About the Book:
Title: The Only Exception
Author: Claire Huston
Series: Love in the Comptons #2
Page Length: 374
Publication Date: June 7, 2022
Synopsis: Lucinda Green knows something is missing from her life. But what? Her catering business is enjoying modest success and she loves her cosy house, even if she does have to share it with her irritating ex-fiancé.
Whatever’s making her unsettled and edgy, Lucinda’s certain that a lack of romance isn’t the problem. How could it be when she doesn’t believe in true love?
But Lucinda’s beliefs are shaken by a series of electric encounters with Alex Fraser, a newly notorious actor who gradually proves himself to be infuriatingly funny and smart, as well as handsome.
Not that any of that matters. Because Lucinda doesn’t believe in all that ‘The One’ nonsense. That’s the rule.
But doesn’t every rule have an exception?
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My Review:
The Only Exception is a charming contemporary romance about taking chances, starting over, and finding love. The story follows Lucinda Green and Alex Fraser, strangers who meet by chance when their elevator breaks, and they are stuck with a woman who might be having a heart attack. The story pulls you into Lucinda and Alex’s lives from the first pages as they work together to save a stranger.
Lucinda is a driven caterer who is always on the go. She works so hard and is determined to make a success of her business. She is a person who likes to be in control, and she never takes risks with her heart. Alex is equally driven in his career as an actor, though he is a bit more of a risk-taker than Lucinda. Both characters are dynamic and complex, and I like that you see the personal journey both go on as they try to figure out their feelings, careers, friendships, romantic life, and more.
Lucinda and Alex have great chemistry, and there’s a lot of angst between them. Both are at a crossroads in their romantic lives, with Lucinda still living with her ex and Alex in a stagnant relationship with an aspiring actress, and they have a lot to figure out in their personal lives. However, several chance encounters bring them together, and they begin to want for more than what they have. I like that both characters begin to see their worth and make steps toward getting what they want. Unfortunately, Lucinda doesn’t believe in true love, but her growing feelings for Alex might just change her mind.
The secondary characters add a lot of depth and dimension to the story too. Lucinda’s friends, Alex’s fame-hungry girlfriend, and the woman they met on the elevator all have important roles in Alex and Lucinda’s relationship and growth. Plus, there’s an adorable dog that causes some interesting shenanigans when Lucinda and Alex visit the woman they saved.
I enjoyed this story, as I enjoy all of Claire Huston’s books. It’s fun and entertaining, and the characters and romance are wonderful. Though it’s the second book in the Love in the Comptons series, it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, if you read the first book, you’ll be happy to see Becky as a secondary character in this story. Special thanks to Claire Huston for providing me with an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance.
- The characters.
Favorite Lines:
I guess if you don’t give someone your whole heart, it’s pretty hard to break it.
Recommendations:
I would definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy contemporary romance.
Thank you so much! I’m delighted that you enjoyed it 🙂 xx
You’re so welcome! Love the romance!
I’m so happy to see your positive review, Julie. I have enjoyed both of Claire’s books that I read and look forward to this one.
If you liked her others, I think you’ll like this one too, Carla. Happy reading!