The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce is a book so absolutely delightful that I was singing Taylor Swift’s Paper Rings and thinking joyfully about Eli and Georgia for the duration of the 8 hour plane ride that I read this book at the start of. Honestly, it was so good that I was even in a chipper mood standing in a 1.5 hour customs line after. Eli is that swoonworthy, and the weaving of past and present relationships is masterful here. I loved You With a View so much but if it’s even possible I love this EVEN MORE because it’s just so beautifully written and the relationship has me rooting so hard for these two and swooning so hard when they decide to see if they can just keep it casual, knowing that they are both down bad. It’s FANTASTIC.


Thank you to Netgalley, Berkeley Romance, and Jessica Joyce for this eARC. This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️

ah ok…. it took me a second to come up with my final thoughts on this one. want to start off with saying, you with a view is probably one of my fav romances ever. i will forever read any and everything jessica joyce writes. she writes such tender and heartfelt love stories filled with swoon-worthy moments. here are some of the aspects i loved about this book:
- jessica joyce so effortlessly portrayed what it means to feel homesick from the one person who has your entire heart
- the beauty of second chance romances is their shared knowledge of one another. the rekindling was so palpable.
- i related deeply with the feelings of abandonment, fear of being alone, and anxiety.

i guess with this book i liked it, but didn’t love it. i found myself enjoying georgia + eli’s interactions and affection for one another. there isn’t a doubt that they were made for each other, but i just felt a little bored…. i just unfortunately wasn’t interested in all the other aspects of the book. i was just grasping for something more in this book and i just didn’t fully get it.

i will still recommend this book bc i know a lot of people are gonna love it!

Ohhh this book was everything I’d hope it would be! 🥹 The story follows Eli and Georgia who haven’t seen each other in years and reconnect as their best friend’s wedding approaches. The two work together to ensure the wedding preparations go smoothly. The story is told in the present with flashbacks from their past. I absolutely loved the characters and side characters were fantastic too. They felt so vulnerable and real and I enjoyed seeing the MCs growth throughout the story and how they learned to reconcile their past. I appreciated the mental health representation and Jessica handled the subject in such a delicate and respectful way. The chemistry between Eli and Georgia sizzled right off the page. I loved the tension, witty banter, and their journey back to each other. This is such an emotional, messy and beautiful second chance romance book.

Read if you like:
🍇Second chance romance
🍇Dual timelines
🍇 Forced proximity
🍇 Friends/strangers to lovers

“The Ex Vows" by Jessica Joyce is a captivating journey through the complexities of love, heartbreak, and second chances. From the very first page, Joyce weaves a narrative that pulls you in and doesn't let go until the very end.
The story follows FMC Sarah as she navigates the aftermath of a devastating breakup with her longtime partner, Mark. However, just as she begins to rebuild her life, fate intervenes, throwing her back into Mark's path.
Joyce's writing effortlessly captures the raw emotions of heartache and hope. The characters are perfectly fleshed out, each with their own flaws that make them feel incredibly real. Sarah's journey is relatable, her struggles and triumphs resonating with anyone who has ever experienced the pain of a broken heart.
"The Ex Vows" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance novels with a dose of reality. Jessica Joyce has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers with a renewed sense of hope and the belief that love truly does conquer all. Highly recommended.

📣 a romantic & yes, angsty, second chance romance where the leads are MEANT TO BE

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 Let’s build off of the title with autofill. The Ex vows to…

Whew, the emotional impact of a freaking second chance romance written by Jessica Joyce. After reading You, With a View & thinking immediately of the emotional depths Joyce would be capable of when writing second chance, I was scared to take this one on.

It is, in fact, why I chose to read The Ex Vows now. Because I didn’t want the impending angst hanging over my Kindle any longer 🤣.

This book is amazing, though, & even though the first chapter Unalived me with dagger-like second-chance-vibes precision, it was so good the whole way through.

One thing that really helped is that I felt absolutely assured that Eli & Georgia were meant to be & Eli was truly different (not that he was the whole problem before, mind you!) & determined to face things in a new way.

The obvious love & passion between the leads sung through my Kindle & honestly, is gorgeously written. Not to mention that friendship is such a poignant & emotionally powerful part of the overall story too. I got tears in my freaking eyes.

This book is stunning & I’m glad I went on the journey. Although I remain frightened of second chance romance 🤣.

5 ⭐️. Out 07/16.

CWs: panic attack on page; workaholic tendencies & anxiety; Georgia’s mother left their family.

[ID: Jess wears a navy polka dotted dress & holds the ebook next to some pink roses.]

“you deserve to let yourself feel whatever you need to. You can be messy. A disaster, if you need to. The people who love you will accept every single piece of it, I promise you.”

Oh man I loved this book. It made me cry a little. Such a beautiful story involving friendship and second chances, and the importance of being willing to change.

I had to laugh at the curse and everything that entailed with it, but the friendships was the most beautiful thing in this story.

Jessica Joyce's follow up doesn't disappoint! What a fabulous follow up to You, With A View. Jessica is a force in the genre and here to stay. I want her to write her version of every trope!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Georgina is the best friend you want, she is always ready to help out and bring a list to get the job done! She might be in the middle of reevaluating her own direction in life but will drop everything to save her bestie, Adam’s, seemingly cursed nuptials from total ruin. She even has to file away her long list of hurt and grievances with her ex, Eli to pull this feat off. Georgina might be all of us in our youth having to balance an ex in a group friend situation. The Ex-Vows is a beautifully written and heartfelt book about heartbreak and hope for second chances.

Review is posted on Goodreads and the final review will be on Instagram ahead of the publication date!

Wow. Wow wow wow. I just finished The Ex Vows and it was perfection. Truly, this is a gorgeous book for everyone, unless you really hate second chance romances. Eli and Georgia are soulmates, and watching them come back to each other was simply a delight. The writing is perfection -- funny and heart-wrenching and thought-provoking and spicy. Read this book. Give it to your friends. Give Jessica Joyce all the contracts.

The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)

- second chance romance
- forced proximity
- adversaries to lovers
- one bed

So, I just finished “The Ex Vows” by Jessica Joyce, and WOW—the emotions I'm feeling after reading the ending! Let's just say I'm still a little teary-eyed.

This book was fantastic, one that I genuinely enjoyed reading. The relationship between Georgia and Eli? Absolutely adorable. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of the second-chance romance trope, but this one was spot on! I could practically feel their chemistry and heartache leaping off the pages, and I didn't want to put it down.

Most romance books I find somewhat unrealistic at times, but “The Ex Vows” felt rather authentic. The whole “wedding curse” subplot was a hoot. I couldn't help but laugh at every little thing that kept going wrong. The fact that Georgia and Eli had to team up to save the day made it all the more enjoyable.

I personally loved Georgia's character and experiencing the story through her point of view. Her emotions and feelings were raw and real, something I can almost relate to thanks to a previous relationship where we got back together for a bit. It didn’t turn out as well as Georgia and Eli’s relationship, but it was still relatable!

Overall, "The Ex Vows" is a charming, funny, and heartfelt read that I wholeheartedly recommend. If you're a fan of romance with a dash of humor and a pinch of realism, you'll adore this book as much as I did.

Thank you NetGally for the ARC!

I did not expect this at all. The emotion that went into this was impeccable. I saw so much of myself in the FMC. Being able to know what was going through her head, the doubts, the concerns, it is what made the story for me. I think looking from the outside it can seem she is just being difficult but knowing why and her reservations makes it so understandable. I truly didn’t even know i was crying until it was too late lol. I truly appreciated the patience and willingness of the MMC and how he was able to really just do a self evaluation of himself. I feel that was such a fundamental piece to get them where they were. The found family with years of friendship intertwined was so sweet. I could go on and on about the things I loved about this story. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a heartfelt second chance romance with such raw and passionate feelings!!

What a fantastic book. It has everything. Friends to lovers, second chance romance, witty banter, found family, lovable characters, forced proximity, one bed at the inn, a beautiful Napa Valley winery setting, and it is also absolutely hilarious.

Georgia and Eli broke up five years ago and have remained “friends” due to their mutual friend group. Now as best man and best woman, they’re forced the team up and save their best friend’s wedding from crashing and burning.

I loved her other book (You, With a View) and jumped on the opportunity to read this book. I’m so glad I did, and I’d recommend this book to all romance and rom com lovers out there!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Jessica Joyce and Berkley Publishing group for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I have to be honest I still feel brand new to Jessica Joyce. I only read her first book You, With a View a few weeks ago. I immediately fell in love with Jessica’s story telling. And let me tell you as soon as I found out she had a new book coming out this June. The way I RAN to apply for this arc. Thankfully the publishing gods answered. And let me tell you Jessica did not disappoint. The Ex Vows, is everything that Happy Place by Emily Henry tried to be.

The Ex Vows follows Georgia and Eli. Once the best of friends, now exes, who are best woman and best man for their mutual best friend's wedding. Despite their awkwardness being around each other, the pair must work together to help the bride and groom solve disaster after disaster with the wedding.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The plot was fun and I found it super relatable. Especially in regards to Georgia. I could see myself in her in so many ways - as someone who moved several states away for her career and had an existential crisis about leaving family and friends behind.

I think my only gripe in this book revolves around Eli. At times he felt a little one dimensional and I wish we could’ve flushed out more of his character. As well as Georgia and Eli’s past relationship.

The Ex Vows is not my favorite by Jessica Joyce. But Jessica Joyce has an avid reader and fan for life. I highly recommend checking this book out!

Thank you again to NetGalley and Berkley for the arc!

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely DEVOURED this book! Jessica Joyce has written what is easily the best second chance romances I have ever read. If you love delicious tension and big, palpable chemistry along with messy feelings you will eat this up! Jessica Joyce is an absolute auto-buy author for me at this point.

Let’s talk ugly crying— I don’t do it over books. EVER. But THE EX VOWS has shaken that loose. Page 338 had me reeling. By page 348, Jessica Joyce had emotionally wrecked me in a way I’ve never experienced before in a book.

I love THE EX VOWS. {full stop}

Georgia and her lists—how she works to contain everything around her, how she wishes no one would leave, and what that deep-seated fear does to her insides.

Eli and the way he loves his Peach. His trauma of scarcity has worn a bruise, which may not heal, and his love for his two best friends drives him to realize what is important.

I love how this book looks at an entire relationship: from teens to late twenties and everything in between. I love how all of the obstacles are internal for our main characters—because that’s what I’m here for, at the end of the day. I want it to be about Georgia and Eli, and it is about the two of them entirely.

The EX VOWS is the summer romance that everyone will be talking about! It is sweet, delicious and earth-shattering. It’s a second-chance romance that will hook you and never let go.

Thank you to Berkley for an early copy to review!

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for my early copy! I really enjoyed this cute romance that’s a perfect summery read. I really liked Georgia’s character arc. So many of her great fears—her friends forgetting about her/leaving her/being unimportant to them and alone but feeling silly expressing that—truly touched a deep part in me. It’s one of those weird, strange, wonderful moments where you see some of your deepest, intimate feelings reflected back to you.

I found that the writing was sometimes a bit too much “tell” and not enough “show” especially concerning Georgia’s character arc and her big character flaw (re: her fear that everyone will eventually leave her). The internal character struggle was too overt too quickly for me, I wanted to learn her fears more subtly and slowly. I like to see it mapped out in different interactions and backstory in a subtle way that lets you unwrap the characters gradually, making for a more intriguing and gripping read. I subsequently found that some sections really dragged on for me and the dialogue felt more “written” than natural in some parts.

Overall I did enjoy this book! It was v cute and the character growth touched my soul. There’s a lot of little nuggets in this book I’ll be underlining once I get a physical copy—I just wish some areas were better finessed!

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹 𝘷𝘰𝘸𝘴 is a lovely second chance romance that reunites eli and georgia five years post break up in an attempt to save their best friend's wedding. as they team up to finish off tasks leading up to the union, eli and georgia blur the lines, realizing the chemistry and attraction from all those years ago never truly went away.

joyce builds the tension and develops it so well; its obvious that there is still so much love and attraction between eli and georgia. sex scenes are done with such care and gives you just enough without being overly exaggerated. the glimpses into the past explains what went wrong and tugs on your heartstrings. she takes her time to put in the details to make them relatable characters- explaining georgia's realistic fears on life changing, touching on eli's mental health, and more. every piece is intentional and very human! i appreciated how realistic the book was (aside for all the mishaps of the wedding, but entertaining nonetheless).

jessica is easily an auto-read author, i can't wait to see what's next for her!

𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of this book! The book was a delight, and the writing was on point! I liked how the plot progressed, and it didn't feel like it was going too fast or too slow. I also thought that the ending was perfect between the two as they don't get together immediately, but they have time to grow with each other.

the ex vows cements it, jessica joyce cannot write a bad book. two stellars novels and a novella into her career, she has quickly become a shining star in the romance genre.

when a second chance romance is centered around a couple that has true, real, deep history, like eli and georgia, that is my favorite version of the trope. once upon a time, they were best friends who became lovers, they tied their lives together for years and could have never imagined the pain and heartbreak of their future during those moments of bliss.

now the best man and woman in the wedding of their mutual best friend, georgia and eli must work to pull off the perfect day despite how the universe seems set on derailing the event. from the first moment of their reunion, eli's fondness of georgia, his endless longing for her, was evident. while she was more cautious of jumping back into their comfortable dynamic, for good reason, he arrived into town with a plan, intending to take every inch she was willing to give.

while the ex vows got off to a roaring start, I found that the story lost of bit of that early luster about halfway through. however, I really enjoyed how everything was resolved. both georgia and eli were able to prioritize their own health and happiness first before committing to another chance. healing and communication was a huge hurdle for them to overcome. there was a lot of maturing and selflessness showcased by both characters, as they did just want the best for each other.

lastly, for lovers of grand gestures and two people who memorized and never forgot every detail about the person they once believed they'd spend the rest of their lives with, you're in for a treat with this book. eli and georgia's history was present throughout, both as a reminder of mistakes made and as a pillar to build anew.

thanks to berkley and jessica joyce for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

4⭐️ Thank you Berkeley Romance & NetGalley for an e-ARC!🤍

I didn’t love this, but I didn’t dislike it either. At the beginning, for whatever reason it was feeling kind of slow to me, and I wasn’t super invested. It did pick up after a bit though, and got better and better! I think I enjoyed the second half the most.
I think part of the reason this wasn’t an amazing read for me is that I’ve seen nothing but amazing ARC reviews, and this author has gotten so much hype that it made my expectations a little too high.
Second chance is one of my favorites, and I did enjoy that in this one, especially towards the end!
All in all, I enjoyed this and would recommend, but it wasn’t my absolute favorite! I’d still like to read her first book soon though.