Scan barcode
zeemonodee's review
5.0
Took me a while to be able to finish reading this one - not the book's fault, but life's - and I couldn't wait to get back to it every single time I had to put it down. Which pretty much told me I would enjoy this story, that it would be a hectic/lovely ride, and it was! The build up and the mixing of all the secondary characters reminded me a lot of Jill Mansell's books, which I love to read precisely because there's a ton of stuff going on with all the characters, yet it's an enjoyable ride through.
Loved watching Esme come into her own. If anyone is tempted to give up after the earlier chapters where her relationship with Elliot is shown, please continue reading - it's well worth it! I was tempted at first to ditch Esme, but something told me to stick with the book, and so glad I did.
This is one of those books that has all the right kind of surprises, an engaging voice, and the characters peopling this world as just adorable (shout-out to Lloyd and Douglas - iykyk, LOL)
Loved watching Esme come into her own. If anyone is tempted to give up after the earlier chapters where her relationship with Elliot is shown, please continue reading - it's well worth it! I was tempted at first to ditch Esme, but something told me to stick with the book, and so glad I did.
This is one of those books that has all the right kind of surprises, an engaging voice, and the characters peopling this world as just adorable (shout-out to Lloyd and Douglas - iykyk, LOL)
maggie_tries_to_read's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
kerry2727's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
A bit too cute for me!
carolanner's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
rosehasthorn's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
s_baker_19's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
beyondevak's review
4.0
Quick Summary: A seeing is believing romance...with an unexpected twist
My Review: The Ex Next Door by Jo Platt was a subtle nod to a topsy turvy romance. This Women's Fiction book was so different than I expected. The love story that was really happening didn't become evident until it was right in my face.
Initial Reaction: I was glued to my seat for this one. The more I kept reading, the more I needed to know what was truly going on. I dare say, the author kept me guessing during the majority of the book.
About the Characters: The characters in this book were incredibly diverse and very colorful. Some of them were quirky and cute, while others came across as annoyingly toadish. While reading, there were multiple times when I came to realize that the most wonderful characters (who had fooled me into believing their innate goodness) were just downright not so, and the most peculiar characters (who I was getting weirdo vibes from) were the most charming.
What I Loved: There were many things to love about this book.
One of the things that captured my attention about this lovely book was the book title and the book cover. (I'm counting them as one, of course.) The title snagged my interest simply because of what it implies. I was immediately considering all sorts of romantic formulas based on the "perfect title." The cover seemed so playful and fun; it was lighthearted, even. I just knew, based on the cover, that this book would be special.
The direction the story took was another thing I loved. I would never have guessed what was going on if I hadn't seen it (read it) for myself. (Good one, Ms. Platt. Score!) The surprise that shall not be mentioned - the unexpected twist - was both brilliant and sweet.
Finally, the third thing I genuinely adored was the friend brigade surrounding Esme. Her supports were decent and good people. I really liked how they rallied around her when she needed "a shoulder to cry on."
About the Conclusion: At the end of the day, this story was about life, love, relationships, growth, and finding personal truths. Esme learned who she really was and discovered what she really wanted. Elliot showed his true colors. David became brave. And still, there was more.
My Takeaways: There were a number of takeaways, in my opinion.
1) Trust your instincts.
2) Be true to yourself.
3) See with your heart versus with your eyes. (When it comes to relationships, we can often fool ourselves into seeing what we want to see when we focus on the superficial.)
4) Appreciate the beautiful things right in front of you.
My Final Say: This is a worthy read that will have you thinking about the upside down, wonderfully challenging nature of love. Readers who enjoy a comeback story from someone who has suffered a heartbreak will undoubtedly like this book. It reads like a Women's Fiction book, in the best way.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: Clean
Level: Slow burn, low chemistry, high compatibility
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and were in no way influenced by the aforementioned. I voluntarily offered my submission.
My Review: The Ex Next Door by Jo Platt was a subtle nod to a topsy turvy romance. This Women's Fiction book was so different than I expected. The love story that was really happening didn't become evident until it was right in my face.
Initial Reaction: I was glued to my seat for this one. The more I kept reading, the more I needed to know what was truly going on. I dare say, the author kept me guessing during the majority of the book.
About the Characters: The characters in this book were incredibly diverse and very colorful. Some of them were quirky and cute, while others came across as annoyingly toadish. While reading, there were multiple times when I came to realize that the most wonderful characters (who had fooled me into believing their innate goodness) were just downright not so, and the most peculiar characters (who I was getting weirdo vibes from) were the most charming.
What I Loved: There were many things to love about this book.
One of the things that captured my attention about this lovely book was the book title and the book cover. (I'm counting them as one, of course.) The title snagged my interest simply because of what it implies. I was immediately considering all sorts of romantic formulas based on the "perfect title." The cover seemed so playful and fun; it was lighthearted, even. I just knew, based on the cover, that this book would be special.
The direction the story took was another thing I loved. I would never have guessed what was going on if I hadn't seen it (read it) for myself. (Good one, Ms. Platt. Score!) The surprise that shall not be mentioned - the unexpected twist - was both brilliant and sweet.
Finally, the third thing I genuinely adored was the friend brigade surrounding Esme. Her supports were decent and good people. I really liked how they rallied around her when she needed "a shoulder to cry on."
About the Conclusion: At the end of the day, this story was about life, love, relationships, growth, and finding personal truths. Esme learned who she really was and discovered what she really wanted. Elliot showed his true colors. David became brave. And still, there was more.
My Takeaways: There were a number of takeaways, in my opinion.
1) Trust your instincts.
2) Be true to yourself.
3) See with your heart versus with your eyes. (When it comes to relationships, we can often fool ourselves into seeing what we want to see when we focus on the superficial.)
4) Appreciate the beautiful things right in front of you.
My Final Say: This is a worthy read that will have you thinking about the upside down, wonderfully challenging nature of love. Readers who enjoy a comeback story from someone who has suffered a heartbreak will undoubtedly like this book. It reads like a Women's Fiction book, in the best way.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: Clean
Level: Slow burn, low chemistry, high compatibility
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and were in no way influenced by the aforementioned. I voluntarily offered my submission.
hilly's review
2.0
Toen ik deze in Ierland kocht dacht ik dat het een 5/5 zou zijn, maar dit was ontzettend teleurstellend :(
1.5 ☆’s
1.5 ☆’s
laurapellegrino92's review
4.0
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So this book was NOT what I was expecting. At first I was low key annoyed at the amount of back story and attention to building up the side characters when the female main character and her "ex" had only had two small interactions within the first 10 chapters...but OH MY GOD. It made so much sense around the 60% mark where we were hit with twists we did not anticipate! I thought this would be a safe trope-fest book but no, so much better.
Big fan of Esme as a character, and I really like Lloyd!
Devoured this book in about 4-5 hours. It takes a little while to warm up to and then you simply can't put it down. Platt is a new author to me, and i look forward to reading more from her!
So this book was NOT what I was expecting. At first I was low key annoyed at the amount of back story and attention to building up the side characters when the female main character and her "ex" had only had two small interactions within the first 10 chapters...but OH MY GOD. It made so much sense around the 60% mark where we were hit with twists we did not anticipate! I thought this would be a safe trope-fest book but no, so much better.
Big fan of Esme as a character, and I really like Lloyd!
Devoured this book in about 4-5 hours. It takes a little while to warm up to and then you simply can't put it down. Platt is a new author to me, and i look forward to reading more from her!