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Buttons: A Wealthy CEO Marriage-in-Crisis Romance
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Audrey Halliwell
27 books134 followersAudrey Halliwell writes messy, twisty, can’t-look-away romance.
The kind where the other woman has secrets, the ex-fiancé still lingers, and the plot twists slap you like a betrayal at brunch. If you’ve ever screamed at your Kindle, rewritten endings in your head, or fallen in love with a character who absolutely should’ve known better, you’re in the right place.
Audrey blames her obsession with dramatic romance on her mother—she was watching soap operas in elementary school and devouring V.C. Andrews and Gossip Girl by middle school. Armed with a college degree and an unapologetic love for emotional chaos, Audrey writes stories where women stumble through heartbreak, betrayal, and obsession before reclaiming their power.
Her heroines might be messy, but they always find their glow-up.
When she’s not plotting angsty love triangles or crafting emotionally ruined men with great hair, you’ll find her designing something on Canva or rereading her favorite tropes like it’s self-care.
The kind where the other woman has secrets, the ex-fiancé still lingers, and the plot twists slap you like a betrayal at brunch. If you’ve ever screamed at your Kindle, rewritten endings in your head, or fallen in love with a character who absolutely should’ve known better, you’re in the right place.
Audrey blames her obsession with dramatic romance on her mother—she was watching soap operas in elementary school and devouring V.C. Andrews and Gossip Girl by middle school. Armed with a college degree and an unapologetic love for emotional chaos, Audrey writes stories where women stumble through heartbreak, betrayal, and obsession before reclaiming their power.
Her heroines might be messy, but they always find their glow-up.
When she’s not plotting angsty love triangles or crafting emotionally ruined men with great hair, you’ll find her designing something on Canva or rereading her favorite tropes like it’s self-care.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 28, 2026
It is refreshing when the betrayal trope gets shaken up a bit. Now I am not saying this idea is totally original as romance books have been written for hundreds of years and certain ideas get revisited. The author put her own spin on it with the neurodivergent hero and marriage in crisis. IF you have ever watched the Friend’s episode where Ross makes a list to choose between Rachel and Julie, then you have an idea how a pro/con list can be destructive. In this case the list uncovered doesn’t happen until Julian(H) and Elowen (h) have been married for 8 years and have 2 children. The story starts with a glimpse into their life and how Elowen has made their marriage work like clockwork. But cracks have formed….and when she finds out about the list she leaves, with the kids, immediately. And, I know readers will like this she stays strong. Her years of making herself small and making concessions is over!!! Julian believes she will crawl back….but come to find out he needs her a lot more than she needs him. Julian loves his wife and realizes if he wants a second chance with her he needs to make drastic changes not only to himself, but with who he keeps company with. He puts in the work. Elowen notices and gives him a second chance. This book is safe from steamy scenes and cheating! The ow drama is an added bonus but at no time do I feel that Julian sees Carmella as anything but a long ago ex and current business associate. He is very clinical and logical in his thoughts. Which means he doesn’t always pick up on social cues, like Carmella making the moves on him. When he realizes this, he gets rid of her from his life. I really enjoyed this story and watching how both the hero and heroine changed and came back together better! I left more details on Goodreads.
Features: based on the blurb for the book I expanded the author’s points SOME LIGHT SPOILERS
Middle-Aged Characters-Hero is 42, heroine is 38/39…
Neurodivergent Hero-Julian is very logical and mathematically inclined. He has ocd tendencies and is a neat freak. Things need to be orderly and sterile. Over the years, Elowen has learned to anticipate what things would bother him and intercepted them before they could be an issue. She has managed his life to a tee. Their son Leo has some of these same tendencies but not quite to his father’s level.
Marriage in Crisis-Julian and Elowen have been married 8 years. They have 2 children…6 and 4. They met at a grocery store and exchanged numbers. When he texted her to meet for coffee, it was the start of their relationship. He dates her then hires her to be his assistant…then they married! Along the way Elowen loses herself in the marriage. Before the big “reveal”, she was starting to feel frustrated and unsatisfied.
Uncovered-At dinner with his college friends and ex girlfriend or almost girlfriend, it is revealed that he made a list between the two women with the pro’s and cons…he also disparaged his wife’s button nose, and even made note that he hoped future children would not get it(but they did!)
OW Drama-Carmella lost to Elowen but was ahead in points on his list….well there is a reason she did not become the Mrs. And it had to do with a wrong text …Honestly I am not sure why Carmella wants Julian, except for the fact that he is wildly successful. He is not an easy man to live with, but I suppose she would have others take care of is neurodivergent needs and she obviously wasn’t looking for a love connection, but more of an alliance to be a power couple. It doesn’t help that Julian has remained in contact with her over the years as they are in the same type of business. He is not having an emotional affair with her and basically it sounds like they are only together socially when the college gang gets together. When Elowen leaves, Carmella decides to change tactics and go after Julian more aggressively, but our man Julian doesn’t pick up on this. He goes along with some of her suggestions and it backfires miraculously
Betrayal & Grovel-He betrayed her by basically marrying her under false pretenses and disparaging her looks. The one thing she was assured of was Julian’s love and loyalty(and yes he does love her) but after finding this secret out and all the work she put into the marriage, she is gobsmacked! Julian does
a do a great job groveling, He puts in the time and effort. He blows off a multi million dollar deal, and makes sure that Carmella is history! NOW here is the thing, not all parts of him can change. He is neurodivergent so there are parts of him that are ingrained within him, but there are other things he has come to terms with and could change, and he did!
Second Chance-She leaves him, begins a second career. He thinks she will come back, but when it is obvious she is thriving with less money, status, and gala…he realizes that it is he that needs to do the changing, She will not go back to being the woman who dresses for his benefit and who irons her natural curly hair. She will not be the woman that has the perfect looking unlived in house. She will no longer stand by his side and fade into the background so he takes center stage. However, Julian will take her anyway he can get her as he truly loves her and starts seeing her for the first time…he also realizes that he likes what he sees button nose and all!
Redemption-I felt satisfied with the redemption. He is always going to have certain “ways” about him, but he has also learned to embrace a little bit of the chaos, even enjoying it. His relationship not only changed with his wife, but he was able to change his relationship with his children as well. Instead of expecting Christmas card perfect children, he learned to enjoy his children as they are.
I enjoyed this story in part because I really needed a break from the betrayal due to cheating trope. I like my originals together so that was another reason I enjoyed this one. You will rage at Julian for a bit, but at the same time you will also realize that some of his problems are out of his control…not all of them and that is what he has to work on to redeem himself. You will wonder why did Elowen put up with his behavior for so long, but when you are in love it is very easy to fall into a certain dynamic. This is a love marriage! She probably took pride in keeping his schedules and anticipating issues. But as time moved on she started to experience dissatisfaction as many of us do. She realized that she didn’t want to be ornamental, she was intelligent and wanted to spread her wings. He clipped those wings, and she allowed it. That part is on her, but again when we are stupid in love we sometimes fall into these things and realize too late that it isn’t working anymore. The list is what pushed her to change and take back her life. And due to her change, Julian had to make a decision to make changes himself or lose her forever!
On a final note, if you are a cat lover, animal supporter like myself you will enjoy the addition of these furry characters. The author shines a light on the many cats who find themselves in need of shelters. It is obvious she has cats based on how the cats were portrayed in the book. Being a long time cat owner who has either adopted cats from shelters or a friend of a friend, it warms my heart that they get their page time. In fact my current cat actually comes from the The Humane Society of West Michigan, one of the shelters mentioned in the afterward of the book!
Features: based on the blurb for the book I expanded the author’s points SOME LIGHT SPOILERS
Middle-Aged Characters-Hero is 42, heroine is 38/39…
Neurodivergent Hero-Julian is very logical and mathematically inclined. He has ocd tendencies and is a neat freak. Things need to be orderly and sterile. Over the years, Elowen has learned to anticipate what things would bother him and intercepted them before they could be an issue. She has managed his life to a tee. Their son Leo has some of these same tendencies but not quite to his father’s level.
Marriage in Crisis-Julian and Elowen have been married 8 years. They have 2 children…6 and 4. They met at a grocery store and exchanged numbers. When he texted her to meet for coffee, it was the start of their relationship. He dates her then hires her to be his assistant…then they married! Along the way Elowen loses herself in the marriage. Before the big “reveal”, she was starting to feel frustrated and unsatisfied.
Uncovered-At dinner with his college friends and ex girlfriend or almost girlfriend, it is revealed that he made a list between the two women with the pro’s and cons…he also disparaged his wife’s button nose, and even made note that he hoped future children would not get it(but they did!)
OW Drama-Carmella lost to Elowen but was ahead in points on his list….well there is a reason she did not become the Mrs. And it had to do with a wrong text …Honestly I am not sure why Carmella wants Julian, except for the fact that he is wildly successful. He is not an easy man to live with, but I suppose she would have others take care of is neurodivergent needs and she obviously wasn’t looking for a love connection, but more of an alliance to be a power couple. It doesn’t help that Julian has remained in contact with her over the years as they are in the same type of business. He is not having an emotional affair with her and basically it sounds like they are only together socially when the college gang gets together. When Elowen leaves, Carmella decides to change tactics and go after Julian more aggressively, but our man Julian doesn’t pick up on this. He goes along with some of her suggestions and it backfires miraculously
Betrayal & Grovel-He betrayed her by basically marrying her under false pretenses and disparaging her looks. The one thing she was assured of was Julian’s love and loyalty(and yes he does love her) but after finding this secret out and all the work she put into the marriage, she is gobsmacked! Julian does
a do a great job groveling, He puts in the time and effort. He blows off a multi million dollar deal, and makes sure that Carmella is history! NOW here is the thing, not all parts of him can change. He is neurodivergent so there are parts of him that are ingrained within him, but there are other things he has come to terms with and could change, and he did!
Second Chance-She leaves him, begins a second career. He thinks she will come back, but when it is obvious she is thriving with less money, status, and gala…he realizes that it is he that needs to do the changing, She will not go back to being the woman who dresses for his benefit and who irons her natural curly hair. She will not be the woman that has the perfect looking unlived in house. She will no longer stand by his side and fade into the background so he takes center stage. However, Julian will take her anyway he can get her as he truly loves her and starts seeing her for the first time…he also realizes that he likes what he sees button nose and all!
Redemption-I felt satisfied with the redemption. He is always going to have certain “ways” about him, but he has also learned to embrace a little bit of the chaos, even enjoying it. His relationship not only changed with his wife, but he was able to change his relationship with his children as well. Instead of expecting Christmas card perfect children, he learned to enjoy his children as they are.
I enjoyed this story in part because I really needed a break from the betrayal due to cheating trope. I like my originals together so that was another reason I enjoyed this one. You will rage at Julian for a bit, but at the same time you will also realize that some of his problems are out of his control…not all of them and that is what he has to work on to redeem himself. You will wonder why did Elowen put up with his behavior for so long, but when you are in love it is very easy to fall into a certain dynamic. This is a love marriage! She probably took pride in keeping his schedules and anticipating issues. But as time moved on she started to experience dissatisfaction as many of us do. She realized that she didn’t want to be ornamental, she was intelligent and wanted to spread her wings. He clipped those wings, and she allowed it. That part is on her, but again when we are stupid in love we sometimes fall into these things and realize too late that it isn’t working anymore. The list is what pushed her to change and take back her life. And due to her change, Julian had to make a decision to make changes himself or lose her forever!
On a final note, if you are a cat lover, animal supporter like myself you will enjoy the addition of these furry characters. The author shines a light on the many cats who find themselves in need of shelters. It is obvious she has cats based on how the cats were portrayed in the book. Being a long time cat owner who has either adopted cats from shelters or a friend of a friend, it warms my heart that they get their page time. In fact my current cat actually comes from the The Humane Society of West Michigan, one of the shelters mentioned in the afterward of the book!
July 28, 2026
Misses the mark
This is a 2 1/2 star book. And let me explain why. The writing is quality just like her other works so she automatically gets the 2 1/2 stars I give any author who writes a good story. But let me explain why she loses the other 2 1/2.
Writing different or neurodivergent characters is fine. It seems to be a growing trend, even though it proves to be difficult for some authors to carry out. And when I say Cari out, it’s not that you didn’t get to know Julian it was that he did not become a character you liked. I am married to an atypical husband who is neurodivergent and is in the science field and struggles to share his emotions and has OCD and many other different traits, but he is still likable and I still know he loves me.
This was not a romance at all. This wasn’t even a marriage in my opinion. This was two business associates who chose to have kids basically even though I understand her job came later, but there was absolutely no connection between these people whatsoever. Less outline what he actually did and there are spoilers coming, so be aware.
First off, he publicly humiliate his wife in front of a group of friends because he talked horribly about her when he was younger and didn’t stop his drunk friend from continuing which he could have. Secondly, rather than apologizing immediately, he sits quietly and pretends like nothing happened while all of his friends who feel very awkward other than the drunk one leave and he brushes it off like it’s nothing. Then when his wife is clearly upset rather than addressing it, then he says OK leave. Then if that’s not enough, he decides it’s a great idea a couple weeks later to take the woman that he almost chose over his wife or actually did choose over his wife to a public event on his arm. Not a let’s meet at the event, but a let’s go together. And after all of these ridiculous instances where it is very clear, he does not love or respect his wife we are too then assume that he does in fact love her because he showed up in an animal shelter and overcame his OCD. People overcome lots of their quirks every day and it has nothing to do with love. This was a man who wanted his secretary back. I don’t care what the ending of the book said he wanted his organized system back. He wanted his kids back where they belonged to his wife back where she belonged in the same little box and I don’t care what she wrote. That is the only way to interpret what he did. He does not love his wife, and I will stand back by that till I go blue in the face.
But then let’s also pretend none of that’s true. Let’s pretend he does love her. Let’s focus on the fact that she still has no spine. She was publicly humiliated found out that her husband basically wasn’t even attracted to her clearly was lusting after a different woman kept the woman he was lusting after in his life. Four years was having secret friendship, conversations, and meetings with her that he did not tell his wife about was guilty about it, which means that he knew neurodivergent or not that it was Wrong. Then he publicly took this woman out to ““ make his wife recognize what she lost out on. So then publicly humiliating her again. And then all of this because he shows up at a couple benefits for a cat charity and calls her darling. She takes them back. I wanna shake women like this because she literally is gaslighting herself. She’s saying what she wants to see which is basically that he’s changed in all of this. No he’s just doing minor things to get a secretary back. This guy doesn’t love this woman. There’s nothing to indicate that at all and it is just a story about a woman who is lying to herself.
After all of that is said, we still haven’t addressed the fact that those kids and the wife were emotionally and vocally abused so it just wasn’t a love story that you can stand behind. She needed a new man in her life who that she could grow with now that she’s figured out who she is and Julian isn’t it. Some men really aren’t meant to be husbands and I think he’s one of them and she needed love not to lie to herself and say oh look, he got cat hair on himself and kneeled on the ground, he must love me. No he just wants a secretary back. And I won’t even talk about how disappointed I am and Beatrix for even encouraging it at all. She was a no nonsense woman who should’ve seen through all of that and the fact that the wife wasn’t even brave enough to actually file separation and divorce papers blows my mind.
This is a 2 1/2 star book. And let me explain why. The writing is quality just like her other works so she automatically gets the 2 1/2 stars I give any author who writes a good story. But let me explain why she loses the other 2 1/2.
Writing different or neurodivergent characters is fine. It seems to be a growing trend, even though it proves to be difficult for some authors to carry out. And when I say Cari out, it’s not that you didn’t get to know Julian it was that he did not become a character you liked. I am married to an atypical husband who is neurodivergent and is in the science field and struggles to share his emotions and has OCD and many other different traits, but he is still likable and I still know he loves me.
This was not a romance at all. This wasn’t even a marriage in my opinion. This was two business associates who chose to have kids basically even though I understand her job came later, but there was absolutely no connection between these people whatsoever. Less outline what he actually did and there are spoilers coming, so be aware.
First off, he publicly humiliate his wife in front of a group of friends because he talked horribly about her when he was younger and didn’t stop his drunk friend from continuing which he could have. Secondly, rather than apologizing immediately, he sits quietly and pretends like nothing happened while all of his friends who feel very awkward other than the drunk one leave and he brushes it off like it’s nothing. Then when his wife is clearly upset rather than addressing it, then he says OK leave. Then if that’s not enough, he decides it’s a great idea a couple weeks later to take the woman that he almost chose over his wife or actually did choose over his wife to a public event on his arm. Not a let’s meet at the event, but a let’s go together. And after all of these ridiculous instances where it is very clear, he does not love or respect his wife we are too then assume that he does in fact love her because he showed up in an animal shelter and overcame his OCD. People overcome lots of their quirks every day and it has nothing to do with love. This was a man who wanted his secretary back. I don’t care what the ending of the book said he wanted his organized system back. He wanted his kids back where they belonged to his wife back where she belonged in the same little box and I don’t care what she wrote. That is the only way to interpret what he did. He does not love his wife, and I will stand back by that till I go blue in the face.
But then let’s also pretend none of that’s true. Let’s pretend he does love her. Let’s focus on the fact that she still has no spine. She was publicly humiliated found out that her husband basically wasn’t even attracted to her clearly was lusting after a different woman kept the woman he was lusting after in his life. Four years was having secret friendship, conversations, and meetings with her that he did not tell his wife about was guilty about it, which means that he knew neurodivergent or not that it was Wrong. Then he publicly took this woman out to ““ make his wife recognize what she lost out on. So then publicly humiliating her again. And then all of this because he shows up at a couple benefits for a cat charity and calls her darling. She takes them back. I wanna shake women like this because she literally is gaslighting herself. She’s saying what she wants to see which is basically that he’s changed in all of this. No he’s just doing minor things to get a secretary back. This guy doesn’t love this woman. There’s nothing to indicate that at all and it is just a story about a woman who is lying to herself.
After all of that is said, we still haven’t addressed the fact that those kids and the wife were emotionally and vocally abused so it just wasn’t a love story that you can stand behind. She needed a new man in her life who that she could grow with now that she’s figured out who she is and Julian isn’t it. Some men really aren’t meant to be husbands and I think he’s one of them and she needed love not to lie to herself and say oh look, he got cat hair on himself and kneeled on the ground, he must love me. No he just wants a secretary back. And I won’t even talk about how disappointed I am and Beatrix for even encouraging it at all. She was a no nonsense woman who should’ve seen through all of that and the fact that the wife wasn’t even brave enough to actually file separation and divorce papers blows my mind.
July 29, 2026
1. It seemed to me that the author totally cherry-picked what Julian was and wasn’t able to understand.
a. He obviously understood the betrayal involved in the pro/con list or else he wouldn’t have tried to stop Trey from telling the story. Yet, he expected his wife to be ok with being humiliated in front of all his friends and was annoyed by her reaction.
b. He knew that seeing and spending time with Carmella was wrong and would hurt his wife or else he wouldn’t have kept it a secret. Yet, he apparently thought it was ok to take Carmella to a business function as his date after his wife left.
c. He was rigidly anal about how everything should be done and how everything should look but was massively disorganized and relied on his wife to keep everything running smoothly.
d. He was able to network extensively and maintain complex relationships with all of his many business acquaintances but couldn’t understand even the most basic details of how to raise his own children.
DNF
a. He obviously understood the betrayal involved in the pro/con list or else he wouldn’t have tried to stop Trey from telling the story. Yet, he expected his wife to be ok with being humiliated in front of all his friends and was annoyed by her reaction.
b. He knew that seeing and spending time with Carmella was wrong and would hurt his wife or else he wouldn’t have kept it a secret. Yet, he apparently thought it was ok to take Carmella to a business function as his date after his wife left.
c. He was rigidly anal about how everything should be done and how everything should look but was massively disorganized and relied on his wife to keep everything running smoothly.
d. He was able to network extensively and maintain complex relationships with all of his many business acquaintances but couldn’t understand even the most basic details of how to raise his own children.
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
I feel like he only got back together with his wife because of the children, not really cause he loved her. Kinda why I don’t like reading the marriage in trouble trope when it involves kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2026
Main trope: This is a second chance romance.
Additional tropes:
✅Other woman drama
✅Found family
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.
Summary: Elowen and Julian are married with two children. Julian is a successful businessman and Elowen works as his administrative assistant, managing his work and personal life with skilled efficiency. Julian’s neurodivergence wouldn’t allow anything less, and the FMC has excelled at being what he needs. But that has come at a cost. A lot to her comfort. But mostly when it comes to his interactions with their children.
One night they are out with his friends and one of them discloses that the MMC had created a pros and cons type spreadsheet when he and the FMC started dating, which highlighted certain aspects of the FMC versus one of the MMC’s current friend/ex/other woman in the story. The spreadsheet was meant to help the MMC choose who to be with and marry. The friend also discloses the MMC made a mistake when texting the FMC after the list was completed, because he thought he was texting the other woman.
Elowen is shocked at this revelation. The ride home gives her time to know she cannot stay in this marriage anymore, immediately packing her bags and taking the kids. It doesn’t take long for Julian to realize his mistakes and set to do whatever it takes to earn his second chance.
Meanwhile Elowen has moved on in all aspects, embracing any quality deemed undesirable by Julian and doing whatever she wants as long as it makes her happy. When Julian starts showing up in ways she didn’t expect, she thinks a lot about the possibility of a second chance but knows it’s going to take lots of time.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
✋
✋
✋
🌶️:1/5
Final thoughts: Honestly, there are not enough words to describe how much I loved this book. First and foremost, it is by far, my favorite by this author. Let’s start with the FMC. I loved that when she made the decision to be done she was done and at that point, she began living her life for herself and for her children to be the best that she could be. And she did it unapologetically.
There was a lot of changing and growing that the MMC did, which I could certainly appreciate. But one of my favorite things about this book was how the animal shelter was brought into the story to not only serve as a healing place for the FMC and her kids, but ultimately the thing that really brought her and her husband back together. If I’m being honest, anything including animals and I am such a sucker for it. This book was well written, it was great grovel and second chance, and there’s just so much about it that’s good. I loved the other woman drama in the story. I just can’t say enough about this book. It’s a must read.
Additional tropes:
✅Other woman drama
✅Found family
Detailed spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below. There is a warning right before the spoiler and trigger section so you have the choice to proceed or stop reading.
Summary: Elowen and Julian are married with two children. Julian is a successful businessman and Elowen works as his administrative assistant, managing his work and personal life with skilled efficiency. Julian’s neurodivergence wouldn’t allow anything less, and the FMC has excelled at being what he needs. But that has come at a cost. A lot to her comfort. But mostly when it comes to his interactions with their children.
One night they are out with his friends and one of them discloses that the MMC had created a pros and cons type spreadsheet when he and the FMC started dating, which highlighted certain aspects of the FMC versus one of the MMC’s current friend/ex/other woman in the story. The spreadsheet was meant to help the MMC choose who to be with and marry. The friend also discloses the MMC made a mistake when texting the FMC after the list was completed, because he thought he was texting the other woman.
Elowen is shocked at this revelation. The ride home gives her time to know she cannot stay in this marriage anymore, immediately packing her bags and taking the kids. It doesn’t take long for Julian to realize his mistakes and set to do whatever it takes to earn his second chance.
Meanwhile Elowen has moved on in all aspects, embracing any quality deemed undesirable by Julian and doing whatever she wants as long as it makes her happy. When Julian starts showing up in ways she didn’t expect, she thinks a lot about the possibility of a second chance but knows it’s going to take lots of time.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
✋
✋
✋
🌶️:1/5
Final thoughts: Honestly, there are not enough words to describe how much I loved this book. First and foremost, it is by far, my favorite by this author. Let’s start with the FMC. I loved that when she made the decision to be done she was done and at that point, she began living her life for herself and for her children to be the best that she could be. And she did it unapologetically.
There was a lot of changing and growing that the MMC did, which I could certainly appreciate. But one of my favorite things about this book was how the animal shelter was brought into the story to not only serve as a healing place for the FMC and her kids, but ultimately the thing that really brought her and her husband back together. If I’m being honest, anything including animals and I am such a sucker for it. This book was well written, it was great grovel and second chance, and there’s just so much about it that’s good. I loved the other woman drama in the story. I just can’t say enough about this book. It’s a must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Millionaire
*CEO
*Marriage in crisis
*Betrayal
*Uncovered
*OW drama
*Grovel
*Second chance
Elowen is happily married to Julian with two kinds. Or so she thought. Until one night the truth of their starting relationship comes in surface and Elowen leaves. Julian unaware of his tactless approach makes more mistakes until he realizes that perhaps his perfect way isn't the right one. And now he has to gain his estranged wife and kis kids trust to make them family again.
Elowen a strong and determined woman lost herself throughout their marriage as she was always trying to keep the balance. Until that dreadful night where her world is shattered and she decides to gain back her old self for her own sake but for her children's sake.
Julian is neurodivergent and wants control in everything. And this costs him his family. His wife lost her sparkle and his children are quite hesitant in order not to make a mistake in front of him. And it takes leaving him behind to realize how his ways affected the best things that happened in his life.
It's quite easy to slip in a pattern and get lost in it without realizing how bad things can get. But Julian tried his best and actually tried to suppress his tendencies in control. Not quite an easy task considering how he is but it's considerate of him to think how it affects the people he loves.
It was actually quite emotional. The devastation of the betrayal scene, the angst of the realization what he lost, the deep feelings that were there while they tried to reconcile.
I loved how both characters evolved and they reclaimed their relationship but in a new light, a new perspective that involved trust, boundaries, respect and the mere knowledge that nothing is perfect but the unperfectness is what makes us unique.
I'm stopping right here because I can't stand more sniffing and blurring images.
My only issue was some time inconsistencies in the beginning and towards the middle that got me pause and wondering if I read it correctly. Hence the 4 stars. But overall it was very good.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
*CEO
*Marriage in crisis
*Betrayal
*Uncovered
*OW drama
*Grovel
*Second chance
Elowen is happily married to Julian with two kinds. Or so she thought. Until one night the truth of their starting relationship comes in surface and Elowen leaves. Julian unaware of his tactless approach makes more mistakes until he realizes that perhaps his perfect way isn't the right one. And now he has to gain his estranged wife and kis kids trust to make them family again.
Elowen a strong and determined woman lost herself throughout their marriage as she was always trying to keep the balance. Until that dreadful night where her world is shattered and she decides to gain back her old self for her own sake but for her children's sake.
Julian is neurodivergent and wants control in everything. And this costs him his family. His wife lost her sparkle and his children are quite hesitant in order not to make a mistake in front of him. And it takes leaving him behind to realize how his ways affected the best things that happened in his life.
It's quite easy to slip in a pattern and get lost in it without realizing how bad things can get. But Julian tried his best and actually tried to suppress his tendencies in control. Not quite an easy task considering how he is but it's considerate of him to think how it affects the people he loves.
It was actually quite emotional. The devastation of the betrayal scene, the angst of the realization what he lost, the deep feelings that were there while they tried to reconcile.
I loved how both characters evolved and they reclaimed their relationship but in a new light, a new perspective that involved trust, boundaries, respect and the mere knowledge that nothing is perfect but the unperfectness is what makes us unique.
I'm stopping right here because I can't stand more sniffing and blurring images.
My only issue was some time inconsistencies in the beginning and towards the middle that got me pause and wondering if I read it correctly. Hence the 4 stars. But overall it was very good.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy
This was an enoyable read from Ms Halliwell, one I would recommend to other readers.
The premise of the story was original with a HEA with the H and h.
The h, Elowen finally gets her backbone after a few years of living under the control of her emotionally distorted husband. Hearing the truth about how they became to be a couple prompts Elowen to take back control of her life, setting an example of how to best live your life.
The H Julian, very much on the spectrum has unknowingly kept the OW Carmella within his sphere, even though he chose Elowen over her for his girlfriend/wife. As is with books of this genre, we have the normal OW drama that emerges, but is quickly shut down by our H.
The supporting cast of characters help to bring this to life in a realistic way.
There wasn't any real grovel, redemption to speak of, it was more about Julian realising how controlling he had been towards Elowen and their children, then taking the steps to self improve.
I received a copy of this book through Book Sirens, and am leaving this voluntary review.
The premise of the story was original with a HEA with the H and h.
The h, Elowen finally gets her backbone after a few years of living under the control of her emotionally distorted husband. Hearing the truth about how they became to be a couple prompts Elowen to take back control of her life, setting an example of how to best live your life.
The H Julian, very much on the spectrum has unknowingly kept the OW Carmella within his sphere, even though he chose Elowen over her for his girlfriend/wife. As is with books of this genre, we have the normal OW drama that emerges, but is quickly shut down by our H.
The supporting cast of characters help to bring this to life in a realistic way.
There wasn't any real grovel, redemption to speak of, it was more about Julian realising how controlling he had been towards Elowen and their children, then taking the steps to self improve.
I received a copy of this book through Book Sirens, and am leaving this voluntary review.
July 29, 2026
Nothing makes me more annoyed than a clueless man with an ex he still keeps in his life.
Elowen and Julian have been married for almost a decade. Unfortunately, he still keeps his ex around and insists she's just a friend and business associate. Of course there's no cheating, but there's that line that hasn't yet been crossed. When Elowen finds out that Julian has been keeping a list comparing her and Carmella, that just seems even worse than him actually cheating. So Elowen does what I'm sure a lot of us would do. She leaves him and takes the kids.
Instead of waiting for Julian to get his head out of his nether region, she tries to build a life for herself. One that benefits her and her children.
Only then, does Julian realize how badly he messed up and redeems himself. I'm a huge fan of groveling and here's one where he didn't throw money at the problem and expected it to fix itself.
A great read that I definitely recommend!
Elowen and Julian have been married for almost a decade. Unfortunately, he still keeps his ex around and insists she's just a friend and business associate. Of course there's no cheating, but there's that line that hasn't yet been crossed. When Elowen finds out that Julian has been keeping a list comparing her and Carmella, that just seems even worse than him actually cheating. So Elowen does what I'm sure a lot of us would do. She leaves him and takes the kids.
Instead of waiting for Julian to get his head out of his nether region, she tries to build a life for herself. One that benefits her and her children.
Only then, does Julian realize how badly he messed up and redeems himself. I'm a huge fan of groveling and here's one where he didn't throw money at the problem and expected it to fix itself.
A great read that I definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy
This one was very strange to me. Because I definitely enjoyed it. I also really liked the mcs even though I wish I hated the MMC more. AND I liked the supporting characters.
BUT I feel like the mmc did not deserve a chance, he should've grovelled more. What he did and continued to do for 8 years was unforgivable to me.
He literally created a spreadsheet listing pros and cons about her and the OW. COMPARING them. As well as how unattractive he found the fmc. Idk how you could forgive that. He was also lowkey borderline abusive at the beginning. The way he not only controlled what she wore, what she said but also his children too.
Like everything he did was absolutely horrible. He did more shit that I haven't even mentioned.
So not sure why I feel strange about this book. Not sure whether I loved it or hated it. 💀🤷🏽♀️
BUT I feel like the mmc did not deserve a chance, he should've grovelled more. What he did and continued to do for 8 years was unforgivable to me.
He literally created a spreadsheet listing pros and cons about her and the OW. COMPARING them. As well as how unattractive he found the fmc. Idk how you could forgive that. He was also lowkey borderline abusive at the beginning. The way he not only controlled what she wore, what she said but also his children too.
Like everything he did was absolutely horrible. He did more shit that I haven't even mentioned.
So not sure why I feel strange about this book. Not sure whether I loved it or hated it. 💀🤷🏽♀️
July 29, 2026
Good read!
I downloaded this because I fall for click bait videos on TikTok and Facebook all the time.
I waited for it to come out and I read it in a day. I love marriage in crisis books where she stands her ground and remembers who she is without that man. Yes, she cried but she didn't wallow. She moved forward and created her own career.
Julian - well he's a man so he thought he was right. He pulled a "if I bring the girl she's insecure about maybe she will realize she's wrong" oh how it backed fired on him.
What I loved about this was the pacing. After she found out about the list, she left that night. Moved forward for herself and made that man prove himself and he did. Not once did I actually hate him. I loved how handled the OW. The ending was great.
Over all a good read.
I downloaded this because I fall for click bait videos on TikTok and Facebook all the time.
I waited for it to come out and I read it in a day. I love marriage in crisis books where she stands her ground and remembers who she is without that man. Yes, she cried but she didn't wallow. She moved forward and created her own career.
Julian - well he's a man so he thought he was right. He pulled a "if I bring the girl she's insecure about maybe she will realize she's wrong" oh how it backed fired on him.
What I loved about this was the pacing. After she found out about the list, she left that night. Moved forward for herself and made that man prove himself and he did. Not once did I actually hate him. I loved how handled the OW. The ending was great.
Over all a good read.
July 28, 2026
Buttons by Audrey Halliwell is a story about hurt, choices, and whether people can really change.
Julian Plaza thought safe was enough when he married Elowen. Then he made a list of her flaws. When Elowen finds it, she takes the kids and leaves to build a life of her own including a stray cat sanctuary.
What I didn’t expect was how much I’d end up rooting for Julian. He doesn’t beg or make excuses. He shows up. He becomes the husband he should have been from the start, and he helps at the sanctuary without needing credit. By the end, he’s honestly perfect.
Halliwell makes you feel both sides Elowen’s right to walk away, and Julian’s fight to earn her back. It’s messy, tender, and hopeful.
Julian Plaza thought safe was enough when he married Elowen. Then he made a list of her flaws. When Elowen finds it, she takes the kids and leaves to build a life of her own including a stray cat sanctuary.
What I didn’t expect was how much I’d end up rooting for Julian. He doesn’t beg or make excuses. He shows up. He becomes the husband he should have been from the start, and he helps at the sanctuary without needing credit. By the end, he’s honestly perfect.
Halliwell makes you feel both sides Elowen’s right to walk away, and Julian’s fight to earn her back. It’s messy, tender, and hopeful.
July 29, 2026
I loved this entire story. Loved the gutting betrayal as well as the asshole moves by the Hero to rub his wife's nose in the competition on his "list". I loved the badassery of the heroine. I loved the kiddos too. I adored the sweet animal shelter vibe. I loved the Hero pulling his head out of his ass and finally becoming human. And I LOVE the new cover. Much better than the dude cover that looked NOTHING like I imagined the Hero to look like. I'm definitely adding this one to my re-read shelf!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Julian and Elowen
Oh my lord… I really enjoyed this. Elowen’s growth was quiet, but oh boy did she come into her own.
A toxic, emotionally abusive relationship. A controlling, coercive, gaslighting husband who has effectively been carrying on with a form of an emotional affair. Even when he’s TDSTL to even realise it.
Loved Sarah, loved to hate Carmella, and Beatrix was a mood. I loved their kids, they were adorable, too!
I wouldn’t really say that there’s any grovel. He just had a series of moments of realisation, and a change in his thought process. But I guess, in a way, I felt that the relationship itself was secondary to her growth.
Oh my lord… I really enjoyed this. Elowen’s growth was quiet, but oh boy did she come into her own.
A toxic, emotionally abusive relationship. A controlling, coercive, gaslighting husband who has effectively been carrying on with a form of an emotional affair. Even when he’s TDSTL to even realise it.
Loved Sarah, loved to hate Carmella, and Beatrix was a mood. I loved their kids, they were adorable, too!
I wouldn’t really say that there’s any grovel. He just had a series of moments of realisation, and a change in his thought process. But I guess, in a way, I felt that the relationship itself was secondary to her growth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this book expecting a standard marriage in trouble story but got something so much better. I love that Elowen made the decision to rediscover herself and in the process helped her kids be more themselves. Julian definitely took a while to grow on me but he did the hard work and redeemed himself not just through words but showed it in his actions. There is a great balance of angst and joy in this story. Highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2026
LOVE THE FMC
Oh I loved the fmc, she had every gat damn right to leave his oblivious self and I’m so glad she did AND she blossomed!!! This mama protected herself and her children!!
I loved the storyline! I loved how he pulled his head out of the ground and finally turned and changed himself for the better for him, his wife and kids.
This books shows, that cheating emotionally and physically isn’t the only way to betray a marriage!
I can’t wait to see what’s written next!
Oh I loved the fmc, she had every gat damn right to leave his oblivious self and I’m so glad she did AND she blossomed!!! This mama protected herself and her children!!
I loved the storyline! I loved how he pulled his head out of the ground and finally turned and changed himself for the better for him, his wife and kids.
This books shows, that cheating emotionally and physically isn’t the only way to betray a marriage!
I can’t wait to see what’s written next!
July 28, 2026
4.5⭐️
Elowen has slowly erased herself to be the epitome of the one to whom Julian is forever comparing. But a seismic shift fractures the hope sustaining her slowly whittling sense of self when the truth of their beginning is revealed. Elowen leaves to remind herself of of who she once was and to give her children the breath to be uniquely themselves. But as they thrive, Julian must sit with the harm he’s done and what work he’s willing to put into righting his wrongs.
Elowen has slowly erased herself to be the epitome of the one to whom Julian is forever comparing. But a seismic shift fractures the hope sustaining her slowly whittling sense of self when the truth of their beginning is revealed. Elowen leaves to remind herself of of who she once was and to give her children the breath to be uniquely themselves. But as they thrive, Julian must sit with the harm he’s done and what work he’s willing to put into righting his wrongs.
July 29, 2026
Such a good book!
This is such a good marriage in crisis book. These characters needed to be honest about everything in order to move into a stage of life where they could be themselves. While I did think the male lead was dumb at times, it's too show how he needs to grow up honestly. I love how they handled everything around the kids. That could always be tough. Absolutely recommend reading this book!
This is such a good marriage in crisis book. These characters needed to be honest about everything in order to move into a stage of life where they could be themselves. While I did think the male lead was dumb at times, it's too show how he needs to grow up honestly. I love how they handled everything around the kids. That could always be tough. Absolutely recommend reading this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is beautifully written. I love how the author described Elowen's pain and how she chose to find herself.. I truly felt the angst in the book. Julian grovels and truly works on himself as well. Great book!
July 28, 2026
Marriage in crisis with a cruel reveal. Loved seeing both Jullian and Elowen grow and learn from the past.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
July 28, 2026
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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