Where do I start with this one? Well it's well worth 5 stars that's for sure, I couldn't put it down. I'd seen glimpses of Max in The Exception and actually thought he was a really nice guy so I was really looking forward to reading his and Kari's story. I was not disappointed! We should all be so lucky to have a Max Quinn on our side, he's loyal, kind, honourable and completely gorgeous! I like that Kari's not a push over too.

It's a beautifully written story that grips you from beginning to end.

In places the story was very close to home for me, Kari had lost her mum young, just as I did, she talks to her mum and wishes that she'd been able to meet Max, I've done that countless times but when she sang I love you a bushell and a peck I'll admit I cried buckets because that's what me and my mum sang and I still sing it to my little nieces and nephews.

A fabulous book that I'm fairly certain I'll read and recommend often! ( )

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. ( )