Jada Stanley is starting over, freeing herself from her past. Following the rules she’s given herself is easy enough, until she meets HIM. He’s gorgeous, cocky, and everything she needs to avoid, but that’s easier said than done.
Cane Alexander has his own set of guidelines, a plan to keep his life simple and free of complications. But when he sets his sights on Jada, she proves to be a temptation he just can’t resist.
Walls crumble, resolve fades, and precious rules are bent.
They can’t help but take a chance on each other, but chances come with risk. As the past rears its ugly head in ways they never see coming, will they revert back to protecting themselves? Or will they realize that the other is the exception to every rule they’ve ever made?
Adriana Locke is a USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author with a knack for writing swoony, unforgettable contemporary romances. At nineteen, she traded her small-town roots for big-city life, only to realize her heart beats for quiet mornings and cozy chaos. These days, she’s living her happily-ever-after in Ohio with Mr. Locke—her high school sweetheart—four lively sons, and two hilariously hyper Jack Russell terriers.
When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.
That about sums this one up. Nothing new about it. Same over-used storyline.
Man-whore hero who only wants sex... Heroine who was "abused" in her past who only wants a relationship...none of this sex only business... But there's just something about the heroine that makes the hero want to be different...aka the golden vajayjay... Add in a crazy stalker... and A TSTL heroine at times...
What do you get??? Me....
Okay, so maybe that's a little harsh but I just can't bring myself to read a book that I'm not that invested in when my TBR is a mile long.
Was this one written well? Yeah Was there anything really wrong with it? Nah...I mean other than the above mentioned things. Did it have anything to make it stand out? Sadly no
I finally met THE Cane Alexander!!! And oh heavens, I'm in love! Jada Stanley, you damn lucky woman. I can't believe I'm just getting to know this bunch, but it's never too late, right? Now I understand all the hype going on about these characters and their stories! I still feel like I'm on a huge Cane-Jada-Max-Kari cloud up in the sky.
I thoroughly enjoyed the swoon-worthy moments. And let me tell you, there were tons and tons of them packed in this book! Plus, I kind of wasn't expecting all that adrenaline rush, but it was freaking amazing. Like a cherry on top of a massive heap of ice cream.
I fell in love with Cane's personality and his dynamic with Jada. He was a persistent alpha male and a sexy beast through and through, but has a heart of gold. He always gets what he wants no matter what and when Jada kept on turning him down, it was so entertaining watching him put in so much effort. He may have been a player before meeting his woman, but that turnaround when he got way in deep with her was so soothing and satisfying. When you get to know the real Cane Alexander, god will he definitely bring you to your knees. Yup, I'm still swooning like crazy here.
Adriana Locke, you never cease to floor me with your men. I'm so glad I got to meet the man who started it all for you. And I'm so ready for The Perception! This book pumped me up so much Max and Kari! God, I honestly love how Max Quinn is such a hunk of a sweetheart already!
I'm pissed I spent $0.99 and about an hour and a half of my life on this book. The 36% I read consisted of a doormat female and a douche male going back and forth on whether or not to hook up with each other. Cane was a pushy ass, and I didn't understand his insistence on 'bagging' Jada when he's a self proclaimed commitment-phobe who sleeps with multiple girls a week. And I didn't understand Jada's constantly backing down when Cane literally pushed himself into her life and her house. I mean, tell him he's not allowed to come in. Don't just let him tell you he's going to come in and then let it happen. I should have stopped reading, but I thought maybe it would get better once they got together???? But no.
The actual nail in the coffin though? When Cane finally sleeps with Jada then actually leaves town to get away from her. Then comes back, acts like an ass, gets jealous of her eyeing a guy in a bar (to show him she's not hung up on him *eyeroll*) so he takes some random chick out, in front of Jada, and then sleeps with the random chick in his car. Are you kidding me?
I actually skimmed a little more to see how bad it would get, and he somehow convinces Jada that now he wants to be with her... a whole day after sleeping with another chick. And she takes him back!!! And he says that he never made a promise or commitment to her before so he didn't actually mess up, but now he's making one. KILL ME PLEASE!
And with that I'm out. No more time shall be spent on this disaster. But if you like tons of drama and frustrating characters in your reads, check this one out ;)
So I have a thing for the d-bags, especially the ones that makes you fall in love with him. Sometimes it takes the whole book sometimes it happens by the first chapter. With Cane it was the very first sentence, “If I close my eyes, maybe she’ll disappear.” Douchebaggery on page one? Yes please! Ahhhh, nothing like it I swear! There is such sweetness hiding behind all that hot, sexy in your face alpha that we catch glimpses of. Those little glimpses are what plants him just a bit more firmly in your heart. He’s a man who knows what he wants and takes it, answering to no one and loving that freedom. I love when all it takes is one woman to tame the bad boy and that’s is exactly what Jada is doing no matter if she wants to or even realizes it. Jada doesn’t need any more complications in her life, she’s getting her “do over” and it definitely does not include sex on a stick, cocky and determined Cane! Isn’t it cute how they always think they know what they need? Don’t even get me started on the bromance in this book! Max and Cane are definitely in my top 5. Don’t judge, I have a thing for guyships! (it’s a word, ish) I also love the growth that is evident in both characters! Usually it’s one or the other (usually the hero) who needs to evolve but it seems that these two do it together as well as on their own and it just makes me love their love that much more. This story is full of highs and lows, twists and turns that you never see coming, moments that take your breath away sometimes in a good way, sometimes not. Most importantly it captivates and keeps you turning pages no matter that you have to make dinner, pick the kids up from school or sleep! Once you pick it up there is no way to put it down, no good spot that won’t leave you wondering “what the hell is going to happen?” It’s gripping and swoony, hot and funny. It ticks all of the boxes and leaves you thinking that there is no way that this is her debut novel. It is that good my friends. I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author, possibly even from these characters! Adriana has found a forever fan in me and I will read any little thing that she writes. Well played lady. WELL. PLAYED.
OMG, how I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had everything I love in a book, and even more....
"The secret to moving on is to focus your energy on the future and not on the past."
The story begins with Jada making a clean break and starting her life over. Everybody knows how hard that can be. But she's made up rules for herself, rules to live by, hoping that she can avoid the same ...issues, namely same type of guys, she's dealt with in the past. Of course, she wasn't planning on Cane Alexander. At first sight the two are highly attracted to one another, so much so Jada had to keep reminding herself over and over that he's everything that she's avoiding, while Cane knows there is something completely different with Jada and he isn't going to give up until he haves her underneath him. Yep, underneath him is what I said. Cane is a major cocky, player. Saying he gets around is an understatement, and the thing is, he's really proud of it. But Cane has his own set of rules to live by, rules that keeps his life just like he likes it. But Jada changes everything for Cane,......
"You know, I like to think my life is kind of like the books I read, only I'm the author. I can write the story I want. The future can be anything I want it to be." He moved his head side to side, considering my words. "That works, as long as your story has a blond stud that f$cks like an animal."
How I enjoyed this book. Seriously, I loved it hard!!! Like I said before, it had everything I LOVE IN A BOOK. The cocky alpha that falls hard. (Those are my fave, btw.) The awesome storyline. Suspense, danger, hot steamy sex, and oh my gosh, I loved the secondary characters, I would almost beg for them to get their own story...... FINGERS CROSSED!!!
Cane was, oh my gosh, amazing!!! He said things that in real life would get any guy slapped across the face, but coming out of Cane's sexy mouth actually worked. There was one part, however, I was seriously pissed at him, like MAJOR, BUT, it was basically the beginning of everything so I guess I let that "slip up" go,...... mostly. The thing about it was....it was never really talked about.
I actually keep business and pleasure separate. You're just an exception."
Then Jada, I really liked, she wasn't as likeable as Cane, but likeable. I greatly commend her for starting over. That's a very hard, but brave thing to do and I give her dibs.
I still loved the book, despite those two things. I would totally recommend it and look forward to reading more from this author. This is Adriana Locke's first book and I think she is going to do incredibly well. Like I said, I'm seriously hoping for a story about Max and Jada's sister. I LOOOOOOVED Max and really need to see him get his HEA!!! Of course the plus would be that we could see more of Jada and Cane to see where they are in life, ect.
Arc provided by Author in exchange of an honest review.
DNF 50% So basically I didn't dnf it because the book was bad. On contrary it was good, actually very very good. Until the bastard hero betrayed the heroine with another woman. Yeah.. The disgusting scene: They were all four of them in a pub Jade, Cane, Alex and Kari. Alex came to pick up Kari and Jade home and Cane came with him. Jade is pissed at Cane's hot and cold behaviour (another big problem for me. I HATE stupid male/female games), she's saying some truth words to his face, he gets angry at her and what the douchebag do?? walks away with a bimbo blond in front of EVERYONE and fucks that girl in a parking lot AFTER he already slept with Jade. Yeah.. Nobody's kind of hero. Two days after that, the stupid, weak, without-any-kind-of-backbone heroine took him back after some sweet words from him. I'm done.
I literally just finished reading The Exception. I am on my feet whistling and hollering; giving Adriana Locke a STANDING OVATION!!! I can’t believe this is her debut book, she has BLOWN. ME. AWAY!!! Adriana has a special gift of making the reader FEEL every emotion the characters are feeling. I laughed my butt off at the banter between the characters and cried my eyes out at some sad and happy moments. I screamed and shouted WTFs, NO’s and whispered HOLY SH*T’s, OMG’s, and YES’s! My heart, body, mind and soul was consumed by this story, these characters and the author behind it all!
I really don’t know where to begin…. I’m so upset it’s over because I can’t get enough of these characters. I want MORE…more of Jada, Kari, and definitely Cane and Max!! The funny jokes, the banter between each other, the chemistry, the playfulness- ALL pulled me in from start to finish.
Do you believe there is always an exception to every rule? I do, and sometimes rules are meant to be broken. When you break the rules you vowed to live by, will your heart break in the process or will it be complete again?
Meet Jada Stanley “I need to start fresh and charge into the future with a clean slate and clear head.” She vowed to never let another man control her and make her question everything, especially herself. She lost herself in the process and was robbed the happily-ever-after every woman craves, wants, needs, and desires from a man. She is a woman, just like the rest of us ladies. She wants to feel like she is his everything and won’t settle to be anything less. She wants everything she NEVER had with a man before and wants NOTHING to do with the ones in her past. It’s simple, right? “I want kisses in the rain. Flowers for anniversaries. Texts for no reason. I want things I have never had.”
Meet Cane Alexander “You shouldn’t try to play games with me because I’m not a player. I’m a coach.” He is infuriating, sexy, frustrating, stubborn, cocky, arrogant, lovable….oh so lovable. He lives by rules he created to protect himself. He’s a one-night stand type man. He vowed to NEVER give his heart to anyone again. He feels he doesn’t need or want anything……until he meets HER. “He’s a little bit of everything and a whole lot of something.”
She was lonely and felt like she never mattered. He was lonely and liked it that way. He never wanted anyone to matter….until he meet HER. She wanted to stay away….but the pull, magic, chemistry, passion was so hot my fingers where burning while I was reading the pages….among other body parts!!:) Have you ever had the hair on your body stand attention and salute someone before you even saw them, felt them, or heard them speak? Get ready, because when Cane Alexander is in the room, on your kindle, iPad, or phone your entire body will be on alert. Sorry ladies, you can’t control it. When Cane is in the room, all attention is on him.
She wanted something, especially the things she never had in the past relationship. He wanted nothing, especially the things he got in the past relationship. “I need to fight for what I want, not against what I need.”
All in all, they say actions speak louder than words….but I think in this case these words in this book speak volumes. I am so happy I got introduced to this wonderful and talented author. I am looking forward to reading more of her fantastic work that is just THE EXCEPTION every reader needs to read!
I don't even know where to begin with this review. The Exception is just that.....an exception. It's an exception to every romance novel I have ever read. The characters are an exception to every character I've met. Adriana does an amazing, spectacular job at drawing you in and keeping you locked in the story. If I could give this book TEN brilliant stars I would.
Let's learn a little more about this TEN star read shall we??
Two words - CANE ALEXANDER
If that name doesn't get your attention I don't know what will.......oh wait, yes I do....how about his??
I mean how could you not fall in love with that?? Cane is the poster boy for book boyfriends. He makes you feel all hot and bothered on the outside, while making your heart race and your thighs ache on the inside.
He is a player to the core--a total arse! But isn't that the type of book boyfriend we all love and adore? The type that we hope the heroine can change? The type that in one sentence can make you love him and hate him at the same time? YES IT IS! Don't lie to yourselves! You know I'm right! Well let me tell you Cane is that man!
Our heroine - Jada Stanley
Let's be honest here, how many heroines out there do you actually like? Cuz if I'm being honest there really aren't that many that I can stand, to tell ya the truth. I have about a handful of them that I think I could actually hang out with if they were real, but let's face it, they are few and far between. Jada Stanley, once again, is an exception! She's fun, smart, witty and likable! If she were real, I'm pretty sure we would be friends. (well unless I started drooling all over Cane, then I'm sure she wouldn't like me.) Is she scared of starting a new relationship after her past mistakes--yes. But who wouldn't be??
"You know, I like to think my life is kind of like the books I read, only I'm the author. I can write the story I want. The future can be anything I want it to be." He moved his head side to side, considering my words. "That works, as long as your story has a blond stud that fucks like an animal."
THE BROMANCE
We all love those books, the ones where the bub characters are almost just as hot, if not hotter than the main characters. Well for me Max is the ultimate best friend. He is my exception! And for good reason.
Yes! No Joke, I love Max! But hands off ladies this one is mine! Southern accent, country boy for life, sweet tea, Red Solo Cup and all. I'll even take the saints cap, even though that is totally not my team ;)
Cane and Max together are every woman's wet dream. I mean how could it get any better than this.....
IT CAN'T! I mean I can't even find the words to describe these two.
Wrapping it up
This book has it all! REALLY no joke! It will keep you on the edge of your seat....it will steal your heart......it will be an exception to the rules. Adriana Locke as outdone herself with her debut novel! I can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve in the future. I recommend this book and this author to everyone! I've never given a book above an beyond five stars but The Exception is just that......AN EXCEPTION!!
First, I liked the simplicity and beauty of this book’s cover. Secondly, Adriana Locke surprised me with a very enjoyable debut. Reading the book’s standard vanilla blurb doesn’t do justice in preparing readers for what is to be found on the pages.
Foremost, there’s Cane who is one dirty-talking, bad boy alpha male that does not let much deter him from what he wants. And when he finally decides he wants Jada, he lets nothing stand in his way. Oh - how the mighty fall! But Jada’s had her fill of bad boys. She’s drawn to Cane but fears a not so happy ending in sight. There are many roadblocks to get over and even more hot sizzling chemistry. With the help of really entertaining and lovable secondary characters, both Cane and Jada get lots of help in knocking down those roadblocks and zoom into a wild and romantic relationship.
A little bit of overdone back and forth drama overplayed by Jada and a major stumble by Cane could cause some negative feelings by readers. But the witty and sassy banter and one delightful baking session make up for what might otherwise be a negative. All in all, a solid contemporary romance with a teeny bit of suspense rolls into a well-done first release.
I judge a book not only from the feelings it gives me while reading it but also how it stays with me after I have to stop reading to go back to real life. I will do chores and the whole time my head is still in the book. What is he going to do next? What sweet or asshole word is going to come out of his mouth? How is she going to react? When is she going to give in or stand up to the prick?
Assholes like Jesse Ward, Gideon Cross, Colton Donovan, Christian Grey, Damien Stark, Lucien Knight. Sweethearts like Jake Wethers, Jeremiah Jordan, Ethan Blackstone, Remington Tate and Travis Maddox are just a few that stayed in my head after I put my kindle down. Well I have another to add to my list- Cane Alexander. He is the guy that Adriana Locke is allowing us to meet soon. The more I read the more I fall in love with him and hate that I have to put the kindle down to rejoin the world. At first he is the cocky asshole that causes me to drool but then he develops into a sweet heart that I love. I can not wait till you guys get to meet him in The Exception on Sept 18th.
This is a fabulous book and I highly recommend reading this one. Great debut novel and I can promise this book will not disappoint. Full review to follow.
This book is like driving from Florida to California along the back roads. It takes forever to Make any progress in the story line. The writing was fine it was just monotonous…like when my husband tells me something and it takes 30 minutes when he could have just said - I saw Jerry at the store-
I received a beta copy of The Exception from Adriana and I am so excited for you all to read this book, it is flirty, creative, hot and frustrating...all good qualities in a book in my opinion. I connected with the primary characters immediately and they held my attention the whole way through. Hard to put down!
CHEATER!!!! Has sex with another woman after having sex with h. Gets mad that she looked in someone else's direction and takes a woman outside to have sex in his car, while the h watched him leave with her knowing what he's gonna do. He goes through with it and she doesn't even mind that he did it. Dear author, get a clue that this is unacceptable in a ROMANCE!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Applauds to Adriana for her first novel the writing was outstanding and Cane well he was just sexyy!!!
I just need to take a minute and say this lady can write, she writes so beautifully everything just flows and I really loved that, everything is at a nice pace and nothing is rushed. It just fits how it's meant to.
Okay so I actually really loved Jada at the start but about 60% she really annoyed me, I wanted to slap her and say come on sort your head out I felt her thoughts were quite childish but in saying that, I get why she acted a certain way at times, I think for me it was more why can't you see what in front of you.... I still love her though, and I'm glad she got her HEA because she did go through some crazy shit.
Cane well he one SEXY piece of meat yum, his few one liners had me laughing out loud he is such a cocky bastard but god did I FLOVE that about him, He's and Max's relationship I just LOVED they had me giggling so hard at some of the things they would come out with, I can't WAIT to dive into Max's story... Honesty I'm really excited, there is something about him. Gah....
I'm glad I finally got around to reading it, I really enjoyed it.
Wow.....OMG Love this story... The book was so well written and delivered everything you want in a good Romance book.. There is drama, love, suspense, loss, & healing. I literally got sucked into this book. I started reading it and could not put it down.. I wanted more.. I was up till 4 am reading because I could not put it down. I wanted more of Jada, Cane, Max, & Kari.. I wanted every detail. Once if finished this book I gifted 5 ebook to friends because I want them to fall in love with Cane, Jada, Max, & Kari. All my friends have and we are all hoping to get more from Adriana Locke. Jada's getting out of a bad marriage and wanting to start over. She is wanting something better for her life. Cane is the hot looking guy that is all MAN... In the beginning of the story he is so full of himself and so sure of himself. Cane has had a hard life starting at a young age. He has rules he lives by and when he meets Jada all that changes. The sex scene in the book are Steamy & Hot.. I don't want to spoil the book... IT IS DEFINITELY A MUST READ!! You will fall in love with Jada & Cane and the journey they go thru to find each others happiness. You will fall in love with Kari & Max, Jada's sister and Cane's best friend. The is a standalone book but I am really hoping Adriana Locke will give us more. For a debut book by Adriana Locke she did a amazing job delivering a 5 STAR BOOK ***** in my opinion. You did a awesome job. Check her out on Facebook page, Twitter, & Instagram . I love the visuals she has for Cane.. OMG ..
Fantastic debut from author Adriana Locke!!! This book is sexy, fast paced, warm and witty. I really enjoyed this book and read it almost in one sitting. The characters are very well written, very down to earth, and Cane Alexander is totally HOT and incredibly swoon-worthy!
Jada is trying for a fresh start after leaving a bad marriage. Swearing off "players", she is determined to be meaningful to someone and be cherished. Jada and Cane meet through her sister and they instantly connect. That sounds like the same old story but it's not. This is a very sexy, very relatable book with a healthy dose of suspense and action thrown in! Cane is a self-confessed "player" and tells Jada right from the start that he doesn't do relationships. But something about her has him re-thinking his "bad boy" status.
"You shouldn’t try to play games with me because I’m not a player, I’m the coach.” ~ Cane
Cane and Jada have fabulous chemistry and because this book is told from dual POV's, it was great to experience what both characters were feeling. I also loved Cane's best friend Max and Jada's sister Kari, and of course hope that they will get their own story, too. Grab this one if you love a sexy Alpha male who is not afraid to go after what he wants and who will do anything he can to protect the ones he loves!
(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
The Exception, a Contemporary Romance by Adriana Locke that I could not put down
Cane Alexander, a hot, successful, cocky alpha bad boy that is used to living by his own rules, until he meets Jada Stanley, a woman who turns his life upside down and makes him realize he is capable of love and how alone he has been for most of his life. Jada Stanley, a woman who is broken from a past marriage, who is starting her life over in another state close to her family. A woman who vows never to fall for the bad boy again, until she meets Cane. The chemistry is electric and their story is one that everyone should read. I guarantee you will fall in love with both of them. I highly recommend this book. Adriana Locke is a new author who hit the ground running with her first novel and is sure to be a very successful author. I cannot wait for her next book.
I had been told by many of my book girls that I just had to read this book. As soon as I got a chance, I jumped right in, and I am so glad that I did. This book grabbed me from the very beginning. I fell in love with Cane and Jada right away. I also adore Kari and Max (and hope they get their own book soon!). Every character was so relatable and felt real. I loved all the elements to this story. It wasn't just a love story...although it was a hell of a one of those too. There was so much more to it. I read it within 24 hours because I couldn't put it down! It is extremely hard to believe that this is Adriana's debut novel...it is written like its from a seasoned writer. Well done Adriana!! I look forward to what you come out with next!
Cane Alexander.......HOLLLLYYY SWWOOOOON!!!!! When the book first starts you will say OMG that man is such an azz but in no time at all...you will be falling at his feet!!! I love it when you read a story with an alpha male who is such a pain your butt until he meets that "one" who will make him fall to his knees and do anything in his power to make her happy. I was so hooked from page one it was hard to put this book down until the very end!! Be prepared for your emotions to be all over the place but trust me, you will love every second of it!! Perfect story line, the hot and steamy sex scenes and the suspense of what is going to happen next will have you hooked from the start.
Cane is a player and the one thing he doesn't do is relationships, no way no how...that is until he meets Jada. One look at her and he knows he is ready to make her his exception.
Jada has just gotten out of a marriage that was not what she wanted or expected. The moment she lays eyes on Cane she is definitely attracted to him but once she hears he is "The Chief" at the playing field she knows she needs to stay far far away but Cane won't give up!! Will he be able to break down Jada's wall's and make her his beautiful girl?
After reading be prepared for Cane to make you want to bake some chocolate chip cookies!!
I loved Jada's sister Kari and Cane's best friend Max!! I am crossing my fingers that those two will soon get a book of their own!! Max was super sweet and protective of the girls and is totally swoon worthy his self.
I'm also interested in Heather and Brian so I'll cross my fingers that Adriana may explore them some in the future as well!! I'm a sucker for hot band members so..... :)
Amazing job Adriana Locke!! I can't wait to see what you come up with next and I will now add you to my stalker list!!
I love this book!! It's hard to believe that it is debut book from Adriana Locke. It's captivating and magnetic. You will not be able to put it down. On the occasions, I was forced to stop reading it, it stayed on my mind and called to me. Adriana has a gift of writing memorable and believable characters. I fell head over heels with the four main characters, Jada, Cane, Kari and Max. I honestly love them all. They all brought this book to life and are equally important. There is a subplot I did not see coming. That involves some suspense, action and a villain. That only added to the book. Dueling POV's which I love. Adriana knows how to write the male POV. Totally alpha male. Bravo.
This is a story about letting go of the past and starting over. Jada Stanley has gone through a bad divorce and has moved in with her sister Kari. All she wants to do is get her life back. Just as she's settling in, she meets Cane Alexander. He's Kari's man Max's best friend. Well let's just say Cane is everything Jada does not want or need. He's a true hedonist and playboy. He comes off like he's God's gift to woman. He thinks, he has it all figured out. He has rules he lives by.... Pretty much sex with no strings attached. But before you judge a book by its cover, underneath all his bull, Cane has a huge heart. This is not your typical cat and mouse story. These characters have layers and depth. Jada is a fantastic leading lady and an inspiration. Not only is she strong but she puts her self first. Refusing to make the same mistake. Ought she does not make it easy for Cane and good for her!!! But sometimes in life, everything you don't think you want is everything you need. There's an exception to every rule!! Don't even get me started on Cane. I love this man. He slowly worked his way into my heart. By transforming into the man he's supposed to be. He is all sorts of yummy and every girls fantasy. One of my favorite things about this book was hearing their thoughts in between their dialog. Brilliant. Their relationship and this book are like a drug, addictive!
It also has more then one prominent relationship .... It has one of the best bromances I have ever read. (I would say it's as good as COLTON and BECKS!) Cane and Max stole my heart. They had me cracking up! Beside the easy banter, I found their friendship so endearing. True bros! Always having each other's back. Then there is the blooming relationship between Max and Kari. These two are so funny and sweet! They need their own book!!
I don't want to give too much away. I could go on and on but I will stop now. As you can see, I can not rave enough about this book. There isn't one thing I would change. Go get it now!!
I am blown away by this debut novel by Adriana Locke. I forsee a very bright writing career for her. She managed to put everything I look for in a story. A broken man who needs love, a broken woman who fights back and needs that one man to wake her up. This book had angst, it had very well written characters, and some very delicious men who will grace many book lovers book boyfriend lists. Max and Cane couldn't be any better than she wrote them.
The mystery aspect keeps you on your toes wondering what will happen next, and heart pounding with anticipation. The steamy scenes were just that, STEAMY! Cane is so yummy! My hats off to you Adriana for writing a suburb book! Now do we get a Max book?! PLEASE?!
I highly recommend this book to my romance lovers out there. You won't be disappointed!
Oh where do I even start.... Cane Alexander will stay with me nestled deep in my heart. He is the perfect combination of cocky, sweet, frustrating, sexy and so irresistible. All of the characters are very likable and funny. I can't leave out Max. His sweet southern self gave Cane a run for his money.
I am completely floored that this is Adriana's first book. It was well written from start to finish. It made me laugh, a little frustrated and oh so happy. I will absolutely read anything she releases in the future.
On a personal note when an author is approachable and interacts with their readers it goes a long way with me. I have been lucky enough to find a few of them. Thank you for trusting me with Cane prior to his release ;). You Adriana are an exception!!
What a fabulous debut from author Adriana Locke!!! Fast paced, sexy, suspenseful. A page turner through and through. The story grabbed me and held me prisoner till the very end. I found myself laughing out loud and blushing at the same time. Her characters were relatable and real! Their banter witty and true to life. I enjoyed this story immensely and loved the suspense intermingled throughout the story. The twist and turns kept me guessing and just when I thought I could breath, BAM! Locke delivered another blow. Great Job! I am excited to read more from this wonderful author!
I'm not a massive fan of stand alone books to be honest as I find that they move too unrealistically quick! HOWEVER, I loved this story it moves perfectly along includes everything you want in a love story..... With that edge!! I don't want to even hint as it will give too much away but this is a must read! You will love Cane immediately......
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars it's brilliant and is a MUST read!! Love love love it!! ❤️
This book was hard for me to read. Didn't like the back and forth between characters and DNF it at 40%. This was a train wreck and absolutely not for me.
The Exception is swoony and sweet, with a little bit of danger and suspense. Jada is starting over after getting out of a toxic relationship and not looking to jump back into anything. She knows she needs to swear off of those “bad boys” she seems to be attracted to, but as soon as she meets Cane Alexander she is fighting a losing battle against the immediate attraction.
“You’re the one exception to every rule I’ve ever made.”
Cane has a rule to keep his relationships uncomplicated but meeting Jada proves that some rules were made to be broken.
“You’re my world. My happiness. My exception.”
I loved listening to The Exception on audiobook. The narration was wonderful and just made the reading experience even better. -4.5 Stars-