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The One

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Kip Taylor is everyone’s dream. His one downfall is that he’s a player. He can have any woman he wants in town—state, even—and he knows it. There’s only one woman Kip wants. Trouble is, he hasn’t met her yet. Until then, he’s going to fill his dance card with the Johnson girls: Maggie, May, and Missy.
Shelby never thought she’d see Rison, Arkansas, again. She’s been estranged from her extended family for over a decade. Things happen and sometimes the only place you can find solitude is the very place that has raised so many questions in your life.

She was looking to start her life over.

He was looking for his to truly begin.

Neither one of them understood the power of kismet until the day their eyes locked. From that moment—in their heart of hearts—they knew that the other was The One.

139 pages, ebook

First published April 14, 2014

5 people are currently reading
138 people want to read

About the author

Jacquelyn Ayres

12 books275 followers
I am a Domestic Engineer (born and raised in NJ) whose sole responsibility is to guide three young impressionable kids into becoming phenomenal adults. This challenging, yet rewarding work requires a lot of love (coffee), patience (wine) and determination (periodic exorcisms). I work all of this magic in the beautiful state of New Hampshire.

Before becoming a Domestic Goddess (not really), I spent over a decade working in the medical field where I wore more hats than the Queen.

I have had a love for the written word and the great escape it provides since I was a little girl. When I wasn't reading about people and the places they lived, I was creating my own characters and adventures. Finally, I have been putting a pen to paper allowing my characters to come to life. When I don't have a pen and paper in hand, you can often find me laughing at the conversations my characters are having in my head.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Ezza.
742 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2014
I read this as part of the Southern Seduction Box Set but had to rate it on it's own because it is so good

Hilarious starts off from Kip's POV this man is so funny and it's great to be inside his head

I felt like I was there with them when they first started to explore their feelings for each other Jacquelyn Ayres has done an awesome job of pulling you into the story

Kip has a heart of gold

It’s not all smooth sailing for Kip and Shelby let’s just say there is some interesting family connections with all the characters in this book. Shelby has been through a lot in her life and it's heartbreaking to read about it but so happy about how things turn out in the end.

Very entertaining book and great story

I love Kips Mum Alma she is awesome
Profile Image for grumpyoldbird.
302 reviews14 followers
April 24, 2014
Read as part of the Southern Seduction Box Set.

OMG this story is bloody awesome. I'm lost for words, I really am.

I'll be honest, at the start I wasn't sure I was gonna like it. It started with Kips POV, and there was a lot of humour, but I couldn't see where the story was going to go, especially given what he was getting up to at the beginning. It pulled you in and you start to think it's going to go in one direction, then 'bam' it goes somewhere else, albeit with a hint of where you thought it was going to go. Then 'bam' before you know it you're in this emotional rollercoaster, still with humour mixed in. Then you're thinking "whoa, wtf? Didn't see that coming at all". Then before you know it you're at the end, really disappointed because it's finished, and you just want to keep reading it.

My only criticisms are:

This is the first book I've read by this author, and it certainly will not be the last. I'm heading over to Amazon Kindle now to check out her other works.

This story also exemplifies why box sets work, you get a chance to try out an author you wouldn't necessarily have gone out of your way to read. And I'm bloody glad about that, because now I have this brilliant author on my watch list.

Bottomline go and get this book asap, either as a standalone or as part of the Southern Seduction Box Set, you won't regret it, I'm telling you.
Profile Image for Loraine Oliver.
685 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2014
The One by Jacquelyn Ayres is a great read! It has a great plot, which twists and turns and leaves you wondering what is going on from any given moment, and a great cast of characters that are well developed and you will love getting to know them like I dd!

Kip Taylor is a handsome young man who is a lover of all females, as a matter of fact he does not have to leave home to get his fill of action, and he loves all females equally well-going as far as to write their names on the bottom of the cologne bottles he wears to see them (gifts from all the different girls) so he can keep his girls' straight! But even though he may have several girls that meet him a certain night of the week, he is tired of it, and he soon realizes he wants just one-a real woman, not a girl!

Shelby has had a very hard life and she can't believe what has happened to her. Her mom died of cancer which left her and her little brother with their stepdad. Shelby tried to protect her brother as well as she could, so even though terrible things were done to her by her stepfather, who is an alcoholic, and his friends too, she stayed so she could be there for her brother who has cerebral palsy. One night while they were out, her brother kept trying to tell a little girl she was going to fall if she did not tie her shoes, but the girl's father was so outraged thinking badly of her brother-that he was trying to get nasty with his daughter, he pushes Shelby's brother right into on-coming traffic, his last words to his sister being to tie the little girls shoes.

After this Shelby got out of her stepdad's house and went back to Rison, Arkansas, to stay with her aunt and uncle and her three cousins. all girls! Her uncle is a mean man who controls all the girls and his wife with an iron fist! They are not allowed to go anywhere except school and back. Her uncle is a bad man with his hands into all kinds of illegal things.

Little did Shelby realize her life was about to change once again! Her Uncle got her a job working on the ranch next door. When Kip sees her, he is struck literally by lightning, thinking to himself "she is the one". After he meets her and sees her everywhere on the ranch he gets rid of all his girlfriends! Shelby knows he is a player and tries to ignore him, but soon enough she just can't.

But this is not all that is going on in this book! There is a lot of other things going on behind the scenes that you will have to read to find out about! A hint: Before Shelby's mother died she gave her a key to a safety deposit
box at the bank in the city she returned to and what is in that box will shock not just Shelby but everyone around her! Read and see what happens! Will Kip get his woman? Will Shelby ever find happiness? Find out-read this book -you will love the way it ends-I guarantee it!

I gave this book 5***** stars and look forward to more from this author!

Profile Image for Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket.
2,363 reviews92 followers
July 6, 2015
The One by Jacquelyn Ayres was an overall fantastic novella. It had a storyline full of twists and turns that kept me completely hooked into the story. The characters were captivating, humorous, and very authentic. The overall feel of the book was outstanding, and once I started this one I couldn't stop reading it.

I truly enjoyed reading this story, and it definitely had some moments in it that I did not see coming. It was also full of plenty of moments that had me smiling like crazy, feeling so immensely for these characters, and even a few instances where I wish I could give a strong talking to to a certain male character. (cough cough Kip.)

I think that was one of my favorite aspects of this novella. I loved that I got so many different moments to enjoy with these characters. I got moments that made me laugh. Moments that allowed me to experience all of what these characters were going through. Moments of love, hurt, passion, and everything in between. This novella definitely packs a fantastic story into its pages.

I loved both Shelby and Kip's characters. It was so fantastic getting to know them both, and I really connected into their story. Those two definitely had a strong connection, and you feel that from the moment their eyes meet. I loved how strong and sassy Shelby's character was. That girl has some definite spunk, and she's been through so much. I loved just getting to see the many sides to her and finding out how much she had overcome to get to the present of this book.

Kip's character was definitely a bit of player. And by a bit, I mean he is one helluva player at the start of this novella. Kip is definitely a charmer and I was under his spell in no time when reading The One. I loved seeing the transformation that his character went through over the course of the story, and I just loved seeing the effect that Shelby had on him.

Shelby and Kip definitely have a spark filled connection. They have such a draw to one another, and this author really captured that in this novella.

I also absolutely loved the setting of this book. I heart me the south something fierce, and Jacquelyn Ayres really just created that entire southern feeling in The One. The mannerisms, the nuances, and just the essence of the south was perfectly captured in this book.

Overall this novella was fantastic. It told a story I was completely hooked into. It gave me characters that I loved and rooted for the entire time. It also gave me all the perfect amount of feeling, emotion, heat, and connection to bring it all together. This novella was a quick, steamy, and all around great read that is well worth a read this instant!
Profile Image for Ange from Cover to Cover Book Blog.
212 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2014
Just so everyone knows, I’m in love with Jacquelyn Ayres and her writing. If I could have her books babies, I would be banging down her door right now. I have read everything she has put out and will continue to do so! Fan for life here :)

This book is about Kipp and Shelby. We get both of their points of view and I loved it!

Kipp is a player. At the beginning of the book, he is dating three girls at one time. Oh wait for judgment here because it gets better. Not only is he dating three girls at the same time, but these three girls….are sisters. Let the judging commence. I’ll wait….Their father is super strict and despite them being legally adults, he still runs their lives. So much so that they are not allowed to date or work and he even picks what their major is in college. Ok ok I’ll wait while you get those foul words out. I felt the same way. This is soooo not the 1950’s! GAH! Moving on. The girls all know they are secretly seeing someone but to protect each from their father’s wrath (just in case he finds out) they keep the who their secret boyfriend is a secret from one another. (yes I rolled my eyes too). This whole scenario makes it too easy for our dear Kipp to be the big player that he is. Just keep in mind that our Kipp is ready to be a one woman man but he is looking for a particular woman to settle down with, which is only fair and his every right.

Now let’s meet Shelby. She is new to town. She moves in with her aunt, uncle, and her three cousins. Yes the same three who are dating Kipp. Shelby’s mom died leaving her and her brother with an evil stepfather. When she lost her brother, she moved away to start anew. Her uncle set her up with a job at a local ranch, the same one that Kipp lives at with his family.

When Kipp meets Shelby, is the attraction there? Yes! Holy mother of orgasms, it is there. Is Shelby going to make it easy for the playboy? BAHAHAHAHAHA no! Kipp is very determined though. He breaks it off with the three sisters and sets his eyes on Shelby.

I won’t give you any more of the story because it is one hell of an amazing web! As always, Jacquelyn Ayres makes my jaw drop with the twists and turns and just shocks the crap out of me with her amazing stories! If you haven’t read any of her books, get busy! They are truly works of art. Loved the books. Loved the characters. Loved it all. Go 1-click them today!
Profile Image for Bare Naked Words Promotions.
108 reviews82 followers
May 25, 2014
The One by Jacquelyn Ayres

In The One, Ms Ayres once again shows her talent of making us laugh out loud and cry like a baby in one little novella.

Meet Kip the sexy ass cowboy with a one-track mind.

“…if I don’t get up to the trail that leads to the old abandoned barn, I might not get that nice blow job she promised me. Hey don’t judge me, I’m a man, damn it.”

“….I know I’m soon to face that stupid, pouty face she makes, the one she thinks works so well. Blow job. Blow job. Blow job. What? She’s the best around!”

He’s a player and he’s currently playing with fire, in the shape of 3 sisters, yeah I know we should hate him, but we don’t.

Meet Shelby the curvy redhead who is about to blow Kip’s mind (no not like that), with her sass and her need for self-preservation.

She has had tragedy in her life and what she isn’t looking for is love in the shape of a handsome cowboy.

“as if on cue, Kip walks into the dining room, all dirty and sweaty. Fuck. Dirty and sweaty looks damn good on Kip.”

You see she’s trying real hard to keep him at arm’s length, but he is making it real hard.
“Jesus Christ, I want to kiss him. God, why? He is not good for me. He’s a plyer. I don’t need to be played.”

But this is my favourite kind of story, Kip soon realises that Shelby is the one for him, all he’s got to do is convince of that.

“Never have I ever been kissed like this. I’ve only read about this kind of kiss”

Kip feels like home – whatever that means

The Epilogue is *sighs* just perfect and I’ve lost count how many times I’ve begged Jac to write more Kip and Shelby, because this story was so beautifully written it leaves you feeling like there is much, much more of their story to come.

So when you have read it, come and sign my petition to Jac to give us more Kip x
Profile Image for Wendalina.
63 reviews7 followers
May 21, 2014
I loved this novella!! Kip while quite the playboy, you might see a different side of him as the story progresses. You'll see lies, hurt, betrayal, heartbreaking sadness, deception, love, friendship, and so much more. Jacquelyn has a way with words and she makes you feel every emotion known in existence in her stories. Not everyone is who you think they are. Some people are even closer than you thought. When all the lies are set free, family shines through. Kip definitely grew on me. I hated him at first because I know someone like him, but the difference is Kip has a good side. I love his sweet side more than the playboy side, even though I have to admit he was pretty cocky and quite funny as a playboy. Everyone grows throughout the story and its quite beautiful to see, I think Kip has a lot to do with every ones growth, and you'll see what I mean when you read this!! Everybody wants more Kip, we can only hope she has more Kip hidden away somewhere for us!!! ::puppy dog eyes:: (only cuz i know she'll see this ;)
Profile Image for Rebecca.
511 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2014
Shelby's had a hard life. She had to take care of her mom when she got sick and her brother meant everything plus some to her when they were both take away from her. She was sent to live with a uncle and aunt. This is where she found a job helping out at a farm with Alma. She was doing laundry one day when Kip comes in for his shirt. Well it was like love slapped him in the face but he knew that couldn't be true because he had no clue who she was. Kip was a player at first but when he met Shelby all his life changed. Shelby's mom gave her a key for a box and told her to get it when she was back in town. What did the letter say? Does Kip go after Shelby and make her his?! This is a pretty amazing book.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
404 reviews8 followers
June 21, 2014
I loved this story it was a sweet and finding yourself book. Alot of the characters found them selves in this story. The main characters of the book which loved Kip so much he was full of himself but it was in a fun a cocky kinda way. The main girl in this book had been through alot it was sad and rewarding to see a character go through some of the stuff she had been through and still be humble. This was my first book by this author and soon I will be reading her other books. She did a wonderful job and I am now a fan.
Profile Image for Brittany Price.
267 reviews9 followers
May 13, 2014
I enjoyed this book. There were twists that I didn't expect. In the beginning, I thought "O boy, what a player Kip is", but he eventually showed a side that I loved! I was a bit disappointed with the sisters' reactions to certain discoveries. I thought there would be revenge plotting and lots of drama. I like how the point of view alternated between the main characters. Overall, I'm glad I read it!
116 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2014
Although this is a shorter story, you won't be disappointed! Jacquelyn has filled it with lots of emotional moments, a few that will make you giggle & a twist you will not see coming!
I'm not giving away any spoilers, but if you want a short read that still packs a punch (so to speak) then one click this awesome book & meet Kip & Shelby, you will love them!!
Once again, thankyou Jacquelyn for another brilliant read xx
314 reviews7 followers
May 24, 2015
It's no secret that this lady is one of my favourite authors and this fantastic novella shows just why. Kip is a mischievous, naughty but seriously sexy player. All that changes when Shelby enters his life, her past is a mess and has left a lasting impression. Can they work through their respective issues and heal each other? This superb short story makes you laugh, cry and sigh audibly. The writing is amazing and I literally couldn't put it down. Loved it, 5 shiny, sparkly stars!
Profile Image for Tammy Becraft.
62 reviews19 followers
May 19, 2014
Kip is such a player at first but then.....
Jac does it again with another great book. I can never get enough of her books. Very well written and easy to read. Funny story lines that are sure to have you going from laughing to crying in an instant and this one is no different! The best of the southern seduction series!!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
35 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2014
Best novella I have ever read! I find it difficult as a reader to find substance in a novella or short story. But Jacquelyn Ayres is an amazing storyteller and has the ability to fit all of the emotion, plot, character development, and complete storyline in this book. This is must read as well as everything else she has published thus far!!!
Profile Image for Mel.
Author 5 books40 followers
February 13, 2015
As a girl who has half her DNA from southerners, this book felt like coming home. I adored the characters, fell in love with the storyline, and loved all the twists and turns it took. Another job well-done, Jac!
Profile Image for Shell Williams.
180 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2015
Wow

What a beautiful story of love just shows you that no matter what life throws at you their is love out their and nice people I really enjoyed this book it's a good read I say it's a must cause I loved it.
Profile Image for Jacquelyn Ayres.
Author 12 books275 followers
Read
April 5, 2014
This novella is part of the Southern Seduction Box Set. I never rate my own work, but I do hope you enjoy it! :)
Profile Image for Christi Lofton.
408 reviews
September 14, 2016
Great novella! Jacquelyn Ayres never disappoints. Lots of twists and turns that you would not expect. Enjoyed every minute of it. Oh and Kip is quite the hot cowboy!
150 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2014
REVIEW TO BE POSTED UNDER SOUTHERN SEDUCTION BOX SET
Profile Image for Dawn Trepczyk.
388 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2017
Just wow!

No words can describe how amazing this book is. It made you laugh at times, and made you want to cry at times. This is a must read.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,799 reviews46 followers
April 19, 2020
31/2 out of 5 stars
Kip well he is a dreamboat and a player he can have any woman he wants and is playing 3 sisters . Until the day the girl of his dreams walks into his life . Shelby didn't want to come back in RIsan Arkansas and her extended family .But there are moments where the place to start something new is the place you don't want to go back to . Will they be able to come over the barriers that are between them and will Kip be able to over come his playboy tendacies to find the girl of his dreams .

Kip is the type of guy you want to keep your daughters away from . he is good looking and a player. He can have any woman he wants and usually gets . He also wants to have the three sisters from the neighbours ranch. He actually drove me crazy reading him . I really wanted to hit him over the head a few times . He came off cocky and kind of a know it all even after he met Shelby he would still talk and fantasize about the three sisters . He did kind of change at the end and fell hard for Shelby . Shelby has had a hard life , her mother and her little brother dying really left deep wounds in Shelby's heart. She has a rough life and when she gets to Arkansas it gets even worse. There are moments that i felt i couldn't connect with her and I did feel sad for her.

This is a book that is hard to get into at the beginning . I honestly had trouble with the whole Kip playing the sisters . He was just arrogant and needed to be brought down a bit . the author does redeem him later on in the book when he and Shelby get together . The story was good it had some horses in it so I was happy for that .The author really does take us on a joy ride that is emotional through out . Over all i did enjoy this story and will read other books from this author . So check it out .
Profile Image for **Elle**Bee**Double U**.
2,207 reviews24 followers
April 23, 2020
This one took a bit to get into for me.
I mean let's be honest, I don't really care to read about the hero with other women that aren't the heroine...especially when these other women do play a big part to the actual story. Literally the entire first 20% (I think) is about Kip and his relations with the 3 sisters that live next door. Then if that isn't bad enough, when he does finally get with the heroine he has random thoughts about the women before hand when he's about to get busy with her. Like WTF dude?
At this point, I honestly was thinking this book was a lost cause. But...
Kip doesn't redeem himself a bit and does finally come clean with Shelby about having relationships with her 3 cousins.
Shelby has had a rough couple of years since her mother died. Her step-father has really turned into someone that she fears and she's now lost her only living relative that she loved. Her mother always told her to return to Rison, Arkansas if something happened to her. But after not seeing her relatives for a decade and always having questions that are related to this place, things are a bit strained and awkward.
In Shelby's life, Kip wasn't the only one keeping secrets from her. She soon is going to learn so much more about her family that will change so many things. But will Kip still be by her side when she discovers these truths? Will she even want him once she learns his secret?
Profile Image for Laura.
527 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2020
The first thing you read is Kip talking to himself about himself, he admits he's cocky, good looking and how he needs to find a "good woman". He's dating 3 sisters (who knows nothing about him dating each other). But the day he meets Shelby , something changes with him, there is something about her. Shelby has had a terrible life after her mother died and is sent to live with her aunt Bea and her husband (he's an ass). This is wonderful sweet story about two people coming together in a way they don't expect. Plus we learn secrets that almost everybody seems to have. Your going to love the ending, because you'll never expect it to happen.
954 reviews14 followers
April 23, 2020
This novella is an emotional roller coaster. The story draws you in from page one with Kip's sexual escapades. I originally thought it was going to be a smutty read but boy was I wrong. The introduction of the feisty Shelby brings the plot in a different direction. Packed with wonderful characters, a hot romance and plenty of twists that I guarantee you won't see coming it is a perfect way to spend a few hours.
Profile Image for Stacy Chambers.
476 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2020
Eww gross

I'm certainly glad this was short, because I don't think I could have finished it otherwise. The whole Kip screwing her 3 sisters and everyone was just ok with that. I hoped she would put up more of a fight when she found out, but alas. Request to the author: please for the love of God never type the word boobies in another book for as long as you work. We are not 5 and there are much better words to use.
81 reviews
April 17, 2020
Man oh man did I hate kip at the beginning of this book. That boy and his 1 track mind! So thank the heavens for Shelby because if it wasn't for her that boy would still be lost. I'm so happy that after all she has endured that she found her safe place again in the world.
Profile Image for Nikki Bao.
695 reviews7 followers
April 21, 2020
Kip is a player. He is currently with three sisters, but they're only for the time being. He'll commit to his 'one' when he finds her. Shelby's living with her extended family. Kip meets her and is hooked. Can she find her solitude here? Can he get his forever?
Profile Image for Jill.
62 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2020
Likes: the quality of the writing and editing, Kip's ma, some of the humor
Dislikes: It's just really hard to like the main male character when he makes such an abrupt 180 from manwhore to one-girl man.
Profile Image for Sharon.
726 reviews10 followers
April 20, 2020
The One

Some of the story had me shaking my head as I was reading it, it took me through several twists in the storyline before the end
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,088 reviews91 followers
April 20, 2020
2/2.5
A western romance between a playboy cowboy and a girl with a tortured past. I enjoyed the bit of mystery with Shelby’s past but I just couldn’t get into the story itself.
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