Review: Endearing and Honest, I loved this story!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 18, 2013
One thing I  am learning fairly quickly about this author is that she knows how to deliver sentimental characters that tug at your heart strings and also knows how to write a story that will captivate you and have you flipping pages faster than Elvis could pop pills. The Only One was a wonderful companion novel to the fantastic The Only Exception. It was Sweet, Romantic, Full of heart and one sexy guy you won't be able to resist!I was really excited about this book because the two characters, Melanie and John Boy were featured briefly in The Only Exception and both caught my attention. I loved getting to know what made these two tick. Melanie is a spitfire hardass and gives John Boy hell from the get go but John being so easy going, flirtatious and sexy doesn't take no for an answer. For me it was a little difficult to like Melanie in this book at first. She was really harsh to John even though his reputation was that of a womanizer she didn't let him get close no matter how hard she tried. To her defense though she's had a rough childhood and is having to support herself through college so it's easy to see why she's a no bullsh-- woman. This was a character that had many layers and watching them peel away little by little was incredibly painful and cathartic. She's dealing with so much already and when she gets a call that changes her life I finally got to see the vulnerable Melanie that I was hoping was under that rough exterior. It was amazing to watch her go from strong young woman to scared and nearly broken. I didn't really fall in love with her until she had to lean on John  for comfort during the hardest thing she's had to face. That in and of itself was difficult for her because she had some past issues with an ex that have left their mark on her physically and emotionally.John Walden, A.K.A John Boy was in a word.... HOT! I was in love with this guy from the second he came on the scene at a frat party wearing nothing but a lioncloth and a shi-- eating grin. He has a pretty well known rep for being a dog so to speak. He's had his fair share of girls and that is the main reason why Melanie tries to avoid him. John wasn't giving up without a fight and I loved watching how determined he was to be there for Melanie. His character was another fantastic guy Vernon gives us. He was sweet, romantic, strong and caring even though most people write him off as a frat boy player. He wasn't always perfect and made some stupid mistakes but he always proved that he was in fact a good guy. He's got a deeper side to himself that he has only showed Melanie and the relationship that develops between them was a nice distraction to the real issue at hand. It all comes back to Melanie's mystery phone call that throws her life into chaos. John ends up standing by Melanie's side throughout a difficult decision she has to make. I love, Love, LOVED watching him add humor to Mel's life when  she needed it most. Watching him sit in the Doctor's office with her was charming and sweet. Although my heart will forever belong to Trey Chapman (The Only Exception) John has squeezed a space in my full heart and became another book  guy I couldn't imagine not getting to know. He was just fantastic!By now it's become obvious that I have a severe heart on for The Only Exception. Trey and Monica, the main character's in that story make an appearance in this book and that really made me happy. I love companion novels because I get to see more from characters I loved! The friendship between Monica and Melanie was even stronger in this book after what the two had been through and helped each other out with. I love best friends who remain close even when they both have such intense issues they have faced or are facing. Aside from my gushing affection for Trey and Monica, the addition of Melanie's sister Valerie was another bonus. Valerie was a flirty, outgoing goofball that stole the show whenever she was in a scene. I totally enjoyed how she was the voice of reason for Melanie when she got too serious. She helped her see things a little clearer and provided another form of comfort and support.The Only One was another winner from Vernon that made me laugh, swoon and drool! Her guys are always sexy and sweet and her women are a great mix of tough and strong yet vulnerable. I can't wait to see if she writes another companion, because I would definitely love to see more of Valerie in the future! I think she could have potential. Even though this one took me on an intense ride never knowing what would happen with this couple I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. The epilogue delivered a final blow to the romantic in me being told from John's pov. I love when an author closes out a story with the other characters thoughts after telling the story from one side. It was nice to see what John was feeling. This book was exactly what I wanted from a companion and delivered everything I come to look forward to in a sexy New Adult novel. These are two companion books I absolutely recommend you start reading asap!