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The Ex Files
Au rendez-vous de la passion
Memo to when you work with your ex, keep all thoughts strictly business!No matter how wickedly kissable those luscious lips, or how sinfully seductive those endless legs, tycoon Jordan Smith wants nothing to do with his ex-lover Alexandra Bennett.Only Alex is his new hotshot employee! Their sizzling chemistry can't be denied, and working late nights soon drives them both crazy with need….It's becoming impossible to resist—but with so much painful history between them, can breaking up ever lead to making up…for good?
Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Kate Hardy
816 books263 followersKate Hardy is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for Harlequin Mills & Boon and the Georgina Drake cozy crime series for Storm. Her novel 'Breakfast at Giovanni's' won the RNA Romance Prize in 2008, 'Bound by a Baby' won the RNA RoNA Rose in 2014 and ‘A Will, A Wish, A Wedding’ won the RNA Liberta Books Shorter Fiction award in 2021. She's been shortlisted six more times for the award, as well as for two Romantic Times awards.
She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!
Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.
She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!
Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 26, 2012
THE EX WHO HIRED HER by author Kate Hardy is a March 2012 release from Mills & Boon Modern and Harlequin Presents April 2012 release.
Xandra Bennett walks in for the marketing manager job interview at the oldest departmental chain store. And guess what? The CEO of the company interviewing her turns out to be the last person she expected to see!
He was Jordan Smith, the man she’d vowed ten years ago to never to have anything to do with ever again. She’d never forgiven him for lying to her, for not being there when she needed him the most and for letting her down. It had taken her years to rebuild her life and now when her dreams were in reach; he was right in her way again.
Facing her after ten years, Jordan know this was Alexandra Porter, the woman who had dumped him without a cause and had lied to him. But his body still tingled remembering her. Can he forget their past and hire her now?
With this painful history between them will they be able to work together? And will they be able to ignore the attraction shimmering just below the surfaces? But why had Alex lied and dumped Jordan before? And why had he let her down?
THE EX WHO HIRED HER has a realistic hero in Jordan Smith who hasn’t found a suitable partner after he broke up with Alex. And the heroine, Alexandra, is someone we connect with as she goes through so much and hits the very bottom before she rises again. Can they find a way to trust each other again after all this time? This lovely reunion romance is rich with emotion and humour and all of the characters are exquisitely rendered.
The poignant and realistic way in which they deal with their past is really magical to read.
Xandra Bennett walks in for the marketing manager job interview at the oldest departmental chain store. And guess what? The CEO of the company interviewing her turns out to be the last person she expected to see!
He was Jordan Smith, the man she’d vowed ten years ago to never to have anything to do with ever again. She’d never forgiven him for lying to her, for not being there when she needed him the most and for letting her down. It had taken her years to rebuild her life and now when her dreams were in reach; he was right in her way again.
Facing her after ten years, Jordan know this was Alexandra Porter, the woman who had dumped him without a cause and had lied to him. But his body still tingled remembering her. Can he forget their past and hire her now?
With this painful history between them will they be able to work together? And will they be able to ignore the attraction shimmering just below the surfaces? But why had Alex lied and dumped Jordan before? And why had he let her down?
THE EX WHO HIRED HER has a realistic hero in Jordan Smith who hasn’t found a suitable partner after he broke up with Alex. And the heroine, Alexandra, is someone we connect with as she goes through so much and hits the very bottom before she rises again. Can they find a way to trust each other again after all this time? This lovely reunion romance is rich with emotion and humour and all of the characters are exquisitely rendered.
The poignant and realistic way in which they deal with their past is really magical to read.
May 22, 2012
This was a very good read,the story progressed really well,there was no big issue between the couple only misunderstandings,after a decade they get a second chance,this time they get their HEA.Also liked the fact there was no miracle pregnancy in the end.
Overall a wonderful read
Recommend it.
Overall a wonderful read
Recommend it.
February 18, 2012
I actually found this whole story to be really sad. From Alexandra losing herself, her babies, the love of her life to her being married to another guy and the divorcing him. It was all about loss, even the end of the book, she was winning but it still amounted to loss because of things she could not give him.
I'm not too sure if I liked or disliked this book. Usually by the end I know my answer but I'm still questioning it and the logic behind all Alexandra's decisions.
I'm not too sure if I liked or disliked this book. Usually by the end I know my answer but I'm still questioning it and the logic behind all Alexandra's decisions.
July 1, 2015
A HP the ends without a miraculous pregnancy when infertility is an issue. IT'S A UNICORN.
November 23, 2012
I loved the book and how it developed. The development felt natural not forced or rushed. It felt like the what would happen when ex's with unresolved feelings try to figure out how to be around the other. I really would have loved an epilogue of them later on.
August 30, 2015
I read this book in Portuguese: «Pessoal e profissional». I found this novel a bit dull, without much imagination.
Eu li este livro em português: «Pessoal e profissional». Achei esta novela um pouco monótona, sem grande imaginação.
Eu li este livro em português: «Pessoal e profissional». Achei esta novela um pouco monótona, sem grande imaginação.
April 10, 2012
This book made me sad! It was a bittersweet oftentimes painful read. I gotta find a happy book now!!
January 16, 2019
The Ex Who Hired Her
3 Stars
Jordan Smith is shocked to learn that the best candidate for manager of his family's department store is non other than Alexandra Bennet, the woman who betrayed him and broke his heart. Determined to keep their distance from one another, Jordan and Alex soon discover that their sizzling attraction is impossible to resist. But can they reconcile their differences and succeed the second time around?
Starts out well as the leads have strong chemistry and the story is well written. Unfortunately, once the reasons for Jordan and Alex's break-up are revealed (a lack of communication and misunderstanding that is typical of category romances), the story loses momentum as Jordan tries to convince Alex that they should seize the opportunity to be together again while Alex runs hot and cold.
All in all, a quick and enjoyable read and the sex scenes are steamier than expected for a Harlequin Presents.
3 Stars
Jordan Smith is shocked to learn that the best candidate for manager of his family's department store is non other than Alexandra Bennet, the woman who betrayed him and broke his heart. Determined to keep their distance from one another, Jordan and Alex soon discover that their sizzling attraction is impossible to resist. But can they reconcile their differences and succeed the second time around?
Starts out well as the leads have strong chemistry and the story is well written. Unfortunately, once the reasons for Jordan and Alex's break-up are revealed (a lack of communication and misunderstanding that is typical of category romances), the story loses momentum as Jordan tries to convince Alex that they should seize the opportunity to be together again while Alex runs hot and cold.
All in all, a quick and enjoyable read and the sex scenes are steamier than expected for a Harlequin Presents.
April 11, 2019
Even when both h/H thought they were betrayed by the other, it didn't devolve into a blame game and revenge and other typical Harlequin brow beating in the name of pride and love. They both have a conversation when they realize their previous misconceptions and move forward.
October 3, 2013
“Mai sprecare una seconda occasione.” Questo è il consiglio scritto anche in copertina, un’immagine romantica splendida. Per chi guarda attentamente la copertina e va al di là del magico momento del bacio, potrà cogliere l’ambientazione magica della storia, Venezia.
Kate Hardy, sempre attenta a perfezionarsi, facendo ricerche, prima di scrivere un nuovo romanzo, e a non deludere le sue lettrici con le quali ha rapporti d’amicizia su forum specializzati, incontri letterari e sul suo sito, dopo averci emozionate raccontandoci storie nate nelle corsie degli ospedali, cambia location ed anche collana. Infatti, da Bianca passa a Collezione, ma resta sempre con l’editore che sa raccontare l’amore, Harmony. Un futuro con la sua ex è ambientato negli uffici di una catena di grandi magazzini che vantano una lunga storia commerciale, i Field’s. Lui è il direttore generale, mentre lei l’aspirante direttrice marketing.
Una seconda occasione per Alexandra e Jordan … Si ritrovano dopo dieci anni, ma l’amore è rimasto soltanto sopito e non è stato cancellato dalle bugie e da un bambino perduto, prima di nascere.
Hanno provato a continuare a vivere, costruendo nuove esistente, ma separati qualcosa sembra non funzionare mai. E si ritrovano magicamente a lavoro, dove fianco a fianco iniziano a fare nottate e a condividere successi lavorativi, innovazioni e crescita professionale. Inevitabilmente, però, entrambi devono fare i conti con il loro passato d’amore ed è soltanto così che possono far luce su inganni e menzogne, che il tempo non può nascondere per sempre.
Jordan e Alex si troveranno ad analizzare il consiglio, proposto in copertina, “Mai sprecare una seconda occasione.” e a farne tesoro. Una seconda occasione può voler dire anche che si può ottenere un nuovo inizio. Quando viene concessa una seconda occasione, non si deve commettere l’errore di sprecarla, perché potrebbe non ripresentarsene una terza.
Kate Hardy, sempre attenta a perfezionarsi, facendo ricerche, prima di scrivere un nuovo romanzo, e a non deludere le sue lettrici con le quali ha rapporti d’amicizia su forum specializzati, incontri letterari e sul suo sito, dopo averci emozionate raccontandoci storie nate nelle corsie degli ospedali, cambia location ed anche collana. Infatti, da Bianca passa a Collezione, ma resta sempre con l’editore che sa raccontare l’amore, Harmony. Un futuro con la sua ex è ambientato negli uffici di una catena di grandi magazzini che vantano una lunga storia commerciale, i Field’s. Lui è il direttore generale, mentre lei l’aspirante direttrice marketing.
Una seconda occasione per Alexandra e Jordan … Si ritrovano dopo dieci anni, ma l’amore è rimasto soltanto sopito e non è stato cancellato dalle bugie e da un bambino perduto, prima di nascere.
Hanno provato a continuare a vivere, costruendo nuove esistente, ma separati qualcosa sembra non funzionare mai. E si ritrovano magicamente a lavoro, dove fianco a fianco iniziano a fare nottate e a condividere successi lavorativi, innovazioni e crescita professionale. Inevitabilmente, però, entrambi devono fare i conti con il loro passato d’amore ed è soltanto così che possono far luce su inganni e menzogne, che il tempo non può nascondere per sempre.
Jordan e Alex si troveranno ad analizzare il consiglio, proposto in copertina, “Mai sprecare una seconda occasione.” e a farne tesoro. Una seconda occasione può voler dire anche che si può ottenere un nuovo inizio. Quando viene concessa una seconda occasione, non si deve commettere l’errore di sprecarla, perché potrebbe non ripresentarsene una terza.
October 10, 2025
Catching up on this author’s back catalogue I discovered this in is a trio of books called ‘One night with her ex’. I usually love this author’s work. Her warm, emotional and romantic characters and plot normally leave me with a smile on my face.
Not this one, sadly. It wasn’t a lovely romance, it was a Shakespearean tragedy with melodramatic villains and deep psychological damage.
Although it had the inevitable ‘happy’ ending, I was left dissatisfied. It was a story based on total miscommunication, external interference and misunderstanding. The couple lost ten years because of lies by both sets of parents.
I don’t like stories where external conflict is the driving force. The heroine had had so much unpleasantness, tragedy, trauma and abuse piled on her when incredibly young and immature, and I felt weighed down by all the angst. I got to the stage when the heroine’s behaviour towards the hero became irritatingly frustrating.
There was the usual,brilliant writing style that I love so much in KH’s books but the story itself was not emotionally satisfying. I felt sad at the end. Powerful writing but not achieving what I wanted - the warm fuzzies.
Not this one, sadly. It wasn’t a lovely romance, it was a Shakespearean tragedy with melodramatic villains and deep psychological damage.
Although it had the inevitable ‘happy’ ending, I was left dissatisfied. It was a story based on total miscommunication, external interference and misunderstanding. The couple lost ten years because of lies by both sets of parents.
I don’t like stories where external conflict is the driving force. The heroine had had so much unpleasantness, tragedy, trauma and abuse piled on her when incredibly young and immature, and I felt weighed down by all the angst. I got to the stage when the heroine’s behaviour towards the hero became irritatingly frustrating.
There was the usual,brilliant writing style that I love so much in KH’s books but the story itself was not emotionally satisfying. I felt sad at the end. Powerful writing but not achieving what I wanted - the warm fuzzies.
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April 30, 2021I am that kind of person that don't mind a miracle pregnancy in romance otherwise the hea does not feel complete. Just imagine never being able to have even one child with the love of your life, it's very, very tragic. So, even if it's not that realistic I prefer a miracle pregnancy rather than infertility of the heroine.
This book reminded me of The Santangeli Marriage, the heroine in that one was totally infertile and she had no chance for a miracle pregnancy. It's just so, so sad to read about and leaves you with an aching heart even if there is a hea. I don't really get it why some of the other reviewers are against the miracle pregnancy for the poor heroine. I feel very sorry for the women, both fictional and real that will never be able to have a child of their own, not even one.
After this one I will need to read a book were there heroine is pregnant multiple times to make it less angsty.
This book reminded me of The Santangeli Marriage, the heroine in that one was totally infertile and she had no chance for a miracle pregnancy. It's just so, so sad to read about and leaves you with an aching heart even if there is a hea. I don't really get it why some of the other reviewers are against the miracle pregnancy for the poor heroine. I feel very sorry for the women, both fictional and real that will never be able to have a child of their own, not even one.
After this one I will need to read a book were there heroine is pregnant multiple times to make it less angsty.
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December 27, 2014Miniseries: The Ex Files
April 13, 2012
the star-crossed young lovers, interfering family, secret pregnancy, big misunderstanding--this book has it all! no billionaires, no sheikhs, no royalty however!
August 7, 2012
Very sweet :)
September 15, 2012
Rating: 3.5/5
Refreshing to see the hero not being a 24/7 douchebag as is so common in the HP line...
Refreshing to see the hero not being a 24/7 douchebag as is so common in the HP line...
November 27, 2013
pack tissue to wipe tears if you easily cry. Don't say I'm not warn you :)
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December 27, 2014Miniseries: The Ex Files
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews