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Just for Him #2
Undone by the Ex-Con
Is she strong enough to seduce her greatest enemy?
Isaac Montgomery is a millionaire, a murderer, and high society’s latest novelty. After all he’s been through, it should take more than a prima ballerina with a cut-glass accent to get under his skin. But when Isaac meets Lizzie Olusegun-Keynes, he doesn’t just lose his cool. He f$*king melts.
After a recent diabetes diagnosis, Lizzie is losing control of her body, her career—and, it seems, her desires. She shouldn’t want a man as coarse and cruel as Isaac, but the lust between them burns just as bright as their hatred. And when Lizzie’s beloved brother is threatened, the issue is taken out of her hands.
Whether she wants to or not, she will pursue Isaac; her brother’s safety depends on it. There’s just one problem: she’s starting to fall for the brooding, secretly sweet ex-con. The ex-con she must betray.
Isaac Montgomery is a millionaire, a murderer, and high society’s latest novelty. After all he’s been through, it should take more than a prima ballerina with a cut-glass accent to get under his skin. But when Isaac meets Lizzie Olusegun-Keynes, he doesn’t just lose his cool. He f$*king melts.
After a recent diabetes diagnosis, Lizzie is losing control of her body, her career—and, it seems, her desires. She shouldn’t want a man as coarse and cruel as Isaac, but the lust between them burns just as bright as their hatred. And when Lizzie’s beloved brother is threatened, the issue is taken out of her hands.
Whether she wants to or not, she will pursue Isaac; her brother’s safety depends on it. There’s just one problem: she’s starting to fall for the brooding, secretly sweet ex-con. The ex-con she must betray.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2018
209 people are currently reading
1444 people want to read
About the author
Talia Hibbert
30 books34.1k followersTalia Hibbert is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author whose books are available in 15 languages.
Best known for her Brown Sisters series, Talia writes spicy, inclusive romance novels starring complicated characters who make readers feel seen. Talia's debut romantasy will hit shelves in Summer 2026.
A typically cantankerous Brit, Talia's hobbies include chugging cups of tea, eating too many biscuits, and complaining bitterly about the weather.
Best known for her Brown Sisters series, Talia writes spicy, inclusive romance novels starring complicated characters who make readers feel seen. Talia's debut romantasy will hit shelves in Summer 2026.
A typically cantankerous Brit, Talia's hobbies include chugging cups of tea, eating too many biscuits, and complaining bitterly about the weather.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
June 4, 2018
I think that Talia Hibbert is going to be my new go-to for M/F contemporary romance! I had another really good read with Undone by the Ex-Con: A BWWM Romance, and though it isn't my usual genre, I couldn't put it down.
There is something about Talia Hibbert's writing style that is compulsively readable. I mean, I hate contemporary romance, right? Right?! But this book... I zoomed right through it.
I love, love, love that Talia Hibbert gives us POC MCs in her stories. I wish we had a curvy black ballerina on the cover, but that's just just me (muscles, smushles). We also get an interesting cast of characters from all walks of life, some with major (!) intimacy issues, and I dug how it all came together.
Though the story was really good, it also made me feel kind of... anxious. I wanted to finish it quickly because the deceptions were making me sweat, almost like a romantic suspense. And though I felt the chemistry between the MCs, I thought that they got together rather abruptly for my tastes. I like a much slower burn, but that isn't this type of story.
Despite my small issues, Talia Hibbert is showing me how exciting and NEW contemporary M/F romance can be. A very satisfying read from a now auto-buy author.
There is something about Talia Hibbert's writing style that is compulsively readable. I mean, I hate contemporary romance, right? Right?! But this book... I zoomed right through it.
I love, love, love that Talia Hibbert gives us POC MCs in her stories. I wish we had a curvy black ballerina on the cover, but that's just just me (muscles, smushles). We also get an interesting cast of characters from all walks of life, some with major (!) intimacy issues, and I dug how it all came together.
Though the story was really good, it also made me feel kind of... anxious. I wanted to finish it quickly because the deceptions were making me sweat, almost like a romantic suspense. And though I felt the chemistry between the MCs, I thought that they got together rather abruptly for my tastes. I like a much slower burn, but that isn't this type of story.
Despite my small issues, Talia Hibbert is showing me how exciting and NEW contemporary M/F romance can be. A very satisfying read from a now auto-buy author.
October 17, 2019
4 STARS!
After what I thought was a bit of a rocky start, Talia Hibbert ultimately dished up a lot of the things I love to devour in Undone by the Ex-Con.
Isaac is a jaded ex-con.
While I have read book 1 and those characters make cameo appearances, I think this could easily be read as a standalone. I recommend!
This was a buddy read with the wonderful ANNE BOLEYN'S GHOST. <3
It can be hard to recognise love when you haven't seen it in a while.Give me more like this!
After what I thought was a bit of a rocky start, Talia Hibbert ultimately dished up a lot of the things I love to devour in Undone by the Ex-Con.
✔ a tortured, blue collar heroThe main characters were the heart of the story here.
✔ an ice princess heroine
✔ blackmail
✔ forced proximity
✔ a touch of angsty tension
✔ diversity
✔ and of course ROMANCE!
Isaac is a jaded ex-con.
He seemed like a man who cared little for anything in his world and was very aware of the power that gave him.I loved how his hard exterior hid his inner insecurities . . . insecurities that rushed to the forefront when confronted with Lizzie. His attraction to her really confounded him.
It was strange how her eyes could be soft as melted honey and hard as stone all at once. She was a woman of contradictions.Lizzie is also a swirling mass of emotion beneath her armor. Despite what she shows the world . . .
Cold. Contained. Superior.. . . with her recent diabetes diagnosis completely changing the trajectory of her life, she's struggling.
She felt on the edge of chaos all the time.And Isaac just added to that . . . until he didn't. Gah! It was wonderful watching these two figure things out.
While I have read book 1 and those characters make cameo appearances, I think this could easily be read as a standalone. I recommend!
This was a buddy read with the wonderful ANNE BOLEYN'S GHOST. <3
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March 28, 2018Talia Hibbert writes the most gloriously over the top, tropetastic, gleeful romances and this is no exception. There's lashings of cash, high life, wild emotions, buckets of sexytimes. They also have grounding, though, which makes the difference. Lizzie is a super rich top ballet dancer in a whirlwind of lust with a hot bestselling author and all that, but the moment that made me well up was when she sat down with her new girl friends to a Buffy marathon. We don't ever lose sight of the importance of friends and sarcasm and in jokes and kindness amid the trope trappings. I am not a big contemporary reader, or into millionaires, but the pure fun this author has with her books absolutely shines through and makes them special. Consider me hooked.
April 28, 2022
Very steamy. Sexy good time. I like Isaah. He is such intense hero. What I want to see more i the plot. Miss Hibbert only gives mediocre plot in Undone by the Ex- Con.
I am bit disappointed. I felt bit bored listening to the audiobook. Thank goodness for steamy sexy scenes from Isaah.
Overall, not too bad and not too great either.
3 stars
I am bit disappointed. I felt bit bored listening to the audiobook. Thank goodness for steamy sexy scenes from Isaah.
Overall, not too bad and not too great either.
3 stars
September 20, 2019
4 Stars
Undone by the Ex-Con is yet another successful romance story from the ever-impressive writing talents of Talia Hibbert.
With a slight enemies-to-lovers/ opposites-attract vibe, this story brings together ex-con, Isaac Montgomery, and ex-professional ballerina, Lizzie Olusegun-Keynes, in an unexpected but life changing and passionate coupling.
At first glance, Isaac is big and imposing, with a past that only adds to his bad boy image. But in truth, he’s shy and thoughtful, now having made a success of his once poverty-stricken life, writing chart topping non-fiction stories relating to his life and his experiences in the system.
Lizzie couldn’t be more different. She comes from wealth and prestige, training rigorously at a young age to achieve esteem in the world of dance. But after getting a diabetes diagnosis in her early twenties, Lizzie’s life changes course. She quits professional ballet and moves to a small cabin in England, where she works as a private dance teacher for a wealthy family.
It is through their connections to this wealthy family that Isaac and Lizzie meet and fall deeply and unexpectedly in love. Although there’s an initial, bone-deep mutual attraction, I wouldn’t call this insta-love. Instead, these two share some great exasperated banter, which just adds to the fun of it, as the truth of their relationship and the depth of their connection slowly grows.
Fair warning: this story heavily relies on a deception arc between the MCs, at least for a good chunk of the story. Lies and miscommunication between MCs is never something I enjoy reading in my romances, yet, by some stroke of luck (or damn good writing), I didn’t find myself as anxious or as frustrated with the characters here as I potentially could have been. Thank goodness.
Where Hibbert particularly excels, beyond her welcomed depiction of diverse protagonists, is in how strong and complex she writes her characters — particularly her heroines. Hers are leads who feel all too real and relatable to me. They aren’t perfect by any means, but I always find myself sympathising, understanding, and ultimately rooting for their happiness. Lizzie and Isaac were no exception.
This was a sweet, sexy, fast-paced, well-written, opposites-attract romance, and I enjoyed myself immensely! If you’re a romance reader and haven’t read one of Talia’s stories yet, you simply must!
Undone by the Ex-Con is yet another successful romance story from the ever-impressive writing talents of Talia Hibbert.
With a slight enemies-to-lovers/ opposites-attract vibe, this story brings together ex-con, Isaac Montgomery, and ex-professional ballerina, Lizzie Olusegun-Keynes, in an unexpected but life changing and passionate coupling.
At first glance, Isaac is big and imposing, with a past that only adds to his bad boy image. But in truth, he’s shy and thoughtful, now having made a success of his once poverty-stricken life, writing chart topping non-fiction stories relating to his life and his experiences in the system.
Lizzie couldn’t be more different. She comes from wealth and prestige, training rigorously at a young age to achieve esteem in the world of dance. But after getting a diabetes diagnosis in her early twenties, Lizzie’s life changes course. She quits professional ballet and moves to a small cabin in England, where she works as a private dance teacher for a wealthy family.
It is through their connections to this wealthy family that Isaac and Lizzie meet and fall deeply and unexpectedly in love. Although there’s an initial, bone-deep mutual attraction, I wouldn’t call this insta-love. Instead, these two share some great exasperated banter, which just adds to the fun of it, as the truth of their relationship and the depth of their connection slowly grows.
Fair warning: this story heavily relies on a deception arc between the MCs, at least for a good chunk of the story. Lies and miscommunication between MCs is never something I enjoy reading in my romances, yet, by some stroke of luck (or damn good writing), I didn’t find myself as anxious or as frustrated with the characters here as I potentially could have been. Thank goodness.
Where Hibbert particularly excels, beyond her welcomed depiction of diverse protagonists, is in how strong and complex she writes her characters — particularly her heroines. Hers are leads who feel all too real and relatable to me. They aren’t perfect by any means, but I always find myself sympathising, understanding, and ultimately rooting for their happiness. Lizzie and Isaac were no exception.
This was a sweet, sexy, fast-paced, well-written, opposites-attract romance, and I enjoyed myself immensely! If you’re a romance reader and haven’t read one of Talia’s stories yet, you simply must!
August 31, 2022
Fun, angsty, and a bit twisty maybe?
Liked the diabetes rep. Liked this pairing.
Set up was a bit strange.. but it was still a nice quick read.
Also.. she was a bit bossy in bed and I liked that
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
Liked the diabetes rep. Liked this pairing.
Set up was a bit strange.. but it was still a nice quick read.
Also.. she was a bit bossy in bed and I liked that
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
July 4, 2018
- Great writing
- Prickly heroine whose prickliness I love
- Great hero who straddles the line between tough and sensitive
- fantastic supporting characters. I mean, dude, I love the support system between the heroine and her brother, their BFFs who descend on them, their council of war to thwart the main antagonist, the conversations between the hero and the heroine's brother...
- appropriately smarmy antagonist
- terrible parents
- Did I mention I loved all the supporting characters
- Also a good, chemical romance.
This book was a blast.
- Prickly heroine whose prickliness I love
- Great hero who straddles the line between tough and sensitive
- fantastic supporting characters. I mean, dude, I love the support system between the heroine and her brother, their BFFs who descend on them, their council of war to thwart the main antagonist, the conversations between the hero and the heroine's brother...
- appropriately smarmy antagonist
- terrible parents
- Did I mention I loved all the supporting characters
- Also a good, chemical romance.
This book was a blast.
May 7, 2021
4.3 out of 5 stars.
I loved this so much!! The ending was so heartwarming—it made me so happy 🥺🥺
And the yearning in this book was absolutely exquisite. Talia Hibbert never disapppoints.
____________________
1.) Bad for the Boss ★★★★✩
❝Dance with the heart, or not at all.❞
I loved this so much!! The ending was so heartwarming—it made me so happy 🥺🥺
And the yearning in this book was absolutely exquisite. Talia Hibbert never disapppoints.
____________________
1.) Bad for the Boss ★★★★✩
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February 17, 2022Content warnings:
I finally finished the JUST OF HIM trilogy after literal YEARS!! And I really enjoyed this one, more than the first, and less than the third. Here's what I love about it:
- Lizzie's journey with accepting her diabetes and the fact that it's an adjustement to make rather than a failure on her part. I loved that the focus wasn't with the main character struggling with how her body looks but more what it does and how for so long it felt like the only thing she had control over and she doesn't have that anymore. Loved the message of loving and caring for your body just because it is, and not because of how it looks or what it can do.
- The exploration of the justice system and how the system as a whole sets up poor people for failure. The way that was explored through Isaac was unexpected (fore me) but great.
- Loved the characters individually and their journey. Isaac especially needs to be protected at all cost.
- The relationship between Lizzie and her brother Olu was absolutely amazing. I loved this particulary because Olu is one of my favorite characters the author has ever written (read Work for It for his romance) so after being in his head, it was interesting to see how others perceived him.
All of this said, the actual romance felt rushed and lacking. I would have liked there to be more time where the two main characters didn't but heads quite so much before they fell in love. More vulnerabilty especially on Lizzie's part for me to buy into it. But I still enjoyed it, it's far from being a bad romance, just one in need of more development.
I finally finished the JUST OF HIM trilogy after literal YEARS!! And I really enjoyed this one, more than the first, and less than the third. Here's what I love about it:
- Lizzie's journey with accepting her diabetes and the fact that it's an adjustement to make rather than a failure on her part. I loved that the focus wasn't with the main character struggling with how her body looks but more what it does and how for so long it felt like the only thing she had control over and she doesn't have that anymore. Loved the message of loving and caring for your body just because it is, and not because of how it looks or what it can do.
- The exploration of the justice system and how the system as a whole sets up poor people for failure. The way that was explored through Isaac was unexpected (fore me) but great.
- Loved the characters individually and their journey. Isaac especially needs to be protected at all cost.
- The relationship between Lizzie and her brother Olu was absolutely amazing. I loved this particulary because Olu is one of my favorite characters the author has ever written (read Work for It for his romance) so after being in his head, it was interesting to see how others perceived him.
All of this said, the actual romance felt rushed and lacking. I would have liked there to be more time where the two main characters didn't but heads quite so much before they fell in love. More vulnerabilty especially on Lizzie's part for me to buy into it. But I still enjoyed it, it's far from being a bad romance, just one in need of more development.
April 20, 2022
Trust Talia to make me fall for a guy who is an actual murderer... I'm no better than any of you
October 27, 2019
Hey friends, please don't be annoyed by romance novels with half naked men on their cover, it's just Talia Hibbert is an amaazzzinng author and she deserves all the stars her book can get but she definetly needs a good cover artist.
June 20, 2018
Trigger Warnings: homophobic comments, murder (off the page), emotional abuse, drug addiction
YOU CAN ALSO FIND MY REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK OVER ON MY BLOG
I think I’ve made it clear by now that I love Talia Hibbert. This was actually my final book of hers to read before the release of her next book (which may be out by the time I write this review?). This definitely isn’t my favourite of her works but it was such an enjoyable ride and I read it so fast. Talia Hibbert is an hour that has had the ability to pull me out of any slump I have been descending in to. Her books have such an incredible layer of depth to them, as well as being hilarious and sexy at the same time. I really appreciate the honesty that comes through in her books.
What is Undone by the Ex-Con about though? Well, it obviously features an ex-con who has done his time in jail and is now a successful published writer, Isaac. Isaac is struggling with his publisher and deciding who to trust due to his bad boy reputation. Lizzie is an ex-ballerina who has faced the harsh criticism from her mother her whole life. Her career in dance ended shortly after she was diagnosed with type one diabetes, quickly ending any dreams she had in being professional. However, her brother has helped her get a job with a rich family in which she teaches the three daughters ballet. Lizzie and Isaac instantly butt heads when they meet. Nothing good is predicted to come from the pair interacting, but the sexual chemistry is off the charts. Of course, there is the small problem of Lizzie’s employer being Isaac’s publisher who is blackmailing both of them. It is a messy combination and it really is a wild ride to read. The story comes together well, despite the fact that it seems like it shouldn’t. I did have some problems with some things, which I will extend on later, but I think this is yet another knock out of the park by Talia Hibbert.
If you’re looking to get into the contemporary romance genre I truly can’t recommend Talia Hibbert’s books enough. If you scroll down my blog a little you’ll find a bunch of reviews I have done for her books. I truly recommend them due to the fact they are simply so easy to read, as well as Talia being one of the most lovely people I follow/interact with on twitter.
what I did like
✗ SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS
I’m a big fan of family relationships in books. I’m super close with my mum and my relationship with my sister is iffy but I was overjoyed to see that Lizzie had such a close relationship with her brother in this book. The pair had gone through so much with their parents. Despite being well off and the brother living off his trust from the family their parents are monsters. However, the siblings work together in order to be there to support one another. It really was a refreshing take to see the fact the pair had come together in their hardships rather than distance (I guess there was distance at the beginning, but it is quickly sorted).
✗ SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS
I really love supportive friends and a supportive cast. Both Lizzie and Isaac have people they can rely on. The way they have treated these people is different and Lizzie does have some making up to do. But, overall they both have friends and people they can talk to which is honestly so damn rare in books. I always find that one person seems to have a better support network but Talia Hibbert blew me out of the park, yet again, with Undone By The Ex-Con.
✗ DECENT AMOUNT OF BACKSTORY FOR BOTH
I find in some of Talia Hibbert’s work the backstory and development of one character is not as well done as the other. This is really just a small problem I have with her work. Undone By The Ex-Con really did a perfect job of providing the backstory of both characters. I really felt like we got a sense of who each person was through the multiple person view this story is told in. I really was able to connect with Isaac’s story more so, having a rags to riches kind of tale. Lizzie was a bit more difficult, being someone who grew up in wealth. By the end of the story I had connected to the characters and I was so giggly.
what I didn’t like
✗ THE ROMANCE HAPPENED SO FAST
This was a big thing for me. The romance was so fast. It happens over a month. The characters are literally engaged by the end of the book and it just made me feel super meh about everything. I am a cynical bitch, I admit to this. I don’t like my romances to be too fast. I want distance, I want time, and I want more connection before the characters vow to make a lifelong commitment (I know you can do a long engagement but seriously, a month?!). I really struggled to connect by the end.
✗ THE ENDING LEFT ME NOT HAPPY
The epilogue was just…bleh. It wasn’t what I wanted at all. It kind of continues on from the last point of what I didn’t like though.
✗ SOMETHING MISSING
Undone By The Ex-Con was ultimately missing something for me. There was just a spark I wanted and this book didn’t deliver it at all. I don’t know what it is but ultimately, it just wasn’t what I expected. I think it was the romance, honestly. So, maybe all my dislikes are simply just the romance.
Overall, I really did enjoy Undone By The Ex-Con but the romance really dragged the story down for me. The story really showed through flashbacks a deeper meaning that connected me to the story. This was a fast-paced romance set mainly in the Alps. It was the perfect story for a winters day, which is when I read it. I still recommend absolutely anything, Talia Hibbert.
YOU CAN ALSO FIND MY REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK OVER ON MY BLOG
I think I’ve made it clear by now that I love Talia Hibbert. This was actually my final book of hers to read before the release of her next book (which may be out by the time I write this review?). This definitely isn’t my favourite of her works but it was such an enjoyable ride and I read it so fast. Talia Hibbert is an hour that has had the ability to pull me out of any slump I have been descending in to. Her books have such an incredible layer of depth to them, as well as being hilarious and sexy at the same time. I really appreciate the honesty that comes through in her books.
What is Undone by the Ex-Con about though? Well, it obviously features an ex-con who has done his time in jail and is now a successful published writer, Isaac. Isaac is struggling with his publisher and deciding who to trust due to his bad boy reputation. Lizzie is an ex-ballerina who has faced the harsh criticism from her mother her whole life. Her career in dance ended shortly after she was diagnosed with type one diabetes, quickly ending any dreams she had in being professional. However, her brother has helped her get a job with a rich family in which she teaches the three daughters ballet. Lizzie and Isaac instantly butt heads when they meet. Nothing good is predicted to come from the pair interacting, but the sexual chemistry is off the charts. Of course, there is the small problem of Lizzie’s employer being Isaac’s publisher who is blackmailing both of them. It is a messy combination and it really is a wild ride to read. The story comes together well, despite the fact that it seems like it shouldn’t. I did have some problems with some things, which I will extend on later, but I think this is yet another knock out of the park by Talia Hibbert.
If you’re looking to get into the contemporary romance genre I truly can’t recommend Talia Hibbert’s books enough. If you scroll down my blog a little you’ll find a bunch of reviews I have done for her books. I truly recommend them due to the fact they are simply so easy to read, as well as Talia being one of the most lovely people I follow/interact with on twitter.
what I did like
✗ SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS
I’m a big fan of family relationships in books. I’m super close with my mum and my relationship with my sister is iffy but I was overjoyed to see that Lizzie had such a close relationship with her brother in this book. The pair had gone through so much with their parents. Despite being well off and the brother living off his trust from the family their parents are monsters. However, the siblings work together in order to be there to support one another. It really was a refreshing take to see the fact the pair had come together in their hardships rather than distance (I guess there was distance at the beginning, but it is quickly sorted).
✗ SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS
I really love supportive friends and a supportive cast. Both Lizzie and Isaac have people they can rely on. The way they have treated these people is different and Lizzie does have some making up to do. But, overall they both have friends and people they can talk to which is honestly so damn rare in books. I always find that one person seems to have a better support network but Talia Hibbert blew me out of the park, yet again, with Undone By The Ex-Con.
✗ DECENT AMOUNT OF BACKSTORY FOR BOTH
I find in some of Talia Hibbert’s work the backstory and development of one character is not as well done as the other. This is really just a small problem I have with her work. Undone By The Ex-Con really did a perfect job of providing the backstory of both characters. I really felt like we got a sense of who each person was through the multiple person view this story is told in. I really was able to connect with Isaac’s story more so, having a rags to riches kind of tale. Lizzie was a bit more difficult, being someone who grew up in wealth. By the end of the story I had connected to the characters and I was so giggly.
what I didn’t like
✗ THE ROMANCE HAPPENED SO FAST
This was a big thing for me. The romance was so fast. It happens over a month. The characters are literally engaged by the end of the book and it just made me feel super meh about everything. I am a cynical bitch, I admit to this. I don’t like my romances to be too fast. I want distance, I want time, and I want more connection before the characters vow to make a lifelong commitment (I know you can do a long engagement but seriously, a month?!). I really struggled to connect by the end.
✗ THE ENDING LEFT ME NOT HAPPY
The epilogue was just…bleh. It wasn’t what I wanted at all. It kind of continues on from the last point of what I didn’t like though.
✗ SOMETHING MISSING
Undone By The Ex-Con was ultimately missing something for me. There was just a spark I wanted and this book didn’t deliver it at all. I don’t know what it is but ultimately, it just wasn’t what I expected. I think it was the romance, honestly. So, maybe all my dislikes are simply just the romance.
Overall, I really did enjoy Undone By The Ex-Con but the romance really dragged the story down for me. The story really showed through flashbacks a deeper meaning that connected me to the story. This was a fast-paced romance set mainly in the Alps. It was the perfect story for a winters day, which is when I read it. I still recommend absolutely anything, Talia Hibbert.
August 18, 2018
My favorite Talia Hibbert book so far. I loved the struggles each character had to overcome, loved the class consciousness of the conflict and loved how third found family came together at the end. I'll be reading this one again.
May 1, 2020
talia hibbert's books are like crack to me now
September 1, 2023
Not my favorite from Talia Hibbert but An en Motion al and angsty punch to the gut nonetheless
CW: explicit sexual content, recurring references to dead loved ones, recurring mentions of accidental homicide & violence, homophobia
CW: explicit sexual content, recurring references to dead loved ones, recurring mentions of accidental homicide & violence, homophobia
January 20, 2022
4.5 stars!!
Literally consumed this in a day and a half. Idk what this was laced with but I consumed like finding water in a desert!
I also really enjoyed Elizabeth and how much Isaac was thinking and putty in Elizabeth's hand. Like no further questions your honor 👩🏿💼
Literally consumed this in a day and a half. Idk what this was laced with but I consumed like finding water in a desert!
I also really enjoyed Elizabeth and how much Isaac was thinking and putty in Elizabeth's hand. Like no further questions your honor 👩🏿💼
February 22, 2018
wow i have taken a trip to feels city and i am undone by this book! honestly though, how very dare Ms Hibbert make me feel all these feeeeels lol
But seriously: i adored Lizzie and Isaac so much. what complex, and interesting multifaceted characters. Talia's characters always feel so fully formed and i just love how her heroes worship the heroine. and Isaac was of course no exception.
This book was just captivating and of course i feel in love with every single secondary character (well not Mark or Lizzie's parents cuz they were just awful!! which was how we were supposed to be feel about them). i loved when the group all got together! Lizzie and her bro Olu and Theo and Jen from book 1 as well as Aria and Yen. i loved that she had people to rally around her when things were just hitting rock bottom.
Isaac didnt really have that because of what he'd been through but he found that in Lizzie. And even though they were from totally different back grounds they just really got each other and connected in a believable way and whoo boy...they were damn hot together.
i just need everyone to read this book ok! But read book 1 (Bad for the Boss first) and then read everything Talia has written so far. I'll be getting to her latest release (The Princess Trap) real soon
But seriously: i adored Lizzie and Isaac so much. what complex, and interesting multifaceted characters. Talia's characters always feel so fully formed and i just love how her heroes worship the heroine. and Isaac was of course no exception.
This book was just captivating and of course i feel in love with every single secondary character (well not Mark or Lizzie's parents cuz they were just awful!! which was how we were supposed to be feel about them). i loved when the group all got together! Lizzie and her bro Olu and Theo and Jen from book 1 as well as Aria and Yen. i loved that she had people to rally around her when things were just hitting rock bottom.
Isaac didnt really have that because of what he'd been through but he found that in Lizzie. And even though they were from totally different back grounds they just really got each other and connected in a believable way and whoo boy...they were damn hot together.
i just need everyone to read this book ok! But read book 1 (Bad for the Boss first) and then read everything Talia has written so far. I'll be getting to her latest release (The Princess Trap) real soon
April 30, 2024
The difficulty of late(r) diagnosed chronic illness was very tastefully displayed for the tone of the book. If brought raw and honest feelings and failures, while introducing a path of self love, self assurance and self sufficiency. Loved this part of the book.
The pining for someone you can’t have and slow burn? Eh. I found it a little hard to picture the MMC (obv this is a me thing) but I feel like I could pick out the FMC if you blind folded me. The details!
The culture clash and familial issues were interesting to read as well. Overall, it made me want to take a peek into the brothers life because his secret life surely sounds juicy 😏
If you came for smut, you won’t be disappointed so go ahead and stay. The sauna? Um, excuse me!
The pining for someone you can’t have and slow burn? Eh. I found it a little hard to picture the MMC (obv this is a me thing) but I feel like I could pick out the FMC if you blind folded me. The details!
The culture clash and familial issues were interesting to read as well. Overall, it made me want to take a peek into the brothers life because his secret life surely sounds juicy 😏
If you came for smut, you won’t be disappointed so go ahead and stay. The sauna? Um, excuse me!
January 6, 2024
A little too heavy on the plot if you ask me. 😬
In any case, Talia Hibbert's writing is one of my favorites, like ever.
In any case, Talia Hibbert's writing is one of my favorites, like ever.
March 23, 2018
4 1/2 Stars!
Talia Hibbert is a new favorite author for me, and I've been keeping her latest books in the "Break Glass During Emergency" collection. Well, it was time, and I'm so glad I had this book to help me escape this week!
I truly believe her writing only gets better as she releases more books -- and her writing was good from the start. I love her writing voice, love the characters she creates, the body and sex positivity that she puts into all her books, not to mention the fun and heat and romance. It's all good, and that's certainly what I got with this one as well!
I can always relate, in one way or another, with her characters, and I definitely felt a connection to both Lizzie and Isaac. Related: I love that I highlighted SO MANY QUOTES in this book, ranging from "Damn, this hit home for me" to "Well, Hibbert is speaking the truth about society IRL" to "OMFG this is do damn HOT" and everything in between! Again, this is not news to me, as I had this happen with the previous two Hibberts' novels I read. :)
I will admit that yes, things could still be a bit tighter in this book, and the last, oh, 10% or so was a bit too rushed and not as developed as I wanted. But other than that? I have no complaints because the simple truth is I had a fucking blast reading this book, even as it punched me with emotions a few (dozen) times.
I kinda want to dive into the next book I have from her. But I also want to save it for another "Shit, my life/the world is a dumpster fire of stress, HELP" emergency. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed
Talia Hibbert is a new favorite author for me, and I've been keeping her latest books in the "Break Glass During Emergency" collection. Well, it was time, and I'm so glad I had this book to help me escape this week!
I truly believe her writing only gets better as she releases more books -- and her writing was good from the start. I love her writing voice, love the characters she creates, the body and sex positivity that she puts into all her books, not to mention the fun and heat and romance. It's all good, and that's certainly what I got with this one as well!
I can always relate, in one way or another, with her characters, and I definitely felt a connection to both Lizzie and Isaac. Related: I love that I highlighted SO MANY QUOTES in this book, ranging from "Damn, this hit home for me" to "Well, Hibbert is speaking the truth about society IRL" to "OMFG this is do damn HOT" and everything in between! Again, this is not news to me, as I had this happen with the previous two Hibberts' novels I read. :)
I will admit that yes, things could still be a bit tighter in this book, and the last, oh, 10% or so was a bit too rushed and not as developed as I wanted. But other than that? I have no complaints because the simple truth is I had a fucking blast reading this book, even as it punched me with emotions a few (dozen) times.
I kinda want to dive into the next book I have from her. But I also want to save it for another "Shit, my life/the world is a dumpster fire of stress, HELP" emergency. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed
January 9, 2018
Love in the French Alps
Ah, Talia has done it again and has stolen my heart with these wonderful characters. Issac is a man tortured by his past that has now made him a famous author. His appearance is intimidating yet he has a vulnerability he hides from the world. And Lizzie is a retired principal dancer who feels as if her body has betrayed her, as she fights for a new sense of normal with her diagnosis of diabetes. She's learning to untangle the toxic self doubt and hate her mother has taught her to live with.
Employed as a private dance tutor to three young girls, Lizzie is trying to get her life back on track. That is until her employer (who's also Isaac's publisher), blackmails Lizzie into gaining Isaac's trust and learn his secrets in order to force him to sign an unfair contract. Isaac sees her as an ice princess, infallible and perfectly controlled. Until she's around him that is, and he craves her genuine reactions to him. Lizzie is conflicted, as she and Isaac fall deeply for one another, despite her secret that will certainly tear them apart.
Ah, Talia has done it again and has stolen my heart with these wonderful characters. Issac is a man tortured by his past that has now made him a famous author. His appearance is intimidating yet he has a vulnerability he hides from the world. And Lizzie is a retired principal dancer who feels as if her body has betrayed her, as she fights for a new sense of normal with her diagnosis of diabetes. She's learning to untangle the toxic self doubt and hate her mother has taught her to live with.
Employed as a private dance tutor to three young girls, Lizzie is trying to get her life back on track. That is until her employer (who's also Isaac's publisher), blackmails Lizzie into gaining Isaac's trust and learn his secrets in order to force him to sign an unfair contract. Isaac sees her as an ice princess, infallible and perfectly controlled. Until she's around him that is, and he craves her genuine reactions to him. Lizzie is conflicted, as she and Isaac fall deeply for one another, despite her secret that will certainly tear them apart.
May 10, 2020
undone by the ex-con was my second romance by talia hibbert and one of my favorites. it still is. it explores class differences, capitalism, and disability in many nuances i hadn't read about in books before.
i like the way the characters' lean on family and friends is a great part of their personal development in this book. lizzie's status as a diabetic isn't something she should be ashamed of, yet she feels like she has to hide it from her brother, as to not become weak in his eyes, though olu would never think of her as weak. their relationship, in the second half of the book, shined. i liked olu's protectiveness because it felt healthy and organic rather than fueled by macho, toxic masculinity.
i like the way the characters' lean on family and friends is a great part of their personal development in this book. lizzie's status as a diabetic isn't something she should be ashamed of, yet she feels like she has to hide it from her brother, as to not become weak in his eyes, though olu would never think of her as weak. their relationship, in the second half of the book, shined. i liked olu's protectiveness because it felt healthy and organic rather than fueled by macho, toxic masculinity.
February 23, 2018
Review to come.
Content Warnings
Content Warnings
January 14, 2018
Deliciously manly
4 Star Kindle Unlimited Read
I loved that this too was an interracial couple. Moreover, I love that both the leads were strong in their own rights and that family made them stronger. I can't wait to read the next installment in this trilogy as well as the inbetweener that author Talia Hibbert promised.
4 Star Kindle Unlimited Read
I loved that this too was an interracial couple. Moreover, I love that both the leads were strong in their own rights and that family made them stronger. I can't wait to read the next installment in this trilogy as well as the inbetweener that author Talia Hibbert promised.
February 27, 2018
I love Talia's imagination. Her imagery. I want her to get a better editor. Lots of missing words, incorrect homonyms, other errors.
July 12, 2020
Definitely enjoyed this one more than the last one!
I enjoyed Elizabeth as a character and her love for dance was wonderful to see. Isaac was an interesting character and I liked that he was only ever soft with Elizabeth and the girls. The plot, while just a tad soap opera-y, was set up in such a way that I didn't really think Elizabeth had a lot of options to stay out of it.
I kind of questioned how Isaac came around so quickly to apologizing to Elizabeth after she confessed to him. Perhaps I'm used to stories with this type of plot ending in the reveal before an apology. However, it didn't take me out of the story, too much.
I enjoyed Elizabeth as a character and her love for dance was wonderful to see. Isaac was an interesting character and I liked that he was only ever soft with Elizabeth and the girls. The plot, while just a tad soap opera-y, was set up in such a way that I didn't really think Elizabeth had a lot of options to stay out of it.
I kind of questioned how Isaac came around so quickly to apologizing to Elizabeth after she confessed to him. Perhaps I'm used to stories with this type of plot ending in the reveal before an apology. However, it didn't take me out of the story, too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
January 6, 2024DNF @30%
I get why Talia isn’t rereleasing this
I get why Talia isn’t rereleasing this
February 8, 2022
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a Talia Hibbert book and she reminded me once again why she’s a favorite author of mine.
UNDONE BY THE EX-CON is about Lizzie who is a professional ballerina living in Paris. After a life changing diagnosis she decides to leave ballet behind and moved back to London. There she gets a job teaching the daughters of a prominent family ballet. She’s not quite happy but content. But still struggling with what her new normal is.
Enter our hero, Isaac. A best selling author and ex-con who grew up poor and made a name for himself, and millions of dollars after his stay in prison. He doesn’t feel like he deserves the money or the life he has because of the guilt he carries for the crime he committed. But his luck seems to change once he meets our girl Lizzie.
Oh how I loved this book! Ms. Hibbert is the queen of banter. She knows how to build the tension. The angst. And the longing. The second Lizzie & Isaac are in each other’s orbits sparks fly. They hate each other on sight but underneath the judgement and resentment is a passion they can’t deny long.
This book made me giddy. I devoured the pages for more and Lizzie & Isaac’s interactions. I love how strong Lizzie was. But also vulnerable and unsure. Seeing another side of Isaac instead of the menacing ex-con everyone thought he was made me swoon. He was actually shy, awkward & quiet guy who sometimes couldn’t get the right words out but he could say a lot without words. I adored him!
This man was smitten right from the start even if it pissed him off how much Lizzie consumed his thoughts.
If you couldn’t tell by this lengthy review UNDONE BY THE EX-CON was a winner for me and I’m so happy I finally read this. The icing on this delicious cake? Realizing Olu from WORK FOR IT is Lizzie’s brother and finally getting his backstory since I loved him so much in his book. All in all I loved every minute of this book and I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Hibbert. 5 Stars!
UNDONE BY THE EX-CON is about Lizzie who is a professional ballerina living in Paris. After a life changing diagnosis she decides to leave ballet behind and moved back to London. There she gets a job teaching the daughters of a prominent family ballet. She’s not quite happy but content. But still struggling with what her new normal is.
Enter our hero, Isaac. A best selling author and ex-con who grew up poor and made a name for himself, and millions of dollars after his stay in prison. He doesn’t feel like he deserves the money or the life he has because of the guilt he carries for the crime he committed. But his luck seems to change once he meets our girl Lizzie.
Oh how I loved this book! Ms. Hibbert is the queen of banter. She knows how to build the tension. The angst. And the longing. The second Lizzie & Isaac are in each other’s orbits sparks fly. They hate each other on sight but underneath the judgement and resentment is a passion they can’t deny long.
This book made me giddy. I devoured the pages for more and Lizzie & Isaac’s interactions. I love how strong Lizzie was. But also vulnerable and unsure. Seeing another side of Isaac instead of the menacing ex-con everyone thought he was made me swoon. He was actually shy, awkward & quiet guy who sometimes couldn’t get the right words out but he could say a lot without words. I adored him!
This man was smitten right from the start even if it pissed him off how much Lizzie consumed his thoughts.
If you couldn’t tell by this lengthy review UNDONE BY THE EX-CON was a winner for me and I’m so happy I finally read this. The icing on this delicious cake? Realizing Olu from WORK FOR IT is Lizzie’s brother and finally getting his backstory since I loved him so much in his book. All in all I loved every minute of this book and I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Hibbert. 5 Stars!
November 10, 2018
this was a great enemies to lovers with blackmail and diabetes and a fierce black heroine and an ex-convict and class difference and social (in)justice commentary.
with people like the ones sitting in this room, people who probably didn't notice that the tableware was silver, and the china was real - but would sure as hell notice if it wasn't.
i loved that lizzie is a dancer and isaac a writer (and isaac and the girls were amazing characters), i loved that he is into poetry, i love the fierceness of lizzie, her embrace of her qualities that some people think cold or not ffor women (proud, sharp, unafraid) and her love for her brother (whos story i cannot wait to read) and the idea that family isn't blood but love.
we're in this together. you know as well as i do that control can be a heavy burden. so you'll share it, and i'll help. okay?
also, i thought the disability rep was fantastic. i cried at the dedication page and highlighted so many quotes and saw myself in so many parts (though i do not have diabetes so i can only comment on the general feeling of the rep, no specifics).
she felt the rope that tied her to the body she lived in. it had been fraying for some time now. she didn't know what would happen if it snapped.
i couldn't completely follow lizzie in her arc of acceptance of her body and disability that isn't a weakness, but that is a very personal issue. the book is right. her body is her ally, not her nemesis. that's just not something i have been able to completely embrace about myself. it was great to see the growth happen though, and very encouraging
not everything needs to be fixed, liz. some things just need to be taken care of.
cw: on page sex, blackmail, homophobia, internalised ableism, rejection form family due to queerness, fat hatred from parents
with people like the ones sitting in this room, people who probably didn't notice that the tableware was silver, and the china was real - but would sure as hell notice if it wasn't.
i loved that lizzie is a dancer and isaac a writer (and isaac and the girls were amazing characters), i loved that he is into poetry, i love the fierceness of lizzie, her embrace of her qualities that some people think cold or not ffor women (proud, sharp, unafraid) and her love for her brother (whos story i cannot wait to read) and the idea that family isn't blood but love.
we're in this together. you know as well as i do that control can be a heavy burden. so you'll share it, and i'll help. okay?
also, i thought the disability rep was fantastic. i cried at the dedication page and highlighted so many quotes and saw myself in so many parts (though i do not have diabetes so i can only comment on the general feeling of the rep, no specifics).
she felt the rope that tied her to the body she lived in. it had been fraying for some time now. she didn't know what would happen if it snapped.
i couldn't completely follow lizzie in her arc of acceptance of her body and disability that isn't a weakness, but that is a very personal issue. the book is right. her body is her ally, not her nemesis. that's just not something i have been able to completely embrace about myself. it was great to see the growth happen though, and very encouraging
not everything needs to be fixed, liz. some things just need to be taken care of.
cw: on page sex, blackmail, homophobia, internalised ableism, rejection form family due to queerness, fat hatred from parents
January 2, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This was a story about an ex-con who turned his life around and became an author. Isaac is still a shy quiet guy who sees everything around him. Isaac has no family left after his mother died and he is not looking for anyone, until he sees Lizzie, a young ballerina who is teaching his publisher's children ballet. Lizzie was dancing in Paris until she was diagnosed with diabetes and she decided to quit. Lizzie then began private teaching lessons when she met Isaac. Lizzie knew who he was and she thought he was a thug and beneath her. Lizzie was brought up in a wealthy home and her mother pushed her to always be the best, even though Lizzie could never please her. When Lizzie is approached by Isaac's publisher to get information about him, she has no choice to agree because of family secrets. Isaac is captivated by Lizzie and when she gets to know him, she realizes he is not what she thought. Now she must choose between her family or Isaac. I enjoyed this story and I really liked Isaac, I thought he was a complex guy who hid his real self from everyone. At first I didn't really like Lizzie, until the more I found out about her. She wasn't as shallow as I thought. I really liked the connection between Isaac and Lizzie, they had great chemistry. I loved how they could be themselves when together. This is the first book I have read by Talia but it won't be the last.
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