The Exception

Three Player Grind #4

by Allyson Lindt

Kandace

Midlife crisis or midlife celebration?

I’ve been the responsible one my entire life, including raising a son by myself. With my boy growing up and moving out and me hitting my mid-forties, I’m looking toward all the things I missed out on in life.

Hooking up with the hottie a decade younger than me, when I was halfway around the world in Italy, should’ve helped me scratch that let loose itch.

Instead, when I meet my brother’s new screenplay writer, I want another chance with another younger guy.

Then I realize the men know each other. Have a history with each other. Which makes me want them both even more.

I don’t even know who I am anymore, but this new, adventurous me is either going to get me in extraordinary trouble, or ensure I have the time of my life.

Responsible me knows it’s time to step back and behave, but I can’t help but make exception after exception for just one more taste. When secrets come to light that could destroy all of us, I wonder how much of a mistake I made trading responsibility for fun.

Genres: M M F, Romance, Audiobook

292 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2023

About the author

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Allyson Lindt has been telling stories since before she could put the words on paper. She was lucky enough to marry her muse and soul mate. Their cats are their children, and when they’re not spending way too much time gaming, they’re building new worlds together. She loves a sexy happily-ever-after and helping deserving couples find their futures together.

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kandace has always been the responsible one who did things for those she loved, but not herself. She goes way past her comfort zone when she decides to hook up with a hunky man in Milan, a much younger hunky man who looks vaguely familiar... Turns out he was the star of one of her son's favorite TV shows, though he nows goes by the name Joystick instead of Austin. Back home in the US, she can't help but think about him with fondness and regret that she will likely never see him again.

Making a trip to Haddarville, near Salt Lake City, to visit the set where her brother Andrew was filming a movie about his life, Kandace meets Elijah. Eli is working as a 'script-fixer' for her brother and she realizes she really likes him. Once again he is about ten years younger than she is and also seems familiar. She finally figures out that he played Joystick's best friend in the TV show. Huh, coincidence? Then Joystick walks up on her and Eli on the middle of a steamy kiss and it is obvious that he and Eli had a falling out. Can she get them back together? If so, will there be room for her?

All the feels are here. Loved this addition to the Three Player series. Joystick and Eli are polar opposites in personality but have great chemistry and Kandace fits between them perfectly. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Long Road To Forever -
Kandace, Joystick, and Elijah were shocked to discover they had an unusual connection when they met on the set of Kandace’s brother’s movie, but what they didn’t count on was the sparks that ignited between the three of them. They agreed to spend time together to reminisce about the past, but their attraction for each other led them to embark on a journey filled with wild and wonderful nights.

Unfortunately, just as they settled into their relationship, someone from Joystick’s past decided to reek havoc on their personal and professional lives and that of their families. This caused friction between them and nearly cost them them happiness. Luckily, they were able to resolve the issues and find their way back on track towards a fulfilling life together.

This was a really entertaining read, that showed me there’s no such thing as too much spice. I was hooked on the story from the first page and enjoyed it so much that I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chemistry that’s impossible to resist. An angsty almost-reconciliation. And the dark side of our celebrity-obsessed culture. These are just some of the things Kandace must face when contemplating her relationships with Joystick and Eli. Will they be worth it in the end, or does she have too much to lose to take a chance on the media storm being involved with them will bring? One of the things that held my attention the most with this book was how much it made me laugh. Between Joystick and Lucas, particularly, I spent large parts of this book howling. But really, just about all of the characters get some fabulously snarky one-liners to their credit. I adored the somewhat subversive message that self-sacrifice isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and I can’t wait to see where the author is going to take us next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candy Cane, Jaws, and Joystick

Kandace Newton, Elijah "Eli" and Austin / Joystick definitely have complicated down. They also have as part of their repertoire fierce, kind, and awesome. The chemistry is fantastic, even when they try to fight it.

Having her as an audience, tasting Eli, jerking myself off, was a trifecta of perfection.
-- Austin / Joystick

The sexy scenes really are hot, whether it's Kandace and one of the guys, the two guys, or all three, but those are just little parts of the big puzzle. All of which I enjoyed.

Another thing I like about this book, and most others of Allyson's, is that we see people from past and future books and series all mingled together. The other books aren't required reading, but the crossovers enhance the overall experience.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Exception is the 4th book in the Three Player Grind series and starts in Italy where The Layover finishes. Kandace and Joystick share a hot encounter and then part ways - only to be re-united in a twist of fate in Utah. The third in this second-chance-at love romance is Eli, Joystick's former best friend and lover. While there are a number of sexy encounters, the book focuses more on the growing feelings between the three and on the drama when someone threatens all of their livelihoods. There are a number of interesting side characters and I especially liked Lucas - a hero in the making!
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Exception
By Allyson Lindt
Main Characters: Kandace, Joystick, and Eli
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
This is the 4th book in the Three Player Grind series. Kandace meets Joystick while she is in Italy and goes out of her comfort zone and has a wonderfully hot time, only to go home and find she misses Joystick. She does meet another man on her brother's movie set and has a chance at love with Eli. It turns out that Eli and Joystick were best friends and more in their younger years. I love older women's and younger men's stories.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances and New Beginnings

This story is Kandace, Joystick and Eli’s story, but there’s lots a familiar faces, like Andrew from ‘Restraint’, Carly, Raul and Diego from ‘The Layover’ and Xander from ‘Boss Level’ (plus we originally met Kandace and Joystick in The Layover). I loved the overlap between books and series, but Kandace, Eli and Joystick really stand on their own. The initial meeting between Joystick, Eli and Kandace was memorable, as well as the paired initial meetings/reunions. The message of doing something important for yourself is huge, and I really enjoyed reading Kandace take the leap. A great read.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Three Player Grind and sadly it appears to be the end of this series. I was concerned that this was going to be slow reading because I was a bit confused by the start, but I can now say, this was the best story in this series. This story has it all; it's funny, it's sexy, it's seriously hot, it's romantic, it has just the right amount of angst and so many other emptions that I don't have time to list. This was just an all-around great read with likeable characters and romances that you can't help cheering on and hope for their HEA's. Definitely a book not to miss.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that Kandace is attracted to two men is almost a nonissue in this “wish it were true world” of love is love is love and let everyone live their truth. The angsty second chance between Eli and Joystick and the internet blowup of an ex-Hollywood star, and the guys are a decade younger than Kandace is a trope cornucopia. Delivered in a witty but sincere fashion for a lighthearted sexy romp, don’t miss this perfect beach read.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intriguing story will have you glued to Kandace, Joystick and Eli as they navigate their path. She first meets Joystick while in Italy and later connect with Eli. He and Joystick had a relationship in earlier years. As they explore their options will it lead them to a happily ever after. This older woman younger men romance was a steamy read!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Three Player Grind series inspires love and hope.
I love how interactive these character are. Great funny dialogue and realistic situations make this a wonderful good-feel read. Although fourth in the series, not necessarily need to be read in order as each story stars that particular throuple. The fact that the characters from other stories are featured as supporting enhance the story dynamic.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved spending my time being happy that AIlyson Lindt had written one of my favorite tropes so well. I loved The Agreement, but this might be my favorite Three Player Grind story.
I say this because it's just such a good book. Joystick and Eli are just perfect together adding Kandace in just makes them even better as a traid. This is a low angst, but high joy and loving storyline. I truly enjoyed.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked that Kandace was in her forties and enjoying a healthy sec life with choices.
Two choices, Joystick and Eli, who also were a thing.
Recommend.

[Rachael]

Unfortunately was long and boring.

[Jessica Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
I mean you know what you’re getting into right? The premise started out ABSURD but got less insane. Sort of.

I had a good time.

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5