A review by allingoodtime
The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren

hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This is the first short story I’ve read by Christina Lauren. Turns out it is the first short story they’ve written. They did a fantastic job. It is fast-paced, interesting, touching, and romantic. There are a lot of heavy topics that come up, but nothing is delved into. Still, there are content warnings to be aware of. I’ve seen some complaints that this isn’t a rom-com, and it’s not. But I haven’t seen anything in the synopsis or on the cover that would lead me to believe it’s a rom-com so I don’t have an issue with the lack of comedy. Some funny bits keep things light, but it’s not a comedy. 
 
The first part of this book is strictly e-mail messages between two people, teenagers when the initial accidental email is sent and in grad school by the time the narrative turns to anything other than the e-mail. It works. Especially in the audiobook format. It reads like banter (which it is) with heart. These back-and-forth messages are short, yet I could still see the growth the characters had over the years from adolescence to adulthood. 
 
If it weren’t for what happens when one of the characters realizes who their pen pal has been all these years, this would have been a 5-star read for me. There was something about how it played out that didn’t sit right with me. I won’t say more as it will ruin the story. It’s not terrible, it just wasn’t something I was completely comfortable with. However I still highly recommend this book. 
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