Tricked by my Ex

Fun for the Holiday's #10

by J. Sterling

New York Times bestselling author J. Sterling brings you this hauntingly fun second chance romance! What happens when you can't get over the one who got away? Come find out!


Seven years ago, my boyfriend broke up with me over the phone. The worst part was, I never even saw it coming. At first, I figured he'd regret it and come racing back to me, begging for my forgiveness. But when that never happened, I realized that I needed to put Tyson Hunter behind me and move on with my life.

Getting over a guy like him was easier said than done. Especially when I couldn't seem to avoid his face. He was on billboards, commercials, magazine covers and movie posters. I guess that's what happens when your ex is a famous actor.


Dumping Eve was the worst mistake of my life and I'd do anything to take it all back. That's why I showed up tonight, at an event that she planned, hoping for a second chance to make things right.

But how do I make up for seven years of silence?

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Novella, Holiday, Second Chance Romance, Audiobook, Halloween

159 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2023

About the author

J. (jenn) Sterling is a New York Times and USA Today best selling author of multiple contemporary romances. She lives in California with her only son, Blake. If you can't find her sitting behind a computer screen writing new stories, then there's a good chance she's sitting in the bleachers of a baseball stadium watching him play.

Jenn enjoys traveling to new places, meeting her readers and spending time with the love of her life, the one & only, Jack F'n Carter! Oh yeah, it's true. <3

Stay in touch with Jenn here:
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/619557...
Website: http://www.jsterlingbooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJSterling
Instagram & TikTok: @AuthorJSterling

Reviews

[Caroline Rohem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book and was happy to get an advanced copy. But, unfortunately, it wasn't quite my cup of tea. I generally liked it, but there were a few things that bothered me.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore these quick, sweet romance reads from Jen.

Tricked By My Ex is quick, steamy second chance romance that readers will love.

I won't say much because the blurb gives you what need to know and readers will devour this story quickly.

Jen has truly nailed these novella-like stories all the while, still delivering the right amount of angst/drama and romance into the story line.

Tricked By My Ex is the perfect read for the Halloween season.

[Christina Bellardino · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books aren’t great but they are quick and easy reads. LOL. I like the idea of a book for each month so I will continue the series. See ya next month !

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance romance was so cute and left me with a smile on my face. Eve and Tyson were a couple back in college, but a job opportunity pulled Tyson away and he thought it would be best if they ended things. Eve was heartbroken and had never truly moved on from their split, but apparently Tyson hadn't either. Years later when an opportunity presents itself, Tyson tries to fix the damage that he caused when he has a chance to "bump" into Eve. Things don't seem like they will end with a HEA, but eventually they get there and it's amazing. I loved the story and the characters, the only thing I would have liked to see was a little more in depth look into the characters themselves, along with their back story. Overall, I thought this was a super quick, easy read.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve has never got over Tyson, the one that got away. She wished she could but his face was everywhere! As a famous actor he was doing well. He had broken her heart just before his career took off.

Eve had been arranging a Halloween party for one of clients and he was insisting she attends, not something she usually did. On this occasion she relented and decided to have some fun with her costume.

The last person that Eve expected to see at the party was her ex Tyson, but the way her got to talk to her was very sneaky and she most certainly was tricked by her ex. For all it hurt, all she wanted from Tyson was closure - but would she get it?

Great short story, for the collection.

[Elizabeth Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is better than a second chance, absolutely nothing especially if it’s Eve & Tyson’s story.
When your College Sweethearts you think that life can’t get any better but when one person ups and leaves for something better not even looking back your can’t help your heart hurting for a long time.
When you run a successful business and have a great life you think that all is going great but when that one person reappears in your life so unexpectedly is it worth taking that chance once again or is it better to walk away.
Eve & Tyson have history that can’t be denied and if you’re willing to put your heart on the line once again you just might find that HEA that you always knew you could have.

[Ginger_BrownieReads “Michelle aka Chely” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving these novellas!
This is one has been my favorite of the two from J. Sterling I've read. I wish this was a full novel because I want all the details!

******* MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS **********


Quick recap:
College sweethearts breakup, he moves across the country to become famous and breaks up with her over VIDEO! 7 years later, travels back to the West coast to attend a Halloween party for ONE reason and one reason only. To win back "the one that got away".
I decided I wont give up more LOL
Her BFF is a mood and I loved her too!

[Jess - Reader of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

🎃second chance romance
🎃celebrity romance
🎃Halloween vibes
🎃titled chapters
🎃it’s always been you
🎃star wars

“If timing truly is everything, what if this is finally yours?”

Short and sweet. I’m a goner for second chance romance. There’s something about missed opportunities and the fight to get one more.🖤

This was just what I needed to get into my Halloween mode 👻 Can we fall in love with a book’s vibes? Because I think I am. I also need to have her decorate my (non-existing) party because I need to see first hand this vision of hers. 😜

If you’re looking for a short, halloweenish romance, here you go. Enjoy little witches 😁 (although this is not a witchy read… I’m just in a witchy Halloween mood 😎)

[Simone Haeseler · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice little, kind of short story about an ex, who wants to get back together and admitted, that he did wrong in the past. She never got over him and wants closure. It was pretty short but nice. Personally I think they were to young and it was for the best, who knows, if she had her successful business otherwise, and she forgave him to fast. All in all not complicated short book for a rainy sunday.

[Stacey Glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet happily ever after. Loved this one. It reminded me of Mike and I’s story of coming back to each other. This is a 12 book series, one book for each month/holiday. They don’t follow the same people, they are each stand alone novellas and a lot of fun!!

[taylor abernathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a good themed book based on seasons and I like how fast of a read this was, but because it was such a short story it felt so rushed with so many missing prices. I also feel like it didn’t really incorporate the season of Halloween/fall all that much either😢

[Shawna Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! Quick! And perfect for Halloween season!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this couple! Not too much drama and an awesome best friend. What more could a girl ask for.

[Clara Martinez Turco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricked by my Ex was a fun, quick and engaging read. Perfect for this time of the year, when life gets crazy and busy. It's part of Fun For the Holidays, a refreshing series that has made me a fan of J. Sterling. Each book offers the right amount of tension, scorching scenes and happy endings.

Tyson is perfect in his cockiness and sneakiness. The way he planned to approach Eve at the Halloween party was pure genius. Let's face it: anything Star Wars is cool, and the fact that he used their love for the franchise plus his actor skills to trick her was hilarious and adorable. And yeah, it was imperative for him to grovel.

But there is no question that these two belong to each other. Kudos to Eve for standing her ground, even when everything was screaming at her to go to Tyson asap. Heartbreaks are always hard, and if you are still holding a grudge... Well, I'm not opposed to letting the other person sweat it. I also adored that while Tyson is a famous and sought-after actor, Eve is a career and successful woman. She has a business to run and is on equal terms with Tyson.

The greedy reader in me wants to say that I would have liked this book to be longer. I wouldn't have minded reading every little detail of their story. But the truth is that the book length is perfect, and J. Sterling is a master of giving a complete and well rounded story in fewer pages.

[Daniele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances for me are EVERYTHING! Tricked by my Ex doesn’t not fail to give you just that. J. Sterling brings us all the feels.

Eve tries to convince herself that she is over her ex, Tyson but she’s not that good at that. Lucky for her, he doesn’t live near her anymore. Or so she thinks. Tyson knew he was a fool but after all this time can he get her back!?

This book is for all the hopeless romantics out here. Who believe love will conquer all. Who love seeing redemption and forgiveness. Who just really love love. This is one you need to read!

[Lopke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't want to come off as rude, but I seriously can't phrase this differently other than this whole novella is my ick.
I'll leave out my whole rant, but I'll insert a little excerpt here:

𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩, 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘥. “𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.” 𝘛𝘺𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘥. “𝘜𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰.”
“𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳?” 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. “𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵—𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵—” 𝘐 𝘬𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘰��𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. “𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳.”

[Breanna - IG: booksandbaddies_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance romance with a touch of Halloween! Such a cute, quick read for us hopeless romantics. Seven years after Tyson broke up with Eve to pursue his career he wants her back. This was so heartfelt and you can feel all the love from the characters who never got over each other.

I was given an Arc by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Laura Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute easy read. I loved the main character Eve. She was very much relatable. JJ was also someone I loved! She really is like my own best friend and says what she thinks. If you want a good easy read try this book.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

I’ve never been able to move on past you, Eve.

If you're looking for a quick but satisfying novella, look no further. Now admittedly I'm not usually a novella girly but it's been ages since I've read a J Sterling book and I needed a fix. And boy am I glad I did.

This is a steamy second chance romance with plenty of feels layered in for an entirely satisfying HEA.

Eve and Tyson were college sweethearts and Eve was convinced Tyson was her endgame, until the chance of a life time for Tyson made him walk away. But neither has been able to fully move on from the other. Now Tyson is a Hollywood golden boy and Eve is a successful party planner/decorator. So what's a man to do when he wants another chance with the woman that is just as likely to murder him when she sees him? Trick her into attending a halloween party where he dresses in an unrecognizable costume for a chance to speak with her.

This is a shorty but it still hit every spot and the HEA was so satisfying! If you're looking for a quick read for spooky season, this is it!

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricked By My Ex by J. Sterling is book ten in her Fun For The Holidays series of novellas. This is a delightful second chance, rom com, standalone, short story about Eve and Tyson. They met in college and fell in love but even though he broke her heart neither have moved on. How could they when they couldn’t let the other go?

Eve is a very successful event designer, working for celebrities and Hollywood’s elite. She is currently working on a Halloween event for a client who keeps asking her to attend the party. She reluctantly agrees because she is positive her ex is away filming. It has been seven years since Tyson suddenly ended their relationship to pursue his acting career but he is still constantly in her thoughts. She’d held onto the hope they would find their way back to each other but he’d not reached out once in all those years. He is now a famous actor and his picture is everywhere so she is constantly remind of him. Her best friend JJ helps her get ready and off she goes.

Tyson has pulled strings to get an invite to the party and is unidentifiable in his costume. He is desperate to explain everything to her if she’ll give him a chance. She was the best thing to ever happen to him but he messed up by walking away. He has never stopped thinking about her and been waiting years to try and make things right.

She dresses up as Ahsoka and a guy dressed as Anakin chats to her. She’s sure he’s an actor and explains she has issues with actors! He captivates her with his story over why he is at the party.
She gets the shock of her life when his identity is revealed and leaves. Tyson knows she loved him before the fame so he hopes she still loves him? Will she give him a chance to explain?
Have they both missed each other and could two kids who fell in love in college find their way back to each other as adults and give their love a second chance? A sweet, fun quick read.

[FG (Lectoradepantalla) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“First loves weren’t easy to get over. Especially when you felt like you had no closure.”

Un romance ideal para este mes.

Hace siete años a Eve la dejaron por teléfono, ella aún no lo ha superado. Tyson, por su lado, se arrepiente cada día por esa decisión, así que buscara una segunda oportunidad.

“When it came to matters of the heart, we simply weren’t logical creatures. We turned into people we didn’t always recognize and thought things we’d never normally think. In the end, we all just wanted to be loved.”

Amo el cliché de segundas oportunidades, me parece que, en argumentos donde no se involucre la infidelidad o maltrato, es un tópico lindísimo de abordar. Eso es lo que nos ofrece esta novela, un romance donde por decisiones profesionales una pareja que era perfecta termina rota.



Los personajes me gustaron, si bien no han sido de mis favoritos de la serie, puedo decir que los disfruté mucho al final. Me agradó la manera tan sana y cero complicada en como las cosas se resolvieron, también lo bien que la autora logra plasmar la evolución de los protagonistas en tan pocas páginas.

“Being a woman was hard enough, but being your own boss and running a financially successful company took it to another level.”

Y, aunque es un poco empalagosa, no me molesto ni aburrió para nada. Una vez la empiezas te aseguro que no la podrás soltar. Se lee en un suspiro.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricked By My Ex is an entertaining second chance romance releasing as part of the Fun for the Holidays series of novellas by J. Sterling. Eve’s been trying to get over her ex-boyfriend Tyson since he dumped her over the phone seven years ago. Unfortunately, that’s a little hard to do when his famous face is on billboards all over the place! When she agrees to attend a client’s Halloween costume party, she never dreamed she would run into Tyson. Will she finally get the closure she needs, or will Tyson convince her that they are meant to be together.

For such a short story, this book really had some fantastic characters! While I’m somewhat of a cynic and would probably be much harder on Tyson for his past actions, I appreciated the way he took responsibility, and the way he went all in with the wooing. He definitely proved to be swoon worthy, and he and Eve brought the perfect amount of steam. JJ was an awesome best friend, and made laugh, and I loved Ransom as well. I’ve found when reading more than one of this author’s novellas that the supporting characters are so compelling, I wish they could get their own book! If you’re looking for a fast-paced, low drama, fun story with a great epilogue, give this book a chance!! You won’t be disappointed!!

I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#TrickedByMyEx #JSterling #FunfortheHolidays #SecondChance #ContemporaryRomance #bookish #readersofinstagram #readersofig #bookworm #bookrecs #bookreview #arcreviews #arcreader #ARCreview #NewRelease

[Jaime Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg and eve… that’s where we start! Greg, who’s in the entertainment circles hiring a well sought out decorator who’s ex is a star. What could go wrong? It’s been 7 years since Eve and Tyson moved on and haven’t seen each other. So what’s one Halloween party full of treats and no tricks!

I love a good holiday themed book. But I geeked out when the mention of Star Wars was brought up. No spoilers so you will have to read for yourself. But Eve is spot on with her view on that situation. Also love the her universe shout out! Also huge plus when the author does their research and the facts are correct in the book.

Moving on..

Eve: I’m going to say we all have that one person in our lives where at one point we wonder, did the right one get away. For eve, it should be a no brainer since she’s on the end of a heartbreak.

Tyson knows what he lost but are his efforts enough to win back the one that got away? Is game better than love? Well unfortunately for Tyson…Only eve can decide that.

JJ.. is that one friend we all have/need in our lives. Or we might even be that friend.

People can change but love can cloud your judgment. And that’s the real trick everyone needs to look out for. But in the end there may be a sweet treat for everyone.

I really enjoyed this book. I love quick reads and long reads but this was a quick one and a great one.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyson and Eve were together in college until his Hollywood break caused him to leave her behind.
Eve, never really got over him, yes she moved on with life and her career, but love wasn’t a part of it.
A Halloween party gives Tyson a chance to be in the same space as Eve; the girl he never should have left, the one he still loves, and he’s going to do everything he can to convince her to give him a second chance.
Wonderful, down-to-earth characters. Strong, determined women who can be a boss but still want love in their life. And swoony men, who know when they’ve got a good thing (even if it takes a while to get their act together).

JJ is a fun, breath of fresh air and her advice is sound.
“Because, Eve, you’re acting like this is life or death,” she said overdramatically, clearly making fun of my mental state. “I hate to break it to you, but it’s a ”—“ relationship. They come and go. Sometimes, they work out, but most of the time, they don’t. Think about it. We get our heart broken, and then we give it to someone else, hoping they don’t do the same thing. But if they do, we heal, move on, give our heart away again, and the cycle continues.”

A fun, engaging story, with a heartache beginning, humour, grovelling, spice and a cute HEA.
I truly recommend this one, in fact I recommend the whole series.

Thank you to The Next Step PR.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this, but I kept getting pulled out of the story by how badly it was written. Clunky sentences and a lot of odd detail in the descriptions and exposition. What do I care if the MMC kicks one foot up on the dash while he reads a text?

Also, the author seems fatally attracted to clichés. A romance author should never describe hair as cascading, just never. It's up there with darkening eyes and ragged breaths. But this author doesnt seem to have ever avoided a cliché. In fact, why have one in a sentence when you can squeeze in two or three?

The clichés lessened once they sat down to talk, but that's when it really lost me. The conversation didn't seem like one that two people in their situation would have. They haven't seen each other in 7 years and he wants to apologise and ask for a second chance. So obviously he starts by talking about a career decision he wants to make. And she, who does not work in his industry, listens attentively and gives some advice. Okaaaaay. Then when they finally do talk about it, it's not a very satisfying conversation from the reader's point of view. And there's a lot of focus on drinking water.

Not a single character in this seemed like a real person, sorry. Not for me.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a second chance romance for party planner Eve and Hollywood star Tyson in Tricked By My Ex. They were college sweethearts with everything in front of them only for Tyson to dump her when he got his big break with a part in a show based in New York, but he’s always regretted the one who got away. Now settled in his career he’s determined to win Eve back no matter what it takes. Meanwhile Eve, now a successful business owner doesn’t seem to have ever gotten over him especially after Tyson broke up with her over the phone. Will this be her chance to finally get closure and move on with her life.

This was a fun and flirty read with fantastic characters. Perhaps Eve forgave Tyson a bit too quickly for my liking but her thought process behind it was plausible and showed it wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. I would’ve liked a little more angst and more background to their lives in the intervening years but then I suppose that would’ve involved fleshing this novella out to a full-length novel. Still this book was a great way to spend a rainy afternoon and just saying I’d love to read more about JJ and Ransom.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Seven years ago Eve's boyfriend broke up with her over the phone. She didn't have a clue this was going to happen so it was a shock. She kept waiting for him to come to his senses and beg for forgiveness, but he never does it. The time has come to get over Tyson Hunter and move on with her life. However this is no easy feat since she keeps seeing his face on billboards, commercials, magazine covers and movie posters. He is after all a very famous actor. Little does she know that dumping her was Tyson's biggest regret. He would give anything to go back to that time but now he is at an event that she planned hoping for his second chance to make things right. However he has been totally silent when it comes to her so he has a big task in front of him. This is a quick read. One that you can read in one sitting. It is perfect for the Halloween season since the event in this book is a Halloween party she has planned.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was all going so well until it wasn't...

Tricked by my Ex is a second chance romance novella that was great until it wasn't. I could ignore the cliches because I'm a sucker for angst and pining. I could ignore stalkery vibes from the MMC recognizing the limited space of a novella to get things done. I could accept the FMC's perspective and actions and even thought they were quite mature. What I could not accept was reading the last chapter and epilogue that felt like a completely different book to me. The ridiculous--and quite frankly upsetting--things that were said and done during those last two sections completely downgraded the book for me and kind of left a sour taste in my mouth. But up to that point, this could've been a 4/4.5 star quick read.

I received a free ARC of this book.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute quick second chance at love story about Tyson and Eve. These two dated in college and both thought they’d be together for life and Tyson’s ambition to become an actor lands him a job, he calls Eve and breaks her heart. Eve does what she can to move forward and creates her own successful decorating company and meets some unique customers along the way. Eve has never been able to move past Tyson as she sees him everywhere - movies, billboards, bus etc. Tyson knows his life is missing a partner and goes all out to reconnect with Eve! With her easy going manner she has a revealing conversation with a stranger at her clients party only to be tricked by his voice and costume finding out it’s Tyson. Their undeniable chemistry and love for one another gives them a second chance at genuine love!

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This is a fun holiday novella set in the back drop of a Halloween party.

Eve and Tyson were college sweethearts. Tyson was an aspiring actor, he left one day to attend an audition and never returned. He broke Eve's heart and she has spent the last 7 years trying to get over him and failing.

Little does Eve know, but Tyson regrets his choice to break up with her and is looking for a way to get her back.

Eve is an event planner and her current client insists that she attends his Halloween party that she is designing. She normally doesn't attend the parties that she plans, but this time she gave in. She did not expect to see Tyson there although he did deceive her, got her to talk to him as he was unrecognizable in his costume. She was very much tricked by her ex!

This was a sweet second chance romance and is the perfect novella for the season!