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Elevation
Exception
How do you stay away from your best friend’s sister? Easy. Hookup with every willing woman that passes through town.
Okay, technically Cade is my cousin, and Tiff isn’t his actual sister, just a family friend that he thinks of as a sibling. That doesn’t change the fact that she’s strictly off limits.
And it’s not just Cade who would castrate me if I crossed a line. It’s the entire town, who still sees her as the adorable little girl they watched grow up instead of the sweet and sassy knockout she’s become.
I’m fairly certain I’m the only person who sees the real Tiff, but no one thinks I deserve her, including me. Besides, I wouldn’t betray my cousin like that.
Famous last words I suppose, considering an untimely snowstorm traps us in the same small cabin, making me wonder if there’s any harm in making a tiny little exception?
Author's This small-town, opposites attract romance is a fast-burn love story with adult themes and humor that will have you lusting after the playboy who's actually a good guy, even though he falls for the wrong girl. Though it's written as the sixth and final book in the Elevation Series, it can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed.
Okay, technically Cade is my cousin, and Tiff isn’t his actual sister, just a family friend that he thinks of as a sibling. That doesn’t change the fact that she’s strictly off limits.
And it’s not just Cade who would castrate me if I crossed a line. It’s the entire town, who still sees her as the adorable little girl they watched grow up instead of the sweet and sassy knockout she’s become.
I’m fairly certain I’m the only person who sees the real Tiff, but no one thinks I deserve her, including me. Besides, I wouldn’t betray my cousin like that.
Famous last words I suppose, considering an untimely snowstorm traps us in the same small cabin, making me wonder if there’s any harm in making a tiny little exception?
Author's This small-town, opposites attract romance is a fast-burn love story with adult themes and humor that will have you lusting after the playboy who's actually a good guy, even though he falls for the wrong girl. Though it's written as the sixth and final book in the Elevation Series, it can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed.
230 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2023
2 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Michele Lenard
33 books151 followersMichele writes contemporary romance that is both sweet and steamy. Her goal is to make you fan your face as you wipe a tear from your eye. Several of her books have been named as finalists in the MARA Fiction From the Homeland contest. Her books are part of a series but there are no cliffhangers so each can be read as a standalone. When she isn't reading or writing she enjoys the outdoors, something that pops up in her books from time to time.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 2, 2023
Steamy!! Loved the connection between Deacon and Tiff but hate the way she was treated by the town...and Deacon at the start. Loved her development and reading about her learning to stand up for herself and what she wanted.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
April 29, 2023
☆☆ 4.5 stars ☆☆
"We’re playing with fire as it is, and you know it. If I was a decent guy I’d take a cold shower, but I’m not decent, and I don’t think you want me to be."
Holy hotness, what a way to end the series!! Deacon is the town playboy who has earned his reputation, never seen with the same woman more than once. Tiff is the town sweetheart, the good girl everyone looks out for, most especially her de facto brother, Cade, who is also Deacon's cousin. Deacon has been longing for Tiff for years but has kept his distance since she's strictly off-limits. How much longer can he keep his feelings hidden?
In addition to the forbidden aspect, this story includes forced proximity, praise, dirty talk, a touch of daddy kink and a hint of the paranormal (trust me, it works). Know the expression 'look but don't touch'? Who would have ever thought how hot even that could be?! Deacon and Tiff break the rules, push boundaries, edging over the line between should and shouldn't, the heat ramping up through it all. They burn for each other with a hunger and an all-consuming fire that's simply electric!
"I did it because I needed to kiss you more than I needed to breathe. Even if it was just the once."
But it wasn't just about the steam. I loved how Tiff was bold and audacious, taking what she wanted and making her own decisions. She brought out the best in Deacon, inspiring him to be a better man. And Deacon was so deliciously sexy yet vulnerable at the same time, doubting if he deserved a girl like Tiff. I loved the way he made Tiff feel beautiful, desirable, even empowered. He had nothing but admiration and respect for her. Could their relationship be anything more than a secret with an inevitable end date? And who would be hurt more if Tiff walks away?
I recommend reading the Elevation series from the beginning to truly appreciate these characters. Deacon and Tiff's story was years in the making. I loved the town of Katah Vista and its residents, new and old, so it's bittersweet to see this series come to an end. But I can't think of any other couple who would close it out more beautifully.
"There is no you or me....There’s only us."
** Special thanks to author Michele Lenard for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available May 2, 2023. **
"We’re playing with fire as it is, and you know it. If I was a decent guy I’d take a cold shower, but I’m not decent, and I don’t think you want me to be."
Holy hotness, what a way to end the series!! Deacon is the town playboy who has earned his reputation, never seen with the same woman more than once. Tiff is the town sweetheart, the good girl everyone looks out for, most especially her de facto brother, Cade, who is also Deacon's cousin. Deacon has been longing for Tiff for years but has kept his distance since she's strictly off-limits. How much longer can he keep his feelings hidden?
In addition to the forbidden aspect, this story includes forced proximity, praise, dirty talk, a touch of daddy kink and a hint of the paranormal (trust me, it works). Know the expression 'look but don't touch'? Who would have ever thought how hot even that could be?! Deacon and Tiff break the rules, push boundaries, edging over the line between should and shouldn't, the heat ramping up through it all. They burn for each other with a hunger and an all-consuming fire that's simply electric!
"I did it because I needed to kiss you more than I needed to breathe. Even if it was just the once."
But it wasn't just about the steam. I loved how Tiff was bold and audacious, taking what she wanted and making her own decisions. She brought out the best in Deacon, inspiring him to be a better man. And Deacon was so deliciously sexy yet vulnerable at the same time, doubting if he deserved a girl like Tiff. I loved the way he made Tiff feel beautiful, desirable, even empowered. He had nothing but admiration and respect for her. Could their relationship be anything more than a secret with an inevitable end date? And who would be hurt more if Tiff walks away?
I recommend reading the Elevation series from the beginning to truly appreciate these characters. Deacon and Tiff's story was years in the making. I loved the town of Katah Vista and its residents, new and old, so it's bittersweet to see this series come to an end. But I can't think of any other couple who would close it out more beautifully.
"There is no you or me....There’s only us."
** Special thanks to author Michele Lenard for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available May 2, 2023. **
May 10, 2023
I have very mixed feelings about this book and I actually don’t know if I liked it more than hated it or vice versa. First I want to mention what I loved about this book. I loved Deacon and Tiff. They were in love with each other for years but were afraid to act on it for a lot of reasons. But they were perfect for each other. Deacon was supportive of her, wanted to help her stand on her own feet and do what she loves. Tiff was showing him he is good enough to be happy with someone and she stood up for him when it was needed. That’s what a relationship should be about.
There were some really hot scenes and I loved how gentle and considerate Deacon was from the start when he found out Tiff wasn’t very experienced.
Now for the parts I didn’t like. The book’s set up felt really toxic and not something anyone could enjoy. Everyone treated Tiff like she was a child and had to be shielded all the time, like she isn’t legally competent and they have to make decisions for her. Her mother even had a “find my phone” app installed in Tiff’s phone so she could see where she was. I get that she had some trauma in the past but she should deal with it and not smother Tiff so much. And Tiff’s so called friends or her so called brother? Cade was such a huge hypocrite that I’m never reading his book. He was the same as Deacon before he met his wife and he treated Deacon like this? It nearly broke my heart when Deacon thought “Cade is treating her like a child and me like a predator” and it really felt like it and I don’t get why since Deacon is such a good guy. And Tiff’s friends and their intervention? I admire her that she didn’t tell them right away to go to hell. I think Tiff and Deacon should have moved and started somewhere fresh.
I can’t give this book more than 3 ⭐⭐⭐ and if I didn’t love Tiff and Deacon so much I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish this book.
This was my first time reading a book with such a situation and I got into it unprepared, because I didn't know it would be like this. But I think a lot of people might love it because it's something different. Not your typical best friend's little sister romance.
There were some really hot scenes and I loved how gentle and considerate Deacon was from the start when he found out Tiff wasn’t very experienced.
Now for the parts I didn’t like. The book’s set up felt really toxic and not something anyone could enjoy. Everyone treated Tiff like she was a child and had to be shielded all the time, like she isn’t legally competent and they have to make decisions for her. Her mother even had a “find my phone” app installed in Tiff’s phone so she could see where she was. I get that she had some trauma in the past but she should deal with it and not smother Tiff so much. And Tiff’s so called friends or her so called brother? Cade was such a huge hypocrite that I’m never reading his book. He was the same as Deacon before he met his wife and he treated Deacon like this? It nearly broke my heart when Deacon thought “Cade is treating her like a child and me like a predator” and it really felt like it and I don’t get why since Deacon is such a good guy. And Tiff’s friends and their intervention? I admire her that she didn’t tell them right away to go to hell. I think Tiff and Deacon should have moved and started somewhere fresh.
I can’t give this book more than 3 ⭐⭐⭐ and if I didn’t love Tiff and Deacon so much I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish this book.
This was my first time reading a book with such a situation and I got into it unprepared, because I didn't know it would be like this. But I think a lot of people might love it because it's something different. Not your typical best friend's little sister romance.
May 2, 2023
Finally we get to see Deacon as more than just a tourist attraction.
Small town, opposites attract, “brother’s” best friend, one bed, and lots of spice.
I’m so glad Tiff finds the man she’s meant to be with, even if they’ve both been longing for each other for years.
Deacon is the town playboy, the reason his cousin Cade was able to get him to move to such a small town. When he first moved, he saw a woman who drew his attention but knew he couldn't have her so he tried distracting himself with any/every female he could.
Tiff is the town sweetheart, she grew up in Katah Vista, her parents are very protective and therefore the whole town has taken on that mentality. She knows who she wants but has limited experience doing what it takes to get their attention.
These 2 have strong feelings, but both have misconceptions about the other. You'll have to read it to see how their story ends.
5/5 stars
4/5 chili peppers
An excellent ending to this series that I will be re-reading over and over again because it's so good!
Small town, opposites attract, “brother’s” best friend, one bed, and lots of spice.
I’m so glad Tiff finds the man she’s meant to be with, even if they’ve both been longing for each other for years.
Deacon is the town playboy, the reason his cousin Cade was able to get him to move to such a small town. When he first moved, he saw a woman who drew his attention but knew he couldn't have her so he tried distracting himself with any/every female he could.
Tiff is the town sweetheart, she grew up in Katah Vista, her parents are very protective and therefore the whole town has taken on that mentality. She knows who she wants but has limited experience doing what it takes to get their attention.
These 2 have strong feelings, but both have misconceptions about the other. You'll have to read it to see how their story ends.
5/5 stars
4/5 chili peppers
An excellent ending to this series that I will be re-reading over and over again because it's so good!
May 2, 2023
Absolution by Michele Lenard is book 6 in the Elevation series. This story is a steamy best friends sister, opposites attract, forced proximity romance, told from multi POV’s, no cliff hanger and a HEA.
This book was fast paced, easy to read and I liked the characters and their chemistry together.
Deacon is known as the towns playboy and Tiff is the towns sweetheart. Deacon has always had feelings for Tiff but doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. Tiff is feeling stifled in her town because everyone treats her like a little kid, even though she knows it’s because they love her.
This book can be read as a stand alone. You do meet other characters from the previous books but the author gives just enough background info so you didn’t feel lost in the story.
This book was fast paced, easy to read and I liked the characters and their chemistry together.
Deacon is known as the towns playboy and Tiff is the towns sweetheart. Deacon has always had feelings for Tiff but doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. Tiff is feeling stifled in her town because everyone treats her like a little kid, even though she knows it’s because they love her.
This book can be read as a stand alone. You do meet other characters from the previous books but the author gives just enough background info so you didn’t feel lost in the story.
May 10, 2023
Things aren't always what they seem on the outside! First we have Deacon who has come to be the town's playboy and not a smart bet or so everyone thinks. Deacon has had feelings for Tiffany for a long time and has just never acted on them because of his rep and the relationship with his cousin Cade.
Tiffany who has a rep for the town sweetheart who everyone wants to keep her sweet and innocent. She is Cade's little sister and he is very protective of her. Tiffany has a hidden side, she likes steamy romance novels and isn't as innocent as everyone thinks. She has been infatuated with Deacon for years and finally decides that she is going for it.
This is a must read! Very steamy, a little angsty and very much a happy ending!
Tiffany who has a rep for the town sweetheart who everyone wants to keep her sweet and innocent. She is Cade's little sister and he is very protective of her. Tiffany has a hidden side, she likes steamy romance novels and isn't as innocent as everyone thinks. She has been infatuated with Deacon for years and finally decides that she is going for it.
This is a must read! Very steamy, a little angsty and very much a happy ending!
April 13, 2023
I FLEW through this book! It has the best tropes: friends to lovers, good girl bad boy, best friend’s sister, small town, opposites attract. I loved it!
Deacon moved to a ski town outside of Colorado a few years ago and immediately fell for Tiff. The only problem is that he was known as the town’s player, oh and she’s his best friend’s sister so she’s off limits. Everyone tries to protect her by shielding her from the world, but what they don’t know is she has feelings for him too.
Ugh I loved this book so much! It’s a super fun steam romance and a quick read. Will definitely read more by this author as well.
Deacon moved to a ski town outside of Colorado a few years ago and immediately fell for Tiff. The only problem is that he was known as the town’s player, oh and she’s his best friend’s sister so she’s off limits. Everyone tries to protect her by shielding her from the world, but what they don’t know is she has feelings for him too.
Ugh I loved this book so much! It’s a super fun steam romance and a quick read. Will definitely read more by this author as well.
May 4, 2023
Exception is the culmination of the Elevation series and what a fitting ending!
Deacon is the town player and no one, especially his cousin Cade, wants him anywhere near good girl Tiff. Except of course, Tiff, who has been infatuated with Deacon for years. The tension between these two made ME groan.
"I can't cross the line, but it seems I've got no problem walking right up to it."
When a road closes the only way into town, they finally give in to their desires. Will they be brave enough to stand up for each other when they return?
Deacon is the town player and no one, especially his cousin Cade, wants him anywhere near good girl Tiff. Except of course, Tiff, who has been infatuated with Deacon for years. The tension between these two made ME groan.
"I can't cross the line, but it seems I've got no problem walking right up to it."
When a road closes the only way into town, they finally give in to their desires. Will they be brave enough to stand up for each other when they return?
April 28, 2023
This is a very very good friends to lovers, best friend’s sister, opposites attract romance, featuring Deacon who moved to a ski town in Colorado a few years ago and immediately falls for his off limits best friend’s sister. Since he’s known as the town’s player and everyone tries to shield her from the world, he’s having some hard work ahead of him. This is a fun, steamy romance, a quick read I really enjoyed reading.
May 1, 2023
This was an incredible book! It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Deacon and Tiff were meant to be together! While there were several things going against them, they held tight to what they wanted.
I read this book as quickly as I could because I wanted to see what happened next. Now, I can go back and reread it and savor every bit of it!
I am voluntarily leaving this review.
I read this book as quickly as I could because I wanted to see what happened next. Now, I can go back and reread it and savor every bit of it!
I am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 8, 2023
Exception is a small town, opposites attract, brothers best friend romance.
Tiff is the small town sweetheart who has been crushing on Deacon the towns playboy since meeting him. Deacon has been falling for Tiff, but keeps his distance from her.
This was a great read, full of sweet and some real spicy scenes.
Tiff is the small town sweetheart who has been crushing on Deacon the towns playboy since meeting him. Deacon has been falling for Tiff, but keeps his distance from her.
This was a great read, full of sweet and some real spicy scenes.
May 10, 2023
This is my first time reading this author and I'm so glad I found her. Tiff & Deacon are off the charts!! Fireworks!! Tiff is the hometown girl everyone loves. Deacon is the bad boy who can get anyone he wants. They have hidden their feelings for too long and it get explosive!! Great Book and a MUST READ!!!
April 16, 2023
Read this in one day!!!! What a cute story!!!! It is a love and hate feeling towards small town people right?! Hehe. Tiff and Deacon are such great people but some insecurities get to them. They deserve the happiness they found in themselves and in their steamy relationship. Loved it!
August 2, 2023
THis was a fun quick read with lots of spice. I grabbed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. There is an upcoming Buzzing about Romance- Quick Shot of Romance Review.
Make sure you check it out for all our thoughts on this title.
https://link.chtbl.com/BuzzingBooksPod
Make sure you check it out for all our thoughts on this title.
https://link.chtbl.com/BuzzingBooksPod
April 16, 2023
I loved this book. Once I started reading I did not stop until I was finished. Deacon and Tiff's story is definitely a must read!!
September 14, 2024
This is a fun read with laughs and plenty of steam that develops into a good love story.
April 30, 2023
This has to be one of the sexiest and hottest books I've read in a long time. Deacon and Tiff play out scenes from romance novels that will leave you in need of a cold shower.
10 red hot chili peppers for extra spicy
10 red hot chili peppers for extra spicy
May 18, 2023
Swoon! If you've ever love the bad boy then this book is for you.
Deacon is the ultimate bad boy, while Tiff is the sweet girl that everyone shelters to the point of suffocation. Together they traverse the opinions & expectations of an entire town to get their HEA.
Deacon is the ultimate bad boy, while Tiff is the sweet girl that everyone shelters to the point of suffocation. Together they traverse the opinions & expectations of an entire town to get their HEA.
June 25, 2025
Um... Daddy? 🥵
This book is everything. Michele did such a good job with Deacon and Tiff's dynamic. With there being an age gap and the small town drama revolving around the playboy falling for the town sweetheart, she played this story out perfectly, leaving no loose ends for the series.
I love Tiff's wit and good girl by day, bad girl by night persona. I loved how positive she was toward wanting to explore 'things' and Deacon was the perfect man to teach her.
He had an emotional investment, and the experience. She couldn't have found the more perfect match.
This book tied together 🥵🌶️ scenes that had me blushing with sweet scenes that had me in tears of joy.
I can't wait to see what Michele cooks up next!
This book is everything. Michele did such a good job with Deacon and Tiff's dynamic. With there being an age gap and the small town drama revolving around the playboy falling for the town sweetheart, she played this story out perfectly, leaving no loose ends for the series.
I love Tiff's wit and good girl by day, bad girl by night persona. I loved how positive she was toward wanting to explore 'things' and Deacon was the perfect man to teach her.
He had an emotional investment, and the experience. She couldn't have found the more perfect match.
This book tied together 🥵🌶️ scenes that had me blushing with sweet scenes that had me in tears of joy.
I can't wait to see what Michele cooks up next!
November 3, 2023
I've been waiting for Deacon's book since I read Distraction. The build up of Deacon and Tiff's story thoughout the other books in the series, just upped my anticipation.
Tiff is the town's little girl. Everyone is watching out for her and no one thinks she's growing up. No one but Deacon. He's very aware of how grown up she is. And that's the problem. Along with being his best friend's little sister. Add a trip out of town and a small cabin with a snowstorm, and things cannot be denied any longer.
This book was an easy and enjoyable read. I enjoyed the entire series and can't wait to see what Michele Lenard gives us next.
Tiff is the town's little girl. Everyone is watching out for her and no one thinks she's growing up. No one but Deacon. He's very aware of how grown up she is. And that's the problem. Along with being his best friend's little sister. Add a trip out of town and a small cabin with a snowstorm, and things cannot be denied any longer.
This book was an easy and enjoyable read. I enjoyed the entire series and can't wait to see what Michele Lenard gives us next.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews