The Ex Dilemma

Batchelor Life #1

by Elle Wright

"Marry or lose your inheritance." A commitment phobic heir in Detroit, Michigan faces the ultimate challenge from his powerful grandmother and family company CEO in this charming, irresistibly fun and flirty new contemporary romance from award-winning author Elle Wright.

Wesley Batchelor is desperate for an image reboot—stat. A mysterious social media influencer keeps revealing his many reckless romantic liaisons, putting everything Wesley has worked so hard for at stake. Worse, he’s in deep trouble with his grandmother and Batchelor Enterprises boss, Joyce, his one and only true cheerleader. So he’s stunned and relieved when his gorgeous ex, private detective Albany Keyes, is recruited to track down the leaker . . .

All Wes has to do is keep a cool-headed professional distance. Easy, right? Until the incendiary passion between him and Albany suddenly reignites. And he realizes he wants more from her—just like always . . .

For Joyce's sake, Albany reluctantly accepts the assignment to aid Wes. After all, she needs the money to regroup after a disastrous divorce. But this time, she's going to call the shots. She doesn’t need her heart re-broken by the only man she's ever loved. Yet she soon finds their differences are drawing them together again. And again. And again. Now, with both their careers and their hearts on the line, can they risk another chance on each other—this time, for keeps?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Second Chance Romance

272 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance. An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).

Elle is hard at work on her next novel.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ Audiobook Review: ALC from Netgalley!
Narration by Adenrele Ojo & Sean Crisden

Elle Wright knows how to write a messy man and a woman who deserves better, and The Ex Dilemma leans into that dynamic in a way that feels real, frustrating, and addictive.

Wesley is… a disaster. A fine disaster, but still a disaster. He’s in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons...clubbing, partying, sleeping his way through half the city, and doing everything except acting like the heir to the empire he’s supposed to be running. He’s grieving, he’s spiraling, and he’s not even pretending to hide it. You can hear every bit of that unraveling in the narration.

Then there’s Albany. Smart, grounded, resilient, and just trying to get her investigative business off the ground without getting sucked into anybody’s family drama. She wants to build her name, not get tangled up with the wealthy, chaotic family she’s been hired to look into. But the job is too good to pass up… and the pull of Wesley her first love, her first heartbreak ..makes everything even messier.

Their dynamic is fun, tense, and full of that “we should not be doing this but here we are again” energy. Albany tries so hard to keep her distance, but Wesley’s grandmother is basically playing chess with their lives, and Albany ends up right back in the orbit she swore she’d never return to.

The audiobook itself is an easy, engaging listen. Adenrele Ojo is one of my absolute favorite narrators, and she does what she always does—pulls you straight into the character’s emotional world. If she’s narrating, I’m already locked in. Sean Crisden balances her well, especially with Wesley’s messier edges.

If you like:
- second‑chance romance with real emotional stakes
- childhood friends to lovers to strangers to lovers again
- a hero who has to get his entire life together
- a heroine who refuses to lose herself in someone else’s chaos
- meddling elders who know exactly what they’re doing

…this one is worth the listen.

It’s messy, it’s heartfelt, and it’s the kind of story where you find yourself talking back to your audiobook like they can hear you.

[Amee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately I wanted to like this more than I actually did. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the Bachelor family dynamics and the many avenues author has to navigate with the family members going forward, and the grandmothers wishes for her will. I will continue on with the series as one of the cousins dubbed them “the black Bridgertons” and there were many other funny lines within all the banter. There were multiple slow spots that just messed with the pacing and humor for me.

[Pookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Albany x Wesley

The Ex Dilemma is a fast-paced second-chance romance packed with family drama and a modern mystery twist. When a messy influencer starts exposing Wesley online, his first love, Albany—now a private investigator—is pulled back into his life to uncover the truth. The social-media angle added tension, the family drama raised the emotional stakes, and the chemistry came through with a few well-timed, steamy moments. The romance felt a bit rushed, and once things heated up, the mystery faded into the background—I wanted more buildup to the final reveal. Still, it was a fun, entertaining read with a strong premise, and I’d happily pick up more from this author.

Thank you Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[SuzieQuzie7973 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and Elle Wright for the opportunity to read this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

The Ex Dilemma's cover intrigued me and caught my attention and curiosity. I normally don't believe in second chances, but, Elle Wright has made me into a believer now. Ms. Elle's way with words and her world building is awesome. The flow was perfect, never felt rushed. Also also, Ms. Elle adds just the right amount of drama, comfy-coziness, and laughter.

I truly recommend this novel to everyone.

[Lila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This e-ARC was provided by the published via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

2.5 ⭐️

After a messy divorce, Albany is back in Detroit. She is hired to discover who’s responsible for the smear campaign against her ex, Wesley, who abandonned her 16 years ago. As they work together, will their old feelings resurface ?

What I liked
The writing was very easy to read.
The grandmas being that involved in their grandchildren’s lives was really funny.

What I didn’t like
There are so many pop culture references in this book, it’s insane. The author mentions TikTok, MacDonalds and even Krav Maga (be fr, why would you feel the need to include that when you know its origins)
And when they meet again, the first thing that comes to their mind is that they want to fuck each other … I didn’t like that, it felt like their relationship was superficial when they kept telling us that it was the opposite.

[AlexTRBG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly lovely second chance focusing on a former bachelor who’s recently been aired out by this mysterious gossip page and the PI hired to help solve the case who’s also his ex from way back when 🥰

I ate this audiobook up ngl. It was quick paced and the mystery element was so low stakes that I could just relax and enjoy the romance. And even thought the mystery aspect was predictable, Wes and Albany’s journey back to love was still sooooo sweet to me 💕 I’m just such a sucker for childhood best friends, turned to enemies, turned back to lovers lol.

However, I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing something. I just wanted to know everything about our main couple and I felt like their backstory went back too fast. But I assume that’s mostly due to this series being part of a bigger world of characters and their story being mentioned previously. So if I really want more then I guess that means I need to read more of Elle’s catalog lol 🙃

[sweetconnectionswithtoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was good and funny! The Grandma’s, Grandma Joyce & Grandma Liv was a force to be reckoned with! Grandma laid it all out why she couldn’t stand Grandpa, and it’s so many older generation women who feel the same way about their husbands. She loved her granddaughter Albany. Granny had me cracking up how she was talking about the rappers of today was too funny!

I love second chances love books and Elle Wright slow buildup to this one was perfect, no details were left out.

Myles and Adenrele did a great job bringing the book to life.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape and Elle Wright for the opportunity to read this ALC, in exchange for my honest review.

5 🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Charnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This was so good. I love a second chance romance and this was written so well! I loved the banter between all the characters and the humor. The love story was solid.

[JustB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ex Dilemma by Elle Wright (Audiobook ALC)

The Ex Dilemma is a fun, flirty, and emotionally layered second-chance romance that delivers heart, heat, and humor in all the right places. Elle Wright takes a classic setup, fake relationship meets meddling family and unresolved feelings and gives it fresh life with sharp banter, real emotional stakes, and two leads you can’t help but root for.

Wesley Batchelor is a commitment-phobic heir whose carefully curated image is unraveling thanks to a mystery social media leaker and an ultimatum from his formidable grandmother: marry or lose everything. Enter Albany Keyes his stunning ex and a private investigator who is tasked with uncovering the truth. The forced proximity and unresolved chemistry between Wes and Albany crackle from the start, and their history adds depth to every interaction. Albany’s determination to protect her heart after a painful divorce makes her a particularly compelling heroine, and Wes’s growth as he confronts his past choices feels earned and satisfying.

The audiobook narration elevates the story even more. Adenrele Ojo and Myles Washington bring Albany and Wes to life with distinct voices, strong emotional range, and excellent pacing. Their performances capture both the playful flirtation and the quieter, more vulnerable moments, making it easy to stay fully immersed in the story.

Overall, The Ex Dilemma is a charming, swoony contemporary romance with great chemistry, strong character development, and standout narration. Fans of second-chance romance, fake relationships, and confident Black love stories should absolutely add this to their TBR especially in audio form.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second chance romance that tells the story of teen love between Wesley & Albany that ended in heartbreak. Fast forward to Wesley never forgetting or gotten over her but can’t seem to get his life on track in his personal life & working for his grandmother he is on the brink of losing his job if he doesn’t straighten up. A social media blogger is dragging Wesley online every time he turns around so his grandmother hires Albany a PI to find out who it is. The forced proximity of constantly being around the two high school sweethearts brings up all the unresolved issues from their past. I absolutely loved the cover to this book, super cute & I thought the story was ok. The two main characters were a bit exhausting with the back and forth & I found myself more interested in the side characters. I really loved Granny Liv & Joyce, especially their back stories and personalities. Erica, Bri, Moses, & Hendrix also had me intrigued in reading more about them so I’ll be looking forward to the rest of this series. Grateful for this complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Dawn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: Original rating 3 stars. New rating 5 stars.
What made the difference? The audiobook. Listening to this book made all the difference for me. It's as if I read a totally different story and enjoyed every minute of it. Everything I wanted after reading the ebook I got in the audiobook. I previously said this wasn't a favorite by this author, well good thing we can always change our minds because this most definitely is a favorite. I loved the characters, the story line, the mystery and of course the spice.

The Ex Dilemma is a second chance romance with a little mystery. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and was quickly drawn into the mystery around the blogger. The MCs didn't quit have the connection I wished for. Their conversations were repetitive throughout the story. The spicy scenes were a blur with how fast they came and went.

My biggest disappointment was the conclusion of the blogger story arc. The revelation didn't seem to make sense and there was no real consequences. There was so much potential here but ended up being a missed opportunity.

Overall, the story was good but with a few changes it could have been even better. Although not a favorite, I still enjoy the authors writing and will continue to read her work.

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape and Elle Wright for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jess M. Samuels]

The cover of “The Ex Dilemma” is gorgeous. I loved the simple binocular design and how it frames Albany and Wesley, it immediately set the tone for a story with romance and maybe a hint of intrigue.

I went in expecting to enjoy a second-chance romance with a stronger mystery thread, especially with Albany being a private detective and the setup involving a social media leaker. While that plot point is there, I was surprised by how little we actually see of Albany’s investigative work on the page. The story leans much more heavily into the rekindled attraction than the sleuthing, and I kept wishing the mystery had been a bigger part of the experience.

My bigger issue, though, was Wesley. I never fully got past how angry I felt about him leaving Albany without even the smallest goodbye, and that frustration followed me through most of the book. I also struggled with the emotional foundation of the reunion. Albany repeatedly talks about how much she’s changed, but it felt like she fell back into “I love you” territory without truly getting to know who Wesley is now, after all that time and all that change. For me, the relationship ended up feeling more driven by physical chemistry than by the slower, sweeter rebuilding of trust and friendship that makes a second-chance romance really land.

I did appreciate the long engagement at the end, which helped it feel a bit more grounded. Overall, there were elements I enjoyed, but I wanted more balance between the romance and the mystery, and more emotional repair on the page before the relationship felt convincing.

Thanks for the ARC from Dreamscape Media and NetGalley.

[abbiealwaysreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle Wright is a new to me author but one I will definitely read again! The narration of this audiobook is also delightful. Well worth a listen! Set in the beautiful city of Detroit, this story is full of bits and pieces of the great state of Michigan.

Miles Batchelor is a hot mess. He’s partying, sleeping with people then forgetting their names, and just making all around bad decisions. His grandma (and boss) decides she is done with it, so she issues an ultimatum to him and his cousins who work with him; Marry or lose their inheritance. Miles is especially not thrilled by this since he hasn’t seen the only woman he’s ever loved since he was sixteen.

Albany Keyes is down on her luck but determined to make it on her own. When she’s asked by her grandma’s best friend to come work as a P.I. for their company, she takes the job. The only problem? She’ll be tracking down an online gossip who is targeting the boy who broke her heart at sixteen. But that boy is now a very messy, very hot man.

What ensues is a lot of forced interactions where the two have to face each other and themselves. They work together to try and find the online gossip while also figuring out what they mean to each other as adults. There are tough conversations, sizzling chemistry, lifelong bonds, and lessons learned throughout this story. An emotional, meaningful, and lovely story of two people overcoming their challenges to be together.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️

I really wanted this one to work for me… but no matter how hard I tried, we just never clicked.

Despite my best efforts, I found myself having to rewind and repeat sections multiple times because I kept losing the thread of the story. The biggest hurdle, though, was the lack of chemistry between our protagonists—and for a romance (even one blended with mystery), that’s kind of a dealbreaker. When the secondary characters consistently outshine the main couple, I’m left wanting more and feeling disappointed instead of invested.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Adenrele Ojo and Myles Washington, and both did a solid job. The pacing was good, the sound engineering was strong, and technically everything worked… but even great narration couldn’t make up for the missing spark.

At the end of the day, this just may not have been my book. I can see how others might connect with it differently, so I’m not saying don’t read it—but if you’re someone who thrives on chemistry and emotional tension, I’d recommend going in with cautious expectations.

Sometimes a book can do everything right on paper and still fail to make your heart care—and unfortunately, that was the case for me here.


I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Zenya Weatherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an entertaining and emotionally rich read. The narrators truly elevated the story, bringing every scene to life with depth and authenticity. One of the most compelling themes is how family isn’t always defined by blood—sometimes the people who truly have your back are extended family, friends, or the chosen family you build along the way. The story weaves in a lot of heartbreak, but it’s handled with so much care, resilience, and strength that it never feels overwhelming—just honest and deeply moving.
The FMC is a standout: strong, independent, and completely unafraid to stand up for herself, which made her journey incredibly satisfying to follow. And the MMC? Absolutely down bad in the best way. His devotion to protecting her—especially while she’s the one hired to clear his name—adds such a delicious layer of tension and trust to their dynamic. If you’re a fan of second-chance romances filled with emotion, loyalty, and heart, this book is an excellent pick and well worth the read.

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ex Dilemma by Elle Wright

This story was a fun, second-chance romance with just the right mix of drama, heat, and heart. Wesley’s struggle to protect his image felt relatable, especially with the pressure of living up to family expectations, and I loved that his grandmother wasn’t just a background character but a real motivator in his choices. Albany was the standout for me she was smart, guarded, and determined not to lose herself again, which made her push-and-pull with Wes feel genuine.

The chemistry between Wesley and Albany was undeniable, and their history added depth to every interaction. I enjoyed how the mystery element with the social media leaker kept the plot moving while giving them a reason to be thrown back into each other’s lives . Overall, it was an engaging, swoony read about love, growth, and taking a risk on someone who still has your heart. Once again Elle Wright did not disappoint.

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance. Family drama. A little mystery. And some chemistry. This story had a lot going on. Angry, hurt, and emotional are all the feelings Albany had going at once and was going to let her teenage heartbreak keep her from getting her money. Albany and Wes have history, chemistry , and a job to do. There are a lot of people in this story and a lot of things going on. The only thing I did not like was the way it took so long for us to find out why Wes left and why it was such a big secret. I enjoyed this story and watching Albany be at war with her self it was funny. I recommend this book if you like a second chance romance that gives soap opera vibes.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story

A good second chance romance gets me going every time. This story was the topping and the filling. I wanted the G moms to be right about their grown grand children getting back together. Wesley and Albany were forced into sleuthing together to find out who was spilling the personal tea on Wesley. The answer was expected and cringy worthy, especially, with the sex acts video of Wesley and his one night stand. The Grandmas were something else. I did not like their overbearing ways, but the story was worth reading.

[Brownskinnedreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a second chance romance but this one did not do it for me. The social media drama ended weird to me and I just couldn't truly connect with the why. I also didn't care for the romance between the main characters. The story was still well written but I felt it left out a lot. It built all this family drama then fell flat at the end.

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute! The grandmothers stole the story for me. I laughed a ton, swooned, and teared up at the end. Wes and Albany were truly better together. Once they addressed the hurt and pain of their past, things made a lot of sense for them. I’m so eager to see how grandma Joyce gets the rest of the grandkids on board with her plan.. 🫣❤️

Audiobook was done well!

[Alesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I actually hear the theme song to young and the restless playing in the background while reading? Maybe…

I enjoyed this. The mystery should have been predictable but I didn’t see it coming.

Would definitely read more from the author and I’m glad I picked it up.

[Emmy P]

ALC read is in.

Second chance lovers gather here. This was a big read for me as I am not always a second chance lover girly, but we were given all the vibes one might expect and I would happily recommend these lovers to the ladies in the book club any day.

[Lani Bausewein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Fun, fast-paced, sexy - family drama, second chance romance, and some fun/quirky characters.

I hear there will be a sequel based on one of the characters in this book... 👀 Can't wait!

[Nia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐
• A second chance romance about two childhood sweethearts who reunite when one of them is hired as PI to investigate the public scandal concerning the other!
• I loved the chemistry between the characters and how strong Albany was and Wes on his knees throughout the book for forgiveness really helped with his case 😂
🎧 The narration was fine tho the male narration had a breathy intonation that kinda hard to get used to but it didn't hinder with my enjoyment of the book!

💌 Overall, super fun filled with chemistry and strong characters, meddling grandmas I really enjoyed it.

💖 Thanks NetGalley for the ALC, all opinions are my own!

[CT · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ex Dilemma delivers exactly what I come to Elle Wright’s books for: emotionally messy characters, grown-folk drama, and a romance that sits right on that addictive line between tension and tenderness. Albany and Wesley’s dynamic is complicated in the best way — full of history, hurt, and that magnetic pull they can’t shake even when they probably should. Wright does a great job layering their backstory so the stakes feel real, and the added family pressure (Joyce!) only tightens the screws.

Albany is a standout — smart, grounded, and determined even when vulnerability threatens to crack through. And Wesley… whew. He’s the kind of flawed but sincere hero who frustrates you and wins you over almost in the same breath. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the emotional payoff hits.

If you like second-chance romance with depth, family complications, and characters who feel fully lived-in, this one is absolutely worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Shantell · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a book built around one of the hardest romance tropes to pull off—a second-chance love story—Elle Wright absolutely nailed it. Wesley and Albany’s journey is heartfelt, mature, and beautifully messy in all the right ways.

The emotional tension between them feels lived-in, not manufactured, and the “who-done-it” thread kept me guessing straight through to the reveal (and yes, I was wrong). The mystery never overshadows the romance; it enhances it, deepening both characters’ stakes.

Wright’s writing is confident and tender, balancing humor, heartbreak, and genuine heat. This is a story about forgiveness, trust, and choosing love again after everything that went wrong—and it sticks the landing.

This one isn’t just an enjoyable ARC; it’s a buy-on-release kind of book. Standing ovation from me. 👏🏾

[Brittany Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with this ARC.

Now, I know I’m a bit of a crybaby, but this book had me in tears. It hit me right in the heart (if you’ve ever loved your best friend… read with caution. You’ve been warned.).

Albany and Wesley’s love story is a testament to the power of love to transcend boundaries. It may take years, but if that’s the person you’re meant to be with, nothing can stop it, not even your own walls.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching them reach their conclusions. And the grandmas, though wicked, were so entertaining to read about their chaotic antics.

This book is a must-read for me. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

[Fadeless Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚✨ Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC 📚✨

This story is set in Detroit and follows Wesley Batchelor, a charming heir whose reputation is being dragged by a mysterious social media influencer named Miss Tea. To make matters worse, his powerhouse grandmother, Granny Joyce, is the CEO of Batchelor Enterprises and has issued a ultimatum..........marry or lose your inheritance.

Albany Keyes is a private investigator and Wes’s first love. They had a devastating breakup as teenagers, and Albany is still healing from a recent, messy divorce. Granny Joyce actually hires Albany to find the person leaking Wes’s secrets. This forces Albany and Wes to work together, which is why their chemistry and constant bickering were so stressful!

My Thoughts 💭

Albany and Wes were stressing me out. Their constant back and forth and the weight of their past made me want to shake them both at times. Watching them navigate the scandal of the social media influencer Miss Tea while trying to keep a professional distance as private investigator and client was almost too much 😫

Bosslady Granny Joyce didn't play any games with her grandkids. She was a force to be reckoned with and I loved how she commanded every scene she was in. Her ultimatum to Wesley about his inheritance was such a bold move that set the whole plot in motion 👑

There was a pain surrounding the family dynamics. I wanted Albany's father to step up and be her Dad because there is a difference. That distinction between a biological parent and someone who actually shows up for you was so clear in this story and tugged at my heart 💔

My final takeaway is that this is a powerful story about growth and setting boundaries. I loved how the author balanced the steamy romance with real life issues like professional integrity and emotional healing. It is not just a simple love story but a look at how your past can either haunt you or help you build a better future. If you enjoy stories with high stakes and deep emotional roots then this is definitely for you 🌟

🎧 Audiobook Experience 🎧

The audiobook was also a great experience because the narrators, Adenrele Ojo and Myles Washington, did an incredible job of bringing the tension to life. Hearing the emotion in their voices made the family drama feel even more personal and raw. If you enjoy immersive storytelling that makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the drama.

[Ann-Marie Herod · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by Elle Wright, but it shall not be my last. I enjoyed reading this second romance that has some elements of a cozy mystery in it too. Albany (formerly of the FBI and now a PI) is recently divorced and broke due to her cheating husband and is hired by her former best friend/ex-boyfriend’s media mogul grandmother to find who is behind the gossip page that is reporting on all of Wesley’s business. Wesley works for the company and has not had an easy life due to issues with his father, and then later his father’s death, which causes him and his family to go into hiding. Since then, he has been living up to his last name, constantly rotating women, and just being an all-round Playboy socialite. You know the rich guy who finds happiness in a bottle and between legs. But for Wesley, this is all just a coping mechanism. Albany is the one that he let go of and fumbled his biggest mistake in letting her go and hurting her as a teen. Now that his grandmother has hired her to find out who is behind this mess, he is determined not to let her go again and also prove that she can trust him, but it’s not easy along the way because there are constant stories being reported by Ms. Tea. While we’re not trying to find who committed a murder per se, we’re definitely trying to find out “whodunnit.” Who is behind this gossip page that keeps spilling Wesley’s tea? Is it his uncle who hates him or a vengeful hook-up? Then on top of that, his grandmother gives an ultimatum that they must find spouses. Now that fact is honestly the last thing that is on Wesley’s mind (or is it) because he is set on winning Albany back. Albany does not make it easy for him and part of her battle is if she can trust him but when she finds out the reason about why he ghosted her when they were so much younger, she softened to him somewhat. The book was pretty easy to get through, and if you or someone who likes books with intrigue, spice, Second Chance romances, family drama, and celebrity gossip. Then you will enjoy this story. The story also set up many other stories that could follow with the other grandchildren and friends in the circle . Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC.

[Ivory IG ivorypearlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your family is so chaotic that your grandmother demands you get married before she dies, and then immediately hires your first love and high school sweetheart to work for her the very same day, it is absolutely giving matchmaking and second chance romance of a lifetime.

After disappearing without a word decades earlier, Wes is forced to come face to face with the only woman he has ever truly loved. Albany, now a private detective recovering from a painful divorce, is reluctantly pulled back into Wes’s world through a career opportunity she desperately needs. Being forced into close proximity with the man who broke her heart as a teenager sets the stage for a reunion filled with unresolved pain, simmering chemistry, and long buried feelings.

This novel is a beautiful first installment in the Batchelor family series and is ultimately a story about grief, healing, and forgiveness, with just the right touch of mystery woven throughout. Wes is navigating the loss of his father, deeply toxic family dynamics, and the weight of expectations placed on him by a powerful legacy, all while holding onto a fragile hope that Albany might still have a place in his life.

Elle Wright did an incredible job balancing the contemporary family drama with the tense, slow burn rekindling between Wes and Albany. Both characters never truly healed from their abrupt teenage breakup, and you can feel the depth of that loss in every interaction. Their chemistry builds in a way that feels earned, emotional, and satisfying. The climax of this story delivered a much needed emotional exhale that had me sitting with my feelings in the best way.

And whew. Discovering who the villain was in this story had me cussing out loud. Absolutely perfect casting for the role, even if it hurt a little.

I would highly recommend The Ex Dilemma to anyone who loves messy family drama layered with romance, betrayal, second chances, and possibly deathbed ultimatums. The jury is still out on that last part.

Thank you to Elle Wright, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook and for trusting me with this story. This was an easy five star read that I will gladly be recommending to all of my Bookies and Besties.