The Perception

The Exception Series, Book 2

By: Adriana Locke

Narrated by: Stella Bloom, Lee Samuels

Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

There is no greater burden than a secret, and Kari Stanley has been carrying one alone for a long time. But fate intervenes in the form of a broken down car and the kind offer of assistance from a handsome stranger with a sweet, southern drawl. In exchange, all she has to do is go to dinner with him.

Temptation was never so sweet.

Max Quinn has secrets of his own. His good deeds aren't just a product of his southern upbringing, they're his atonement. As one dinner turns into two, he realizes that Kari just might be his salvation. As they struggle to find their path together, their secrets weigh heavier on them. Will they be able to trust one another with the truth, or will their secrets keep them apart forever?

This book can be listened to as a standalone novel.

©2015 Adriana Locke (P)2023 Adriana Locke

Wonderful Story & Listen🎧Riveting & Heartfelt!

Adriana Locke continues to wow me with another impressive novel, the second in her “Exception” series, an interconnected standalone. You do not need to read or listen to the first book, “The Exception” to enjoy this one, but that book is just as amazing at this one and I highly recommend it. This book not only captivated my attention the entire time, but it tugged on my heartstrings too. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to care about too. I adored the two lead characters, Max Quinn and Kari Stanley. They met by chance and there was an instant attraction between them and the chemistry between them was through the roof. Kari battles inner demons from a past that left her damaged, and she never wanted to have another serious relationship. She hadn’t shared her past with Max, not because she was hiding it, but because of her insecurities about it. Max senses this and knows it would not take much to scare her off and cause her to bolt, so he is patient with her. Their love story is not an easy one, but despite its obstacles and bumps in the road, it was a beautiful one. The writing and plotting are fantastic, as are the world building and character growth and development. There is never a dull moment in this book, it has plenty of drama, some angst, suspense, heartfelt emotions and steamy romance. It was great to see Caine and Jada again, and I loved the twist with his family drama, too. Adriana Locke, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride. 

🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, Adriana Locke chose the perfect cast to bring her characters and story to life. Stella Bloom and Lee Samuels are talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they were portraying, giving each a voice that suited that character’s persona and was believable in every role they played. Samuels nailed it as Max, grasping his protectiveness, natural charm and swoon worthiness that was off the charts. Bloom was just as amazing as Kari, grasping all sides of her personality, from her vulnerabilities to her determination. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the secondary characters, too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling every single one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration enhances an already amazing story to another level. Thank you for another fabulous listen.

Max will make you swoon! 😍

Adriana Locke delivers a swoon worthy hero! Max is loyal, kind, and loves with all his heart. He is ready to make Kari his once and for all but she’s been burned before. She’s convinced they want different things and once he realizes that, he won’t want her anymore.

There are some twists and surprises along the way. I wanted to shake Max and Kari on different occasions but I rooted for them the whole book. This book will make you swoon, possibly scream in frustration, gasp as you start to piece things together, and leave you with a smile on your face.

Stella and Lee delivered a great performance!

Loved Max and Kari!

The Perception by Adriana Locke was an intense and heartfelt romance that captivated my heart from start to finish. Kari and Max's journey to HEA was filled with many spicy twists and a few suspense turns that had me longing for these two to finally find their forever together.

Stella Bloom and Lee Samuels narrate this audiobook, and both were fantastic at bringing Max and Kari to life. Stella portrayed Kari's vulnerabilities, insecurities, and passions perfectly in a moving performance. Lee turned on the charm with his performance of Max, making his devoted and protective demeanor super swoony and irresistible. Plus, the longing chemistry between these two will melt your earbuds.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of a rollercoaster ride of a romance with a hot southern hero, a passionate heroine, secrets, drama, family time, stalker tendencies, marriage proposals, babies, a gripping climax, and a HEA that will make you happy sigh, then you will love Max and Kari's romance. I always look forward to more from Adriana Locke.

Golden Retriever Meets Black Cat

This small-town romance was filled with drama and spice. The FMC, Kari, is guarded after a broken heart from her last relationship and falls for the golden retriever, MMC, Max. They're faced with so many challenges, but their love makes them stronger.