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Exes & Happy Endings #1
Ex With Regrets
Years after messaging his many hookups to tell them he’s officially off the market, Charles Heppel discovers his exes never left that group chat. In fact, all his past booty calls, one-night stands, and friends-with-benefits have become real-life besties.
Welcome to Exes & Happy Endings, a series of interlinked MM romance novels set in Great Britain where, with a little help from a happily married Heppel and his husband, one ex at a time earns his own HEA.
First up: Vincent Smith AKA Carpet Burns.
Ex With Regrets
It’s all Harry Lancaster’s fault.
He’s the reason I have to make a new rule for the Heppel Exes. I don’t know why he left me in charge of our meet-up group. Any of the other members would have made a better temporary leader. They’re all professionals used to giving orders. I’m just an East-End mudlark who clears houses for a living.
But no, Harry picked me to take over while he’s out of the country, and herding highly sexed cats would be easier. No word of a lie, Exes keep falling into bed together, then falling out with each other, and now the club named after our founder is at risk of imploding. Hence, my new rule until Harry is back in London.
No more sex between Exes.
Regret slams me straight in the chest when Dair Sinclair walks into my first meeting as leader.
He’s different from the last man I shared my life with. Sweet and caring instead of driven. A little fragile, like the antiques I secretly wish I could restore and treasure instead of selling. And when Dair tells me he has a month to clear out his own home before leaving the city for good, I’m faced with two options.
Keep that rule and miss my one chance to love him. Or break it and still lose him.
Welcome to Exes & Happy Endings, a series of interlinked MM romance novels set in Great Britain where, with a little help from a happily married Heppel and his husband, one ex at a time earns his own HEA.
First up: Vincent Smith AKA Carpet Burns.
Ex With Regrets
It’s all Harry Lancaster’s fault.
He’s the reason I have to make a new rule for the Heppel Exes. I don’t know why he left me in charge of our meet-up group. Any of the other members would have made a better temporary leader. They’re all professionals used to giving orders. I’m just an East-End mudlark who clears houses for a living.
But no, Harry picked me to take over while he’s out of the country, and herding highly sexed cats would be easier. No word of a lie, Exes keep falling into bed together, then falling out with each other, and now the club named after our founder is at risk of imploding. Hence, my new rule until Harry is back in London.
No more sex between Exes.
Regret slams me straight in the chest when Dair Sinclair walks into my first meeting as leader.
He’s different from the last man I shared my life with. Sweet and caring instead of driven. A little fragile, like the antiques I secretly wish I could restore and treasure instead of selling. And when Dair tells me he has a month to clear out his own home before leaving the city for good, I’m faced with two options.
Keep that rule and miss my one chance to love him. Or break it and still lose him.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
25 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 2, 2026
Brilliant start to this new series
There's something about Con Riley's writing that soothes my soul and fills me with all the warm fuzzies.
This book is basically two soft lads falling for each other and finding out there's a whole bunch of wonderful people willing to put their time in to help out someone in need.
The thing that makes this no surprise, is that they're all Charles Heppel-Eavis' exes and Charles is a man who knows good character when he falls into bed - or otherwise - with it!
When he told his group chat of exes he was getting married to His Holy Hotness Hugo and was off the market, it didn't end things, instead they kept on meeting up and providing a network of support just waiting to be called on.
First up is Carpet Burns, aka Vincent Smith, a rough and ready East End lad who's just been stiffed by a guy who he thought he could trust.
When Charles sends Alasdair Sinclair along to the exes meet-up, he instantly regrets just insisting on a no shagging rule while the usual leader Harry's away and he's been left in charge.
I loved these two softies, both have big feelings as they're each dealing with the loss of someone special in their lives.
Vincent's aunt Stacey, the woman who fought for him and gave him a job as a removals man and encouraged a potential career restoring furniture, died suddenly four months earlier and he's not dealing well.
Dair's gone through the mill with legal battles after the lady he cared for left him with all her worldly goods, which is why he needs Vincent's help to clear her Kensington flat.
What happens next is a wonderful slow burn with a powerful physical attraction romance and one that's packed full of hurt/comfort as Dair shows Vincent another way to look at his strengths.
There's no miscommunication, no misunderstanding or third act breakups.
What we get is a whole bunch of truly kind people coming together to show Vincent he's more than just a hired hand, while Dair sees him as his own Prince Charming and begins to reflect that back at him.
There's also the same trademark humour that keeps all Con's work from being twee, as well as a healthy amount of steam to keep the interest building between the two men.
While this book is a spin-off of the Learning to Love series, there's enough information given for it to work as a standalone.
Personally I'd suggest reading at least Charles' own book because he might just be one of the best characters I've ever read!
There's something about Con Riley's writing that soothes my soul and fills me with all the warm fuzzies.
This book is basically two soft lads falling for each other and finding out there's a whole bunch of wonderful people willing to put their time in to help out someone in need.
The thing that makes this no surprise, is that they're all Charles Heppel-Eavis' exes and Charles is a man who knows good character when he falls into bed - or otherwise - with it!
When he told his group chat of exes he was getting married to His Holy Hotness Hugo and was off the market, it didn't end things, instead they kept on meeting up and providing a network of support just waiting to be called on.
First up is Carpet Burns, aka Vincent Smith, a rough and ready East End lad who's just been stiffed by a guy who he thought he could trust.
When Charles sends Alasdair Sinclair along to the exes meet-up, he instantly regrets just insisting on a no shagging rule while the usual leader Harry's away and he's been left in charge.
I loved these two softies, both have big feelings as they're each dealing with the loss of someone special in their lives.
Vincent's aunt Stacey, the woman who fought for him and gave him a job as a removals man and encouraged a potential career restoring furniture, died suddenly four months earlier and he's not dealing well.
Dair's gone through the mill with legal battles after the lady he cared for left him with all her worldly goods, which is why he needs Vincent's help to clear her Kensington flat.
What happens next is a wonderful slow burn with a powerful physical attraction romance and one that's packed full of hurt/comfort as Dair shows Vincent another way to look at his strengths.
There's no miscommunication, no misunderstanding or third act breakups.
What we get is a whole bunch of truly kind people coming together to show Vincent he's more than just a hired hand, while Dair sees him as his own Prince Charming and begins to reflect that back at him.
There's also the same trademark humour that keeps all Con's work from being twee, as well as a healthy amount of steam to keep the interest building between the two men.
While this book is a spin-off of the Learning to Love series, there's enough information given for it to work as a standalone.
Personally I'd suggest reading at least Charles' own book because he might just be one of the best characters I've ever read!
April 8, 2026
A book by Con Riley is like a cozy cup of tea fortified with a shot of whiskey for the angst and emotions. This new series which comprises the love stories of many of Charles Heppel's exes delivers as usual on the angst and drama and emotions, with gorgeous, evocative writing and a solid group of friends who come through when you need them.
One minor niggle about the math not mathing in that one scene - otherwise utterly fabulous.
Can hardly wait for the next installment.
One minor niggle about the math not mathing in that one scene - otherwise utterly fabulous.
Can hardly wait for the next installment.
April 6, 2026
Rating: 3.5
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: past trauma, hurt / comfort, found family
Ex with Regrets was a heartfelt and sweet story, and I loved seeing the romance between Vincent and Dair unfold!
This was a sweet and charming beginning to Con Riley's new series! I always love a good found family, and while this was a bit of an unconventional one, these guys offered so much kindness and support to each other. I loved seeing Vincent taking the steps towards sharing and letting people in, he carried a lot and was pretty hard on himself. He didn't hesitate to help Dair when he showed up though, and it didn't take long for their mutual attraction to turn into feelings…
While the story was pretty low angst, it was still an emotional read. Both Vincent and Dair were grieving and dealing with big losses, and they had a lot of other things going on in their lives as well. Their time together was limited, and it added to the sense of urgency between them. Their romance was warm and sweet, with a lot of hurt / comfort and a bit of a slow burn. The attraction they shared was intense, and they had a hard time letting each other go every time they ended up in close proximity.
I usually enjoy Con Riley's writing style, and I'm not sure if it was just the wrong timing for me or if it was something about this story in particular, but I felt lost a few times. I normally find the almost puzzle kind of writing with clues and later revelations intriguing, but I have to admit that I struggled with following along in this one. Might just have been a me thing though, but it was unfortunate because I really liked both Vincent and Dair, and I wanted to love their story too.
Ex with Regrets was overall a moving and emotional read, with a lot of big feelings, hurt / comfort and found family! Vincent and Dair were very sweet together, and I loved to see them figure things out together. I'm really intrigued about some of the guys we met in this one, and I can't wait to see who else will get their story told in this series!
-
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: past trauma, hurt / comfort, found family
Ex with Regrets was a heartfelt and sweet story, and I loved seeing the romance between Vincent and Dair unfold!
This was a sweet and charming beginning to Con Riley's new series! I always love a good found family, and while this was a bit of an unconventional one, these guys offered so much kindness and support to each other. I loved seeing Vincent taking the steps towards sharing and letting people in, he carried a lot and was pretty hard on himself. He didn't hesitate to help Dair when he showed up though, and it didn't take long for their mutual attraction to turn into feelings…
While the story was pretty low angst, it was still an emotional read. Both Vincent and Dair were grieving and dealing with big losses, and they had a lot of other things going on in their lives as well. Their time together was limited, and it added to the sense of urgency between them. Their romance was warm and sweet, with a lot of hurt / comfort and a bit of a slow burn. The attraction they shared was intense, and they had a hard time letting each other go every time they ended up in close proximity.
I usually enjoy Con Riley's writing style, and I'm not sure if it was just the wrong timing for me or if it was something about this story in particular, but I felt lost a few times. I normally find the almost puzzle kind of writing with clues and later revelations intriguing, but I have to admit that I struggled with following along in this one. Might just have been a me thing though, but it was unfortunate because I really liked both Vincent and Dair, and I wanted to love their story too.
Ex with Regrets was overall a moving and emotional read, with a lot of big feelings, hurt / comfort and found family! Vincent and Dair were very sweet together, and I loved to see them figure things out together. I'm really intrigued about some of the guys we met in this one, and I can't wait to see who else will get their story told in this series!
-
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 28, 2026
The author did a marvelous job, putting Charles Heppel’s exes together. They are a bunch of supportive guys. One of them is Vincent Smith.
He’s been hurt by his supposed lover (not Charles, btw), who just took advantage of him and his good heart.
When Vincent meets Dair Sinclair, he’s afraid to make the same mistake. Wrong!
Dair is a kind and honest guy who needs Vincent’s expertise with inventory and housemoving, after this Dair can leave and return home.
Fate has other plans for them.
My goodness, Con Riley writes the best of the best stories, with everyday people who could be you or me, or the guy next door. Everyone has their own story, she wrote them down!
It’s an absolutely wonderful romance that goes deeper than the surface.
Charles Heppel is a unique character, so no surprise his exes aren’t just exes.
Can’t wait for the next installment!
He’s been hurt by his supposed lover (not Charles, btw), who just took advantage of him and his good heart.
When Vincent meets Dair Sinclair, he’s afraid to make the same mistake. Wrong!
Dair is a kind and honest guy who needs Vincent’s expertise with inventory and housemoving, after this Dair can leave and return home.
Fate has other plans for them.
My goodness, Con Riley writes the best of the best stories, with everyday people who could be you or me, or the guy next door. Everyone has their own story, she wrote them down!
It’s an absolutely wonderful romance that goes deeper than the surface.
Charles Heppel is a unique character, so no surprise his exes aren’t just exes.
Can’t wait for the next installment!
won-t-read-bc-nopes
April 2, 2026I often love this author, but...what? What? This is a contrived premise. Charles had hookups, one and dones, not..exes. Why would...what???
I liked Charles's book, mainly for Hugo, but this sounds silly. Can't we just have people connecting because they meet, rather than due to one big, incestuous, we-all-fucked-the-same-man group?
Not for me. Love much of Con Riley, but, No.
I liked Charles's book, mainly for Hugo, but this sounds silly. Can't we just have people connecting because they meet, rather than due to one big, incestuous, we-all-fucked-the-same-man group?
Not for me. Love much of Con Riley, but, No.
April 14, 2026
Damaged Londoners.
Objectively, not that good.
But such a comfort!
Objectively, not that good.
But such a comfort!
April 1, 2026
Ex with regrets is the first book in the Exes & Happy Endings series, which is a long awaited/wished for spin-off series of Learning to Love series and is all about Charles Heppel’s exes getting their HEA. 🥰
As I’ve come to expect from Con Riley’s books, this one is also a really warm, character-focused romance, but this time built around a really fun premise - a group chat made up of Charles Heppel’s exes!
One of those exes and one of the MCs, is Vincent Smith, known to us Charles Heppel fans as Carpet Burns. 🤭
Right at the beginning of the book, Vincent is asked to step into a leadership role he doesn’t feel ready for, due to his life long self-doubt and past hurts. On top of that, he’s recently been let down by someone he trusted (and is hiding a big secret)...in short, Vincent is dealing with a lot. But Vincent is also a really kind person, with a quiet resilience to him. So watching him slowly open up and find his place, both in the group and alongside Dair, is really emotional and gratifying. Especially as the majority of the book (except for the epilogue) is from Vincent’s POV, so it is very easy to relate to him.
Alasdair Sinclair, or Dair, is just as relatable. He’s kind and grounded, dealing with his own loss while still focusing on helping others. Their connection develops quickly, but it works for me because it’s built on honesty and mutual support rather than just sexual attraction. They really see each other, flaws and all, which makes their relationship feel genuine, and despite the fast development, it doesn’t feel rushed.
I also really loved getting to know some of the Heppel ex’s! 🤗 🥰 The group feels like a genuine support system, full of humour, loyalty, and an easy sense of camaraderie.
As is the norm with Riley’s books, there is a lot of hurt-comfort...but it is also sweet and low angst. I enjoyed reading it, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the other Heppel exes. 🤗 🥰
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
_______________________
CW: mentioned in non-graphic detail and within a healing context - bereavement, health issues, off-page violence.
As I’ve come to expect from Con Riley’s books, this one is also a really warm, character-focused romance, but this time built around a really fun premise - a group chat made up of Charles Heppel’s exes!
One of those exes and one of the MCs, is Vincent Smith, known to us Charles Heppel fans as Carpet Burns. 🤭
Right at the beginning of the book, Vincent is asked to step into a leadership role he doesn’t feel ready for, due to his life long self-doubt and past hurts. On top of that, he’s recently been let down by someone he trusted (and is hiding a big secret)...in short, Vincent is dealing with a lot. But Vincent is also a really kind person, with a quiet resilience to him. So watching him slowly open up and find his place, both in the group and alongside Dair, is really emotional and gratifying. Especially as the majority of the book (except for the epilogue) is from Vincent’s POV, so it is very easy to relate to him.
Alasdair Sinclair, or Dair, is just as relatable. He’s kind and grounded, dealing with his own loss while still focusing on helping others. Their connection develops quickly, but it works for me because it’s built on honesty and mutual support rather than just sexual attraction. They really see each other, flaws and all, which makes their relationship feel genuine, and despite the fast development, it doesn’t feel rushed.
I also really loved getting to know some of the Heppel ex’s! 🤗 🥰 The group feels like a genuine support system, full of humour, loyalty, and an easy sense of camaraderie.
As is the norm with Riley’s books, there is a lot of hurt-comfort...but it is also sweet and low angst. I enjoyed reading it, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the other Heppel exes. 🤗 🥰
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
_______________________
CW: mentioned in non-graphic detail and within a healing context - bereavement, health issues, off-page violence.
Review of advance copy
Vincent is given the pen to lead the group of Charles’ exes, who formed a chat and are all friends.
He feels like he can’t handle it as he’s down because another ex, Flynn, took all the work he’d done and sold it without splitting the profits, as they’d verbally agreed.
A newcomer, Dair, shows up to ask for his help clearing out a house fast because he has to pay a legal bill and has no money. Dair is a carer and looked after a woman named Alice who left him everything in her will, but her family, who never visited her, contested the will and got the property Dair has to empty.
The house is well looked after, but full of things, much mismatched, none worth a lot. However, Vincent knows how to find places it could be sold that will use it to rent to coffee shops and venues wanting rustic pieces. Dair admires his intelligence, and grieves losing Alice, allowing Vincent to share his own loss of his aunt.
They lean on each other and make each other feel strong, and Vincent asks the Exes to help Dair with the finer china identification, then with packing things up so they’re done in time. He reveals he was injured as a child and has aphasia so he can’t read or write, but this only increases the respect of the other Exes.
Dair finishes up emptying the house and as they part, encourages Vincent to visit him. Then he gets a letter from the auction house where Flynn sold his restored work, asking for bank details, which means he wasn’t cheated, there was just a delay in sorting things out.
He immediately travels to Cornwall, where Dair lives in an old house also full of stuff and has already been sorting tools for Vincent to use. He pursues a restoration certificate, and they settle in Cornwall, a mishap leading to love.
Just a wonderful story I couldn’t put down. I love the Exes, and how kind Vincent is, how great his aunt and cousin are in their love and care, and how he deepens his friendships by sharing his problems.
Dair is equally sweet, coming from strife but with a little help, doing what comes naturally to him, caring for others. A lovely match.
I received this ARC for free and am happy to provide my honest review with much appreciation.
He feels like he can’t handle it as he’s down because another ex, Flynn, took all the work he’d done and sold it without splitting the profits, as they’d verbally agreed.
A newcomer, Dair, shows up to ask for his help clearing out a house fast because he has to pay a legal bill and has no money. Dair is a carer and looked after a woman named Alice who left him everything in her will, but her family, who never visited her, contested the will and got the property Dair has to empty.
The house is well looked after, but full of things, much mismatched, none worth a lot. However, Vincent knows how to find places it could be sold that will use it to rent to coffee shops and venues wanting rustic pieces. Dair admires his intelligence, and grieves losing Alice, allowing Vincent to share his own loss of his aunt.
They lean on each other and make each other feel strong, and Vincent asks the Exes to help Dair with the finer china identification, then with packing things up so they’re done in time. He reveals he was injured as a child and has aphasia so he can’t read or write, but this only increases the respect of the other Exes.
Dair finishes up emptying the house and as they part, encourages Vincent to visit him. Then he gets a letter from the auction house where Flynn sold his restored work, asking for bank details, which means he wasn’t cheated, there was just a delay in sorting things out.
He immediately travels to Cornwall, where Dair lives in an old house also full of stuff and has already been sorting tools for Vincent to use. He pursues a restoration certificate, and they settle in Cornwall, a mishap leading to love.
Just a wonderful story I couldn’t put down. I love the Exes, and how kind Vincent is, how great his aunt and cousin are in their love and care, and how he deepens his friendships by sharing his problems.
Dair is equally sweet, coming from strife but with a little help, doing what comes naturally to him, caring for others. A lovely match.
I received this ARC for free and am happy to provide my honest review with much appreciation.
April 1, 2026
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
From the blurb: Years after messaging his many hookups to tell them he’s officially off the market, Charles Heppel discovers his exes never left that group chat. In fact, all his past booty calls, one-night stands, and friends-with-benefits have become real-life besties.
Welcome to Exes & Happy Endings, a series of interlinked MM romance novels set in Great Britain where, with a little help from a happily married Heppel and his husband, one ex at a time earns his own HEA.
Which just about sums the book up! One ex falling in love with another.
Of course, the path of true love never runs smoothly and both Vincent and Dair are struggling with life at the moment. Vincent has been ripped off by his so called friend and is grieving his aunt. Dair has been given a month to move out of his home for 4 years, after the lady he cared for passed away. Neither man is used to asking for, or getting, help and there is a steep, and BRIEF learning curve for them both.
It's one of those books, you can just fall into, and lose an afternoon and put the book down, finished and just go, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
It was a really lovely read. Some interesting surprises along the way, which I did not see coming, at all! So very well played, Ms Riley.
My only niggle, and it really is a ME niggle. We only get Vincent, for all of the book, except the epilogue. I wanted, so very badly, to hear from Dair much earlier in the book and had I, this would have been a 5 star read.
A note, Charles has his own book: Charles, Learning to Love #1. You don't need to have read that book before you read this one. Charles does play a part, you don't need his book to follow this one. Although, it might give you a much bigger picture of why there are so many in the group chat! :-)
A really lovely, 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
From the blurb: Years after messaging his many hookups to tell them he’s officially off the market, Charles Heppel discovers his exes never left that group chat. In fact, all his past booty calls, one-night stands, and friends-with-benefits have become real-life besties.
Welcome to Exes & Happy Endings, a series of interlinked MM romance novels set in Great Britain where, with a little help from a happily married Heppel and his husband, one ex at a time earns his own HEA.
Which just about sums the book up! One ex falling in love with another.
Of course, the path of true love never runs smoothly and both Vincent and Dair are struggling with life at the moment. Vincent has been ripped off by his so called friend and is grieving his aunt. Dair has been given a month to move out of his home for 4 years, after the lady he cared for passed away. Neither man is used to asking for, or getting, help and there is a steep, and BRIEF learning curve for them both.
It's one of those books, you can just fall into, and lose an afternoon and put the book down, finished and just go, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
It was a really lovely read. Some interesting surprises along the way, which I did not see coming, at all! So very well played, Ms Riley.
My only niggle, and it really is a ME niggle. We only get Vincent, for all of the book, except the epilogue. I wanted, so very badly, to hear from Dair much earlier in the book and had I, this would have been a 5 star read.
A note, Charles has his own book: Charles, Learning to Love #1. You don't need to have read that book before you read this one. Charles does play a part, you don't need his book to follow this one. Although, it might give you a much bigger picture of why there are so many in the group chat! :-)
A really lovely, 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Review of advance copy received from Author
I won't lie, the first half (maybe a bit longer) of this book is tough reading. Vincent is so negative about himself and what he sees as deficiencies and we're in his mindset for the whole book, plus both Vincent and Dair are grieving big losses, so I did kind of feel like I was drowning and couldn't see a way out. I think the turning point for me came when they went to the V & A and after that point I couldn't stop reading.
I did love how Vincent and Dair cared for each other and were so fiercely protective of each other. They only have a limited amount of time together, but the bond they built was so intense and it didn't just revolve around sex scenes either. They let each other see the 'worst' parts of themselves and they're still both there at the end of the day. The ending was just so perfect for them.
The concept of Charles Heppel's exes forming a friendship club was hilarious when I heard about it, but after reading this I realised it's actually so much more. These men are a real support system for each other. If you need help, they band together to get it figured out. They emotionally support each other but also know when to lighten the mood. I also love how everyone in their group chat is referred to by the nicknames that Charles bestowed upon them!
I'm really intrigued to read more of these men's stories, especially Adey and Blake who I assume the next book is about. I'm also so curious about Harry and Flynn - will they be a second chance romance?! And what about Cash Money? I'm very excited to see where this series goes and I hope we continue getting cameo appearances from Charles Heppel because he's just one of the best characters I've read!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
I did love how Vincent and Dair cared for each other and were so fiercely protective of each other. They only have a limited amount of time together, but the bond they built was so intense and it didn't just revolve around sex scenes either. They let each other see the 'worst' parts of themselves and they're still both there at the end of the day. The ending was just so perfect for them.
The concept of Charles Heppel's exes forming a friendship club was hilarious when I heard about it, but after reading this I realised it's actually so much more. These men are a real support system for each other. If you need help, they band together to get it figured out. They emotionally support each other but also know when to lighten the mood. I also love how everyone in their group chat is referred to by the nicknames that Charles bestowed upon them!
I'm really intrigued to read more of these men's stories, especially Adey and Blake who I assume the next book is about. I'm also so curious about Harry and Flynn - will they be a second chance romance?! And what about Cash Money? I'm very excited to see where this series goes and I hope we continue getting cameo appearances from Charles Heppel because he's just one of the best characters I've read!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
April 1, 2026
This spin-off series introduces us to the group chat of Charles Heppel's exes. After Charles told them all he was off the market (and now happily married) they stuck around the group, because Charles had an eye for good people, even for short-term shagging. They've become friends. As the story opens, Harry, the defacto group leader, is leaving town for a while, and he hands off the group to Vincent, a furniture mover with a talent for furniture restoration, an ex who ripped him off, and a secret disability he tries to hide. Vincent has never felt like a leader, especially in a group of men mostly more educated and richer than he is, but he also doesn't want to let these guys down.
Enter Alasdair, or Dair to his friends. Dair was the caregiver and friend for an elderly woman until she passed away, and she left him all her possessions. But a legal challenge by her family has resulted in him having to give up her home in London to the family. He has just days to remove all the contents, sell them if he can, and leave town. He really needs any money he can get for those contents.
So Charles has aimed Dair at the exes group, where a soft-hearted mover can't turn down a plea for help.
This story is trademark Con Riley, with a particular, emotional writing style that pulls the readers into the MCs hearts. Both men are sweethearts with their own challenges. Vincent's family are great, and the exes are an interesting group I look forward to seeing more of in subsequent stories.
There is a lot of hurt-comfort here, which is my jam, some humor, and a strong group of secondaries. Vincent's innate kindness shines through.
Enter Alasdair, or Dair to his friends. Dair was the caregiver and friend for an elderly woman until she passed away, and she left him all her possessions. But a legal challenge by her family has resulted in him having to give up her home in London to the family. He has just days to remove all the contents, sell them if he can, and leave town. He really needs any money he can get for those contents.
So Charles has aimed Dair at the exes group, where a soft-hearted mover can't turn down a plea for help.
This story is trademark Con Riley, with a particular, emotional writing style that pulls the readers into the MCs hearts. Both men are sweethearts with their own challenges. Vincent's family are great, and the exes are an interesting group I look forward to seeing more of in subsequent stories.
There is a lot of hurt-comfort here, which is my jam, some humor, and a strong group of secondaries. Vincent's innate kindness shines through.
April 2, 2026
Low angst, hurt/comfort romance
Charles, Charles, Charles... thank goodness you have a multitude of exes to inspire a new series, and then immediately pop in with a cameo or three.
The Exes' Group Chat has expanded into the Exes' Club that meet up regularly, under the stewardship of Harry Lancaster. Vincent, AKA Carpet Burn, is first in what it hopefully a long line of Exes needing their own HEA.
This is a very sweet story of two kind and decent men who pass like ships in the night, due to their work schedules, but desperately want to spend more time in each other's company, mindful of the finite amount of time they have to do so.
Vincent and Dair are so wonderful, each with trauma in their past and continuing struggles in their present. They are stronger than they realise and definitely stronger together, bolstering each other and lifting each other up. I love how their faces light up when they look at each other, right from the start. It's more romantic than steamy but there's a burning connection between them that Con allows to shine through at all times.
Vincent's secret made my heart hurt but it had the best silver lining when he eventually revealed it. Watching how all the Exes reacted, and seeing Vincent let himself be vulnerable (not easy for someone who lived in a tower block on a rundown East London estate), and finally become part of the Club properly, was just a big hug all by itself.
The ending was so good, and the epilogue (the only chapter from Dair's POV) was all I needed and more.
I'm looking forward to the 'highly sexed cats' who are up next, Adey and Blake.
Charles, Charles, Charles... thank goodness you have a multitude of exes to inspire a new series, and then immediately pop in with a cameo or three.
The Exes' Group Chat has expanded into the Exes' Club that meet up regularly, under the stewardship of Harry Lancaster. Vincent, AKA Carpet Burn, is first in what it hopefully a long line of Exes needing their own HEA.
This is a very sweet story of two kind and decent men who pass like ships in the night, due to their work schedules, but desperately want to spend more time in each other's company, mindful of the finite amount of time they have to do so.
Vincent and Dair are so wonderful, each with trauma in their past and continuing struggles in their present. They are stronger than they realise and definitely stronger together, bolstering each other and lifting each other up. I love how their faces light up when they look at each other, right from the start. It's more romantic than steamy but there's a burning connection between them that Con allows to shine through at all times.
Vincent's secret made my heart hurt but it had the best silver lining when he eventually revealed it. Watching how all the Exes reacted, and seeing Vincent let himself be vulnerable (not easy for someone who lived in a tower block on a rundown East London estate), and finally become part of the Club properly, was just a big hug all by itself.
The ending was so good, and the epilogue (the only chapter from Dair's POV) was all I needed and more.
I'm looking forward to the 'highly sexed cats' who are up next, Adey and Blake.
March 31, 2026
I loved it! I love all of Con Riley's books and this book had plenty of angst and yearning. This new series is based on the ex's of Charles Heppel and Charles does pop up in this book. Vincent Smith, aka Carpet Burns, is a blue collar worker who feels out of place with the rest of Charles' exes and doesn't interact with them too much. He works for his cousin, Kev, clearing houses. Vincent moved in the his cousin and his aunt when he was younger after his mother died. Vincent ends up being in charge of the Ex's for a bit when Harry who usually runs their meetings goes out of town for work. During the first meeting he is in charge of, in walks Dair Sinclair who is looking for assistance in clearing his previous employer's home who he was a caregiver for. He only has a few weeks to clear the home due to the family wanting it. He was surprised when his employer left everything to him and the family contested the townhouse in Kensington. It was really lovely to see these two men help each other and support each other. Throughout the story, Vincent learns to rely on help from people other than his cousin and realizes that he does fit in with the rest of Charles' exes and truly becomes friends with them. Vincent also reveals that he is aphasic due to brain injury when he was a child due to abuse by his father. I really enjoyed how Vincent found ways to achieve his dreams and didn't let his aphasia stand in his way. This was a really sweet love story, and Im looking forward to the rest of the exes having their HEA's.
April 2, 2026
Ex with Regrets by Con Riley is book 1 in the Exes & Happy Endings series. Charles Heppel once messaged all of his former hook-ups in a group chat to let them know he was off the market. The exes kept the group chat going and have formed their own relationships with each other. I love this idea so much and the fact we get to see glimpses of Hugo and Charles is great as well. This book focuses on Vincent, aka Carpet Burn, and Dair. Dair seeks out Vincent to help him remove all the items from the home he needs to vacate. I really loved how sweet these two were. Both were grieving the deaths of people they loved and cared about. Dair was so open with his emotions and the vulnerability made me love him a lot. Vincent tended to hide his grief and try to run from it. While I really enjoyed these two, I did love the side characters as well. It’s exciting to know that we will be getting Blake and Adey’s story as well as Harry and Flynn (probably the one that I am looking forward to the most). I love Con’s writing style and it always draws me in. The characters feel real and I pull for them to find that HEA that they are seeking. I cannot wait to read the next one.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So really, there is a lot that enjoyed about Vincent and Dair’s story. It’s a fast moving, sweet, low angst romance with an insta connection in both ends. It’s also chock full of found family and a ton of feel good moments that are touching.
Vincent is thrown into the Ex’s club in a leadership capacity by Harry after a night of spilling his unfortunate circumstances with regards to being left high and dry by Flynn .
He has put his heart and soul into something and is feeling mighty abandoned at the moment when Blake and Harry help him out. Due to him mistakenly leaving a voice message on the group chat instead of to his cousin.
Now the thing is Riley’s writing initially is a bit like having patience and piecing together puzzle pieces she is leaving out in-the open for you. It takes a bit of effort till about mid way to get context, nuance, back story and some of the meandering along the way is a bit distracting. It’s still entertaining don’t get me wrong but I felt less like we were being taken on a journey with these characters and more like choose your own mystery adventure - lots you can attach your own meaning to here
However the second half is a completely different and pleasant surprise. The story starts to come together we know the characters their motivations and now we become familiar with their emotional journey the romance we also get vulnerable glimpses that bond them tighter, fortuitous clearing up of misunderstanding - of which honestly there are a lot in this story.
I really enjoyed the second half and really started getting attached to the characters.
This story takes a bit of work to get into but to me it was a nice short quick read and I’m glad I read it
3.5⭐️
Vincent is thrown into the Ex’s club in a leadership capacity by Harry after a night of spilling his unfortunate circumstances with regards to being left high and dry by Flynn .
He has put his heart and soul into something and is feeling mighty abandoned at the moment when Blake and Harry help him out. Due to him mistakenly leaving a voice message on the group chat instead of to his cousin.
Now the thing is Riley’s writing initially is a bit like having patience and piecing together puzzle pieces she is leaving out in-the open for you. It takes a bit of effort till about mid way to get context, nuance, back story and some of the meandering along the way is a bit distracting. It’s still entertaining don’t get me wrong but I felt less like we were being taken on a journey with these characters and more like choose your own mystery adventure - lots you can attach your own meaning to here
However the second half is a completely different and pleasant surprise. The story starts to come together we know the characters their motivations and now we become familiar with their emotional journey the romance we also get vulnerable glimpses that bond them tighter, fortuitous clearing up of misunderstanding - of which honestly there are a lot in this story.
I really enjoyed the second half and really started getting attached to the characters.
This story takes a bit of work to get into but to me it was a nice short quick read and I’m glad I read it
3.5⭐️
Review of advance copy
This is the start of what seems set to be another great Glynn Harber adjacent series where we get to meet Charles Heppel-Eavis’s exes now that he is happily married to Hugo, aka His Holy Hotness. The exes turn out to be a rather friendly bunch and are happy to help out at the drop of a hat. Here we follow the story of Vincent, aka Carpet Burns, and Dair. This story was an absolute delight with brief cameos from both Charles and HHH which made this reader very happy indeed.
The thing I actually liked the best about this story, along with the usual excellent writing, story building and downright ‘Britishness’, was that fact that Vincent and Dair are totally normal people; not rich, not titled, just working class ‘salt of the earth’ people. I connected with them both from the very start with my heart breaking with just how vulnerable Vincent was sharing his medical history and the challenges these represented. Con’s gentle handling of this was wonderful to read.
I am now eagerly anticipating the rest of the stories from this wonderfully supportive group of men.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
The thing I actually liked the best about this story, along with the usual excellent writing, story building and downright ‘Britishness’, was that fact that Vincent and Dair are totally normal people; not rich, not titled, just working class ‘salt of the earth’ people. I connected with them both from the very start with my heart breaking with just how vulnerable Vincent was sharing his medical history and the challenges these represented. Con’s gentle handling of this was wonderful to read.
I am now eagerly anticipating the rest of the stories from this wonderfully supportive group of men.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
March 31, 2026
4.25 Stars
The exes of Charles Heppel, what a great concept. I loved Charles and everyone of the exes we met in this one were fabulous. I can already tell this is going to be a favourite new series for me.
This one centres around Vincent. The Ex who feels he doesn't fit in, in fact the book starts with him waking up after sending out a distress signal to the Ex's group and he still can't fathom why they came and helped him. I had an idea about his issues from interactions with his cousin but couldn't even imagine the reasons for them.
I was so impressed with how this was handled. Con Riley has way of breaking your heart and at the same time it's galloping away to cheer on the characters. I absolutely adored the way they all reacted and how they pumped him up without making him feel like he was being handled. They took on his issues and found ways for him to still communicate with them all. I loved Cash's "I don't care how late it is I want to hear from you" comment.
Dair was also a great character. You felt like he had been hard done by for a lot of the book, and he had such a fair attitude towards that. He didn't want to fight anymore, and I was happy for the ending he got. He took after Vincent from the moment he met him, the little furniture deliveries were gold. His caring personality was always on display.
I loved the Exes and can't wait to see where this series goes.
ARC Provided by GRR
The exes of Charles Heppel, what a great concept. I loved Charles and everyone of the exes we met in this one were fabulous. I can already tell this is going to be a favourite new series for me.
This one centres around Vincent. The Ex who feels he doesn't fit in, in fact the book starts with him waking up after sending out a distress signal to the Ex's group and he still can't fathom why they came and helped him. I had an idea about his issues from interactions with his cousin but couldn't even imagine the reasons for them.
I was so impressed with how this was handled. Con Riley has way of breaking your heart and at the same time it's galloping away to cheer on the characters. I absolutely adored the way they all reacted and how they pumped him up without making him feel like he was being handled. They took on his issues and found ways for him to still communicate with them all. I loved Cash's "I don't care how late it is I want to hear from you" comment.
Dair was also a great character. You felt like he had been hard done by for a lot of the book, and he had such a fair attitude towards that. He didn't want to fight anymore, and I was happy for the ending he got. He took after Vincent from the moment he met him, the little furniture deliveries were gold. His caring personality was always on display.
I loved the Exes and can't wait to see where this series goes.
ARC Provided by GRR
April 1, 2026
**********Contains Spoilers**********
This is the first book that I’ve read by Con Riley and it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good start to Exes & Happy Endings Series. Charles was definitely spot on as I thought that Dair & Vincent were great together. They helped each other out a lot throughout this book and it was cute seeing all the little ways they show the other that they care. Vincent hasn’t been able to read & write due to suffering brain damage due to trauma he suffered at nine years old.
His cousin Kev & his wife Marilyn always have Vincent’s back. The Exes are such an amazing support system for each other and I’m looking forward to learning more about each of them as the series continues, Summer School Ex is up next. I’m also looking forward to reading more books by Con Riley in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
This is the first book that I’ve read by Con Riley and it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good start to Exes & Happy Endings Series. Charles was definitely spot on as I thought that Dair & Vincent were great together. They helped each other out a lot throughout this book and it was cute seeing all the little ways they show the other that they care. Vincent hasn’t been able to read & write due to suffering brain damage due to trauma he suffered at nine years old.
His cousin Kev & his wife Marilyn always have Vincent’s back. The Exes are such an amazing support system for each other and I’m looking forward to learning more about each of them as the series continues, Summer School Ex is up next. I’m also looking forward to reading more books by Con Riley in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
April 1, 2026
A chaotic group of ex-lovers, a no-hookups rule, and the worst possible time to meet someone who feels like everything.
Vincent never wanted to lead the Exes, a messy but loyal group formed from one man’s past flings but now he’s stuck keeping the peace. His solution? Simple: no more sleeping with each other.
Then Dair walks in! Gentle, grieving, and on the verge of leaving London for good, Dair needs help clearing out a house tied to painful memories. Vincent steps in, and what starts as practical support quickly becomes something deeper. As they work side by side, sharing loss, vulnerability, and quiet moments of understanding, their connection grows into something neither of them can ignore.
But with Dair’s time running out and Vincent’s own insecurities holding him back, they’re forced to choose to either play it safe and lose their chance, or risk everything for something real.
Warm, emotional, and quietly uplifting, this story blends found family, second chances, and healing into a romance that feels both tender and hard-earned. HIghly entertaining
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Vincent never wanted to lead the Exes, a messy but loyal group formed from one man’s past flings but now he’s stuck keeping the peace. His solution? Simple: no more sleeping with each other.
Then Dair walks in! Gentle, grieving, and on the verge of leaving London for good, Dair needs help clearing out a house tied to painful memories. Vincent steps in, and what starts as practical support quickly becomes something deeper. As they work side by side, sharing loss, vulnerability, and quiet moments of understanding, their connection grows into something neither of them can ignore.
But with Dair’s time running out and Vincent’s own insecurities holding him back, they’re forced to choose to either play it safe and lose their chance, or risk everything for something real.
Warm, emotional, and quietly uplifting, this story blends found family, second chances, and healing into a romance that feels both tender and hard-earned. HIghly entertaining
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
April 2, 2026
There are few things in life that are as comforting as starting a new Con Riley story. It's just such an absolutely lovely feeling like a warm cup of tea, I swear. I will never miss out on a Con story, because I know that I'm going to get the big warm fuzzies throughout the whole story.
I loved the set up of this. Charles Heppel has left a string of men behind him and you know they're all great because Charles is literal sunshine so I'm so glad we get too see so many of them get their happy ever after (this is me putting into the atmosphere that it'll be so many of them because I need a million).
Vincent (aka Carpet Burns) was such a lovely lovely way to start. He's hurting bad, but he's such a natural caregiver it totally makes sense why Charles sent Dair his way. I love how, knowing Charles, we see how far he's come that he's absolutely confident in his decisions. And now we get to see Vincent and Dair go through a similar journey together. They both need to care and be cared for bad and they find it in each other. I just adored getting to know them, watching them blossom, and getting to see a found family being built brick by brick!!
I loved the set up of this. Charles Heppel has left a string of men behind him and you know they're all great because Charles is literal sunshine so I'm so glad we get too see so many of them get their happy ever after (this is me putting into the atmosphere that it'll be so many of them because I need a million).
Vincent (aka Carpet Burns) was such a lovely lovely way to start. He's hurting bad, but he's such a natural caregiver it totally makes sense why Charles sent Dair his way. I love how, knowing Charles, we see how far he's come that he's absolutely confident in his decisions. And now we get to see Vincent and Dair go through a similar journey together. They both need to care and be cared for bad and they find it in each other. I just adored getting to know them, watching them blossom, and getting to see a found family being built brick by brick!!
April 20, 2026
I was prepared for this story to hit my feelings hard (Con always does in the very best of ways), but Ex with Regrets was still a bit of a delightful surprise. I absolutely love the idea of our beloved Charles Heppel connecting all his one-night-stand exes together and playing matchmaker - both in new friendships and love. Vincent is a delightful character who slowly revealed his layers, even though his story is told in his POV alone. When he goes to a meet up of the Heppel Exes, the defacto leader puts him in charge of the group while he travels for work. Finding himself in charge of the group brings back certain bad memories of school age struggles and he also learns that Charles has sent Dair his way in desperate need of help. Immediately compelled by the sweet and kind man, he steps up to help but also gets some unexpected help along the way as well. This amazing friends to lovers romance is all about the power of friendship, love, kindness, and healing after loss.
I immediately loved both Vincent and Dair from their first moments on-page and I only fell even more in love with them as they (and we) got to know them better. Vincent has survived so much and I adore how he did so many hard things to get his HEA after life had dealt him so many bad hands. Dair was just who he needed – kind, giving to a fault, and intensely empathetic and supportive. Their love story was the sweetest thing, which made up for all the angst. I couldn’t put this story down and was deeply invested in their HEA. These two men deeply deserved one. I loved every moment of this read which was no surprise. I always love Con’s immensely rewarding romances and am absolutely waiting on the edge of my seat for the next in the series.
I immediately loved both Vincent and Dair from their first moments on-page and I only fell even more in love with them as they (and we) got to know them better. Vincent has survived so much and I adore how he did so many hard things to get his HEA after life had dealt him so many bad hands. Dair was just who he needed – kind, giving to a fault, and intensely empathetic and supportive. Their love story was the sweetest thing, which made up for all the angst. I couldn’t put this story down and was deeply invested in their HEA. These two men deeply deserved one. I loved every moment of this read which was no surprise. I always love Con’s immensely rewarding romances and am absolutely waiting on the edge of my seat for the next in the series.
March 26, 2026
Although this is the first of a new series, it’s very definitely series adjacent to any book that features the lovely Charles Heppel - a real fan favourite. It can be read as a standalone, but to understand the person who connects the group of highly s*xed cats (loved that description of the exes) best, you really should experience the wonder that is Charles Heppel (of the Learning to Love series) in his own book.
Vincent is the Heppel ex we get to know in this book, placed in temporary charge of the exes club and tasked with keeping them in line. Into this setting wanders Dair, looking for help. This was a unique take on the found family theme, but all the guys really stepped up when called upon.
Both guys have their vulnerabilities that make them wary of trusting others, but it was lovely to see them lean on each other and get closer. I described this to a friend as a hug in book form - it’s relatively low angst and just leaves you with the warm fuzzies.
There are so many options for more books in this series for the other guys, so I can’t wait to see who we get more of next.
Vincent is the Heppel ex we get to know in this book, placed in temporary charge of the exes club and tasked with keeping them in line. Into this setting wanders Dair, looking for help. This was a unique take on the found family theme, but all the guys really stepped up when called upon.
Both guys have their vulnerabilities that make them wary of trusting others, but it was lovely to see them lean on each other and get closer. I described this to a friend as a hug in book form - it’s relatively low angst and just leaves you with the warm fuzzies.
There are so many options for more books in this series for the other guys, so I can’t wait to see who we get more of next.
March 28, 2026
4.25 stars from me. As long as Con's stories include that wonderful Heppel and Cornwall, I'm golden.
Vincent had a really hard life in London, and not being able to read or write due to an injury caused by a family member, meant that he often considered himself a complete thicko. He was really hard on himself, too hard in reality, but thanks to Charles' little club of exes, found that they didn't consider him a moron, but someone who'd had several tough breaks, and pulled through by sheer force of willpower. Dair was a member of the same club, and also had a lot on his plate. Luckily for the both of them, the willingness of several members of the club, especially Blake, Adey and Harry, to commit to helping them solve problems, meant a HEA was guaranteed.
Blake and Adey's story up next in Summer School Ex.
Vincent had a really hard life in London, and not being able to read or write due to an injury caused by a family member, meant that he often considered himself a complete thicko. He was really hard on himself, too hard in reality, but thanks to Charles' little club of exes, found that they didn't consider him a moron, but someone who'd had several tough breaks, and pulled through by sheer force of willpower. Dair was a member of the same club, and also had a lot on his plate. Luckily for the both of them, the willingness of several members of the club, especially Blake, Adey and Harry, to commit to helping them solve problems, meant a HEA was guaranteed.
Blake and Adey's story up next in Summer School Ex.
April 2, 2026
If this story’s any indication, I’m going to love Charles Heppel’s exes as much as the man himself. I absolutely adore the premise of this series - a string of romances tying up loose ends for many of Charles’s former flames. And if Charles is still making their business his business, albeit from afar, well, I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s who he is after all.
This first book in the series spends a bit of time introducing the exes - Charles was VERY busy, there are a few 😉 - before embarking on the softest, sweetest, swooniest romance between Vincent & Dair. When I saw this described as a comfort read, I could immediately relate, because it feels a bit like being wrapped up in a warm, fuzzy blanket.
Despite Vincent and Dair both finding themselves at a crossroads with major decisions looming, their story is surprisingly low angst. The level of support, comfort and understanding is astounding, so even the vulnerability and heavier moments never seem like too much. And the easy, effortless way they fall for each other just adds to the warm feelings.
You don’t need to have read the Learning to Love series (where we first meet Charles) to jump into this one, although it will possibly help with character recognition. Con Riley’s world spans several different series, and she does her best to set up each romance to be enjoyed on its own. If you’re looking for a warm, comforting escape, this story can be just that.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
This first book in the series spends a bit of time introducing the exes - Charles was VERY busy, there are a few 😉 - before embarking on the softest, sweetest, swooniest romance between Vincent & Dair. When I saw this described as a comfort read, I could immediately relate, because it feels a bit like being wrapped up in a warm, fuzzy blanket.
Despite Vincent and Dair both finding themselves at a crossroads with major decisions looming, their story is surprisingly low angst. The level of support, comfort and understanding is astounding, so even the vulnerability and heavier moments never seem like too much. And the easy, effortless way they fall for each other just adds to the warm feelings.
You don’t need to have read the Learning to Love series (where we first meet Charles) to jump into this one, although it will possibly help with character recognition. Con Riley’s world spans several different series, and she does her best to set up each romance to be enjoyed on its own. If you’re looking for a warm, comforting escape, this story can be just that.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
April 6, 2026
I've enjoyed the various books by this author involving Charles Heppel and the related characters. Now, we get a kind of infectious romance continuation, where various of his previous one-night-stands get more character development and a lot more background.
I was frankly surprised (in a good way) at how much depth is involved; I wasn't expecting Vincent's somewhat traumatic current situation and history. I mention it only because if you're looking for light and fluffy, there's more here than that. It's much more hurt/comfort, with lots of hurt to go around.
Although it's still charming how Vincent meets and slowly falls for Dair, who's got his own struggles. There are a lot of good hearts in this book, and that's the kind of thing I need to read these days.
Vincent's also odd man out in the group in terms of his rough background, but I enjoy seeing him in contrast to the more upper-class others. I'm looking forward to more entries in this series, as there's a lot of possibility amongst the various characters. (I received a digital ARC for review.)
I was frankly surprised (in a good way) at how much depth is involved; I wasn't expecting Vincent's somewhat traumatic current situation and history. I mention it only because if you're looking for light and fluffy, there's more here than that. It's much more hurt/comfort, with lots of hurt to go around.
Although it's still charming how Vincent meets and slowly falls for Dair, who's got his own struggles. There are a lot of good hearts in this book, and that's the kind of thing I need to read these days.
Vincent's also odd man out in the group in terms of his rough background, but I enjoy seeing him in contrast to the more upper-class others. I'm looking forward to more entries in this series, as there's a lot of possibility amongst the various characters. (I received a digital ARC for review.)
Read
April 6, 2026This is the first book in the Exes & Happy Endings series. Charles Heppel once messaged all of his former hook-ups in a group chat to let them know he was off the market. The exes kept the group chat going and have formed their own relationships with each other. This is the story of Vincent and Dair. Vincent is a furniture mover with a talent for furniture restoration and a secret disability he tries to hide. Dair was pointed in Vincent's direction because he needs help removing all the belongings from a house that he has to vacate. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author. Both men are kind and honest with each other. I liked how their relationship slowly grew. The exes have become a found family to each other. I enjoyed other exes stepping up and helping Vincent and Dair. There is a lot of humor built into this support system. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Did Not Finish
March 20, 2026Unfortunately this one was a DNF @ 38%. I just couldn’t really follow what was going on. Dialogue was broken up with excessive internals and asides, I kept getting lost and had to go back pages to figure out what was being said. The prose was meandering and overly wordy, with too much irrelevant detail/information that distracted from what was happening. References and metaphors went over my head because they were disjointed and didn’t fit the context. Instead of the story flowing naturally from A to B, it would start at A, jump to E, wander through M and N, and then back to B. (By which time I’d forgotten what A even was.)
By the time I DNF’d I didn’t feel like I’d read this book at all. I was so far removed from the story and characters it was like driving a car from the back seat. Such a shame, because it had an interesting premise.
Thanks to GRR for the arc, these opinions are mine, etc.
By the time I DNF’d I didn’t feel like I’d read this book at all. I was so far removed from the story and characters it was like driving a car from the back seat. Such a shame, because it had an interesting premise.
Thanks to GRR for the arc, these opinions are mine, etc.
March 26, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Ex with Regrets opens the new Exes & Happy Endings series by Con Riley. First, I have to stay I absolutely adore the premise of this series, which features a group of exes of the fabulous Charles Heppel, one of my all-time favorite characters. Charles stars in his own book, Charles, and is a key character in Riley’s extended Cornwall universe. I adore Charles beyond reason, and he is absolutely a fan-favorite character.
I am really excited about this series, especially the glimpses we get on some of the other exes who will presumably play a role in future stories (including Harry, who we met in A Loser by Christmas). This book is a great example of the strength of Riley’s writing and I am looking forward to more.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Ex with Regrets opens the new Exes & Happy Endings series by Con Riley. First, I have to stay I absolutely adore the premise of this series, which features a group of exes of the fabulous Charles Heppel, one of my all-time favorite characters. Charles stars in his own book, Charles, and is a key character in Riley’s extended Cornwall universe. I adore Charles beyond reason, and he is absolutely a fan-favorite character.
I am really excited about this series, especially the glimpses we get on some of the other exes who will presumably play a role in future stories (including Harry, who we met in A Loser by Christmas). This book is a great example of the strength of Riley’s writing and I am looking forward to more.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 30, 2026
Life has thrown me a curve. I’ve been reading a lot using a text-to-speech app but I’ve gotten behind on writing reviews so I’m trying to get caught up (and keeping reviews shorter than I might normally write).
I loved this story so much but one of the things about it hit a little too close to home. Vincent has aphasia as the result of a “brain compression.” A family member had a stroke recently and she has aphasia but it’s very different from Vincent’s; she can’t put words together properly – yet. We are hopeful that with continued therapy that will change. OK, that might have been TMI, but I have to say that one of the reasons I enjoy Con Riley’s books is they seem like the characters could be real people and that was certainly true for this one for me.
When a story can get my emotions involved while listening to a robotic voice read it to me then I know that it’s a really good book. I highly recommend this one and I’m looking forward to reading the next one when Con has it ready.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
I loved this story so much but one of the things about it hit a little too close to home. Vincent has aphasia as the result of a “brain compression.” A family member had a stroke recently and she has aphasia but it’s very different from Vincent’s; she can’t put words together properly – yet. We are hopeful that with continued therapy that will change. OK, that might have been TMI, but I have to say that one of the reasons I enjoy Con Riley’s books is they seem like the characters could be real people and that was certainly true for this one for me.
When a story can get my emotions involved while listening to a robotic voice read it to me then I know that it’s a really good book. I highly recommend this one and I’m looking forward to reading the next one when Con has it ready.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
March 30, 2026
Con has done it again. She made me cry and fall in love with so many beautiful characters. Vincent and Dair are simply amazing. I was loving them as I got to know them and then one paragraph, one small but not so small, part of the story completely changed how I saw Vincent and Dair and showed how truly beautiful, special, amazing, flawed, human, and perfect for each other they are.
Not only did I fall in love with Vincent and Dair, but I am in love with all of Charles's exes. I cannot wait to see each and everyone of these amazing men get their own happy endings.
I LOVE all the interconnectedness of Con's Cornwall world. Every single character we meet in her books are all connected and help create a beautiful interwoven world that I want to live in for real. Thank you for creating such amazing characters in a world I truly would love to live in for real and for being so brave and sharing them with us.
Not only did I fall in love with Vincent and Dair, but I am in love with all of Charles's exes. I cannot wait to see each and everyone of these amazing men get their own happy endings.
I LOVE all the interconnectedness of Con's Cornwall world. Every single character we meet in her books are all connected and help create a beautiful interwoven world that I want to live in for real. Thank you for creating such amazing characters in a world I truly would love to live in for real and for being so brave and sharing them with us.
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