The Exception

by Vi Keeland

He lives by a set of rules. She might be his one exception.

I just wanted a distraction, something to take the edge off before facing a wedding I was dreading. So on the flight back to New York, I signed up for a dating app. Harmless enough, right?

Wrong.

Turns out, it wasn’t just any app—it catered to people with very specific tastes. By the time I realized it, I was already on my date.

Tall, confident, and sinfully handsome, Jagger Langston seemed like the full package. The chemistry between us was instant—electric enough to burn the whole city down. Though things took a turn when we figured out I’d misunderstood who should join the app. We laughed it off, said goodbye, and went our separate ways.

Or so I thought.

Until I walked into my new internship Monday morning, ready to put the weekend behind me, and there he was—my boss.

Now I’m caught between the rules he lives by—and the temptation to make him break every single one of them.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance, Billionaire Romance, Audiobook, BDSM, Slow Burn

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2026

About the author

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over one hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-six languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Stop by and meet Vi in her private reader group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKee...

Reviews

[Vi Keeland]

I'm so excited to share that THE EXCEPTION is live and on limited time sale. It's also available in Kindle Unlimited and the audio is DUET!
𝐻𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.


The Exception

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Exception-Vi-K...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FZC8C6F3
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FZC8C6F3
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FZC8C6F3
Audio (Duet): https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Except...
Illustrated Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Exception-Spec...
Model cover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1966867123

[TheConnieFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance novel definitely lived up to its expectations! I have read several books written by this author and I’ve loved every single one of them! This is a workplace romance that has spice in it. This book had me hooked right from the beginning and I was fully immersed while reading it from start to finish. I really loved the female character in this one. She is strong, smart and sassy! The male main character is extremely confident, great looking and likes to play by the rules. After meeting on an app, they go on one date. After the one date, they play it off and go there separately ways. Not long after that, she walks into her internship office and there he is.

He is her new boss and she had no idea! I had such a fun time reading this one! I really felt the tension and the chemistry between these two characters! The witty banter between them was funny! If you enjoy reading romance in the workplace standalone books, I am sure you would love reading this one! Thank you to the author Vi Keeland for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars rating! The author did an amazing job writing this one!

This book is expected to be published on 1/11/2026!

[Vi Keeland]

Pre-orders available:
Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZC8C6F3
Audio: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Except...
Paperbacks (Illustrated special edition): https://www.amazon.com/Exception-Spec...

[Vi Keeland]

I'm so excited to share that THE EXCEPTION is live and on limited time sale. It's also available in Kindle Unlimited and the audio is DUET!
𝐻𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠. 𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.


The Exception

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Exception-Vi-K...
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FZC8C6F3
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FZC8C6F3
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FZC8C6F3
Audio (Duet): https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Except...
Illustrated Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Exception-Spec...
Model cover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1966867123

[Kindle Crack Book Reviews Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Exception by Vi Keeland was truly exceptional — a little kink, a lot of laughs, plenty of tension, and just the right amount of the feels to make you forget the world for a while. This workplace, opposites-attract romance is everything.

Sutton is a smart and sassy algorithm expert who meets Jagger on a dating app called DARE. They figure out pretty quickly that Sutton isn’t into Jagger’s brand of fun. They part ways until her internship begins. Enter Jagger: Sutton’s spicy, demanding new boss who will have you swooning from page one.

I also adored Sutton’s best friend, Miles. Everyone needs a Miles in their life. His banter with Sutton about Jagger is hysterical. He’s the ultimate best friend: loyal, chaotic in the best possible way, and the comedic relief we all need.
I would share my favorite quotes, but I don’t want to spoil the fun for you.

The Exception, releasing January 11, 2026, is another unputdownable and addictive romance from Vi. It has officially earned a spot on my Best of 2025/26 list.

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 1 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead.........



2.5*


Sutton is returning to New York for a summer internshipship at the prestigious Apex company.....as well as for her stepsister's wedding.....to her ex boyfriend! Fed up of being a 24 year old virgin* Sutton seeks to finally have a ONS to get rid of that problem before the wedding. She gets on the DARE app and matches with Jagger. On their meetup however it's clear the app isn't quite what Sutton expected as it caters to ppl with certain tastes, namely Dominants, Alphas, Roleplay, and Exhibitionism literally what DARE stands for! yet Sutton hasn't even had sex!!While sparks fly between her and Jagger they part ways for what Sutton expected to be the final time...... until she shows up at her internship and the head boss of the company is none other than her almost hookup!!

*******
1)First of all, What's up with the virgins🤦🏽‍♀️ third book in a row......am I being pranked 😒

2)If I'm being told from the very beginning the h is a virgin the very last thing I'm expecting is to find out that she'd been raped at 16! Author wtf?!!???? we don't casually throw rape in the middle of a book, trigger warnings are very much appreciated and needed in these times😑

3)From the very beginning this book gave hints that the H was dominant, I mean he's on the DARE app, he likes control, we heard about the toys.....only to see a handcuff come out (insert meme of guy standing with his hands on his hips here) this was the most vanilla book with this trope I've ever read! Matter of fact I skipped every sex scene after the first couple.

4) Sutton did all the chasing 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️ because of course he just wasn't right for her 😒😑🙄

6))The potential for this book hurt my heart, I mean the j/p moments, him looking at her on the camera (swoons) all to be ruined by him backing off because *reasons*

7)So tired of the virgin/manwhore pairing......like is the h being a virgin their reward or something? wtf is up with that shit? He's done everything under the sun and he gets to be her first everything?? 🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽

8)him pulling away and giving her the cold shoulder because she wanted to go back home was such a shit move! and she said it exactly, he was probably the first man she'd trusted then he turned around and did that shit? for what? Separation for weeks and he pulls up with his weak ass tragic backstory and all is forgiven??? Sutton needed a backbone and a change of underwear a few chapters ago🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

9)The gay best friend is so overdone 🙄


I enjoyed the mental health representation as both Jaggers' mom and his sister had mental health issues and we see the struggles with that. I liked the moments with his nieces and all the j/p moments in between.

********
no cheating
h had never had consensual sex, she was raped at 16
H hadn't had relationships, just hookups suiting his preferences
H had PTSD
om drama from a guy on work who was interested in Sutton
Sutton's rapist returned as the police had yet to catch him. he's eventually caught by the H and gets sent to prison













thoughts while reading



BDSM 🤭🙄 this book is so tame it's almost vanilla

There are reasons I don't read certain authors 🙄🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️



Then I turned to face Jagger again. “Will you have dinner with me this weekend?”
His eyes reflected his hesitation. “We wouldn’t be good together, Sutton.”
“I thought we were pretty good together Saturday night.”
He smiled sadly. “I’m a workaholic who’s controlling and likes things a certain way.”

☝🏽over and over again 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm tired of the "I catch feelings now I ignore you" trope, it gets tiring.

[Heather Becht (fantasyromantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴs ᴛᴏ ʙᴀᴅ ɢɪʀʟs ᴡʜᴏ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ʟɪsᴛᴇɴ?”

I absolutely ate this book up so fast that I read it in one sitting. Sutton & Jagger’s chemistry was off the charts from the first meet. Miles is the best friend that everyone needs cheering them on. The family dynamics between Sutton and her family (minus one boyfriend stealing step-sister) was so sweet and refreshing. There was drama, trauma, and lots of steamy on page spice. This is the perfect standalone to quench your thirst!!

𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓥𝓲𝓫𝓮𝓼:
💕 Billionaire Boss x Intern
💕 Trauma Bonding
💕 Slow-Burn High Heat
💕 Soft Daddy Dom
💕 Possessive & Protective MMC
💕 “Eyes on Me”
💕 STEM FMC
💕 PTSD & Mental Health Rep

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sutton Holland joins a dating app to take her mind off the upcoming event she must attend, she didn’t realize what kind it was until her first “date”. That didn’t really go as planned though the man, Jagger Langston, was nice to look at for a second at least. She never thought after their awkward encounter she would see him again. However, finding out he is now your summer intern boss kind of changes that plan! Can she keep his secret and stay professional or will Jagger want to test those boundaries? Omg, from the very first chapter you know this one is going to be good! The funny moments, the awkward ones and the heat between them is all so perfect. I loved Sutton’s best friend Miles also. He is a hoot! A perfect slow burn romance that keeps you smirking all the way through. A total emotional swoonfest! Are you ready to make an exception…for the right one? Told in first person and mainly in Sutton’s POV with a few chapters in Jagger’s too showing you why he is the way that he is. A definite Top Read!

📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog

[Jessica Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! I was intrigued by the title and blurb and obviously the cover. The spice? Let me tell you…. It was spicyyyy and the yearning broody billionaire??? Enough said? But I really liked the FMC and how she was so smart in her own right. I received an EARC from the author and these are my honest thoughts.

[Amy Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy, fast-paced read, I finished it in a day, but ultimately it didn’t quite live up to its potential. While the book moves quickly, it also somehow feels overly long, mainly because not much actually happens. Several plot threads and side characters are introduced, only to be left half explored, which made the story feel padded rather than fully developed.

The romance was my biggest struggle. The relationship felt very one-sided, with Sutton doing most of the emotional heavy lifting. At times her behavior came across as desperate and pushy rather than confident. The promised dom dynamic also missed the mark for me, it was only surface-level.

That said, the pacing is quick and the chapters fly by. Overall, it was fine for a quick, low-effort read, but it fell short in character development and storyline depth.

[Cristina]

So sad. This was going great until I read the part where the h gets raped at 16. That’s a hard limit for me so I’m DNf’ing.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Some storms are meant to be danced in, not dodged."

Whoa, I just wrapped up my bookish 2025 with a bang all thanks to this one!!! Vi Keeland has become one of my auto-buy authors after I discovered her earlier this year with Something Borrowed, Something You, which ends up being one of the best books I've ever read in my entire life. No kidding. In fact, I don't think there's a book written by her that I do not love and The Exception is NO exception to me. *no pun intended*

Honestly, I've never been a fan of billionaire or office romance (CEO/intern) but somehow, Vi completely transforms me and now I can't get over how brilliant the love story between our beloved main characters, Jagger and Sutton, is! Despite the fact that Jagger keeps saying and thinking he isn't capable of loving another person and how he's the perpetual no-strings-attached type, he always goes above and beyond just to take care of Sutton, the intern whom he can't seem to stop thinking about (or secretly stalking from the little globe camera in the office). Although his overprotectiveness and possessiveness should have been red flags in reality, I kinda lowkey find those personal traits of his super hot, particularly when I find out how special Sutton is to him.

In short, The Exception is a MUST-READ and I seriously cannot recommend it enough! Vi's writing is always so addictive that at this point, I won't mind devouring anything she comes up with, like literally. Therefore, please do yourself a favor and go preorder this book!! It'll make your 2026 all the more colorful and spectacular, trust me!

***Massive thanks to Give Me Books PR and the author for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[Taylor - Shesaysgetbooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Vi, how your books just get me… The Exception is NO exception. Swoon. Jagger is the epitome of sharp on the outside, soft on the inside. And Sutton knows how to pull the softness out. Opposites attract. There are a few things in this story that are heavy. I clutched my chest plenty of times.

I am such a sucker for Boss + Intern, and Vi always kills it. The side characters (I’m a sucker for Miles & Edmund) also bring everything together.

[BettyLovesBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This went beyond the typical ‘billionaire boss’ trope to deliver an interesting plot, two smart and surprisingly well-matched MCs (despite their surface level differences), and some fun spice without it falling into the commonly tawdry boss/workplace pattern. I enjoyed this much more than I anticipated. Even the age gap didn’t bother me like it often does, because the FMC was written as intelligent, able to stand on her own top feet, and not ‘too’ young. The best friend was also a nice addition. And while there were mentions of significant wealth, it was more subtle than in most such novels, and balanced with realistic life challenges.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

what am i reading? fifty shades of of grey 2026?

little bit disappointed coz she used to describe more human factors characters but these two didn’t.

what a lost and can do much more better

[Ashlee Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a devoted Vi reader and will absolutely pick up anything she writes, but this one didn’t land as strongly for me. The plot had so much potential and the chemistry was genuinely fantastic. I was fully invested… until the MMC’s behavior took a turn. He’s a 32 year old man who effectively ghosts her, leaving her with no real communication, no accountability, and no (heartfelt) attempt to win her back. I appreciated that he had layers and a darker past, but it sometimes felt like the story used that as a blanket excuse for how poorly he treated the FMC. Meanwhile, she was supposed to be on this journey toward independence, confidence, and strength…yet she was begging this man for attention. It left me wishing for more growth, more remorse, more something.

[Aimee Crant-oksa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Vi Keeland writes it, I will read it! Her books pull me in from the start and I get engrossed in her words. The Exception was no exception!
I just loved everything about this story. While the characters had their flaws and struggles, their connection was apparent from their first meeting. A dating app for the kinky was their meet cute first encounter. Sutton was inexperienced, coming to NYC for an internship for this summer. Jagger happened to be the exact opposite and the head of the company. Their magnetic pull, their caring ways, their ability to see beyond the walls and change the other for the better made this a book I couldn’t put down.
I listened to the audio and Sebastian York and Andi Arndt were fabulous bringing these characters and story to life.
Sutton and Jagger couldn’t be more opposite. He was controlling and always wanted to be in charge. She is smart, beautiful and just the distraction he needs. Can these two opposites break the rules and find their happily ever after?
This is a workplace romance with a hot billionaire, spice and angst. Another winner from Vi Keeland!

[Camis.little.library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely ate this up.. and left no crumbs!

-Billionaire
-Office Romance
-Cocky Hero
-Boss/Intern
-Opposites Attract
-Hero’s a dirty talker/top/dominant
-Spice

From beginning to end, I was hooked. A CEO/intern spicy story, but with deep emotions and trauma, a little mystery, and an overall amazing story!

I loved our FMC Sutton, and her determination to take care of herself and be independent.. but I also loved our MMC Jagger, and his determination to make Sutton obey 🤭😮‍💨

I can’t recommend it enough for any spicy, romance lovers!

[Nadine · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my review of Keeland’s last novel (Denim & Diamonds), I said I wouldn’t immediately read her newest release, but instead would wait for more reviews. Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to myself. I really should have.

After writing my review, I lowered my star rating from three to two stars.

The Exception follows Sutton as she moves to New York City for an internship after her boyfriend of three years broke up with her then married her stepsister. One of the most important things to know about Sutton is that she’s a virgin. She catches the eye of the CEO, Jagger, who readers are led to believe is dominant in the bedroom and has certain sexual proclivities.

The Exception is 50 Shades of Grey-light, emphasis on the light. Jagger likes control and that’s the extent of his sexual proclivities. The sex is vanilla at best with the most ‘exciting’ part being handcuffs. Sutton and Jagger’s chemistry is lukewarm at best.

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️

The Exception has too much going on. Many of the plotlines are heavy in subject matter that are only ever surface level and used as a catalyst to push the story along.

Mild spoilers:
Sutton was raped as a teenager. It felt like Keeland used this in an attempt to give Sutton depth then later used it as a plot device.
Jagger is from a family with a history of severe mental illness and suffers from PTSD himself.

Enough with the gay best friend trope. We get it. You’re sooooo pro LGBTQ+ now (insert eye roll).

The third act breakup was excruciatingly unnecessary and stupid. It falls into the ‘I caught feelings for you, so now we can’t be together’ category.

Overall, The Exception tries to juggle too many half formed ideas and ends up delivering a story that feels both shallow and predictable. It’s a disappointing follow up that reinforces my resolve to trust my instincts to wait for the reviews next time.

[bella.s_stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh, how I missed reading a Vi Keeland book! She’s one of my comfort authors—I always know I’m going to have a good time, and this one was no exception. This story was the perfect palate cleanser.

The Exception delivers laughs, tension, spice, and just enough feels to pull you in—it was emotional too.

I absolutely loved this couple. Sutton is smart and relatable, and Jagger? Confident, demanding, and swoon-worthy from page one.

I also have to mention Miles, Sutton’s best friend. Absolute icon. His banter and chaotic energy added so much humor and made the story even better.

This was a fast, addictive read that I flew through in no time. Classic Vi Keeland—and a perfect reminder of why I always reach for her books.

[Ceacea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Romance
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 2.5/5
🧠 2/10
Cliffhanger: No
Noteworthy: Standalone. Dual first-person POV (Majority FMC). Triggers include discussion of SA. Available on KU.

This is one of those rare times that I think more story could have enhanced a book. I think this was perfect duet material. The premise is solid if not a little surface level 50 Shades at times. There was more meat on this bone and it had so much more drama potential. But what we got was okay. If you're going into this book looking for kink set your expectations low. Although it's mentioned and alluded to many times it isn't explored beyond a few minor instances.

[sassyrantsandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy mother of pearl was this fucking good!😮‍💨🔥
•
•
Full review to come



@vi_keeland was one of the new to me authors I discovered in 2025. I have binged several of her books now, and I’m completely hooked!

THE EXCEPTION was no different. I DEVOURED this book. It’s addictive, and truly unputdownable. The banter throughout the book was top tier and Sutton’s best friend Miles was hilarious (he definitely stole the show at times)! I definitely shed a few tears, because the emotional storylines hit hard and made Jagger and Sutton’s road to their HEA anything but easy.

Make sure you go read this book when it releases on January 11th! The audiobook was also amazing! Sebastian York & Andi Arndt brought this story to life beautifully. Highly recommend!!

Thanks to Vi & her team for this arc in exchange for my honest review.🫶🏻

[Shelly’s Kindl3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daddy Dom

Jagger and Sutton have held my attention the entire book. I love the substance and depth that both characters bring to the story. Sutton is unbreakable even when life tried her. I applaud her for not letting her traumatic experience dictate how she lives her life. The same for Jagger, who was a troubled youth who turned his life around by joining the Marines and then leading a successful company. I appreciate the author for treating the mental health issues with such care and compassion. Know your triggers going in because some sensitive topics are covered. I would recommend this book to all overcomer. I gave this book 5 stars because I loved the raw passion between Jagger and Sutton. Age gap kept them apart but love pull them together.

[Joanna Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book of the year and it did not disappoint!

I absolutely loved this book, and it checked all my favorite boxes. Sutton and Jagger are a pair with fantastic chemistry and just the right amount of angst. My heart soared with their highs and my stomach plummeted with their lows. Of course there’s a happily ever after that will make you smile and swoon. The audiobook has dual narration with Andi and Sebastian and it is amazing. A favorite author with top notch storytellers equals perfection.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Vi writes it I’m reading it!! The Exception was fantastic. Jagger and Sutton were so great. This is a forbidden office romance. Forbidden romances are among my favorites and Vi did an amazing job. The attraction between them is amazing and undeniable and their interactions and banter are great. It’s emotional and swoony and funny. Miles! Omg he was FANTASTIC!!! So so great! I loved him!

An arc was provided for an honest review.

[Marisa Tuszl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[**Manjula ♥ Books** · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of my favourite reads. I loved it. Everything about the book. I'm really into reading books with intelligent heroines and powerful controlling heroes.

Verdict: Highly recommend

[Luna Sol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute perfection! I just couldn't get enough Jagger. I never wanted it to end.