Big Mad

by Amarie Avant

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2026

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amarie Avant focuses on writing romantic suspense, contemporary romance, dark romance with the occasional redeemable anti-hero. (2026 forward, the world sucks so she's writing romcoms LOL)
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Reviews

[BrownBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. The “date me or else” ultimatum made this story both funny and messy lol.

I loved the chemistry between Madison and Washington. They both carried love and grief from the past. Which I found to add a layer of complexity to their relationship.

Amarie did an amazing job at making this story feel real by capturing the raw emotions of love, loss, forgiveness, and the mess perfectly!

Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this early & happy release day!

[Jessica Womble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was packed FULL of mess from beginning to end and I was here for every bit of it 👏🏻 😂

Madison immediately had me invested. I really connected with her character and the way her unresolved grief had her stuck in a cycle of self-sabotage, constantly pushing away the very happiness she wanted. Her emotional journey felt layered, messy, and honestly so relatable.

And Washington, WHEW!! He absolutely stood on business about his wife (ex or not! 😭) and I loved every second of their dynamic. He knew exactly how to handle Madison while also recognizing that so much of her behavior was rooted in deep pain. Their chemistry was magnetic, chaotic, and impossible not to root for.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, this story had the perfect setting for all the drama, tension, and emotional unraveling to play out. Their banter was hands-down one of my favorite parts, they were both funny, sharp, and absolutely read each other DOWN!

Overall, this was such an entertaining, emotionally messy ride, and I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author. Please check trigger warnings *loss of a child* before picking this one up

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: Rom-Com. Second Chance, Suspense, Mental Health Representation, Slow Burn, Grief/Loss
Big Mad by Amarie Avant is a part of her Big Series following brothers with ties to New Orleans and named after states. In Big Country readers got the fake relationship story of pro ballplayer Montana and single mother Zuri.
Big Mad has slightly different energy but the same humor and emotional sensitivity. Madison (Mad) and Washington shared an enviable life and solid love. However, after a devastating loss Mad and Washington were left rudderless and floundering. Mad’s solution was to walk away from the marriage, from her home, leaving behind all the tangible evidence of a life once lived robustly. Washington saw that his only viable option was to allow her to leave with the hope that once the pain diminished, she would be able to find her way back to him!
When a situation arises that gives Washington some leverage, he gently pressures Mad into a series of dates. Surely, this proximity will give him the space and opportunity to regain the woman he never stopped loving. Will Washington regain his footing in Mad’s life or is she too mired in sorrow and the past to allow herself to be happy again?
Conclusion:
The process of grieving has no set pattern or even a designated ending. Mad had little support from her absentee parents and allowed her mourning and guilt to separate her from Washington when they both needed someone to lean on. Ms. Avant uses great sensitivity in telling their story and allows strategically placed humor and good memories to aid in their healing. The Babineaux family, as secondary characters, brought color, compassion and an electrifying zany mixture of unity and loyalty to their interactions. I am excited to see Texas and Nalah in the next “Big” story! The suspense portion of this story had a satisfying conclusion (I am, like Washington, still low-key cringing😊).
Favorite Lines:
He must’ve thought he was grilling me like a two- dollar burger.

But somewhere beneath that gleaming scalp and endless rules sat a man who once made me feel alive. Special. And he hadn’t even stalked me?

But she pulled herself back, sipped her lemonade as if it were holy water, and carried on. “Madison has been through enough, mô garçon!”

You didn’t talk back to a woman who could bless and bury you.

“Bébé.” Momma cut her off and tugged her into a hug. “You been acting mannish for long enough! Wash allows it; I don’t.”

People were out here committing foot homicide with luggage wheels. Straight rolling over ankles and sacrificing toes.

“God saw the struggle and said, Come home, Daewon’t- Start. You’ve fought the good fight.”

We fought that art demon, Omari Harris, together. Now, we are righting one last wrong.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/big-ma...

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
📚 Book Title: Big Mad
✍🏽Author: Amarie Avant
📕 Format: 📱
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

🕑Quick Take:
Madison Selene Spencer has been BIG MAD! For good reason, the divorce of an almost 15-year marriage, the loss of her son, and her business. You would be mad, too. When she commits a crime, she is faces the choice between jail and accepting her ex-husband, Judge Washington Babineaux’s proposal of three dates to improve his reputation.

Madison Selene Spencer has been BIG MAD! For good reason, the divorce of an almost 15-year marriage, the loss of her son, and her business. You would be mad, too. So she commits a crime, facing the choice between jail and accepting her ex-husband, Judge Washington Babineaux’s proposal of three dates to improve his reputation.

Judge Washington Babineaux presents Madison with a deal: three dates or jail. Why? Even though they have been divorced for a year, she is still the love of his life, and he knows she still loves him. He is determined to win her back.

Will Madison accept Washington’s offer or serve her prison sentence?

✨ Tropes & Themes:
- Second chance romance
- He wants her back
- She is grief-stricken
- Romantic comedy in the Big Easy

⚠️ Heads Up (Mostly Mild/Off-Page):
- Grief & Loss
- Divorce
- Child Loss

💭Final Thoughts:
I loved this series! As a fan of second chance romances, I found this one perfect. I enjoy the tension between former lovers and am curious about what caused their breakup. Big Mad delivered on all counts—funny with sharp banter, nicknames, and quick wit between Washington and Madison. I also appreciated the tender moments and the thoughts they shared. Amarie did a great job holding space for the grieving parents. Overall, I look forward to the rest of the series, especially the upcoming book Big Lie, which focuses on Texas Babineaux.

Thanks, Amarie Avant, for the eARC!

#BigMad #AmarieAvant #BlackRomanceBooks #ARCReview

[Tara S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Oh, this book had a little of everything…
Second chance, hilarious moments (mostly on Madison‘s part), that woman could come up with a funny nickname at the top of a dime lol. It also displayed romantic vibes heartwarming feels and mystery & action, and oh yeah and let’s not forget the mess.

Washington and Madison was something else, but a force to be reckoned with when together. Madison said let me channel into my Angela Bassett Waiting to Exhale bag. Washington being the Judge that he was so alright bet - gave Madison a non-negotiable contract of 3 dates. And he was letting up of his wife (ex-wife)either. Grief might have driven them apart, the love they had for each other was still present and wasn’t going anywhere.
Now Madison did make me want to say “girl get it together” a few times, but I also knew her grief was something she was dealing with, and it took her a minute.

I was expecting a little more descriptive, naughty scenes (Amarie you teased me so well) but the rom-com aspect made me tap more into my imagination 😏

This book was like watching a movie being played out. Amarie, this was my first read from you, you caught my attention from the cover reveal and blurb. I enjoyed this book.
Good read and a good time!

TW: Grief (lost of a child)

[Kaitlyn C Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’d rather get baptized in Popeye’s grease. Scalding, funky- ass grease that has sat there since the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV.” The way this book had me screaming and literally laughing out loud.

Illegal activities. Dating contracts. Loss of a child. Divorce. This book had it all. Washington is determined to do whatever it takes to get his wife back. Madison is determined to stay “big mad” while calling her ex-husband every name she can think of.

I’m a Louisiana girl and I loved all the references through out the book. Especially the cute road trip. Makes me want to get in the car and drive back home for the weekend (which I most likely will lol). And the comedy in this book really did it for me! I kept screaming “girl what?!?!” while cackling. I could not have asked for better!

While I don’t like how this painted Madison as the “angry black woman,” she had every right to be. I couldn’t imagine being in her situation and not being BIG MAD.

Thank you to Amerie Avant and team for the eARC <3 in exchange for my honest opinion. Recommending this to people who love New Orleans, a second chance romance, and aaallll the pettiness! Rating this a 4/5 because it didn’t make me want to stay up all night.

[readandtellwithshantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Mad
Amarie Avant

Suddenly, what was a natural condition is now foreign. The security Washington and Madison found in each other is shattered the moment they lose their son. The vulnerability required to mend what has happened, has been damaged in a way that makes it too great of an ask. Instead, they found safety the best way they knew how. Unfortunately, grief doesn’t ask permission before it wrecks shop.

Washington has had enough. He believes he’s done what is necessary to manage his grieve. He can’t accept that this is the end of what he and, Madison started so long ago. Madison has dealt with her grief by ignoring some aspects. Her agony has manifested into a painful simmer. At this juncture, forgiveness and understanding doesn’t quite seem outside of their reach anymore.

Avant has a unique ability of keeping her pulse on the focal plot line, while building the sub-plots in a way that blends in with the heart of every story. The humor isn’t lost, when addressing such difficult topics. It isn’t a mask either. It’s an emotionally charged dance of intricacies and nuance. A demonstration of a love that can be renewed.

4.5

#readandtellwithshantel #amarieavant #BigMad #ARC

[RaeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

Baby this book had me HOLLERING. This book was messy in the absolute best way possible, and I ate up every second of it. The banter, the tension, the petty moments — all of it felt so entertaining and chaotic that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

Madison and Wash were truly giving “we’re divorced but still obsessed with each other,” and the chemistry between them was way too good. I loved how the story balanced humor with the heavier emotional moments surrounding grief and healing. One minute I was laughing at their ridiculous back-and-forth, and the next I was feeling emotional over everything they’d been through together.

The entire “date me or go to jail” setup was wild, dramatic, and honestly iconic. If you love second-chance romance with messy characters, tension, hilarious moments, and a whole lot of attitude, this book will definitely hit.

The only reason it wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is because a few parts dragged a little, but overall? So worth the read. Amari Avant really gave us chaos, comedy, and chemistry all in one book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Madison and Washington have been divorced for a year after losing their only child, Elijah. Madison’s grief is firmly stuck in the anger stage. She’s mad about literally everything and who could blame her? Not Wash, but he’s also ready to bring her home.

When her anger causes her to lose it on Wash’s baby blue Bentley, he seizes the opportunity. Go on three dates with him or go to jail.

Madison, of course, chooses the dating scenario, but she’s mad about it. She can’t deny that the love and overwhelming attraction is still strong between them. She weaponizes humor and bebe, she is hilarious.

Highly recommended for lovers of second chances, New Orleans, real talk, and stream of consciousness hilarity.

I was given this DRC by the author. Thank you, @amarieavant! All thoughts are mine alone.

contemporary romance | bipoc main characters | loving through loss | stages of grief | Big Mad | Amarie Avant | books recs | recommendations | book reviews | bookstagram

[Des · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This book was a hot mess (in a very good way). Madison was Big Mad for sure, but I loved whatever was wrong with her. I love that she knew she needed time to heal in her own way, not be forced to heal by other standards. Yes, she could've gone a different way about it, but she did it her way. I love Mad character because she didn't care how anyone felt about her and her actions.

Wash is a my man, my man, my man type of character. Yes, he should've fought harder at the beginning, but he did what he had to do to correct all the should've, could've thoughts. He chased her down no matter what attitude she threw at him; he loved her.

Overall, this book was amazing. The flow of this book is easy to follow, with the series of events, and even had me playing detective. I love the humor of this book, so you will laugh here and there. I can't wait to read whatever is next from Amarie, but for now, I will go back to the first book, Big Country.

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison and Washington’s story had all of the ingredients for a good time. There were a lot of emotions portrayed, but they were balanced in the best way. My girl Maddy had me rolling! You just never knew what she was gonna do or say next, and that pulled me deeper into the story. She was sweet, but she could get PETTTYYYY! And Washington? He was trying to get his girl back by any means necessary, and his job as a judge definitely worked in his favor at times. I loved how possessive and protective he still was of her regardless of their situation. That was HIS girl, period point blank, and I was here for it.

Their connection was undeniable, with love that still lingered despite everything they’d been through. This story wasn’t just entertaining, it also reflected how grief can strain a marriage without the proper healing.

[Cemera (Cece) B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance rom-com in New Orleans? I was seated. 👏🏽

A married couple, Madison and Washington, navigate love, grief, family, and unresolved hurt as they try to find their way back to each other.

The FMC has completely shut off her feelings and turned her pain into anger and bitterness. Her reasons are understandable, but you can see there is so much more beneath the surface. She constantly pushes away her ex-husband (MMC), and her spicy rebuttals had me cracking up.

I loved the contrast between the characters, their chemistry, and the family dynamics. The humor definitely lands, especially the inside jokes about Washington and his family.

If you like second chance romance, humor, emotional moments, and watching two people fight for their relationship, check this one out. Especially if you love an MMC that refuses to give up on his woman 😮‍💨

[CT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Mad by Amarie Avant was such an enjoyable read. I really loved Madison and Washington’s connection—their chemistry felt natural, intense, and believable, making them feel like a true match from start to finish.

One of my favorite things about this book was the humor. The banter and funny moments had me genuinely laughing, while the writing was so vivid it felt like I was watching everything play out on screen. At the same time, the story delivered plenty of emotion and drama, with a few brief triggering moments that added depth to the overall experience.

This was a great balance of romance, humor, and emotional intensity, and it definitely left me wanting more from this author. I’m looking forward to reading more from Amarie Avant.

Tropes: strong chemistry, banter-filled romance, emotional drama, opposites attract, perfect match vibes

[Ketyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison and Washington 

"Big Mad"

2 tbsp of grief 
2 oz of Madison 
1 1/2 oz of Washington 
2 cups of petty 
Blend it up with your desired amount of hilarious. 
Pour into your glass 
sprinkle a second chance. 

Sit down with the NOLA back drop and you have "BIG MAD" 
Madison I connected with on a level I wasn't expecting. Her nickname game was on point. 

Washington was everything, he was very much still in love with his ex-wife. protective and possessive. he wanted his woman back and a deal was struck. 

The tension between these two was palpable dripping from page to page. 
There was always something going on. 
Grief was handled well, emotional without being too much. But the Author had a gentle hand showing us how grief can divide and put a strain on a marriage.

Thank you to the Author for the early copy
This book was what I needed.

[Shanaye Hurtt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison AKA Big Mad AKA Maddy is relatable. She lost her child and had to navigate her loss while the world still went on. Because of some of her actions while grieving, she decided to step into her villain era and ended up in jail. 🤭
Her divorcee husband, Judge Washington, gave her an ultimatum, either stay in jail or accompany him on 3 dates aka operation get his wife back. I’m sure you can guess which one she chose.

I loved the banter between Maddy and Washington!

I also liked how the adventure and drama built throughout the book.

I do wish there was a little bit more spice in the book since Washington was trying to win her over and they were flirting HEAVILY.

Overall I really enjoyed it! Amarie’s writing made you feel like you were right there in the book with them!

Thank you for letting me arc Big Mad and Happy Release Day!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was emotional, funny, and romantic. I loved both Washington and Madison. Madison had me cracking up this entire book. Her grief is so strong, and she makes it so that she doesn't want to enjoy anything good in life since she lost her son. Washington was that man; he didn't play about Madison. He wasn't ever letting his "𝑩𝒆𝒃𝒆" get away. I loved their chemistry and their humor towards each other. From the beginning of the book, you knew that these two belonged together and you hoped they found their way back to each other. This book was funny one minute and emotional the next. The author balanced grief, healing, romance, and humor so well.

[Elena B · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - Thank you to Amarie Avant for the opportunity to review Big Mad.

A Second Chance Romance with a MMC who doesn't let up on HIS LOVE... COUNT. ME. IN!

There is resentment, humor (mainly by Madison, who was a trip), navigating loss, anger, and love.

The chemistry and connection between Madison and Wash was absolute perfection, no matter if they were divorced. I loved how protective and possessive Wash remained of Madison despite everything they went through.

If you enjoy second-chance romance with humor, emotion, and seeing two people fight for their relationship, this is definitely what you need in your life.

I am definitely looking forward to more for Amarie Avant.

[Brisace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Amarie Avant for the book 💛

Big Mad… baby this was grief, tension, anger, and “y’all still in love real bad” all wrapped together 😮‍💨 l the chemistry? Oh it was THERE. The banter, the resentment, the lingering love, and Wash basically saying “you can be mad but you still mine” had me seated. Their pain felt so real, especially watching two people grieve the loss of their child so differently that it completely broke their marriage apart.

[Keya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Mad is big fun and I love a second chance story! We received brief tidbits of Madison in the previous book and I’m so glad that her story got to be expanded in its own book. Amarie wrote a beautiful an amazing story, and I love that she included a bald king for this one. A perfect mix of banter, petty and healing. I also love the journey that we go on and how we get to see these characters develop throughout the story. A definite must read!

[Dannireads17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought way more than just rom-com vibes. Between the banter, petty moments, grief, healing, and a man determined to win his wife back, I was locked in the whole time. Washington and Madison’s story had me laughing one minute and emotional the next. If you love second chance romance with heart, definitely like this one.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

After years apart and battling with grief, Madison destroys her ex husband's car and therefore breaks the law. There is resentment, sadness and a cry for help in the act. Washington takes his time having her arrested as he has a plan to have her back where she belongs, with him. But it is not going to be easy. A Good read.

[Mrsz_reads13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find myself reading more Second Chance Romances for this reason. There is humor, witty banter, and the loss of a child which can break anyone. Washington never stopped loving and fighting for his woman!!! Madison thinking everything was her fault and not trusting in their love...I am happy they had their HEA!!!