Cover Image: EXES - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance Novel

EXES - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance Novel

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Member Reviews

*posting a full review on my blog in a few days*

It is funny, emotional and sexy. This is the first time I am reading a book by Aria Hawthorne and I am glad I did.
Ex'es by Aria Hawthorne had me on the edge of the seat and was an enjoyable read. A second chance romance between a divorced couple ex's. Alma and Harvey were so good together. The writing just came alive with their chemistry. I don't know who I loved more- Aria with her stubborn intelligence or Harvey with his cockiness and humor. Harvey isn't like the typical alpha billionaires usually seen in romance books, which is what I loved the most.He is human with his flaws,but not without his cockiness ;) He has a great sense of humor and I loved his witty conversations with Alma!When he loved he gave it his all, without giving up.

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Billionaire Harvey is having a serious texting relationship with someone who is a friend of a friend. Although never having actually meeting each other they endure a pretty sexual relationship via texting. When they actually do meet sparks fly, but first Harvey has to figure out how to get this other person to trust him considering they've had a past before.

This was a funny read. I loved the connection that Harvey and Alma had with each other. There was a lot of bantering and arguing between the two, but deep down you could tell that there was love between them. Great read.

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Exes - a Second Chances Billionaire Romance by Aria Hawthorn 4 .stars
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This story is about second chances between Harvey and Alma. They are brought together after time apart to go on a treasure hunt of sorts. They both search for the treasure for different reasons - him to try to win her back and her to fulfill a life long dream. Their relationship didn't have the closure one would expect in a divorced couple and each is trying to move on in their own way.

I really enjoyed the history "lesson" in this book while the characters where on their adventure. I look forward to reading other books in "The Second Chance" series.

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I really enjoyed this book, it was different than your standard romance novel. And I love that Harvey never gave up on Alma and their relationship.

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3.75 stars

I absolutely loved the male main character in this book - Harvey Zale. He was charming, funny, sarcastic, and self-deprecating. A billionaire who was very comfortable with who he was, yet still realized his flaws, and openly acknowledged them. This story starts out with our hero and heroine beginning a sexting affair, without knowing that they are each other's exes. He is a multi-billionaire real estate developer, and she is a stained glass/antiques expert. He is in the process of tearing down a building, which is a requirement of a huge sale he needs to finance his next project, building the tallest towers in the world. Of course, the building he wants to tear down contains what is thought to be rare and missing Tiffany stained glass windows, and his ex-wife (Alma) wants him to halt the sale until she can confirm if the windows are, in fact, historical treasures, and the possibility that the building also contains clues to a missing and well-fabled Tiffany window. Madness and misunderstandings ensue. There are some very steamy exchanges between the two, before they both discover that they are the ones sexting each other. It was a very enjoyable read, with a hero I absolutely adored. I wasn't as much sold on our heroine...but then again, I'm all about the male main characters most of the time!!

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Wow, this was an excellent contemporary billionaire romance. Alma is one of the leading antique window and jewelry appraisers. She and her father work together to give estimates and preserve the past. One of her favorites is Tiffany. Harvey is a billionaire who isn't worried so much about the past as he is about his worth. I really enjoyed the constant banter these two characters have thoughout the story. They are now exes and were married until a year ago. Ms. Hawthorne gives little tidbits into their past while trying to build their future. There are surprises twists and turns for the readers enjoyment. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. Looking forward to reading future books by this author.

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Harvey is a billionaire who buys old buildings a, tears them down and builds huge skyscrapers. Alma is his ex-wife who loves antiques and historical buildings. They both start a sexting relationship that soon turns into a secret one on one relationship. The only problem is that Harvey figures out who his mystery lady is long before Alma figures out that Harvey is her mystery man. Taht's when the games really begin!

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I absolutely LOVED this one!

It was in such a nice flow and I synced with the characters easily!

Really nice! Couldn't put down since the anticipation is so good!

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What would you do if you've lost the love of your life and your one bright thing in your day is waiting for a text? Alma is trying to get over her ex. Trying by being someone else and that is much easier through texting or sexting. Hot and sexy texting by night and stain glass historian by day. While she is trying to save history Harvey, her ex, is trying to tear it down to make money.
I love the easy smart banter between Harvey and Alma. I also love the Chicago history lessons and art lessons. Good read!

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I found this to be a very unbelievable storyline so it was difficult to really enjoy this book. I'm giving it 3 ⭐️ Because it did have moments that I wanted to keep reading in order to find out what was gonna happen. I got a little bored with all the art history thrown in. I liked the book enough that I would read another of her books. So thanks to NetGalley in giving me the opportunity to read this book.

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Ms. Hawthorne's story is a five star read. The plot zips handily along and the romance factor is Off The Charts!

Once upon a time, not too long ago, Harvey Zale and Alma Castillo were married and very much in love.
Now, Alma has divorced Harvey and is trying to start over, reluctantly permitting her sister to help her. Conchita's answer...texting (or rather sexting) a mysterious sexy guy named "Romero" that Conchita found on her dating site. Well, her sister has had some great dates on the site, so Alma figures she'll give it a try, too.

By night it's a steamy, sexy, erotic, rollercoaster that's getting more intense with each message she and Romero exchange. Alma's trying to keep things private and anonymous, but she's weakening...

But by day, she's no nonsense Alma the dutiful daughter at work with her father in their antique emporium. And she MUST stay strong because she's facing off against her ex-husband and his real estate broker. An abandoned train depot in her Chicago hometown is in danger of being torn down if she cannot prove that the windows are genuine Tiffany originals and the depot declared an historic site.

Being thrown together again with her ex is both temptation and torture. Harvey claims to still love her but he's changed into a materialistic, greedy billionaire tycoon--NOT the man she married. Now with Romero in the picture she's torn between two lovers...the man from her past and the mystery man who could be her future. What to do, what to do???

If you love your romances HOT, HOT, HOT and the drama and tension between your main characters angsty, angry and FUN then this book is a must read for you. Keep a fan handy!!!

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3.5☆: Second chance romance with a billionaire and his ex-wife with a sizzling chemistry at times & some suspense thrown in too

Exes is my first read by Aria Hawthorne so I went into this not knowing what to expect from the author but I love a good second chance romance and don’t mind a billionaire romance. Overall, this isn’t a bad book and I enjoyed it but it’s one of those books where I loved parts of it and really didn’t like others.

Told with dual points of views, Alma and Harvey are former lovers who have a sizzling chemistry. However, things took a sour turn in their relationship which destroyed their marriage but when they find themselves drawn together again, unknowingly at first, it’s clear that while they may have split the chemistry between them is still as strong as ever. I’ll be completely honest and say I struggled with Alma, who at times just appeared petty. Harvey was confident and sexy with his dominating ways at times and while he had his moments overall was generally likeable as a character.

Exes had a decent plot, a little predictable but there were a couple of twists, and the writing style was simple, clear and easy to follow. The book has plenty of angst and drama mixed in with the second chance romance. I think one of the things where I got a bit bored was some of the plot felt a little too out there and unbelievable, especially some of the suspense and mystery. The whole book isn’t bad and like I say I loved some bits but it’s one of those that will possibly be hit and miss for people. The book can be read, however, as a standalone with a HEA.

Overall, for something different I liked this book and I may try another book by this author in the future if the blurb takes my fancy.

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I enjoyed this book but I was so mad at Alma. I guess because I have never been divorced I don't understand why things happen the way they do. But for me Alma was just not looking at the present. She was only looking at a small point of the past. When her sister suggests that she moves on she takes the number and starts a no strings relationship. But will she be satisfied with this or will she want more?

Harvey is a super hot alpha, who he cooks, cleans, made her have multiple orgasms and is a billionaire. I am not sure what Alma didn't like about this man. He is obviously heartbroken with out Alma. And thanks to a little meddling from his former sister-in-law he finds a break from his painful reality, even if it's just sexting. But when his need to meet the other person on the line grows, he can't believe what happens.

I really enjoyed this book. It evoked emotions that I haven't felt in a while and took me on a ride that made me swoon. Beautiful story with well developed characters that make you bond with them. The push and pull, the angst and passion, the need to be whole again all encompassed the journey that the reader takes.

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This is the first Aria Hawthorne book I read, and it won't be the last. The story is pretty straightforward, there are no major twits or surprises, but it is well written and the characters feel real enough. An uncomplicated story, an easy and pleasant read that I would definitely recommend.

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Loved this Fantastic Second chance Romance story! This is the first story that I have read by Aria Hawthorne and I can't wait to read more! Loved the Chemistry and banter between Harvey and Alma as they become entangled once more when Alma his ex-wife and a " Lara Croft" of the antique hunters shows up on his land claiming the existence of a priceless Tiffany stained glass window, as Harvey is trying to sell this particular riverfront property in order to finance another deal. Building the Tallest Building in the World " Shanghai Towers". His longing and lasting love for his ex-wife leads them to come together in a mission to try and find Tiffany's "Eternal Love".

After getting a number of a friend of a friend, billionaire Harvey Zale starts having a sexting affair with a complete stranger. He could have any woman he wants except for his mysterious Contessa, who soothes his conscious from his own shallow ambitions. He was attempting to ensnare the mythical seductress, invincible, alluring, playful and teasing temptress who attracted his attention and enjoyed the challenge of remaining just beyond his reach. It had become the ultimate escape for him.

Alma Castillo's sister Conchita had secretly signed her up by posting her profile to VenusDatesMars.com without her permission. Alma had never done anything frivolous, everything in her life was a conscious choice, careful planning. No one would believe that she was secretly sexting with a complete stranger. But she felt amazing throwing aside every instinct of caution and prudence that had marked her life and instead being someone fearless and uninhibited. She wasn't sure why he was the one to inspire her sassy, sultry side she simply knew she loved it. His demanding way of tempting her to explore everything was exactly what excited her about him. Until a year ago her ex-husband had been the only man she had trusted enough to inspire her naughty side.

But when her mysterious suitor gifted her with a million dollar necklace without any assurances, he would ever hear from her again, she can barely resist the magnetism of their connection. As the cat and mouse game of seduction stakes are steadily increased what will their final outcome be? Will Harvey's love for Alma be his saving grace or will Harvey's love of money and success be all that he will be left with?

This is so seductive, sensual and alluring it will get your heart pounding. Loved all the secret longing that they still have for one another and the history of their old lives together that weaves throughout the story as they remember what they had together. It makes this story so magical. The Tiffany history was alluring in itself and it made it so intriguing. I couldn't put this story down. Loved it! highly Recommended!

I voluntarily requested a ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily agreed to post an honest review.

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Good story, well set and I liked Harvey. But I found the starting point of the texting sub story just not believable and that kind of ruined it for me.

But there's lots to like about it, the extra characters are great too. The whole antique thing is interesting.

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I just don’t get why this book got so many favorable reviews. The idea of the plot had promise. We have Harvey Zale, your typical romance-novel real estate billionaire. The twist is that he is still in love with his ex-wife, Alma. Alma evaluates antiques and is an expert on Tiffany glasswork. They were wildly in love and then she left him when she felt that he’d become too focused on making money instead of restoring older buildings which he’d been doing when they fell in love. There is no explanation of why he turned from the sweet guy she fell in love with who cared about restoring architectural treasures to a cold-hearted billionaire who just cared about making more money.
Judging by the timeline, the change happened rather suddenly and he became a billionaire. Of course. But instead of talking it out, she asked for a divorce. Now they’ve been divorced for a year and he can’t forget her.

They come together again because he’s set to tear down an old rail station in Chicago and she is called in to evaluate the stained glass windows there. She finds some clues that indicate that maybe there is a connection to a famous, lost, never-seen Tiffany window. They then embark on a treasure hunt to find the missing glass.

Meanwhile, there is a subplot that Harvey and Alma have been exchanging sexy texts anonymously without realizing that they’re actually sexting with their ex-spouses. They arrange to meet up and he realizes that his sexy Contessa is actually his ex-wife. He arranges for them to spend the night together in the dark without revealing himself to her. And she doesn’t recognize him.

Seriously? They were college sweethearts and married for five years and she doesn’t recognize his voice on the phone or in person. She sees his silhouette and a bit of his jaw and doesn’t recognize him? Come on.

There is also no explanation of why the Tiffany art of a century earlier would be so hidden and clues placed all over Chicago taking them back and forth to the same places to find more clues. It just doesn’t make any sense.

I’m all up for a lot of suspension of disbelief when reading romance novels, but there was just too much. It was like there were all these plot threads thrown in a mixer and combined for no coherent reason.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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What a fantastic read!

This book starts with Harvey, who has succeeded in his career, is on track to build the biggest towers in the world, but is feeling empty. He has been divorced from the love of his life for a year and is trying to move on. So starts the beginning of a 'relationship' with a mystery woman from which he received her phone number from an acquaintance.

Then we are introduced to Alma, who is an antique restorer, loves all things historical and wants to save them all. Alma, is also divorced, and has started doing a little sexting with a mystery man...

Harvey and Alma, turns out are divorced from each other. Harvey is still very hung up on his ex-wife and Alma can't see the Harvey she fell in love with now that this new Harvey has found his success in tearing down the history in the old buildings they once wanted to restore together.

The characters made this book such a fun read with every humorous thing that was said, I loved Alma's sister and father and the relationships they still have with Harvey. Add in a little mystery, some history, Chicago architecture and of course some hot encounters between Harvey and Alma! This book was a pleasant surprise, had a nice fast pace, but well developed, likable characters. Truly a must read.

I received this book for free for my unbiased review, and it has introduced me to Aria Hawthorne and her amazing writing. I will definitely now be adding the rest of her books to my Kindle library.

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While I enjoyed this book, there were two things that I didn't like. One, Harvey's name. I enjoyed his character and his adventurous ways. And most importantly, his deep and abiding love for Alma. But I wasn't able to associate the name Harvey with a dashing billionaire. To me, his name didn't fit. The other thing was Alma, pouty, whiny, judgemental, unforgiving, ungrateful. I just didn't like her. She and Harvey didn't seem like a good fit. He probably would have been better off with Conchita. I don't know what more this man could have done to prove his love. But even until the end, he still had to jump through hoops to remarry her. I would have liked to see that actually happen as well as the birth of the baby as well. It was also interesting to learn some historical facts about Chicago. Even though I am a New Yorker...lol

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Storyline was sometimes silly, sometimes funny and sometimes steamy.

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