I have been a huge fan of Erin Watt and will continue to read their books. They sure have a way with words. One Small Thing surely puts life into perspective from the eyes of young adults. It talks about sensitive subjects and how you have to have one small thing to get you through the day.

Beth and Chase have surely had their fair share of tragedy and heartbreak but in the most unlikely circumstances, these two somehow find there way to each other. Against all odds, they make it work and learn a powerful life lesson. I couldn't put this book down and truly felt for both them.

3 stars!

My favorite duo is back with a YA book this time. One Small Thing is another example of quality writing from two established authors who know how to bring a story to life and hook the readers in from the first page.

Beth, formerly known as Lizzie, is dealing with her sister’s death and what her life is shaping up to be without her in the family. I admit that at first I had my doubts about her but she turned out to be a character we very rarely get in YA. She was a rebel, literally rebelling against everything her overbearing and overprotective parents forced on her – like their choice of college and her job – and in doing so she quickly grew on me. She’s a character who always lived under her sister’s shadow and now with her sister’s passing, she feels like her life is being 100% controlled by her parents and their fear of losing their daughter. There were moment were I could connect with her, especially with the absurd things her parents did but also sometimes I felt like she was out of control and kind of being reckless.

Chase who as we learn from the blurb is responsible for her sister’s death, is the new guy in town and things could not get any more complicated. But like Beth, he was also something fresh for a YA book. He’s straight out of juvie and has zero tolerance for childish games, so he didn’t sugarcoat anything, in fact he was straightforward and blunt, so much so that I loved how honest he was whenever Beth went a little over the top crazy.

“Grow up, Beth. In the real world, bad boys are actually bad. They aren’t heroes. It’s not dope to hook up with them. Bad boys do bad shit and eventually drag everyone around them into the same pit.”

Beth and Chase together? I can see them being friends and overcoming this huge tragedy but the romance between the two felt a bit rushed and out of place, if Chase was not the hot guy she met one day and hooked up with I don’t think she would be as forgiving. I don’t know how anyone can be as forgiving as Beth was, that might be the only thing that didn’t fit this story for me. But Beth and Chase separately were exactly what I want more of in YA, two characters that break the norm and offer something fresh. As always, looking forward to reading more from this duo!

This was my fourth Erin Watt book and I quite enjoyed it. I was in the mood for a contemporary since it’s summer so I picked this one up. I really enjoyed their other books so I was excited to read this one. I liked the two main characters a lot and how they’re relationship with each other builds throughout the book. Although I did quite like this book, I wasn’t really surprised by the events. I could see where the story was going from the beginning so the plot fell kind of flat with me. I would like to see another story with these characters and I’m looking forward to reading any other books from this co-author team in the future.

Erin Watt has done it again, a great summer read of angst and love! I couldn't get enough of this book and am so happy to have read. Life for Beth has been difficult since the loss of her sister, and overprotective parents have become the norm. She struggles with life and fitting in and not having people give her pity. The chemistry between Beth and Chase is unreal! A must read for the summer!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Receiving One small thing was kind of a surprise for me since I requested it way back in February I think and I pretty much gave up on the hope of getting it when it showed up. It was a welcomed surprise right up until I started to read it. I really struggled with getting into the story mostly because of the overly immature voice of the narration which just drove me up the walls. Admittedly it gets better as the story progresses but it still bothered me enough to struggle with the book.

This is an emotional story about forgiveness from the point of view of a misunderstood and confused teenage girl. There were a lot of amazing points in the plot which is the main reason why I enjoyed the book so much in the end. I felt for Beth because of the way her parents and her friend treaded her frustrated even me, an outsider so I don’t know what I would have done in her place. On the other hand, I also think she made a lot of mistakes along the way but you know what in her mindset it was not so surprising. Still, I really liked the way how she looks at Chase, she understood him and his side of the events. One thing thou, she should have voiced her feelings and view of things, instead of letting others dictate her life. Anyway, she matured a lot in the cures of the plot.
Chase was punishing himself; he made a stupid mistake, one bad decision which will overshadow the rest of his life. And while technically he paid the price he still thinks deep down that he needs to suffer. I liked his character a lot, especially the graceful and calm way he handled the bullying and prejudice directed his way.

The story was beautifully written but I think the author duo went a bit overboard with the way the other people treated Chase. I just don’t want to believe that even teacher would treat a student the way he was treated. I personally don’t want to believe that 17-18 years old kids can’t understand the difference between an accident and murder but we all know that some kids are capable of horrible things just because of fame, popularity and crowd mentality. It is just a horrible thing and unfortunately happens every day sometimes with serious consequences. Still, it was a bit too much for my taste; it didn’t make any sense for me.

There is an overabundance of teenage angst and drama in this book and if you like those kinds of YA book then this is for you. It is not my fave thing in the world yet I still enjoyed it a lot. So I definitely recommend it.

One Small Thing is an amazing read. It's full of feelings and emotions. Beth's sister, Rachel passed away three years ago. Since then her parents have become crazy controlling. They control every aspect of her life from whether she works to whether she has a bedroom door. Beth is craving independence and freedom. She clashes with her parents a lot. She meets Chase. Chase is everything she is craving. Chase has secrets and had a part in Rachel death. Rachel doesn't know who Chase is at first. Chase is not a harden criminal. He owns up to what he did and is remorseful, which makes him a likeable guy. I loved Chase. He's full a struggle and pain but he just need someone to believe in him. Beth has a huge heart. She struggles with her feelings for Chase and what her sister would think. Chase struggles with forgiving himself. These two have just great chemistry that I couldn't help but root for them to get a happy ending.

4.5 Stars!

One Small Thing is an angsty, heart wrenching story and I absolutely loved it! An addicting story of forgiveness & letting go, once I started reading I couldn't put it down.

Chase & Beth are both trying to put their pasts behind them, and struggling with where they fit in the present. A chance meeting results in an impossible relationship, and the fallout from their choices impacts everyone around them.

This book isn't an unrealistic high school romance. High school, especially these days, isn't easy and this book brings light to these issues. Bullying, abusive relationships, and grief are all present, and written beautifully. The struggles of every relationship - parent & child, friends, enemies, lovers - are all touched on, and the consequences of actions aren't glossed over.

If you are looking for a light, fun read this isn't it. But if you are looking for something that will pull you in, fill you with emotion, and make you really think, then this is the book for you!

I think One Small Thing is supposed to be a sad book but throughout all I felt was anger. I was engrossed and found myself whole-heartedly mad at the world because I can see this happening as I was reading. It made me sit back and think so hard because I can easily relate to why each character was behaving and reacting to each situation the way they did. To be honest, I think I was most angry with myself because no matter which way I dissected it I can see myself in each of the characters in this story for the good and the bad (okay maybe not one particular character). One Small Thing truly opened my eyes and reminded me to never judge or ridicule until you have walked in another’s shoes.

I usually find myself bored as soon as I figure out the plot and how it mostly likely will wrap up. However, with One Small Thing – it completely is beside the point. With this story it’s more of knowing but your heart needs the confirmation in order for it to continue to beat.

One Small Thing covered a few tough topics and covered it well. It gives us light at the other end of the tunnel.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s not a light-hearted book yet not a heavy read either. I really hope you all give it a go!

This book is an angsty, drama-filled YA novel by Erin Watt. I liked the overall story and really liked Chase's character and how he handled himself considering what he had to live with. Chase and Beth are two teenagers whose pasts are intertwined, making this somewhat of a star-crossed lovers story. It was emotional and involved a family who has lost a lot and a teenager who is trying to live for herself, not her sister.

I had a little bit of an issue with Beth's' parents. I realize they went through a lot, but they were really overboard with their treatment of their daughter. When this story starts, they have had 3 years to get themselves help, to step up and deal with their emotions, but they are stunted...especially her dad.. I think this was the main reason Beth is a little bit immature for the first half of the book, trying to rebel and pretty much thinking of only herself (typical for teenagers, I know, but still). In contrast to Chase, who has seen some dark days and come out the other side and is way more mature in how he handles his issues and the kids at school.

And then there is Jeff...I had him pegged from the first couple of chapters. That's all I will say about him so as to not give spoilers.

If you like drama, angst, and emotional books, you will enjoy this book. I enjoyed the story and most of the characters.

Erin Watt’s One Small Thing was most definitely not my cup of tea. Usually I am a sucker for a contemporary romance with heartfelt characters and sensitive issues, but this one felt so overly dramatic and full of angst with too many tropes to count.

The characters were all extremely unlikable to me, which was perpetuated by their lack of effective communication skills and ridiculous behavior. Beth’s parents were entirely too overbearing. I can see where they were coming from based on what happened to Beth’s sister, but their tactics were way too outlandish and screamed of people in desperate need of therapy and counseling.

Beth herself wasn’t very much of a wow factor for me either, and Chase ran from hot to cold, to hot again. His mood swings gave me whiplash.

I think this was meant to be a heartfelt story about coping in the aftermath of tragedy and learning how to forgive, but outside of Beth, the forgiveness aspect didn’t read that way at all to me. I’m sure this will appeal to a lot of people, but for me it was a dud.

*Thank you to Harlequin Teen and Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This is a hard book to review because I don't want to give away any spoilers because I really enjoyed this book. Our main character Beth, is trying to enjoy her life but her parent's have become extremely overprotective since her sister died 3 years ago in an accident. Chase is the new guy in town and is eager to make a fresh start after spending time in juvie. The twist between the two is fairly easy to figure out early in the book but I think that is what the author intended. I enjoyed both Beth and Chase's character and really liked Beth's personality and enjoyed watching her character development throughout the book. I love Erin Watt and this is actually the first stand alone book I have read by the author, but really enjoyed The Royals series. I really liked the relationship that Chase and Beth develop, despite all of the obstacles that they have to face. I also really enjoyed the ending to the book and all of the things that are finally worked out. I am of course hoping for a sequel, as with most stand alone books I read. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, I enjoyed both Beth and Chase's characters and the overall themes that are addressed in this book.

Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Teen, for sending me an ARC of this book.

Erin Watt has such entertaining books. This one was the deepest and possibly my favorite. A guy accidentally killed a girl's sister and three years later she falls in love with him. How could that ever work out?

I loved Beth, really loved her. The way she grieved felt real because it was basically the way I have grieved over deaths. Just because one isn't a huge crier doesn't mean they are affected any less inside their heads.

Chase, Chase, Chase. I wanted to shake him ... a lot! What happened was horrible but it wasn't on purpose. And he needed hugs ... a bunch of them. But from Beth's parents perspective I get it, that was their other baby. But from an outside perspective it's much easier to see both sides of the coin.

This book was not full of lust like a lot of their other books. It was one that made me think, gave me emotions, and as hard as it is sometimes to do—forgiveness is the best option. If these two authors could write something like this together, I can't wait to see what they have next!

Gah! I absolutely loved this book! I don’t know how they keep doing this, excellent book after excellent book, but they do.
This book had all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I raged, I was shocked.
I LOVED Chase. So haunted, so trying to do what what’s right.
Beth was so feisty. There were so many times I raged on her behalf. She was so strong but put her emotions on display as well.
This book was everything and I loved it! Read it now!

Wow what an emotional and heart-warming read of love, forgiveness and letting go. The kind of emotions we all have but can't give to others unless we find them all within ourselves first.
I loved the underlying message of this book; hope and enjoying the little things. Finding that One. Small. Thing. every day that keeps you moving forward, they're there you just have to know where to look and except them for what they are.
This book was full of everything, teen angst and frustration especially, definitely nearing towards the mature side of an YA book. There were a lot of twists and reveals throughout, the struggles these characters went through. I just felt the ending was a little rushed, it could have had one more chapter at least to have had the opportunity to explain everything in a little more depth but saying that I was just greedy for more.
I LOVE this writing duo, their stories are always raw and unflinching and I really did enjoy One Small Thing very much indeed.

After a number of so-so reading experiences lately, I really needed an Erin Watt book. This duo’s writing is always so addicting and One Small Thing was no exception.

It says in the synopsis that Chase played a part in Beth’s sister’s death and I think it’s pretty obvious what that is. It doesn’t take long for the book to reveal it, either, but I’ll still try not to spoil it. I have to admit that this particular kind of trope is usually not one I go for. However, it worked for me here. I liked the conversations it brought it up. How differently people grieve. How people move on. How people judge. The topic of forgiveness. There was a lot more depth to this book than I expected there to be.

Though some of Beth’s behavior drove me a little crazy, I did find her a likable character. I wish she was more honest and she definitely made a lot of misguided decisions, but once she realized how poorly she was behaving she took steps to change it. And I loved Chase. I just loved him. I know he has some pretty obvious flaws, but I still thought he was pretty perfect. He was just so sweet and smart and a little tortured. I definitely shipped them and their moments together were my favorites of the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed One Small Thing. Though it was a little heavier than I was expecting, I thought it had a good message. I liked the main characters (especially Chase) and the romance. I did find everything to be just a little too predictable, though. Pretty much every development I guessed far ahead of time, so even though the writing was addictive and kept me turning the pages, the plot itself seemed a little drawn out and then things wrapped up very quickly at the end. However, the positive message and my love for Chase makes up for those aspects for me.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars

A great YA read. Full of angst and twists. Finding friendships and love in the least likely of situations. Unraveling truths that hurt but will set you free and heal your pain. I recommend this book.

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For a more in-depth review watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXeO5...

Beth lives her whole life in the shadow of her deceased sister. She desperately wants to live her own life and one night she decides to take control of her life and goes to a party...a party where she meets the mysterious Chase. The two form a connection but Beth soon realizes they can't be together as she discovers Chases secret past.

I enjoyed Erin Watt's "When It Was Real" so I was expecting to like "One Small Thing" however I was very wrong. The story feel like a string of melodramatic moments that follow the most obvious path before meeting the most obvious conclusion. The characters are never developed beyond their melodramatic stereotypes. There are people that will really like this book but I am definitely not one of those people.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Il mitico duo formato da Elle Kennedy e Jen Frederick è tornato con un nuovo YA autoconclusivo, (perciò non fatevi ingannare dal titolo simile e dalla stessa data d'uscita perché "Real Love" non fa parte della stessa serie, ma è una storia completamente diversa).

La protagonista è Beth, una ragazza di diciassette anni che ha perso la sorella tre anni prima in un incidente d'auto. Da quel momento i suoi genitori sono diventati iperprotettivi nei suoi confronti, non riuscendo ad elaborare il lutto, e per questo lei si sente prigioniera in casa sua. Nel tentativo di tornare a vivere come tutte le ragazze della sua età, Beth va di nascosto ad una festa in cui non conosce nessuno, ma lì incontra Chase, un ragazzo bellissimo, ma che nasconde un segreto. Quando Beth scoprirà quel segreto, tutto il suo mondo cambia e dovrà fare una scelta: seguire il suo cuore fregandosene degli altri, o ignorare i suoi sentimenti.

Ho apprezzato entrambi i personaggi: di Beth ammiro il coraggio e il fatto che, nonostante all'inizio tentenni, poi riesce sempre a fare la scelta corretta, lottando per la giustizia. Amava sua sorella e soffre per la sua morte, ma è anche stufa di non poter più vivere la sua vita e di sentirsi dire cosa dovrebbe provare o pensare. Anche Chase è un ragazzo che cerca di sopravvivere, ma lo deve fare in un mondo che lo critica in continuazione, facendo aumentare ancora di più il suo rimorso. È molto saggio e dolce, riconosce che quello che ha fatto è sbagliato e vorrebbe continuare a punirsi, ma l'incontro con Beth lo aiuterà a capire che forse il perdono è possibile anche per lui.

Se non siete tra gli amanti della serie The Royals vi consiglio comunque di dare una chance a questi due nuovi lavori, perché se la prima era una serie upper YA, ovvero che trattava temi più maturi quasi da new adult, questi due libri sono invece YA puri, come quelli di Katie McGarry o di Kasie West, per citarne due.
Nonostante la storia di "Rebel Love" mi sia piaciuta, come anche i personaggi, ho decisamente preferito "Real Love", e adesso vi spiego perché. Innanzitutto, non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto un romanzo leggermente più lungo, ma con un approfondimento maggiore nella relazione tra Beth e Chase: la crescita dei personaggi si è vista, ma forse avrei voluto qualcosa di più tra i due, essendo il loro amore considerato da tutti impossibile. In più, la parte finale è stata un po' scontata e con qualche cliché, anche se sono comunque contenta per come sia finito. Ciò non toglie che sia stata una lettura piacevole, ricca di emozioni e molto scorrevole: lo stile delle autrici è sempre fresco e fluido, che mi ha permesso di leggerlo in pochissimo tempo. Il romanzo tratta di temi sempre attuali e anche abbastanza tosti come il lutto, le diverse reazioni ad esso, le relazioni tossiche, ma anche il perdono e le seconde occasioni. Ho odiato i genitori di Beth, ma allo stesso tempo riuscivo a percepire il loro dolore per la perdita della figlia maggiore, come anche il rimorso di Chase e le sensazioni contrastanti di Beth. Infatti le emozioni che ho provato durante la lettura non sono state poche.
Perciò, nel complesso, ho decisamente preferito "Real Love", ma non sconsiglierei nemmeno "Rebel Love", essendo una lettura veloce e interessante.

this story gave me all the feels. I felt emotions such a sadness, happy, laughing and swoony.
Beth just stuck with me and made me not want to put her down, I just had to have my beth fix.
chase was a great character and really helped make this story work!

4.5 stars

This is an endearing story about loss, forgiveness and trust.

I've always enjoyed young adult stories. The teen angst is something that's relateable and can bring back both good and bad memories of those years. Yet often, the immaturity of the characters can be annoying, given me *ahem* age difference with the main characters. But that was not the case with this book.

I actually adored both main characters, Beth (don't call her Lizzie) and Chase. These two characters share a night of passion and days/weeks/months of regret. But not for the reasons you think. Unbeknownst to them at the time of their initial encounter, the two are linked in a tragic way.

My heart went out to Beth so many times in this book.
Still coming to grips with the loss of her sister, Rachel.
Struggling to adjust to the walls her parents seem to be closing around her.
Finding out Chase's backstory.
And then fighting the feelings for him that she knows she shouldn't have.

At times, Beth's immaturity showed, but given all that she has gone thru, it made sense and didn't frustrate me like it normally might. On top of that, she had Chase to tamper the tantrums. I was pleasantly shocked by how Chase handled everything thrown his way.
The bullying.
The judgments.
Every day he showed up to school and dealt with the anger and hate directed his way. So when the one person who should hate him, doesn't, he steps up in the only way he knows how. With solid advice. I loved how he put things in perspective for Beth, and how quickly she takes action on that advice. Sure, she has a few missteps along the way, but given how everyone seems to be turning on her, I understood her need to rebel.

I wasn't terribly shocked by the ending. I never fully believed that Chase was guilty of an intentional crime. And I liked how everyone handled the revelation.

"You waiting for me is the one small thing that will keep me going."

Despite the odds against them, two teens come together and find a way to heal one another. If you love the young adult genre, and are looking for an emotional story about forgiveness and letting go, I highly recommend this one.