Ex in the City

by Portia MacIntosh

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...

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Rom Com, Contemporary, Adult, Second Chance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2024

About the author

Portia 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

Reviews

[Jane Couttie · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[nina♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Katarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listend to this as an audiobook on Spotify - really cute and easy, I quite enjoyed it

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[sri · Rating 2 out of 5]

as much as i love second chance romance....this did not do it for me at all

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Olga Godim]

DNF
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.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Charlotte Dorge · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jai Chalke · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 didn't enjoy how it ended with Rowen. It felt too neatly wrapped up, and too convenient? The ending honestly knocked a whole star off for me, I don't know what I was expecting but it was just lackluster.

[Vikki ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Julia Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

absolutely hated sorry

[Sara Houston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice easy read

[Anna Senk · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Abigail Haythorne · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[breanna foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute little romcom, felt like i was 14 reading wattpad again (positive)

[Amelia Pedder · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you at netgalley for this ARC

RTC

[Becka · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Yahhh · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved!

**contains spoilers**

This book was just what I needed to read on a rainy day like today. This second chance love story had me laughing and smiling.

Nicole Wilde lives with her boyfriend, Rowan, and his two boys from his late wife. Nic has been his girlfriend for the past three years. Rowan is a social media influencer, whatever he does, his camera is always present. Even cooking dinner. A few months ago, Nic caught Rowan in a pyramid scam. He took money from HER savings account to invest without her permission. When she found out, she knew that their relationship was over. She couldn't trust him anymore. She moved out of their bedroom into a guestroom and only stayed to help him clean up his mess. Nic is a PR/Crisis management expert. She cleans up scandals for corporations. She never thought that she'd be doing it for her own boyfriend.

When Nic was in her 20's, she was a journalist and owned a newspaper dedicated to musicians. She would go on tour with bands and see what it was like to live the life of a rock star. She met her best friend that way, Dylan King. He was the lead singer of a big band. She hasn't heard or seen him in a decade. Because of Dylan's many crazy antics, she became amazing at cleaning up others messes. So when she left the music world she started her own firm.

When Dylan shows up at her front door one morning she's so shocked, she slams the door in his face. He wants to hire her because the band is doing a reunion tour and he needs to be on his best behavior. She gladly accepts the job. Rowan feels threatened because he never knew about their friendship, so he starts acting all affectionate towards Nic.

When Nic goes with Dylan to London for a few days for a show, she realizes that she's in love with him. But she doesn't know how much he's really changed. After a misunderstanding and a photo of a blonde is released to the public, everyone thinks it's her. She wasn't even there, she went to bed early.

When Dylan tracks her down back at her home at 3am he begs her to talk to him. She gives in and he explains that the picture wasn't of him, it was his married brother. But Dylan took the fall so his brother could come clean to his wife first. Then Dylan told Nic that he was in love with her and he wanted to make a life together.

A must read!!

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story about settling or finding true love.

Nicole was a huge fan of rock n roll bands. And in high school she started a magazine for fans. She was friends with several different bands and they let her go on tour with them. She skipped school a lot to go. But she was caught up in the lifestyle of the concerts & party scene. They never treated her differently and a lot of the time she was the voice of reason. She learned how to handle situations that arose like her best friend Dylan disappearing when he was needed. She always knew where to find him. In fact, she got so good at learning how to spin a story that she turned it into a job. Now if someone got into a scandal she knew how to portray or spin the story to get them out of it. Since it was her own company she could pick & choose which cases she took on. Why she ever dated Rowen I will never understand! The guy is a arrogant jerk. All he cares about is the perfect life he portrays on social media & in front of others. It's such a toxic way for anyone to live. Pretending to love someone when people were watching & being yourself in your bedroom or when the kids weren't around isn't a healthy way to live. Rowen not only stole her saving & invested the money in a scam, he cheats on her, & then embarrasses her in front of everyone. Not to mention making fun of her addicted best friend Dylan by dressing up as him for a fundraiser. That was just cruel & disrespectful. Dylan on top of that didn't deserve that. After all Dylan was spending a lot of time with Dozens kids. He bought them things. He volunteered to help out when Rowen was too busy to help with things he had already committed to. I can't say I wouldn't have been petty enough to get Rebecca back for what she did to Nicole at the fundraiser! Turnabout is fair play. I think it was really low of Rowen to keep using the excuse of his kids to keep Nicole with him. He could hire a nanny to take care of them. She doesn't have to stay miserable for the rest of her life living as a prisoner to social media. I knew there was something special between Dylan & Nicole. Most guys don't sing you a lullaby or paint a girls toenails just because they want to. It sounds like they were soul mates from the beginning.

[Ethereal Amorist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex in the City by Portia Macintosh

4.5⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Portia Macintosh, and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Nicole Wilde was a former music journalist 10 years ago, who enjoyed her life by touring with bands, attending their wild parties, and going to gigs. But after a scandal with her rockstar best friend, she decided to leave behind her party girl self and start anew. She now lives with her new boyfriend of 3 years, along with his kids from a previous relationship. She hadn't imagined her life would be this boring. However, everything becomes bright and colorful when a certain rockstar ex turns up on her doorstep.

It was a cute, lively, and fun novel. The story was built up gradually and nicely, providing pieces of Nicole's past along with the present events. I admired Nicole's character a lot for what she was doing for the kids. Rowan just annoyed the hell out of me. I felt she was being a pushover when Rowan was around. She didn't exactly communicate her intentions properly, possibly avoiding a confrontation.

In some scenes, I felt the important parts were cut out, like- how did she break the news to Rowan that she wanted to be with Dylan? Rowan was acting very stubborn even before Dylan came when she said she wanted to leave him, so this might have been an important scene to show. It might have shown the character development in Rowan, but the epilogue made it seem like he was a totally different person because of how understanding he was being. He wasn't understanding at all before that. So I felt that scene was necessary. Similarly, there were some more places where I felt an additional scene would have made the story smoother.

Dylan's character was very cool. The changes in his personality were constantly shown through Nicole's memory of him from a decade ago. Since the story was entirely in her perspective, it gave an idea of how she felt about the positive changes in contrast with the mess he was previously.

Also, the cover is very pretty!

Aside from Rowan and a few spelling mistakes in between, I felt the story was portrayed very well. I'd recommend it if you are into rockstar, small luxurious town romcoms.