The Trouble With Dating Lexi

by Madyn Rose

Sometimes love gives 2nd, 3rd & 4th chances

Journal,

Well, now I’d gone and done it. Damn alcohol-fueled un-Valentines celebration, and I’d broken my own rules.

I might have sworn off love, being a 28-year-old widow, but dating was the distraction I needed to help fill the empty void where my heart used to tick. And until fate stuck her nose in it with her twisted sense of humor, I had been just fine with my love 'em and leave 'em attitude.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d fall in love again, or that I'd have to choose between my best friend, the best man, or my boss’s brother.

What do I do? They each have stolen a piece of my heart...

Lexi Michelson

Genres: Romance

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2025

About the author

I'm a Canadian romance author who writes stories with K.I.S.S in mind -keeping it sassy & steamy!

I'm an avid snacker and I can drink coffee like a Gilmore Girl, which I need to chase around my wild and crazy kids, and our spoiled pets. When I'm not busy with the kiddos, I'm watching reality TV with the hubs or glued to a smutty book. Research, of course ;)

Reviews

[Melissa Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from Madyn, and it definitely won’t be my last. This novel is not just a love story—it’s a beautifully crafted journey through loss, healing, and rediscovering love in the most unexpected ways.

Lexi, the protagonist, is navigating the devastating loss of her husband and finally decides it’s time to try dating again. The story follows the ups and downs of her dating/hook-up experiences with three men, all of whom fall hard for her. I found myself rooting for each one at different points, hoping Lexi would choose the right match. Adding a unique twist, a subtle assumed paranormal presence complicates things. Once you read the scene you will know.

The way everything comes together in the end will leave you stunned, thinking, Why didn’t I see that coming? This book is a blend of romance, heartbreak, and self-discovery, making you smile, despair, and even want to yell at Lexi and the men who love her at times.

If you love friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and multiple love interests, this book is for you. This is not a why to choose a novel!

📖 Genre: Romance, Second Chances, Multiple Love Interests
🔞 Appropriate Age: 18+ (due to sex and themes of loss)
👀 POV: Multiple
🔥 Slow Burn/Reveals: ****
💔 Story Emotions: ****
❤️ Romance: ****
🌡️ Steam: ***
😂 Humor: **
📚 Overall: A fantastic and unforgettable read!

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

[Bishnupriya · Rating 3 out of 5]

phew, now that was a long ride. I was lucky enough to be in the ARC review team. A bit late to leave my review, i know im sorry, but damn my exams.

This book was a WILD ride. If you want a light but interesting read with hell lot of throwing-the-book-across-the-room-bc-the-charecter-did-something-embarrasing-or-you-need-a-moment (in a good way)??? YEAH. Go for it.

The book is approx 333 pages, or atleast that's what my kindle told me, and i should've finished it in one sitting or worst case max 5 hours. emphasis on should have. BECAUSE IT TOOK ME WHOLE 3 DAYS TO FINISH IT. 😭 my whole emotional trajectory while reading the story was a rollercoaster, wanna see how it was??

📈📉📈

Yeah, the whole love polygon thingy, i don't know, took me out. i mean yeah i understand Lexi is kinda problematic and has a past but that was too much to even read. i did my best to be empathetic but eventually got bored halfway through with the number of guys and also with her impulsive and dumb asf choices. yeah girl i get it youre horny but who gets viagra-horny without the viagra so much so as to lose even the tiniest sliver of common sense, say "fuck it" and straight up fuck every hot guy you see just bc you find them HOT-hot.😭 i mean i totally would (not really.)

ANYWAYS the story threw me off in the first couple of chapters but the flashback chapters soon yanked me back into a chokehold BUT then things got messy and i got bored. The whole multiple boys thingy was too much and also with her leading everyone on even if she's confused but still does it just for the sake of having fun? yeah totally not cool (call me good ol' granny but i enjoy drama as an NPC, not in general life.) AND THERE WERE JUST SO MANYY SOOOO MANY pop-culture references 😭 of which i understood none and had to constantly google back and fro that at some point i just gave up and ignored them. lol. so eventually, i was almost on the verge of dnf-ing the book BUT I HELD OUT. and im so glad i did because Madyn didn't disappoint. After reading the reason at the very end it suddenly started to make sense, her complexity, impulsive behaviours and everything. it was still a bit too much lmao but i listen and don't judge, everything's fine in fiction.

The last part of the story made up for every bit and more. It was so wholesome and I LOVE ROAN. He's THE husband material. And i so badly want a friend like chris in my life, he's the best. But Trent, i don't see why he was a main love interest, i liked him no doubt, he was fun chill cool HOT treated her right but it seemed unnecessary at the end. Anyways, it was definitely a good read. And i definitely would be up to read from Madyn, great job and congratulations.

[Katrina Nottingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this book and am thrilled to be able to share my thoughts on it, all opinions are my own.

The uniqueness of the novel comes from
Lexi’s experience as she process the loss of her husband and moves into the dating scene once again. Reading her thoughts in journal form helps to give the reader a more in depth perspective into how she is really dealing with her new life, and it helps to dig into her subconscious more than just being told what she is thinking.

I loved the idea of the interfering ghost of the late husband, I just wish that the story could have progressed at a bit of a slower pace. I found that I felt rushed to move from chapter to chapter and would have enjoyed lingering in the story a bit longer.

It’s a fun read and one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys second chance romance, with a touch of the paranormal.

[Rebecca Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Had different aspects which kept my head going, aswell as showing how hard it is to date after death! While grieving and how one goes through that!

Lexi is a force to be reckoned with😍

[Maria Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Trouble with Dating Lexi was an emotional rollercoaster. Throughout the book, everyone she dated I thought might be end game for her but something always kept getting in the way, usually Lexi’s grief. I loved that I did not expect the twist at the end. The twist actually baffled me and I laughed because it was so ironic (in a good way). I was torn between Chris and Roan being the best guy that she dated after Adam’s death. They were both good for her in different ways like Chris was the best friend turned boyfriend while Roan was the cousin’s fiancée’s best friend who was off limits. I enjoyed having the chapters state whose point of view it was in. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because there were many times during the first half of the book where my interest waned. The second half of the book was great, I think it just took awhile for me to get interested. Thank you for bringing light/awareness that widows can be young but you can also find love after a devastating loss. This is a topic I personally have never read about in a romance novel and it was wonderful being able to navigate Lexi’s story with her. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Slynn Bookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre -friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, second change, love triangle, romance
Appropriate Age - 18+ due to sex and death
POV - multiple

This is a book about a woman learning to love herself and others and letting herself be loved after the loss of her husband. There is a slight paranormal aspect because her husband makes some ghostly appearances. It is written uniquely because you go with her through years of relationships and fall in love with several of the men along the way. It becomes as difficult for the reader as it is her to figure out where her heart really belongs once she is ready to actually be in a relationship. The way all the pieces fall in place is rather surprising. This is definitely worth the read.

Story **** Romance ****
Main Characters *** Side Characters ***
Story Emotions **** Reader Frustration **
Slow burn/reveal **** Steam ***
Humor ** Ending ***

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

[Helen Causer · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 28 years old, Lexi is suddenly widowed when her husband,
Adam is murdered in a bar fight.
She tries to move on with Adam’s best friend , Chris, but ultimately puts him in the friends zone.
Her twin Lauren, has a new job in Toronto, so the two move in together.
Lexi starts to journal her thoughts, about other dates she has, and this is where she starts to put the past behind her.

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

The story is very well written, with (mostly) likeable characters, and Lexi starts to live her life, with new friends and a new job.

She dates other men, and slowly gets back on her feet, with help from Lauren and her friends.
This is a lengthy book, with lots of steam, and I hope whoever reads it enjoys it as much as I did.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE TROUBLE WITH DATING LEXI—CUTE, BUT CHAOTIC. This one had all the flirty vibes and fun banter I love—especially between two characters who absolutely did not get off on the right foot. 🤭

But the whole back-and-forth between guys? Yeah…not really my vibe. Call me a crotchety old biddy, but the lack of communication and the FMC’s serious self-absorption had me rolling my eyes more than once. I get it—Lexi’s young, and she’s been through some major loss, but I really thought that would’ve made her grow more.

Honestly? If I were any of those guys, I’d have shown her the door. BUT…Roan—sweet, patient, heart-melting Roan. He had me full-on kicking my feet more than once, so I’ll give credit where it’s due.

All’s fair in love, war, and Lexi Michelson’s love life, I suppose.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Vilma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Widowed young, unable to commit, until the right person fixes what’s broken

Lexi is widowed after only a few years of marriage when her husband is senselessly murdered.

The story is a journey through Lexi’s healing process and when she rediscovers her sensual side and engages in one night stands only to avoid feelings. Until the right person crosses her path.

Personally, this was not a read I enjoyed, Lexi was too closed off emotionally from any male, be them a friend or one time lover. I know grief and mourning have no set timeline and each person is different, but Lexi went through guys like some people go through contact lenses, be them daily, weekly or monthly. And her final choice came out of the blue, especially his connection to the night her husband was murdered.

[Sigy George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madyn Rose delivers an emotional rollercoaster with The Trouble with Dating Lexi. This heartfelt romance follows Lexi as she navigates love, loss, and the complexities of moving forward after tragedy. The chemistry between Lexi and Chris is electric, packed with tension, humor, and raw vulnerability. With engaging dialogue, well-developed characters, and a perfectly paced storyline, this book is impossible to put down. If you love second-chance romance with swoon-worthy moments and deep emotional depth, this is a must-read!

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

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lexi is a 28-year-old widow. She is not interested in giving her heart to anyone but decides on casual relationships which are not casual. She has a relationship with three men, one being her husband’s best friend. I really liked how Chris and Lexi related to each other. He was always there for her. I had trouble with her stating she was only casual when it was obvious her time with all three were not casual. It did not seem believable to me. I enjoyed her interactions with her twin. They were close and so supportive of each other even when they were frustrated. The last scene was important as they resolved the issues and her choice.

[Courtney Gittins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read by Madyn Rose. The FMC is a complex character who is dealing with some major life changes and trauma. At times her character was frustrating because it felt she was sabotaging her happiness but I also think that makes her a relatable character with flaws. Some of the relationships felt a little rushed, however, I am happy with the outcome and it wasn’t as predictable as books in this genre usually are. This was an easy, well paced story that made me feel some feels throughout. Would happily recommend this book!

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

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to get into this book, no fault of the author. I think because I came off of an emotional read before diving into this one.

This story follows Lexi after the loss of her husband. Lexi struggles to find balance in her life after her loss and starts back in the dating scene. Three men grab her attention and all three are in love with Lexi. Now it is up to Lexi to choose.

I enjoyed the writing style of the author and the way the story kept me engrossed in every detail. You will go on a journey of heartbreak and grief and learning to love again. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys a second chance romance.
3.75 ⬆️ 4 out of 5

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique story with unexpected ending. Found this to be unrealistic, but a solid storyline that made your leading lady look like someone with no morals after losing her husband. Understand the loss part and great difficulty getting life restarted after the loss of your current spouse. However, her sleeping round ruined her character for me. Lexi was a unique and confused widow who never shared her loss with her current affairs. Unexpected and unusual tie with these male characters; Chris, Trent and Roan. Excellent ending

I received a free copy, ARC, and am giving my honest, free and voluntary review.

[Carly Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. Madyn Rose hits you in all the feels. It's tragic, sweet, and it's steamy. Lexi's struggle to find her place in life after her husband's death really pulled at the heart strings, but her eventual dating life was 🥵🥵🥵. Even though there is dark subject matter in the book, it didn't feel dark at all to me. Watching Lexi navigate her love life was fun to read. Oh and there was a twist at the end that I did not see coming. Overall a great book that I highly recommend!

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

[Tiffany Coffey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Madyn Rose, and it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed when everything finally clicked, the story became much more engaging. There were moments when I felt a bit lost or wished for more excitement throughout the progression of the storyline. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read that kept me up late, and I’m excited to see what she writes next.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of The Trouble with Dating Lexi and am providing my honest review. Thank you Madyn Rose and BookSirens for the opportunity.

[Erin Bunda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first ever ARC, and I’m glad to have been given the opportunity to pre-read!

The book started off well, and I liked the premise even if it was emotionally complicated. There were times I felt there were too many side characters and not enough plot depth to introduce them. I admittedly got caught up on the typos and rough edges, but know it’s not completely finished.

The ending really brought it home for me, and I liked how it wrapped up and the author tied the story together.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such high hopes

The ending was okay. I wished Lexi had more healing during the book. I realize sleeping around after becoming a widow happens but goodness. I didn't like reading it.

Lexi played games when she needed a therapist. Therapy is mentioned once.

I would want my family, and twin, to help me recognize destructive behavior. There were so many characters it was hard to keep up with at time.

[Sharky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi loses her husband at an early age of 28. Through her grief, she is not interested in falling in love again….. Not soon though.

Once she started opening her heart and mind to new love, it is where the fun starts. Her love live was a rollercoaster ride. She could just not find Mr. Right.

After a few hot, steamy different encounters, she found Mr. Right. And made some new friends.

The ending was a total unexpected surprise.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

finding her way

Lexi´s story touched my heart, after the loss of her husband she literally tries to drown her pain, doing damage to herself. Being afraid to love and lose again destiny really shows a wicked sense of humour presenting her with three men showing interest in her. I couldn´t put this book down for wanting to find out how the story ends.

[bookowlcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Madyn Rose book, and will not be my last! It was an absolute work of art that took me on an emotional rollercoaster and had me turning the pages like a dog with zoomies! I read it in 6 straight hours! I loved all of the TV shows and movie references (Those really were the icing on the cake). I loved the FMC and her challenging journey to find herself and love again. It was a unique take on love and loss while containing an incredible amount of spice without straying from the plot.

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Cheryl Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for free. All opinions are my own.
I liked reading this book by Madyn and will watch for more of her work. Her style of writing was easy to read and get through

Lexi pulled me in and I felt for her during times of her dating life. I also enjoyed her journal entries throughout the book.

[Taylor NC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book!
I love how Madyn talks through the loss/trauma and how it affects relationships.
The different POVs give good insight into what the characters are going through. Madyn wrote Lexi’s story and personal growth well

[Lydia Pfeifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

The author did such a good job of bringing this story full circle, and giving the reader a satisfying ending. Some spicy scenes included! Such a difficult topics loss and grief are, and this really dives into how grief is not a straight path. For as long as the book was I didn’t feel any deep connections with the men she was with, but the ending and how it all came together was a very nice bow and HEA which is always nice to get!

[Erin Sharkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book the chance to meet your 3,4,5 love but only one can keep your heart! The chance to meet the love of your life after you lose your first love! Absolutely loved it

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried, I even wanted to punch a dude…all in all, a good read with spice.

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read from Madyn and it won't be my last.
This is a love story as well as journey through loss but in an amazingly different way.
Lexi is navigating a terrible loss and decides maybe it's time to get back to sharing her life with other people. The story takes us through a few years, the ups and downs of getting back into dating and falling in love all over again. Three different men, all an amazing fit and all madly in love with Lexi. She returns their feelings but is not convinced any of them are the one. I found myself rooting for each guy in turn, hoping this would be the one Lexi chooses. In the background a paranormal presence, makes life for both Lexi and her potential suitors even harder to navigate. The way everything falls into place at the end will have you sitting up and thinking, why didn't I see that coming.
This is a fabulously unique take on love and loss. It will make you smile, despair and want to yell at Lexi and her men at times, but it will keep you glued to the pages up until the end. You won't want to put it down until Lexi makes her choice and to discover if she picks who you thought.
This is a fantastic read and it would be a sin to miss it.

[Ashley Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke my heart and put it back together again. This book was so well written I felt like I was the one with my heart being broken. Following along with Lexi as her world is turned upside down and put back together again was such a rollercoaster. This story tells of heartbreak, grief, love lost, and learning to love again. It was such a good book, definitely recommend!!

[Nuclerjon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book I'm glad she finally found the one after everything that happened. Even though I wanted it to be someone else lol. (Chris)