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The One Real Thing (Hart's Boardwalk Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 2,027 ratings

The New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street is back with the first in a sexy new romance series set in a small town on the Delaware coastline.
 
Welcome to Hartwell, a quiet seaside escape where uncovering old secrets could lead one woman to discover the meaning of a love that lasts…
 
While Doctor Jessica Huntington engages with the inmates at the women’s correctional facility where she works, she’s always careful to avoid emotional attachments in her personal life.  Loss and betrayal taught her that lesson long ago. But when she comes across a set of old love letters in the prison’s library and visits the picturesque town of Hartwell to deliver them to their intended recipient, she finds herself unable to resist the town’s charm—and her attraction to the sexy owner of a local bar proves equally hard to deny.
 
Since his divorce from his unfaithful ex-wife, Cooper Lawson has focused on what really matters: his family and the boardwalk pub they’ve owned for generations.  But the first time Jessica steps into his bar, Cooper is beyond tempted to risk his heart on her.
 
Yet as their attraction grows hotter and Jessica remains stubbornly closed off, he begins to realize it will take more than just passion to convince her there’s only one real thing in life worth fighting for….

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The One Real Thing
“Young has done it again. Sexy chemistry and gut-wrenching emotions kept me turning the pages!”—Kristen Proby,
New York Times Bestselling Author 


Praise for
New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young
 
“A really sexy book...Highly recommend this one.”—
USA Today
 
“[Samantha Young’s] enchanting couples and delicious romances make her books an autobuy.”—Smexy Books
 
“Smart and sexy, Young writes stories that stay with you long after you flip that last page.”—Under the Covers
 
“Charismatic characters, witty dialogue, blazing-hot sex scenes, and real-life issues make this book an easy one to devour.”—Fresh Fiction
 
“The one thing you can count on from Ms. Young is some of the best, steamy, sexual chemistry.”—Fiction Vixen

About the Author

Samantha Young is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series, including Moonlight on Nightingale Way, Echoes of Scotland Street, and Fall from India Place, as well as the standalone novel Hero. She resides in Scotland.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0191WS0K4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 6, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 382 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1101991688
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Hart'S Boardwalk
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 2,027 ratings

About the author

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Samantha Young
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Samantha is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, #1 Amazon bestselling author, and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavoodles.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
2,027 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great read by Samantha Young, with an interesting plot and Cooper and Jessica's story receiving particular praise. The book receives positive feedback for its character development, with one customer highlighting the steamy chemistry between Cooper and Jessica, and its strong start to a new series. Customers appreciate the romance, with one noting it's filled with friendships and love, and the emotional depth of the story. The book's visual quality is praised for painting a great picture, and customers enjoy the atmosphere, with one specifically mentioning the lovely town of Hartwell.

43 customers mention "Story quality"38 positive5 negative

Customers love this story, particularly Cooper and Jessica's narrative, and find the plot interesting with a nice flow.

"I am a huge Samantha Young fan. I loved this story! The storyline is just superb, from the beginning to the end...." Read more

"...Samantha Young wrote an emotional and compelling story that deals with all kinds of relationships...." Read more

"Another great story by Samantha Young!..." Read more

"As usual, Samantha Young is a great storyteller but the "great reveal" left me wanting more...." Read more

41 customers mention "Character development"35 positive6 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, particularly the hero Cooper, with one customer highlighting the steamy chemistry between Cooper and Jessica.

"...The One Real Thing is made up of such a wonderful group of characters and the quaint, lovely town of Hartwell...." Read more

"...It's a compelling small town series with unique characters from all walks of life...." Read more

"...The characters are all interconnected, so you need to read the books in order...." Read more

"...There were a lot of fun characters introduced in this story, so I expect this will carry on like the ODS series, which is why we didn't get a whole..." Read more

28 customers mention "Start"28 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book as a strong start to a new series, with one customer noting it will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

"...He was real, responsible, strong, with a fatal flaw. He likes to be the hero. I loved Jessica as well...." Read more

"...TORT was a fantastic start to what I know is going to be an amazing series" Read more

"...I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Another great series from a great author!" Read more

"Samantha Young has a great start in her new Hart's Boardwalk Series with The One Real Thing...." Read more

26 customers mention "Romance"26 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a sweet love story and small town romance, with one customer noting it's filled with friendships and love.

"...Young wrote an emotional and compelling story that deals with all kinds of relationships...." Read more

"...These characters were very likeable, and well-written...." Read more

"...On Dublin Street books, but at the center it still has that great Samantha Young romance. The One Real Thing took me a while to get into...." Read more

"...Overall this is definitely Samantha Young's great writing style, enjoyed it a lot and can't wait to read Bailey's story, Every Little Thing, just..." Read more

8 customers mention "Emotion level"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one customer noting how it touches the heart and soul.

"...Samantha Young wrote an emotional and compelling story that deals with all kinds of relationships...." Read more

"...I related to Jessica in a very personal way, and she made me believe that no matter your age or circumstances, it's never too late to pursue your..." Read more

"...and didn't really kick in until their breakup, but then it all became so touching and I was really rooting for them to overcome all obstacles and be..." Read more

"...It is a sweet love story with loads of passion!..." Read more

7 customers mention "Atmosphere"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the atmosphere of the book, with one mentioning the interesting town filled with people, while another appreciates getting to know the characters Jess and Coop.

"...The fictional Hartwell, Delaware sounds like the perfect place to take a vacation to in the summer...." Read more

"...I love the small town atmosphere with the variety of characters. I will admit, Jessica was not my favorite character...." Read more

"...up of such a wonderful group of characters and the quaint, lovely town of Hartwell. You’ll fall in love with everything about this story...." Read more

"The One Real Thing was a great introduction to the people of Hart’s Boardwalk...." Read more

6 customers mention "Visual quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual quality of the book, noting that it paints a great picture and really enjoys the background.

"...It all begins when she meets Cooper, the local bar owner. The sexy, gorgeous, recently divorced Cooper Lawson...." Read more

"...While Cooper and Jessica are interesting characters with rich backgrounds, it was hard for me to fully invest in either of them, particularly with..." Read more

"Another great story by Samantha Young! She brings such vivid imagery to the town of Hartwell that I find I want it to be a real town and exactly..." Read more

"...Real Thing is made up of such a wonderful group of characters and the quaint, lovely town of Hartwell...." Read more

Amazing book by Samantha Young!!
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing book by Samantha Young!!
This book is pretty amazing. I love this close-nit community. They accepted Jessica as their own, even though they didn't know a thing about her. They know everything about everyone. They protect each other and this is what really matters in life. Jessica had a terrible past and she couldn't let it go. It was dragging her into the darknes where she thought that she doesn't deserve anyone, the least of all Cooper - with his megawatt smile, georgeous body and of course amazing personality. I really admire Emery and can't wait to learn mkre about her. I really hope that she gets her own book. She deserves it. Reading it for the second time, because the third part is already on my Kindle waiting for me.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Samantha Young has a great start in her new Hart's Boardwalk Series with The One Real Thing. It's a compelling small town series with unique characters from all walks of life. They are either natives to Hartwell, Delaware or transplants drawn to this small peaceful seaside community. Life in Hartwell revolves around the boardwalk.

    Dr. Jessica Huntington didn't know she was stuck in her own life. As the head doctor of the Women's Correctional and Rehabilitation Facilty, she's seen everything. She chose this job over more prestigious jobs because she wanted to be a real doctor and help those in need with compassion, integrity, and equality. Her personal life is void. She has a friends with benefits relationship with a busy prestigious surgeon. Their relationship is anything but a real relationship. Their encounters are scheduled. There are no surprises. Jessica likes it that way. She doesn't want the commitment and involvement that comes with a true relationship.

    When Jessica finds three letters in the binder of a discarded prison library book, it is a life changing event. These three letters date back to 1972. They are from an inmate that died shortly after the letters were written. The content of these letters is compelling. Jessica was touched by the heartfelt sincerity in those written words. A woman's quest for forgiveness and declaration of love. Jessica knows she must find the recipient of these undelivered letters.

    Jessica's quest to deliver the letters leads her to Hart's Boardwalk and Cooper Lawson in Hartwell, Delaware. One spontaneous moment in the rain leads her to finding everything she was missing in life. Staying at the local inn introduces her to real heart of the town.

    A three week vacation changes her life. She will confront her own past and insecurities.
    She will make the choice to become more than a doctor, she will become a part of a community that involves being in real relationships. She will become a confidant, friend, and lover. She will set new goals in her life and still be the kind of doctor she intended to be. Most of all she will learn to love herself.

    Cooper Lawson has lived in Hartwell all his life. He has recently went through a very nasty divorce that cost him more than his marriage. He's bitter but moving on. In the past six months he has become the town player. He's not interested in becoming involved again, he just wants to run his bar. When he meets Dr. Jessica Huntington the tables turn. He has finally met a woman that touches his soul. A woman that he can respect. A woman he can build a life with. The only problem is that she lives in Wilmington. Can he convince her that Hartwell needs her as much as he does?

    Samantha Young wrote an emotional and compelling story that deals with all kinds of relationships. People from all walks of life coming together to make a real home and community. The best part was Cooper and Jessica finding each other. A mature romance dealing with real life. I can't wait for the next walk on Hart's Boardwalk.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2016
    Have you ever walked into someone's house for the first time and just felt so at home? It feels so comfortable that you just want to stay. This is what happens to Jessica when she visits the seaside town called Hartwell, everything about it just feels so right. The people, the buildings and the warm feeling in her chest lulls her into a wonderful sense of security so she books a room at the local inn and immerses herself into Hartwell.

    Jessica did have a reason for her visit, to hand deliver some 40 year old unposted letters to one of the local residents but that was just the catalyst for her journey. She had no idea just how life changing this holiday would be for her. It all begins when she meets Cooper, the local bar owner. The sexy, gorgeous, recently divorced Cooper Lawson.

    There is definitely an instant attraction between Cooper & Jessica, she is like a breath of fresh air and she seems to awaken something in him, something he hasn't felt in a long time. He knows that he is risking his heart, the more time he spends with her but he just can't help himself and maybe she is worth the risk. Jessica has never felt what she is feeling for Cooper, there is no harm in having a sexy holiday fling right? However, she wasn't prepared for just how deep and fast the feelings between them would develop.

    'Even dressing had become erotic to me. It was like Cooper had awakened something in my blood, and just the whisper of my fingers across my skin, the brush of fabric as it touched my body, set off memories of his mouth, his hands, him thrusting inside of me. Oh boy.'

    Jessica has a secret from her past that she is ashamed of. She has nightmares about it and now it is affecting her relationship with Cooper. He wants her to be open and honest with him, he needs it to move forward because it will prove to him that she completely trusts him. Jessica is convinced that opening herself up like that to anyone will only end in heartache for her. She is also learning that when you live in a small town, everyone seems to know your business - even your most private. There are other people with their own personal agendas who are determined to interfere in her happiness too. Maybe coming to Hartwell was a mistake?

    This was a fabulous start to this new series from Samantha, I cannot wait to read more about the people of Hartwell :-)
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • AURÉLIE
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ptiteaurel - The Lovely Teacher Addictions
    Reviewed in France on May 1, 2019
    Il y a très longtemps que j'ai cette saga dans ma bibliothèque et comme je vais lire le troisième tome début mai, il était évident que j'allais découvrir les précédents personnages . Mais pourquoi ai je attendu autant de temps pour lire ce premier tome qui est juste génial ? Je me suis régalée avec cette small Town romance qui pose les bases . Hartwell est une ville côtière apaisante et douce avec des personnages super attachants .

    Jessica Huntington est une jeune femme de 33 ans qui travaille en tant que docteur dans un centre pénitencier. Elle n'a pas forcément un vue très épanouie mais elle ne s'en rendra réellement compte que quand elle arrivera à Hartwell. Elle a un sex friend Andrew avec qui elle passe quelques moments sympathiques. Elle n'a plus de famille et son seul meilleur ami habite très loin de chez elle . Elle travaille énormément et elle ne prend pas de temps pour elle . En découvrant une série de quatre lettres dans un livre à la prison, elle est très touchée par l'histoire de Sarah et décide d'aller remettre les lettres à George. En arrivant pour trois semaines de vacances , elle ne s'attendait pas à découvrir une telle ville . Sa vie va prendre un nouveau tournant et elle prendra conscience de certaines choses .

    Pendant son séjour , elle va résider dans l'auberge de Bailey Hartwell , qui est une bouffée d'oxygène et qui connaît la ville comme sa poche . Elle fait partie des membres fondateurs de la ville même si les commerçants doivent faire face aux attaques répétés du richissime Ian Devlin qui veut racheter les commerces en bord de mer. Les commerçants sont soudés et dans cette petite ville tout se sait très vite. L'arrivée de Jessica ne passera pas inaperçu et elle sera très bien accueillie. J'ai adoré ce personnage car elle est très intéressante et on sent qu'elle cache quelque chose qui l'a meurtrie. On a quelques indices mais on va aussi assister à la remise en question de sa vie , de ses choix de carrière. Elle trouvera en Bailey une amie sans failles mais elle sera aussi sous le charme de Cooper . Ce dernier va aussi la bousculer dans le sens où il suscitera de vives émotions en elle . Andrew va sans conteste souffrir de la comparaison mais pourra t'elle remettre en cause toute une vie après trois semaines passées en sa compagnie ?

    Cooper Lawson est le héros de 36 ans de cet tome et nous sommes sous le charme dès qu'il entre en scène . Il tient d'une main de maître le bar du coin . Il est très à l'écoute des autres qui le lui rendent bien. On le sent intrigué dès l'arrivée de Jessica et il ne reculera devant rien pour tenter de la percer à jour . Il est clair sur son passé amoureux et il est évident que son ex femme Dana Kellerman est une sacrée épine qu'il tente d'enlever de son pied . Il a été meurtrie par cette rupture et il n'est pas prêt de faire confiance de nouveau . Il prend du bon temps avec les femmes de passage mais on sent qu'avec Jessica ça pourrait être autre chose . J'ai aussi adoré son empathie et le lien qu'il a su tisser avec les autres habitants . On a cette atmosphère familiale géniale et on a envie de savoir s'il parviendra à se faire une place dans la vie de Jessica .

    Bref, j'ai dévoré ce premier tome en quelques heures et je ne vais pas tarder à lire le tome 2 pour en savoir plus sur Bailey et un autre personnage qu'on a découvert dans ce tome . J'ai adoré l'ambiance apaisante de cette ville et même si on sait que certaines tensions restent présentes on ne doute pas que l'amour et l'amitié sauront faire face à toute éventuelle nouvelle épreuve. Fondez pour The One Real Thing qui est une romance parfaite pour un excellent moment de lecture .
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  • Sathya
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in India on May 10, 2023
    I brought this book in deal..The quality of the product is good..The story was awesome but I felt the story line was quite slow..but it's worth it...Fell in love with cooper💚
  • MLM 66
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely quality..! brilliant first book in this new series!! 5*+
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 11, 2016
    It's been almost 12 months since Samantha Young has released anything so the first book in this new series has been a long anticipated wait and after the fabulous Dublin Street series you have to wonder if it's going to be as good after all she has set the bar high.
    Well no need to worry because The One Real Thing is everything you'd expect. The standard is set high yet again, no simple storyline here, there are so many levels and the intrigue starts from the very beginning when Jessica comes across some letters and those letters leads her to a Boardwalk town called Hartwell.
    Jessica likes and feels conected to the town immediately , the characters play a big part too and she soon realises that she's been missing out on all of the above.
    We soon become aware that Jessica is hiding from her past, that becomes very apparent when she bumps into Conner you know she's holding back and then you have Conner who's having to deal with his crazy Ex... this is just for starters.
    The letters are intended for George and there's even a connection there with Conner which causes a bit of a disagreement but it's brushed aside for the moment along with the letters.
    As the storyline continues we get little bits of information but it's never quite enough, you are dying to know what has really gone on with Jessica and her family.
    The emotion kicks in around 41% it's when Jessica is on the beach and she calls her friend Matthew and it's at that moment when you realise something bigger has happened but we can only try and guess and this is why it's such an intriguing read.
    Aside from Jessica and Conner you have all the other wonderful characters, all have secrets or stories to tell some more than others and this makes it so exciting because we've been well and truly teased.
    There are a lot of moments that really grab you, this whole thing with Conner's once best friend Jack for one, Bailey and Tom...umm !! Emery...quiet Emery surprising us with her announcement of her inheritance and then there's Vaughn it is so interesting and of course let's not forget the letters and George that's what started all of this...like I said so much intrigue.
    I haven't mentioned Jacks father yet... Ian Devlin, he's a nasty piece of work and it didn't take him long to get his claws into Jessica and because of him it put a wedge between Jessica and Coopers relationship of course Cooper had no idea the real reason but Vaughn came to the rescue.
    So Jessica is hiding out and with George now back in town she decides to do what she came for, deliver the letters to him and this is another one of those moments, very emotional but one that was needed.
    Along with Cat's ( Conners sister) words playing on a loop in Jessica's head and some gentle persuasion from George she decides to tell the truth to Conner... what had she got to loose.!
    It was a tense and anxious time but Conner was there imediatly, it was a beautiful moment and a relief that finally Jessica had gotten everything off her chest and shared it with the man she loved all was good except they still had something else to deal with.
    Ian Devlin was everyone's nightmare, he had his sights set on Conner's Bar, Jessica however had a plan and called a meeting with all the "neighbours" this was another one of those moments when we get another piece of information I'm talking about Emery of course anyway we have it all to come I'm sure but in the mean time the problem that is Ian Devlin was swiftly dealt with.
    This is going to be one hell of a brilliant series and reading the teaser from Bailey's story Every Little Thing proves that, of course Vaughn came to the rescue yet again, it's already been said that he just seems to show up out of nowhere but this is Bailey we're talking about.
    I have to say I can't wait to find out what went wrong with Bailey and Tom.. I have it on Pre-order.!
    Thank you Samantha Young..
  • Hebbie
    5.0 out of 5 stars She did it again!
    Reviewed in Germany on September 12, 2016
    Oh how I love Samantha Young! This new series got fast to my heArt! All characters, Even the side characters, are easy to Be loved. I felt with jess and coop and even shed some tears... I like that this is going to Be a series and can't wait for the next one, which is about Bailey...I highly recomment this book, but Be assured - you need a free weekend, because I couldn't stop reading ;)
  • Cliente Amazon
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not impressed
    Reviewed in Spain on July 4, 2021
    Not impressed with this series at all. The fact that it's told in two diferent points of view it's something that I always apreciate, but not here. The male POV it is in third person and the female in first person, what the heck? It's so confusing

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