What do you think?
Rate this book
Cliffside Connections #0.5
His One Exception: A Cliffside Connections Prequel
In a world of secrets, the biggest risk is the truth.
Gus Falk, the brilliant and demanding CEO of Nexus Integrated Security, runs his life on logic and control. So when Juliette Dubois—a woman with a minimalist resume and qualifications far exceeding the receptionist job she’s applying for—walks into his office, his instincts roared that she’s a puzzle he has to solve. Hiring her is a risk, but one his gut tells him to take.
The gamble pays off when Juliette’s sharp instincts uncover a sophisticated espionage plot targeting one of Nexus’s most important clients. Thrown together to hunt a faceless enemy, their professional relationship deepens into a powerful, undeniable attraction. But the corporate spies are nothing compared to the ghost from Juliette’s past, a man who won’t stop until he has his revenge.
As the danger escalates and secrets unravel, Gus’s mission to protect his company becomes a fierce, personal vow to protect her. Now, the only way to be truly safe is to trust him with a secret so dangerous, it has the power to either save her... or shatter her life forever.
Gus Falk, the brilliant and demanding CEO of Nexus Integrated Security, runs his life on logic and control. So when Juliette Dubois—a woman with a minimalist resume and qualifications far exceeding the receptionist job she’s applying for—walks into his office, his instincts roared that she’s a puzzle he has to solve. Hiring her is a risk, but one his gut tells him to take.
The gamble pays off when Juliette’s sharp instincts uncover a sophisticated espionage plot targeting one of Nexus’s most important clients. Thrown together to hunt a faceless enemy, their professional relationship deepens into a powerful, undeniable attraction. But the corporate spies are nothing compared to the ghost from Juliette’s past, a man who won’t stop until he has his revenge.
As the danger escalates and secrets unravel, Gus’s mission to protect his company becomes a fierce, personal vow to protect her. Now, the only way to be truly safe is to trust him with a secret so dangerous, it has the power to either save her... or shatter her life forever.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 14, 2025
With each entry into the Cliffside Connections series, Emma Hartlight's writing just gets better and better.
His One Exception is a prequel to the Cliffside series, taking us back a decade to meet Knox's boss, Gus, as well as Juliette. Despite having reservations about her over-qualification for the job, Gus hires Juliette for a receptionist job at his security company. And it's a good thing he did, because the latest mystery involving a new client is just heating up.
Gus learns quickly to trust Juliette's instincts and soon they are working together to protect Nexus's client. The mystery doesn't stop there, however -- Juliette has her own problem she's run from, and the past always tends to catch up.
Juliette is a strong leading woman who isn't afraid to help the Nexus team solve their client's mystery. They learn to trust quickly in each other as the situation evolves, and soon Gus finds himself wanting to protect not only his company, but also Juliette.
Watching these two come together was wonderful. Their connection grows to a heartwarming conclusion as they tackle a mystery that will keep you turning to page.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
His One Exception is a prequel to the Cliffside series, taking us back a decade to meet Knox's boss, Gus, as well as Juliette. Despite having reservations about her over-qualification for the job, Gus hires Juliette for a receptionist job at his security company. And it's a good thing he did, because the latest mystery involving a new client is just heating up.
Gus learns quickly to trust Juliette's instincts and soon they are working together to protect Nexus's client. The mystery doesn't stop there, however -- Juliette has her own problem she's run from, and the past always tends to catch up.
Juliette is a strong leading woman who isn't afraid to help the Nexus team solve their client's mystery. They learn to trust quickly in each other as the situation evolves, and soon Gus finds himself wanting to protect not only his company, but also Juliette.
Watching these two come together was wonderful. Their connection grows to a heartwarming conclusion as they tackle a mystery that will keep you turning to page.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Taut, Smart, and Steamy—A Perfect Romantic Suspense Prequel!
His One Exception delivers everything I love about a great romantic suspense—intensity, intelligence, and undeniable chemistry. Emma Hartlight hooks you from the very first page with Gus Falk, the brilliant yet guarded CEO whose life runs on precision and control. Then comes Juliette, a woman whose sharp mind and mysterious past make her impossible to ignore. Their connection is magnetic, built on trust, danger, and sizzling attraction.
The espionage plot adds depth and urgency, weaving together corporate intrigue, emotional vulnerability, and high-stakes romance with seamless precision. Every chapter raises the tension—both romantic and suspenseful—until the final reveal leaves you breathless and craving more of the Cliffside Connections world.
Gus’s transformation from controlled executive to fierce protector is beautifully written, and Juliette’s courage and intelligence make her an unforgettable heroine. Together, they prove that love isn’t the exception—it’s the one thing worth risking everything for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
His One Exception delivers everything I love about a great romantic suspense—intensity, intelligence, and undeniable chemistry. Emma Hartlight hooks you from the very first page with Gus Falk, the brilliant yet guarded CEO whose life runs on precision and control. Then comes Juliette, a woman whose sharp mind and mysterious past make her impossible to ignore. Their connection is magnetic, built on trust, danger, and sizzling attraction.
The espionage plot adds depth and urgency, weaving together corporate intrigue, emotional vulnerability, and high-stakes romance with seamless precision. Every chapter raises the tension—both romantic and suspenseful—until the final reveal leaves you breathless and craving more of the Cliffside Connections world.
Gus’s transformation from controlled executive to fierce protector is beautifully written, and Juliette’s courage and intelligence make her an unforgettable heroine. Together, they prove that love isn’t the exception—it’s the one thing worth risking everything for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2025
A fun little prequel set in the charming town of Cliffside.
This one was such a quick and easy read, with just the tiniest dash of suspense and mystery sprinkled in.
Juliette and Gus’s connection happened fast, and while I could see their moments together, I personally struggled to feel it as much as I hoped. I think I would’ve loved it more if their relationship had more of that slow burn build up at the beginning.
What I did love: Juliette’s strength and growth after everything she went through, Gus being her rock the entire way, and those multiple epilogues giving us extra glimpses into their lives.
Overall: Sweet, short, and heartwarming with just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.
3.5 stars
This one was such a quick and easy read, with just the tiniest dash of suspense and mystery sprinkled in.
Juliette and Gus’s connection happened fast, and while I could see their moments together, I personally struggled to feel it as much as I hoped. I think I would’ve loved it more if their relationship had more of that slow burn build up at the beginning.
What I did love: Juliette’s strength and growth after everything she went through, Gus being her rock the entire way, and those multiple epilogues giving us extra glimpses into their lives.
Overall: Sweet, short, and heartwarming with just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.
3.5 stars
September 15, 2025
His One Exception by Emma Hartlight
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked this up as a Beta Read because it was an easy, low-commitment, 84-page prequel novella - but honestly, I would’ve happily read another 200 pages.
The story moved quickly, and I was almost a little sad because I wanted waaaay more of that forbidden slow burn at the start 🔥
I love love love a strong FMC, and Juliette is an absolute weapon!!! I’d love to see more of her in the future 👀
This is the second book I’ve read from this author, and I really love the way she weaves in a touch of mystery. It’s just enough to keep me flipping pages and wanting more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked this up as a Beta Read because it was an easy, low-commitment, 84-page prequel novella - but honestly, I would’ve happily read another 200 pages.
The story moved quickly, and I was almost a little sad because I wanted waaaay more of that forbidden slow burn at the start 🔥
I love love love a strong FMC, and Juliette is an absolute weapon!!! I’d love to see more of her in the future 👀
This is the second book I’ve read from this author, and I really love the way she weaves in a touch of mystery. It’s just enough to keep me flipping pages and wanting more.
September 15, 2025
His One Exception by Emma Hartlight is an engaging prequel to the Cliffside Connections series. Juliette, a woman on the run from a dangerous past, finds unexpected refuge when she’s hired as a receptionist by Gus, the protective owner of a security agency. Their connection grows into a sweet, closed-door romance that I truly appreciated.
The added layer of mystery surrounding Juliette’s past kept me turning the pages, and it left me eager to dive into the next story. I highly recommend this prequel and cannot wait to read Knox’s book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The added layer of mystery surrounding Juliette’s past kept me turning the pages, and it left me eager to dive into the next story. I highly recommend this prequel and cannot wait to read Knox’s book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2025
I just love Emma's books. Her short stories are great, her full length books are great and this one was no exception. I love the mystery, the love, longing and laughter that is in this one. The techy stuff is enough to keep you enthralled but not so much you feel stupid reading it if you aren't in the tech field. I look forward to more from her!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2025
His One Exception was such a fun, easy read. I loved the witty banter and the great chemistry between the characters. Emma Hart’s books are always entertaining, and this one didn’t disappoint.
October 16, 2025
Enjoyed the story, characters are likeable and I look forward to reading other stories from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2025
Completely gripped from the beginning, this quick read packs a punch. The intriguing hints made me desperate to know what Juliette was running from in her past. Once she lands herself on Gus's radar in a professional way, it doesn't take long for that to morph to deep protectiveness as her secrets are revealed. Through the danger and suspense, their connection grows to love and through the awesome epilogues we glimpse the beautiful future they create.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews