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The Ex
Cassie thinks she has met the perfect man.
Joel is sweet, handsome, romantic, and best of all, he’s crazy about Cassie. She thinks she’s found the guy she’ll spend the rest of her life with. Have children with. Grow old with.
Yes, she knows about his perfect ex-girlfriend, Francesca. The beautiful, brilliant chef, beloved by all his friends. But she thinks Francesca is out of the picture. She thinks Francesca is gone for good.
Think again, Cassie.
Joel is sweet, handsome, romantic, and best of all, he’s crazy about Cassie. She thinks she’s found the guy she’ll spend the rest of her life with. Have children with. Grow old with.
Yes, she knows about his perfect ex-girlfriend, Francesca. The beautiful, brilliant chef, beloved by all his friends. But she thinks Francesca is out of the picture. She thinks Francesca is gone for good.
Think again, Cassie.
9 pages, Audiobook
First published February 18, 2019
23662 people are currently reading
119507 people want to read
About the author
Freida McFadden
66 books243k followers#1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She lives with her family and possessed cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.
Note that I am maxed out on friends, so I apologize in advance that I can't friend anyone back!
Note that I am maxed out on friends, so I apologize in advance that I can't friend anyone back!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,465 reviews
February 21, 2021
That rating is because this book pissed me off.
It was engaging and compulsively readable. Didn't see the twist coming. But then the timeline got wonky and you had to think way too hard about previous chapters. And while I appreciate the antagonist's initial motive, I FUCKING HATE the secondary motive of "woman goes crazy because she can't have more babiezzzzz".
Also, how stupid do you have to be to run a failing bookstore that sometimes has no customers, just med students asking for medical text books, yet it takes you to the epilogue to decide to start selling medical text books?!
It was engaging and compulsively readable. Didn't see the twist coming. But then the timeline got wonky and you had to think way too hard about previous chapters. And while I appreciate the antagonist's initial motive, I FUCKING HATE the secondary motive of "woman goes crazy because she can't have more babiezzzzz".
Also, how stupid do you have to be to run a failing bookstore that sometimes has no customers, just med students asking for medical text books, yet it takes you to the epilogue to decide to start selling medical text books?!
May 4, 2019
Ending was confusing and poorly written. There was no ending.
The book was not clever and the ending was stupid. Too many plot holes and the female characters were not believable.
The book was not clever and the ending was stupid. Too many plot holes and the female characters were not believable.
February 1, 2022
not easy to follow
After I finished this book I laid awake in bed trying to make sense who everyone was and how they fit. Timeline jumped all over the place. I got up the next morning and had to skim the book again to make sense of who everyone was. I love Freida’s books but this one I was disappointed with.
After I finished this book I laid awake in bed trying to make sense who everyone was and how they fit. Timeline jumped all over the place. I got up the next morning and had to skim the book again to make sense of who everyone was. I love Freida’s books but this one I was disappointed with.
March 19, 2023
THE EX is a psychological thriller by bestselling author Freida McFadden.
Having loved “The Housemaid”, and “The Surrogate Mother”, I was eager to starting reading all of her standalone novels. As an avid reader of psychological thrillers, I can only say, treat yourself and read all of her books! Her books are so good!
Her Standalone Books Include:
Baby City (2015)
The Surrogate Mother (2018) (Read)
The Ex (2019) (Read)
The Perfect Son (2019)
The Wife Upstairs (2020)
One By One (2020)
Want to Know a Secret? (2021)
The Locked Door (2021)
Do Not Disturb (2021)
Do You Remember? (2022)
The Housemaid (2022) (Read)
The Inmate (2022) (Read)
Never Lie (2022)
This is my review of The Ex.
Cassie, who runs a used bookstore, thinks she has met the perfect man...that she’ll spend the rest of her life with…have children and grow old with.
Her perfect man is Joel, an emergency room physician who is sweet, handsome, romantic, and best of all, he’s crazy about Cassie.
But it wasn’t to be when Joel suddenly sprang the news on her that he wanted to “move forward”, and tells her their relationship wasn’t working for him anymore.
Cassie is devastated with this bad news. She knows about his perfect ex-girlfriend, Francesca. The beautiful, brilliant chef, beloved by all his friends. But she thinks Francesca is out of the picture. She thinks Francesca is gone for good…but is she?
The chapters alternate between, “The New Girl” (Cassie), and “The Ex” (Francesca), and makes it easy to follow the characters and the storyline.
And then without providing any spoilers, there is a major reveal/twist a few chapters from the end of the book that blew me away. At first, I have to admit that I was confused and had to go back and reread the passages, to check that I hadn’t missed anything…and then everything comes together right at the end. What a twist, and one that I never saw coming!
This is what I love about Freida’s books…you never can underestimate where this author will take you. I am still at a loss and processing everything. So good!
Having loved “The Housemaid”, and “The Surrogate Mother”, I was eager to starting reading all of her standalone novels. As an avid reader of psychological thrillers, I can only say, treat yourself and read all of her books! Her books are so good!
Her Standalone Books Include:
Baby City (2015)
The Surrogate Mother (2018) (Read)
The Ex (2019) (Read)
The Perfect Son (2019)
The Wife Upstairs (2020)
One By One (2020)
Want to Know a Secret? (2021)
The Locked Door (2021)
Do Not Disturb (2021)
Do You Remember? (2022)
The Housemaid (2022) (Read)
The Inmate (2022) (Read)
Never Lie (2022)
This is my review of The Ex.
Cassie, who runs a used bookstore, thinks she has met the perfect man...that she’ll spend the rest of her life with…have children and grow old with.
Her perfect man is Joel, an emergency room physician who is sweet, handsome, romantic, and best of all, he’s crazy about Cassie.
But it wasn’t to be when Joel suddenly sprang the news on her that he wanted to “move forward”, and tells her their relationship wasn’t working for him anymore.
Cassie is devastated with this bad news. She knows about his perfect ex-girlfriend, Francesca. The beautiful, brilliant chef, beloved by all his friends. But she thinks Francesca is out of the picture. She thinks Francesca is gone for good…but is she?
The chapters alternate between, “The New Girl” (Cassie), and “The Ex” (Francesca), and makes it easy to follow the characters and the storyline.
And then without providing any spoilers, there is a major reveal/twist a few chapters from the end of the book that blew me away. At first, I have to admit that I was confused and had to go back and reread the passages, to check that I hadn’t missed anything…and then everything comes together right at the end. What a twist, and one that I never saw coming!
This is what I love about Freida’s books…you never can underestimate where this author will take you. I am still at a loss and processing everything. So good!
February 27, 2022
⭐️⭐️ 2 disappointing stars.
I’ve really enjoyed all other books I’ve read by the author but not this one.
The book started well and I was curious about what secret the ‘other girl’ was hiding - that turned out to be disappointing.
The book store is struggling - it’s next to a hospital where students need books - why does the answer to this puzzle get saved for a ‘revealing’ epilogue?!
Then, a few chapters from the end there is a sudden ‘reveal’ that comes from nowhere and is so confusing, I had to go back a few times to check I hadn’t missed anything - it could have been written in far better which would have made it a better twist.
If this is your first Frieda book, don’t be put off and read some of her others.
I’ve really enjoyed all other books I’ve read by the author but not this one.
The book started well and I was curious about what secret the ‘other girl’ was hiding - that turned out to be disappointing.
The book store is struggling - it’s next to a hospital where students need books - why does the answer to this puzzle get saved for a ‘revealing’ epilogue?!
Then, a few chapters from the end there is a sudden ‘reveal’ that comes from nowhere and is so confusing, I had to go back a few times to check I hadn’t missed anything - it could have been written in far better which would have made it a better twist.
If this is your first Frieda book, don’t be put off and read some of her others.
May 29, 2023
I still don’t understand.
How does Anna play into all this and why? I mean I guess I know why, she and Joel dated before Francesca but.. I have never been so confused in my entire life.. and Dean is Con? The ex was not Francesca… because Francesca is dead. What!?
Update: Okay, everybody was stalking everybody pretty much. The ex was actually Anna and she was stalking Francesca (even offed her as well), Lydia stalked Cassie. Ok, but that doesn’t explain why Francesca’s grandmother Nonna kept telling her to call Dr. Dino = Dean.. but then we later figure out that Dean is Con? Anna’s husband. Or what about in the beginning when Lydia said it would be complicated for them to still be friends after her breakup with Joel.. was she talking to Francesca or Anna? Idk. I’m gonna have to reread the last 15-20% again. BRB
How does Anna play into all this and why? I mean I guess I know why, she and Joel dated before Francesca but.. I have never been so confused in my entire life.. and Dean is Con? The ex was not Francesca… because Francesca is dead. What!?
Update: Okay, everybody was stalking everybody pretty much. The ex was actually Anna and she was stalking Francesca (even offed her as well), Lydia stalked Cassie. Ok, but that doesn’t explain why Francesca’s grandmother Nonna kept telling her to call Dr. Dino = Dean.. but then we later figure out that Dean is Con? Anna’s husband. Or what about in the beginning when Lydia said it would be complicated for them to still be friends after her breakup with Joel.. was she talking to Francesca or Anna? Idk. I’m gonna have to reread the last 15-20% again. BRB
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
I freaking knew it! Didn’t like that rude b*tch from the very beginning smfh.🤬
But the twist at the end…. I wasn’t a fan.
But the twist at the end…. I wasn’t a fan.
May 3, 2025
This was very enjoyable. It was full of suspense and sometimes I chuckled. I liked the twist, although the last one felt a bit unnecessary.
September 5, 2025
➳ 3 ☆
meagan and i are flabbergasted. this book was a hot damn mess. freida continues to shock us every time, because what the hell did we just read? there is certainly a real talent freida possesses in writing futile, nonsensical stories that grips your attention from the start. NOTHING about this book makes any sense and leaves the readers on a very grey note ending, but i am so glad we decided to pick this up since it brought us out of an impending slump. however, this book was genuinely confusing to follow through.
this book follows a pretty interesting cast of characters—which i cannot say because i am scared of spoiling this. from there, we are thrown into a typical freida mess where every single woman in this story is beyond crazy. i had to ask meagan what was happening at least once every chapter because the timeline and the structure of this plot was beyond confusing. when we got to the foolish reveal, i was gagged because what the fuck are you talking about? i need to stop guessing what they are going to be because i am NEVER correct.
if you want a load of baloney, read this.
meagan and i are flabbergasted. this book was a hot damn mess. freida continues to shock us every time, because what the hell did we just read? there is certainly a real talent freida possesses in writing futile, nonsensical stories that grips your attention from the start. NOTHING about this book makes any sense and leaves the readers on a very grey note ending, but i am so glad we decided to pick this up since it brought us out of an impending slump. however, this book was genuinely confusing to follow through.
this book follows a pretty interesting cast of characters—which i cannot say because i am scared of spoiling this. from there, we are thrown into a typical freida mess where every single woman in this story is beyond crazy. i had to ask meagan what was happening at least once every chapter because the timeline and the structure of this plot was beyond confusing. when we got to the foolish reveal, i was gagged because what the fuck are you talking about? i need to stop guessing what they are going to be because i am NEVER correct.
if you want a load of baloney, read this.
June 8, 2025
niech obie oleją tego faceta i zaczną być razem #wlw
February 12, 2020
Mediocre at Best...
It was just okay for me. I though it was without substance, the storyline and the characters. Joel was weak, Cassie was just silly and naive to a fault and let's not even talk about Lydia and Anna. The author left out huge, vital parts of the story. There was literally no insight as to what brought this long term relationship to what appeared to be an abrupt end...no backstory. The reader knew absolutely nothing about their relationship. The gaps created unnecessary questions. There were only two characters that the reader was allowed to have insight and that was Francesca (don't want to spoil it) and Cassie. It was surprising that the reader didn't know Joel as he was a main character. Overall, the story felt as if there were missing parts that the reader should have know. Towards the end, things were revealed, but it was too late and too much information crammed into a small section, which made it feel disjointed and chaotic. Not my type of book.
It was just okay for me. I though it was without substance, the storyline and the characters. Joel was weak, Cassie was just silly and naive to a fault and let's not even talk about Lydia and Anna. The author left out huge, vital parts of the story. There was literally no insight as to what brought this long term relationship to what appeared to be an abrupt end...no backstory. The reader knew absolutely nothing about their relationship. The gaps created unnecessary questions. There were only two characters that the reader was allowed to have insight and that was Francesca (don't want to spoil it) and Cassie. It was surprising that the reader didn't know Joel as he was a main character. Overall, the story felt as if there were missing parts that the reader should have know. Towards the end, things were revealed, but it was too late and too much information crammed into a small section, which made it feel disjointed and chaotic. Not my type of book.
September 5, 2025
I’ll say it right away, I love unhinged female characters, and this book delivered exactly that. The drama, the delusion, the chaos… it was all so entertaining for me to read. 😂
As always, Frieda McFadden kept the pacing sharp and the tension building. The twists and red flags were sprinkled in perfectly to keep me guessing, and the “is she? or isn’t she?” vibe around the main character made it extra juicy. I found myself devouring chapters, eager to see how far things would spiral.
This isn’t a super heavy or deep thriller, but it’s bingeable, twisty, and absolutely scratched that “unhinged woman behaving badly” itch for me. If you love thrillers that make you side-eye every character while laughing at how wild it gets, The Ex is definitely worth picking up.
Buddy Read with Manas 💖
My Freida McFadden Ratings:
Want To Know A Secret- 4 Stars
The Ex-4 Stars
The Housemaid- 3.5 Stars
The Co-Worker- 3 Stars
Never Lie- 3 Stars
Ward D- 3 Stars
The Inmate- 2.5 Stars
As always, Frieda McFadden kept the pacing sharp and the tension building. The twists and red flags were sprinkled in perfectly to keep me guessing, and the “is she? or isn’t she?” vibe around the main character made it extra juicy. I found myself devouring chapters, eager to see how far things would spiral.
This isn’t a super heavy or deep thriller, but it’s bingeable, twisty, and absolutely scratched that “unhinged woman behaving badly” itch for me. If you love thrillers that make you side-eye every character while laughing at how wild it gets, The Ex is definitely worth picking up.
Buddy Read with Manas 💖
My Freida McFadden Ratings:
Want To Know A Secret- 4 Stars
The Ex-4 Stars
The Housemaid- 3.5 Stars
The Co-Worker- 3 Stars
Never Lie- 3 Stars
Ward D- 3 Stars
The Inmate- 2.5 Stars
June 12, 2023
The ending was SO confusing.
It was so good until about 85% into it and then the timeline of everything switched up and I had to spend a solid 30 mins trying to remember what the hell happened at the beginning of the book and who each character was.
Disappointed to say the least bc I LOVE her books.
Frieda, if you’re reading this don’t hate me, bc I love you. I’m just too adhd for this shit. 😂🫶🏼
It was so good until about 85% into it and then the timeline of everything switched up and I had to spend a solid 30 mins trying to remember what the hell happened at the beginning of the book and who each character was.
Disappointed to say the least bc I LOVE her books.
Frieda, if you’re reading this don’t hate me, bc I love you. I’m just too adhd for this shit. 😂🫶🏼
May 1, 2024
gave me the wife between us vibes - it was pretty good, the twists at the end kinda fell flat for me!
March 2, 2024
Definitely not my favourite Frieda McFadden book… the points of view were disjointed. They switched between past and present and also by first and third person.
BUT the story played out brilliantly at the end, so many secrets, this is basically a romantic thriller. The ‘twists’ were great but all right at the end, and getting there was a challenge.
Enjoyed it (particularly the fact my name was heavily featured, which *never* happens!) but wouldn’t be my first thriller recommendation x
BUT the story played out brilliantly at the end, so many secrets, this is basically a romantic thriller. The ‘twists’ were great but all right at the end, and getting there was a challenge.
Enjoyed it (particularly the fact my name was heavily featured, which *never* happens!) but wouldn’t be my first thriller recommendation x
March 19, 2025
3 stars - The usual Freida M. patented "Over-The-Top" crazy with the twists, but it also really, really felt like something I’ve read before??🤷🏻♀️ But it was very fast paced & entertaining at least…
January 16, 2024
joel, you need new friends, bud.
July 14, 2023
(3.5⭐️)
i did like the idea of the twist but i‘m still a bit confused abt some (many) parts
i did like the idea of the twist but i‘m still a bit confused abt some (many) parts
May 2, 2025
No, no no no no no no no no no no no no.
I love this author I love this author I love this author I love this author I love this author I love this author.
Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense.
???????????????????? ????????
Help me understand!
Pleeeeeeaaassssseeeee!!!!!!!!!!
There’s the ex. Then there’s the present girlfriend.
Two girlfriends.
Fighting over a guy.
You’d think it would be a very easy plot to understand right? Right?
Nope nope nope. Nope nope nope nope nope. Nope nope.
Confounding!
Granny was The best character in the book!
She needed her own book!
Whywhy?YY?Y?Why?Why?Why?Why?
The ex - Francesca
The current – Cassie.
Someone spying on someone else.
Hurt feelings, abound.
Nasty little messages are being left for one lady messages like slut!
What the heck is going on?
Oh, no, not that. Oh, no, not that. Oh, no, not that oh no, not that oh no, no no no no no please.
Plot twist. Plot twist. Plot twists, and then again plot twists. Did I mention there were plot twists?
The book will toy with you. The book will toy with you. The book will toy with you. The book will toy with you.
Can I snag a date with Dean?
Why do they like this guy? Why do they like this guy? Why do they like this guy please please why do they like this guy?
SPOILERS
Authors authors please stop doing this stuff please.
It’s not an unreliable narrator. It’s a complete unreliable book that will laugh at you mockingly for daring to believe it would play out in a semi-normal way.
In all seriousness, it made no sense. So Anna’s is lying in her thoughts as well? Nothing made any sense and frankly, I’m getting sick of good girls secretly being evil murderesses at the end. I did like this author and I still do. I love her in fact. But I cannot handle these crazy twist in the stories and this one was almost impossible to completely understand.
I love this author I love this author I love this author I love this author I love this author I love this author.
Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense. Made no sense.
???????????????????? ????????
Help me understand!
Pleeeeeeaaassssseeeee!!!!!!!!!!
There’s the ex. Then there’s the present girlfriend.
Two girlfriends.
Fighting over a guy.
You’d think it would be a very easy plot to understand right? Right?
Nope nope nope. Nope nope nope nope nope. Nope nope.
Confounding!
Granny was The best character in the book!
She needed her own book!
Whywhy?YY?Y?Why?Why?Why?Why?
The ex - Francesca
The current – Cassie.
Someone spying on someone else.
Hurt feelings, abound.
Nasty little messages are being left for one lady messages like slut!
What the heck is going on?
Oh, no, not that. Oh, no, not that. Oh, no, not that oh no, not that oh no, no no no no no please.
Plot twist. Plot twist. Plot twists, and then again plot twists. Did I mention there were plot twists?
The book will toy with you. The book will toy with you. The book will toy with you. The book will toy with you.
Can I snag a date with Dean?
Why do they like this guy? Why do they like this guy? Why do they like this guy please please why do they like this guy?
SPOILERS
Authors authors please stop doing this stuff please.
It’s not an unreliable narrator. It’s a complete unreliable book that will laugh at you mockingly for daring to believe it would play out in a semi-normal way.
In all seriousness, it made no sense. So Anna’s is lying in her thoughts as well? Nothing made any sense and frankly, I’m getting sick of good girls secretly being evil murderesses at the end. I did like this author and I still do. I love her in fact. But I cannot handle these crazy twist in the stories and this one was almost impossible to completely understand.
October 16, 2025
Dark 🔥 Twisty 🕸️ Deliciously deceptive 😈
This book pulls you in with whispers of obsession, heartbreak, and revenge... then spins you into a storm of lies and manipulation. 🌪️
Just when I thought I had the truth in my hands, it slipped right through my fingers. No one toys with your mind quite like Freida. 👀
It’s a fast-paced psychological tangle of trust and illusion; lighter than some of her other works, yet still sharp enough to leave a mark. The pacing keeps you hooked, and the unreliable characters will have you questioning everything you think you know.
Clever 🖤 Devious 💋 Addictive 🔥
Freida remains the queen of misdirection and suspense. 👑 She writes madness so beautifully, it almost feels normal. 🖤 Honestly, I could raise a glass of wine to her for that level of brilliance. 🍷
And The Ex... is a wicked reminder that sometimes, the past never really lets go. 💋
This book pulls you in with whispers of obsession, heartbreak, and revenge... then spins you into a storm of lies and manipulation. 🌪️
Just when I thought I had the truth in my hands, it slipped right through my fingers. No one toys with your mind quite like Freida. 👀
It’s a fast-paced psychological tangle of trust and illusion; lighter than some of her other works, yet still sharp enough to leave a mark. The pacing keeps you hooked, and the unreliable characters will have you questioning everything you think you know.
Clever 🖤 Devious 💋 Addictive 🔥
Freida remains the queen of misdirection and suspense. 👑 She writes madness so beautifully, it almost feels normal. 🖤 Honestly, I could raise a glass of wine to her for that level of brilliance. 🍷
And The Ex... is a wicked reminder that sometimes, the past never really lets go. 💋
August 26, 2023
Freida has to be one of my favourite psychological thriller writers ever but i honestly don't know how to rate this book. It kept my interest, that's for sure but i knew that there was something big coming along. I can't say that the ending did not comfuse me. It took me a while to process what was happening and then it clicked though it was a bit messy and unrealistic for my taste. It was not much of a story either. All the time, the readers, can feel that the writer is misleading them by not mentioning the the ex's name in her narration and can feel that there's something off about her. However, the revelation at the end is far from what the majority of the readers are expecting. I had some theories myself that went down the drain .
While reading this book you know there's bound to be a twist but it's hard to predict it and when it's revealed it is kind of lame.
Therefore, i can't rate this book with more than two stars!
While reading this book you know there's bound to be a twist but it's hard to predict it and when it's revealed it is kind of lame.
Therefore, i can't rate this book with more than two stars!
March 28, 2022
"The Ex" should not be "ex-ed" off your "to read" list.
It's a fast-paced and ultra-compelling book that will make you think twice before dating any person, even if he/she is a HD (hot doctor).
I especially enjoyed the way the author structured the book with alternating POVs of a HD's new girlfriend and his ex-girlfriend.
The book was a 5-star read for the first 80% of the book.
Unfortunately, the book's ending was convoluted and deeply flawed. To avoid spoilers, additional details are not being provided.
I listened to the audiobook read by narrator Nicol Zanzarella. Even though the narrator did an outstanding job, the book would have benefited from two different narrators since it was told from two POVs.
This is my second book by author Freida McFadden and I look forward to listening to future titles by this author.
It's a fast-paced and ultra-compelling book that will make you think twice before dating any person, even if he/she is a HD (hot doctor).
I especially enjoyed the way the author structured the book with alternating POVs of a HD's new girlfriend and his ex-girlfriend.
The book was a 5-star read for the first 80% of the book.
Unfortunately, the book's ending was convoluted and deeply flawed. To avoid spoilers, additional details are not being provided.
I listened to the audiobook read by narrator Nicol Zanzarella. Even though the narrator did an outstanding job, the book would have benefited from two different narrators since it was told from two POVs.
This is my second book by author Freida McFadden and I look forward to listening to future titles by this author.
February 10, 2023
Um..... good?
I found this book kind of disjointed. It switched between to speakers but also switch between tenses. Sometimes in first person and sometimes in third. It also switch time lines, making it kinda hard to read and follow. All in all the story was amazing and it all played out beautifully in the end. It was getting to the last few chapters, that made it all make sense, that was the hard part.
I found this book kind of disjointed. It switched between to speakers but also switch between tenses. Sometimes in first person and sometimes in third. It also switch time lines, making it kinda hard to read and follow. All in all the story was amazing and it all played out beautifully in the end. It was getting to the last few chapters, that made it all make sense, that was the hard part.
September 3, 2021
This book was terrible. 🤣
January 4, 2025
**3.5
THE EX was a little different than I expected. Not that this is a bad thing. And I still liked it very much. It kept me reading and turning the pages quickly — which is always a good thing! A couple of twists I kind of saw coming, but one really surprised me! I had to go back and reread portions just to find out what I missed and how I missed it.
The story itself was a good one, with lots of suspense and intrigue. But I have to say that I really, really disliked one of the characters, although I think we were supposed to like him. I didn’t see this character (I won’t name him here) as the “catch” everyone thought he was, he treated certain girlfriends badly, and he was just a bit of a wimp in my opinion. A few red herrings were thrown into the story, but I’m not sure if it was deliberate — plot points that never turned into anything, so it was hard to see the reason for them. The ending also left a few questions unanswered for me, too. When all is said and done, though, it’s definitely still worth reading!
And I’m not one to give spoilers, so I won’t go into detail, but anyone who’s ever read the book REBECCA — the story definitely offered me reminders of Daphne Du Maurier’s classic novel. A definite plus for me!! Maybe I’m the only one who perceived this while reading THE EX. (And for anyone who hasn’t read REBECCA, please do yourself a huge favor and do so immediately! Truly a remarkable book and one of my very favorites!!)
THE EX was a little different than I expected. Not that this is a bad thing. And I still liked it very much. It kept me reading and turning the pages quickly — which is always a good thing! A couple of twists I kind of saw coming, but one really surprised me! I had to go back and reread portions just to find out what I missed and how I missed it.
The story itself was a good one, with lots of suspense and intrigue. But I have to say that I really, really disliked one of the characters, although I think we were supposed to like him. I didn’t see this character (I won’t name him here) as the “catch” everyone thought he was, he treated certain girlfriends badly, and he was just a bit of a wimp in my opinion. A few red herrings were thrown into the story, but I’m not sure if it was deliberate — plot points that never turned into anything, so it was hard to see the reason for them. The ending also left a few questions unanswered for me, too. When all is said and done, though, it’s definitely still worth reading!
And I’m not one to give spoilers, so I won’t go into detail, but anyone who’s ever read the book REBECCA — the story definitely offered me reminders of Daphne Du Maurier’s classic novel. A definite plus for me!! Maybe I’m the only one who perceived this while reading THE EX. (And for anyone who hasn’t read REBECCA, please do yourself a huge favor and do so immediately! Truly a remarkable book and one of my very favorites!!)
January 4, 2026
This story was so messy but I actually really liked it.
I guessed the plot twist at the very beginning, then got send into a other direction.. Turns out I was right all along. Not her best work but I was so invested that I had to give it 4 stars!
I guessed the plot twist at the very beginning, then got send into a other direction.. Turns out I was right all along. Not her best work but I was so invested that I had to give it 4 stars!
November 29, 2020
Pretty awful
This book is all plot; very little dialogue or character development. I really don't understand the rave reviews. There were so many "twists" in the plot that it became mangled. Badly mangled.
I have the same complaints other reviewers mentioned. Apart from the psychotic hatred and feelings of abandonment exhibited by our main girl, there is no explanation why the characters behave as they do. No motive, no reason why or how, just reporting one silly "twist" after another. The pacing was erratic as well. The story wrapped up quickly, with a change in format, almost as if another author was brought in.
The story was told in alternate points of view, one view in first person, the next in third person. But at times, the third person voice slipped temporarily into first person. There was bad punctuation and wrong use of words: "...ringing her hands."
Overall, an amateur effort. A real eye- roller.
This book is all plot; very little dialogue or character development. I really don't understand the rave reviews. There were so many "twists" in the plot that it became mangled. Badly mangled.
I have the same complaints other reviewers mentioned. Apart from the psychotic hatred and feelings of abandonment exhibited by our main girl, there is no explanation why the characters behave as they do. No motive, no reason why or how, just reporting one silly "twist" after another. The pacing was erratic as well. The story wrapped up quickly, with a change in format, almost as if another author was brought in.
The story was told in alternate points of view, one view in first person, the next in third person. But at times, the third person voice slipped temporarily into first person. There was bad punctuation and wrong use of words: "...ringing her hands."
Overall, an amateur effort. A real eye- roller.
August 13, 2023
5 Stars
I enjoyed this thriller.
The story of Joel who breaks up with his girlfriend at the beginning of the book.
He then meets Cassie in a bookstore and things start to go awry.
Huge plot twist in the middle made me say What???
What is going on here?
The timeline is a bit off without notice. The exs pov takes a bizarre turn.
That's all I can say in this story full of twists.
Not bad FM
I enjoyed this thriller.
The story of Joel who breaks up with his girlfriend at the beginning of the book.
He then meets Cassie in a bookstore and things start to go awry.
Huge plot twist in the middle made me say What???
What is going on here?
The timeline is a bit off without notice. The exs pov takes a bizarre turn.
That's all I can say in this story full of twists.
Not bad FM
April 9, 2024
Given that I have now read too many Freida McFadden books that I have found are just way too similar to or much the same as other books published first that I've read, I have decided to reasses my ratings. I'll leave my original review for what I thought at the time, but I don't want to support this.
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1 June 2022
Where to start... my mind is BLOWN! Immediately upon finishing this book I picked up my phone and text my sister to ask her to please read it so we could discuss. Really need to debrief on this psychological thriller.
A chance meeting between the young, book loving romantic, Cassie and the hot doctor, Joel.
After a few dates and a progressing relationship, the out of the picture Ex isn't so out of the picture. The Ex's loyal friends make sure the new girl knows she has big shoes to fill.
Some classic gossipy and nasty friends and the lovely, kind other friends all make the new relationship interesting. Meanwhile, no one seems to know the danger Cassie may be in.
This was easy to read, the characters were (mostly) likeable, the story was gripping and fast, and as always, Freida McFadden nails the twist.
BUT, I literally need someone to talk through it all with, to piece it all together and make sense of it. Whilst very clever, I had to stop and process the book before finishing. It wasn't a clear cut ending to me, reducing my rating to 4 stars.
** Spoilers below **
*** Seriously stop reading now or the book may be ruined ***
What the h*** just happened?!
The Ex is not and never was Francesca, but it is Anna!? Anna!? Sweet, kind Anna. Woah. This blew my mind. It took me AGES trying to piece all the past chapters together.
If I had to compare that level of shocking, twisty, cannot possibly be accurate to any other book, it'd be The Perfect Son by the same author. I like it, but I also find it a bit frustrating from feeling the need to reread the whole book to work it out and see if it all actually works, and from having to stop so close to the end to process everything. Some seriously good writing to cause that!
-----
1 June 2022
Where to start... my mind is BLOWN! Immediately upon finishing this book I picked up my phone and text my sister to ask her to please read it so we could discuss. Really need to debrief on this psychological thriller.
A chance meeting between the young, book loving romantic, Cassie and the hot doctor, Joel.
After a few dates and a progressing relationship, the out of the picture Ex isn't so out of the picture. The Ex's loyal friends make sure the new girl knows she has big shoes to fill.
Some classic gossipy and nasty friends and the lovely, kind other friends all make the new relationship interesting. Meanwhile, no one seems to know the danger Cassie may be in.
This was easy to read, the characters were (mostly) likeable, the story was gripping and fast, and as always, Freida McFadden nails the twist.
BUT, I literally need someone to talk through it all with, to piece it all together and make sense of it. Whilst very clever, I had to stop and process the book before finishing. It wasn't a clear cut ending to me, reducing my rating to 4 stars.
** Spoilers below **
*** Seriously stop reading now or the book may be ruined ***
What the h*** just happened?!
The Ex is not and never was Francesca, but it is Anna!? Anna!? Sweet, kind Anna. Woah. This blew my mind. It took me AGES trying to piece all the past chapters together.
If I had to compare that level of shocking, twisty, cannot possibly be accurate to any other book, it'd be The Perfect Son by the same author. I like it, but I also find it a bit frustrating from feeling the need to reread the whole book to work it out and see if it all actually works, and from having to stop so close to the end to process everything. Some seriously good writing to cause that!
May 19, 2025
Cassie runs a bookstore, barely scraping by with her friend. Despite the financial struggle, she can’t let go of the shop, which she inherited from her deeply devoted grandparents.
Cassie rarely dates, but when Joel visits her bookstore, she believes she’s found the perfect man. He’s strikingly handsome, attentive, well-mannered, a touch romantic, and a doctor. Even more surprisingly, he seems to genuinely like her back. There’s just one complication: his ex-girlfriend, Francesca.
Francesca, now the ex, dated Joel for years, expecting marriage and children. Stylish, an exceptional chef, and stunningly beautiful, she bears an uncanny resemblance to Cassie—or is it the other way around? Now alone, Francesca watches as Joel dates someone who seems like a younger version of herself.
Everything Cassie hears about Francesca and how amazing she is, the more she worries about her own relationship with Joel, especially when she starts feeling like someone is stalking her. Someone doesn't want her to be Joel. Is it Francesca? Is her life in danger?
Another good thriller from Freida McFadden! The Ex had me speeding through my audiobook to reach the denouement, which was quite interesting with a couple of good twists.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Cassie rarely dates, but when Joel visits her bookstore, she believes she’s found the perfect man. He’s strikingly handsome, attentive, well-mannered, a touch romantic, and a doctor. Even more surprisingly, he seems to genuinely like her back. There’s just one complication: his ex-girlfriend, Francesca.
Francesca, now the ex, dated Joel for years, expecting marriage and children. Stylish, an exceptional chef, and stunningly beautiful, she bears an uncanny resemblance to Cassie—or is it the other way around? Now alone, Francesca watches as Joel dates someone who seems like a younger version of herself.
Everything Cassie hears about Francesca and how amazing she is, the more she worries about her own relationship with Joel, especially when she starts feeling like someone is stalking her. Someone doesn't want her to be Joel. Is it Francesca? Is her life in danger?
Another good thriller from Freida McFadden! The Ex had me speeding through my audiobook to reach the denouement, which was quite interesting with a couple of good twists.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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