Things below the stairs are sent upside down when the Hartnell family suddenly introduces a brand new house maid to Thistlewaite Manor, whom at 23 years old, has absolutely no experience in her field, and seems to be a fish out of water.
In the misty countryside of Yorkshire, England, amidst the quiet whispers of a bygone era, Hazel Turner leads a life of quiet servitude as a maid in the esteemed Hartnell Manor. But behind her demure facade lies a secret that could unravel the very fabric of her existence.
Raised as a boy by her father to fend for their struggling family, Hazel's world is forever changed when she finds sanctuary within the walls of Hartnell Manor, escaping the clutches of a past marred by deception and abuse.
Within the manor's hallowed halls, Hazel's path crosses with that of Theo Bennett, a rugged footman with a demeanor as stern as the Yorkshire moors. Despite Theo's gruff exterior, a tender ember of affection flickers to life between them, defying the rigid social boundaries of their time.
But Hazel's newfound happiness teeters on the edge of a precipice, threatened by the shadows of her past that refuse to be silenced. As whispers among the manor's other servants cast doubt upon her true identity, Hazel must confront her deepest fears and the specters of her past that threaten to consume her.
For Theo, Hazel becomes more than a mere love interest; she becomes his reason to fight, his beacon of hope in a world marked by darkness. Determined to shield her from harm, Theo embarks on a journey of self-discovery and sacrifice, discovering in Hazel a love worth protecting at all costs.
Amidst the verdant hills and rolling dales of Yorkshire, "The Exception" is a tale of love, resilience, and the transformative power of redemption, where two souls find solace and salvation in the embrace of each other's arms amidst the echoes of a forgotten era.
Nixon is the 3rd book in the Broken Series. (Ryan is the 1st, Brynn is the 2nd)
Nixon leaves rehab early because he can't deal with being there anymore. His sister Kelis finds someone in need of a roommate so he moves in with the girl and gives her his middle name, Lucas. He quickly becomes addicted to the girl and once he gets one taste he's done for. He warns her about his past, about his name, but she ignores all the red flags, not realizing exactly how intertwined she is with the people from his past. He becomes enamored with her, feels like she was made for him while still battling the demons of his past and soon it all becomes too much for him to handle. He makes a heartbreaking decision, thinking it's what's best for both of them and everything changes.
Trigger/Content Warning: this book contains mature content, talks of suicide, mental and physical abuse, selfharm, drug use, and addiction
Cover designed by Anastasia Wright