Title: One Small Thing
Author: Erin Watt
Publication: June 26, 2018
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA Fiction, Teen
Pages: 304
SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)
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.
REVIEW:
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
One Small Thing by Erin Watt caught my eye with the cover, but kept my attention with the intense subject matter, intriguing characters, and twists that kept me guessing.
One Small Thing follows the story of Beth as she enters her final year of high school. Most people would be looking forward to the final memories with friends and going off to college to start the next chapter. However, Beth is being smothered by overprotective parents who are still getting over the loss of their other daughter and think they are keeping her safe. Their safety causes her to act out, which brings her in contact with Chase. After a few interactions, Chase’s true identity comes to light and Beth finds herself torn between wanting to hate him and her inability to. Like magnets, we constantly see life tug these two together, much to the disagreement of friends and family, and Beth is trying to juggle her feelings.
Beth is every teenager. She wants to enjoy her teenage years leading up to college, enjoys her job and volunteering, wants to spend time with friends and go to a few parties, but her parents are draining the fun out of her life. A few touchy decisions bring down the wrath of her dad and mom and seclude her, causing her to act out more. It’s the story we’ve all seen in our own lives playing out on the pages. Watt gave us a character that we could relate to. I love how the story has intense emotions ranging from romantic moments to anger to sadness. The whole emotions spectrum is found in One Small Thing and I found myself feeling those emotions right along with Beth.
One Small Thing also takes on the taboo topic of sexual assault, which I found refreshing. This novel approached the subject in a respectful manner where as not to assume what others may feel about it, but show a scenario where it may play out and show the after effects of that situation. I love books that touch on topics that a lot of other books do not, as well as ones that need to be spotlighted. It also tied in a positive lesson every reader can implement into their own lives. I won’t spoil it though!
Erin Watt wrote a gripping novel I couldn’t put down. It is the perfect read for a long day on the beach or a quiet evening at home this summer. I am looking forward to more novels by Watt and will be picking up her previous novels soon. A must read!
STAR RATING: 5/5
One Small Thing by Erin Watt will be available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and check your local bookstore on June 26th. Make sure to add it to your To Reads list on Goodreads and leave your feedback for the author when you are finished reading. You can check out more from author Erin Watt on her website here and pick up more of her books, including her NY Times Bestselling The Royals series. You can also connect with Watts on her social media sites through her website.
