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Exes and O's
Ali Daniels is a successful writer. Too bad she can’t say the same for her love life. After yet another failed relationship, she decides it’s time to dig deep and find out what she’s doing wrong. Contacting her exes with a questionnaire seems like a piece of cake, until she gets to her high school sweetheart and the girl who shattered her heart, Madison Parker.Madison has made a neat little life for herself in her small hometown, whose only claim to fame is being an hour from the beach. She’s content running the donut shop her father left her and hanging with her sister and niece. The last thing she expects is for Ali to drop back into her life. After the way Ali left town twenty years ago without so much as an explanation, Madison really shouldn’t be feeling any sort of attraction, but she can’t seem to help herself.After all this time, Ali and Madison really only have one thing in common. The girl who broke their heart may be the only one who can put it back together.
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First published January 10, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 30, 2021
High school exes.
This one is interesting in the sense that our main character, Ali, has a history of failed relationships, which is a common trait among lesfic characters, but instead of swearing off love entirely, she proactively tries to do something about it. I actually like that idea very much even though the method used is a bit clinical. Ali sends out a questionnaire to all her exes to find out what the problem is and narrows down the root cause to her high school sweetheart, Madison. Ali discovers that she still harbours unresolved feelings for Madison and hasn't been able to connect with anyone else at the same level. This prompts her to return to her hometown to have a chat with Madison and both realise that what stands between them is a big misunderstanding.
Ali wants to give them another shot and Madison doesn't, but they seem to get back into each other's lives fairly quickly. The familiarity and ease felt strange to me as they haven't seen each other in 20 years and are practically strangers. And then there's also some miscommunication between them quite late into the story that I felt needn't have happened, so that kinda spoilt the story a little for me too.
Overall, this was still a nice read for me even if I didn't like everything about it.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This one is interesting in the sense that our main character, Ali, has a history of failed relationships, which is a common trait among lesfic characters, but instead of swearing off love entirely, she proactively tries to do something about it. I actually like that idea very much even though the method used is a bit clinical. Ali sends out a questionnaire to all her exes to find out what the problem is and narrows down the root cause to her high school sweetheart, Madison. Ali discovers that she still harbours unresolved feelings for Madison and hasn't been able to connect with anyone else at the same level. This prompts her to return to her hometown to have a chat with Madison and both realise that what stands between them is a big misunderstanding.
Ali wants to give them another shot and Madison doesn't, but they seem to get back into each other's lives fairly quickly. The familiarity and ease felt strange to me as they haven't seen each other in 20 years and are practically strangers. And then there's also some miscommunication between them quite late into the story that I felt needn't have happened, so that kinda spoilt the story a little for me too.
Overall, this was still a nice read for me even if I didn't like everything about it.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2022
“Exes and O’s” by Joy Argento is a second-chance, small town romance.
Ali Daniels has recently been dumped by her girlfriend and one night decides to send out a questionnaire to all of her exes to see where’s she’s going wrong. The only ex not to respond is Madison Parker, her high school girlfriend and the first to break her heart. On a whim she decides to go back to their hometown and find out why Madison never responded.
This isn’t a bad book and I liked it well enough. Ali and Madison are both likable characters and I was rooting for them to get together. It’s a short, easy read that doesn’t have a lot of angst. I think I was expecting more angst and was let down by how easy everything was.
Reading the blurb, I really thought this would be my jam as second-chance is my favorite trope. Unfortunately, it just didn’t come together for me here, which made for a pretty average read. While they do spend some time reflecting on their previous relationship, once they’re reintroduced into each other’s lives they basically pick right back up. There wasn’t a whole lot of time spent on them getting to know one another as adults. It’s been 20 years since they’ve seen one another and I just had a hard time believing they could just pick back up like no time had passed. Their biggest issue is miscommunication and it’s an issue all the way through the book.
I recommend this for readers wanting a quick, easy romance.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ali Daniels has recently been dumped by her girlfriend and one night decides to send out a questionnaire to all of her exes to see where’s she’s going wrong. The only ex not to respond is Madison Parker, her high school girlfriend and the first to break her heart. On a whim she decides to go back to their hometown and find out why Madison never responded.
This isn’t a bad book and I liked it well enough. Ali and Madison are both likable characters and I was rooting for them to get together. It’s a short, easy read that doesn’t have a lot of angst. I think I was expecting more angst and was let down by how easy everything was.
Reading the blurb, I really thought this would be my jam as second-chance is my favorite trope. Unfortunately, it just didn’t come together for me here, which made for a pretty average read. While they do spend some time reflecting on their previous relationship, once they’re reintroduced into each other’s lives they basically pick right back up. There wasn’t a whole lot of time spent on them getting to know one another as adults. It’s been 20 years since they’ve seen one another and I just had a hard time believing they could just pick back up like no time had passed. Their biggest issue is miscommunication and it’s an issue all the way through the book.
I recommend this for readers wanting a quick, easy romance.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2021
3.5 Stars
Ali Daniel’s best friend convinces her to send out a questionnaire to her exes hoping to better understand why all of her relationships have crashed and burned. When she doesn’t hear back from her high school sweetheart, the first woman to break her heart, she decides to head to their old hometown hoping Madison Parker will own up to her behaviour twenty years in the past.
This second chance romance doubles down on the miscommunication trope and while this is my least favourite reason for couples to split, it did add a little angst to an otherwise gentle and rather sweet read. This is a new to me author and I enjoyed her easy writing style. She adds a good dose of self analysis to her characters and smooths their rough edges with humor and honest conversation.
A copy of this book was given to me for review by the publisher via NetGalley.
Ali Daniel’s best friend convinces her to send out a questionnaire to her exes hoping to better understand why all of her relationships have crashed and burned. When she doesn’t hear back from her high school sweetheart, the first woman to break her heart, she decides to head to their old hometown hoping Madison Parker will own up to her behaviour twenty years in the past.
This second chance romance doubles down on the miscommunication trope and while this is my least favourite reason for couples to split, it did add a little angst to an otherwise gentle and rather sweet read. This is a new to me author and I enjoyed her easy writing style. She adds a good dose of self analysis to her characters and smooths their rough edges with humor and honest conversation.
A copy of this book was given to me for review by the publisher via NetGalley.
December 25, 2021
I’ve previously enjoyed Carrie and Hope by Joy Argento so when I saw this book I said “why not!”. Was a bit disappointed.
This book follows Ali, a New York best selling author, who starts the book off trying to find out why all of her relationships burn out so quickly. She sends out questionnaires to all of her exs to find this out, with the temptation of her best friend she sends one out to her high school sweetheart, Madison Parker. Their relationship ended on bad terms to say the least.
See? Cute plot. The characters are lovable and the conversations were written so smoothly and naturally. It’s cool to see such normal conversations between two love interest that isn’t about sex, past relationships, sexuality, or anything dramatic or past flirting.
However, I’m giving it three stars for several reasons.
The execution was nothing special. We all know the second chance romance format by now. One returns to the home town, the other is still holding a grudge over how they left things, turns out the end of their relationship was all a big misunderstanding. Blah blah, I usually like second chance books that go like this but in this case it was repetitive. The author didn’t really bring anything new or interesting to the story. The book kicks off 20 years after Madison and Ali were together. At this point the two are Middle aged and fully moved on with their lives. I felt as though their rekindling was very unrealistic. They fell back in place way too quickly. Twenty years is too long a time for this to have been that smoothly.
So yes, 3.0 stars! The writing was really smooth and I imagine with a more exciting refreshing plot I would’ve loved this story.
Nevertheless I’ll leave this for you to decide if you wanna try it out.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for a honest review.
(Sorry if this review has any spelling errors or flaws within it)
This book follows Ali, a New York best selling author, who starts the book off trying to find out why all of her relationships burn out so quickly. She sends out questionnaires to all of her exs to find this out, with the temptation of her best friend she sends one out to her high school sweetheart, Madison Parker. Their relationship ended on bad terms to say the least.
See? Cute plot. The characters are lovable and the conversations were written so smoothly and naturally. It’s cool to see such normal conversations between two love interest that isn’t about sex, past relationships, sexuality, or anything dramatic or past flirting.
However, I’m giving it three stars for several reasons.
The execution was nothing special. We all know the second chance romance format by now. One returns to the home town, the other is still holding a grudge over how they left things, turns out the end of their relationship was all a big misunderstanding. Blah blah, I usually like second chance books that go like this but in this case it was repetitive. The author didn’t really bring anything new or interesting to the story. The book kicks off 20 years after Madison and Ali were together. At this point the two are Middle aged and fully moved on with their lives. I felt as though their rekindling was very unrealistic. They fell back in place way too quickly. Twenty years is too long a time for this to have been that smoothly.
So yes, 3.0 stars! The writing was really smooth and I imagine with a more exciting refreshing plot I would’ve loved this story.
Nevertheless I’ll leave this for you to decide if you wanna try it out.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for a honest review.
(Sorry if this review has any spelling errors or flaws within it)
January 2, 2022
So when I read the description for the book, I was pretty excited for it because to me it sounded exactly like a lesbian High Fidelity, which is lowkey one of my favorite (straight) romcom movies. (Also the show deserved a second season...) I enjoy second chance romances so I was looking forward to this. And perhaps I got my expectations a little too high.
Exes and O's follows Ali Daniels and Madison Parker. Ali is going through a breakup and drunkenly decides to contact all of her ex girlfriends to figure out what had gone wrong with her relationships, eventually leading her to her biggest ex Madison Parker, the girl who destroyed her heart in high school. Madison doesn't want anything to do with Ali and is content running her families donut shop in their hometown and ignores Ali's request, until Ali shows up and wants to talk to Madison leaving a lot of unresolved feelings in the process.
And this book is fine. I liked it overall, its very cute and I could believe in the feelings and connection Ali and Madison had together. I liked how the characters were introspective as well and wanting to grow from their pasts.
Unfortunately this book is all about miscommunication being the root of all problems. And I could dismiss miscommunication being the result of the initial breakup because it happened when they were teenagers and teenagers make rash decisions. But when the book circled back around to the ending conflict it felt like "ok did we learn nothing about talking to each other"
As I said, I like second chance stories and I liked this overall but it didn't wow me either or I think will really stick with me either. 3/5
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Exes and O's follows Ali Daniels and Madison Parker. Ali is going through a breakup and drunkenly decides to contact all of her ex girlfriends to figure out what had gone wrong with her relationships, eventually leading her to her biggest ex Madison Parker, the girl who destroyed her heart in high school. Madison doesn't want anything to do with Ali and is content running her families donut shop in their hometown and ignores Ali's request, until Ali shows up and wants to talk to Madison leaving a lot of unresolved feelings in the process.
And this book is fine. I liked it overall, its very cute and I could believe in the feelings and connection Ali and Madison had together. I liked how the characters were introspective as well and wanting to grow from their pasts.
Unfortunately this book is all about miscommunication being the root of all problems. And I could dismiss miscommunication being the result of the initial breakup because it happened when they were teenagers and teenagers make rash decisions. But when the book circled back around to the ending conflict it felt like "ok did we learn nothing about talking to each other"
As I said, I like second chance stories and I liked this overall but it didn't wow me either or I think will really stick with me either. 3/5
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 29, 2021
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an ok second chance romance, but it’s not the best I’ve read.
This features MC Ali, who has just been broken up with by her latest ex and is encouraged by her BFF Charley to send a questionnaire to all of her exes to see if she can find out what went wrong. The other MC is Madison, Ali’s high school sweetheart, who Ali thinks broke her heart.
Madison is none to pleased to get Ali’s questionnaire, because she believes Ali broke HER heart, so when Ali doesn’t hear back from Madison and shows up in the small town they both grew up in, Madison is even less thrilled. The two talk and realise their breakup came from a miscommunication, but Madison is still ticked off, and this requires a contrived circumstance to then keep them in proximity long enough to sort things out. Unfortunately, we are not done with the miscommunication, and have to slog through them sorting themselves out again.
There’s a few supporting characters, mostly Ali’s BFF Charley (the highlight of the book) and Madison’s sister Jenny, with some other scenes featuring Madison’s other family or coworkers. Both MCs are likeable, and I mostly believed they’d always pined for each other, but honestly just didn’t warm to their reunion enough to care about them getting back together. Fans of the second chance trope will likely enjoy this, it’s an ok read. 3 stars.
This is an ok second chance romance, but it’s not the best I’ve read.
This features MC Ali, who has just been broken up with by her latest ex and is encouraged by her BFF Charley to send a questionnaire to all of her exes to see if she can find out what went wrong. The other MC is Madison, Ali’s high school sweetheart, who Ali thinks broke her heart.
Madison is none to pleased to get Ali’s questionnaire, because she believes Ali broke HER heart, so when Ali doesn’t hear back from Madison and shows up in the small town they both grew up in, Madison is even less thrilled. The two talk and realise their breakup came from a miscommunication, but Madison is still ticked off, and this requires a contrived circumstance to then keep them in proximity long enough to sort things out. Unfortunately, we are not done with the miscommunication, and have to slog through them sorting themselves out again.
There’s a few supporting characters, mostly Ali’s BFF Charley (the highlight of the book) and Madison’s sister Jenny, with some other scenes featuring Madison’s other family or coworkers. Both MCs are likeable, and I mostly believed they’d always pined for each other, but honestly just didn’t warm to their reunion enough to care about them getting back together. Fans of the second chance trope will likely enjoy this, it’s an ok read. 3 stars.
February 20, 2022
Joy Argento's Exes and O’s is a second chance romance, set in a small town. If you're after Sunday read then this book is definitely for you. It's a quick read with good characters even tho (for me,) lacks chemistry between the two main characters. Everything just seemed to move a bit too fast.
I've given ‘Exes and O’s’ a 3/5
I've given ‘Exes and O’s’ a 3/5
January 6, 2022
This book made me crave a donut.
This book isn’t memorable at all, now 30 minutes after finishing the book I’m writing this review and already forgot one of the main’s names… Not to worry I looked it up.
Ali has had enough, after yet another breakup she is convinced by her best friend Charley to contact her exes with a questionnaire to see why and how it all went wrong. Oh she was drunk when they did this. The one she was reluctant to contact, the one that broke her heart as a teen, Madison, seems to be the root of all her problems. Madison believes Ali broke her heart when she upped and left without any notice. Miscommunication all around way back when, we are talking 20 years. When they do reconnect in Ali’s search for answers they fall so fast again, it’s ridiculous.
I’m all for second chance romances, but they need to be done a certain way. I think the reason for the break up 20 years ago was immature and sudden, but understandable. How they got back together again in the present is full of miscommunication again and I don’t like that in a second chance. For it to work the communication needs to be the strongest thing there. For this couple it seems to be the physical pull and lots of nostalgia? I don’t know, I just don’t believe it.
On the plus side, the story is a very nice and easy read because of the writing. It flows well and the pacing is good.
Both characters have some traits that I liked, but I didn’t really like the characters, if that makes sense? I guess it has to do with how their romance unfolds.
Anyway, it’s an easy read and could work fine for anyone wanting this after a heavier book maybe, 3 stars.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
This book isn’t memorable at all, now 30 minutes after finishing the book I’m writing this review and already forgot one of the main’s names… Not to worry I looked it up.
Ali has had enough, after yet another breakup she is convinced by her best friend Charley to contact her exes with a questionnaire to see why and how it all went wrong. Oh she was drunk when they did this. The one she was reluctant to contact, the one that broke her heart as a teen, Madison, seems to be the root of all her problems. Madison believes Ali broke her heart when she upped and left without any notice. Miscommunication all around way back when, we are talking 20 years. When they do reconnect in Ali’s search for answers they fall so fast again, it’s ridiculous.
I’m all for second chance romances, but they need to be done a certain way. I think the reason for the break up 20 years ago was immature and sudden, but understandable. How they got back together again in the present is full of miscommunication again and I don’t like that in a second chance. For it to work the communication needs to be the strongest thing there. For this couple it seems to be the physical pull and lots of nostalgia? I don’t know, I just don’t believe it.
On the plus side, the story is a very nice and easy read because of the writing. It flows well and the pacing is good.
Both characters have some traits that I liked, but I didn’t really like the characters, if that makes sense? I guess it has to do with how their romance unfolds.
Anyway, it’s an easy read and could work fine for anyone wanting this after a heavier book maybe, 3 stars.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
December 29, 2021
Ali has had another relationship break up and can’t understand why nothing ever lasts for her. She decides to send a survey to all her exes to see if she can figure out the mystery. When they all answer except for her first love, Madison Parker, she ends up going back to her old home town to see if she can talk to Madison in person. She finds Madison at the local donut shop, now called O’s and that is when the fun begins.
I enjoyed this story, I found Ali and Madison to be a cute couple and was really rooting for them. At first Madison is not too happy to see Ali but ends up needing her help. I always love a forced proximity trope and thought this was well done. They don’t immediately go back to where they left off after their almost 20 year break but they clearly had chemistry that hadn’t gone away. I also love second chance first love stories and this one fits that bill as well. Overall great story, I would recommend picking this one up!
I enjoyed this story, I found Ali and Madison to be a cute couple and was really rooting for them. At first Madison is not too happy to see Ali but ends up needing her help. I always love a forced proximity trope and thought this was well done. They don’t immediately go back to where they left off after their almost 20 year break but they clearly had chemistry that hadn’t gone away. I also love second chance first love stories and this one fits that bill as well. Overall great story, I would recommend picking this one up!
January 4, 2022
3/5 stars
This was a sweet, second chance romance following the reconciliation of two high school lovers decades later. Ali is a New York Times best selling author, but her love life is much less successful with a slew of unsuccessful relationships. Her best friend convinced her to send a questionnaire to all of her exes in order to find out what went wrong in these relationships. This includes sending a letter to her high-school love, that she never quite got over. I thought the plot of this book sounded super cute and fun, if not a bit unbelievable. I didn’t so much mind the ‘long lost love’ storyline, because it really reminded me of a story that a loveable 90s rom-com would have. The book also had this lighthearted and serendipitous feel of watching a rom-com, which made it an enjoyable and addictive book to read.
While I think the book was enjoyable overall, I think that there were a couple of let downs in the plot. For one, I don’t think the reasoning behind most major decisions in this book made enough sense. This includes quite a lot of miscommunication and the spur of the moment desire by Ali to constantly try to contact a woman, even after she has explicitly expressed her dislike of her. I also think the romance moved way too fast. They went from not knowing each other for two decades to being at the same ease they were in each other’s company as they were in highschool. While I think this was cute towards the end, I would have loved the ‘getting to know you again’ period to have lasted longer.
Even though this isn’t my favourite romance of the year, I do think it is fun and especially reminiscent of a heartwarming rom-com flick. The characters were loveable, the story was entertaining and there were plenty of cute moments to revel in.
This was a sweet, second chance romance following the reconciliation of two high school lovers decades later. Ali is a New York Times best selling author, but her love life is much less successful with a slew of unsuccessful relationships. Her best friend convinced her to send a questionnaire to all of her exes in order to find out what went wrong in these relationships. This includes sending a letter to her high-school love, that she never quite got over. I thought the plot of this book sounded super cute and fun, if not a bit unbelievable. I didn’t so much mind the ‘long lost love’ storyline, because it really reminded me of a story that a loveable 90s rom-com would have. The book also had this lighthearted and serendipitous feel of watching a rom-com, which made it an enjoyable and addictive book to read.
While I think the book was enjoyable overall, I think that there were a couple of let downs in the plot. For one, I don’t think the reasoning behind most major decisions in this book made enough sense. This includes quite a lot of miscommunication and the spur of the moment desire by Ali to constantly try to contact a woman, even after she has explicitly expressed her dislike of her. I also think the romance moved way too fast. They went from not knowing each other for two decades to being at the same ease they were in each other’s company as they were in highschool. While I think this was cute towards the end, I would have loved the ‘getting to know you again’ period to have lasted longer.
Even though this isn’t my favourite romance of the year, I do think it is fun and especially reminiscent of a heartwarming rom-com flick. The characters were loveable, the story was entertaining and there were plenty of cute moments to revel in.
February 13, 2022
Pretty good but some elements were presented that could have made for some good flashback backstory and unfortunately was not followed up on. We have seen most of this story before and done as well. Still it was worth some time but I will admit I DNF'd it at about 90 percent only because I knew what was going to happen anyway and didn't care to put any more time in 3.5 stars
December 28, 2021
I've read one other book by the author (Carrie and Hope) and happily read her latest. This is a second chance romance. I thought the beginning was clever when Ali Daniels, having drunk too much, sends out questionnaires to her previous romantic relationships to see why they didn't work out. The one she doesn't hear back from is her high school sweetheart and first love. So she decides to go and see her.
Maddie Parker continues to live in the small town where she grew up. She owns and runs the donut shop that once belonged to her dad. Her first love Ali disappeared after high school graduation and twenty years later walks through her donut shop doors.
The angst has already happened and they've two decades apart because of a miscommunication. It is a little hard to believe that Maddie has never heard of Ali as she is a NY Times best selling author. If she isn't a big reader someone in their town would know of her success and spread the news. But that's a side note. After the initial shock and dealing with their anger it's time to try and rekindle. This is about as easy, feel good (other than missing so much time together) romance. The characters are nice and everything falls together easily and quickly. Three stars to me is a good story. To get higher I need more humor or conflict or something that brings my emotions into play. I would recommend to others who want a basic romance with a HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maddie Parker continues to live in the small town where she grew up. She owns and runs the donut shop that once belonged to her dad. Her first love Ali disappeared after high school graduation and twenty years later walks through her donut shop doors.
The angst has already happened and they've two decades apart because of a miscommunication. It is a little hard to believe that Maddie has never heard of Ali as she is a NY Times best selling author. If she isn't a big reader someone in their town would know of her success and spread the news. But that's a side note. After the initial shock and dealing with their anger it's time to try and rekindle. This is about as easy, feel good (other than missing so much time together) romance. The characters are nice and everything falls together easily and quickly. Three stars to me is a good story. To get higher I need more humor or conflict or something that brings my emotions into play. I would recommend to others who want a basic romance with a HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2022
this was cute and fluffy and just what I needed to start my year in books 🤠
(that was a good amount of miscommunication tho)
(that was a good amount of miscommunication tho)
January 11, 2022
Don’t read this book hungry, the descriptions of donuts and food will drive you bonkers. I had to go buy some donuts after I finished because I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Ali and Madison are living quite fulfilling lives and are in their late 30s. They were secretly dating in high school and haven’t spoken since a miscommunication when they were 18. Ali sends all her exes a questionnaire to learn what went wrong in all her relationships and Madison, her first love, is the only one who doesn’t answer. Ali’s bestie Charley (who I absolutely love) convinces her to go and ask her in person.
*SPOILERS BEGIN*
We then learn it was all a big miscommunication, now I hate this trope normally as it tends to seem pointless, but in this case, I think it was so long ago and so very appropriate for teen girls that it makes sense. Especially considering they were both in the closet at the time and had the added pressure of that in play. I cried so much when they had their confrontation and listened to Ali afterwards, my poor baby, my heart broke for the two of them. I completely understood Madison’s anger and reluctance to make amends given the pain she experienced just because Ali ran away.
I am glad that Ali stayed because even if they hadn’t gotten together in the end I don’t think Madison would have been able to move forward without forgiving her and the extra time together as needed. I loved seeing Ali meet all the people in Madison’s life and them getting to know each other again and falling in love again. Madison’s move after they hooked up was so bad that I fully expected Ali to leave right then and there and not even go to bed so I am glad Jenny helped her see the error in her ways. I enjoyed watching them finally communicate openly and take steps to start a relationship again at a normal pace. I was so happy to see them move in together finally and get their fish!
These two are so perfect for each other and I love their little town of Clyde and all its residents. I desperately want a book about Charley and the new boyfriend and the fabulous makeup-filled life Charley lives, it sounds rather fun and exciting. Plus Charley is weirdly perspective and would make a good therapist it seems.
Beautifully done and cannot recommend enough.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ali and Madison are living quite fulfilling lives and are in their late 30s. They were secretly dating in high school and haven’t spoken since a miscommunication when they were 18. Ali sends all her exes a questionnaire to learn what went wrong in all her relationships and Madison, her first love, is the only one who doesn’t answer. Ali’s bestie Charley (who I absolutely love) convinces her to go and ask her in person.
*SPOILERS BEGIN*
We then learn it was all a big miscommunication, now I hate this trope normally as it tends to seem pointless, but in this case, I think it was so long ago and so very appropriate for teen girls that it makes sense. Especially considering they were both in the closet at the time and had the added pressure of that in play. I cried so much when they had their confrontation and listened to Ali afterwards, my poor baby, my heart broke for the two of them. I completely understood Madison’s anger and reluctance to make amends given the pain she experienced just because Ali ran away.
I am glad that Ali stayed because even if they hadn’t gotten together in the end I don’t think Madison would have been able to move forward without forgiving her and the extra time together as needed. I loved seeing Ali meet all the people in Madison’s life and them getting to know each other again and falling in love again. Madison’s move after they hooked up was so bad that I fully expected Ali to leave right then and there and not even go to bed so I am glad Jenny helped her see the error in her ways. I enjoyed watching them finally communicate openly and take steps to start a relationship again at a normal pace. I was so happy to see them move in together finally and get their fish!
These two are so perfect for each other and I love their little town of Clyde and all its residents. I desperately want a book about Charley and the new boyfriend and the fabulous makeup-filled life Charley lives, it sounds rather fun and exciting. Plus Charley is weirdly perspective and would make a good therapist it seems.
Beautifully done and cannot recommend enough.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2022
3 Stars. Ali Daniels is a successful writer who left her hometown and never came back. Her best friend decides she should write notes to all her exes about why none of them worked out. She even writes a note to her first girlfriend, Madison Parker. Madison and Ali have different reasons as to why they broke up. Ali decides to head back to her hometown, where Madison still lives to talk to Madison. Ali wants to see her in person and talk about the letter she sent. She does not realize that the chemistry is still there and that even 20 years later she still wants to be with Madison. Especially after Madison hurts her back and Ali is the only person who can take care of her.
This book was okay, the reason they broke up back in high school seems a little stretched. It is a misunderstanding, a type of break-up I don't like and it just seems a little hard to believe as they would never talk again. The chemistry between the two characters is good and the way their relationship evolves is good. I did not like the original scenario which brought them together, which is Madison hurting her back. I thought that was a little dumb and that it seems like a weird way to bring them together. It was an okay book I am not sure I would recommend.
This book was okay, the reason they broke up back in high school seems a little stretched. It is a misunderstanding, a type of break-up I don't like and it just seems a little hard to believe as they would never talk again. The chemistry between the two characters is good and the way their relationship evolves is good. I did not like the original scenario which brought them together, which is Madison hurting her back. I thought that was a little dumb and that it seems like a weird way to bring them together. It was an okay book I am not sure I would recommend.
January 5, 2022
Three stars.
Starting with criticism, I'm afraid. I didn't like Charley, because he came off as excessively pushy. I didn't like Ali, because all of her character seemed to be about her relationship fails, and she doesn't seem to have much spine. I didn't like the premise in execution, although I thought it was intriguing when I chose to read this. I also didn't like Madison for the resentment that she has clearly hung onto, despite her fervent denial. But what did I actually like? Somehow despite not caring for either protagonist, I was rooting for them. I thought they belonged together, and had an easy rhythm with each other. Their banter is fantastic, if a bit goofy at times. Once they have ironed out all the communication issues, it is very easy to see a HEA for them. It wasn't all about instant attraction.
For the most part, all of my first impressions lessened in negativity over the span of the book. Everything seemed to fall into place once Ali and Madison were occupying the same space naturally. Unfortunately, I thought their history wasn't addressed in the way it should have been, with Ali shouldering all the blame, and Madison not even recalling that there had been room for the most upsetting kind of miscommunication.
Hopefully I've justified my star rating. I honestly do think there is an audience that would really appreciate it more than I did: this book is good for those who don't mind characters with not insignificant character flaws, that are maybe harder to root for.
Starting with criticism, I'm afraid. I didn't like Charley, because he came off as excessively pushy. I didn't like Ali, because all of her character seemed to be about her relationship fails, and she doesn't seem to have much spine. I didn't like the premise in execution, although I thought it was intriguing when I chose to read this. I also didn't like Madison for the resentment that she has clearly hung onto, despite her fervent denial. But what did I actually like? Somehow despite not caring for either protagonist, I was rooting for them. I thought they belonged together, and had an easy rhythm with each other. Their banter is fantastic, if a bit goofy at times. Once they have ironed out all the communication issues, it is very easy to see a HEA for them. It wasn't all about instant attraction.
For the most part, all of my first impressions lessened in negativity over the span of the book. Everything seemed to fall into place once Ali and Madison were occupying the same space naturally. Unfortunately, I thought their history wasn't addressed in the way it should have been, with Ali shouldering all the blame, and Madison not even recalling that there had been room for the most upsetting kind of miscommunication.
Hopefully I've justified my star rating. I honestly do think there is an audience that would really appreciate it more than I did: this book is good for those who don't mind characters with not insignificant character flaws, that are maybe harder to root for.
January 8, 2022
Exes and O's by Joy Argento is a charming book that restores the idea that when two people are right for each other, they find a way back to each other.
I very much appreciate the style of writing that Ms. Argento employs. The reader becomes quickly invested, not wanting to put the book down! It is not only easy to read, but you feel the emotions and the progression of the characters as you read the book. Her writing is honest without a lot of gratuitous nonsense that many romance writers employ. The author shares real emotions that make the book not only believable but the reader becomes part of the story, with a birdseye view.
I will not share the details, but on a cold winter's day, this book is warmth and a joy to read! (no pun intended) It is a break from the crazy of life, so grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage, your favorite donut, and give yourself a treat- reading Exes and O's!
I very much appreciate the style of writing that Ms. Argento employs. The reader becomes quickly invested, not wanting to put the book down! It is not only easy to read, but you feel the emotions and the progression of the characters as you read the book. Her writing is honest without a lot of gratuitous nonsense that many romance writers employ. The author shares real emotions that make the book not only believable but the reader becomes part of the story, with a birdseye view.
I will not share the details, but on a cold winter's day, this book is warmth and a joy to read! (no pun intended) It is a break from the crazy of life, so grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage, your favorite donut, and give yourself a treat- reading Exes and O's!
January 5, 2022
Nice enough sweet second chance romance that could easily be made into a romcom. I enjoyed myself with Ali and Madison reconnecting after 20 years and learning their break up was based on one big miscommunication. It didn't feel right that all the blame was immediately put into Ali's shoes, but ah well. I loved their banter and them as a couple but the change from hostile to extremely comfortable again was rather fast. Yet, I can nag and nittypick about this book, cause no, it wasn't perfect but it was a pleasurable read and I would recommend it to the romance readers out there, especially if you like the second chance trope.
*** Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for giving me this book to read and review***
*** Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for giving me this book to read and review***
January 11, 2022
Cute romance that reignites a lost love. Second chance after issues. It's quick and sweet and maybe a little too neat, but a fun read.
December 29, 2021
Madison Parker grew up, alongside Ali Daniels in a small town. They were best friends from an early age. That all changed when they became teenagers and discovered the attraction between them . So through high school they hid how they really felt about the other.
Madison was like many before her when it came to letting her family know she was a lesbian, struggled. But Ali insisted. She wants to go to college and wants Madison to come with her. But as often happens life got in the way. Ali left angry and hurt, promising to never return.
Madison was also hurt and angry with Ali because she did what they always planned on doing, telling her parents and living their lives openly. But Ali took off, not even talking with Madison before she left. After twenty years she was still mad at Ali.
With the encouragement of her best friend, Charley she decides to look up her girlfriends to find out what happened, why each stepped back from her. When it came to Madison she knew she’d have to face her, tell her the truth about why she left without looking back.
Seems like they both had different memories but the result was the same. Twenty lost years. Ms Argento writes stories about people you find yourself caring about, with a good plot surrounding some likable characters. Very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books.
Madison was like many before her when it came to letting her family know she was a lesbian, struggled. But Ali insisted. She wants to go to college and wants Madison to come with her. But as often happens life got in the way. Ali left angry and hurt, promising to never return.
Madison was also hurt and angry with Ali because she did what they always planned on doing, telling her parents and living their lives openly. But Ali took off, not even talking with Madison before she left. After twenty years she was still mad at Ali.
With the encouragement of her best friend, Charley she decides to look up her girlfriends to find out what happened, why each stepped back from her. When it came to Madison she knew she’d have to face her, tell her the truth about why she left without looking back.
Seems like they both had different memories but the result was the same. Twenty lost years. Ms Argento writes stories about people you find yourself caring about, with a good plot surrounding some likable characters. Very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books.
December 28, 2021
Ali goes out drinking with her best friend after yet another girlfriend dumps her. In her inebriated state, she thinks it would be a fantastic idea to send all her ex-girlfriends a questionnaire about what went wrong. Once the messages go out, though, she realizes the only ex she cares about is Madison, her high school girlfriend. So she travels from Syracuse to her small home town to meet with Madison face-to-face.
Madison wants nothing to do with Ali after the way she ghosted her for twenty years. Ali skipped town without a word, leaving Madison broken hearted. But when Madison unexpectedly needs Ali's help, can they find a way to reconcile?
If you're looking for a low-angst, second-chance sapphic romance, this book might fit the bill. It's well executed, providing a smooth and easy read. The characters are believable and sympathetic, and the emotion is well balanced. It was nice to see Madison and Ali get their happily-ever-after at last.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Madison wants nothing to do with Ali after the way she ghosted her for twenty years. Ali skipped town without a word, leaving Madison broken hearted. But when Madison unexpectedly needs Ali's help, can they find a way to reconcile?
If you're looking for a low-angst, second-chance sapphic romance, this book might fit the bill. It's well executed, providing a smooth and easy read. The characters are believable and sympathetic, and the emotion is well balanced. It was nice to see Madison and Ali get their happily-ever-after at last.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
January 4, 2022
I was send an eARC of this book so thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for that. This was very cute and quick to read, a nice way to start the year in my opinion. It was fun to see “older” women (they’re in their 30s) in that kind of book. I would recommend it if you’re looking for something easy and pretty fast paced!
January 2, 2022
This second chance romance felt like it was paced well and I did enjoy the plot, but if you have read enough wlw romance you know this book.
December 29, 2021
This is a second chance, small town romance that follows Ali Daniels, a best selling author on her quest to find out why all her relationships failed. Her drunken resolution to write to all her exes leads her to her first love, her highschool gilrfriend Madison Parker. 20 years later they but heads on the break up reason but end up spending time together when Madison needs help.
It’s a sweet romance that’s low on angst and with a halthy dose of humour that makes for a nice read on a cold winter day.
It’s a sweet romance that’s low on angst and with a halthy dose of humour that makes for a nice read on a cold winter day.
December 27, 2021
A solid three stars. I thought the writing was great but the story is nothing new. It heavily relied on the miscommunication trope and it's becoming tiresome to read. The characters were enjoyable but nothing in this book was a surprise. It was a nice, quick read, if you need something mindless and easy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of the book in exchange for this review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of the book in exchange for this review!
January 24, 2022
It's my first Joy Argento book and if all her books have plots like this then I'm in
.
At first I thought it was very cliché, contacting your exes after several drinks and asking them for feedback but at the same time it wasn't
.
The handling of the dialogues and the story line made it flow so easily that I couldn't stop turning page after page, I wanted to know how exactly it was going to change things for both main characters.
.
After another breakup, Ali is convinced by her friend Charley to write to all of her exes on Facebook and ask them to answer a few questions to help her understand more about herself and grow personally. She writes to all of them and they all reply except one, her first love, the woman who broke her heart
.
After analyzing the answers, she feels that she needs to close the past and decides to go and look for the last answers, but after waiting so long to say what she feels, she is ending discovering another part of the story that she did not know and it is not so easy to return to her life.
.
I will confess that I found this part a bit hard but I could see and above all enjoy how they reached the end
.
again, a cliché rewritten into a good story of love, trust and personal empowerment with good characters. A very good sapphic and contemporary romance in a small town
.
.
.
Thanks to Joy Argento and Bold Stroke Books for give me this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion
.
At first I thought it was very cliché, contacting your exes after several drinks and asking them for feedback but at the same time it wasn't
.
The handling of the dialogues and the story line made it flow so easily that I couldn't stop turning page after page, I wanted to know how exactly it was going to change things for both main characters.
.
After another breakup, Ali is convinced by her friend Charley to write to all of her exes on Facebook and ask them to answer a few questions to help her understand more about herself and grow personally. She writes to all of them and they all reply except one, her first love, the woman who broke her heart
.
After analyzing the answers, she feels that she needs to close the past and decides to go and look for the last answers, but after waiting so long to say what she feels, she is ending discovering another part of the story that she did not know and it is not so easy to return to her life.
.
I will confess that I found this part a bit hard but I could see and above all enjoy how they reached the end
.
again, a cliché rewritten into a good story of love, trust and personal empowerment with good characters. A very good sapphic and contemporary romance in a small town
.
.
.
Thanks to Joy Argento and Bold Stroke Books for give me this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion
January 28, 2022
Exes and O’s is a second chance romance involving high school sweethearts.
Ali is a writer and when she is wondering why her relationships fail, her best friend and tequila (All life best decisions are made with tequila!) sends out a questionnaire to her ex’s. The only one who didn’t reply was her high school sweetheart Madison. Ali sets off to find out what happened.
This is a sweet tale of mis-understandings and redemption… with a side of donuts!
I enjoyed this book and found it well written and fun. I like that they had to work to get the relation back. I recommend it
I was given an ARC by Netgallery.
Ali is a writer and when she is wondering why her relationships fail, her best friend and tequila (All life best decisions are made with tequila!) sends out a questionnaire to her ex’s. The only one who didn’t reply was her high school sweetheart Madison. Ali sets off to find out what happened.
This is a sweet tale of mis-understandings and redemption… with a side of donuts!
I enjoyed this book and found it well written and fun. I like that they had to work to get the relation back. I recommend it
I was given an ARC by Netgallery.
February 3, 2022
If Hallmark decides to make a lesbian HEA this is where they'd be pulling their material from. It's a sugar sweet, wake up with makeup on in the morning, second chance, happily ever after packaged movie. The cherry on top? The small town hometown:) If you are looking for a cozy lesbian romance this is it. The dialogue is a bit too sweet for me- I can't imagine anyone saying the things these leadings ladies say to one another, but maybe I'm just a curmudgeony clam that doesn't readily admit to feelings. All in all, a few steamy scenes and quick read for a WLW fix.
I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2022
A decent story with a second chance theme. The plot has some interesting ideas, where one of the leading characters contacts all her exes to ask about how she did as a potential long term partner, which leads her to seek out the one that got away. This works as a lead up to the main story of meeting up with her first love and rekindling their romance. It all reads ok, but nothing very exciting particularly happens. The best friend, Charley, is pretty bland and there are no real fireworks in the love story. The main focus for me were the donuts.
August 20, 2023
I love second chance romance but i couldn't finish this one. It was too predictable and it made it too boring for me to want to finish it. Not to mention the bestfriend character Charley? was one of the most abnoxious characters i've ever read in print. Pushy, annoying, and invasive and i can't imagine anyone putting up with that.
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