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Exit Strategies
Who says you can't hunt down the one that got away?
An older, wiser, somehow-more-neurotic Alex Aberdeen has life figured out... except for healthy relationships. With a push from her new frenemy, she gets attached to the most appealing man online dating has even known. What could possibly go wrong?
Brokenhearted and enraged, Alex will turn Forest City inside out until she finds the man who crossed her... to destroy him.
Dark, introspective and fearless, Exit Strategies is a twisted romance for the twisted world we live in.
An older, wiser, somehow-more-neurotic Alex Aberdeen has life figured out... except for healthy relationships. With a push from her new frenemy, she gets attached to the most appealing man online dating has even known. What could possibly go wrong?
Brokenhearted and enraged, Alex will turn Forest City inside out until she finds the man who crossed her... to destroy him.
Dark, introspective and fearless, Exit Strategies is a twisted romance for the twisted world we live in.
380 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2017
238 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Jast
5 books35 followersThomas Jast is a Canadian writer that takes the world around us and turns it into something more. A darker, funnier, more colourful version of reality where nothing is quite what it seems. His eclectic collection of characters always feel like people you already know... and those you wish you had never met! With a unique approach to narrative techniques and dialogue that jumps off the page, Jast's books will never be confused for someone else's.
His primary genres are split between pop-culture-soaked comedic dramas and women's fiction with a splash of dark humour.
His primary genres are split between pop-culture-soaked comedic dramas and women's fiction with a splash of dark humour.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 28, 2017
Although this is the third book Jast has written featuring Alex Aberdeen, don't go in expecting that sociopath you've grown to l̶o̶v̶e̶ ̶h̶a̶t̶e̶ love. This book is set a few years after the last one, but the changes in the character are not just the normal growth a person might experience in their twenties. You don't just "get over" being a sociopath. No, this is a new character with the same name, the same backstory, the same alcoholism, and a completely different personality.
Once you get over that shock (or if you've not read the previous books) you will find that Alex is more of a traditional "chick lit" heroine. Bridget Jones, but drunk. That's not my usual read, but I'll stick around if Jast is writing the story, because man can that guy write.
Most of the book is taken up by an email courtship banter between the protagonists and it's just the best darn banter you'll ever read. Think Aaron Sorkin in The West Wing. Pop pop pop. Punch. Counterpunch. Two people who are clearly falling head over heels for each other, but simultaneously protecting themselves from getting hurt by never letting things get too serious. There is genuine chemistry and electricity between these two which is rarely captured well in chick lit. Jast nails it.
Along the way, we get those moments of pure genius you expect from this writer. Lines like, "There was something otherworldly about her, something out-of-place and intrinsically wrong, like a pineapple covered in snow." and "The whole world’s not a stage. Where would the audience sit?"
There were a couple things I didn't like in this book. A scene that I think a better editor should have cut. But overall this is an excellent read.
Once you get over that shock (or if you've not read the previous books) you will find that Alex is more of a traditional "chick lit" heroine. Bridget Jones, but drunk. That's not my usual read, but I'll stick around if Jast is writing the story, because man can that guy write.
Most of the book is taken up by an email courtship banter between the protagonists and it's just the best darn banter you'll ever read. Think Aaron Sorkin in The West Wing. Pop pop pop. Punch. Counterpunch. Two people who are clearly falling head over heels for each other, but simultaneously protecting themselves from getting hurt by never letting things get too serious. There is genuine chemistry and electricity between these two which is rarely captured well in chick lit. Jast nails it.
Along the way, we get those moments of pure genius you expect from this writer. Lines like, "There was something otherworldly about her, something out-of-place and intrinsically wrong, like a pineapple covered in snow." and "The whole world’s not a stage. Where would the audience sit?"
There were a couple things I didn't like in this book. A scene that I think a better editor should have cut. But overall this is an excellent read.
July 31, 2017
I was so excited to get my hands on this new novel by the talented Thomas Jast--and it does not disappoint!
We join our favorite sociopath, Alex Aberdeen, several years after the end of Mixed Messages. She's grown and matured the only way any good sociopath could possibly mature...which isn't much. True, she's leading a much more stable life than she ever has, but could that possibly last? Especially after the new girl in the office seems to know Alex on a level Alex didn't even know she had...and worse yet, convinces Alex that online dating is the way to go.
Her transformation is touch-and-go, iffy at best, but genuine love does seem to have been found in Alex's inbox, so naturally that's a perfect time for Alex's colorful past to come back to haunt her like a plate of questionable tacos and too much tequila. And when Alex's life spirals, you can bet that she will stop at nothing until she makes it worse.
Mr. Jast has given us a novel that showcases a truly different side to this magnificently conceived character, and in only such a way that Thomas Jast can. His writing style is like no other--in your face, brutally honest, and unapologetic. Thoroughly genius at dialogue, Mr. Jast has built an entire cast of characters in this book that will no doubt have you wanting more. If you are not already familiar with the life and labyrinthine schemes of the infamous Alex Aberdeen, I thoroughly suggest starting with Calculated Regrets followed by Mixed Messages. After you read Exit Strategies, you'll be itching to see what Mr. Jast comes up with next--I know I am.
We join our favorite sociopath, Alex Aberdeen, several years after the end of Mixed Messages. She's grown and matured the only way any good sociopath could possibly mature...which isn't much. True, she's leading a much more stable life than she ever has, but could that possibly last? Especially after the new girl in the office seems to know Alex on a level Alex didn't even know she had...and worse yet, convinces Alex that online dating is the way to go.
Her transformation is touch-and-go, iffy at best, but genuine love does seem to have been found in Alex's inbox, so naturally that's a perfect time for Alex's colorful past to come back to haunt her like a plate of questionable tacos and too much tequila. And when Alex's life spirals, you can bet that she will stop at nothing until she makes it worse.
Mr. Jast has given us a novel that showcases a truly different side to this magnificently conceived character, and in only such a way that Thomas Jast can. His writing style is like no other--in your face, brutally honest, and unapologetic. Thoroughly genius at dialogue, Mr. Jast has built an entire cast of characters in this book that will no doubt have you wanting more. If you are not already familiar with the life and labyrinthine schemes of the infamous Alex Aberdeen, I thoroughly suggest starting with Calculated Regrets followed by Mixed Messages. After you read Exit Strategies, you'll be itching to see what Mr. Jast comes up with next--I know I am.
October 15, 2017
An older, (and hopefully wiser) somehow-more-neurotic Alex Aberdeen has life figured out… except for healthy relationships. With a push from her new frenemy, she gets attached to the most appealing man online dating has even known. What could possibly go wrong?
Brokenhearted and enraged, Alex will turn Forest City inside out until she finds the man who crossed her… to destroy him.
Dark, introspective and fearless, Exit Strategies is a twisted romance for the twisted world we live in. Definitely a great read, and another cool cover from eVw!
Brokenhearted and enraged, Alex will turn Forest City inside out until she finds the man who crossed her… to destroy him.
Dark, introspective and fearless, Exit Strategies is a twisted romance for the twisted world we live in. Definitely a great read, and another cool cover from eVw!
July 13, 2017
If you liked the other two Alex Aberdeen books, Calculated Regrets and Mixed Messages, you'll love Exit Strategies. It's full Thomas Jast all the way. Alex hasn't changed one bit from one book to the next, always making horrible choices that want to make you throttle her and laugh at the same time.
If you're new to Alex, enjoy the ride. She's a dumpster fire of a mess you just can't take your eyes away from because you'll need to know how she ends up, you'll care that much about her.
Thanks, Mr. Jast, for another book well done.
If you're new to Alex, enjoy the ride. She's a dumpster fire of a mess you just can't take your eyes away from because you'll need to know how she ends up, you'll care that much about her.
Thanks, Mr. Jast, for another book well done.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews