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Better Off Without Him
Mona Berman is an expert at Happily Ever After - after all, she's a best-selling Romance writer and happy endings are what she does best. So when her husband of twenty years leaves her for somebody 15 years younger, 30 pounds lighter, and French, she's got a lot of adjusting to do, both personally and professionally. Lucky for her she's got three savvy teen daughters, a few good friends, and Ben, the world's sexiest plumber, to help her along the way. First she decides that her next book will be the anti-romance - her heroine finds the best part of her life AFTER getting dumped. Next her daughters tell her she needs to start practice dating, and summer at the Jersey shore is the perfect place for that. She's also juggling her soon-to-be-ex, a loony aunt, and a match-making neighbor, while Ben is sending her romance-driven imagination into overdrive. Can Mona's life imitate art? Can she write her own happy ending?
261 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2010
854 people are currently reading
1975 people want to read
About the author
Dee Ernst
34 books379 followersDee Ernst was born and raised in New Jersey, which explains a great deal about her attitude towards life. She loved reading at a very early age, and by the time she was ten she had decided to become a writer. It took a bit longer than she expected.
She went off to college, moved around a bit, had a job or two, a husband or two, and a daughter or two. It was the birth of her second daughter at the age of forty that got her thinking about what to do with the rest of her life. That was when she decided to give writing a real shot.
Dee loved chick-lit and romantic comedy, but hated the twenty-something heroines who couldn’t figure out how to go and get what they wanted. She began to write about women like herself — older, confident, and with a wealth of life experience to draw upon. She got an agent but no sales, and took the plunge into self-publishing in 2010.
In 2012, Better Off Without Him became an Amazon bestseller. She signed with Montlake Publishing, which went on to re-release Better Off Without Him and launch A Slight Change of Plan in 2013.
Since then she has written across several genres (cozy mystery, YA/fantasy, women's fiction) gone from full-length novels to short stories, and has written for Lake Union Publishing. She self-publishes under the 235 Alexander Street logo.
She is still in New Jersey, where she writes full-time. She lives with husband #2, daughter #2, a few cats and a needy cocker spaniel. She loves sunsets, long walks on the beach, and a really cold martini.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 499 reviews
July 30, 2017
Better Off Without Him by Dee Ernst is a terrible romcom of a book about a white New Jersey mother (of 3), wife, and romance author who gets dumped by her caricature of an unkind and cheating husband. I learned the term hen lit (also, hen flick) from this book, and the fact that modern romance novels have as little to do with real sex and real life as the trashy romances of old. Our supposedly hilarious protagonist (she’s not funny, just outspoken) is 40-something yo, not gained more than 10 pounds since marriage but eats whatever she wants, never exercises, and drinks often (what magical middle-aged metabolism is this?). She never suffers hangovers, has her pick of single men, calls the one black character in the book Oprah, has a token gay friend (also a caricature and occasionally mocked), lashes out repeatedly at the woman her husband is having an affair with (also a caricature), is ready for sex all the time, has orgasms at the drop of a hat, has a beach house in addition to a big regular house, loads of money from being a successful author, friends who are basically interchangeable because they just say what the banal plot needs them to say, and basically has most everything go her rich privileged way. I started it only because I found it on my Kindle - I hope I didn’t spend money buying it. And I finished it only because I appreciated that the protagonist wasn't 20-nothing years old, and I want to write a book that might have as thin a plot but focuses on people of colour with better dialogue and more dynamic characters. Here’s hoping.
July 14, 2012
I almost put this book down after the first two pages. It starts off with Mona complaining about the month of April--taxes, allergies, etc--then describing her three teenage girls, who initially sounded a bit spoiled.
I got the impression that Mona was going to be an overly depressed, beaten-down-by-life heroine who finally finds some bitter type of satisfaction when her husband leaves her and she fixes her personality problems.
Fortunately, I kept reading, and found that my first impression was entirely wrong. Probably this had to do with the fact that I was sick in bed as I started the book, and maybe it had to do with the fact that Mona is in her mid-40s. Which is totally unfair, I know, but there aren't that many books about women in their mid-40s, and I didn't want to read one with a character who was a wet blanket.
But Mona is definitely not a wet blanket. She is professionally successful, a good (and realistic) mom, has lots of great friends, and is basically a great woman with a crap husband. She has a character arc, but you don't have to slog through pages of self-pity or identity changes to get to the fun.
The minor characters were well-developed, the pacing was very good, the writing was tight, and the editing was near-perfection.
I got the impression that Mona was going to be an overly depressed, beaten-down-by-life heroine who finally finds some bitter type of satisfaction when her husband leaves her and she fixes her personality problems.
Fortunately, I kept reading, and found that my first impression was entirely wrong. Probably this had to do with the fact that I was sick in bed as I started the book, and maybe it had to do with the fact that Mona is in her mid-40s. Which is totally unfair, I know, but there aren't that many books about women in their mid-40s, and I didn't want to read one with a character who was a wet blanket.
But Mona is definitely not a wet blanket. She is professionally successful, a good (and realistic) mom, has lots of great friends, and is basically a great woman with a crap husband. She has a character arc, but you don't have to slog through pages of self-pity or identity changes to get to the fun.
The minor characters were well-developed, the pacing was very good, the writing was tight, and the editing was near-perfection.
September 26, 2016
Wonderful. Definitely putting this one in the all time favorites category.
July 29, 2012
Mona Berman writes romances and is happy with her wedding and three daughters until her busband tells her he wants a divorce. Mona is completey caught off guard, and as she puts it: “Mr. Arnold,” I said between clenched teeth, “looking into a lighted make-up mirror with a plus-seven magnification is a humbling experience. Having your husband leave you for a younger woman just plain sucks.” Now Morna has to adjust to being single, convince her editor that her new book will sell even though she is not completely sure of it, survive her three children plus one dog, one cat and her aunt Lilly that comes to live with her and brings two more kitties with her. And then there's the plumber Ben who makes Mona's imagination run wild whether he's coming or leaving. Will Mona find her happy ending through so much ordeal?
For a free Kindle book, I expected less, much less. I laughed out loud several times and completely fell in love with Mona. It's easy to understand with whom she will be in the end, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way the story (and her dates!) unfolded. I kept wishing Mona good luck through her relationships and thankfully her good friends kept her sane through her divorce and bad first dates (she has a couple of really bad ones!). Aunt Lilly is too funny! An excellent addition to the "permanent" cast. A perfect reading for the Summer and to cheer you up!
For a free Kindle book, I expected less, much less. I laughed out loud several times and completely fell in love with Mona. It's easy to understand with whom she will be in the end, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way the story (and her dates!) unfolded. I kept wishing Mona good luck through her relationships and thankfully her good friends kept her sane through her divorce and bad first dates (she has a couple of really bad ones!). Aunt Lilly is too funny! An excellent addition to the "permanent" cast. A perfect reading for the Summer and to cheer you up!
August 10, 2016
3.75-4 Stars. The ending was to abrupt for me.
September 15, 2016
Better Off Without Him by Dee Ernst Narrated by Gillian Vance
Romantic Comedy/chick lit/Older Heroine. Stands alone, but there is a sequel that is available.
If you like older heroines with kids, get ready to laugh!
Sometimes a narrator can ruin a book. Sometimes they make it better. In the case of Better off Without Him by Dee Ernst , I have to say the narrator made the story even better. In fact, this is a rare case that I can’t really separate the story from the narration because I just loved her so much. Did I love the way 45 year old Mona Berman was written? Yes. Or was it the narrator’s amazing acting skills? It was the combo, and I totally loved her.
Mona is a successful historical romance author. She has 3 teenage girls, and I love her attitude about them, she clearly loves them, but has no problem saying one of them is a bitch (because really, what teenage girl isn’t?) She has been married 20 years, happily, or so she thought. Until her husband came home one day and told her out of the blue that he was leaving her for a much younger, skinnier, blonde french girl named Dominique.
“Mr. Arnold,” I said between clenched teeth, “looking into a lighted make-up mirror with a plus-seven magnification is a humbling experience. Having your husband leave you for a younger woman just plain sucks.”
While it threw her for a loop, Mona’s pride seemed to take more of a hit than anything. Better Off Without Him leans a little more chick lit than romance, because most of the book is about Mona’s adventures in “practice dating” after 20 years off the market.
As a bestselling author, Mona is having a lot of trouble writing romance after what happened, so she decides to write a book about a 45 year old woman whose husband leaves her, and she discovers herself, and that she is better off without a man. Convincing her agent and publisher is a whole different story. So we have a story within a story.
The side characters were great too. Her gay assistant was fun (though a little cliché), her friends were were people I wanted to hang with, I even liked her girls. But the best was her crazy Aunt Lily, and the way the narrator voiced each of the characters made it even more fun. Because Mona lived in a historical house, she also had a plumber on call to fix the numerous problems. Ben was a total hottie, and I loved how Mona would drift away in her fantasies (or scenes from her books, as he was her muse) about him. The narration would change and sappy music would play during her fantasies.
Honestly, Mona’s inner thoughts were the best part. She was an honest, down to earth mom that said the truths many might think but won’t say so they don’t sound shallow or uncaring. She wasn’t either of those, she was just honest and normal. I got so carried away with laughing at this story, that I forgot to stop and clip highlights (I thought I had more than one though, because there were so many great lines!) and I wish I could re-find a few to share here. Just know that it's real, and it's funny.
Likes:
•Mona Berman is totally a friend I want to hang with.
•The narrator made a fun book amazing.
•Her inner voice was honest, sarcastic and hysterical.
•Beyond the first chapter, Mona never really felt sorry for herself.
•I laughed out loud a number of times.
•The heroine is an author, and her career is covered quite a bit.
•I liked the girls and Mona’s snarky attitude towards them.
•Great side characters, especially her aunt and the gay couple.
Dislikes:
•I honestly didn’t even realize it till a friend mentioned it, but there were no good sex scenes. They were fade to black. It was still sexy, and sex was talked about with no problems.
•I am so disappointed that the follow up book is not available on audible. I don’t think I want to read it after listening to and loving the first. (This stands alone though).
The Down & Dirty:
Better Off Without Him may be one of my favorite audiobooks. Gillian Vance, the narrator, made this fun book amazing. She was a bit more of an actress than most narrators but it never seemed overacted. Her different vocalizations for other characters were amazing. If you don’t read audiobooks, I think Better Off Without Him would still be a great fun read on kindle or print.
I loved to read about a pretty cool mid-forties mom who is hip, sarcastic, smart, sexy and funny. Mona was totally someone I would want to be friends with. I enjoyed how she took the time to test the waters, and that this book wasn’t really a whirlwind romance, but more of a chick lit book with a romance. If you like a book with older couples with kids, I totally recommend Better Off Without Him. I have already grabbed a few more audiobooks from Dee Ernst, narrated by Gillian Vance.
Rating: 5 Stars (May have been 4.5 but the narration brought it up), 2.75 Heat (sexy but mostly fade to black), 5 Narration
Purchase Better Off Without Him by Dee Ernst
*$1.99 Audible Upgrade*
I don't see book 2 on audible :(
June 10, 2022
Cute, funny and satisfying
April 28, 2012
No surprises. No shocking plot twists. No complex characters. Written directly from the plug-and-play chick-lit template. But it was a sweet read and I was such a fan of Mona and her friends and family that I enjoyed every page...even laughed out loud multiple times throughout. And at "The End", I smiled.
October 7, 2017
3:75 - 4 Stars *** Audiobook Version ***
This book was slightly different from what I usually read/listen to. It wasn’t a romance. What drew me to the story is it is based on a middle aged mother of three who is thrown back into the single life when her husband of 20+ years decides to leave her for a younger model. She goes through the horrors of learning to date again...several of her dates had me chuckling. I loved her assistant and despised her Ex. My only complaint is the end was very abrupt...if that is the right word. I wish we would have had a better build up with her and Ben. I know there is a 2nd book so maybe We will see more of their relationship develop.
Loved the narrator on this one
This book was slightly different from what I usually read/listen to. It wasn’t a romance. What drew me to the story is it is based on a middle aged mother of three who is thrown back into the single life when her husband of 20+ years decides to leave her for a younger model. She goes through the horrors of learning to date again...several of her dates had me chuckling. I loved her assistant and despised her Ex. My only complaint is the end was very abrupt...if that is the right word. I wish we would have had a better build up with her and Ben. I know there is a 2nd book so maybe We will see more of their relationship develop.
Loved the narrator on this one
October 5, 2017
My Musings
What a delightful and funny book. It grabbed me from the first page and kept me engaged to the last. I loved Mona. I was rooting for Ben from the beginning. Every now and again, a book comes along that touches one's heart and Better Of Without Him is that book for me. So glad I found this great story. I'll be looking for more books by this amazing author. Happy ☺reading 📚
What a delightful and funny book. It grabbed me from the first page and kept me engaged to the last. I loved Mona. I was rooting for Ben from the beginning. Every now and again, a book comes along that touches one's heart and Better Of Without Him is that book for me. So glad I found this great story. I'll be looking for more books by this amazing author. Happy ☺reading 📚
August 26, 2017
4.5 stars -- it made me laugh out loud - twice - and smile at the end - 'nough said
October 15, 2018
Absolutely loved this! I had several laugh loud moments and took my iPad with me while relocating to other areas because I couldn’t put it down.
July 17, 2019
What a dynamite book! Loved the premise and the execution!
September 11, 2011
Lately every chick lit novel I pick up involves a perky twenty and a bit bright young thing (who always seems to be either work as a PR or a PA in fashion or advertising), dumped by some love rat, who after copious tears and self pity navigates her way to true love with her soul mate. Well I have been there and done that and now that I am edging ever closer to 40 I want heroines with more substance and less style. Recovering from a break up is infinitely more complicated when it involves children and property and Dee Ernst delivers with her warm and funny story about romance novelist Mona Berman who, when her 20 year marriage collapses, decides to move forward with her life, after all they say, living well is the best revenge. Of course Mona is a little bitter that her husband has left her and her three teenage daughters to be with a French tart fifteen years her junior but Mona's closest friends, her eccentric Aunt and even the gorgeous plumber, Ben, are there to support her with olive studded martini's and encouragement. From the moment Patricia and MarshaMarsha (distinct from MarshaTheBitch) mix martini's in Mona's kitchen and tell her to be the first to call her cheating husband's mother then collectively drool over the plumber's entrance (interspersed with snippets romantic fantasy) I was completely hooked. Perhaps because I have friends that would likely do the same for me should my husband ever decide to leave (though unfortunately I have no handsome plumber roaming my house and I may well insist he takes my teenage daughter with him).
Mona is capable and practical but has a hidden wild side. Her impending divorce frees her to recognise her own worth and take charge of relieving her frustrations, not only in her career but in her personal life. Branching out from the historical bodice ripping romances she usually writes Mona begins a novel that echo's her own experience as a new divorcee experiencing life released from cosy domesticity. At the same time Mona's practice dates while at her summer house relieve a different type of dissatisfaction. Her practice dates are a source of hilarity and her encounters with the long time neighbour certainly scratch her itch. The supporting cast are realistically drawn if perhaps a touch shallow, but I loved them all. There is enough truth in each of them for them to be familiar to many readers by dint of their quirks if nothing else.
I laughed a lot throughout the novel at the witty dialogue and slightly absurd situations in genuine amusement and wry sympathy. While the story is cliched in part, the humour carries it off. It may be a bit bawdy for some readers but I certainly enjoyed it.
Better Off Without Him is a hilarious yet honest story I found fun and engaging, a much better read than the cover may actually suggest I have no hesitation in recommending Better Off Without Him for the long married, newly divorced or anyone over the age of 30.
Mona is capable and practical but has a hidden wild side. Her impending divorce frees her to recognise her own worth and take charge of relieving her frustrations, not only in her career but in her personal life. Branching out from the historical bodice ripping romances she usually writes Mona begins a novel that echo's her own experience as a new divorcee experiencing life released from cosy domesticity. At the same time Mona's practice dates while at her summer house relieve a different type of dissatisfaction. Her practice dates are a source of hilarity and her encounters with the long time neighbour certainly scratch her itch. The supporting cast are realistically drawn if perhaps a touch shallow, but I loved them all. There is enough truth in each of them for them to be familiar to many readers by dint of their quirks if nothing else.
I laughed a lot throughout the novel at the witty dialogue and slightly absurd situations in genuine amusement and wry sympathy. While the story is cliched in part, the humour carries it off. It may be a bit bawdy for some readers but I certainly enjoyed it.
Better Off Without Him is a hilarious yet honest story I found fun and engaging, a much better read than the cover may actually suggest I have no hesitation in recommending Better Off Without Him for the long married, newly divorced or anyone over the age of 30.
August 21, 2014
It’s not often you come across a a romance book that has the MC a woman of age (That’s a nice way of saying she’s not in her early 20s) that feels enjoyable and fresh. Better Off Without Him by Dee Ernst is both enjoy and fresh and loaded with laugh out loud moments.
So the story is about Mona, a 45 year old romance writer, whose husband up and leaves her for a 15 years younger, 30 pounds lighter, and French woman. Of course she is blindsided and devastated. She manages to pick herself back up, gets a little wild with her freedom, tells her soon-to-be ex to kiss-off when he comes crawling back and finds the love of her life was right underneath her nose. So okay this isn’t a very original plot and has been written hundreds of times. However, I still loved the story. Why? Because the characters are fantastically written. Mona is real and down to earth. To be exact, all the characters are. They’re all so warm and lovable, from Aunt Lily, to gay Anthony, to plumber Ben, you can help but feel you want to be friends with them. Each one of them is well detailed out and so personable. The dialog is between them is so quick and snappy that I would find myself gasping for air from laughing so hard. The kitchen with Mitch...I won’t go into details but let’s just say, the people on my train this morning probably think I’m crazy.
Now for the ironic and comical (for me at least) side about this book is Mona is a writer. I believe I mentioned it before. A historical romance writer to be exact. Only after she gets blown off by her husband, she’s not in the mood to write romance. Instead she wants to write a book about a woman who gets dumped, has to start over and meets the man of her dreams. Sound familiar? Yep she is writing the same kind of book that Better Off Without Him is about. While some people might think it’s dumb, I loved it. Of course what is her book called? What else… Better Off Without Him. Yes this is silly however, I loved the humor about it, the when life hands you lemons, make lemonade aspect.
This is my second book by author Dee Ernst. I enjoyed the first one and I love this one even more. Really there isn’t anything that sucks about this book. Then to find out there’s a follow up to this book…I am over the moon excited. Better Off Without Him is very much worth the read is so grab yourself a copy, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
So the story is about Mona, a 45 year old romance writer, whose husband up and leaves her for a 15 years younger, 30 pounds lighter, and French woman. Of course she is blindsided and devastated. She manages to pick herself back up, gets a little wild with her freedom, tells her soon-to-be ex to kiss-off when he comes crawling back and finds the love of her life was right underneath her nose. So okay this isn’t a very original plot and has been written hundreds of times. However, I still loved the story. Why? Because the characters are fantastically written. Mona is real and down to earth. To be exact, all the characters are. They’re all so warm and lovable, from Aunt Lily, to gay Anthony, to plumber Ben, you can help but feel you want to be friends with them. Each one of them is well detailed out and so personable. The dialog is between them is so quick and snappy that I would find myself gasping for air from laughing so hard. The kitchen with Mitch...I won’t go into details but let’s just say, the people on my train this morning probably think I’m crazy.
Now for the ironic and comical (for me at least) side about this book is Mona is a writer. I believe I mentioned it before. A historical romance writer to be exact. Only after she gets blown off by her husband, she’s not in the mood to write romance. Instead she wants to write a book about a woman who gets dumped, has to start over and meets the man of her dreams. Sound familiar? Yep she is writing the same kind of book that Better Off Without Him is about. While some people might think it’s dumb, I loved it. Of course what is her book called? What else… Better Off Without Him. Yes this is silly however, I loved the humor about it, the when life hands you lemons, make lemonade aspect.
This is my second book by author Dee Ernst. I enjoyed the first one and I love this one even more. Really there isn’t anything that sucks about this book. Then to find out there’s a follow up to this book…I am over the moon excited. Better Off Without Him is very much worth the read is so grab yourself a copy, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
November 14, 2011
Better Off Without Him has a lot going for it. While the plot itself is nothing new (husband leaves wife for younger woman, woman has some hilarious dates/hijinks, woman learns to love herself and finds someone she can be happy with), what makes it stand out is the phenomenal tone. It reads like you're talking to your snarky yet hilarious best friend--the one who is perfect at summing up people with a clever phrase.
I also enjoy that the book gives a nod to the tropes of the romance genre. The main character, Mona, is a romance writer. As she's telling her writing group about how her husband left her for a French blond coworker, she points out how tons of romance books start like that. Mona also has hilarious moments where she rewrites what is going on in her head with her hunky plumber into scenes from her historical romances.
I wasn't a big fan of how meta the book got at times. Mona is trying to write a "not-exactly romance" novel that of course seems strangely similar to this book. This "not-exactly romance" category is hard to define, but this novel definitely falls into it. For example, the main character's divorce and dating life follow a much more realistic timeline than the average romance novel. She has bad dates, she has okay dates, and she has this-is-fun-for-now but not forever dates, just as a real person would.
The problem with this slightly more realistic plot is that it's difficult to transition to one week to six weeks to a day passing without it seeming choppy. It also means that the wonderful, funny characters are described, have one or two scenes, and then are rarely heard from during the rest of the book. There is very little sense of growth either with Mona or with the periphery characters. Also, as a personal opinion, I like good sex scenes and this one did the tasteful book equivalent to a fade to black at during those moments.
I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I also enjoy that the book gives a nod to the tropes of the romance genre. The main character, Mona, is a romance writer. As she's telling her writing group about how her husband left her for a French blond coworker, she points out how tons of romance books start like that. Mona also has hilarious moments where she rewrites what is going on in her head with her hunky plumber into scenes from her historical romances.
I wasn't a big fan of how meta the book got at times. Mona is trying to write a "not-exactly romance" novel that of course seems strangely similar to this book. This "not-exactly romance" category is hard to define, but this novel definitely falls into it. For example, the main character's divorce and dating life follow a much more realistic timeline than the average romance novel. She has bad dates, she has okay dates, and she has this-is-fun-for-now but not forever dates, just as a real person would.
The problem with this slightly more realistic plot is that it's difficult to transition to one week to six weeks to a day passing without it seeming choppy. It also means that the wonderful, funny characters are described, have one or two scenes, and then are rarely heard from during the rest of the book. There is very little sense of growth either with Mona or with the periphery characters. Also, as a personal opinion, I like good sex scenes and this one did the tasteful book equivalent to a fade to black at during those moments.
I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 28, 2016
It was just a normal April when Mona’s husband of twenty years, Brian, announced rather casually that he was moving out and wanted a divorce. He has fallen in love with a younger woman.
Their three teenaged daughters, Miranda, 16, and 14-year-old twins Lauren and Jessica, had just left for school, and Mona had settled in to think about writing her next novel. A best-selling romance novelist with the pen name Maura Van Whalen, she had decided to switch from historical romance to something contemporary.
Brian’s announcement and actions swept her off course a bit, but even after considering what a divorce would mean in her life, and not liking the upheaval, she had to admit that she wasn’t actually broken-hearted. In fact, wouldn’t it be a perfect novel to write about a woman in her forties who is dumped by her husband, and finds her happily-ever-after without a man?
Better Off Without Him was a delightful book about starting over, making better choices, and learning how to be who you want to be. Some of those choices included dating again, but with men who were already friends. Practice dating, as her daughters called it. A summer at the Long Island Shore house, which Mona had bought years before with her own money, would offer some opportunities to find men to date. And back at home in New Jersey, there was Ben the plumber, who was handsome, a good friend, and surprisingly available. So even though Mona plans to design her life to suit herself, does that mean she can’t fall in love again…someday?
I enjoyed the story, the dialogue, which was full of funny tidbits and movie references, and Mona’s humorous first person narrative. Brian was a despicable character who, predictably, thought he could still come and go in the house whenever he wanted. I liked how Mona was able to put him in his place. 4.5 stars.
Their three teenaged daughters, Miranda, 16, and 14-year-old twins Lauren and Jessica, had just left for school, and Mona had settled in to think about writing her next novel. A best-selling romance novelist with the pen name Maura Van Whalen, she had decided to switch from historical romance to something contemporary.
Brian’s announcement and actions swept her off course a bit, but even after considering what a divorce would mean in her life, and not liking the upheaval, she had to admit that she wasn’t actually broken-hearted. In fact, wouldn’t it be a perfect novel to write about a woman in her forties who is dumped by her husband, and finds her happily-ever-after without a man?
Better Off Without Him was a delightful book about starting over, making better choices, and learning how to be who you want to be. Some of those choices included dating again, but with men who were already friends. Practice dating, as her daughters called it. A summer at the Long Island Shore house, which Mona had bought years before with her own money, would offer some opportunities to find men to date. And back at home in New Jersey, there was Ben the plumber, who was handsome, a good friend, and surprisingly available. So even though Mona plans to design her life to suit herself, does that mean she can’t fall in love again…someday?
I enjoyed the story, the dialogue, which was full of funny tidbits and movie references, and Mona’s humorous first person narrative. Brian was a despicable character who, predictably, thought he could still come and go in the house whenever he wanted. I liked how Mona was able to put him in his place. 4.5 stars.
April 12, 2015
Not really into Romance genre however I would say this is more of a RomCom than a "Romance" book. Very witty and I had several "LOL" moments. The book was very easy to read and I found it refreshing that the character was not a 20 something.
There are older readers who love to read a good RomCom that they can maybe relate better too.
Mona Berman has it all—a twenty-year marriage, a successful career as a romance novelist, and three teenage daughters. But when her husband, Brian, leaves her for someone younger, thinner, blonde, and French, she has to step back and take a good, long look at her life.
First, her career. She can’t continue to write about “Happily Ever After,” so she changes the heroine of her new book from a hot young thing to a forty-something woman who manages to find happiness without a man. Her agent isn’t too happy—the heroine is how old? She doesn’t get the guy in the end? How is that even possible?
But Mona is tough, and she’s got Anthony, her personal assistant, and a few good friends to cheer her on and keep the stiff martinis flowing. And Ben. Ben is her plumber, but not your average plumber. He’s smart enough to know that Brian was never good enough for her, and sexy enough to be cast as the romantic lead in quite a few of her books. The sound of his voice alone can send her imagination into full romantic overdrive.
Then she meets Mitch, who might be just the guy for her. And there’s still Ben, who’s managed to come to her rescue more than once. But—there’s a book to publish, a soon-to-be-ex-husband to deal with, and what has Aunt Lily done this time?
Can Mona work this all out? Can life imitate art, and can Mona write her own happy ending?
There are older readers who love to read a good RomCom that they can maybe relate better too.
Mona Berman has it all—a twenty-year marriage, a successful career as a romance novelist, and three teenage daughters. But when her husband, Brian, leaves her for someone younger, thinner, blonde, and French, she has to step back and take a good, long look at her life.
First, her career. She can’t continue to write about “Happily Ever After,” so she changes the heroine of her new book from a hot young thing to a forty-something woman who manages to find happiness without a man. Her agent isn’t too happy—the heroine is how old? She doesn’t get the guy in the end? How is that even possible?
But Mona is tough, and she’s got Anthony, her personal assistant, and a few good friends to cheer her on and keep the stiff martinis flowing. And Ben. Ben is her plumber, but not your average plumber. He’s smart enough to know that Brian was never good enough for her, and sexy enough to be cast as the romantic lead in quite a few of her books. The sound of his voice alone can send her imagination into full romantic overdrive.
Then she meets Mitch, who might be just the guy for her. And there’s still Ben, who’s managed to come to her rescue more than once. But—there’s a book to publish, a soon-to-be-ex-husband to deal with, and what has Aunt Lily done this time?
Can Mona work this all out? Can life imitate art, and can Mona write her own happy ending?
February 16, 2013
I can't remember the last time I've said, "I effing love this character!" at the 25% mark of a book. I knew at that point I was going to love this book.
Mona is classic, and even though in the beginning it seems she's getting shafted, her husband leaving is the best thing to happen to her. Naturally.
I think what made this book so great for me were the characters. Patricia was awesome. Every woman needs a friend like her. Mona's assistant Anthony was the one that made me literally laugh out loud at times, and I loved all of his names for people. I tend to do that, too, so it cracked me up. Aunt Lily was a gem!
The writing was pretty solid. There was only the occasional typo, omitted article, or punctuation mistake. The story was predictable, and there were entire conversations the characters had which told you exactly what was going to happen and in what order, but it was still extremely satisfying from beginning to end. Mona's romances ran the gamut from FWB to the HEA (though only she was surprised during the "surprise reveal"), but at no point did she seem stupid, or silly. Just oblivious, but that was her entire problem from the beginning, so I can see it continuing to get her up to her eyeballs in hijinks until she learned how to pay a bit more attention.
Pick this book up for a light, fun read while on vacation, or after the kids go to bed. It's definitely worth it.
And now I totally want to try a vodka martini.
Mona is classic, and even though in the beginning it seems she's getting shafted, her husband leaving is the best thing to happen to her. Naturally.
I think what made this book so great for me were the characters. Patricia was awesome. Every woman needs a friend like her. Mona's assistant Anthony was the one that made me literally laugh out loud at times, and I loved all of his names for people. I tend to do that, too, so it cracked me up. Aunt Lily was a gem!
The writing was pretty solid. There was only the occasional typo, omitted article, or punctuation mistake. The story was predictable, and there were entire conversations the characters had which told you exactly what was going to happen and in what order, but it was still extremely satisfying from beginning to end. Mona's romances ran the gamut from FWB to the HEA (though only she was surprised during the "surprise reveal"), but at no point did she seem stupid, or silly. Just oblivious, but that was her entire problem from the beginning, so I can see it continuing to get her up to her eyeballs in hijinks until she learned how to pay a bit more attention.
Pick this book up for a light, fun read while on vacation, or after the kids go to bed. It's definitely worth it.
And now I totally want to try a vodka martini.
April 6, 2012
This is a really cute, witty tale about Mona Berman finding life after being cast aside by her husband of twenty years. I enjoy a strong female lead, and Ernst does not disappoint in her character, Mona, whose quirky ways and strong sense of self worth make her triumph over her disastrous break up. I loved that Mona didn’t stop living, but instead began, dating, writing a new type of novel, and ultimately finding herself throughout the course of the story, and I highly enjoyed it.
I absolutely adored that Mona was a writer. I’m always interested in books where the main character writes, I think mainly because the author is describing their own job, and it just intrigues me. Ernst is a writer writing a writer, as it were, and I really get a kick out of authors that do this, especially when they do it well, as Ernst does.
I loved the writing style as well. It reads very smoothly, almost like a conversation with a friend instead of a novel. Ernst doesn’t just tell a story, but she connects with her readers and shows the story as well, making it an overall great read that I highly recommend. Funny and engaging, Ernst has produced a gem of a story...
See see my full review (4/27):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
I absolutely adored that Mona was a writer. I’m always interested in books where the main character writes, I think mainly because the author is describing their own job, and it just intrigues me. Ernst is a writer writing a writer, as it were, and I really get a kick out of authors that do this, especially when they do it well, as Ernst does.
I loved the writing style as well. It reads very smoothly, almost like a conversation with a friend instead of a novel. Ernst doesn’t just tell a story, but she connects with her readers and shows the story as well, making it an overall great read that I highly recommend. Funny and engaging, Ernst has produced a gem of a story...
See see my full review (4/27):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
July 12, 2012
Better Off Without Him is one of the funniest chick-lit books I’ve read in recent memory. Ernst starts with a great cast of characters: the protagonist, Mona, is a strong woman with a great talent for recognizing the humor in life, even in negative experiences. She has to be, with her three teenage daughters, each with unique personalities that keep Mona guessing and with the typical teen problems of being on the cusp of adulthood (with some very adult like insights), yet still needing parental direction. Mona’s friends each have their own quirks that spice up the story as they provide Mona support.
As Mona works through her own issues with her soon-to-be-ex and eases into life as an unattached woman, she changes her next book from Romance to something else, which turns out to be a book that mirrors and foreshadows many of her own experiences. Despite docking a star for many minor, but too pervasive proofing problems, I would still highly recommend Better Off Without Him for fans of the genre who are able to ignore those issues.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
As Mona works through her own issues with her soon-to-be-ex and eases into life as an unattached woman, she changes her next book from Romance to something else, which turns out to be a book that mirrors and foreshadows many of her own experiences. Despite docking a star for many minor, but too pervasive proofing problems, I would still highly recommend Better Off Without Him for fans of the genre who are able to ignore those issues.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
April 16, 2014
I picked up this read when it was being offered as a deal of the day, or something like that, but I just got around to reading it. I knew that it was a lighthearted funny read, which was exactly what I was in the mood for. It is also my first read by this author, and I now know that it won't be my last. I wasn't so sure as I was reading the first couple of pages, it peaked my interest and it picked up right away, completely holding me attention with humor, engaging characters, and witty banter between these characters. I enjoyed Mona's journey through her divorce, the realization of the events of her marriage, her ex-husband and her career. It was refreshing how the author chose to handle the intimacy in the story, leaving much if not all to the imagination of the reader. I loved who Mona ends up with, even though I kind of figured it out earlier on, and wished that we would have had more time with them together, but for the most part it was a fun, fun ride.
June 8, 2015
Well, the book was just ok but the idea is great. I mean who needs these men :-). Happiness is not something dependent on having a husband. Happiness is about living life you want to live. And maybe it will be done better without him. :-)
P.S.: I am happily married for 8 years so I say this not because I want to convince myself. This is not about every man and even not about good or bad husbands, it is about being able to be happy even if you don't have one (well, in our country it is a serious thing - if you are not married by 25-30, you are a looser or an old maid:-) or even if the person you love don't feel the same. It is not the end of your life, you still have yourself and the whole world around and a lot of friends and a lot of opportunities and this is your choice what to do with your life - to be depressed because you don't have something or enjoy what you have and take more.
It was a very long post scriptum :-)
P.S.: I am happily married for 8 years so I say this not because I want to convince myself. This is not about every man and even not about good or bad husbands, it is about being able to be happy even if you don't have one (well, in our country it is a serious thing - if you are not married by 25-30, you are a looser or an old maid:-) or even if the person you love don't feel the same. It is not the end of your life, you still have yourself and the whole world around and a lot of friends and a lot of opportunities and this is your choice what to do with your life - to be depressed because you don't have something or enjoy what you have and take more.
It was a very long post scriptum :-)
December 12, 2019
Бях се отчаял от последно прочетените книги от мен, но ето че "По-добре ми е без теб" на Дий Ърнст ме спечели тотално и безвъзвратно. Романът е лек и подходящ за летните дни, в комбинация с мартини и доза слънчеви лъчи.
Започнах скептично книгата, надявайки се да не бъде бъкана с клишета. И, да.. Имаше ги, но бяха описани по толкова забавен и увлекателен начин, че не ме издразниха въобще.
Любимите ми моменти са свързани с 'гладът' на главната героиня за секс, та се питам, случайно да не се описва някаква развратна история за нимфоманка - шегичка, разбира се.
Книжката ми донесе доста силна положителна нагласа и задължително, когато имам възможност ще прочета и продължението на историята във втората книга.
Започнах скептично книгата, надявайки се да не бъде бъкана с клишета. И, да.. Имаше ги, но бяха описани по толкова забавен и увлекателен начин, че не ме издразниха въобще.
Любимите ми моменти са свързани с 'гладът' на главната героиня за секс, та се питам, случайно да не се описва някаква развратна история за нимфоманка - шегичка, разбира се.
Книжката ми донесе доста силна положителна нагласа и задължително, когато имам възможност ще прочета и продължението на историята във втората книга.
April 26, 2015
Absolutely loved this book! It isn't often a book makes me laugh so much, but, this one did.
Mona is a great character. I love that she moved on with her life and never looked back after her husband calmly tells her he wants a divorce after 20 years of marriage. The supporting characters are awesome as well...you can't help but love them all!
Thankfully the sequel "Better Than Your Dreams", is now available so I can start reading it immediately!
Mona is a great character. I love that she moved on with her life and never looked back after her husband calmly tells her he wants a divorce after 20 years of marriage. The supporting characters are awesome as well...you can't help but love them all!
Thankfully the sequel "Better Than Your Dreams", is now available so I can start reading it immediately!
April 7, 2015
Mona is something else!
I liked everything about this story line. Mona is real, funny, a little naive, a loyal friend, and a great mom! I liked the fact that I couldn't tell who she would end up with, until the end. I enjoyed how she dated losers, but didn't waste time trying to make the relationships work. Her relationship with Doug was awesome! Makes me want to try something like that, (syke!)...I plan to try other books by Dee
I liked everything about this story line. Mona is real, funny, a little naive, a loyal friend, and a great mom! I liked the fact that I couldn't tell who she would end up with, until the end. I enjoyed how she dated losers, but didn't waste time trying to make the relationships work. Her relationship with Doug was awesome! Makes me want to try something like that, (syke!)...I plan to try other books by Dee
August 4, 2012
This was a FANTASTIC book! Dee Ernst writes like I think and talk. Her characters are witty and sarcastic and I hope she continues to write. I devoured this book and was sad to put it down. If you want a light, funny read with great characters who think like most of us talk then I highly recommend it!
March 8, 2016
Had some chuckle parts and LOL moments. Anthony was great, him and his name giving. The best is still Aunt Lily. She was hilarious! My favorite part was when she was talking about the husband.
"... My heavens, you even had to schedule his colonoscopy last year. I mean, the man couldn't arrange for a tube going up his own ass. Useless...." I couldn't stop laughing.....
"... My heavens, you even had to schedule his colonoscopy last year. I mean, the man couldn't arrange for a tube going up his own ass. Useless...." I couldn't stop laughing.....
May 13, 2015
This was simply fun. I laughed lots, loved the not-every-sweaty-detail sex scenes, then recommended to my friends.And reviewer Alexa is right: you want to put it down in the first few pages. But don't. You would miss all that howling with hoots that has your family coming at a run to give you the look. Could be a guilty pleasure, but I refuse to hide this gem under any bush.
November 28, 2017
This is not my usual genre but I adored it!!! Such a cute read. The characters were entertaining and likable without being too perfect. This book just made me feel good!
Only downside was a couple of typos but nothing serious enough to interfere with enjoying the story.
Only downside was a couple of typos but nothing serious enough to interfere with enjoying the story.
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