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The Only Exception

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Our first date was a disaster, but I couldn’t let him go.
I'd been pining for her for more than a decade, and thought I’d messed it up.

One phone call was all it took for me to tempt him to my doorstep.
I went to her, faster than lightning, desperate to taste her kiss.

I wanted him to be my only exception, despite all the fear I felt inside.
She offered me her trust, and I took it in my hands, desperate to hold on tight.

He became my everything.
I’d do anything for her.

He became my wildest dream.
I wanted to be in all her fantasies.

My troubled childhood and all my mistakes slipped away because of him.
I was born again with her, no longer the recovering addict. No longer a mistake.

Together, we came alive.
Together, we learned how to live.

I’d created my own Wonderland, and he was the hero of my new world.
She made me believe in our story. She made me want to rewrite my own.

But that’s the thing about love…
We forgot to keep our eyes open to the things around us.

We got sloppy.
We made mistakes.

The past came knocking, desperate to bring us back down to Earth.
Just when I thought I was winning, I was forced to fight again.

Those ghosts had no idea what I’d do for Ethan Walker.
Those ghosts underestimated my love for Izzy Moffit.

Together, we had to right our wrongs. Together, we had to survive this.
She had no idea what I was willing to do, who I used to be, and what I was capable of when it came to protecting those I loved. She had no idea the lengths I’d go to to give her a happy ever after. My girl had no idea at all.

Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2020

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About the author

L.J. Stock

10 books6 followers
Also writes as Lou Stock

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5 stars
33 (73%)
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7 (15%)
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3 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Ann (Literary Lust).
1,324 reviews19 followers
January 27, 2020
The Only Exception continues Izzy and Ethan’s story from where The Trouble With Izzy and A Fight For Ethan both ended. I recently read both of these exceptional stories so I knew the backgrounds of both characters and just how incredible they both are. I had certain expectations going into this story and I was not left disappointed.

The authors wrote this book seamlessly. The dual POVs of the characters were perfect and I loved getting an insight into the thoughts and feelings of both characters every step of the way.

I absolutely adore Izzy. I love her strength and determination, but I also her love how kind-hearted and compassionate she is and I respected her for never feeling the need to change her fabulous personality even though some of her traits have induced her hurt in the past. I especially loved her for not allowing all that she had gone through over the years to diminish the light that radiates from her.

I didn’t think it would be possible to love Ethan more than how I felt by the end of his book…. but I do. The glimpse then of how I expected him to be with Izzy was only the start of seeing just how much this man loves. If you find yourself a man like Ethan Walker then you are a very lucky lady indeed. When I sit here and think back to the years of his late teens until meeting Izzy, he is like two different people, but that’s the effect that Izzy has on others, and when you find your soulmate then they bring out the very best in you.

Ethan and Izzy complement each other perfectly. Their personalities fit together like pieces of the same jigsaw – they make each other whole. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts so be prepared to have a fan to hand to cool yourself down 😉 However, when you have a history of mixing with the wrong people you sometimes find yourself looking over your shoulder waiting for the repercussions and it was tough reading when Izzy and Ethan faced the challenges that the past brought to their today.

Be prepared to feel all the emotions. I’ve laughed, smiled, swooned, hurt and sat on the edge of my seat with my heart in my mouth throughout this story. I loved the twists and turns, the anticipation and the expectation. I award The Only Exception five stars and a high recommendation for you to read because I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Victoria L. James.
Author 22 books523 followers
January 25, 2020
RELEASING 31st JANUARY, 2020.

☆ EXCERPT BELOW ☆

I eyed him all the way, my heart screaming one thing while my head growled another.

I hadn’t planned on giving in. I’d wanted to stay away, even just for a night, but damn him and the things he’d said on his messages. Damn him for having wormed his way into my heart enough for me to give a shit.

Damn me for being so weak.

Weak or not, I was going to play at being strong even if it killed me. I’d spent too long being the girl who ran away. Now I was the woman who stood firm, faced her problems, and dealt with the consequences.

No matter what that meant in the end.

I glanced down his defined bare chest, my heart rate picking up as I took in his grey jogging bottoms—ones very similar to the pair I was wearing. Only he made his look way more appealing than I could ever hope to pull off. His hair was a mess, sticking out in places, and his wide eyes were locked on mine, unable to look away.

He seemed nervous. It wasn’t an emotion I thought I’d ever see on him. I didn’t say a word or move an inch when he came to a stop, not two feet away from me.

“Izzy.” The longing in the word was laid out as he took me in.

“What?”

“You came.”

The lump in my throat rose, forcing me to swallow. “Don’t make me regret it.”
Profile Image for Karen Wood.
612 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2020
This is the last book in the road Wonderland series, and what a roller coaster ride it is. Just when you think you can't fall in love with Izzy and Ethan anymore you fall Head Over Heels again. you go through every emotion with this book, It was the perfect ending to the series, leaving you feeling relieved and happy.

The Only Exception continues Izzy and Ethan’s story from where The Trouble With Izzy and A Fight For Ethan both ended, with Paris and Scott featuring in it frequently as secondary characters. There is lots of drama and suspense, and just when you think you have it figured out you find out you are so wrong.

Ethan and Izzy complement each other perfectly both strong and defiant, both possessive over what is theirs, both determined to have a HEA.


These two writers are fantastic in their own right for when they get together and write a book they are the Dream Team, the writing is out of this world and brilliant this book has it all. Looking forward to reading more from the two of them.
2 reviews
January 10, 2020
Couldn’t wait to get my hands on this beauty. Izzy and Ethan are just a dream and The Only Except was simply perfect.

Full review to follow
Profile Image for Lita Thomas.
1,450 reviews23 followers
January 29, 2020
The Only Exception by L.J. Stock & Victoria L. James is a voyage back to Wonderland. My first trip was over 5 years ago. Izzy was much younger than. Now in her 30's she and her bestfriend/ sister from another mother Paris have gone through a lot. Now they are on the other side. Ethan a blast from her past has come back into her life. He has wanted Izzy for years but because of his own demons he never acted on his desires. The time seems to be right for them to shoot his shot. Reading the previous Wonderland books is not necessary but you would want to just because you really get to know the backstories of the characters. The other stories are really good and you will not be disappointed. I enjoyed this story.The sexual tension and energy between Izzy and Ethan is hot hot hot!!!!! I love these two characters as well as the others. Izzy and Ethan's journey to their happy ending was one of pain and hurt. It was also a journey with intrigue. I loved going back to Wonderland and would love to reread the previous books. 4 star read for me.
Profile Image for Amanda McCalip.
631 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2020
The Only Exception continues Izzy and Ethan’s story from previous books called, The Trouble With Izzy and A Fight For Ethan. Before I dove into this one I went back and read those two since I hadn't previously and I really enjoyed getting the back story of these characters. They truly are breathtaking characters. Victoria L. James and L.J. Stock have never disappointed me and this book was no different.

I love books with dual point of views so that was fun in this book. I always love when I get to hear from each character and can feel the emotions for each of them pouring off the pages. They did a phenomenal job switching back and forth with the view points.

What can I say about Izzy? Well in my opinion she is the symbol of kindness and strength. She stayed true to herself and I really loved that about her. Although she had experienced hurt in her past, she kept on pushing forward and stayed positive throughout. Ethan, well he's just swoon-worthy. He loves and he loves deeply. These two go together like peanut butter and jelly. They just fit and their chemistry is like no other.

What kind of love story would this be without some bumps in the road though right? These two go through some things and come out the other side for the better. You'll go through all of the feels with this one and you'll absolutely love it!

Another 5 Star read by these two lovely authors!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
January 31, 2020
Izzy & Ethan's story is amazing, and I couldn't get enough. The dynamic duo who wrote this story, meshed perfectly, as it's told in dual POV, but the flow was absolutely perfect. I don't really want to go into details as I'm a firm believer in going into stories blindly is a lot of times the best way to go, and The Only Exception will hit you right in the feels like it did me. Plus, there's tons of heat, which tried to set my kindle on fire, so it will keep you warm on a cold winter's night. I was captivated from the jump, and I didn't move until every last page was devoured, not to mention came very close to starting it again (I would have in an instant if I didn't have other books to complete). Not only is there super sexy times, a ton of angst filled goodness, but there are twists that allowed for the dropping of f-bombs. This story was pure magic in the telling, and I really felt like I was there with these two, as a friend. And I'm keeping this review short & sweet, so just hit your one click button to experience it for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Sue.
37 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2020
YES back to wonderful wonderland

In complete awe of this book and story of Izzy and Ethan. These two are my top favourite book couple, ever. I can never put into words how phenomenal their story is. The authors have captured the pure essence of a true love story. Pure magical words. They completely pull you into their world. At times it’s heartbreaking, have your heartstrings pulled in many ways, you will laugh out loud and really believe that true love is real. And omg it’s also a very very hot hot book. PHEW. It has everything in a whole book. Believe me get yourself to Wonderland and fall head over heals in love with Izzy and Ethan. I cannot wait to read more and more of their story.
Profile Image for DR. Amanda Pierce.
40 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2021
Beautiful, enticing, enchanting and a masterpiece woven of imagination and talent of a writer at the top of her game. I am just a egg head MD, no credentials to review books, but if it means anything I read this cover to cover sitting on the beach in front of my parents home watching the So Cam girls strool bye MY BAD...LOL...L.J. OH to be in her mind but for a moment. TY L.J. for making my summer vacay better Best Dr. Amanda.
Profile Image for Kat Mary.
382 reviews
January 31, 2020
THE ONLY EXCEPTION by L.J. Stock and Victoria L. James is worth the 5 year wait! I was thrilled when they said they were writing more Izzy and Ethan. I got a little emotional about it as I always wanted more time with them! This book gave me all the feels and it felt like hanging out with old friends. These are 2 of my very favorite authors! They consistently write thoughtful, swoony, at times edgy and always amazing stories. Highly recommend!
February 1, 2020
Absolutely worth the wait!!!

I’ve been a fan {stalker} of the Wonderland series since way back, and seeing them come to life and reimagined is everything!!

You really need to read The Trouble with Izzy and A Fight for Ethan to truly understand the background to their relationship. It’s hard not to have pre conceived ideas and expectations when you are so invested in a series but L.J Stock and Victoria L. James absolutely smashed all of my expectations!

Despite Izzy’s past she a beautiful soul with so much to give.
Despite Ethan’s past there is nothing he won’t fight for.
Together they are one of my favourite book couples.

This book has it all gut punching heartaches, love, friendship and undeniable hot chemistry. I love the dual point of view that perfectly carries the story through the challenges and twist that are thrown in Izzy and Ethan’s path.

I can’t recommend this book enough, you will fall down the rabbit hole to Wonderland in mere pages.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.1k reviews84 followers
January 31, 2020
Izzy has endured so much and the strength and resilience she has shown is remarkable. Rather than her struggles and challenges making her bitter and closed off she has remained the sweet and caring person she has always been and her relationship with Paris shows how deep and enduring friendship can be.

Ethan has his own painful past and has made mistakes, but he is determined that his future will be different. Now that Izzy and Ethan are back in each other’s lives there is no doubting that they are destined to be together but dealing with their pasts certainly made their journey made difficult.

So much emotion with so many twists but it is the epic love that Izzy and Ethan share that you will remember.
Profile Image for Karyn.
355 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2020
I am so happy this book was written! The Wonderland series is amazing. A group of extremely talented authors came together to write stories from the same time frame but from different character’s perspectives. The Only Exception is about two of these characters and pics up at the perfect spot - just after a very bad first date.

This book had a little of everything - Mystery, suspense, laughter, angst, joy, sadness - everthing!

The authors kept me guessing as to who was causing all the trouble.

Izzy and Ethan are two of my all time favorite characters and I absolutely loved their story. The characters come to life to the point you have to remind yourself they are not real.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Profile Image for Emma bramley.
2,572 reviews26 followers
February 3, 2020
This story follows the characters Izzy and Ethan, this book carries on there story from the two previous books. This book will have you laughing, crying and most definitely swooning. This story includes some twists and turns.This book is wrote in dual POV of Izzy and Ethan. The characters are perfect togther, there personalities fit together and there chemistry is extremely hot. This book just does not disappoint one bit.



I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
Profile Image for Kristina.
77 reviews22 followers
January 27, 2020
This story was PERFECTION!!!
I loved it so much!! Izzy and Ethan are just perfect for each other <3 I was laughing, crying and swooning throughout the whole story! Prepare yourself for some twists and turns, and both of them fighting for what they want! On their own they are strong and amazing....together they are on another level!! I can’t recommend it enough (the whole series is amazing!!) The other characters are just as amazing and you‘re gonna love them.

The whole Wonderland Series holds a special place in my heart, it’s because of them that i met some amazing people <3

So go and read it all...you won’t be disappointed!!

Thank you Victoria L. James & LJ Stock for this beautifully written story <3
Profile Image for Breen.
1,393 reviews
February 1, 2020
“Victoria and L.J. blew my mind away with The Only Exception. Finally we have the continuation of Izzy and Ethan’s story, The Trouble With Izzy and A Fight For Ethan. I loved the dual point of view! They are an incredible couple so perfect for each other. Destiny wanted them together and their journey was so delightful to read. A story with so much emotions.”
Profile Image for Tara Bryant.
147 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2020
The Only Exception
By Victoria L. James and L. J. Stock

“She wanted this. She wanted it as much as I did. How was this my new reality?”

Some people experience love at first sight, but what happens when that love is many years in the making?

“Weak or not, I was going to play at being strong even if it killed me. I’d spent too long being the girl who ran away. Now I was the woman who stood firm, faced her problems, and dealt with the consequences.”

When Ethan suffers a tragic loss, he sinks so far down, he doesn’t think he’ll ever come back up. A ray of sunshine catches his eye, and it takes him 11 years of self healing to finally let his clouds part. Izzy has led a life most people will never experience. Being someone’s punching bag, both physically and mentally, has left Izzy with a force field of protection around her. When she takes a chance on Ethan, she takes a chance on letting her past go. With the help of their friends, this duo struggles through past demons and new adventures, the biggest one being trust.

“When she gave me that smile that said, yeah, I see you, it made my chest ache. I’d never let anyone close to me, certainly never this close. Part of me actually believed it was because I was holding out for her. I’d have probably waited another three lifetimes.”

I have been a fan on Wonderland since...well, forever! I have followed and friended Victoria L. James and L. J. Stock, and call me biased, but they are two of the most honest authors I have had the pleasure of knowing. Their words hold so much truth and promise, and have a way ofdragging you right into the story. The Only Exception will capture your heart, and take it on a rollercoaster ride. Ethan and Izzy are so relatable, and so dreamy. They are honestly the perfect couple!!

“For everything bad that had ever happened, there was this. This moment of happiness, where nothing was even really happening, except my appreciation for the life I was living coming to the surface.”

Tara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

P. S. Guess what? Change is good!
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,524 reviews15 followers
February 9, 2020
I'm so so glad that I've only recently discovered the Wondeland series so I've not had long to wait for this book for long at all... if I'd read them all beforehand I'd have been begging these authors to write this book every single day Haha
I not only wanted to know what came next for Ethan and Izzy I NEEDED to know.. their story was such a long journey just to get them to that first date i couldnt accept that that's where we would be left with their stories.
The Only Exception did not disappoint one bit.. it was a drama filled rollercoaster that you come to expect from this pair when really you just want them to get their HEA and be settled together.
Damn my husband needs to take some tips from the swoonworthy Ethan for sure! Hot protective loveable Ethan.. the relationship between him and Izzy was so great to read about.. the way he was with Scott makes you need friendship like theirs.. the way your heart breaks for him losing his mum is still raw in this book too.
Izzy shows her strong independent kick butt attitude so well in this story.. she never let's anything get her down and remains herself but only gets better as she goes.
Victoria and LJ have managed to keep us hooked into the Wonderland dreamland with yet another fantastic edition that completes these guys but also leaves us secretly wanting more.
Would read about all these fab characters over and over again!
169 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2020
Fabulous return

I guess I’m luckier than some, in that I’ve only just recently discovered the fab Wonderland books. So the wait to see exactly what is in store for Izzy and Ethan.
The Only Exception picks up where The Trouble with Izzy & A Fight for Ethan ends, and within pages you find yourself swept along with the bumpy rollercoaster that is their relationship and it’s a ride that you really don’t want to end.
Victoria L James and LJ Stock write in a seamless style that flows. They both know how to drag every drop of emotion out of their readers and leave you wanting more ( hint hint ladies????)
You have to of read The Trouble with Izzy & The Fight for Ethan to understand the background history of this couple and what makes them exactly who they are.
The Only Exception is the the perfect read, a wonderful catch up.
Profile Image for Within The Pages Book Blog.
686 reviews17 followers
January 31, 2020
Let me start out by saying that even though the author says this can be read as a stand-alone, it is best to read the other books in the series. I was so lost throughout most of this book. I felt like I had no idea who these characters were and that I was just completely missing out on something major. Although I did end up liking Izzy and Ethan as a couple, they kind of annoyed me as single characters. I didn’t feel any depth to them and it really bothered me that they fell in love after a week. That’s just not real life. And an ex coming after them after seven years? Not buying it. Maybe if I had read the other books first, I would have liked this better, but this just wasn’t my favorite read.
Profile Image for Lisa.
499 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2020
👌

The only way to describe this book is.......utter brilliance, from reading the trouble with Izzy (book 1) to then read book 2 Ethan and then this book to tie it all in was just brilliant!!! I wished it would never end
Profile Image for Helen Farnborough.
33 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2020
Izzy and Ethan are amazing!

I loved this continuation of Izzy and Ethan's Wonderland stories. So well written, as always with these two authors, and the plot goes down roads you don't expect at all. Lots of hotness too! A great read.
Profile Image for tania.
426 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2020
great book

fantastic read i loved Lilly book and also loved ethan book adding them to there own book together was amzing i loved every min of it
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