Title: The Only Exception

Author: Magan Vernon

Date of publication: 9 April 2013

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

More reviews: Goodreads

My rating: 3 stars

The ARC of the book was provided by the author for exchange of an honest review.

This is not your typical college love story. It is a nice reversal of the good girl and bad boy coming together. Here we have the more experienced, liberal Monica (scarred by a physical and emotional trauma) starting a relationship with the picture-perfect conservative governor's son, Trey. 

The story started somewhat slow for me. There was too much politics involved at the beginning and the characters were presented solely through their political views. Gradually, though, they became much more real and likeable. I really liked the middle section of the novel with their romantic courtship, and there was real romance there (roses, dinners, morning coffees, etc.). The witty banter between Miss Remy and Mr. Chapman was particularly enjoyable and put a happy smile on my face.

The novel got somewhat heavier towards the end. The serious issues of rape and contraception were dealt with in a realistic and convincing manner. They were presented in a graphic manner, yet their impact on everybody involved was presented quite successfully. 

The ending showed the growth of the characters and the blend of the personal and the political without losing your personal values and beliefs. 

There were also some things in the novel that I did not like very much, hence the 3-star rating. The political messages were too strong and they seemed to overtake the story at times. There were also too many repetitions (politician-in-making, political smile, my only exception, etc.) . I understand they serve to make a point but I find they were overused and became boring. At times the characters acted too good to be true and they did not sound very convincing. 

Yet, overall I liked the book. It is a sweet story of true love, overcoming trauma and learning that there are always exceptions to the rules :)