He is my ex. And now my…bodyguard? I did not think this through…
I’m back at the Tate’s Colorado resort, hiding from my crazy uncle who’s harassing me so I’ll declaim my grandfather’s sizable inheritance. It’s not happening, Uncle Raymond.
And neither is a reunification with my ex, Henry Tate, the man who stole my heart years ago. The father of our daughter. The man who gave me no other choice than to file for divorce.
It’s fine. Really. It’s been a year and I’m kicking trash and taking names in this whole single parenting thing. As long as I don’t have to see Henry, I’m good.
Except, what was supposed to be a “Henry-free zone” suddenly isn’t anymore, and he has this whole “I’ve gotta protect my child and former wife from all the baddies” vibe. He’s doing all the things, being all the things, he promised me long ago. Since he’s showing up in ways he never has before, our daughter’s not the only one who’s enjoying his company again.
But I can’t go there. It didn’t work the first time, and he’s leaving soon for his dangerous job in Europe.
That’s a hard no, Henry.
Even though the Tate family’s forces and Henry himself wage an all-out war to prove me wrong.
Just My Ex is a sweet, small-town, closed-door romantic comedy with all the sizzle and none of the spice! It deals with divorce (no cheating) and PTSD. However, you’ll also discover a sassy donkey named Maverick, a cute three-year-old, and Aunt Stella’s back to play (mostly) innocent matchmaker again. Plus, jaw-dropping Tate family secrets will be revealed.
Deb Goodman’s obsession with the written word started at age three, when she realized the old-timey newsprint wallpaper in her family’s bathroom had actual words on it. The only problem? By the time she learned to read a couple of years later, the wallpaper had been replaced with something else—boring, non-worded wallpaper—and to this day, she still doesn’t know what it said.
Now, she and her husband and four children live in Utah. They love sports, music, and doing slightly insulting, pretend voices for their little shorkie, Mavis.
Deb writes funny, small-town romance that you won’t need to shield your kids’ eyes from. Billionaires, friends-to-more, enemies-to-more, cowboys, fake relationships…there’s something for everyone here!
Writing lovey dovey books comes naturally to Deb since, to her, there’s nothing better than reading and writing about how two people fall in love.
“Crooked trees have something terrible happen to them. Maybe it’s man-made, maybe there’s a natural disaster, or drought or disease. But something shakes it up, something nearly kills it. But look, Quinn, it’s still growing. It straightens out. It rights itself and keeps on growing. Every time I see a crooked, wonky tree, I think of you and me, and I hope – I hope that’s us.”
I’m a sucker for stories with a wounded hero who finds healing and peace, and this wonderful book really delivers! It’s sweet, hopeful, and has a lot of depth to it. I couldn’t put it down.
Henry and Quinn are recently divorced. He’s ex-military, struggled with PTSD and couldn’t let her in. Frustrated that she couldn’t help him, and feeling like he put his career before family, Quin walked away from their marriage. Henry let her go without a fight, and quickly realized that was the biggest mistake of his life.
When Quinn and their daughter are in danger, Henry comes back to protect them. The divorce shook him up, and he not only wants to keep them safe, but hopes Quinn will see he’s not the same man he was before.
This is book 4 in the Tate Brothers Series. It’s a sweet second chance romance with complex characters, great chemistry between the MCs, a fast paced storyline, and some mystery and intrigue. I loved it!
It Pays to Take A Chance - Even though Quinn accepted the she had to let her ex-husband, Henry keep them safe, she tried everything she could to keep her guard up, as she didn’t want to go through another heartbreak. Henry’s main aim was to keep Quinn and his daughter safe, but his new lease made him miss the loss of his family and reignited his feelings for his ex-wife, the more time they spent together. Unfortunately, the catalyst for the demise of their marriage was still a hindrance to the potential of them rekindling their relationship. However, they both realised after a while they wanted to be together, but their insecurities didn’t allow them to communicate what they wanted, which nearly cost them their happiness.
Luckily, when they found themselves in a dangerous situation, it finally gave them the courage to acknowledge their true feelings for each other and do everything within their power to get the happily ever after they both craved. This was a really wonderful heartfelt story, that dealt with family drama, second chances, loneliness and forgiveness, whilst also managing to remain light hearted. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just love the Tate Brothers and was so excited to read Henry’s story!
When Quinn’s grandfather passes away and unexpectedly leaves her everything, her disgruntled family members start to threaten her to the point that she is afraid for herself and her daughter, Navie. So, she leaves her house and heads to her ex husband’s family resort for safety. When her ex, Henry, (a former military man and current high security employee) hears of the threat, he heads straight to the report to protect his ex wife and daughter. But after spending time with Quinn again, it’s hard to keep his feelings of protection from turning to something more.
I love a good second chance romance and it was fun to see Quinn and Henry get that chance! Quinn was super cute and the best mom to Navie. Henry was so serious, yet so sweet with his overprotective nature and his willingness to do whatever it took to keep Quinn and Navie safe. I loved seeing them overcome their past and work through the things they drove them apart in order to give them another chance and love and being a family.
Such a lovely story of redemption & restoration💛! Henry & Quinn never stopped loving each other but life happened. Can’t go into much more without spoiling but this story was perfect. You go from not quite liking Henry to ‘oh yes, this is why’. And Navie is absolutely adorable. Love these Tate Brothers🤩!
ok so i’ve found my fave trope - second chance romance!! chefs kiss!! this has been my favourite book so far in the series, i actually really enjoyed it. it’s not top tier writing but enjoyable nonetheless
I love this book! King Henry and his Queen, Quinn are still in love , but for her sanity and their daughter Navie, she ended up ending the marriage. She is still on good terms with the in-laws the Tate family . She inherited her grandfather’s estate much to the chagrin of her uncle who expected as executor to get his hands on it…..there’s enough happen that has Quinn on the run from her dangerous uncle who even left a ‘present’ inside the home she shares with her daughter! If he is successful in contesting the will , she gets nothing…but neither does he, so he tries other tactics to make her agree to share or to declaim . So she seeks solace at the Tate resorts. Henry has been in the army suffered PTSD and carried it with him in his present covert job as security op for an ambassador and her entire family , very deep undercover surveillance. He knows how to keep his clients safe. When it comes to his ex wife and child facing danger , he steps up and makes an appearance. He’s not exactly flavour of the month with his family though as he’s let them down with empty promises too.. How will Quinn cope? She still has the feels for him. How about Henry he never wanted their marriage to end, but this has to be a month long client protection affair, no lines crossed … yeah good luck with that one Henry Tate! Slow burn romantic and fun. Little Navie is adorably sweet and her input sublimely added depth to their story….Brilliant! So engaging from the first pages . Immediately fell in love with the characters and was rooting for them . So tense , suspenseful and sweet and cute too. Beautiful piece of writing by Deb Goodman. The narratives perfect, great descriptions , an immersive and relatable reading experience. Unputdownable masterpiece.
Just My Ex is the fourth book in the Tate Brothers series. While you might have more understanding of the family dynamic if you've read the previous books, I think this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well.
I have enjoyed every book in this series so far... but this one is definitely my new favorite. As much as I love a good meet cute and seeing a couple fall in love for the first time in a book, there is something so very special about a story like this where a couple who has been through tough times finds their way back to each other. Henry was far from the perfect husband or father while he and Quinn are married, but when a situation arises that forces him to come keep her and Navie safe, it's the perfect time for a second chance. There was such a great message of healing throughout-- not just within their failed marriage, but also within the family too. It takes on the topic of PTSD and the effect that can have on relationships, which I think is super important! There is an element of danger to the story, but it was done perfectly well for a romcom... just enough to warrant a return and force these two together, but with some levity to keep it from feeling too heavy. If you love a protective MMC and a second chance romance, you absolutely won't want to miss this one.
Just My Ex is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This is book four in this series about the Tate brother's and it certainly doesn't let down the previous books. In this book we find out more about Henry although he's the brother that is so secretive about himself. Leaving the armed forces and then taking on private security seemed the only option open to him, although signing an NDA and being unable to discuss what he was doing wasn't the best thing for his wife and daughter. Quinn loves her husband, but the saying "if you love them you have to set them free" rings true and divorcing Henry is the only thing she can do. She can no longer dismiss his unwillingness to deal with his PTSD or discuss his feelings about leaving them behind all the time. Obviously her and their daughter weren't enough for him, although deep down she still loves him it's not enough. When their lifes are on danger she turns to his family for help, but is shocked when he's there to help. Can this be happening, can they work out their differences for their daughters sake. This is a gripping story that just keeps you reading and pulling you deeper into the family dynamics of the Tates. The brother's are so different yet at the sametime so similar, it's nice to read each story that builds a true picture of how close the family really is. Although this is a series each book can be read as a standalone, but I truly advise the series is brilliant and worth reading
Just My Ex is the fourth book in the Tate Brothers series. It can be read as a standalone but if you have read the previous three books it’s nice getting to hear about the previous brothers and their significant others again. Quinn is now a divorcee and single mother to Navie who is her 3 year old daughter with her ex husband Henry Tate. Henry was previously in the army and now is employed by a personal security firm which takes him all over the world. Henry has struggled with mental health issues after being in the army and self worth due to having a mostly absent father. Henry enters back into Quinn and Navie’s life when he hears about safety concerns due to Quinn’s extended family not being happy about her inheriting all of her grandfathers money. Quinn and Navie go to Longdale, CO for safety reasons to one of the Tate families resorts. During this trying time Quinn and Henry navigate the current situation and their relationship issues. There is a happily ever after for Quinn from safety standpoint and love in the end. This is such a heart felt book that made me both laugh and cry. I loved getting to see both sides with the dual POV. Now I can’t wait for the next book featuring the fifth brother Gabriel!
This author introduced me to the Tate Brothers and I’m a fan. I’ve been waiting for Henry’s story and it was worth it. He’s grumpy and it’s about second chances. That’s so my jam. Especially when a marriage gets a second chance. I think it definitely takes work even in the best of circumstances.
Henry is the swoony protector who has to keep so much of who he is under wraps. Even from his wife. Ex wife. Let’s just helloooo to Henry.
Quinn couldn’t handle it and divorces him. When her life becomes endangered he drops everything to protect her and their daughter. She’s incredibly likable!
Things I liked: Navie’s lick the interrupted kiss Maverick Henry’s letters Quinn booking it the bro hug
Check out Henry Tate and see what happens when his walls start to crack. Will he be able to keep Quinn and Navie safe and figure out how to get them back?
JUST MY EX was my second book in Deb Goodman’s Tate Brother series (yes, I know, I’m reading out of order- but I picked these up on a Stuff Your Kindle Day).
I really enjoyed the story that was created about a divorced couple forced together because Quinn’s (FMC) extended family is threatening her after she received all her grandfather’s inheritance. Thankfully, Quinn’s ex-husband Henry (MMC), is ex-military and now does security for the rich and famous and knows just what to do to keep her and their daughter safe at his family’s resort in Colorado.
At times, it felt as though some of the dialogue and ‘couple’ scenes/relationship were a bit forced, and I did find that the storyline surrounding Quinn’s family and their threats to verge on cheesy and very ‘G’ rated, yet this was a sweet, clean romance that left me smiling and happy.
Sweet, contemporary romance with a bit of suspense
Romance, sweet, contemporary, suspense; Tate Brother’s series, but stand alone read. Henry and Quinn’s story are second chance for them comes as a result of an inheritance squabble that has turned threatening. Henry’s care and concern, and protectiveness for Quinn and their daughter Navie, was beautifully expressed. It was a step for him back from the separation to an us, and family. Lovely romance, their sweet, intense, longing and care for each other still string after their divorce, builds back to something better than it was. Loved the bit of family plot twist with Henry’s father as well.
Quinn and Henry have been divorced for about a year. There were issues, both regret the break up, and both are working on their end of the issues. They've got a precocious little girl that reminded me of my little one, too.
The story was well written. There was a lot of exciting drama with twists and turns and quite a few sweet romantic moments, too.
The main couple just broke my heart. They sure had to work for their HEA!
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
The 4th in the Tate Brothers series was my favorite so far and if I didn’t have to adult I would have finished it in one day!
Like any other series, I love catching up with past characters, but the mystery aspect of this book kept me hanging on. I just needed to know what was going on with Quinn’s crazy family and who was causing all the trouble. And of course, you’ve got another hot Tate brother to bring the romance.
And can I just say, I’m totally intrigued on where the author will be taking the next book with Gabriel.
I just finished binge reading Just My Ex which I am ready to start reading again. It is that good! I am so glad there are more brothers who need their stories told. I loved watching Quinn and Henry fall back in love while Henry protects Quinn and Navie from Quinn’s crazy relatives! As always, Ms. Goodman’s amazing characters seem like people I want to know!
This was such a sweet second chance story. I enjoyed the banter between Quinn and Marcus. Navie was just adorable and I liked her addition in the story.
I feel so bad for sweet Quinn…I can’t imagine how she feels. She is just trying to make her life for her and her daughter and seems to be thwarted in so many ways. I’m so thankful that she at least has people around who care for her.
I enjoyed Marcus and his family. I’m so thankful for his growth and restoration in this story. It was just lovely.
If you want a story about second chances and redemption then this one is right up your alley.
I loved this second chance, redemption love story! After hearing about Henry in the previous books I loved getting to know Him better. He has been a mystery and I loved getting to know what he really does and who he is. I love how he tries so hard to be a better man than he was in the past.
I also really loved Quinn. She is tough because she needs to be, she is a great single mom and I love how she cares for her daughter. I love that she is able to forgive and look toward the future.
I love how Henry and Quinn are able to communicate with each other, even though it is hard at first, since the divorce.
This is the 4th book in the Tate Brothers series. It can be read as a stand alone, but you do see the previous characters in this book.
Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Book number four in the Tate Brothers series did not disappoint. Henry and Quinn both contributed to their divorce. He couldn’t figure out how to let her in and she couldn’t figure out how to let him find his way. When a treat to Quinn and their daughter brings Henry back in to the picture can they get their second chance? Loved the chemistry between Henry and Quinn and there is definitely heat without spice.
I enjoyed reading as Quinn and Henry tried to work out their relationship. I liked how they grew and became better and grew together. I enjoyed the family support mending hearts together. The story is exciting with a bit of suspense and flawed but good characters. This is a great addition to the Tate Brothers series, but can be read as a standalone.
Just My Ex is the sweetest second chance story with a reasonable reason for a break up and a great reason for a reunification (my requirements for enjoying the second chance trope). Henry and Quinn and their beautiful sweet daughter Navie are the story I didn't know I needed today, and loved so much! While each story in this series is stand alone and don't need to be read in order it will help with understanding the family dynamics that are a major part of this book.
I loved this story and stayed up too late to finish it. Actually I have loved the series. I'd like to read them all back to back when they are all out. Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and this one was especially delightful to me since it reunites a family unit. There are not many cases in life where divorces end in remarriage but it is wonderful when issues are dealt with and problems are healed allowing for the love they feel for each other to blossom and grow. Quinn and Henry never stopped loving each other but there were some real issues that needed addressing. At first glance it seemed that Henry was the biggest problem in their relationship but I loved that Quinn was able to see her own faults as well. And they could each work on their own issues to make life better for all of them. There is an element of intrigue which had some creepy moments and some fearful ones too. But it was mostly the backdrop for the romance, allowing them to spend time together. I also loved that other relationships are restored in this story, not just the romance. Navie is a delight and watching Henry become the doting father he wants to be was so sweet. While this story probably stands on its own, I think I'd recommend reading the books in order just to have a better understanding of the background of these brothers. The family is in many ways dysfunctional and I think reading the earlier books gives a better understanding of how they became the way they are. I love that with each book, there is some healing that takes place personally but also in the family unit. The epilogue sets up the next book which had a bit of a cliffhanger feel to it. My feeling was that the next book needs to come out like - tomorrow. I don't want to wait.
Potential trigger: PTSD, divorce Sex: no Language: no Violence: Potentially dangerous situations, intimidation
This might be my favorite book in this series. If you are a fan of second chances and new beginnings like myself, you will fall in love with this book.
Quinn is trying to get used to living life without her former husband, Quinn Tate. She has to think about her sweet daughter, Navie, which is why she ends up at the Tate's Colorado Retreat. Her grandfather left her his substantial estate, and the rest of the family is extremely unhappy about receiving no inheritance. The verbal jabs have now turned a little more dangerous. She knows she can find safety and refuge at the resort with the Tate family. Unbeknownst to Quinn, Henry has made it his mission to protect both Quinn and Navie.
Henry is ex-military with a highly classified job. He cannot share his whereabouts. This also means he is highly qualified to provide the security and safety that is necessary for both Quinn and Navie. Quinn and Henry never stopped loving one another. They just did not communicate.
I love second chance stories like this one. Henry has learned since their divorce that his communication skills were sorely lacking. He has suffered from PTSD, and needed help (which he refused to get while they were married). There were so many heartwarming and tender scenes. One of which is when he carries her into the house because she has injured her foot. He picks her up like some sort of hero with a cape. Swoony does not even begin to describe this scene. Navie is completely adorable and adds some more sweetness to this story.
There were some light moments, but this one had an air of mystery about it as well. I really enjoyed reading this book and literally read it in one evening. It is that good.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A story of a wounded hero who finds healing and peace and a sweet second chance romance story. It is one that is sweet, hopeful, and quite a bit of depth to it. I do love when a broken marriage find restoration....although there were no faith elements in this story, I love these kind as God can totally heal those broken relationships and make them new, and you see that in this story.
Henry, plagued by PTSD from the military and his commitment to his secretive I would say bodyguard type job, failed to properly care for his family, thus driving a wedge between him and Quinn. Quinn, you learn in her part of their "failed" marriage lacked a little of compassion and patience/understanding with how Henry was or wasn't navigating his traumas and priorities. As you get to know the depth of their brokenness, you see that each played their role in the downfall BUT love and hope remained and because of that, the relationship really wasn't truly over. The separation allowed their eyes to be open to their faults and how they each took responsibility and worked at changing themselves more than the other. I loved that their chemistry and passion for one another never changed and is evident throughout the book. Henry -- strong protector, alpha male....loyal to his family. I loved the depth of his character as you got to know him throughout the book.
I did like the suspense elements to the book as well. It added to the storyline and allowed readers like me to remain invested because not only are you rooting for for them to be reunited but also discover more depth to Henry and his family as well as how the drama of her receiving her grandfather's inheritance and the trouble her uncle was causing for her and her daughter, Navie.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
4/5 Genre: Clean Romance 🚨TW: loss of love one, being threaten
Read it if you like 👟Dual POV 👟 Bodyguard/ex-military 👟 Single Parent 👟Second Chance 👟 Family 👟Happily Ever Afters
Favourite Moments 👟 Moments with Navie 👟 Family meeting which is so thought out by him (read then you will know) 👟 Aunt Stella 👟 Them by each other side 👟 Pulling her to the hallway (can’t spoil it) 👟 Them being in Marverick the donkey’s place (can’t spoil it) (and lots more)
Swoony Moments 👟 He still loves her 👟 He cares for her and Navie and also his family’s safety 👟 He respects her boundaries. 👟 He cares a lot about his family and of course her.
Synopsis
Review The scene with Navie is just so sweet and cute. The whole family adores her so much. And love the fact that Henry is trying his very best in protecting his family though he’s been misunderstood. And the secret that his father has been keeping away from his family was revealed (can’t spoil it). Because of Quinn’s uncle had been threatening her, both her and Henry get to bond together again and he is so respectful to her and don’t want to do anything uncomfortable to her while he was protecting her and Navie. With the help of his family too to keep an eye on the surroundings. And of course, Aunt Stella also help out and also as usual giving advice to Quinn hehe… and love that they are there for each other and also him opening up to her too. This story made me smile, swoon, worried and also love the fact that they forgive each other and try their best to make their relationship work. (can’t spoil much. You will have to read it to know it)
P.S Should I get a Marverick (donkey) too ? hehe…
This is the 4th book of Tate Brothers Series. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. It will be an interesting one too. Thanks @debgoodmanwriter for the ARC. You can buy this book from Amazon and it’s available on KU.
Just My Ex ~ Tate Brothers #4 by Deb Goodman. Blurb: Just My Ex is a sweet, small-town, closed-door romantic comedy with all the sizzle and none of the spice! It deals with divorce (no cheating) and PTSD. However, you’ll also discover a sassy donkey named Maverick, a cute three-year-old, and Aunt Stella’s back to play (mostly) innocent matchmaker again. Plus, jaw-dropping Tate family secrets will be revealed.
I only found Deb Goodman last summer and have fallen in love with this series, I have been reading from the beginning. The way the characters are written, and the storyline you feel that you know them and that you too are there.
I found Just My Ex to be a page-turner I couldn't put the book down and also didn't want it to end, it was that good. This is Henry Tate's story, his ex-wife Quinn and daughter Navie return to the Tate family Colorado resort, she is hiding from her family, mainly her uncle Raymond, who is upset that his father who has recently died left all his money to Quinn.
Can Henry help protect his family? Will Henry and Quinn finally get their HEA? Will the Tate brothers forgive Henry and accept him back into the family fold?
I highly recommend this book to all, I would, however, suggest that you read them in order. This book deserves more than the allowed 5*
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Happily Ever After, Informative, Inspirational, Original, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, Wonderful characters and the Tate Brothers:)
“She’s here, somewhere, in this very building, and that ache has never been stronger. Because I haven’t been lonely in a general sense. I’ve been lonely for her.”
Ok Henry, ok…you are my favorite Tate brother. And I’ve loved all the other books so that is saying something. Deb Goodman outdid herself with this one. Especially since second chance romances really aren’t my favorite, but wow, this one completely stole my heart from start to finish.
Henry and Quinn are divorced and suddenly thrown together. Henry because he wants to protect his family, Quinn out of necessity. But it is just what they need and every twist and turn of events brings that chemistry that has been laying low right out. And I love it. I love watching them both contemplate what they’ve done wrong in the past, what they are doing to fix it and then watching them talk things out. All of it, I enjoyed all of it.
Add to the mix the adorable daughter and the Tate family and Goodman hands you a well rounded, entertaining and heartwarming romance. It really is my favorite Tate brother romance. There are so many pieces to love, thing about and love again. These two are perfect together, they just needed the push to make life work for their family. So enjoyed it and can’t wait for more Tate Brothers romances!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
I know I’ve said this before (more than once actually), but second chance romance is one of those tropes that just gets me in the feels. I am always up for a well-written second chance romance. That being said, I was happy for the opportunity to read Just My Ex by Deb Goodman, which is a standalone romance in her Tate Brothers series with a twist on this trope. Quinn and Henry are a recently divorced couple who never really stopped loving each other, but when Henry’s past and job derailed their relationship, can they find a way to move forward together? I really loved how protective Henry was and how he learned from Quinn divorcing him. He wanted to be a better man and I loved how he showed up this time around. Quinn was a sweet character. She was brave and honest. The connection with her and Henry was undeniable and I cheered for them to find their way back to one another. I also thought the author did a great job with their dynamic and how them breaking allowed them to actually grow and then return to each other better and healthier as a couple. The cast of characters in this book and series are fun. I enjoyed getting to escape into this sweet story.