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Cocky Hero Club

Eligible Ex-Husband

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The man in the magazine spread, the one dubbed the most eligible bachelor, is my ex-husband.

Six months ago, Simon’s company was never more successful, just like our marriage was never emptier. I was a stay-at-home mom with a sugar daddy who had no time to pass the sugar or be a daddy. I asked for a divorce and he let me go, just like that.

Now I’m mending my broken heart and finding myself while being a strong role model for our girls. But when my mom gets sick, I need help, and he’s there like a superhero in a tailored suit. And when my mom recovers, he’s still there, doing grocery runs and braiding our girls’ hair.

I don’t want to hang my hopes on my workaholic ex just because he’s suddenly wearing basketball shorts instead of designer threads, or because he’s giving me that look that melted my heart in college.

Chemistry was never our problem. I don’t want to trust that he’s changed only find out that once again I’m not worth fighting for. He needs to prove that he’ll be as ruthless about us as he is in the boardroom.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

175 people are currently reading
504 people want to read

About the author

Marie Johnston

100 books1,060 followers
Marie Johnston is an award-winning, best-selling paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn't happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!

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5 stars
144 (32%)
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153 (34%)
3 stars
108 (24%)
2 stars
29 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for ❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️.
1,089 reviews774 followers
January 27, 2022
4 Stars

Safety spoilers

Really cute! It's definitely hard to come by stories where the couple is either divorced or just trying to work on their marriage without any cheating or anything like that. Pretty much the whole book is about them being in love but separated and then working on themselves and their marriage and the hero realizing his past mistakes and trying to be better for his family. It did get repetitive at times, but nothing too bad because I didn't expect the hero to change right away anyways. The parts with the hero and the kids are the sweetest for sure though. Low drama and angst, and a lighter read with a loyal hero👌


Safety: safe

No virgins or manh*es before they were married

No cheating

No ow/om drama

Divorced for 6 months, separated for 10, but both stayed loyal to each other. Both briefly thought about dating but knew they wouldn't be able to since they are still in love with each other
Profile Image for Heroesinbooks.
1,163 reviews346 followers
October 12, 2020
3-3.5 Simon and Natalie Stars

This was an enjoyable second chance romance. If you enjoy the marriage in trouble trope then this will be a good book for you. Simon and Natalie have been together since they were in College. Married for eight years , their marriage ended in a divorce after Natalie felt like Simon was more interested in his business than his wife and family. Fast forward seven months, the ink on the decree nisi and absolute is long dried and our H/h have adjusted to the single life and co-parenting.

Simon is featured in a magazine as North Dakota's most eligible bachelor. He finds the whole thing a bit cringeworthy but Natalie finds herself thinking about how attractive her ex- husband looks. The nice aspect of this is that neither Natalie or Simon has been with anyone else during their time apart. They really are still very much in love but they lost sight of their relationship amongst big life events and a change in their circumstances.

For me, this book got off to a really strong start and I instantly liked both lead characters. The secondary characters bring a richness to the story too. I felt it slowed up a little in the middle and whilst I did enjoy it, it is not a book I would read again. I sensed I was maybe missing some information and I well may have been - I have not read the whole Cocky Hero Club series and this is a book set in that world.

It's a very 'safe' book - no cheating and it's rather lovely how Simon and Natalie are absolutely meant for each other. This man is very much in love with his wife and he steps up to show her how much.

HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,725 reviews316 followers
October 28, 2020
True love

I love stories where the hero only wants one woman and he doesn't go out and sleep with everybody he can once he's free. Simon only loved his wife. Or ex-wife in this case. They were only apart for six months and he never wanted anyone else. This was a sweet story about a workaholic husband whose wife divorced him because of that. It didn't make any sense to me why but its fiction so I'll go with it. I am just glad they worked through it and got back together. Light reading. Little to no angst.
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
1,016 reviews54 followers
September 2, 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author and is part of the cocky hero world. This book is a real second chance romance story that you will love and wont be able to put down until the very end. This book is a real must read and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Simon is a total workaholic and has no time for anything other than work and when his wife asks for a divorce it completely rocks his world, he is shocked and its hard for him too.
Natalie is a mum and everything in her life is all up in the air for her. Simon was her husband and even though divorced still feels like he is everywhere. She still has strong feelings for him and its truly hard for her at the moment.
They are both divorced and sometimes things are meant to happen a certain way to make us see what it was that was missing in our lives or what it is that we are supposed to be doing.

I really liked how this author has written these characters you feel totally connected to them as they are very relatable. I really like how this author writes and I couldn't put this book down once I started it, its a complete page turner and is very realistic which I loved. I was really rooting for these two to take the bull by the horns and stand up for what they needed. This book is emotional in parts, romantic in other and also has some steam. I really did enjoy reading this book and I think that its an absolute fantastic addition to the cocky hero world and I cant wait to see what this author writes in the future.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,401 reviews622 followers
September 13, 2020
A feel-good, second chance to get things right, romance journey that will having you rooting for our leads from the beginning. It’s a story that is real and relatable. It’s a story not so much about two people who fell out of love and are now trying to get it right once again, but more about what happens when love for each other is just not enough. It’s a true to life story of two people figuring out balance and choosing each other above all else. Sometimes, it takes a swift reality check for two people to see what was always right in front of them, and Marie Johnston wrote a tale of just that and I loved it!

Available NOW! Download your copy exclusively in Amazon!
US: https://amzn.to/2RbOnY0
UK: https://amzn.to/3jYulws
CA: https://amzn.to/3bKlA5X
AU: https://amzn.to/32fJG5A



Profile Image for Tash.
1,292 reviews106 followers
September 13, 2020
What if you had a second chance to fix your marriage. To make your problems solvable and make your love stronger. Johnson's offering is different and refreshing in the realm of second chances. Simon and Natalie loved each other and still do. However Natalie wanted more just then his love. She wanted Simon to be there for her.

Fast forward to the present where the story picks up and we see Simon become the man that Nicole wished she had earlier. It opens the door the converstaion that they should have had earlier. It allows for miracle and magic to happen and you can guess the rest.
Profile Image for Tmstprc.
1,297 reviews168 followers
February 12, 2022
Note to future self… 2.5 stars rounding up, sweet, but not reread worthy.
Profile Image for Reading.
830 reviews58 followers
February 8, 2022
Is this a weird new trend?

Low/No Angst Marriage-in-Trouble Second Chance romance?

I'll wait and see if it bores me as much as No Burn/Slow Burn romance does

That outcome is looking likely

There was nothing inherently wrong with this this story. There was definitely something missing.

Mainly my interest

Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,880 reviews213 followers
September 13, 2020




AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Natalie is starting over now that she's divorced from her workaholic ex. Her new business, a virtual assistant company, is about to come to fruition, she's in training to run a half marathon, and everything is looking up. Then her ex happens to her. AGAIN. But can she trust him not to break her and their daughters' hearts even though he seems to have changed his workaholic ways? She's just really not sure if he's truly come to the realization that she and their daughters are more important than having a successful company and proving to his parents that he's a worthy successor to his dead brother's legacy.

This story isn't about the flash and the excitement of a new relationship. No, it's about fixing a relationship gone wrong. As a woman in her second decade of marriage, I really appreciated everything about this story. From Natalie's growth as a person and a mom and independent business owner, to Simon's epiphany, even if it came almost too late. It's hope that all of people who are married, that even if our marriage goes wrong, we can still fix it, if we work at it.



ARC via Give Me Books for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
September 14, 2020
It's a tough subject, divorce. This author shows us the power of communication in love because they never lost it.

Good read
Profile Image for Veronica Ticker.
901 reviews61 followers
September 13, 2020
It was the book I was waiting for. Sure, I love seduction and meet cute, but what happens when the couple has known each other for a long time, and they just sort of fell out of love–or, more precisely, when love isn’t enough anymore. It’s second chance, yes, but more importantly, it’s a couple fighting to find a way to reconcile real life and passion–the sick kids, the long hours of work, AND still find enough energy to take care of each other and show the other that they are the most important person in their life.

The characters were so compelling and relatable, and every situation infused with domesticity, that I felt I lived inside the book. Like the little sister, or the best friend, or the neighbor–the person who follows your love life but is out of it. It was a great experience.

And the reasons behind everybody’s actions were so logical for once. No artificial conflict, just emotions and reactions that anybody could experience. It made the story even more realistic.

But don’t think it’s just dull everyday life. There were so many feelings! It was a beautiful second chance romance.

Quickie

- Series: standalone (but part of the Cocky Hero Club collection)
- Hashtags: #billionaire romance #second chance #established relationship #parenthood #domesticity
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Natalie & Simon Gainesworth
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + it felt like I was there with them
- – a little more heat would have been great
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,576 reviews17 followers
September 13, 2020
This story was wonderfully done. I really appreciated how Natalie was rediscovering herself after her and Simon divorced. It sends home the message that woman can really be something other than a wife and mother. They can be those things AND whatever they want to be. Many sacrifices were made along the way of Natalie and Simon finding their way again but they were all worth it. No one should ever be made to feel that they aren’t enough and unfortunately both Simon and Natalie were made to feel this way by different people. Seeing them finally stand up for one another was great.
Profile Image for Sandie Chraponski.
1,740 reviews17 followers
September 13, 2020
What a great story! Marie Johnston took an idea and brought it to fruition in the best possible way. It’s really heartbreaking when two people love each other and still can’t make their lives work. Simon was a workaholic who didn’t see how it was breaking his wife Natalie’s spirit. And when she stands up for herself and asks for a divorce he was shocked and didn’t understand why.

The journey that Marie takes us on with these two is emotional. She makes you care about this couple’s future. This story checks all the boxes, and there are plenty of steamy scenes!!

Don’t miss this one!
Profile Image for Karina Gabriela .
194 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2020
I didnt know about this author. Never heard about her, no nada.
Started this one because the title got me: elegible ex....so my first thought was: darn, what is this about?

I started reading it like 3 hours ago ( fast reader) and already finnished. AWESOME!
I loved it!
You have a story...yes, a story not just some hot scenes ( dont worry there are plenty of that too! )

But the most i loved was that It was easy to "see" Simon and Natalie's life!
How things went...
Loved it! All!...i totally recommend this book!
Profile Image for Wendy.
702 reviews9 followers
September 1, 2020
I am not going to lie, the title Eligible Ex-Husband peaked my interest. I was crafting all sorts of scenarios in my mind based on the title alone.
If you are a lover of second chance romance novels like I am, you will really enjoy this story.
Everything about this story felt extremely relatable. There wasn't any parts where I found myself rolling my eyes and saying, really? How? I thought this story was well crafted and as the reader I really was torn between choosing sides.
The author kept me guessing throughout. It wasn't until just about the end that the conclusion was revealed. Although I knew if would end happily, I wasn't ready for the conclusion. It was great joining the couple on an emotional rollercoaster.
Eligible Ex-Husband by Marie Johnston is part of Cocky Hero World. Each story is a spin-off based on stories crafted by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. The stories in this series are all stand-alone novels. They can be read in any order.

Enjoy
Profile Image for M.
1,347 reviews12 followers
October 3, 2020
3.25 Stars

Just okay for me, I felt like this would’ve been better as a novella. There was not a lot of meat to the story and felt like things were repeated a lot. Wasn’t a bad book just wasn’t that entertaining or enthralling.

6/10 not likely to recommend
Profile Image for Tanisha Inman.
437 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2021
Narration was good but the story was boring. Self-inflicted drama that could’ve been solved by talking to one another instead of thinking the other could read their mind. Graham Morgan is a part of the story that was good.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,569 reviews53 followers
September 14, 2020
I love a good second chance for a divorced couple. Simon and Natalie married and have kids very young. While both of them have the same aspirations and dreams, Natalie's dreams need to be put on a pause. By the end of their marriage, Simon's life is all about work and Natalie's left burnt out. 8 months after the divorce, Simon is more attentive and has been present more for Natalie and their daughters. However, Natalie's guts saying that it's not going to last. Should she follow her heart or her head this time around? What about her dream of starting her own business and putting her own life first?

I enjoyed the story. However, I'm not a fan of how Simon's so clueless and don't really understand what Natalie really feels. He said that he did, but he didn't. I got kind of frustrated with him because of that sometimes.
Profile Image for Sharon Moritz-rosenthal.
2,271 reviews29 followers
September 13, 2020
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an absolutely awesome story. It is a stand alone romance with a divorced couple that still loves each other and adores their children.

The male lead is Simon and the female lead is Natalie. Natalie divorced Simon because he was a workaholic. In this story Simon realizes what he has lost and so he decides to make time for his ex and his daughters when Natalie has a mother in the hospital and needs extra help.

This story is loosely connected to Graham in the cocky hero club created by Vi Keeland and Peneope Ward. I never read the original book and it is a standalone story. If you love 2nd chance at romance stories and exes fixing things then you will adore this couple.

No cheating and no nasty exes causing trouble, just one family finding their way to each other.

Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews91 followers
September 14, 2020
When Natalie decided to divorce her husband Simon it wasn’t because she didn’t love but because he was too focused on her career to the detriment of her and their daughters. She is making changes in her life and looking for a fresh start until she needs help and Simon is the one who is there for her.

Simon loves his wife and his daughters however he never realized what he had until he lost them. He is determined to use this time to show that he can be the husband and father they deserve and hopefully convince Natalie to give him a second chance along the way.

I really enjoyed this story as when it comes to marriage it is easy to become complacent and this story reminds you that time is the most important thing you can give those you love.
Profile Image for Minnie.
341 reviews21 followers
October 11, 2020
It was an easy and light read. It’s my first book by this author and I’m sure now I will read more of her books.
This is a second-chance romance. Natalie and Simon divorced not a long time ago, but a family situation reconnects them. The reason behind their divorce was Simon working all the time.
Now that he has a second chance, he decides to spend as much time as possible with his family, his daughters and Natalie. He wants to prove Natalie that he’s changed and he wants for them to have a second chance.

I loved the book, it shows what a person can do to get back with their loved ones.
Profile Image for Linda ( Clary_Starfall ).
752 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2021
Natalie & Simon..

Notes 📝;
Divorced, hardwork ->lost everything, best mom, 2 adorable girls, try harder, balance, lost brother, cold shoulder love parents, drama, never enough, in sickness and in health...

I liked reading this book, all the things Simon comes up with, and how he sees what he needs to do... the characters are funny an witty and I love the fact they both have grown into themselves...

5 star ⭐️ read
Profile Image for Syd Ryan.
Author 9 books480 followers
September 16, 2020
I’m a sucker for a second chance romance, and this book delivered. It’s my first book to dive into the Cocky Hero World.

Simon and Natalie remind you of everyday people and that is what made this book enticing from the blurb. Two good people that lost their way, it can happen to any of us.

Standalone HEA

Happy📖Reading!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,211 reviews220 followers
September 8, 2020
4 Star Review Eligible Ex-Husband (Cocky Hero Club) by Marie Johnston
Marie Johnston is a relatively new author to me and I found it to be an entertaining read with characters whose story I was invested in.
This is a second chance at love story that ticked a lot of boxes for me. Simon and Natalie tried and failed at marriage, yet when the chips are down, Simon is there to help. Simon let Natalie go without fighting for her and their girls, but time has shown him what he truly wants, his family.
This was a realistic and well written story and I found it easy to connect to them.It was an emotional, steamy and romantic story about re connecting and realizing that what you love and need can sometimes be right in front of your eyes. An emotional journey, one I enjoyed and was a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,014 reviews431 followers
September 11, 2020
I’ve not read anything by this author so this was a great introduction.

Natalie and Simon are recently divorced. With Simon putting work first so much Natalie felt she had no choice but to ask for a divorce. Fate has other ideas for these two.

I thought this was a great read with so many feelings. I’ll definitely be looking to read more from the author in the future.
Profile Image for samantha ఌ.
342 reviews448 followers
May 24, 2023
I'm so happy I'm on summer break because I can finally read books in a day, just like this one. It may not be memorable but it was cute.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
September 3, 2020
I'm a sucker for second chance romance story so when I saw this one, I knew I had to read it. It has heartbreak but at the same time, the love is still there. Natalie decides she needs out. Simon never seems to notice her anymore because he's always working. They divorce but it's only then that he realizes that he messed up big time. When she needs help, he's there. Can Simon make Natalie understand that he still loves her and that he won't let her go again? This story had all the feels and all the right notes for me!
Profile Image for Kat Mary.
471 reviews
September 13, 2020
There is so much to love about Eligible Ex-Husband. As soon as I read the blurb I knew I wanted to read it. I love a second chance romance. When the book starts, Natalie and Simon are divorced. I really liked Natalie and understood where she was coming from but I don't know how she found the strength to divorce the person she still loved the most. It was obvious they still loved each other . I adored Simon. He was a good guy and Natalie divorcing him gave the push he need to change. Great characters, realistic story and an HEA.
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