⭐️ 3.5

So, I definitely have mixed feelings about this read. I really enjoyed Set on You last year, and believe I rated it 5 stars. So when I saw we were going to get a second book in the world with Tara as a the main character, I was super excited to see what her story was going to be like.

The first half of this book was a little slow for me. I felt like I could not tell where Trevor's head was at, and wasn't even sure if I liked him as mmc. I do love a good grumpy/sunshine read, and have been able to fall for fictional guys that have barely spoken a word throughout the entire novel but for some reason it was really hard for me to care for Trevor's grumpiness.

Once I got to the halfway point I started REALLY getting into it. I was able to easily get from 50-80% of the book read in one night, and even had a hard time putting it down. By the halfway point I was falling for Trevor HARDCORE, and was pretty much highlighting everything he said.

Lastly, I will say another downfall for me was the predictability within the book. There were many moments where I could easily guess what was going to happen within the book, which isn't something I'm necessarily looking for in my reads.

Overall it was a pretty average book. I don't regret reading it, but I also am not sure how memorable their story is going to be for me in the long run. I really enjoyed Tara's character and personal development. And while we weren't identical with our mindsets, there was a lot of me that I saw in her, which I really enjoyed.

I fell completely in love with this book! I really loved Amy's first book, Set on You, but I identify so much with Tara in Exes and O's, that I think I love this even more! It touched on so many types of relationship issues, and I know I'm biased, but I love that Tara is a book influencer like I am! I can't wait to read what Amy Lea writes next!

Romance books are known for featuring lots of tropes. Amy Lea’s Exes and O’s takes it to another level.

If you didn’t know, Exes and O’s is actually only Amy Lea’s second book. Her first book which is also her debut was Set On You. It was released in May 2022 and followed Crystal, a plus-sized fitness influencer, and the romance she has with Scott, a squat rack thief who becomes entrenched in her life in a completely new way.

Set On You was easily one of my favorite reads of 2022 so it was a no-brainer when I was graciously sent an ARC by the publisher. I immediately jumped into it and devoured it all in one day so there was no way I wasn’t going to talk about it and share it with my fellow romance lovers.

If you’re a bit shy about jumping into Exes and O’s by Amy Lea, then these five reasons should help you pick it up.

The major reason why I adored this book so much was all of the talks about romance books. It feels like romance is a genre that’s constantly undermined. In this book though, Amy Lea really proves that she knows her stuff and she makes sure to appreciate all of the most beloved romance tropes. If you love romance books, then you’ll adore how Exes and O’s talks about romance.

If you read Set On You, you’ll know that Tara is Crystal’s sister and she is prone to falling in love quickly. She meets someone and immediately has heart eyes. For me, I feel like that’s super relatable as we’re all looking for love and wanting to see the best in others. She’s also a huge supporter of reading romance and just seeing the romance in life as a whole.

If you read the blurb for the book, you’ll know that Tara goes on a quest to reach out to all of her exes and find out how and why the relationship went wrong. If you think that has the potential for shenanigans, you’d be right. Everything Tara deals with in meeting up with her exes is equally parting hilarious and sad as it really says a lot about Tara as a character.

If you didn’t read Set On You, then you can ignore this point. If you did, then you’ll be happy to know that Crystal and Scott make multiple appearances in the book. Maybe it’s just me, but I love seeing those little moments and cameos because it feels like a little treat every time they’re around.

Of course, the last and most important point is that the romance between Tara and Trevor is incredible. You see these two who couldn’t be more different end up getting into a relationship and it’s a delight. I especially loved seeing how soft Trevor got for Tara and how Tara slowly but surely fell for Trevor. Everything about this romance was swoony and soft yet also steamy and fun when it needed to be.

While those are just five reasons why you need to read Exes and O’s, I really do feel like this book is perfect for a romance reader of any level. Whether you’re starting out or a seasoned romance vet, you’ll enjoy this book. This book is cute, fun and the perfect romance book to start the year off with.

The only issue I had with the story was the pacing. I’m not sure if it’s just how the romance played out or how long it felt for the two to come together. Regardless, something about the pacing made this book seem longer. Even so, Exes and O’s is an absolute delight and one I know I’ll be revisiting again.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Romance, and PRH Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: emotionally abusive ex, on-page gaslighting, child with illness, death of a loved one (past), use of crazy (from Author's note)

A sequel to Set on You but this can be read entirely as a standalone

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-roommance
-forced proximity
-opposites attract
-friends to idiots to lovers
-denial
-sloooow burn

I adored Set on You and Exes and O's did not disappoint. This book was a voicey tribute to romance bookstagrammers and I adored every minute of it. Narrated by one of my favorite narrators Natalie Naudus, who only added to my enjoyment.

Tara is moving on from a bad breakup, snagging the first apartment she can which happens to be with tattooed fireman Trevor who is a rake and allergic to emotions and sharing. A perfect match for emotional, oversharing Tara, who adores romance books and wears her heart on her sleeve. With a For All the Boys I've Loved Before vibes, Tara decides to relate her exes to see if she can find herself a second chance romance.

Dragging Trevor along for the ride, I adored how these two became friends first, as they lived together. This book was just tropey, delicious and had me screaming as Tara was in complete denial that her and her roommate were falling for each other. I loved the peaks at Scott and Crystal's HEA, their awesome grandma, and so much bookstagramming fun.

Trevor was an awesome LI, stoic, a bit damaged, and just so soft on Tara and wanting the world for her. This had me cackling, swooning, and was just an enjoyable read. Can't wait to see what Amy Lea writes next.

Steam: 3

I loved Amy Lea’s debut novel, Set on You, so was thrilled to dive in to her sophomore rom com Exes and Os. This was a really cute forced proximity, roommates to friends to lovers romance.

Tara Chen loves romance books so much, she sets out to find her own second chance romance by attempting to reconnect with her exes from different stages in life. Her new roommate, Trevor Metcalfe, agrees to help her out, serving as wingman when he’s not otherwise occupied having one night stands on the other side of the thin walls of their shared apartment.

I loved the banter between Tara and Trevor and the way he indulged her hilarious attempts to find and reconnect with some truly awful ex boyfriends. This book would have been excellent if it was dual POV so we got to see a bit of Trevor’s backstory and lining for Tara. My biggest complaint was that the pacing felt unnatural. It took until 75% for them to connect romantically and then - bam - we get the third act conflict very quickly. But I loved the friendship they built and the reappearance of Crystal and Mel from the first book.

Content warnings: Trevor’s niece features prominently and she has congenital heart disease. There’s a consistent use of the word “crazy” to describe Tara.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I’m a sucker for any book about books even better when it’s a forced proximity romance. Through this story you really fall in love with the characters! I hadn’t read the first in this series beforehand but loved this so much I read it right after!

Tara is romance reader, but when it comes to actually finding it…it’s not so easy. She has been dumped ten times, all for being too much. While trying to find a date to a work function, tara decides to revisit her exes and see if any of them have another chance. Meanwhile, her roommate Trevor sits back and watches while judging. He is so not into the relationship thing. I think we all know where this is headed.
I loved watching Tara go through her list of old men, and naturally they mostly proved to still suck. Trevor was such a fun roommate and brought all the comedy! I also loved that Tara was a true romance loving book nerd! The chemistry between Tara and Trevor was off the charts, and I always love a grumpy curmudgeon turned love interest!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

"Tara, I've had it bad for you for months. You. Are. Everything. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Trevor & Tara. GIDDY! The floodgates of happiness will BURST when romance readers read Amy Lea's sophomore novel. Star-fishing on the floor in pure adoration! I LOVE THIS BOOK! LIKE LOOOOOOOOOOVE.

1. Trevor Metcalfe will be your new paperback prince. 2. Do yourself a favor and preorder Exes and O’s!

✨ THINGS & STUFF ✨
-bookstagrammer & firefighter
-grumpy x sunshine
-Cheetos, pop-tarts, cupcakes, McDonald’s, bbq chips, rainbow chips ahoy! cookies, five guys milkshakes
-PICKLES
-love & acceptance
-ROOMance: forced proximity
-friends to lovers
-stern brunch daddy who can bake
-star wars theme mini golf
-pop culture (the kid from Casper!!!)
-long winded texts
-Belle & Flynn Rider
-grande gestures & declarations of love
-couples crocs
-#IsThisAKissingBook: open door. Holding hands every ten minutes and movie worthy kisses.

Thank you berkley romance for an advanced copy!

Song: Somebody To Love by Queen

3.5 Stars

Again, as with Set on You, there is a lot I liked about the characters and the romance and I’m excited to see what the author writes next, but I also had some notable critiques. Some of which are specific to my own pet peeves so keep that to mind.

Real-Time Reading Notes:
- Okay, you know the film, “How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days”? The beginning, the friend that’s obliviously bad at dating, that jumpstarts Andi’s entire journey? Well this book is that friend’s story, metaphorically speaking, personality-wise. She is so intense and clueless. The idea being that she’s upfront, doesn’t want to waste time, and a romantic, just comes across as scary and “crazy”. But instead of girl friends to point it out, and understand it from her pov, we get a hot fireman roommate as wingman.
- I’m liking the exes journey but I wish we got more of them in real time. There’s a lot of dates/reunions being quick summarized after the fact and it’s disappointing.
- Little morsels of depth. I love the opposite personalities and how Tara & Trevor are getting to know each other in an unbalanced sort of way. Keeps the momentum going.
- 45% in and it just referenced “How to Lose a Guy…” and now I’m buzzing that I called it from the beginning. And kudos to the author for getting that vibe across so well!
- I love how sweet they are to each other but when it goes into heavy flirty, I’m getting exasperated at the number of ways she rationalizes it away. Just get together already.
- In general, Tara’s personality is not one I gravitate towards. So it’s great that the author pulled me in, and for so long, but it definitely started to wear by the climax. I love the journey she has, the growth and empowerment, there’s nothing wrong with being so passionate and it’s great how there is a message to that effect. But I was also so so ready to be out of her head.
- Solid epilogue. An overall good read and one I’d definitely recommend to most.

I cannot let another day go by where I don’t tell you about this book! If you haven’t checked out Amy’s debut Set on You yet - you must! Such a good romance.

Right when I met Tara in Set on You I was SO hopeful she was getting her own book. Tara is a nurse and a bookstagrammer (see why I loved her immediately!?) She’s had no luck in love and being a huge fan of second chance romance books - she tries to create her own second chance romance by revisiting all of her exes with the help of her new roommate, Trevor.

SUCH a fun premise and it’s done so well. It was a blast seeing Tara go through her list of exes, and of course some embarrassing, and some hilarious situations arise. Trevor - the firefighter, womanizer - becomes Tara’s ally and friend- he watches The Bachelor WITH HER, becomes protective of her….and yup you see where this is going. He made me melt.

I love Amy’s use of pop culture references and her humour. I definitely laughed out loud a lot. Let’s not forget the steam - 🔥.

Romance novels are such a thing right now -- I cannot wait to share recommendations for Exes and O's.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

Art imitates life when a bookstagrammer who writes romance novel (author Amy Lea) writes a romance novel about a a NICU nurse who moonlights as a romance novel bookstagrammer. Tara needs a new roommate when her current roomie gets engaged, and her bestie’s fiance’s best friend Trevor happens to have a room available. Their meet-cute is her discovering him banging a one-nighter over the kitchen island, but they bond over Cheetos and homemade cupcakes. Desperate for a date to a Valentine’s Day fundraiser, Tara decides to revisit all of her exes to determine if any of them are worthy as a second chance romance, a la High Fidelity‘s Rob Gordon. Trevor is in on the plan and stays updated on her progress; meanwhile she tries to get the stalwart Boston firefighter to open up about his love life and past. They settle into blissful co-habition.

The pacing and structure is excellent: Tara’s sometimes-crazy journey to reconnect with her ex-boyfriends is paralleled with her social media posts (presented in script form) that define various romance tropes–it’s a very clever introduction to those not in the know (and for Trevor, who expands his reading with thrillers). they both grow as characters and complement one another really well.

I received a free advance reader’s copy of #ExesAndOs from #NetGalley.

This was such a cute romance.

I loved the premise of Tara going back to revisit all of her exes with the help of her new roommate, Trevor. It was fun to see Tara and Trevor bond over different activities; and watch her address her previous relationships.

I was a bit frustrated by the “drama” that happened towards the end. But the way it was resolved was good and much more mature/quick than some other romances.

Overall a super fun book.

{listened via the PRH audio app}

4.5/5 stars (rounded up to 5)

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
*
“But you can’t just bottle things up until they eat you alive to the point where you’re not living and pursuing what you really want.”

I absolutely adored Amy Lea’s debut novel Set on You, so I was so excited to get approved for her sophomore novel! This one sounded so cute and I love that it is set in the same universe as her debut novel. I LOVED Tara and Trevor’s story about how they met and quickly became friends.

There were a few moments where I was questioning Tara’s actions (such as considering to get a private detective to find an ex LOL) but overall I loved the premise of looking back through your relationships to see if there is still a spark. I think she does a great job at showing how Tara grows throughout the novel and is able to look back on past relationships and realize what might have went wrong and stand up for herself after they were over.

I loved the bookstagrammer aspect to it and all the different “posts” that she did throughout the book of an bookstagrammer! Overall, it was such a unique story and would definitely recommend!
*
This review will be posted to my Instagram blog (read_betweenthecovers) in the near future!

I absolutely loved Amy Lea’s debut, Set On You, and was thrilled to hear she would be writing another book set in this universe. Exes & Os was a stellar follow up and I loved Tara and Trevor’s story. Forced proximity, friends to lovers and opposites attract are some of the tropes present here (oh and a romance bookstagrammer FMC & firefighter MMC - yes please)!

Amy is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors and I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Thank you to Berkley Romance for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I would love to interview Amy for my podcast Raise Your Words. This is such a fun, swoon worthy book! Tara and Trevor are hilarious together. But there were certain scenes that felt off to me. I’m not discussing them here because I don’t want to spoil the book since it’s not out yet.

I loved this book! So cute & so fun, I was smiling almost the entire time I read it. It was fun relating to someone with a bookish account like us bookstagrammers/book bloggers. Tara was so quirky & adorable! I can’t wait to read more from this author

Exes and O’s Trevor Metcalfe is my new book boyfriend, he was just wonderful! Romance bookstagrammer Tara Chen is determined to make the second chance trope her reality as she goes through all of her exes to try and rekindle their youthful romances with the help of her roommate Trevor—only the more she needs up with her exes, the more she sees the only one who really knows her is Trevor. Tara wasn’t my favorite heroine—I wanted to love her but she felt very naive and she really let the romances she reads dictate her life. I did however love the balance of her and Trevor together. Trevor has been through his own heartbreaks in life and watching them open up to each other was just lovely and so endearing. I also love a roommate romance so this was just a great trope for me, and it just felt really genuine and sweet. Plus the banter is just so spot on and good! I did like Tara’s growth as she tackled the idea of being a “crazy ex-girlfriend.” She is so strong and unapologetically herself, it was great and so satisfying watching her find that. The romance was so well done and overall it’s a fun read starring a brave romance Bookstagrammer and a wonderful roommate romance!

3.5/5 rounded up

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of this book! I loved it!

Star Rating: 4⭐️
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pub Date: January 10, 2023

I loved Amy Lea's debut novel, and Exes and O's was one of my most anticipated 2023 books. I'm happy to say it did not disappoint! It was so fun to go through Tara's exes and discover why things didn't work with them, all the while watching how her past experiences led her to her future.

I identified with Tara's character so much. The frustration with dating, with failed relationships, and men just sometimes being so good at being disappointing...this book definitely speaks to the broken hearted and the discouraged.

And man...Trevor. He can put out my fire anytime. 😂 His character had the perfect amount of gravity to bring Tara's head out of the clouds. I love that he gave her more brevity and she brought a lightness to his life. His character, despite his philandering ways, was so cautious with who he let into his life...and it was sweet to see Tara slowly become a part of his heart.

My biggest complaint about the book is I feel like the ending wrapped up really fast and was rushed. There was so much focus on Angie's birthday party, and then it was just whooshed by. That, and the miscommunication at the end of the book were pretty frustrating. I also hated the way Crystal was portrayed in this book compared to the first one. She was really condescending towards Tara.

Overall, this was a really good follow-up to Exes and O's. I still liked Set on You more if I'm being honest, BUT I liked these characters in Exes and O's much better (especially the way the Set on You MCs were portrayed in this story).

Despite a very slow-burn friends-to-lovers tale, Exes and O's is full of compelling language that draws me in and makes this read difficult to put down between reading sessions. There's a precious Set on You post-HEA check-in on Crystal and Scott, which is always fun to see. Now, I'm not sure if this book has eclipsed Set on You in terms of my interest, but it's a fun romance read nonetheless. Plus, I swear, Trevor is like the KING of the grand gesture --- compared to any other book boyfriend, and that's high praise.