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The Exes: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel
A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK
Who hasn’t wanted to murder an ex—figuratively, at least? In this explosive debut thriller, a woman’s seemingly perfect romantic life is on the verge of collapse as she uncovers a hidden history surfacing dark secrets that have deadly consequences.
Natalie has only ever wanted to find “the one.” The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she’s bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.
Then along comes James—wonderful, handsome James—and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he’s the one for her. Maybe he’s the one she’s been waiting for all along. Maybe he won’t wind up dead.
But the harder Natalie tries to be a “normal” wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she’ll do . . . leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.
What’s the secret story behind Natalie’s dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?
Who hasn’t wanted to murder an ex—figuratively, at least? In this explosive debut thriller, a woman’s seemingly perfect romantic life is on the verge of collapse as she uncovers a hidden history surfacing dark secrets that have deadly consequences.
Natalie has only ever wanted to find “the one.” The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she’s bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.
Then along comes James—wonderful, handsome James—and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he’s the one for her. Maybe he’s the one she’s been waiting for all along. Maybe he won’t wind up dead.
But the harder Natalie tries to be a “normal” wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she’ll do . . . leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.
What’s the secret story behind Natalie’s dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?
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Expected publication February 3, 2026
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About the author
Leodora Darlington
4 books94 followersLeodora Darlington is a writer from London with Ghanaian heritage. She received a distinction for her Masters in Creative Writing from Brunel University, where she studied under authors like Benjamin Zepheniah. A Bookseller Rising Star in 2021, Leodora also enjoyed working as a bookseller at Harrods, and several years as an editor publishing a range of bestselling fiction. The Exes is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
January 28, 2026
There’s something deliciously unsettling about a book that keeps you second-guessing not only its characters but your own instincts. The Exes is exactly that kind of wild, stormy ride — one that begins as a love story and quietly morphs into something darker, stranger, and far more unpredictable.
Natalie is a woman who wants nothing more than a normal life — the kind filled with warmth, affection, and Sunday breakfasts with someone who actually stays. But every attempt seems to leave behind heartbreak… and a trail of bodies. When James, her seemingly perfect partner, enters her life, she dares to believe she’s finally found safety. What follows is a psychological tug-of-war between trust and paranoia, guilt and gaslighting — and it’s impossible to look away.
The author does a fantastic job of pulling readers into Natalie’s fragile mind. You’re never sure if she’s being hunted or if she’s unknowingly the hunter — and that moral ambiguity is what gives this story its pulse. The writing is sharp and emotional, switching between tenderness and tension with ease. Some scenes hit like a punch in the gut; others ache quietly, lingering long after you’ve turned the page.
I’ll admit, I went back and forth between 3 and 3.5 stars — a few over-the-top twists made me blink twice, and certain moments stretched believability — but the final chapters sealed it for me. They carried a tragic beauty I didn’t expect from a thriller, and that alone pushed me to round my rating up.
If you enjoy dark domestic suspense that explores trauma, identity, and the blurry line between love and control, The Exes will keep you reading deep into the night. It’s a debut that proves the author isn’t afraid to dig into the messy corners of the human heart.
A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this twisty thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts — which I truly appreciated.
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Natalie is a woman who wants nothing more than a normal life — the kind filled with warmth, affection, and Sunday breakfasts with someone who actually stays. But every attempt seems to leave behind heartbreak… and a trail of bodies. When James, her seemingly perfect partner, enters her life, she dares to believe she’s finally found safety. What follows is a psychological tug-of-war between trust and paranoia, guilt and gaslighting — and it’s impossible to look away.
The author does a fantastic job of pulling readers into Natalie’s fragile mind. You’re never sure if she’s being hunted or if she’s unknowingly the hunter — and that moral ambiguity is what gives this story its pulse. The writing is sharp and emotional, switching between tenderness and tension with ease. Some scenes hit like a punch in the gut; others ache quietly, lingering long after you’ve turned the page.
I’ll admit, I went back and forth between 3 and 3.5 stars — a few over-the-top twists made me blink twice, and certain moments stretched believability — but the final chapters sealed it for me. They carried a tragic beauty I didn’t expect from a thriller, and that alone pushed me to round my rating up.
If you enjoy dark domestic suspense that explores trauma, identity, and the blurry line between love and control, The Exes will keep you reading deep into the night. It’s a debut that proves the author isn’t afraid to dig into the messy corners of the human heart.
A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this twisty thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts — which I truly appreciated.
blog
February 3, 2026
An unpredictable ride exploring love, identity, trauma, and family, The Exes had me tied up in knots from the very first page. You see, from the morally gray characters to the script-flipping twists, there was no telling where this story was headed until the truth behind the layers of secrets was laid at my feet. Complex, twisty, and clever, not only was the web of lies everything I love, but the interplay between trust and paranoia—which extended to my feelings towards Natalie as well—was a masterful move by this new talented author. After all, not only did this dark, twisted tale of domestic suspense have me second guessing my instincts at every turn, but I was easily pulled into the narrator’s seemingly fragile mind. Combined with the fact that she also managed to stop bad men from getting away with a thing, and I couldn’t help but cheer her on from the sidelines.
All said and done, between the deeply flawed characters, well-plotted storyline, and jaw-dropping twists, I quickly became an avid fan of this brand-spanking-new author. With a deft hand, she spun an addictive tale filled with dysfunctional families, rage-fueled women, and a few moral dilemmas. Even better? It included a delicious gasp-inducing “WTF?!” twist. And while there were a few revelations I managed to see through, they only made me even more overjoyed when I was shocked into silence. I mean, between the dual timelines, multiple flashbacks, and onion-like plotting, it was a blast just sitting back and waiting for every well-timed reveal. So if you love thought-provoking stories with a sinister feel, unreliable narrators, or revenge-fueled fantasies, grab this book now. It was a one-sitting read that I couldn’t put down. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Natalie has only ever wanted to find “the one.” The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she’s bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.
Then along comes James—wonderful, handsome James—and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he’s the one for her. Maybe he’s the one she’s been waiting for all along. Maybe he won’t wind up dead.
But the harder Natalie tries to be a “normal” wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she’ll do…leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.
What’s the secret story behind Natalie’s dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?
Thank you Leodora Darlington and Dutton Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
Content warning: alcohol abuse, alcoholism, racism, domestic abuse, infertility, drugging, sexual assault, death, violence, stalking, gaslighting, blackmail, mention of: suicide
All said and done, between the deeply flawed characters, well-plotted storyline, and jaw-dropping twists, I quickly became an avid fan of this brand-spanking-new author. With a deft hand, she spun an addictive tale filled with dysfunctional families, rage-fueled women, and a few moral dilemmas. Even better? It included a delicious gasp-inducing “WTF?!” twist. And while there were a few revelations I managed to see through, they only made me even more overjoyed when I was shocked into silence. I mean, between the dual timelines, multiple flashbacks, and onion-like plotting, it was a blast just sitting back and waiting for every well-timed reveal. So if you love thought-provoking stories with a sinister feel, unreliable narrators, or revenge-fueled fantasies, grab this book now. It was a one-sitting read that I couldn’t put down. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Natalie has only ever wanted to find “the one.” The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she’s bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.
Then along comes James—wonderful, handsome James—and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he’s the one for her. Maybe he’s the one she’s been waiting for all along. Maybe he won’t wind up dead.
But the harder Natalie tries to be a “normal” wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she’ll do…leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.
What’s the secret story behind Natalie’s dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?
Thank you Leodora Darlington and Dutton Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
Content warning: alcohol abuse, alcoholism, racism, domestic abuse, infertility, drugging, sexual assault, death, violence, stalking, gaslighting, blackmail, mention of: suicide
December 1, 2025
Oh boy. The twists. The roller coaster rides. The unreliable narrators. The thrill. The chills. The mystery, the suspense. Really, this was such an amazing, keep you guessing on the edge of your seat kind of read and I loved every single twisted page of it. So much happens. So much revealed. Just. So. Much.
If you want a book that will keep you on your toes and turning the pages, this is a must. I just had so much fun with it. It never got dull, it was never boring, and just when I thought I knew it all, something else popped up that threw me for a loop.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
If you want a book that will keep you on your toes and turning the pages, this is a must. I just had so much fun with it. It never got dull, it was never boring, and just when I thought I knew it all, something else popped up that threw me for a loop.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
September 15, 2025
“....If there’s anything these past few weeks have taught me, it’s that we all have a little monster in us. Some people are just better at hiding it than others. To be human is to be complicated, to live in the dark and the light”.
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.
Natalie, our main character has a complicated life, along with her sister Claire, their childhood was littered with witnessing the domestic abuse their Mum suffered under the hands of their Dad. It wasn’t the best start to life by any means.
Her love life is also complicated, the untimely deaths of three of her ex boyfriends haven’t been easy, and as the bodies pile up, her relationship with her sister Claire, and best friend Emily start to show the strain.
Natalie, now married to her boss, is also finding married life complicated (I told you her life is complicated!!). Things aren’t going completely to plan, and her husband James isn’t quite the person she thought he was.
What really happened to her exes all those years ago, is she a cold blooded killer or is there something else afoot? Of course I’m not going to tell you that!
This thriller is relentless, it grabs hold of you and doesn’t let you breathe until the very end. The twists and turns come thick and fast, and at times my mouth was agape. Sure there were some eye rolling moments, there were a few twists and turns that defy belief, but this is a solid debut thriller, and I promise you that you won’t see some of those twists coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.
Natalie, our main character has a complicated life, along with her sister Claire, their childhood was littered with witnessing the domestic abuse their Mum suffered under the hands of their Dad. It wasn’t the best start to life by any means.
Her love life is also complicated, the untimely deaths of three of her ex boyfriends haven’t been easy, and as the bodies pile up, her relationship with her sister Claire, and best friend Emily start to show the strain.
Natalie, now married to her boss, is also finding married life complicated (I told you her life is complicated!!). Things aren’t going completely to plan, and her husband James isn’t quite the person she thought he was.
What really happened to her exes all those years ago, is she a cold blooded killer or is there something else afoot? Of course I’m not going to tell you that!
This thriller is relentless, it grabs hold of you and doesn’t let you breathe until the very end. The twists and turns come thick and fast, and at times my mouth was agape. Sure there were some eye rolling moments, there were a few twists and turns that defy belief, but this is a solid debut thriller, and I promise you that you won’t see some of those twists coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
What on earth have I just read? 😂 I saw this book getting a lot of screen time on Instagram and when I read the premise I was immediately intrigued.
The first 20-25% of the story was gripping and I couldn't put the book down. The different stories worked well in giving both background information and updates on current situations, and also provided that air of mystery and tension.
I was still hooked at 60% but then my interest started to fade a little. The story became so ridiculously unbelievable that I just wanted it to be over. Some of the twists were good, but others were unnecessary and felt like the writer was forced to include them.
I could not relate to any of the characters, nor did I like them. I honestly didn't care about a single one of them because they were so screwed up beyond belief.
The idea was great, but the execution didn't quite work for me. However, if you like completely unhinged stories then I'm sure you'll love this!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
The first 20-25% of the story was gripping and I couldn't put the book down. The different stories worked well in giving both background information and updates on current situations, and also provided that air of mystery and tension.
I was still hooked at 60% but then my interest started to fade a little. The story became so ridiculously unbelievable that I just wanted it to be over. Some of the twists were good, but others were unnecessary and felt like the writer was forced to include them.
I could not relate to any of the characters, nor did I like them. I honestly didn't care about a single one of them because they were so screwed up beyond belief.
The idea was great, but the execution didn't quite work for me. However, if you like completely unhinged stories then I'm sure you'll love this!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Natalie has dealt with her fair share of dysfunction and heartbreak but perhaps her marriage to James can be different. She certainly hopes it won't end the same way her other relationships have. Therapy seems to be helping but when James brother, Will, begins to cause problems she can only hope that delving into her past gives her the answer to her current heartache.
For me The Exes started out really well - young woman desperate to escape her violent upbringing while trying to stay in contact with a sister who seems to have disowned her and an increasingly difficult marriage.
However, at some point, it tips over into complete farce. One troubled person was believable but two, then three, then four was really pushing it into the realms of total disbelief.
Natalie's character was quite sympathetic but even she couldn't carry an increasingly ludicrous plot.
Not for me.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the advance review copy.
For me The Exes started out really well - young woman desperate to escape her violent upbringing while trying to stay in contact with a sister who seems to have disowned her and an increasingly difficult marriage.
However, at some point, it tips over into complete farce. One troubled person was believable but two, then three, then four was really pushing it into the realms of total disbelief.
Natalie's character was quite sympathetic but even she couldn't carry an increasingly ludicrous plot.
Not for me.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the advance review copy.
did-not-finish
December 2, 2025DNF @ 22%
This thriller ain't thrilling. There wasn't really enough buildup for me to be invested in the FMC's life.
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for this arc.
This thriller ain't thrilling. There wasn't really enough buildup for me to be invested in the FMC's life.
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for this arc.
August 11, 2025
Firstly, a huge thank you to the guys at Michael Joseph for my early copy of this absolute masterpiece.
Before we get started - let it be known that this is the easiest 5-star review I think I’ve ever written.
I’m writing this seconds after finishing because my brain is still spinning and my pulse has only just returned to normal. I am in total awe of Leodora Darlington – the fact this is her debut novel is wild to me. I feel like I’m reading a book from her extensive back catalogue. I have read so many thrillers and I have never ever read anything like this. Her storytelling is razor-sharp, her characters deliciously complex, her pacing… exquisite. Filled with twists and turns you will never see coming. I feel emotionally tormented and traumatised in equal measure – and honestly? I’d do it all again.
Leodora isn’t just entering the thriller arena – she’s kicking the door clean off its hinges. Thriller royalty, take note: she’s coming for the crown.
Before we get started - let it be known that this is the easiest 5-star review I think I’ve ever written.
I’m writing this seconds after finishing because my brain is still spinning and my pulse has only just returned to normal. I am in total awe of Leodora Darlington – the fact this is her debut novel is wild to me. I feel like I’m reading a book from her extensive back catalogue. I have read so many thrillers and I have never ever read anything like this. Her storytelling is razor-sharp, her characters deliciously complex, her pacing… exquisite. Filled with twists and turns you will never see coming. I feel emotionally tormented and traumatised in equal measure – and honestly? I’d do it all again.
Leodora isn’t just entering the thriller arena – she’s kicking the door clean off its hinges. Thriller royalty, take note: she’s coming for the crown.
September 7, 2025
So many 5 star reviews for this but I just don’t get it. It’s all over the place and feels like a really silly read.
Natalie is married to James but she has secrets, big ones. All her exes have died.
I don’t know, I didn’t click with it. It’s certainly no thriller
Natalie is married to James but she has secrets, big ones. All her exes have died.
I don’t know, I didn’t click with it. It’s certainly no thriller
October 17, 2025
I loved the premise of the book, but never got completely engaged in the characters or the story. The writing didn’t draw me in, and it took too long for the story to unfold. The ending was a surprise, though, so if you love endings that come as a shock you will love this book!
February 3, 2026
This book is about so much more than exes. It dives into trauma, family ties, and the darkness people carry. Our main character, Natalie, definitely takes the award for having the worst exes and much of the trauma she carries from those relationships is deeply tied to her experiences as a Black woman and the preconceived notions and biases of the men she dated. She also has a complicated relationship with her mother and sister and I really appreciated getting to explore that dynamic. Their shared history is fraught and at times it was genuinely sad to see what Natalie and her sister endured growing up.
Story-wise, there are a lot of reveals. One of them I saw coming, but many others genuinely shocked me. At first, I wasn’t sure how her sister, therapist, and husband would all connect, but it eventually came together in a way that made sense. That said, nearly every character in this book is dealing with intense family trauma, which felt a bit overwhelming at times. Still, I really enjoyed this book overall. It’s far more than a run-of-the-mill thriller. Rather than relying solely on twists, it focuses on the emotional fallout of trauma and the long-lasting effects of strained relationships. It tackles a lot, but ultimately manages to pull everything together in a satisfying way by the end.
Story-wise, there are a lot of reveals. One of them I saw coming, but many others genuinely shocked me. At first, I wasn’t sure how her sister, therapist, and husband would all connect, but it eventually came together in a way that made sense. That said, nearly every character in this book is dealing with intense family trauma, which felt a bit overwhelming at times. Still, I really enjoyed this book overall. It’s far more than a run-of-the-mill thriller. Rather than relying solely on twists, it focuses on the emotional fallout of trauma and the long-lasting effects of strained relationships. It tackles a lot, but ultimately manages to pull everything together in a satisfying way by the end.
December 31, 2025
This was like being on a rollercoaster with all the twists and turns. Completely unreliable characters. I really liked the Now, Then and dead ex chapters of the book. It was paced really well and just made you keep turning the pages!!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
November 24, 2025
The Exes is a solid debut. The author shows a lot of promise and creativity.
There were a lot of very good twists, some were pretty predictable, while others were surprising, although not all entirely plausible.
I will definitely read more by her.
3.5 stars
There were a lot of very good twists, some were pretty predictable, while others were surprising, although not all entirely plausible.
I will definitely read more by her.
3.5 stars
February 2, 2026
hmmm cool but a bit boring
November 15, 2025
This was a good story but the execution fell a bit flat for me. The book centers on Natalie, who thinks she has found “the one” in James, but has a rather interesting history of other exes dying suspiciously. It’s told primarily from her POV, though there were chapters from others, and the timeline jumped around a bit between current and multiple precious timelines.
I thought the twists in this book were pretty good and I was surprised by a couple of the major reveals. That being said, the writing style dulled them down a lot for me- I can’t really put my finger on it but I felt like I was looking in from the outside versus really getting in Natalie’s head. I didn’t like the chapters between Natalie and her therapist at all and found them sometimes confusing and other times just not that interesting, though I do think they helped explain other aspects of the story. I did like the end and felt that I walked away with loose ends tied up.
Overall, I liked the story more than the writing but thought it was a decent read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the twists in this book were pretty good and I was surprised by a couple of the major reveals. That being said, the writing style dulled them down a lot for me- I can’t really put my finger on it but I felt like I was looking in from the outside versus really getting in Natalie’s head. I didn’t like the chapters between Natalie and her therapist at all and found them sometimes confusing and other times just not that interesting, though I do think they helped explain other aspects of the story. I did like the end and felt that I walked away with loose ends tied up.
Overall, I liked the story more than the writing but thought it was a decent read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2025
I was super into this one at first but then it just dragged, the pacing wasn’t great. It got very verbose and convoluted from the middle on, I think it was just too long. 2.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What the...? 😲 Oh my giddy aunt, what did I just read? 😲
If you're looking for a book that seriously messes with your head, look no further peeps, because The Exes is that book. Never, in my reading history, has a book kept me guessing the way this one has. Or had me hanging on the edge of my seat. And don't get me started on the state of my nails. 🗡️
With more twists than all the rollercoasters at Alton Towers (okay, slight exaggeration) The Exes is compulsive reading. It's pacy, it's thrilling, and it's gripping. Just when you think you have it all worked out, bam! it's plot twist time again. So engrossing does it become, you find it hard to tear yourself away from it. It's equally hard to believe this is a debut. 🗡️
Lest there be any doubt, I'd like to add that I loved this book.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
If you're looking for a book that seriously messes with your head, look no further peeps, because The Exes is that book. Never, in my reading history, has a book kept me guessing the way this one has. Or had me hanging on the edge of my seat. And don't get me started on the state of my nails. 🗡️
With more twists than all the rollercoasters at Alton Towers (okay, slight exaggeration) The Exes is compulsive reading. It's pacy, it's thrilling, and it's gripping. Just when you think you have it all worked out, bam! it's plot twist time again. So engrossing does it become, you find it hard to tear yourself away from it. It's equally hard to believe this is a debut. 🗡️
Lest there be any doubt, I'd like to add that I loved this book.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
November 19, 2025
the exes- leodora darlington❌
i’m actually STUNNED that this is a debut novel… the way this book absolutely blew my mind?! UNREAL🤯
the whole way throughout, honestly, i didn’t have the slightest clue on the way this story would go… the plot twists?! INSANE. honestly, i just???🤯🤯🤯
just when i got to thinking i had some sort of idea of what was going on or what had happened- i was proven wrong. every. single. time.
we switch from pov’s from now, then, later- which at times got a bit confusing because there were no time stamps or dates BUT i was so hooked on the story and unpacking everything with natalie whilst she was going through therapy, what was going on at work and home, that i was just too invested and fell into a rhythm.
this was quite the chilling read and i really really enjoyed it!
if you love thrillers/mysteries, then add this to your tbrs and mark your calendars!!! because this?! will have you questioning not only the characters but your own sense of judgement😅
•★ ★ ★ ★ ½
•releases: february 12th, 2026💫
thank you to @michaeljbooks/@penguinukbooks & @netgalley for the arc approval!🤩
i’m actually STUNNED that this is a debut novel… the way this book absolutely blew my mind?! UNREAL🤯
the whole way throughout, honestly, i didn’t have the slightest clue on the way this story would go… the plot twists?! INSANE. honestly, i just???🤯🤯🤯
just when i got to thinking i had some sort of idea of what was going on or what had happened- i was proven wrong. every. single. time.
we switch from pov’s from now, then, later- which at times got a bit confusing because there were no time stamps or dates BUT i was so hooked on the story and unpacking everything with natalie whilst she was going through therapy, what was going on at work and home, that i was just too invested and fell into a rhythm.
this was quite the chilling read and i really really enjoyed it!
if you love thrillers/mysteries, then add this to your tbrs and mark your calendars!!! because this?! will have you questioning not only the characters but your own sense of judgement😅
•★ ★ ★ ★ ½
•releases: february 12th, 2026💫
thank you to @michaeljbooks/@penguinukbooks & @netgalley for the arc approval!🤩
December 23, 2025
The Exes is a dark, addictive debut thriller that explores how every choice leaves a mark—and how love, when twisted by fear and trauma, can lead us somewhere dangerous. Natalie’s life is an absolute mess, all of her exes are dead, her “perfect” marriage really isn’t all that perfect, and the pressure of performing the role of a “normal” wife is slowly becoming unbearable. As the past resurfaces, it becomes clear that, unfortunately, all actions end up having consequences.
Natalie is a raw, flawed, unreliable protagonist whose longing for stability and love makes her both sympathetic and unsettling. What I initially found charming about her, slowly becomes much creepier and sinister. This novel deals with trauma, family dynamics, emotional pain, and the complicated question of identity. How far will we go to protect the people we love? And at what point does self-preservation cross a moral line?
I loved the use of dual timelines and the overall pace of the book, and I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone!
That said, The Exes has so much going on., and I think it could’ve decreased the number of plot twists. I also think it needed a little more character development in the end. There were just a few random questions that I felt there was no real answer to, and it was just left open.
Overall, The Exes is a suspenseful, thought-provoking thriller that examines the darker sides of love and survival. A strong and memorable debut from Leodora Darlington, and I can’t wait to see what she releases next!
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for this eARC!
Natalie is a raw, flawed, unreliable protagonist whose longing for stability and love makes her both sympathetic and unsettling. What I initially found charming about her, slowly becomes much creepier and sinister. This novel deals with trauma, family dynamics, emotional pain, and the complicated question of identity. How far will we go to protect the people we love? And at what point does self-preservation cross a moral line?
I loved the use of dual timelines and the overall pace of the book, and I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone!
That said, The Exes has so much going on., and I think it could’ve decreased the number of plot twists. I also think it needed a little more character development in the end. There were just a few random questions that I felt there was no real answer to, and it was just left open.
Overall, The Exes is a suspenseful, thought-provoking thriller that examines the darker sides of love and survival. A strong and memorable debut from Leodora Darlington, and I can’t wait to see what she releases next!
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for this eARC!
January 30, 2026
I loved this book. Dark, twisty, shocking turns with unreliable narratives that kept me hooked!
December 4, 2025
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Penguin Random House and of course, Leodora Darlington for allowing me the opportunity to read this spectacular book early!
This book was a wild roller coaster of twists and emotions!! I refuse to believe that this is a debut novel. It's so beautifully written and the twists were ACTUALLY twisty. I never knew what was happening, in the best possible way, and stayed hooked until the very end! I honestly would never have expected half of what occurred in this book! Definitely an author I'm going to have to keep an eye out for!
★ 4.5/5.0
This book was a wild roller coaster of twists and emotions!! I refuse to believe that this is a debut novel. It's so beautifully written and the twists were ACTUALLY twisty. I never knew what was happening, in the best possible way, and stayed hooked until the very end! I honestly would never have expected half of what occurred in this book! Definitely an author I'm going to have to keep an eye out for!
★ 4.5/5.0
November 28, 2025
We all have a little monster in us. At least that’s what Nat thinks as all of her long term boyfriends end up dead around her.
It’s not always that a psychological thriller or mystery can rope me in, in a way that I can’t guess what is about to happen next but this book was amazing. As soon as I thought I had the mystery down and knew what was going to happen next the plot would twist but not in a cheesy or unrealistic way.
Leodora Darling wrote this book in such a magnificent way that you learn every character and grow an attachment to the point that every growth, betrayal, and lie feels personal.
Thank you Leodora Darling/penguin random house for the EARC. All opinions are my own.
It’s not always that a psychological thriller or mystery can rope me in, in a way that I can’t guess what is about to happen next but this book was amazing. As soon as I thought I had the mystery down and knew what was going to happen next the plot would twist but not in a cheesy or unrealistic way.
Leodora Darling wrote this book in such a magnificent way that you learn every character and grow an attachment to the point that every growth, betrayal, and lie feels personal.
Thank you Leodora Darling/penguin random house for the EARC. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2025
First of all I would like to say a huge thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for an early digital copy of this absolutely amazing book !
I cannot believe it's a debut.
We follow Natalie who on on some of the worst days of her life blacks out and when she comes to, finds out that terrible things have happened. Can she trust herself ? Is she a monster ?
I did not see the twists coming at all and I thought they were brilliant. This thriller is unlike any I have ever read, I found the writing really beautiful and realised I was highlighting so many quotes because of that.
It was really fast paced and at times my heart was pounding with anticipation of what was to come next.
If you're looking for a thriller with plenty of twists, turns an amazing plot and interesting characters this one is for you.
I can't wait to see what Leodora writes next because this was amazing.
I cannot believe it's a debut.
We follow Natalie who on on some of the worst days of her life blacks out and when she comes to, finds out that terrible things have happened. Can she trust herself ? Is she a monster ?
I did not see the twists coming at all and I thought they were brilliant. This thriller is unlike any I have ever read, I found the writing really beautiful and realised I was highlighting so many quotes because of that.
It was really fast paced and at times my heart was pounding with anticipation of what was to come next.
If you're looking for a thriller with plenty of twists, turns an amazing plot and interesting characters this one is for you.
I can't wait to see what Leodora writes next because this was amazing.
October 25, 2025
There is no action without consequence. For Natalie, the consequences of her actions seem to be catching up with her. All of her exes are dead, her marriage to her perfect husband is under strain, and playing the role of the normal wife has become more and more unbearable. "The Exes" explores the idea that sometimes, in the name of love, we do bad things. And is that really so terrible?
I really enjoyed this novel. The multiple timelines, using the past to explain the how and whys of the present conflict, kept me engaged, as did Leodora Darlington's writing style. I appreciated the pace at which the story unfolds, and how, the deeper we dive, the better we understand all the pieces of Natalie's character and her relationships.
What I thought would be a story about revenge is actually more so about reckoning (okay, and a little bit of revenge)—reckoning with trauma, with complex familial relationships and dependency, and with self-identity. How far are we willing to go to protect the ones we love? To protect oneself?
Admittedly, there is a lot happening in "The Exes". There are several twists, and they unravel in quick succession, with some being more believable than others. I wish the "why" of Natalie's situation had been explored more in depth. The reveal in the ending was chilling and insidious. It really resonated with me, in large part because of its familiarity, and I would've loved to see its impact on Natalie's exploration of self-identity a little more.
All in all, a suspenseful and marvellous thriller and strong debut by Leodora Darlington. I'm looking forward to additional works from this author.
Thank you to Leodora Darlington and Dutton for an advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I really enjoyed this novel. The multiple timelines, using the past to explain the how and whys of the present conflict, kept me engaged, as did Leodora Darlington's writing style. I appreciated the pace at which the story unfolds, and how, the deeper we dive, the better we understand all the pieces of Natalie's character and her relationships.
What I thought would be a story about revenge is actually more so about reckoning (okay, and a little bit of revenge)—reckoning with trauma, with complex familial relationships and dependency, and with self-identity. How far are we willing to go to protect the ones we love? To protect oneself?
Admittedly, there is a lot happening in "The Exes". There are several twists, and they unravel in quick succession, with some being more believable than others. I wish the "why" of Natalie's situation had been explored more in depth. The reveal in the ending was chilling and insidious. It really resonated with me, in large part because of its familiarity, and I would've loved to see its impact on Natalie's exploration of self-identity a little more.
All in all, a suspenseful and marvellous thriller and strong debut by Leodora Darlington. I'm looking forward to additional works from this author.
Thank you to Leodora Darlington and Dutton for an advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Michael Joseph for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review. I was lucky enough to receive a proof of this at the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Festival 2025. I also met Leodora and she was an absolute delight so I was super excited to read it.
How do you read a book with a narrator you cannot trust? How do you believe what she says is true? Whose side should you be on?
If you're someone who struggles with multiple POVs or timelines then you may struggle here. We get the story "now", the story "then", and then individual chapters dedicated to the exes. It's a really good way of writing it because I think if it was just a continuous narrative across 400 pages, trying to cover all the history and the present scenes, it would have been too muddled and confusing, so I think she's found the right format.
Thrillers are my most read genre, and sometimes they can get a bit samey, but this is completely fresh and I loved it.
I read this on a day I was an inpatient in hospital and I kept getting annoyed when someone would come into my room to check on me, I was so addicted to this. At 400 pages, it is probably the average thriller length and even with all the disruptions, I finished it within the day.
This book made me quite glad I have no exes in the shadows.
You have to get this on your wishlist, it's phenomenal. And a debut? She writes with such promise and skill that I wouldn't have been surprised if you're told me she was a seasoned author. It's hard to explain just how good it is because saying "it's really good " doesn't feel like a enough, but it was just really good.
I have been looking forward to reading this since I got it in July, and I'm quite sad now that I'll never get the chance to read it for the first time again.
How do you read a book with a narrator you cannot trust? How do you believe what she says is true? Whose side should you be on?
If you're someone who struggles with multiple POVs or timelines then you may struggle here. We get the story "now", the story "then", and then individual chapters dedicated to the exes. It's a really good way of writing it because I think if it was just a continuous narrative across 400 pages, trying to cover all the history and the present scenes, it would have been too muddled and confusing, so I think she's found the right format.
Thrillers are my most read genre, and sometimes they can get a bit samey, but this is completely fresh and I loved it.
I read this on a day I was an inpatient in hospital and I kept getting annoyed when someone would come into my room to check on me, I was so addicted to this. At 400 pages, it is probably the average thriller length and even with all the disruptions, I finished it within the day.
This book made me quite glad I have no exes in the shadows.
You have to get this on your wishlist, it's phenomenal. And a debut? She writes with such promise and skill that I wouldn't have been surprised if you're told me she was a seasoned author. It's hard to explain just how good it is because saying "it's really good " doesn't feel like a enough, but it was just really good.
I have been looking forward to reading this since I got it in July, and I'm quite sad now that I'll never get the chance to read it for the first time again.
December 16, 2025
Natalie has a great marriage with James, but one night, they have a big fallout and we find out whether their marriage will survive or end in a tragic way because we also learn that Natalie’s exes have all previously been unalived… so will James survive?
This book is wild, dramatic, over the top and unrealistic thriller book, but I can’t lie, I was entertained!! We are taken back into Natalie’s past and learn how and why her relationships ended. I’ve read many books on white female rage, so this was a fresh and much needed premise for me and the way the author portrayed Black female rage was flawless. Here’s what I loved:
1. The story didn’t shy away from the realities of black women dating white men; the stereotypes the microaggressions. Some things I was thinking whilst reading were said in a blatant and candid way and I appreciated that.
2. The therapy sessions incorporated into the story were a great way to unpack the many layers to the main character.
3. I was invested in the chapters surrounding Natalie’s childhood and family dynamics, they felt raw and real which was needed in a wild and fast paced book.
4. The author did a fantastic job in displaying generational trauma and patterns.
I did guess the first plot twist but this didn’t hinder my reading journey. But that last plot twist GOT ME. I didn’t see it coming and it was intertwined into the story in a genius way.
All the men in this book are rubbish 😀but this was a fun read that I think will make a great movie adaptation.
This book is wild, dramatic, over the top and unrealistic thriller book, but I can’t lie, I was entertained!! We are taken back into Natalie’s past and learn how and why her relationships ended. I’ve read many books on white female rage, so this was a fresh and much needed premise for me and the way the author portrayed Black female rage was flawless. Here’s what I loved:
1. The story didn’t shy away from the realities of black women dating white men; the stereotypes the microaggressions. Some things I was thinking whilst reading were said in a blatant and candid way and I appreciated that.
2. The therapy sessions incorporated into the story were a great way to unpack the many layers to the main character.
3. I was invested in the chapters surrounding Natalie’s childhood and family dynamics, they felt raw and real which was needed in a wild and fast paced book.
4. The author did a fantastic job in displaying generational trauma and patterns.
I did guess the first plot twist but this didn’t hinder my reading journey. But that last plot twist GOT ME. I didn’t see it coming and it was intertwined into the story in a genius way.
All the men in this book are rubbish 😀but this was a fun read that I think will make a great movie adaptation.
October 29, 2025
I love a good revenge plot and this one did not disappoint. In fact, it was more than that, with several twists and turns I did not see coming, but which were deliciously plotted and executed to turn the story on its ear each time I thought I knew where it was going.
This is a story about Natalie, and about her past and present. Natalie has a bad track record: over time, boys and men she's dated have ended up dead. Natalie is trying to be good now. She's married to James and seeing a therapist to put that past behind her, to control the monster inside. But there's so much she doesn't remember. And so much she doesn't want to discuss with her therapist. And others around her are maybe not the best at being truthful either. So where does that leave Natalie? Is she at risk of being found out? Is James at risk of being the next to die? Are others aroung her at risk of learning too much, or do they perhaps know too much already?
Switching between past and present as well as POVs, The Exes kept me guessing mostly until the end. I did see one thing coming, but others were quite the surprise....nice twists to keep me on my toes and keep the story fresh. I'm giving this four stars. but wish I could give it 4.25.
This is a story about Natalie, and about her past and present. Natalie has a bad track record: over time, boys and men she's dated have ended up dead. Natalie is trying to be good now. She's married to James and seeing a therapist to put that past behind her, to control the monster inside. But there's so much she doesn't remember. And so much she doesn't want to discuss with her therapist. And others around her are maybe not the best at being truthful either. So where does that leave Natalie? Is she at risk of being found out? Is James at risk of being the next to die? Are others aroung her at risk of learning too much, or do they perhaps know too much already?
Switching between past and present as well as POVs, The Exes kept me guessing mostly until the end. I did see one thing coming, but others were quite the surprise....nice twists to keep me on my toes and keep the story fresh. I'm giving this four stars. but wish I could give it 4.25.
January 28, 2026
Im Mittelpunkt dieses Buches steht eine Frau, die von ihren vergangenen und aktuellen Beziehungen erzählt. Anfangs denkt man noch, man weiss, wohin die Geschichte läuft, aber das ändert sich ständig. Jedes Mal, wenn ich dachte jetzt hab ich es verstanden, kam wieder eine neue Wendung. Das hat dafür gesorgt, dass die Spannung bis zum Schluss gehalten hat. Wobei ich dann gegen Ende etwas das Gefühl hatte, es sind fast schon ein bisschen zu viele Plot Twists auf einmal. Und wenn man wirklich gut aufpasst, kann man zwei oder drei Wendungen sogar ein Stück weit kommen sehen.
Besonders cool fand ich den Aufbau. Immer wenn ein neuer Plot Twist auftaucht, wechselt die Perspektive, und das nächste Kapitel wird aus der Sicht der Person erzählt, die dabei eine wichtige Rolle spielt. Das habe ich so noch nie gelesen und fand es extrem clever gelöst. Dadurch bekommt man plötzlich ganz neue Einblicke.
Es ist also ein sehr spannender Roman mit vielen Überraschungen und einem ungewöhnlichen Perspektivenwechsel, der richtig gut funktioniert. Wer Lust auf Plot Twists, Beziehungsdynamiken und eine Geschichte hat, die immer wieder neue Fragen aufwirft, dem wird dieses Buch gefallen.
Besonders cool fand ich den Aufbau. Immer wenn ein neuer Plot Twist auftaucht, wechselt die Perspektive, und das nächste Kapitel wird aus der Sicht der Person erzählt, die dabei eine wichtige Rolle spielt. Das habe ich so noch nie gelesen und fand es extrem clever gelöst. Dadurch bekommt man plötzlich ganz neue Einblicke.
Es ist also ein sehr spannender Roman mit vielen Überraschungen und einem ungewöhnlichen Perspektivenwechsel, der richtig gut funktioniert. Wer Lust auf Plot Twists, Beziehungsdynamiken und eine Geschichte hat, die immer wieder neue Fragen aufwirft, dem wird dieses Buch gefallen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
"One dead ex is a tragedy. Two is too much of a coincidence. I should know."
What an insane book. Full of twists and turns and shocks, this is a thriller that will keep you flipping the pages right to the very end. Wild to believe this is a debut, because it feels so polished and everything is wrapped up so well. I found myself constantly second-guessing what was happening, as well as feeling like I couldn't trust anyone, not even the narrator herself. The flitting between past and present had me trying to connect the dots, and yeah sometimes I managed to work it out, but other times? I was COMPLETELY blindsided! I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
"One dead ex is a tragedy. Two is too much of a coincidence. I should know."
What an insane book. Full of twists and turns and shocks, this is a thriller that will keep you flipping the pages right to the very end. Wild to believe this is a debut, because it feels so polished and everything is wrapped up so well. I found myself constantly second-guessing what was happening, as well as feeling like I couldn't trust anyone, not even the narrator herself. The flitting between past and present had me trying to connect the dots, and yeah sometimes I managed to work it out, but other times? I was COMPLETELY blindsided! I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future.
January 28, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Erm what an insane rollercoaster, everytime I thought I had the gist of where things were going something else popped up telling me to think again.
This story takes you on an absolute whirlwind tackling family, identity and what really makes you tick. Our FMC seems to always be on edge wondering what she’s capable off and who will be the next person to push her. We end up in this deeply tense story of blackmail in the present while building up our background knowledge of the FMC’s past to really understand who she is and why she is this way. It’s definitely an intricate and WTF all the way through, and I certainly couldn’t put it down.
Erm what an insane rollercoaster, everytime I thought I had the gist of where things were going something else popped up telling me to think again.
This story takes you on an absolute whirlwind tackling family, identity and what really makes you tick. Our FMC seems to always be on edge wondering what she’s capable off and who will be the next person to push her. We end up in this deeply tense story of blackmail in the present while building up our background knowledge of the FMC’s past to really understand who she is and why she is this way. It’s definitely an intricate and WTF all the way through, and I certainly couldn’t put it down.
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