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One & Only
A desperate woman meets a man on a mission.
Maggie Sturgus thought she knew the man she married. She couldn't be more wrong. Trapped in an abusive marriage inside a prominent family, she sees no means of escape when her husband announces his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
Four friends enlisted following Pearl Harbor and the secret they brought home will rock their small town and tear families apart. But Josh Parrish made a battlefield promise to to protect his best friend's sister, the girl he's always loved.
And it's high time he kept his word.
Maggie Sturgus thought she knew the man she married. She couldn't be more wrong. Trapped in an abusive marriage inside a prominent family, she sees no means of escape when her husband announces his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
Four friends enlisted following Pearl Harbor and the secret they brought home will rock their small town and tear families apart. But Josh Parrish made a battlefield promise to to protect his best friend's sister, the girl he's always loved.
And it's high time he kept his word.
232 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2020
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Chester
23 books206 followersM.K Chester is an avid reader who began writing at an early age to entertain herself. She began to take writing seriously after college and her work developed timeless themes of redemption and second chances.
She won some RWA awards, published with The Wild Rose Press and Carina [Harlequin] and now considers herself a happy Indie.
Her romance titles include something for everyone: historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance.
She won some RWA awards, published with The Wild Rose Press and Carina [Harlequin] and now considers herself a happy Indie.
Her romance titles include something for everyone: historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 4, 2020
3.5 ⭐️
New to me author with an intriguing story about four young men that went to war after Pearl Harbor.
The small town that they are from carries many secret. What really happened during the war? How can things get better? Will the truth ever come out?
This fictional tale did a good job holding my attention. I wanted a little bit more romance but I thought the author did a great job.
Thanks BookSirens for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
New to me author with an intriguing story about four young men that went to war after Pearl Harbor.
The small town that they are from carries many secret. What really happened during the war? How can things get better? Will the truth ever come out?
This fictional tale did a good job holding my attention. I wanted a little bit more romance but I thought the author did a great job.
Thanks BookSirens for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2021
Note: While part of a series, all the Bryeton Books are set in different eras. This time there is a familial connection with & mention of characters/events from Bootlegger’s Bride – though you could enjoy this without having read/listened to it.
I really enjoy MK Chester’s writing and the Bryeton series as a whole. I was so happy to see this addition and enjoyed it as much as I did the others. This is a great book when in the mood for a closed door romance with some mystery & suspense elements as well. Set in 1950 and a small town dominated by a financially and politically influential family it’s easy to see why Maggie is trapped and can’t find a way to escape. Joshua is burdened with personal missions, perceived failures, and mostly by the fact that everyone thinks he’s dead.
I enjoyed and was haunted by getting to know Josh & Maggie while loving the development of their relationship. There are a lot of secrets and surprises to be revealed and I won’t spoil them – but I did enjoy the way Chester handles it all.
While part of me wishes there was a tidy epilogue, I do enjoy getting to imagine where I feel like life would have taken them. I also can’t help but wonder whether Chester will revisit Bryeton in subsequent decades in future books. I would buy those in a heartbeat. (Chester replied when I posted my original review that she is planning at least one more! Yay!)
Narration:
While I missed the stronger southern accents of the previous books, I thought that Hannah Kopen’s voice was a good fit for Maggie’s timid and Josh’s secretive nature. She also brought forth the personalities of the nastier characters that emphasized Chester’s writing. I’m looking forward to Kopen narrating more audiobooks.
Note: There are several places where it seems the recording is picking up background noises that sound like bumping the mic, lip licking, papers moving, etc. It wasn’t insurmountable to listen to but did pull me out of the experience a few times.
While I originally purchased the ebook, I did receive a free copy of this audiobook from Story Origin.
I really enjoy MK Chester’s writing and the Bryeton series as a whole. I was so happy to see this addition and enjoyed it as much as I did the others. This is a great book when in the mood for a closed door romance with some mystery & suspense elements as well. Set in 1950 and a small town dominated by a financially and politically influential family it’s easy to see why Maggie is trapped and can’t find a way to escape. Joshua is burdened with personal missions, perceived failures, and mostly by the fact that everyone thinks he’s dead.
I enjoyed and was haunted by getting to know Josh & Maggie while loving the development of their relationship. There are a lot of secrets and surprises to be revealed and I won’t spoil them – but I did enjoy the way Chester handles it all.
While part of me wishes there was a tidy epilogue, I do enjoy getting to imagine where I feel like life would have taken them. I also can’t help but wonder whether Chester will revisit Bryeton in subsequent decades in future books. I would buy those in a heartbeat. (Chester replied when I posted my original review that she is planning at least one more! Yay!)
Narration:
While I missed the stronger southern accents of the previous books, I thought that Hannah Kopen’s voice was a good fit for Maggie’s timid and Josh’s secretive nature. She also brought forth the personalities of the nastier characters that emphasized Chester’s writing. I’m looking forward to Kopen narrating more audiobooks.
Note: There are several places where it seems the recording is picking up background noises that sound like bumping the mic, lip licking, papers moving, etc. It wasn’t insurmountable to listen to but did pull me out of the experience a few times.
While I originally purchased the ebook, I did receive a free copy of this audiobook from Story Origin.
August 14, 2021
** I also reviewed the audio copy of this … I don’t know why GR on the computer wouldn’t show me this one to update. So now it’s in here twice. But you have to switch to audio in the app to see it. 🤷🏻♀️ **
Note: While part of a series, all the Bryeton Books are set in different eras. This time there is a familial connection with & mention of characters/events from Bootlegger’s Bride – though you could enjoy this without having read/listened to it.
I really enjoy MK Chester’s writing and the Bryeton series as a whole. I was so happy to see this addition and enjoyed it as much as I did the others. This is a great book when in the mood for a closed door romance with some mystery & suspense elements as well. Set in 1950 and a small town dominated by a financially and politically influential family it’s easy to see why Maggie is trapped and can’t find a way to escape. Joshua is burdened with personal missions, perceived failures, and mostly by the fact that everyone thinks he’s dead.
I enjoyed and was haunted by getting to know Josh & Maggie while loving the development of their relationship. There are a lot of secrets and surprises to be revealed and I won’t spoil them – but I did enjoy the way Chester handles it all.
While part of me wishes there was a tidy epilogue, I do enjoy getting to imagine where I feel like life would have taken them. I also can’t help but wonder whether Chester will revisit Bryeton in subsequent decades in future books. I would buy those in a heartbeat.
Note: While part of a series, all the Bryeton Books are set in different eras. This time there is a familial connection with & mention of characters/events from Bootlegger’s Bride – though you could enjoy this without having read/listened to it.
I really enjoy MK Chester’s writing and the Bryeton series as a whole. I was so happy to see this addition and enjoyed it as much as I did the others. This is a great book when in the mood for a closed door romance with some mystery & suspense elements as well. Set in 1950 and a small town dominated by a financially and politically influential family it’s easy to see why Maggie is trapped and can’t find a way to escape. Joshua is burdened with personal missions, perceived failures, and mostly by the fact that everyone thinks he’s dead.
I enjoyed and was haunted by getting to know Josh & Maggie while loving the development of their relationship. There are a lot of secrets and surprises to be revealed and I won’t spoil them – but I did enjoy the way Chester handles it all.
While part of me wishes there was a tidy epilogue, I do enjoy getting to imagine where I feel like life would have taken them. I also can’t help but wonder whether Chester will revisit Bryeton in subsequent decades in future books. I would buy those in a heartbeat.
November 28, 2020
I very much enjoyed this WWII mystery. Joshua Parrish and three other boys from his town signed up
when Pearl Harbor was bombed and went to war. Colin and Corbin were identical twins and Eddie
Sturgus was his best friend. Colin came back and had a brain wound and Eddie was dead, Josh was supposed to be dead also. Colin stayed in a bed in the attic and the Dr. came to see him once a week. The only one who came back whole was Corbin. Josh had been gone for a long time, about five years. But he did not want anyone to know he was back. Not yet. He did not know who he could trust. Everyone was afraid of the twin's father, Judge Eldridge McAfee. Corbin announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate and his father controlled the campaign. All of them but maybe Kitty would be busy. This was a busy story and a lot of action. The surprises flowed, it was easy to read and the characters were great. Ginny and Marcus helped him. She owned the diner and he had an auto shop, Josh worked for them.
I received this ARC from The author and voluntarily reviewed it.
when Pearl Harbor was bombed and went to war. Colin and Corbin were identical twins and Eddie
Sturgus was his best friend. Colin came back and had a brain wound and Eddie was dead, Josh was supposed to be dead also. Colin stayed in a bed in the attic and the Dr. came to see him once a week. The only one who came back whole was Corbin. Josh had been gone for a long time, about five years. But he did not want anyone to know he was back. Not yet. He did not know who he could trust. Everyone was afraid of the twin's father, Judge Eldridge McAfee. Corbin announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate and his father controlled the campaign. All of them but maybe Kitty would be busy. This was a busy story and a lot of action. The surprises flowed, it was easy to read and the characters were great. Ginny and Marcus helped him. She owned the diner and he had an auto shop, Josh worked for them.
I received this ARC from The author and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. I figured out the twist early on but it did not stop my enjoyment of the book. My only criticism was that the ending seemed to be too calm and neat. With a family that twisted and controlling an ending like that was not believable. Don't get me wrong... I liked the ending but I imagined a bit more barriers and a stronger reaction.
This was as easy read. I would recommend this for a quiet afternoon indoors (or out enjoying the sun with a cup of coffee).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was as easy read. I would recommend this for a quiet afternoon indoors (or out enjoying the sun with a cup of coffee).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2020
Oh my goodness. What happens when the man you love comes home from the war and is totally changed? And not in a good way, He is running for public office . . . and she has to put on a good show. And what happens when a friend of his comes back 5 years later . . . and his name is on a monument as dying for the cause? TOTALLY LOVED THIS BOOK!!! SUCH AN AMAZING STORY.
November 28, 2021
Audiobook Review for One & Only by M.K. Chester
Slow burn — 50s household — military romance — domestic abuse — identical twins
The story is beautiful, but too slow and wordy for my liking.
I enjoyed the author’s voice more than the narrator’s voice. The production isn’t great either.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ❤️❤️❤️
Writing and editing: 🖋🖋 🖋
Flow: 👍🏼
Steam: 🌶
Hannah Kopen: 🎙🎙
I received this audiobook for free through StoryOrigin and this review is voluntary. My opinions are my own.
Slow burn — 50s household — military romance — domestic abuse — identical twins
The story is beautiful, but too slow and wordy for my liking.
I enjoyed the author’s voice more than the narrator’s voice. The production isn’t great either.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ❤️❤️❤️
Writing and editing: 🖋🖋 🖋
Flow: 👍🏼
Steam: 🌶
Hannah Kopen: 🎙🎙
I received this audiobook for free through StoryOrigin and this review is voluntary. My opinions are my own.
October 21, 2021
A good romance with an underlying mystery, has some difficult topics, spousal abuse, PTSD, loss and injury. I enjoyed the story and the characters, The narration was good but the production quality was poor, lots of microphone noises, page rustling, narrator swallowing and background noise was a major distraction from the story. I received a complimentary copy from Storyorigin and am leaving a honest voluntary review
December 1, 2020
Corbin, Colby, Eddie, and Josh grew up together and joined up to fight in the war. During the Normandy landing nt all came home.
After promising Eddie to take care of his sister, Josh eventually arrives home to find out that Eddie's parents are dead and Maggie has married Corbin. But, Maggie is miserable. This is their story.
This story has everything in it to keep you engrossed with twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I was given an advanced readers copy for my honest review.
I highly recommend this book for everyone.
After promising Eddie to take care of his sister, Josh eventually arrives home to find out that Eddie's parents are dead and Maggie has married Corbin. But, Maggie is miserable. This is their story.
This story has everything in it to keep you engrossed with twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I was given an advanced readers copy for my honest review.
I highly recommend this book for everyone.
August 30, 2021
I received an Audible version of this book from Story Origin. This is my voluntary review.
This book has alot of characters. I found it hard to keep track of them without the written word. However, the two main characters were wonderful and I enjoyed their story very much. Abuse. Politics. Selfishness. Post war trauma. Bullying. Cheating. Lies. Secrets. Mystery. Childhood memories and friendships.
The narrator was a little flat. I could here her mouth sounds (swallowing, etc.) and found it distracting. She read at a good pace and was easy to understand.
This book has alot of characters. I found it hard to keep track of them without the written word. However, the two main characters were wonderful and I enjoyed their story very much. Abuse. Politics. Selfishness. Post war trauma. Bullying. Cheating. Lies. Secrets. Mystery. Childhood memories and friendships.
The narrator was a little flat. I could here her mouth sounds (swallowing, etc.) and found it distracting. She read at a good pace and was easy to understand.
April 2, 2022
I wanted to say this isn’t your typical romance novel. Most of the romance I read involves people with very little clothes on, so maybe it is. It wasn’t what I expected, nor what I’m used to.
It’s a slow burn. By slow burn, I mean if it was any slower, it would take another book or two for the plot to go anywhere. The character build up is nice, it was all very casual and I just went along for the ride. It took me a while to even realize it was historical fiction. I don’t read summaries and the various (minor) giveaways about a father marrying off his daughter seemed odd to me, but they were odd even for the time the story is set in, I’m sure.
I wish I had more to say about the story, to be honest. A whole lot of nothing happened. It was just an incredibly slow story set in post WW2 I can’t remember where. The reveals are nice, the romance is…. barely there at all. It’s just the kind of book you put on when you want to relax and enjoy a story without thinking too hard.
I can’t get behind the narration on this one. Initially, I was going to say at the very least the audio was clean and clear. Then the obnoxious background hissing began. The narrator reads every character in the same voice and often lacks any sort of emotion to suit the moment. On top of that, she always sounds like she’s in a hurry.
I listen at 2.55x speed and the natural pauses in dialogue still work. But when narrators don’t take the time to read the lines as if they were an actual conversation, it’s noticeable. They sound like they’re speed reading to get it over with.
It’s a slow burn. By slow burn, I mean if it was any slower, it would take another book or two for the plot to go anywhere. The character build up is nice, it was all very casual and I just went along for the ride. It took me a while to even realize it was historical fiction. I don’t read summaries and the various (minor) giveaways about a father marrying off his daughter seemed odd to me, but they were odd even for the time the story is set in, I’m sure.
I wish I had more to say about the story, to be honest. A whole lot of nothing happened. It was just an incredibly slow story set in post WW2 I can’t remember where. The reveals are nice, the romance is…. barely there at all. It’s just the kind of book you put on when you want to relax and enjoy a story without thinking too hard.
I can’t get behind the narration on this one. Initially, I was going to say at the very least the audio was clean and clear. Then the obnoxious background hissing began. The narrator reads every character in the same voice and often lacks any sort of emotion to suit the moment. On top of that, she always sounds like she’s in a hurry.
I listen at 2.55x speed and the natural pauses in dialogue still work. But when narrators don’t take the time to read the lines as if they were an actual conversation, it’s noticeable. They sound like they’re speed reading to get it over with.
February 14, 2022
There is a lot packed into this wonderful historical story. The complicated relationships and secrets kept me engaged.
M.K. Chester has written a great story. I enjoyed how everything unfolded, and was satisfied with how everything turned out.
I had some issues with the audio quality. I think Hannah Kopen did a nice job with bringing the characters and story to life, but there were quite a few places where the background noises were noticeable.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
M.K. Chester has written a great story. I enjoyed how everything unfolded, and was satisfied with how everything turned out.
I had some issues with the audio quality. I think Hannah Kopen did a nice job with bringing the characters and story to life, but there were quite a few places where the background noises were noticeable.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
September 9, 2021
I thought this was a very interesting read and listen and I thought the narrator was a great fit for the story telling and the author's writing style had all the fine point to make the story pop in my opinion. I was able to sit and listen to the very beginning to the very end. I thought the characters were very important to the whole story in my opinion. I received this audibook thru an Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest review freely given.
January 4, 2023
Wonderfully passionate.
As previous books in the Bryeton series. This story was very well written. The main characters were fully galvanized to do the right thing. To show the truth about the past. It would be so easy simply to go and leave everything behind, but they stayed and fought, and won.
The narrator did a splendid job of making this story live, full of emotions and passion.
Unfortunately, the audio quality was terrible. Almost for the whole book, you can hear background sounds - ice in a glass, mouse clicks, deep breathing, uncut portions (double words and phrases), etc.
I was very surprised about this. Other books were the normal sound quality. What happened?
I was given this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
As previous books in the Bryeton series. This story was very well written. The main characters were fully galvanized to do the right thing. To show the truth about the past. It would be so easy simply to go and leave everything behind, but they stayed and fought, and won.
The narrator did a splendid job of making this story live, full of emotions and passion.
Unfortunately, the audio quality was terrible. Almost for the whole book, you can hear background sounds - ice in a glass, mouse clicks, deep breathing, uncut portions (double words and phrases), etc.
I was very surprised about this. Other books were the normal sound quality. What happened?
I was given this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews