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The Exes

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Divorce can be deadly...

Seven years ago, Austin Dash's dangerously jealous wife, Naomi, nearly stabbed him to death, an act that landed her in prison. Freed from her influence, Austin filed for divorce and took their young son to Atlanta for a fresh start. He established his own business and met the loving, gentle-hearted Brooke. Swept up in a charmed romance, they marry and prepare to welcome a new baby into their lives. But memories of Naomi haunt Austin's nightmares...

And now, she's back.

Recently released from prison, Naomi has one to reunite her family. She'll do whatever it takes to bring Austin and their son back home, and she's got plenty of help. Her mother. Her sister. And her father--the whole tribe of Austin's ex in-laws, who might be as treacherous as Naomi...

But Austin and Brooke, with their new family on the line, won't give up without a fight.

A riveting suspense chiller guaranteed to grab you on the first page and hold you to the gut-wrenching end, THE EXES is Brandon Massey at his thrilling best. Click “BUY NOW” and get your copy of THE EXES today!


What readers are saying about Brandon Massey's thrillers...

"This was my first read by this author and it did not disappoint...this story kept me glued to the pages." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Enjoyed this book very much. Caught my attention right from the start, the storyline kept flowing throughout the entire book!" Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I inhaled this book in pretty much one day and I'm just blown away by it." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Another engrossing book by Mr. Massey. Un-put-downable, seat of your pants wild ride." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I was left speechless." Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2022

349 people are currently reading
688 people want to read

About the author

Brandon Massey

56 books853 followers
Here’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)

I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.

I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.

Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.

My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.

I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.

I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.

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5 stars
501 (46%)
4 stars
332 (30%)
3 stars
190 (17%)
2 stars
46 (4%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
1 review
July 20, 2022
Great book! This was my first book by Brandon. Everything flowed and he had me on my seat at all times. Glad everything worked out for them in the end. I'll certainly read more of his books.
Profile Image for Sherry Butler.
8 reviews
July 30, 2022
Edge of the seat thriller

As usual Brandon Massey did not disappoint. "The Exes" held my attention from the beginning to the end. I didn't want to put the book down to sleep. It took me through every emotion imaginable. (Happiness, sadness, mad, angry, fearful, anxious, worry, frustration, surprise, love.....) The twists and turns will keep you wondering who, if anyone, will make it to the end. Keep'em coming Mr Massey!!
6 reviews6 followers
August 16, 2022
Love can hurt

Brandon Massey never disappoints his readers. Naomi is the Ex and she is dangerous. Not only dangerous but crazy like a fox! Talk about crimes of passion...this is it. The Exes will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's filled with enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. The events in this story can happen to anyone, so watch out for your Ex!
Profile Image for Julier.
883 reviews28 followers
August 5, 2024
Sorry. I kept rolling my eyes at the repetitive hyperbolic words--so exhausted! Mashed the gas pedal. Mashed the garage door opener. Another trite repetition- ambled ... The melodramatic narration did not engage me. I gave it 3 stars because I did finish it. Take a look at my highlights for examples of the repetitious vocabulary!!
Profile Image for Gemini.
1,660 reviews
February 22, 2023
Ridiculous

Brandon Massey’s books are always so over the top. This one followed the same formula. The drama started from the opening chapter and never let up. It kept getting more and more ridiculous. The evil ex was a plausible storyline. It went left when her whole family joined in to terrorize Austin and his new wife. While it wasn’t believable, it was entertaining. The second half of the book was so action packed. The story kept twisting and turning up until the very end. I just had to see how it would all unfold.
Profile Image for BrownBookNerd.
239 reviews34 followers
September 23, 2023
A crazy ex and her crazy family are willing to do anything to get her ex husband back. I enjoyed this book but the ending could have been a bit better. I would have liked to see what happened after everything Austin and his family went through.
Profile Image for Symone.
74 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2024
Crazy. Messy. Suspenseful. Brandon Massey had me talking at the book like I was watching a movie. This was a great read!
Profile Image for Iymah.
6 reviews
December 7, 2023
Wow! The things some people will do for love. This was a very good and detailed read. I normally take my sweet time reading a book but I finished this one rather fast for my reading habits. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Candy Hall.
79 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2022
Brandon Massey’s writing NEVER disappoints. This book was another crazy thrill ride through the demented antics of Naomi, the proverbial ex from hell. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I never saw that twist coming! Bravo Mr. Massey you have done it again.
1,501 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2022
Wow, talk about a good read! Naomi and her family were bat shit crazy! So glad Austin finally got some balls and fought back to save his family! Naomi lied so much that Austin should do a DNA test to see if Khari is really his son or not!
Profile Image for Deidre.
1,072 reviews17 followers
August 9, 2022
amazing read, it was like i watched a movie while reading this book. It had it all crazy, obession, jealousy, love it was so good, i couldn't stop reading it until the end, I loved this story from beginning to end, amazing read!!
Profile Image for Kay Larry.
18 reviews
September 10, 2022
Exes - a wild crazy read

The story was intriguing from start to finish! Definitely a page turner and lifetime movie material! This should make for an interesting bookclub discussion.
Profile Image for Toni Larue.
70 reviews40 followers
August 1, 2022
This book was so good

I think this is my favorite Brandon Massey book...hands down. It was full of suspense; I couldn't put the book down.

Highly reccomended
Profile Image for LaKeisha W..
168 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2024
The Exes by Brandon Massey is a gripping and intense thriller that will keep you glued to the pages until the very end. I liked this book, but the back and forth of chaos had me shaking my head, sucking my teeth, and just wanting to yell at the characters in the book.

Massey's skillful storytelling and intricate plot twists make this novel a compelling and suspenseful read. Again, at times I wanted to put this book down, but couldn’t because it kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The exploration of complex relationships and dark secrets adds depth to the narrative, making it a truly immersive experience.

The Exes is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mystery novels, offering a thrilling and unpredictable journey into the darker side of human chaos.
Profile Image for Chelle Jones.
6 reviews
August 7, 2022
This was the story of Austin and his crazy ex Naomi who tried to kill him and her nutty family. Naomi’s family is full of lunatics who behave like a cult & do whatever she says.

Austin is living a peaceful life with his new wife Brooke and his son Khari in Atlanta. Things are going good, they have a new baby on the way and life is good.

Once Austin finds out his crazy ex wife will be released from prison soon ( after serving 7 years for almost stabbing him to death), his quiet life quickly spirals out of control.

After hiring a private investigator, Naomi and her family arrive in Atlanta in a huge RV and begin causing problems. The Xaviers begin basically stalking Austin. They are demanding custody of Khari. In the blink of an eye, Austin is fighting for his son, his sanity and his life.

I enjoyed this book 📚 Brandon always delivers a great story. This book was insane and it frustrated me at times at how much of a victim Austin was. I wanted him to fight back way earlier than he did. The Xavier’s give new meaning to the phrase “bat s**t crazy”!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vivienne Neal.
Author 14 books24 followers
July 22, 2022
A Fantastic Settling of Scores Thriller

The author never disappoints when it comes to writing great narratives with etched-in-your-mind characters, magnificent dialogue, and descriptive backdrops. Naomi Dash is a delusional ex-wife bent on bringing retribution for past events against Austin Dash, her ex-husband. It is an edge-on-your-seat, page-turner, which exposes many curveballs, revenge, deceit, betrayal, and manipulation. This cat-and-mouse match will keep you guessing from start to finish, building up to an ending that will give a completely new meaning to “Hell has no fury like a man whose patience has been pushed to the edge.”
Profile Image for Priscilla.
155 reviews
July 28, 2022
Wow...just Wow

Whenever I read a novel by Brandon Massey, I fasten my seat belt because I know it's going to be a wild ride. The Exes had me yelling, screaming , clutching my pearls, and cursing as I turned each page till the end. You will not be disappointed.
#cillasbookmaniacs
Profile Image for Roxie .
67 reviews
February 27, 2023
I am giving this book 3 stars. It was definitely not my favorite listen. It had too many ridiculous scenes that made me fall out of my chair. I don’t feel that the author planned this novel very well. I understand that novels are unrealistic, but come on now, this is mind blowing fake! Overall, the book did keep my attention but I was disappointed at the overall quality of story.
7 reviews
July 29, 2022
Brandon you never disappoint... had me grabbing that book in the wee hours to finish! Loved the book! Naomi was something else! That last twist was a doozie and may me wonder and have questions on Naomi and her upbringing. smh
Profile Image for Angela S.
298 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2022
Mannnn!

This author just does not miss. Great mix of suspense and intrigue and use of the characters. The underlying theme was family and the thread never broke. The whole book sounded like a well produced movie. Very well done!
Profile Image for Tereacy Pearson.
116 reviews10 followers
September 3, 2022
Absolutely horrible writing and characterdevelopment! I couldn't even finish the book..dnf after almost 150 pages. It needs so much improvement to even develop the storyline.
33 reviews
December 28, 2022
hard to finish🙄

sooo bad soo ridiculous n unbelievable r u kidding me? wood b funny if i hadn’t wasted so much of my reading time 😡
30 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2023
The most toxic non relationship....relationship ever! Packed with crazy!
Profile Image for January.
2,847 reviews129 followers
February 14, 2023
The Exes by Brandon Massey
7h 49m narrated by Julienne Irons, 322 pages

Genre: Thriller, African-American, Suspense

Synopsis: Divorce can be deadly . . .

Seven years ago, Austin Dash's dangerously jealous wife, Naomi, nearly stabbed him to death, an act that landed her in prison. Freed from her influence, Austin filed for divorce and took their young son to Atlanta for a fresh start. He established his own business and met the loving, gentle-hearted Brooke. Swept up in a charmed romance, they marry and prepare to welcome a new baby into their lives. But memories of Naomi haunt Austin's nightmares...

And now, she's back.

Recently released from prison, Naomi has one mission: to reunite her family. She'll do whatever it takes to bring Austin and their son back home, and she's got plenty of help. Her mother. Her sister. And her father--the whole tribe of Austin's ex-in-laws, who might be as treacherous as Naomi...

Featuring: Georgia, Domestic Abuse, Stupidity, Passivity, Multiple POVs, CPA, Harassment, Craziness

Rating as a movie: R

Songs for the soundtrack: "No Ordinary Love" by Sade, "Lover's Rock" by Sade, "Brick House" by Commodores

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾

My thoughts: 📱28% 2:13:31 Ch. 19 - The narrator's voice is a bit annoying for the ex. Everyone in this book is on my nerves, even the little boy.

This story had a really good plot, and that is why I picked it up. It delivered what was promised, and I loved how the story starts where the blurb left off, but it was short-lived. The MC, Austin, is overly passive and makes a lot of stupid decisions, which allows the situation to escalate. Perfect, if you love messiness, I don't. It would have been a solid 4 or 5-star book for me if he stood his ground. I'm including the blurb because it's not on Goodreads, and it only covers the prologue and first chapter.

Recommend to others?: Yes! You should give this story a fair shot; you may love it. I didn't love it, but I'm not mad at it.
Profile Image for Kailah Lathan.
335 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2024
4.5 Stars Rounded Up

Wow. This book was a roller coaster ride! I really could see this as a movie! But to be honest, it only got better to me once I read the ebook. The narrator really killed the story for me with her voices.
I will say that at first, I couldn’t stand all the characters and by the end I could tolerate most of them. It was a wild ride. There were chases, kidnappings, and killings. However, it took forever to get good!
It wasn’t until like 60-70% of the novel was done before it got good! Before then, I struggled with the storyline. Specifically with Austin the main character. He came a LONG way for sure.
The writing was pretty good and I would recommend this as a read. I will definitely read more books by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Donna C.K.
123 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2025
This fast-paced, well-written suspense novel was my introduction to the world of Brandon Massey. I want to meet him and have a long conversation over lunch because I need to know how he came up with this plot.

I know that people will go to great lengths and get into all kinds of things for love and this is borne out in this novel but listen this was some crazy stuff.

From start to finish The Exes held my attention. Each time I had to set it aside, I was eager to return to it because I had to find out what was happening next. Was it over the top? A bit but isn't this some individuals' reality? We've read true stories of stalkers and the illegal acts they executed for love.

Centered around Austin, his 12-year-old son Khari from his ex-wife Naomi and his pregnant wife Brooke, this was messy and I was here for it.

Austin worked for Naomi's family's business before and during their marriage. It was where he met her. She was extremely jealous which led to her acting out a "hi" while at a restaurant and she was set to prison for a horrible act.
He filed from divorce, moved away from the family and the business and took their son to get a new start.
Naomi, unfortunately for him, never moved on and after seven years wants to reunite them.

With the family business failing, Naomi is determined to turn their fortunes around with her son and Austin by her side. This is where everything gets crazy and the behaviour becomes unhinged.

Roping her family into her plan, they set about to reunite her family no matter the consequences. There was some questionable behaviour, a kidnapping that I saw coming a mile away and some plot twists I didn't see at all.

Eventually, Austin and Brooke and Khari everyone got away from the kidnappers and Austin took care of business. Naomi, blinded with rage, went after him, a very pregnant Brooke and her loving son who changed his mind about wanting to be with her.

Naomi was like a pesky mosquito who would not go away.

Despite the positive ending, I must say that Austin was a wimp. Yes, he was right to not want to beat his ex-wife which she was goading him to do but he was too nice and didn't see what she was truly capable of until after family executed the elaborate "custody deal meal".

Highly entertaining.
Profile Image for Booked.Shaye BWRT.
247 reviews38 followers
July 18, 2024
It was hard to finish this book. It’s a quick read & it still took me over 4 weeks to read. When it should have only taken like 4 hours. Lol. The whole book is just insane. That’s what makes it hard to read. You literally get so frustrated & want to throw it to the side. I enjoyed the conversations I had with my book club about the book. Thats the best part. The book is not terrible. It’s just crazy. So if you are into suspense , being on the edge & a drastic crazy quick story line. Then this is it !!
Profile Image for Antoinette Lori.
127 reviews15 followers
July 3, 2024
Battle of the exes

Unhinged. Naomi was Unhinged 7 years ago and upon release from prison she was Unhinged on steroids. She was manipulative, delusional and lawzy plain crazy. Her family clearly only desired to do whatever to keep her happy.

Austin's only desire was to be happy and create a loving and safe environment for his family.

Naomi wanted her family back.

The Exes truly showed delusional ex in a different level.

Great read
Profile Image for HoneyButterfly .
251 reviews14 followers
June 29, 2023
I'm a huge fan of Brandon Massey so I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. There was no real character development which would have helped when revealing the twist at the end. Even tho the villain was revealed in the beginning (and by the title) it was still a suspenseful ride to see what would happen next. 
Profile Image for Connie F5.0.
312 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2024
This is the first book I’ve listened to from this author and I must say it was very entertaining. The ex and her family are crazier than a road lizard. The storyline was good and kept my attention and in suspense.

I’d recommend it and I’m looking forward to listening to more books from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews

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