Another pretty good debut novel, I’m reading a lot of those lately, and that’s really good news.

What was the book about?
Coming back to her office and her work football team (football as in soccer) after a business trip, Iris meets Cameron, a new American colleague and teammate. Still hurting not so much from the failure of her last relationship but from the way she behaved after the break-up, Iris has closed herself off to any idea of falling in love again. She’s not immune to Cam’s charms however, and the fact that her new friend is engaged to a ma, and won’t be staying in London forever helps her keep their relationship in check, or so she believes. Cam is not as straight as she seems, and not as indifferent to Iris as she thinks.

Featured Tropes: 
Workplace Romance, Big City, Sports, Friends to Lovers

Book Strengths:
The London setting is a nice change. Both main characters are endearing, and the web of friends and teammates around them is full of interesting people. I especially liked how both Cam and Iris have to learn to accept themselves and their past mistakes. Iris hates herself for all the meaningless sex she threw herself in after her breakup, and needs to forgive herself. As for Cam, she’s allowed her mother, then her fiancé to decide for her all her life, and she’s finally learning how to stand for herself and what (or who) she wants. 

Book Weaknesses:
In the beginning, One Small Step was too much tell, not enough show, and I was worried I wouldn’t get into the story, but it got a lot better after a while. The pace picked up, and I lost myself in Iris and Cam’s growing feelings and doubts in a very enjoyable way. 

Character Chemistry:
When they first meet, neither Iris nor Cam is looking for a relationship other than friendship. It’s the unmistakable chemistry between them that makes that friendship turn into something more despite their best intentions.

Heat Rating:
4

Wrap up:
This book undeniably feels like a first novel, which it is so it’s okay, and I’m sure MA Binfield’s writing will keep growing. I’ll keep an eye out for her next book.

Star Rating: 
3.5

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