Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Only Exception by Magan Vernon {Review}

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: April 9th 2013
Pages: 272
Format: Mobi/Kindle
Source: Provided by author for review


Monica Remy doesn’t make exceptions. The fiery nineteen-year-old transferred to Central College to escape her problems, blend into the crowd and forget the past. But escape becomes almost impossible when she attracts the attention of her new and undeniably sexy neighbor: Trey Chapman, the governor’s son. Despite his vivid green eyes, adorable freckles, and athletic body, Trey is everything that Monica despises - haughty, conservative, bossy. And able to get under her skin in a way no other man ever could. A class project forces the unlikely pair together, their chemistry building with each heated debate. But when the ghosts of Monica’s past come back to haunt her, both their beliefs will be tested, and both will be forced to see the world in a new light. Their differences threaten to tear them apart, unless they can make one another their only exception. **Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+** 



My Review:
The Only Exception caught me completely by surprise..and I LOVE when that happens. The synopsis caught my attention and seeing my friend review it and give it a good rating was one of the reasons I wanted to read it. The driving factor for me reading it was the opposite viewpoint storyline. I love a good political debate and having the two main characters on different sides of the line was interesting and fun. 

It's not easy trying to make a regular relationship work, especially being young and in college but add into the mix a very Liberal young woman and a republican governor's son and watch as the fireworks begin. Monica has been through some extremely difficult situations that have shaped her viewpoints on women's issues and has made her a tough young woman. After leaving her previous school to escape people and memories she wants to forget she comes to Central and immediately runs into Trey Chapman who just so happens to live next door to her. She's already got a chip on her shoulder towards him because of who his father is and what he stands for. Trying to avoid him at all costs turns out not to work for her because she is paired with him for a class debate project and ends up having to spend the majority of her time with him.

 Monica wasn't an easy character to always like but by the end I was in love with her. She had to survive something not many women understand and I found myself loving her relationship with Trey. He was everything she needed. Kind, understanding (at times) and gentle. After seeing the darker side of men she needed a guy who would treat her with respect and be patient with her. She had serious trust issues and I didn't blame her one bit and even related to her immensely for it. Once people you trust hurt you, it's hard to let them back in let alone anyone new. I really enjoyed watching her slowly heal throughout the story. She didn't have many friends due to her past experience but her friend Melanie was there for her to keep her grounded. Plus she ended up forming a friendship with her extremely far out roommate Samantha who added some much needed humor into her daily life.

Trey Chapman was my absolute favorite part of this book. I know I always say that about the guys but he seriously stole every stray piece of my heart. He was drawn to Monica from the first time he saw her. It wasn't just her looks that attracted him though, he was taken by her fierce demeanor and political viewpoints. He saw a challenge and was determined to understand her better. To say that Trey Chapman was a great book guy is like saying that Elvis' music was just good. Or that Nutella is just OK. Trey Chapman is EVERYTHING! I loved his loyalty to his father even when Monica repeatedly voiced her dislike of him and his policies. Most guys would try to impress the girl by any means but not Trey. I loved the fact that he protected Monica and stood up for her, not only to someone who meant her harm but also to his parents. He didn't let his father dictate who he could be with. But the main thing, the freaking coup de grĂ¢ce was something Trey was hiding that sucker punched me when I found out. It was something so shocking that I didn't see coming but made me adore him even more. It really endeared his character and made him even more appealing to me. He was just an all around decent guy. I can't say enough wonderful things about his character except that the author did a FANTASTIC job writing him!

The subject matter behind this book is one I try desperately to avoid but the beautiful relationship between Trey and Monica was enough of a buffer that outshines the difficult and sometimes intense trauma Monica has to relive. I loved watching how these two worked out their differences and fought to see eye to eye on each others opinions and I think that made this story that much more interesting for me. Not only the opposite attraction but the completely different personalities and beliefs they shared. They managed to adapt and grow together and left me with an amazing feeling of warmth by the time I finished this book. The secondary characters weren't really a main focus but added depth and shed light on the reasons behind Monica's behaviour. I was really pleased with how everything wrapped up for Monica and Trey.

The Only Exception was at times difficult but beautiful  Sad sometimes but extremely romantic and sweet others. This became one of my favorite reads of the year and probably my favorite Vernon story so far. It's definitely a book I would recommend for anyone who enjoys opposites story lines and just really well written book guys. Trust me when I saw you don't want to miss out on the wonderfulness that is Trey Chapman.



Quotes:
It had been months since I had any sexual thoughts about a guy. Not that I was turning into a lesbian, but it was like a switch went off, and I had no interest. Now it was as if someone was slowly turning on the dimmers and I was squinting, trying to find my way back to the light. Mobi/Kindle 13%

Just thinking about Trey made every part of me feel happy from my fingers to my toes. He was the ray of sunshine that finally poked through the dark clouds hovering through my life for the past few months. Mobi/Kindle 38%

"I love you, Monica Remy. You’re the only girl I've ever fallen so hard for. I never thought I'd love a bleeding-heart liberal with facial piercings, but you’re truly the only exception." Mobi/Kindle 66%



About the Author:


Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media. You can find her online at www.maganvernon.com.


Links:

GOODREADS



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4 comments:

  1. ACK!!!! I love that this is about two people with opposing political views. And I love that it caught you by surprise. This is definitely going on my to-read list.
    Awesome review, love!

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  2. Sounds like I can risk this one. I'm pretty gun shy right now with reading so many bad ones in a row. Good to know there are still some good ones out there to get to. :) Great review.

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  3. This review made me tear up. I heart you and thank you for the great review!

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  4. I love surprises! Added this to the tbr.

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