I've always been the black sheep of my family's political dynasty.My oldest brother works on Wall Street, my youngest brother groomed for the senate.And I'm the brother known for wrecking his Porsche after a drinking bender and winding up in rehab.On the night of myfather's presidential election, I take a detour and meet a waitress at a local hole-in-the wall. Samantha "Sam" Green is just as broken as me, but covers it up with enough snark so no one tries to get too close. When Sam gets kicked out of her apartment, I agree that she can crash on his couch until she gets on her feet.But as we grow closer physically, the ghosts of their past threaten to burden our new relationship.The Only Way we can overcome our demons is to face them instead of running.Can Sam help me find my way or will we just bury ourselves further?
Magan Vernon has been living off of reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her two young children run amok around her Texas ranch.
You can stalk or...er...find her online at all of these fun and happy places.
Tripp is the family outcast— the one who never fits in, who is always overshadowed by the 'perfect' siblings. Fresh out of rehab, he is whisked straight to his father's election night party. Yes, election night, as in election for President of the United States.
Daddy dearest worries too much about 'appearances' and what people think, which makes Tripp's life and his choices that much harder for Tripp to endure. Everything he does seems to disappoint. Dozens of tattoos, no job, a stint in rehab... they all add up to embarrassment for the possible President-elect.
Enter Sam. Fun, flirty Sam. The smart, but emotionally closed-off, redhead that Tripp knows superficially from eating at the diner she works at, then gets to know her better after witnessing her life fall to pieces.
Sam and Tripp, both with their own full set of baggage, play tug of war with their emotions as their friendship deepens to something more.
I can't say anything else for fear of writing spoilers, so you'll have to get your own copy to read for yourself.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, and trust me, if I didn't like it, I wouldn't say I did.
As usual, you hit it out of the ballpark, ESPECIALLY with the subject matter, Magan Vernon... ANOTHER topic in this series that resonated with me... OH AND I LOVED TRIPP!!!!!
3.5-4* I was lucky enough to be given a ARC of this book. It's part of a series but I believe it can be read as a stand-alone, I haven't read any of the other books in the series. This is a sweet love story, with an underlying heavier theme of addiction and depression. I almost feel weird calling it sweet because of the issues faced in the book, but that's how I feel about it. As the blurb says, "Tripp" is the black sheep of a highly political family. We're introduced to him as he's being released from rehab, on his way to an election night party for his father. On his way he makes a stop where he meets "Sam". He's immediately intrigued by her but before they really have a chance to talk he has to leave. Forward to a short time later, when he runs into her again as she's being kicked out of her apartment. When he finds out she has no where else to go he invites her to crash at his place. As they spend more and more time together Tripp finds himself developing feelings for Sam. But his demons keep trying to pull him back under. Tripp is really trying to get a handle on his addictions, but he's still not strong enough and they overtake him. Sam has her own issues from the past that she is dealing with and doesn't open up very easily. I liked these 2 vulnerable characters, they pulled at my heartstrings and I wanted them to fight through everything that was tearing at them and pulling them apart. When they finally gave each other a chance there were able to see that they were just what the other needed.
I was really excited when the author announced that she was going to be writing a book for the main character in this book! He really intrigued me in the other books in the series when he made appearances and I couldn't wait to read his story! I absolutely loved this book! The sexual tension between the main character and his love interest was so hot and I had such a hard time putting this book down as well! I read it in a few sittings too! The plot was amazing! It dealt with the issue of drugs and depression, and the author handled it all brilliantly and she showed how hard it was for the main character, who was a drug user, to cope with his addiction, but she also showed how easy it was for him to fall back into old habits! I loved the plot, and there were times where it made me smile and then there were times where it made me tear up and it was really sad! It's fair to say I went through a mix of emotions while reading this book! I loved every minute of reading it though and I wouldn't have changed the plot at all! The characters were amazing! William 'Tripp' was the main character, and as I said, he really intrigued me in the other books in this series that he was in and I was looking forward to reading his story! Tripp was also seriously hot! I had so much respect for him as well! He had an addiction, but I could see that he wanted to change and please his dad, but he felt like he was never good enough and like he was the black sheep of his family! This made me feel really sorry for him because I wanted him to realise that there was so much more to him and that his family were proud of him! Tripp came a long way in this book though and he had a lot of realisation moments! Samantha 'Sam' was the love interest of Tripp, and she was so snarky and bitchy at times! I loved those things about her! It showed that she was real and not fake! Sam was really confident and she worked hard too! She was also exactly what Tripp needed to show him that he wasn't alone and that he was surrounded by people that loved him! She showed him how important family was and she taught him a lot! She was an amazing character and I connected brilliantly with her as well! I just loved her and her spunky attitude! I loved the way she stood up for herself and the people she cared about too! I loved that this book was written from Tripp's point of view! I was expecting it to be written from both his and Sam's though, but it wasn't! I normally don't like reading books from only a male point of view, but I loved reading this book from only Tripp's point of view! Getting inside his head was amazing and it showed me what he was really like! I'm not sure if there's going to be another book in this series! I do see another book for Tripp and Sam though, as I felt like there's more to their story, so I hope the author gives them another book or even a novella! The cover for this book is so hot! It suits the other covers in the series brilliantly and the model on the front is the perfect Tripp! Big thank you to Magan for an ARC of The Only Way!
The Only way is a beautifully raw and gritty story on the dark world of addiction and mental illness, and provides the reader with a sense of hope.
REVIEW: The story: Tripp has hit rock bottom, after checking out of rehab for drug addiction and depression he's trying to rebuild he's life. But being the black sheep in his family and feeling shame for dragging his family's political name through the mud, recovery is anything but easy. And meeting a feisty waitress by the name of Sam certainly wasn't in his plans, but he can't deny his attraction to the sexy red head. After helping her out of sticky situation and offering her refuge on his couch until she can find a new apartment, the two develop a close friendship. However they are both reluctant to pursue anything romantic and destroy the first real friendship they've ever had. But how long can they deny their true feelings?
The characters: Tripp may be the black sheep of the family, but he still has a heart of gold. He wants to change his life and be able to help others who a dealing with similar issues. But he does have a self sabotaging personality. As soon as something positive happens, he has a tendency to destroy it. He grows a lot and still has a lot more work to do, but he definitely works hard to become a better man.
Sam comes across as a tough, confident character who just gets on with life. But underneath that tough exterior is a girl who's desperate to find her place in the world. She a has a dry and wicked sense of humour, which I just loved.
The romance: I really loved the the romance between Sam & Tripp doesn't 'heal' Tripp's addiction. While Sam is supportive in his recovery they both realise this is something he needs to do for himself. It was also great to see them develop a friendship first, before anything romantic really happened, it made their chemistry much more believable.
The Writing: Mental illness and drug addiction are not easy topics to write about. Finding the balance between light and dark, while being realistic with the approach is tricky. I loved that Magan didn't make the journey easy on the both her characters or the reader. But at the same time, I was left feeling hopeful about Tripp's future, which as a reader is extremely important.
FINAL WORD: The Only way is a beautifully raw and gritty story on the dark world of addiction and mental illness, and provides the reader with a sense of hope.
CONTENT: Sexuality: medium-strong / some sex scenes Violence: mild Language: medium / some f words Drugs & alcohol: strong / main subject has drug addiction Other: main theme addresses mental illness and depression
*Gifted for Netgalley for an honest review* 4 Stars Despite this being book 4 this is my first encounter with Magan Vernon and I'm very suitably impressed! So very much so that I have every intention in going back to read the three previous books in this series. The Only way is a stand alone and sometimes you really need to have read the others to get a sense of direction and character but not here. I managed to read this no problem as it is, I can see the other stories in here but there wasn't anything I didn't understand and it held it's own without the need for the others. I always read the end of book musings of the author and it really just confirmed what I knew already. Some things in this book are so personal that you wouldn't necessarily get those feelings without having been through those yourselves. It's a book about depression, deep seated depression and how to broken people manage and cope with it each and every day. Tripp absolutely spirals with it, tumbles down that road of addiction and struggles for breath much of the time. The poor man is so lost that even when something beautiful is right in front of him he struggles to see it. Sam is just as bad as Tripp is, and they make the unlikliest of couples as they start to reach out and start breaking down each others walls. To say that they need each other is an understatement. I liked this very much. It didn't have that all consuming passion that would warrant my 5 stars but it definitely had something. I liked the plot and the subplots running through the story, the background it's set against is realistic and believable and Magan gave us characters that we can empathise with. The heavy themes that are explored here are met with compassion and understanding and I fully believe that the book could perhaps help a person or two that is struggling like these characters did. It's a lovely romance to be honest and I would certainly recommend :)
I totally skipped the previous books in this series and let me tell you I am kicking myself right this very minute. And I am going back to read them all now. I have a HUGE feeling this is going to become one of my favorite series out there! I absolutely loved it. There is no question about it. This is a story that is gripping and compiling! Tripp struggles with addiction, trying to live up to the high expectations of his family. Sam, which you all have met before, is having a hard go at life. So Tripp helps her out, but what he doesn't know is she is really helping him out in the end. I also love that it isn't just a girl that Tripp figured out he loved. Giving up on the living up to what he thinks he expected of him, he learns that he has another passion in life and slowly, but surely goes for it. I loved that they saved each other and still have identities and there own looks on life. There is a perfect balance between these two characters that you don't see too often. There witty banter between these two had me laughing and wanting to just be in the same room with them just to watch their interaction. There were a few parts when I just wanted to hug them and comfort them, some I wanted to shake them, and a couple where tissues were needed. This book is the perfect blend of emotion and if I could give more then 5 stars I would definitely would be doing that. BRAVO, Magan, BRAVO!!!
The Only Way is part of a contemporary standalone series written by Magan Vernon.
The story focuses on Tripp (William) as he tries to rebuild his life and beat his addictions. Early on Tripp meets Sam who also has more than her fair share of problems.
The story is sad and tackles some pretty dark topics - but it's also kind of sweet and demonstrates some real moments of hope. The book is about finding that one person who just 'gets' you.
The friendship between Tripp and Sam made me smile because they really supported each other. It was nice seeing Tripp aka the family black-sheep, finding something to care about and watching how hard he tries to change. He makes mistakes but genuinely wants to help Sam.
My favourite element was the element which usually annoys me in these types of stories - I liked the back and forth between them and how Sam took the time to discover what she wanted.
I would have liked a longer ending and to have been given more information on Sam's past and Tripp's plans - I can't say any more without posting spoilers, so I'll leave you to discover what happens. I appreciate books where the main characters show a certain spark and have great banter, so I liked their funny friendship.
Despite being the fourth book in the series, this can be read as a standalone. I loved the book and I can’t believe I haven’t read any of Magan’s books before now. This book touches on the subject of drugs and depression and the author has handled it beautifully. I absolutely loved Tripp, if the male leads in the other books are as hot as him, I am going to be in swoon heaven! He came across as quite vulnerable at some points and I did feel sorry for him especially in the way he was the black sheep of his family. Sam is probably one of the best female characters I have read in a while. She was bitchy at times but was in complete control with the way she handled Tripp and helped him. She is exactly what Tripp needed. I loved that the book was written in Tripp’s POV only – reading a book from a male POV only is something I hadn’t read until now. This was a brilliant book and I am looking forward to reading the others in the series. 5 stars!
Tripp he's an honest, blunt person, "most girls in your situation would either want to fight me or eff me. The look in your eyes says you want a little bit of both." He often second guesses himself which in certain situations is sweet other times it's dumb like his woman is ready and willing and he's sitting there changing his mind, "on second thought. I think it could be a liability. One of us could fall and break the other's arm. No way would I want to show up at the ER with a broken d***." Sam's cat was my favorite character, odd I know but I'm a cat person I got one I love dearly and wish mine would act like Sam's, "I knew that one. Every time I tried to put my arm around Sam or get closer, the cat swatted me. It was the biggest c*** block I'd ever met." I liked this book at times it was confusing because the brothers names are so close together, Trigg, Tripp and Trey.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and let me tell you – I will be going back and reading the others! Fabulous read! Tripp is struggling with an addiction and after checking himself out of rehab he’s ready to begin a new life. It’s not made easy for him though because his political family won’t let him forget that he’s shamed them. Running into waitress Sam was just the boost he needed. He helps her out and offers her a place to stay until she’s able to get back on her feet.
I really enjoyed that Sam and Tripps relationship developed from a friendship. It’s unusual to find that in a romance and I loved it, it made their relationship seem more real. The characters are well developed and relatable. This was a great read and I highly recommend it!
Tripp is seen as the black sheep of the Chapman family. He is the one that journalist love to write about. He keeps the Chapman name in the news, but not in a good way. His father is running for office and Tripp is in rehab again. The truth is Tripp is lost and looking for a way to be who he was born to be…a Chapman! Sam is barely making ends meet. She has just lost the apartment she was living in and is lost in her own way. Tripp gives Sam a place to stay and a chance to figure things out. Tripp and Sam are both lost in their own way, but together maybe they can find a new path. This story gives hope to all the lost souls and renews your faith that things can get better in times of trouble. I recommend this book to all new adult readers and romance novels.
I received an ARC for my honest review. I absolutely loved Tripp's story!!! I have been waiting for this to be released! Let me just say, I was not disappointed!!! Magan's writing flows so smoothly and definitely keeps you wanting to turn pages. I started the book and couldn't put it down!!! Tripp is coming out of a dark place when the book starts. Sam is working at a dinner and that is where they meet. I loved that you could tell he was into her and wanted more with her but she wasn't giving into him. I was so happy with how the book ended and I hope there is more down the road for Tripp and Sam.
Being the Black sheep of the family is what Tripp has always been to the Chapman political family. After a month stay at rehab,Tripp been sober for a month and returning to society. will he be able to fight his addiction and depression Sam a waitress at the Waffle House and been having some rough times in life Tripp and same connect,will there demons down inside hinder there relationship Will Tripp be able to prove to his family he is not the man he was before? This was a quick fun read,it hits with depression,drug addictions but also the perfect family is not also perfect. This is the 4th book in the series on which it can be read as a stand alone.
The Only Way (The Only Series Book 4) by Magan Vernon is a must read. Once you open the first page it will grab and hold you down as the pages turn and turn and turn some more until the last page. You'll find it hard to put down. Tripp has always been the black sheep but is he really? This book looks at depression and how it affects everything and everyone around you. There is a great blend of emotion. I gave this book 5 stars but it deserves so many more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I look for more from Magan Vernon.
I LOVED this book and Tripp is by far my favorite character. I don’t know if was the love of the bad boy that make him my favorite or the fact that he really does have such a big heart and wants to help people that did it, most likely both. Tripp and Sam’s chemistry was apparent from the start and you can’t help but hope the both find their happy ending. Really hope there is more books in this series and that I get to read about Tripp some more.
I loved this book. The subject matter was difficult but not so depressing as one would think. There seemed to be a nice supportive family vibe going...not perfect people but trying with love. The author reaffirmed the subject matter at the end with Mikey. Its all around us and knows no age nor sex, or social status.
I love Magan Vernon and this one did not disappoint. I think it is my favorite one she's ever written. I'm sure this is because I loved Tripp. Sam is fine but it's Tripp who makes the story for me.
Something kept running through my mind while I was reading The Only Way- Why didn’t anyone tell me to read Magan’s books sooner?? I mean honestly. If Magan hadn’t asked me if I would like a copy to read, I probably wouldn’t have read this one now. Only because I have a to-be-read list that is like 5 miles long. No joke. But I am so glad she asked. The Only Way was great- a very nice surprise. Although The Only Way is book 4 in a series, you do not need to read the other books first. I didn’t and I still loved it.
The Only Way is the story of Tripp and Sam. Tripp has been in and out of rehab a few times. He’s the black sheep of his family. A family in the political spotlight. He’s lost, lonely, depressed and he feels like he lets his family down. Sam is the waitress he meets the night he leaves rehab. Sam finds herself with nowhere to live and Tripp steps up and offers her his couch. And so their story begins.
I loved Tripp- everything about his hot, tattooed, messed up self. The poor guy has a lot of issues. If you know anyone who has ever dealt with drug addiction and depression, you know that Magan handled this sensitive topic perfectly. The feelings felt by Tripp and the relapses he has are all part of it in real life. I also loved the pace at which Tripp and Sam took their friendship and relationship. Had it been rushed, I think it would have fallen apart given both of their baggage. I really enjoyed Magan’s writing. Not only did her writing pull at my heart but she is really entertaining and funny. All of the characters are lovable and have great banter. And me, the person who doesn’t like cats in real life actually found myself liking Sam’s cat. That says a lot.
I loved Tripp’s brothers- all of them. I could kick myself for not reading their books sooner. I will be reading the other books ASAP. Thank you Magan for introducing me to your words!
This story hit so close to home on so many levels. I laughed so hard during brother bonding time and ugly cried later. My heart broke & it was never really put back together.