Book Review: One Small Thing by Erin Watt

Summary: Beth’s life hasn’t been the same since her sister died. Her parents try to lock her down, believing they can keep her safe by monitoring her every move. When Beth sneaks out to a party one night and meets the new guy in town, Chase, she’s thrilled to make a secret friend. It seems a small thing, just for her.

Only Beth doesn’t know how big her secret really is…

Fresh out of juvie and determined to start his life over, Chase has demons to face and much to atone for, including his part in the night Beth’s sister died. Beth, who has more reason than anyone to despise him, is willing to give him a second chance. A forbidden romance is the last thing either of them planned for senior year, but the more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings get.

Now Beth has a choice to make—follow the rules, or risk tearing everything apart…again.




Release Date: June 2018
Age Group: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: NetGalley
Reviewed By: Nat

Review:

YA Standalone.
I enjoy the writing style of the duo that makes Erin Watt. I've read their New Adult series The Royals and loved it but didn't review it because it was a bit on the raunchy side of New Adult and too intense for my bookish audience. I read When It's Real, their first attempt in the YA arena, and loved the Young Hollywood vibe. I really felt like Erin Watt's place was leaning more to the YA realm and after reading One Small Thing I know I'm right! Simply put, Erin Watt is at their best in Contemporary YA. They have the ability to allow you to loosely predict where things are headed while withholding all the angst. It's the perfect formula for YA lit, hook 'em quick and reel them in slowly.

Characters.
I tolerated Beth just like I do all naive, hypocritical, rebellious 17 year old girls... with a whole lot of eye rolls and "bless your little heart" comments. Albeit she suffered a terrible family tragedy, at times I still wanted to choke her and other moments I wanted to help her sneak out. Which leads to her parents. The Parents. Those Parents. 😤😳🤔😖😓 (I could have used 92 emoji's to describe them and it still wouldn't have been enough.)

Seriously. One word, COUNSELING. They are, without a doubt, the poster children of grief. I can't say much more than that. It was just sad, really irritating and would have probably led me to a life of crime.

Chase. Wow. That guy was special. I can't say much more than that without giving away plot spoilers. But his character was written the deepest and with the most growth. A truly tortured soul.

The Message.
I really enjoyed this standalone and when it was all said and done, I was pleased with the ending and didn't feel like I needed more. The theme of "One Small Thing" was clever and beautiful. It's really the mantra we should all live by, after all happiness is a choice.