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Daring Divorcees #2
My Best Friend’s Ex
Trevor Booth's life was just thrown a curveball. When his ex dies, he suddenly goes from an every-other-weekend, fun-time dad to a full-time dad. The dad part he's cool with, but life with two teens is like a roller coaster in hell. Thank God his ex-wife's best friend, Callie, seems to have secret powers that allow her to deal with the chaos.
Callie is devastated when Lisa dies, and she's determined to help the kids get through it. She's concerned about how Trevor will adjust to being a full-time parent, but she's having a tough time keeping her eyes off his ripped physique. Callie loves being a part of this makeshift family, but no way she's falling for her best friend's ex.
Each book in the Daring Divorcees series is STANDALONE:
* One Night with a Millionaire
* My Best Friend’s Ex
Callie is devastated when Lisa dies, and she's determined to help the kids get through it. She's concerned about how Trevor will adjust to being a full-time parent, but she's having a tough time keeping her eyes off his ripped physique. Callie loves being a part of this makeshift family, but no way she's falling for her best friend's ex.
Each book in the Daring Divorcees series is STANDALONE:
* One Night with a Millionaire
* My Best Friend’s Ex
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 13, 2019
3 plus a Skosh More Stars
Almost a decade ago, Trevor was an alcoholic who didn’t get help until it was too late. Subsequently, he now finds himself divorced for the better part of ten years with the role of weekend dad in his two teenagers’ lives. Though he tried to make amends and reconcile with his ex-wife after he cleaned himself up and got his life straight, some mistakes can’t be undone a reconciliation wasn’t in the cards. As Trevor’s starting to finally move on with is life, he receives a call that will change things forever.
Callie can’t believe her best friend’s really gone. Lisa and her kids are the only family Callie’s had since leaving home as a teenager and with Lisa’s tragic and unexpected death, she needs to be there for the kids now more than ever. Though she hasn’t seen Trevor in years, there was a time when the two were friends. Divorce means having to choose sides and unfortunately for Trevor, Lisa got Callie in the breakup.
As Callie helps Trevor navigate the world of being a full time parent to two teenagers, the attraction between the two grows and, well, you get the drift. Lots of growing pains as the family finds their grove, lots of overreacting by Trevor, some sneaking around for sexy times and you’ve pretty much got it.
This is a difficult book for me to rate for a number of reasons. For one, I thought the writing was excellent. No awkward phrases slipped in where they shouldn’t be, the characters dialogue and actions made sense and the story flowed easily.
On the other hand, I kept hoping I’d become more invested in the story, but sadly that never really happened. The book is told in a 3rd person, alternate POV and, unfortunately, I never felt any real emotion from either Callie or Trevor. The story felt like it was told, never shown, and I need a little more depth if I’m going to buy into the romance. I never felt either Callie or Trevor would’ve made the decision to be together had their circumstances not been what they were. Also, any real details of their shared past personal history is almost non-existent and I would’ve appreciated more of it.
As a side note, I felt the alcoholism aspect of the story was handled really well. It was an underlying issue through the entire book, just like it would be in a real life scenario, and I felt it was handled realistically and added to the story without taking anything away.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
Almost a decade ago, Trevor was an alcoholic who didn’t get help until it was too late. Subsequently, he now finds himself divorced for the better part of ten years with the role of weekend dad in his two teenagers’ lives. Though he tried to make amends and reconcile with his ex-wife after he cleaned himself up and got his life straight, some mistakes can’t be undone a reconciliation wasn’t in the cards. As Trevor’s starting to finally move on with is life, he receives a call that will change things forever.
Callie can’t believe her best friend’s really gone. Lisa and her kids are the only family Callie’s had since leaving home as a teenager and with Lisa’s tragic and unexpected death, she needs to be there for the kids now more than ever. Though she hasn’t seen Trevor in years, there was a time when the two were friends. Divorce means having to choose sides and unfortunately for Trevor, Lisa got Callie in the breakup.
As Callie helps Trevor navigate the world of being a full time parent to two teenagers, the attraction between the two grows and, well, you get the drift. Lots of growing pains as the family finds their grove, lots of overreacting by Trevor, some sneaking around for sexy times and you’ve pretty much got it.
This is a difficult book for me to rate for a number of reasons. For one, I thought the writing was excellent. No awkward phrases slipped in where they shouldn’t be, the characters dialogue and actions made sense and the story flowed easily.
On the other hand, I kept hoping I’d become more invested in the story, but sadly that never really happened. The book is told in a 3rd person, alternate POV and, unfortunately, I never felt any real emotion from either Callie or Trevor. The story felt like it was told, never shown, and I need a little more depth if I’m going to buy into the romance. I never felt either Callie or Trevor would’ve made the decision to be together had their circumstances not been what they were. Also, any real details of their shared past personal history is almost non-existent and I would’ve appreciated more of it.
As a side note, I felt the alcoholism aspect of the story was handled really well. It was an underlying issue through the entire book, just like it would be in a real life scenario, and I felt it was handled realistically and added to the story without taking anything away.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
June 7, 2019
Trevor Booth is a divorced father of two teenagers, the owner of his own building construction company and a recovering alcoholic. With the help of his divorce support group, New Beginnings, he’s managing his sobriety, testing the dating waters and being a good weekend father to his kids. However, when his ex-wife Lisa suddenly dies in a car crash, Trevor suddenly is thrust into being a full time dad with all that implies. Callie Larson was good friends with both Lisa and Trevor but Lisa won the friendship in the divorce. She steps up and in, helping Trevor get his footing and gives his children a soft place to land. And, at some point, they both seek solace in each other.
I loved that this is a romance between two mature adults and all that entails. It didn’t mean there weren’t any problems or issues, just that they were meaty and substantive without easy solutions. It required both of them to make difficult self inquiries, develop insights and face compromises around ingrained behaviors. Their challenges weren’t extraordinary, just the stuff most people face in similar circumstances on a daily basis; adjusting to new normals and redefining relationships. I was hooked immediately and quickly warmed to these characters. Their commitment to creating family was at the basis of every decision. But, their romance was special as Callie doesn’t hold back or play games. It was refreshing to experience two people in a relationship with honest and open communication, almost to a fault.
I was a big fan of Schroeder’s O’Leary’s series and jumped at the chance to get into this one as it was also focused on family. No disappointments here, even though I started with the second book. I’m a stickler for reading in order but it wasn’t an issue (though I bought the first book for reference just to make sure😏). This story was tough to put down and I became completely absorbed in Trevor and Callie’s lives. It was impossible not to do so. I highly recommend the book and the first in the series, currently $.99 on Amazon!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Thanks to Author’s Pal for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved that this is a romance between two mature adults and all that entails. It didn’t mean there weren’t any problems or issues, just that they were meaty and substantive without easy solutions. It required both of them to make difficult self inquiries, develop insights and face compromises around ingrained behaviors. Their challenges weren’t extraordinary, just the stuff most people face in similar circumstances on a daily basis; adjusting to new normals and redefining relationships. I was hooked immediately and quickly warmed to these characters. Their commitment to creating family was at the basis of every decision. But, their romance was special as Callie doesn’t hold back or play games. It was refreshing to experience two people in a relationship with honest and open communication, almost to a fault.
I was a big fan of Schroeder’s O’Leary’s series and jumped at the chance to get into this one as it was also focused on family. No disappointments here, even though I started with the second book. I’m a stickler for reading in order but it wasn’t an issue (though I bought the first book for reference just to make sure😏). This story was tough to put down and I became completely absorbed in Trevor and Callie’s lives. It was impossible not to do so. I highly recommend the book and the first in the series, currently $.99 on Amazon!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Thanks to Author’s Pal for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
July 7, 2019
I wasn't sure if I was going to love this one based on the premise. But, I was pleasantly surprised. And I love that this is a romance that is focused on an older hero and heroine. It was nice to see characters with more life experience and more to bring to the table for each other. The story was well done as was the inclusion of the hero's children. That could have gone badly as adding children to a romance is sometimes challenging. This was a great story with great characters. I really enjoyed this one. I recommend it particularly if you're interested in the love stories of men and women who aren't in their 20s.
** Thank you to the publisher for the free copy for an honest review. **
** Thank you to the publisher for the free copy for an honest review. **
May 9, 2019
It is refreshing in the Romance world to read about two pretty normal people with real problems and real issues. Issues with kids, in-laws, death, and addiction. I truly appreciate an author who can bring out the best in their characters in those situations. This story starts on a very serious note and delves deeply into the aftermath . Trevor's ex-wife dies suddenly in a car accident and he is left to raise his teenage kids alone. The relationships are complex - Trevor is an alcoholic who has been sober for many years - but still struggles. Not only with his addiction - but with the looks and lack of trust he receives from those around him. Callie has been traveling for years for her job and when the going gets tough - she gets going. She's been very involved in Trevor's children's lives helping her best friend Lisa, Trevor's ex, raise them. Trevor was pretty much barred from his children's lives (except for weekend visits) by Lisa (with reason). With Lisa gone - Trevor is struggling with being a full-time parent. He wasn't involved in a lot of things with the kids - so he has no idea what was really going on in their lives. The story focuses on how he and Callie can come to terms with all of these things to find a path forward together.
The book is very well-written and engaging. If I care enough to be mad about how the author treated a situation or character - I know I was pretty invested in the outcome!! I really liked Trevor - but Callie not so much. Here were my main issues - there a three separate (four if you count the end) incidents where Callie steps in and handles situations "for" Trevor involving his kids. One involved talking to his daughter about sex and dating and another about his son and drinking, Any parent would agree that those are HUG conversations and issues. In this case, Lisa had already talked to the kids (without talking to Trevor about either thing). Callie knew what had happened and basically reiterated what Lisa said. When Trevor finds out - he goes ballistic. He is then portrayed to be "controlling" and not wanting to let Callie into their lives. My issue with this - which is never addressed - is that she shouldn't have taken those situations in hand without talking to Trevor first. Lisa is to blame in part for not sharing with her husband (even if he didn't want to hear it - because Trevor is portrayed as being focused on only himself before Lisa died - which I am not sure is fair - even if Shannyn Schroeder did write this and create the character). Callie should have shown empathy for the kids and maybe offered hugs and support but the heavy hitting should have been done by their dad. Trevor is right, for example, that he should have been the one to pick up Evan when he gets drunk. Callie should have called Trevor to go get him. And she should NEVER have said that it wasn't a big deal. Trevor was a jerk about the whole thing - but he wasn't entirely wrong. He's been shut out of the kids lives by their mother - and now Callie is shutting him out again saying she is doing what Lisa wanted and his way wasn't good enough. No one is perfect- and i disliked Callie for the way she was unwilling to exercise patience with Trevor - but asked for it for herself.
I also took issue with the fact that Callie said Trevor was too controlling over family issuess and that he had to work on that if he wanted to be with her. This really wasn't shown to be the case by the narrative. He only seemed controlling when he wanted to be the decision maker related to major issues with his kids. To me - this didn't seem controlling - just trying to be a careful parent. Its clear there wasn't a co-parenting arrangement between him and Lisa - she just handled everything. In most of the scenarios shown, his relationship with Callie is new, and although she loves the kids and has been involved in their lives - it was more of an aunt capacity, also she refused to commit to staying in one place, so why should he let her co-parent with him? He didn't want the kids to experience another loss. Parenting isn't exactly a fly-by-night activity. Its a lifetime gig.
The last two things that bothered me are pretty heavy. First the kids got over Lisa's death like is was death of a great aunt they saw once a year. I know kids are resillient - but seriously? They were described as loving their mother fiercely and not having much of a relationship with their dad. after the first few scenes they basically never mention their mom again. I doubt most teenagers would recover that quickly. Particularly Trevor's daughter.
Second - Trevor is an alcoholic. It sounds like it got bad before he got himself together. Throughout the book everyone constantly doubts his ability to remain sober. Even the folks who didn't know him when he wasn't sober. Even when Callie is in Italy she asks Hannah if Trevor drank while she was gone and then sighs with relief when Hannah says no. Was that even necessary? (1) I am guessing Hannah would have already called if he was drinking and (2) How about a little faith and trust? Callie was there through the bad times but doesn't seem to believe in Trevor at all. If she can't trust him not to drink in this scenario - then clearly she doesn't trust him enough to have a relationship. Alcoholism is a terrible terrible disease. But those in recovery need positive support - not constant disbelief and questioning. Especially those who have been sober for more than 10 years like Trevor.
So obviously I had strong feelings about this book! Oy!
I guess the moral of the story is - parenting is hard and I don't think anyone in the book gave Trevor enough credit for working as hard as he did to make things work. Callie loved the kids - and she couldn't have the kids if she didn't have Trevor so there it was. I'm glad they are going to try and be a team - but I wasn't confident in a lasting HEA with this one.
The book is very well-written and engaging. If I care enough to be mad about how the author treated a situation or character - I know I was pretty invested in the outcome!! I really liked Trevor - but Callie not so much. Here were my main issues - there a three separate (four if you count the end) incidents where Callie steps in and handles situations "for" Trevor involving his kids. One involved talking to his daughter about sex and dating and another about his son and drinking, Any parent would agree that those are HUG conversations and issues. In this case, Lisa had already talked to the kids (without talking to Trevor about either thing). Callie knew what had happened and basically reiterated what Lisa said. When Trevor finds out - he goes ballistic. He is then portrayed to be "controlling" and not wanting to let Callie into their lives. My issue with this - which is never addressed - is that she shouldn't have taken those situations in hand without talking to Trevor first. Lisa is to blame in part for not sharing with her husband (even if he didn't want to hear it - because Trevor is portrayed as being focused on only himself before Lisa died - which I am not sure is fair - even if Shannyn Schroeder did write this and create the character). Callie should have shown empathy for the kids and maybe offered hugs and support but the heavy hitting should have been done by their dad. Trevor is right, for example, that he should have been the one to pick up Evan when he gets drunk. Callie should have called Trevor to go get him. And she should NEVER have said that it wasn't a big deal. Trevor was a jerk about the whole thing - but he wasn't entirely wrong. He's been shut out of the kids lives by their mother - and now Callie is shutting him out again saying she is doing what Lisa wanted and his way wasn't good enough. No one is perfect- and i disliked Callie for the way she was unwilling to exercise patience with Trevor - but asked for it for herself.
I also took issue with the fact that Callie said Trevor was too controlling over family issuess and that he had to work on that if he wanted to be with her. This really wasn't shown to be the case by the narrative. He only seemed controlling when he wanted to be the decision maker related to major issues with his kids. To me - this didn't seem controlling - just trying to be a careful parent. Its clear there wasn't a co-parenting arrangement between him and Lisa - she just handled everything. In most of the scenarios shown, his relationship with Callie is new, and although she loves the kids and has been involved in their lives - it was more of an aunt capacity, also she refused to commit to staying in one place, so why should he let her co-parent with him? He didn't want the kids to experience another loss. Parenting isn't exactly a fly-by-night activity. Its a lifetime gig.
The last two things that bothered me are pretty heavy. First the kids got over Lisa's death like is was death of a great aunt they saw once a year. I know kids are resillient - but seriously? They were described as loving their mother fiercely and not having much of a relationship with their dad. after the first few scenes they basically never mention their mom again. I doubt most teenagers would recover that quickly. Particularly Trevor's daughter.
Second - Trevor is an alcoholic. It sounds like it got bad before he got himself together. Throughout the book everyone constantly doubts his ability to remain sober. Even the folks who didn't know him when he wasn't sober. Even when Callie is in Italy she asks Hannah if Trevor drank while she was gone and then sighs with relief when Hannah says no. Was that even necessary? (1) I am guessing Hannah would have already called if he was drinking and (2) How about a little faith and trust? Callie was there through the bad times but doesn't seem to believe in Trevor at all. If she can't trust him not to drink in this scenario - then clearly she doesn't trust him enough to have a relationship. Alcoholism is a terrible terrible disease. But those in recovery need positive support - not constant disbelief and questioning. Especially those who have been sober for more than 10 years like Trevor.
So obviously I had strong feelings about this book! Oy!
I guess the moral of the story is - parenting is hard and I don't think anyone in the book gave Trevor enough credit for working as hard as he did to make things work. Callie loved the kids - and she couldn't have the kids if she didn't have Trevor so there it was. I'm glad they are going to try and be a team - but I wasn't confident in a lasting HEA with this one.
June 11, 2019
I think this was my first book by this author and the reason I wanted to read this book was because it's a single parent book, which I love reading about.
Trevor is an alcoholic and for the last ten years he has only seen his kids on a weekend basis and even though he tried getting back together with his ex, i think too much has happened for them to go back. But it seems like his life is finally getting on track, until he gets a call that his ex wife was in a accident and he is now the sole parent for this teenage kids. How is he going to do go from a weekend parent to a full time parent raising his kids alone
In steps Callie. Callie has been best friends with Trevor's ex and the kids know her pretty well. So she is offering to help Trevor get use to his normal life now. But two people working together raising two teenage kids, life is not easy or simple. I mean they are teenager, lots of drama and lots of tension and issues as two people navigate from having single lives to being in a sense a couple raising kids.
I have to say that the person I really liked was Trevor, he stepped up and he was willing to learn and be there for his kids. But I felt like Callie wasn't giving him the chance to be the father they needed. I felt like she was taking over and didn't trust him to do what was best for his own kids.
Other than that I say that it was good reading a book with everyday issues and some of them you alot of us can relate to. Not a bad storyline.
Trevor is an alcoholic and for the last ten years he has only seen his kids on a weekend basis and even though he tried getting back together with his ex, i think too much has happened for them to go back. But it seems like his life is finally getting on track, until he gets a call that his ex wife was in a accident and he is now the sole parent for this teenage kids. How is he going to do go from a weekend parent to a full time parent raising his kids alone
In steps Callie. Callie has been best friends with Trevor's ex and the kids know her pretty well. So she is offering to help Trevor get use to his normal life now. But two people working together raising two teenage kids, life is not easy or simple. I mean they are teenager, lots of drama and lots of tension and issues as two people navigate from having single lives to being in a sense a couple raising kids.
I have to say that the person I really liked was Trevor, he stepped up and he was willing to learn and be there for his kids. But I felt like Callie wasn't giving him the chance to be the father they needed. I felt like she was taking over and didn't trust him to do what was best for his own kids.
Other than that I say that it was good reading a book with everyday issues and some of them you alot of us can relate to. Not a bad storyline.
May 31, 2019
4 Star Review of My Best Friends Ex by Shannyn Schroeder (Daring Divorces #2)
Trevor Booth is a recovering alcoholic who struggles to remain sober daily. Thanks to his drinking he lost everything that was important to him, his wife, children and friends.
Finally getting his life back on track, Trevor is rocked by the sudden death of his ex wife and now needs to step up and become a full time father to his teenage son and daughter. He has no idea how he and the children will cope. That’s when Callie, his ex wife’s best friend steps up to help them.
As they all slowly come to terms with their new normal, attraction between Trevor and Callie grows. Of course this causes complications and tension.
Although I liked Trevor, I had a hard time relating to Callie and just couldn’t warm up to her. I felt she didn’t appear to trust Trevor’s ability to abstain from drinking and whether by intention or not at times seemed to undermine his parenting.
I do congratulate Ms. Schroder with how she handled the issue of alcoholism. It was handled with a great deal of integrity and certainly kept it real, particularly as it is an underlying factor throughout the book.
The writing was strong but this was not my favourite book from this author. However I do look forward to reading the next book in the series.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Trevor Booth is a recovering alcoholic who struggles to remain sober daily. Thanks to his drinking he lost everything that was important to him, his wife, children and friends.
Finally getting his life back on track, Trevor is rocked by the sudden death of his ex wife and now needs to step up and become a full time father to his teenage son and daughter. He has no idea how he and the children will cope. That’s when Callie, his ex wife’s best friend steps up to help them.
As they all slowly come to terms with their new normal, attraction between Trevor and Callie grows. Of course this causes complications and tension.
Although I liked Trevor, I had a hard time relating to Callie and just couldn’t warm up to her. I felt she didn’t appear to trust Trevor’s ability to abstain from drinking and whether by intention or not at times seemed to undermine his parenting.
I do congratulate Ms. Schroder with how she handled the issue of alcoholism. It was handled with a great deal of integrity and certainly kept it real, particularly as it is an underlying factor throughout the book.
The writing was strong but this was not my favourite book from this author. However I do look forward to reading the next book in the series.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
June 6, 2019
Very fun, interesting cute easy read :)
May 25, 2019
It was amazing. It was my first read from this author and I’ll definitely be reading more. I love how their was character growth. It was relatable. It was about finding love again and family. I would recommend this book.
August 20, 2024
My Best Friend's Ex is Book 2 of Daring Divorcees. It's a spicy, midlife, second-chance romance. Trevor is a part-time dad to two teens. He was an alcoholic and divorced Lisa about 10 years ago. They have been able to co-parent, although Lisa has been the primary, but lately, she had struggled with the teen attitudes. Trevor's world is turned upside down, though, when Lisa dies in an accident and he becomes an instant full-time dad. Callie is Lisa's best friend and a world traveler. She's devastated by the loss of her bestie and wants to support her kids.
This book really dealt with a lot of tough issues like addiction, grief, love after loss, regret, the struggles of single parenting, etc.
As Callie and Trevor navigate this new world without Lisa, they also realize they are attracted to each other. There is a bit of grief over it, but really, it's been a while, and they are entitled to love. I loved seeing these two learn to communicate and support each other. Watching Trevor embrace being a full-time parent and realizing he can do this was rewarding. They had great chemistry, and we ended in a happy note, but I would have loved an epilogue or a glimpse further into their future. Overall, though, this was a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book really dealt with a lot of tough issues like addiction, grief, love after loss, regret, the struggles of single parenting, etc.
As Callie and Trevor navigate this new world without Lisa, they also realize they are attracted to each other. There is a bit of grief over it, but really, it's been a while, and they are entitled to love. I loved seeing these two learn to communicate and support each other. Watching Trevor embrace being a full-time parent and realizing he can do this was rewarding. They had great chemistry, and we ended in a happy note, but I would have loved an epilogue or a glimpse further into their future. Overall, though, this was a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2021
Okay! I like this. To me, reading it feels like watching a drama such as Gilmore girls but we got in a book and a short one, not for many seasons lmao :') Do you get it? It just so chill (with a bit of spice of their sexual chemistry) and I like that it keeps me turning the pages to see how it would turn out.
This story is just like a slice of life and you know how life could be wacky.
- I like that it portrayed how you can fall out of love because you fucked up but you still can work it out with your ex for your kids. Co-parenting!
- I also love how the Hero and the heroine came together like it was not sketchy (to me) because the Hero divorced her bestfriend and it has been near a decades since then that this umm tragedy(?) brought they together.
- I love every aspect in it like yes the Hero and the heroine got their own issues but they dealt it together with communications and compromises. Also the same with their kids.
- I love how the Hero fucked up and he really feel regretful about it so you can see his efforts to make amends to the Heroine
What I don't like about this, oh my god, give me a sign would you, author? Ending abruptly like that feels like you bang into a door. Would appreciate some epilogue to see when they get married and how's life after that.
This story is just like a slice of life and you know how life could be wacky.
- I like that it portrayed how you can fall out of love because you fucked up but you still can work it out with your ex for your kids. Co-parenting!
- I also love how the Hero and the heroine came together like it was not sketchy (to me) because the Hero divorced her bestfriend and it has been near a decades since then that this umm tragedy(?) brought they together.
- I love every aspect in it like yes the Hero and the heroine got their own issues but they dealt it together with communications and compromises. Also the same with their kids.
- I love how the Hero fucked up and he really feel regretful about it so you can see his efforts to make amends to the Heroine
What I don't like about this, oh my god, give me a sign would you, author? Ending abruptly like that feels like you bang into a door. Would appreciate some epilogue to see when they get married and how's life after that.
June 9, 2019
My Best Friend’s Ex (Daring Divorcees, #2) by Shannyn Schroeder
Love, life and loss are as realistic as it gets. My Best Friend's Ex has to muck through the hard stuff to get to the happy ending. Callie and Trevor are working their way through a tragic loss. When Trevor's ex wife dies unexpectedly, old demons and past regrets begin to haunt his broken heart. Callie, his ex's best friend is determined to keep him grounded for the sake of his grieving children and her own broken heart. They find love in a hopeless place, but will this unexpected love, last? Schroeder tackles a delicate subject with a compassionate voice and an empathetic heart.
Love, life and loss are as realistic as it gets. My Best Friend's Ex has to muck through the hard stuff to get to the happy ending. Callie and Trevor are working their way through a tragic loss. When Trevor's ex wife dies unexpectedly, old demons and past regrets begin to haunt his broken heart. Callie, his ex's best friend is determined to keep him grounded for the sake of his grieving children and her own broken heart. They find love in a hopeless place, but will this unexpected love, last? Schroeder tackles a delicate subject with a compassionate voice and an empathetic heart.
August 15, 2024
This book was such an emotional roller coaster.
It was cute, romantic, heart breaking, and funny all at one time.
Your life is turned upside down, your ex wife has died, you are now the sole provider for your kids. You have to figure out how to manage being the primary caregiver, falling in love, and not messing it all up.
This book really shows the importance of communicating and knowing when to apologize.
It was cute, romantic, heart breaking, and funny all at one time.
Your life is turned upside down, your ex wife has died, you are now the sole provider for your kids. You have to figure out how to manage being the primary caregiver, falling in love, and not messing it all up.
This book really shows the importance of communicating and knowing when to apologize.
June 7, 2019
DNF at 16 percent.
Not a bad story; will be perfect for some because it deals with a real-life situation and features mature characters. Those elements were what enticed me to read the book.
Didn't hook me, though, mostly because Trevor was too much of a pushover. Seemed like everyone - from his kids, to his in-laws, to his ex's friend Callie - got more of a say in his life than he did.
Not a bad story; will be perfect for some because it deals with a real-life situation and features mature characters. Those elements were what enticed me to read the book.
Didn't hook me, though, mostly because Trevor was too much of a pushover. Seemed like everyone - from his kids, to his in-laws, to his ex's friend Callie - got more of a say in his life than he did.
June 11, 2019
Loved this story. Trevor is so real, caring, and simply adorable with all his flaws and regrets. I enjoyed watching his relationships develop throughout the story. First with his kids then with Callie in a nice slow build romance. It's a wonderful story of loss, love, forgiveness, hope and most of all family. I would definitely recommend it to everyone.
April 26, 2019
Trevor really doesn't hold anything back, “you really want to know?” She nodded and gulped water. “You looked ready to hump the sink.” She snorted and choked on her water." I liked this book, Callie and Trevor really did balance each other out.
May 14, 2019
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review.
My Best Friend's Ex is about a man who lost his family but now has the opportunity to start over again. Trevor's ex-wife Lisa divorced him because he drank a lot but his wake up call came to late and he lost his family. Now Lisa is dead and he has his kids but he doesn't know how to be a father. With the help of Lisa's friend Callie, who also use to be his friend, he learns to be a father and man who can have a family and a love life. A very realistic look at a man who struggled with alcohol and not to let things in life trigger his need to drink. I thought that all the character's in the book were great, at times I did want to kick Trevor in the shins but he was trying his best.
My Best Friend's Ex is about a man who lost his family but now has the opportunity to start over again. Trevor's ex-wife Lisa divorced him because he drank a lot but his wake up call came to late and he lost his family. Now Lisa is dead and he has his kids but he doesn't know how to be a father. With the help of Lisa's friend Callie, who also use to be his friend, he learns to be a father and man who can have a family and a love life. A very realistic look at a man who struggled with alcohol and not to let things in life trigger his need to drink. I thought that all the character's in the book were great, at times I did want to kick Trevor in the shins but he was trying his best.
May 8, 2019
#MyBestFriendsEx #NetGalley
Trevor is a recovering alcoholic whose ex wife, Lisa, keeps calling and texting to try and him to step in with their teenage son due to disrespectful and rebellious behaviour.
Just after the last text he gets a phone call that changes everything. The mother of his children has been in a car accident and didn’t make it.
Trevor is going from weekend dad to widower making calls and trying to support his kids. His ex in-laws have taken over planning the funeral and his ex’s best friend rushed home when she got the news. He suddenly finds himself with two teenagers, two houses and a live in (of sorts) old friend.
Callie leaves in the middle of a photo shoot to rush home to be there for Lisa’s kids and say goodbye to her best friend. Renting Lisa’s coach house has been a blessing for Callie. She has the luxury to come and go as she pleases and have a family when she comes home. She was friends with Trevor and Lisa before their marriage collapse, when Trevor’s alcoholism was in full force. She had Lisa’ back due to their friendship since childhood and thought she was there to help.
When Callie sees Trevor she is surprised to see him holding up. She waits for him to fall off the wagon and cave in to the turmoil and drink.
As life moves on, the kids state they want to remain with Trevor and not move with their grandparents, and remain in their mothers house, mostly so Callie has somewhere to stay and because they feel most at home there. Trevor works relentlessly to fix up the pipes and walls so he and the kids can move back in. His teenage son plods along, barely showing any emotion until the conversation is about college and his insistence he not go and the night he gets drunk.
Callie is the voice of reason in Trevor’s storm of control. He has never had to be the full time parent so he tries to have everything just so, not accounting for personality differences and the magic that is life. He takes a lot of his frustration out on Callie, relying on her to help parent his kids while admonishing her for helping him parent his kids, without admitting she has been there for them more in the past and does know them slightly better.
Trevor should be off limits for Callie in her mind. She keeps waiting for him to fail and drink and trying to get him to relax. She takes them to a non-alcohol bowling alley, which could be viewed as considerate or like she doesn’t trust him not to drink. This is a recurring thing with Callie, as is her sudden desire to drink even though she isn’t much of a drinker. Callie has spent her life pushing boundaries and doing something when she is told she can’t. Lisa’s death has made Callie think about how she lives her life and what she really wants.
There were a few things that gave me pause, Ethan’s behaviour was so distressing Lisa turned to Trevor, but there is only a mention of it when Trevor is fixing the house. I was expecting him to get worse as he grieved for his mother. I was actually expecting more grieving, or emotional breakdowns at least. Callie’s constant expectation of failure for Trevor was irritating, he was handling his addiction well. Trevor leaving his teenagers in the house while he went to Callie’s to sleep was irresponsible and he should have been called out on it by his divorcee group at least.
Ultimately this was a sweet story about friendship, family and recovery.
Trevor is a recovering alcoholic whose ex wife, Lisa, keeps calling and texting to try and him to step in with their teenage son due to disrespectful and rebellious behaviour.
Just after the last text he gets a phone call that changes everything. The mother of his children has been in a car accident and didn’t make it.
Trevor is going from weekend dad to widower making calls and trying to support his kids. His ex in-laws have taken over planning the funeral and his ex’s best friend rushed home when she got the news. He suddenly finds himself with two teenagers, two houses and a live in (of sorts) old friend.
Callie leaves in the middle of a photo shoot to rush home to be there for Lisa’s kids and say goodbye to her best friend. Renting Lisa’s coach house has been a blessing for Callie. She has the luxury to come and go as she pleases and have a family when she comes home. She was friends with Trevor and Lisa before their marriage collapse, when Trevor’s alcoholism was in full force. She had Lisa’ back due to their friendship since childhood and thought she was there to help.
When Callie sees Trevor she is surprised to see him holding up. She waits for him to fall off the wagon and cave in to the turmoil and drink.
As life moves on, the kids state they want to remain with Trevor and not move with their grandparents, and remain in their mothers house, mostly so Callie has somewhere to stay and because they feel most at home there. Trevor works relentlessly to fix up the pipes and walls so he and the kids can move back in. His teenage son plods along, barely showing any emotion until the conversation is about college and his insistence he not go and the night he gets drunk.
Callie is the voice of reason in Trevor’s storm of control. He has never had to be the full time parent so he tries to have everything just so, not accounting for personality differences and the magic that is life. He takes a lot of his frustration out on Callie, relying on her to help parent his kids while admonishing her for helping him parent his kids, without admitting she has been there for them more in the past and does know them slightly better.
Trevor should be off limits for Callie in her mind. She keeps waiting for him to fail and drink and trying to get him to relax. She takes them to a non-alcohol bowling alley, which could be viewed as considerate or like she doesn’t trust him not to drink. This is a recurring thing with Callie, as is her sudden desire to drink even though she isn’t much of a drinker. Callie has spent her life pushing boundaries and doing something when she is told she can’t. Lisa’s death has made Callie think about how she lives her life and what she really wants.
There were a few things that gave me pause, Ethan’s behaviour was so distressing Lisa turned to Trevor, but there is only a mention of it when Trevor is fixing the house. I was expecting him to get worse as he grieved for his mother. I was actually expecting more grieving, or emotional breakdowns at least. Callie’s constant expectation of failure for Trevor was irritating, he was handling his addiction well. Trevor leaving his teenagers in the house while he went to Callie’s to sleep was irresponsible and he should have been called out on it by his divorcee group at least.
Ultimately this was a sweet story about friendship, family and recovery.
June 13, 2019
My Best Friend’s Ex is the second book in the Daring Divorcees series by Shannyn Schroeder. It is currently scheduled for release on June 10 2019. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but I think returning readers will enjoy seeing characters from the divorcee support group come back in each book.
Trevor Booth’s life was just thrown a curveball. When his ex dies, he suddenly goes from an every-other-weekend, fun-time dad to full-time dad. The dad part he’s cool with, but life with two teens is like a roller coaster in hell. Thank God his ex-wife’s best friend, Callie, seems to have secret powers that allow her to deal with the chaos. Callie is devastated when Lisa dies and she’s determined to help the kids get through it. She’s concerned about how Trevor will adjust to being a full-time parent, but she’s having a tough time keeping her eyes off his ripped physique. Callie loves being a part of this makeshift family but no way she’s falling for her best friend’s ex.
My Best Friend’s Ex is a contemporary romance that deals with many real issues, and does it well. So many factors have influence over how we face grief, stress, and love. Trevor loves his kids, even if he did not spend every day with them. When his ex wife dies he goes from a part time dad to a full time dad of two grieving teenagers. His ex's best friend, who was once his friend to, is deeply involved their their loves. They fight their way through grief and forging new routines and a new life together. Romantic love was not something they were looking for or expected, but sometimes that is when it hits the strongest. Trevor, Callie, and the kids are all working towards a future, preferably together, and the details and stress of making that happen is the heart of that book. Coming to term with what they need, what they want, and how to make it work is a real and constant conflict here. Sharing those revelations and working towards those goals can be harder than realizing them, but that is what Trevor and Callie need to do in order to move forward. I love that no character was perfect, and that no solution could be. However, they acknowledged that and moved forward with that in mind, and the willingness to lean on each other when needed.
My Best Friend’s Ex is a sweet, heart warming, and sometimes frustrating read because of the very real flaws and fears of the characters. I enjoyed the read and will be looking for more from the author and series.
Trevor Booth’s life was just thrown a curveball. When his ex dies, he suddenly goes from an every-other-weekend, fun-time dad to full-time dad. The dad part he’s cool with, but life with two teens is like a roller coaster in hell. Thank God his ex-wife’s best friend, Callie, seems to have secret powers that allow her to deal with the chaos. Callie is devastated when Lisa dies and she’s determined to help the kids get through it. She’s concerned about how Trevor will adjust to being a full-time parent, but she’s having a tough time keeping her eyes off his ripped physique. Callie loves being a part of this makeshift family but no way she’s falling for her best friend’s ex.
My Best Friend’s Ex is a contemporary romance that deals with many real issues, and does it well. So many factors have influence over how we face grief, stress, and love. Trevor loves his kids, even if he did not spend every day with them. When his ex wife dies he goes from a part time dad to a full time dad of two grieving teenagers. His ex's best friend, who was once his friend to, is deeply involved their their loves. They fight their way through grief and forging new routines and a new life together. Romantic love was not something they were looking for or expected, but sometimes that is when it hits the strongest. Trevor, Callie, and the kids are all working towards a future, preferably together, and the details and stress of making that happen is the heart of that book. Coming to term with what they need, what they want, and how to make it work is a real and constant conflict here. Sharing those revelations and working towards those goals can be harder than realizing them, but that is what Trevor and Callie need to do in order to move forward. I love that no character was perfect, and that no solution could be. However, they acknowledged that and moved forward with that in mind, and the willingness to lean on each other when needed.
My Best Friend’s Ex is a sweet, heart warming, and sometimes frustrating read because of the very real flaws and fears of the characters. I enjoyed the read and will be looking for more from the author and series.
June 9, 2019
I'm always on the lookout for romances with older characters and this entire series fits the bill. Trevor and Cassie are both in their 40's. He's a divorced dad, a former musician and recovering alcoholic who lost his marriage due to his addiction, but has been sober for 10 years, owns a construction firm, and responsibly parents his teenage kids every other weekend. Cassie is his ex-wife's best friend, never married, a photographer who travels extensively but lives on the same property as his ex and his kids. Both Trevor and Cassie's lives are thrown into disarray when Lisa (the ex) dies suddenly in a car accident and Trevor becomes a full-time parent. Lisa was the custodial parent and they did not have joint custody, so Trevor, although he knows and loves his kids, is really more of a visitor in their lives then an insider. Cassie knows far more about them and their daily routine than Trevor does. Consequently, Trevor leans heavily on Cassie initially, both for emotional as well as practical support with the kids.
I loved how realistic the characters in this romance were. Both Trevor and Cassie aren't wealthy, but have full lives with both successes and disappointments that they've learned from. Neither is perfect. They both have plenty of flaws and they react to situations in a way that is true to their characters. I guess I was just hoping for more between them. I felt like this romance could have been really angsty and emotional, or it could have been heartwarming, but instead, I didn't really feel any strong emotions as I was reading. We are told that Cassie and Trevor had been friends prior to Trevor and Lisa's divorce, but I never really felt any friendship between them. I think that Lisa's death left both of them emotionally needy and they turned to each other, but that wasn't necessarily a solid basis for a long-term relationship. However, I'm glad I read the book and will probably pick up the next in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved how realistic the characters in this romance were. Both Trevor and Cassie aren't wealthy, but have full lives with both successes and disappointments that they've learned from. Neither is perfect. They both have plenty of flaws and they react to situations in a way that is true to their characters. I guess I was just hoping for more between them. I felt like this romance could have been really angsty and emotional, or it could have been heartwarming, but instead, I didn't really feel any strong emotions as I was reading. We are told that Cassie and Trevor had been friends prior to Trevor and Lisa's divorce, but I never really felt any friendship between them. I think that Lisa's death left both of them emotionally needy and they turned to each other, but that wasn't necessarily a solid basis for a long-term relationship. However, I'm glad I read the book and will probably pick up the next in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 10, 2019
I love Shannyn's books and this one was no different. Trevor is a recovering addict who only sees his kids sporadically. He has a solid group of friends and a successful construction company. When he recieves a phone call one day, everything changes. Callie is Trevor's ex's best friend. She also lives in the coach house behind her house. That phone call changes Callie's life forever, as well.
Finding out that his ex-wife was in a car accident and didn't make it, means that Trevor is now a full time dad. Not only does he have to worry about his sobriety, but the well-being of his children. He never realized how much his ex did day to day. When his ex in-laws offer to take his kids to their home to raise them, he has a moment where he thinks that might be the best thing for them. He agrees to think about it.
Callie overhears their conversation and intervenes. Thus starts a new (they were friends when he was married to her best friend) relationship. She tries to be there and support the kids and Trevor, but everytime she says or does something he doesn't agree with he throws the fact that she isn't thier mom in her face. He also reminds her that everytime things get serious, she runs.
There were so many ups and downs and so much push and pull in this book. They both were attracted to the other, but at one time, felt it was disrespectful to his ex. When they finally agree to see where things lead, he doesn't want to tell his kids. His ex in-laws don't like Callie. When something happens with his son, not only does it give Trevor the opportunity to discuss his illness with his kids, it also threatens to end what he and Callie have started to build. Will she run again, or stick it out and try to figure things out? How will Trevor express he is sorry when he has already apologized multiple times?
I can honestly say that I am not sure if I would have given Trevor as many chances as Callie did. I can't wait to read more in this series. I recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Finding out that his ex-wife was in a car accident and didn't make it, means that Trevor is now a full time dad. Not only does he have to worry about his sobriety, but the well-being of his children. He never realized how much his ex did day to day. When his ex in-laws offer to take his kids to their home to raise them, he has a moment where he thinks that might be the best thing for them. He agrees to think about it.
Callie overhears their conversation and intervenes. Thus starts a new (they were friends when he was married to her best friend) relationship. She tries to be there and support the kids and Trevor, but everytime she says or does something he doesn't agree with he throws the fact that she isn't thier mom in her face. He also reminds her that everytime things get serious, she runs.
There were so many ups and downs and so much push and pull in this book. They both were attracted to the other, but at one time, felt it was disrespectful to his ex. When they finally agree to see where things lead, he doesn't want to tell his kids. His ex in-laws don't like Callie. When something happens with his son, not only does it give Trevor the opportunity to discuss his illness with his kids, it also threatens to end what he and Callie have started to build. Will she run again, or stick it out and try to figure things out? How will Trevor express he is sorry when he has already apologized multiple times?
I can honestly say that I am not sure if I would have given Trevor as many chances as Callie did. I can't wait to read more in this series. I recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
June 13, 2019
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 6/13/19.
I am really enjoying this series! Older heroes and heroines, fumbling their way into starting over...the series is connected by the friendships that grew out of a divorce support group, but each book should work just fine as a standalone if needed.
Trevor's I've-got-this-under-control life is thrown for the curviest of curves when his ex-wife is killed in an accident and he's suddenly the sole parent to his two teenagers. His marriage originally fell apart in large part due to his alcoholism; he's been sober for 7+ years now but until he was the only parent they had left he never really realized how much his ex-wife handled when it came to his kids. He wasn't even aware that his ex's best friend was living in the coach house in her backyard, or how much his kids and her life were intertwined.
Callie and Trevor had been friends for years, but she and Trevor's ex were childhood friends so Lisa "got" Callie in the divorce. As Callie helps Trevor and his kids pick up the pieces after Lisa's death, she and Trevor become close once again...and then become closer.
I liked that Trevor and Callie's relationship is very slow burn-y, and loved the chemistry between the two of them. They both have all kinds of baggage that they're bringing into the relationship--honestly, the fact that she's his ex's best friend and he's her best friend's ex is just the beginning. Ms. Schroeder does a fantastic job of letting them work through things like the adults they are without too much extra drama. Even though the ending is a little abrupt, it's a sweet HEA that has me looking forward to seeing the two of them play side roles in future series books.
Rating: 4 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I am really enjoying this series! Older heroes and heroines, fumbling their way into starting over...the series is connected by the friendships that grew out of a divorce support group, but each book should work just fine as a standalone if needed.
Trevor's I've-got-this-under-control life is thrown for the curviest of curves when his ex-wife is killed in an accident and he's suddenly the sole parent to his two teenagers. His marriage originally fell apart in large part due to his alcoholism; he's been sober for 7+ years now but until he was the only parent they had left he never really realized how much his ex-wife handled when it came to his kids. He wasn't even aware that his ex's best friend was living in the coach house in her backyard, or how much his kids and her life were intertwined.
Callie and Trevor had been friends for years, but she and Trevor's ex were childhood friends so Lisa "got" Callie in the divorce. As Callie helps Trevor and his kids pick up the pieces after Lisa's death, she and Trevor become close once again...and then become closer.
I liked that Trevor and Callie's relationship is very slow burn-y, and loved the chemistry between the two of them. They both have all kinds of baggage that they're bringing into the relationship--honestly, the fact that she's his ex's best friend and he's her best friend's ex is just the beginning. Ms. Schroeder does a fantastic job of letting them work through things like the adults they are without too much extra drama. Even though the ending is a little abrupt, it's a sweet HEA that has me looking forward to seeing the two of them play side roles in future series books.
Rating: 4 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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September 1, 2019My Best Friend’s Ex is book two in the Daring Divorcees Series by Shannyn Schroeder.
Trevor Booth has lost everything, due to his alcoholism. Ten years ago his ex -wife Lisa divorced him. Since then, he has struggled to get his life back on track, and come to terms that he will never get back what he has lost! While he is weekend dad to two teenagers, his ex-wife has been texting asking him to step up and deal with their sons disrespectful attitude. The next call he gets changes everything. Lisa has died in a car accident. This completely changes Trevor’s world.
In coming together to pay respects to his ex-wife, he coMes face to face with his ex-wife’s best friend Callie. When Trevor is forced to take on the full-time parent role. He admittedly acknowledges that he doesn’t have clue about raising children. Callie is reeling from the fact that she has lost her best friend. She is not going to lose Lisa’s kids also. Callie feels obligated to step up and be there for Lisa’s children.
In the process, Trevor and Callie begin to realize that they have feelings for each other. And both also feel disloyal to Lisa in the feelings that they feel. They also don’t want the kids to know anything until they are sure things will work out! But they are teenagers – they already knew!
Trevor is hard working, loyal and honest. I enjoyed him coming into his own as a single parent. And even when he doubts that he can do it – he does!
Callie is a world traveller and is always on the move. When she loses her best friend, she makes the decision that she can’t lose the only pieces of Lisa she has left!
I enjoyed how the relationship developed and couldn’t stop reading well into the night! I needed to know what was going to happen next! Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend as a great summer read.
Trevor Booth has lost everything, due to his alcoholism. Ten years ago his ex -wife Lisa divorced him. Since then, he has struggled to get his life back on track, and come to terms that he will never get back what he has lost! While he is weekend dad to two teenagers, his ex-wife has been texting asking him to step up and deal with their sons disrespectful attitude. The next call he gets changes everything. Lisa has died in a car accident. This completely changes Trevor’s world.
In coming together to pay respects to his ex-wife, he coMes face to face with his ex-wife’s best friend Callie. When Trevor is forced to take on the full-time parent role. He admittedly acknowledges that he doesn’t have clue about raising children. Callie is reeling from the fact that she has lost her best friend. She is not going to lose Lisa’s kids also. Callie feels obligated to step up and be there for Lisa’s children.
In the process, Trevor and Callie begin to realize that they have feelings for each other. And both also feel disloyal to Lisa in the feelings that they feel. They also don’t want the kids to know anything until they are sure things will work out! But they are teenagers – they already knew!
Trevor is hard working, loyal and honest. I enjoyed him coming into his own as a single parent. And even when he doubts that he can do it – he does!
Callie is a world traveller and is always on the move. When she loses her best friend, she makes the decision that she can’t lose the only pieces of Lisa she has left!
I enjoyed how the relationship developed and couldn’t stop reading well into the night! I needed to know what was going to happen next! Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend as a great summer read.
June 12, 2019
A grown-up love story that hits all the right buttons!
Trevor Booth is a recovering alcoholic, and divorced father of two. Life has a way of bringing us to learn our self-truths when we least expect it, and those lessons are usually hardest. Trevor receives news that brings life as he knows it to a screeching halt, making him look deeper inside and make some very hard choices. Callie’s there when he needs support the most and he appreciates how much she loves his kids. But he’s feeling much more than appreciation and friendship for the beautiful best friend of his ex-wife. Can he take a chance to let her in, to try again after failing at love that last time?
Callie Larson is a jet setting travel photographer who’s used to running when the going gets hard. Devastating news brings her home early and forces her to face her habit of running away. Callie and her now ex- husband all used to be the best of friends, but the divorce caused her and Trevor to lose contact. She had to support her best friend after all. Now that life has offered them a second chance to reconnect, can they rekindle their friendship? She cannot deny her feeling for Trevor are much stronger than simply friendship, but can they be more? IS what she’s feeling a reason to run? Or can she stay put and fight for what she wants?
I loved that this book did not shy away from the “not- so- pretty” aspects of life after divorce. The nuances of juggling a personal life along with raising kids and how to meld the two is a dance- and this book encompasses it beautifully! I love that the characters have real life concerns, arguments and communications.
I would highly recommend this book for those looking for a love story with all the warts and missteps that comes with real life and love!
Trevor Booth is a recovering alcoholic, and divorced father of two. Life has a way of bringing us to learn our self-truths when we least expect it, and those lessons are usually hardest. Trevor receives news that brings life as he knows it to a screeching halt, making him look deeper inside and make some very hard choices. Callie’s there when he needs support the most and he appreciates how much she loves his kids. But he’s feeling much more than appreciation and friendship for the beautiful best friend of his ex-wife. Can he take a chance to let her in, to try again after failing at love that last time?
Callie Larson is a jet setting travel photographer who’s used to running when the going gets hard. Devastating news brings her home early and forces her to face her habit of running away. Callie and her now ex- husband all used to be the best of friends, but the divorce caused her and Trevor to lose contact. She had to support her best friend after all. Now that life has offered them a second chance to reconnect, can they rekindle their friendship? She cannot deny her feeling for Trevor are much stronger than simply friendship, but can they be more? IS what she’s feeling a reason to run? Or can she stay put and fight for what she wants?
I loved that this book did not shy away from the “not- so- pretty” aspects of life after divorce. The nuances of juggling a personal life along with raising kids and how to meld the two is a dance- and this book encompasses it beautifully! I love that the characters have real life concerns, arguments and communications.
I would highly recommend this book for those looking for a love story with all the warts and missteps that comes with real life and love!
May 26, 2019
My Best Friend’s EX is the 2nd book in the Daring Divorcess standalone series, Schroeder is a new to me author and the blurb about a single Dad is always a quick draw card for me; I had high expectations going into this book.
Trevor is a divorced recovering alcoholic with 2 teenage kids; he has his own construction business and is kept busy with his life. When he receives the devastating news that his ex wife had been killed in a car accident he is thrust into a full time parent role and shamefully acknowledges that he doesn’t have a single clue what he is doing. Callie just lost her best friend and is praying that she doesn’t lose the kids too, she has been part of their family since forever; she would do anything to protect them including helping their Dad in situations that land her in hot water more than once.
Callie is very good at running, the moment the water gets too hot she is jetting off around the world on a work assignment. Trevor and Callie bounce back and forth trying to make things work between them but always find themselves fighting and stepping over the invisible line. When they finally get their act together they find a balance that works for them.
I personally felt that this wasn’t the book for me, there were a lot of issues bought to the surface throughout which kept me feeling like there should have been more pages to resolve it and not rushing through to the next situation. While this wasn’t the book for me it most certainly could be for you.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 3/5 Characters: 3/5 Heat: 3/5 Writing Style: 3/5 Overall: 3/5
Trevor is a divorced recovering alcoholic with 2 teenage kids; he has his own construction business and is kept busy with his life. When he receives the devastating news that his ex wife had been killed in a car accident he is thrust into a full time parent role and shamefully acknowledges that he doesn’t have a single clue what he is doing. Callie just lost her best friend and is praying that she doesn’t lose the kids too, she has been part of their family since forever; she would do anything to protect them including helping their Dad in situations that land her in hot water more than once.
Callie is very good at running, the moment the water gets too hot she is jetting off around the world on a work assignment. Trevor and Callie bounce back and forth trying to make things work between them but always find themselves fighting and stepping over the invisible line. When they finally get their act together they find a balance that works for them.
I personally felt that this wasn’t the book for me, there were a lot of issues bought to the surface throughout which kept me feeling like there should have been more pages to resolve it and not rushing through to the next situation. While this wasn’t the book for me it most certainly could be for you.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 3/5 Characters: 3/5 Heat: 3/5 Writing Style: 3/5 Overall: 3/5
August 13, 2024
No esperaba que me gustara tanto ❤️
En este libro vemos la otra cara de la moneda, en el primer libro de esta serie vimos a Tess y su vida como madre divorciada donde ella se hacía cargo de sus hijos y lo difícil que era no contar con el apoyo completo de su exesposo. Este libro nos cuenta sobre Trevor y como la muerte de su exesposa altera toda su rutina porque era ella la que se hacía cargo de sus hijos mientras él solo los veía los fines de semana, ahora tiene que cuidar de sus hijos al completo y él vive lo difícil que es tener esa responsabilidad.
En este libro seguimos a Trevor y como se va adaptando a su nueva rutina con él como jefe de familia, como poco a poco va entendiendo como funcionan las cosas con sus hijos y como Callie se ha vuelto una constante en su vida y el apoyo que tanto necesita su familia.
Callie por otro lado es una mujer soltera que ama viajar por el mundo y que no le gusta asentarse en un solo lugar, pero en los últimos años sus prioridades cambian y se cuestiona dejar de viajar tanto. Después de la muerte de su mejor amiga y exesposa de Trevor, decide quedarse para ayudarlo a cuidar de los niños y mientras más tiempo van pasando juntos empiezan a desarrollar sentimientos el uno por el otro.
La relación entre Trevor y Callie me gustó mucho, se apoyaban y respaldaban entre ellos y a pesar de los malos entendidos lograron superar los obstáculos y elegirse mutuamente. La familia que formaron con Hannah y Evan me encantó, las escenas de ellos en familia fueron de mis escenas favoritas.
En este libro vemos la otra cara de la moneda, en el primer libro de esta serie vimos a Tess y su vida como madre divorciada donde ella se hacía cargo de sus hijos y lo difícil que era no contar con el apoyo completo de su exesposo. Este libro nos cuenta sobre Trevor y como la muerte de su exesposa altera toda su rutina porque era ella la que se hacía cargo de sus hijos mientras él solo los veía los fines de semana, ahora tiene que cuidar de sus hijos al completo y él vive lo difícil que es tener esa responsabilidad.
En este libro seguimos a Trevor y como se va adaptando a su nueva rutina con él como jefe de familia, como poco a poco va entendiendo como funcionan las cosas con sus hijos y como Callie se ha vuelto una constante en su vida y el apoyo que tanto necesita su familia.
Callie por otro lado es una mujer soltera que ama viajar por el mundo y que no le gusta asentarse en un solo lugar, pero en los últimos años sus prioridades cambian y se cuestiona dejar de viajar tanto. Después de la muerte de su mejor amiga y exesposa de Trevor, decide quedarse para ayudarlo a cuidar de los niños y mientras más tiempo van pasando juntos empiezan a desarrollar sentimientos el uno por el otro.
La relación entre Trevor y Callie me gustó mucho, se apoyaban y respaldaban entre ellos y a pesar de los malos entendidos lograron superar los obstáculos y elegirse mutuamente. La familia que formaron con Hannah y Evan me encantó, las escenas de ellos en familia fueron de mis escenas favoritas.
June 9, 2019
My Best Friend's Ex put an interesting spin on this particular branch of forbidden: Trevor's ex-wife and Callie's best friend, Lisa, dies pretty much at the onset of the story in a tragic car accident. As the story unfolds, they lean on each other in their mourning, and Trevor really sees how big of a part Callie was in his kids' lives. He's kind of clueless when it comes to the routines that his teenagers have, and Callie is there to help and guide him. She also doesn't take his crap when he lashes out that she's not the parent, because in many ways, she knows more about their routines than he does.
As for the romance between them, it unfolds nicely. There is a lot of navigation on all their parts -- the kids included -- as they adjust to their new normal. I just didn't fall in love with Callie and Trevor as a couple. I didn't think there was enough build-up to them being in love... it fell a little flat for me when I thought there could have been a lot more potential with this pairing.
But overall, My Best Friend's Ex is a nice story about moving on with someone who understands what you are going through in a way few others can. There's a good amount of guilt on both Callie and Trevor's parts where Lisa is concerned... but if Lisa and Trevor were divorced, does that still make Callie and Trevor's relationship taboo? It's a question that they go back and forth on, but in the end, love conquers the ghost of their mutual past.
I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and voluntarily left a review.
As for the romance between them, it unfolds nicely. There is a lot of navigation on all their parts -- the kids included -- as they adjust to their new normal. I just didn't fall in love with Callie and Trevor as a couple. I didn't think there was enough build-up to them being in love... it fell a little flat for me when I thought there could have been a lot more potential with this pairing.
But overall, My Best Friend's Ex is a nice story about moving on with someone who understands what you are going through in a way few others can. There's a good amount of guilt on both Callie and Trevor's parts where Lisa is concerned... but if Lisa and Trevor were divorced, does that still make Callie and Trevor's relationship taboo? It's a question that they go back and forth on, but in the end, love conquers the ghost of their mutual past.
I received an advanced copy via NetGalley and voluntarily left a review.
June 4, 2019
I loved it! It's a very emotional romance novel. Trevor's ex-wife dies and suddenly he must learn how to take care of his teenage children. To make matters worse it seems that Callie is closer to his children that he had ever been. He remembers how close they all used to be when he wasn't a complete jerk. And Callie is bringing back good memories along with the bad ones. One thing is clear though, he is attracted to his ex-wife's best friend and wants to explore where that leads.
Callie feels obligated to be in Lisa's children's life. Their mother is gone and they need someone they can rely on. She knows that Trevor is a good man and he loves his children but he is also a struggling ex-alcoholic. But the more time she spends with him the more she realizes that old feelings are still there. She is attracted to him and no matter how guilty she feels there is no way she can resist this attraction.
They are both thrown together by a tragedy and realize that things can be something more than just friendship between them. But will the kids accept their new relationship so soon after their mother's death? Things are definitely not going to be easy for them as they learn how to be in a relationship while doing what's best for the kids.
I think it's a very well-written story and I quite enjoyed reading it.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
Callie feels obligated to be in Lisa's children's life. Their mother is gone and they need someone they can rely on. She knows that Trevor is a good man and he loves his children but he is also a struggling ex-alcoholic. But the more time she spends with him the more she realizes that old feelings are still there. She is attracted to him and no matter how guilty she feels there is no way she can resist this attraction.
They are both thrown together by a tragedy and realize that things can be something more than just friendship between them. But will the kids accept their new relationship so soon after their mother's death? Things are definitely not going to be easy for them as they learn how to be in a relationship while doing what's best for the kids.
I think it's a very well-written story and I quite enjoyed reading it.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
July 11, 2019
Trevor Booth's life was just thrown a curveball. When his ex dies, he suddenly goes from an every-other-weekend, fun-time dad to a full-time dad. The dad part he's cool with, but life with two teens is like a roller coaster in hell. Thank God his ex-wife's best friend, Callie, seems to have secret powers that allow her to deal with the chaos.
Callie is devastated when Lisa dies, and she's determined to help the kids get through it. She's concerned about how Trevor will adjust to being a full-time parent, but she's having a tough time keeping her eyes off his ripped physique. Callie loves being a part of this makeshift family, but no way she's falling for her best friend's ex.
***
This one was a little harder for me to read than normal. It was written quite well; only it was written from the third person. Emotions that you typically feel when a character is going through something devastating (like losing a best friend) was missing so it felt a little detached when reading. Not that it wasn't written quite well but just detached. Although, the real life events that are going on, such as alcoholism and that loss, as a psychology student, I did resonate quite well with. Again, though, it just felt like I was reading it not really experiencing it.
Callie is devastated when Lisa dies, and she's determined to help the kids get through it. She's concerned about how Trevor will adjust to being a full-time parent, but she's having a tough time keeping her eyes off his ripped physique. Callie loves being a part of this makeshift family, but no way she's falling for her best friend's ex.
***
This one was a little harder for me to read than normal. It was written quite well; only it was written from the third person. Emotions that you typically feel when a character is going through something devastating (like losing a best friend) was missing so it felt a little detached when reading. Not that it wasn't written quite well but just detached. Although, the real life events that are going on, such as alcoholism and that loss, as a psychology student, I did resonate quite well with. Again, though, it just felt like I was reading it not really experiencing it.
April 30, 2019
Four stars!
I really enjoyed this book. Their was plenty of growth in each character and the relationship was a slow burn. We watched as two people who were in mourning found each other. They relied on each other and even though their relationship was one that was a bit awkward but totally adorable they fought to get to their happy ever after.
Callie was Lisa’s best friend. Callie was their for Lisa’s kids and stayed in her Coach house behind Lisa’s house. After a heartbreaking accident took Lisa from Callie and Trevor learned to live w/o Lisa.
Raising his two kids had always been his ex-wife’s job. He got them in the weekends but Lisa was always the main parent. When an accident happens and Trevor now has the kids full time, he has to learn everything plus balance out his meetings and his work. Being an alcoholic 7 yrs sober, Trevor has a lot to learn. When Callie and Trevor do it together nothing can stop them.
This was such a great story and one that you won’t want to put down.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. Every opinion or thought was solely my own.*
I really enjoyed this book. Their was plenty of growth in each character and the relationship was a slow burn. We watched as two people who were in mourning found each other. They relied on each other and even though their relationship was one that was a bit awkward but totally adorable they fought to get to their happy ever after.
Callie was Lisa’s best friend. Callie was their for Lisa’s kids and stayed in her Coach house behind Lisa’s house. After a heartbreaking accident took Lisa from Callie and Trevor learned to live w/o Lisa.
Raising his two kids had always been his ex-wife’s job. He got them in the weekends but Lisa was always the main parent. When an accident happens and Trevor now has the kids full time, he has to learn everything plus balance out his meetings and his work. Being an alcoholic 7 yrs sober, Trevor has a lot to learn. When Callie and Trevor do it together nothing can stop them.
This was such a great story and one that you won’t want to put down.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. Every opinion or thought was solely my own.*
May 10, 2019
When Trevor's ex-wife dies in a car crash he is suddenly the single parent to two teenagers. Lucky for him his ex's best friend, Callie, is around to offer support and guidance. When feelings start to emerge they both have to wrestle with feeling disloyal to the woman who once meant so much to the both of them.
I loved the way the relationship between Trevor and Callie develops. They have real issues that they need to communicate about and both of them make mistakes along the way. I loved the way that Trevor's alcoholism was discussed. I expected more in regards to the grieving process of Trevor's kids and their adjustments to living with him. Even Trevor's adjustments to being a full-time father seemed far fewer than I would have expected. I could have used more about new family dynamics and less about the disapproving ex-mother-in-law. There were so many meaty topics to explore that I would have welcomed a higher page count to see that happen.
I still really enjoyed this book and would really like to read more from the author.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the way the relationship between Trevor and Callie develops. They have real issues that they need to communicate about and both of them make mistakes along the way. I loved the way that Trevor's alcoholism was discussed. I expected more in regards to the grieving process of Trevor's kids and their adjustments to living with him. Even Trevor's adjustments to being a full-time father seemed far fewer than I would have expected. I could have used more about new family dynamics and less about the disapproving ex-mother-in-law. There were so many meaty topics to explore that I would have welcomed a higher page count to see that happen.
I still really enjoyed this book and would really like to read more from the author.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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