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Teachers' Lounge #3
Ex Marks the Spot
When Hartley Billings is selected to compete on her favorite reality TV show, she only needs to do two things to win a million dollars:
Come in first place in the final leg.
Not murder her teammate.
The last step would be a lot easier if she wasn’t paired up with her ex, AKA: the guy who obliterated her heart in college.
Court Mueller isn’t thrilled either. His one shot at earning prize money and escaping his lackluster life in Green Valley rests in the hands of the woman he gave up six years ago, AKA: the one he’s stuck with 24/7 for the next three weeks.
With their thorny past now their present, Team Hartbreak only needs to do two things to survive this season of Xtreme Quest:
Establish clear boundaries.
Never, ever cross them… no matter how tempting it is.
"Ex Marks the Spot" is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Teachers’ Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Come in first place in the final leg.
Not murder her teammate.
The last step would be a lot easier if she wasn’t paired up with her ex, AKA: the guy who obliterated her heart in college.
Court Mueller isn’t thrilled either. His one shot at earning prize money and escaping his lackluster life in Green Valley rests in the hands of the woman he gave up six years ago, AKA: the one he’s stuck with 24/7 for the next three weeks.
With their thorny past now their present, Team Hartbreak only needs to do two things to survive this season of Xtreme Quest:
Establish clear boundaries.
Never, ever cross them… no matter how tempting it is.
"Ex Marks the Spot" is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Teachers’ Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2024
138 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Hazel James
9 books630 followersHazel James owes her writing career to her 12th grade English teacher, who wrote, “You should consider a career in writing” on the top of her short story. As a kid who grew up bringing books to the dinner table, Hazel took that advice to heart and became a journalist in the Army.
Years later, Hazel read four books that gave her the courage to begin writing her own novels: Divergent by Veronica Roth, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, and Bright Side by Kim Holden.
Hazel is best known for her military romance novels, which weave in pieces of her husband’s Army career and journey with PTSD. Connecting with readers and promoting the importance of mental health awareness will always be the biggest highlight of her career.
Hazel lives in Tampa Bay, Florida with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, she can be found knee-deep in a DIY project (usually accompanied by 90s music and a Diet Coke).
For a list of upcoming events, go to www.authorhazeljames.com.
Instagram and TikTok:@realhazeljames
Facebook: www.facebook.com/realhazeljames
Reader group: www.facebook.com/groups/hazelsnuts
Years later, Hazel read four books that gave her the courage to begin writing her own novels: Divergent by Veronica Roth, Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, and Bright Side by Kim Holden.
Hazel is best known for her military romance novels, which weave in pieces of her husband’s Army career and journey with PTSD. Connecting with readers and promoting the importance of mental health awareness will always be the biggest highlight of her career.
Hazel lives in Tampa Bay, Florida with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, she can be found knee-deep in a DIY project (usually accompanied by 90s music and a Diet Coke).
For a list of upcoming events, go to www.authorhazeljames.com.
Instagram and TikTok:@realhazeljames
Facebook: www.facebook.com/realhazeljames
Reader group: www.facebook.com/groups/hazelsnuts
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September 26, 2024
★★NOW AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED ★★
'Ex Marks the Spot' by Hazel James is finally here and available in Kindle Unlimited! Go forth and read this small town, enemies to lovers book because you don't want to miss it!
★★Read in KU★★
https://smartypantsromance.com/books/...
★★ BLURB ★★
When Hartley Billings is selected to compete on her favorite reality TV show, she only needs to do two things to win a million dollars:
1. Come in first place in the final leg.
2. Not murder her teammate.
The last step would be a lot easier if she wasn’t paired up with her ex, AKA: the guy who obliterated her heart in college.
Court Mueller isn’t thrilled either. His one shot at earning prize money and escaping his lackluster life in Green Valley rests in the hands of the woman he gave up six years ago, AKA: the one he’s stuck with 24/7 for the next three weeks.
With their thorny past now their present, Team Hartbreak only needs to do two things to survive this season of Xtreme Quest:
1. Establish clear boundaries.
2. Never, ever cross them… no matter how tempting it is.
‘Ex Marks the Spot’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Teachers’ Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Want to read
September 26, 2024'Ex Marks the Spot' by Hazel James is finally LIVE and available in Kinde Unlimited! You don't want to miss this one, grab it TODAY!
★★Read in Kindle Unlimited TODAY!★★
https://smartypantsromance.com/books/...
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
When Hartley Billings is selected to compete on her favorite reality TV show, she only needs to do two things to win a million dollars:
Come in first place in the final leg.
Not murder her teammate.
The last step would be a lot easier if she wasn’t paired up with her ex, AKA: the guy who obliterated her heart in college.
Court Mueller isn’t thrilled either. His one shot at earning prize money and escaping his lackluster life in Green Valley rests in the hands of the woman he gave up six years ago, AKA: the one he’s stuck with 24/7 for the next three weeks.
With their thorny past now their present, Team Hartbreak only needs to do two things to survive this season of Xtreme Quest:
Establish clear boundaries.
Never, ever cross them… no matter how tempting it is.
‘Ex Marks the Spot’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Teachers’ Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
September 27, 2024
My best friend of 30+ years and I are always talking about what an absolute hoot it would be if we auditioned for the reality show The Amazing Race and when we watch the show, we always pretend it’s us doing the actual racing and it is one of the best times between us! Neither one of us could possibly even endure it but it is fun to imagine while watching! This time, I got to imagine while reading and it was so much fun!!
I loved how not only is this a second chance romance, but it’s also kind of a ”hate(ish) to not hate(ish) because forced proximity is making us reevaluate” romance journey. The two combined were very well written in my opinion and it was believable. Everything about this story was believable. That made it that much more entertaining for me. Their chemistry and tension between XY made for some very spicy circumstances and I really liked that a lot because for some reason, I wasn’t expecting it! LOL Obvs, I knew there would be some sexy-sexy, but you’ll have to read the story to “get” what I’m trying to say LOL because I’m not going to detail it for you! ;)
Not only is Hazel James a new-to-me author with this book, but this story marks my first read in this series. I normally never start a series mid-way, but I didn’t have the time in my schedule for the first two releases at the time but #KindleUnlimited has come to the rescue, and I will be catching up in the next couple weeks to get ready for Past Tents coming out in October!!
Thank you Smartypants Romance for the opportunity to read this story in advance of publication!
I loved how not only is this a second chance romance, but it’s also kind of a ”hate(ish) to not hate(ish) because forced proximity is making us reevaluate” romance journey. The two combined were very well written in my opinion and it was believable. Everything about this story was believable. That made it that much more entertaining for me. Their chemistry and tension between XY made for some very spicy circumstances and I really liked that a lot because for some reason, I wasn’t expecting it! LOL Obvs, I knew there would be some sexy-sexy, but you’ll have to read the story to “get” what I’m trying to say LOL because I’m not going to detail it for you! ;)
Not only is Hazel James a new-to-me author with this book, but this story marks my first read in this series. I normally never start a series mid-way, but I didn’t have the time in my schedule for the first two releases at the time but #KindleUnlimited has come to the rescue, and I will be catching up in the next couple weeks to get ready for Past Tents coming out in October!!
Thank you Smartypants Romance for the opportunity to read this story in advance of publication!
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September 18, 2024Definitely my favorite read this month. I haven't read a book this quickly in months! Hazel's writing is always so on point. Plus my Amazing Race loving heart was here for it!!!
August 27, 2024
Fun, easy, sexy read with lots of sweet, LOL, and fan yourself moments. The tension between Hartley and Court was amazing, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. The flashbacks added an extra layer that made this book a perfect story I'll definitely be re-reading
September 26, 2024
How did I not realize this was an Amazing Race type of story? This was the perfect read for me as I have been totally in the mood for another season, but I think they only do one a year, unlike Survivor, my other guilty reality tv pleasure. And you know what? I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVEDDDD this book! It was one that I wish I’d been reading on a weekend that I could have just sat and read it from cover to cover with no interruptions.
The romance between the two was a perfect exes/enemies to lovers trope. With so many misunderstandings for why they split up, and how things went for the other after they broke up. Both had things in their lives that didn’t go the way they’d planned. And both of those things totally made you feel for both and root for both of them to figure things out! And when they did figure things out and make up, that was so perfect as well. Just the right amount of steamy for my tastes and in this type of story.
There wasn’t a ton of the story, hardly any that actually took place in Green Valley at the school where Court was a substitute teacher and the other books in this series took place, so the cover might have been a bit off, even though I still loved it. And I love how the way the competition ends isn’t how you’d expect it to end in a story like this, but it was real. And then when the actual finale/reunion show took place, well, that was so awesome too! The settings in the story and how they traveled and competed just like The Amazing Race was so much fun. It got me trying to remember if the real show ever went to Egypt and did anything with the pyramids? Now I have to go back and see.
This is my first book by this author, and I’m sure it won’t be my last. In fact I already went and added one other title for now to my TBR list on Goodreads.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
The romance between the two was a perfect exes/enemies to lovers trope. With so many misunderstandings for why they split up, and how things went for the other after they broke up. Both had things in their lives that didn’t go the way they’d planned. And both of those things totally made you feel for both and root for both of them to figure things out! And when they did figure things out and make up, that was so perfect as well. Just the right amount of steamy for my tastes and in this type of story.
There wasn’t a ton of the story, hardly any that actually took place in Green Valley at the school where Court was a substitute teacher and the other books in this series took place, so the cover might have been a bit off, even though I still loved it. And I love how the way the competition ends isn’t how you’d expect it to end in a story like this, but it was real. And then when the actual finale/reunion show took place, well, that was so awesome too! The settings in the story and how they traveled and competed just like The Amazing Race was so much fun. It got me trying to remember if the real show ever went to Egypt and did anything with the pyramids? Now I have to go back and see.
This is my first book by this author, and I’m sure it won’t be my last. In fact I already went and added one other title for now to my TBR list on Goodreads.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
October 1, 2024
4 ⭐️ | 📚 | 🌶 (1.5)
This was such a cute second chance love story. It is also about as close to enemies to lovers as you can get when it comes to a contemporary romance, but it is still more like intense hate to love. I LOVED the concept of exes being paired together to compete on a reality show, it was so much fun.
This was well written and it had some great emotional impact and development along the way. It is on the shorter side, which is always kind of nice. Overall, I would highly recommend.
This was such a cute second chance love story. It is also about as close to enemies to lovers as you can get when it comes to a contemporary romance, but it is still more like intense hate to love. I LOVED the concept of exes being paired together to compete on a reality show, it was so much fun.
This was well written and it had some great emotional impact and development along the way. It is on the shorter side, which is always kind of nice. Overall, I would highly recommend.
October 23, 2024
This was such a fun book! What a fun idea. I typically don’t like second chance romance but this one was so so good!
November 8, 2024
She just showed up for her debut on reality TV knowing her teammate is someone she hates. He is just trying to make a better future for himself when his ex shows up with murder in her eyes.
Hartley found the love of her life in college. Everything was perfect until he broke up with her in a devastating way. Six years later, Harley had to give up on some dreams, and find new ones. But she never fully got over what her ex did to her.
Courtland is from Green Valley, Tennessee. He helps his best friend manage a car wash and substitute teaches. Not exactly where he thought his college degree would take him. In an opportunity of a lifetime, Court decides to enter into a reality gameshow. His only information about his assigned teammate is that is a fellow college alumni. What he didn't expect was the woman he broke.
Hartley is furious. Working with Court is going to be a nightmare. He is literally the last person on earth she would want to partner with. Unfortunately, the network execs disagree, loving the tension between her and the man she will most likely disembowel.
Court just wants to win. While Hartley is bringing out conflicting emotions in him, he is determined to succeed. The two have a rough start but somewhere along the way start to see each other differently. While racing through different countries and flying all over the world, truths are revealed that is going to change everything.
Dual POV, enemies to lovers, reality TV show, second chance romance, open door love scenes.
I place this story on the same shelf with almost all of the Green Valley Smarty Pants books: fun read but not 5 stars. This story is light and exciting. Lots of action. Flashbacks near the beginning. (I would have loved more flashbacks to pivotal positive moments in their dating past like the firsts). Hartley is full of p*ss and vinegar at first. I kind of lost sight of her identity as the story progressed. When she drops her metaphorical weapons she isn't of much substance. Court is charming and sweet but also lacking in depth. I would have liked less passivity from him about his feelings. While Hartley was angry she was clearly emotionally charged, Court was just kind of in the mix, ambivalent to the feelings his ex was stirring in him. Ending was fun. Overall I would have like more emotional intelligence and intimacy. Nice HEA.
Hartley found the love of her life in college. Everything was perfect until he broke up with her in a devastating way. Six years later, Harley had to give up on some dreams, and find new ones. But she never fully got over what her ex did to her.
Courtland is from Green Valley, Tennessee. He helps his best friend manage a car wash and substitute teaches. Not exactly where he thought his college degree would take him. In an opportunity of a lifetime, Court decides to enter into a reality gameshow. His only information about his assigned teammate is that is a fellow college alumni. What he didn't expect was the woman he broke.
Hartley is furious. Working with Court is going to be a nightmare. He is literally the last person on earth she would want to partner with. Unfortunately, the network execs disagree, loving the tension between her and the man she will most likely disembowel.
Court just wants to win. While Hartley is bringing out conflicting emotions in him, he is determined to succeed. The two have a rough start but somewhere along the way start to see each other differently. While racing through different countries and flying all over the world, truths are revealed that is going to change everything.
Dual POV, enemies to lovers, reality TV show, second chance romance, open door love scenes.
I place this story on the same shelf with almost all of the Green Valley Smarty Pants books: fun read but not 5 stars. This story is light and exciting. Lots of action. Flashbacks near the beginning. (I would have loved more flashbacks to pivotal positive moments in their dating past like the firsts). Hartley is full of p*ss and vinegar at first. I kind of lost sight of her identity as the story progressed. When she drops her metaphorical weapons she isn't of much substance. Court is charming and sweet but also lacking in depth. I would have liked less passivity from him about his feelings. While Hartley was angry she was clearly emotionally charged, Court was just kind of in the mix, ambivalent to the feelings his ex was stirring in him. Ending was fun. Overall I would have like more emotional intelligence and intimacy. Nice HEA.
October 5, 2024
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinions are my own.
This was so fun. I'm not a big reality TV show watcher, but I can see myself watching something like the Amazing Race or in this case Xtreme Quest where teams fly all over the world to solve puzzles and compete in challenges to get to their next clue. The first team across the finish line during the final leg wins a huge prize. Our main characters are not only a team, but they are exes with unresolved feelings from their bad breakup 6 years ago. Hartley and Court went to the same college, and the theme for this season is college teams. Each team went to the same college and while most of the teams are friends or knew each other, some are strangers. Court didn't know Hartley was going to be his partner, but they both need the prize money and it is about time they come clean about what really happened when they broke up.
As our main characters run all over the world, we get to experience some really cool places and get to know so pretty interesting characters. The other contestants aside all made for great side characters to support the storyline. Not only are the puzzles and challenges interesting and action packed, they force our characters to interact and finally talk about what happened and clear the air. It is clear from the beginning that they still care about each other, even when they didn't like each other making for a really fun second chance romance.
I really loved this. The characters went to some places I've always wanted to go, so I got to live vicariously through them for a little while during their adventure. Their chemistry was good and things get pretty spicy once Hartley and Court figure out that they still have something special between them. This is a great addition to the Teacher's Lounge series, but it is a complete standalone and can be read without having read the prior books in the series.
This was so fun. I'm not a big reality TV show watcher, but I can see myself watching something like the Amazing Race or in this case Xtreme Quest where teams fly all over the world to solve puzzles and compete in challenges to get to their next clue. The first team across the finish line during the final leg wins a huge prize. Our main characters are not only a team, but they are exes with unresolved feelings from their bad breakup 6 years ago. Hartley and Court went to the same college, and the theme for this season is college teams. Each team went to the same college and while most of the teams are friends or knew each other, some are strangers. Court didn't know Hartley was going to be his partner, but they both need the prize money and it is about time they come clean about what really happened when they broke up.
As our main characters run all over the world, we get to experience some really cool places and get to know so pretty interesting characters. The other contestants aside all made for great side characters to support the storyline. Not only are the puzzles and challenges interesting and action packed, they force our characters to interact and finally talk about what happened and clear the air. It is clear from the beginning that they still care about each other, even when they didn't like each other making for a really fun second chance romance.
I really loved this. The characters went to some places I've always wanted to go, so I got to live vicariously through them for a little while during their adventure. Their chemistry was good and things get pretty spicy once Hartley and Court figure out that they still have something special between them. This is a great addition to the Teacher's Lounge series, but it is a complete standalone and can be read without having read the prior books in the series.
September 28, 2024
4.5 stars
I love picking up books from Smartypants Romance and getting to try new-to-me authors like Hazel James. This book was fantastic and I have already added all of her other books to my TBR list. This was such a great mix of romance, humor, emotional moments, and really well done enemies to more/second chance romance tropes.
Court and Hartley's flashbacks really set up their relationship well and showed how great together they really were. It made it easy to see why they would fall for one another again while competing. It was interesting to see them get to know each other again outside of college.
This was such a fun read and I was hooked from the beginning. I couldn't wait to see their HEA and it did not disappoint!
Thank you to Smartypants Romance and the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
I love picking up books from Smartypants Romance and getting to try new-to-me authors like Hazel James. This book was fantastic and I have already added all of her other books to my TBR list. This was such a great mix of romance, humor, emotional moments, and really well done enemies to more/second chance romance tropes.
Court and Hartley's flashbacks really set up their relationship well and showed how great together they really were. It made it easy to see why they would fall for one another again while competing. It was interesting to see them get to know each other again outside of college.
This was such a fun read and I was hooked from the beginning. I couldn't wait to see their HEA and it did not disappoint!
Thank you to Smartypants Romance and the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
March 6, 2025
I bloody loved it!
How good is it?! SO GOOD! If I was a writer, I would tell you in many paragraphs, with loads of sentences that sound intelligent and thoughtful about how amazing this lovers to frenemies to lovers story is.
I'd say how wonderful and funny, really funny, the characters were. How it had very real swoon worthy moments with sprinkles of hot and sexy times. But not too many and not gratuitous at all.
I could read a whole series about this couple and not get enough. It's been a hot minute since I've read a Hazel James book and like every time I do read one, I am NOT dissapointed.
Loved. Highly rate. 10 out of 10.
How good is it?! SO GOOD! If I was a writer, I would tell you in many paragraphs, with loads of sentences that sound intelligent and thoughtful about how amazing this lovers to frenemies to lovers story is.
I'd say how wonderful and funny, really funny, the characters were. How it had very real swoon worthy moments with sprinkles of hot and sexy times. But not too many and not gratuitous at all.
I could read a whole series about this couple and not get enough. It's been a hot minute since I've read a Hazel James book and like every time I do read one, I am NOT dissapointed.
Loved. Highly rate. 10 out of 10.
September 16, 2024
I've never watched a reality show such as is described in this book but if one that was this exact premise came on, I'd for sure watch it. I smiled an awful lot reading this and it was surprisingly spicy. The Forced proximity was such a unique aspect and I really wanted way more time with Hartley and Court.
Want to read
September 26, 2024Hazel James struck the romance trifecta with an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance complete with reality show adventure vibes. Ex Marks the Spots will have you flipping pages in eager anticipation while rooting for Hartley and Court. A dazzling new addition to the Smartypants Romance universe.
February 9, 2025
Hands down one of the most enjoyable & hilarious RomComs I've read in a long time. Exes to lovers, forced proximity, game show contestants. Hartley & Court are absolute perfection in this take on the Amazing Race. I loved every single moment.
December 17, 2024
What a cute read. I enjoyed this Greatest Race inspired enemies to lovers read. The adventures they endured were believable even if ridiculous as is to be expected for this kind of reality TV based drama. It did seem like they fell into each other pretty fast once the thin reasons for staying apart fell away, but there was a lot of hotness between the characters. Recommend if you're in need of a fast weekend read.
September 24, 2024
I simply LOVED this book! Hazel has a way of writing that immediately drew me in and kept me reading longer than I expected. There were plenty of sleepless nights as I devoured this!
Not only is the writing style amazing, the amount of details she went into when describing the places they went to impressed me. I felt like I was right there, doing these adventures with characters I quickly came to love!
I’ve already grabbed my physical copy of the book so I have it when I’m ready to read this again!! Don’t sleep on this one— it’s such a fun and cute story with some great spice thrown in!!
Not only is the writing style amazing, the amount of details she went into when describing the places they went to impressed me. I felt like I was right there, doing these adventures with characters I quickly came to love!
I’ve already grabbed my physical copy of the book so I have it when I’m ready to read this again!! Don’t sleep on this one— it’s such a fun and cute story with some great spice thrown in!!
January 25, 2025
I received an ARC today.
This was fantastic. I've always wanted to do this in my own life and it was awesome reading about it in this way. The enemies to lovers story was a lovely bonus. I definitely recommend this book.
I also won this paperback with some beautiful and thoughtful gifts from Hazel.
This was fantastic. I've always wanted to do this in my own life and it was awesome reading about it in this way. The enemies to lovers story was a lovely bonus. I definitely recommend this book.
I also won this paperback with some beautiful and thoughtful gifts from Hazel.
June 30, 2025
Oh man. The thought of going on a reality show with your ex AND the entire viewing world of said show knowing the painful details of your breakup is rough. It's probably even Rough with a capital R. And since Hartley doesn't make any attempt to tone down her animosity (mostly because she's a rage-filled individual when it comes to the circumstances following the breakup), EVERYTHING is known.
Well, not everything. At least not at first. Because Hartley is 100% sure Court cheated on her and that's why they broke up. The reality is far different from that, but he didn't bother to correct what she believed because he thought it would be easier for both of them. Then he let one little thing slip and suddenly they're actually dealing with the real whys and hows and OH HEY MAYBE THEY'RE NOT OVER ONE ANOTHER.
But first...those challenges in the beginning were fraught. Not because of the physicality of the challenges (although that was rough, too), but because figuring out how to work together with their shared past isn't the easiest. They both want to win and they (somewhat grudgingly) know they need to figure things out, but HA. Yeah. There was tension.
There was also beautiful scenery and other contestants who could be friends. In fact, they ARE friends. Well, some of them. Even though they're all competing for the big prize, most of the other groups are pretty solid (while some are most definitely not) and they're all secretly (and not-so-secretly) rooting for Hartley and Court to work things out.
Which is sweet. And pretty much what I was rooting for.
Exotic locales, friends who celebrate the wins, powerful manifesting, a man who did what he did because he wanted the best for his girl, and a lady who had to be willing to let go of the past if she wanted a future with her guy. All in all, an EXCELLENT read.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Well, not everything. At least not at first. Because Hartley is 100% sure Court cheated on her and that's why they broke up. The reality is far different from that, but he didn't bother to correct what she believed because he thought it would be easier for both of them. Then he let one little thing slip and suddenly they're actually dealing with the real whys and hows and OH HEY MAYBE THEY'RE NOT OVER ONE ANOTHER.
But first...those challenges in the beginning were fraught. Not because of the physicality of the challenges (although that was rough, too), but because figuring out how to work together with their shared past isn't the easiest. They both want to win and they (somewhat grudgingly) know they need to figure things out, but HA. Yeah. There was tension.
There was also beautiful scenery and other contestants who could be friends. In fact, they ARE friends. Well, some of them. Even though they're all competing for the big prize, most of the other groups are pretty solid (while some are most definitely not) and they're all secretly (and not-so-secretly) rooting for Hartley and Court to work things out.
Which is sweet. And pretty much what I was rooting for.
Exotic locales, friends who celebrate the wins, powerful manifesting, a man who did what he did because he wanted the best for his girl, and a lady who had to be willing to let go of the past if she wanted a future with her guy. All in all, an EXCELLENT read.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 12, 2024
.
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨
A scorned woman embarks on a quest to make things very hard for her ex. In so many ways.
𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
Every single word
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
The Wise Guys
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨
Second chance
Forced proximity
Amazing race-esque
Romcom
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨
When Hartley pulls up to day 1 of filming Xtreme Quest, she cannot believe they’ve paired her with Court. A man she hasn’t seen since he obliterated her heart in college.
Of course if they want to win they will have to work together, and more often than not, share a hotel room. What could possibly go wrong?
This was so much fun! I truly enjoyed every single second of this book.
You know I love me some second chance romance, so make it a romcom with forced proximity, excellent banter, and an Amazing Race type competition and you have a winner. Literally.
I loved their bickering, the spice, the friendships they forged with (most of) the other contestants. Court was one of the most selfless men ever and I adored how protective he was of Hartley without even thinking about what he was doing.
The majority of the other contestants were amazing and I liked that they all became a little found family when they were meant to be bitter rivals.
The transition from Hartley wanting to kick Court in the dick to wanting to ride it instead was awesome, and their banter was highly amusing. I loved that even the camera crew couldn’t help but snicker at some of their one-liners.
A truly fun and incredibly enjoyable read. And yay, new author to s̵t̵a̵l̵k̵ follow!
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨
🤤🤤🤤🤤
💦💦
🤣🤣🤣🤣
😭
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨
A scorned woman embarks on a quest to make things very hard for her ex. In so many ways.
𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
Every single word
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
The Wise Guys
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨
Second chance
Forced proximity
Amazing race-esque
Romcom
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨
When Hartley pulls up to day 1 of filming Xtreme Quest, she cannot believe they’ve paired her with Court. A man she hasn’t seen since he obliterated her heart in college.
Of course if they want to win they will have to work together, and more often than not, share a hotel room. What could possibly go wrong?
This was so much fun! I truly enjoyed every single second of this book.
You know I love me some second chance romance, so make it a romcom with forced proximity, excellent banter, and an Amazing Race type competition and you have a winner. Literally.
I loved their bickering, the spice, the friendships they forged with (most of) the other contestants. Court was one of the most selfless men ever and I adored how protective he was of Hartley without even thinking about what he was doing.
The majority of the other contestants were amazing and I liked that they all became a little found family when they were meant to be bitter rivals.
The transition from Hartley wanting to kick Court in the dick to wanting to ride it instead was awesome, and their banter was highly amusing. I loved that even the camera crew couldn’t help but snicker at some of their one-liners.
A truly fun and incredibly enjoyable read. And yay, new author to s̵t̵a̵l̵k̵ follow!
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨
🤤🤤🤤🤤
💦💦
🤣🤣🤣🤣
😭
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 22, 2024
***4 Stars***
This was a fun read. All the characters hit a chord with me in one way or another and I thoroughly enjoyed being an observer as they traveled the world together and found that not everything is what it seems.
Court and Hartley. I really liked both of them. Both have good hearts and are just good people, but they both tried my patience in their own ways throughout their journey. I was definitely more Team Hartley than Team Court due to my own issues/pet peeves when it came to not only his reason for breaking up with Hartley but the fall out of the relationship. But it was obvious from the flashbacks we get of their relationship to the present where they can’t go two seconds without arguing, that they have chemistry and the knowledge that if they could find a way to truly come to terms with their past and the heartbreak, that maybe they could actually have an amazing future together.
This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed the ride. I liked the dual POV’s and the pacing was good. My only real issue comes with not being able experience certain moments as they happened. We do get a summary of things, but there was one moment specifically I would have loved to watch “live” But all in all, this was a great read with some really interesting characters that I wouldn’t mind seeing again.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
This was a fun read. All the characters hit a chord with me in one way or another and I thoroughly enjoyed being an observer as they traveled the world together and found that not everything is what it seems.
Court and Hartley. I really liked both of them. Both have good hearts and are just good people, but they both tried my patience in their own ways throughout their journey. I was definitely more Team Hartley than Team Court due to my own issues/pet peeves when it came to not only his reason for breaking up with Hartley but the fall out of the relationship. But it was obvious from the flashbacks we get of their relationship to the present where they can’t go two seconds without arguing, that they have chemistry and the knowledge that if they could find a way to truly come to terms with their past and the heartbreak, that maybe they could actually have an amazing future together.
This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed the ride. I liked the dual POV’s and the pacing was good. My only real issue comes with not being able experience certain moments as they happened. We do get a summary of things, but there was one moment specifically I would have loved to watch “live” But all in all, this was a great read with some really interesting characters that I wouldn’t mind seeing again.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
September 30, 2024
Six years after having her heart broken in college by the man she thought was "the one," Hartley finds herself face-to-face with Courtland again—this time as teammates on a high-stakes reality TV adventure show. With a grand prize of one million dollars on the line, Hartley must deal with the challenges of traveling across the globe while keeping her emotions (and temper) in check. Will she win the prize, or will she kill Courtland before the adventure is over?
First off, what a fun premise! But the real standout here is the humor and banter—it's absolutely top-notch! Hartley is a hilarious, awkward ball of feisty energy, and I found her so relatable. She had me cracking up constantly. And Courtland? He totally won me over. I was wary of him at first, but the way the flashbacks were woven into the story—showing how they met, fell in love, and what caused their breakup—was perfect. The storytelling style really pulled me in.
Fast forward to the present, with camera crews following Hartley and Courtland as they compete against other contestants, and the angst was real! Their rocky start and the "one hotel room" twist were absolute gold. What surprised me, though, was how emotional some moments were. Sometimes, the saying, “if you love something, let it go,” doesn’t play out the way you imagine. Occasionally, the universe has plans you never saw coming.
I loved everything about this book! It gave off "The Amazing Race" vibes, had the best banter, amazing SPICE, and great new friendships. Plus, the second-chance romance was so satisfying. Some of the places they traveled to I’ve been, and others are now on my bucket list. The entire reading experience was such a mood booster—I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I loved the writing throughout!
First off, what a fun premise! But the real standout here is the humor and banter—it's absolutely top-notch! Hartley is a hilarious, awkward ball of feisty energy, and I found her so relatable. She had me cracking up constantly. And Courtland? He totally won me over. I was wary of him at first, but the way the flashbacks were woven into the story—showing how they met, fell in love, and what caused their breakup—was perfect. The storytelling style really pulled me in.
Fast forward to the present, with camera crews following Hartley and Courtland as they compete against other contestants, and the angst was real! Their rocky start and the "one hotel room" twist were absolute gold. What surprised me, though, was how emotional some moments were. Sometimes, the saying, “if you love something, let it go,” doesn’t play out the way you imagine. Occasionally, the universe has plans you never saw coming.
I loved everything about this book! It gave off "The Amazing Race" vibes, had the best banter, amazing SPICE, and great new friendships. Plus, the second-chance romance was so satisfying. Some of the places they traveled to I’ve been, and others are now on my bucket list. The entire reading experience was such a mood booster—I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I loved the writing throughout!
September 24, 2024
Hartley’s future has not panned out how she thought it would post college. After feeling stuck for so long & needing a fresh experience she decides to audition for her favorite reality TV show, Xtreme Quest. Which is like an American Race type game show and the grand prize is 1 million dollars.
When she shows up to the start line to find out her partner, whom she has to stay within 20 feet of for the next 3 weeks, is her ex college boyfriend..who she HATES, she’s pissed.
This was such a fun read. The banter between Hartley & Court was top tier. There are some memory flash backs which were great, those were the glimpses into their relationship back in college. I loved the forced proximity and enemies to lovers tropes. This book made me feel all the feels. I was laughing out loud, rolling my eyes, “awe”ing over all the sweet things, and then crying, back to laughing. It was just amazing. There weren’t a ton of spicy scenes but when we got them, the spice was SPICIN’. Some of the best written spicy scenes I’ve read. All the loose ends were tied up and when I finished the book I didn’t feel like I had any unanswered questions. I loved this book from cover to cover. Would absolutely recommend!!
When she shows up to the start line to find out her partner, whom she has to stay within 20 feet of for the next 3 weeks, is her ex college boyfriend..who she HATES, she’s pissed.
This was such a fun read. The banter between Hartley & Court was top tier. There are some memory flash backs which were great, those were the glimpses into their relationship back in college. I loved the forced proximity and enemies to lovers tropes. This book made me feel all the feels. I was laughing out loud, rolling my eyes, “awe”ing over all the sweet things, and then crying, back to laughing. It was just amazing. There weren’t a ton of spicy scenes but when we got them, the spice was SPICIN’. Some of the best written spicy scenes I’ve read. All the loose ends were tied up and when I finished the book I didn’t feel like I had any unanswered questions. I loved this book from cover to cover. Would absolutely recommend!!
November 7, 2024
Can two exes survive a reality show?!
Hartley Billings can’t believe her luck when she’s picked to compete on her all-time favorite reality TV show with a chance to win a million dollars. But there’s a catch—she has to get through the final challenge without losing her cool…or strangling her teammate.
That would be easier if her partner wasn’t Court Mueller, her ex from college and the guy who left her heart in pieces six years ago. Court, stuck in a rut in Green Valley, isn’t exactly thrilled either, knowing his chance at the prize money—and a fresh start—rests in the hands of the woman he walked away from.
This book was such a delightful read!
The chemistry and tension between Hartley and Court were spot-on, keeping me hooked from the start.
I loved the unique twist of exes teaming up on a reality competition, and as a fan of shows like The Amazing Race, I found the setup especially fun and engaging.
The flashbacks to their past gave the story extra depth, helping me understand what they’d been through together. And when they finally worked things out and found their way back to each other? Absolute perfection!
This was such a satisfying romance, with a perfect mix of humor, heart, and second chances.
Thank you Hazel James for this gifted copy!
September 27, 2024
“Hartley is an amplifier. She makes the bad times bearable and the good times better. She emits light and spreads love without even realizing she’s doing it.”
Oh my goodness! Ex Marks the Spot was my first book by Hazel James and I devoured it! This book was such a fun and moving second chance romance. After one of the swooniest meet-cutes and relationship builds, I was deeply invested in Court & Hartley. Six years ago Court Mueller swept Hartley Billings off her feet and fell hard for the beguiling artist. A brutal splint sent the two down divergent paths until the day they walked on the set of a reality show. I floved Court & Hartley’s cheeky flirting and snarky banter. The Xtreme Quest storyline was a wild, refreshing, and incredibly fun adventure! Hazel’s vivid storytelling will drop you right in the middle of each Xtreme Quest challenge in every stunning location. I loved the way Hazel tied in Court & Harley’s memories of their college days. The charming love story, wonderful characters, and spicing spice made Ex Marks the Spot unputdownable. Welcome to the Smartypants family, Hazel James! I cannot get enough of the Teachers’ Lounge series!
Oh my goodness! Ex Marks the Spot was my first book by Hazel James and I devoured it! This book was such a fun and moving second chance romance. After one of the swooniest meet-cutes and relationship builds, I was deeply invested in Court & Hartley. Six years ago Court Mueller swept Hartley Billings off her feet and fell hard for the beguiling artist. A brutal splint sent the two down divergent paths until the day they walked on the set of a reality show. I floved Court & Hartley’s cheeky flirting and snarky banter. The Xtreme Quest storyline was a wild, refreshing, and incredibly fun adventure! Hazel’s vivid storytelling will drop you right in the middle of each Xtreme Quest challenge in every stunning location. I loved the way Hazel tied in Court & Harley’s memories of their college days. The charming love story, wonderful characters, and spicing spice made Ex Marks the Spot unputdownable. Welcome to the Smartypants family, Hazel James! I cannot get enough of the Teachers’ Lounge series!
September 27, 2024
OMG - I adored this book!
This story truly made me laugh out loud, but could also bring me to tears over the pain of losing "the one". Hartley auditions for a reality TV show not realizing that it is going to pair her up with her college ex - yeah "the one" who broke her heart.
There is, needless to say, A LOT of animosity when Hartley realizes that Court is not only on the show, but will be her partner for the next 3 weeks to race to win the 1 million dollar prize.
But fate has a way of bringing people together and by working together...eventually...these two hash out a lot about their past.
"You were my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity..." Oh - the pain!
This story was fun, but also true to the challenges of having to rely on someone you no longer trust, as well as heartfelt moments. And the side characters were almost as fascinating. I also enjoyed the flashbacks where we see them fall in love and then what ultimately drove them apart. I could laugh one minute and then have tears the next!
This held my attention throughout wondering what activities they would be called upon to do together and how they were going to get along to do them and win.
There is drama too as we near the end of the race. This was such an intriguing story and a new author to me, but I am hooked!
I was fortunate to voluntarily request, read, and absolutely ADORE an advance reader copy.
This story truly made me laugh out loud, but could also bring me to tears over the pain of losing "the one". Hartley auditions for a reality TV show not realizing that it is going to pair her up with her college ex - yeah "the one" who broke her heart.
There is, needless to say, A LOT of animosity when Hartley realizes that Court is not only on the show, but will be her partner for the next 3 weeks to race to win the 1 million dollar prize.
But fate has a way of bringing people together and by working together...eventually...these two hash out a lot about their past.
"You were my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity..." Oh - the pain!
This story was fun, but also true to the challenges of having to rely on someone you no longer trust, as well as heartfelt moments. And the side characters were almost as fascinating. I also enjoyed the flashbacks where we see them fall in love and then what ultimately drove them apart. I could laugh one minute and then have tears the next!
This held my attention throughout wondering what activities they would be called upon to do together and how they were going to get along to do them and win.
There is drama too as we near the end of the race. This was such an intriguing story and a new author to me, but I am hooked!
I was fortunate to voluntarily request, read, and absolutely ADORE an advance reader copy.
October 11, 2024
🏃♀️➡️ College lovers until he broke her heart
🏃♀️➡️ 6 years later they are paired up on Amazing race style show Xtreme
🏃♀️➡️ Now these enemies need to work together to win big
🏃♀️➡️ Gorgeous enemies to lovers vibe with FUN race dynamics
This was a really fun read! The characters Hazel and Court are both so likeable. The flashbacks to their past showed their chemistry and why they worked so well together and I could really see their points of view on their break up and how it subsequently impacted both of them.
What really shone in this book was the Xtreme race. It threw them in a forces proximity environment exacerbated when everything is captured on camera. Hazel's initial snark was so entertaining. I loved watching her walls come down as she and Court had to rely on each other to overcome the race challenges. I also loved the race dynamics, the interactions with the other pairs competing. It added such a unique element to this fun and warm romance.
4.5 stars. Highly recommend
🏃♀️➡️ 6 years later they are paired up on Amazing race style show Xtreme
🏃♀️➡️ Now these enemies need to work together to win big
🏃♀️➡️ Gorgeous enemies to lovers vibe with FUN race dynamics
This was a really fun read! The characters Hazel and Court are both so likeable. The flashbacks to their past showed their chemistry and why they worked so well together and I could really see their points of view on their break up and how it subsequently impacted both of them.
What really shone in this book was the Xtreme race. It threw them in a forces proximity environment exacerbated when everything is captured on camera. Hazel's initial snark was so entertaining. I loved watching her walls come down as she and Court had to rely on each other to overcome the race challenges. I also loved the race dynamics, the interactions with the other pairs competing. It added such a unique element to this fun and warm romance.
4.5 stars. Highly recommend
December 7, 2024
Court and Hartley’s story is intriguing.
Court and Hartley were together six years ago. He walked out on her. Now a tv station is holding a contest for 21 days and two people who graduated from the same college will be paired to do the competition Xtreme Quest together to win a million dollars. Well, they picked Court and Hartley as a team. Court manages the office in a car wash his best friend Rhett owns. He's also a substitute teacher. He needs to win the million dollars and he prepared for it. Hartley is an artist and when they met he modeled in the nude for her when they were in college. They are surprised to see that were paired up for this competition, very surprised. She has now taken over her father’s painting business because his now paralyzed. They go 21 days in this competition and it's a very interesting read about all the countries and all the rounds they face against their opponents. Can they face it all and face and mend their relationship with the truth? Please read and I know you won’t be disappointed. I know I wasn’t.
Court and Hartley were together six years ago. He walked out on her. Now a tv station is holding a contest for 21 days and two people who graduated from the same college will be paired to do the competition Xtreme Quest together to win a million dollars. Well, they picked Court and Hartley as a team. Court manages the office in a car wash his best friend Rhett owns. He's also a substitute teacher. He needs to win the million dollars and he prepared for it. Hartley is an artist and when they met he modeled in the nude for her when they were in college. They are surprised to see that were paired up for this competition, very surprised. She has now taken over her father’s painting business because his now paralyzed. They go 21 days in this competition and it's a very interesting read about all the countries and all the rounds they face against their opponents. Can they face it all and face and mend their relationship with the truth? Please read and I know you won’t be disappointed. I know I wasn’t.
October 11, 2024
This is a second chance romance with flavors of enemies to lovers forced on a team to travel around the world while confronting feelings long suppressed and learning to communicate again. Plus both Court and Hartley are navigating their own disappointed career hopes since neither are doing what they really love for work. This was a super fun premise, a reality show always brings heightened drama and emotion and this is no exception. I enjoyed their chemistry a great deal, and watching them slowly work their way back to each other emotionally while simultaneously being forced into extremely tight physical quarters was satisfying. There were some fun side characters, though too many to really keep track of given the nature of the competition, and I definitely got some wanderlust reading about all the adventure they got to go on.
I enjoyed this a lot, and I'm looking forward to more from Hazel in this universe.
I enjoyed this a lot, and I'm looking forward to more from Hazel in this universe.
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