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My Favorite Ex: A Fast Paced Urban Fiction Short Story
Tiyonna knew better than to bring a man home on the first night, yet she still did it. Colvin’s
third leg
not only made Tiyonna fall in love, but caused her heart and common sense to swap places. When Colvin shows his rear end, Tiyonna is devastated, but how easy will it be for her to walk away considering how many firsts she experienced with him?
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2024
98 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 23, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever hated a book more, wtf was the point? Only 9 chapters and I was struggling to keep going the entire time cause this storyline was ass. Don’t think this is the author for me.
June 20, 2025
(3.5 stars) First off, a warning to the squeamish: there are graphic coital descriptions and cursing in this novella. So, parents and guardians, hide this title from minors. Seasoned erotica fans, however, wouldn’t bat an eye at the language, possibly even considering it run-of-the-mill.
Now that’s out of the way... in the beginning, I dismissed this novella as a typical love story due to the corny first-date lines. However, further along, I noticed that mushy it ain’t. Then, a third of the way through, despite my guessing the theme of the denouement—revenge—I didn’t expect the major twist at the end. So that’s a positive score for this publication.
This is a novella of about 20,000 words, more or less. I was able to finish it in one sitting. The length will appeal to readers looking for short reads with no patience for drawn-out narratives. This counts as another positive score.
Even with both positives, I didn’t feel the story deserves the usual four stars I typically give the ones I like. Moralists would be shocked at the way the protagonist dealt with her grievance and mental anguish. I’m more worried about teens getting a hold of this story and thinking it’s okay to do horrific things in the name of love... especially as the book is currently free on Amazon. They might think that kind of vengeance is justifiable because the partner’s transgression was unforgivable. Immature members of the YA demographic, whose emotional intelligence and personalities haven’t completely formed, have the potential to imitate the protagonist’s actions or use similar moves.
Others may disagree, pointing out that it’s only a story. Those things don’t happen in daily life. However, there are many instances when people get their ideas of revenge from books, TV, or online, then carry them out for real. Just watch the news and episodes of true crime shows.
This, along with the structure, is the reason for the 3.5 star rating. There are several grammatical errors, as well as wrong and missing punctuation. Structural errors are understandable with much longer pieces like epic novels, but there’s no excuse for sloppy editing for a work this short.
On a side note… although this title isn’t clearly marked as a love story, its cover and description make it seem as if it belongs in the romance genre. I think it should be classified under thriller, mystery, or crime fiction.
Another way to view this novella is to regard it as a cathartic tool for the brokenhearted. Most people whose former romantic partners wronged them often need an outlet for their anger, hurt, and despair. Reading about a successful tale of revenge can give them a sense of triumph, as if they themselves were able to extract retribution from the people who hurt them. They can revel in the fantasy of carrying out the protagonist’s actions... even if they wouldn’t do so in real life.
Predator-victim situations aren’t limited to man-woman relationships. The male of the species isn’t the only one capable of inflicting pain and sorrow. Stereotypes aside, people of all genders and personality types have the capacity to hurt each other, given the right circumstances and conditions. We may acknowledge this dark side of human nature, but we shouldn’t condone it and must exert every effort to fight this tendency.
To be fair, I have to mention another merit to this story. Its underlying message is that nobody has to take abuse from anyone, whether a romantic partner, family member, colleague, boss, or mentor. It doesn’t matter if the aggressor has saved you in the past, or has provided (or is still providing) for you, is older, or is your superior. Everyone deserves love and respect.
Many people often sell themselves short, think they have no options in life, or feel they have no other choice but to stay with their tormentors. This situation is common among women who stay in abusive relationships due to lack of education or don’t have employable skills because they have been out of the work force for a long time to attend to motherhood. Others find themselves in the same circumstances due to lack of confidence. So they simply accept whatever comes to them. Still, a better alternative to fighting back by inflicting pain on those who hurt us is to improve ourselves and our situations in life. It may be a cliché, but it’s true: “Living well is the best revenge.”
Now that’s out of the way... in the beginning, I dismissed this novella as a typical love story due to the corny first-date lines. However, further along, I noticed that mushy it ain’t. Then, a third of the way through, despite my guessing the theme of the denouement—revenge—I didn’t expect the major twist at the end. So that’s a positive score for this publication.
This is a novella of about 20,000 words, more or less. I was able to finish it in one sitting. The length will appeal to readers looking for short reads with no patience for drawn-out narratives. This counts as another positive score.
Even with both positives, I didn’t feel the story deserves the usual four stars I typically give the ones I like. Moralists would be shocked at the way the protagonist dealt with her grievance and mental anguish. I’m more worried about teens getting a hold of this story and thinking it’s okay to do horrific things in the name of love... especially as the book is currently free on Amazon. They might think that kind of vengeance is justifiable because the partner’s transgression was unforgivable. Immature members of the YA demographic, whose emotional intelligence and personalities haven’t completely formed, have the potential to imitate the protagonist’s actions or use similar moves.
Others may disagree, pointing out that it’s only a story. Those things don’t happen in daily life. However, there are many instances when people get their ideas of revenge from books, TV, or online, then carry them out for real. Just watch the news and episodes of true crime shows.
This, along with the structure, is the reason for the 3.5 star rating. There are several grammatical errors, as well as wrong and missing punctuation. Structural errors are understandable with much longer pieces like epic novels, but there’s no excuse for sloppy editing for a work this short.
On a side note… although this title isn’t clearly marked as a love story, its cover and description make it seem as if it belongs in the romance genre. I think it should be classified under thriller, mystery, or crime fiction.
Another way to view this novella is to regard it as a cathartic tool for the brokenhearted. Most people whose former romantic partners wronged them often need an outlet for their anger, hurt, and despair. Reading about a successful tale of revenge can give them a sense of triumph, as if they themselves were able to extract retribution from the people who hurt them. They can revel in the fantasy of carrying out the protagonist’s actions... even if they wouldn’t do so in real life.
Predator-victim situations aren’t limited to man-woman relationships. The male of the species isn’t the only one capable of inflicting pain and sorrow. Stereotypes aside, people of all genders and personality types have the capacity to hurt each other, given the right circumstances and conditions. We may acknowledge this dark side of human nature, but we shouldn’t condone it and must exert every effort to fight this tendency.
To be fair, I have to mention another merit to this story. Its underlying message is that nobody has to take abuse from anyone, whether a romantic partner, family member, colleague, boss, or mentor. It doesn’t matter if the aggressor has saved you in the past, or has provided (or is still providing) for you, is older, or is your superior. Everyone deserves love and respect.
Many people often sell themselves short, think they have no options in life, or feel they have no other choice but to stay with their tormentors. This situation is common among women who stay in abusive relationships due to lack of education or don’t have employable skills because they have been out of the work force for a long time to attend to motherhood. Others find themselves in the same circumstances due to lack of confidence. So they simply accept whatever comes to them. Still, a better alternative to fighting back by inflicting pain on those who hurt us is to improve ourselves and our situations in life. It may be a cliché, but it’s true: “Living well is the best revenge.”
February 13, 2025
Unexpected Turns
I had no clue this book would take the twists and turns it did. The characters made questionable decisions that impacted the innocent. The ending will stay with me.
I had no clue this book would take the twists and turns it did. The characters made questionable decisions that impacted the innocent. The ending will stay with me.
April 6, 2025
Usually I love short stories and the cover of this one, despite being tagged as an urban fiction , gave historical vibes. It IS completely contemporary, so don’t make my mistake. This is a VERY fast paced story, which I read in one sitting, making it perfect for a quick coffee break.
The hallmark of short stories, is the ability to bring the reader into the story world within the first few paragraphs, which this does. However, the issue I have is that there is zero set up for what’s going to happen in the last 20% of the book. None. The author *could* have dropped us some hints in the constant descriptions of the minutae, or allowed us a glimpse into the minds of the characters which waved a flag, but instead we dive straight into spicy times. A rollercoaster results, but for the first half of the story there was no sense it was about to become a car crash.
I’m afraid for me, the whole book felt like I was reading completely differently authored chapters the whole way through. Inconsistencies abound - first she lives in a house, then it’s a white picket fence house, then an apartment. A heavy edit is needed.
A sound premise - a quick love affair which turns… (no spoilers!), unfortunately not well delivered.
The hallmark of short stories, is the ability to bring the reader into the story world within the first few paragraphs, which this does. However, the issue I have is that there is zero set up for what’s going to happen in the last 20% of the book. None. The author *could* have dropped us some hints in the constant descriptions of the minutae, or allowed us a glimpse into the minds of the characters which waved a flag, but instead we dive straight into spicy times. A rollercoaster results, but for the first half of the story there was no sense it was about to become a car crash.
I’m afraid for me, the whole book felt like I was reading completely differently authored chapters the whole way through. Inconsistencies abound - first she lives in a house, then it’s a white picket fence house, then an apartment. A heavy edit is needed.
A sound premise - a quick love affair which turns… (no spoilers!), unfortunately not well delivered.
July 6, 2025
Tiyonna is instantly relatable. We have all felt the rush of excitement that comes with being immersed in a romantic partner, the two of you in your world. Her dream of opening a bookstore is as recognizable as our dreams. Like Colvin with Tiyonna, our romantic partner makes us feel heard.
This continues in the bedroom too, where he fulfills her every desire.
If only all of Colvin's life were so wonderful. Evicted from the apartment he shared with the annoying Persad, he relies on Tiyonna for acceptance, support, and love. He moves in with her, and the couple finds they must deal with all the issues of expectation and rule-setting that all couples encounter.
But, kindhearted as she is, Tiyonna is no pushover. When Colvin does her dirty (I won't say how to avoid the spoiler), she immediately tosses him out of her home. Her self-respect is more important than anything; there can be no love without that. And her friends help to hold her down.
When he tries to re-enter her life, will she give him another chance, or kick him to the curb permanently? A late-story twist makes you question everything you've read before and your perceptions of romance and relationships.
This continues in the bedroom too, where he fulfills her every desire.
If only all of Colvin's life were so wonderful. Evicted from the apartment he shared with the annoying Persad, he relies on Tiyonna for acceptance, support, and love. He moves in with her, and the couple finds they must deal with all the issues of expectation and rule-setting that all couples encounter.
But, kindhearted as she is, Tiyonna is no pushover. When Colvin does her dirty (I won't say how to avoid the spoiler), she immediately tosses him out of her home. Her self-respect is more important than anything; there can be no love without that. And her friends help to hold her down.
When he tries to re-enter her life, will she give him another chance, or kick him to the curb permanently? A late-story twist makes you question everything you've read before and your perceptions of romance and relationships.
August 29, 2025
This was my first time reading French Alsabrooks and whew… she did not disappoint! My Favorite Ex is short, sharp, and fast-paced, the kind of urban fiction I’ve been wanting to see more of. From the very first page, I was pulled in and stayed hooked all the way through.
What I really enjoyed was how real the story felt. The characters came alive on the page, messy and complicated in all the right ways. The pacing was perfect for a short story, it wastes no time, keeps the energy high, and leaves you wanting more without feeling unfinished.
Alsabrooks’ writing style is clean, raw, and straight to the point. She knows how to pack a lot of emotion and tension into a small space. For a first read from this author, I can honestly say: Yesssss, this is exactly the kind of storytelling I like to see.
If you’re in the mood for a quick urban read that delivers intensity, drama, and authenticity, My Favorite Ex is definitely worth picking up.
What I really enjoyed was how real the story felt. The characters came alive on the page, messy and complicated in all the right ways. The pacing was perfect for a short story, it wastes no time, keeps the energy high, and leaves you wanting more without feeling unfinished.
Alsabrooks’ writing style is clean, raw, and straight to the point. She knows how to pack a lot of emotion and tension into a small space. For a first read from this author, I can honestly say: Yesssss, this is exactly the kind of storytelling I like to see.
If you’re in the mood for a quick urban read that delivers intensity, drama, and authenticity, My Favorite Ex is definitely worth picking up.
October 15, 2025
My Favorite Ex: A Fast Paced Urban Fiction Short Story (Urban Fiction Short Stories)" by French Alsa
I. Wasn't. Ready!! Not sure what I expected but I didn't see that end (no pun intended) coming 😉. This Novela was more of a cautionary tale than anything else. Hell have no furry over a woman scorned. There is a trigger that may be worrisome for some, BUT I'd ruin the book if I shared it. I want you to spit out your drink and clutch your pearls just like I did.. So, if you're sensitive, just pass.
This author has been promoting her books for a minute on here. I have to say I was not disappointed.
📚Genre: Urban Fiction
📄Pages: 66
⚠️Possible Triggers: Yes
😢Tears: depends
I said what I said and as always: don't take my word for it. Read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors! 🫶🏿📖👏🏾
I. Wasn't. Ready!! Not sure what I expected but I didn't see that end (no pun intended) coming 😉. This Novela was more of a cautionary tale than anything else. Hell have no furry over a woman scorned. There is a trigger that may be worrisome for some, BUT I'd ruin the book if I shared it. I want you to spit out your drink and clutch your pearls just like I did.. So, if you're sensitive, just pass.
This author has been promoting her books for a minute on here. I have to say I was not disappointed.
📚Genre: Urban Fiction
📄Pages: 66
⚠️Possible Triggers: Yes
😢Tears: depends
I said what I said and as always: don't take my word for it. Read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors! 🫶🏿📖👏🏾
September 8, 2025
Tiyoona desperately wants a true, loving, hot relationship, and she thinks she’s finally found it with Colvin. Then he betrays her in the worst way.
I don’t read urban fiction often, so I wanted to give this a chance. I couldn’t get into it. There was a lot of telling vs showing, and I couldn’t relate to Tiyoona. The betrayal at the end came at a complete surprise. I wish the author had given us hints that it was coming, which would’ve made the story flow better. And Tiyoona’s final response to Colvin’s horrid actions was so unfeminist and very heartbreaking. Besides that, there were quite a few inconsistencies that pulled me even further out of the story. I just can’t recommend this.
2 Stars
I don’t read urban fiction often, so I wanted to give this a chance. I couldn’t get into it. There was a lot of telling vs showing, and I couldn’t relate to Tiyoona. The betrayal at the end came at a complete surprise. I wish the author had given us hints that it was coming, which would’ve made the story flow better. And Tiyoona’s final response to Colvin’s horrid actions was so unfeminist and very heartbreaking. Besides that, there were quite a few inconsistencies that pulled me even further out of the story. I just can’t recommend this.
2 Stars
July 9, 2024
Wow!
That took a wild, and twisted turn! This is one heck of a short story! I really don't know where to begin because if I give you too many details you won't read it - and you NEED to read this! You think it's going to be a short little erotic romance in the beginning...and it turns into a treatise of the effects of pain and betrayal on the human soul...it is deep and dark and you need to read it.
It does need some editing, but the plot, THE STORY is so original that it is a full 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
A short read you will remember for a long time!
V. P. Nightshade, Author of The Vampiris Bloodline Series
That took a wild, and twisted turn! This is one heck of a short story! I really don't know where to begin because if I give you too many details you won't read it - and you NEED to read this! You think it's going to be a short little erotic romance in the beginning...and it turns into a treatise of the effects of pain and betrayal on the human soul...it is deep and dark and you need to read it.
It does need some editing, but the plot, THE STORY is so original that it is a full 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
A short read you will remember for a long time!
V. P. Nightshade, Author of The Vampiris Bloodline Series
July 23, 2024
I liked this story because it broke some rules of story writing but did it with a flair. First rule: absolutely no clue that either main character would turn out so bad. Both of them seem so perfect, and good with each other, etc., what could go wrong? Really she breaks that rule twice, as the main character herself turns out to have very dark plans. But the other rule has to do with points of view, and whether or when to get out of the main one - when she's witnessing betrayal? Enough said - good story, surprises, a burst of things to think about.
April 5, 2025
My Favorite Ex
Okayyy! This is my first read from this author & I must say….I’m trapped. Warning: the ending is VERY unhinged. With that being said, this read is about a fast paced romance that is hot & heavy then things take a turn. Colvin was a manipulator who will use anyone that would allow him to. Tiyanna was a sweet yet slightly naive woman who longed for love and thought she got that with Colvin. When truths come out, no one knows who the other one is! I can say get ready for a wild ride!
Okayyy! This is my first read from this author & I must say….I’m trapped. Warning: the ending is VERY unhinged. With that being said, this read is about a fast paced romance that is hot & heavy then things take a turn. Colvin was a manipulator who will use anyone that would allow him to. Tiyanna was a sweet yet slightly naive woman who longed for love and thought she got that with Colvin. When truths come out, no one knows who the other one is! I can say get ready for a wild ride!
September 8, 2025
Misleading …
WITAH🥴😬…this novella read like three or four different books in one with no prequel, warning or transition🧐. Caution readers: ⚠️ read or proceed with this book or series at your risk⁉️I’m one & done🤷🏾♀️‼️Meanwhile, “My Favorite Ex : A Fast Paced Urban Fiction Short Story (Urban Fiction Short Stories)” was a disturbing read for numerous reasons undisclosed by the author. Nonetheless, I couldn’t have predicted the ending of this novella with a box of magic eight balls🤯‼️…Misleading‼️
WITAH🥴😬…this novella read like three or four different books in one with no prequel, warning or transition🧐. Caution readers: ⚠️ read or proceed with this book or series at your risk⁉️I’m one & done🤷🏾♀️‼️Meanwhile, “My Favorite Ex : A Fast Paced Urban Fiction Short Story (Urban Fiction Short Stories)” was a disturbing read for numerous reasons undisclosed by the author. Nonetheless, I couldn’t have predicted the ending of this novella with a box of magic eight balls🤯‼️…Misleading‼️
February 19, 2026
Not my cup of tea.
I think I’ve only handed out 1 star maybe thrice out of thousands of books that I’ve read. I was leaning towards 2 stars but the crash & burn of an ending dashed the extra lil star right out of me. I’ll start with the thoughts that the book wasn’t even proofread let alone edited.
Several scenes were off & don’t make sense. Wording in conversations were weird & just down right silly most times. I can’t describe the ending because that’s how much of blur & chopped up it was.
This is not a book I would recommend.
I think I’ve only handed out 1 star maybe thrice out of thousands of books that I’ve read. I was leaning towards 2 stars but the crash & burn of an ending dashed the extra lil star right out of me. I’ll start with the thoughts that the book wasn’t even proofread let alone edited.
Several scenes were off & don’t make sense. Wording in conversations were weird & just down right silly most times. I can’t describe the ending because that’s how much of blur & chopped up it was.
This is not a book I would recommend.
June 3, 2024
Moving and Twisty
This is a fast adventure. Interesting characters and hot sex. Then it all goes to hell. I was rooting for Tiyonna to get over her ex and then everything went awesomely sideways. I would have given it 5 stars, but changing POVs and a typo here and there slowed me down. I recommend this story to anyone with a scary ex. The ending is worth it. We don’t know sometimes how our bad acts truly affect our lovers.
This is a fast adventure. Interesting characters and hot sex. Then it all goes to hell. I was rooting for Tiyonna to get over her ex and then everything went awesomely sideways. I would have given it 5 stars, but changing POVs and a typo here and there slowed me down. I recommend this story to anyone with a scary ex. The ending is worth it. We don’t know sometimes how our bad acts truly affect our lovers.
December 25, 2024
Crazy is as Crazy does
I wanna say that it was hobosexual Colvin that sent her over the edge, but something about Tiyonna didn’t sit right with me from the beginning. Too fast an attraction turning into almost an addiction then to get played, left & STILL feel a connection despite the fact that dude moved on and started a family? Yeah, the end wasn’t predictable, but it also kinda was.
I wanna say that it was hobosexual Colvin that sent her over the edge, but something about Tiyonna didn’t sit right with me from the beginning. Too fast an attraction turning into almost an addiction then to get played, left & STILL feel a connection despite the fact that dude moved on and started a family? Yeah, the end wasn’t predictable, but it also kinda was.
April 7, 2025
This is a great short story. It was not bad for a free read only thing that threw me for a loop was how quickly the story changed at the end. It wasn’t the fact that everything kind of spread through it was quick. I love books like that I love a good short story that I could read in between something about 120 pages or less that I can read while sitting at workbut the way the storyline kind of switched up and the way it ended was a big shocker for me but definitely a good read nonetheless
March 15, 2025
Unexpected Ending
The ending of this book was certainly unexpected. The author spent sufficient time on the protagonist's relationship with Colvin, but could have spent more time leading up to the surprise ending. Even the author got confused when she named the baby Calvin, for the social media account clearly belonged to Colvin, not the baby. Overall, a decent read.
The ending of this book was certainly unexpected. The author spent sufficient time on the protagonist's relationship with Colvin, but could have spent more time leading up to the surprise ending. Even the author got confused when she named the baby Calvin, for the social media account clearly belonged to Colvin, not the baby. Overall, a decent read.
June 11, 2025
wow!!!
Ummm all I can say is wow that was a wild ride Ty was definitely a special one.,By the time I got to the end of the book my mouth was hanging wide open. I couldn’t believe it. Sis was definitely off her rocker but I get it. She told him not to play with her and he did it anyway.. I’m curious to know how Colvin felt about what happened. Maybe a update on him
Ummm all I can say is wow that was a wild ride Ty was definitely a special one.,By the time I got to the end of the book my mouth was hanging wide open. I couldn’t believe it. Sis was definitely off her rocker but I get it. She told him not to play with her and he did it anyway.. I’m curious to know how Colvin felt about what happened. Maybe a update on him
September 8, 2024
Needs more work!
The story itself is ok but for a short-story it needs more work and the discrepancies fixed such as Colton's eye color change and if he's driving his side piece home, how can he be the passenger? The story itself has promise.
The story itself is ok but for a short-story it needs more work and the discrepancies fixed such as Colton's eye color change and if he's driving his side piece home, how can he be the passenger? The story itself has promise.
April 4, 2025
What???
What in the world did i just read? The whole storyline was choppy and didn't flow well together but I still forced myself to finish. But that ending... out of nowhere... for her to just jump off the deep end. Literal craziness.
What in the world did i just read? The whole storyline was choppy and didn't flow well together but I still forced myself to finish. But that ending... out of nowhere... for her to just jump off the deep end. Literal craziness.
May 18, 2025
Wow
The ending was very much unexpected! I'm still in shock after reading this story. I have many mixed emotions from reading this book.
It is very descriptive, full of drama, and lots of thought-provoking scenes.
The ending was very much unexpected! I'm still in shock after reading this story. I have many mixed emotions from reading this book.
It is very descriptive, full of drama, and lots of thought-provoking scenes.
December 27, 2025
Definitely was NOT expecting that ending… The author gave us no hints or warning AT ALL for the turn we were about to take. 🤯 The story was a bit choppy and it needs editing, but overall a quick, entertaining read.
December 30, 2025
Ending not on my bingo card
I was shocked at the ending. Not my favorite book but not a horrible book either. If you need something quick to read with a crazy plot twist this is the book for you
I was shocked at the ending. Not my favorite book but not a horrible book either. If you need something quick to read with a crazy plot twist this is the book for you
Read
July 3, 2024The writing was way too repetitive. One chapter felt like a constant loop of the same scene.
November 16, 2024
This was a sad story.
February 3, 2025
I don't know
I don't know about this. I can't explain what was going on here. I tried to keep up...but I couldn't. It wasn't consistent with what was happening 😕
I don't know about this. I can't explain what was going on here. I tried to keep up...but I couldn't. It wasn't consistent with what was happening 😕
April 8, 2025
0-100000
The book started off pretty okay but took a huge turn. This short read was quick and interesting.id recommend if you want a quick read.
The book started off pretty okay but took a huge turn. This short read was quick and interesting.id recommend if you want a quick read.
April 27, 2025
Wow 🤯
I was not expecting it to end the way it did I definitely needed more, because hold on whyyyy though is all I can say 🥹
I was not expecting it to end the way it did I definitely needed more, because hold on whyyyy though is all I can say 🥹
May 4, 2025
What in the Lifetime movie?? That ending was completely unexpected. I’m flabbergasted 😭
August 30, 2025
Crazy
This is a story about a woman who had a broken heart. It was an ok story. There was a lot of grammatical errors. I did like the story.
This is a story about a woman who had a broken heart. It was an ok story. There was a lot of grammatical errors. I did like the story.
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