New Publication Spotlight & Review: The Only Exception by Claire Huston

The Only Exception (Love in the Comptons 2)

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?

This uplifting grumpy-meets-sunshine romance is perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Phillipa Ashley and Milly Johnson.

An entertaining and wonderfully written novel about reevaluating life, taking chances, and finding love. This is the second book in The Comptons series and can be read as a stand-alone.

Life is complicated for chef, Lucinda Green. She runs her own catering business while still sharing and living in the house she bought with her ex-fiance, Chris. When she finds herself helping out an old lady who collapses, she is not impressed by a male stranger who assists her. Yet, she can’t deny there is some sort of connection between them… it is something she can’t stop thinking about…

Alex Fraser, a forty-three-year-old actor flits from one job to another. He’s a well-known face on the screen but has yet to “star” in anything. When he helps a woman deal with a medical incident, he’s unimpressed by her attitude but can’t deny there is some kind of electrically charged attraction between them. They part ways but not long later, fate steps in and throws them together again...

I always enjoy a slow-burn romance, so really appreciated how the author manages to keep the attraction sizzling between the protagonists. Neither are looking for love, as both are dealing with the consequences of other people's actions. “It’s complicated” applies to them both as individuals, so it’s satisfying how they somehow manage to keep crossing each other's paths…

The secondary characters add comedic charm and hilarity to the narrative. For those who have read Art and Soul, it’s lovely to catch up with Becky, as she does what she does best, as a fixer. Putting all these elements together creates another satisfying tale with a warm and fuzzy outcome. It’s a story which stays with you long after the last page has been read.

Therefore, for those who are unfamiliar with Ms. Huston, I highly recommend both The Comptons novels. You won’t be disappointed.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel’s Random Resources***

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Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire with her husband and two children. She writes uplifting modern love stories about characters who are meant for each other but sometimes need a little help to realise it.

A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for over a hundred sweet treats at clairehuston.co.uk. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.

 https://linktr.ee/clairehuston_author