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The Ex Files #5
Explosive
Carrie Wallace is a defense attorney for a top San Francisco law firm. After her marriage ended, she turned her back on happily ever after and focused entirely on her career. But one case in particular leads her to discover something about the past that puts her in danger. She barely escapes an attack on her life, but her fear drives her into a terrible car accident. Two weeks later, she wakes from a coma with no memory of what happened, what she saw or even who she is.
Brian Kessler, a renowned Psychiatrist, lives a quiet life in the small coastal town of Gypsy Bay. He has his patients, his practice, a new girlfriend and painful memories that are finally beginning to fade away. However, one early morning, he gets a call that the woman who’d been a major part of his past needs his help, and those memories that had just begun to disappear are instantly reawakened.
As Brian and Carrie come together to restore Carrie’s identity, they also relive what frightened her that night as well as the rocky and tragic history that caused them to go from husband and wife to enemies. But, someone out there doesn’t want Carrie to remember what she saw or what she knows, and with every memory the two of them uncover, a killer gets closer to striking again.
Brian Kessler, a renowned Psychiatrist, lives a quiet life in the small coastal town of Gypsy Bay. He has his patients, his practice, a new girlfriend and painful memories that are finally beginning to fade away. However, one early morning, he gets a call that the woman who’d been a major part of his past needs his help, and those memories that had just begun to disappear are instantly reawakened.
As Brian and Carrie come together to restore Carrie’s identity, they also relive what frightened her that night as well as the rocky and tragic history that caused them to go from husband and wife to enemies. But, someone out there doesn’t want Carrie to remember what she saw or what she knows, and with every memory the two of them uncover, a killer gets closer to striking again.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2020
254 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Ryan Campbell
14 books18 followersAward-winning Author, Lisa Ryan Campbell began writing as a small child using her mother's pink typewriting paper. Years later, she decided it was important to get a "real job" and attended Arizona State University to major in English with the goal of continuing on for both a Master's and Doctorate degrees in English and teach at the college level.
In 2002, Lisa graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and an Ancient Egyptian romance novel she wrote in her spare time. She decided then she would not be continuing on to graduate school, but instead joined Romance Writers of America and focused on her true love.
Lisa is an avid traveler and has seen many of the world's treasures in Egypt, Peru, Spain, France, Morocco, England, Mexico and the Caribbean. She spends her time mostly at her home in Phoenix writing, reading and watching 1940's noir movies.
Sign up for Lisa’s newsletter and find out more about her books at www.Lisaryancampbell.com
and connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
In 2002, Lisa graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and an Ancient Egyptian romance novel she wrote in her spare time. She decided then she would not be continuing on to graduate school, but instead joined Romance Writers of America and focused on her true love.
Lisa is an avid traveler and has seen many of the world's treasures in Egypt, Peru, Spain, France, Morocco, England, Mexico and the Caribbean. She spends her time mostly at her home in Phoenix writing, reading and watching 1940's noir movies.
Sign up for Lisa’s newsletter and find out more about her books at www.Lisaryancampbell.com
and connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 28, 2024
4.0⭐️ I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. What’s not to like—there’s something for everyone. It involves amnesia, murder, mystery, suspense and intrigue; the book comprises revenge, deceit, greed and hatred, with twists and turns along the way. Most of all, this book encompasses the beauty of love, romance and second chances. Excellent!
October 13, 2020
I would like to recommend this book as a great read. This is my first book by this author. This was book 5 in the series. I will have to go back and read the other 4 books. I have started on book 4. You can get this book on KU.
July 16, 2021
Sensational!!!
Wow, this book pulled me in. I found myself screaming at Carrie as she tried to put her life back together. I understood why all of the characters behaved as they did but it was still frustrating as all mysteries are. The author did a great job with the whole book from character development to the plot and climax of the book. I can definitely see this book turned into a movie on Lifetime.
Wow, this book pulled me in. I found myself screaming at Carrie as she tried to put her life back together. I understood why all of the characters behaved as they did but it was still frustrating as all mysteries are. The author did a great job with the whole book from character development to the plot and climax of the book. I can definitely see this book turned into a movie on Lifetime.
September 26, 2020
Shame
The book started well but went downhill. It got frustrating that nothing moved forward for most of the book. It was completely silly of her family and of Brian not to tell her who he was. I can’t see how this was ever going to be helpful. Carrie was also supposed to be 39 years old (although she met Brian 8 years prior and was supposed to be in her 20s then) but her parents were basically running her life. I couldn’t see the romance at all. Actually there was none so the ending in 3 pages made no sense whatsoever. Brian was right. Although they had a marriage of convenience, she supposedly loved him therefore she should have never abandoned him in the face of what happened to his dad. She could have helped him find a decent lawyer, changed firms or represent his dad. After 5 years of marriage, to let her family dictate her behavior under these circumstances was unforgivable. It really bugged me that the author went for this kumbaya ending where she somehow still doesn’t remember but Brian is the one to apologize to everyone even to her unbearable mother. The whole donation to the Eliza Watley’s fund made no sense whatsoever. Yes she died but Brian’s father was ruined for something he didn’t do and then murdered but somehow everyone forgot about him. How about a fund for him, even more so considering that he was bankrupted. Eliza’s family apologized but what about returning the civil settlement that was unfair? She is going on about the old her but the new her was as inconsiderate of Brian’s feelings from what I could see. He even had to beg her for a second chance. I hope the next book will be more balanced between the romance and the murder/mystery. By the way there was one sentence in the book which really rubbed me the wrong way and got me to drop a star. “He was African American but didn’t use his humble beginnings as an excuse and pulled himself by the bootstraps to succeed “.
The book started well but went downhill. It got frustrating that nothing moved forward for most of the book. It was completely silly of her family and of Brian not to tell her who he was. I can’t see how this was ever going to be helpful. Carrie was also supposed to be 39 years old (although she met Brian 8 years prior and was supposed to be in her 20s then) but her parents were basically running her life. I couldn’t see the romance at all. Actually there was none so the ending in 3 pages made no sense whatsoever. Brian was right. Although they had a marriage of convenience, she supposedly loved him therefore she should have never abandoned him in the face of what happened to his dad. She could have helped him find a decent lawyer, changed firms or represent his dad. After 5 years of marriage, to let her family dictate her behavior under these circumstances was unforgivable. It really bugged me that the author went for this kumbaya ending where she somehow still doesn’t remember but Brian is the one to apologize to everyone even to her unbearable mother. The whole donation to the Eliza Watley’s fund made no sense whatsoever. Yes she died but Brian’s father was ruined for something he didn’t do and then murdered but somehow everyone forgot about him. How about a fund for him, even more so considering that he was bankrupted. Eliza’s family apologized but what about returning the civil settlement that was unfair? She is going on about the old her but the new her was as inconsiderate of Brian’s feelings from what I could see. He even had to beg her for a second chance. I hope the next book will be more balanced between the romance and the murder/mystery. By the way there was one sentence in the book which really rubbed me the wrong way and got me to drop a star. “He was African American but didn’t use his humble beginnings as an excuse and pulled himself by the bootstraps to succeed “.
February 19, 2021
Brian is full of shit. He doesn’t take accountability for his actions and unreasonable expectations. I thought his ex Carrie was some horrible person. He made it seem like she did this tremendous betrayal when, in fact, her parents and Brian out her in an awkward position to which NO ONE REALLY APOLOGIZED TO HER ABOUT!
Brian expected loyalty from Carrie as his wife while minimizing the fact their marriage was a marriage of convenience. He got his student loans paid off and start his own practice courtesy of her father Andrew. But she was actually in love with her and it becomes clear that he liked her which turned to love but you’re never quite sure if he would have stilled married her. Carrie was a speed bump on Brian’s aspiration to be rich.
I kept waiting for people to apologize to Carrie for lying to her or Brian admitting his past mistakes. None of that shit happened.
Fuck that guy.
Brian expected loyalty from Carrie as his wife while minimizing the fact their marriage was a marriage of convenience. He got his student loans paid off and start his own practice courtesy of her father Andrew. But she was actually in love with her and it becomes clear that he liked her which turned to love but you’re never quite sure if he would have stilled married her. Carrie was a speed bump on Brian’s aspiration to be rich.
I kept waiting for people to apologize to Carrie for lying to her or Brian admitting his past mistakes. None of that shit happened.
Fuck that guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
BWWM Romantic Mystery
This was a delightful interracial romantic mystery. It was very different from most interracial romances that I've read. It was a interesting whodunit that kept me reading until I finished.
It was more than a second chance romance or interracial romance. There was enough backstory on the main characters, Brian and Carrie. They were both
sucessful, well off professionals. Their backgrounds were totally different - as were their parents. The ending was satisfactory with everything tied up almost too neatly. Fiona deserved better and her treatment almost turned me off the book. Rachel was treated better than she deserved. Otherwise, it had enough drama and family angst to keep it believable.
The sex was not over the top graphic or descriptive. It didn't take over the story. I liked this book enough to read others in this series.
This was a delightful interracial romantic mystery. It was very different from most interracial romances that I've read. It was a interesting whodunit that kept me reading until I finished.
It was more than a second chance romance or interracial romance. There was enough backstory on the main characters, Brian and Carrie. They were both
sucessful, well off professionals. Their backgrounds were totally different - as were their parents. The ending was satisfactory with everything tied up almost too neatly. Fiona deserved better and her treatment almost turned me off the book. Rachel was treated better than she deserved. Otherwise, it had enough drama and family angst to keep it believable.
The sex was not over the top graphic or descriptive. It didn't take over the story. I liked this book enough to read others in this series.
October 29, 2021
I absolutely loved Carrie and Brian. There was so much depth to their story and soo many twists and turns that I could not see coming. This story was very intricately and delicately told by Ms. Campbell. The moment I started the book I did not put it down until I finished.
it starts with Carrie having amnesia and being sent to see a therapist who also turns out to be her ex-husband named Brian. They have a bit of a rocky history that has led up to the present, but prior to her accident they were both moving forward to move on separately in their lives. As the story begins to unfold we learn that their marriage itself was not as it seemed, and there were a lot of obstacles at the time that truly entangled them. There is love, deceit, suspense, intrigue and oh so many lies.
This book sucks you in from the very start, and it is truly a read you do not want to miss out on.
it starts with Carrie having amnesia and being sent to see a therapist who also turns out to be her ex-husband named Brian. They have a bit of a rocky history that has led up to the present, but prior to her accident they were both moving forward to move on separately in their lives. As the story begins to unfold we learn that their marriage itself was not as it seemed, and there were a lot of obstacles at the time that truly entangled them. There is love, deceit, suspense, intrigue and oh so many lies.
This book sucks you in from the very start, and it is truly a read you do not want to miss out on.
March 13, 2021
Carrie Wallace has found herself in the middle of a murder investigation and only her ex-husband can help her. That is, if she could remember him.
I don’t know what I expected from this book, but what I got was much better. The relationship and the plot kept me on edge. I loved every bit of it. Carrie and Brian's original story was full of miscommunication, but I liked that they got the chance to try again for themselves. I also liked that we got to get into the minds of the "villains".
There were minor formatting issues, but I suspect that it was the eBook conversion. Other than that, this one deserved its five stars. The suspense was great, the characters were great, and the plot was really wild.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a good Romance Thriller.
I don’t know what I expected from this book, but what I got was much better. The relationship and the plot kept me on edge. I loved every bit of it. Carrie and Brian's original story was full of miscommunication, but I liked that they got the chance to try again for themselves. I also liked that we got to get into the minds of the "villains".
There were minor formatting issues, but I suspect that it was the eBook conversion. Other than that, this one deserved its five stars. The suspense was great, the characters were great, and the plot was really wild.
I recommend this to anyone who likes a good Romance Thriller.
March 30, 2021
Memories
Carrie sped across the Bay covered in blood to see her ex husband, but when she awoke she couldn't remember why. She couldn't remember anything or anyone. Her brother called Brian, her ex because he was one of the top in his field, working with patients with retrograde amnesia. Her mom wasn't happy about it, but she'd have to deal. Once she saw him, she knew he was something to her, just not what. This journey would take them to and through past and present heartache, danger, conspiracy, and more near death experiences. Most of all, the realization that love NEVER left.⭐⭐⭐1/2
Carrie sped across the Bay covered in blood to see her ex husband, but when she awoke she couldn't remember why. She couldn't remember anything or anyone. Her brother called Brian, her ex because he was one of the top in his field, working with patients with retrograde amnesia. Her mom wasn't happy about it, but she'd have to deal. Once she saw him, she knew he was something to her, just not what. This journey would take them to and through past and present heartache, danger, conspiracy, and more near death experiences. Most of all, the realization that love NEVER left.⭐⭐⭐1/2
September 30, 2020
So good
Murder mystery and a amnesiac damsel always leads to what's behind doors number 1 through10....it's a whodunit with so many viable suspects... Is it someone paid by the over bearing over protective parents... The over zealous detective.... The ex husband or his new girlfriend... The over anxious paralegal.... You see where I'm going.... MS. Campbell's Ex File series is captivating... This more so....at least for me...I couldn't put it down until the mystery was solved☺
Murder mystery and a amnesiac damsel always leads to what's behind doors number 1 through10....it's a whodunit with so many viable suspects... Is it someone paid by the over bearing over protective parents... The over zealous detective.... The ex husband or his new girlfriend... The over anxious paralegal.... You see where I'm going.... MS. Campbell's Ex File series is captivating... This more so....at least for me...I couldn't put it down until the mystery was solved☺
September 27, 2020
WOW
Ok this is exciting i love this book. Her parents are overbearing and condescending i am glad she finally spoke up for her self and not allow them to continuing making her life's decisions for her. I liked the small update on Gray and Shannon. Continue to keep my mind blown because I am enjoying your books.
Ok this is exciting i love this book. Her parents are overbearing and condescending i am glad she finally spoke up for her self and not allow them to continuing making her life's decisions for her. I liked the small update on Gray and Shannon. Continue to keep my mind blown because I am enjoying your books.
October 2, 2020
Wow
I knew who it was as soon as he was sent to help I just got the feeling it was him thats messed up that he took every thing out on everybody but his self die what he did and to play her sister as well he ruined 2 ppls lives just like that bot including the others he took glad Carrie and Brian got there happy ending 😀 😄 😊 😁
I knew who it was as soon as he was sent to help I just got the feeling it was him thats messed up that he took every thing out on everybody but his self die what he did and to play her sister as well he ruined 2 ppls lives just like that bot including the others he took glad Carrie and Brian got there happy ending 😀 😄 😊 😁
November 11, 2020
Good read
My first book from Ms Campbell, and it won't be my last.
Brian and Carrie your marriage didn't survive because your marriage had too many people in it, Carrie's loyalty was too conflicted...I was hoping to see more insight of your second chance, hopefully there will be a second book with lot of love and babies.
My first book from Ms Campbell, and it won't be my last.
Brian and Carrie your marriage didn't survive because your marriage had too many people in it, Carrie's loyalty was too conflicted...I was hoping to see more insight of your second chance, hopefully there will be a second book with lot of love and babies.
Read
April 26, 2021Great mystery
This book was very intriguing. Couldn't wait to get to the end of the mystery. So glad it did not disappoint. No explicit sex scenes but they were good enough to be believable. My only issue is that she kept running and lying. Surprised she didn't get charged with obstruction. Also so glad the author wrote a woman that knows what reciprocate means.
This book was very intriguing. Couldn't wait to get to the end of the mystery. So glad it did not disappoint. No explicit sex scenes but they were good enough to be believable. My only issue is that she kept running and lying. Surprised she didn't get charged with obstruction. Also so glad the author wrote a woman that knows what reciprocate means.
May 11, 2021
Outstanding
I love reading this book. The writing flow easily and effortless. The characters are strong, well developed and compassion. There are twist and turns and a ending not predictable. The lovemaking was sizzling hot, passionate and intense. You will get involved in the story . Never a dull moment. You the reader will become apart of the story. Overall an awesome book.
I love reading this book. The writing flow easily and effortless. The characters are strong, well developed and compassion. There are twist and turns and a ending not predictable. The lovemaking was sizzling hot, passionate and intense. You will get involved in the story . Never a dull moment. You the reader will become apart of the story. Overall an awesome book.
March 3, 2022
It needed more...
Carrie never apologized for turning her back on his and his family. I mean his father lost his life over the entire situation and he went through it all without his wife’s support. I needed more groveling from her. I believe if push comes to shove again, she'll ditch him...
Carrie never apologized for turning her back on his and his family. I mean his father lost his life over the entire situation and he went through it all without his wife’s support. I needed more groveling from her. I believe if push comes to shove again, she'll ditch him...
July 25, 2025
Carrie
Should have done more to get Brian not the other way around. Idk why he did all the apologizing and begging when he was in the right. She should’ve stood by her husband and not did whatever she was told by her parents 🤦🏽♀️ This author lost me with this couple, but I did enjoy the mystery side of it. 3.5*
Should have done more to get Brian not the other way around. Idk why he did all the apologizing and begging when he was in the right. She should’ve stood by her husband and not did whatever she was told by her parents 🤦🏽♀️ This author lost me with this couple, but I did enjoy the mystery side of it. 3.5*
November 16, 2020
True Crime!!
This is the first time I've ever read anything from this author, and I must say, I loved her work. It told a story. Sex scenes were not over the top and it had real mystery to it. Great job!
This is the first time I've ever read anything from this author, and I must say, I loved her work. It told a story. Sex scenes were not over the top and it had real mystery to it. Great job!
November 28, 2020
Happy reading🍸🍸
I freaking love this Ex-Files series. Every single book has mystery, love lost or found, murder, beautifully crafted love scenes. No need for me to say more..just get to reading. Enjoy🍸
I freaking love this Ex-Files series. Every single book has mystery, love lost or found, murder, beautifully crafted love scenes. No need for me to say more..just get to reading. Enjoy🍸
March 7, 2021
Explosive!!!
A real page turner, I couldn’t put it down. Lots of mystery, twists and turns. Although I guessed right about some characters, I wasn’t sure until the end. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
A real page turner, I couldn’t put it down. Lots of mystery, twists and turns. Although I guessed right about some characters, I wasn’t sure until the end. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 21, 2021
Awakening from a coma Carrie has to simultaneously fight to regain her memory and prove that she is not responsible for the murder of Harvey. This book takes a long and winding road to expose the truth and all the players implicated in a story of love, hate and revenge
April 12, 2021
I enjoyed the mystery-this is a new author for me but -I liked this book and look forward to reading more. I just wish there was more of a fleshed out description of each character especially because the characters in this book had so many flashbacks-it sometimes muddled the story line a bit .
October 20, 2021
Excellent
Loved it, I am thoroughly enjoying this series, for me it is engrossing and entertaining reading. Great storytelling with lovely strong characters. I recommend, can't wait to read the next book.
Loved it, I am thoroughly enjoying this series, for me it is engrossing and entertaining reading. Great storytelling with lovely strong characters. I recommend, can't wait to read the next book.
June 3, 2023
Great read
This read had me
entertained. From the beginning, the drama started. Some people just don't realize when someone is truly in love with them until it's too late. I recommend thus read.
This read had me
entertained. From the beginning, the drama started. Some people just don't realize when someone is truly in love with them until it's too late. I recommend thus read.
October 30, 2020
It was a great story. The characters kept you in suspense and thrilling.
January 9, 2021
Good book
I loved this book. It had so much action and mystery I n it and I love the who do
Done it mystery in it.
I loved this book. It had so much action and mystery I n it and I love the who do
Done it mystery in it.
January 10, 2021
I loved this book
I really loved this book. It has a great , believable story line. The characters were fully fleshed out. Great read.
I really loved this book. It has a great , believable story line. The characters were fully fleshed out. Great read.
March 10, 2021
I would have enjoyed it better, but the syntax in some of it, kept throwing me off. the disruptions had an impact on the flow for me.
March 26, 2021
"Explosive" was a very interesting and entertaining read. I loved the plot twists and the chemistry between the main characters. However, I didn't care for the change in the points of view between the chapters. Overall, I liked this narrative.
April 11, 2021
I usually don't go for contemporary novels but this is one of the best I've read in a long, long time. Love it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews