One Percent of You by Michelle Gross (Review)

I like a good slow-burn, especially when I can feel everything happening. At the same time, I don’t like to keep too much on edge. Light the fuse but please do not keep it under a pan. Let it blow! This is what Michelle Gross gave in her book, One Percent of You.

Meet Hadley, 21 years old, mother of one and expecting, also government aided (according to the judgy people). She may have been like every other dreamy-eyed young and naive girl who believed the lies of a no-good, deadbeat momma’s boy. However, despite that, Hadley is hardworking and determined to raise her children right. Which is why she doesn’t hesitate to throw out the dead-beat when he goes to cheat on her.

Meet Elijah, 30 years old, single with the whole bad boy grumpy aura. He takes one look at Hadley and thinks her a fraud. Why? Because he believes taxes go to fund her and her kids which may be from different men. However, Elijah soon realises that he could have never been more wrong about her and sparks fly as he gets close enough to meet the woman underneath the whole armour.

First, the way this book started, I nearly tossed it. The whole single mom, asshole dad and cheating trope was almost too much. Honestly, I don’t really like books that start that way. However, I decided to stick it out and it turned out to be really great. Elijah reminded me of every single judgemental person on the planet. Though you can’t blame him (you totally can and should), still I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly hit the floor at his very generic, way-off assumptions about Hadley. It also reminded me of the one guy who told me that until me, he never thought any lady could afford to get their own phone, especially an iPhone. Did you cringe? Yes, you did. I cringed harder.

Second, the plot progressed quite well. The characters got closer and the walls wore out in a fashion that had me giggling, blushing and feeling embarrassed. It was also very endearing to read Elijah put in the effort. He was the all or nothing guy and when he decided that Hadley was worth it all, he went all in. It scared me honestly, as a reader, but I guess that is what it means to be heavily invested in a story.

Third, I quite liked how they substituted the cuss words. There were some that made me laugh a lot. Hadley was a unique kind of character and she proved it every time she cussed “God bless America”. I threw my head back and laughed so hard the first time because I have never in my life read such a thing. Hadley almost felt too real. Mind you, I have come across more characters like that too, but there was just something about Hadley and her adorable daughter Lucy that seemed to immerse me further. Then throw in Elijah who was hell bent on winning the woman and being father to both children.

In conclusion, One Percent of You is perfect for a kick-back time during the weekend. It went from enemies-to-lovers to adorable and fudgy hot as it progressed. I was glued from beginning to end. I give it 4/5! It really made my weekend. Definitely a book I could read again.