Book Review: The Only Exception

Title: The Only Exception

Author: Magan Vernon

Published: April 9th 2013

Genre: New Adult Romance

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"He really got me. He tried to make me a better person even when I was reluctant. He really was my exception to every rule" - Monica

BLURB:

No Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.

***Mild spoilers***

THE GOOD:

The story:

There are sort of two parts to this story - the politics and Monica's recovery after her assault. Both elements for woven together beautiful to create a unique New Adult story.

Monica's political views are heavily influenced by her assault and inability to afford the morning after pill because of Governor Chapman's (Trey's father) contraception bill.

The romance:

Trey & Monica's relationship was very interesting. It begins with both having strong political opinions and neither are afraid to voice them and so begins their love/hate relationship. Trey respects Monica's opinions and actually likes her because of their differences. He likes that she challenges him intellectually.

Monica on the other hand, despises Trey mainly on principal because of his father's political position. However Trey continues to pursue her as they have intelligent discussions of various issues. There are also a couple a nice steamy scenes between them too. (Plus one very awkward and oh so adorably funny scene - but you'll have to read it to know what I'm taking about! - pg247)

The characters:

Monica is very feisty and extremely outspoken. From the first scene when she meets Trey she confronts him about his father's politics. I have the admit I found her a little confronting at first. But as we get to know her, we see why she is so passionate about particular issues and I started to connect with her.

Trey almost has two personalities - his public political side & his quite personal side. I personally preferred the quite Trey, as her was (obviously) much more genuine. He came across as a bit of a typical popular player sort of guy, but as we get to know the real Trey we see a very very different guy (I don't won't to give too much away, because there was quite a surprising revelation about his character that I didn't see coming!)

The Writing:

Writing about politics is never was, but I believe Magan Vernon has done it quite successfully. I assumed that this book would have some form of political agenda and I suppose in a way there was - with Monica's opinions of the contraception bill a strong issue throughout the story. However Trey, who has an opposing opinion on the matter is given a fair opportunity to voice his opinion without being labeled as wrong. They both discuss the issue and in the end find a middle ground - both understanding and respecting each other's points of view.

I also have to applaud Vernon for writing an epilogue! So many authors neglect to include one when it's needed, and here it gave perfect closure to to story.

THE BAD:

Some people may find the use of "Mr Chapman" and "Miss Remy" in the dialogue between Monica & Trey a little annoying. However I saw it as part of their political banter and pretend formality etc - so I personally felt it suited their character's personalties to speak like this and it added to their conversations.

FINAL WORD:

This was definitely a new adult story with a difference. With an interesting and intense storyline mixed with a sweet romance, this is definitely worth a read!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium-strong / descriptive sex scenes, several discussions of contraception

Violence: medium-strong / flashbacks of sexual assault

Language: medium / several f words

Drugs & alcohol: medium / alcohol at parties, Monica used to get drunk however she doesn't drink anymore & neither does Trey