The Best Thing

By: Mariana Zapata

Narrated by: Callie Dalton, Calum Gittins

Some things are easily forgiven. Other things...not so much.

Lenny DeMaio made herself a promise: She was done.

Done thinking about him.

Done worrying about him.

Done reaching out to a man who clearly didn’t want to be found.

Too bad no one gave Jonah Collins the memo.

©2019 Mariana Zapata (P)2020 Mariana Zapata

Audio Makes It Even Better!

I am a huge fan of this authors works, and as I am caught up on her books, I wanted to savor this one for when I had time to just sit and escape into Lenny’s world. Just so happens one of my book buddies was ready at the same time, so we read it together which made it even more enjoyable.

I went into this novel blind as I anticipated I’d love it no matter what the subject was. I knew it was Lenny’s story whom we had met in Luna and the Lie. She’s one of the most sassiest characters with a heart you could meet. I also heard that it had a hero who played Rugby Union which is an exciting game to watch, so I was hooked just from knowing these two facts. I adored Jonah with a little j just as much as Jonah with a big J!

This book has a different feel to other stories from MZ. One of the elements is that it’s a second chance romance, but the reunion has that delicious slow burn component that makes MZ the Queen. There were other twists and surprises in their tale that made me smile and cheer. Another sure essence to a MZ story is her secondary characters. Luna made a few appearances which was fab because I have missed her but my favorite in this book hands down is Grandpa Gus! That guy got some amazing lines which will crack you up. The one that will melt your heart the most is Mo but Peter will forever have a place in my heart with his devotion.

I will be adding this to my annual re reads with all of my MZ books.

ADDED: As with every MZ book, you can not go past reading it with audio. I was sick on a cruise recently and could only listen to books and I knew that this edition would make my heart sing. Loved it. Highly recommend this audio with Jonah crooning in your ear.

I loved this 2nd chance, slow burn story.

A little bit of a redemption story mixed with such a slow burn that i know Ms. Zapata does so well. I don't know how to put this into words. I loved reading the book first but listening to the actors voices just ties everything together. I can't recommend this enough.

The Best Thing

I love Mariana Zapata's audiobooks. This one I had put off reading because of the lower reviews. I wish I had ignored them. I accidentally picked up this book during the sale, forgetting that it had such bad reviews from those that love MZ. Once I started the audiobook, I remembered the reviews because I was not liking Lenny...at all. Gosh, she's harsh ... and seemingly unforgiving. But the longer I listened, the more I liked Lenny until I started to love her. Her love of family was beautiful. Her trying to put others first won my respect. In so many ways I wish I could be her. I loved Jonah from the start. What a gentle giant that accepted/owned his choices/failures and bettered himself. This man made my heart swoon.

I loved their romance. This story story seemed real to life. The push and pull of the relationship was frustratingly perfect. The slow burn of the romance was perfection. I laughed out loud several times. My family kept looking at me funny, but there are some great, hilarious, and fun moments. There were times my heart squeezed. I mostly saw where the story was going, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment. I truly loved this book.

Calum Gittins and Callie Dalton are excellent narrators. Their performances are perfection. They bring this book to life. I wasn't ready for this audiobook to end.

Love love love

The many tears of joy this book made me shed and all the lessons I’m taking from it. Mariana Zapata still one of my favorite authors. 1000% recommended like all her other books.

Amazing Story

I Loved everything about this book except the use of f'd word this and that A LOT

The best epilogue out of Any book!!!!!

I loved this book, while reading it and even more now after listening to the audio. Callie Dalton is top notch as always. my favorite. Calum Gittens is now my favorite Male narrator. will look for anything he does in the future

Just superb!

I love this book. Grandpa Gus is the best! Jonah and Leny are a great couple but the family interactions are the best and that’s what I love about MZ’s books. I love the family interactions in Kulti, From Lukov with Love and in this book.
But please read the last few chapters at home because it’s beautiful and emotional.

Wonderful story

This was very different from her other books but I loved it. I loved the development of the characters, their flawed but quirky personalities. I loved the warm fuzzies that I felt from feeling like I knew this very human and real family. The book had humor and tears. Narration was awesome - I really liked the duet style. Give yourself a treat and read this book.

The Best Thing

I adore this book. I've listened to it at least 7 times and it never gets old. 1000% recommended.

Another fave!

Second chances. She’s a grump and he’s a golden retriever guy. I’m in love with this story! Jonah and Lenny’s growth throughout this book was so good!
I started with All Rhodes Leads Here and went down a Mariana Zapata book rabbit hole. I loved the little nods to her other books as well and got me interested in reading more titles written by her. No regrets. I enjoyed all the world building and character development in her stories. I know for me that “The Best Thing” will be a repeat listen and read too.