The Only One

by Red Phoenix

Beauty, charm, smarts - she has it all.She is perfect. But I am not the only one who sees it.Before I can make a move, she's taken from me.So I turn my attention to work. Fortune, respect, stature - I have it all now.But what I really want is a second chance.See, that redhead has ruined love for me.No woman can even come close to satisfying me like she does.It seems as though I am destined to always watch her from the sidelines.But fate has other plans.A stroke of luck, divine intervention perhaps, has given me a second chance.Now I'm up against two other men determined to claim her.It's going to take all I've got to make her mine.This time I'm not letting her go.I realize now, she is the only one.Over 75,000 words in this second chance standalone romance filled with steamy adventures and an HEA that will leave you breathless and satisfied.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Red Phoenix is an award-winning romance author who gained popularity with her BDSM series, Brie's Submission.
To join in the Brie experience begin with the 1st Boxed Set (Books 1-3) and start your journey into a sensual world...

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Reviews

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Only One is a sweet second chance romance. Amy and Troy have known each other for several years and were secretly attracted to each other although circumstances kept them apart in the beginning of their love story. I enjoyed Amy’s journey to finding her One.

Thanks to the author for an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Hopelessly seeking Happily Ever Afters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Troy Dawson and Amy Gardner

***Spoiler Alert***

The Only One by Red Phoenix. KU ebook borrow/Alexa app listen. Dual POV. I've had this in my KU library since the day after it was released, and I am finally reading it. This is a hard story to rate because it's a collection of short sexu@l escapades that are disjointed and don't follow an exact timeline. Content warnings: MFM (cousins Greg and Troy Evans with Amy); FMF (Troy Dawson with Kate and Jenny); FF (Jenny and Kate; Sheila and Amy); @n@l; DP (Kate with two random men in a s€x club); Brad and Amy: BDSM, M@ster/sl@ve, temporary collar, and use of: a black mask, a riding crop, n¡pple cl@mps, a collar with a chain, w@x pl@y, intim@te sh@ving while bound, sp@nk¡ng, d¡ldo; exh¡b¡t¡on¡sm (Jeremy and Amy; Troy Dawson and Delfina); v0yeur¡sm; blindfolded with a "stranger" in a hotel (Roger and Amy); MFFM (Troy Evans, Amy, Sheila, and Greg); concussion causing amnesia; not one condom was used and alcohol seemed to be required for 75% of the scenes in this book.

The majority of the story takes place in Colorado. Some of Troy Dawson's story takes place in India.

Guest star from Red Phoenix's Brie's Submission series: Brad Anderson. This is really Brad's origin story. His deceptiveness in this story is so unexpected and out of character compared to who he seemed to be in the Brie's Submission series. According to the end of the book, this story was written before Brie's Submission but was updated and released after.

This disjointed story centers around Amy Gardner (aka Aims/Feral/slave; red hair, green eyes) and Troy Dawson (aka Stallone/Lover; brown hair and eyes). Troy has been infatuated with Amy since he met her but missed his chance with her when she started dating his friend Sam. Sam cheated on Amy. Amy broke up with Sam, so Troy finally got his chance with her. Amy drunkenly came onto Troy, so he did the right thing and turned her down. Amy is so upset that Troy compromises and pleases her. As he walks away (leaving her safely in his bedroom), Amy tells him she loves him, but he believes she's drunk and she's too embarrassed to own it. Troy returns to his party where Kate finds him under the mistletoe and makes her move. Sadly, Amy sees it sending Amy and Troy spiraling in two different directions. The story is then about Troy and Amy filling the void of their lost love with other people. Sadly, Troy Evans, Roger, and Brad are caught in the crossfire, and all suffer the loss of Amy when Troy Dawson ultimately wins her. Amy was injured by a falling potted plant, causing her a major concussion and memory loss. All four men (Troy Evans, Roger, Brad, and Troy Dawson) vie for her heart, and ultimately, she chooses Troy Dawson. Troy and Amy are engaged at the end. As readers, we never find out if Amy regains her memory. JP

1st "read" 10-02-23 (listened via the Alexa app)

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sign of any good book is one that takes you on a ride....and this book delivers!

What I loved about this book - the exploration Amy has with her partners - good on her for exploring her sexuality, pleasure, and happiness. Red Phoenix knows how to write some steamy scenes that make you wish all of this were real and for people to take lessons!

I want to route for Amy and Troy but, at times, I struggled to do so. I bought into their physical connection - but their emotional connection seems hit or miss. Did Troy really want to be with her? He didn't really try all that hard to make her understand - he didn't go to her - he just called her a few times. Is that how it is if you truly love someone and there is a misunderstanding? I wanted to smack each of them upside their heads! I guess it would have been more believable had there been more of a chase in the beginning. When they are together they are on, but when they are apart - they sort of pine for each other for a hot minute while exploring different partners.

Perhaps some of my struggle is also with Brad Anderson! I was pleasantly surprised to see more of the back story of one of my favorite characters from the Brie's Submission series. However, I am not feeling strangely conflicted about him - he has way more depth than I gave him credit for. I know from the other books he deeply cared for Amy like she was the love of his life that he lost which kept him distant and open to the possibility of a new relationship, but there was not enough development of him with Amy in this story to really convince me of that. I had to keep trying to tell myself there shouldn't be - the book is not in his perspective, so now I have to go back and read those stories again to work that out in my brain :).

The revolving door routine at the hospital was comical - particularly since poor Amy couldn't remember any of these men! New Troy and Brad's attempts to capture a vulnerable Amy is kind of slimy and smarmy when they both know that she wasn't really with them. But at the same time, they were both fighting for her, which I felt like Original Troy didn't really have to do! He just shows up and she is with him. I guess that is what I am missing here....I don't feel like Original Troy fought hard enough for her!

Again - it is a tale with ups and downs, and allows you to feel connected to these characters and makes you want to know more. I recommend any Red Phoenix books.

This was an ARC review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Reworked Masterpiece

Troy and Amy are "The Only One" for one another, but life always seems to get in their way every time they get another chance to be together. They attempt to move on to new partners, experience a buffet of new sexual fantasies come to life and genuinely try to leave their hearts out of the equations, knowing they will always belong to one another so it's useless to complicate things with love. But will all roads ultimately lead back to each other?

As this was one of the author's first books ever written, I read and enjoyed this book years ago so getting to read an updated and reworked version was a real treat. There's a little bit of backstory on Master Anderson thrown into the mix which is told from Amy's POV instead of his own. Amy's sort of always seemed like the villain in their shared story, but this book allows us to see the forces at work behind the scenes that led to his heartbreak and we sympathize with her situation no matter how much we love Brad.

It was a fast-paced page-turner you simply won't be about to put down. Get ready for all the feels and lots of sizzle guaranteed to leave you with a book hangover only another Red Phoenix novel can cure. Thankfully, there's lots to choose from.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed each and every emotion this story had me feeling. All of the tingles, most of them happy with some sad ones, as real life makes us feel. This story is a journey to finding true love. You will feel every emotion along the way.

Troy and Amy are "The Only One" for each other. But, life's trials and tribulations always seem to be in their way through the years. They move on to new partners but ultimately find their way back to each other. True love does win in the end and just like every other book written by Red Phoenix, we get to completely enjoy the ride.

I read this book years ago when I first found Red and enjoyed it then. (that's when I first fell in love with Master Anderson) I read along in the newsletter as she revised and rewrote parts of this amazing journey of love. I read this story through some tears, laughter, pain from heartbreak and joy while knowing that true love would win in the end. And I enjoyed each and every word.

I want to add so much more to my review but I want you to enjoy this story on your own. Don't miss this book. Even if you read it years ago, you will completely enjoy this labor of love. I did receive a ARC of this story but that never guarantees a positive review. This is a solid 5***** read.

[Leah Ford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy and below is my honest review.

Red Phoenix knows how to write some steamy scenes!

This is the story of Amy and Troy. They are destined to be together but there always seems to be something separating them. When they are together all is well in their world, but they are apart more than together.

While Troy is not in her life Amy explores different partners but ultimately is not happy. I actually like her as a character and she is quite honest about her situation in not wanting any relationships.

Troy was not a favourite of mine, he came across as a bit of a wet blanket! Did he want Amy.....oh yes.....no, let me set her "free".....yes/no/yes.........make up your mind, commit or stay away for good!! He absolutely loved her but i just felt he could have been more.........

To be honest, i had forgotten about "Amy & Brad" but of course it all came back as soon as he arrived on the scene. It was great to get the extra back story about him.

The other characters were interesting too. The hospital situation was funny......It is hard to write about and not give anything away.

So, to sum-up: I enjoyed reading this book but i didn't love it. This is not my favourite book but it is a well written stand alone book and i would recommend it.

[Melissa Miller-Mattern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog

The Only One is the journey of Amy and Troy beginning at a party. Both have had a crush on the other since Amy was dating Troy's best-friend. The two finds themselves alone in Troy's bedroom but Amy has been drinking. Being a gentleman, Troy does not want to sleep with her while she is intoxicated. A little hanky-panky later, Amy comes out of the bedroom after Troy has left to find another women's lips on Troy. Although she is heart-broken, Amy knows she must continue with her life. Amy's and Troy's sexual journeys are each explored before they find their ways back to each other.
I have read books by Red Phoenix before so I knew what I was getting into. The Only One has numerous explicate sex scenes in it. I am fine with that but overall, there just didn't seem to be much of a story line. There doesn't seem to be much about Amy's and Troy's life outside of the bedroom or wherever they happened to be having sex at at all. The lack of a story line was really disheartening to me. Yes, I like hot scenes but when that seems to be all there is, I would rather not spend my time reading it.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for The Only One
This is a emotional roller coaster of a read, it’s captivating with strong characters and if you are looking for a beautifully written romance look no further than Amy Gardner and Troy Dawson’s Story, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
The Only One has all the feels, there are plenty of ups and downs as Amy explores with different partners but when she comes across Troy she knows he is the one but does he want to be with her or will she have to wait for another time to be with her true love.....
Fate works in mysterious ways and it certainly throws a few spanners in the works for this couple, there are plenty of bumps and twists and turns in their journey to find true love. As you would expect from Ms Phoenix there are plenty of steamy scenes, she does this so well but she also writes a great story full of love and emotional and once you add in a few cameo appearances from previous Brie characters.P you get a great story full of love, passion and emotional with loveable characters.

[Maloma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t read this if any kind of sexual behavior especially those considered not the normal offends you in any way. Definitely an eye opener and no shy wilting flowers can be here. Very erotic in nature. This was one woman’s way of becoming sexually adventurous and Amy definitely tried things that tested her comfort zone. I loved that Amy explored her sexuality freely, trying everything without fear or being shamed. She was doing many things that female readers were probably wishing they had the guts to indulge in and/or try at least once. Being able to do what men do without being criticized was enlightening and at certain points I felt like a voyeur peeking into the rooms as the characters played out scene after scene. Troy and Amy had obstacles to overcome but I felt that they weren’t ready yet to become an exclusive couple until they got to the point the author decided was enough. Most importantly, all her partners made her feel safe and cherished. They all treated her with respect and each loved her in their own way.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Heather Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story from Red Phoenix. This is a rewritten full length version of one of the short novellas. This story includes characters from the Brie Submission series.

In this story we have Todd Dawson & Amy Gardner. Amy once dated Todd’s best friend and they got to know each other from being around him. Once Amy and broke up Todd wanted to ask her out, but was worried about his friendship with Sam.

Once Amy and Sam broke up she realized she had feelings for Todd. They did get together but, things never seem to work out as they are meant to.

Through a few relationship Todd realizes he wants Amy, he needs her! Will Amy open her heart to Todd?

Towards the end of the book, we have a slight twist. was about to make a huge mistake. No one was telling her the truth, only slight variations of the truth. I was super made at Brad for what he was trying to pull.

I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been addicted to Red's 'Brie's Submission' series since last summer. When given the chance to read an ARC of another her books. There are a few ties here and there to the Brie series (not giving more details than that) and it just keeps pulling you. There are times where you dislike Troy and others where you just want to hug the heck out of him. I can relate to Amy's personality and her desires to explore. Certain chapters had me wanting to reach for a fan, or hop in the shower to cool down because they were smoking!

You'll feel a wide variety of emotions and be drawn into a deeper story than what it appears on the surface. You'll want to pay attention to all those little details because they are key to the story, no matter how minute they appear.

Another great work by Red Phoenix and it was a great privilege to read. I can guarantee I'll be re-reading it in the near future.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review of The Only One by Red Phoenix

I was captivated from the first to the last chapter and did not want to put it down. This was a story of finding “the one”, parting and eventually coming back together when you realize you found that one person that makes you whole. . Of knowing your hearts desire and taking a leap of faith as you fight for it.
This was a roller coaster of an emotional read, it will have you smiling and tearing up, possibly at the same time. The characters are strong and you cannot help but become invested in Amy Gardner and Troy Dawson’s story. There was plenty of steam and the book sizzled as you would expect from Ms.Phoenix but underlying all of this was a beautifully written story of emotion and love.
There was also some familiar faces from the Brie series who make an appearance and this added to my enjoyment.

[Persephone-L17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished to read this amazing book. I received an ARC and now I’m leaving my honest review.

Reading “The Only One” was an Odyssey, Amy and Troy are two persons who for one or another reason can’t be together. Fate is cruel because they have feelings for each other but always something happen and they cannot be together. Although both are searching a way to get on with their lifes. I love the development of each other because Amy growns as a person, she learned a lot with all the people whom she got to know and created friendship with some of them. Regarding Troy, he won my heart because he never gave up and acted to gain the love of the woman of his life.

In few words, this story deserves 5 stars because it gives me real characters who learned about their mistakes and give me faith in the true love can happen If you insist and work on it.

[Suzanne Normandeau Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC COPY from this author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I enjoyed this book enormously! From the beginning until the end this story took me on so many rollercoaster rides, emotion wise. This author has a very unique way with words...in relating unique messages and making you feel all emotions felt by the characters involved. I can relate to how Amy feels when she knows who her ONE AND ONLY is and will always BE. If you enjoy strong powerful characters with a twist of EROTISM, SENSUALITY, DOMINANT BEHAVIOUR, VOYEURISME, ROMANCE, DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE, I recommend you read this authors books. They’re captivating from the beginning to end and make you want to read non stop....

[Keema Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now for the couple that started it all, Troy and Amy’s story reminds me of the clean version of Sir Davis and Brie’s story. I absolutely love that Troy is a rare good man that most guys aspire to be. He put Amy’s needs above his own, but at the same time he is not afraid to express his love to her. As for Amy, she is very curious, knows what she wants but welcomes new experiences. In true essence Troy is the same too. This is one of the reasons their past partners hold no candle to their hearts. Most of all I love how open they are with each other. It just so happens that it’s how authentic Troy truly found her again. He past the test of true love. Above all, I love the Sleeping Beauty effect of their love.

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy from the author.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Only One is a standalone steamy read.

I’m not sure where to begin with Amy and Troy’s story. We start off with a bang at a party, but then there is an issue under the mistletoe that sends things spiraling out of control. There was plenty of steamy scenes that ran the gamut from BDSM to a foursome to a quickie in an elevator. While it was definitely filled with hot scenes and various hookups, I didn’t feel much connection between the characters. Overall a good read.

Hero (Troy) 4 | Heroine (Amy) 4 | Plot 4 | Writing Style 4 | Steam 5 | Romance 4 | Angst-Suspense 4 | Darkness 1 | Humor 3 | Secondary Characters 4 | Drama-Conflict 3 | Mystery 2 | Twists 4 | Action 2 | Pacing Steady/Slow | Dual POV | MF | MFM | Student | Adventure | Second Chance | Overall 4 Stars
#MSBB

[Monica Reviews Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

There isn't much of a plot in this one, but there's a LOT of sexy scenes in various scenarios and with different numbers of participants- kind of like a sampler! LOL. Kidding aside, I would recommend this book to someone trying to figure out what (or what else!) they like or what (again, or what else!) works for them.

Another thing I like about this book is that it differentiates between sex and love. I won't say anything else about that so I don't spoil the plot, you'll just have to read it!

The Only One is a second chance contemporary romance written in dual third-person POV. It's a low-angst standalone that ends with a HEA. No cliffhanger.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.

[Susan Wyrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little surprised after reading this book by one of my favorite authors. It really started slow and I almost forgot Amy was even in the book for a while because it seemed to focus so much on Kate. But it got better. I loved the love that Amy and Troy had for one another and that they always seemed to find each other again... even if just for a while. I had no idea that Brad, was the same as Master Anderson from Brie's books! So that was a nice surprise! I thought when I was there was an accident that Troy would be killed off or something but to find out a flower pot made Amy lose her memory.. REALLY? That was just plain silly. ( and how the Brit knew which hospital she was in to call was unrealistic) But I did love how they found each other again in the end.

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy and Troy have a past an emotional past that leaves both of them connected through time.
Both of their lives have been entwined in emotional heartbreaking sorrow, time and time again. Too emotional to allow her heart to break again.
Amy finally decides that her heart will always belong to Troy even if their lives together will never happen.
Amy finds herself surrounded by many different men having sexual adventures that leave her sexually satisfied, however her heart still aches for a man who never seems to stay.
This was such a wonderful sensual read about love lust pleasure and pain.
I highly recommend this book.

[Zelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This erotic romance is the story of Troy and Amy, and the huge obstacles that keep them apart. It's also about Amy exploring her sexuality, and she has a myriad of experiences and men who fall hard for her. While this happens over time, it culminates in a funny ending. I enjoyed the story, which focused far more on Amy's adventures than on the couple together. I didn’t feel the strong connection between Amy and Troy until the end of the book. I really liked the secondary characters, and am glad Brad’s character is in another story. In all, a sexy love story.

I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todd and Amy's story is sweet, enticing and steaming hot like a sensuous dance of push and pull that will captivate and enthrall you at the same time. Todd always desired Amy, but she was taken until one day they aren't. As they are looking to explore what they have faith intervened and their chance is gone or is it? This is the journey to discovery of two people looking for love and completion. Their struggles are real, and their trial and tribulations makes this a captivating story to read. Congratulations, Red Phoenix, you managed to make your reader lose itself in their world again. I honestly volunteered to read and review this story.

[Amy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Troy & Amy... their story was off the charts. In this story you will take a journey with these two. Of self discovery, expemintation, and of true love. I thought Amy was brave for trying new things and discovering herself as a woman and sexually. I was always rooting for Troy & Amy through the whole story. Everytime you think this is finally it something happens and your surpised again. All of the characters were very interesting and so good that I would like to read each ones own story of how they find their happy ever after. The author never disappoints and has away of making you fall in love with her characters and their story!

[Mache · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This post contains no spoilers*

I finished The Only One yesterday; however, was not able to post my review until now.

With that being said, the story of Amy and Troy is the type of story that can restore hope in many people's lives. Their story, is the definition of no matter the circumstances, true love can stand the tests of time.

They are each other's home. They are each other's safe haven. They are not just lovers, they are soulmates.

...you all will enjoy their story.

Red, once again, I not only congratulate you on another beautifully written book, but to also thank you for gracing our lives once again with your gift of writing. 😘😘❤❤

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Red Phoenix and it is Hot, Sexy, Steamy and Erotic! If you can't handle any of those topics then you need to pass this book up, but you will seriously be missing out on one amazing story about a couple Amy and Troy who are meant to be together, but they take the long road of finding their way to each other and along the way have many different sexual experiences that help shape them into realizing that they truly are meant to be together, while also opening them up to learning more about themselves. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are interested in MMF, FMF, MFMF and master/slave interaction.

[Misty P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Phoenix’s book baby!!

This book was amazing as any book by this talented author.

The heart truly wants what the heart wants! Amy the leading lady and Troy, go on one heck of a sexy journey finding that out. Along the way they have some sizzling encounters, with a few very different partners. Only for Amy to wake up not remembering a single one of them! I really like this book, and the adventure Amy and Troy go on to find that are made for each other. They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder and boy is that figured out sooner than ever. This is one of those feel good happy endings and I’m all for it!!

[Tracie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more amazing book by Red Phoenix. This is the story of Amy and Troy. How friends learn that they have always loved each other only the timing was never right. Amy has always had feelings for Troy since she dated one of his friends. Troy has been in love with her since the beginning. As events happen they lose each other only to find each other again. This story is really good and its the first that I meet Brad Anderson in from Bries Submission. Love the characters and the adventures they have till they finally find the love they need.

[Heather Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I have read almost everything this author has written and she never fails at telling an amazing story. Troy and Amy have a love that most of us wish for. There journey isn't the smoothest at all. It was fun to read about their paths to each other. This book has a lot of hot and swoon worthy scenes. I loved that we got to see more of Brad Anderson and his relationship with Amy. This author has a way of weaving her characters together, I highly recommend reading this book.

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I've read and I'll definitely be reading more. This is the amazing story of Tory and Amy. I fell in love with these characters from the start. This book will have you laughing, crying and keep you on the edge of your seat till the very last page. The characters are so intense and very hot and steamy, this is definitely one sexy story, which is filled with erotic scenes.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
https://www.obsessedbookreviews.com/

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me sitting on the edge of my seat because I wanted Amy and Troy to get together. See when they are together everything is right but when they are apart they are missing each other.

It seems just when they are going to get together someone else comes in the way and they are torn by this. This book really had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't get enough from Red. I love reading her stories because I always get so much out of them.

This is one story you need to one click and get a tall glass of ice because you will need it!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Phoenix has long since been a favorite author of mine. I fell in love with her many years ago and love to see what creative work she comes up with next. This story is a story that is eternal and will tell the test of time and love. Troy and Amy now own a piece of my heart along with my kindle. This is an emotional story that will have you crying and rooting for them at the same time. The entire time you read it you will be hanging onto the edge of your seat and flipping the pages. Well done Red!!