What do you think?
Rate this book
The Only Exception
Izzy Barbour tells everyone she’s an accountant, little do they know she’s really a hired companion. Sadly, that’s where her love life ends. Doomed to be a serial dater, Izzy is close to giving up on finding her one.Lady Ingrid Munro has one focus in work. When a family scandal threatens to dredge up the past, she’s forced to think quick to save face and the palace.Izzy wants to do her job and keep a low profile. Ingrid needs to uphold the family’s reputation. Can they keep things professional, or will lines get blurred when it comes to romance?Set in the fictional world of an Ayrshire Palace, The Only Exception is bursting with sexual tension, fake dating, and forbidden love. Find out today if secrets can stay hidden for long…or are some things too good to be true?
590 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2024
About the author
Allie McDermid
6 books70 followersAllie McDermid is a sapphic romance author. Her debut novel, Love Charade, has been published in August 2022. Born and raised in Perth, Allie now lives in Glasgow with her ever-growing gang of cats. She is partial to a good scone.
(source: Amazon.com)
(source: Amazon.com)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 29, 2024
Fake romance is a very popular trope these days, but what makes this one special is how lovely Izzy and Ingrid are. They’re not perfect, they have flaws. They’ve both been through emotional hardships, either with family or partners, that could have made them hard, but they’re kind and respectful, of each other and of the world around them. While Izzy is desperate to be in a proper relationship, to the point of questioning whether her feelings are genuine, Ingrid is determined not to fall but can’t resist. Perpendicular journeys to the same destination.
Izzy is an expert at making a fake relationship look real. She’s also a serial dater, as unlucky at finding love as she is great at pretending. After another predictable breakup, Izzy’s friends bet she can’t go six months without dating. Just in case, they allow for an exception if the woman meets certain criteria. As fate would have it, around the same time, Izzy, to keep her employer happy, breaks her own rule of not accepting women clients and agrees to act as Lady Ingrid’s girlfriend up to her brother’s wedding. All sorts of mishaps, misunderstandings, and—of course—feelings ensue.
The secondary characters on either side are a joy too, whether it’s Izzy’s friends or Ingrid’s family. Again, not perfect but lovely. Speaking of Izzy’s friends, this book, despite being the second in a series, can be enjoyed as a standalone. That said, I felt at times that I was missing some background, and I’ll have to catch up and read Long Time Coming.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
April 28, 2024
Those who read Allie McDermid books already know Izzie. Those who didn’t can totally read this one as a standalone. Izzie was one of my favorite characters so I am happy to see her find love. The gang is back bringing some nice support system and fun to the book. The lenghth of the book, make their presence less promhiminant compared to the others books and I am glad that we could really focus on Ingrid and Izzie.
Speaking of the 590 pages, it can be scary at first and there were some lenghths, but I can honestly say they felt like 350 and the story between Ingrid and Izzie was well developped, as much as their arc as individuals. They both have their wounds, are really likeable and protective toward each other which is sweet to read.
The fact that it’s a forbidden relationship on paper added some expectation from the reader, the flirtation and tension that were very pleasant.
The resolution of the third-act breakup/makeup was really cute and didn't have that “our love is stronger than anything” part that I am used to seeing in rom-coms. Considering the circumstances, McDermid went for the realistic choice of "loving someone is doing what's best for them even if it costs being with them," and it was clever.
Overall, it was a really sweet read. Kim, are you next?
Speaking of the 590 pages, it can be scary at first and there were some lenghths, but I can honestly say they felt like 350 and the story between Ingrid and Izzie was well developped, as much as their arc as individuals. They both have their wounds, are really likeable and protective toward each other which is sweet to read.
The fact that it’s a forbidden relationship on paper added some expectation from the reader, the flirtation and tension that were very pleasant.
The resolution of the third-act breakup/makeup was really cute and didn't have that “our love is stronger than anything” part that I am used to seeing in rom-coms. Considering the circumstances, McDermid went for the realistic choice of "loving someone is doing what's best for them even if it costs being with them," and it was clever.
Overall, it was a really sweet read. Kim, are you next?
April 8, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. Very good writing, nice main characters and a great romantic story.
April 17, 2024
It was going so well but then right around the 90% mark, there was a breakup and neither MCs even fought for their relationship. So, meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
Thank you, Allie, for this #ARC and the amazing opportunity to review fantastic your beautiful book.
The book is one sweet, great, and wonderfully written slow burn romance that you don't want to miss. I was thrilled that Izzy was getting a book, after reading 'Long Time Coming' I was always rooting for Izzy to find love but was not fortunate to find it, so reading this book was an absolute delight.
The books are super easy to read. The storyline was beautifully written and easy to follow, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are relatable - well, maybe not the being a lady aspect of Ingrid but as individuals, yes. I love the friendship group as a whole.
The connection between Izzy and Ingrid is palpable they absolutely belong together. The sexual tension between them is so undeniable and although this is a very slow slooooow SLOW burn, when the flame finaly ignites there is no stopping the heat, these two could head up the entire palace and beyond with there flames. One steamy scene after another, it's fantastic and absolutely worth the wait.
I absolutely recommend this book, and I can't wait to read more from this series. Thank you again for the ARC Allie it was an honour. This title was released on March 4th. So go grab a copy today. You will not regret it!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The book is one sweet, great, and wonderfully written slow burn romance that you don't want to miss. I was thrilled that Izzy was getting a book, after reading 'Long Time Coming' I was always rooting for Izzy to find love but was not fortunate to find it, so reading this book was an absolute delight.
The books are super easy to read. The storyline was beautifully written and easy to follow, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are relatable - well, maybe not the being a lady aspect of Ingrid but as individuals, yes. I love the friendship group as a whole.
The connection between Izzy and Ingrid is palpable they absolutely belong together. The sexual tension between them is so undeniable and although this is a very slow slooooow SLOW burn, when the flame finaly ignites there is no stopping the heat, these two could head up the entire palace and beyond with there flames. One steamy scene after another, it's fantastic and absolutely worth the wait.
I absolutely recommend this book, and I can't wait to read more from this series. Thank you again for the ARC Allie it was an honour. This title was released on March 4th. So go grab a copy today. You will not regret it!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
March 3, 2024
A long book at around 560 pages and every one is needed. This isn’t a bloated padded out book, it is perfectly paced and I loved every plot bump and hump.
The book is Scottish based, which is relatively rare but I am sure actually unqualified rare, is a book that mentions someone from Cambuslang as well as other equally local areas!
There are great turns of phrase in this book that made me literally laugh out loud many times as well as clench my teeth at tension at some points and smile as everything worked out. It was a joy to immerse myself in this world for a good wee while. 4.4 - 4.7, up to 5 cos I love that the author has taken the time needed to properly tell Izzy and Ingrid’s story.
The book is Scottish based, which is relatively rare but I am sure actually unqualified rare, is a book that mentions someone from Cambuslang as well as other equally local areas!
There are great turns of phrase in this book that made me literally laugh out loud many times as well as clench my teeth at tension at some points and smile as everything worked out. It was a joy to immerse myself in this world for a good wee while. 4.4 - 4.7, up to 5 cos I love that the author has taken the time needed to properly tell Izzy and Ingrid’s story.
March 14, 2024
A whole lot of perfect. Just so enjoyable. The characters were really nicely drawn and I felt I could walk into the group and settle in. The funny bits were hilarious and I choked up a couple of times. Okay. There were actual tears. (Kudos to Allie McDermid for causing this with just a couple of sentences.) Yes, a whole lot of perfect.
July 7, 2024
(rounded up from 4.5)
This is the second in a series but you can easily dive into this one without having read the previous one. I really enjoyed this one because it has a lot of healthy communication and no big miscommunication angst. The characters are delightful and fun, particularly the main ones, and there is a lot of fun banter as everyone gets to know each other. Would recommend!
This is the second in a series but you can easily dive into this one without having read the previous one. I really enjoyed this one because it has a lot of healthy communication and no big miscommunication angst. The characters are delightful and fun, particularly the main ones, and there is a lot of fun banter as everyone gets to know each other. Would recommend!
October 5, 2024
I loved the book - for 90%. Allie writes really well with good humor. But can we not let them break up in the last chapters and then in a few chapters they get back together in like one page? Please communicate??? Minus 2 stars for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2024
it was alright ....
March 3, 2024
Fake dating a Lady and falling hard for her charms? Count me in! A page turner about finding the one that enhances your life and fills your every cell with joy.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Izzy is at a crossroads. She just got unceremoniously dumped by her girlfriend for someone else. The woman was not suitable for her in any way, but still, it hurts to be replaced so fast. Izzy is a disaster at dating, she just longs to find that special someone but maybe doing the online thing and throwing herself in every time is not the best way to do it. The funny thing is, she is actually very good in playing a date. Izzy is a very successful professional companion. She gets hired to play the girlfriend of men for a variety of reasons. She decides to just focus on her job and let her own love life simmer for a while. When she gets a booking to play the girlfriend of an actual Lady, she breaks one of her rules: Never work with women. It’s the first of many rules to get thrown out the window.
Lady Ingrid feels like a failure. Yes, she leads a privileged life and yes, she enjoys life and work at her family’s estate. But other than that, Ingrid is resigned on leading a solitary life. Her one foray into romance has backfired spectacularly, leaving her untrusting of people. A chance meeting with a professional companion might resolve at least one of her problems. She needs a date for her brother’s wedding to get her family of her back. If only her paid date Izzy wouldn’t be so absolutely wonderful. Izzy slots into her life perfectly, but it’s fake, right?
This story is deliciously romantic. I loved getting to know both Izzy and Ingrid, learning about the intricacies of their character. Both being vulnerable in different ways and both enhancing and strengthening the other in a totally organic manner.
There’s a raging desire between Izzy and Ingrid and when they can’t do anything about it because of the rules, it sizzles off the page. When they finally do succumb to it, all bets are off. So, so hot!
Ingrid has an unbreakable bond with her parents and her brothers. The family envelops Izzy into their folds immediately. It warmed my heart! Especially because Izzy’s own parents are poor excuses for human beings. Luckily Izzy has surrounded herself with a chosen family of friends throughout the years. They always have her back and the dynamic between the friends is hilarious.
Of course it can’t be an easy ride. Izzy’s extraordinary job and the expectations that come with being a Lady infringe upon the new happiness Izzy and Ingrid created. Will their bond be strong enough to survive?
I’ve enjoyed this story a lot! It’s fake dating, it’s forbidden love, there’s outside forces trying to ruin it all but above all there is loyalty. To family, to friends and to love.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Izzy is at a crossroads. She just got unceremoniously dumped by her girlfriend for someone else. The woman was not suitable for her in any way, but still, it hurts to be replaced so fast. Izzy is a disaster at dating, she just longs to find that special someone but maybe doing the online thing and throwing herself in every time is not the best way to do it. The funny thing is, she is actually very good in playing a date. Izzy is a very successful professional companion. She gets hired to play the girlfriend of men for a variety of reasons. She decides to just focus on her job and let her own love life simmer for a while. When she gets a booking to play the girlfriend of an actual Lady, she breaks one of her rules: Never work with women. It’s the first of many rules to get thrown out the window.
Lady Ingrid feels like a failure. Yes, she leads a privileged life and yes, she enjoys life and work at her family’s estate. But other than that, Ingrid is resigned on leading a solitary life. Her one foray into romance has backfired spectacularly, leaving her untrusting of people. A chance meeting with a professional companion might resolve at least one of her problems. She needs a date for her brother’s wedding to get her family of her back. If only her paid date Izzy wouldn’t be so absolutely wonderful. Izzy slots into her life perfectly, but it’s fake, right?
This story is deliciously romantic. I loved getting to know both Izzy and Ingrid, learning about the intricacies of their character. Both being vulnerable in different ways and both enhancing and strengthening the other in a totally organic manner.
There’s a raging desire between Izzy and Ingrid and when they can’t do anything about it because of the rules, it sizzles off the page. When they finally do succumb to it, all bets are off. So, so hot!
Ingrid has an unbreakable bond with her parents and her brothers. The family envelops Izzy into their folds immediately. It warmed my heart! Especially because Izzy’s own parents are poor excuses for human beings. Luckily Izzy has surrounded herself with a chosen family of friends throughout the years. They always have her back and the dynamic between the friends is hilarious.
Of course it can’t be an easy ride. Izzy’s extraordinary job and the expectations that come with being a Lady infringe upon the new happiness Izzy and Ingrid created. Will their bond be strong enough to survive?
I’ve enjoyed this story a lot! It’s fake dating, it’s forbidden love, there’s outside forces trying to ruin it all but above all there is loyalty. To family, to friends and to love.
September 4, 2024
4 1/2 stars.
Izzy is almost too perfect. Everyone loves her and she is always understanding... With the exception of her own parents where everything is a shit show.
Ingrid comes with the family that Izzy deserves at least. It's hard to believe how her own parents can be so awful.
Izzy is almost too perfect. Everyone loves her and she is always understanding... With the exception of her own parents where everything is a shit show.
Ingrid comes with the family that Izzy deserves at least. It's hard to believe how her own parents can be so awful.
April 11, 2024
I saved this book for last as I read through Allie McDermid's catalog, and it was so worth it. If you have read and enjoyed any of her other books, or simply are looking for a nicely spiced, occasionally funny, fun romance, I would recommend this book. One of the best parts, that you don't see often in the contemporary romance genre? It's length. It's the perfect length to allow for plenty of story and pacing without feeling like it's all just ending too soon. I loved it. Can't wait to see what Allie McDermid comes out with next.
P.s. This book does stand on its own without reading any of her other books, but there are references you won't get if you don't read them.
P.s. This book does stand on its own without reading any of her other books, but there are references you won't get if you don't read them.
March 1, 2024
This was a really good book! My first by Allie McDermid but definitely won't be my last.
We start with a depressed Izzy nursing another break-up and are immediately introduced to her group of friends who make up an enviable found family proving to be a solid support system full of genuine love, and who always have her back. As a sort of intervention, they propose a bet to give herself a break from dating and unhealthy social media usage. She agrees to give herself some time.
Kudos for mental health rep and healthy coping mechanisms.
Her job as a paid companion has her at a wedding being held at the Earl's palace. Unbeknownst to her, she meets Lady Ingrid, who gives only a nickname, and though immediately attracted, she takes her job, and the bet seriously so she leaves without getting her number or anything else.
Of course, Lady Ingrid ends up in a bind and decides to track her down and hire her as a (fake) girlfriend to take to her brother's wedding. The family is high profile and still getting over a past scandal, so she needs to appear sensible and settled down.
This is a long story, but I ain't mad about it. Nice flow, good pacing. Very sloow burn with a spicy payoff. Great open communication, once they confessed feelings. Third act break-up, HEA. Low to mid-level angst. Decent spice.
Terrific imagery. The palace grounds are lovely and diverse. I enjoyed the Scottish charm immensely. I immediately liked both the main characters and supporting characters and respectively hated the ones we were meant to hate. The MCs are fully developed, and both grow throughout. I felt like they were easily real people. The circumstances and relationship seem natural not forced. A fun romcom that had me chuckling. There are even appearances from peacocks and cats. Can't beat that!
There is a nice epilogue that acts as a fun bonus. The story could have ended without it, but I was glad to know what the future had in store.
The novel wasn't perfect, but few things are. Some repetitive words and phrases, but such a minor thing in an overall great work.
As another favorite of the year, I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin. This is my honest review.
#foundfamily #royalty #thirdactbreakup #HEA #femmefemme #Scotland #peacocks #cats #romcom #mentalhealthrep #slowburn #fakedating
We start with a depressed Izzy nursing another break-up and are immediately introduced to her group of friends who make up an enviable found family proving to be a solid support system full of genuine love, and who always have her back. As a sort of intervention, they propose a bet to give herself a break from dating and unhealthy social media usage. She agrees to give herself some time.
Kudos for mental health rep and healthy coping mechanisms.
Her job as a paid companion has her at a wedding being held at the Earl's palace. Unbeknownst to her, she meets Lady Ingrid, who gives only a nickname, and though immediately attracted, she takes her job, and the bet seriously so she leaves without getting her number or anything else.
Of course, Lady Ingrid ends up in a bind and decides to track her down and hire her as a (fake) girlfriend to take to her brother's wedding. The family is high profile and still getting over a past scandal, so she needs to appear sensible and settled down.
This is a long story, but I ain't mad about it. Nice flow, good pacing. Very sloow burn with a spicy payoff. Great open communication, once they confessed feelings. Third act break-up, HEA. Low to mid-level angst. Decent spice.
Terrific imagery. The palace grounds are lovely and diverse. I enjoyed the Scottish charm immensely. I immediately liked both the main characters and supporting characters and respectively hated the ones we were meant to hate. The MCs are fully developed, and both grow throughout. I felt like they were easily real people. The circumstances and relationship seem natural not forced. A fun romcom that had me chuckling. There are even appearances from peacocks and cats. Can't beat that!
There is a nice epilogue that acts as a fun bonus. The story could have ended without it, but I was glad to know what the future had in store.
The novel wasn't perfect, but few things are. Some repetitive words and phrases, but such a minor thing in an overall great work.
As another favorite of the year, I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin. This is my honest review.
#foundfamily #royalty #thirdactbreakup #HEA #femmefemme #Scotland #peacocks #cats #romcom #mentalhealthrep #slowburn #fakedating
June 16, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏴🦚🍨🥃🏰
The Only Exception by Allie McDermid is a 590-page sapphic bliss of fake dating, nobility scandals, and fantastic found family. It is the second book in the Bar Orama series and a spin-off of Allie's Love Fest Series, but I read this book first and could follow it easily, making me want to read the other stories as soon as possible.
Izzy is a hired companion and is on a "date" with a creeper of a gentleman at Ayrshire Place, and strictly only works with males, as she is a lesbian which makes the rule of no kissing a lot easier to follow. Ingrid is the Lady of Ayrshire Palace who also works helping tourists and trying to keep a low profile, trying not to cause any scandals, thanks to her ex. The two cross paths when Ingrid comes across Izzy needing help.
When Ingrid learns what Izzy does for a living, and finds herself in need of a date for her brother's upcoming wedding, she hires Izzy, who against her better judgment due to the fact first impressions had her thinking of Ingrid, accepts the contract.
This book is VERY slow burn. Considering they were both hiding their true feelings towards each other a secret, and the fact that Izzy was forbidden to date clients, they went through a lot to keep away from each other. But you could tell from the start that these two were perfect for each other, and I loved how Izzy's friend group and even Ingrid's family helped to get them together. Being that Ingrid was nobility, the press was a big thing in the story. A lot of things happened throughout the book, that made me want to scream. Stalkers, stolen moments court on camera and secrets getting out were just to name a few. Izzy's parents, especially her mum, made me want to cry. It made me realise how lucky I am to have the parents that I have.
The spicy scenes were HOT. I don't think I can eat ice cream the same again.
Thanks to Allie for a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏴🦚🍨🥃🏰
The Only Exception by Allie McDermid is a 590-page sapphic bliss of fake dating, nobility scandals, and fantastic found family. It is the second book in the Bar Orama series and a spin-off of Allie's Love Fest Series, but I read this book first and could follow it easily, making me want to read the other stories as soon as possible.
Izzy is a hired companion and is on a "date" with a creeper of a gentleman at Ayrshire Place, and strictly only works with males, as she is a lesbian which makes the rule of no kissing a lot easier to follow. Ingrid is the Lady of Ayrshire Palace who also works helping tourists and trying to keep a low profile, trying not to cause any scandals, thanks to her ex. The two cross paths when Ingrid comes across Izzy needing help.
When Ingrid learns what Izzy does for a living, and finds herself in need of a date for her brother's upcoming wedding, she hires Izzy, who against her better judgment due to the fact first impressions had her thinking of Ingrid, accepts the contract.
This book is VERY slow burn. Considering they were both hiding their true feelings towards each other a secret, and the fact that Izzy was forbidden to date clients, they went through a lot to keep away from each other. But you could tell from the start that these two were perfect for each other, and I loved how Izzy's friend group and even Ingrid's family helped to get them together. Being that Ingrid was nobility, the press was a big thing in the story. A lot of things happened throughout the book, that made me want to scream. Stalkers, stolen moments court on camera and secrets getting out were just to name a few. Izzy's parents, especially her mum, made me want to cry. It made me realise how lucky I am to have the parents that I have.
The spicy scenes were HOT. I don't think I can eat ice cream the same again.
Thanks to Allie for a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.
March 15, 2024
Rules are there to help us set boundaries, to help us stay the course. Lizzie is always with someone. She always has a girlfriend and she's a paid companion. But the love she's searching for never finds her. One night Lizzie and her friends create a list that could be the only exception to her new single life bet. She'll prove to them she can be single, and laughs at the list because a lady like that doesn't exist. She knows that work will not put a lady as her date. It's one of her rules: no women, no kissing, no sleepovers, no relationships with clients, and her date writes her past and give her a name.
Lady Ingrid, or Whiz, has a burned past. Her ex girlfriend made her and the family headlines in the gossip rags for months. Whiz is determined to make sure that never happens again. She spends her time taking care of the family estate and their business. She faces a challenge when her brother announces his engagement, she needs to have a proper date. After meeting a beautiful woman at one of the estate weddings, she decides to hire a girlfriend.
Can Whiz get Izzy to make an exception to her rules and take her as a client? Will Izzy realize that Whiz is worth making exceptions?
I loved this book.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Ingrid, or Whiz, has a burned past. Her ex girlfriend made her and the family headlines in the gossip rags for months. Whiz is determined to make sure that never happens again. She spends her time taking care of the family estate and their business. She faces a challenge when her brother announces his engagement, she needs to have a proper date. After meeting a beautiful woman at one of the estate weddings, she decides to hire a girlfriend.
Can Whiz get Izzy to make an exception to her rules and take her as a client? Will Izzy realize that Whiz is worth making exceptions?
I loved this book.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2024
I loved this book so much! I never wanted it to end. Every chapter had me laughing, crying, and/or screaming for these characters. The main characters, Izzy and Ingrid, were both so adorably sweet. They were both constantly trying to show the other that they were worthy of being loved and cared for. There was something on almost every page that made my heart warm. The character development is also quite exceptional. By the end, both characters have learned important lessons, not just about loving each other, but about loving themselves as well.
The side characters are also a highlight of this book. Ingrid’s family was very loving and supportive. They so obviously wanted whatever was going to make her happy. Likewise, Izzy’s friends were very supportive and protective of her as well. They have such a wonderful found family dynamic that I can’t wait to read more about in the next Bar Orama book.
This book was such a fun read! I cannot recommend it enough. If you like fake dating, found family, and/or opposites attract romances, then this is the book for you! Thanks so much to Allie McDermid for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The side characters are also a highlight of this book. Ingrid’s family was very loving and supportive. They so obviously wanted whatever was going to make her happy. Likewise, Izzy’s friends were very supportive and protective of her as well. They have such a wonderful found family dynamic that I can’t wait to read more about in the next Bar Orama book.
This book was such a fun read! I cannot recommend it enough. If you like fake dating, found family, and/or opposites attract romances, then this is the book for you! Thanks so much to Allie McDermid for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2024
This is the first book of Allie Mc Dermid's that I have read.
When I originally read the synopsis and what the book was about I was really intrigued and felt it was right up my alley; the type of book I'd usually read and enjoy!
However, whilst reading I soon learnt that the writing style just wasn't for me. I did end up having to DNF this book after trying to persevere.
I liked the characters and what the book contains in the form of tropes and content but the way it was written just didn't suck me in.
Even though I didn't get on with the writing style in this book I will still be checking out some other books by Allie McDermid. I will try this book again at a later date. Perhaps now just wasn't the time for me to read it.
Whilst I didn't get on with this book I still encourage you to check it out and form your own opinion on it as the writing styles I am used to may be completely different from the ones you are and this may be one that you thoroughly enjoy.
I revived an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
When I originally read the synopsis and what the book was about I was really intrigued and felt it was right up my alley; the type of book I'd usually read and enjoy!
However, whilst reading I soon learnt that the writing style just wasn't for me. I did end up having to DNF this book after trying to persevere.
I liked the characters and what the book contains in the form of tropes and content but the way it was written just didn't suck me in.
Even though I didn't get on with the writing style in this book I will still be checking out some other books by Allie McDermid. I will try this book again at a later date. Perhaps now just wasn't the time for me to read it.
Whilst I didn't get on with this book I still encourage you to check it out and form your own opinion on it as the writing styles I am used to may be completely different from the ones you are and this may be one that you thoroughly enjoy.
I revived an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 9, 2024
Allie McDermid's *The Only Exception* is a fun sapphic romance set against a backdrop of contemporary reality. Centered around Izzy Barbour and Lady Ingrid Munro, the novel looks very closely at themes of love, identity, and societal expectations. I love the fake dating trope, and this was a really cool take on it. However, at 564 pages, the novel's length felt daunting and dragged a little bit for me... and honestly, overshadowed its intricate plot and well-crafted humor.
Additionally, the choice to give the protagonists similar names sometimes confused me... especially because both MCs have multiple nicknames... It was a lot to keep track and I feel that it detracted from the richness of their individual journeys.
Despite these hurdles, McDermid's storytelling prowess and the novel's compelling thematic exploration make it a noteworthy read!
Thank you so much to Allie McDermid for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Additionally, the choice to give the protagonists similar names sometimes confused me... especially because both MCs have multiple nicknames... It was a lot to keep track and I feel that it detracted from the richness of their individual journeys.
Despite these hurdles, McDermid's storytelling prowess and the novel's compelling thematic exploration make it a noteworthy read!
Thank you so much to Allie McDermid for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2024
What a lovely slow burn love story this was. Izzy stumbles upon Ingrid by chance and discloses what her job is. Ingrid is in a bit of a pickle and decides to ask Izzy for help, well more like hire her. Despite izzy's reluctance she agrees because there is a big paycheck involved and also because her boss sort of forces her hand.
These two were such lovely individuals you can't help but love both of them. Put them together and everything just sparkles. They are so sweet together and kind to their loved ones and even strangers. I could see them walking the palace grounds together and even heard the birds when reading this story.
For everyone who believes in instant attraction with a touch or royal magic.
An ARC was provided to me via StoryOrigin in return of an honest review.
These two were such lovely individuals you can't help but love both of them. Put them together and everything just sparkles. They are so sweet together and kind to their loved ones and even strangers. I could see them walking the palace grounds together and even heard the birds when reading this story.
For everyone who believes in instant attraction with a touch or royal magic.
An ARC was provided to me via StoryOrigin in return of an honest review.
May 4, 2024
So promising, but in the middle of the book the idea of Izzy's profession to still be the bone of contention was just getting tired. To break up over this in context of royalty? Maybe I don't get it because I'm not royalty, because it sounded petty to me. This whole thing of "oh, we cannot, because I have rules" while dancing around the subject... Why couldn't Izzy quit the job, eh? I just felt like every obstacle was blown out of proportion and it was irritating.
November 29, 2025
Loved the characters and how the relationship developed, even with how long the book is.
Could’ve been 5 stars, but the third act breakup was SO dumb — the best move was obviously to just say she knew about her job from the start, but never personally hired her? And then the resolution was also a bit underwhelming — the family aspect was cool but then the conversation between Izzy and Ingrid was basically nonexistent.
Could’ve been 5 stars, but the third act breakup was SO dumb — the best move was obviously to just say she knew about her job from the start, but never personally hired her? And then the resolution was also a bit underwhelming — the family aspect was cool but then the conversation between Izzy and Ingrid was basically nonexistent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
So nice to see a sapphic romance with an adorable couple, a cute fake relationship, and a good amount of spice! I prefer fantasy romance to contemporary but this setting with a huge importance placed on one of the main characters being noble worked for me and hit some of those same buttons I like in a few fantasy romances
March 14, 2024
A whole lot of perfect
Just so enjoyable. The characters were so nicely drawn I felt I could walk into the group and settle in. The funny bits were hilarious and I choked up a couple of times. Okay. There were actual tears. (Kudos to Allie McDermid for causing this with just a couple of sentences.) Yes, a whole lot of perfect.
Just so enjoyable. The characters were so nicely drawn I felt I could walk into the group and settle in. The funny bits were hilarious and I choked up a couple of times. Okay. There were actual tears. (Kudos to Allie McDermid for causing this with just a couple of sentences.) Yes, a whole lot of perfect.
March 4, 2024
Izzy and Ingrid - sounds like the start of a tongue twister. But this book was far more concise yet full of humour, fake dating, palaces and difficult parents.
I really enjoyed reading this long, (over 500 pages long) book and the journey the two I’s took to get to their HEA.
I really enjoyed reading this long, (over 500 pages long) book and the journey the two I’s took to get to their HEA.
March 7, 2024
A Lovely Story
Without spoilers, there was one problem that was going to inevitably show up but when it did, what happened after caught me a little off guard. I’ll just say this: Ingrid’s father surprised me.
I loved this. I recommend it. Just strap in for a fun time.
Without spoilers, there was one problem that was going to inevitably show up but when it did, what happened after caught me a little off guard. I’ll just say this: Ingrid’s father surprised me.
I loved this. I recommend it. Just strap in for a fun time.
March 9, 2024
Beautiful wee story. Classic sweet romantic comedy, set in a palatial estate and Glasgow neighborhoods. I love how Allie turned the tables on morality and the meaning of family within the Scottish class system. So highly recommended!
March 15, 2024
Brilliant read! Allie always manages to put relatable and entertaining characters onto the page! Love how the characters are all getting their own stories about finding love! Can’t wait to see what she does next! 😀
May 11, 2024
Great story
Loved this book! Izzy definitely deserved better than her family. Identified with her so much and loved her and Ingrids relationship. The whole friendship group is great 😃
Loved this book! Izzy definitely deserved better than her family. Identified with her so much and loved her and Ingrids relationship. The whole friendship group is great 😃
July 13, 2024
not her best
The conflict was disappointing. Like y’all knew someone would find out and what would happen when they found out. I don’t get why Ingrid dumped Izzie after promising to face everything together.
It’s a plot hole.
The conflict was disappointing. Like y’all knew someone would find out and what would happen when they found out. I don’t get why Ingrid dumped Izzie after promising to face everything together.
It’s a plot hole.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews