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The Debutante Rules #3
Don't Marry the Ex
Rule #3: Avoid horridly handsome exes at all costs!
Fancy schools and business know-how didn't prepare me for loving Sawyer Lanford, a man who challenged my upbringing and whose ring I planned to wear.
Until he ended things with a whole lot of nothing as an explanation.
Brokenhearted, I picked up the pieces, put Sawyer behind me, and vowed to never be duped by a man again.
A year later, Sawyer is back and he's not the same guy. Those heart-melting eyes shoot daggers my way, and the smile I once loved is really more of a sneer.
But when I find out the truth behind our breakup, it becomes the force that might heal our broken hearts, or deepen the rift between us until it's impossible to heal.
Welcome back to Honeyville, a small-town filled with sassy, strong women and the swoony Southern guys who love them. Toe-curling kisses and happily ever afters are guaranteed.
Fancy schools and business know-how didn't prepare me for loving Sawyer Lanford, a man who challenged my upbringing and whose ring I planned to wear.
Until he ended things with a whole lot of nothing as an explanation.
Brokenhearted, I picked up the pieces, put Sawyer behind me, and vowed to never be duped by a man again.
A year later, Sawyer is back and he's not the same guy. Those heart-melting eyes shoot daggers my way, and the smile I once loved is really more of a sneer.
But when I find out the truth behind our breakup, it becomes the force that might heal our broken hearts, or deepen the rift between us until it's impossible to heal.
Welcome back to Honeyville, a small-town filled with sassy, strong women and the swoony Southern guys who love them. Toe-curling kisses and happily ever afters are guaranteed.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2021
117 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Emily Childs
30 books366 followersI live in Utah with my husband, our four kids, our dog who thinks she is human, and a rather suspicious cat. A fantasy anthology which included my work in 2018 hit the USA Today Bestseller's list. I have written several fantasy and romance novels and adore both genres!
You'll most likely find me when I'm not writing trying to keep up with the kids, daydreaming, spending time in the mountains, and drinking too much caffeine.
You'll most likely find me when I'm not writing trying to keep up with the kids, daydreaming, spending time in the mountains, and drinking too much caffeine.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 23, 2021
Another untrusting hero
He is engaged or almost engaged and he just ups and leaves her breaking her heart. But why? Because everybody else in their lives decided to sabotage what they had. There was his partner, her Father, and a multitude of misunderstandings and non communication. I th I k if I was the hero, I would have really hurt the partner after what he did. Physically. And then he not only put the death knell on his relationship, he set him up on blind dates to help him move on. It didn't work. He loved the heroine and she loved him even after all the pain and duplicity they went through. I liked that they found their way back to each other and never moved on. Very simple sweet story. I would definitely read this author again.
He is engaged or almost engaged and he just ups and leaves her breaking her heart. But why? Because everybody else in their lives decided to sabotage what they had. There was his partner, her Father, and a multitude of misunderstandings and non communication. I th I k if I was the hero, I would have really hurt the partner after what he did. Physically. And then he not only put the death knell on his relationship, he set him up on blind dates to help him move on. It didn't work. He loved the heroine and she loved him even after all the pain and duplicity they went through. I liked that they found their way back to each other and never moved on. Very simple sweet story. I would definitely read this author again.
June 23, 2021
Everyone knows how much I love finding new authors. It's something that I'm constantly doing. I want to be the first of my friends to find a book and then scream about it from the rooftops. That is exactly what is happening with this book. But, sadly, it's not going to be a good scream from the rooftops.
As I'm reading this book, I'm getting a weird sense of deja vu. The more I read, the angrier I become. If you're a Jennifer Peel fan and you start reading this book, then you'll probably feel the same way. This book is pretty much a copy of My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé. There are just WAY too many things in this book for it to be a coincidence.
The heroes in both books are heartbroken and jilted. Both heroes leave and come back after making it big by creating an app. Both heroes are set on getting even with the heroines to show them what they've lost. Both heroes have a special tattoo for the heroines. Both heroes have a brother that works with them. Said brothers both date a boutique owner named Marlow(e). Both heroines have the same saying... Oh Mylanta! Both couples were going to elope until they discovered "the big secret" and breakup. The reason behind the breakup is the exact same except flipped. There are more similarities but you guys get the picture. Again... WAY too many things to be considered a coincidence.
I have to admit, I've looked at other books by this author and between the synopsis and titles, they sound an awful lot like other books I've read by other authors. What in the world is wrong with people? I get that you really can't do original stories because everything has been done over and over again. But to copy someone else's work, switch details around and claim it as your own? Did the author think that no one would notice that she copied Jennifer Peel's book? Did she not think that fans of Jennifer Peel's would be reading her books? Did she think that no one would call her out on it? Well guess what! Here I am... calling her out. Sorry, not sorry. I know these kinds of things happen more than I realize but I never thought I would see it in any of the books I read. This is disgusting and extremely unprofessional. How many other authors has she done this to? One thing is for sure... I will be telling EVERYONE I know NOT to read anything by this author.
As I'm reading this book, I'm getting a weird sense of deja vu. The more I read, the angrier I become. If you're a Jennifer Peel fan and you start reading this book, then you'll probably feel the same way. This book is pretty much a copy of My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiancé. There are just WAY too many things in this book for it to be a coincidence.
The heroes in both books are heartbroken and jilted. Both heroes leave and come back after making it big by creating an app. Both heroes are set on getting even with the heroines to show them what they've lost. Both heroes have a special tattoo for the heroines. Both heroes have a brother that works with them. Said brothers both date a boutique owner named Marlow(e). Both heroines have the same saying... Oh Mylanta! Both couples were going to elope until they discovered "the big secret" and breakup. The reason behind the breakup is the exact same except flipped. There are more similarities but you guys get the picture. Again... WAY too many things to be considered a coincidence.
I have to admit, I've looked at other books by this author and between the synopsis and titles, they sound an awful lot like other books I've read by other authors. What in the world is wrong with people? I get that you really can't do original stories because everything has been done over and over again. But to copy someone else's work, switch details around and claim it as your own? Did the author think that no one would notice that she copied Jennifer Peel's book? Did she not think that fans of Jennifer Peel's would be reading her books? Did she think that no one would call her out on it? Well guess what! Here I am... calling her out. Sorry, not sorry. I know these kinds of things happen more than I realize but I never thought I would see it in any of the books I read. This is disgusting and extremely unprofessional. How many other authors has she done this to? One thing is for sure... I will be telling EVERYONE I know NOT to read anything by this author.
November 17, 2024
Another fun installment to a fun series
I enjoyed Dot & Sawyer's story. They went a little too long before they talked about what happened to break them up, but it was otherwise entertaining. And there's a lot of potential characters for more books in the series! 🤔
*Romance level: passionate kisses, open-ended possibility of sleeping together, but is never stated & no graphic details
************************************************
[RE: PLAGIARISM - SPOILERS AHEAD]
(EDITING 3 YEARS AFTER WRITING THIS TO ADD THAT I'VE NOW READ ALL OF THE AUTHOR'S BOOKS & BELIEVE THE PLAGIARISM ACCUSATIONS ARE UNFOUNDED)
I don't know about the accusations of plagiarism. It's possible some changes have been made to the text since those reviews? However, as it is now, there are only some superficial similarities to Jennifer Peel's My Not-So-Wicked Ex-Fiance book, & I'm not a legal expert on the subject, but the author seems to have made the story her own
Oh Mylanta as a substitute swear was popularized by Candace Cameron Bure's character on the old TV series "Full House". It didn't originate from Peel, so arguably, she borrowed it, too. It's niche popular, & I've seen it used in a half dozen books with southern women characters, as well as numerous places on the internet if you search it.
A young woman being manipulated apart from her true love by snobby or ambitious parents isn't even remotely a unique trope. Nor was faking photos to do it. And the motivations, while similar in general, were different in specifics.
The part about the jilter having to re-earn the jilted's trust is just basic human psychology. And the ending is very different
Honestly the part in this book with Veronica the bombshell financial planner was what stuck out the most as questionable to me because there's a similar character & situation like that in Emma St Clair's Falling for Your Best Friend's Twin - but even that seemed different enough in the details not to constitute plagiarism.
I read a lot of romance books. There are a LOT of similarities between them. I certainly want to be supportive of my favorite authors & avoid supporting thieves. At this point, I can only keep an eye out for it & reserve judgment till I have more to go on
I enjoyed Dot & Sawyer's story. They went a little too long before they talked about what happened to break them up, but it was otherwise entertaining. And there's a lot of potential characters for more books in the series! 🤔
*Romance level: passionate kisses, open-ended possibility of sleeping together, but is never stated & no graphic details
************************************************
[RE: PLAGIARISM - SPOILERS AHEAD]
(EDITING 3 YEARS AFTER WRITING THIS TO ADD THAT I'VE NOW READ ALL OF THE AUTHOR'S BOOKS & BELIEVE THE PLAGIARISM ACCUSATIONS ARE UNFOUNDED)
I don't know about the accusations of plagiarism. It's possible some changes have been made to the text since those reviews? However, as it is now, there are only some superficial similarities to Jennifer Peel's My Not-So-Wicked Ex-Fiance book, & I'm not a legal expert on the subject, but the author seems to have made the story her own
Oh Mylanta as a substitute swear was popularized by Candace Cameron Bure's character on the old TV series "Full House". It didn't originate from Peel, so arguably, she borrowed it, too. It's niche popular, & I've seen it used in a half dozen books with southern women characters, as well as numerous places on the internet if you search it.
A young woman being manipulated apart from her true love by snobby or ambitious parents isn't even remotely a unique trope. Nor was faking photos to do it. And the motivations, while similar in general, were different in specifics.
The part about the jilter having to re-earn the jilted's trust is just basic human psychology. And the ending is very different
Honestly the part in this book with Veronica the bombshell financial planner was what stuck out the most as questionable to me because there's a similar character & situation like that in Emma St Clair's Falling for Your Best Friend's Twin - but even that seemed different enough in the details not to constitute plagiarism.
I read a lot of romance books. There are a LOT of similarities between them. I certainly want to be supportive of my favorite authors & avoid supporting thieves. At this point, I can only keep an eye out for it & reserve judgment till I have more to go on
May 8, 2021
I absolutely love this series. I have read a couple of them twice, which I very rarely do. I loved to read about Dot and Sawyer's story. They seemed perfect made for each other, until they weren't and there wasn't closure in the last book. I am so glad I didn't have to wait too long to read their back story.
A year ago, Sawyer and Dot were ready to elope until Sawyer just ended it and left. By doing so, he broke Dot's heart. But, Dot didn't get the full story until a year had passed. Even then, when Sawyer returned, he wasn't the same man she had fallen in love with. He was moody and sneered rather than smiled. Dot wondered what had happened to change him so much and why did he seem to hate her when he was the one who left.
I can't wait to read Book 4 in the series. This story was filled with romance, swoon-worthy kisses and lots of banter between the two main characters, as well as the boatload of friends. I felt like I could have been sitting at the table with them or hanging out at the beach. It is so easy to connect to these characters and want to be their friend.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
A year ago, Sawyer and Dot were ready to elope until Sawyer just ended it and left. By doing so, he broke Dot's heart. But, Dot didn't get the full story until a year had passed. Even then, when Sawyer returned, he wasn't the same man she had fallen in love with. He was moody and sneered rather than smiled. Dot wondered what had happened to change him so much and why did he seem to hate her when he was the one who left.
I can't wait to read Book 4 in the series. This story was filled with romance, swoon-worthy kisses and lots of banter between the two main characters, as well as the boatload of friends. I felt like I could have been sitting at the table with them or hanging out at the beach. It is so easy to connect to these characters and want to be their friend.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
April 17, 2021
A Second Chance for Love ?
Sawyer Lanford broke off the relationship with Dot Gardener without giving her even a hint of why he was ending things. Now, a year later, he is coming back to town shooting definite glares of hostility and blame at her. Each of them still believes the other was at fault for whatever misunderstanding occurred. But Sawyer has a business need requiring him to work with her. Will their love be rekindled? Will she ever find out what happened to drive them apart?
Lack of communication is a bad way to start a business relationship! It would be doomed to failure before it ever started! Will Sawyer and Dot ask each other for some details? Can they talk it out and see what went so wrong? Because if they can’t, I don’t see how they can ever effectively work together. Grab your copy and see what happened and if they can forgive and start again.
Sawyer Lanford broke off the relationship with Dot Gardener without giving her even a hint of why he was ending things. Now, a year later, he is coming back to town shooting definite glares of hostility and blame at her. Each of them still believes the other was at fault for whatever misunderstanding occurred. But Sawyer has a business need requiring him to work with her. Will their love be rekindled? Will she ever find out what happened to drive them apart?
Lack of communication is a bad way to start a business relationship! It would be doomed to failure before it ever started! Will Sawyer and Dot ask each other for some details? Can they talk it out and see what went so wrong? Because if they can’t, I don’t see how they can ever effectively work together. Grab your copy and see what happened and if they can forgive and start again.
July 2, 2022
"Why did I look? I knew what would happen. My heart would race (it is), my palms would sweat (they are), and my heart would snap in two (there it goes). Sawyer, complete in a sleek, fitted suit, fills my doorway. Good blazes, he's still scruffy. I clench my jaw because he probably did that on purpose."
So the whole miscommunication break up is not my favorite but Emily pulls it off here with excellent banter and inner monologues! Dot had me cracking up! She's so hilarious!! I wish I had an IRL friend like Dot! Pacing is good and I enjoyed the little bit of suspense/action at the end!
So the whole miscommunication break up is not my favorite but Emily pulls it off here with excellent banter and inner monologues! Dot had me cracking up! She's so hilarious!! I wish I had an IRL friend like Dot! Pacing is good and I enjoyed the little bit of suspense/action at the end!
August 16, 2021
Second chance romance
I tend to dislike second chance romances because they inevitably hinge around a misunderstanding that leaves parties miserable for years with a quick resolution after one conversation. This one was not like that. The characters and their interactions were believable. I love this entire series and the way everyone continues to show up. I can’t wait to read Jace’s story next.
I tend to dislike second chance romances because they inevitably hinge around a misunderstanding that leaves parties miserable for years with a quick resolution after one conversation. This one was not like that. The characters and their interactions were believable. I love this entire series and the way everyone continues to show up. I can’t wait to read Jace’s story next.
April 18, 2021
I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story. This is a huge deal breaker for me. Dot was an amazing character. This girl made me laugh from the beginning of the story.
I read this one in one sitting, I really liked the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read this one in one sitting, I really liked the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2021
Sawyer and Dot are both still attracted to each other even though it has been a year since Sawyer broke things off. Interesting storyline but not as much humor as I hoped. Watching their interactions as they navigate their present circumstances while trying to avoid coming to grips with their past makes a great read.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
July 16, 2023
I love Emily Child’s books. She deals with real life issues in a sensitive way. I am an avid spicy romance reader but Emily’s books don’t need spice. I enjoyed Dot and Sawyers book and seeing all their friends again. Second chance romance is not my favorite genre. But I loved their characters! I loved what made them, them and how they balanced each other
September 16, 2024
Sawyer, the ex
Sawyer is back and involved in Dot's business a year after leaving her on what was suppose to be their wedding day. Dot never got an explanation and still cares for Sawyer.
Cast of characters pulled me into the story ad much as Sawyer and Dot solving relationship issues. So well written!
Sawyer is back and involved in Dot's business a year after leaving her on what was suppose to be their wedding day. Dot never got an explanation and still cares for Sawyer.
Cast of characters pulled me into the story ad much as Sawyer and Dot solving relationship issues. So well written!
April 18, 2021
The book is a good, and enjoyable funny sweet romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2021
3.5 stars
The story lines is ok even if a bit « déjà vu ». I was hoping for more humor . Characters are ok, again a bit cliché.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story lines is ok even if a bit « déjà vu ». I was hoping for more humor . Characters are ok, again a bit cliché.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2021
Don't marry the ex? I don't know!
So much interference and past mistakes, misunderstandings and adventures, all in the name of love. When the truth comes out, the exes come together in more ways than one. Must read and laugh.
So much interference and past mistakes, misunderstandings and adventures, all in the name of love. When the truth comes out, the exes come together in more ways than one. Must read and laugh.
Want to read
April 26, 2021 Eligible for a 2021 Swoony Award, to nominate/vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
January 24, 2022
Cute. Funny. Clean.
June 18, 2023
Very enjoyable.
May 15, 2021
Dot and Sawyer had been split up for over a year all due to a misunderstanding. A big one. One that has both of them blaming the other. When they see each other again they are about to become business associates so they need to be able to get along and communicate. Well one thing led to another and they.....well let me not spoil anything for you. It was nice seeing old friends from previous books in this series and it seems that we have more couples breaking off in this group. So sweet. A very dramatic ending had me chocking up and teary eyed. And we have a precursor for the next book which I am so very looking forward to reading. Until then I don’t think I will be able to wipe the smile off my face.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews