Thank you Canelo for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I usually love whatever Canelo puts out; this was trending in the right direction. However, that early low-key fatphobia was enough to put me off. Main girl sees her ex after four years, goes into the bathroom to check how she looks, and is like THANK FUCK IM NOT A FATTY!!!!! C'mon now lol. Not in 2023.

5 stars for DNF as I cannot comment on the overall quality of the book.

the cover, title and the blurb pulled me in and i thought it was going to be straightforward—ex moves in next door, rekindle relationship, HEA—but no, we were smacked with a plot twist, which i find it sudden and hard to connect with.

throughout this book, esme's attitude flips like a freaking pancake and her actions with elliot appalled me. because she was doing what she didn’t want happen to her 4 years ago. to morgan.

despite all these, i have to say that the writing style gripped me—all narrative, no POVs, easy for me to read in one setting without being tired or restless or needing a break.

The Ex Next Door by Jo Platt

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Canelo and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

After burst pipes destroy Esme’s city-centre flat, she temporarily relocates to a delightful and small cottage in a village on the edge of town. The change is a big one, but Esme soon settles in and, as the art gallery she co-owns with her business partner, David, continues to thrive, life is sweet.

Until Elliot - an ex whom she hasn’t seen or spoken to for years - moves in next door, along with his perfect new girlfriend, Morgan. Suddenly, Esme’s past is right on her doorstep, or at least just over the fence.

When Elliot and Esme decide to keep their former relationship a secret from those around them, their subterfuge sets off a chain of events which not only forces Esme to re-evaluate her past relationship with Elliot, but also puts her friendship with David under the microscope and under pressure.

My Opinion

I didn't like this book for the first few chapters, but it slowly drew me in. This is for fans of light-hearted contemporary romance. I enjoyed Platt's previous book, 'Working It Out' so I went into this book knowing what I expected from Platt's writing style.

I enjoyed reading this. I found that I was eager for the book to end - not because I wasn't enjoying it but because I needed to know how it all ended. A great read that I'd recommend for fans of Jo Platt.

Rating 4/5

I like the book, I enjoyed the story and I’d recommend to women’s fiction fans but I did find it a bit slow to get into. I also just couldn’t get my head to connect with Esme, perhaps that’s why the book seemed a little slow

I totally loved this book! There was romance, humour, sadness, even a bit suspense! I really enjoyed it. Well written and easy to engage with the characters!

Be aware SPOILERS ahead!!!

What in the heck is Elliot trying to do? This is my thought through most of the book.
Ugh! I feel like shaking him! And shaking Esme too. They are driving me crazy!

And also… about 46% of the book… was anybody else freaking out??? Have I been watching/reading too much suspense??

I mean!

‘Can you tell me a little bit about that one?’ David pointed to the contorted, sleeping figure in Douglas’s hands. ‘Does it have a title?’ ‘It’s Father,’ Douglas replied, now smiling broadly, delighted by David’s interest and ongoing approval. ‘And he’s dead, by the way, Esme,’ he added softly. I looked up at him. ‘Who’s dead?’ ‘Father. You thought he was sleeping, but he’s dead.’ ‘Oh…’

Full body chills!!! Hands down one of the best parts of the book!

Also, coming back to the main story! Elliot is such an asshole! Esme and Elliot’s “friendship” is doing to Morgan exactly what Esme felt four years ago! Ugh!

‘I feel so far from fundamentally good right now,’ -Esme

This situation is just killing Esme inside!

When Esme and Elliot’s relationship has gone a bit to far and David witness the whole thing! I believe that is part of what helps Esme see Elliot for who he truly is. And Wow! I just am so happy on how Esme trusts herself and how she ends up managing her situation with Elliot!

Further more, Esme realizes she actually has growing feelings for David, but there seems to be bad timing until Esme finally confronts her feelings!

I totally loved this book!


“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review

i’m giving this one 3.5 stars.

the title, cover, and blurb on netgalley all sounded interesting to me and i was happy to see that i was approved for an arc of this book.

the first half of the book was very elliot heavy and every time we learned more about him, all i saw were red flags. but i think it’s a common thing to paint our first love in a rosier light than they probably deserve, right? i loved cass as a side character! i feel like we would be besties if she were real. i didn’t feel like i was able to connect with Esme, but that might be a me issue

was this the best book i’ve ever read? no, but it was interesting enough and a quick read.

I really thought this book would be a 4 or 5 star review for me because I found the plot and writing engaging and interesting.

Unfortunately the reason I knocked two stars off were for the following reasons:
1. There is an emotional cheating trope which is not my cup of tea. I will give Jo Platt credit that her writing was so good that I did want to find out what happens next. This trope was unexpected when reading the blurb and first chapter of the book. As Esme breaks up with Elliott because she thought he was cheating on her but then engages in an emotional affair with him when he has a new girlfriend? It felt very hypocritical and did not seem in character for Esme.
2. Esme is extremely judgemental at time, I will forgive her judging Jasmine as she wasn't a nice person to Esme but I can't forgive her being judgy of Lloyd describing his meat as art when he is a butcher and thinking Douglas must be a murderer because he can produce dark art pieces for gallery based on depression and sadness and not just the usual animals he makes. Like love you want to sell it yet judge him for making it. In addition, she is so judgy of Morgan who has done no offence to her except get botox and date her ex partner when they have been broken up for three years at this point.
3. The ending I liked but it was rushed and we should have seen more instances that led up to that ending rather than just in the last 30% of the book.

Overall this book is good for a one time read but since there is an emotional affair I am do not see me rereading it.

I’m such a fan of Jo Platt’s books as they are feel good stories with humour but sadly this one fell flat for me.
I didn’t race through it but was able to pick up and put down with ease. I think the central characters just didn’t grab me.
The side characters were fun and I really enjoyed Esme’s interactions with them but I really feel Esme did some things that felt silly. In fact the actual love interest…I’m glad it ended that way but there was no chemistry and it seemed that we were told that’s how it is.
I did read it, it was light hearted, great side characters that provided the interest but if this your first book of the authors I feel there are better….will I look out for her next book?…of course I will!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read

What an unexpected treat of a book!
This is the first book I've read from Jo Platt and it will absolutely not be the last.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with Esme in this delightful story.
The insight into Esme's thoughts and feelings was so much fun! It also helps to endear Esme to the reader and allows for the reader to empathize with what she's going through.
I loved the characters (except for the villain!) that surround Esme throughout this story! They help to enrich the reading experience, but not take away from the focus of the book.
The way the author built the relationship between Esme and her love interest was so refreshing! I loved their chemistry, the slow-burn vibes of their relationship, and the development of their communication.
If you're looking for a book to make you smile and giggle, I'd highly recommend The Ex Next Door!

Folks, this is the one you've been waiting for a 'Rom-Com' meets 'Heavenly Magic' scenario!!!
It's not quite the hot guy next door but it's the ex next door trying to still think he's somehow relevant.
It begins with Esme and a broken pipe which leads to an entirley new situation that's all encompassing. David is her biz partner but also a possible 'motivator' personally and professionally.What seems innocently enough in terms of a 2nd location to expand upon their already lively biz turns into a possible test of their relationship status as professionals as well as friends.
Will Elliot move on or will he be stuck lamenting in the past?
Is it wise to simply keep the past relationship between Esme and Elliot in the past or should the new friendships surrounding their inner circle be made aware.
I love the wheelin' and dealin' going on here. The commoderie is quite entertaining.
It's quite the treat to read especially having an ex-spouse in my real life named 'David' however, I tried not to let that thought overtake this book.
Second chances, near misses, or bulls-eyes is up for debate in this newly crafted piece made out of love.
Thank you to Jo Platt, Canelo, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Jo Platt you are sneaky! This book is a clever look at relationships and the rose-coloured lens we place on former relationships, even the ones that ended badly.

Four years previously Esme couldn’t trust her boyfriend, so she ended it and since opened a gallery with her business partner David. When a pipe bursts in her flat the insurance company puts her up in temporary housing, only to learn her ex boyfriend is living next door with his girlfriend.

Jo Platt is exceedingly clever at throwing in little touches here and there that can keep you guessing. I’d argue that this book is a a good companion to her previous book Working it Out - both books explore the thematic idea that not everyone is who they seem to be.

I really, really loved this book. So much so I read it again after. I have pre-ordered this book and highly recommend it. I’m fact I recommend also getting her previous books too.

This was a charming and witty slice of life romcom. I loved all of the characters and Jo Platt builds her characters so well that they feel as if they are your friends. I loved the way that there was the undercurrent of conflict and that the man character is put through the emotional wringer with all of her relationships.

A book about love and friendship. Esme splits up with a long term boyfriend when she cannot trust him. 4 years later, he turns out to be her neighbour, living with his girlfriend in temporary accommodation. That is quite awkward for both Esme and Elliot. When his girlfriend tries to make friends with Esme, it becomes more difficult from her point of view. The build up of emotions is well done in the book. Some of the personalities seem a bit under developed and Esme is prone to getting upset and jumping to conclusions about events and people without either finding out the facts or discussing situations with others.. When there is more discussion , the book felt more natural .
An entertaining read, which does not involve too much thought and which would be great for a sun lounger on holiday .
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

To be honest I don’t know where to start. The book as a whole was okay but I thought that it didn’t follow the description. Slow beginning but at least it picked up.

This was such a cute, lighthearted book. I really enjoyed the FMC and all the side characters. I was interested in the way the book was going and was secretly hoping there wasn’t a future for Elliot and Esme because what’s in the past is the majority of the time meant to stay there!!! I loved Morgan I felt so bad for her and wanted to give her the biggest hug and to get her to believe in herself. I adored Lloyd I thought he was such a sweetheart and if there was a book for when Gwen and Lloyd got together from the very start I think that would be amazing. I did see the plot twist coming but I also didn’t think the chemistry was as strong as it was with 2 other characters so in a way I wish they had ended up together instead of the plot twist couple but it was a sweet, easy book to read and i enjoyed it. Thank you Netgalley and publishers for an ARC of this book which is out of 26th of January

This was a great story! It started a bit slow for me but once it picked up, I was addicted! It came full circle for me and I really enjoyed it!

I really enjoyed this frothy light-hearted rom-com style book. Very similar in style to Beth O’Leary, as others have noted. It has a good and gripping plot and a really good cast of characters. I read the whole thing in less than 24 hours, which is surely a good recommendation as to its appeal.

Contemporary Romcom..
When a ghost from Esme’s past suddenly appears, along with a too good to be true girlfriend, she is thrown into turmoil. Living practically next door she can hardly avoid Elliot - so the pair decide to keep their former relationship firmly under wraps. Nothing can go wrong with that plan - right? Enjoyable contemporary romcom with a larger than life cast of well drawn characters and a frothy plot laced with plenty of humour.

Was an enjoyable read, read in one sitting! Loved the community of characters and what they brought to the story too! A perfect afternoon read.

Actual rating 2.75 stars
To be honest I don’t know where to start. The book as a whole was okey but I thought that it didn’t follow the description. The mc was well developed but not really likeable and I didn’t find any chemistry between her and the apparent love interest. I also didn’t like the way that the love interest was introduced and didn’t like how confusing it was to actually know who the love interest is.

Overall the book was not bad but not exactly the best.