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Ex in the City
Nicole Wilde’s life has not panned out how she expected.
Ten years ago when she was living the rock star lifestyle as a music journalist - touring the country, going to gigs and hanging out with celebrities - she never thought she would end up living an uneventful life in suburbia, in a relationship that is well past its sell-by date.
Nicole knows that her days of wild parties and tour buses are over, but yet there is something that keeps drawing her back to her old life. So when rock star Dylan King turns up on her doorstep needing her help to restore his public image, she can’t resist one last trip down memory lane.
But Nicole and Dylan's history is complicated. And when her old life and new life collide, she will soon realise that you can’t run away from your past forever, and sometimes you just have to follow your heart...
Ten years ago when she was living the rock star lifestyle as a music journalist - touring the country, going to gigs and hanging out with celebrities - she never thought she would end up living an uneventful life in suburbia, in a relationship that is well past its sell-by date.
Nicole knows that her days of wild parties and tour buses are over, but yet there is something that keeps drawing her back to her old life. So when rock star Dylan King turns up on her doorstep needing her help to restore his public image, she can’t resist one last trip down memory lane.
But Nicole and Dylan's history is complicated. And when her old life and new life collide, she will soon realise that you can’t run away from your past forever, and sometimes you just have to follow your heart...
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2024
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
59 books2,380 followersPortia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
March 13, 2024
Now, I love Portia Macintosh and her stories but truthfully this just wasn’t as great as the others I’ve read. It’s a nice easy read but I just didn’t fall in love with the characters or find myself losing hours reading it.
Without giving spoilers Nicole is married to an insta famous man and we follow their relationship and how everything sometimes isn’t as it seems on Instagram.
I’ll always read her books but this just wasn’t the best I’ve read.
Without giving spoilers Nicole is married to an insta famous man and we follow their relationship and how everything sometimes isn’t as it seems on Instagram.
I’ll always read her books but this just wasn’t the best I’ve read.
February 28, 2024
I will forever be grateful to Rachel's Random Resources for introducing me to Macintosh's books. To date this is the eleventh I've read and one of my favourites.
The perfect tonic for when you're feeling down, Macintosh writes the best romcoms EVER and you're guaranteed to finish the book with a smile on your face!
Ex in the City is a second chance romance with hijinx and hilarity along the way. It's part of a series - I had no idea but reads perfectly as a standalone.
I love the whole rockchick vibe I got from Nicole and when she hooked up with Dylan her whole persona changed and she became the person she was truly meant to be.
A highly enjoyable and entertaining read.
The perfect tonic for when you're feeling down, Macintosh writes the best romcoms EVER and you're guaranteed to finish the book with a smile on your face!
Ex in the City is a second chance romance with hijinx and hilarity along the way. It's part of a series - I had no idea but reads perfectly as a standalone.
I love the whole rockchick vibe I got from Nicole and when she hooked up with Dylan her whole persona changed and she became the person she was truly meant to be.
A highly enjoyable and entertaining read.
July 28, 2026
Listened on Audiobook.
Oh, I loved this one. So romantic. So fun. So cute. Too short! Honestly, I wish this was longer. I wanted more Dylan. And Nicole, she wasn't terrible, she was actually relatable.
Oh, I loved this one. So romantic. So fun. So cute. Too short! Honestly, I wish this was longer. I wanted more Dylan. And Nicole, she wasn't terrible, she was actually relatable.
August 27, 2025
2.5 stars
July 6, 2024
Listend to this as an audiobook on Spotify - really cute and easy, I quite enjoyed it
May 16, 2024
This was cute and entertaining but I didn’t love it as much as I have loved her other books. The characters were likeable and the setting was nice but I think it was the 1) second chance romance (never a fan; you broke up for a reason) and 2) all the cheating (past and present). Otherwise, it was a quick, easy read.
March 11, 2024
as much as i love second chance romance....this did not do it for me at all
March 23, 2024
DNF at 44%
It breaks my heart to DNF! I have loved this authors books which, until now, have been fun and hilarious vacation rom-coms. This book is a sharp departure (it’s much more serious and less funny) and boring.
I’m generally not a fan of “second chances” stories either. I should have quit sooner
It breaks my heart to DNF! I have loved this authors books which, until now, have been fun and hilarious vacation rom-coms. This book is a sharp departure (it’s much more serious and less funny) and boring.
I’m generally not a fan of “second chances” stories either. I should have quit sooner
August 21, 2024
Felt a little bit slow to get started but once the main plot of the book got started I really enjoyed this book. Uncomplicated characters, light hearted and uplifting.
March 4, 2024
Nicole was a music journalist back in the day who toured around and lived her life on her terms, going to gigs and hanging with the bands. But when her rockstar best friend Dylan was involved in a scandal, she decided it was time to put that life behind her and start fresh. Now she’s living with her partner of 3 years, Rowan, who is a social media influencer, and his children from his previous relationship. She never dreamed her life would be this mundane when she was living the rockstar life, but when her past comes calling again, it turns her whole life upside down.
This was a fun look at life behind the scenes at life in the music industry and life on the road. The characters were easy to get invested in and were relatable despite being famous and popular. I am a sucker for second chance romance so to watch Dylan and Nicole find their way back to each other again was a treat. There was a bunch of “will they or won’t they” because Nicole can’t forget what life was like back then, so can she fully trust Dylan? It really made Nicole think about the life she really wanted and who she wanted to spend it with.
This books speaks to all the moms who’ve traded in their designer bags for diaper bags and reminisce about the good old days when life is chaotic with kids schedules. Portia always writes stories with great heart and love and family, and this was no different. She has made me a fan for life.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
This was a fun look at life behind the scenes at life in the music industry and life on the road. The characters were easy to get invested in and were relatable despite being famous and popular. I am a sucker for second chance romance so to watch Dylan and Nicole find their way back to each other again was a treat. There was a bunch of “will they or won’t they” because Nicole can’t forget what life was like back then, so can she fully trust Dylan? It really made Nicole think about the life she really wanted and who she wanted to spend it with.
This books speaks to all the moms who’ve traded in their designer bags for diaper bags and reminisce about the good old days when life is chaotic with kids schedules. Portia always writes stories with great heart and love and family, and this was no different. She has made me a fan for life.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Did Not Finish
April 1, 2025DNF
Doesn't work for me. I'm at 30% on my Kindle and I'm already bored. One of my problems with this novel is the protagonist, Nicole. Now in her 30s, she is a former groupie for the rock bands (plural). She considers that period in her life as the happiest, most joyful existence. She feels nostalgic about it.
I, on the other hand, could never understand that culture of rock bands and their groupies. Even when I was young, it always felt pointless to me, utter stupidity on the parts of those empty-headed girls with shining eyes. In my view, you have to be a total nonentity, an empty mold, to be so much in love with those arrogant, drunken boys who played in those bands. Their songs had no melodies and no heartfelt poetry. It was mostly just writhing on stage, screaming disjointed words into the microphone, with lots of loud noise and blinding light effects. Argh!
I'm into classical music and classical musicians myself, so I can't sympathize with Nicole or any other groupie, former or current. Besides, the story seems only now to start in truth, so the first 30% appear to be simply a backstory. Why did I read it at all? It wasn't that interesting.
Doesn't work for me. I'm at 30% on my Kindle and I'm already bored. One of my problems with this novel is the protagonist, Nicole. Now in her 30s, she is a former groupie for the rock bands (plural). She considers that period in her life as the happiest, most joyful existence. She feels nostalgic about it.
I, on the other hand, could never understand that culture of rock bands and their groupies. Even when I was young, it always felt pointless to me, utter stupidity on the parts of those empty-headed girls with shining eyes. In my view, you have to be a total nonentity, an empty mold, to be so much in love with those arrogant, drunken boys who played in those bands. Their songs had no melodies and no heartfelt poetry. It was mostly just writhing on stage, screaming disjointed words into the microphone, with lots of loud noise and blinding light effects. Argh!
I'm into classical music and classical musicians myself, so I can't sympathize with Nicole or any other groupie, former or current. Besides, the story seems only now to start in truth, so the first 30% appear to be simply a backstory. Why did I read it at all? It wasn't that interesting.
January 26, 2024
I love Portia's books and this didn't disappoint either.
As with all of Portia's books there are some real laugh out loud moments. I really liked Dylan's reformed bad boy character and he was just so lovely.
Nicole faces up to some of her past memories and her journey is one that plenty of readers with be familiar with and it really makes her character shine.
Another wonderful read from Portia ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As with all of Portia's books there are some real laugh out loud moments. I really liked Dylan's reformed bad boy character and he was just so lovely.
Nicole faces up to some of her past memories and her journey is one that plenty of readers with be familiar with and it really makes her character shine.
Another wonderful read from Portia ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 27, 2024
ummmm this was interesting. i didn’t realise it was so rockstar themed when i started it. i feel like i would have ate this up in high school when i was into boy bands bc it’s kind of that vibe like relationship with the lead singer. overall didn’t rate it that much and some parts were kind of random. also just don’t feel like the writing was that great. i’ve read fanfictions with greater depth to them.
March 6, 2025
3 STARS
A perfect 3 star read. The writing was good, and the main characters all felt unique and interesting. The plot left something to be desired, but I did like the actual romance, Friends to lovers, 2nd chance, right person- wrong time, I enjoyed the tropes, I just
A perfect 3 star read. The writing was good, and the main characters all felt unique and interesting. The plot left something to be desired, but I did like the actual romance, Friends to lovers, 2nd chance, right person- wrong time, I enjoyed the tropes, I just
August 6, 2025
I can not stress enough how high I feel after reading a Portia Macintosh book. They are so uplifting it’s actually refreshing. I love the little messages she puts in the book which leaves you walking away with your head held high.
August 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book, I found it quite slow to begin with getting to know the storyline was quite slow paced. But it was cute, I like the characters. However it probably wasn’t my favourite Portia Macintosh book I’ve read sadly. But I can’t wait to read more of hers.
June 19, 2024
Probably more of a 3.5 stars. Got this for free from prime and it was perfect for what I was looking for - quick, easy and fun. I liked the two main characters but I wanted there to be more depth with them and with some of the other characters, felt like a bit was left out/not resolved.
July 19, 2024
absolutely hated sorry
July 21, 2024
A nice easy read
March 21, 2025
This was too repetitive and the emotional build-up between the protagonists wasn’t enough. I mainly finished this for the drama with the posh mums
April 24, 2026
Really not good. Don’t even have the words to say what i was feeling
March 27, 2024
I think I need to take a break from this author, New books keep popping up on my kindle but I feel the quality of the stories are just not there lately.
May 23, 2025
2⭐️ A quick easy read by the pool but pretty surface level and kinda boring, if I wasn’t laid in the sun I would’ve struggled to pick this back up.
January 3, 2025
cute little romcom, felt like i was 14 reading wattpad again (positive)
July 5, 2024
Meh was alright. Not my fav of portia’s book (sorry babe) I just didn’t feel like there was much of a story line no story arc ygm.
October 4, 2026
Really enjoyed this book from Portia, it was so good I read it in one sitting. Loved the characters, the setting and the storyline, would love to be able to see something else in the future with Nicole and Dylan.
March 5, 2024
thank you at netgalley for this ARC
RTC
RTC
January 9, 2024
So I was never really that into the Nicole Wilde books before - mostly because I always wanted her to end up with Dylan. I absolutely loved this, it was amazing to see them get their happy ever after and to see them both mature and overcome their issues.
Everything Portia Macintosh writes is golden and this is no exception. I get so excited every time I see a new book by her!
Everything Portia Macintosh writes is golden and this is no exception. I get so excited every time I see a new book by her!
May 19, 2024
Nicole and Dylan reunite after 10 years apart, and while the story was mostly predictable, this was my favourite part. It was comfortingly predictable with some light humour and a relatable fmc.
This is the second novel I've read from Portia Macintosh, and I will definitely read more.
This is the second novel I've read from Portia Macintosh, and I will definitely read more.
January 7, 2024
4.5 rounded up
'Ex in the City' is a second chance rom com about redemption, staying true to yourself and personal growth. Portia Macintosh has delivered a real treat for anyone who has read 'One Way or Another/Between a Rock Star and a Hard Place' and 'If We Ever Meet Again/How Not to Be Starstruck', featuring music journalist Nicole Wilde and her serial shagger rock star best friend Dylan King. This time Nicole and Dylan finally get their happy ending.
Ten years on, Nicole has left the chaos to live a more stable small town life with Rowan and his two sons and work in crisis management. But something is missing and her relationship is over, but she can't quite take the final leap to reclaim her old self. Just when she starts reminiscing about him, Dylan King returns.
I devoured this book (and then went back to re-read all my favourite parts). Nicole and Dylan slotted together again effortlessly. Dylan has undergone major personal growth. This is a much healthier Dylan trying to make up for past mistakes to win back Nicole. He's supportive and always there for Nicole in a way that she missed. Continuity wise, I'm also glad Macintosh addresses all the longstanding questions I had regarding their estrangement that was described in his cameo appearance in 'You Can't Hurry Love' (though there is one slight error but its unimportant).
This book is probably one of her more 'darker' books in that Macintosh tackles some serious issues, such as the misogyny and toxic behaviour Nicole experienced or witnessed. Dylan's addiction issues are also sensitively tackled.
There were some minor pacing and plotting issues, though. The first five chapters could've done with some cuts of some overly long descriptions and the domestic/school run mum stuff. I'd have loved to have seen Nicole stop being a doormat with all the housewife/parenting she did for a thankless Rowan. I'd rather more on the tour-related stuff. Some plot lines also not quite resolved, such as married Mikey's tour behaviour. It just seemed like a missed opportunity not to delve further into how the band could make it work after all the recrimination, coupled with a healthier Dylan dealing with the bands' reclamation of their old partying ways.
This is a book that just made me happy when I finished it, that I was left wanting more (I'd be happy for a bonus epilogue (hint). Portia - thank you! I'd been waiting for this book and I've not been disappointed. I will be getting both the book and audiobook so I can re-live it.
Thanks to Boldwood and NetGalley for the ARC.
'Ex in the City' is a second chance rom com about redemption, staying true to yourself and personal growth. Portia Macintosh has delivered a real treat for anyone who has read 'One Way or Another/Between a Rock Star and a Hard Place' and 'If We Ever Meet Again/How Not to Be Starstruck', featuring music journalist Nicole Wilde and her serial shagger rock star best friend Dylan King. This time Nicole and Dylan finally get their happy ending.
Ten years on, Nicole has left the chaos to live a more stable small town life with Rowan and his two sons and work in crisis management. But something is missing and her relationship is over, but she can't quite take the final leap to reclaim her old self. Just when she starts reminiscing about him, Dylan King returns.
I devoured this book (and then went back to re-read all my favourite parts). Nicole and Dylan slotted together again effortlessly. Dylan has undergone major personal growth. This is a much healthier Dylan trying to make up for past mistakes to win back Nicole. He's supportive and always there for Nicole in a way that she missed. Continuity wise, I'm also glad Macintosh addresses all the longstanding questions I had regarding their estrangement that was described in his cameo appearance in 'You Can't Hurry Love' (though there is one slight error but its unimportant).
This book is probably one of her more 'darker' books in that Macintosh tackles some serious issues, such as the misogyny and toxic behaviour Nicole experienced or witnessed. Dylan's addiction issues are also sensitively tackled.
There were some minor pacing and plotting issues, though. The first five chapters could've done with some cuts of some overly long descriptions and the domestic/school run mum stuff. I'd have loved to have seen Nicole stop being a doormat with all the housewife/parenting she did for a thankless Rowan. I'd rather more on the tour-related stuff. Some plot lines also not quite resolved, such as married Mikey's tour behaviour. It just seemed like a missed opportunity not to delve further into how the band could make it work after all the recrimination, coupled with a healthier Dylan dealing with the bands' reclamation of their old partying ways.
This is a book that just made me happy when I finished it, that I was left wanting more (I'd be happy for a bonus epilogue (hint). Portia - thank you! I'd been waiting for this book and I've not been disappointed. I will be getting both the book and audiobook so I can re-live it.
Thanks to Boldwood and NetGalley for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews