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vikcs's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
The first book really surprised me in a very positive way so there was no question whether to read this one either. I enjoyed it quite well, true a tad bit less than the first book but it was still phenomenal. The best way I could describe it how I think about this story is something that you snuggle up with in a cold night in front of the fireplace and a big cup of tea. Even thou it has a couple of really serious topics detailed in it for some reason my focus was on the warm and fuzzy.
So as I mentioned just now there are a couple of darker topics playing quite a big role in this story and however important they are, I felt they got a bit too much of an attention especially since it wasn’t connected to the main characters indirectly. I felt it could have been more beneficial to the story if it concentrated more on Kennedy and the things happening directly to her and not her sister story. I know that the two things went hand in hand and influenced each other still I felt the balance between them was a bit off. Anyway I enjoyed the plot very much even if it was a bit stifling at parts and I felt a bit more action would have shaken it up.
The author has a kind of fluid and easy writing style and I love to read her stories. This style helps when it comes to pulling the reader into the book and so far it was successful with me. Yet what I loved about this book the best was with alternating between the two POVs (Kennedy and Joey) she accomplished to really show the story from different sides. I don’t even know how to describe it to make sense so bear with me a bit. Usually even with dual POVs you only see the same story from different angles but since you know both of them you form a common, an unified feeling about it. However in this case when I was reading the different narratives I was constantly pin-ponging between feelings, opinions I couldn’t decide on just one. As if I was really two people. I don’t know if you could understand what I wanted to say but this element was what was my favorite in this book.
In the end I liked both Kennedy and Joey but in both cases I needed to read more chapters to get there. They didn’t start out as instantly likeable characters, especially in Kennedy case. You needed to peel back the layers around them to really see them and then you could get absolutely enchanted by them. The romance between them is a slower one and starts out as bickering, then friendship and they only take the next step after that.
Also I loved seeing the characters from Curveball.
This was a beautiful, funny and somewhat heartbreaking story of love, family and understanding and accepting who you really are. There is a lot going on in it on different fronts all of them interesting and emotional yet I couldn’t give it five stars because I kept waiting for something more happening, something sinister since there were hints of it here and there in the book.
So as I mentioned just now there are a couple of darker topics playing quite a big role in this story and however important they are, I felt they got a bit too much of an attention especially since it wasn’t connected to the main characters indirectly. I felt it could have been more beneficial to the story if it concentrated more on Kennedy and the things happening directly to her and not her sister story. I know that the two things went hand in hand and influenced each other still I felt the balance between them was a bit off. Anyway I enjoyed the plot very much even if it was a bit stifling at parts and I felt a bit more action would have shaken it up.
The author has a kind of fluid and easy writing style and I love to read her stories. This style helps when it comes to pulling the reader into the book and so far it was successful with me. Yet what I loved about this book the best was with alternating between the two POVs (Kennedy and Joey) she accomplished to really show the story from different sides. I don’t even know how to describe it to make sense so bear with me a bit. Usually even with dual POVs you only see the same story from different angles but since you know both of them you form a common, an unified feeling about it. However in this case when I was reading the different narratives I was constantly pin-ponging between feelings, opinions I couldn’t decide on just one. As if I was really two people. I don’t know if you could understand what I wanted to say but this element was what was my favorite in this book.
In the end I liked both Kennedy and Joey but in both cases I needed to read more chapters to get there. They didn’t start out as instantly likeable characters, especially in Kennedy case. You needed to peel back the layers around them to really see them and then you could get absolutely enchanted by them. The romance between them is a slower one and starts out as bickering, then friendship and they only take the next step after that.
Also I loved seeing the characters from Curveball.
This was a beautiful, funny and somewhat heartbreaking story of love, family and understanding and accepting who you really are. There is a lot going on in it on different fronts all of them interesting and emotional yet I couldn’t give it five stars because I kept waiting for something more happening, something sinister since there were hints of it here and there in the book.
bookladysreviews's review
4.0
*A free copy of this book was kindly provide through NetGalley! All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Exception follows the lives of Joey and Kennedy, whose paths intertwine and merge together to create this wonderful and swoon worthy story!
Kennedy decides to temporarily leave her dream life in the big city behind and go back to her small hometown for a couple of months. The plan is to go back and live with her parents, get back on her feet and return when she's financially and emotionally stable. Her father isn't really supportive of her decisions in general, which is something he makes quite obvious as soon as he's introduced in the novel. His remarks are harmful and completely out of line, something that makes Kennedy even more determined to get away. Her sister isn't mentally stable and her parents want to pretend that everything's all rainbows and butterflies with her condition, instead of getting her the professional help she needs.
Joey is a suspended detective, who decided to get away from everything for a while and help his brother build his dream house. He's handsome, arrogant and exactly what Kennedy does not need. She tries to deny the chemistry between them and stay away but, the attraction gets too much to handle. It doesn't take long for them to act on their feelings and give in to each other. But, Kennedy never intended on falling in love and her initial plan was to stay for a couple of months and then go back to the city. Joey's patiently waiting for her decision but, how long will it take and how much will it affect their fragile relationship?
I was really interested in reading Exception since the synopsis intrigued me and made the book sound like something I'd personally enjoy. I didn't have the biggest expectations but, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I haven't read a New Adult novel in quite sometime so, I was just looking for something to get me back on track. The story started a bit slow and there were times when the pace followed but, everything got so much better once I was a couple of chapters in! It was very fast paced but didn't feel rushed and I immensely enjoyed getting to know the characters and connecting with them throughout the novel!
Kennedy was a great main heroine and her flaws and insecurities made her even more relatable. She was a very likable character and she owed up to her mistakes without trying to come up with pointless excuses. She's also very caring, which becomes quite obvious as the story progresses and her past is slowly unveiled. The truth of everything that has happened in her life is slowly revealed to us and catching up on her. How people see her sister, Grace, is something that has always haunted Kennedy and the fact that things are getting worse and nobody is acknowledging them, is affecting her even more. All these flaws, imperfections and difficulties that Kennedy faces in her every day life, make it even easier for us to relate.
Both and Joey and Kennedy are forces to be reckoned with and when they collide, sparks explode and we're left swooning over them. Once they laid their eyes on each other, the inevitable happened and it eventually led to them falling for each other. Things aren't so easy though since, at first, they're both trying to deny their feelings and stay away but, love always prevails. Simple as that. The only problem is that, if Kennedy decides to leave for the city again, the distance may prove fatal to their relationship.
The secondary characters were also very well written and I seriously fell in love with Kennedy's best friend, Violet. Who I would love to read a novel for, by the way. Same goes for Grace. She's been through so much, something that we're briefly made aware of throughout the book but don't really have the complete picture of. That is why I'd really love to read her story and learn more about her past. And future, of course. Kennedy's mother kind of balanced things out but, I wasn't really a big fan of her. Complete and utter indifference came over me, as a reader, every single time she was mentioned. As for her father, I can understand the reasons behind his behavior but, it was completely unacceptable and inexcusable. A couple of chapter in and I was already frustrated and angry because of the way he treated Kennedy. Something that did not change with his dumb apology.
The plot itself was extremely cliche, I'm not going to lie. But, it's the kind of cliche that I personally enjoy reading about. The story didn't feel rushed, nor did it drag on and on, which I was very thankful for. It was interesting enough to keep me reading, even though nothing mind blowing happened throughout it. There were some very steamy scenes, which were also well written and executed by the author. Also, the biggest revelation was Grace and how her condition affected the lives of everyone around her. It was very interesting to see things through Kennedy' s perspective because she wasn't the one going through everything but, she was directly affected by it. The writing was great as well and the novel itself was a nice surprise. I didn't think I would genuinely enjoy it so much.
Overall, Exception wasn't a breakthrough novel nor did it blow my mind away with its authenticity, because I have read countless New Adult stories that are very similar to it but, it got me out of my Fantasy phase and kind of reintroduced me to the genre. Kennedy and Joey's story is one I personally do not regret reading and I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of New Adult novels or if you're just looking for something quick and easy to read. If you're expecting a unique plot that you've never encountered before, this is definitely not it. It's a cliche that I cannot get enough of and I immensely enjoyed!
Exception follows the lives of Joey and Kennedy, whose paths intertwine and merge together to create this wonderful and swoon worthy story!
Kennedy decides to temporarily leave her dream life in the big city behind and go back to her small hometown for a couple of months. The plan is to go back and live with her parents, get back on her feet and return when she's financially and emotionally stable. Her father isn't really supportive of her decisions in general, which is something he makes quite obvious as soon as he's introduced in the novel. His remarks are harmful and completely out of line, something that makes Kennedy even more determined to get away. Her sister isn't mentally stable and her parents want to pretend that everything's all rainbows and butterflies with her condition, instead of getting her the professional help she needs.
Joey is a suspended detective, who decided to get away from everything for a while and help his brother build his dream house. He's handsome, arrogant and exactly what Kennedy does not need. She tries to deny the chemistry between them and stay away but, the attraction gets too much to handle. It doesn't take long for them to act on their feelings and give in to each other. But, Kennedy never intended on falling in love and her initial plan was to stay for a couple of months and then go back to the city. Joey's patiently waiting for her decision but, how long will it take and how much will it affect their fragile relationship?
I was really interested in reading Exception since the synopsis intrigued me and made the book sound like something I'd personally enjoy. I didn't have the biggest expectations but, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I haven't read a New Adult novel in quite sometime so, I was just looking for something to get me back on track. The story started a bit slow and there were times when the pace followed but, everything got so much better once I was a couple of chapters in! It was very fast paced but didn't feel rushed and I immensely enjoyed getting to know the characters and connecting with them throughout the novel!
Kennedy was a great main heroine and her flaws and insecurities made her even more relatable. She was a very likable character and she owed up to her mistakes without trying to come up with pointless excuses. She's also very caring, which becomes quite obvious as the story progresses and her past is slowly unveiled. The truth of everything that has happened in her life is slowly revealed to us and catching up on her. How people see her sister, Grace, is something that has always haunted Kennedy and the fact that things are getting worse and nobody is acknowledging them, is affecting her even more. All these flaws, imperfections and difficulties that Kennedy faces in her every day life, make it even easier for us to relate.
Both and Joey and Kennedy are forces to be reckoned with and when they collide, sparks explode and we're left swooning over them. Once they laid their eyes on each other, the inevitable happened and it eventually led to them falling for each other. Things aren't so easy though since, at first, they're both trying to deny their feelings and stay away but, love always prevails. Simple as that. The only problem is that, if Kennedy decides to leave for the city again, the distance may prove fatal to their relationship.
The secondary characters were also very well written and I seriously fell in love with Kennedy's best friend, Violet. Who I would love to read a novel for, by the way. Same goes for Grace. She's been through so much, something that we're briefly made aware of throughout the book but don't really have the complete picture of. That is why I'd really love to read her story and learn more about her past. And future, of course. Kennedy's mother kind of balanced things out but, I wasn't really a big fan of her. Complete and utter indifference came over me, as a reader, every single time she was mentioned. As for her father, I can understand the reasons behind his behavior but, it was completely unacceptable and inexcusable. A couple of chapter in and I was already frustrated and angry because of the way he treated Kennedy. Something that did not change with his dumb apology.
The plot itself was extremely cliche, I'm not going to lie. But, it's the kind of cliche that I personally enjoy reading about. The story didn't feel rushed, nor did it drag on and on, which I was very thankful for. It was interesting enough to keep me reading, even though nothing mind blowing happened throughout it. There were some very steamy scenes, which were also well written and executed by the author. Also, the biggest revelation was Grace and how her condition affected the lives of everyone around her. It was very interesting to see things through Kennedy' s perspective because she wasn't the one going through everything but, she was directly affected by it. The writing was great as well and the novel itself was a nice surprise. I didn't think I would genuinely enjoy it so much.
Overall, Exception wasn't a breakthrough novel nor did it blow my mind away with its authenticity, because I have read countless New Adult stories that are very similar to it but, it got me out of my Fantasy phase and kind of reintroduced me to the genre. Kennedy and Joey's story is one I personally do not regret reading and I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of New Adult novels or if you're just looking for something quick and easy to read. If you're expecting a unique plot that you've never encountered before, this is definitely not it. It's a cliche that I cannot get enough of and I immensely enjoyed!
kristy_k's review
3.0
Although this started out slow for me, it eventually picks up with a story focused on family and romance. Joey and Kennedy get off to a bumpy start, but soon find solace in each other as they navigate major changes in their lives. I liked that this romance was a slow burn. There was no insta-love and a lot of the plot revolves around their families (Joey's brother is Coen from [b:Curveball|34888349|Curveball|Mariah Dietz|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1493694046s/34888349.jpg|56142164], and Kennedy's family is dealing with some mental health issues).
I loved Kennedy's best friend, Violet, and would love to see her get her own book. Here's hoping Dietz continues on with this fun and thoughtful series.
I loved Kennedy's best friend, Violet, and would love to see her get her own book. Here's hoping Dietz continues on with this fun and thoughtful series.
nessreads11's review
4.0
*I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 Stars
I honestly didn't know what to expect while reading Exception. The fact that this story and these characters hit me deeply in the feels department was surprising. The only thing I knew for sure was that this was Joey's book. If you've read Curveball you know that Joey is Coen's older brother. Both books are about different couples, so you don't have to read Curveball to read Exception, but I definitely recommend you do. Why? Because Coen!!!!! Coen is just *heart eyes* Alright, back to Exception.
Exception was a story about discovering your true self and living without fears.
Kennedy Wallace has done the best she can do living away from home. But finding a decent job has been harder than she thought. When she left her small town she was destined for bigger and better. Voted most likely to succeed from her fellow peers in high school has made Kennedy want to achieve that and more. But her financial situation has become grim. So she decides to move back home for a couple of months and stay with her parents and help them out with their hardware store. She wants to save some money and get her life on track before deciding what to do. It's not what Kennedy wanted, but it's what's best.
Detective Joey DeLuca has seen better days. Taken off a very important case, Joey needs to clear his head, and what better way to do that than to visit his brother and help him remodel his new house. And in a trip to the towns hardware store he spots Kennedy. And let's just say their first meeting wasn't exactly smooth.
It was no surprise that Kennedy and Joey had chemistry. And their back and forth banter made it extra fun for when they finally gave in to their feelings. I relished their arguments because they were silly and brought the laughs. They were stubborn, but it was only because they didn't want to get hurt. But when they finally let each other in and break down the walls they had built it was exactly the way it was supposed to be.
“You could have passed me in the busiest city, during the busiest hour, with sirens blaring in the middle of a hailstorm, and I would’ve noticed you.”
Mariah, please tell me you're writing a book for Grace! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, I need to know more about her story. I hurt for her so much, and I don't want to say goodbye without knowing certain things. *fingers crossed* for a Grace's book.
4.5 Stars
I honestly didn't know what to expect while reading Exception. The fact that this story and these characters hit me deeply in the feels department was surprising. The only thing I knew for sure was that this was Joey's book. If you've read Curveball you know that Joey is Coen's older brother. Both books are about different couples, so you don't have to read Curveball to read Exception, but I definitely recommend you do. Why? Because Coen!!!!! Coen is just *heart eyes* Alright, back to Exception.
Exception was a story about discovering your true self and living without fears.
Kennedy Wallace has done the best she can do living away from home. But finding a decent job has been harder than she thought. When she left her small town she was destined for bigger and better. Voted most likely to succeed from her fellow peers in high school has made Kennedy want to achieve that and more. But her financial situation has become grim. So she decides to move back home for a couple of months and stay with her parents and help them out with their hardware store. She wants to save some money and get her life on track before deciding what to do. It's not what Kennedy wanted, but it's what's best.
Detective Joey DeLuca has seen better days. Taken off a very important case, Joey needs to clear his head, and what better way to do that than to visit his brother and help him remodel his new house. And in a trip to the towns hardware store he spots Kennedy. And let's just say their first meeting wasn't exactly smooth.
It was no surprise that Kennedy and Joey had chemistry. And their back and forth banter made it extra fun for when they finally gave in to their feelings. I relished their arguments because they were silly and brought the laughs. They were stubborn, but it was only because they didn't want to get hurt. But when they finally let each other in and break down the walls they had built it was exactly the way it was supposed to be.
“You could have passed me in the busiest city, during the busiest hour, with sirens blaring in the middle of a hailstorm, and I would’ve noticed you.”
Mariah, please tell me you're writing a book for Grace! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, I need to know more about her story. I hurt for her so much, and I don't want to say goodbye without knowing certain things. *fingers crossed* for a Grace's book.
kcsunshine25's review
4.0
3.5 stars but I round up.
What is it about men called DeLuca? First there was Brad, no relation and different author but hell sexy. Then there was Coen, who melted my heart with his love for a child who was not of his making (when you are a single parent, finding your Coen is EVERYTHING).
Along comes Joey DeLuca. He made me blush and giggle. Mr Angrypants.
Kennedy Wallace, deep in debt and feeling like she has failed at adulting goes home to mum and dad. Miss Bitchypants.
Angrypants meet Bitchypants! Throw in a pond, a fender bender, a storm and it is on.......
Exception is a sweet story. It made me want to live in a town where everyone knows my name and gives me jelly beans (I Flove jelly beans, and yes I eat them in colour order).
What is it about men called DeLuca? First there was Brad, no relation and different author but hell sexy. Then there was Coen, who melted my heart with his love for a child who was not of his making (when you are a single parent, finding your Coen is EVERYTHING).
Along comes Joey DeLuca. He made me blush and giggle. Mr Angrypants.
Kennedy Wallace, deep in debt and feeling like she has failed at adulting goes home to mum and dad. Miss Bitchypants.
Angrypants meet Bitchypants! Throw in a pond, a fender bender, a storm and it is on.......
Exception is a sweet story. It made me want to live in a town where everyone knows my name and gives me jelly beans (I Flove jelly beans, and yes I eat them in colour order).
reading_with_2_book_lovers's review
4.0
what a great book by this author. she always manages to take me on an emotional journey!
I volunteered to read a copy of this book
I volunteered to read a copy of this book
stephsromancebooktalk's review
4.0
Oh the burn, the very, very slow burn!! This story was very much in the wheel house of Mariah Dietz's other books with having strong, independent, female & male characters. Joey and Kennedy have this hate to love relationship mixed in with an emotional connection that draws you in and tugged at my heart. I did wish for a little more drama with some of the subjects that were mentioned but that climax just never came. Overall, I did enjoy the slow burn love story about a small town girl looking for her happy and the big city guy that has trust issues.
Provided as an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
This specific video review will be in the January 2018 Wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
Provided as an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
This specific video review will be in the January 2018 Wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
vikit's review
4.0
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
The first book really surprised me in a very positive way so there was no question whether to read this one either. I enjoyed it quite well, true a tad bit less than the first book but it was still phenomenal. The best way I could describe it how I think about this story is something that you snuggle up with in a cold night in front of the fireplace and a big cup of tea. Even thou it has a couple of really serious topics detailed in it for some reason my focus was on the warm and fuzzy.
So as I mentioned just now there are a couple of darker topics playing quite a big role in this story and however important they are, I felt they got a bit too much of an attention especially since it wasn’t connected to the main characters indirectly. I felt it could have been more beneficial to the story if it concentrated more on Kennedy and the things happening directly to her and not her sister story. I know that the two things went hand in hand and influenced each other still I felt the balance between them was a bit off. Anyway I enjoyed the plot very much even if it was a bit stifling at parts and I felt a bit more action would have shaken it up.
The author has a kind of fluid and easy writing style and I love to read her stories. This style helps when it comes to pulling the reader into the book and so far it was successful with me. Yet what I loved about this book the best was with alternating between the two POVs (Kennedy and Joey) she accomplished to really show the story from different sides. I don’t even know how to describe it to make sense so bear with me a bit. Usually even with dual POVs you only see the same story from different angles but since you know both of them you form a common, an unified feeling about it. However in this case when I was reading the different narratives I was constantly pin-ponging between feelings, opinions I couldn’t decide on just one. As if I was really two people. I don’t know if you could understand what I wanted to say but this element was what was my favorite in this book.
In the end I liked both Kennedy and Joey but in both cases I needed to read more chapters to get there. They didn’t start out as instantly likeable characters, especially in Kennedy case. You needed to peel back the layers around them to really see them and then you could get absolutely enchanted by them. The romance between them is a slower one and starts out as bickering, then friendship and they only take the next step after that.
Also I loved seeing the characters from Curveball.
This was a beautiful, funny and somewhat heartbreaking story of love, family and understanding and accepting who you really are. There is a lot going on in it on different fronts all of them interesting and emotional yet I couldn’t give it five stars because I kept waiting for something more happening, something sinister since there were hints of it here and there in the book.
The first book really surprised me in a very positive way so there was no question whether to read this one either. I enjoyed it quite well, true a tad bit less than the first book but it was still phenomenal. The best way I could describe it how I think about this story is something that you snuggle up with in a cold night in front of the fireplace and a big cup of tea. Even thou it has a couple of really serious topics detailed in it for some reason my focus was on the warm and fuzzy.
So as I mentioned just now there are a couple of darker topics playing quite a big role in this story and however important they are, I felt they got a bit too much of an attention especially since it wasn’t connected to the main characters indirectly. I felt it could have been more beneficial to the story if it concentrated more on Kennedy and the things happening directly to her and not her sister story. I know that the two things went hand in hand and influenced each other still I felt the balance between them was a bit off. Anyway I enjoyed the plot very much even if it was a bit stifling at parts and I felt a bit more action would have shaken it up.
The author has a kind of fluid and easy writing style and I love to read her stories. This style helps when it comes to pulling the reader into the book and so far it was successful with me. Yet what I loved about this book the best was with alternating between the two POVs (Kennedy and Joey) she accomplished to really show the story from different sides. I don’t even know how to describe it to make sense so bear with me a bit. Usually even with dual POVs you only see the same story from different angles but since you know both of them you form a common, an unified feeling about it. However in this case when I was reading the different narratives I was constantly pin-ponging between feelings, opinions I couldn’t decide on just one. As if I was really two people. I don’t know if you could understand what I wanted to say but this element was what was my favorite in this book.
In the end I liked both Kennedy and Joey but in both cases I needed to read more chapters to get there. They didn’t start out as instantly likeable characters, especially in Kennedy case. You needed to peel back the layers around them to really see them and then you could get absolutely enchanted by them. The romance between them is a slower one and starts out as bickering, then friendship and they only take the next step after that.
Also I loved seeing the characters from Curveball.
This was a beautiful, funny and somewhat heartbreaking story of love, family and understanding and accepting who you really are. There is a lot going on in it on different fronts all of them interesting and emotional yet I couldn’t give it five stars because I kept waiting for something more happening, something sinister since there were hints of it here and there in the book.
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