REVIEW ~ THE ONE FOR ME by Sydney Landon

The New York Times bestselling author of Watch Over Me delivers a steamy new novel of irresistible attraction in her popular Danvers series. 

Mark DeSanto has never denied himself anything—especially in the bedroom. Rich, attractive, and successful, men envy him and women desire him. But when a sweet, guileless beauty faints at his feet, he suddenly finds himself wondering if it’s time to look for something more lasting.... 

Until her divorce, Crystal Webber never knew what it was like to follow her heart. Now she wants to experience all life has to offer. So when she catches a glimpse of Mark DeSanto in the halls of Danvers International, she’s instantly infatuated—and eager to join him for a walk on the wild side. Fainting at his feet wasn’t her plan, but at least it got his attention.... 

But for the first time, Mark wants to take things slow, which—considering the electricity between them—may take far more willpower than he’s ever had.

Review:

I have always been a fan of Sydney Landon and The Danver Series books since the very first one, Weekends Required. It can definitely be read as a standalone. I didn’t read a couple of books in the series and I was able to follow Mark and Crystal’s story just fine. The only thing I found confusing was who was dating/married to who or who was related to whom. Or also who worked for who. It just got too much to follow at one point since everyone hung out with one another. If you followed the series from the beginning and kept up with it, it wouldn’t have been as overwhelming since they introduced everyone as the books came about. Other than that it was fairly easy to follow. After reading this book though, I would like to go back and read the books i missed in between.

“I know you think I’m some goody two-shoes, but I can be bad – I want to be. I’ve never been given the opportunity before.”

Crystal is one of the sweetest people, with the biggest hearts and possibly even one of the biggest pushovers ever. Which is probably why she ended up married to Bill to begin with. She wasn’t happy, she didn’t love him. Her mother did. She claimed he was perfect for her. But he wasn’t. He was the complete opposite from her. He loved to dictate how her life went, even though it was a life she loved living. But she did it for so long to make everyone but herself happy until she couldn’t do it no more. To her evil mother she was just a disappointment. Her mother seemed to love him more than her. Crystal could never do anything right by her mom, ever. With her divorce behind her, she wants to get her life back and has her eyes set on Mark. Her sex life has been lacking and she wants to rectify that. She feels he will do it for her, even if just for a night.

“Angel, I can’t be your white knight, and baby, you deserve to have one. I’m not capable of giving you what you’re looking for.”

Mark is has no issues in the ladies department, all the ladies want a piece of him and he never has the same woman twice. That’s just his MO. He has no interest in settling down anytime soon. He is focused on his company, his many women, and having fun. He notices Crystal he likes what he sees.  But when she literally throws up on him and falls to his feel he feels the sudden urge to take her home and care for her. Mark has never has that feeling take over before and it’s a bit overwhelming, but it feels rather settling for him. It feels comfortable having Crystal in her home he doesn’t want her to leave.

“Mark stood staring down at the woman in his bed. It unnerved him that she looked so right lying there – as if she belonged.”

After spending the weekend caring for Crystal, Mark knows she is different than any other woman he has been with. She’s not the hit it and quit it type, she’s the relationship/forever type far from who he is. He needs to stay far away from her. Yet it’s something he can’t seem to do. His mind always goes back to her. Crystal is a persistent little thing though propositioning him for a night of fun because she knows that’s the type of man he is. Though Mark can’t do that to her. He wants to do it right and takes things slowly. It’s funny to see the role reversal. The playboy has gone soft and slow while the quiet mouse is ready to attack. You can cut the sexual chemistry with a knife. He definitely wants to give in to her, bad. But he wants to be soo good. It’s hard to keep his head in the game. No pun intended. They both mesh well together, they fit together so naturally and they both have to please evil parents. I just love who they are together.

“She makes me want shit I’ve never desired before, and that’s scary as hell.”

Crystal knows that Mark only does one night, but yet he can’t stay away from her. He wants more with her. Who would have thought? He is battling his feelings for her. He’s afraid to admit how he feels for her. He hasn’t felt like this for anyone before so he doesn’t know what to do with it. He can’t get attached to her, he’s incapable of love. . Mark doesn't know whether to push her away or to pull her close. Crystal is making things hard to him to take things slowly.

“People come into our lives for a variety of reasons, and if we’re smart, we take advantage of what they have to offer.”

Everything seems to be going well for Crystal and Mark. Their friends all love him. And I love how we get the old Danvers gang back into the mix. We catch how they are doing and the kids as well. But then when the ex-husband comes back in the picture it stirs the pot up a bit. Crystal has now become her own person, speaking up for herself and making her own decisions and not pleasing anyone. What happens when he tries to weasel his way back in? Or when Mark’s parents make an appearance. What happens when both of his worlds collide?

Will Bill try rekindle their old romance? Will Crystal be easily manipulated again? Will she have a backbone and stand up for herself? Or will she revert back to her old ways and do things to please everyone else? What will Mark do with his feelings for Crystal? Will Mark and Crystal be able to survive everything thrown at them? Or are their world’s just too different to survive it all?

I was completely captivated with this book and was not able to put it down. I was able to connect with the characters in the story, placing me right there with them. I loved Mark and Crystal’s story. Just seeing how the crazed Crystal was once obsessed over Mark make a fool over herself in front of him and how he cares for her. She is constantly embarrassing herself in front of him yet he still wants her. He never wants anyone more than once and here she is, plain Crystal and he can’t seem to stay away. There’s just something about her. She may seem like a push over but Mark brings out the best in her. They bring out the best in each other.

This review was done by Jenn. I received an advanced copy for my honest review.