Beautiful cover? Check.
Wedding-centric plot? Check.
Hilarious disaster after disaster? Check.
Second chance romance with tons of pining? Check.
Relatable characters with real issues? Check.
Adorable HEA? Check, check, check!

The Ex Vows has received a lot of hype from early reviewers and I’m happy to say that it is well deserved! I’m very picky with my romances and this was the perfect balance of funny, serious, and swoony. Joyce is a fantastic writer and kept me invested the whole way through. As someone who is in the same age bracket as the leads, I felt very seen by all the emotions plaguing these characters. I like the way everything came together. Can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with Joyce’s new book! It was simply exquisite .

5⭐️
Obsessed. I am OBSESSED with this book. One of my favourite reads of 2024 and also a new favourite romance book for me. This book hit all of the marks for a 5 star romance read. The characters are amazing. The romance is a steamy slow burn that will break your heart and put it back together. The love interest was sexy with all his emotional intelligence (we love a man who goes to therapy). The plot and themes were also just *chefs kiss*. I also just resonated so much with Georgia’s feelings on friendships. I’ve been going through something similar lately and seeing it play out in this story just touched me DEEP within my soul🥹 I could rave about this book more but I think you get the point…go add this to your tbr!!!

A Captivating Celebration of Love and Second Chances: "The Ex Vows" by Jessica Joyce

Prepare to be swept off your feet and into the whirlwind world of "The Ex Vows" by Jessica Joyce, a delightful rom-com that packs a punch with its humor, heart, and irresistible charm. With its witty banter, endearing characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this novel is a must-read for fans of feel-good love stories.

At the center of the narrative is Georgia Woodward, a woman who lives her life by lists, particularly the one she's meticulously crafted about her ex, Eli Mora. As they prepare to play pivotal roles in their mutual best friend's wedding, Georgia is determined to keep her emotions in check and stick to her carefully constructed rules. But when unforeseen circumstances throw them together in the midst of wedding chaos, Georgia finds herself confronting old feelings and reevaluating the boundaries she's set for herself.

What sets "The Ex Vows" apart is its winning combination of laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt sincerity. Jessica Joyce has a knack for capturing the nuances of relationships with authenticity and warmth, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in Georgia and Eli's journey of self-discovery and second chances. From their witty repartee to their tender moments of vulnerability, their chemistry leaps off the page and leaves a lasting impression.

Moreover, the novel's vibrant and vivid setting adds an extra layer of magic to the story. From the picturesque backdrop of Napa Valley to the chaos of wedding planning gone awry, each scene is brought to life with vivid detail and vivid imagery. Readers will find themselves transported to a world of vineyards, romance, and the possibility of new beginnings.

But perhaps the true heart of "The Ex Vows" lies in its exploration of love, forgiveness, and the power of redemption. As Georgia and Eli navigate the highs and lows of wedding planning, they also grapple with their own insecurities and past mistakes. Through their journey, readers are reminded that sometimes the greatest love stories are the ones that require a little bit of risk and a whole lot of courage.

In conclusion, "The Ex Vows" is a delightful and uplifting read that will leave you smiling long after you've turned the final page. With its irresistible blend of humor, heart, and hope, Jessica Joyce has crafted a truly unforgettable romance that proves love is worth fighting for, even when the odds are stacked against you. So grab a glass of wine, cozy up with this charming novel, and prepare to fall head over heels in love with Georgia and Eli's captivating story.

If you're a fan of romance novels, then you absolutely must read The Ex Vows. This book has everything you could want in a romance: it's a second chance love story, mixed with friends to lovers, which had me hooked from the very beginning. I was so invested in the story that I laughed, cried, and swooned my way through this novel in record time. The chemistry between the characters was palpable, and the emotions were so intense that I couldn't help but feel every single one of them.

What I loved most about this book was how realistic the characters were. They felt like real people, with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. I found myself rooting for them throughout the entire story, and I was genuinely invested in their journey.

As I read through the pages, I realized that I never wanted this book to end. I was completely enamored with every aspect of it, and I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. In fact, this book is so good that I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

Jessica Joyce is a new author to me, and I can't wait to read more from her in the future. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel all the feels, then The Ex Vows is the perfect read for you.

This is a perfect book for second chance romance lovers! The plot is so engaging and heartfelt. I can't say enough about the characters -- Georgia is one of my new favorite heroines. As a fellow people pleaser, I found her to be so relatable. I loved her relationship with Eli ... the good, the bad, the ugly

READ if you love:
- Second chance romance
- Napa Valley
- Found family
- Laugh out loud romance comedies

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC. A perfect FIVE stars for this beautiful story of second chance romance and found family set in the picturesque Napa Valley. I can’t say enough great things about this book, it’s officially my favorite second-chance romance! Jessica Joyce writes so beautifully and makes you understand the characters and feel like you are right there with them. This book was so heartwarming, weaving together romance, humor, past trauma, and self-discovery.

I loved how self-aware both MC’s were, they understood they were affected by their different childhoods and how that lead them to deal with relationships and life. I adored Georgia and Eli, their banter, chemistry, and vulnerability were so perfect! And Eli is EVERYTHING with his big heart and dirty mouth!

And the paper rings! Oh my HEART!

This is for the girls that are chasing to please everyone around them and putting others needs in front of their own in order to feel secure in the relationships. Georgia is a beautifully written FMC that challenges herself throughout the trials she faces in this book (saving her best friends wedding, being around her ex, figuring out her career). A romcom that I recommend for all readers!

✨ARC REVIEW✨

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔼𝕩 𝕍𝕠𝕨𝕤 𝕓𝕪 𝕁𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕔𝕒 𝕁𝕠𝕪𝕔𝕖

I don’t think Jessica Joyce is capable of writing a bad book. Seriously! I fell in love with her writing style when I read ‘You, With a View’ late last year & continued my standom with her holiday novelette ‘A Risk Worth Taking’. So it’s not a surprise when I got approved for this ARC I knew I was going to LOVE it just as much. The way she has the ability to create these complex characters needs to be studied. It’s an art.

I. Loved. This. Book. I can’t wait to have in paperback. I can’t wait to add my annotations into the text (I have over sixty highlighted annotations—no joke!) I can’t wait for everyone to love this book just as much as I did.

Georgia & Eli are now permanently tattooed on my heart. I related to Georgia & her hesitancy to keep things the same. She was afraid of change that stemmed from some childhood abandonment issues, which is completely understandable. She locked away her heart & all her wants & needs to not appear to be a burden to her loved ones. Literally: SAME!

Eli Mora. What can I say about Eli Mora! I loved him. He had his faults about ending up like his parents & that caused him certain unhealthy coping mechanisms. However, he recognized them (albeit five years too late) He realized what he’d lost & decided to work on himself.
(And that mouth on him?! 😮‍💨 I needed a cold shower LOL)

I found myself rooting for these two—hoping, no, PRAYING to make it work together.

I loved the side characters & the friend group. A real ‘found family’ collection of individuals! They were all 20-something’s working & learning life together, knowing that no matter how far they may be in distance, they’ll be together in each others’ hearts. (Queue the actual tears I shed! 🥹)

Mark your calendars for this one yall! The Ex Vow’s are coming this summer 2024.

Pub Date 16 Jul 2024

Thank you to @netgalley @berkleypub & @jessicajoyceswrites for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.


#TheExVows #NetGalley #JessicaJoyce #berkley #ARCREVIEW

This review is posted on my Goodreads and instagram account.

“We can be all those things—good, bad, easy and needy, okay or not on an endless cycle—and trust that the other will stay. Our circumstances are messy, but so is life. It doesn’t mean that we can’t love each other through it. We already are."

Brief Summary-
Georgia and Eli broke up 5 years ago and have remained "friends" due to their mutual friend group. They are now best man and best woman for their best friend's wedding and they now have a week to work together to keep their best friends wedding from falling apart.

What To Expect-
🍷Friends To Lovers
🍷Second Chance Romance
🍷Forced Proximity
🍷Witty Banter
🍷Anxiety Representation
🍷Found Family
🍷Single POV

“But 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”

My Thoughts-
I think Jessica Joyce nailed the Second Chance Romance trope. It was done right in this book. I really enjoyed this story.This isn't just a story about second chance romance. This is a story of self-discovery and growth. I was invested in how Eli and Georgia was going to save the wedding. The little adventures they went on were so cute, it kept you engaged. I really like how while they were out saving the day they were also finding themselves in one another again. I laughed, I was swooning, and felt so happy while reading this story.

The growth and character development in this book makes it impossible not to adore the two leads despite their flaws.I loved the friend group dynamic and the realistic changes that happen between friends after college, marriage, etc. I think a lot of people could relate to Georgia character. She was a people pleaser and bottle up so much inside her you couldnt help but grow a soft spot for her character. Eli was an incredible love interest. He was so handsome and had you blushing. You will find yourself rooting for him.

This story was so beautiful written. The banter, the angst pouring into each interaction was so fun to read.
My only complaint was that I would have loved a dual POV story. I really wish we got more of Eli side.

Overall-
I definitely recommend this book. I enjoyed it and I think a majority of people will find this to a be cute story.

“When I say I’m still in love with you, I mean the first time I saw you and right now. I mean every second in between.

Playlist-
🪩Mirrorball- Taylor Swift
🪩Fade Into You- Mazzy Star
🪩Angel Like You- Miley Cyrus
🪩The Archer- Taylor Swift
🪩Falling- Harry Style
🪩Baby, You Make Me Crazy- Sam Smith
🪩Bad Idea Right? - Olive Rodrigo
🪩Cardigan- Taylor Swift
🪩Kids Again- Sam Smith
🪩Burning Desire- Lana Del Rey
🪩Young & Beautiful- Lana Del Rey
🪩Getaway Car- Taylor Swift
🪩I Miss You, I’m Sorry- Gracie Abrams
🪩This Town- Nails Horan
🪩Invisible String- Taylor Swift
🪩Work Song- Hozier
🪩Rainbow- Kacey Musgraves
🪩Lover- Taylor Swift
🪩Can’t Help Falling In Love- Haley Rainhart
🪩Paper Rings- Taylor Swift

✨ Thanks to NetGalley, Jessica Joyce, and Berkley Publishing Group for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨

I loved this book. I hooked from the very first page. The writing is excellent— Jessica joyce has a descriptive way of writing that draws you in and makes you feel apart of the story. Perhaps I’m biased because I LOVE friends to lovers and second chance romance— the fact this book had both these tropes made me obsessed. Something I thought that was unique to the story was the flashback scenes— which I loved! You could really feel the emotions and the pain in those scenes when Georgia is either looking back fondly or sometimes sadly. Eli and Georgia’s chemistry was unmatched. I love a man obsessed and Eli was that. The way he was with her… just ugh! So good. I don’t want to say too much and give spoilers so I’ll just say, if you want a real emotional love story, read this one!!

✨️Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Romance for the E-Arc of this book✨️

“When I say I’m still in love with you, I mean the first time I saw you and right now. I mean every second in between.”

This book took me completely by surprise.

The first book by Jessica Joyce, "You, with a View," was one of my favorite romance reads of last year, which was another surprise. The cover and the synopsis didn't catch my attention, but then Berkley Romance made a post on Instagram with phrases from the book, and I said, "I have to read it," and boy, I loved that book. I loved all the academic rivals' background, the characters, the chemistry, all the travels, etc. So, that's when I decided I was going to read everything that Jessica wanted to write. Months later, I read her Christmas novella "A Risk Worth Taking," and I fell in love again.

And then Berkley approved my request for "The Ex Vows," and I thought I was ready for this book. Spoiler alert: I was not.

When I finished reading the book at the end of January, I thought, "This might be my favorite romance book." Now, a month and a half later, I can say it with certainty: Jessica Joyce wrote my favorite romance book.

This book is everything that "Happy Place" could not be. I didn't like "Happy Place"; it was an example of how several of the tropes I like the most can be poorly executed in a story and make me hate it.

All of that being said, let's talk about the book that ruined me for any other romance book and all the things I loved from it.

Georgia and Eli were two characters so deeply flawed but so lovable. I am amazed by the way in which Jessica manages to create characters so human that it is impossible not to empathize and connect with them.

I loved it because it is a love story where there is not a single person who screwed up, but it was both of them, and they were due to completely understandable things that made their relationship unable to work at that moment. All the "right person, wrong time" theme got me feeling so sad because they were so right for each other at first, but then their problems caught up with them and made it so difficult to continue with their relationship.

All of that made the story feel super mature and real to me. I feel like sometimes a lot of romance books offer you something that feels unattainable, but this book felt very real; this book really convinced me that I was reading a love story about real people.

The way their character growth is portrayed and the way they recognize their past mistakes was amazing.

I loved that at the end, they gave themselves time to solve their things and finish sorting out their problems before committing to something else. It was beautiful 😭😭😭😭

Typically, in friends to lovers and second chance stories, we have chapters narrated in the past and present, but here the author decided to incorporate flashbacks from the past into present chapters in a way that seemed very organic and smooth to me.

The mental health representation was beautifully done to the point that it was gut-wrenching because I could completely understand what the characters were going through.

The angst, the longing, the love, the devotion between Eli and Georgia, the way they grow throughout the story, the maturity their relationship reaches at the end, I can't entirely put into words the rollercoaster of emotions that this story made me feel. Truly a beautiful experience.

If you love:

- Second chance romance
- Friends to lovers to strangers
- Forced proximity
- A lot of angst (like a lot)
- Found family
- Talks about mental health

You need to read this book.

had me at second chance!!! omg this book was so good. this is the second book in the series and I ate this up. What I love about Jessica's writing is that you can feel an emotional connection to these characters. They make you feel seen and you can find part of yourself in them. being in my 20s, life change can be hard, and finding your people is such a gift. and I feel like Jessica really portrayed that beautifully.

Before I begin, I would like to thank NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and the amazing author for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, now... Wow. Just, oh my gods, wow.

This book will easily be one of my favorite books of the entire year, to which you might think, "But Sam, it's only March,". Yeah, you're right. That's how much I loved this book, and how confident I am that it will sit forever on that perch of favorites.

The first thing that captivated me was the setting- I am from the area, Marin/Napa/The Bay Area being in my backyard, so all of the little nods and appreciations to this place I call home made the book feel that much more meaningful and personal to me. The author did an incredible job captivating the beauty that is the rolling vineyards of Napa, and I could so easily picture this place where the story was unfolding.

Once I got cozy, the writing began to be the most beautiful aspect, the words like poetry, so full of emotion that I have over 100 highlights and an aching heart hours after finishing. Jessica Joyce is a true master in her craft, and the level of introspection, healing, growth, courage, and love she was able to put in this book is remarkable. I read romance books because they bring me joy, because I love love. However, there are rare times when you pick up a romance book and it is all of that and more- something special, something to be remembered. The heartbreaking beauty in the writing forever etched her words into my mind.

While writing these characters, Jessica was so thorough and honest in her portrayal of anxiety and the demons it can create. I truly felt like, at many times, Georgia and Eli acted as mirrors for the own mental turmoil that I, too, am overcoming. I felt at home with them, like I could breathe and feel and grow alongside them.

And if this wasn't all enough to sell you- the romance. The. Freaking. Romance. I was rooting for this couple from the very beginning, and oh my gods if they didn't just rip my heart out and put it back together over and over again during this book. Their journey was tumultuous at times and precious at others, and that trajectory kept me anxious to uncover more, to unravel more of their pasts. Their chemistry was palpable and sheeeeeesh does Jessica know how to write some spice. Eli was just.... delicious.

I highly recommend this book, and you all need it in your lives when it comes out July 15th. If my review hasn't made that clear, or if you are not yet sold (I don't know how you couldn't be), here are some of my favorite quotes to do the job:

"... anything less than forever was just a monster in the closet."

"I have a sudden hankering for the hand flex in Pride & Prejudice, so I'm going to leave you two to it."

"It's a gift to know someone when you're in love with them, and a curse when you're out of it."

"But while he was trying to fix what was broken in his past, he was breaking something that was right in front of him."

"It's so hard for me to find my place- when I do, maybe I hold on too hard, but only it's because I know what it's like to lose it."

"Exactly like that... I'll take it all."

"It's not about being messy, its about being honest with your mess."

... and about 172 other ones that you'll just have to read and find for yourselves.

WOW! "The Ex Vows" was an absolutely adorable, tender, heartfelt, honest, and funny second-chance romance. I laughed and cried and was completely charmed by these characters, including the lovable side characters (Adam, Cole, Grace). I loved how the author seamlessly blended Eli and Georgia's past with their present. It was heartbreaking to simultaneously watch them reconnect while learning what originally tore them apart. Both of their struggles with childhood trauma are so well represented, and there is so much refreshing honesty and realism around their conversations about anxiety, therapy, and mental health. But at the same time, there is no exaggeration or cliches used to describe what these two are going through. Their conversations are so emotional and real, and it was really refreshing to read something that felt so honest. Also, this book has the grand gesture to end all grand gestures - the paper rings! Swoon!

Favorite Quotes:
"I should be okay on my own, but I can't help searching for that feeling of belonging. It's so hard for me to find my place-when I do, maybe I hold on too hard, but it's only because I know what it's like to lose it."

"When I say I'm still in love with you, I mean the first time I saw you and right now. I mean every second in between."

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this lovely story with me in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to other romance readers, especially Emily Henry and Abbey Jimenez fans.

thank you NetGalley for this arc.

I love me a good second chance romance and this one had me hooked.

Georgia is seriously one of the bestest friends anyone can have. She literally would put others happiness before hers. I found myself relating to her in those moments. She’s one of those characters that feels keeps everything to herself & I really love Eli being the only one to truly know her fake smiles and everything.

Eli is literally everything. It was good seeing a mmc who deals with anxiety and panic attacks. It’s rare finding books like that. He’s such a sweetheart. Ugh!! The paper rings?? Swooned!!!

The chemistry between these two was everything. It’s a slow burn but it’s so worth it.

read this if you like :

- second chance romance
- friends to lovers
- forced proximity

A couple with chemistry, a beautiful setting, found family, and a not-so-perfect but filled-with-love wedding story... what more can I ask for with a romance? Oh, and a bonus- a man who goes to therapy!

I really enjoyed this book. At certain points, it was a bit too close to the edge of too much going wrong or dilemmas that didn't feel that likely, but at least this developed the characters more as we saw how they recovered and handled each challenge. And it was so steamy and swoony, I will ignore the small nagging musings I had about some of the events.

Ratings
Quality of Writing 10/10
Pacing 8/10
Plot Development 8/10
Characters 10/10
Enjoyability 10/10
Insightfulness 8/10

4.75 stars

Read this if you like second chance romance and characters that can acknowledge they aren't perfect. Fans of Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, and Kennedy Ryan will enjoy this one. It has some spice but it's overall much more plot than spice.

I was friends with my husband in high school and we stayed just friends for a long time and kind of had a second chance years later so I kind of love second chance romance!

I loved the friend group dynamic and the realistic changes that happen between friends after college, marriage, etc. I also really appreciated the representation of anxiety in Eli. I felt for him and his anxiety attacks and coping mechanisms were relatable.

Thanks to netgalley for an ARC to review.

Beautifully written and atmospheric. A gorgeous meditation on the age old paradigm of "right person wrong time."

Thank you Berkley for the ARC

Hands down one of my favorite reads of 2024 thus far - Joyce just has a way with words that bring you right into the characters world and makes you feel like you are right there along with them. I was so enmeshed in the world of Eli and Georgia, I felt like they were my friends and I wanted the best for them.

I've always been a sucker for second chance romance, but this one truly knocked it out of the park.

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

Unofficial Synopsis:
Georgia believes in the power of lists. With the wedding of her best friend Adam looming near, she must work with her ex, and Adam’s other best friend, Eli to get things on track. However, nothing goes as planned and Eli believes that rules are meant to be broken.

As Georgia and Eli scramble to pull of the perfect wedding for Adam and his fiancée their old chemistry rises. Can Georgia learn to let go and embrace a little rule breaking?

Review:
I loved You, with a View last year so was really excited for this one. I really ended up enjoying it, but not quite as much as You, with a View, it was still a fantastic read though! I loved the setting of this book, it seemed so idyllic and just like a lot of fun. Second chance romance is always dicey for me, though I feel like I say that with a lot of tropes. In this case, I think that it worked well! One thing that has to happen for me to get on board with a second chance romance is the evidence of character growth, and this book delivered that in spades! I loved the amount of effort that Eli put into growth including going to therapy. Men going to therapy isn’t something we read about often, and I think that books like this, where it is discussed, help normalize this practice, so I was wholeheartedly on board with it. I do think that this book would have benefited from being dual POV as I was desperate to get into Eli’s head more! I think that had that been the case, this would have been an easy five star for me. This is still a fantastic read and I would recommend it to almost all romance readers.