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The Exception #1.5

The Connection

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He was the bad boy she didn't need.
She was the exception to his rules.

When Jada Stanley and Cane Alexander met, it was lust at first sight. As much as they fought it, it became so much more.

Now that they've stopped fighting it and made their own rules, a little respite is needed. Las Vegas is the destination of choice.

Despite what they say, not everything that happens in Vegas stays there.

Unknown Binding

First published June 23, 2015

677 people are currently reading
1482 people want to read

About the author

Adriana Locke

86 books15.9k followers
Adriana Locke is a USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author with a knack for writing swoony, unforgettable contemporary romances. At nineteen, she traded her small-town roots for big-city life, only to realize her heart beats for quiet mornings and cozy chaos. These days, she’s living her happily-ever-after in Ohio with Mr. Locke—her high school sweetheart—four lively sons, and two hilariously hyper Jack Russell terriers.

When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.

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5 stars
1,140 (51%)
4 stars
737 (33%)
3 stars
278 (12%)
2 stars
43 (1%)
1 star
15 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
Profile Image for BeautyandtheBooks.
272 reviews17 followers
June 24, 2015
Cane just blew my mind! Oh and Jada's

I loved this Novella! I'm literally in a bliss like state. It was perfect!! Cane is THE MAN!! Wait, Max is too. Gah! Adriana Locke sure knows a thing or two about book boyfriends. I'm in heaven over here!! Couldn't of asked for more!! I'm all smiles. Thank you, Adriana!!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
24 reviews
June 24, 2015
This book!!!!!

Adriana Locke is absolutely amazing. Everything she writes keeps getting better and better. This was the perfect novella for Cane and Jada. The amount of love they have for each other in The Connection is truly beautiful. I can honestly say I cried, I laughed, and I loved. HARD.

Anyone who doesn't read this will be sorry they missed out. I was in dire need of Cane to come back in my life and poof! There he was - better than ever. And I even got some more Max too!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
193 reviews12 followers
June 23, 2015
#TheCoachIsBack

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I freaking missed these characters sooo much, that reading this novella pretty much just cemented how MUCH I love Adriana!! I literally devoured 'The Connection' in about an hour. This was such a beautiful novella especially since it's set in my city... VEGAS baby!

I loved all the scenes between Cane and Jada. Especially, the end scene.. There's a new coach in town, Cane!
Adriana NEVER disappoints in the ability to make me swoon and drool whenever Cane is present..
I seriously love that alpha-bad boy and his filthy mouth!


This novella was absolute HEAVEN and complete PERFECTION rolled into one & I absolutely LOVED getting more of Cane and Jada and Max and Kari!!

I hope to see more novella's from Adriana in the future.
Maybe a Kari and Max novella next.. ;)
Profile Image for Jennifer.
24 reviews5 followers
June 22, 2015
WHO IS UP FOR A FUN VEGAS TRIP!????
This novella is one of the best Novella's I have read in a very long time. If you have read The Exception and fell in love with Cane Alexander and Max Quinn, I would suggest jumping on this one as soon as possible! Cane does not disappoint - still the cocky bastard we know and love but god did he make me laugh this time around. Of course, Max! Max is just sweet, sexy, and you fall in love with him even more! The bromance between these two are the best I have read.

If you haven't read The Exception, definitely read that first. This book is amazing and will leave you wanting more. Thank God, we do not have to wait as The Perception follows it and is available now. Thank you Adriana for an amazing series!

5 AWESOME STARS
132 reviews9 followers
June 25, 2015
This is the PECFECT CONNECTION between The Exception and The Perception. The chapters are filled with so much love and emotion that not only can be seen as you read, but felt deep...In your heart.
I have LOVED Cane and Max since book one. These two men are definitely men you want on your side. This story just solidified the strong bond they have. The bromance, the banter, the laughs are so touching that I didn't know it was possible to fall deeper in love with them both. Until I did.
Don't miss out on this book. I wish I can say more, but 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas' unless you witness it for yourself.
Adriana Locke, thank you for making me fall harder and deeper. After all, I CAN'T resist the coach and his Quinn! ;)


Profile Image for Analia Almonte.
488 reviews12 followers
December 24, 2015
*I got an arc for an honest review*
Well, Mr. Cane Alexander again do his thing again, I thought I did not need him again only in my memories, but I was wrong I devoured the book in one day, the way he always wanted to please his “baby girl” is something beyond. I want a Cane Alexander to me forever, my soul was wreck when there was no one from his family, but we knew that, and feel as such on their wedding day was something very sentimental. Like I said before the author has a way of writing that makes the reader to connect with the characters and loved them fiercely, again I take my hat on this too!!!! I hope you have so much of success on everything!!!! <3 <3
Profile Image for Joy.
384 reviews78 followers
November 8, 2015
This was such a fun, sweet read. There is really no such thing as too much Cane Alexander or Max Quinn so this novella is the perfect companion to The Exception and The Perception. I enjoyed this groups trip to Vegas. It gave us a closer look at the bond these four share and a better understanding of it's dynamic. Cane will melt your heart in this one. Sure he's still a cocky bastard but, after all that's why we love him. But in this part of his and Jada's story he truly wears his heart on his sleeve! And it's absolutely heartwarming to witness. Enjoy this little treasure and some time spent with these characters!
Profile Image for Nicole.
57 reviews7 followers
June 24, 2015
Sheer perfection. You can not ask for a better novella. This is everything you could possibly want for Cane and Jada. You will laugh you will cry and you will not stop smiling. I absolutely love these 4. Thank you for sharing these amazing characters with us.
Profile Image for Anna.
665 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2015
Even More In Love!

As if it was even possible I am more in love now with Cane Alexander!! Adriana Locke only makes me love her more and more with every new book! Thank you so much for giving us more Cane. Heart.
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,661 reviews224 followers
March 17, 2016
This novella was perfect! It made me fall deeper for Cane, who went out of his way to make such an amazing wedding day for Jada…is there nothing that man can’t do?!?

It was fun, sexy, and sweet…so much goodness packed into a limited number of pages, I couldn’t have asked for more.
Profile Image for William.
2,725 reviews26 followers
January 30, 2020
Another winner! I’m hooked!

Another great novel to this series! I’m always hooked on these love stories and the different familial bonds that are part of the story! Very well done!
Profile Image for Robin Laine.
Author 6 books47 followers
June 24, 2015
“If we fight, we fight naked” I’ve missed Cane, but I didn’t realize just how much! The cocky bastard is back, and better than ever! Max is back as well, and the bromance is just as fun and alive as always.

The feels in this book…. They’re all sweet, misty eyed, and full on love. I felt a giddiness and excitement in my heart the entire time I was reading. It was perfect, the writing amazing, and we finally get to find out what happened in Vegas. Adriana has created the perfect bridge from The Exception to The Perception. Not only do we get the perfect closure to Cane and Jada’s story, but we get a peek into Max and Kari’s relationship before diving into their book.

“Signed, sealed, and delivered with an Alexander at the end.”
I loved seeing the little bit of vulnerability that Cane displayed in this book; something you don’t get to see in The Exception. It shows just how much he loves Jada, and all he’s willing to do to make sure she’s happy and feels his love.

You MUST read The Exception before reading this novella, and I highly recommend reading this before you read The Perception. This novella adds so much more to two already amazing stories.
Profile Image for Jillian.
171 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2015
This story.....man.....it's so damn good!
I realized while reading this how much I truly have missed having Cane, Jada, Max and Kari in my life. The banter between Kari and Cane is even more lol. The showing of brotherhood between Cane and Max really is something to feel in your heart. But more than that, the love Cane has for Jada and the way he shows her just makes my heart smile.
Cane is very...well, Cane lol and does things his own way. Isn't that one of the qualities we love most about him?
This is the story between The Exception and The Perception. The fill in that you needed, but am so glad to have it now to fall to.
This novella is a quick but very full story.
Can I have a trip to Vegas with Cane and Max too?!
I highly recommend this read!!
Profile Image for Jamee.
223 reviews
June 26, 2015
Where to start???? First, let me say that Adriana Locke has knocked it out of the park AGAIN! I fell in love with the 4 main characters ALL OVER AGAIN! Of course, Max is still MY FAVORITE, but Cane definitely outdid himself in this book! This novella has romance, a little suspense, will make you laugh with the way Cane, Jada, Max and Kari all interact...you may even catch yourself getting a little testy eyed (queue the scene with Jada and her dad)! But it's honestly worth it! It's a quick read. This series is definitely one of my favorites of ALL TIME!!!
Profile Image for Chandra.
251 reviews
June 24, 2015
PERFECT!!!! Seriously loved this book so much! I loved The Exception (book that should be read prior), but this runs right their with it. I am not always a fan of Novellas. Sometimes they are unneeded add-ons. This Novella was perfect. Lovey Dovey, warm, beautiful, perfect addition to Cane and Jada's story. You will read it in one setting. You wont want to put it down, and you will be happy you didn't! Don't forget to pick up The Perception when you are done with it either! ;)
Profile Image for Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite.
1,250 reviews317 followers
June 25, 2015
4 "Sweet Connection" Stars!

This novella was super sweet and prove us that it is not impossible to fall in love even more with Cane Alexander and Max Quinn ♥.

The relationship between these two men was what I liked the most.. and for me, the way the author "Connect" the two book was simply marvellous.
Profile Image for Innergoddess_Booklover.
589 reviews
June 25, 2015
Loved it ...did not want it to end..More in love with cane then before. Getting reunited with. cane and max plus the girls was amazing . Got a little emotional with kari and max's speech at the wedding , cane couldn't have had a better best man . If you have read adrian lockes book you should because they are amazing.
Profile Image for mindilouwho .
180 reviews
June 25, 2015
I loved loved loved this! The Connection is the perfect link between the Exception and The Perception. Adriana did a phenomenal job diving back into these characters! The Bromance between Cane and Max is back and..... Seriously- a must read!!
Profile Image for Vera  Green.
80 reviews
June 24, 2015
Must read. I didn't think I would love Cane Alexander any more but I was wrong. The bromance with Max Quinn has you laughing and crying at the same time. Adriana Locke does it to us again. SMH!
Profile Image for Ashley.
667 reviews
June 25, 2015
What a perfect way to tie two of my all time favorite books together!
It was beautiful.
It was romantic.
It was Cane and Jada's love...pure and undeniable!
Profile Image for &#x1f339;Natasha&#x1f339;.
575 reviews
March 10, 2021
Who doesn’t love Cane Alexander!?! He’s pretty perfect!

This was a cute little novella involving all our favorites from The Exception and The Perception.

It was funny, sweet and a quick read! I didn’t think it was even possible to love Cane any more than I already did but I was proved wrong! His sweet side really showed in this one!
Profile Image for Ebbie ~Author Groupies.
558 reviews10 followers
September 6, 2016
The Connection is a follow up novella to The Exception. The Connection is a sweet lighthearted read. And for once what happens in Vegas doesn't have to stay in Vegas!

I fell in love with the characters in The Exception and it has grown more in The Connection. I love the dynamics between the four main characters. Cane is absolutely perfect and has set high expectations for any future book boyfriends! He is so sweet and thinks of all the perfect touches, Jada is a very lucky girl. I feel like I have become friends with Cane, Jada, Max and Kari and I loved feeling like I was sharing these special moments with them.
It had me crying happy tears more than once.

Ms Locke is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. I cannot wait to read more from her.
Profile Image for Laura.
111 reviews5 followers
Read
June 27, 2015
The Boys are Back!!

This little gem is a great addition to the Exception Series..I didn't realize how much I missed Cane and Max until now..I think every book Adriana writes keeps getting better and better.. Move over Coach and hang up your hat, because Jada is taking over..Haha I loved how she told Cane she was the coach now.. I also liked seeing the vulnerable side of Cane..What he did for her, just had me swooning over him more.. And what can I say about that sexy sweet southern talking man Max that hasn't already been said, except that Kari is one lucky lady... Great job Adriana, and I hope you find it in your heart to keep giving us little snippets into these characters lives that I've gotten to love so much...
Profile Image for Misty Simmons.
126 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2015
I would like to start off by saying Thank You to Author Adriana Locke for sharing her talent with us! The journey with Cane, Jada, Max and Kari have been amazing! This book brought back many memories from The Exception and The Perception. It also had so many sweet moments that made me smile and cry. This author has a special gift to make you feel each characters emotions that make you feel you know and love them! I enjoyed this book more than I can express! This book deserves more than a 5 star review very well written and not rushed. Congratulations again Author Adriana Locke on a brilliant story!
543 reviews
June 25, 2015
The Connection was an wondferful and unexpected surprise. This novella completes the transition from The Exception to The Perception. Reading about Cane, Jada, Max, and Kari's trip to Vegas and all of their witty banter was a pleasure. It also gave me closure to The Exception. It drew me in on page one and kept me hooked until the final page. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who has read The Exception. This would also be a great prequel to anyone who has not read The Perception, another book that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Rachel Hendry.
360 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2015
What an amazing addition to this series.
The coach otherwise known as Cane shows his soft and vulnerable side....such a romantic but only for Jada...I love them together...love at its very best,it's pure and infinite.
I loved seeing sweet Max and feisty Kara again and this also sets the scene for The Perception rather nicely.
This novella was funny, it was sweet and it had all the feels to make me smile.
A perfect end to Cane & Jada's story and I loved the 'extra bit' at the end!
Ps it was a perfect end but I will never say no to more Cane....ever!
61 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2015
I loved this. It is a beautifully written novella by a very talented author. This is the perfect interface between The Exception & The Perception. I have to say, I fell in love with Cane & Max all over again. I really, really wish I were Jada or Kara.....daft as that may sound, but it really pulled on my heart strings. I didn't want to put it down and read it within a few hours, which is always my tell on how good the book is, this passed the test with flying colours
Profile Image for TheBookGoddess.
65 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2015
This book was absolute perfection! I honestly would not change a single thing about this book! Adriana gave us everything we wanted and then some. It was the perfect way to wrap up their story and it made us fall in love with them all over again. I didn't realize how much I was missing Cane till I read this story!! You will absolutely love this story and if you haven't already make sure you read The Exception first as it leads into this story!! I promise you this book will not disappoint!
Profile Image for Melissa.
632 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2015
Came Alexander yes we have more! More Cane and Jada some Max and Kari and it's done perfectly. This was such a great addition and much needed novella ! "I might be his girl but he's my guy" I am such a Cane fan so I was beyond excited for this and was not disappointed. You must read the Exception then this if you haven't already!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews

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