Better Than Your Ex's Dad

by Ava Munroe

Hooking up with Matthew wasn’t intentional revenge on my part. But when my ex cheated and his gorgeous firefighter dad ran to my rescue, three years of pent-up attraction bubbled over.

Both of us agreed this was just a little something to blow off steam. We’d never revisit the encounter again (dirty dreams don’t count, right?).

Imagine my horror when my ex goes radio silent and forces all communication to channel through his father. Now I’m stuck sorting through our bills and rental agreement… as well as some photographic evidence that lingers on from my moment with Matthew (hook-up in no way endorsed by iCloud).

Nothing about this situation is simple. Matthew’s never had a great relationship with his son, and he’s afraid to endanger any progress he’s made with Josh.

As for me, I’m determined not to be the first of Josh’s exes to fall head over heels again. Like the great T. Swift said, “Karma is my boyfriend”… not my ex’s dad.

But every time Matthew and I tell each other it’s the last time, things catch fire again.

Can you sleep with the father if his son screwed you over?

Unknown Binding

About the author

Ava Munroe is a former television critic who is currently living in Arizona, but pining away for her dreamy childhood in small town Georgia. When she's not forcing her husband and twin toddlers to travel back to the East coast with her, you can find her chugging Coca-Cola, spoiling her German Shepherd, or binge-watching Yellowjackets (seriously, you have to start watching that show if you're not already). Her sexy small town romances pack in the humor and heart, while also providing a mental escape to Ava's favorite place on earth: the deep south.

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relationships are Complicated . . .

The attraction for Matthew Everton, the newest firefighter at Button FD, started 3 years earlier when he watched a woman at the bar. She was drinking her second bourbon when a group of women came in and called her name. She and her friends went to find a table, while Matthew stared at the small amount of bourbon at the bottom of her glass and clenched his jaw as he sipped his water. The bartender walks over and tells him someone is watching out for him, pointing to a high top where a woman is holding a glass of water just as he is. When he keeps staring, she gets up and walks to his table. She recommended peanuts… it worked for her uncle and he’s been able to stay sober. When she takes credit for rescuing him, their lively banter starts and both are obviously enjoying themselves… at least until Josh walks in and says, “Oh, you two already met!” Alexis Anderson was his son Josh’s girlfriend, there to meet Josh’s father!

After being with Josh for 4 years, their breakup sets Alexis off. She had found evidence on Facebook when someone pointed her in that direction. Her newfound female friends, who had each been victimized by Josh becoming the guy they needed, arrived at her apartment and carry out her get-even plot after they formed the “Better Than Josh Everton Club”. She gathers all the things he had ever gotten her or she had gotten him, including his cherished vinyl collection to stuff them in a couple duffels while the girls changed the locks, the garage door opener, and her security code. Marie was just finishing up on the door lock and jumped back in shock as Matthew – the property owner -- stood on the other side of the door. Will Matthew and Alexis start a relationship now that she is free of her ex? And when they can’t stay away from each other, how will they react when Josh wants her back?

Things were a little confusing for me when I couldn’t quite get the timing right in my head. But I hope I got the facts right anyway!

[T Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC honest Review
4.75 stars
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Ex's Dad, 20+ year age-gap
Dual PoV
Better than Josh Everton Club series

*over 18 readers only *

Trigger warnings
Alcoholism
Adoption
Parental Abandonment
3rd act break

The book starts 3 years ago with Matthew in a bar. He's 6 months sober and a small slip of a girl/woman strikes up a conversation with him. The banter between them is awesome. Alexis (22) is actually Josh's girlfriend, though. Matthew had just almost asked her out. The meeting just got awkward. Then the book jumps 3 years to where the club is formed. Matthew accidentally sent her a *spicy* pic, then a few days later, made himself go see her about something he knew about Josh. He didn't get around to actually telling her what it was because she had already found out about his cheating and was changing the locks when he got there. He was witness to their breakup due to Josh arriving. He went back to check on her after trying to leave, but that led to a very hot make-out session on her porch. They try really hard to fight their attraction. Just as things start heating up, Josh decides he wants her back. Matthew never told her what he knew about Josh. But when Josh catches them in the act, will it even matter? Will Matthew chose her or his son?


The side storyline about her existence and birth parents was heartbreaking. There's always more to the characters of Ava's books than just the love story. The small start to redemption of Josh at the end was nice. I'm still hoping the rest of the club gets a story (especially Marnie), along with Tom and the dance partner having an aside in the next book. I did love the little back and forth about Tom and Pongo.

[Ridim Buk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally started reading this book because I needed something to read during breaks at work and the one I was reading was a MFMM hella spicy book that was way too much to read around my coworkers. This book ended up being not much better 😂

I really loved Matthew and thought he was so sweet, but also bloody hot. He destroyed so many pieces of Alexis clothes that I have no idea how she had any left. And like, what did she wear between when he ripped them from her body and when she made it home? Did she carry around spares with her, just in case he got the urge to rip? So many questions. It was hot though.

It was a good, fun time without too much heavy drama and lots of “we really shouldn’t be doing this” while also doing a lot of it.

Thank you to the author for the ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Age suggestion: 18+

[Book_barbie_87_o · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved every book in this series but this one has been my favourite 🤤😍
This book is based on Josh's long term girlfriend who finds out through her friend sending her a facebook post that her boyfriend is cheating on her...and with multiple women.
Unbelievably that's actually a side story in the plot, the main plot focuses on Alexis realising that she has fallen in love with Matthew Josh's dad - who she actually met moments before being introduced to him as her boyfriends dad and had an instant attraction to.
Matthew is a dirty talking, fireman whose battling his own demons and the shame he falls for falling in love his sons ex girlfriend.
As with the other books there is lots of laugh out loud moments, plenty of spicy scenes and a hea.

*honest arc review

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any rebound relationship can be thorny but it is extra complicated when that rebound is with your ex's father. When Alexis and Matthew met their interaction was easy from the start but that was also when he realized she was with his son. Then they break up and Matthew and Alexis wind up in circumstances that encourage them to act on their attraction. Are they doomed by the close connection each has had to the ex? This story was well written and certainly made me think about what I would do from each of their perspectives given the tricky situation.

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

[Dee Mac]

Alexis meets Matthew at a bar while waiting for her boyfriend, their conversation is easy and he’s about to ask her out when his son, Josh arrives - Alexis’s boyfriend!
When she finds out Josh has been cheating the Club help her reclaim her independence. But that connection with Matthew turns into way more, and although they try to resist neither can ignore the pull.
Lots of fun, romance, steamy-spice and a great HEA. Another brilliant addition to this fun series and I look forward to more.

I received a copy from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Rae Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis and Matthew met in a bar and had an instant connection. That spark is put on hold when Josh shows up, and introduces his father (Matthew) to his new girlfriend (Alexis). So when Josh is caught cheating on Alexis with multiple women, it’s hard to prevent that spark from igniting.

Alexis and Matthew’s story is nothing short of a five alarm fire. Laughs, love, and a HEA!.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Better Than Josh Everton Club, this is Josh, his father Matthew and Alexis's story. Matthew and Alexis first meet in a bar and then again while Josh cheats on her. I enjoyed reading their story and seeing them get get their happy ending with their ups and downs. This is a new Author to me.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love, love, love Matthew and Alexis... this is their story... a fast paced rom/com drama... they meet and it's insta until, Josh, his son comes and introduces her as his girlfriend... oh... then, Josh cheats and has been cheating and it's over for them... but... Matthew is there.. has been there all along... well... so good !!!.

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

[Willie-mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading author Ava Munroe’s books and I became a fan! This was very well written, engaging, sexy and entertaining story! It held my attention from the beginning until the end! There were some laugh out loud moments, lots of steam but also a lot of emotions.

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

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This love story is crazy! I enjoyed every minute of it though! very intense story but it was a great ending and amazing love story!.

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

[Mylene Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attraction to her ex's dad is one thing but to act on it is another. But to find out it is reciprocated, where is this all going to lead? A good intriguing read.

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Than Your Ex's Dad: A Small Town Age Gap Romance story of Matthew and Alexis..wonderful,entertaining,steamy and enjoyable..A silver fox and the woman who rock his world and the former GF of his son..

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

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Ms. Munroe's stories...they're always well written and have great characters. I don't usually read ex's dad stories but this was a good story.

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

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexis and Matthew hit it off when they met in a bar, too bad he was her new boyfriend’s dad. When Josh is caught cheating years later, Matthew is there for Alexis which turns into a hot night together. Could this be the start of something amazing? What will Josh say when he finds out?

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the romance between Matthew and Alexa, but I loved the women in the Better than Josh Everton Club - what a way to start a group friendship!

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

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Great characters, a good storyline, the chemistry was so good, and I liked the ending. Very enjoyable. Such a great read.

[Traversingfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't just read for the 🌶... this dip into the Better Than Josh Everton series from @avamunroewrites has been in my hand all day, jumping in and out of the story as tasks allowed - which (to me) is a sign of a great book.