabin in the woods will help. This is where he meets Addison. She is also coming over her own tragedy. Their two broken hearts find one another.

Their story is so sweet. Both characters are amazing!!! I absolutely adored Brady in Beyond The Pale but I am glad Lennon didn’t choose him. Brady and Addison are so perfect together!! I never liked the character of Lennon and she makes a reappearance in this book too. Still not my favorite person…


“I’ve never felt like this about anybody. Not even Lennon. I didn’t know what I was missing out on, because I hadn’t met you yet.”


Jennifer did a wonderful job making the reader fall in love with the characters and their story. I didn’t particularly care too much for the little wrench thrown in at the end. Seemed a little far fetched. But either way I adore Brady and he was able to find his HEA in Addison.

I give One Good Thing by Jennifer Millikin 4 stars.

[Tara Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Brady’s, from Beyond the Pale, book and I couldn’t wait to see him come out the other side of his heartbreak. From the second I started reading this book, I was enthralled. Brady had my heart in the previous book, which made it hard for me to envision him with someone else. But, Addison was the perfect match.
Addison has had her heart broken as well, but not in the same way. Whereas Brady was the odd man out before, Addison had to learn how to live again after the doctor’s told her her fiancé wouldn’t come out of the coma. Her ex’s family were all horrible people, especially his sister. And she had to learn how to move on without feeling the guilt.
I appreciated how Brady and Addison took things slowly and got to know each other. Their relationship grew and developed over time and let the the reader fall in love with them a little at a time. Addison’s grandma, Louisa, was a hilarious respite in a book that could have been heavy. Just when they are happy and he realizes that he loves Addison in a way he didn’t Lennon, the other shoe drops. I don’t want to give anything away, but it is a doozy and just might change everything between them forever.
This book will pull at your heart strings and tie it together again. I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading, One Good Thing by Jennifer Millikin because it was such an amazing and emotional story!! Addison and Brady have had such heartbreaking loss in their lives. They both escape to Lonesome Oregon to a Bed and Breakfast for different reasons but at the same time, similar reasons. Addison did not have a great first impression of Brady, but as time goes on, they both open up to each other and then the real healing begins. I felt when I was reading it, the pain of each person. I got emotional at some parts and I got nervous and there were some steamy parts and funny parts. I really got into reading this book and was sad when I was done. I highly recommend reading this book because you will have all the emotions reading it and you will be glad that you took that chance. It was my first time reading Jennifer Millikin but it won't be the last. Fantastic book that will tug at your heartstrings!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzaan Jansen van Rensburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brady and Addison first saw each other atbthe airport, him thinking she is gorgeous and she thinking he is a married man on the prowl. Then they again met up may her grandmother's bed and breakfast. And at last she let him explain about the wedding ring he wore the day they met. They had a connection, but both of them went through heartbreak so they want to take this ways, being friends. But soon they fell for each other and their love blossomed, until the day Addison's ex-fiancee turned up, having woken up from the coma she left him in. Will Brady again be the one left behind or is this the love he longed for? This was such a sweet love story, easy to read with wonderful characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I think this is my favorite book from Millikin so far and I enjoyed her other books too. There is such a good, believable flow to the growth of Brady and Addison's relationship. I also enjoyed all the witty dialogue. Even though Brady is not one of those dark and mysterious guys, I still LOVE him. He's just soooo perfect. I was waiting to read more about Brady after reading Beyond the Pail, and Millikin definitely did him justice. I did really enjoy the small town, sweet romance feel of this whole book. You can feel the chemistry between the 2 without getting any of the raunchiness. Will definitely read more from Millikin.

[Lisa Hoak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read Beyond the Pale before this book but I didn't feel like I needed to. You could understand the past that Brady had - it was conveyed well. He escaped to Lonesome, Oregon, to recenter himself and figure out his next steps in life.

Addison West has spent a long time holding on to something that may be lost forever. She's been wanting to visit her grandma and help at the B&B she runs. One day she is blindsided by someone's action that forces her to get her travel plans in order. Can she pick up the pieces of her past and look to a future - and where will that future be...Chicago or Lonesome?

This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this for my honest opinion! So here it goes!
After reading about Brady, Finn and Lennon in the other book I was extremely frustrated. But getting Brady’s story in this book was awesome and made up for the other book 100%.
Brady and Addison are both kinda grieving in thee own way. One for a friends and the other for a fiancé. But it’s not what you think and when you get the real story behind it all you know these two should be together. The characters and their storylines are amazing and keep you drawn in and wanting more.
Getting Finn and Lennon in this story just adds to the fun. I love Addison ‘s grandmother, she quirky.
Expect tears, heartbreaking tales, and a HEA!

[Margery Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite “feel good” story!
Addison moves back to live at her grandmother’s B&B after her fiancé is in a sustained coma after being hit by a car. He ends up there escaping the fact that his best friend and former girlfriend are not only married, but she is pregnant. Brought together at one of the lowest points in both of their lives, it seems serendipitous that they find each other. This is a fun read with emotional moments, which makes it truly realistic. The characters are great, the story is wonderful, and Ms. Millikin’s writing skill brings it all alive.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

What a story! I was so caught up in this that I didn't want to put it down. The emotions, the feelings - they were so raw and honest and totally true to life. I loved how Addison and Brady met, how their shared heartbreak led to friendship and then to something so much more. I loved Addison's Grandma, she was a great character and I'd love to sit and have a conversation with her. I have laughed, smiled, sighed and teared up through this book, it was a pleasure to read such a painfully honest love story. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.

[lu_betweenthecovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after reading beyond the place, of course, and while reading beyond the pale(I knew from the beginning who Lennon would choos) I hoped for a happy ending for Brady, he deserved it after everything. I'm happy for him and his story. Addison was ok, she too was recovering from something heavy that happened in her life.
I didn't particularly like how shit hit the fun towards the ending. I think that it should have been done differently, but the author needed something big happening and I just think that something big should have been something else. 4 stars.

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite up to the first book…

Brady left to lick his wounds after the outcome in book 1. He ends up in Oregon at a cute little B & B. The owner’s granddaughter, Addison, goes to her grandmother because her fiancé had a stroke and is in a coma.

It took forever to get all of that simple information because nobody talked about it. And, the fiancé’s mother pulled funding of Addison’s bakery and she had to leave it, and their home, behind. His sister is a huge biotch and I totally hated her character.

This was also not terribly exciting. Again, sorry!

KU read.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story that follows two people - Brady and Addison. Both are running away from something and end up in a B&B in Lonesome, Oregon trying to mend broken hearts.
This story is warming, with well developed characters. It's well written and well edited, though the faux wedding scene was a bit silly for me.
Thank you for an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man oh man...this is such an awesome read! Oh my gosh—this one grabs you from the very first page and will not let you go until the very last page. The storyline is so touching; the characters truly amazing; there’s enough angst to make your heart hurt ; and the HEA is so well worth the wait. You definitely want to add this one to your TBR list today. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.) ❤️❤️

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Broken-hearted with the loss of her bakery and the man she was going to marry she heads down the road to Oregon. Now helping her grandma with her bed and breakfast Addison meets Brady. The author has written a very emotional and tender story these two lost souls are lucky fate stepped in. I enjoyed the book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author.
It was a sweet story, full of heartache and bit of a tearjerker, but also healing and heartwarming in the end.
Characters were also likable and easy to connect with.
But still, I had a pretty hard time getting into it. I found it slow and I struggled to keep my attention on the story.
I might try something else from this author.
Overall, it was a good story and I’m sure many will enjoy it.

[Ana Gimenes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me three days to read this book, and believe me I would read it in one day if my eyes weren`t burning from the reading. The story is not only about fate or serenditipy. It is not only about two broken souls. It is about two people that fall in love, althought the circunstances and de fear of love. It is about second chances. Good things happens all the time and we just need to be prepared for it. I truly recommend this reading.

[Pam Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

I chose this rating because this was a pretty good book. I enjoyed pretty much all of the characters. This was a book of compassion, kindness, manipulation, and doing the right thing. I enjoyed Brady and Addison's story. I'm happy Brady found his love, and realized that he wasn't in love with his high school crush. Addison was going through something when arrived at her granny's house but everything turned out as it should be. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.