The Ex Chronicles: A Novel

by Carol Taylor

The creator of the bestselling Brown Sugar series returns with her first sexy novel

In a New York City rife with emotional land mines, four friends search for Mr. Right but too often settle for Mr. Right Now.

Precious, a struggling writer, discovers her fiancé Darius in bed with another woman, but that doesn't stop her from wanting him. Bella, the wise-cracking, over-indulged only child of an absent diplomat father and pill-popping socialite mother, knows her boyfriend Julius is using her, but before she can give him up she has to give up her first love, alcohol. Half black, half British Zenobia sacrifices a successful modeling career for Malcolm, her overly critical boyfriend, but when she strays she fears she's made a terrible mistake. Bourgie Hope, the creative director of a high-fashion magazine, is hiding her dementia- ridden mother and her debilitating depression, while trying to resist a strong attraction to her new driver Derrick, a single dad from the projects.

Funny and sexy, heartbreaking and inspiring, The Ex-Chronicles is a novel about faith in one's self, trust in one's friends and the sacrifices we make in the name of love.

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Carol Taylor, a former Random House book editor, has been in book publishing for over 18 years and has worked with many of today's top black writers. The author of 8 books, among them the best-selling, BROWN SUGAR erotic series: BROWN SUGAR, BROWN SUGAR 2: GREAT ONE NIGHT STANDS, BROWN SUGAR 3: WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT, BROWN SUGAR 4: SECRET DESIRES and WANDERLUST: EROTIC TRAVEL TALES Her debut novel, THE EX CHRONICLES, was published in 2010, the sequel THE EX CHRONICLES: PLAN B (May 2013), and THE EX CHRONICLES: EVERYTHING CHANGES (February 2014) was published in INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS, a 4-book novella series, featuring a new book every 6 months. She also teaches Writing and Editing at New York University and City College. She lives in New York. Find her at insignificantothersbooks.blogspot.com or on twitter.com/iobooks

Reviews

[Eve B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give 5 stars or even take the time out to write a review for a book. When I seen this had no reviews I was a little apprehensive but I decided to give it a try because it was different than my normal ghetto novel routine.

Atfirst it was a little slow as you get to know each characters personality and their story. But once you get to know them it's like you see a piece of you in each of them. Even if you cannot relate to their trials and victory you find yourself cheering them on as if you were your own personal cheerleader. I guess the best way I can sum this up is you become part of the book just not as anothr character but you are ALL of them.

I love the twists and turns and the idea of hitting rock bottom before you can rise again. Also the "we are all human, no one is perfect" the author placed throughout the novel is great and encouraging.

Honestly I didn't want the book to end, I hope she makes a part deux!

[Myesha-Tiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite Quote: “No matter how long the night, the day is sure to come.”~African proverb

This one is definitely a slow burn to get into the story. Hope’s story is the one I enjoy the most and how they incorporate Derrick’s point of view in the story. His daughters are also a hoot.

Z’s story is said, especially because these women are fresh 20’s so seeing her beg for a man who is a waste man is hard to do but she isn’t alone because of a few of the other ladies do the same and it’s honestly tiring once you hit a certain age.

Portia’s story comes out of nowhere and I feel like it would be a great story on it’s on but definitely throws me off in this one even though they tie it into Z’s storyline.

Bella is my least favorite character, her being rich her whole life is her greatest flaw because it makes her a terrible person. She may be a good friend at times but her words cut to the bone and she feels no guilt for any of it. Her mother, Miriam, deserves a book dedicated to her alone.

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four The Hard Way,

I was drawn to THE EX CHRONICLES by the clever title. Four girlfriends, New York City, ex boyfriends, broken hearts, alcohol and you have the making of movies via the big screen as well as bookstores nationwide.

Precious caught her fiancé, Darius, in bed with another woman. It's only been three months and she's still harboring love as well as hate. In a moment of weakness, she finds herself back in bed with him. The comfort she was afforded by working from home is now gone as the internet porn industry is also affected by the recession. There are some major changes headed Precious' way, is this change she can believe in?

Bella grew up with a platinum spoon in her mouth. Privileged and self destructive make for an addictive personality as she overindulges in both alcohol and drugs. An only child, Bella has never had a normal family life. Accustomed to using and controlling people with her wealth, when she hits bottom she fears that there is no one to help her. Will she sober up and get her life together?

Zenobia is a working model who has also ventured out opening her own agency. Because of her dark skin, she's rarely able to book gigs, but she gave up her lucrative career for her boyfriend, Malcolm, who seems to only find ways to criticize and tear her down. With a new model, Zenobia believes she's finally found her diamond in the rough. Will she be able to expand her business while navigating her love life?

Hope has had a rough year. Her father died, her mom has dementia and Alzheimer. Add to that a stressful job as an editorial director of Shades magazine, and Hope can barely breathe. In the middle of a breakdown, she finds herself wrapped in Derrick's, her new driver, capable hands. When Derrick takes a chance to invite Hope into his world, she finally finds herself smiling. Can this be what she's needed all along?

Each woman goes through a series of past and present day events leaning on one another for moral support. Once happy, each woman has to learn to rid themselves of what is causing them pain and remove it from their life. Readable, the story is pretentious to a fault. It also isn't parallel as Hope's story appears to be consistent, yet Zenobia seems almost like it was tossed in at the end. I wasn't overly moved or impressed either way as this title is representative of the same retold stories: rich woman, poor man; rich socialite with a drug and alcohol problem; friends becoming lovers; and last but not least, the made over woman. The title boasts more than the story has to offer as everyone lives happily ever after.

[Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok …so I couldn’t really enjoy the story very well because the voice acting was tragic. 😂😂😂 the accents and voice changes were cringy in both 1x and 2x

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE EX CHRONICLES by Carol Taylor is a good book. It is a story about four women living complicated lives and how, as friends, they are always there for each other through all their ups and downs. Precious, Bella, Zenobia and Hope have professional careers, but seem to be struggling in their personal lives and searching for Mr. Right.

Precious is a freelance writer, who still wants her ex-fiance who cheated on her. Bella, who came from a very wealthy family, is addicted to drugs and alcohol and, to top it off, her boyfriend is her supplier. Zenobia is a successful model and she really enjoys it. Due to the issues and struggles with her boyfriend, she gives up her career. Hope is a director for a fashion magazine and she's trying to take care of her ill mother while dealing with her own depression.

THE EX CHRONICLES is the story of how four women found themselves and came out on top despite all of their troubles and issues. All of them had problems with men, their self esteem and depression. This book makes you think and wonder, what will you do for love? How far will you go? Do you continue to search for a hero or settle for a zero? Do you know the difference between loving a man and lusting for the love from a man? If you need answers to these questions, this book is a good start. I would recommend it to all women. It is a story of hope and determination.

[Gw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I thought it was going to be another dumb book that I purchased when I was younger ( I have a lot of books and I'm just getting around to reading some that have sat on my shelf for years) but surprisingly I really liked it.
The end was kind of cheesy and predictable but it didn't take away from the rest of the book. I can relate to some of the struggles these women were having.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY, a book that had me intrigued from beginning to end! It's been a while since I've come across a book that it took me such a short time to read. This book really inspired me to write, and that's a sign of a good book for me. I loved the characters, the development, the storyline...I could relate to Precious' character the most. And I'm hoping to find my Derrick one day. :)

[Christina Hanchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am noticing that this book is very similar to the movie "Daddy's Little Girls". I am wondering which came first. I will have to look into that. It is very good, considering that the storyline is very similar to a movie that I have already seen a million times before.

[Dutchess Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts off slow. I almost put it down after 30 or so pages but then it picked up. Ended up a good book.

[Cece · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. The characters remind me of people I know. Overall good read.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

so juicy and sexy!