First rule in the sister’s handbook: don’t date your sister’s ex-boyfriend. Oops.
If there was one man on the planet I shouldn’t be looking at twice, it’s Daire Beneventi. Sure, he’s my sister’s ex, but he’s also the leather jacket to my quilt tote bag.
He rides a Harley, frowns at everyone who makes the mistake of glancing at him, and closes real estate deals that have more zeroes than the number of dates I’ve been on recently.
He’s all wrong for me, but now I’m tasked with training him at the center we both volunteer at in our off hours. Except, maybe he’s not the man I thought he was. He asks me to teach him how to be kind. I ask him to teach me how to have some adventure.
The big question is if this unlikely pairing is worth the backlash from my family. Could we actually ride his motorcycle off into the sunset?
Marika is a USA Today bestselling author writing steamy RomComs to make your heart explode and bring a smile to your face. She lives by the beach and posts a delightful number of hot lifeguard pictures.
Holy Frowny Frowncakes! I’ve been Daire’d and I am now one smitten kitten!
Be still my heart AND vagina, not necessarily in that order.
I could not wait to dive into this! At the end of Smarty Pants (book 3), I was all “Who IS this man?! I need more of him! And can I claim him right now?!” I was impatiently waiting for this book to find out more about this tatted up, leather jacket wearing, scowly, Harley-riding, sexy AF mofo.
And let me just say, he was worth the wait.
Daire hasn’t been seen around town for a couple of years. He was shunned by the town because of past actions and behavior. Mainly because of the way he treated his ex-girlfriend…aka Amelia, aka Izzy’s sister.
He got quite a slap of reality when his sister went through a traumatic experience and realizes he needs to become a better man. If not for himself, for his sister, for his parents, for Izzy.
I longed for his happiness, his acceptance. I felt a little protective of him, wanting to shield him from the town’s bitterness and hatred. But they were just being loyal, it’s who they are.
Izzy was the positive to his negative, the kindness to his assho-ness, the good to his bad, the smile to his frown. Izzy Waldo…always the quiet one. She was tired of being the innocent one, who felt like she didn’t fit in. She wanted to live a little.
These two together just made my heart so happy. She SEES him. He SEES her. They understand each other. They get each other.
I could actually visualize Daire changing in front of my eyes. Going from scowly & growly, feeling unworthy & unlovable, not good enough for Izzy, to determined & hopeful. I could also see the change in Izzy. From quiet and always being in the background, to being curious & eager, becoming a little less good and a little more bad. GAH! I loved these two! They couldn’t be more opposite, but they were absolutely perfect together.
The feels…SO MANY. The tingles…plentiful. *heart eyes* Humor…tons of it. Shenanigans? Duh. C’mon, it’s Auburn Hill. Heart… on every. single. page.
I couldn’t love this book any harder if I tried.
Truth or Daire? I’ll take Daire…Every. Time.
Since this is the last book in the Sisters from Hell series, we get a series epilogue at the end. And holy moly, I think I may have a little crush on Chief Waldo. I’ve loved him in all the books, but to get his POV? Yeah, I swooned a bit. And the rest of the family and their spouses… *sigh* I love them so hard. I’m pretty sure my eyes leaked a bit (damn pollen) because they all own a piece of my heart and I will miss them so much!
I Loved Izzy and Daire's story. He was the last person that she should be interested in since he was her sister's ex. Not only did her sister hate him but so did the entire town of Hell. It didn't take her long to realize that he was a changed man. His sister's assault made him look at things from a different viewpoint. He started volunteering at the ladies abuse shelter and was mentored by Izzy. She brought out the best in him and actually got him to smile occasionally. There was no shortage of drama from her four sisters or the town people. An explosive bon-fire, some misunderstandings but in the end a happy ending. The characters were likable and their chemistry was off the charts. A good story line with some twists. Heartwarming and nice to see how two people can change each others lives. I read a free advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review.
Ex Best Thing is the fourth and final book in Marika Ray's Sisters from Hell series. While it it not absolutely necessary to have read the previous books in the series (although I don't know why you wouldn't because this series is absolutely hysterical and hot) I do suggest at least reading, Unfriend Me, which is actually the third book in Marika's Jobs from Hell series. But since that book is one of the other Waldo sisters and features the hero in all of this terribleness that you need know so that when he completely redeems himself it's all the more satisfying.
It's no secret that I adore Marika's books and I've come to expect fun, laughter and absurdities from any story that is located in Auburn Hills. And while this book still had some of the quirks and silliness that I love, it also felt like a much more serious and had an edge of angst to it. But honestly- it was perfect for who the hero and heroine were. There are some slight discussions about domestic and sexual violence as a part of this story but nothing graphic or in depth to feel like a trigger. It was more along the lines of how to support a person who has dealt with these things and help them rather than hinder or hurt them more.
Izzy Waldo is not the outgoing, in your face wild woman that some of her sisters are. She is a gentler soul and is more of a behind the scenes force. This story might have the start of her little rebellion in it but even that was done in a tamer fashion than any of the other Waldo's. I was sure that Marika was just trying to throw us off with Izzy's teaser at the end of Smarty Pants, because there was NO way in my mind that sweet timid Izzy was going to be hooking up with Daire Beneventi- the guy that she had driven us to hate in Amelia's story. But Marika worked her story magic and not only gave Daire a plausible personality makeover but made him freaking swoon worthy as well!
Royal. Blue. Knitted. Slippers. Enough said.
Daire had his time as the villian for Amelia, but boy did he shine as the hero for Izzy. I loved seeing his rough edges smoothed out, not only by circumstances that hurt someone he loved but also by Izzy's kindness. Just like I loved seeing Izzy's get a boost of confidence and the fire to fight for what she wanted from Daire. They gave each other the thing they both wanted most: acceptance for who they are.
Then throw in an epilogue from Chief Waldo and this story had it all: sweetness, seriousness, heartbreak, love, wild fun, heat, and a few laughs along the way!
The final book in the Sisters From Hell series is Ex Best Thing, Izzy and Daire's story. Izzy is the quiet and strong sister that is the glue that can hold everyone together, while Daire is the brash and broody guy that does not have a great history in the town of Hell. But when these two come together something special happens, they each bring out the best in the other and we get to see new sides to their character. Izzy has always been the quiet one, and it was so very special to see her break out of that mold and be the bold woman she is, especially with Daire. I have loved each and every story in Auburn Hill and I hope that we get to see more of this fun, loving, laugh out loud town and its residents.
I’ve come to the end of the Waldo sisters’ books, and I just can’t force my brain to work out how to explain all the things I liked most about it. This book was funny and snarky in all the ways I love best about Auburn Hill. It mines unexpected depths of the human heart and psyche to bring us some universal truths that we’re maybe not as prepared to face as we ought to be. I loved seeing Daire get his redemption arc. I adored watching Izzy take center stage by storm and having her friends and family recognize everything she does for them. It’s silly and sweet and steamy, and above all things, I loved every moment I spent reading it. I hate that we’ll no longer be ensconced in the heart of the Waldo family, but I can’t wait until we get the chance to come back for more Hell. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
"For once in my goddamn life, I wanted to have a real friend and for some reason I couldn't fathom, my heart decided it had to be Izzy." -Daire Beneventi
My very first introduction to Marika Ray was when I read Ridin' Solo, the first book in the Sisters From Hell Series. Needless to say, I have been hooked ever since. Every book has exceeded all of my expectations, and then some. I will admit that Ex Best Thing...the fourth and final book in the series...is my absolute favorite. The author literally saved the best for last with finally telling Izzy's story.
Izzy Waldo is the quiet Waldo sister...the one that easily makes friends and then quietly blends into the background. One thing Izzy excels at is her creativity when it comes to baking. Her artistic flair carries over in her work, and often brings joy and laughter to the women at Gigi's House...the shelter for abused women. Her current creation just happens to be cookies that look like a male body part. Second guessing her decision to make them, she turns to leave the shelter, and literally walks into a man from the past...a man that once dated her sister...a man currently covered in her explicit cookies! Sisters before misters was a motto she grew up with, but that might be harder to follow than she realizes.
Daire Beneventi loves his little sister Giana and would do anything for her. She is not only his sister, she is also his best friend...the one person that knows him better than he knows himself. After Giana was assaulted by her boyfriend, she went to live at Gigi's House, a shelter for abused women. On her last day of living there, Daire goes to meet her, but things do not go as planned when he sees his ex's sister. He has enough to deal with, and the last thing he needs is any type of interaction with another Waldo sister.
The story that unfolds is absolutely amazing! First let me say that the writing of these characters is phenomenal! Izzy has always underestimated herself, but it is her quiet strength that attracts Daire. Daire is the "bad boy" that Izzy needs to avoid, but her heart is telling her something different. The entire "sisters before misters" motto is a struggle at first, but as Izzy gets to know Daire, that quickly changes. The chemistry between them is obvious, and definitely carries over into some steamy scenes. As soon as I read the line in the story that I quoted at the beginning of my review, I knew Daire was a lot more than just the bad boy exterior! Once again, Marika Ray has delivered a heartfelt story with some hilarious banter, and a love story every woman will relate to in one way or another.
In closing, I have to say that I'm sad to see this series come to an end. I have never come across a series that ended as perfectly as The Sisters From Hell. Marika Ray completley knocked it out of the park with the conclusion to this series.
I would like to thank Marika Ray for allowing me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Ex Best Thing. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
"Are we going on a date, or are we debating my angel status?"
Daire and Izzy are probably my favorite of the sisters and their significant others. For those familiar with Marika's books Daire previously appeared in Unfriend Me and was Amelia's jerk boyfriend. In Ex Best Thing he proves to be nothing like his former self. His eyes are opened when a tragic event strikes his sister. He decides to start volunteering at a shelter for battered/assaulted women and it is while there he meets up with Izzy Waldo, his ex-girlfriend's sister.
Izzy Waldo is the quiet one of the five Waldo sisters and in turn the least experienced. She is feeling more and more like an outsider as her sisters are finding forever with the men they love. She has a goal and that is to buy the bakery she works at so she is nonstop working and volunteering at Gigi's Place, which is where someone from her past shows up.....Daire!
Daire is in awe of Izzy...she is so kind and selfless. He cannot stop thinking about her and asks her to help him be a nicer person. Izzy in turn sees a side of him that is nothing like the reputation he left in Autumn Hill after his breakup with Amelia. Izzy is so torn between betraying her sister and wanting happiness for herself which she comes to realize is what she has with Daire.
I always love reading about the Waldo sisters but I have to say Izzy is for sure my favorite couple. They both grow so much together from the support each other gives. Daire goes above and beyond to prove his love for her because he feels he isn't good enough for her. Izzy becomes one strong woman in the course of this book and shows everyone she isn't as quiet and timid as they all think. These two definitely have many, many steamy moments as Daire shows Izzy what she has been missing all these years. Marika did another fantastic job giving us an HEA that was well deserved and the epilogue from Chief Waldo's point of view....perfect ending to this series!
“We all deserved that chance to be welcomed for who we strived to be.”
Ex Best Thing is the conclusion to the Sisters From Hell series and it was delightful. I think this may be my favorite Marika Ray book. Izzy and Daire are perfection.
“He was the fire to my water, seemingly incompatible, yet perfect together at keeping a harmonious balance.”
Izzy is the quiet sister. She hides from the world, but she’s got this huge heart that wants to always smooth things over for others. When she meets Daire again, there are instant sparks and with his help, she discovers a more adventurous side to herself and begins to stand up for what she wants.
“Truly seeing you for the first time at Gigi’s opened my eyes to the quiet strength that can move mountains.”
Daire had been horrible to Izzy’s sister, Amelia, but after his sister was assaulted, his outlook on life began to change. He finds himself drawn to Izzy’s kindness which makes him want to be a better person and he longs for a second chance to prove that he has changed.
“When I say I love you, I mean I will cherish you forever, always putting you first, and giving you everything in my power to give.”
These two together are sexy, sweet, and absolutely adorable. They give the other strength and bring out the best qualities in each other. They accept one another for who they are and it’s such a beautiful and loving relationship between two unexpected people. Izzy blossoms under Daire’s care while Daire softens under Izzy’s love.
Ex Best Thing was swoony deliciousness and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The epilogue is so heartwarming and it made me sad to say goodbye to the Waldo family.
This fourth book in the series is the story of Daire and Izzy. Though it can be read as a standalone, readers will find richer enjoyment from reading previous books about the Waldo sisters. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. I will be honest, when I discovered that the hero for Izzy was Daire, I was not sure how the author was going to pull that off. In “Unfriend Me”, Daire was not likable- AT ALL. In addition, there is a certain ick factor to dating a guy your sister already dated for a length of time. I should not have been worried though because the author made everything okay. Daire has and is changing when he runs into Izzy again. He falls fast for her quiet strength. Izzy is amazing: strong, beautiful, sensitive, sassy. caring. I ell in love with her character from the start. I love the vulnerability she shares with Daire. I love the sparks and the tenderness between them. I could feel the love. There are steamy moments, which highlight Daire’s care of Izzy and her trust in Daire.. There are several laugh out loud moments. There are even a few moments that brought a tear to my eye. The series epilogue is pure perfection. Chief Waldo in tears of joy is the best. I also loved that Issy’s mom, Susie, gets a larger role and appreciation for the rock that she is to the family. This is the perfect wrap to the sisters series. I cannot wait to meet the next round of characters from Hell. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Ex Best Thing (Sisters from Hell Book 4) Marika Ray
Not even sure I have the words for this one, other than I am sad to see this series come to an end. Clearly Marika kept the best sister for last! I'm sure you could read this as a stand alone, but to understand some of the characters and references, I'd suggest at least starting with the first in this series, but starting from the beginning of the Jobs from Hell series would be even better.
Izzy is the youngest and quietest of the Waldo sisters and is often overlooked by people, meaning Daire. But once Daire runs into her again, he notices her and wonders why he didn't before. These two are as opposite as they can be, but also push each other to be a better person. Daire pushes Izzy to be adventurous, and Izzy makes Daire want to be a much better person, and is he ever. For a bad boy, he certainly pulls off some swoon worthy times with Izzy. How this author made the guy every one hated into someone you want to love and be with is an amazing heat.
Frowny Frowncakes, Royal Blue Slippers - just some interesting things you should read to find out what it means. Marika Ray is one of my go to authors, especially when I am looking for some laughs and some swoon. She never disappoints me, and I anxiously await each of her book. If you have not read her, you definitely need to give her and this book a shot.'
Oh, I almost forgot the epilogue....I'm sad this series and trip to Hell (Auburn Hills) has come to an end, but hopefully we will get to revisit it again sometime.Ex Best Thing
How am I supposed to say goodbye to these sisters and all the laughs they’ve given me over the last year? Or what will I do without advice from Chief Waldo? I don’t have the answer to any of that but I do know that this was the best possible way for a series to end.
To be honest, I wasn’t too sure about the premise of this book because I wasn’t sure how a sister (who is very close with her sisters) getting with her sister’s jerk of an ex would work out! Especially sweet, quiet, Izzy, but she actually turned out to be a force to be reckoned with and showed that you don’t have to be loud to be strong. Daire showed that sometimes people really can change and it didn’t take me long to be rooting for him. Izzy was just the kind of girl a guy like Daire needed, and Daire was the perfect reformed bad boy (with a funny secret talent that’s not very bad boy-ish) that helped Izzy let loose a bit but also loved her for who she was. Of course, there was still the family drama to get through before their HEA but when it all works I definitely teared up a bit.
Steamy, funny, and heartfelt, this book had everything I love from this series and come to expect from any Marika Ray book, but instead of speeding through it I took my time because it’s the last book. I love how everything is wrapped up in an amazing Thanksgiving epilogue that gave me all the happy feels!
"His voice was the equivalent of the Italian affogato: vanilla bean ice cream drenched in espresso and drizzled with liqueur. Decadent, dangerous, and so delightful you couldn’t refuse." - Izzy
Lusting after your sister's ex... A big no no. Decorating him with frosted cookies... A bigger no no. When said cookies were shaped like man parts... All bets are off!
“Your eyes are one of the first things I noticed about you. Their color and the way they change is mesmerizing, but it’s more than that. It’s the way they see people from all walks of life and yet hold no judgement. That’s a rare find. Quite like the rarest of diamonds.”- Daire Beneventi
Daire Beneventi had always regarded himself as... Unlovable. Plenty of women lusted after him, would sleep with him, but none were the right fit, until Izzy....
Ex Best Thing was a wonderful story of second chances and accepting that someone is trying to change for the better. Izzy Waldo is the quiet sister, the one that takes care of everyone else, the steady, reliable one. Underneath her calm exterior is a woman in need of expanding her life beyond living with her sister and working in the local bakery.
Her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Daire, has a well-earned bad reputation but he is trying to change and be a better man. When Izzy and Daire are thrown together volunteering sparks start to fly. I love Daire’s determination to do better than he had in the past and Izzy’s ability to see that is changing and is a good man. Daire’s care and devotion to his sister in her time of need is a sign that he is a good man underneath it all.
I’m sorry this is the last of the Waldo sisters but I loved how the series wrapped up. I can’t wait to visit more of Hell. Marika Ray has a knack for creating lovable characters and setting them in memorable, quirky locations.
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.*
What a way to wrap up a Hell of a series. This may be my favorite of the series and I loved them all. Talk about a tricky situation. This is one of the trickiest situations
However, sometimes things aren’t always the way they appear. Sometimes people aren’t either. Even when we form our own opinions about them. I’ll just say guys knitting….turn on!
There’s so many thing to love about this story but I don’t want to spoil it. You need to read it for yourself.
One thing I found the most interesting is how people get lost in the family shuffle. How people just assign and assume things for others without giving them a say. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small family or a large family. It happens! Sometimes you need to stand up for yourself and do what you have to in spite of family opinion. You deserve to be heard and not taken for granted. People need to have faith in your opinion. Nice and being quiet doesn’t mean stupid or pushover.
This story brought so much to the table to think about. I love every funny, uncomfortable, emotional, touching moment. This is a true re-read for me. It just proves one person’s Hell is another person’s Heaven!!
Izzy Waldo has been my favorite sister from the start of the Sisters From Hell series, so it came as no surprise that her story was fantastic! Marika Ray really did save the best for last! Izzy is the quiet, giving sister. Never looking for attention or making waves, and always the caregiver and the peacemaker. But there’s so much more to Izzy than anyone, including her family, sees. Everyone except motorcycle riding, tatted, “frowns frowncake” Daire…her sister’s ex. This growly, gruff man, who learning to do the right thing, in part thanks to his own sister, can see the Izzy beneath the sweet, cupcake layer. This couple is combustible. Funny, sweet, sexy as heck…it’s all there. And I enjoyed every single minute. I loved Izzy’s newly discovered potty mouth, her backbone when standing up for her man to her sisters…who made me furious (especially the one who is my least favorite). I wanted to wrap my arms around Daire, who was just as sweet inside as he was salty on the surface. Izzy and Daire are my favorite couple of the series, hands down. They’re also one of my favorite people in anything I’ve read this year. I’m sad that the series is over but I hope we’ll see them again sometime. And that epilogue…brilliant!
The fourth and final book in the Sisters From Hell series and my favourite book of the series!
Izzy works her socks of and is always running here there and everywhere between her full time job and the volunteering she does there is not enough hours in the day. Of course Izzy being is when she is asked to show a new volunteer the ropes she didn't realise it was going to be her sisters ex! Her sisters very very hot ex.......things just got complicated!
Daire came across as a bit of a bad boy previously but since something happened with his sister he has looked at things from a different view. When he bumps into Izzy again.....well let's just say the sparks are flying and he falls fast for the beautiful, strong, caring woman that Izzy is.
I absolutely loved Daire and Izzy they were perfection. But I have to give a special mention to the legend that is Chief Waldo! That series epilogue from his point of view had me in floods of tears! I have loved every minute of my trip to hell with the sisters!
When I realized Izzy's book was coming next, I didn't know if there was a man out there who could be what she deserved. We have watched her love and support and help her sisters throughout this whole series, and she literally deserves EVERYTHING good in this world! But who could be that? Who could love and support her, without dimming her light? At first I really wasn't so sure about Daire, I had my reservations. But boy, I tell you what, watching him grow and change and learn and love prove that he is EXACTLY who and what Izzy needs! I'm so ridiculously sad about the Waldo sisters stories coming to an end, but DAMN did Marika make it a worthy finale to such an incredible series! And the epilogue... tears. I cried. It was beautiful and heartwarming, yet witty and infused with humor and Dad jokes. It was absolutely perfect, and I loved it so dang much! Five seagull spooking stars y'all, this is definitely one you don't want to miss!
What an end to the series!! We all know an Izzy in some form, the selfless one who always thinks of others before themselves and happily goes out of their way to help. Those type of people need a champion and someone to draw lines at where the goodness needs to stop before they're taken advantage of. Daire is just that for Isobel, but his past sours the possible future. I can't explain how much this relationship gave me all the feels. You cheer for Izzy, regret with Daire, and, believe me, you'll overall turn the pages at lightening speed with rapt anticipation throughout. The series is ended with the most heartfelt bonus epilogue by head of the family, Jim 'Sheriff' Waldo and really tops off the emotional freefall.
Note...as I'm based in Ireland, I mispronounced (in my head) Daire at the start of the story, as 'Dara'. We have that name here and can be spelled as Darragh too! It caught me out for a second when explained a few chapters in that its pronounced 'Dare'. Oopps!
When you are the most supportive sister and used to help in any way you can you might end up being taken for granted.
Izzy is a little bit invisible and very caring but she also has a different side, a fun and sassy adventurous personality she tends to hide. It’s something Daire seems to draw out of her while she’s getting his caring side into the open.
He used to be a bad guy but his siste being abused changed his view of the world and he’s ready to change. A sizzling attraction to the nice girl is also helping the process. It’s a unlikely match but they bring out the best in each other and really see the other person and I love the way he knows exactly how to treat her. I couldn’t put it down and I had a little reprieve from a very sad reality. It’s the last book in this series but I’m happy to say we’re not leaving this small town.
I was honoured to receive an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review. I loved this book so much a 5 🌟 just isn't high enough for this book.
Daire previously dated Amelia - Izzy's sister .... this did not end well so when Daire & Izzy bump into each other literally they both have to fight the rules about dating each other.
It's hard to believe that their chemistry is so intense for a pair that is opposite attract at the start. The quote that best sums this up is ......
"How did a man so wrong for me get everything so right?"
Just when you think it can't get any better, you come along this perfect mic 🎤 drop moment - but I won't ruin the last part of this sentence!!! .....
" The man with the leather and the Harley and the full sleeves of tattoos had ...................."
Well, this is going to be tied as my #1 in this series of books involving the Waldo sisters. I mean the witty lines were epic in this bad boy! I laughed pretty hard at some and definitely had a huge smile on my face for much of the story. The changes that both Izzy and Daire made in this book are for the better. Both needed to break out of the mold they were in, and it was done so freaking well! There is a good helping of forgiveness and growth, for many folks in this story, not just the main characters. Throw in some dildos, a motorcycle, heavy sarcasm, and steam and you've got a fantabulous story. And wait for it... the ending is the cream cheese frosting on the cake. It wraps up this series and leaves you satisfied, just without all the added calories.
I simply cannot recommend this enough!
I received an advanced copy of this gem, and this review is that of my own opinion.
✨A Top Read of 2021!!! ✨ I saw that this was a "sister's ex boyfriend" story and that TOTALLY piqued my interest! So Daire is basically ran out of town when his relationship with Amelia goes bad and he is a total jerk. He had to come back to help out his sister, who just went through a rough time. Daire runs into Izzy. And even though he didn't pay her much attention when he dated her sister..... he was paying all kinds of attention now! I felt the angst..... there was some very serious hotness!!! And a whole lot of swooning! For a self-proclaimed jerk he sure did a lot of swoony Hero things! Loved it 1000%!!! And that series epilogue was so sweet and fantastic!
Oh my heart! This book had all the feels without the angst. I absolutely loved the story of Daire and Izzy, they are my favorite from this series. Maybe it's because I relate to Izzy's quiet presentation that keeps people missing her true self or maybe because I'm a sucker for a redemption - but either way, I adored this story.
Marika has such a talent for balancing the struggle without making the reader feel gutted, and for causing tears of joy to well up (Just WAIT until you read the epilogue!). There's a reason she's one of my favorite authors and will continue to be. You really can't go wrong with her books, and this one is no exception.
The books in this series are so good! I think Izzy’s story is my favorite. She spent most of her young life working toward the goal of buying the bakery she works in while her sisters find love. When Amelia’s ex Daire comes back into town Izzy gets paired with him while volunteering at the shelter. She sees his honest approach at becoming a better person and develops feelings for him. To avoid her sister’s wrath, Izzy keeps her relationship with Daire a secret. Past circumstances come to life and Izzy makes a decision that risks her chance of a happy ever after with Daire. Can her sisters rally around her to help her get what she wants? The series epilogue is so sweet! I look forward to the next series from Hell!
What a fun read and perfect finale for the Sisters from Hell series with a great cast of characters, small town atmosphere, terrific family vibe and a wonderful romance. I loved the undeniable attraction and off-the-charts chemistry between the quiet Waldo sister, Izzy, and Daire Beneventi. sexy Harley-riding hunk who happens to be her sister's ex. If you enjoy well-crafted contemporary romance that will make you feel good, don't miss "Ex Best Thing" by gifted author Marika Ray. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
It wasn't hard for me to become a Daire fan, even though he was not really a nice guy. I guess I could kind of relate to him. I loved that his sister's situation made him want to be better. I loved that he could bring out something in Izzy that she was now ready for. I could relate to her on that level too. I loved that things for the two were kept under wraps. It was fun and spicy. I also loved how the Auburn Hills residents can stand with, and yet welcome, in their own unique way. I loved how the series was wrapped up too. It was a funny, fun, and spicy series.
I've been looking forward to Izzy's story for a while now, so I was delighted to discover what she'd been up to. And boy, did she rock the Waldo sisters boat!
I recall Daire from the earlier Hell series, and was so glad Ms Ray chose to redeem his character... because Mr Frowny Frowncakes is a beautifully reformed rake. 😍 I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Daire and Izzy, not to mention the usual fun and quirky town interactions.
For readers into troupes/themes, this novel has some 'Beauty and the Beast' vibes running through it. 😉
This is so much fun to read. I was ss into the story because it was an enjoyable read. I finished it in just one sitting. Daire and Izzy's story was well-written.
I liked how Daire's character was written and portrayed. I feel sorry for how he was so misunderstood and unwelcomed after what he did to Izzy's sister. But now he's a changed man after what happened to his sister. And Izzy somehow made him want to be a better person. I loved these two. They were just so sweet together. And I loved that Izzy always stands by his side, except for that misunderstanding. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
Quite the finally to the sister's from Hell. Loved every sarcastic second of this book. The two main protagonists are everything you could want from a Marika Ray novel. I highly recommend this entire series and this final episode in the series. Start at the beginning because even though they are said to be individual books you, the reader, will be a little lost without starting from the first book, heck even the first book in the Jobs from Hell series. Read and enjoy!
I really hated to see the Sisters from Hell series come to an end but oh my Marika Ray sure knows how to send a series off with a bang! I absolutely loved Izzy and Daire. This was such an incredible story of redemption for Daire and I loved how strong he made Izzy. Oh and that epilogue brought tears to my eyes and had me laughing out loud at the same time.