Battle of the Exes

by Ellie Hartwood

Ever make a complete fool of yourself in front of your ex while the sexiest man alive looks on in cringe-worthy amusement? Not my finest hour.

When my sister calls begging for help to save The Silver Quill, our family-owned bookstore, I hop a plane from New York and return to Silver Pine—the hometown I swore I’d never set foot in again. What I don’t expect? Running into the ex of all exes.

Beau Carter always knew how to show up at the worst possible moment.

For three blissful days, Beau and I were husband and wife. But that was a lifetime ago, before he became persona non grata.

Now, fate (or bad luck) has thrown us back together, and our reunion is anything but swoony. Turns out, Beau is the publicist in charge of the town’s literary festival, the one event standing between The Silver Quill and bankruptcy.

I’m determined to keep things professional, but Beau is maddeningly charming—and suspiciously too invested in the bookstore’s future. I know he's up to something and I'm going to beat him at his own game.

Between heated banter and awkward run-ins, there's a sizzling chemistry that’s harder to ignore with each passing day. Could it be that this isn’t the final chapter for us after all?

Battle of the Exes is part of The Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll

Later-in-life rom-comEnemies-to-loversSecond chanceSmall townKisses-onlyBuy Battle of the Exes for a page-flipping second chance at love today!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Love, Laughter, and Second Chances—Who Says Romance Ends at 40?

Welcome to a collection of fun, feel-good romantic comedies where love comes with age, second chances are swoon-worthy, and happily-ever-afters are just as sweet the second time around. Set in charming small towns, these later-in-life romcom novellas are filled with laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling-but-sweet romance, and unforgettable meet-cutes. Whether it’s enemies-to-lovers fireworks, a second shot at love on the ice, single moms rediscovering romance, or fixer-uppers that spark unexpected chemistry, these stories promise the perfect escape.

No steam, just swoon! So pour a glass of lemonade, settle into a porch swing, and enjoy these delightful love stories.

The Midlife Meet Cute Series has seven standalone, sweet
• Battle of the Exes by Ellie Hartwood
• Fixing Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale
• Love Takes a Tumble by Susanne Ash
• Beauty and the Grease by Stephanie J. Scott
• The Summer I Stayed by Bella Greene
• Shot on Goal at a Second Chance by Dineen Miller
• Love & Lattes at The Mermaid Café by Melinda Curtis

Kick back, relax, and fall in love with these sweet, later-in-life romcoms!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com, Clean Romance

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and quick read with a solid plot that kept the story moving at a nice pace. While I enjoyed the overall storyline there were a few sentences and moments where I felt the writing could have been phrased a little differently, I wasn’t a big fan of the miscommunication trope, as it felt a bit frustrating at times. One thing I really liked was the short chapters, it helped keep me engaged and made it easy to keep reading. Overall, the book featured good and likeable characters and I really enjoyed the small-town romance setting. Despite a few minor things, it was an enjoyable read and a nice choice for fans of light hearted romcoms.

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight from start to finish! I was immediately drawn to the concept of a later-in-life romance and the unique second-chance setup—especially the idea of a couple reconnecting after being married for just three days years ago. It’s such a compelling hook, and Ellie Hartwood delivers it beautifully.

The charming small-town setting, especially the Silver Quill bookshop, added so much warmth and coziness to the story. Ivy is a strong, admirable heroine, and Beau's unwavering love for her is truly swoon-worthy.

This is a perfect quick read, full of heart and hope. And as part of the Midlife Meet Cute series, it promises even more adorable, mature romances to fall in love with. Highly recommend!

[R.S.05 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pages📄: 177 pages (Apple Books)
Main trope: Second chance romance💐💍
Spice🌶️: Tame - Closed door🚪
Ending: Happily ever after❤️
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a cute and delightful read in the Midlife Meet Cute series.

Beau and Ivy's story - both their past and their present - weaved together really nicely in this book.

The fact that their past, the whole thing with them having been married for only three days before everything went down, was kept a mystery, kept me engaged and interested. I was constantly wondering and wanting to find out what went wrong between our main characters.

Watching Beau and Ivy find back to each other was a big win, and I enjoyed reading about the evolvement of their relationship.

The stories plot was good, but the writing style lacked a bit in my opinion. There were certain sentences I felt could have been written differently to make them much better.

One thing I really liked about this book was that the chapters were short and concise. For me personally, short chapters just keeps me more engaged, and that's exactly what happened here too.

A quick and cute read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a romance with main characters over the age of 40, The Midlife Meet Cute multi-author novella series has you covered! Up first, we have a second chance romance for Beau and Ivy. These two were married for a grand total of just three days before it all blew up and they never spoke again... until she returns to her hometown to help save her family's beloved bookstore and discovers he is there helping out too... and boy was it a rather embarrassing reintroduction! As they work together to save the bookstore, the chemistry between them is evident, but they'll have to work out those issues from their past first. There were definitely a few times in their story that I wished I could shake some sense into these two and get them to hash out the past sooner, but it was a super cute and enjoyable story just the same. It definitely had some Hallmark type vibes--- in the best way possible. This was a super quick read, easily read in just a sitting or two, but just the perfect length for the busy summer days.

Battle of the Exes is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second chance romance story. It's been twenty years since Ivy ran, and now she has to work alongside her ex-husband to save the family busy. Will they resolve the reissue for a 2nd chance together?
Good likeable characters, enjoyable small town romance.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed this book. There’s love, laughter and second chances. Ivy and Beau have a history and when Ivy needs to go home to help her sister of course Beau would have to show up. Can Ivy trust Beau after all these years or can she prove that he’s up to no good?

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful story! Ivy and Beau are so lovely together.

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin by stating that this is my first book by Ellie Hartwood, but it won’t be my last. This wonderfully written story drew me in from the beginning and kept my attention into the wee hours of the morning. I had to make myself close my Kindle so I could get some sleep. Ivy lives and works in New York, and she loves her job as Dear Ivy, an advice column. Now, she started this column years ago without any real experience. She’s come a long way and has a loyal following from readers and people seeking her advice.
Ivy’s life goes along great until she receives a phone call from her sister, Rue. Unfortunately, this is not a call to check up and see how she’s doing or to give her exciting news. Rue needs help and she needs it now. It seems that The Silver Quill, their family’s bookstore has new landlords. Rue informs her that “the lease came due, and, well, they upped the rent.” Yeah, they upped the rent by 200%! Rue tells her that they could get more than that. It seems that Rue has been seeking help and advice from others, but nothing is doable. “We’ve exhausted our options. It’s time to think about liquidating.” Ivy can’t imagine the situation is this bad, but it is. Part of the problem is that they’re competing with online stores. Ivy offers suggestions, but Rue finally tells her “Unless I-we-come up with a solution in the next few weeks, we are going to have to close our doors on the last day of June.” Rue is scared and Ivy knows it. She asks how she can help, and Rue asks if she can come home. Now, many years ago Ivy promised herself she wouldn’t return to Silver Pine and she hasn’t, well except for a wedding, a birth, and for one Thanksgiving.
Rue tells her they have Jasper Kensington, a thriller author, coming for a book signing. That perks Ivy’s attention, she loves his books and he’s her favorite author. She tells Rue she’ll be there on Friday.
Not everyone loves Jasper, especially Beau, who Jasper signed up to use his agency. Beau considers him as someone who needs their ego stroked, although, he’s perfectly aware of how much his fans love his books.
Ivy is hit with some nostalgia when she arrives in Silver Pine. She stops at the Silver Quill and thinks about all the time she spent there. The store is warm and inviting and offers a variety of items for sale.
Meanwhile, Beau picked up Jasper to get him settled in. Now, Jasper is not exactly an approachable guy, and his success has gone to his head. He’s arrogant and doesn’t see value in this small town. He should be at a larger city hitting the big chain bookstores, not some small town like this one.
Beau has returned to Silver after being away for some years due to a “dark period of poor choices and heartbreak”, that he refers to as ‘the lost years’. Rue is surprised to see him, she thought he would have someone else accompany Jasper. Rue tells him that his ex-wife is back in town. Guess who Beau’s ex-wife is…Ivy! Just when I thought this story couldn’t get any better! How will Ivy react when she finds out that her ex is in town and she’ll be seeing him a lot. Will Jasper’s appearance be enough to save The Silver Quill? If not, will the be another option so Rue can keep working? Oh, there is so much more drama in this wonderfully written story. Don’t miss out reading Battle of the Exes by Ellie Hartwood! Get your copy today!

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battle of the Exes by Ellie Hartwood is amazing!!! Ivy and Beau have a history. A slightly complicated history in that they were at one time married… but something happened to make the marriage not last more than three days. Now 20 years later, Ivy and Beau are finally face to face again - ready to solve the current dilemma of Ivy’s family bookstore - but hopefully, their past as well.

Things I enjoyed:
The re-meet cute entrance
Dual POV
Small town
Her column
“I didn’t come back to Silver Pine to play it safe”
He protects her
Gasp! The big question finally answered!
Their text messages
“Dear Seeking”

I really enjoyed this novella! The author managed to pack in a lot of information that made the story feel complete and not rushed. The writing style is great – nice quotes and highlights throughout (don’t want to spoil anything!) that made me smile, laugh, squeal, frown, and of course, sigh with bliss at the ending. The swoony romance made my heart soar and I am still thinking of Beau storming in to protect Ivy. The ending wrapped everything up nicely…I highly recommend this book!

Battle of the Exes is book 1 in a new multi-author series called Midlife Meet Cute. Love, Laughter, and Second Chances—Who Says Romance Ends at 40? Welcome to a collection of fun, feel-good romantic comedies where love comes with age, second chances are swoon-worthy, and happily-ever-afters are just as sweet the second time around. Set in charming small towns, these later-in-life romcom novellas are filled with laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling-but-sweet romance, and unforgettable meet-cutes. Whether it’s enemies-to-lovers fireworks, a second shot at love on the ice, single moms rediscovering romance, or fixer-uppers that spark unexpected chemistry, these stories promise the perfect escape.

CW: swoony kisses

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battle of the Exes is the first in the Midlife Meet Cute Series.   This is a cute and funny short read.  The story is a second chance for Ivy and Beau to get remarried after twenty years.  As a  good will gesture by Beau, he married a college classmate from another country so she could stay in the country after getting her degree.  It was just his signature, not a real marriage.  She was suppose to get the divorce paperwork filed but not being from America she did not know how important it was.  She met one of Beau’s friends that told her he was getting married.  When she arrived Ivy and Beau just returned from their honeymoon and the woman ran up to Beau kissing him and calling him her husband.  Three days married and it was over. 

 

Beau buys the house in Silver Pines that he and Ivy dreamed of.  He was using it as his home base for his business of being a publicist for writers.  His biggest writer is Jasper Kensington.  Beau has worked up a deal with Rue, Ivy’s sister to bring Jasper to her bookstore that is in danger of closing and also set up a pop up event with other publicists and writers to raise some money for the bookstore.  It turns out that it brings a miracle to Rue and the bookstore and more money to the local merchants.   Beau writes a letter to “Dear Ivy”  and she uses it for her column.  It goes viral and with Beau putting Silver Pines on his letter it starts bringing people from all over wanting second chances.  Beau has never loved no one but Ivy.  That does not mean Ivy would leave New York and come back to Silver Pines.  Twenty years is a long time and she has not talked to him since the day she ran away.  Could meeting him in Silver Pines change her mind?

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

A romance that features later in life MCs, meaning in their 40s and above? Yes please! I love books that shine a light on romance after your 20s or even young 30s. Where did this idea that romance ends after 35 come from? Being in my 40s I can testify that romance does not end if you don’t let it! Add in a second chance romance and coming home trope and I knew I was going to love this book from the moment it was announced.

Coming home is never easy, but usually it’s because you are running from something or someone. In Ellie Hartwood’s Battle of the Exs, book 1 in the Midlife Meet Cute series, this is exactly what happens. Coming face to face with an ex that you’ve never been able to forget, brings banter, romance, and swoon worthy moments to life in this book. I loved Beau and Ivy’s story. Ellie kicked this series off with a bang and I can't’ wait to see what else is to come.

Ivy and Beau were a fun read about remembering the past to shape your future. But what if your past is your future? I loved watching Ivy fight falling for her ex-husband again and how Beau showed her he had truly changed for the better. And for her. The story is well paced, the romance is sizzling, and the tension between our two MCs could be cut easily with a dull blade; it was so thick and taut. And of course who doesn't love a MC that is a book lover as well.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
📚Second Chance
💙Enemies to Lovers
📚Small Town Romance
💙Later in Life MCs
📚Coming Home

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for anything that says “midlife.” When I saw that a series featuring older characters was coming out, I jumped on board immediately. This series comprises seven standalone books written by different authors. The series boosts, “No steam, just swoon.” I am unsure if all of them are second-chance romance; I haven’t read ahead. They are all guaranteed to be HEA romcoms. This is my first book by Ellie Hartwood, and I look forward to reading more!

This book features Beau and Ivy. There are some time jumps because it's a second-chance romance, allowing us to see their past together and the present. It was nicely set up, and it doesn't detract from the story at all; instead, it adds to it.

Beau and Ivy, married only three days before finding out a jarring secret, haven’t seen each other in years. When Ivy gets a call from her sister begging for help to save the family bookstore, she jumps on a plane and heads back to Silver Pine. Beau, a publicist, is in charge of the town’s literary festival and helps his ex save The Silver Quill.

The plot was cute; I love a story about bookstores. It had big Hallmark vibes, sweet and wholesome, a closed-door romance. It is a short read and a good palate cleanser! I am excited to read the rest of the series.

Thanks to Ellie Hartwood for gifting me an eARC of Battle of the Exes. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s more awkward than running into your ex 20 years later?

I loved Ivy and Beau’s story - both current day and the flashbacks. Coming together to save an indie bookstore will always have my attention. I loved how this was accomplished. No one just threw money at the problem, but they actually solved it with actual work and determination.

The structure of this book was refreshing, with short chapters that gave me a little taste of what each character was thinking and doing in almost-real time. I enjoyed the back and forth style of writing much more than I anticipated. It kept me engaged and wanting more with the end of each brief chapter.

I was impressed with how much depth there was to these characters in such a short book. Many novellas fall flat in the character development department, so this was a refreshing surprise. The author really took the time to have the characters work out their issues instead of glossing over them and having everything be magically fixed.

This was such a delightful first read in the new Midlife Meet Cutes multi-author series. I have been looking forward to this series since it was announced. The idea of reading stories about women at the same stage of life as me really caught my eye. This first installment did not disappoint! I am excited to read the rest of this later-in-life series and to see more women like me on the page.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish. What’s better than a little animosity between you and your ex and a huge misunderstanding. I thought this book was a delight and was the first I had read by this author and will be reading more. What happens when you try to help out a friend but it comes back to bite you in the butt because they don’t understand policies in the us and did not find it urgent . Or your wife leaves you three days in due to a huge misunderstanding and won’t answer your calls . Well that has been the life of the mmc and now ten years have passed but the flame for her still burns bright
Ivy promised to never return home after the disaster that was her marriage except for two exceptions but now she’s on her way home to try and save the family business as the new owners of the building have raised the rent exponentially. 200% though might be unfair is still with in the legal means .
This book is filled with happy moments and laughs. While I do not enjoy the miscommunication trope it is only covered lightly in this book and creates the background for the story .
This is book one in a series of short novels about late in life love. Who says you can’t find love after 40 ? These books prove you can . All available on ku

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book to start this new Midlife Meet Cute Series with and I love that it’s a second chance romance, one of my favorite tropes. I liked how the story started with the Dear Ivy column and who knew that the phone call that came a few minutes later from Ivy’s sister Rue would change everything. Ivy, who currently lives in New York, is needed back in Colorado to help figure out the family business. What she doesn’t know is her ex-husband and her sister are in cahoots with one another to plan something to help save their bookstore other than a major author signing. I have to admit I was a little disappointed in Rue for planning with her sisters ex Beau and not telling Ivy and Ivy thinking that Rue couldn’t have done something like this, news flash she did. I loved how Ivy and Beau spent time together to plan the festival and were finally about to talk about what happened 20 years ago when they were married and just when I thought the two might try again, the festival was over and Ivy went back to New York. However I had an inkling that we might be getting another Dear Ivy letter towards the end of the book and I won’t say any more other than this is a fun story, wonderful characters, a great HEA and I found a new author to add to my reading list.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

She hops on a plane ,no time for explanation ,she knows what she must do . But little did she know what or should that be who is around the corner . In steps Beau Carter but is he friend or foe? There’s one way to know …Silver Quill is her family’s bookstore in Silver Pine ,she hasn’t kept up with how things are ,she was sure they were fine. She lives away from here by design .New York’s too far,but here we are now ,anyhow and she’s all in and does care .So where does she go from first glance? Does she give mr Romeo ,Beau a chance to come good? Beau Carter ,he’s her ex. They’re always at loggerheads,what next?! They were man and wife once… for three whole days! Until it blew up in their face . Beau is in charge of the town’s publicity at the town’s literary festival and it transpires that she’s to work alongside him,how grim but that’s not all as he convinces her to trust him. Her sister Rue sent out a distress call that would not do at all and the reason for her dash and not too brash blast back into town for a showdown. Their lease is up and the new landlords have put the price up by 200% ,how utterly preposterous! It just won’t do! Now what comes next ? That’s right her Ex! …He’s not a fan of this bloke Allen Jasper, but the sisters live in the hope that Jasper Kensington a thriller writer who excites his ex with his prose is the way to go so he goes all out to make it so. Is this the answer to their prayers ,will the two exes show they care for one another as well? Now wouldn’t that be swell too? Such a superb storyline and the story is divine and heavenly sweet and cute ,a treat! So good! Well it’s written by Ellie Hartwood so I knew it would be . In fact I decree with the great characters the compelling ,storytelling and all. I had a ball , not a bawl!

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Battle of the Exes* is a short, snappy, and drama-filled romance novella that delivers exactly what its title promises: sparks, sarcasm, and second chances. Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes situation—the story pits two former lovers against each other in a game neither of them really wants to lose.

The strength of the novella lies in its fast pacing and emotionally charged banter. Despite its brevity, the novella manages to flesh out the characters with just enough backstory to give emotional weight to their reunion.

If you're a fan of second-chance romance with a healthy dose of sass and emotional payoff, this one will satisfy.

On the downside, due to its shorter format, some readers may find the resolution a bit rushed or wish for more depth in character development or side plots. But for what it aims to be—a fun, fiery, and feel-good read—it succeeds.

**Best for:** Fans of enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, or quick binge-worthy reads with emotional tension and satisfying resolution.

[greenapplemojito · Rating 3 out of 5]

I occasionally pick up midlife romance books since I do not easily connect or relate to them as much as books where the characters are close to my age. This happened to be one of those few books, and I must say I wasn't disappointed and liked it. In fact, I loved it to the point that I wished the story were longer, stronger with more pining, grovelling, and angst. So why 3 stars? Well, it has to do with the "stronger" aspect in the previous sentence. While I liked the small things that the MMC did that showed that he still loved her, I also felt that the fallout was "silly" or could have been better and stronger. It just felt like a whole load of simple miscommunication that caused two people to be apart for over two decades to finally be able to reconnect. It also made it harder to believe that after these many years, they still had feelings for one another... So, yeah I wish there was a different reason for the fallout or it had happened different and with a stronger storyline in place, I wished to have seen more grovelling and pining.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a 7 book novella series known at the Midlife Meet Cute Series.
Ivy and Beau said I do but it didn’t take. She was shocked with what, and after learning something Beau kept well she ran. Now years later she has a column helping people. What she does expect is to be going home to Silver Pine, Colorado, but her family needs her. The family book store needs her. What she doesn’t expect is to see her ex-husband Beau. He broke her heart. Now he’s got something up his sleeve. He’s bringing author Jasper Kensington to Silver Pine, and her family book store for a signing.
Now Ivy must work with Beau to help the store. It’s really hard. All the feelings comes to surface. She doesn’t realize they’re still there.
Beau explains to Ivy. He even goes to the length of something so sweet I got choked up.

All are standalone. I can’t wait to read the rest. All new authors to me, but one Melinda Curtis.
All great titles.

[Hilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Battle of the Exes by Ellie Hartwood is the story of Ivy and Beau, who were married but went their own way after things went wrong. When Ivy returns home to help her family to save their bookshop, she has no idea she will meet Beau again.

This was such a lovely and sweet second chance story. I loved reading it. Ivy and Beau are two great characters and they have a good chemistry. Both are strong and likable characters and you can tell they like each other still. As they are meeting often, their relationship blossoms again, but there is also a lot of hurt. I especially loved that Ivy has a column in which she helps readers. Near the end a letter is sent (by whom? Just read the book), which is so sweet and lovely!

The writing style is flowing and the book, a novella, is easy to read. It is a cute and sweet story, filled with romance, banter and some drama. If you want to read a sweet second chance romance book, this is the book.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battle of the Exes is a total gem! Ellie Hartwood delivers a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud second-chance romance with all the charm you could want in a novella — and none of the fluff. Set in the beautiful Colorado mountains (I'm from there!), this story follows two exes unexpectedly reunited, navigating old wounds, new beginnings, and the spark that never quite went out.

I absolutely loved the mature, relatable characters. It’s rare to find a romantic comedy that centers midlife love in such a refreshing and honest way, and Hartwood does it beautifully. The dialogue is snappy and fun, the emotional moments are earned, and the setting adds a cozy, cinematic touch that makes you want to book a mountain getaway ASAP.

Though it’s a quick read, it still manages to pack in all the feels. If you enjoy clean romance with heart, humor, and just the right amount of sass, Battle of the Exes is for you. I’m excited to dive into the rest of the Midlife Meet Cute series!

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy, an advise columnist in New York is finally heading home to her small town of Silver Pine when her sister calls asking for help to save The Silver Quill, their family owned bookstore. While she is there is runs into her ex husband Beau and the publicist who is also working on the town’s literary festival to help save the bookstore. Now, Ivy is working with Beau in order to help. Will they be able to work together in order to save the bookstore.

I love a good second chance and small town story and this has both. Ivy and Beau’s meeting again after twenty years was just so hilarious. The banter and drama between these two is great. This was a fast and easy read, that I couldn’t put down.

A new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her work and the rest of this series.

This is book one in the Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a multi author novella closed door kisses only series.

[Read Letter Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love second chances and characters who go far out of their way to prove their love by helping the LI's family?

Yes, twenty years of angst could have been solved if the FMC answered her phone, but I can understand why she didn't. And, lets be honest, without poor communication 75% of contemporary romance wouldn't exist, so I won't fault books for it.

Beau is sweet and determined without coming off as creepy and Ivy has steeled herself against the world to not be hurt again. But with a touch of meddling by her sister, she and Beau are back in town and forced to work together.

Old sparks that never died are rekindled over the week and neither can stop the feelings coming back. Beau had a lot to prove in Ivy's eyes and saving the family bookstore is the way to do it.

Sweet with the right amount of angst and warm-fuzzies, this book is perfect for curling up by the fire with.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a story about the power of love, whether it be instant/building/or second chance. Battle of the Exes is that second chance story of two people who are reunited after two decades. Miscommunication, damaged pride, and fear kept advice columnist Ivy away until the plight of the family bookstore brings her back to town. It also brings Beau, working on the same cause, back into her orbit. The dialogue is quick and witty, the characters strong, and the theme is well represented. I was hooked by this book with the emotional support chicken, Henrietta, advice column letter. Too funny, someone with a creative mind thinks that way and I want to read more by Ms. Hartwood! This is a wonderfully enjoyable book and in the words of Dear Ivy, “second chances aren’t just given, they’re earned.”
I gratefully received an ARC copy, but all opinions are my own.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the perfect summer beach read. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t stop because I had to know what happened to make these two break up initially.

Their characters were so well written that while I was siding with Ivy on her hating Beau campaign, all it took was reading Beau’s chapter and then I was rooting for those two to find their way back together. Talk about emotional whiplash in the best way! The banter between Ivy and Beau had me literally laughing out loud at times, and I could feel their chemistry popping off the page.

If you’re looking for a quick read that’s light hearted and funny, give this book a try. I also recommended this book to my mom, that might not necessarily make you want to read it, but she's really picky so I don't recommend just anything to her.

*I received an advanced copy of this book, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy Winslow lives in NYC and writes an advice column that she started many years ago with no experience. She is from the small town of Silver Pines where her family owns a bookshop, The Silver Quill. Rue, Ivy’s little sister, runs the shop and has never asked for help - until now. Apparently there is a very real possibility that they might lose The Silver Quill. So Ivy does something she promised herself she never would and heads to her hometown, because she has to help Rue. When she gets there she runs into the one person she was really hoping to avoid, Beau Carter, her ex-husband. They were married for a whopping 3 days what feels like a lifetime ago, until she sees him. That spark they had is still there but she can never forgive him for what he did.
Beau never stopped loving Ivy and when Rue asked for help trying to do something to save The Silver Quill he jumped in headfirst. As a publicist, he has many contacts in the publishing world so they decided that they would have a pop up event in Silver Pines. He brought Jasper Kensington, the handful of an author that he manages, to be the headliner. He is hopeful that the event will be able to help keep The Silver Quill going because he has always loved that bookstore and Ivy.

I really enjoyed this little book. It was nice to read a story with characters closer to my own age for once. Ellie did a wonderful job creating characters that are realistic and relatable. I loved the storyline and secondary characters. The bookshop is wonderful - what avid reader doesn’t love a bookshop and even better is a story about saving one! The chemistry and sizzle between Ivy and Beau is great but it is a sweet and clean romance so only some kissing to make you swoon.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting take on a second chance romance. Beau Carter and Ivy Winslow married over a decade ago but only stayed married for three days. Now both are back in the small town of Silver Pine, Colorado and trying to save the Winslow family bookstore but can these two get along long enough to see that happen.
I thought this to be a delight with the later-in-life second chance and the small town charm. The author did a marvelous job of delivering the bookstore signing event in a most humorous way causing a giggle or two from me. Beau knew how to lay on the charm, pulling out all the stops to help save the bookstore, having her favorite chocolates, remembering her favorite movie, buying their house and that Dear Ivy letter was over-the-top in romantic gestures.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

honestly such a fun read! It gave me all the warm, second-chance feels but with a little bit of sass and a lot of heart. It’s one of those books that balances emotional moments with laugh-out-loud scenes, and the whole vibe just felt super cozy and grown up in the best way.

It’s set in a small town, so you’ve got that whole close-knit, everyone-knows-your-business energy, but it doesn’t feel cheesy. What I loved most was how real and mature the characters felt. It’s romance for grownups without being boring. You can tell there’s history between them, but it never drags. And while there’s no steam, the tension is definitely there, and the chemistry? So good.

It’s short, sweet, and gave me exactly what I wanted: a heartwarming escape with characters I could root for and a romance that felt earned. Definitely one of those books you finish with a little warm smile on your face.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable second chance story
If life gave you a second chance at love, would you be brave enough to take it? That is the question facing Ivy. Ivy is a successful advice columnist. But she harbors a secret heartache no one knows about. Years ago, she married Beau only to return from her honeymoon to be met by his wife. Since then she has stayed away from her hometown staying away from reminders of the past. Now her sister needs her help to save the family business, so she returns only to discover that Beau is deeply involved in the rescue plan. She can set aside her feelings of betrayal to help her sister but what if there is something more under the surface. A later in life story anyone can enjoy. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Rachel Wehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy Winslow is an accomplished columnist living in NYC. When her little sister calls her to help her save their parents bookstore, she immediately answers the call, even though it means returning home, a place she swore she'd never return. As bad as she expected, Ivy runs into Beau Carter, her ex-husband. Once upon a time, Ivy and Beau were married for three whole days. Now, they're forced to work together to save Ivy's family's bookstore. It's clear their chemistry still sizzles, but will Ivy ever be able to overcome her distrust of the man who broke her heart?

My thoughts: 💭
I loved that the charterers were older, in their 40s. That's rare to see, so it was refreshing to see a midlife couple. The second chance romance was sweet and poignant. Ellie really brought these characters to life, and I was laughing at their banter and tearing up at your bad emotions. This is a great summer read, and it is a quick palette cleanser if you're in between thicker reads. The chapters are shorter which makes the book feel like it's flying by, which is always nice!

What to expect:
❤️‍🩹 Second Chance Romance
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Swoony Kisses only
🤬No cursing

Battle of the Exes is part of The Midlife Meet Cute Series, a later in life, rom-com, kisses only series that promises a perfect escape!

Thank you to Ellie Hartwood for this adorable ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.