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Ten Thousand I Love Yous
In this humorously touching novel by the critically acclaimed author of Degrees of Love, a woman's limits of love and forgiveness are tested when her high school sweetheart blindsides her with a divorce after eighteen years of marriage.At sixteen, Kimberly Kirby thought the only thing she needed to be perfectly happy was to spend the rest of her life with Jay Braxton. Twenty years later, she still believes it. As they proudly watch their daughter, Haley, graduate from high school, she imagines her life is as perfect as anyone could reasonably expect. Jay is a formidable attorney, she a freelance writer, and their love as strong as ever. With Haley heading to UC Berkeley in the fall, Kimberly fantasizes about making love on the kitchen table. She has no clue that Jay's bags are already packed.Now divorced and determined to squelch her love for Jay, she accepts a gig writing a sex and dating blog for divorcees. As the Virgin Dater, she is on the hunt for love. No-strings-attached nights with a sexy fireman and moving to San Francisco are just what she needs to boost her battered ego and mend her shattered heart.But just as she falls for a talented young chef, Jay fights to win her back. Torn between their shared history and her bold new life, she questions if there is too much to forgive. The ten thousand I love yous that had passed Jay's lips can't be dismissed, but nor can her newfound freedom and the knowledge that her happiness doesn't depend on Jay.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2022
54 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Slabach
2 books72 followersTen Thousand I Love Yous is Lisa Slabach’s second novel. She is currently working on her third full-length manuscript and a collection of short stories inspired by her experiences growing up in a small farm community in Washington’s Yakima Valley. In addition to writing, Lisa is a Fintech Relationship Executive for a Fortune 500 Company. She is a long-time resident of Northern California and lives with her husband, one-hundred-forty-pound puppy and numerous goldfish. In her free time, she enjoys wine tasting, shopping with her daughters, and cooking in her pink kitchen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 28, 2022
This book is one of the saddest I’ve read because the heroine ALREADY has moved on!!! She was so close to get her better life…!
H and h were in high school when became parents, 20 years later H left to live life and fuck around, actually, you can feel that THIS is the main goal for him, have sex with other women , not only with his wife.
After one year of depression, h starts to live life, and what a life!!! Younger men, new big city, new friends, new goals and new career! Oh! But then H wanted her back, H has had enough sex and saw the light🤫
I don’t want to offend anyone but this is typical book in USA, with a lot of guilt for women, the extreme importance to act accordingly to your age, don’t go with younger men and be sweet and forgiving!
Sorry but no, heroine is young, healthy and deserved her younger boyfriend and her new life! She was so close… but she choose to be a good woman according to the norm and let her life be dictated by society.
There’s one sentence that says it all “ If I came back with Jay and something happens again, I’ll be older and it’ll be harder to move on”, the importance of age is different for a man than for a woman.
I don’t believe in this kind of love and I don’t believe H is sorry or he regrets anything, H has his fun and now wants the comfort life again, apparently h is a great cook and all this is always a plus!
The message is so wrong! But, hey! At least she has sex with younger men!!!
Of course there’s no grovel, only some tears and Forgive me. More I read romance books , more I know I’m a bitch bcs I’d never…
H and h were in high school when became parents, 20 years later H left to live life and fuck around, actually, you can feel that THIS is the main goal for him, have sex with other women , not only with his wife.
After one year of depression, h starts to live life, and what a life!!! Younger men, new big city, new friends, new goals and new career! Oh! But then H wanted her back, H has had enough sex and saw the light🤫
I don’t want to offend anyone but this is typical book in USA, with a lot of guilt for women, the extreme importance to act accordingly to your age, don’t go with younger men and be sweet and forgiving!
Sorry but no, heroine is young, healthy and deserved her younger boyfriend and her new life! She was so close… but she choose to be a good woman according to the norm and let her life be dictated by society.
There’s one sentence that says it all “ If I came back with Jay and something happens again, I’ll be older and it’ll be harder to move on”, the importance of age is different for a man than for a woman.
I don’t believe in this kind of love and I don’t believe H is sorry or he regrets anything, H has his fun and now wants the comfort life again, apparently h is a great cook and all this is always a plus!
The message is so wrong! But, hey! At least she has sex with younger men!!!
Of course there’s no grovel, only some tears and Forgive me. More I read romance books , more I know I’m a bitch bcs I’d never…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“I'm not in love with you anymore.”
The day after their daughter's high school graduation, Kim's husband of eighteen years tells her he doesn't love her anymore and blindsides her with wanting a divorce and walking out. After a year of depression and waiting for Jay to come back, Kim decides it's time to start living her life. Ten Thousand I Love Yous is a story told in first person point-of-view from Kim and will have you wincing in sympathy for all her heartache, cheering her on as she takes control of her life, and either will leave you happy satisfied with how things ultimately work out or vastly disappointed in ending decisions.
The first chapter is an emotional doozy with how blindsided Kim was with her husband's decision of leaving her, he says some very harsh things in his desire to get out the door as Kim tries to keep him there. We then jump a year forward for chapter two and Kim is starting to come out of her depression. She gets in shape to feel better about herself, starts to dip her toe into the dating world, is thinking about changes she needs to make to get her life in order, contemplative about her how her life has went, and reflective on how there were warning signs in her marriage. Kim and Jay got pregnant when they were seventeen and ended up marrying young, now at thirty-seven, Jay says his reason for wanting a divorce is because they never got to be young and try new things. When he starts dating twenty-something cocktail waitresses it can't help but feel like the guy is going through a mid-life crisis and/or just wanted to sleep with other younger women. When Kim begins dating, specifically a hot fireman, Jay starts to creep back into the picture and his jealousy is obvious. There's a great revenge scene that I thought Kim should have enjoyed more when they bump into Jay with a young woman who recognizes Kim's fireman from a calendar and drools over him in front of Jay.
I shouldn't ever have to worry about loving my husband too much.
I cheered Kim on when she decides to move to San Francisco and live on her own and begins writing a regular advice column for dating single and divorced women. It's clear that she is thriving and starting to come into her own. Jay wasn't controlling and seemed like a good husband but Kim fell into that supportive wife role and withered in the town and group of friends they had. While in San Fran, Kim reconnects with a guy who she had a crush on but after a quick kiss, never acted on because she thought he was so much younger than her and he was the check-out guy at her grocery store. Turns out that Joshua is twenty-seven, ten years younger than Kim and now a sous chef and their chemistry is still there. A lot of readers are going to like Joshua for Kim as they playfully bring out the best in each other. However, the age issue is a tough one for Kim to get over, she has a nineteen year old daughter and after a Thanksgiving together with their friends, Kim felt so much older than Joshua's group of friends. It's easy to see why Kim feels this insecurity but also easy to feel, with given time, this would ease away.
This book had an immensely smooth reading flow, I finished it in a day, but my personal feelings on the ending gave me more of a dejected feeling, rather than a satisfied happy sigh. It's clear as the story goes on that Jay is starting to have misgivings about his decision to divorce Kim. Since this is first pov from Kim, it's hard to really get a feel for Jay, it honestly came off to me that he'd had his fun, slept around, and realized how supportive Kim was and wanted that easy comfort back. With twenty pages to go, Jay makes his big move, right when Kim and Joshua are getting extremely close, and Kim has to make the decision of what she really wants out of life. She does show some growth and strength, taking a stance on things she now expects out of life, but I think she also went back to the easier answer, because there is comfort in the known. It felt disappointing because the journey I went on with Kim, mostly, ended up feeling wasted.
“I'm not in love with you anymore.”
The day after their daughter's high school graduation, Kim's husband of eighteen years tells her he doesn't love her anymore and blindsides her with wanting a divorce and walking out. After a year of depression and waiting for Jay to come back, Kim decides it's time to start living her life. Ten Thousand I Love Yous is a story told in first person point-of-view from Kim and will have you wincing in sympathy for all her heartache, cheering her on as she takes control of her life, and either will leave you happy satisfied with how things ultimately work out or vastly disappointed in ending decisions.
The first chapter is an emotional doozy with how blindsided Kim was with her husband's decision of leaving her, he says some very harsh things in his desire to get out the door as Kim tries to keep him there. We then jump a year forward for chapter two and Kim is starting to come out of her depression. She gets in shape to feel better about herself, starts to dip her toe into the dating world, is thinking about changes she needs to make to get her life in order, contemplative about her how her life has went, and reflective on how there were warning signs in her marriage. Kim and Jay got pregnant when they were seventeen and ended up marrying young, now at thirty-seven, Jay says his reason for wanting a divorce is because they never got to be young and try new things. When he starts dating twenty-something cocktail waitresses it can't help but feel like the guy is going through a mid-life crisis and/or just wanted to sleep with other younger women. When Kim begins dating, specifically a hot fireman, Jay starts to creep back into the picture and his jealousy is obvious. There's a great revenge scene that I thought Kim should have enjoyed more when they bump into Jay with a young woman who recognizes Kim's fireman from a calendar and drools over him in front of Jay.
I shouldn't ever have to worry about loving my husband too much.
I cheered Kim on when she decides to move to San Francisco and live on her own and begins writing a regular advice column for dating single and divorced women. It's clear that she is thriving and starting to come into her own. Jay wasn't controlling and seemed like a good husband but Kim fell into that supportive wife role and withered in the town and group of friends they had. While in San Fran, Kim reconnects with a guy who she had a crush on but after a quick kiss, never acted on because she thought he was so much younger than her and he was the check-out guy at her grocery store. Turns out that Joshua is twenty-seven, ten years younger than Kim and now a sous chef and their chemistry is still there. A lot of readers are going to like Joshua for Kim as they playfully bring out the best in each other. However, the age issue is a tough one for Kim to get over, she has a nineteen year old daughter and after a Thanksgiving together with their friends, Kim felt so much older than Joshua's group of friends. It's easy to see why Kim feels this insecurity but also easy to feel, with given time, this would ease away.
This book had an immensely smooth reading flow, I finished it in a day, but my personal feelings on the ending gave me more of a dejected feeling, rather than a satisfied happy sigh. It's clear as the story goes on that Jay is starting to have misgivings about his decision to divorce Kim. Since this is first pov from Kim, it's hard to really get a feel for Jay, it honestly came off to me that he'd had his fun, slept around, and realized how supportive Kim was and wanted that easy comfort back. With twenty pages to go, Jay makes his big move, right when Kim and Joshua are getting extremely close, and Kim has to make the decision of what she really wants out of life. She does show some growth and strength, taking a stance on things she now expects out of life, but I think she also went back to the easier answer, because there is comfort in the known. It felt disappointing because the journey I went on with Kim, mostly, ended up feeling wasted.
December 26, 2022
I really wanted to love this—so of course there’s a but…
Wife is completely blindsided when hubby walks out the day their daughter leaves for college. They’re very young empty nesters. She got pregnant their senior year of high school. He no longer loves her and is ready to move on. They’re basically in their mid 30s and he’s having a midlife crisis.
What really works? After the divorce is final, she works to move on—has two real relationships while he is dating 20 something bimbos. Then he realizes he’s made a mistake, wants their life back and she’s not interested.
What doesn’t work? The last 25 pages.
3 oh well, this could be better stars.
And no, there’s no cheating.
Wife is completely blindsided when hubby walks out the day their daughter leaves for college. They’re very young empty nesters. She got pregnant their senior year of high school. He no longer loves her and is ready to move on. They’re basically in their mid 30s and he’s having a midlife crisis.
What really works? After the divorce is final, she works to move on—has two real relationships while he is dating 20 something bimbos. Then he realizes he’s made a mistake, wants their life back and she’s not interested.
What doesn’t work? The last 25 pages.
3 oh well, this could be better stars.
And no, there’s no cheating.
September 26, 2023
{SPOILERS}
Lacklustre ending where she chooses the easy way out: getting back with the husband who told her he’s leaving her because [*] she let herself go and because he wanted to get his rocks off with anyone other than the h. “They married too young and they haven’t experienced things (sex) with others.”🙄
This is the same man who comes scrambling back when he realises that he’s missing out on the new her:
The h took a year to mourn her dead marriage. Then she picked herself up, had lovers, a meaningful career AND moved states. That’s a big deviation from the usual Romance and ChicLit heroines of late. The last 2 decades of late, if u ask me. This h, after wallowing for ages, does move on.
See, authors, it can be done. If your colleague here could do it so could you!
🎷🎶 Do it! 🎼 Do it! 🎵Do it!🎤🥁
This muthafucka:
… “Something about not loving me … had done his duty … needed to be free … our marriage suffocated him … best thing for both of us … would always, always care about me. He was sorry … so sorry, but he didn’t love me as a husband anymore.”…
…’’Kim, move out of the way. I don’t want to hurt you, but I am leaving.”…
…“The only way I can stand making love to you is with the lights off! Doesn’t that tell you enough?”…
One year, of no contact, later:
…“I was hoping now that our divorce is final, we can be friends.”
…“You want the freedom to sleep around, but you miss a home cooked meal and a sympathetic ear from good old Kimmy, that it?”
Her:
“I had failed Jay. If I had been more attentive to what he was feeling, I wouldn’t have been blindsided. I had willfully shut my eyes to his discontent. It didn’t excuse the way he’d abandoned our marriage but accepting my share of the blame left me more peaceful.”
“Jay didn’t cheat on me.”
…“He dumped you so he could fuck girls like Brittany. I don’t see much difference.”
[*]“…why the whole lights off thing?”
“…Because … because when we used to make love, you’d stare at me with so much love in your eyes … it was overwhelming. I didn’t think I loved you the same way anymore, and I knew you’d see it.”
“He knelt in front of me and took my hands. “Forgive me, please, just forgive me. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’m begging you to give me another chance. Kimmy … please forgive me … please.” He broke—the same way I had the morning he’d left. Tears streaked down his cheeks, his chest heaving and convulsing, and he dropped his head on my lap.”
Lacklustre ending where she chooses the easy way out: getting back with the husband who told her he’s leaving her because [*] she let herself go and because he wanted to get his rocks off with anyone other than the h. “They married too young and they haven’t experienced things (sex) with others.”🙄
This is the same man who comes scrambling back when he realises that he’s missing out on the new her:
The h took a year to mourn her dead marriage. Then she picked herself up, had lovers, a meaningful career AND moved states. That’s a big deviation from the usual Romance and ChicLit heroines of late. The last 2 decades of late, if u ask me. This h, after wallowing for ages, does move on.
See, authors, it can be done. If your colleague here could do it so could you!
🎷🎶 Do it! 🎼 Do it! 🎵Do it!🎤🥁
This muthafucka:
… “Something about not loving me … had done his duty … needed to be free … our marriage suffocated him … best thing for both of us … would always, always care about me. He was sorry … so sorry, but he didn’t love me as a husband anymore.”…
…’’Kim, move out of the way. I don’t want to hurt you, but I am leaving.”…
…“The only way I can stand making love to you is with the lights off! Doesn’t that tell you enough?”…
One year, of no contact, later:
…“I was hoping now that our divorce is final, we can be friends.”
…“You want the freedom to sleep around, but you miss a home cooked meal and a sympathetic ear from good old Kimmy, that it?”
Her:
“I had failed Jay. If I had been more attentive to what he was feeling, I wouldn’t have been blindsided. I had willfully shut my eyes to his discontent. It didn’t excuse the way he’d abandoned our marriage but accepting my share of the blame left me more peaceful.”
“Jay didn’t cheat on me.”
…“He dumped you so he could fuck girls like Brittany. I don’t see much difference.”
[*]“…why the whole lights off thing?”
“…Because … because when we used to make love, you’d stare at me with so much love in your eyes … it was overwhelming. I didn’t think I loved you the same way anymore, and I knew you’d see it.”
“He knelt in front of me and took my hands. “Forgive me, please, just forgive me. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’m begging you to give me another chance. Kimmy … please forgive me … please.” He broke—the same way I had the morning he’d left. Tears streaked down his cheeks, his chest heaving and convulsing, and he dropped his head on my lap.”
April 9, 2025
Woman is madly in love with her husband of 20 years who she has been with since she was in high school. She's making plans for their future as their daughter goes off to college.
Husband in a seemingly midlife crisis tosses the wife aside like a used tissue and announces he needs to live his life without her, asks for a separation then literally pushes her to the side as he leaves her confused and in tears.
This is what happens to the fmc, Kimberly in the first chapter as her husband Jay discards her after she supported him, his career and his dreams for 2 decades.
She holds out hope for a year that he'll realize his mistake and come back begging for forgiveness. When the divorce is finalized, she realizes she's lost him and she needs to move on.
...and move on she does. Which I was thoroughly cheering on. She actually forms relationships with two new men who are really into her. She even finds herself and moves to another new city. She seems to process the divorce at that point and the need to create her own identity.
All in all I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Husband in a seemingly midlife crisis tosses the wife aside like a used tissue and announces he needs to live his life without her, asks for a separation then literally pushes her to the side as he leaves her confused and in tears.
This is what happens to the fmc, Kimberly in the first chapter as her husband Jay discards her after she supported him, his career and his dreams for 2 decades.
She holds out hope for a year that he'll realize his mistake and come back begging for forgiveness. When the divorce is finalized, she realizes she's lost him and she needs to move on.
...and move on she does. Which I was thoroughly cheering on. She actually forms relationships with two new men who are really into her. She even finds herself and moves to another new city. She seems to process the divorce at that point and the need to create her own identity.
All in all I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
April 22, 2022
This is a wonderful romantic book. It has a rough start when Jay leaves Kimberly after their daughter graduates high school. Kimberly struggles to recover while Jay has no issue moving on. Kimberly's best friend is the perfect person to get her out of her slump. She lives in LA and takes Kimberly to a club where she can meet someone, anyone. The storyline is simple, husband leaves wife shattered and he moves out. When wife is ready to move on, husband realizes he made a mistake and wants her back. The way Lisa wrote the book makes it anything but simple. I loved her characters and funny and sometimes embarrassing scenes as Kimberly learns to date again for the first time in 18+ years. My one disappointment with the book is the cover. I don't think it shows enough of the wonderful story waiting for the reader. Just another reason not to judge a book by its cover!
May 22, 2022
*I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.*
I finished this book with an uneasy feeling and the more I reflect on the story, the more I dislike the tale. Kimberly, a 37-year old wife and mother, is surprised when her husband abruptly decides to divorce her. She slowly manages to pull together a new life - she pitches a new column for her writing, moves to San Francisco, and starts dating again. Just when things are looking up, her ex-husband reappears and wants to restart their relationship. Well, let me just say, I did not like how this novel concluded, I felt like the characters' motivations for their behavior were inadequate, and so many people behaved poorly or hurt others in this book that I just can't like any of the characters.
I finished this book with an uneasy feeling and the more I reflect on the story, the more I dislike the tale. Kimberly, a 37-year old wife and mother, is surprised when her husband abruptly decides to divorce her. She slowly manages to pull together a new life - she pitches a new column for her writing, moves to San Francisco, and starts dating again. Just when things are looking up, her ex-husband reappears and wants to restart their relationship. Well, let me just say, I did not like how this novel concluded, I felt like the characters' motivations for their behavior were inadequate, and so many people behaved poorly or hurt others in this book that I just can't like any of the characters.
November 6, 2022
what an ending!
Lots of drama, faithless H leaves his family. h struggled, got herself sorted , found another man… and went back to the faithless one. How very very disappointing.
Lots of drama, faithless H leaves his family. h struggled, got herself sorted , found another man… and went back to the faithless one. How very very disappointing.
January 16, 2023
After the first few chapters, I was so disappointed and disgusted with both husband and wife. There was so much repetition and childish behavior that I lost any hope for either of them ever getting their crap together. Bless their daughter's heart -- what a poor example her parents presented. Definitely the husband started the crash, but I didn't think the wife handled herself much better in picking up the pieces. Both acted like immature self-centered individuals. I couldn't connect with either.
There was so much emphasis set on monetary status with all the labels attached. Just frivolous drivel and the ending was just ridiculous. Ending a marriage - jump into bed with a list of others and you'll get all the answers -- just no!
There was so much emphasis set on monetary status with all the labels attached. Just frivolous drivel and the ending was just ridiculous. Ending a marriage - jump into bed with a list of others and you'll get all the answers -- just no!
May 28, 2023
Oh men and their midlife crises ! Oh me and my love for these cheater books! This one was well-written and had a ton of fun revenge moments. Very compelling. I guess it isn’t technically a cheater novel but basically, since he breaks up to get some young p—y.
I see why people are disappointed by the ending, but Kimmy was *not* over her husband — that’s clear on every page. She was still in love with him, and beyond that the young guy was not a longterm solution. It would have fizzled. And I thought the author made that point in subtle ways. I liked that Kim came to realize that Joshua was in part attracted to her emotional unavailability.
In fact the balance of power in relationships is a big theme in this book. It’s on the first page with the quote. That helped me frame this story and read it as women’s fiction and not romance.
It felt believable that after Jay had his rumspringa, and saw his wife pulling hot guys, he was gonna shape up. He needed the challenge. The intensity of his crisis was related to the death of his mother, but it was also about power. He didn’t respect her. I found the fact that he (literally) dicked around on her for a YEAR during which he showed zero mercy to be infuriating. I would have liked the love story better if they hadn’t actually gone through with the divorce, and if he wasn’t quite so cruel in the beginning. It made the ending hard to read, even if I did buy the logic of it. But unlike some other reviewers it was very clear to me that kimmy was not even close to being over him. So the reconciliation was inevitable.
Edited to add: of the three men in the book, Kevin was definitely my favorite! Joshua gave me hipster asshole vibes. (Also who was he to suggest she give up her WELL-DESERVED alimony) Jay … well what a douchebag, but he was her douchebag 🤷🏻♀️
I see why people are disappointed by the ending, but Kimmy was *not* over her husband — that’s clear on every page. She was still in love with him, and beyond that the young guy was not a longterm solution. It would have fizzled. And I thought the author made that point in subtle ways. I liked that Kim came to realize that Joshua was in part attracted to her emotional unavailability.
In fact the balance of power in relationships is a big theme in this book. It’s on the first page with the quote. That helped me frame this story and read it as women’s fiction and not romance.
It felt believable that after Jay had his rumspringa, and saw his wife pulling hot guys, he was gonna shape up. He needed the challenge. The intensity of his crisis was related to the death of his mother, but it was also about power. He didn’t respect her. I found the fact that he (literally) dicked around on her for a YEAR during which he showed zero mercy to be infuriating. I would have liked the love story better if they hadn’t actually gone through with the divorce, and if he wasn’t quite so cruel in the beginning. It made the ending hard to read, even if I did buy the logic of it. But unlike some other reviewers it was very clear to me that kimmy was not even close to being over him. So the reconciliation was inevitable.
Edited to add: of the three men in the book, Kevin was definitely my favorite! Joshua gave me hipster asshole vibes. (Also who was he to suggest she give up her WELL-DESERVED alimony) Jay … well what a douchebag, but he was her douchebag 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
This was unputdownable, witty and heartwarming. I stayed up late reading it and it reminded me how much I love this genre.
Lisa Slabach made me laughed and cried with Kimberly. Kimberly had an incredible journey after her divorce. She taught herself to be an independent woman and not to let herself go.
The author got the flow and the pacing of the story just right. The characters were all different in their own ways. I've really enjoyed the book and I highly recommend it.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lisa Slabach made me laughed and cried with Kimberly. Kimberly had an incredible journey after her divorce. She taught herself to be an independent woman and not to let herself go.
The author got the flow and the pacing of the story just right. The characters were all different in their own ways. I've really enjoyed the book and I highly recommend it.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2024
The grass isn’t always greener…
This is a cautionary tale….you don’t know what you’ve lost until it’s gone.
I read this book in a day. I enjoyed the writing style and it was easy to read and flowed well.
I shed a few tears whilst reading. The road to a HEA isn’t easy. Sometimes we have bumps along the way, but as a married couple you work through them together. Jay lost sight of this and made a huge mistake. He didn’t know what he had lost until it was gone.
I’m not sure I would’ve done the same as Kimberley, but it’s their story and their story alone.
**second review
After read this a second time, it just doesn’t sit as well the second time around. The fact that Jay slept around left me with a bad taste in my mouth, it didn’t bother me as much the first time I read it, but this time it did. Kim had come so far and was so strong. He basically left her because he felt a bit trapped..…slept around…lived the single life then realised how much he loved Kim. If he’d left and just had a few dates here and there then that would’ve sat better, but he slept around, lived the single life then wanted her back. It made me angrier for Kim this time reading it than last time!
This is a cautionary tale….you don’t know what you’ve lost until it’s gone.
I read this book in a day. I enjoyed the writing style and it was easy to read and flowed well.
I shed a few tears whilst reading. The road to a HEA isn’t easy. Sometimes we have bumps along the way, but as a married couple you work through them together. Jay lost sight of this and made a huge mistake. He didn’t know what he had lost until it was gone.
I’m not sure I would’ve done the same as Kimberley, but it’s their story and their story alone.
**second review
After read this a second time, it just doesn’t sit as well the second time around. The fact that Jay slept around left me with a bad taste in my mouth, it didn’t bother me as much the first time I read it, but this time it did. Kim had come so far and was so strong. He basically left her because he felt a bit trapped..…slept around…lived the single life then realised how much he loved Kim. If he’d left and just had a few dates here and there then that would’ve sat better, but he slept around, lived the single life then wanted her back. It made me angrier for Kim this time reading it than last time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2022
I'm not sure what it was about this book… I've essentially got nothing in common with Kim but the story was constructed and her character developed in such a way that she absolutely resonated with me. I felt all the highs and lows of her journey to discovering who she was now she was both an empty nester and single all at once.
The ending of the book was a little controversial for me. In hindsight, I understand why the author ended the book when she did, but at the time of reading, I remember turning the page then thinking "oh, is that it?". Some people will love the ending, but I'm not sure it was the same one I would have given her.
Thank you for a beautiful read and the opportunity to review this ARC.
The ending of the book was a little controversial for me. In hindsight, I understand why the author ended the book when she did, but at the time of reading, I remember turning the page then thinking "oh, is that it?". Some people will love the ending, but I'm not sure it was the same one I would have given her.
Thank you for a beautiful read and the opportunity to review this ARC.
November 9, 2022
Fell in love with Mel and her strong come back from the devastating betrayal from her husband. Cheered her on and supported her changes and lifestyle throughout until your last chapter. You destroyed her and everything she worked to achieve by going back to that loser, Jay. SO disappointed in your destroying Mel again! This is the first book, I honestly felt, I wasted time on!!
January 29, 2022
This book was wonderful! It was a quick read; I could barely put it down. I enjoyed the story and the writing style. Excellent pacing. It's about a woman rediscovering herself, learning to love and trust herself and others as she regains her independence. And admittedly I fell a little bit in love with the chef (heart eyes!)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 12, 2022
This book may resonate with some readers and I can imagine they will be nodding their heads and saying "yes, that happened to me too."
Kimberly married very young and had her first child at eighteen. While she and Jay seemed like the perfect couple, apparently he had other ideas once their daughter graduated from high school. He wasn't even man enough to talk to her about it, he just packed bags and called it quits. Perhaps it was a mid-life crisis, perhaps he had fallen out of love with her, but whatever Jay's reasons, he was a coward to not even talk to her about the situation. Maybe he tried and she just didn't hear him, but I think he probably did not.
This sends Kimberly on a downward spiral but then she manages to bounce back and figures if she is going to be on her own then she needs to put her life together with the way she wants to live it and not by anyone else's expectations. She loses some weight and even finds herself in a club with her longtime friend, Val. I had to chuckle at her reaction and experience in the club because I'm sure it was not what she expected and having been married for her younger days when visiting clubs would be common, threw her for a loop. This doesn't stop her from attracting the attention of a gentleman in the club, a fireman no less. Kimberly learns a lot about herself during her time with him and I found myself relating to her because I am not sure I could be a serial dater either.
I loved the name of her new column, The Virgin Dater. That has all sorts of implications and I would have enjoyed seeing more of the "articles" under that column shared throughout the book. We don't see as many as I might expect.
You could say this book is one of discovery for Kimberly as she navigates the dating world, moves to a new town, and deals with her now ex and his jealousy. I'm not sure if I would have gone down the same path in the end as her, but I can understand the draw. Sometimes life throws us curveballs and we have to learn how to swing at those pitches.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story and even though I couldn't relate to her specific situation, I could understand her struggles and admired her for becoming a better version of herself. We give this 4 paws up.
Kimberly married very young and had her first child at eighteen. While she and Jay seemed like the perfect couple, apparently he had other ideas once their daughter graduated from high school. He wasn't even man enough to talk to her about it, he just packed bags and called it quits. Perhaps it was a mid-life crisis, perhaps he had fallen out of love with her, but whatever Jay's reasons, he was a coward to not even talk to her about the situation. Maybe he tried and she just didn't hear him, but I think he probably did not.
This sends Kimberly on a downward spiral but then she manages to bounce back and figures if she is going to be on her own then she needs to put her life together with the way she wants to live it and not by anyone else's expectations. She loses some weight and even finds herself in a club with her longtime friend, Val. I had to chuckle at her reaction and experience in the club because I'm sure it was not what she expected and having been married for her younger days when visiting clubs would be common, threw her for a loop. This doesn't stop her from attracting the attention of a gentleman in the club, a fireman no less. Kimberly learns a lot about herself during her time with him and I found myself relating to her because I am not sure I could be a serial dater either.
I loved the name of her new column, The Virgin Dater. That has all sorts of implications and I would have enjoyed seeing more of the "articles" under that column shared throughout the book. We don't see as many as I might expect.
You could say this book is one of discovery for Kimberly as she navigates the dating world, moves to a new town, and deals with her now ex and his jealousy. I'm not sure if I would have gone down the same path in the end as her, but I can understand the draw. Sometimes life throws us curveballs and we have to learn how to swing at those pitches.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story and even though I couldn't relate to her specific situation, I could understand her struggles and admired her for becoming a better version of herself. We give this 4 paws up.
August 2, 2022
**FULL REVIEW**
So…until the last 3% of this book, I actually kind of loved it. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book with characters in my stage of life. It’s relatable.
I was a young mom, and my husband and I have been happily married for over 20 years. It’s definitely not uncommon to lose yourself in supporting another. My heart hurt for Kimberly…I seriously wanted to punch Jay for how he decided their fate as a couple without even talking to her about it.
There is something innately wrong with that…and I am so happy to see Kimberly realize her worth, and her strength. What I didn’t like was how easy it was for her to fall again.
So, as I was saying, that last 3%…
This could’ve ended much better. Definitely not a happily ever after, even though that’s what I’m sure the author was aiming for…this ending felt like a cop-out. Almost like she was tired of the story and just needed to tie it up in a little pink bow. Yeah, not what I hoped for, and sad the author felt this ending was a perfect one for the time and effort and GROWTH she had shown in Kimberly…everything crumbled in those last few pages. Not messy or dramatic, but neat and orderly…not relatable to real life at all.
**3 You Had Me, Til You Didn’t, Stars**
So…until the last 3% of this book, I actually kind of loved it. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book with characters in my stage of life. It’s relatable.
I was a young mom, and my husband and I have been happily married for over 20 years. It’s definitely not uncommon to lose yourself in supporting another. My heart hurt for Kimberly…I seriously wanted to punch Jay for how he decided their fate as a couple without even talking to her about it.
There is something innately wrong with that…and I am so happy to see Kimberly realize her worth, and her strength. What I didn’t like was how easy it was for her to fall again.
So, as I was saying, that last 3%…
This could’ve ended much better. Definitely not a happily ever after, even though that’s what I’m sure the author was aiming for…this ending felt like a cop-out. Almost like she was tired of the story and just needed to tie it up in a little pink bow. Yeah, not what I hoped for, and sad the author felt this ending was a perfect one for the time and effort and GROWTH she had shown in Kimberly…everything crumbled in those last few pages. Not messy or dramatic, but neat and orderly…not relatable to real life at all.
**3 You Had Me, Til You Didn’t, Stars**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2022
Really loved this book. Chapter one engaged me in Kimberly's life and the story kept me hanging on. The ending fell completely flat with me. It could have gone in several different directions with Kim finding herself in her divorce. I didn't care for the vanilla way the author went. I can't even imagine being married so young and having a child as a kid, so I really enjoyed seeing that unfold. I don't like how she dealt with the end… it was the natural choice, yet not what I wanted to see. I would have liked to see Jay's perspective more in this book. Maybe then I would have liked the outcome better. Joshua was cheated and I want him to have his own book. Need to see him again. Pretty please? Pages kept me turning, then the ending slammed the door in my face.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
Sacha's Book Reviews Blog
This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview was great, and as a women’s fiction writer myself who employs similar themes, I was really excited to dive in.
The Premise
Nudged by an unexpected pregnancy, Kimberly married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life Jay. Now in her late 30s with their daughter approaching adulthood, she expects their relationship to blossom as they enter the “empty nest” phase — only to learn that the nest is about to get even emptier than planned, when Jay says he’s leaving her. As she navigates divorce and strikes out on her own in the game of love, Jay remains in the background, their history intrinsically intertwined. But as she falls for her new love interest(s) and rediscovers herself as an independent and self-sufficient woman, what role will a man play in her life — and which should she choose: the throes of new love, or Jay’s desperate attempts to get her back?
The Pros
This was a well-written women’s fiction novel that deals with the fallout from a “good marriage” that causes shock waves in their community.
There are three main relationships in the book, and I appreciated that we got a good picture of the highs and lows of each — it is well balanced throughout, allowing the reader to fall in love with the new men she meets for different reasons as she explores the new phase of her life, and also slipping in bits and pieces of the relationship with her husband both from past experiences/memories and in the present time.
I also liked the depiction of female relationships, as we saw the mother-daughter bond as well as her close friends and even “frenemies” — all of these felt very genuine and real. There were many women’s fiction gems in terms of describing her steps towards getting a new lease on life, how she felt and experienced sex, and the emotional exhaustion of recreating yourself from the embers of all the baggage of a longstanding-and-now-broken marriage.
Finally, I loved the interweaving with humour that had its unexpected moments — from her under-the-influence first meeting with one of the main characters, to macho stand-offs, and literally falling head-over-heels, there was a lot here that had both dark and light humour, tying together nicely for the reader’s amusement and enjoyment.
The Cons
I enjoyed this book, but I must admit that I really struggled to like Jay. The thing is, I LOVE difficult-to-love characters and I actually WRITE women’s fiction with difficult-to-love characters (esp. husbands/wives, infidelity/marriages crumbling as partners evolve, etc), so I am definitely the right target market here. With divisive characters it comes down to (1) understanding their motives, even if you don’t agree with them (2) falling in love with some sweet aspect of their past actions (3) admiring their heroic present actions.
…But: his motives were weak, their past seemed rose-tinted and muddled at best, and he did not do anything in the present worth admiring. I felt like he wanted to sow his seeds, and then backtracked. It was realistic, yes, because I’m sure many people have done the same, but I felt like he needed a few more scenes (both past and present) where he showed he was worthy of her love. Each of the other two guys had a few scenes where it felt like their “moment” but Jay just didn’t have one (to me, at least — there were glimmers, but no shine!). I kept waiting for the “moment”, and it was a huge let-down, because at the novel’s end, I still felt like drop-kicking him! And like I said, I usually LOVE these kinds of characters!
Conclusion
Despite my own personal feelings about the characters, this is a really good women’s fiction with a lot of great messages here that will resonate with many women. Though there are several romances, at its heart it is really about Kimberly’s self-discovery and personal growth as a woman to gain independence from her marriage and become her own person. As she stumbles through her post-divorce mid-life crisis, she eventually figures out what she wants in her career, in her lifestyle, and finally in her love life. It felt very “real” as I could imagine this situation happening to many of my female friends, especially in this day and age where a lasting marriage seems to be the exception rather than the rule. I would recommend this book to other readers, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
___________
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August 1, 2023
Jay deserved to end up miserable and alone and I hate that heroine didn't just stay moved on. What a horrible ending for her.
August 6, 2023
I love that Hailey got to experience mind blowing sex before getting back together with her asshole husband
November 7, 2025
My goodness… 😏
Okay, the good… The author has an engaging voice, the writing was smooth, the book was well formatted, and I finished this to the end.
The bad…
5% — “Kim, move out of the way. I don’t want to hurt you, but I am leaving.”
“No, not until you tell me why! Did you meet someone else?” My face flamed and my pulse raced, waiting for his answer.
His jaw clenched and he shook his head. “No, dammit. Now move.”
“No, I love you!” I said, widening my stance while tears flooded down my face. “I’m not letting you leave without a fight, not until you tell me why.”
In one quick move, he hoisted me over his shoulder and dropped me on the couch. As he reached for the door, I scrambled back to my feet and launched at him, wrapping my arms around his legs. “You can’t tell me because you still love me. You love me,” I sobbed.
He toppled to the floor and yelled, “The only way I can stand making love to you is with the lights off! Doesn’t that tell you enough?”
59% — “The playfulness drained from his face. “Can I at least give you a ride somewhere?”
“No, thanks. It’s such a beautiful day, think I’ll walk.” I smiled, wanting to leave on good terms.
“So is that how you’ve kept it up?”
“What?”
“Keeping the weight off, looking so good.”
A compliment shouldn’t hurt, but it brought back echoes of pain from the day Jay left. Logically, I knew our problems ran deeper than me packing on a few pounds, but it didn’t stop his words from replaying in my head. The only way I can stand having sex with you is with the lights out for Christ’s sake.”
“I wouldn’t want my naked body to blind anyone, now would I?” I’d meant it as a joke, but my voice came out sharp.
Jay cringed. He grabbed my elbow and steered me off the sidewalk and into the recess of a closed building. He dropped the bags, took hold of my arms, and bent his head so we were eye level. “I am so sorry about what I said that day. I swear, if there was one thing I could do over in my life, it would be that moment. You have no idea how much I wish I could erase that day.”
“It doesn’t change the fact that you meant it.”
“It wasn’t because of your body. I loved your shape. I didn’t mind you being heavier either; I liked what it did to your breasts.”
“Then, why the whole lights off thing?”
“Because ….” He diverted his eyes.
I watched him weigh whether he should tell me. My heart sped up fearing his answer would be worse than what I’d previously believed. I had to know. “Because why, Jay?”
He dropped his hands from my arms and his words came out slowly, with him watching me closely, gauging my reaction as he went. “Because … because when we used to make love, you’d stare at me with so much love in your eyes … it was overwhelming. I didn’t think I loved you the same way anymore, and I knew you’d see it. I couldn’t take it. I felt like such a fraud.” 😢
99% — “At least for the moment, our love was strong and in equal proportion. I cherished the moment, fully aware that we would have our rocky days, but certain my husband was back and would never leave me again.” 😵💫
Excerpt From
Ten Thousand I Love Yous
Lisa Slabach
This material may be protected by copyright.
Okay, the good… The author has an engaging voice, the writing was smooth, the book was well formatted, and I finished this to the end.
The bad…
5% — “Kim, move out of the way. I don’t want to hurt you, but I am leaving.”
“No, not until you tell me why! Did you meet someone else?” My face flamed and my pulse raced, waiting for his answer.
His jaw clenched and he shook his head. “No, dammit. Now move.”
“No, I love you!” I said, widening my stance while tears flooded down my face. “I’m not letting you leave without a fight, not until you tell me why.”
In one quick move, he hoisted me over his shoulder and dropped me on the couch. As he reached for the door, I scrambled back to my feet and launched at him, wrapping my arms around his legs. “You can’t tell me because you still love me. You love me,” I sobbed.
He toppled to the floor and yelled, “The only way I can stand making love to you is with the lights off! Doesn’t that tell you enough?”
59% — “The playfulness drained from his face. “Can I at least give you a ride somewhere?”
“No, thanks. It’s such a beautiful day, think I’ll walk.” I smiled, wanting to leave on good terms.
“So is that how you’ve kept it up?”
“What?”
“Keeping the weight off, looking so good.”
A compliment shouldn’t hurt, but it brought back echoes of pain from the day Jay left. Logically, I knew our problems ran deeper than me packing on a few pounds, but it didn’t stop his words from replaying in my head. The only way I can stand having sex with you is with the lights out for Christ’s sake.”
“I wouldn’t want my naked body to blind anyone, now would I?” I’d meant it as a joke, but my voice came out sharp.
Jay cringed. He grabbed my elbow and steered me off the sidewalk and into the recess of a closed building. He dropped the bags, took hold of my arms, and bent his head so we were eye level. “I am so sorry about what I said that day. I swear, if there was one thing I could do over in my life, it would be that moment. You have no idea how much I wish I could erase that day.”
“It doesn’t change the fact that you meant it.”
“It wasn’t because of your body. I loved your shape. I didn’t mind you being heavier either; I liked what it did to your breasts.”
“Then, why the whole lights off thing?”
“Because ….” He diverted his eyes.
I watched him weigh whether he should tell me. My heart sped up fearing his answer would be worse than what I’d previously believed. I had to know. “Because why, Jay?”
He dropped his hands from my arms and his words came out slowly, with him watching me closely, gauging my reaction as he went. “Because … because when we used to make love, you’d stare at me with so much love in your eyes … it was overwhelming. I didn’t think I loved you the same way anymore, and I knew you’d see it. I couldn’t take it. I felt like such a fraud.” 😢
99% — “At least for the moment, our love was strong and in equal proportion. I cherished the moment, fully aware that we would have our rocky days, but certain my husband was back and would never leave me again.” 😵💫
Excerpt From
Ten Thousand I Love Yous
Lisa Slabach
This material may be protected by copyright.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2022
I can't express how much I love this book even though I wasn't 100 percent sure I agreed with Kimberly's decision at the end. What I admired about this book is the honesty and devastation Ms. Slabach depicts in Kimberly's journey from happily married, to divorced, to dating. It's a whirlwind of believable and heartfelt emotions that this reader experienced right along with the main character.
Kimberly Braxton is happily married to her high school sweetheart and ready to spend time as empty nesters with her husband until he walks out on her the day they see their daughter off to college. Kimberly's journey is tough and demoralizing as she evaluates her life without the only man she has ever loved. From gaining her self-esteem back to getting back into the dating game, Kimberly finds herself falling into new relationships and restless for a new start in life. What new adventures await her?
Kimberly's journey is a well-traveled one by many. Her husband Jay is an asshole for the way he degraded her and walked out on her only to keep appearing later on to mess with her head. Just when she gets settled into a new routine with her life and a new relationship, she is knocked back by Jay's confusing questions and jealousy which gives her pause about his true feelings for her. Kimberly works hard to come out of her depression by going to the gym and trying to date again. Her summer fling with the hot fireman, Kevin, is great physically, but there is too much baggage between the two of them.
I cheered for Kimberly's decision to move to San Francisco and start over. I thought it was best for her emotionally to get away from the constant reminders of her past. I also enjoyed her charming new relationship with Joshua whom she crushed on from the local grocery store only to run into a more mature sous chef Joshua in San Francisco months later. She has a hangup about their 10-year age difference, but he is so sweet and wise behind his years. His suggestion for her to spend a weekend with her ex to hash out their relationship is the epitome of selflessness and maturity. Apparently, Kimberly's ex is regretting his rash decision to divorce her and now wants her back. Who will she pick? Read the book and find out.
Ms. Slabach's writing is so smooth and easy to read that I devoured this book in a day. Her character building is captivating and her plot has some twists and turns that surprised me. It's a story about loss, grief, acceptance, and self-discovery. It's also about owning up to your mistakes and fighting for what you believe in. Pick up this delightful book. It won't disappoint.
Thank you to Ms. Slabach for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Kimberly Braxton is happily married to her high school sweetheart and ready to spend time as empty nesters with her husband until he walks out on her the day they see their daughter off to college. Kimberly's journey is tough and demoralizing as she evaluates her life without the only man she has ever loved. From gaining her self-esteem back to getting back into the dating game, Kimberly finds herself falling into new relationships and restless for a new start in life. What new adventures await her?
Kimberly's journey is a well-traveled one by many. Her husband Jay is an asshole for the way he degraded her and walked out on her only to keep appearing later on to mess with her head. Just when she gets settled into a new routine with her life and a new relationship, she is knocked back by Jay's confusing questions and jealousy which gives her pause about his true feelings for her. Kimberly works hard to come out of her depression by going to the gym and trying to date again. Her summer fling with the hot fireman, Kevin, is great physically, but there is too much baggage between the two of them.
I cheered for Kimberly's decision to move to San Francisco and start over. I thought it was best for her emotionally to get away from the constant reminders of her past. I also enjoyed her charming new relationship with Joshua whom she crushed on from the local grocery store only to run into a more mature sous chef Joshua in San Francisco months later. She has a hangup about their 10-year age difference, but he is so sweet and wise behind his years. His suggestion for her to spend a weekend with her ex to hash out their relationship is the epitome of selflessness and maturity. Apparently, Kimberly's ex is regretting his rash decision to divorce her and now wants her back. Who will she pick? Read the book and find out.
Ms. Slabach's writing is so smooth and easy to read that I devoured this book in a day. Her character building is captivating and her plot has some twists and turns that surprised me. It's a story about loss, grief, acceptance, and self-discovery. It's also about owning up to your mistakes and fighting for what you believe in. Pick up this delightful book. It won't disappoint.
Thank you to Ms. Slabach for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
April 11, 2022
A Sadly Relatable Journey of Self Discovery. As I read this novel, I truly related to many of Kimberly's thoughts--and, unfortunately, some aspects of her storyline. Preparing for an "empty nest" is an emotional situation in and of itself. After years of caring for a family and losing a lot of personal identity to the roles of mother and wife--sending a child to college brings a host of fears, doubts, and emotional chaos. The novel's main character was planning for a new chapter with her husband when being blindsided by a divorce put this novel and Kimberly's path to re-discovery in motion. I know more than one woman who has experienced this exact scenario, and I expect most readers will see either themselves or someone they know in Kimberly's character.
Life is Messy--and We Don't Always Love the Characters. I wouldn't say I liked most of the characters in this book--including Kimberly. I enjoyed watching Kimberly find herself and become her own person for the first time. Marrying young and having children young meant the divorce brought her first time as a self-sufficient adult. Kimberly's decision-making and thoughts were rarely ones that I wanted for her. While I enjoyed watching the author develop Kimberly's character, I felt that most of her decisions didn't reflect the character I wanted her to become. Having said that--I could sympathize and empathize with a lot of her thoughts and actions. While I didn't love the ending--I understood it.
Would I Recommend Ten Thousand I Love Yous by Lisa Slabach? I am not always a fan of women's fiction, as too many novels write the story that the reader wants and expects. I expected a different ending for Kimberly as she grew and changed and created her new path in life. Then, Slabach concluded Kimberly's story as the character wanted it to be. The novel is very one-sided as we only experience Kimberly's views of the story--and the ending seemed to bring that story to an abrupt close. Having said that, I think it is a very relatable novel for women facing midlife or late-life divorces and the emotions of the years that follow as they take their next life chapters in directions they hadn't intended. If you enjoy lighter women's fiction that really isn't "light" in emotion, this novel is an easy read for your summer reading list.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.
Life is Messy--and We Don't Always Love the Characters. I wouldn't say I liked most of the characters in this book--including Kimberly. I enjoyed watching Kimberly find herself and become her own person for the first time. Marrying young and having children young meant the divorce brought her first time as a self-sufficient adult. Kimberly's decision-making and thoughts were rarely ones that I wanted for her. While I enjoyed watching the author develop Kimberly's character, I felt that most of her decisions didn't reflect the character I wanted her to become. Having said that--I could sympathize and empathize with a lot of her thoughts and actions. While I didn't love the ending--I understood it.
Would I Recommend Ten Thousand I Love Yous by Lisa Slabach? I am not always a fan of women's fiction, as too many novels write the story that the reader wants and expects. I expected a different ending for Kimberly as she grew and changed and created her new path in life. Then, Slabach concluded Kimberly's story as the character wanted it to be. The novel is very one-sided as we only experience Kimberly's views of the story--and the ending seemed to bring that story to an abrupt close. Having said that, I think it is a very relatable novel for women facing midlife or late-life divorces and the emotions of the years that follow as they take their next life chapters in directions they hadn't intended. If you enjoy lighter women's fiction that really isn't "light" in emotion, this novel is an easy read for your summer reading list.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2022
Wow, just wow. This novel had me crying, laughing, crying again and just unable to put the story down. The story focuses on Kim who had her whole life ahead of her watching her daughter graduate from high school and how that came crashing down the day her husband left her.
After allowing herself to fall apart and pity her situation, Kim takes a hard look at herself (forced upon her by her good friend) and realizes she needs to take her life back into her own hands and rediscover herself. This is not an easy journey for her, she struggles, she fails, she picks herself back up, she has doubts and makes mistakes (she finally enjoys her youth that she missed out on raising her daughter). I think this is what makes her character and story so relatable and real. You just can’t help but love Kim. She feels like so many of us – and while I haven’t had the same experience, I can see the valuable lessons in the story. What happens when we stop appreciating the people we love, how we can grow apart, the family dynamics that bind us and even society expectations. While it was a great read that makes you laugh and cry, there are so many valuable lessons in those pages that we can learn so much from. It made me pause and re-examine my own life and how I treat others.
I did not want this novel to end. I fell in love with Kim and the journey she was on finding herself. You kept rooting for her throughout this story, hoping she sees her worth and how amazing she truly is. I loved the pace and the way the story unfolds – Kim shares parts of her past with her ex-husband at various stages in the novel which helps her with her own growth as well as our understanding and context of their relationship and how it evolved (especially as Kim ponders everything she thought she knew).
This is an amazing book that you will not want to put down, a definite must read!
After allowing herself to fall apart and pity her situation, Kim takes a hard look at herself (forced upon her by her good friend) and realizes she needs to take her life back into her own hands and rediscover herself. This is not an easy journey for her, she struggles, she fails, she picks herself back up, she has doubts and makes mistakes (she finally enjoys her youth that she missed out on raising her daughter). I think this is what makes her character and story so relatable and real. You just can’t help but love Kim. She feels like so many of us – and while I haven’t had the same experience, I can see the valuable lessons in the story. What happens when we stop appreciating the people we love, how we can grow apart, the family dynamics that bind us and even society expectations. While it was a great read that makes you laugh and cry, there are so many valuable lessons in those pages that we can learn so much from. It made me pause and re-examine my own life and how I treat others.
I did not want this novel to end. I fell in love with Kim and the journey she was on finding herself. You kept rooting for her throughout this story, hoping she sees her worth and how amazing she truly is. I loved the pace and the way the story unfolds – Kim shares parts of her past with her ex-husband at various stages in the novel which helps her with her own growth as well as our understanding and context of their relationship and how it evolved (especially as Kim ponders everything she thought she knew).
This is an amazing book that you will not want to put down, a definite must read!
January 16, 2022
After 20 years of marriage, Kimberly’s husband, Jay decides to call it quits. While he moves on with his life, Kim is stuck contemplating what she did wrong, all while trying to look forward. Feeling sorry for herself for too long and having a night out with her best-friend, she realizes what she needs to do, is think about herself. With her daughter headed to college and now divorced, she decides that her house is too big and plans to move to San Francisco.
While trying to get Jay out of her mind, she has some fun nights with Kevin, a calendar worthy fireman who agrees that he isn’t looking for anything serious. When things don’t work out, she continues her move to San Francisco.
Kimberly realizes that she loves living in the city and slowly finds herself. Writing for a blog aimed for divorcees and dating, she’s also got some other writing gigs that she enjoys doing. When she encounters a familiar face, sparks fly and a new relationship starts to develop.
As always, things aren’t as easy as it may seem. When things seem to be going well, Jay begins to inch his way back to Kimberly, leaving her contemplating on where her life needs and wants to go.
I enjoyed every single page. The journey that Kimberly went on after her divorce was such a rollercoaster ride. There were times where I couldn’t believe what she was thinking, but there were times where I got it and I could feel her emotions. It was inspiring to see where she started, being dependable on her husband and her daughter, to growing into her own and becoming independent, knowing what path she wants to follow for the most part. Although, “blow me over with a feather”…I didn’t expect that ending…
I received an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.
While trying to get Jay out of her mind, she has some fun nights with Kevin, a calendar worthy fireman who agrees that he isn’t looking for anything serious. When things don’t work out, she continues her move to San Francisco.
Kimberly realizes that she loves living in the city and slowly finds herself. Writing for a blog aimed for divorcees and dating, she’s also got some other writing gigs that she enjoys doing. When she encounters a familiar face, sparks fly and a new relationship starts to develop.
As always, things aren’t as easy as it may seem. When things seem to be going well, Jay begins to inch his way back to Kimberly, leaving her contemplating on where her life needs and wants to go.
I enjoyed every single page. The journey that Kimberly went on after her divorce was such a rollercoaster ride. There were times where I couldn’t believe what she was thinking, but there were times where I got it and I could feel her emotions. It was inspiring to see where she started, being dependable on her husband and her daughter, to growing into her own and becoming independent, knowing what path she wants to follow for the most part. Although, “blow me over with a feather”…I didn’t expect that ending…
I received an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.
July 5, 2023
This book is too immature to handle something as serious as betrayal, heartbreak, divorce, OW/OM, and reconciliation. I also didn't find the humor funny...just a bit cringy. Also the hero didn't cheat, but he left the heroine specifically so he could experience having sex with OW. And the heroine laughs with him about it in the end about how he's returning to her because he realized that after having tons of sex with countless OW, the sex was best with her...Thats not funny to me!
Furthermore, just the way in which the hero left the heroine was unforgivable...brazenly just packs his bags out of the blue and left their house the same day that their daughter left for college. Before he left, he also commented about how he needed to turn the lights off to have sex with the heroine. The blatant disrespect in that comment, let alone how he had no thought towards her feelings or respect for their 20 year relationship...so cruel. And the hero seemingly doesn't suffer any consequences in his relationship with his daughter, as would be realistic -- well, actually, the reader doesn't really know, since the author hardly mentioned the daughter.
Anyways, the author tries too often to be humorous when this book has such an angsty, serious subject matter. It doesn't really work. For example, the heroine makes 'humorous' quibs about how she got fat in the first few months after the separation by binging on ice cream and drinking (while the hero was off shagging hot OW)...but that just wasn't funny to me...it was sad.
The heroine definitely should have chosen the OM! It made no sense for her to go back to her husband. He's terrible and definitely going to cheat or leave her again.
Furthermore, just the way in which the hero left the heroine was unforgivable...brazenly just packs his bags out of the blue and left their house the same day that their daughter left for college. Before he left, he also commented about how he needed to turn the lights off to have sex with the heroine. The blatant disrespect in that comment, let alone how he had no thought towards her feelings or respect for their 20 year relationship...so cruel. And the hero seemingly doesn't suffer any consequences in his relationship with his daughter, as would be realistic -- well, actually, the reader doesn't really know, since the author hardly mentioned the daughter.
Anyways, the author tries too often to be humorous when this book has such an angsty, serious subject matter. It doesn't really work. For example, the heroine makes 'humorous' quibs about how she got fat in the first few months after the separation by binging on ice cream and drinking (while the hero was off shagging hot OW)...but that just wasn't funny to me...it was sad.
The heroine definitely should have chosen the OM! It made no sense for her to go back to her husband. He's terrible and definitely going to cheat or leave her again.
March 23, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Divorce is never easy, no matter how long you’ve been together. Emotions can range from anger, sadness, confusion, and then acceptance. Jay was 100% cruel in how he ended his marriage to Kimberley. No warning. He just packed his bags, threw out some harsh words, and then walked out on her. The crazy part was Haley, their new high school graduate, thought the bags were for her parents to go on a trip together. He swore her to secrecy. Sorry, but that was a d!ck move.
No matter what he did a year or so later, my opinion of him didn’t change one iota.
Kimberly made great strides in the times he walked out. New job, new home, new relationships — a new start in life. I know they shared twenty years of marriage together, have a grown child together, but she gave up so much for a man who thought so little of her.
Even though she and Kevin, the firefighter, had a sticky situation in their first meeting, I came to like him. It was apparent he really cared for her. Joshua loved her too.
I think Kimberley made the wrong choice, but that’s just my opinion.
On a final note, I laughed out loud when Kim referred to Kevin’s schlong as the “baby maker” and when Kevin called her boobs “soft cans.”
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
December 27, 2022
I really liked this book but agree with the others that ending was a wtf??? Although I had no issue with who she ended up with, it just felt like it happened too fast.
The book starts out with Kim getting dumped by her husband after their only child leaves for university. She's completely blindsided and spends a year drinking and wallowing in misery. She finally pulls herself up, loses weight and starts hitting the dating scene with a lot of success.
I appreciated the fact that Kim moved on and had a love life of her own, even as she kept running into or hearing about her ex and his younger 'dates'. Although I never felt any of the other guys she was with were really a good fit for her, it was enjoyable to read a novel where the dumped FMC isn't bitter, but also isn't a doormat. Apparently Kim is the definition of MILF cause she's never short on offers. She also literally moved cities and basically feel in love with her new life. I was honestly excited for her but then....
Eventually Jay comes whining around saying he made a mistake and she has to think about whether she will take him back or keep going the course and banging other dudes. She does start thinking about what they both did wrong in their marriage, but seriously after that point I think the book wrapped up too soon. It's rare, but in this case I think it would have made a stronger book if we had more reflection and communication between both MC's with more than ten pages to go.
I am giving it four barely there stars but mostly because it was refreshing to read a book where the female successfully moved on and you seriously wanted her to keep doing what she was doing.
The book starts out with Kim getting dumped by her husband after their only child leaves for university. She's completely blindsided and spends a year drinking and wallowing in misery. She finally pulls herself up, loses weight and starts hitting the dating scene with a lot of success.
I appreciated the fact that Kim moved on and had a love life of her own, even as she kept running into or hearing about her ex and his younger 'dates'. Although I never felt any of the other guys she was with were really a good fit for her, it was enjoyable to read a novel where the dumped FMC isn't bitter, but also isn't a doormat. Apparently Kim is the definition of MILF cause she's never short on offers. She also literally moved cities and basically feel in love with her new life. I was honestly excited for her but then....
Eventually Jay comes whining around saying he made a mistake and she has to think about whether she will take him back or keep going the course and banging other dudes. She does start thinking about what they both did wrong in their marriage, but seriously after that point I think the book wrapped up too soon. It's rare, but in this case I think it would have made a stronger book if we had more reflection and communication between both MC's with more than ten pages to go.
I am giving it four barely there stars but mostly because it was refreshing to read a book where the female successfully moved on and you seriously wanted her to keep doing what she was doing.
March 27, 2022
I’m writing this first paragraph of my review after only reading chapter one. This isn’t how I normally write a review, but the first 9 pages (chapter 1) wowed me. I hope I’m no less magnetized upon completing the story. I doubt that will be the case though.
It wasn’t.
(The following is after I’ve finished the book…)
Ten Thousand I Love Yous is one of the few women’s fiction stories I’ve read that deals with divorce. I anticipated a dim and somewhat cheerless story, but the author dispersed humor at just the right places to give the story a wonderful balance. I’ve never experienced divorce but can imagine the devastation of your world turning on a dime. And the author exposed those emotions well.
I’ve already mentioned how important cover art and opening lines are to me but ultimately, I must connect with the characters to continue reading through hundreds of pages. If I can’t relate in some capacity I don’t want to invest in their story. I connected with Kimberly from page one. Literally from the first line. I felt a slight tension and knew the thrill of the celebration would soon take a turn, and indeed it did! Jay, on the other hand, I didn’t like, which made me root all the harder for Kim.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
It wasn’t.
(The following is after I’ve finished the book…)
Ten Thousand I Love Yous is one of the few women’s fiction stories I’ve read that deals with divorce. I anticipated a dim and somewhat cheerless story, but the author dispersed humor at just the right places to give the story a wonderful balance. I’ve never experienced divorce but can imagine the devastation of your world turning on a dime. And the author exposed those emotions well.
I’ve already mentioned how important cover art and opening lines are to me but ultimately, I must connect with the characters to continue reading through hundreds of pages. If I can’t relate in some capacity I don’t want to invest in their story. I connected with Kimberly from page one. Literally from the first line. I felt a slight tension and knew the thrill of the celebration would soon take a turn, and indeed it did! Jay, on the other hand, I didn’t like, which made me root all the harder for Kim.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
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