When I first heard that
Alexandra Potter (author of chick-lit bestsellers including Be Careful What You
Wish For and Who's That Girl) had a new novel due for release, I couldn't wait.
Potter's books have so far been highly enjoyable and funny tales with loveable
characters and great settings - perfect for relaxing with. Somehow, after receiving
this book, I managed to resist reading it for a few days, saving it for my
holiday.
In 1999, art student Lucy
and American boyfriend Nathaniel (Nate) - the perfect soulmates- made a pact
underneath a bridge in Venice. Known as the Legend of the Bridge of Sighs,
kissing under the bridge would apparently render the couple unable to be
apart...forever.
Now, Lucy's working for an
art gallery in New York when her dreams of being a painter didn't exactly work
out. Single and getting by in the small gallery with stylish (yet slightly mad)
boss Magda.
As for The One...well,
Nathaniel is no longer. After attempting a long-distance relationship all those
years ago, it simply didn't work out. The legend was obviously all a bunch of
nonsense, right?
Actually, wrong...
Lucy gets the shock of her
life when an art-buyer turns out to be her one and only, Nathaniel. Now a TV
producer, Nate still oozes the good looks and charm that she loved in the very
first place. Okay, so he may have a lot of money, a minimalist apartment and a
hectic work schedule, but surely he's still the same loveable Nate...
Again, Lucy's about to
discover otherwise.
Despite Lucy believing Nate
is still The One, the relationship is NOT going as she's always planned in her
dreams. Far from the cute, adventurous Nathaniel she used to know, new Nate is
fussy, snotty, and, well, just a little
bit anal when it comes to cleanliness. The pair could not be more different.
Yet when they break up, it isn't long before they meet again.
And again. And again...
Is it Fate? Or is the legend
really true? In the ten years that they've spent dreaming of meeting each
other, Nate and Lucy now can't wait to be apart. But it's just not happening.
With destiny (or perhaps
magic?) bringing them together at every given and convenient moment, Nate and
Lucy need to find away to break up for good. Especially when Lucy becomes
rather fond of film student Adam.
Could there possibly be a
way to break the legendary pact?
You're The One That I Don't
Want was an extremely enjoyable read. I especially loved Lucy, and her
over-achieving sister, Kate. It's a wonderfully charming, funny love story
that's totally unputdownable. Having enjoyed Potter's previous novels (Be
Careful What You Wish For being my personal favourite!) I had a feeling I'd
like this too, but it was a lot better than expected! You're The One That I
Don't Want is yet another fantastic addition to Alexandra Potter's titles.
Rating: 5/5
Like this? Try: Be Careful What You Wish For by Alexandra Potter, Getting Rid of Matthew
by Jane Fallon
