The Only One

Blackwood #2

by Melissa Ellen

It’s been nearly three years since I walked away from Rhett Blackwood and moved across the country.
I'm happy.
I've started over in a new city with a career I’m passionate about.

Then why, when Rhett unexpectedly shows up, does just the sight of him leave me reeling?
A walking, talking, still-hurts-to-breathe-around-him heartbreak from my past.

I didn’t expect him to march back into my life after all this time.

I have no idea why now.
And even though I'll fight to resist his charm, falling for a Blackwood was never a choice.

The Only One is Book 2 of the Blackwood Series and the second book of The Only One Duet.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Love, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

447 pages, Nook

First published April 18, 2017

About the author

Melissa Ellen is an indie author of contemporary romance. She writes about modern-day couples that give you all the feels. A lover of both the big city and small towns, her stories are set in both. A Reason To Stay, book one of the Blackwood Series, was her debut novel.

She grew up as a bookworm, reading anything and everything, and still tries to read at least a book a week. She's always had an active imagination. Luckily, she now has time to put it to good use writing about the characters constantly swarming around in her head.

She went from designing buildings to crafting stories while living in Texas with her husband, son, their rescue dog, and her five chickens. Her number one goal in life is to own some land with a mini moo (tiny cow) and a horse. When she's not writing, you'll find her tackling her latest architectural design project, reading a good book, gardening, or spending time with her family.

Melissa Ellen's writing style is characterized by its relatable characters, emotional resonance, and ability to blend humor and heart into her stories. If you enjoy contemporary romance novels with depth, humor, and heartwarming themes, then Melissa Ellen's books are definitely worth checking out.

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Reviews

[❤️MaLu_Reads❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS



Well, this second book got unexpectedly good and better from all points of view, in comparison with the first one. The writing got much better…In my opinion. It got more interesting, pleasant, suspenseful, funnier, much concentrate…

Even much hotter…



I didn’t expect that but I loved it. I wanted more sexy action.Anyway back to the book and the review…The book continues the action from book one…but after 3 years.

Ava… moved to L.A



Works as an architect and lives alone. She isn’t happy but she gets herself busy in work to forget and not think of anything, especially to Rhett.

Rhett, on the other hand, had to spend this 3 years trying to correct all the mistakes.



Removing all the evil and hoping that one day he and Ava will be together again. He still loves her and wants her with all his heart. He will not give up at her, at them. And now he has his perfect chance since his sister Valerie is moving to L.A for college.

What really happened 3 years ago? Was it Rhett so cold that he couldn’t be there for Ava when she most needed him? Will Ava forgive Rhett and give them another chance?

As I said at the beginning I liked this book way more than the first one.

[Raj · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ava has got to be the most insecure heroine of 2017 literature.She creates unnecessary drama,gets jealous at the drop of a hat without valid reason nor would she listen to any logical reasonings.At times she accessed situations with the mental capacity of an escapee from an asylum.

And Rhett the poor guy who she separated herself from for THREE YEARS due to her insecurities had been celibate the entire time.“I saw that little prick talking to you and the look on his face….,” he grinded his teeth - his breathing becoming forced. “I’m sorry, Ava…I should’ve been here sooner.

"I had to replay it a few times. It was hard to see, but I saw him flick the roofy into your drink. As soon as I saw that, I left the office to come home. I was already driving when I got a text from Jim saying that you had company, so I didn’t waste time getting here.”
“I’m sorry, Rhett. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you Owen was at the bar that night. I–”
“It’s okay, beautiful,” he tucked my hair behind my ear. “I know you had your reasons. You don’t need to explain.”
“They were stupid reasons. Stupid. I was going to tell you…. I’m such an idiot. I can’t even trust my own instincts.”

[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 1 out of 5]

First and foremost there was no need for a second book. Ava & Rhett’s story could have been wrapped up nicely in just one book because nothing much happens in this one. The plot was nonexistent for about 60%. They were literally only going out and fooling around 🙄

It was difficult to like Ava in this one. She was so stubborn and unreasonable that I wanted to strangle her. Rather than giving Rhett a chance to explain, she chose to wallow and make assumptions, wasting 3 years of her life. I was more annoyed than sympathetic because of how immature she behaved. There is no character that could be as stupid as Ava. She still didn’t communicate well with Rhett, keeping things from him unnecessarily and trying to hide their relationship from her friends…why??

I am eternally gratefully that they didn’t take the entire book for them to make up though. But nothing short of a miracle or maybe an entirely new heroine, could have saved this book. I still loved Rhett though. Still charming, confident and arrogant. Way too good for Ava.


CONTENT
Romance: On page intimacy (not overly explicit but detailed enough that it left little to the imagination).
Violence: Mild
Language: Some strong language

[aneeqa ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

After their breakup, Ava moves to L.A. to start fresh, away from Rhett.
The story continues 3 years after Ava left for L.A. and she is now slowly starting to rebuild her life and protect her heart from all the heartbreak. She has finally moved on completely and even met a new guy when Rhett storms back into her life with only one intention in mind. To get Ava back where she belongs, in Rhett's arms.

Buckle up your seatbelts peeps because things are about to get hot and be prepared to once again lose your heart to Rhett Blackwood. I mean who can resist, right?

Rhett Blackwood is a man after my heart, I swear! A prime example of perfection and a swoon-worthy hero!

I have to admit, I enjoyed the second book a lot more than the first book.

We also get a lot more glimpses of Valerie and her life. I honestly cannot wait to read her story.

The Blackwood series is the only work of Melissa Ellen that I have read so far, and I can safely say that I like her writing and am looking to read more from her.

A must read.

4 Stars.

** ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. **

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Only One is the second book in the Blackwood Series, so guess what?! YOU MUST READ A REASON TO STAY FIRST! Yes, I had to nag, but tired of seeing reviews of peeps that come to a series party late, and then not rating it well because they didn't read the previous books that absolutely needed to be read first! Okay, I getting down from my soapbox now, so let's get on with it! This is the next book in Ava & Rhett's story, and it's a doozie. See, the talented Melissa Ellen did something that not many authors do, end in a huge cliffy, then pick it back up some years later in the beginning of next book. Not saying that I didn't like it, just saying it was different. Plus, honestly, if I had to have experienced years worth of angst, there's no telling what I would do. Ava has moved across the country from Rhett, got a good job, and even tried to date a bit. However, Rhett was never going to let her go, and shows up after he deemed enough time had passed, in order to win her back. Ava refuses to let him back into her heart, but her body is cheering him on. See?! A doozie, and I couldn't put it down! Melissa Ellen outdid herself this time, as Rhett evolved into a place where I didn't want to junk punch him so much, although he still kept his caveman tendencies. And yes, many of the previous entertaining cast of secondaries, with a few new ones thrown in, were present & accounted for to give me a laugh, plus the ultimate twist had me howling colorful metaphors. I cannot HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Only One enough, so do yourself a huge solid, and start this series!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this amazing series, and is a continuation of Ava and Rhett’s story. The first book definitely needs to be read first, and this is not a standalone. This story picks up 3 years after the huge cliffy, and Ava has now moved across the country, and trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. Rhett never intended to let her go, and he now appears back into the picture in order to win her back. The chemistry between then is still as intense, and Ava is determined not to let Rhett break her heart again.
This story in my opinion anyway, is better than the first, and I loved that one. This talented author has written a steamy storyline, which had me hooked and intrigued throughout. Cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

RHETT~~my breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Wonderful hero/heroine. I loved her down to earth character. I love that she was independent and her simple upbringing was beyond enough for her. I must say, her entire family was wonderful, umm... NANA cracked me up. Anyway... more of the blonde bitch, angst, fury, betrayal, years lost over something unforgiving and lots of sex daily = wet panties. Heck Rhett can do that with very little detailed sex. I mentioned before, seemed like he was always going over the speed limit, swingin' in the driveway full speed ahead, quickly parking the car in the garage then decide to reverse just as fast. Oh he was definitely hot but dang I wanted him to do some detailing. I never got it but, I'm forgiving.

[Kim Wijnja · Rating 5 out of 5]

after all the drama in part 1 I have now also read part 2. ava and rhett are simply meant for each other, but due to circumstances and uncertainties they end up separated. due to the determination of rhett, luckily it will be good again .. I thought it was a wonderful book to read .. the other characters are also well represented. for anyone who loves a good love story with all love drama this is certainly a good book to read.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Rhett & Ava’s Emotional Romance Comes To A Feel-Good Conclusion. Their Story Really Grew On Me. They Come From Different Worlds, But A Brief Chance Encounter Is All It Takes For Them To Know That They Belong Together. Ava Tries To Run From Rhett’s Magnetic Pull, But Their Chemistry Is Undeniable. They Each Have Baggage That Weighs Them Down, Threatening To Destroy Their Fragile Happiness.


This is book two of the Blackwood series. It is the conclusion of Rhett and Ava’s story. The series consists of four books – two duets. Siblings Rhett and Valerie are born into a life of privilege. These are their stories.

The Blackwood series includes:
The Only One Duet:
1. A Reason To Stay (Rhett & Ava’s story, part 1)
2. The Only One (Rhett & Ava’s story, part 2)
Forever Yours Duet:
3. A Reason To Leave (Liam & Valerie’s story, part 1)
4. Forever Yours (Liam & Valerie’s story, part 2)

ABOUT THE BLACKWOOD FAMILY:

Charles and Vivian Blackwood may live a life of opulent luxury, but the Blackwood family’s wealth and connections are new money. An entrepreneur, Charles began working on his fortune after finishing college when he started Blackwood Industries. Today, he is a self-made billionaire. Vivien enjoys working on charity events and dabbles in decoration. Though they are based out of New York, private jets give the family the flexibility to travel at a moment’s notice.

The press follows the Blackwoods’ business pursuits, and the attention spills over into the tabloids occasionally as well. The guest lists for their parties include a who’s who of the rich and famous. Despite all the pressures of high-stakes business deals and the distractions of living in the spotlight, the Blackwoods have a tight family. Charles and Vivian are supportive parents and surprisingly approachable, not hardened by their wealth.

FROM A REASON TO STAY, BOOK 1:

The story opens in the fall near Wellesley College, just outside of Boston.

Ava Conner, roughly twenty-one, is hard-working and stubbornly independent. She is beginning her senior year at Wellesley College where she is studying architecture. She fell in love with design as a little girl and is now working on her applications to graduate school. With her best friend since grade school at her side, Ava had left her hometown of Litchfield, Connecticut after graduating from high school three years ago, determined to make her own way in the world. She loves her family dearly, but she learned a hard lesson about depending upon others when she caught her high school boyfriend Chris cheating on her the summer before freshman year. Refusing any financial support from her family, she has worked her way through college ever since.

Ava began waiting tables at Christopher’s her freshman year. Named after its owner and sought-after chef, the high-class restaurant has no trouble drawing customers thanks to it proximity to Boston. It has become a second home of sorts to Ava over the years. She and her co-workers enjoy hanging out after hours, and sometimes her best friend Lizzie joins them. Ava treasures those friendships. Stephen and his younger brother Mike are especially dear – they feel like brothers to her. Stephen is handsome and popular with the women, but he always has time for Ava. Mike is handsome as well, but unlike Stephen, he has a reserved personality and is happier sitting on the sidelines. Despite the long hours devoted to school and work, Ava enjoys the company of her close group of friends.

Ava and Lizzie occasionally return home to Litchfield to catch up with their families. Nana is full of spunk and personality. She dotes on Ava, but she causes endless headaches for Ava’s mother. Ava adores her father, a kind man who exudes a quiet strength. Her mother is now caught up in the wedding planning for Ava’s sister’s wedding. Emily and her fiancé Jackson will finally exchange vows in the spring. Ava is so happy for them; they make a perfect couple. As for Ava, she has not considered dating since Chris broke her heart and her trust. Lizzie teases that Ava lives like a nun, and there is a little truth to it.

When Ava literally runs into a stranger one morning as she rushes to an exam, she finds herself dazed and confused. Just one look, one brief touch, is all it takes to shift her off her axis. After years of immunity to the charms of men, she suddenly finds herself drawn to the handsome and magnetic man. Every time he pops up again she runs, knowing her defenses won’t work against him. Her trust is still shattered, so she shies from making her heart vulnerable again. Eventually, however, she can no longer ignore him.

Rhett Blackwood, twenty-six, recently moved to Boston. After graduating with his master’s degree from Harvard just over three years ago, he went to work with his father at Blackwood Industries in New York City. It was some newer investments in Boston that led to his decision to relocate. Rhett’s name appears in business journals and tabloids alike, where he is pictured with a parade of blondes. One such blonde is Serena Archibald, the daughter of Charles Blackwood’s long-time best friend and business associate.

Ava has been cheated on in the past, so she is reluctant to give in to temptation. She isn’t the only one with misgivings, though; Rhett has also triggered Stephen’s protective instincts. He believes Rhett will leave her broken-hearted just like Chris, and he tries to warn her off. This creates a further complication as Rhett assigns other motives to Stephen.

Serena acts possessive of Rhett, and he allows it, though without encouraging it. Rhett insists he and Serena are strictly friends, but there must be a story he isn’t sharing. Serena appears to be exactly his type. Ava, on the other hand, is a petite brunette, not a blonde supermodel type. She dresses modestly and comes from humble beginnings. She doesn’t understand Rhett’s supposed attraction to her, but denying their insane chemistry is impossible. The couple faces challenges as they struggle to make a relationship work. This story ends in a devastating cliffhanger.

IN THIS BOOK:

This book opens in June. Just over two years have passed since Ava moved to the L.A. area (note my comments below about issues with the timeline).

As book one came to a close, an argument followed by misunderstandings led to Rhett and Ava’s separation. On the evening following Ava’s graduation, Ava told Rhett the truth she had uncovered about Serena, and in his state of confusion, Rhett stumbled. Given the complicated emotions behind his relationship with Serena, his mistakes were forgivable in the long run, but he certainly caused damage in the short term. He tried to correct his mistake, but in the meantime, Ava was called that same night to her father’s side as cancer finally took his life. Ava fell into a cloud of grief with the loss of both Rhett and her father in one evening. She had no idea that Rhett had tried to make it to her that night, nor that he had since been in communication with her friends and family. There was no good explanation for why he took weeks to settle the situation with Serena yet didn’t find the time to make a brief visit. Nor was there a good reason why Ava’s friends and family failed to let her know about his inquiries. One would have expected that their concern for her happiness would have led them to fill her in and give her something to be hopeful for rather than let her sink further into darkness. It led to Ava choosing to make a fresh start. She chose a graduate program in California and left a few weeks after her father passed, probably in late May. Rhett caught her as she was packing, but his normal confidence was replaced with hesitation. Ava demanded that he leave, and he willingly walked away. The story ended with Rhett’s promise to wait for Ava while also allowing her the space she needed.

This story opens with a prologue in Rhett’s point of view before slipping back into Ava’s story. The prologue takes a step back three years in time to the moment Rhett first saw Ava in the coffee bar near Wellesley – which was roughly October. The story thus picks up three years from when Rhett and Ava first crossed paths. The prologue concludes when Rhett saw Ava in his club the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Ava Conner, now roughly twenty-four, has built a life for herself in California. The last two years have been a time for healing and rebuilding. She got an internship at a tiny architectural firm upon her arrival in L.A. and worked her way through her master’s degree program. She recently finished her degree, and now she works full-time at Willis & Associates, where she had interned. Tom Willis, her boss, values her contributions. Her co-worker Jocelyn has become a good friend, and recent hire Drew is always entertaining. Ava’s small Santa Monica apartment offers a calming ocean view that settles her restless mind, and morning runs on the beach help to clear her head. She has grown to love living near the ocean; nevertheless, she wonders if she ought to move back to the East Coast someday. She misses her family.

Ava has tried moving on from Rhett Blackwood, but he is a hard act to follow. Finding a man that compares is impossible. She has tried dating, but it usually never gets past the first date. It doesn’t help knowing that Rhett still has relationships with her friends and family back home. Though she has forbidden anyone from discussing Rhett with her, she hasn’t been able to avoid hearing about him. Since his father’s recent retirement, Rhett’s name has been in the news and tabloids more than ever. He has moved back to New York to run Blackwood Industries, and he is the most eligible bachelor in the city. He hasn’t been photographed with any women, interestingly, except for his sister Valerie. Ava can hardly complain about Rhett’s continued relationships with her friends and family since she and Valerie have remained friends as well. With Valerie’s eye on attending USC in the fall, Ava looks forward to finally being able to spend some time with her young friend.

It is like déjà vu when Ava runs into Rhett one day while hurrying to meet with a new client. Being in Rhett’s presence again is a shock to her system, and it soon becomes obvious that no amount of time will ever erase the magnetic pull that binds them together.

Rhett Blackwood, now roughly twenty-nine, has worked tirelessly since taking over his father’s company. And while his parents are celebrating their recent retirement with a trip abroad, responsibility for Valerie falls on his shoulders. Chaperoning her visit to the USC campus presents the perfect opportunity to finally make his reappearance in Ava’s life. He meant what he said when he told her he would wait for her, and with recent developments, he has finally decided to take matters into his own hands. The couple’s reunion is far from easy, though. With so many hurt feelings and misunderstandings, they are hardly on the same page. Time has strengthened the gulf between them, but their fated paths were always meant to merge. The couple faces several challenges as they work through the past and look to the future, but they finally earn a happy-for-now ending.

A Reason To Leave, book three in the series, follows. It is the first book in the Forever Yours Duet, which is Liam Stone and Valerie Blackwood’s story.

Wow! Rhett and Ava’s emotional romance comes to a feel-good conclusion. Their story is about guilt and fear. Rhett’s guilt paralyzes him, jeopardizing his relationship with Ava. Ava’s fear does the same. She runs from Rhett repeatedly. It is only his persistence that allows him to get past her defenses. That explains why so much time lapses when he chooses to let her go. Her stubborn personality would never allow her to reach out to him first. He would have known that, so his lack of effort is a bit confusing given his commitment to come for her. Ava’s avoidance is also a symptom of her fear. She has an acute fear of difficult conversations. Even when she knows that the difficulties will multiply the longer she ignores said conversations, she nevertheless finds an endless list of excuses to justify her procrastination. First, she avoids talking to Rhett, or about Rhett, for over two years. She also avoids telling Tom and her coworkers about her relationship with Rhett. She avoids telling Owen about Rhett, and she also avoids telling Rhett about seeing Owen at the bar. Rhett and Ava must work through their guilt and fears in order to achieve their happy ending.

The prologue is very insightful, offering a peak into Rhett’s mind. It shows how meeting Ava instantly changed him and led him to believe in fate. His meeting with his father sheds light on his life before Ava. The guilt he carried from the Serena fiasco had weighed on him in the years that followed. He lived in darkness, losing himself to alcohol and women to numb his guilty conscience. Ava didn’t erase that guilt, but it did give him a new direction. His focus shifted from wasting his youth to applying himself to his work. Ava gave him a future to live for. He knew that in Ava, he had found the only one for him.

There are a few issues that merit mention. It seems incomprehensible that so much time has passed without the couple communicating. Given that they have friends in common, it seems impossible in spite of Ava’s claims. It would only have taken a sentence or two from a friend or family member to enlighten her about her mistaken judgment. The arguments she claimed to have had would certainly have allowed that information to slip. You are almost forced to buy into a conspiracy against her happiness. And since Rhett never gave up on her, it seems extremely out of character for him to sit back for so long. I can envision him setting a time limit on the space he gives her – such as six months to grieve or two years to finish her degree (even that is a stretch). In the end, he never even made the decision to go after her; the impetus was only a sudden need to protect her. There is a difference between deciding he wants to fix things and being forced to take action for her protection. He knows how stubborn Ava is, so waiting on her was a pointless exercise. I am left to believe that short of his concerns about her safety, he might have sat on the sidelines and watched her go on to marry and have a family. Riley mentions that Rhett had been a mess during their separation, but that mess is never defined. It also doesn’t seem to be accurate. He seemed withdrawn, perhaps, but not a mess. The gap in time is too out of character for Rhett, and it makes the story feel inauthentic and manufactured.

There are a number of unresolved issues at the end of the story. First, Rhett’s work tendencies don’t seem to be resolved. There was a quick but poignant piece of advice given, but so far, his daily routine didn’t seem terribly changed. Next, Rhett’s uncharacteristic complacency during Ava’s absence was never explained. We don’t know what held him back. Riley claimed Rhett had been in bad shape the last couple of years, but from all appearances, Rhett’s life was in much better shape than it had been prior to meeting Ava. He seemed to work endlessly, but his days of partying were in the past. It is all rather confusing. Riley’s storyline is also unresolved. His part is minor, but it still leaves a void when he seemingly fizzles out at the end. His relationship with Rhett, in particular, needs a concise resolution. Rhett’s friend Adam is never mentioned, which leaves a question mark about how things settled with Adam after the close of book one. It would be nice to know if Riley’s friendship with Adam was impacted as well. Finally, there is confusion about Ava wanting to move back home, then suddenly loving life in California. It feels disconnected, and her desire to move closer to her family is never resolved.

Finally, the timeline has issues. The prologue goes back three years in time to the day Rhett and Ava met, roughly October of that year. This story thus opens three years from the day they met. It is now June, however, so one can only deduce that it is nearly three years since the day they first crossed paths. At the close of book two, it was roughly the end of May as Ava drove across the country for a fresh start in California. That means it is just a hair past two years since she moved away. This makes sense, since she just finished her degree, and most master’s programs last one to two years. She finished earlier in the year … which likely would mean in May, just a month earlier, or if on a quarter system, perhaps in March. This is confirmed when Ava claims to have been in California just over two years. After that, though, the story slips into a three-year gap. I have too much trouble believing that Rhett stayed away for three years while fully intending to remain committed to their relationship. He didn’t even seem to have a plan. As mentioned above, this is out of character. I would have preferred it if the story picked up six months later, perhaps at the end of Ava’s first semester in graduate school. That would have felt authentic and avoided the unrealistic drama.

Rhett and Ava’s steamy romance picks up in California two years later in the conclusion to their story. There were five teary scenes by my count in this heartfelt read. The plot is somewhat simple. There is a little suspense thrown in the mix to keep things interesting. Fans will be happy to see that most of the characters from book one make an appearance here. I loved the conclusion, but I would have enjoyed a glimpse at the couple’s happy ending; it could have been written without giving away Valerie’s story. The characters are varied and interesting. Ava’s character is well-defined. I love Rhett’s character, but there are some inconsistencies and confusing gaps in his story. The story is told in first person in Ava’s POV, with the prologue in Rhett’s POV. I rate this book four stars.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[*P · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Really liked this book better than the first. In this book we get the continuation of Ava and Rhett's story. The only thing that irked me is that 3 years have passed, I couldn't believe it. Despite this, the chemistry between Ava and Rhett is still there and much better explored in this story. I love when we get the HEA and more. This story gives us this. Highly recommend!!

[DG Book Blog - Daisy Gal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Only One is the conclusion to Rhett and Ava’s romance in Melissa Ellen’s Blackwood Series. As if Ellen didn't leave me completely hanging with the cliffhanger in the previous story, she then decided to totally kill me in the beginning of this book – NOT NICE! The cliffhanger and resolution absolutely annihilated me, but damn, if all the anticipation and angst didn’t make the ending to Rhett and Ava's story that much sweeter!

Everything came full circle for me in this with Rhett and Ava’s incredibly sweet and passionate romance, and I am really enjoying this series. There was so much growth in Melissa Ellen’s writing within these first two books, and I am quite impressed with her Blackwood Series so far! I recommend these if you are looking for a really sweet, emotional, and angsty romance centered around a wealth of family and friends.

The next two books in the Blackwood Series are Valerie and Liam’s story in A Reason to Leave and Forever Yours, and I’m really looking forward to reading these as well!

*** 4 Stars for Me! ***

*** Read my full review A Reason to Stay and The Only One on the blog: DG Book Blog ***

[Rachel Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3ish Stars...

Ughhhh I’m very frustrated with this book...
1. This book continues 3 years later!!! What the hell? They went that long without each other due to miscommunication issues!
2. Ava was kind of a b!tch in this book... with a side of idiot!
3. Why did everyone around them have a better luck at live and better ending?
4. What was that mess of an epilogue? That wasn’t an epilogue! Don’t get me wrong I liked haven g Rhett’s POV but it was a POV of when they met!!! Ughhhh I want an epilogue to give me closure to feel warm and fuzzy and make me feel like the two days I spent reading these damn books had a purpose! Gah!

At this moment 3 Stars is generous !

[Rebecca Azizov · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's review time 🎧


Narrator score🎧 ; the Narrators are great.

Level of steam🔥: you have some steam but not too much, and I respect it.

Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: still not sad, you are discovering the reasons for the drama in the first book, and you have some funny parts even, so its not sad.

The book itself📖: ok, this book is better i may not agree with the way the male character acted in book one, and I may think he is of a bit of a stalker but in a non threatening way.... the story was cute , and much better than the first book for sure. The ending was good as well.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda meh to be honest.

[Avni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not worth the conclusion

It's like she was rewriting Jodi Ellen Malpas' "This Man" series. The plot lines were almost identical along with the broody H.

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really don't know how I feel about the only one it wasn't what I was expecting , you most read A reason to stay before starting this one . This doesn't start were the last one left off it's a three year time jump witch kinda frustrated me along with how the hero and heroine would act at certain times. Once the couple is reunited after being separated for three years you really felt the intense connection that they shared the sexy times are a bit more steamy then the first book but still the perfect tease . Ava and Rhett still kept in contact with each others families but never ran into one another the hero never dated or went back to his man whore way but the heroine did go on dates nothing ever came of them though only first dates I did get irritated that she lead a guy on though . Over all this was a good read that I'm excited to see more of .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=8 heroine= 6 secondary characters=8 Chemistry= 9 steam= 6
romance=8 humor= 5 darkness level= 3 action=3 mystery= 3
enjoyment= 7 angst= 5 story line= 9 Story ending= 10
character development=10 pacing= 10
cover= 10 stars=4 author= 9
would I recommend this book=
would I re read this book=
would I read future books by this author= yes

[Fernanda Roa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the continuation of Ava and Rhett's story. We learn that there were just minutes and people who keeped them away from each other for 3 years and how just because he thought that she was in danger he decided to get near her again which really broke my heart because she didn't want to know anything about him, about her love. when she found out about those little details she was crushed. What I also loved was that when they were calling everyone to tell them that they were getting married she said that there was only one person that she would love to tell, and that person was her dad that had died 3 years ago, he tells her that her dad knows and she was confused and he told her that the day that he did which was her graduation day and the day that their world fell apart he had asked her had for her hand and he said yes. What I was sad about was that we didn't get to see the wedding or if they had any babies.

[Stacey Timmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the continuation of book 1 about Ava and Rhett, set 3 years later. With side stories of the secondary characters. I hate that it took Rhett 3 years to man the hell up!! And only because he found something out that he didn't like. He's still the same stubborn, bossy, arrogant, devilishly handsome guy from the first book. But a lot more protective.
Ava is still just as stubborn and defiant against him, still wanting her independence. But when she finally pulls her head out of her ass and actually listens to her friends, she finds out that he did come for her but he was stopped. This makes her want to find out the rest of the story. They kiss and make up. But trouble is brewing.

I loved reading this book too. I also loved the secondary stories too. Can't wait to read Valarie's story next. She's sounds fun!!

[Opinionated and Brutally Honest Reviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping that Rhett would become less controlling. Why is it so bad for a guy to actually ask a woman if she wants to do something? It is the never ending trope in romance nowadays. He was constantly keeping things from Ava. Her life is an open book to him but he doesn’t really let her in. All we ever see him do is work. I don’t feel any connection with him at all.
I really wanted to know what happened with Adam. It said they talked but then we don’t see him again for the rest of the book. Rhett never talked to Ava about how he felt now that he knows. He should be happy and guilt free. Shouldn’t they have talked about if he actually did want a kid?
This book just all around annoyed me. Everything was just so superficial. It all felt like meaningless filler.

[Ashante Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhett and Eva: triggers- domestic abuse, alcohol abuse, drugs, sexual assault. what a great conclusion to this duet. I have to say that Eva was completely working my nerves in the beginning of the book because it's now three years later and she's still unwilling to give Rhett a chance or hear him out. but of course that does not stop him from pulling out all the stops to get his woman back. Serena is out of the picture in this book but now the couple has someone else to deal with... and not in a good way. now set in Los Angeles, mostly ... take an exhilarating ride full of love, danger and hot, sexy moments. so good. next duet belongs to Rhett's little sister, Valerie. can't wait to find out what she's up to.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues three years from where we left off with a cliffhanger in book one "A Reason To Stay". You really need to read book one first, IMO. I thought this book was even better than the first. Ava's tried to move on with her life by getting a good job and moving across the country. Rhett's determined to win her back. Her says no and her body says yes. No spoiler it but the series just keeps getting better and lots of surprises that will keep you guessing. I read an advance copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Mariela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It only took a few hours to read couldn’t put it down! Rhett is just such ana amazing character a man who doesn’t give up on the own a he wants not matter what! He even moves to where she is. And she’s his number one no matter what!!!! He’s aggressive, confident and so freaking sweet and romantic. He sticks by Ava through everything!!!!! And boy did things go down in this book! Again all the characters where great, sister, best friend! Her mother and that feisty little nana of hers. Just a great story all around can’t wait to read about Rhett’s sister Val on the next book!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading A Reason to Stay, I knew that I wanted to find out what ended up happening between Ava and Rhett.

This book was a little disappointing to me. Much of it I felt was unnecessary (and only there to make sure that it was a full-length book). And I didn’t feel like their story was complete (the epilogue- it wasn’t needed; it didn’t add to the story at all).

Sadly, I didn’t enjoy this enough to continue reading Val’s story right now. Maybe I will at some point, though.

While this book wasn’t for me, I’m sure many others will enjoy.

[Lise Nanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gad Zooks!

I truly wanted to grab Ava and smack her for about the first third of the story. Her immaturity and selfishness just made me crazy! However, I took a deep breath and continued to read, thinking 'she has to be redeemable at some point!' Fortunately she did finally get her s#%& together, and became the woman that Rhett deserved. Thank goodness! I was ready to offer myself in her place! The fact that she was able to engender that kind of reaction tells me this writer is way talented.

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great End to Series!

Wonderful conclusion to Ava and Rhett's love story started in A Reason To Stay. Filled with humor, heartache, longing, steam, and surprisingly evil doers this installment thrilled me to no end. Peppered with many of the characters from Book 1, this new installment has its own fun people running rampant throughout the pages, keeping readers entertained. I enjoyed how Ava and Rhett played with each other, loved each other and helped each other to understand that with forgiveness comes peace and completion. Great book!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man....just when I thought I couldn’t love Rhett and Ava’s story more than I already do....I read this one and fall more in love with their story. I saw several reviewers who said they loved this one more than the first and I think the same goes for myself. I loved the whole story of them coming back together and watching their relationship continuing to grow. I was so sad for this one to end. Moving on to Book 3 and looking forward to getting into Valerie’s story.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice!

The romance alone is well worth the read. Everything Rhett said and did for his woman made me feel like I have missed so much in life. It was great to read about everything though and live vicariously through this book. I will keep reading the next 2 books in this series to see how everything is worked out and continue with the unavailable to me, romances and flirting and loving . Thanks!

[tburbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line and character work were good, and the book had a fairly smooth flow to it. While the character work was good, I still don't like the characters. I really think that the first book in the series, A Reason To Stay, and this book, The Only One, should have been combined into one book and not split.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shanna D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Only One by Melissa Ellen. This is a continuation of Ava and Rhett’s story from Reason to Stay, not a standalone and should be read in order for ultimate enjoyment. I found this story to be a nice paced contemporary drama told in dual POV with just enough steam, drama, and conflict to keep you interested until the end. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t read “A Reason to Stay” then I strongly suggest you go read that prior to reading this book so you can understand and follow along effortlessly. This is a book that’s difficult if not impossible to put down once started. Fantastic from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.