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The Only Exception by Mandi Blake Review

 Happy Monday Friends :)

I pray that you all had a wonderful weekend, and I'm thankful you chose to stop by The Preppy Book Princess today.

I'm Kirby, and I'm excited to welcome you to my little bookish corner of the internet.

Before I dive into the book review I'm excited to share with you all today, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on the loss of her majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second.

Growing up, my grandmother was always fascinated with the Queen and the royal family, and it something I ended up learning quite a bit about from her. I always respected how the Queen was bold about her faith, and how she was determined to choose her people over herself every single time throughout her ruling history.

She will definitely be missed, and I'll be praying over King Charles and that he will prove to be a fair and conscious leader just like his mother before him.


Now let's dive right into today's review.

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, then you've probably heard me gush over Mandi Blake's wonderful stories over and over again. Her books have become some of my absolute favorites, and she's pretty much the type of author that could probably make her grocery list interesting enough for readers to want to devour. 

I've been loving her new series, Wolfcreek Ranch, and you can check out my reviews of the first two titles using the links below:

Truth is a Whisper

Almost Everything


I couldn't wait to dive into book three, and after finishing it, I knew I had to rush right on here and tell you all about it.

It's definitely worth waiting for, and bonus, you don't even have to wait that long, as this one is actually releasing this week.

Keep reading down below for my full review of Mandi's newest story, I can't wait to tell you all about it!


The Only Exception by Mandi Blake:




Source: Complimentary Provided by the Author in Exchange for an Honest Review

Publication Date: September 17th, 2022

Genre: Christian Fiction/Contemporary Romance/Western

Series: Wolfcreek Ranch


Synopsis:

She was supposed to figure out his secret, not fall in love.

Ridge Cooper did what he had to do to protect his sister, and everyone watched as America’s football king lost it all. Only the people closest to him know the truth, and he doesn’t care if the rest of the world hates him as long as they leave him alone. His mysterious new assistant is tearing down his walls and digging up his secrets, and for once, he wants to let someone in.

Cheyenne Keeton took a job that seemed too good to be true: find out what cowboy Ridge Cooper loves most and her ailing mom’s care bills are completely covered. When she gets the job as Ridge’s assistant at a dude ranch in Wyoming, it sounds like her investigation will be easy.

But he’s not at all like the monster she heard about. Invading the privacy he loves so much feels wrong. When Ridge trusts her and lets her in, showing her a love she’d never imagined, she can’t betray him. But backing out of her former deal puts a target on both of their backs.

Cheyenne will do anything to clear his name, but will Ridge forgive her when he finds out what she’s done?

The Only Exception is a heartwarming redemption romance and the third book in the Wolf Creek Ranch series.

(synopsis from goodreads)


My Review:

I don't think I can truly put into words just how much this wonderful story touched my heart, but I'm going to go ahead and try my best. I've been (not) so patiently waiting to read this one, ever since readers were given a glimpse at Ridge's upcoming story at the end of Almost Everything, and it did not disappoint. Mandi Blake has once again written a swoon worthy, heart wrenching contemporary romance novel that gives all the feels, and keeps Christ at its front and center. 

The plot was engaging right from the get go, as we follow along Cheyenne Keeton on her quest to try and keep a roof over her and her sister's head, and stay on top of her mother's medical bills that won't stop piling up. When she's given the opportunity to work for a corporation that entails taking a job on the idyllic Wolfcreek Ranch to spy on Ridge Cooper, and find out what secrets could destroy the life he's worked so hard to build, she's torn but decides she has to do what she can to help her family. Only she didn't plan on Ridge being a stand up, wonderful man who is always the first to throw out a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Soon Cheyenne and Ridge develop a beautiful friendship that hints at something more, but can they ever move past the big secrets that threaten to ruin everything they've worked so hard to build?

With relatable characters, suspenseful bits woven into the plot, and an authentic and loveable romance that will leave readers everywhere wanting more, The Only Exception is truly Mandi Blake at her best, and I love how she continues to develop and hone in her craft with each and every book she releases. Cheyenne and Ridge's story was a wonderful illustration of the Biblical principle that we are never too far gone for God to restore to His glory, and never incapable of being used to accomplish His purpose.

I loved how this story included many moments that I wasn't expecting, and as always, I loved seeing characters pop up from the previous books, and even some from one of her previous series. If you've never picked up a book by this author before, then this is honestly the perfect time to do so. The Only Exception was everything I could have wanted in a Christian romance, and the epilogue has me even more excited to finally get to read Colt and Remi's story.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite books of the year, and I can't recommend it enough to anyone who loves Christian romances.

Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

Thanks so much for reading guys! Have a great rest of your day :)

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