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Contemporary Billionaire Romance - Full-length, stand-alone novel with HEA - Suitable for mature readers; 18+ years. When Chicago real estate tycoon Harvey Zale pings a "friend of a friend" with a flirtatious text, he never expects to start an addictive sexting affair with a complete stranger. He's a billionaire who can get any woman he wants, but he can't have her--his mysterious, sultry Contessa, who inspires his nightly confessions and soothes more than just his conscience from the consequences of his own shallow ambitions.
He's determined to build the tallest towers in the world and he needs to sell his Chicago riverfront property to finance it. But when Alma Castillo, the Lara Croft of antique hunters, shows up on his land, claiming the existence of a priceless Tiffany stained-glass window and doing everything in her power to muck up his deal, he knows he's got more than a stray cat to collar and tame. She's not only on a mission to save long-lost antiques; she's also on a personal crusade to hate his guts.
He would know. She served him divorce papers a year ago, just to prove it.
And he'd care a helluva lot more if his ex-wife's sassy tongue and wicked intelligence didn't turn him on every time she called him "a**hole" and if she didn't look so damn cute in those baggy overalls, disguising her affinity for being naughty as much as being nice.
Perhaps even as naughty as his Contessa, who unlike Alma, doesn't know anything about his real identity or flawed, billionaire reputation, which flames his desires to escalate their fantasy relationship into the reality of one scorching night of mindblowing...
If he could just get his mind off his ex-wife--the only woman he's ever truly loved. God, woman...if only she would let him pleasure her scornful frown and turn it oh, oh, oooohhhh so upside down, maybe he could convince her to marry him again.
But no one ever said it was easy being a greedy opportunistic billionaire bastard, especially one who happens to know there's nothing better than make-up sex with an ex...
Please note that all of Ms. Hawthorne's billionaire romances are stand-alone novels set in Chicago with minor subplots and secondary characters that intersect, but each book can be read and enjoyed in any order.
He's determined to build the tallest towers in the world and he needs to sell his Chicago riverfront property to finance it. But when Alma Castillo, the Lara Croft of antique hunters, shows up on his land, claiming the existence of a priceless Tiffany stained-glass window and doing everything in her power to muck up his deal, he knows he's got more than a stray cat to collar and tame. She's not only on a mission to save long-lost antiques; she's also on a personal crusade to hate his guts.
He would know. She served him divorce papers a year ago, just to prove it.
And he'd care a helluva lot more if his ex-wife's sassy tongue and wicked intelligence didn't turn him on every time she called him "a**hole" and if she didn't look so damn cute in those baggy overalls, disguising her affinity for being naughty as much as being nice.
Perhaps even as naughty as his Contessa, who unlike Alma, doesn't know anything about his real identity or flawed, billionaire reputation, which flames his desires to escalate their fantasy relationship into the reality of one scorching night of mindblowing...
If he could just get his mind off his ex-wife--the only woman he's ever truly loved. God, woman...if only she would let him pleasure her scornful frown and turn it oh, oh, oooohhhh so upside down, maybe he could convince her to marry him again.
But no one ever said it was easy being a greedy opportunistic billionaire bastard, especially one who happens to know there's nothing better than make-up sex with an ex...
Please note that all of Ms. Hawthorne's billionaire romances are stand-alone novels set in Chicago with minor subplots and secondary characters that intersect, but each book can be read and enjoyed in any order.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2016
667 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Aria Hawthorne
12 books291 followersSign up for news on Aria's latest releases and giveaways via her author newsletter .
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Bestselling author Aria Hawthorne loves writing about billionaire men who lavish their women with expensive jewelry and ravish them like queens in bed. Her new schmexy romantic comedy, HOT MESS LOVE ❤︎, is coming Oct 15, 2019. She was named by Amazon US and UK as a Top 100 "Most Read" Kindle "All-Star" author. Her CHICAGO BILLIONAIRES - Contemporary Romance Series Boxed Set includes all of her bestselling billionaire romances. Once upon a time, she lived in the grand lakefront city of Chicago; now, like a forlorn lover, she simply yearns for the day when she can return to it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
February 7, 2017
1 couldn't have bored me more stars
Oh brother, here we go.
I started this book with extreme excitement and high hopes.
That was 4 days ago.
4 very long, very boring days ago.
Then the story proceeded, and I was hopeful that it would pick it's pace.
And then the author picked up my hopes, dusted them, and then threw then down on the ground before stomping on them with her 6 inches high loubuotins.
I am burned with this book. And not the good kind.
Alma was a bitch, and the idiotic Mary Jane/ Louis Lane kind. At first when I started reading it, I thought that maybe Harvey was an asshole to her during their marriage, but then in the entire span of the story we learn that he was a darn perfect husband- he never cheated, he was domestic and cooked and did her laundry, loved and respected her, and was very good in the bed.
So why did they have a divorce?
I don't know! Don't look at me!
But according to her he had changed.
And I even assure you not the "did-a-180" kind of change. Turns out he just grew up and started dealing with the world. Alma wanted fairytales where she and her prince could go and keep saving all the archaeologically important buildings.
Boo-fucking-hoo! Grow up!
You know what her problem was?
It was that he was a good, honorable businessman. And that he made business deals.
How does that work?
Yeah I don't know either.
So basically what I could try and understand from the little bits and pieces here and there, Alma divorced him because he demolished and sold off a house that was so run down that a man died there by being crushed under a collapsed floor.
Yup.
I am thinking that Harvey is better off without her.
And the sex! I thought that would perhaps be the saving grace, but lo-behold! I was reading the sex scenes, and my literature-lover side nudged me saying "oye, are we in the correct book? This is all very poetic no?" all the while my sex-starved side kept poking me saying "this is all wrong! Where is the arousal!"
You get my point.
Alma had a problem with everything. He destroy the "fake tiffany" windows- she had a problem. Him selling them to a private collector instead of a public museum because the collector won the bid- she had a problem. Him being a self-made billionaire- she had a problem. Him not moving on- she had a problem. Him moving on.. you guessed it. She had a motherfucking problem!
So how do they reunite you ask?
Because she got pregnant with his baby during all that poetic sex they kept having.
And then they went trekking, searching for a mythical Tiffany piece, that I am sure many others have searched for, and found it within a few hours, because.. the book was coming to an end bro!
And then they are together, with Alma having completely forgotten every "flaw" of his.
I'm telling you man, poetry solves everything.
This book was very boring, and the writing average at best. Just don't waste your time on it.
[ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
Oh brother, here we go.
I started this book with extreme excitement and high hopes.
That was 4 days ago.
4 very long, very boring days ago.
Then the story proceeded, and I was hopeful that it would pick it's pace.
And then the author picked up my hopes, dusted them, and then threw then down on the ground before stomping on them with her 6 inches high loubuotins.
I am burned with this book. And not the good kind.
Alma was a bitch, and the idiotic Mary Jane/ Louis Lane kind. At first when I started reading it, I thought that maybe Harvey was an asshole to her during their marriage, but then in the entire span of the story we learn that he was a darn perfect husband- he never cheated, he was domestic and cooked and did her laundry, loved and respected her, and was very good in the bed.
So why did they have a divorce?
I don't know! Don't look at me!
But according to her he had changed.
And I even assure you not the "did-a-180" kind of change. Turns out he just grew up and started dealing with the world. Alma wanted fairytales where she and her prince could go and keep saving all the archaeologically important buildings.
Boo-fucking-hoo! Grow up!
You know what her problem was?
It was that he was a good, honorable businessman. And that he made business deals.
How does that work?
Yeah I don't know either.
So basically what I could try and understand from the little bits and pieces here and there, Alma divorced him because he demolished and sold off a house that was so run down that a man died there by being crushed under a collapsed floor.
Yup.
I am thinking that Harvey is better off without her.
And the sex! I thought that would perhaps be the saving grace, but lo-behold! I was reading the sex scenes, and my literature-lover side nudged me saying "oye, are we in the correct book? This is all very poetic no?" all the while my sex-starved side kept poking me saying "this is all wrong! Where is the arousal!"
You get my point.
Alma had a problem with everything. He destroy the "fake tiffany" windows- she had a problem. Him selling them to a private collector instead of a public museum because the collector won the bid- she had a problem. Him being a self-made billionaire- she had a problem. Him not moving on- she had a problem. Him moving on.. you guessed it. She had a motherfucking problem!
So how do they reunite you ask?
Because she got pregnant with his baby during all that poetic sex they kept having.
And then they went trekking, searching for a mythical Tiffany piece, that I am sure many others have searched for, and found it within a few hours, because.. the book was coming to an end bro!
And then they are together, with Alma having completely forgotten every "flaw" of his.
I'm telling you man, poetry solves everything.
This book was very boring, and the writing average at best. Just don't waste your time on it.
[ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
January 2, 2017
Man, the feels in this book! I wasn't sure I would like a book about exes. Before I even got started I'm already disappointed. If the couple got divorced, did they really love each other? Admittedly I was biased but then the author proved me wrong. Actually, she started this story proving me right, but then little by little she peeled back the layers of this couple. It wasn't long before I could see how a couple, deeply in love, just took a wrong turn and needed a push to find their way back onto the right path. Boy, did they need a lot of pushing. I'm pretty sure I felt almost every emotion reading this story. It's so easy to see what someone else is doing wrong and you just want to slap them upside the head and make them fix it. And it's so beautiful when the finally do fix it! I don't know from experience, but it seems the author did a great job of portraying a realistic version of a couple that needed to find their way back to each other. Oh and it didn't hurt that I loved Harvey, our hero. Even when he was being an a-whole, he made me laugh. Great book! ARC provided by author.
December 17, 2017
Full Review on my blog!
*a copy was provided via Netgalley*
First off, I looove the cover. ^-^
I wasn’t sure what to expect at first.. but from the title (Ex’s – A Second Chance Billionaire Romance) I could kind of guess. It is funny, emotional and sexy. This is the first time I am reading a book by Aria Hawthorne and I am glad I did.
Alma & Harvey are the main characters, they were previously married for almost five years before they divorced. I thought Harvey and Alma had great chemistry and enjoyed this story thoroughly. The writing just came alive with their chemistry. I don’t know who I loved more – Aria with her stubborn intelligence or Harvey with his cockiness and humor.
To be honest, there were a few parts that I felt were unrealistic; when Alma first talked on the phone with the “mysterious guy” (who’s actually Harvey, her ex husband…) she’s been texting. They did in fact see each other the same day.. In real life people’s voices don’t necessarily sound different on the phone.. sooo just really unrealistic…like how the heck did they not recognize each other’s voices!? :c Also,wondering why Alma couldn’t tell it wasn’t him in the first place?.. I mean, Harvey is a billionaire, and he told her and made her know that when they were texting. How many billionaires are in their city, jeeeez. And visa versa, Harvey not noticing this “mystery girl” (Alma), acting exactly as Alma would. 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Overall, kinda annoying at times, but It’s an enjoyable story. This is the first book by this author but I will defiantly her give her books another try! I recommend it!
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*a copy was provided via Netgalley*
First off, I looove the cover. ^-^
I wasn’t sure what to expect at first.. but from the title (Ex’s – A Second Chance Billionaire Romance) I could kind of guess. It is funny, emotional and sexy. This is the first time I am reading a book by Aria Hawthorne and I am glad I did.
Alma & Harvey are the main characters, they were previously married for almost five years before they divorced. I thought Harvey and Alma had great chemistry and enjoyed this story thoroughly. The writing just came alive with their chemistry. I don’t know who I loved more – Aria with her stubborn intelligence or Harvey with his cockiness and humor.
To be honest, there were a few parts that I felt were unrealistic; when Alma first talked on the phone with the “mysterious guy” (who’s actually Harvey, her ex husband…) she’s been texting. They did in fact see each other the same day.. In real life people’s voices don’t necessarily sound different on the phone.. sooo just really unrealistic…like how the heck did they not recognize each other’s voices!? :c Also,wondering why Alma couldn’t tell it wasn’t him in the first place?.. I mean, Harvey is a billionaire, and he told her and made her know that when they were texting. How many billionaires are in their city, jeeeez. And visa versa, Harvey not noticing this “mystery girl” (Alma), acting exactly as Alma would. 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Overall, kinda annoying at times, but It’s an enjoyable story. This is the first book by this author but I will defiantly her give her books another try! I recommend it!
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November 14, 2019
Loved this
Is story about a couple who should have never divorced.b I loved the hero and the heroine but there were times she really annoyed me. I didn't really like the sexting part for some reason. It just was off putting. But I was glad they got back together. He was so funny. I loved that he wanted to make his daughter Harvette. After him of course. That whole scene was wonderful and amusing! Just a good book all around, well except for the sexting. That was gross.
Is story about a couple who should have never divorced.b I loved the hero and the heroine but there were times she really annoyed me. I didn't really like the sexting part for some reason. It just was off putting. But I was glad they got back together. He was so funny. I loved that he wanted to make his daughter Harvette. After him of course. That whole scene was wonderful and amusing! Just a good book all around, well except for the sexting. That was gross.
January 29, 2017
This author is new to me. On impulse, I picked this book to read based on the blurb.
I love 2nd chance romances. I wasn't so sure about the billionaire trope. I received this ARC from NetGalley-but I would have bought it or borrowed through KU.
I was immediately sucked into this story of Harvey (the billionaire real estate tycoon) and Alma, his ex-wife (antiques expert- specifically Louis Comfort Tiffany glass art works).
Harvey has started sexting a mysterious sexy stranger he calls "Contessa". His marriage with Alma broke up when she couldn't handle his (in her view) total focus on money money and making more money.
I'm not giving away too much to reveal that Alma and Harvey are texting each other without knowing the real identity of the other.
The POV is 3rd person.
Alma's sister Conchita is the instigator in the texting. She somehow gets her sister & ex-brother-in law to communicate on a very intimate level. There's some great intimate scenes that are off the charts- smoking hot.
In person, Alma wants nothing to do with Harvey. She left him a year ago when she felt ignored and they had grown apart. She thought Harvey had changed from the man that she fell in love with.
Harvey was stunned when Alma divorced him. He lets her know that he wants to get back together. They clash over his latest real estate flipping deal. Alma's convinced that there's several valuable Tiffany glass pieces on his property.
Alma successfully delays the bulldozing of the property while she researches their authenticity. Sparks fly. Alma continues to push Harvey away. He continues to pursue her.
The sexting continues, but it eventually takes a back burner to Alma and Harvey's real life relationship. The early part of the book reminded me of the movie "You've Got Mail". Alma even wears overalls- like Meg Ryan's frumpy clothes. Alma does have her sexy side too and Harvey appreciates it all.
Harvey seems to have gotten a bad rap. I know that billionaires get NO respect. Boo hoo.
In this case, Harvey doesn't seem to flaunt it. He makes light of it when she throws it in his face. These too seemed so opposite. The hipster art restorer and the mega rich hunky business man. And yet, their love for each other is obvious.
The support characters were really well done: Conchita- the spit- fire, free- spirit little sister (she's the instigator); and Alma's dad, Enrique. Harvey and Enrique have remained friends and go to White Sox games together. *I would love a book about Conchita (please?)
I really love the author's writing. There was a little slow-up in the middle. There's a lot of detail about Alma's business and especially her quest to find genuine Louis Comfort stained glass.
I thought that Harvey's grovel (if he needed one) was genuine. He seemed to realize that he'd neglected Alma while building his business. Alma made him work REALLY hard to get her back.
There's no ow or om. There's funny, sweet and quite a few sexy moments.
There's an HEA, but not too far in the future.
I really really liked this author's original take on this familiar trope. And have I mentioned that I loved the writing?
4.95 stars- deducting a little for a too stubborn Alma. I LOVED Harvey ALL the way through-even as the ambitious billionaire. I wouldn't kick him out ;)
ARC from NetGalley. This book is out on Kindle now (also KU!)
March 26, 2017
3.5 stars
ARC kindly provided by French Kiss Press LLC via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Alma and Harvey, a married - divorced - complicated couple!
The story is quite nice and interesting. Besides the romance part, there is a part of mystery and history! I really enjoyed this part of the story. I've never been in Chicago but Ms. Hawthorne gives a beautiful view of the city and its monuments. The writing is nice and direct. The story is written by dual POV and it nicely done!
Harvey is a nice man! He says himself that he is a jerk but I don't agree with him. He is still in love with his ex-wife and he tries to win her over in his way. I really loved his efforts! Although he didn't always play fair, I could accept his actions.
Alma is the kind of heroine that I cannot connect with. She divorced from Harvey on principle and not on facts. Then, she wants to stay away from him again on principle (they are divorced!) and not on her feelings. And lastly, because her expectations were not realistic in my eyes. Nobody stays the same forever. People change! And if your partner doesn't change the way that you like, you talk to him! You don't serve him divorce papers! Even when she was angry with him was mostly for the wrong reasons in my opinion.
Their interactions were pleasant! I really liked the way Harvey was speaking and reacting to Alma. I also loved the way he was seducing her. (Yes, I really liked Harvey!!!) There was an obvious connection between them that I totally enjoy.
The end of the book gave me a kind of double feeling. To be brutally honest, I didn't like the reason that brought them together. On the other hand, I loved the end of their journey.
ARC kindly provided by French Kiss Press LLC via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is the story of Alma and Harvey, a married - divorced - complicated couple!
The story is quite nice and interesting. Besides the romance part, there is a part of mystery and history! I really enjoyed this part of the story. I've never been in Chicago but Ms. Hawthorne gives a beautiful view of the city and its monuments. The writing is nice and direct. The story is written by dual POV and it nicely done!
Harvey is a nice man! He says himself that he is a jerk but I don't agree with him. He is still in love with his ex-wife and he tries to win her over in his way. I really loved his efforts! Although he didn't always play fair, I could accept his actions.
Alma is the kind of heroine that I cannot connect with. She divorced from Harvey on principle and not on facts. Then, she wants to stay away from him again on principle (they are divorced!) and not on her feelings. And lastly, because her expectations were not realistic in my eyes. Nobody stays the same forever. People change! And if your partner doesn't change the way that you like, you talk to him! You don't serve him divorce papers! Even when she was angry with him was mostly for the wrong reasons in my opinion.
Their interactions were pleasant! I really liked the way Harvey was speaking and reacting to Alma. I also loved the way he was seducing her. (Yes, I really liked Harvey!!!) There was an obvious connection between them that I totally enjoy.
The end of the book gave me a kind of double feeling. To be brutally honest, I didn't like the reason that brought them together. On the other hand, I loved the end of their journey.
January 6, 2017
A funny thing happened as was reading this book. I had this vague feeling that I had read a similar story. So I looked up the last book I read by this author and sure enough this is part of a series, of sorts! All her books are set in Chicago so some similarities are abound.
With that said, I loved this read! With a great second chance story concept, it was easy to get caught up in this book. The exes run into each other often due to conflicting business issues and things heated up quick with some interesting sexting going on.
Harvey is a type of guy you either love or hate. In the beginning, I did not care for him much but certainly ended up loving him by the end; in fact, more so that I cared for Alma.
Alma was conflicted in her feelings and was looking for excitement and a way to forget Harvey. He loves her deeply and she ended up making him work WAYYYY too hard for her. She was darn near mean by the end, in my opinion.
However, the author certainly knows how to heat us up with several steamy scenes and some great imagination! I need a guy like Harvey fighting for me! Dreamy!
Highly entertaining with a decent HEA, this one is a winner, in my book!
With that said, I loved this read! With a great second chance story concept, it was easy to get caught up in this book. The exes run into each other often due to conflicting business issues and things heated up quick with some interesting sexting going on.
Harvey is a type of guy you either love or hate. In the beginning, I did not care for him much but certainly ended up loving him by the end; in fact, more so that I cared for Alma.
Alma was conflicted in her feelings and was looking for excitement and a way to forget Harvey. He loves her deeply and she ended up making him work WAYYYY too hard for her. She was darn near mean by the end, in my opinion.
However, the author certainly knows how to heat us up with several steamy scenes and some great imagination! I need a guy like Harvey fighting for me! Dreamy!
Highly entertaining with a decent HEA, this one is a winner, in my book!
February 6, 2017
So I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review... you know the drill.
But seriously, I don't know what it is but I have such a weakness for stories where exes find their way back to each other. And this did not fail to deliver. There were definitely some major plot holes like how the hell did Alma not recognize her husband's voice on the phone? But whatever, this is a romance novel not a murder mystery. A few plot holes never hurt anyone. The banter and wit was fun. Harvey was perfect. Alma was a little annoying. But the chemistry and tension was exciting. Definitely a fun read between classes or for travel.
But seriously, I don't know what it is but I have such a weakness for stories where exes find their way back to each other. And this did not fail to deliver. There were definitely some major plot holes like how the hell did Alma not recognize her husband's voice on the phone? But whatever, this is a romance novel not a murder mystery. A few plot holes never hurt anyone. The banter and wit was fun. Harvey was perfect. Alma was a little annoying. But the chemistry and tension was exciting. Definitely a fun read between classes or for travel.
January 31, 2017
Typically, I don't like to read billionaire stories, but when I saw this one on NetGalley (thank you for the ARC), the description got me right away.
Alma is a woman stuck in a rut. A year after her divorce, she's stooped to sexting a mysterious man...which actually may be the best thing going in her life. This guy has to be better than her ex, even though he's a rich powerful ass.
Her ex is Harvey Zale. A man who used to be blue collar and sweet. He turned into a real estate tycoon and has lost his flair for finding treasures in the rough and fixing them up with Alma's help. It became more about the money to him, which Alma couldn't get behind.
NO SPOILERS!!!
And all I want to do is spoil...because it was that good of a story.
I will say that Alma and Harvey keep having run ins, especially when she's brought in as an expert on Tiffany glass to valuate and guess if the building Harvey is going to tear down is really a historical monument.
What I enjoyed about this was how Harvey kept trying to win her back. He was sweet and sultry and so in love with her. She loved him, just hated what he became. The story had a real romantic flair. The steamy parts weren't just physical descriptions but had the characters' own feelings and thoughts brought into the mix...something not too often touched upon in the books I've read. Not until afterwards, usually.
This is one I would recommend for the feel of a great love story meets a National Treasure type hunt around the city of Chicago. It was fun and mysterious and just a really good story.
Thanks again, NetGalley and French Kiss Press, for the advanced copy of this one!
*STARTING OFF THE YEAR WITH A BANG!" ~ JANUARY 2017 READ
Alma is a woman stuck in a rut. A year after her divorce, she's stooped to sexting a mysterious man...which actually may be the best thing going in her life. This guy has to be better than her ex, even though he's a rich powerful ass.
Her ex is Harvey Zale. A man who used to be blue collar and sweet. He turned into a real estate tycoon and has lost his flair for finding treasures in the rough and fixing them up with Alma's help. It became more about the money to him, which Alma couldn't get behind.
NO SPOILERS!!!
And all I want to do is spoil...because it was that good of a story.
I will say that Alma and Harvey keep having run ins, especially when she's brought in as an expert on Tiffany glass to valuate and guess if the building Harvey is going to tear down is really a historical monument.
What I enjoyed about this was how Harvey kept trying to win her back. He was sweet and sultry and so in love with her. She loved him, just hated what he became. The story had a real romantic flair. The steamy parts weren't just physical descriptions but had the characters' own feelings and thoughts brought into the mix...something not too often touched upon in the books I've read. Not until afterwards, usually.
This is one I would recommend for the feel of a great love story meets a National Treasure type hunt around the city of Chicago. It was fun and mysterious and just a really good story.
Thanks again, NetGalley and French Kiss Press, for the advanced copy of this one!
*STARTING OFF THE YEAR WITH A BANG!" ~ JANUARY 2017 READ
January 8, 2017
I don't know why but this is the second time I have read AH and both times, I felt that I wasn't really reading a contemporary romance but rather a dystopian one. I don't know where it comes from but that's the kind of aura I'm getting from her books. I don't think it's from as superficial as her black-and-white covers either. Nevertheless, I like it. It gives off a different vibe compared to a regular contemporary romance.
With that said, I'm really enjoying AH's books. They are not just simple romantic reads but there are subplots that make for some very interesting reading. Yes, we gobble up the love stories left and right so we have to look for something else that would set a book apart from the rest. And Ms Hawthorne definitely knows how to weave her subplots into her love stories without causing a distraction. Not a lot of authors can pull that off.
So I really enjoyed this book and Alma's quest for a piece of glass antiquity. There was always the question of will she or won't she find it. I also enjoyed the first part of the book when she and Harvey (unknowingly) were texting each other. But it bothered me that she never let on to him and it bothered me that he kept on with the charade even after realizing that he was texting Alma, his ex-wife, all along. I got that he still loved her and wanted to get back together with her but underhandedly manipulating their new "relationship" was not a good way to put himself back in her good graces. But that's just my opinion.
All in all, this was still an interestingly good read. If you are looking for a bit of second-chance romance with a dash of old-school mystery, this is your pick.
With that said, I'm really enjoying AH's books. They are not just simple romantic reads but there are subplots that make for some very interesting reading. Yes, we gobble up the love stories left and right so we have to look for something else that would set a book apart from the rest. And Ms Hawthorne definitely knows how to weave her subplots into her love stories without causing a distraction. Not a lot of authors can pull that off.
So I really enjoyed this book and Alma's quest for a piece of glass antiquity. There was always the question of will she or won't she find it. I also enjoyed the first part of the book when she and Harvey (unknowingly) were texting each other. But it bothered me that she never let on to him and it bothered me that he kept on with the charade even after realizing that he was texting Alma, his ex-wife, all along. I got that he still loved her and wanted to get back together with her but underhandedly manipulating their new "relationship" was not a good way to put himself back in her good graces. But that's just my opinion.
All in all, this was still an interestingly good read. If you are looking for a bit of second-chance romance with a dash of old-school mystery, this is your pick.
May 22, 2017
DNF @ 82% - I don't even want to know how this ends.
This was by far one of the most frustrating books I’ve ever had to read. I don’t mean this in a good way either. This just reinforced my hatred for enemies-to-lovers books by a mile. I found myself repeatedly screaming at the MCs to just get their act together. So much lack of communication, so many lies, so much hypocrisy. In the end they were both absolutely terrible to each other and I guess they deserve each other? I can not think of anyone else who would put up with their bullshit. What a mess.
This was by far one of the most frustrating books I’ve ever had to read. I don’t mean this in a good way either. This just reinforced my hatred for enemies-to-lovers books by a mile. I found myself repeatedly screaming at the MCs to just get their act together. So much lack of communication, so many lies, so much hypocrisy. In the end they were both absolutely terrible to each other and I guess they deserve each other? I can not think of anyone else who would put up with their bullshit. What a mess.
May 13, 2017
*** ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR AN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW ***
“There’s only two people who loved each other - not that long ago - and lost their way.”
I absolutely LOVED Exes by Aria Hawthorne. This is my second book by Ms. Hawthorne and just like Closer, I couldn’t put the book down! Exes is a second chance romance with a bit of treasure hunting.
Alma Castillo is a top fine arts antique expert specializing in antique glass works in Chicago. She is obsessed with Louis Comfort Tiffany, the leading artist in fine glass work and jewelry. Once married and now divorced to Harvey Zale, billionaire architect, asshole in every way, caring only about money and his buildings.
After their divorce, Conchita, Alma’s sister who is witty and care free sets them both up, secretly together for “sexting” messages. Both crave this time of the evening to be who they want to be with no inhibitions. For Alma she can “... pretend to be someone fearless and uninhibited - someone she rarely allowed herself to be.” She is controlled, conservative and old-fashioned when dating men so for her to step out of her comfort zone is a big deal.
Having not seen one another since the divorce, one of Harvey’s properties has been recognized to hold some antique window panes that might be Tiffany, which brings Alma to his presence. Arriving right before demolition and realizing that she has to go through her ex-husband and persuade him to not sell the property is exactly what she does not want to do. Just like when she divorced him a year prior, Alma sees that Harvey has not changed one bit… he is still the ruthless, money mogul who has a touch of asshole-ness.
Unknowing to Alma, Harvey still yearns for her. He was hurt by her serving him divorce papers, but now since he has something she wants he hopes that this can help rekindle their love for one another. “You were my wife and the love of my life. So no matter what you choose to believe about me now, I won’t let you believe anything less than that.” Just when you think the unveiling of each others “sexting” persona is revealed, Ms. Hawthorne keeps you turning the page for more!
Hunting for antiques with a billionaire boy-toy… think of all the exciting adventures! Harvey is an alpha jerk on the outside but deep down is a sweet teddy bear. He is sweet and loving and longs for his ex to return. Alma is so driven in her quest for anything Tiffany and to conquer her goals she will have to have the help of her ex. The chemistry between these two characters is so hot within the sheets and love the comical bantering between the two outside the bedroom.
5+ Stars… Can’t say enough great things about this book! This is a must read for anyone who loves a good romance!
Reviewed by Allyson S.
“There’s only two people who loved each other - not that long ago - and lost their way.”
I absolutely LOVED Exes by Aria Hawthorne. This is my second book by Ms. Hawthorne and just like Closer, I couldn’t put the book down! Exes is a second chance romance with a bit of treasure hunting.
Alma Castillo is a top fine arts antique expert specializing in antique glass works in Chicago. She is obsessed with Louis Comfort Tiffany, the leading artist in fine glass work and jewelry. Once married and now divorced to Harvey Zale, billionaire architect, asshole in every way, caring only about money and his buildings.
After their divorce, Conchita, Alma’s sister who is witty and care free sets them both up, secretly together for “sexting” messages. Both crave this time of the evening to be who they want to be with no inhibitions. For Alma she can “... pretend to be someone fearless and uninhibited - someone she rarely allowed herself to be.” She is controlled, conservative and old-fashioned when dating men so for her to step out of her comfort zone is a big deal.
Having not seen one another since the divorce, one of Harvey’s properties has been recognized to hold some antique window panes that might be Tiffany, which brings Alma to his presence. Arriving right before demolition and realizing that she has to go through her ex-husband and persuade him to not sell the property is exactly what she does not want to do. Just like when she divorced him a year prior, Alma sees that Harvey has not changed one bit… he is still the ruthless, money mogul who has a touch of asshole-ness.
Unknowing to Alma, Harvey still yearns for her. He was hurt by her serving him divorce papers, but now since he has something she wants he hopes that this can help rekindle their love for one another. “You were my wife and the love of my life. So no matter what you choose to believe about me now, I won’t let you believe anything less than that.” Just when you think the unveiling of each others “sexting” persona is revealed, Ms. Hawthorne keeps you turning the page for more!
Hunting for antiques with a billionaire boy-toy… think of all the exciting adventures! Harvey is an alpha jerk on the outside but deep down is a sweet teddy bear. He is sweet and loving and longs for his ex to return. Alma is so driven in her quest for anything Tiffany and to conquer her goals she will have to have the help of her ex. The chemistry between these two characters is so hot within the sheets and love the comical bantering between the two outside the bedroom.
5+ Stars… Can’t say enough great things about this book! This is a must read for anyone who loves a good romance!
Reviewed by Allyson S.
January 2, 2021
Absolutely loved this book
5 stars
This is the first time I’ve read Aria Hawthorne’s work but it definitely won’t be the last - I adored this book from start to finish.
Alma was such a ‘normal’ girl that I would love to have her as a friend but could also see a lot of myself in her. I rooted for her from the first moment. Harvey, however, stole my heart from the moment he showed his vulnerability and how much he was still in love with Alma. On his own he was the arrogant, business-like and somewhat tortured hero but with Alma, his playful side came out. He was hilarious and my God, I could see why Alma was by turns ridiculously irritated by him and couldn’t help her feelings for him. They had such chemistry that I honestly couldn’t put this book down.
Throughout the whole book, my stomach would get butterflies in anticipation of what was to come and of the interactions between Harvey and Alma. The sex scenes were deliciously hot but also had an all-consuming slow burn which was obvious throughout the novel. The sexual tension was there in spades.
The sexting affair was a really unusual twist and it really added something extra to the story. Why don’t men ever text me naughty things? I also really enjoyed the details of the Tiffany windows that Alma wanted to save. Either Ms Hawthorne is an expert herself or she’s just a damn good writer because Alma’s passion for her work shone through in detail. The story’s back-drop of Chicago was wonderful, too, and I honestly would love to visit there and see all the historic sites described in the book. A subtle tourism advert for the city.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of second chance romance novels and this one just blew me away. There aren’t many books that come along that have me so engrossed but this story and its characters hooked me from start to finish. If you love a sexy and sultry romance about soulmates who are a little too stubborn to admit what they really want, then I would highly recommend this book to you. 5 stars.
January 6, 2017
I savored this story like a morsel of fine chocolate, crafted from the hands of a renowned Master Chocolatier.
Aria Hawthorne's creations are works of art that just happen to be that delectable.
Now imagine the chocolates paired with a fine wine that complements, balances, or pulls out certain notes in it's counterparts.
The combination can only lead to enhanced enjoyment, a completing of the other.
So correlates the love story between Harvey and Alma, our exes who Aria Hawthorne will bring together again.
___________________________________
Aria Hawthorne's done a masterful job showing us her two main characters, Harvey Zale and Alma Castillo as their business lives dictate they work as professionally, and as amicably is possible after a year being divorced.
Personal and professional lives become intertwined as they navigate through solving a mystery of the creator of the stained glass windows in one of Harvey's properties.
Harvey the billionaire real estate mogul and Alma the fine arts and antiquities expert are lead to solve a series of clues that may prove the windows to be valuable Louis Comfort Tiffany creations. It would be well worth delaying the demolition. If not, he may lose the pending sale of the land and a substantial sum of money.
Harvey's initially unhappy with being presented with paperwork that stops his demolition crew in it's tracks.
Jacques has been a thorn in his side, and you get a sneaking suspicion that much of it has to do with the man himself as well. Jacques is intent on using this opportunity to pursue more than a professional relationship with Alma.
While we see the other side of the coin when Alma is confronted with Harvey's real estate attorney. She's definitely trying to lay claim to Harvey and some of the things she works into conversation has Alma all out of sorts.
Harvey and Alma have some jealousy going on. It makes things interesting when they are spending so much time together trying to find the elusive "Eternal Love" Tiffany window. The window that is only rumored to exist.
Where there is jealousy, so is love.
Harvey's jealous because he still loves Alma.
A year of emptiness since she divorced him, and he really wants her forever, as he vowed when they were wed.
Alma's jealousy is of love for Harvey, but has a hard time recognizing it because she harbors anger and resentment towards him as well.
She divorced him when he changed to someone she didn't recognize.
A heartless business mogul with more interest in destruction of the old without thought for it's historical significance, to build new and gaudy.
She still lives in the first apartment they had bought and restored together, to it's original grandeur.
___________________________________
As all of this is happening, Alma has been texting with a gentleman. No names, no talking about their jobs, and above all no meeting in person. It's a great way to escape from the stress of her real life.
Fantasy and reality have a way of colliding.
Harvey saw Alma once again where he was to be meeting someone. He recognized an ankle bracelet she was wearing. You see, he told his mystery woman to wear the bracelet he had left for her.
Unbelievable, Alma is the woman he's been sexting with.
Alma...
Just a fantasy...a fantasy...in person...blindfolded and satied...sleepy...cuddled...awake...alone...a present... a promise...another time to come.
Will Alma believe he had no idea who he was sexting with at the start?
Do they find "Eternal Love" or does Alma want to give up?
Harvey's now the one coaxing her to see it through, never give up hope.
____________________________________
I purchased this book to be kept and read again.
I did so after I read an Advance Reader Copy of the book first.
My review is voluntarily and happily given as I found
it a book my library couldn't be without.
The opinions expressed are mine alone and freely given.
-Aunt Bee
Aria Hawthorne's creations are works of art that just happen to be that delectable.
Now imagine the chocolates paired with a fine wine that complements, balances, or pulls out certain notes in it's counterparts.
The combination can only lead to enhanced enjoyment, a completing of the other.
So correlates the love story between Harvey and Alma, our exes who Aria Hawthorne will bring together again.
___________________________________
Aria Hawthorne's done a masterful job showing us her two main characters, Harvey Zale and Alma Castillo as their business lives dictate they work as professionally, and as amicably is possible after a year being divorced.
Personal and professional lives become intertwined as they navigate through solving a mystery of the creator of the stained glass windows in one of Harvey's properties.
Harvey the billionaire real estate mogul and Alma the fine arts and antiquities expert are lead to solve a series of clues that may prove the windows to be valuable Louis Comfort Tiffany creations. It would be well worth delaying the demolition. If not, he may lose the pending sale of the land and a substantial sum of money.
Harvey's initially unhappy with being presented with paperwork that stops his demolition crew in it's tracks.
Jacques has been a thorn in his side, and you get a sneaking suspicion that much of it has to do with the man himself as well. Jacques is intent on using this opportunity to pursue more than a professional relationship with Alma.
While we see the other side of the coin when Alma is confronted with Harvey's real estate attorney. She's definitely trying to lay claim to Harvey and some of the things she works into conversation has Alma all out of sorts.
Harvey and Alma have some jealousy going on. It makes things interesting when they are spending so much time together trying to find the elusive "Eternal Love" Tiffany window. The window that is only rumored to exist.
Where there is jealousy, so is love.
Harvey's jealous because he still loves Alma.
A year of emptiness since she divorced him, and he really wants her forever, as he vowed when they were wed.
Alma's jealousy is of love for Harvey, but has a hard time recognizing it because she harbors anger and resentment towards him as well.
She divorced him when he changed to someone she didn't recognize.
A heartless business mogul with more interest in destruction of the old without thought for it's historical significance, to build new and gaudy.
She still lives in the first apartment they had bought and restored together, to it's original grandeur.
___________________________________
As all of this is happening, Alma has been texting with a gentleman. No names, no talking about their jobs, and above all no meeting in person. It's a great way to escape from the stress of her real life.
Fantasy and reality have a way of colliding.
Harvey saw Alma once again where he was to be meeting someone. He recognized an ankle bracelet she was wearing. You see, he told his mystery woman to wear the bracelet he had left for her.
Unbelievable, Alma is the woman he's been sexting with.
Alma...
Just a fantasy...a fantasy...in person...blindfolded and satied...sleepy...cuddled...awake...alone...a present... a promise...another time to come.
Will Alma believe he had no idea who he was sexting with at the start?
Do they find "Eternal Love" or does Alma want to give up?
Harvey's now the one coaxing her to see it through, never give up hope.
____________________________________
I purchased this book to be kept and read again.
I did so after I read an Advance Reader Copy of the book first.
My review is voluntarily and happily given as I found
it a book my library couldn't be without.
The opinions expressed are mine alone and freely given.
-Aunt Bee
February 7, 2017
Exes
is an enjoyable book! I know I say this all the time and I’m saying it again, I love second chance romances. I read so many it always surprises me when a second chance presents with a new twist.
Exes is the story of Harvey Zale, hot-shot real estate tycoon and Alma Castillo a walking encyclopedia on antiques. Alma and Harvey are angry with each other that’s why they are divorced. Alma and Harvey but heads again when she believes her husband is going to destroy a priceless antique. Destroying antiques is the equivalent of a mortal sin to Alma.
Makes me smile while reading:
Harvey Zale is a billionaire who knows how to close the deal. There are times when he is brutal and not the nicest person, but underneath he is sweet with a good soul. Harvey is easy on the eyes, and he has outstanding sexting skills. Add to Harvey’s assets that he is still madly in love with his ex and wants her back.
The hot text exchanges with the mystery woman. Harvey is a little down even though he is very successful. The initial text message is unexpected and sexy. Harvey looks forward to his time with Contessa. The messages are provocative and intimate. These are some of the best scenes in the book. It is a little sad when they find out who is on the other end of the text because something special is lost.
Alma’s family. She has a crazy, funny, younger sister, Conchita who lives life to the fullest. I love this character. She adds a lot to the story and pushes Alma and Harvey back together. Conchita loves her sister and wants Alma happy. Alma’s dad, Enrique, is hard on Alma, in a good way. He holds her to a strict work ethic that rubs her wrong sometimes. Enrique admires his daughter’s skills, and his pride is evident. He also continues to associate with his ex-son-in-law. Harvey and Enrique’s relationship is touching.
The treasure hunt sub-plot: Alma is determined to find the Eternal Love stained glass window by Louis Comfort. The piece has an interesting backstory and adds another level of romance to the story. This subplot gives the reader a lot of insight into the antiquity business and the level of knowledge that Alma has acquired.
Turned me off a little:
Alma isn’t my favorite heroine. Don’t get me wrong I don’t hate her; I don’t even dislike her really. There is something about her actions that I couldn’t understand. I can relate to Alma’s feelings that Harvey ignored her and spent too much time working to build his business instead of working on their relationship. I know people in real-life that fall into the same pit. Alma’s concerns didn’t feel real to me. It seems that she puts all the relationship issues on Harvey and doesn’t take any of the responsibility. Many of Alma’s complaints feel like she is looking for excuses to end the marriage instead of communicating with her husband. There are a couple other instances that made me question her heart.
My turn off is small and not enough to take away from the story. Aria Hawthorne is a talented storyteller. Exes is told in third person point of view. When done right and Ms. Hawthorne did it right, we get the big picture and insight into all the characters including the support characters. I like that because it makes me want to know more about them, especially Conchita.
Exes is my first Aria Hawthorne book, but it won’t be my last. Exes is a good option for anyone, like me, who loves second chances with a treasure hunt thrown in for good measure.
Exes is the story of Harvey Zale, hot-shot real estate tycoon and Alma Castillo a walking encyclopedia on antiques. Alma and Harvey are angry with each other that’s why they are divorced. Alma and Harvey but heads again when she believes her husband is going to destroy a priceless antique. Destroying antiques is the equivalent of a mortal sin to Alma.
Makes me smile while reading:
Harvey Zale is a billionaire who knows how to close the deal. There are times when he is brutal and not the nicest person, but underneath he is sweet with a good soul. Harvey is easy on the eyes, and he has outstanding sexting skills. Add to Harvey’s assets that he is still madly in love with his ex and wants her back.
The hot text exchanges with the mystery woman. Harvey is a little down even though he is very successful. The initial text message is unexpected and sexy. Harvey looks forward to his time with Contessa. The messages are provocative and intimate. These are some of the best scenes in the book. It is a little sad when they find out who is on the other end of the text because something special is lost.
Alma’s family. She has a crazy, funny, younger sister, Conchita who lives life to the fullest. I love this character. She adds a lot to the story and pushes Alma and Harvey back together. Conchita loves her sister and wants Alma happy. Alma’s dad, Enrique, is hard on Alma, in a good way. He holds her to a strict work ethic that rubs her wrong sometimes. Enrique admires his daughter’s skills, and his pride is evident. He also continues to associate with his ex-son-in-law. Harvey and Enrique’s relationship is touching.
The treasure hunt sub-plot: Alma is determined to find the Eternal Love stained glass window by Louis Comfort. The piece has an interesting backstory and adds another level of romance to the story. This subplot gives the reader a lot of insight into the antiquity business and the level of knowledge that Alma has acquired.
Turned me off a little:
Alma isn’t my favorite heroine. Don’t get me wrong I don’t hate her; I don’t even dislike her really. There is something about her actions that I couldn’t understand. I can relate to Alma’s feelings that Harvey ignored her and spent too much time working to build his business instead of working on their relationship. I know people in real-life that fall into the same pit. Alma’s concerns didn’t feel real to me. It seems that she puts all the relationship issues on Harvey and doesn’t take any of the responsibility. Many of Alma’s complaints feel like she is looking for excuses to end the marriage instead of communicating with her husband. There are a couple other instances that made me question her heart.
My turn off is small and not enough to take away from the story. Aria Hawthorne is a talented storyteller. Exes is told in third person point of view. When done right and Ms. Hawthorne did it right, we get the big picture and insight into all the characters including the support characters. I like that because it makes me want to know more about them, especially Conchita.
Exes is my first Aria Hawthorne book, but it won’t be my last. Exes is a good option for anyone, like me, who loves second chances with a treasure hunt thrown in for good measure.
May 17, 2017
Alma Castillo is considered the Lara Croft of antique hunters, as she will do anything to keep them safe. So when a friend calls her up to report that someone is about to destroy a riverfront property that is rumored to have a priceless Tiffany stained glass window, she's determined to make sure that doesn't happen. The situation only gets more complicated when she learns that it's her ex husband that wants to demolish that property, so she's even more determined to stop him. As they start spending time together arguing, she knows that she never stopped loving him, however, on the path of getting over him, she's texting with a man that makes her feel things that she hasn't felt in a long time. Harvey Zale is a Chicago real estate tycoon, and has made himself some serious money. His net worth makes sure he can get any woman he wants, except the wife that divorced him, but lately, he's been texting/sexting with a mysterious woman, who has caught his interest. But in the midst of this flirtation, and trying to sell his riverfront property that make it possible to build the tallest towers in the world, his frustrating ex wife shows up to make sure that doesn't happen. He's never stopped loving her, but how will he make her see that she is more important than his business of making money?
When I read the blurb for Exes, it caught my interest right off, but I would have never guessed how much I would absolutely LOVE every minute of it, but boy did I ever! First of all, Alma and Harvey were amazing characters that I fell in love with from the very get go. That's not to say that they didn't frustrate me more than once, as their journey was very realistic, so they had real flaws, like stubbornness, but at the end of the day, they were awesome! And the colorful cast of secondaries added some hilarious well placed moments that had me rolling. Their intense simmering chemistry threatened to overheat my kindle, which boiled over into some panty meltin' sexy scene goodness that kept me warm in the cold winter. I really loved Aria Hawthorne's talented writing style, as it was captivating from the very beginning, and had a very original feel that can be lacking in some of other billionaire stories out there. She added in some twists that made for great OMG moments, since they came out of left field, but there were no other serious conniving women trying to shake things up, which rocked! I really cannot wait to read more by this awesome author, so just going to end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING Exes to ALL!
When I read the blurb for Exes, it caught my interest right off, but I would have never guessed how much I would absolutely LOVE every minute of it, but boy did I ever! First of all, Alma and Harvey were amazing characters that I fell in love with from the very get go. That's not to say that they didn't frustrate me more than once, as their journey was very realistic, so they had real flaws, like stubbornness, but at the end of the day, they were awesome! And the colorful cast of secondaries added some hilarious well placed moments that had me rolling. Their intense simmering chemistry threatened to overheat my kindle, which boiled over into some panty meltin' sexy scene goodness that kept me warm in the cold winter. I really loved Aria Hawthorne's talented writing style, as it was captivating from the very beginning, and had a very original feel that can be lacking in some of other billionaire stories out there. She added in some twists that made for great OMG moments, since they came out of left field, but there were no other serious conniving women trying to shake things up, which rocked! I really cannot wait to read more by this awesome author, so just going to end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING Exes to ALL!
January 10, 2017
Woah!This book was so much better than I expected!It isn't just a second chance billionaire romance, it's so much more than that!
Alma and Harvey were so good together!The writing just came alive with their chemistry!I don't know who I loved more- Aria with her stubborn intelligence or Harvey with his cockiness and humor.Harvey isn't like the typical alpha billionaires usually seen in romance books, which is what I loved the most.He is human with his flaws,but not without his cockiness ;) He has a great sense of humor and I loved his witty conversations with Alma!When he loved he gave it his all, without giving up.
Alma with her intelligence and love for art and architectural antiques was equally beautiful!She was obviously stubborn and as Harvey calls her a "ballbuster", but I couldn't help but love her for it!She was a little too hard on Harvey at times, but as he admits a part of the blame lies on his side too.
Relationships take a lot of work from both parties and getting married isn't the end but the beginning.But, what does one do when the person you fell in love with has changed and you find yourself on the opposite side?I loved how the author has portrayed this beautifully!
Change is inevitable.I loved the fact that even though Harvey had changed in Alam's eyes, his love for her hadn't changed at all.This had me cheering for him at every step!
Alma's sister Conchita was a riot!Alma's dad was another wonderful character!
Above everything, I loved the architectural and art descriptions since I am an architecture student.And I could very well relate to Alma's passion for restoring and preserving architectural heritage.Louis Comfort Tiffany's works are truly beautiful and I loved how Aria incorporated them into the story!
Please guys, don't judge this book by the cover or its blurb!Neither do it justice!It's honestly a beautiful second chance romance with so much more to it!I loved the ending!Can't wait to read more from this author! :D
Alma and Harvey were so good together!The writing just came alive with their chemistry!I don't know who I loved more- Aria with her stubborn intelligence or Harvey with his cockiness and humor.Harvey isn't like the typical alpha billionaires usually seen in romance books, which is what I loved the most.He is human with his flaws,but not without his cockiness ;) He has a great sense of humor and I loved his witty conversations with Alma!When he loved he gave it his all, without giving up.
Alma with her intelligence and love for art and architectural antiques was equally beautiful!She was obviously stubborn and as Harvey calls her a "ballbuster", but I couldn't help but love her for it!She was a little too hard on Harvey at times, but as he admits a part of the blame lies on his side too.
Relationships take a lot of work from both parties and getting married isn't the end but the beginning.But, what does one do when the person you fell in love with has changed and you find yourself on the opposite side?I loved how the author has portrayed this beautifully!
Change is inevitable.I loved the fact that even though Harvey had changed in Alam's eyes, his love for her hadn't changed at all.This had me cheering for him at every step!
Alma's sister Conchita was a riot!Alma's dad was another wonderful character!
Above everything, I loved the architectural and art descriptions since I am an architecture student.And I could very well relate to Alma's passion for restoring and preserving architectural heritage.Louis Comfort Tiffany's works are truly beautiful and I loved how Aria incorporated them into the story!
Please guys, don't judge this book by the cover or its blurb!Neither do it justice!It's honestly a beautiful second chance romance with so much more to it!I loved the ending!Can't wait to read more from this author! :D
January 3, 2017
Alma Castillo is a top fine arts antique expert specializing in antique glass works in Chicago. Once married and now divorced to Harvey Zale, billionaire architect ,and complete and total jerk who only cares about money and his buildings.
Harvey lost sight of what was important when they were married .They’ve been divorced for over a year when Tiffany’s Eternal Love will cause their paths to cross, in more ways than one can imagine. This is the opportunity for Harvey to win back his ex-wife but during this time, Alma wants to keep away from Harvey. Which is odd because her father and sister are still friendly with him. It’s also Conchita who provided “friend of friend” phone number just for sexy texts. If you want to know what I mean about the sexting, you HAVE to read this story, this is one hot read.
The story is a 2nd chance romance read, where you have heart wrenching moments but you also have some laugh out loud moments, some sexy moments, passion, angst, and overall you have love. Love makes this a great read and the author has written a fabulous story of not knowing what you have until its gone. The author really wrote a realistic version of a couple that needed to find their way back to each other and wow, what a way back.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Harvey lost sight of what was important when they were married .They’ve been divorced for over a year when Tiffany’s Eternal Love will cause their paths to cross, in more ways than one can imagine. This is the opportunity for Harvey to win back his ex-wife but during this time, Alma wants to keep away from Harvey. Which is odd because her father and sister are still friendly with him. It’s also Conchita who provided “friend of friend” phone number just for sexy texts. If you want to know what I mean about the sexting, you HAVE to read this story, this is one hot read.
The story is a 2nd chance romance read, where you have heart wrenching moments but you also have some laugh out loud moments, some sexy moments, passion, angst, and overall you have love. Love makes this a great read and the author has written a fabulous story of not knowing what you have until its gone. The author really wrote a realistic version of a couple that needed to find their way back to each other and wow, what a way back.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
February 4, 2017
Hmmm. I-ıh.
Şimdi şöyle ki, kitabın konusu çok ilgi çekici. Aslında fena da başlamadı ama kurguda büyük bir hata vardı: Alma'nın her halta takılması. Şimdi bunlar boşanmışlar, adam hala seviyor. Sonra adam 1 sene sonra artık can sıkıntısından numarasını bir arkadaşından aldığı kadınla sexting e başlıyor. Ve o kadın aslında eski karısı ama bunu ikisi de bilmiyor. Alma sürekli "başka biri gibi davranabildiği için" bunu yaptığını söylüyor. Sonra neden boşandıklarını, evliliklerini falan öğreniyoruz. Adam bir tek ağzıyla kuş tutmamış herhalde. Evi temizlemiş, bulaşıkları yıkamış, çamaşırları yıkamış, yatakta harikaymış, karısına pahalı pahalı hediyeler almış, aldatmamış, hep sevmiş, hala seviyor ve sürekli söylüyor. Ama problem neymiş? Çok para kazanmış! Alma saçma sapan ve gerçekçi hayalleri olmayan bir kadın. Ben sandım ki cinsel hayatında kocasıyla utangaçmış da bu mesajlaştığı adama karşı çok cesur. Yok! O da değil. Kız bildiğiniz tutarsız. Adam da manyak mı ne mesajlaştığı kadına acayip pahalı hediye yollayıp duruyor. Öfff anlatamadım ama gereksiz yere sinir bozuyor. Ama Harvey bebeğim için 3!
Şimdi şöyle ki, kitabın konusu çok ilgi çekici. Aslında fena da başlamadı ama kurguda büyük bir hata vardı: Alma'nın her halta takılması. Şimdi bunlar boşanmışlar, adam hala seviyor. Sonra adam 1 sene sonra artık can sıkıntısından numarasını bir arkadaşından aldığı kadınla sexting e başlıyor. Ve o kadın aslında eski karısı ama bunu ikisi de bilmiyor. Alma sürekli "başka biri gibi davranabildiği için" bunu yaptığını söylüyor. Sonra neden boşandıklarını, evliliklerini falan öğreniyoruz. Adam bir tek ağzıyla kuş tutmamış herhalde. Evi temizlemiş, bulaşıkları yıkamış, çamaşırları yıkamış, yatakta harikaymış, karısına pahalı pahalı hediyeler almış, aldatmamış, hep sevmiş, hala seviyor ve sürekli söylüyor. Ama problem neymiş? Çok para kazanmış! Alma saçma sapan ve gerçekçi hayalleri olmayan bir kadın. Ben sandım ki cinsel hayatında kocasıyla utangaçmış da bu mesajlaştığı adama karşı çok cesur. Yok! O da değil. Kız bildiğiniz tutarsız. Adam da manyak mı ne mesajlaştığı kadına acayip pahalı hediye yollayıp duruyor. Öfff anlatamadım ama gereksiz yere sinir bozuyor. Ama Harvey bebeğim için 3!
February 7, 2017
I was really excited to read Exes as the blurb drew me in right away. A second chance romance of sorts between exes? Yes please! And Come on?! Let's be honest. You know those Billionaire stories are pure kindle crack. We've read so many of them but have to read just one more! #theaddictionisreal. Exes was a great story and I absolutely loved Harvey and Alma.
One of my favorite tropes or common storylines out there is the inclusion of technology in stories. Maybe it was 50 Shades of Grey and all the emails between Christian and Ana but I absolutely love the use of technology in books (texting, emailing, chatting) as it brings an added dimension to the story. In this case I loved the dual perspectives readers received as Alma and Harvey spoke and interacted not only in person but on line. It was a fabulous bonus to the story.
I thought Harvey and Alma had great chemistry and enjoyed this story thoroughly. All in all, it was a great read! 4 stars ~Ratula
I would like to thank NetGalley and French Kiss Press LLC for generously providing a copy of this book for an honest review.
One of my favorite tropes or common storylines out there is the inclusion of technology in stories. Maybe it was 50 Shades of Grey and all the emails between Christian and Ana but I absolutely love the use of technology in books (texting, emailing, chatting) as it brings an added dimension to the story. In this case I loved the dual perspectives readers received as Alma and Harvey spoke and interacted not only in person but on line. It was a fabulous bonus to the story.
I thought Harvey and Alma had great chemistry and enjoyed this story thoroughly. All in all, it was a great read! 4 stars ~Ratula
I would like to thank NetGalley and French Kiss Press LLC for generously providing a copy of this book for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
copy received through Netgalley for honest review
I was torn on what to write for this review. I was expecting not to like the hero but actually I loved Harvey. I was torn with my feelings for Alma. She put to blame for the marriage breakup solely on Harvey's shoulders. Yes, he had changed and they kind of lost each other,but she concentrated too much on the bad. During one of their conversations, it seemed like he went out of his way to do cute things for her. She kind saw everything in black and white, If they had communicated better it would have saved them a lot of heartache. It was hard to reconcile the Harvey from page one and Alma's description with the Harvey that we saw. I loved the silly, clueless jokester, He really loved Alma. It was funny how he became his own competition. The reconciliation was a little rushed toward the end. the story had some fun dialogue and silly fun characters. I really enjoyed reading it.
I was torn on what to write for this review. I was expecting not to like the hero but actually I loved Harvey. I was torn with my feelings for Alma. She put to blame for the marriage breakup solely on Harvey's shoulders. Yes, he had changed and they kind of lost each other,but she concentrated too much on the bad. During one of their conversations, it seemed like he went out of his way to do cute things for her. She kind saw everything in black and white, If they had communicated better it would have saved them a lot of heartache. It was hard to reconcile the Harvey from page one and Alma's description with the Harvey that we saw. I loved the silly, clueless jokester, He really loved Alma. It was funny how he became his own competition. The reconciliation was a little rushed toward the end. the story had some fun dialogue and silly fun characters. I really enjoyed reading it.
February 6, 2017
Fun
I recommend that you read this book if you believe in second chances and in people changing. I enjoyed the story and the characters.
There is flirting, sex, romance, mystery, anger, hope, sadness, and love. I strongly believe that you will enjoy this book.
I recommend that you read this book if you believe in second chances and in people changing. I enjoyed the story and the characters.
There is flirting, sex, romance, mystery, anger, hope, sadness, and love. I strongly believe that you will enjoy this book.
February 12, 2017
I really enjoy “second chance” romance novels and this was no exception! There were a few issues along the way but overall the story was very enjoyable and well written.
Even though Harvey falls into the billionaire trope he was different from other billionaire male characters I have read. The author included his POV which I loved because we really got to get to know Harvey and get past his ‘billionaire/asshole/playboy persona’.
I really like Alma although she did a few things that had me scratching my head in confusion and frustration. I get why she divorced Harvey, the things he did and continued doing was unacceptable. BUT in Harvey’s defense she was so utterly critical of him I could not imagine dating someone like that. She was extremely judgemental of Harvey and looked at everything he did with a microscope. For example she tells the reader that if Harvey ever did anything nice, like for example give change to a homeless person, he wasn’t actually doing it out of the goodness of his heart, he was doing it to get rid of the annoying change in his pocket. Could you imagine being with someone like that?! That criticised every little thing you did and basically told you nothing you did was actually nice? No one he is such a huge jerk!
Besides how she treated Harvey, I actually did like Alma. She was intelligent, driven and I completely pictured her as a female Indian Jones/Laura Croft-type character! That really appealed to me and I loved how she described herself as “Dora the Explorer” at one point hehe.
Also there were little minor plot holes that others may be able to look over- or they may be deal breakers. For example I have no idea how Alma did not recognise her own husband’s voice on the phone? And the scenario itself, texting a complete stranger, and not asking for a name was a little far-fetched. I personally didn’t mind because romance novels usually have some aspect of unbelievable/coincidences that makes the romance even more exciting and this was no different but it may irritate others.
It was a very steamy read but the novel had a lot of depth that I actually didn’t expect. I think the cover doesn’t do a good job conveying what this novel is actually about. The sexual chemistry and tension was fun, but I really enjoyed reading about the search for Louis Comfort Tiffany’s famous stained glass window called ‘Eternal Love’ that many people think is only a myth. Harvey and Alma’s quest to find ‘Eternal Love’ was really well written and the author did an amazing job describing the legends and Chicago’s history.
The ending also has one of the worst tropes... The ending really ruined the book for me and I felt like nothing was actually resolved, everything worked itself out magically and Harvey and Alma didn't actually reconcile any of their differences in my opinion.
The side characters were also quite entertaining. I loved Alma’s crazy sister Conchita and the relationship between Alma and her father.
Overall it was entertaining, the history of Chicago and antiques/stained glass was all very well done and I would recommend this to anyone that loves “second chance” novels!
March 24, 2017
**Received an advanced and free copy of this book from the publisher courtesy of NetGalley for an honest review**
I will not repeat the summary written above….
To be honest – under normal circumstances I avoid each and every book with the word billionaire in it´s title. Of course – books are not always about reality and we want to be swept away with the idea of a fairy tale – but I don´t like the inflation of billionaires. So this book would not be my pick of the day.
But – it was called Exes – and I am a big fan of second chances. I like it if two people are growing up and finding a new and hopefully better way together.
So I gave „Exes - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance Novel” a try. It is the first book I read of Aria Hawthorne.
It is the story of Alma, an antique appraiser and her Ex-husband Harvey, a real estate tycoon. When they first married, they both finished college yet. But then he was successful in real estate and she was not able to understand the choices he made. In her eyes he became greedy and hard and he was no longer the man she wanted to live with. So she decided to file divorce. The book began one year later – both of them wants to start a new life, dating new people.
Both started a text affair – not knowing (of course) their significant other is their former husband/wife.
Nice plot.
Unfortunately we came to a point where I was not able to believe … first – they started phonecalls - and sorry – but I cannot believe that you are married for five years to someone and don´t recognize his or here voice via telephone. And – he gave her a very very precious gift. Without knowing her identity. And there are some other occurrences (I do not want to spoiler) like this.
No – this was a part of the book I really really didn´t like – because it was so contrary to common sense I struggled to finish the book.
But I wanted to know how these two people find their way back into a relationship – so I continued and the autor was able to catch my attention again – and it was getting better and I finally enjoyed the last third of the book until the (no surprise) HEA.
All things considered it was an easy read with some flaws, but I was captures with this couple – so I think I will read the other books where the second characters will get their “leading role”.
I beg your pardon about any spelling errors – English is not my native language.
I will not repeat the summary written above….
To be honest – under normal circumstances I avoid each and every book with the word billionaire in it´s title. Of course – books are not always about reality and we want to be swept away with the idea of a fairy tale – but I don´t like the inflation of billionaires. So this book would not be my pick of the day.
But – it was called Exes – and I am a big fan of second chances. I like it if two people are growing up and finding a new and hopefully better way together.
So I gave „Exes - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance Novel” a try. It is the first book I read of Aria Hawthorne.
It is the story of Alma, an antique appraiser and her Ex-husband Harvey, a real estate tycoon. When they first married, they both finished college yet. But then he was successful in real estate and she was not able to understand the choices he made. In her eyes he became greedy and hard and he was no longer the man she wanted to live with. So she decided to file divorce. The book began one year later – both of them wants to start a new life, dating new people.
Both started a text affair – not knowing (of course) their significant other is their former husband/wife.
Nice plot.
Unfortunately we came to a point where I was not able to believe … first – they started phonecalls - and sorry – but I cannot believe that you are married for five years to someone and don´t recognize his or here voice via telephone. And – he gave her a very very precious gift. Without knowing her identity. And there are some other occurrences (I do not want to spoiler) like this.
No – this was a part of the book I really really didn´t like – because it was so contrary to common sense I struggled to finish the book.
But I wanted to know how these two people find their way back into a relationship – so I continued and the autor was able to catch my attention again – and it was getting better and I finally enjoyed the last third of the book until the (no surprise) HEA.
All things considered it was an easy read with some flaws, but I was captures with this couple – so I think I will read the other books where the second characters will get their “leading role”.
I beg your pardon about any spelling errors – English is not my native language.
January 21, 2017
I just don’t get why this book got so many favorable reviews. The idea of the plot had promise. We have Harvey Zale, your typical romance-novel real estate billionaire. The twist is that he is still in love with his ex-wife, Alma. Alma evaluates antiques and is an expert on Tiffany glasswork. They were wildly in love and then she left him when she felt that he’d become too focused on making money instead of restoring older buildings which he’d been doing when they fell in love. There is no explanation of why he turned from the sweet guy she fell in love with who cared about restoring architectural treasures to a cold-hearted billionaire who just cared about making more money.
Judging by the timeline, the change happened rather suddenly and he became a billionaire. Of course. But instead of talking it out, she asked for a divorce. Now they’ve been divorced for a year and he can’t forget her.
They come together again because he’s set to tear down an old rail station in Chicago and she is called in to evaluate the stained glass windows there. She finds some clues that indicate that maybe there is a connection to a famous, lost, never-seen Tiffany window. They then embark on a treasure hunt to find the missing glass.
Meanwhile, there is a subplot that Harvey and Alma have been exchanging sexy texts anonymously without realizing that they’re actually sexting with their ex-spouses. They arrange to meet up and he realizes that his sexy Contessa is actually his ex-wife. He arranges for them to spend the night together in the dark without revealing himself to her. And she doesn’t recognize him.
Seriously? They were college sweethearts and married for five years and she doesn’t recognize his voice on the phone or in person. She sees his silhouette and a bit of his jaw and doesn’t recognize him? Come on.
There is also no explanation of why the Tiffany art of a century earlier would be so hidden and clues placed all over Chicago taking them back and forth to the same places to find more clues. It just doesn’t make any sense.
I’m all up for a lot of suspension of disbelief when reading romance novels, but there was just too much. It was like there were all these plot threads thrown in a mixer and combined for no coherent reason.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Judging by the timeline, the change happened rather suddenly and he became a billionaire. Of course. But instead of talking it out, she asked for a divorce. Now they’ve been divorced for a year and he can’t forget her.
They come together again because he’s set to tear down an old rail station in Chicago and she is called in to evaluate the stained glass windows there. She finds some clues that indicate that maybe there is a connection to a famous, lost, never-seen Tiffany window. They then embark on a treasure hunt to find the missing glass.
Meanwhile, there is a subplot that Harvey and Alma have been exchanging sexy texts anonymously without realizing that they’re actually sexting with their ex-spouses. They arrange to meet up and he realizes that his sexy Contessa is actually his ex-wife. He arranges for them to spend the night together in the dark without revealing himself to her. And she doesn’t recognize him.
Seriously? They were college sweethearts and married for five years and she doesn’t recognize his voice on the phone or in person. She sees his silhouette and a bit of his jaw and doesn’t recognize him? Come on.
There is also no explanation of why the Tiffany art of a century earlier would be so hidden and clues placed all over Chicago taking them back and forth to the same places to find more clues. It just doesn’t make any sense.
I’m all up for a lot of suspension of disbelief when reading romance novels, but there was just too much. It was like there were all these plot threads thrown in a mixer and combined for no coherent reason.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 3, 2017This book was a riveting second chance romance that you can’t help but fall in love with! The characters, while divorced from each other, both still love the other. So now after a year of being divorced Harvey is starting to give up on winning his exes heart back. But what happens with fate and luck intersect?
Harvey Zale, is a self-made real estate billionaire. Alma Castillo is his former wife and an antique expert who specialized in Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work. There was a time when they both worked together salvaging works of art but that became less and less important to Harvey. Especially as he began to acquire increasingly larger real estate deals.
As time went by, 10 ish years, Alma decided that she was no longer wanted to be part of Harvey’s ever increasing real estate world. That somewhere along the way they had lost their common interest in salvaging works of art and renovating. He was busy building his empire and Alma felt kind of lost. This lead to her divorcing Harvey.
As luck, would have it they were thrown back together when Harvey was preparing for the demolition of an old railroad building. A last minute’s order prevented Harvey from further proceeding in the demo at least until a decision was made on windows in the building being of historical value.
Alma’s expertise was needed to confirm that decision. While working on the sight they discover something that leads them on a scavenger type hunt looking for an elusive Tiffany window. Would we find out if it was fact or fiction?
Now here is the cool part of this book. Both Harvey and Alma are secretly “sexting” with a mysterious person. Neither of them know who this person is and find themselves getting totally wrapped up in the mystery person. The sexting is seriously hot, seductive and a sinfully sexy fantasy for them both. The intrigue is suspenseful and keeps you wondering who.
I loved Harvey’s character so much in Exes. Yeah, he was pretty determined that he would do whatever he had to grow his dynasty. Yet he was unwavering in his love for Alma and never let an opportunity go by to try to win Alma back. At times I wanted to just yell at Alma about how she ignored her real feelings for Harvey and wouldn’t give him a chance.
There will be a few surprises in Exes that will kind of catch you off guard.
AND I totally loved the ending of Exes!!
Harvey Zale, is a self-made real estate billionaire. Alma Castillo is his former wife and an antique expert who specialized in Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work. There was a time when they both worked together salvaging works of art but that became less and less important to Harvey. Especially as he began to acquire increasingly larger real estate deals.
As time went by, 10 ish years, Alma decided that she was no longer wanted to be part of Harvey’s ever increasing real estate world. That somewhere along the way they had lost their common interest in salvaging works of art and renovating. He was busy building his empire and Alma felt kind of lost. This lead to her divorcing Harvey.
As luck, would have it they were thrown back together when Harvey was preparing for the demolition of an old railroad building. A last minute’s order prevented Harvey from further proceeding in the demo at least until a decision was made on windows in the building being of historical value.
Alma’s expertise was needed to confirm that decision. While working on the sight they discover something that leads them on a scavenger type hunt looking for an elusive Tiffany window. Would we find out if it was fact or fiction?
Now here is the cool part of this book. Both Harvey and Alma are secretly “sexting” with a mysterious person. Neither of them know who this person is and find themselves getting totally wrapped up in the mystery person. The sexting is seriously hot, seductive and a sinfully sexy fantasy for them both. The intrigue is suspenseful and keeps you wondering who.
I loved Harvey’s character so much in Exes. Yeah, he was pretty determined that he would do whatever he had to grow his dynasty. Yet he was unwavering in his love for Alma and never let an opportunity go by to try to win Alma back. At times I wanted to just yell at Alma about how she ignored her real feelings for Harvey and wouldn’t give him a chance.
There will be a few surprises in Exes that will kind of catch you off guard.
AND I totally loved the ending of Exes!!
January 16, 2017
Harvey Zale is a very rich man but that doesn’t make him happy – but oh so lonely. He’s a man who could probably have any woman he wants but in the first chapter he’s by himself with booze for company talking to a woman he’s never met. Alma Castillo has a sister I fell in love with. Growing up in a household where my siblings were all boys, this was one thing I missed. Conchita had a way of lightening the mood of that first chapter. Otherwise it would have been a very sad way of starting this story off.
Alma was a hard woman to figure out. What I found surprising was that she just about lets her father walk all over her but she isn’t above telling Harvey a thing or two. They have an altercation that piqued my interest and had me wishing that I were there while it was going on. But it didn’t stop me from feeling that the first half of the book was moving a little slow. I know that there was a lot going on but it was like the ebb and flow of the ocean. Some scenes would pick the story up and other scenes would slow things down. But Conchita had a way of changing that.
You can’t help but feel the love of art here – especially the antiques and architecture. It had me wondering if it’s in part because of the author’s personal interest. Not having read the other previous two books I can’t say for certain. Even though the author states that this is a stand-alone, to better understand her characters and how we got to this place with this story, it would be best to go back and read Closer and Devotion.
I was more interested in learning how Alma and Harvey grew apart – what drove them to the place they were at the beginning of the story. How interesting it was to see, even though divorced, they always seemed to be in each other’s space and you could almost feel the energy change when that happened. Ms. Hawthorne also helps by including a mystery that needs both of them to solve. It’s the second half of the story where we really see them interact like a couple. It takes a lot to get there but just as in real life eventually you get your happy ending.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Alma was a hard woman to figure out. What I found surprising was that she just about lets her father walk all over her but she isn’t above telling Harvey a thing or two. They have an altercation that piqued my interest and had me wishing that I were there while it was going on. But it didn’t stop me from feeling that the first half of the book was moving a little slow. I know that there was a lot going on but it was like the ebb and flow of the ocean. Some scenes would pick the story up and other scenes would slow things down. But Conchita had a way of changing that.
You can’t help but feel the love of art here – especially the antiques and architecture. It had me wondering if it’s in part because of the author’s personal interest. Not having read the other previous two books I can’t say for certain. Even though the author states that this is a stand-alone, to better understand her characters and how we got to this place with this story, it would be best to go back and read Closer and Devotion.
I was more interested in learning how Alma and Harvey grew apart – what drove them to the place they were at the beginning of the story. How interesting it was to see, even though divorced, they always seemed to be in each other’s space and you could almost feel the energy change when that happened. Ms. Hawthorne also helps by including a mystery that needs both of them to solve. It’s the second half of the story where we really see them interact like a couple. It takes a lot to get there but just as in real life eventually you get your happy ending.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 15, 2017
This book had me at treasure hunt. Add in some downright steamy sexting, heaps of dirty talk and a big ass money-making man child and Aria Hawthorne’s Exes had me more than a little bit hooked.
It did start off slow to me thought. Harvey is a real estate tycoon, and I do mean tycoon. The man was so focused on making money and being the best that he ignored his marriage and his now ex-wife Alma, antiques expert. Fast forward a bit and the two are reunited…though not for love.
Harvey wants to buy some land on which a building sits but, and it’s a big one, Alma is called into evaluate the windows on said building which—may or may not—be the “Eternal Love” Tiffany window with which she’s been professionally obsessed. This was my favorite part of the story, figuring it out and exploring like an honest to goodness treasure hunt.
And it presented some of the right kind of drama. Sure Harvey is pissed that he can’t just demolish the building but it also puts him and Alma together again and he’s never stopped loving her. So he says but I’m of the mind that you don’t treat someone you care about the way he did. There isn’t just the tension between Harvey and Alma but there’s the almost-triangle with Jacques who seems to have a more than professional interest in Alma.
Then there’s Alma’s family who are firmly on team get Harvey & Alma back together. And that’s where the other, sexier part of the story comes in. A scheming sister, Conchita, hooks Alma up with a number of a gentleman friend with whom she texts, sexts and flirts like crazy. The catch? No names, no job talk and no meeting in real life.
Sounds like a fun, non-committal way to pass the time, right?
I thought so too. But…guess who?
I was reluctant to read this at first because sometimes I get so sick of asshole billionaires being passed of as ‘alpha’ when they are really bullies. But I got this from NetGalley and I figured it was worth a read. And I’m happy I did. I didn’t like Harvey or Alma that much at first but I quickly warmed up to each of them as I learned more about them. I began to understand them.
This is one of those stories that has everything; a bit of adventure, tons of steam, love and some funny family members to break up the drama.
It did start off slow to me thought. Harvey is a real estate tycoon, and I do mean tycoon. The man was so focused on making money and being the best that he ignored his marriage and his now ex-wife Alma, antiques expert. Fast forward a bit and the two are reunited…though not for love.
Harvey wants to buy some land on which a building sits but, and it’s a big one, Alma is called into evaluate the windows on said building which—may or may not—be the “Eternal Love” Tiffany window with which she’s been professionally obsessed. This was my favorite part of the story, figuring it out and exploring like an honest to goodness treasure hunt.
And it presented some of the right kind of drama. Sure Harvey is pissed that he can’t just demolish the building but it also puts him and Alma together again and he’s never stopped loving her. So he says but I’m of the mind that you don’t treat someone you care about the way he did. There isn’t just the tension between Harvey and Alma but there’s the almost-triangle with Jacques who seems to have a more than professional interest in Alma.
Then there’s Alma’s family who are firmly on team get Harvey & Alma back together. And that’s where the other, sexier part of the story comes in. A scheming sister, Conchita, hooks Alma up with a number of a gentleman friend with whom she texts, sexts and flirts like crazy. The catch? No names, no job talk and no meeting in real life.
Sounds like a fun, non-committal way to pass the time, right?
I thought so too. But…guess who?
I was reluctant to read this at first because sometimes I get so sick of asshole billionaires being passed of as ‘alpha’ when they are really bullies. But I got this from NetGalley and I figured it was worth a read. And I’m happy I did. I didn’t like Harvey or Alma that much at first but I quickly warmed up to each of them as I learned more about them. I began to understand them.
This is one of those stories that has everything; a bit of adventure, tons of steam, love and some funny family members to break up the drama.
January 16, 2017
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for a voluntary review.
Summary: I would recommend this book to others, 5 stars.
Exes is the story of Harvey and Alma. Harvey is a billionaire real estate developer, who in the process of getting rich lost his soul. Lost, particularly the desire to fight for historic preservation. Alma is an expert in one facet of historic preservation, old glass. Set in Chicago, rich with architectural history including glass windows. Alma’s also Harvey’s ex-wife. She divorced him because they grew apart, her interest in preservation no longer matching with his.
This is the story of how they get back together. And what a story it is.
They are set up, but they don’t realize it’s each other. Then they do, and they also begin a journey together to discover an old piece of art.
This is a wonderful book. The story is rich and detailed. I’d not read anything by this author before, and this will absolutely make me read more. Its quite long, but that’s because in addition to being a steamy romance, and it is in parts, there’s lots of plot and lots of character development. If you prefer more sex and less plot/romance, then this is probably not the book for you. But if you enjoy a plot and miss characters when they are gone this is almost certainly the book for you.
Its written in the third person. Normally that annoys me, I much prefer the characters in first person. In part because it’s easier to hear them in my head and also because the danger with the third person is that the author can bounce around between the different characters giving us background. That tends to get me confused, which character is being focused on. Especially when you have more than two.
That said, this was brilliantly executed. Its the best third person story I’ve read in a long while, and its because the author does a good job of staying with the main characters and giving each one the space needed to be developed.
Finally, for anyone whose lived in Chicago (waves hand) this is a little trip down memory lane. Love the setting.
Summary: I would recommend this book to others, 5 stars.
Exes is the story of Harvey and Alma. Harvey is a billionaire real estate developer, who in the process of getting rich lost his soul. Lost, particularly the desire to fight for historic preservation. Alma is an expert in one facet of historic preservation, old glass. Set in Chicago, rich with architectural history including glass windows. Alma’s also Harvey’s ex-wife. She divorced him because they grew apart, her interest in preservation no longer matching with his.
This is the story of how they get back together. And what a story it is.
They are set up, but they don’t realize it’s each other. Then they do, and they also begin a journey together to discover an old piece of art.
This is a wonderful book. The story is rich and detailed. I’d not read anything by this author before, and this will absolutely make me read more. Its quite long, but that’s because in addition to being a steamy romance, and it is in parts, there’s lots of plot and lots of character development. If you prefer more sex and less plot/romance, then this is probably not the book for you. But if you enjoy a plot and miss characters when they are gone this is almost certainly the book for you.
Its written in the third person. Normally that annoys me, I much prefer the characters in first person. In part because it’s easier to hear them in my head and also because the danger with the third person is that the author can bounce around between the different characters giving us background. That tends to get me confused, which character is being focused on. Especially when you have more than two.
That said, this was brilliantly executed. Its the best third person story I’ve read in a long while, and its because the author does a good job of staying with the main characters and giving each one the space needed to be developed.
Finally, for anyone whose lived in Chicago (waves hand) this is a little trip down memory lane. Love the setting.
January 7, 2017
Alma and Harvey are so sexy together. I love their second chance story, it's sweet, a little emotional and swoonworthy. Alma is an antiques appraiser and Harvey is her greedy, real estate developer billionaire ex husband. He's working on closing a deal when his ex wife shows up on the property demanding that demolition be stopped so she can determine whether or not there are some authentic Tiffany stained glass windows on the property. Harvey has never gotten over Alma, and now that she's in his sights again, he is determined to keep her there, get her back in his bed and his heart, where she belongs.
What neither of them realizes is that Alma's sister had played them both and given Harvey the number of a "friend" of hers, who is newly divorced and looking for no strings attached fun. Harvey has started a hot sexting affair with said "friend" and fully intends on keeping up this casual fun, even while attempting to woo Alma back into his life. Alma doesn't realize, either, that her next text only fling is with her ex husband, for whom she still has unresolved feelings. When Harvey realizes his sexting friend is also his ex wife, he vows to mess up her dates with her anonymous fling, whom she still hasn't met in person. I love how sexy their little affair is, but I felt bad for Alma, because I knew when she found out Harvey had deceived her, she was going to be even madder at him than she was previously. And boy was she mad, and hurt, and Harvey was still clueless as to why. Just as he was clueless as to why Alma had really divorced him.
Fortunately for them both, nature plays a nicely timed trick on them, and manages to get them back together with a permanent, yet unplanned addition to their lives. Bravo to tricky old fate, nature, what have you, because Alma and Harvey are too delicious together to be apart.
What neither of them realizes is that Alma's sister had played them both and given Harvey the number of a "friend" of hers, who is newly divorced and looking for no strings attached fun. Harvey has started a hot sexting affair with said "friend" and fully intends on keeping up this casual fun, even while attempting to woo Alma back into his life. Alma doesn't realize, either, that her next text only fling is with her ex husband, for whom she still has unresolved feelings. When Harvey realizes his sexting friend is also his ex wife, he vows to mess up her dates with her anonymous fling, whom she still hasn't met in person. I love how sexy their little affair is, but I felt bad for Alma, because I knew when she found out Harvey had deceived her, she was going to be even madder at him than she was previously. And boy was she mad, and hurt, and Harvey was still clueless as to why. Just as he was clueless as to why Alma had really divorced him.
Fortunately for them both, nature plays a nicely timed trick on them, and manages to get them back together with a permanent, yet unplanned addition to their lives. Bravo to tricky old fate, nature, what have you, because Alma and Harvey are too delicious together to be apart.
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