Trusting the Ex

6ix Loves #1

by S.M. West

He wants a second chance, but I’ve got nothing to give.


I’m screwed.
Drew Hayes just showed up on my doorstep.
My brother’s best friend.
The love of my life. My ex.


Five years ago, he gave me his heart—then broke mine.
I’m married now, though it’s more a prison than a partnership.


But when I tell Drew to leave, he does the opposite.
He storms into my life, tears down my walls, and
demands the one thing I won’t ever give him again.
My love.


I can’t trust him, not after he destroyed me.
So why does looking into Drew’s eyes feel like looking into our future?


An angsty, second chance best-friend’s brother romance from USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author S.M. West.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance, Amazon, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author, S.M. West, writes sexy, angsty stories about brave hearts and wild love, including, more times than not, heart-pumping twists and turns.

Apart from her infinite love of books, she’s a self-professed wine, chocolate, and travel junkie. When not writing or hanging with her family, she’s usually talking to her characters (in her head) or planning her next adventure!

She currently lives near Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two smart and sassy daughters.

Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
Griffin - Best Thriller
Smash - Best Romance

Global eBook Awards
Griffin - Gold, Romantic Suspense
Scoring the Player - Silver, Romance

Global Book Award
Griffin - Silver, Romantic Suspense

NYC Big Book Award
Reverb - Distinguished Favorite, Romance

Finalist National Indie Excellence Awards
Griffin


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Reviews

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 ⭐'s

This is the conclusion for the Love Lock duet and the blurb had me shakin'. Good thing circumstances didn't flush out the way it sounded.

In fact, Drew is really sweet. He's handled things with Pippa wrongly and he only knows it too well. And Pippa...well, she's gone on with her life. It's just that the life she's living isn't something she would normally do.

Events work out pretty typically and finally, Drew and Pippa get to see if there is really something to hold on to.

My favorite parts of the book was how things went with Finn and Jellybean.

There's a link at the end for another epilogue but I couldn't get it to work so I'm pretty bummed about that. Otherwise, I enjoyed how everything came together.

[Dilek VT]

I haven't read this book but I was interested. Then, I read some reviews and what I learned made me lose my interest in the book.

The heroine's brother, who is also the hero's best friend, never accepts their relationship and therefore the hero breaks up with the heroine and she gets married to another person. He only comes to his senses after 5 years!!! Too late, buddy, too late for me.

***

What I never understand is if someone is good enough to be your best friend, why is he not good enough to be your brother-in-law?

***

And any man who prefers his friend instead of the love of his life doesn't deserve that woman at all and I do not want to read their belated HEA.

[S.M. West]

Love Lock Duet -- a sexy, angsty forbidden romance between Pippa Raine, a bubbly sports therapist, and her older brother's best friend, Drew Hayes, a do-good lawyer.

NOW LIVE!
Amazon: https://geni.us/LoveLock

#lovelock #redemption #forbiddenromance #bestfriendsbrother #bravehearts #wildlove

[Kim Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I had the distinct pleasure of reading this book in it's early stages ... SM West is a very dear friend, and I couldn't be prouder of what she's accomplished.

Now, having said that, this book is a page turner. Even my second time around, I couldn't put it down. Drew and Pippa have a special place in my heart.

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippa and Drew definitely made me work for their HEA.

I might have yelled at the author during the first chapters of this book. She deserved it!

It’s a fantastic read with great pace, awesome chemistry and enough emotions to have me churning through the pages.

Such a great duet!

I received an arc of this book.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Stars

What an emotional roller coaster this book was! I thought Love Block was filled with angst and suspense, but Love Lock took it to a whole new level! I read nonstop from the first page to the last and now I’ve got a huge book hangover.

Drew is still the incredibly sexy, loyal, caring man he has always been. Pippa is still sweet, but aside from the sweetness, she has completely changed. The changes in her devastated me; it was like watching a friend be slowly destroyed as I watched helplessly.

The plot moves steadily and is completely mesmerizing. I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next...even when I dreaded what might occur. In the first book, I was constantly impatient with Drew. In this second book, I kept wanting to both hug and shake Pippa.

This duet is my first introduction to S.M. West’s writing. I am very impressed and will definitely be looking for more books by this author. I highly recommend the duet to anyone who likes romance.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara~

In the beginning, I had mixed feelings on this book, I was embarrassed at Pip for throwing herself at drew and also mad and drew for turning her down for good reasons obviously. Once they finally got they act together I was so happy. Pippa knew what she wanted and didn’t stop until she got it and Drew couldn’t bury his feelings anymore. The love these two were holding in was so pure and exciting made me happy! Can’t wait for the next book.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 HEARTBEAT STARS!! There were times my heart stopped beating and there were times it was beating so hard, I thought it was come out of my chest. I loved Love Lock....what a emotional beautiful ending to this duet. Pippa and Drew were lovely characters that you grow to love through their story. S.M. West gives us all the feels we romance readers look for in a book. You should definitely read this duet.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Drew and Pippa

Romance trope: second chance
Series: 6ix Loves
Length: 222 pages

Plot: Drew hasn't been the same ever since he broke up with Pippa. He knows he made a mistake, but it's too late to fix it. Five years later, Pippa is suffering in an abusive marriage, and now that she's ready to get out, Drew will be there for her. This time, he'll be exactly what she needs.

Commentary: If this is the first book you've read from this author featuring these characters, you might be lost like I was. There was some drama with Pippa's brother and that drama is what led to Drew and Pippa breaking up. Also, that drama had something to do with a trauma that happened to Pippa's sister. Normally I don't like lots of exposition or info-dumping, but I was lost here for quite a while. I inferred what happened but still felt fuzzy enough on why Drew actually broke up with Pippa in the first place. (In general, I don't understand that plot device; your friend is more important to you than the person you love more than anyone in the world? If that's the case, then she's definitely better off without you).
However, once he went to get her, he was a pretty perfect boyfriend. She was lucky to have such a strong support system.
eta: seems that there is a prequel: Resisting the Best Friend's Sister. This probably explains all of the backstory.

Next book in the series: Scoring the Player

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The road that Pippa & Drew travel to find their HEA is rough and painful. Pippa finds it hard to trust Drew after their breakup and the distance that grows between them causes her to erect very high walls. Drew is remorseful for his choices, and the way that it impacted her life, but is willing to do everything - and anything - to prove that he won't renege on the premise of him & Pippa again.

There are some missing pieces that weren't filled in as I read, but I still enjoyed the conclusion to this story. I liked the cast of characters we met in the duet, too. I hope we get to read some of their stories soon.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Books I Flove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this duet didn’t continue like I expected it. Which doesn’t mean a bad thing!

Pippa is now married to a football player, but there seems like there are some problems in the marriage, but nobody knows, because she hasn’t been back home in quite a while.

Drew is still single, and still in love with Pippa, and regrets every single day since their break up.

Interesting turn in the story, a lot of drama, angst. But also healing and love. And learning. Really liked this duet and can totally recommend it!

I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Pain

I read the blurb before digging into the second half of this duet. Flabbergasted. Shocked. Dismayed. Forlorn. Utter disbelief. None of these are strong enough to convey my feelings... and I haven't even started the book yet.

⏩ Fast forward to me completing the book... ⏩

4.5 stars - So much of this installment is intense as S.M. West tackles the very heavy topic of domestic abuse. I appreciate that she doesn't go into excessive detail - enough that there's no doubt about what's happening but not so much that I felt like I was reliving my childhood. At the same time, she doesn't skirt around it but, after falling in love with Drew and Pippa in book one, this really broke my heart more than other books tackling this issue. 💔😪

Even with this daunting, terrorizing topic, I didn't want to put it down. It was well written, had breaks of levity and normalcy, and true love shined through.

BTW, you could read the second book without the first but, to truly appreciate the whole story, do yourself a favor and read Love Block before this book.

I listened to an author copy of the audio. 🎙🎚🎧📻 The narration continued with Summer Morton and Stephen Dexter, whom I liked, into the final book.

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars

[Smashlybookalicousreviewingchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lock is book two and the final book in the Love Lock duet, so you must read Love Block first. I was content with the ending of book one and was pretty happy for being a duet, that is until you read this book. All my blocks just came tumbling down when you begin to read this book, and never did I expect this to play out they way it did. I will say for those of us who were not fans of Finn (Pippa’s brother and Drew’s BF) in the first book, he has completely redeemed himself.
Pippa oh Pip, I don’t even know what to say to avoid spoilers. My heart breaks for you and then some. Riggs a secondary character is someone I would like to see more on including the siblings. Pippa’s heart is/was broken so she does what she believes is best for her. Moves on. Well as you know some renovations go smoothly and others not so smooth so think of this while reading this story. What would you do? I can see how easy it was to fall into the pattern (best way I can state this). While sad it happens, but in the end the renovation is starting to look as it should. The light is at the end of the tunnel.
Drew it took you a long time then and now to redeem yourself when it came to Pippa. You may be her past, but your future is looking bright. So, until you can win back her love sit back and enjoy some Jellybeans (you will understand in the story). You may not always agree with his actions, but he is a man after all, so it takes them a little longer to do things. Haha
This duet is heartfelt, twists you did not expect and the love between all these characters is what a family truly is. So, unlock your heart and build your story together. I truly enjoyed this duet once my heart was no longer blocked from fear of where this was going. The fear only lasted a NY minute. I recommend this duet to others who enjoy second chances and BFs siblings.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind. Blown. What the heck happened here?!

I guess if the reader is going to have her heart ripped out, stomped on and ground to dust, it’s best if it happens in the beginning so the rest of the book can be spent putting said heart back together. Honestly, I had a clear picture of what I anticipated would happen in the second half of Drew and Pippa's story, and I couldn’t have been more wrong! I’ve never been so happy to be so wrong, because this is so much better than I ever could have imagined! At the risk of repeating myself, mind blown! (Sorry, that’s a lot of exclamations, but I’m just . . .Gah.)

There's not a lot I can tell you about this book without huge spoilers, but hopefully you’ll trust me. Drew and Pippa definitely get their HEA, and things all end well, but boy, oh boy, their road to forever is messy and rocky and painful. It’s also the most hard-won, poignant, delicious journey that will have you hanging on every word, and these two will own your heart and stay with you long after the last page.

In my review of Love Block, I said it was the best first half of a duet I’d read, and I think Love Lock deserves the award for best second half of a duet. These books break the mold and obliterate any notion you have of what a duet should be. Do yourself a favor and grab them both so you can escape into all things Drew and Pippa. And unless you really like extra angst, read them straight through since you won’t have to wait for the second half like I did. You really don’t want to miss these phenomenal characters and their riveting, heartfelt story.

*I read an early edition of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide feedback and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source.

[Molly Kirkham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trusting the Ex by SM West.
.
.
📖: 🌟🌟🌟.5/5
🎧: 🌟🌟🌟.5/5
🥵:🌶️🌶️.5/5

Trusting the Ex is the first full length story in the 6ix Loves series by SM West. This story follows 5 years on from the end of the prequel, and focuses on Drew and Pippa once again!

I enjoyed this story more than the prequel! I think the characters in general seemed much more well rounded, but I do think you need to have read the prequel to get a full understanding of the relationships and back stories. There are clearly other characters being set up for their own stories later in the series. This story had a lot going for it: tension, emotional trauma, spice.

My main criticism is that Brock's character was a bit 2 dimensional as we never see the development of their relationship prior to the abuse. It would have been good to see the positive aspects that drew Pippa to him, and then the more gradual almost sinister slip into the awful character he becomes. I found the ending to be quite anticlimactic, especislly as the commotion happens behind the scenes. The confrontation at the cottage was much more intense and felt like that should have been the culminating climax.

Pippa's marriage and the turmoil she is going through is difficult to hear. I personally felt that the author dealt well with a difficult subject. I understand why Pippa originally says never to Drew when he tries to get back with her. However, I do think Pippa is wrong to sleep with Drew and let him think they have a future. She deliberately doesn't disabuse him, just accepts his love without any intention of getting back together. This is using behaviour and also not healthy.

Drew's attitude is understandable, he clearly regrets breaking up with Pippa, and his determination to not let her go again is endearing. However, I do think he makes a move too soon, especially as she is coming out of an emotionally and physically abusive relationship.

The narration was very well performed again by both Summer Morton and Stephen Dexter. Their voices work well alongside each other, and they both manage to create a variety of character voices. I would definitely listen to audiobooks read by them again.

Overall, a good listen! I will keep my eye out for more books by SM West!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might have read this out of order, but I knew I had to read it because it’s Pippa & Drew’s story. I felt so invested in all the characters and the connection the two of their families share. I LOVE when characters beginnings start as kids.

My heart went out to Pippa for the life she was living after Drew had left her because of issues with his best friend, her brother. He quickly realized the mistake he made, but was too late to fix it when she married. The emotions her situation evoked had me reading quickly to see how this was going to play out. Watching her gather strength as time went on was satisfying knowing that she was worth more than what her husband treated her as.

This book is so good and the perfect second chance with her brothers best friend.

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lock took me a one wild and emotional ride from start to finish. I dont typically read the blurb on books by authors I know and love, but usually have a sense as to what its about. After reading Love Block and the end I was so not expecting all the events that took place in Love Lock!! I absolutely loved it none the less but I was like what is happening lol. I love Drew and Pippa together. Their chemistry is so natural and real amd they just fit. I loved how their story progressed and flowed! I hope we get more of them in future books!!

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author took me on a roller coaster at the beginning of this book. To go from the end of book 1 to the beginning of book 2, I almost threw the book I was so upset. But I got over it and kept reading and BOY AM I GLAD I DID!!!! So worth the head trip I went through. Loved it from start to finish!

[Amy Leibenguth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an emotional rollercoaster ride! The highs and lows of what transpires with Pippa will have you fighting for her throughout the book. Drew certainly has his work cut out for him in securing his future with Pippa. But after all his wrong decisions, he makes a lot of great ones to help her through her trials. A conclusion to their story you won’t want to miss!! You MUST read book one of the series. This is not standalone.

[Sophy Sorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a lot of the things can be avoided and I don’t agree on the reason she does things but to each of their own.

[Fos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook

Narrator voice- sexy af.
Book - 2 hrs in- boring af.

The woman is unrelatable.

[bella rhys (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance, best friend's older brother romance with hard hitting emotions!

(Audio Review)
Trusting the Ex is book 1 of the 6ix Loves series by S.M. West (previously part 2 of the Love Lock duet). It is the conclusion of the relationship between Drew and Pippa from the Prequel Novel.

This book picks up 5 years after the prequel novel. Even though the prequel ended with Drew and Pippa seemingly happy, even in that book, you could already see the cracks of the relationship that they were still to work on. Pippa’s brother (Finn) who is Drew’s best friend was still not on board with the relationship, and that caused a large crack/strain in his friendship with Drew and his relationship with his sister, Pippa. As that was a short prequel, that plotline was not fully explored.

In this book, 5 years later, we see that Finn’s issues with their relationship caused a huge issue and caused Drew to break up with Pippa. 5 years on, and Pippa has seemingly moved on and is now married. Although Drew never fully moved on and still regrets how he handled that relationship. When trouble strikes in Pippa’s marriage, Drew must fly all the way to her new home and bring her back to his cottage (from the prequel novel) to help her out. This causes them to have to be around each other and face their still lingering feeling toward each other.

This book was soo emotional. What I loved the most about it was Drew. He was soo sweet and had grown soo much from the prequel novel. You could see that once he got his second chance with Pippa, he was not going to let go and would do anything for her. The exploration into Pippa’s abusive marriage was also interesting to read (I’m not sure how accurate it is), but it did give me more insight into those sorts of dynamics.

I also loved how Finn redeemed himself in this book. He apologised for standing in the way of Drew and Pippa’s relationship previously and acknowledged that his reservations had nothing to do with them, but rather his past trauma. And I liked how it was explained that he went to therapy for this. I did feel kind of salty that it took him a whole 5 years for this conversation to happen, but I understand that this was probably done on purpose for the sake of the plot and resolution to take place 5 years after the prequel.

Overall, this book was enjoyable. If you’re looking for a nice second-chance romance with force proximity, that dives into some heavier topics, I highly recommend this. Also, I love a hero that pines for the heroine, always a win for me!

I listened to the audiobook of this which was narrated by Stephen Dexter & Summer Morton. As with the prequel, they both did amazing in this one as well. I enjoyed their narration and felt the story was elevation with their narration. Highly recommend the audiobook.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this read. Has amazing characters that are well developed and the storyline has an easy flow to it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautifully Told Story & Fantastic Listen 🎧📚🎧 Heartfelt & Captivating!

Love Lock
The Love Lock Duet, Book 2
By: S. M. West
Narrated by: Summer Morton, Stephen Dexter

WHAT??????? Where did it all go wrong? If you have not read or listened to the first book in this amazing duet STOP right here spoilers ahead. I highly recommend starting with “Love Block” before this. I thoroughly enjoyed that book and was very happy the way it ended with Pippa and Drew finally together. Excited for a continuation of their story I immediately started this book, only to have the rug pulled out from under me. Pippa is married and not to Drew, yep, Drew and Pippa are no more, it was heartbreaking to hear since I was rooting for them from the start. That said I must say this book, as the first is well written and brilliantly plotted, S.M. West brings out all the punches in this book, without giving anything away she does a fantastic job covering some serious topics and keeping it real and showing somethings are meant to be as she brings things around in a full circle. She shows up where life took Pippa and Drew, how they got there and then where they wind up. It was also great to see that Finn had grown as a person and got the help he needed to get past his issues and to recognize the errors of his way. This story is so much more than a second chance romance it is also a second chance at living life. S.M. West, thank you for this beautiful, heartfelt story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

I listened to the Audible edition, Summer Morton and Stephen Dexter continue to bring these characters and their story to life. They do an awesome job portraying the characters, grasping each of their personas and playing that role with perfection. Both are entertaining storytellers and mega talented. It is always a pleasure to listen to their work. Thanks for another awesome listen🎧

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 4 out of 5]

(audiobook) We left Pippa and Drew together and happy at the end of the first book, so it was quite a surprise to read the beginning of this one. And while the first one was steamy and sexy, this one mostly cut my heart open. Until, fortunately, it ends on a HEA.

A lot of heavy topics are touched on, from domestic abuse to therapy, and the impact they have on the people around you. Not the lightest read, but it makes for an emotional story.

We get to see the struggles of both Pippa and Drew–Pippa for wanting to change her life, and Drew for feeling the guilt of leaving her. This time, Pippa is the one trying to stay away from a relationship.

With a couple of new side characters, plus some subplots and much more conflict than in the first book, the read is much longer, but never boring nor repetitive. And the narrators again do a great job. It concludes the duet nicely.

Quickie

- Series: Love block duet #2
- Hashtags: #forbidden romance #best friend’s little sister #age gap #second chance
- Triggers: mention of attempted assault of a young girl, domestic abuse
- Main couple: Pippa Raine & Drew Hayes
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + I loved how Finn’s process of healing was detailed
- – that was one hell of an ellipsis between the two books

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in this duet. You must read book one, Love Block first to get all of Pippa and Drew's story. As their story continues things take a surprising and heartbreaking turn. I will say that you need to prepare yourself for the emotions that this book is going to inspire in you, but I'm not really sure that you can. Raw emotions, regrets, heart ache, drama, broken dreams, pain, angst and romance are blended into an extremely potent mixture that delivers punch after punch to your solar plexus. You will be left breathless and hurting as this couple struggles to overcome what at times seems like an insurmountable amount of obstacles while trying to finally get that richly deserved HEA. I loved this amazing book and highly recommend this truly remarkable duet. This is my frank, freely posted review.

[DarcyLovesLiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid narrator performances make up for a so-so story…

Story: 3.5 ⭐️s
Narration: 5⭐️s

Book 1 of West’s 6ix Loves series does a better job of setting up intriguing secondary characters for their potential stories than investing the reader in the central characters of this one. And I found myself much more excited about the potential of Claire and Matthew, or Paige’s story, than the reality of this book’s MCs.

Drew and Pippa return 5 years after the events of Resisting the BF’s Sister and things have taken a turn in the interim. Then there is another time jump (18 mos.) between the prologue and Chapter 1. Drew, torn between his love for Pippa and his loyalty to Finn (her brother) made the “sacrifice” that makes the BF’s sibling trope so frustrating; I suppose one can be grateful that this event, along with Finn’s realizations regarding his behavior, happens in the space between the two stories, but what ends up on the pages of TtEx is not a compelling alternative. And while I absolutely applaud Pippa’s strength to get out of a horrible situation with Brock and admire her drive to reclaim her own self, I wasn’t overly interested in her reconciliation with Drew because she didn’t strike as being all that interested. Their second chance fell a bit flat and the tone shifts given the more serious inciting incident of this book felt a bit like whiplash. I did appreciate the presence of both external and internal conflicts, but neither was handled in a way that did either type of conflict justice. Both needed more space to develop and play out given the plot.

Of the two leads, Pippa was definitely the more interesting character. And while I appreciated Drew’s actions in the end, I did find the “he’d learned his lesson” tone in those final chapters unpalatable. Thank goodness for the audiobook! It really ramped up my engagement with the story. Summer Morton and Stephen Dexter return from the prequel and that is a saving grace for both characters. Morton’s performance grounds Pippa, softening any less appealing character moments. She really had me rooting for Pippa to rebuild her life and seize her independence (maybe even from Drew). However, Dexter’s narration because it is the best thing about Drew, made me content to see the two MCs reunite. Dexter’s layered delivery pushed me out of frustration with Drew and into begrudging appreciation for his happy ending with Pippa.

This is another case of the performance making the story, so definitely listen if you intend to jump into this one.

I received a review copy of the audiobook via Home Cooked Books. All opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this 2nd chance story.

After a terrible breakup five years ago, Drew tries to make amends 10 minutes before Pippa is getting ready to walk down the aisle to marry another man. She cuts him off and tells him she's marrying her fiancee. Honestly, what did Drew expect? He broke her heart and walked away without even looking back and he expected her to call off her wedding when she hasn't seen him in 5 years?

Fast-forward 18 months later and Pippa is miserable. Her husband plays football for the NFL and they live in California. She's a sports therapist, which is how they met. But immediately after they married, he changed. He started cheating on her and didn't bother hiding it. He became controlling, demanding that she quit her job, accusing her of not actually working, that she was flirting with his teammates. Then when he would have a bad practice or lose a game, the beatings started. She had stopped talking to her family and best friend, Drew's sister, by that point. So she had no one to go to for help.

When she gets called into work to help the team doctor with a consultation, he sits her down and gets right to the point. Is there trouble in her marriage? She denies it, but when her husband waltzes into the room, her body goes stiff. Doc picks up on that and reminds Brock that he has practice. When he reluctantly leaves, Doc finally gets the truth out of her. And she needs his help, but refuses to put his family in harms way. So Doc calls her best friend back in Toronto, Paige, and tells her what's going on and to please help her leave him.

Drew jumps on the next flight to California to see her. He's shocked by how thin and lifeless her eyes are. Pippa doesn't understand why he's in town. When Brock comes home unexpectedly, Drew sees her reactions and believes everything he denied before. Before the phone call, he thought Pippa was happily married and had her dream job. It was the only way he was able to let go of some of the guilt for breaking her heart and walking away from her without looking back. Now, he has no one to blame for Pippa's situation but himself. After their breakup, she got a job in California leaving Canada and her home forever. That's also where she met Brock.

Now Drew wants to bring her home to their families and get her back for good this time. But Pippa is too afraid to trust her heart with Drew again. So a 5 week fling is all she can give until her divorce goes through and she gets a new job on another team.

Drew will just have to work on breaking down her walls.

Great book!

[Nikole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't until I read about Finn's issues over his friend almost touching Claire that I realized I was reading about characters I've come across before. I already had read Matt and Clarie's story previously. I was just surprised it took me that long to realize it lol

This definitely felt more of an emotional read.
She was dealing with escaping her abusive husband and she was trying to take the responsibility of it. She had that mind set of 'my marriage my issue'. It was heartbreaking.

FMC and MMC had a previous relationship that ended badly due to her brother causing issues and the MMC choosing his friendship with her brother and helping him get through his issues. She blamed the MMC more than anything, which I can understand.. he should've fought for them and she should've been priority if he loved her like he said he did. But then again she could've been more understanding too when he came back into her life and helped her home.

I can't believe he waited until the day of her wedding to try and man up lmao. That was funny.
When she did leave her husband she kept saying they had no future but she wasn't telling him that... it was sad and heartbreaking to see him so hurt and hopeful. But he never gave up :)
He fought for her and them and he got his second chance.
I thought it was sweet how even after a couple years he still held every piece of her that he still had with him. He left everything the way she had it hoping he would get her back. I was like YESSSSS <3
Then he continued to build their cottage with her inputs. UGH god I loved him.


I feel like her brother should've said more to her and took the responsibility. He should've made her understand what happened instead of just apologizing for breaking them up.

This was still a really good read. The story was able to keep me interested even if I'm already tired of this trope lmao. The anthology I am reading that has this book in it ( Hot as F#$K romance ) has sooo many. I wanna be done. But there are plenty of good books... its just reading the same trope over and over gets old LMAO. But this was able to keep me interested :)

Spice 1/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 2/5
World Building 4/5
Overall 4/5

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trusting the Ex is book one in the 6ix Loves series and follows on from Resisting the Best Friend’s Ex.
Drew and Pippa were together at the end of the prequel; however, we learn quickly that Drew broke it off with her to save not only his friendship with Finn but also Finn and Cassie’s relationship as they’ve been fighting due to Cass knowing and keeping it from Finn.
Pippa moved on and married what she thought was a good guy and moved across the country to LA. She had it all, the husband, the big house, her dream job as a physiotherapist for a football team. Suddenly her husband changes, he hates that she works with and touches other men so forces her to quit and when she doesn’t fall in line or do as she’s told he beats her. He cut her off from everyone she knows and loves. So when Riggs, her former boss at the team takes it upon himself to help her, he calls Paige and Drew springs into action heading to LA to save the woman he’s loved for as long as he can remember. Despite her fear and push backs, Drew doesn’t take no for an answer and scoops her up, takes her home and gives her not only a second chance at life but fights for a second chance at their romance. Drew massively redeems himself and Finn has grown as a person and acknowledges he overreacted due to past trauma and sought the help he needed to overcome them.
Summer Morton and Stephen Dexter reprise their roles as Drew and Pippa, and wow, they do the most incredible job tackling the tough topics in a beautifully emotional manner. I loved this pairing in the prequel but my goodness, they turned it up a notch in this audiobook.
I’m not going to lie; I cussed Suzanne out a lot during this book. I was kind of mad at how much sh*t she piled on these two, however, she did so in the most magnificent way. Her writing style and storytelling is phenomenal and she tackles some tough subjects with the utmost care and sensitivity.
If you love a second chance romance that focuses on redemption, friendship, overcoming past and current traumas then this is the story for you, but please remember you need to read and/or listen to the prequel for the backstory.