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Bitter Ex-Wife
Marrying a woman based on her looks was one of the worst decisions Lionel Nikimbe ever made. After a decade long marriage filled with embarrassment, cheating, and lies, he finally divorces his wife Nova and pursues the true love of his life. When Lionel is reacquainted with his high school sweetheart, Zenobia Charles he believes that he finally has a chance to be happy. Unfortunately, his bitter ex-wife refuses to let him find happiness with another woman.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2020
262 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Grant
90 books952 followersOctavia Grant discovered her passion for creative writing in 2002 during her junior year at Georgetown High School in Georgetown, South Carolina. She began writing professionally in 2016 and, two years later, took full ownership of her literary career by becoming an independent author. A bestselling black thriller author and the bestselling author of Cutthroat, Octavia has penned more than 30 novels known for their psychological depth and gripping suspense.
Her work and voice have earned national recognition, including speaking on the Thrilling Tales Author Panel at ESSENCE Fest, Thriller Panelist at National Book Club Conference (NBCC), interview with Narrator iiKane, literary reviewer and film commentator Tamara Walker of Tam Telling Tales, and features in WYB Lifestyle, VoyageJacksonville, Canvas Rebel, and Bold Journey. She has also been honored as one of 160 Black Women in Horror and received multiple accolades for her psychological thriller novella Dear Vicky, including the Black Girls Who Write It’s Lit Award for Best Black Mystery/Suspense, the Audio in Black North Star Award, and the AAMBC Award for Mystery/Thriller Book of the Year.
In addition to these achievements, Octavia has been named Best Thriller/Suspense Horror Author by the Literary Gem Awards and Best Female Author by the Get Caught Up Podcast. Her storytelling continues to push boundaries within the thriller genre, centering bold narratives that captivate, challenge, and resonate with readers worldwide.
Her work and voice have earned national recognition, including speaking on the Thrilling Tales Author Panel at ESSENCE Fest, Thriller Panelist at National Book Club Conference (NBCC), interview with Narrator iiKane, literary reviewer and film commentator Tamara Walker of Tam Telling Tales, and features in WYB Lifestyle, VoyageJacksonville, Canvas Rebel, and Bold Journey. She has also been honored as one of 160 Black Women in Horror and received multiple accolades for her psychological thriller novella Dear Vicky, including the Black Girls Who Write It’s Lit Award for Best Black Mystery/Suspense, the Audio in Black North Star Award, and the AAMBC Award for Mystery/Thriller Book of the Year.
In addition to these achievements, Octavia has been named Best Thriller/Suspense Horror Author by the Literary Gem Awards and Best Female Author by the Get Caught Up Podcast. Her storytelling continues to push boundaries within the thriller genre, centering bold narratives that captivate, challenge, and resonate with readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 9, 2024
Whew chyyyyyy now yall already know how Octavia Grant is coming so I don’t need to deep dive into her mental instability 🤣🤣
In the beginning I felt sorry for Lionel but has the book progressed, he got everything he deserved! The man was triflin and the ONLY person I feel bad for in this book is Tracey! She was a casualty of war between two bitter ex’s! I can’t even put all the blame on Nova because even though she was psychotic, she only did what Lionel allowed!
He should’ve listened to his mama instead of being Mr. Know it all because he quickly fkd around and found out! Nova was messy, Zee was messy and Rosalyn was messy!! The whole book looked and smelled like a baby’s dirty diaper 😩😩😩….. there were a few discrepancies that didn’t match so while this could’ve been a 4 I had to take a star off. Still a really good entertaining read!
In the beginning I felt sorry for Lionel but has the book progressed, he got everything he deserved! The man was triflin and the ONLY person I feel bad for in this book is Tracey! She was a casualty of war between two bitter ex’s! I can’t even put all the blame on Nova because even though she was psychotic, she only did what Lionel allowed!
He should’ve listened to his mama instead of being Mr. Know it all because he quickly fkd around and found out! Nova was messy, Zee was messy and Rosalyn was messy!! The whole book looked and smelled like a baby’s dirty diaper 😩😩😩….. there were a few discrepancies that didn’t match so while this could’ve been a 4 I had to take a star off. Still a really good entertaining read!
August 25, 2024
This book had me yelling at the pages! Nova was so damn annoying!! Lionel knew damn well he wasn’t one to jungle more than one woman yet he let his loneliness & horniness take over his decision making skills! To have a love like he did with Tracey & then it be taken away is heartbreaking & I don’t wish that on anyone. The way the story unfolded & ended had my mouth wide open!
January 19, 2021
Crazy!
Nova is one crazy woman! I liked Lionel in the beginning, but once he made that bad choice (text) shit went downhill and honestly he's to blame! Good crazy story.
Nova is one crazy woman! I liked Lionel in the beginning, but once he made that bad choice (text) shit went downhill and honestly he's to blame! Good crazy story.
June 21, 2024
Nova was crazy as hell but Lionel is the real monster here..
May 29, 2024
MESSY 🫗
I liked Lionel in the beginning but after a while his bad decision making made me disgusted with him. For a multi-millionaire he was stupid as hell and only thought with his beef stick. I can’t even feel bad for him. Man, Octavia and her plot twists lol.
I liked Lionel in the beginning but after a while his bad decision making made me disgusted with him. For a multi-millionaire he was stupid as hell and only thought with his beef stick. I can’t even feel bad for him. Man, Octavia and her plot twists lol.
July 29, 2024
Chile listen… Nova and Lionel wore me completely out. 🤦🏾♀️ Like ma’am, let that man be!
Nova was definitely on some you f&$k with me you stuck with me type vibes. He done moved on and she was just like nope! We go together real bad 😂.
Lionel wasn’t an angel by any means though. While I don’t feel like he led her on, his “no” wasn’t firm enough, and that’s why she kept playing in his face. Bitter Ex-Wife for sure. The mouth on Lionel though. Some of the things he said had me like 😳. We definitely would’ve been tussling.
Lionel’s mom🤦🏾♀️ Lady go sit DOWN. 🙄
That ending was crazy. Novaaaaaaaa like why?!?!?!?
Another excellent read from one of my favs.
Title: Bitter Ex-Wife
Author: Octavia Taneka Grant
Genre: Thriller | Suspense
Pages: 138
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #89 for 2024
Nova was definitely on some you f&$k with me you stuck with me type vibes. He done moved on and she was just like nope! We go together real bad 😂.
Lionel wasn’t an angel by any means though. While I don’t feel like he led her on, his “no” wasn’t firm enough, and that’s why she kept playing in his face. Bitter Ex-Wife for sure. The mouth on Lionel though. Some of the things he said had me like 😳. We definitely would’ve been tussling.
Lionel’s mom🤦🏾♀️ Lady go sit DOWN. 🙄
That ending was crazy. Novaaaaaaaa like why?!?!?!?
Another excellent read from one of my favs.
Title: Bitter Ex-Wife
Author: Octavia Taneka Grant
Genre: Thriller | Suspense
Pages: 138
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book #89 for 2024
August 8, 2024
Tell Death Do Us Part
Nova, and Lionel worked my nerves the entire time! So much going on this one. Very good. Grant has done it again!
Nova, and Lionel worked my nerves the entire time! So much going on this one. Very good. Grant has done it again!
June 18, 2021
Bitter and crazy
Nova was bitter and crazy. But why is it the one who does the dirt always fights for what they didn't appreciate? Now Lionel's crazy was a whole different ball game. He almost deserved what he got, playing games. Between the two of them, I don't know who was worse. And it's hard to win against a scorned woman.
That twist at the end - I had waited for the entire time; mama's always right!
Even though I read this book nonstop, the lack of editing pushed me to rate 3 stars. The editor really needs to pay attention to punctuation and proper sentence structure. And the errors with to/too, threw/through, etc drove me nuts.
Nova was bitter and crazy. But why is it the one who does the dirt always fights for what they didn't appreciate? Now Lionel's crazy was a whole different ball game. He almost deserved what he got, playing games. Between the two of them, I don't know who was worse. And it's hard to win against a scorned woman.
That twist at the end - I had waited for the entire time; mama's always right!
Even though I read this book nonstop, the lack of editing pushed me to rate 3 stars. The editor really needs to pay attention to punctuation and proper sentence structure. And the errors with to/too, threw/through, etc drove me nuts.
August 6, 2024
There’s always a backstory….
Full disclosure this review has spoilers…Lionel is something else. He comes off as this loyal guy… this gentleman. But the minute he’s upset he unleashes a level of nastiness that should never be displayed towards a person you love. Personally I think he deserved Nova and I’ll tell you why... He supposedly was married to the wrong woman aka Nova.. She was a piece of work… but he chose her. Married her and she gave him hell. Instead of him moving onward and upward. He made some lateral moves which led to his demise. He divorced Nova after learning of her vicious affairs and the possibility of his baby girl being someone else’s daughter. Nova couldn’t handle the separation and made sure to make his life unbearable as often as she could. Lionel then decides to begin a relationship with his secretary (because this man loves to shit where he eats) Tracey. Tracey supposedly can’t have children yet effortlessly becomes pregnant after several months of being intimate with Lionel. He decides it’s imperative for her to move in with him because her home is inadequate for her- let alone a child or a family. She begins feeling insecure about not working and being alone a lot… (something Nova also speaks of) so she accuses him of cheating. He then responds by mocking her infertility and saying a ton of hurtful things. He also tells her to pack her “shit” and take it back to her condo. That she’s ungrateful and he doesn’t want her at his place. She says that’s fine and she would leave. After they both speak to his mom they come their senses and speak on the phone. She says I’ll be back in the morning. He tells her to stay at her condo for a few days because he needs space. She argues against it. He says no and his decision is final. Then hangs up. The same night Tracey dies in a fire with their unborn child. He then breaks down and goes into depression. During Tracey’s funeral he meets his teenaged love Zenobia… he lies to her from the beginning (according to him pretending she was Tracey was better than being alone)- she’s upfront with him asking him about his ex wife, asking about his intentions. Lionel begins sleeping with Nova after one drunk night. He begins sleeping with her on and off. He and Zenobia, begin hanging out. He continues to lie to Zenobia and even proposes to her. Nova comes to Lionel’s house one night and catches him and Zenobia mid tryst. She beats on Zenobia and reveals the truth with video footage of their sexual encounters. This time Zenobia trusts her gut throws the engagement ring on Lionel’s couch and gets out of there asap. The story goes on and reveals that Lionel is also sleeping with his ex mother in law and his ex wife simultaneously- but only after he discovered Nova’s infidelities. Rosalyn, the MIL, seduces him into sleeping with her and they begin an arrangement of casual sex and payments. He later finds out that Zenobia is pregnant and tells his mom he doesn’t want a baby with anyone but Tracey, yet the moment he sees Zenobia he lies AGAIN and says he doesn’t want her to get rid of the baby. And proposed to her AGAIN! And she accepted it again like girl what? Anyway of course Lionel tells Nova about the engagement and she goes off the deep end. She kidnaps Zenobia and SOME MORE tea gets revealed. Which is Kayla is not Lionel’s child. Nova then kills her. She also admits to killing Tracey. Then the heifer dies once the police arrive giving her the ability to carry out her curse against him in full… she would be his last wife or she would ruin his life. And she did… cause the police arrived just in time for her to die and him to be caught with a weapon that murdered both Zenobia and Nova. Unbelievable. He mid key deserved it.
Full disclosure this review has spoilers…Lionel is something else. He comes off as this loyal guy… this gentleman. But the minute he’s upset he unleashes a level of nastiness that should never be displayed towards a person you love. Personally I think he deserved Nova and I’ll tell you why... He supposedly was married to the wrong woman aka Nova.. She was a piece of work… but he chose her. Married her and she gave him hell. Instead of him moving onward and upward. He made some lateral moves which led to his demise. He divorced Nova after learning of her vicious affairs and the possibility of his baby girl being someone else’s daughter. Nova couldn’t handle the separation and made sure to make his life unbearable as often as she could. Lionel then decides to begin a relationship with his secretary (because this man loves to shit where he eats) Tracey. Tracey supposedly can’t have children yet effortlessly becomes pregnant after several months of being intimate with Lionel. He decides it’s imperative for her to move in with him because her home is inadequate for her- let alone a child or a family. She begins feeling insecure about not working and being alone a lot… (something Nova also speaks of) so she accuses him of cheating. He then responds by mocking her infertility and saying a ton of hurtful things. He also tells her to pack her “shit” and take it back to her condo. That she’s ungrateful and he doesn’t want her at his place. She says that’s fine and she would leave. After they both speak to his mom they come their senses and speak on the phone. She says I’ll be back in the morning. He tells her to stay at her condo for a few days because he needs space. She argues against it. He says no and his decision is final. Then hangs up. The same night Tracey dies in a fire with their unborn child. He then breaks down and goes into depression. During Tracey’s funeral he meets his teenaged love Zenobia… he lies to her from the beginning (according to him pretending she was Tracey was better than being alone)- she’s upfront with him asking him about his ex wife, asking about his intentions. Lionel begins sleeping with Nova after one drunk night. He begins sleeping with her on and off. He and Zenobia, begin hanging out. He continues to lie to Zenobia and even proposes to her. Nova comes to Lionel’s house one night and catches him and Zenobia mid tryst. She beats on Zenobia and reveals the truth with video footage of their sexual encounters. This time Zenobia trusts her gut throws the engagement ring on Lionel’s couch and gets out of there asap. The story goes on and reveals that Lionel is also sleeping with his ex mother in law and his ex wife simultaneously- but only after he discovered Nova’s infidelities. Rosalyn, the MIL, seduces him into sleeping with her and they begin an arrangement of casual sex and payments. He later finds out that Zenobia is pregnant and tells his mom he doesn’t want a baby with anyone but Tracey, yet the moment he sees Zenobia he lies AGAIN and says he doesn’t want her to get rid of the baby. And proposed to her AGAIN! And she accepted it again like girl what? Anyway of course Lionel tells Nova about the engagement and she goes off the deep end. She kidnaps Zenobia and SOME MORE tea gets revealed. Which is Kayla is not Lionel’s child. Nova then kills her. She also admits to killing Tracey. Then the heifer dies once the police arrive giving her the ability to carry out her curse against him in full… she would be his last wife or she would ruin his life. And she did… cause the police arrived just in time for her to die and him to be caught with a weapon that murdered both Zenobia and Nova. Unbelievable. He mid key deserved it.
October 17, 2024
Nah, Mother definitely knows best 🤦🏾♀️ I only feel bad for Tracey she ain't deserve to be caught up in that situation, Nova is a sick b**th, and she really got some damn nerve, Zeta or w.e tf her name wanna be just was a waste of time tbh she jus was a sneaky ass victim I guess to just add on to the plot which is still crazy like wow small world 😭 but had that man listened to his mama things could've went better somewhat....Nova was still crazy so probably not that b**th was just going to do whatever she needed to do get Lionel back or ruin his life when in all honestly she had no reason to do, but interesting read overall.
June 15, 2024
Now that’s trifling.
Nova wasn’t a wife. She was a scheming, conniving puppet master.
Lionel and Tracey didn’t have a chance. As much as he loved that woman, they would’ve never worked as long as Nova breathed air. And the way she set him up in the end was nothing short of poetic justice. Lionel really should have grieved his relationship with the one woman he claimed he loved forever.
Nova wasn’t a wife. She was a scheming, conniving puppet master.
Lionel and Tracey didn’t have a chance. As much as he loved that woman, they would’ve never worked as long as Nova breathed air. And the way she set him up in the end was nothing short of poetic justice. Lionel really should have grieved his relationship with the one woman he claimed he loved forever.
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November 28, 2025“Everything that looks good, isn’t good for you.”
If you are looking for a fast paced novella with
a chaotic romance & unhinged characters then this is the book for you.
This is the first story I’ve read from O. Grant that felt fragmented. I’m not sure if it was the writing style choice of the sequence of events. But, this one wasn’t very cohesive.
I enjoyed the central plot & the where the story was trying to go. But, I wouldn’t reread this.
If you are looking for a fast paced novella with
a chaotic romance & unhinged characters then this is the book for you.
This is the first story I’ve read from O. Grant that felt fragmented. I’m not sure if it was the writing style choice of the sequence of events. But, this one wasn’t very cohesive.
I enjoyed the central plot & the where the story was trying to go. But, I wouldn’t reread this.
January 11, 2021
Kinda Stuck on Stupid!!
This book was like a movies, and Nova is beyond crazy. She was insane and how could Lionel, be so rich and accomplished be so stupid and not see her for who she is. This was a good read and a good stand alone. I would recommend this book and now I'm on the hunt for another read by this author.
This book was like a movies, and Nova is beyond crazy. She was insane and how could Lionel, be so rich and accomplished be so stupid and not see her for who she is. This was a good read and a good stand alone. I would recommend this book and now I'm on the hunt for another read by this author.
June 29, 2021
The Crazy Ex
The book had a great storyline but there were a lot of grammar errors. At one time the man penis was 9 then it jump to 10. It seem like he didn’t have much of a relationship with his daughter when he was with Tracy or maybe that was left out. Also, I’m wondering why the French translation had to be in such small print. All in all it was a good plot and ended good.
The book had a great storyline but there were a lot of grammar errors. At one time the man penis was 9 then it jump to 10. It seem like he didn’t have much of a relationship with his daughter when he was with Tracy or maybe that was left out. Also, I’m wondering why the French translation had to be in such small print. All in all it was a good plot and ended good.
September 17, 2024
At first Lionel was ok and Tracey was good for him but after she was killed. He was just a dumb ass making bad decision after bad decision. I dont know why he let the BS with his ex wife Nova go on as long as it did. You shoulda been called them people on her. You should have listened to yo mama now look at cha...smh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
What is the absolute Fukkkk did I just read
Yo, everyone was on something in this book. Only regular people was Kayla and Haji 😂😂 Lionel out here spreading love in the community, Tracey knew Nova was on one and still got with that man.. girl didn’t you see that bihh was delulu, Zenobia out here planting fake test, Roslyn a bad mother and a hoe.. like next to no one was redeemable… great work OG
Yo, everyone was on something in this book. Only regular people was Kayla and Haji 😂😂 Lionel out here spreading love in the community, Tracey knew Nova was on one and still got with that man.. girl didn’t you see that bihh was delulu, Zenobia out here planting fake test, Roslyn a bad mother and a hoe.. like next to no one was redeemable… great work OG
January 15, 2021
**WHOA!!!!!!!**
That book was absolutely awesome!!!!!! Nova was crazy as hell!!! Zenobia I am on the fence about. Lionel was a victim and a puppet! Haji was wise beyond her years!!! Poor Kayla!!! I felt really bad for Tracey!!! Great read!!!!!
That book was absolutely awesome!!!!!! Nova was crazy as hell!!! Zenobia I am on the fence about. Lionel was a victim and a puppet! Haji was wise beyond her years!!! Poor Kayla!!! I felt really bad for Tracey!!! Great read!!!!!
February 13, 2021
Crazy!!
He opened up another form of crazy with Nova. I feel little sympathy as he knew she was off and continued to play with her feelings. You lost a good one with Tracey and come to find out she was killed for nonsense. His mother tried to warn him about his destruction.
He opened up another form of crazy with Nova. I feel little sympathy as he knew she was off and continued to play with her feelings. You lost a good one with Tracey and come to find out she was killed for nonsense. His mother tried to warn him about his destruction.
May 25, 2021
Twisted
Lionel was an absolute and complete idiot! He should have listened to Haji on everything and he wouldn't be hurt. Had he kept Nova's trifling, crazy, self-absorbed tail away he'd be living a sweet life with the one he loves and his real child. Treat yourself, read it!!!
Lionel was an absolute and complete idiot! He should have listened to Haji on everything and he wouldn't be hurt. Had he kept Nova's trifling, crazy, self-absorbed tail away he'd be living a sweet life with the one he loves and his real child. Treat yourself, read it!!!
September 24, 2025
This was my second read by OG and after cutthroat I was a bit worried that it would fall flat. I kind felt it was a slow burn but baby when it heated up she do NOT disappoint! I only wished it was longer and maybe a few more plot twist in the beginning but overall it all came together and to an interesting close!
November 16, 2025
Another One!!
This was a whirlwind. It begin a little slower than most of the books I have read by Octavia Grant. However , the story did not disappoint. I was again left with my mouth opened at the end.
This was a whirlwind. It begin a little slower than most of the books I have read by Octavia Grant. However , the story did not disappoint. I was again left with my mouth opened at the end.
December 16, 2020
Lionel was just as crazy as Nova! Sleeping with your ex mother in law, crazy! Nova got played him to a T!
December 28, 2020
Bitter ex-wife
great page turner, awesome storyline. I wish there was a sequel but it all ended in the story. Good read.
great page turner, awesome storyline. I wish there was a sequel but it all ended in the story. Good read.
January 4, 2021
Crazy never wins
This title totally tells a story, this ex was crazy! How can you love someone so much and make their life crazy? What a story!
This title totally tells a story, this ex was crazy! How can you love someone so much and make their life crazy? What a story!
January 7, 2021
Mother knows best
This book was sooo good. Lionel was dumb as a box of rocks. Due to his horrible choices in women he chose his own demise. He should have listened to his mother.
This book was sooo good. Lionel was dumb as a box of rocks. Due to his horrible choices in women he chose his own demise. He should have listened to his mother.
January 15, 2021
Good book
I like all your books. NO Wait no why did you end the book like that. Omg. I need to know why. Nova was a crazy chick .
I like all your books. NO Wait no why did you end the book like that. Omg. I need to know why. Nova was a crazy chick .
February 6, 2021
Damn
Th This book was very good I recommend everybody to read this book I wish it was a part two. Octavia never disappoints me, she didn't come to play when she writes.
Th This book was very good I recommend everybody to read this book I wish it was a part two. Octavia never disappoints me, she didn't come to play when she writes.
February 6, 2021
This book was unbelievable and a page turner from the beginning. Lionel should have gotten counseling because he was sicker than Nova. So much hurt and pain!
February 23, 2021
OMG this book
This was soooooo good!! I couldn’t put the book down!! I’m so ready to see what happens next!!! Gracious goodness
This was soooooo good!! I couldn’t put the book down!! I’m so ready to see what happens next!!! Gracious goodness
March 4, 2021
Butter she was!
Nova was a crazy person for real. Now this fool had the mama, daughter and sister. You was a bad ma.
Nova was a crazy person for real. Now this fool had the mama, daughter and sister. You was a bad ma.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews