Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Exception #2

The Perception

Rate this book
Can be read as a STANDALONE NOVEL.
There is no greater burden than a secret, and Kari Stanley has been carrying one alone for a long time. But fate intervenes in the form of a broken down car and the kind offer of assistance from a handsome stranger with a sweet, southern drawl. In exchange, all she has to do is go to dinner with him. Temptation was never so sweet.

Max Quinn has secrets of his own. His good deeds aren't just a product of his southern upbringing; they're his atonement. As one dinner turns into two, he realizes that Kari just might be his salvation.

As they struggle to find their path together, their secrets weigh heavier on them. Will they be able to trust one another with the truth, or will their secrets keep them apart forever?

This book CAN be read as a stand-alone novel.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2015

1030 people are currently reading
2536 people want to read

About the author

Adriana Locke

98 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,161 (57%)
4 stars
1,217 (32%)
3 stars
331 (8%)
2 stars
50 (1%)
1 star
26 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
Profile Image for Mary Ruth .
222 reviews51 followers
February 25, 2015
*An e-ARC was graciously given via ABWO Promotions in exchange for an honest review*

CAUTION: Mild Spoiler Alert

You know that feeling when you just ended a book and you lay semi-limp, staring at your ceiling, and thinking, “Yep. Five stars.” I felt that way after reading this book. I cannot put it down and I even had to re-read some scenes because I just really loved them. It appears that Adriana Locke still has me wrapped around her perfect mix of dreamy yet realistic characters, and her easy-going yet emotionally stirring prose.

“I’m Max Quinn, the man that can service any and all of your needs.”

Maxwell Jacob Quinn was Mr. Right. He does right things, think the right things, and strives to be the right person for everything he does. He was a man of integrity, justice, and...dammit he’s sexy as hell. I need a Max Quinn in my life. Not just because he can burn the sheets making love to you but because of what he does before it, after it, and every bit of time where he’s present in your life. I loved how he gets el commando in the bedroom but unleash his soft side in little thoughtful things. Every detail about Max Quinn was made to be loved. Actually, it’s more of: every detail about Max Quinn will leave you no choice but to love him. No regrets here!

I had not promised him forever. Truth be told, I hadn’t guaranteed him tomorrow.

Kari Stanley was Miss What-If. A cloud of doubt had been swirling inside her head caused by a painful experience in her past. She refused to get too attached so it will be easier to let go. Even if she knew letting Max go was near impossible. Kari was a surprise for me. In the first book, she seemed to be happy and carefree, always brought sunshine everywhere she went. Little did I know that she lived in a dark cloud behind her sun. And the fact that she was able to hide that showed how strong she was as an individual. But of course, her strength did not encompass the ability to resist Max Quinn.

“Sweetheart, you and me—we’re permanent.”

Truth be told, I cannot single out scenes that “stood out” because each time I think of one, it’s followed by another, and then another, and at the end of the list I’ll just realize that I just summarized the full book. If you’re a keen reader, each scene is really a delight. The little gestures Max did for Kari, the specific details they knew about each other, and the sexy things they do together are actually the things that really got me into the book. Yes, I guess this is Adriana Locke’s forte, making every little thing and scene special. Her characters needn’t mind-blowing and extravagant scenes to stand out because their charm alone was so effortlessly gripping. With the amount of books that I’ve read, I am happy to note that the scenes weren’t clichéd. There were still moments and gestures that I found unique and refreshing, facts and responses that I wasn’t expecting. And as a reader, it’s important to me that there’s something new in something as predictable as romance. Five permanent stars from me!
Profile Image for Joy.
384 reviews78 followers
November 8, 2015
I've loved Max Quinn since the moment I met him in The Exception when he was willing to admit to Jada that his relationship, with her sister Kari, had a very specific purpose. Knowing full well that Kari was his end game.

Max isn't an overbearing, over the top alpha. No, he's a gentleman and if you didn't recognize that in The Exception you certainly will in this book! He's the perfect combination of cocky yet sweet, strong but in certain situations vulnerable, and hard working while still maintaining his laid back disposition that I loved so much. He loves his momma. He's loyal, almost to a fault. And he is head over heels in love with a woman who could potentially break his heart.

I loved this story because we got to enjoy more Cane. I've always been a huge fan of bromances and Max and Cane's is no exception! These two are complete opposites and together they make me laugh. There are some great scenes in this book where we get to enjoy Max talking Cane off of the proverbial ledge because things are a little crazy in his life in this book both in the office and at home. Poor Max has his work cut out for him.

And where Max is the calm in Cane's storm. He is the beacon in Kari's. The only problem is she's trying hard to ignore his steadfast light and navigate her storm alone in the dark.

I love Kari. She's a strong character, a hard worker and she loves Max. But the secret she is harboring just broke my heart. She's been through so much and while she's always had her Dad and Jada she's still felt alone. And she hates the fact that what she hasn't shared with anybody will mean a future without Max!

So ladies mark your calendars for when you can dive into this story because you are not going to want to miss a second!
Profile Image for Shannon.
517 reviews164 followers
August 19, 2016
THIS NEEDS MORE THAN FIVE STARS! Gahhhhhhhh. <3 <3 <3 <3
Profile Image for Readingwhore.
113 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2015
Beautiful

This love story was fantastic and beautiful!! I deeply love Max!! He stole my heart!! And Kari amazing luv her!! I loved there story and how Max was always her home and loved her deeply wow so good!! He never gave up on her and asking her all the time to marry him and she always said not today
Profile Image for Kristen Ollie.
117 reviews26 followers
March 26, 2015
4 "COUNTRY BOY" STARS FOR MAXWELL QUINN!!!

I started this book because of Max, I loved this book because of MAX!! However, I loved Kari just as much!! I absolutely love everything about this couple and their journey! Beautiful story! Now Samantha.. She can go to HAITI!! I know girls like her, I've had girls like her try to ruin my life. Little did she know that all of her actions only brought Max and Kari that much closer! That looney tune got what she deserved! And just so we are clear.. MAX would only have to ask me once to Marry him, there wouldn't be any "not today" replies coming from me ;) He stole my heart. These are the type of men we have where I come from! If you haven't met a country boy, a REAL country boy.. Well I genuinely feel bad for you, you have no clue what you are missing out on. Out of all the book boyfriends I have read, Max is the one that would fit into my life the most!! He seems so REAL to me! :) What are you waiting for? Go meet him already!!!!!
Profile Image for Sonja Chilcote.
79 reviews11 followers
February 27, 2015
Oh boy! Yep Max was swoon worthy in The Exception but damn he is on fire in The Perception! Adriana pulls you in and never lets go! The story has just the right amount of angst and drama to keep you wanting more and to find out what is happening next. You get to enjoy Cane and Jada as well which in my opinion is always nice to see the others come into play :) Another great read from Adriana!!
683 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2016
Okay, time for honesty here

I'm reviewing as I read because I'm on page 24 and wondering if I want to keep reading....let me share why.....the heroine had to say the word that nearly always have me shutting the book down.....I'm just too broken. Nothing drives me more nuts and put me so off a character who loves to drown in self pity. I don't like these kind of people in real life, and I don't like to suffer through reading about them in a romance novel where they absolutely don't deserve the hero. To top it off, this chick seems like a cold fish, and I'm losing faith in the hero because he's stuck by her for the last year. Sorry, but if it takes a year to get someone on board the relationship, screw them. Sad, because I really like the heroine in the first book. I'm giving it a couple more chapters before I let you know if this book is about to FLOP.

So, I finished it. I eventually would have come to like this because the h finally started getting her act together. But then the crazies came out, guns blazing....literally....and that cued eye rolls. Hence three stars....because when will writers learn that not every love story must have psychos. The first book in this series had one, but I hated it that this one had to go in that direction.
Profile Image for Susan Rayner.
74 reviews11 followers
February 18, 2015
LOVED this book from cover to cover! Max is just the absolute dream of a man! He will steal your heart just as fast as Cane did. I love all these characters. Kari is an amazingly strong heroine and you will adore her. Adriana has this amazing way of making you feel like you are apart of the book. You get hooked on this story. Lots of emotion. I laughed, and laughed out loud, and cried, and cried some more.
This is a definite MUST read!!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
404 reviews8 followers
February 26, 2015
I loved this story I felt I was invested in these characters lives. I was always huge Max fan and new that oneday when I got to read his and Kari's book I would love him even more. But what I didn't expect is how much I would love Kari to I mean don't get me wrong I freaking loved her because in the exception she's pretty badass. The loyalty she gives speaks volumes but to be allowed in her head was amazing. Kari carries a secret that nobody knows and she keeps her knowing that she can never be happy. And that's because she has been hurt so awful that you honestly want to hug her. She never told anyone and dealt with this all by herself. Max is this country boy who has a heart of gold. And is in love with Kari but he let's her lead because he knows that she is it for him. And he will honestly take whatever she's willing to give some may say why. But he knows she has pain burried deep within her. He has vowed that no matter what he's going to overcome those demons that keeps her from opening up completely. This was truly a beautiful written love story about a woman and man who love each other and through everything he excepted all she could give no pressure at all.  To me that's a beautiful man and that's my Max.  But every love story has struggles and ex's and let's not forget crazy psyco people. But can Kari finally open up and let Max all the way in.  Can she learn to trust and except everything. Also we get to see Cane and Jada again I truly love books that carry over the characters. It makes you feel apart of their family. So to finish up my review I will not give any spoilers away simply because I hate them.  But Adriana Locke has a way with words and she did a great job telling there story. I hope it continues I know there is a character I would love to hear more about he really was a great addition and he would be perfect for another character in the book just saying.  Love you girl and couldn't be more proud of you.
Profile Image for Robin Laine.
Author 6 books47 followers
August 3, 2017
Adriana Locke has done it again. She delivered a powerful love story that made me laugh, cry, and even angry. The Perception is the sequel to The Exception, Cane and Jada’s story.
Max and Kari will touch your hearts on so many levels. Their journey towards happiness is full of speed bumps, and speed hills (you know, those mountainous bumps that you have to crawl over so that you don’t nose dive into the pavement). You feel their heartache, their struggles, and their joy.

In The Exception, I fell in love with Cane’s alpha, possessive, heart of gold nature. But Max, oh Max, in The Perception he just melted my heart. He is the quiet alpha that sneaks up on you, and before you can blink he’s wrapped around your heart, and never letting go. I want to hear him call me sweetheart in that sexy, southern drawl of his. Max definitely gives Cane a run for his money in the swoon department, and is going to be making women forget Cane and fall at his feet.
Kari’s struggles are real, and will break your heart. As she grows and heals, with the help of Max’s love for her, you realize just how strong of a woman she really is. She’s sassy, loving, protective, and ready and willing to fight for what’s hers.

The Perception is a must read, and I recommend this book to everybody. Adriana pulls you in from word one, and doesn’t let you go. She has a beautiful writing style, and I look forward to reading future works from her.
Profile Image for Bookgrl.
341 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2015
What can I say about The Perception?
A down home feel good book that will leave you breathless, steal your heart and make you want a Max of your very own.
Max. OH MAX. If I had to dream up the perfect book boyfriend it would be Max Quinn. Add a southern gentleman with a heart of gold, a man who loves his mama, a little mix of a kinky side, a teaspoon of stubborn, a cup full of alpha and a whole lot of hotness and you have a Max Quinn. Put that in your cook books ladies.
Kari is just the right fit for our Max. She is strong and not a door mat for anyone. She has so much faith in Max that she never doubts him. If only she had that faith that Max’s love for her would never waver no matter what. Of course she has a secret that she thinks Max will leave her if / when he finds out, but she doesn’t know that when Max is in it. He is in it for the long haul. She is his and he is going to fight for her till the end.
The story was great. I felt like I was watching an old soap opera with my favorite couple always being in turmoil. There was that one person always trying to break them up at all costs. In The Perception we have that. In every little corner they thought of ways to break them up. I just wanted to ring their little neck for interfering with Max and Kari. And just like in my soap opera the bad guy gets their due.

Thank you Adriana for such a wonderful story that will stay with me for a long time.
Profile Image for April Alexander.
19 reviews17 followers
March 18, 2015
I'll be there 1st to admit, that I usually like the "bad boy" when I read. I went into this book thinking there's no way Max will grab me the way Cane did...boy, I was sooo wrong. I didn't want to put this book down. It caused me to lose A LOT of sleep!! It took only 2 evenings to read and believe I went into work with only 4 hrs of sleep both nights...I really need to start reading before 10pm. Lol
Anyways, Adriana did an amazingly awesome job. Absolutely loved that they were together from the get go. So many books that I read takes them over half of it to get their acts together. The issues that Kari had, I believe many women do feel that way, and you probably made someone look at a relationship differently now. I tip my hat to you for that Adriana...well if I was wearing a hat, I would.
There's so many things I could say, but you'll read the same thing from every other 5 star review, so I'll leave you with this, if you haven't read this book, you are nuts! go one click this bitch RIGHT NOW!! I promise you will love it, Max will not let you down.
Profile Image for Chandra.
251 reviews
March 1, 2015
Wow! How I love Mr. Max Quinn! I try to write spoiler free reviews, so here we go!

If you are looking for a different storyline, look no further. If you want a wholesome love story, look no further. If you want some drama, heat, giggles, and a surprise; look no further. This book had it all.

While a lot of books kind of have a basic format of start up, climax, and finale. The Perception gives you more of a roller coaster ride, but it is never overwhelming. It will give you the "feels" some good some bad, and it is fantastic.

Random comments
-I loved some of the sayings used within the book.
-this books characters were very wholesome; relatable ; realistic
-the sex in this book was one of a kind
-epilogue was perfect

I could keep going on and on about this book, but like I said I try to keep my reviews spoiler free. So, just make sure you read this book! Don't miss out!
Profile Image for Tricia.
610 reviews
March 22, 2015
Another awesome book by Adriana Locke! Meeting Max in The Exception had me pretty excited. Not once disappointed. You'll never meet a more loyal and loving man than Max. Never. Not Once did his love falter. And it's been a long time that I seriously hated a character to the point of wanting to reach through the book and cut a bitch. And Cane....still love Cane. Even more now! Kira has been through more loss than what someone should have to endure and as much as she tried to keep her distance....Max would never let her!
61 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2015
OMG!!!! What a powerful story, I couldn't put it down. I didn't think Adriana could top Cane & Jada but she did and she did it so well. This book has everything, love, drama, emotion, family difficulties......and oh yeah, don't forget the hot sex!!!! Max & Kari would melt the ink right off the page!! I laughed out loud, I cried, I smiled with joy and I squealed in frustration. I can not wait to see what Adriana produces next....it'll be a definite one-click.
Profile Image for Yvette (Booksandbandanas).
476 reviews108 followers
March 3, 2015
This book was phenomenal. My first book by this author but seriously couldn't put it down so swoon worthy it's not normal. Max was every girls dream guy must read.

Merged review:

breathtaking

This is my first book by this author, absolutely amazing. Loved every word. Some books don't have everything you want in a book but trust me when I say this book DOES. Must read. Max is my new book BF.
Profile Image for Nasreen.
410 reviews17 followers
March 22, 2015
WAY, WAY, WAY better than the first book. The 'Sam' storyline felt too dragged out and thus too long for the book.
Profile Image for **Tessa** (semi hiatus).
425 reviews17 followers
September 13, 2022
I write reviews to remind myself about the books I read.

Selfish h. Like irredeemable mother effing selfish h. She can’t have kids but instead of telling the man this (the man who wants kids) she leads him on for over a year. Making him think she will give him a life filled with all he desires. The mixed signals! I won’t move in but I’ll stay here 7 days a week?? Tf?
On a personal note-I was told when I was 18 I could not have children, while I ended up with a miracle baby boy, I would NEVER have been dishonest about this going into a relationship. And sure as hell wouldn’t be keeping it every long after he fell in love with me.
She doesn’t keep this from him to protect him she does it solely so she doesn’t lose him. Nope. I do not read disgusting people like this. I know they will end up together because Max IS a good man who DOES love her but she doesn’t deserve him. And love is give and take and his love for her will overcome anything even being childless. But she doesn’t love him. You don’t lead on those you truly love. That isnt love. ALSO being able to have children does NOT MAKE YOU WORTHY OR UNWORTHY. If your self worth is so poor and omg her self esteem? She is just ugh! Disgusting human being even towards herself!

DNF very early on when I actually felt physically Ill reading the h internal dialogue. I have read a lot of books, a lot of characters that were not good people-none have made my physically want to throw up before this. Will not attempt this author again. If this is her idea of love, no thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jodi - JodiReadsnListens.
1,266 reviews50 followers
June 13, 2023
**Audio Review**
The Perception by Adriana Locke was an intense and heartfelt romance that captivated my heart from start to finish. Kari and Max's journey to HEA was filled with many spicy twists and a few suspense turns that had me longing for these two to finally find their forever together.

Stella Bloom and Lee Samuels narrate this audiobook, and both were fantastic at bringing Max and Kari to life. Stella portrayed Kari's vulnerabilities, insecurities, and passions perfectly in a moving performance. Lee turned on the charm with his performance of Max, making his devoted and protective demeanor super swoony and irresistible. Plus, the longing chemistry between these two will melt your earbuds.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of a rollercoaster ride of a romance with a hot southern hero, a passionate heroine, secrets, drama, family time, stalker tendencies, marriage proposals, babies, a gripping climax, and a HEA that will make you happy sigh, then you will love Max and Kari's romance. I always look forward to more from Adriana Locke.
Profile Image for Tina.
320 reviews87 followers
March 21, 2015
Two words: Max Quinn

I loved Max when he was first introduced in The Exception. A good ol’ Southern boy? Uh, yeah I love them. So needless to say when I saw The Perception was going to be Max’s story I knew I needed to read it.

Our characters:
Kari has become the love him and leave him kind of girl. No attachment, no strings, just get whatever you need and then just leave. She’s been broken before and can’t bear to go through that again, so she keeps Max at a distance always reminding him that they are temporary. She could one day just up and leave…but she doesn’t. She’s a strong character. I loved seeing her go from a tough, strong, independent girl to learning how to rely on others. I also loved seeing her walls come down and seeing the real Kari.

Max * sigh * is such a gentlemen. He is totally worth book boyfriend material. He’s loyal, sweet, caring a family man. He’s just perfect. I loved that no matter how much Kari tried to push him away he wouldn’t give up on her, he kept trying. He was the kind of man you want in your corner. What I liked the most about this story is that we see the working side of Max that demands respect and gives orders and with Kari and his family we see a loving caring man.

The Relationship:
Kari and Max’s relationship is so adorable, loving and would make girls wish they had a boyfriend like Max. They leave each other sticky notes in random spots so they can always remind the other they’re thinking of each other. I also loved how active they were, they enjoyed going on hikes or simply sitting on the couch reading a book. There was also playfulness to their relationship that I have been missing in most books. I love a guy who can make me laugh and feel good about myself…Max definitely did that with Kari. Totally swoon worthy.

Max: “Marry me?”
Kari: “Not today.

The Truth Will Set You Free
Kari has been carrying around a huge secret that has been eating her up alive. She could never turn to her sister Jada because at the time Jada was going through her drama with her husband (read The Exception for Jada’s story). So she’s dealt with everything in her past by herself, never relying on anyone just taking care of herself. She’s afraid once Max knows the truth, he’ll walk away just like he did. Even after, Max finds out the truth he tells Kari he’s not leaving. Her secret (I won’t spoil it for you!) is a major deal breaker in relationship for many and I can understand why she didn’t want Max to fall in love with her but he showed that no matter what love conquers all and if you truly love the person you’ll stick by them no matter what.

That’s not the only problem they had throughout the book…there was Sam. Max’s sister’s friend who has always managed to make Max feel bad about her circumstances so he can’t help but to lend a helping hand. But something just doesn’t sit right about Sam, I knew it from the moment she was introduce. I just knew the girl was “off”. Always trust your gut! Let me tell you, the twists Adriana threw into the story with Sam I never saw coming.

My Favorite Part:
I love tattoos, I only have one but I have so many I would love to get and I love to hear people’s stories behind their tattoos. It helps me understand the person better. I really loved how Adriana incorporated tattoos into the story and their meanings. I especially loved Kari and Max’s tattoos but above all I really loved Kari’s tattoo. *insert cheesy moment here * for me, it really explained how I feel about my fiancé.

“Max was many things to me. He was my friend, my lover, my soul mate. My guiding force. Just like a compass, I could turn to him to find my way home. To him. Because Max Quinn was my home."

Beautiful, right?

What I loved the most about the story was how much love Kari and Max had for one another. Adriana wrote such a beautiful story about giving love a chance, letting go and loving again. Most importantly, loving yourself. It was truly captivating from beginning to end. Max Quinn is totally boyfriend material. You’ll love him I promise.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,279 reviews373 followers
March 13, 2015
This book was an utter revelation for me. Adriana has managed to divest of the same dull template and instead turn things on their head quite a bit with The Perception, we do indeed get the ‘meet-cute’ from our two protagonists Max and Kari, which takes up the prologue and sets the scene brilliantly for the rather complicated and beautiful love affair that transpires between the two. Chapter one took me completely by surprise as it takes us two years into the established relationship. Adriana has managed to weave a complex and all too realistic perspective on a relationship, the ups and downs, trials and tribulations and the perseverance and tenacity that is required to keep it intact and strong especially when there is severe interference and threats coming from a very manipulative wolf in sheep's clothing.

Kari is one of those heroines that come along every once in a while that stirs something in you, compassion, awe and sometimes annoyance particularly when she insists on refusing the delectable Max’s marriage proposals but Kari has a labyrinth of secrets tragedies that have her holding her true feelings behind an almost impenetrable wall. Her character has substance and clout as her fears and insecurities and realisations become your own as the story progresses. However Max tended to outshine Kari in certain ways as a leading character, his sweet determination as he campaigns to keep Kari’s heart and his steadfastness in his love for Kari made me want to swoon and sigh like some hormonal teenager.

“She’s it for me Alexander. She’s the one. I just need her to see it.” Cane grabbed my shoulder as he walked towards the island. He leaned against it, crossing his arms in front of him. “She sees it or she wouldn’t still be with you. Maybe she wants you to get on one knee and all that bullshit.”

“If I go doin’ that, she’s gone. There’s no way she won’t run. I just…” I looked out the window at the leaves swaying with the breeze. “I need to figure out what she’s so scared of. That’s the key. And then change her perception.”

The Perception had it all, an incredible dual voiced romance, a splendid amount of hot sex, a devious and calculating adversary, a relationship wrought with unfathomable danger and secrets and of course the reappearance of some murky and unwelcome characters from the past. I was absorbed in the love story one hundred percent so when the action and intrigue began to unfold alongside it, I found myself reading each line faster and faster and turning the page at an alarmingly quick rate all so I could see what was coming next. Incredibly well written, intelligent and often comical dialogue with some beautiful interaction and sexual chemistry between the two main leads.

~Nicole

Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,616 reviews148 followers
June 19, 2016
3 stars. This book was ok for me. The story reminds me of a Lifetime movie. Instead of it reading like a romance, it read, IMO, like a psycho stalker book with a little romance in the background. This is Kari and Max's story. When the book begins, they have already been dating for a year. (Which makes it hard for me to connect with them because I couldn't see their relationship develop). Kari has a bad history and is hiding a secret from Max. This secret is so big that she thinks it will make Max break up with her, so she's holding him at arms length and refuses to take their relationship to the next level. Max, on the other hand, is crazy about Kari and wants to marry her. But he knows she is holding back and he doesn't want to push her. Samantha is a family friend (Max's sister's best friend) who likes Max a lot. She gradually insinuates herself into their lives. She starts by getting Max to get her a job at his office. Max feels obligated to Samantha because of a incident in her teens (that incident was a total lie and never happened) . She comes onto him all the time, calls him all the time, is rude to Kari, breaks into their house, and on-and-on as things escalate into more psycho behavior and she snaps. The main conflict in the book was Samantha, her stalking, and the crazy things she does to get Max to love her and hurt Kari. This was drug out through the entire book. Max was blind to her behavior until the end and treated her very nicely, helped her out, answered her calls all the time, gave her a job, and ignored others' feelings that she was crazy. It annoyed me that he let things go so far until Samantha snapped and hurt people. In the background, Max and Kari work out their differences about their future pretty easily.

Now, I like Lifetime movies. I enjoyed the book for what it was. It was just very dramatic. I just didn't feel connected to any of the characters. I didn't feel like it was a romance book. I did like the way the story evolved and how things ended up for Max and Kari though. This was my first book by Ms. Locke and I'm not sure if I will read more by her in the future.
133 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2015
I wish I can rate this book 100 stars, because it has everything a girl needs... including the man of her dreams. You don't want to miss out on this amazing, breath-taken, heart-melting, and magical story. Adriana Locke has done it again!!! There is ONLY one exception to The Excecption and that is The Perception!!! After meeting Max and Cane I instantly feel in love. Now that I read Max's story, I fell deeper in love ❤. He magically put a tight vice around my heart and ran with it because he is Magic Max! Oh boy is he magic.....
"Sweetheart, you and me we're permanent." Max permanently tattooed my heart, mind, body, and soul.

He is "Max Quinn. A man that can service any and all your needs. "
I thought I knew what makes up a true book boyfriend, until I meet him. He exceeds and tops all the ones I have meet so far. Is it his southern, county, sweet nature? His protective, caring, loving side? It's so much more. Because "Loving Max Quinn wasn't the problem. Loving Max Quinn was the problem." Max is Max, he will steal your heart and make you want much, much more!

Adriana Locke, you know how to write a great story with great characters. Let's not forget AMAZING bbfs. I have a great big heart to fit them all in. Your work has made me want more in life, made me feel, and for some reason I find myself drinking out of Red Solo cups bc lets face it everything tastes better in one!!! ;)
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,724 reviews226 followers
March 17, 2016
“Let me love on you a minute.”

I absolutely loved and adored Max…from the first moment we met him in The Exception, and reading his own story just cemented him as one of my top bbf for 2015. He is the ultimate sweetheart- sexy, loyal, dependable . He’s so caring and loving, so patient with Kari, I don’t know how that girl denied him for so long!

Kari, ahhh that girl! She’s so headstrong and stubborn when it comes to Max and his love for her. Because of things that happened in her past, secrets she is keeping, she’s determined to keep him at a distant, believing that she isn’t worthy of Max. And she's set on not giving Max a chance to prove her wrong. Luckily for her, Max isn’t easily dissuaded and continues his mission to show her she is everything to him, she’s the one, and nothing she can do or say will change that.

“All that mattered was fixing her. Showing her that I would never walk away from her, that whatever she did in the past was in the past. We would figure out the future together.”

This is a really wonderful love story. Even though it wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows, it also wasn’t full of angst and unnecessary drama- everything that happened, everything that was said, played an important part in getting Kari and Max to their hea. It was really a journey of discovery for Kari, as she learned to open up and let Max in, to let him love on her, care for her, protect her.
I loved watching these 2 fall in love.

136 reviews
October 16, 2015
I was given a copy for an honest review.

When I first found out Max and Kari were getting their own story, I was so excited, could not wait and let me tell you it was an amazing ride that Adriana takes you on.

Kari a beautiful nurse who has secrets from her past that stand in the way of her believing that she has a future. By chance she meets Max, oh word everyone needs a Max, the sweet handsome guy that just wants to give and do everything for Kari.the two have been together for a year and Max is starting to hint that he wants more, but things from Kari's past always seem to hold her back. She doesn't want to hurt him and she also doesn't want to get in the process. Can Max get through to Kari? Can Kari really let go of her past and reveal all her secrets?

Wow I don't even know where to start with this one. I absolutely loved this book. The story was amazing, having so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing the whole way. The characters are amazing and holy smokes the chemistry between Kari and Max was HOT!! I honestly could not put this book down once I started and Adriana did a marvelous job! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. I am looking forward to was Adriana comes up with next,can't wait!!!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
24 reviews
February 26, 2015
Adriana Locke is amazing!

I recieved an ARC of The Perception and I was truly floored. This is the story of Cane's best friend, Max Quinn and Kari - Jada's sister. I love Max and Kari! Max is the total opposite of Cane, but in a good way I promise you. I literally could not put this book down, I had it read in 2 days. I laughed, I cried and I swooned. You will not be let down once you read this, it captures you from the very beginning. By the end of it, you are simply in love with the characters, not to mention super in love with Max Quinn.

If you haven't read the first book, it really doesn't matter. The book is somewhat of a stand alone, but there are a lot of references to the first book. If i were you, I would read the first book too. That way you can get a full grasp of every detail in this book.

Adriana's first book is called The Exception.

Adriana Locke, you are simply amazing and I hope you keep showering us with amazing books to read. You deserve more than just a simple goodreads review, you are that talented.

Read this book, You won't regret it.



Profile Image for Shaunda.
67 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2015
When I met Cane Alexander in The Exception, I grouped him in with my favorite a**holes. Grey, Ward, Cross, Stark & so on. When I was forced to put my kindle down I kept asking myself "What will the a**hole going to do next?" & I couldn't wait to find out when I was able to start reading some more. In The Perception, I didn't put Max Quinn in a group, because that man is in a group all his own. I was crushing on him in The Exception but I fell hard for him in The Perception. He is everything a man should be. Sweet, sexy, understanding, all knowing and is still able to hold the possession of his man card. He is a great friend and a better boyfriend. I am so glad Adriana step out of her comfort zone and created Max. Adriana also has the ability to give us a heroine that we all can like and feel connected too, that doesn't happen very often. Kari could easily be your bestie and be someone you want to hang with, all the time. So if you want a good feeling story, this is the one.
Profile Image for Jamie .
1,487 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2015
Max knew the minute he met Kari she was the ONE. Kari was drawn to Max but she try's to hold back with him. Kari has a secret from her past one not even her sister knows. She doesn't think true love and marriage are in her future as her past has damaged her. Max will not give up on Kari, she is his world and he will do everything to show her that he is staying put, not leaving her. But things from both their past come front and center and its enough to tear them apart. Can the love they both have be Enough to hold them together, will Kari be able to get past the trauma she lived through by herself years ago. Can she see Max is there through it all the Good and the Bad. This is a True love story that have hurtles to go over but with a strong bond of trust and love they can get through anything. I totally recommend this story
Profile Image for Laura.
111 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2015
Max Max Max

Max Quinn has a moral compass I wish every man had!! Kari has to be the luckiest girl alive if she could just get passed her past!! Max has got the patience of a saint.. Kari has been dating Max for over a year and every day he asks her to marry him and her response is always the same, not today!! But Max doesn't give up, with his sweet southern charm and his smoking hot looks, eventually he breaks down her walls and gets to the truth..But as always and in great Adriana fashion it's not a smooth transition!! Because it wouldn't be a book by Adriana without the drama of an ex or a crazy stalker!! And yes ladies we even have that sexy and smart mouth Cane Alexander to keep it lively.. I really loved getting Kari and Max' story!! Well done Adriana and please tell me you have something in the works for Conner. "Hint Hint"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.