The Exception

by Marian Bruno

A married couple struggling with infertility decide to go outside of their marriage for a consensual affair. One month, one exception and then they'll decide if IVF is right for them.

Set in the sunny hills of Silver Lake, Los Angeles where the young artists and lawless musicians roam, comes this thrilling, fun, comedic love story that'll have you chuckling in public.

Becca and Mark have been trying to have a baby for years. Technically, there's nothing wrong with them. They fight a lot, but what couple doesn't? Everyone tells them to relax and it will happen. The next logical step is in vitro, but that’s invasive and scary. If it isn’t physically meant to be, why force it? The conundrum leaves Becca feeling anxious, depressed, and alone, until the day her neighbor Macy, a wild-spirited music producer, introduces her to Heathcliff, an undeniably attractive and attentive photographer. Becca’s loins are awakened, and she wonders whether she and Mark are truly compatible. When Mark’s mom, a sociology professor, admits to swinging and preaches about the social imposition of monogamy, an idea what if they went outside of their marriage?

Before taking the plunge and making a baby in a lab, they need to know, are they truly meant for one another?

They make an one month, one exception.

Will their relationship survive? Is letting go of each other, their dreams of being parents truly the secret to getting everything they’ve ever wanted? Or will their desires change completely?

Every woman knows someone that has struggled or is struggling with infertility. They need this book! Pass it onto your friends that love a little humorous fiction. The Exception is a wild ride filled with laughter and a few hard truths. You will not want to put this contemporary romantic comedy down.

"A timely tale in a political climate where IVF has become a battleground." –David Markus, TV Producer

"Are you sure you want to publish this?" - Althea, Marian's Mother, Prefers Kristin Hannah

338 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2024

About the author

Marian Bruno is an emerging author of humorous women's fiction novels. She used to be an actress but still considers herself a comedian. She studied at the renowned Second City Conservatory and Upright Citizen Brigade theaters, performed stand up at The Comedy Store, debuted her own one woman show and created several web series. She currently lives in Dallas with her husband, a reality tv editor, and their two vivacious children. She has thoroughly enjoyed the transition to novel writing as it has eliminated the need to do her hair and face: she'd rather be outside under a tree with a book.

Reviews

[Trish Coren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Marian’s characters are so relatable and it was very refreshing to see some levity and humor brought to the heartbreaking and all-too-familiar infertility issues. I am excited to share this book and can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I liked Becca and, while I sometimes got irritated by things her husband Mark did, also understood where he was coming from enough of the time to mostly like him as well. I got mentally pulled into the struggles they were gong through and was hoping it would all work out. I also wondered if I was going to end up with an unexpected ending of some kind that I didn’t anticipate as an option. The other characters in the story were interesting and kept things lively and entertaining. While the obvious reader for this book would be a woman of child-bearing age or potentially her spouse, but as an old grandpa well past that point I still found the story compelling and good to get myself pondering how I would react if I was gong through what the characters here did.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Aleeza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Serious topic done with a lot of humor feel good connections. The author wrote it well and flows seamlessly like watching a show. The opening page was hard for me, as I love a feel good story. But if you are like me hang in there because it totally is! The cool LA music scene is not one I have experienced so that was so fun to explore. All of the characters were friends by the end of the book and I loved how the author allowed us to explore them and their personalities without judgement. I feel more confident talking about my own fertility and open relationships because of this book

[Leeann Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. Following the journey that Becca (and Mark) go on in this story had me hooked. There is so much humor while also hitting on emotional issues. Cannot wait to reread this book. Cannot recommend it enough.

[Amanda VF · Rating 5 out of 5]

With its humor and wit, "The Exception" is ideal for summer beach reading. Its portrayal of relationship and infertility struggles feels refreshingly relatable and honest, making it a standout. I am definitely looking forward to the author's next book.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters felt real and relatable. I loved the witty repartee and the story kept me guessing on how it would end. I also learned a little more about fertility struggles and how hard that can be on a relationship. Definitely highly recommended!

[Mallory Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! A unique story with familiar emotion. Your will fall in love with these characters and their journey

[Angelee Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny take on a serious topic. A great read for anyone, especially those who have been on a fertility journey.

[Becky Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny! Sexy! A true second-chance romance of a first-chance couple. Absolutely loved it!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters and character development. Was sucked right into the story and learned a lot of IVF and the struggle involved. Really enjoyed the story.