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A review by beyondevak
The Ex Next Door: An utterly charming and funny romance by Jo Platt
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.