The Only Exception (Love in the Comptons Book 2) by Claire Huston

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?

My Review

The Only Exception was published earler this year. Whilst it is the second book in the Compton Series it is a stand alone novel so you don’t have to read the first book Art and Soul first. The Only Exception follows the characters Lucinda, a caterer and Alex an actor who meet in a lift that breaks down, and they have to help another person who has collapsed. There is an obvious spark between them, but along with miscommunication, awkward meetings and jealousy the path to true love does not run smooth.

The Only Exception made me realise that I need to read more romantic fiction. Claire Huston has written a warm, witty and heartwarming romance that left me with a smile on my face. She has a talent for writing relatable characters that as a reader you really become invested in. Lucinda. doesn’t believe in true love. Her parents divorced and her mother installed in her that’the one’ doesn’t exist, even after she meets the handsome, funny and talented Alex, a sex symbol to some. Lucinda and Alex may have different backgrounds but their current situations are similar. Lucinda finds herself having to live with her ex as they haven’t yet decided to sell their beautiful house. Alex is living with his girlfriend Nicole, but he knows the relationship is over, it’s just a case of sitting down and telling her. So many of the situations these character face are problems faced by many today so you know how the characters feel.

Claire Huston captures the full emotions, of both her main characters and the wonderful supporting cast. She also cleverly combines drama, wit and romance in this book so there is a balance and it’s not too soppy and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments that make this such an enjoyable reading experience. The plot flows seamlessly, alternating between the story of both characters, and Claire Huston ends each chapter at a moment where you just have to read on, or at least I did.

The Only Exception has the perfect romance ingredients of love, humour, drama and characters you warm to as the plot progresses. The characters felt like friends by the end of the book and I really wanted them to get their act together. This book left me feeling warm and fuzzy and left me with a smile on my face, and has made me search out my romance novels and push them up my reading pile.

I’d like to thank Claire Hustom for sending me a copy of her book to review and for her patience in waiting for a review.