Stuck with My Ex’s Best Friend

Lovin' the Pines #1

by Kristine W. Joy

Now I’m stuck in a tiny mountain town, at the mercy of a man who hates my guts — my ex-husband's infuriatingly attractive best friend...

All I got in the divorce was this unfinished ‘cabin.’

The plan was to sell it and move on.

A modeling career is useless in the woods, and my savings are nonexistent.

But I can’t list the home in this condition.

So now I’m living in a construction zone in the middle of a literal forest...

Relying on a billionaire architect, who is also my ex-husband’s best friend, and seemingly determined to sabotage the whole thing.

Small towns have a way of bringing people together...

And suddenly, I’m finding myself attracted to him, wondering if I should stick around here longer…

Now I have to make a choice — Follow my head, or risk it all again and follow my heart.


Stuck With My Ex's Best Friend is a sweet and swoony small town, enemies to lovers romance with plenty of sizzle while keeping the bedroom door closed.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Rom Com, Clean Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2022

About the author

Kristine W. Joy is an Amazon Bestselling Author who loves creating sweet and swoony stories full of sizzling chemistry and laugh-out-loud banter. She prefers her coffee iced and her kisses hot. When she's not dreaming up romance novels or writing from a cozy coffee shop in Northern California, she is spending time with her hubby and two young sons. Becoming a published author was a lifelong dream. Becoming a momma was the inspiration to make it a reality.

To stay updated on all upcoming releases, subscribe to her newsletter.

Reviews

[Manee Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance level: kissing🔥; innuendos.

I love this entire book. It's a masterpiece. I laughed, got frustrated, but most of all, I loved every single moment of it.

Their first interaction in the book was everything! I love the connection w/ Alistair & Sonia's story. They were so nice to her.

Silas at first may appear rude, but my guy was just fighting so hard his attraction to Emily. I loved their banter and the race🚲. He thought he had her pegged, but boy was he in for a ride.

The hose scene was so funny 😂. Their banter was the best! I was so happy to see how sweet he was once his mask slipped.

The kayak trip! 🔥And those kisses! The chemistry was unreal.

How Emily dealt with Silas' anxiety was so cute. She understood he needed time to calm down and just for her to be there for him. The accident with Stirling was somehow funny, poor guy.

I love how Sonia, Nancy & Lily took Emily in. Stirling & Spencer were the MVPs by helping Silas get his head out of the gutter.

Kristine does such an amazing job in getting you to know Silas & Emily, that you understand their actions so well.

His speech was 👌🏻 *chef kiss*. I also loved how Silas stood his ground & made his voice be heard w/ his so called friend. I was so happy Emily finally found her home. Can't wait for what's to come!

⚠️TW: anxiety/panic attacks.

🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*

[Emily Danielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow – I really enjoyed this sweet and lighthearted read by Kristine W Joy! In Stuck With My Ex’s Best Friend, we are introduced to Emily Waterstone, a model and recent divorcee, who has $23 to her name, and is left with an unfinished “cabin” (by her ex-husband Martin), that will take ten months to build. She arrives in the town of Whitfolk, a small town built by Silas White, who just so happens to be Martin’s best friend. Silas is also an architect, who has won awards for his home designs, prefers small groups of people, and according to Emily, is attractive and doesn’t realize it, and hasn’t quite grown up.

From page one, I instantly fell in love with the main characters. There was lots of playful banter and exchanges between the two and this added to the blossoming of their relationship throughout the book. I really enjoyed reading about all the adventures they had together, including kayaking, participating in the Adventure Race Triathlon, and riding in a hot air balloon together.

Additionally, I enjoyed the humor that was included in the novel as well. For example, in the first chapter, Emily has been dropped off at the campsite where she will be staying due to her “cabin” being unfinished, and needs to use the restroom. She really needs to go and decides to use the facilities, however, she is instead greeted by a huge spider when she enters the bathroom stall. “My pee has retreated up into my kidneys and I no longer need to use the facilities. I back out of the stall slowly before I run as fast as my high heels allow back to my tent and zip myself inside.”

Overall, I really enjoyed this read, as it was a page-turner for me from the beginning – I kept wanting to see what mishaps and adventures Emily and Silas would find themselves in and how their relationship would develop.

If you’re looking for a clean and swoony contemporary romance book, I highly recommend Stuck With My Ex’s Best Friend. This was my first time reading a book by Kristine W. Joy and won’t be my last!

I received a copy of this book through Booksprout in exchange for an honest book review.

[Molly Scicluna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristine introduces you to the world of Whitfolk and you meet charming characters that you want to be friends with.

Emily is recently divorced, and unfortunately for her she didn't get a lot in the settlement, except for a cabin. She wants to sell the cabin and move on with her life...except when she arrives she is greeted by her ex-husband's best friend Silas (the builder/developer of Whitfolk). AND SURPRISE the cabin is not even close to being finished!

Silas escaped from the city after a terrible break-up and developed the wonderful world of Whitfolk. He wants absolutely nothing to do with his best friends ex-wife. But fortunately or unfortunately depending on how he looks at it...he can't stay away from Emily. She is the sunshine in a storm and the bright light he didn't know he needed, but Silas doesn't know how to handle his emotions and the rollercoaster of their relationship begins.

I really enjoyed the different themes Kristine introduced during the book, she was able to touch on mental health while addressing Silas anxiety/panic attacks as well as Emily's journey of self-worth as she learns she is capable of so much more.

4/5

I can't wait to see if Kristine continues this series with the other loveable characters.

[Pixie/PageTurners Blog(Amber) C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this on whim. Didn't realize it was part of a series (of stand alones)? Where does it go in the series??? Jumping into the story like we knew who the characters threw me off. Trying read the others, hoping I can figure out where it falls in the series. It was just a fun cute rom com.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I came across the title for this book, I was instantly intrigued. It was a quick read-- a perfect book for a restful Sunday afternoon where you can sit back to laugh at the antics between two people who bicker and banter relentlessly, and then swoon when their intense, electric chemistry pays off with a heck of a kiss. One that blooms into romance.

Part of me is thrilled at how short and sweet it was, but the other part of me, that readily ate up this story, wishes the plot unfolded for a bit longer. To maybe bring more angst with the ex in, more inner battling of "should we or should we not." Nevertheless, I'll gladly take this story just as it is because it warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face. I'm going to miss Silas and Emily, but I'm glad I know their story exists and it's one I can revisit at any time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[My_every_day_chilling · Rating 1 out of 5]

This just wasn't working for me. There was chemistry but it felt forced and not natural. And a bit immature for the characters type of personality. Some scenes were off as well and didn't make sense (plot holes). This is definitely a book for the younger ones.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, lighthearted, contemporary romance. There were so many things I loved about the book— the humor and bantering between Silas and Emily, the enemies to lovers trope, the themes of mental health and candidness about anxiety and panic attacks. In the opening scene my first impression of Emily was that she was a snobby, spoiled rich girl, but that was not who she really was. This was another theme that I loved—first impressions are not always accurate. Once both Silas and Emily realized their impressions of each other were inaccurate, their attitudes changed and a sweet romance began to blossom.

Kristine Joy is a new indie author, and I can’t wait to read more from this promising author.

Many thanks to the author for an arc copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Katie McDowall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to enjoy this book, at times I did enjoy this book. My only complaint is there’s a story that wants to be told but the author did not take the time to tell it. Everything felt rushed and underdeveloped. It would have been SO CUTE with just a little bit more length and detail.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Emily & Silas’s points of view

– a character deals with panic attacks

– there is a scene where one of them sees the other naked on accident (no description of body besides ‘naked’, told from the view of the person caught without clothing)

Review:

I loved reading about Emily and Silas! I liked that we got to start at the bit that connects their story to Sonia & Alistair’s story. I loved seeing more of the sibling ribbing and one on one talks. I loved how Emily & Silas’s hate/dislike of each other developed (both the start between just them and when Sonia steps in and meddles a bit). Some of my favorite scenes included: biking, races, a failed breakfast attempt, a bet, and the little things Silas would do for Emily.

Emily is left practically destitute after getting a divorce. The only thing she now has is a pricey cabin in the woods. She hopes that she can sell it and start a new life for herself with the profits, but she didn’t know that the cabin isn’t anywhere near finished. Not until she arrives to see it herself anyways. Emily will just have to stay on the property and get a temporary job to get by until it’s complete. If only her ex-husband’s best friend would just leave her be and quit making her life worse by sabotaging her hopes for the future. If only she could let go of her growing feelings for him, and no longer risk her heart for someone who’s just going to break it again.

Silas is surprised when Emily comes into town. He knew that his best friend was getting divorced, but didn’t realize that Emily was the one getting the home he was building. Nor that his friend didn’t inform his former wife the cabin wouldn’t be ready for months. Now Silas is stuck with Emily’s stubborn self on the property, where they are trying to do construction, demanding that she live there. Not only would it be illegal, but it would be unsafe for Emily to do that. And Silas isn’t about to let it fly.

But despite his best efforts of keeping away from the troublesome woman, Silas finds himself seeing her at every turn. And after awhile, he realizes that he likes spending time with her. But with their pasts, can Silas allow himself to love his best friend’s ex?

[astra_reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book came to me as an arc. I appreciate you giving me a copy in exchange for a frank evaluation, Kristine.

The story opens with Emily coming to sell her cabin, the only thing that she’s left with after a messy divorce. The first person she meets—the one who picks her up when she moves into town—is her ex’s best friend, Silas. When she gets to her cabin, she finds it under construction, which Silas is in charge of. With nowhere to go, what’ll she do? What’ll Silas do?

Both characters are hard to like from the start, and they appear to despise one another as well, if only to fit the enemies to lovers trope.

She shouts, insults, and judges Silas right from the first page. Silas isn’t someone to wax lyrical about either; he’s a sexist pig, among other things.

Some insight into Silas' stellar character:

"She was crying. I don’t do crying.”

– top quality

"She’s my friend’s ex-wife, whatever the rules are in these situations. Am I allowed to be nice to her?"

–the rulebook says to kick her in the spleen

"She’s worse than I remember her. Still a stunning model, but much more emotional – cruel even. The Emily I knew back then would never have cried. She was an ice queen."

– yup, crying is nasty-nasty, better stay away

“Now she’s gone from zero to sixty. Too much emotion .Too high maintenance."

- he’s looking for someone with an emotional range of a teaspoon, know anybody like that?

I could go on and on about how awful these two were as humans and all the things wrong with this novel morally as well as technically, but I’m going to spare myself.

Simply put I didn’t like it, the only positive aspect being the short length.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ex-model damaged by her ex. That ex's "best friend" who has his own damages. Mixed together at the low point of her life, Emily and Silas don't really hit it off, although he is kind. But over time attitudes can change, especially when they have shared interests other than her unfinished house.

This is a cute story with the feeling that the reader is experiencing the beautiful Colorado scenery and the majestic natural beauty all around. Characters aren't as well defined as they were in the first book (you might want to read that one first), especially Silas' brothers. Plenty of humor, innuendos, and beginnings of sweet romance mix with the various sports in which Emily and Silas share interest. Delightful story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

What I liked about the book:
-the short length

What I didn't like about the book:
-underdeveloped plot
-unlikable characters
-the author skimmed over parts that could have used more detail
-included parts that could have been left out

Overall, this book left A LOT to be desired. It had a lot of potential, but unfortunately fell short. This book could have used 100 more pages and a more streamlined storyline. This was the first book I've read by the author and after reading, I removed the remainder of her books from my TBR.

[Brit’s Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man and a woman who have both experienced broken relationships rediscover who they are and that they aren’t much different than they think. One is perceived to me a top model who can’t function without high heels and glamour. While the other is set in his ways and hides away in the mountains. Will they be able to overcome their past and build a future that’s worth fighting for? You’re just going to have to pick up this gem and find out for yourself. Kristine did a beautiful job in telling Emily and Silas’ love story. One minute I’m laughing hysterically and the next I’m crying. I loved the rollercoaster of emotions and for her debut novel, it was amazing! I can’t wait to read more stories about this lovely community.

[Aixa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the thing about reading a book in one sitting... 😅


I reached for Stuck With My Ex's Best Friend by Kristine W. Joy when I got home Monday around noon. The sadness I felt when I pulled up the Kindle app and realized I finished the book earlier in the day, at 2:00 a.m. 😪 I think I started around 10:00 p.m., which is definitely way past the time I should be asleep (for health purposes).


But then I got happy when I thought back and recalled all the details of the story. 😏 I'm a mess, I know.


Anyway, I wasn't planning to write a review. I wanted to read straight through without stopping to take notes. Well, when I went to pull notes for another book, I realized that I took notes for Stuck With My Ex's Best Friend as well. Totally didn't mean to do that, but I guess my sleepy self was on autopilot (or I like taking notes?).


The fact that I read straight through with only breaks for water, the bathroom, and letting my dog out should say it all—but just in case it's not clear, I loved reading this book. 🫶🏽


Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I live for and pay special attention to:


-the reason they can't stand each other.

-the moment things start to change.

-and, finally, when they seal the deal and accept the change in relationship dynamics.


I also try to zero in on the traits of the main characters—are they funny? Smart? Do they have an impeccable sense of fashion? What's their hygiene like?

Are they mature or do they grow throughout the story? Are they independent?


With that in mind, let's discuss Silas. He really has the best lines. I want to be his friend. (I typically analyze the female in a romance novel first because, IMHO, they're often given the most depth and detail, but it's Silas for the win here. 🥇)


High five to Silas for being #deep! Perhaps one of my favorite lines of his is "It's not running away when you know a place is bad for you. I never ran away; I walked away with a purpose." 🫳🏽🎤 Thank you one thousand to my guy for keeping it real and knowing what's good for him. Perhaps one of my best and worst traits is that I will always put my sanity before anything else, so I appreciated that moment Silas shared with Emily.


Another gem Silas delivers is "He is an idiot. An idiot who can't read the room" when referring to his brother raining on his parade when he's about to put some work in with Emily. 😏


I'm really holding myself back from spilling all the tea that's Silas-related. His lines are just👏🏽 that 👏🏽good. 👏🏽


However, there's one thing about Silas that I may or may not have misinterpreted that caught me off guard. Without giving it away, his attempts to derail Emily's plans come across as kind of manipulative to me. His extreme efforts made me feel like he's not emotionally ready for a relationship. Maybe I'm being too hard on him.


Oh, and the wedding toast...ah, I couldn't deal. For me, it was a bit much. Too intense and almost inappropriate for the occasion.


I won't say anything about Emily other than that she is fierce and a fighter. Okay, one more thing: she went to the extreme in barely accepting help, but I get it. Ah, this is the real last thing about Emily...she made a boss career move. 👏🏽


On a final note, just a random thought, but kisses don't resolve anything. Or everything...😁


Highly recommend Stuck With My Ex's Best Friend. 👍🏽

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Stuck with My Ex's Best Friend is a well-written contemporary romance. Emily just finalized a rather nasty divorce where the only asset she was awarded is an unfinished cabin. An unfinished high-end "cabin" in the woods. A "cabin" that is currently under construction, leaving Emily homeless and without any money. The construction is being overseen by her ex's best friend, who clearly has issues with her. What ensues is a game of cat-and-mouse between Emily and Silas.

The close proximity of Silas and Emily has them both considering things neither have been interested in after dealing with such devastating past relationships. The closeness of the townsfolk has a huge affect on Emily and requires her to make some rather large decisions. Decisions that won't only affect her. Decisions that have Silas feeling guilty since Emily's ex is his best friend. One that will find Silas talking to his best friend about.

The confrontation between Silas and Martin, Katie's ex was lackluster, at best. I didn't expect a knockdown drag out but something about it left me unsettled and unsatisfied. I appreciated Silas going to bat for Katie but I was let down by their conversation.

Despite the Silas/Martin letdown, Stuck with My Ex's Best Friend was a wonderful book. The characters where likable (except Martin) and complex. I really enjoyed the setting and how the town came to be in existence. The author crafted a unique enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy. One that I truly enjoyed.

[Cheril Terrazas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, page turner romance story on a beautiful landscape! 🏕

After a catastrophic divorce, Emily is broke and out of options. Her only hope is the promise of a cabin far away from the city and its awful memories. When she finally arrive to Whitfolk, what she least expected is to be carpooling by Silas (her ex’s best friend) to her only and unfinished house. Homeless, she starts a new chapter in her life ... with the help of a fairy godmother and hard work, she manages to overcome her circumstances little by litter.

Silas doesn’t know how Emily end up in his town, nor is he aware of the details of her divorce, but as the architect of her cabin, he can’t understand why he’s best friend couldn’t warn him about his ice queen ex-wife arrival. A shocked Emily discovered in front of her “cabin” that in fact there is no cabin at all and there won’t be for another ten moths.

Over time, Emily and Silas surpass their witty banter and start to fall for each other but Silas is reluctant to be more than just friends, his past haunted his feelings, making him doubt them. After Em being scorned by a malicious husband she deserves to be love, to stand on her own and find a man who truly care for her.

The way the author describes the beauty of this town and Silas vision for his designs are so palpable that I felt part of the story. I loved how the leading characters discover unknown things from each other. There are no any overly sexualized moments but you’ll see that they aren’t even necessary. So don’t miss this cute, funny, easy to read and well developed story. HEA guaranteed!!

[Beth Presley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is full of great characters, a fun concept, amazing scenery, and a small town I would love to visit!

Emily and Silas were a good grumpy/sunshine pairing, and I loved how Emily kept breaking down everyone’s preconceived notions about her. As soon as you thought you had her figured out, she’d drop some hidden talent or knowledge on you that blew you away. Their flirty/angsty back and forth was fun to watch.

Silas was a complex character with a lot of hurt in his past. He had plenty of demons to work through, but I’m glad to see he finally started letting his walls down for Emily. I can’t imagine how such a sweet and lovable guy was ever close friends with Emily’s ex.

While I did enjoy the story as a whole, I feel like so much of it was rushed, especially with Emily and Silas’s relationship. They felt very insta-lovey by the end, but with more digging into their time together and the passage of more time, it would have been more believable for me. I wanted detailed info on Silas’s past and his time starting up the town, I wanted more from Emily’s career and her past with Martin, and I just wanted a lot more filler/transition content with the story. Things just kind of magically came together, and it read more like a novella where you just have to accept that you aren’t getting all the necessary background info.

Like I said, overall it was a cute, fun, quick read with a lot of heart, great characters, and a setting I would LOVE to visit! So appreciative to have received the ARC of this one!

For fans of: small-town romance, clean romance, grumpy/sunshine, forbidden/off limits love.

[Eunice Coorlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story by Kristine W Joy which continues about the White family of Whitfolk. Emily, recently divorced from Martin, arrives in Whitfolk to sell the “house” she received a settlement. Silas White, one of Martin’s best friends picks and deposits her in front of the so-called which is unfinished. Penniless and with nowhere to stay, Silas offers Emily his camping equipment and drops her at a campsite. Silas‘s sister Sonia and her friend Nancy offer Emily a job in their wedding planning office. The minimum wage job will offer some compensation while her home is finished.

Even though Emily is newly divorced from his friend, Silas begins to develop an interest in her and is having a problem adjusting to those feelings. Christine Joy has delicately shown how Silas‘s previous break up led to a nervous break down and panic attacks. Emily recognizing his anxiety tenderly stares him away from the crowds which aggravate his situation.

Both Emily and Silas have feelings for one another but are reticent to discuss them. Emily does not want to enter into another controlling relationship and Silas is fearful that their relationship will end in heartbreak. Can they overcome their anxiety and admit they are made for one another? Or, will Emily run away back to her other life.

I really enjoyed the story and look forward to more detailed introductions of the other White brothers.

[Frances Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance at Love

This author is a new-to-me author, but I’m glad that I got this book. The characters were well developed, the story had a really good flow. The feeling of family, and close townspeople just added to the core story.
Silas is owner of the small town, a town that he built, after a traumatic relationship experience. He is surrounded by people that he loves, and the beauty of the surrounding mountains. He is withdrawn, and dedicated to his home building business.
Emily has recently gone thru a divorce, from a marriage that she was forced to be a trophy wife. She has lost a lot of herself, but is determined to find her strength again. The only thing that she inherited from her ex, is a cabin in Silas’s town. She arrives to find that the cabin is far from being habitable. Sparks fly between Silas and Emily, but they persist to ignore their attraction.
Several interactions occur between Silas and Emily, including a race to benefit the town. Emily is getting tired of Silas and his hot and cold attitude towards her. She makes a rash decision to go do a modeling gig out of town. An accident curbs that decision, and finally Silas admits his feeling for Emily. The couple finally admits their love for each other and obtain their HEA.

[Kristina Waible · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristina Waible
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stuck With My Exs Best Friend
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2022
Silas has built a town from nothing. He was badly hurt in a relationship and needed to be away from crowds of people. Building beautiful unique cabins has given him purpose. Then Emily shows up. His best friend Martins ex. He didn’t know the cabin had gone to her. It’s not set to be finished for 10 months. Emily can’t believe her bad luck. She has nothing but the cabin that can’t be lived in right now. Silas is not nice he drops her off in the woods with a tent and drives off. Very unkind move. The more he is around her in coming weeks tge more he under estimates her. She gets a job to feed herself in town. Makes friends with several in town including his sister Sonia Silas learns things about his friend Martin. Emily has more in common with his likes than he knew also. There are lots of growing and facing life moving forward for this couple. Can they get past their hurts. I received a free copy for a honest review. If you haven’t read the prequel I’d grab a copy of it also
Thank you for your review.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck With My Ex's Best Friend was a fun, sweet read that had great laugh out loud moments and a cast of characters that will bring me back for Book 3.

The relationship between Emily and Silas had all the high water marks that I look for in a good clean romance -- a great misunderstanding, a back story that fueled the drama, undeniable tension and a magnetic attraction between the leads. However Joy added to that an extra level of tension -- the relationship between Emily Ex-Husband and Silas's presumably sticky relationship with him as his own Best Friend. I just wish I would have known more about their backstory in a flashback or two or maybe even if Silas had given voice to this in his chapters.

OVERALL this was a fun, engaging, and comic book that delivered a great story with a HEA that I rooted for and cheered when both Emily and Silas fell for each other. And I would encourage anyone to pick up this book, as well as the first, so that you don't miss any of the charm and wit that the author has worked so hard to put into this quality book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Hepzibah Becca Jael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck With My Ex's Best Friend
Kristine W Joy

Rating 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Favorite Quote:
Sometimes we need to lose everything to appreciate what matters.

Review:

Contemporary romance is always and forever my favorite and this book just hit all the right spots!

The book had the plot clear right from the start but the way it twists and turns was beautiful I know I would get a HEA but I didn't know the path and that's what exciting about RomComs and the author served it on a silver platter!

Our MC Emily is a former model and is now broke after a divorce, the only settlement she got in it was a cabin in Whitfolk. What she wasn't told ny her cruel ex was that the cabin wasn't yet finished! (You'll hate the ex so so much!) Silas is the perfect grump and when he sees her he doesn't know what to do with a crying and broke female that too his best friend's ex, an awkward moment of all moments! She isn't looking for a relationship and he isn't looking for love but fate has the final say ALWAYS, doesn't it!

The book is well written, I loved every character they were relatable and fun, the plot is amazing and the language is fluid! Overall a book I'd re read again someday!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review and this was easily one of my favorite books of this year. 4.75 out of 5 stars!

It has been a long time since I have read a clean romance and this did not disappoint. Silas and Emily's story is cute, the banter is engaging and the pace is fantastic!

I loved the character development of both of our main characters as well as the supporting characters- so much so that I went and bought Sonia's book so I could devour that as well and that does not disappoint either.

I love reads where I connect with the main characters and that is what I found here (and not just because I share the MFC's name). There was something very human and down to earth about Emily, her history and her path to moving forward that I connected with that made this read so engaging for me (I also cried at one point which always is a signal of a good book in my opinion). Silas is also a very complex MMC and it was nice to see both MC's struggling to fight through their own demons to get what they want in the end.

If you are a fan of witty banter, small town romances with happily ever afters this is the book for you!

[Hailey Brzoska · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It’s day three of this wilderness adventure. When my marriage ended, I truly believed I had hit rock bottom. That it couldn’t get any worse. Now I’m standing on a picnic table fighting off a raccoon.”

If you’re looking for a clean and swoony contemporary romance book, then look no further. I present to you Stuck with my Ex’s Best Friend.

I loved the banter between Emily and Silas from the very beginning and I often laughed out loud at some of the shenanigans they found themselves in or the barbs they would say to each other.

I was hooked from the very beginning when Emily was “living” at the town campsite while Silas and his crew were finishing her cabin, the only thing left in her procession after her divorce. Her moments with the spider and other outdoorsy things was hilarious. And it was fun to watch Silas go from treating her with coldness to warming up to her and changing his construction plans to give her a room and bathroom to sleep in before a big storm hits town.

If I had to pick a favorite moment though, it would be their kayaking trip. It was the perfect romantic backdrop and the best way to get to know each other further, considering they were literally stuck together for hours.

Overall, SWMEBF was a super quick read for me. I enjoyed all the moments between the characters and the crazy situations they found themselves in.

Read if you like:
⛺️Small town vibes
⛺️Mountain biking/triathlons
⛺️Clean romance
⛺️Banter
⛺️Kayaking
⛺️Found family
⛺️Mental Health advocacy
(anxiety/panic attacks)
⛺️Interconnected Standalones

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a cozy and fast-paced read, this one is for you! Both Emily and Silas have incredibly interesting backstories that have led them to Whitfolk. A cozy and quaint town built by Silas himself.

Emily was not dealt the best hand of cards. Her billionaire ex cheated, divorced her, and left her a cabin that isn't even built yet! As a former model, she now has to relearn how to live a life of her own that she can control. We get to see Emily discover her love for certain activities again and process all that she has gone through.

Silas is a quiet and brooding grump. He just wants to build the cabin of dreams and win awards for his work. Then comes along Emily and the dang tent. Silas cannot seem to get her out of his town and his head. We see Silas open up and relearn how to handle emotions and let others in.

I will give others a heads up, Silas has a big family with names that all start with S so make sure to keep track of who is who when you can!

[Emily Morton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so happy that I got an ARC copy of the book Stuck with My Ex's Best Friend by @kristinewjoy

After a messy divorce, Emily, finds herself penniless and stuck camping beside her only assette, a completely unfinished cabin in the woods. Silas, Emily's ex husband's best friend is the architect of said house and Emily’s only real acquaintance in town. During construction, Emily finds herself starting to fall for Silas, who is fighting this attraction as hard a possible due to their messy history. Feelings grow in the midst of hilarity that ranges from nail gun incidents to racoons on the loose.

Overall I found Stuck with My Ex's Best Friend to be a fun story and a quick read. It is a clean romance and I think it would certainly be appropriate for a wide range of audiences. One critique I will say is that I really wanted more from a lot of this story. I felt like many big moments were glazed over a bit and I wish they had been expanded upon. That being said, it was still a fun casual read and I'm so glad I had to oppotunity to give it a go.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Finding Home And Family -
Emily found herself in dire straits when arrives at the property that she got in the divorce to find out it was an uncompleted shell and the man building the property hated her with a vengeance. Silas had always thought of Emily as the ‘Ice Queen’, but everything changes after she continues to surprise him and he discovers the reality of the life she lived during her marriage. Unfortunately, Silas gets cold feet and pulls back, but he soon realises the possibility of losing her forever and finally acknowledges what everyone around them already knew.

It was wonderful to see two people broken down by their pasts, start to bloom again as they spend time together and realise they have an inexplicable connection and a lot of things in common. It was a great read, that I think every avid romance reading should have in their reading library. It was a worthwhile read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chey’s Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW

Stuck With My Ex’s Best Friend by Kristine W. joy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was incredible! It literally has it all: breaking stereotypes, mental health advocacy, small town romance, gorgeous scenery, forbidden feelings, and characters that are easy to fall in love with. It’s a quick read but one that will definitely pull on your heart strings. This book had me laughing out loud because Emily is such a strong, bad-ass female protagonist with the quickest comebacks.
If you like grumpy vs sunshine, forced proximity, and/or enemies to lovers tropes this book is absolutely for you. Aaand go snag one now for $0.99 on Amazon because it goes up in price on pub day, September 18, 2022.

Thank you, for gifting me an ARC of this book. I can’t wait to read more in this series.

Pair it with a mimosa like I did, and let yourself feel giddy and in love. ❤️

[BJKa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristine Joy has written a sweet romance that will bring a smile to your face abd joy to your heart. Emily, a former model, just went through a divorce and the only thing she has to her name is a cabin in Whitlock. Once she arrives she meets Silas, her ex- husband's best friend and developer/designer of Whitlock and all the cabins/homes. Unfortunately her ex-husband failed to tell her the cabin would not be finished for 10 more months. Silas loans her a tent to stay in free and things progress from there from spiders, raccoons, cold hose showers, kisses, bike rides, kayak rides, etc. Silas runs hot and cold and Emily is offered a European modeling job. Hold on as you read this romance and find out how they get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smitten with this series.
Be still my heart! What an amazing story! Where book 1 with Sonia and Alistair gives the history of Whitfolk, you don’t need to read in order but it is highly recommended. Book 2 stars the eldest son, Silas White and ex-wife of his best friend, Emily Waterstone. A romance with the “Mad Man” and “The Model” where both suffer heartbreak. Learning about each character more in depth, it gives the story sustenance. Great line, “He tastes like wine, and regret.” Epic! My favorite funny line: “If something touches me in that murky dark water, I will walk on water to get out of there.” Ha! Love the story flow and awkward romance. The fact that there are second chances at love and these two have quite the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.