Ms. Bitch

by Tricia O'Malley

Ms. Bitch- Finding happiness is the best revenge (Large Print Edition) From the outside, it seems thirty-six-year-old Tess Campbell has it all. A happy marriage, a successful career as a novelist, and an exciting cross-country move ahead. Tess has always played by the rules and it seems like life is good. Except it’s not. Life is a bitch. And suddenly so is Tess. When Tess discovers the truth about her marriage, she decides it’s time to live the life she’s always wanted, despite what her family and snake of an ex-husband expect of her. Tess throws caution to the wind and embraces her lifelong dream of exploring the world. Her first stop – scuba diving in Mexico. The sharks she can handle, but the handsome Scottish diving instructor with the flirtatious smile and broad shoulders has Tess tied in knots. With her hard-won independence on the line, Tess must decide what’s scarier – learning to love again or letting her past control her future. Funny, heart-wrenching, and brutally honest, Ms. Bitch explores one woman’s journey of accepting herself and breaking free of the toxic bonds that hold us back from the life we are truly meant to live.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Womens Fiction

474 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2020

About the author

As an award winning NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of the magical has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia O’Malley is a native of Wisconsin, and departed the wintry tundra for warmer locales five years ago. She now lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman.

An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. Tricia loves fun vacation reads, believes in mermaids, and has a serious travel addiction. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after.

To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or join her mailing list at www.triciaomalley.com

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Bitch: Finding Happiness is the Best Revenge:

I tremendously enjoy getting to read and review books. I find it a privilege and a joy…. but when I saw the title of this one, I may have wondered (just a little) what on earth I had gotten myself into. I got the book downloaded and launched it, thinking to read a few pages. A few hours later, I realized I had been sitting in this chair, reading this book straight on to the end.

This is the story of a woman seeking to find out who she really is… in spite of the master manipulators in her life who seem to resent and blame her for not falling in line with their demands and desires by living her life according to their narrow and selfish little wishes.

This book not only speaks to the love and strength of true friends but also the raw truth as it demonstrates the strength that may be found in each of us as we stand up to those who would squash one’s individuality to fall in line with their judgmental demands and ever be at their beck and call.

This book is not an easy read – it will challenge you and have you examining your interactions with the ones you love. It is well worth every penny and every moment spent to read it.

I would consider Ms. Bitch to be a must-read for anyone who has ever been belittled, bullied and broken down by so-called friends, lovers or family “for their own good”… or who knows someone else who has been done so.

My purpose in reviewing this and other items is only to provide my honest opinion based on my experience with the item. Therefore, the opinions expressed herein are my own, based on my personal experience with this product and my perceived utility of the product as well as its value for the cost. I received a copy of this book from the author with the understanding that I am under no obligation to review the book unless I chose to do so.

If you have any questions regarding my review, please do ask, and if my review is helpful to you, please consider letting me know by using the voting buttons at the end of the review. Have a blessed day!

[Mags Schofield · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title led me to believe that this book was about a strong, independent woman. Instead we meet Tess, who is needy and values herself by the man she is with.
After her divorce, she can't trust men, so indulges herself with travelling, diving and casual relationships, which only seem to doubt herself more.
The best written parts are the conversations / arguments with her sister, who I think is the real Bitch in this book. But this is the only relationship that is properly explored as Tess moves and meets people in an attempt to find herself. Instead, we have a rather cliched happy ending.
Light frothy reading really isn't for me.

[Dana Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I an privileged to be a Beta-reader for the delightful Tricia O'Malley. Her latest release is a stand-a-lone fictional biography that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, jeer, and do a Happy Dance for her by the end! Ms. Bitch: Finding happiness is the best revenge Is a truthful candid journey that many will be able to identify with.
I will not give much away... you must discover the details for yourself! I must admit that this touched me on so many levels.... I've been in some of those same situations... and this allowed me to look back on my own experiences with fresh eyes. I did learn that just like "Tess", I have control over my own decisions, life and dreams!
"Tess" struggles through the heartbreaking discovery of a cheating husband, and soul crushing divorce and emotional abandonment from her only family. Through her "chosen" family of friends she walks the mine-field of starting over. She re-creates herself rediscovering her inner dreams and passions, learning to trust herself and to love again!
For new readers to Tricia O'Malley, this is a wonderful introduction to her writing style. She creates strong, realistic characters who grow, learn, and evolve into better people. Something we should all strive for in our own lives!
For fans of Tricia O'Malley's other books.... you will enjoy finding out the tidbits and character clues from her novels based on her "real" life!
Thank you Tricia for letting us see into your own experiences. There is a Ms. Bitch in all of us! Enjoy the ride!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can tell this book was a passion project for author Tricia O'Malley. While fully behind the concept of revenge by achieving your own happiness after a divorce, I was anticipating more of a 'First Wives Clubs' story to get there. This book held far more self-discovery and introspection than expected.

[Pheadra · Rating 3 out of 5]

From beginning to end this wasn't appealing to me. Predictable and probably more to the liking of non-discerning readers of romance, I found the entire story frankly forgettable.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fortunate to be a beta reader for Ms O'Malley. So the following is my opinion on her upcoming book.
Oh my Tricia! You have done it again! I laughed, cried , sighed and wanted to beat the shite out of Gabe!! Reading through the entire story I saw you and when you met the Scotsman I could picture you and Alan together. Very well written and my heart soars for you both.
As Ms Tricia states this is loosely based on her life and to me she writes the story for so many of us. I can easily see myself in certain aspect of the book slipping my shoes off and slipping hers on. Ms Bitch is the perfect title for the strong women and the hell we go through.

[Ann Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Bitch by Tricia O'Malley is a well-written, empowering, uplifting read about a woman who battles her way though betrayal and heartbreak, triumphs over family manipulation and her own insecurities, and rises above it all to find her way to a new life … and a new love. I was glued to this story from start to finish! I cried a little, cheered a lot, and walked away at the end with a big smile. I’d recommend this book to anyone who could use a dose of happiness and satisfaction. I’ll be reading it again and again whenever I need a pick-me-up.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest book by new-to-me author, Tricia O’Malley, is based on her own life experiences and what a fabulous life she has made for herself! Tess Campbell is the wayward soul in the family and her parents die young, when Tess is still at college. Her older sister Vicki takes on the role of substitute parent and likes nothing better than telling Tess what to do and pointing out where she's going wrong. When successful novelist Tess meets Gabe she falls for him and they soon marry, but Gabe turns out to be something of a selfish womaniser. As Tess endures a painful breakup, will she be able to find freedom, contentment and enjoyment again?

Ms. Bitch is a well-told story of a thirty-something woman finding joy and strength while embracing the changes and obstacles life deals. It is filled with lashings of laughter, kindness, beautiful oceans, romance, sadness and a lot of heart. I loved Tricia O'Malley's straightforward way of telling this compelling story which was about self-empowerment, finding happiness, freedom and loving again. Tess realises that conforming to the conventions and norms with which she is accustomed, isn’t working for her. I loved that, refreshingly, there was nothing bitter or angry about protagonist Tess. She was a wonderful character - sweet, honest and giving - and I wanted to be one of her travel companions and to see where her new life would take her as she went through a continuing life changing experience. On her travels she meets Aiden, a delectable Scotsman and dive instructor whilst in Cozumel, though neither of them are looking for long-term commitment.

A rich story full of hope for the future, with a wonderful conclusion. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Tricia O'Malley and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book. This review is my unbiased opinion.

[Jen Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second amazing opportunity to Beta read for Tricia.

Ms. Bitch: Finding Happiness is the Best Revenge is a fictional story inspired by Tricia's own true story.

This is Tess's story and her survival through betrayal, loss, starting over, self-discovery, acceptance, finding love again, and finally finding the one thing we all want...happiness.
Something I have learned in my own life story is that you sometimes have to go through a very crooked and often scary path to get to where you need to be and that is what Tess had to do. Even though this story does not mirror my own life, I found that it had the tiniest of parallels that I could so relate to and I think that is pretty rare in a work of fiction. Reading this book made me think about things I hadn't thought about in a long time and things I still struggle with. I think this book will be a story a lot of women can relate to in many different ways. 💟

This book has all the feels. Get ready to be happy, laugh, cry, be angry, and even sometimes having the overwhelming urge to punch some of the people that Tess encounters.

I found Tricia's books about 3 years ago and I have never been disappointed in anything she has published. Enjoy! 💕

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is loosely based on the author’s own story. It’s a romance but it’s also about going through a divorce and sticking to yours guns. He cheats? He doesn’t get you back. There’s a lot of growth for the main character to say the least. It’s also, oddly enough,about scuba diving and scuba divers. I enjoyed it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I really like the combination of a fire cracker heroine who goes nuclear on her despicable cheating husband. This books heroine doesn't exactly go nuclear but goes from being a complete doormat to gaining a sense of self confidence. She puts herself out there, goes on lots of vacations / fun and exciting trips in exotic locations. She also cuts off the mooching ex snd files for divorce. Plus throw in a hot Scottish scuba teacher who she meets on one of the exotic trips.

I thought a little too much time snd energy was spent on getting over / obsessing over the ex and his dirty mistress ' babester ' and both enough page time on the exciting new man but otherwise enjoyed 📚 reading this book.

[Catalina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally done with this. I think it was the worst book I've read so far this year. I was expecting an easy read but definitely not such a dull and cliche one. If I wasn't reading it on ThePigeonHole I would have abandon it...but in staves..it wasn't such a chore to waste 10 min of my time per day. The only reason why I am giving it 2* instead of 1* is the main character. She's an interesting women and I've enjoyed her progression and the lessons she learned in the year we followed her in the book.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just OK. Nothing I could find offence with but just a bit too light and twee for me. Bit predictable but at least Tess got her happy ending. This would made a good beach read when you want a book you don't have to think about. Thank you to The Pigeonhole and to the author for the chance to read this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Amina Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is probably too cliched for some, but I personally enjoyed it for what it was. A nice, easy, lighthearted read, that probably would be good for the beach!

I liked Tish and Aiden, but sadly can't say the same for Vicki, Tish's sister! She was awful!

I also loved reading about the diving scenes! Great escapism!

Thanks to Pigeonhole and Tricia for the opportunity to read this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new book by a marvelous author, Tricia O’Malley. Tricia says this is based on her life—my goodness-it is hard to see how she was able to make such a great life for herself. Tess is the rebel in the family and when her parents die when she is in college and her older sister takes on the role of parenting. The problem is that Tess doesn’t need to be bossed around, she is an adult. According to Vicki (the older sister) Tess needs to toe the line and get a real job. When Tess meets Gabe she falls head over heels in love and marries him. Does it work out? Of course not but she comes out better on the other side. Free now and able to travel and go scuba diving, which is her love, and make lots of friends that are positive for her she seems to have it all. Aiden is a Scot—hint hint—and a dive instructor. We follow Aiden and Tess thru their ups and downs to a wonderful conclusion. I really loved this book and it was fun to see so much of Tricia’s background. Hoping for many years of happiness and many more books to bring us joy. I highly recommend this book.

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start? First I guess I have to say I am a Beta reader for this book. However, I was first introduced to Tricia in the “Wild Irish” series and from there have been “hooked”. Isle of Destiny was next for me and then there was Siren Island. Of course there was also “One Tequila”.....but that was then and this is now. Ms Bitch is a “must” read. Tricia takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, I laughed, I cried, and I drank a little wine (not a whiskey girl) because I was frustrated with what “Tess” was going through! But “Strong” women survive! Trisha/Tess takes us through the failure of a marriage, the saga of a controlling sister, the discovery of a new love all while sharing her love of traveling and scuba diving. She has taken me to places I have never been, and will most likely never see, but I feel like I’ve been there, felt that, done that. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today.

[Susan Baez Randleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Bitch
This book completely hooked me from the very beginning. It’s a good book because it takes a painful subject and infuses humor and warmth into what is obviously a painful experience. This story completely drew me into the beginning story of Tess and her marriage, dissolution of marriage and her illusions about her marriage and herself. It’s a story of growth, heartbreak and also friendship and the family drama that we all have in bits in pieces that are painful yet Ms O’Malley handles with sensitivity and humor. This story was a gem to read from beginning to end. I actually went back and read it and again to catch the nuances I may have missed in the hurried reading initially as I devoured the book the first time. It’s that entertaining but real. You truly feel the emotion. Kudos to Ms. O’Malley. One of my favorite reads from you so far as it touched so close to home. Thanks for the awesome stories!!
ARC in exchange for honest review.

[Yeloroze 72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding happiness after making everybody else happy all your life, and a divorce can be tough, but a girls gotta pull up her bootstraps and find her voice. Tess finds her happy and spunk and is completely unapologetic and that made me smile. Finding a sexy Scotsman along the way wasn’t too bad either. This book will make you smile, laugh and want to throat punch selfish people. Most of all it will make you believe happy endings do exist.

[Lora Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything this author writes but this book it was special. Following Tess through her journey made me laugh and cry. It hurt my heart and made me smile. It made me really want to learn to dive and sit on the beach next to the ocean. Tricia O'Malley is an extremely talented writer.
This book has all the feels and is the perfect binge read.

[K Huskić · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. You are taken on a journey from Tess's marriage to divorce to finding herself (and love) again, and it's raw and emotional, but so uplifting.
It is a story that really makes you think about your own relationships, and how you would (or should) react in certain situations.
I finished reading this just feeling so happy and grateful! It's an amazing story.

[Caroline Kerdouci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and revenge is a dish best served cold spring to mind upon reading this lighthearted novel that follows Tess on her journey to happiness after a bitter divorce from cad Gabe.
What could possibly have been a laugh out loud and uplifting read unfortunately fell flat for me for a variety of reasons.
Of course the reader would have every reason to despise Gabe’s behaviour and feel some sympathy for a woman who seems destined to be unlucky in love but I couldn’t warm to her character at all. As a writer of romantic fiction, poor Tess doesn’t believe she’ll ever get her happy ever after that she allows for those featuring in her novels but her ways of getting over a broken heart just seemed wildly irresponsible and not your average experience of a divorce/break up. She’s lucky being able to take off on a whim to indulge her passion for diving and has the support of her girlfriends but she comes across as quite selfish (which I accept is inevitable if you don’t have children!) I couldn’t really understand her exchanges with her uber competitive sister and why there was so much bad feeling between them and can only assume their significance was to accentuate Tess’s need to take control of her own destiny and happiness. I wanted to like her as heartache and divorce is a common problem and I wasn’t judging her necessarily for her behaviour post break up but it felt very cliched thinking another man needed to be part of the equation to make her happy.
I think it’s the style of writing which is full of American colloquialisms and also quite repetitive that meant I could never fully engage with Tess and her situation. It’s very predictable and if I’m honest not a lot happens post divorce apart from an awful lot of diving!!
Does Tess get her happy ever after with another love interest?? Maybe. All I can say is that I really wasn’t bothered one way or another whether the path of true love finally ran smooth. Perhaps it is the kind of undemanding read that suits a younger age bracket than myself (ie twenty or thirty somethings rather than fifty plus) and great as a beach read whilst sipping a cocktail or two.
Whilst it wasn’t quite to my taste I wish the author all the best and extend my thanks to the publisher and Pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read.

[Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is DAMN. The cover, title, and blurb give you a really clear feel for a fun, sassy-revenge tone, and I thought this would be a kind of dumb, lightly problematic or clichéd divorce story that would be a fun vacation read.

It was much, much better. I am truly shook by the past 24 hours, and glad I didn't get to it until after my trip. It is so good. It has everything I usually wish for in romance books, but have learned to accept I'll never get:

- toxic behavior is not romanticized
- characters do growth by going to therapy, past and present, and doing hard emotional things and expending effort on mature adult relationship skills
- supportive friends are actually supportive
- not supportive friends are recognized as not friends
- toxic family dynamic is NOT resolved by the main character learning to forgive and accept the abuse because "family"
- main relationship conflict driving the story is a reasonable, adult conflict: no one is abusive, it's just a tough situation that can't be fixed without serious compromise, but everyone is being respectful and loving
- main character learns what she wants for herself
- mc can enjoy being on her own
- mc has good things in her life, not just problems, and she worked hard for the good stuff over time
- mc recognizes her own role in harmful situations and focuses on her agency to change the future, but it NEVER goes to a shame or victim blaming place

While I'm not going through a breakup, I'm on a similar midlife recognizing you can meet your own needs and be great at it journey, with all the ups and downs and feelings that entails, and it really encouraged me in ways I didn't expect at all. At the very end, it's clear how much the author went on her own journey, and wanted to share what she'd gained.

It was a super wholesome and cathartic rainy day read, and a strong contender for my favorite non-toxic romance story ever. I'm sure it has flaws, but I'm too charmed to notice or care.

All that said, if you're looking for a "sexy bitch sleek revenge" story, this will disappoint you with its "awkward insecurity slow healing self acceptance" energy. There is a distinct, very intentional lack of conventional revenge. That cover is unfortunate.

[Ali Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually think I am a generous reviewer when it comes to star ratings but I just couldn't find enough to go beyond 2 stars here. It's not for me but might be for others so here goes...

It's an easy read in that there isn't much plot to wrap your head around and the style is pretty fluid. However, the lack of plot had me skimming large parts just to get to some 'action'.

Tess finds out her husband is cheating (don't get me started on the nickname Babers) so she ditches him and goes on a voyage of self discovery.
Other than arguments with her (horrendous) sister, a few adventures with friends, conversations with her gay BFFs, some sex and diving, there's not a lot else to this book.

It does explore relationships, and the nature of family relationships compared to those with friends and that's interesting.

However, and this is my BIG however... I thought I'd be reading a book about female empowerment and independence. Instead, I felt that Tess could only validate herself through relationships with men.

I didn't identify with a single chatacter. Her sister Vicki is truly horrid, her ex-husband Gabe is all sorts of toxic, a friend called Owen seems ok then turns out selfish.... As a Scotswoman, I also found Aiden, the hot Scot, to be inauthentic and his speech seemed to be what a non-Scot thinks we speak like.

Even when Tess reflects on her own strength and how she doesn't need men, her actions don't reflect it as much as I'd like. It just felt a bit Sex and The City pale imitation.

The title and cover made me think this was something it is not. Maybe if you go in expecting American style romance drama then you'll probably enjoy it.

Thanks to The Pigeonhole for providing access to this as an advanced copy in daily installments.

[Joanna McQueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to @thepigeonholehq and @triciaomalleyauthor and all the lovely readers for the engaging experience reading this book.

Tess, a scuba diving romance author, has been forced to re-evaluate everything. What was once a happy marriage, is no longer and Tess finds herself divorced, single and well a bit lost. Can she find herself while recovering from the unexpected divorce?
Or will she submit to the demands of her overbearing sister?
Will she find love again?

I will have to say that this ‘finding yourself after divorce’ novel is a bit typical and cliched. Yet, it was a lighthearted read and I enjoyed it. A lot of the time, I found myself nodding at the insights Tess made while discovering herself. These insights were, for me, what made the book. Without them, I think I would not have enjoyed it as much. Her path to self-discovery was, for the most part, enjoyable. Unfortunately, some of the characters were a bit flat and lacked a certain depth and others were comical and quite sweet. The settings were lovely and I enjoyed reading about Tess’s scuba dives, something I’ve always wanted to do. So a bit of reader envy was going on as I read.

Overall, I would recommend this book on the premise of it being a lighthearted ‘beach read’. So, if that is what you are looking for, I suggest you give this delightfully hopefully read a try.

[Elena Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

It been a long time since I've fallen wholeheartedly in love with a book, its characters, and its story.

I loved her simple and straightforward way of telling a story about getting divorced and finding true happiness, freedom and love again. This story is so rich, I found love, laughter, sadness, and hope for the future, all in one book. I just really wanted the character to succeed, so I binge read this book and enjoyed how honest the character was and how she let me into her world as she went through a continuing life changing experience. I got to see how she links her feelings now with the things she went through in the past. It's creating an entire narrative and a hope for others who share some part with her. The author wrote this self-discovery story in the most raw and beautiful way.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has good taste in books :)
I'm so glad I've found this book!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super cute, even though it was wrapped around a sensitive subject for some people.

Tess is highly loveable and headstrong, after she realizes her husband is a cheat and is a narcissistic a-hole, and drops him to live her best life. I am so happy she didn't end up with a certain friend character at the end.

Aiden is a new book boyfriend I will be adding to the list. If this book is inspired by her personal experiences then good for her! Love it!

Finished this off in a early morning reading sesh cause I wanted to know the end. As always, love it when there are dogs in a book, they add such love and comfort to any sad situation.

A must read for anyone going through a rough patch in love, whether it's divorce or any other struggles. I got this as a @Goodreads kindle Giveaway a WHILE back and I wish I had picked it up sooner. I will definitely be looking into more of this Author's books.

[Manali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Name of the book- Ms. Bitch
Finding happiness is the best revenge by Tricia O’Malley.
Stars given - 5 on 5 stars.
My take on the book-
I started this one with an head full of ache and a list full of to-do's.
Now some 4 hours later I am happy.
A story about how you can always bounce back with a handful of friends, a pair of lovely doggies and lots of courage.
There were a few characters that I absolutely hated and wanted to kick but Tess kept her cool, mostly, and moved on towards a happily ever after.
Me likey.

[Di Paterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The big thing about this feel-good novel is to manage your expectations. It's based on the author's life, so I think many of us ( I read it on the Pigeonhole app) expected something a little more dramatic than a rather cliched, easy-to-read romance. Once you've accepted that it's nothing more than that, it's not a bad read. Although I did find the characters to be rather one-dimensional, the style flows well, and it's a quick read. Perfect for the beach, or the bath. My thanks to the Pigeonhole and Tricia O'Malley for the opportunity to read the book.

[Rosy Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this. I wanted an easy read to counteract the world situation. Yes it was an easy read but do not think this is about a strong independent woman as the title implies. The only relationship that seemed real was with her sister. Very cliche and frothy.

[Nancye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came through on a Bookbub email and caught my attention. I decided that since it was on sale I would give it a try. The challenges faced by Tess are different, but there are some similarities to things I experience and see in life. I enjoyed reading about her journey and figuring herself out. It definitely hit home. Wish life worked things out as easily as they do within books.