Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews (BookTome Edition): “The Divorcétante” by Mia Heintzelman

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.

She refused to be anyone’s doll..
She’s the one to make the call!

After being raised her entire life to be the “perfect debutante,” Ebony Grace Livingston decides to reject that title and rebrand herself as an event planner after discovering her ex’s infidelity and putting up with her mother-in-law’s unrealistic expectations for far too long. Soon, Ebony reclaims her narrative through her new role, with her fans supporting her journey of self-discovery. What she didn’t count on? Her ex-best friend, Lincoln Bridges, back in her line of sight her life in an unexpected way, with unfinished business… and unspoken tension!

From the author of the “Love and Games” series and the “Fortemani Family” series, Mia Hientzelman continues to deliver her signature contemporary romance flair with the first installment in her latest series, “The Divatantes”. You’ll love the chemistry between Ebony and Lincoln, as their tension-filled, second-chance, will-they-won’t-they dynamic keeps you on the edge of your seat. With an empowering POC heroine, lovable Sister Circle supporting cast, and overarching theme of reclaiming one’s narrative, this story will also intrigue fans of Hientzelman’s “Last Christmas Crush” and Kennedy Ryan’s “Skyland” series.Ready to learn the ways of the Divorcétante? Don’t miss this book when it hits shelves on June 24, 2025!

Rating: 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Tropes: Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn Romance, Friends-to-Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Wedding Planning Narrative, Workplace Romance, Ex Debutante/Event Planner FMC x Architect Cinnamon Roll MMC, Self-Discovery, Celebrity Romance, Dual POVs, Sister Circle, and He Falls First.

Trigger Warnings: Friendship Conflict, Relationship Anxiety, Mother-In-Law Conflict, Discussions on the Toxicity of Tabloids, Discussions of Affairs and Betrayal, and Discussions of Societal Gaslighting/Objectification.

This was first novel by Mia and I thought it was pretty good! There were a lot of things that I liked about the book and there were some other things that I didn't feel super obsessed with. If you are someone who likes reality TV (see the housewives franchise) you would really be into this. I felt like I was watching a Bravo show.

I always love a story where the heroine gets the opportunity to choose herself and step into her true self. Ebony was fortunate for her girls being there to support her though the transition in her life following her divorce from Julian & that was nice to see.

In the original synopsis Julian's appearance feels like its going to be a bit like a 'enemies-to-lovers' kind of vibe and it was really not that at all. I liked the couple together and they definitely had some really good yearning & steamy moments but overall I feel like they got back together a bit to fast for me. I am normally not a second chance girl and I wish this one hit that trope a little better for me.

Overall, I liked this book and I think this is a perfect book for the summertime!

Thank you to Honey Blossom Press for gifting me this eArc for an early review. All opinions are my own.

After a high society scandal, Ebony is starting over her new life. What does the future hold for her. After the high profile wedding, she hires Lincoln, an old friend. I was immediately swept up by the love between Ebony and Lincoln. I love that I had to turn the pages quickly. I highly recommend! Thank you Honey Blossom Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive this Advanced copy in exchange for my honest review releases June 24th 2025.

Firstly, thank you to Net Galley, Honey Blossom Press, and Mia Heintzelman for early access to The Divorcetante for an honest review.

Unfortunately, The Divorcetante was a DNF for me. I was only able to read about 20% of the book. The book’s description, the title and the very vibrant cover all sucked me in, but I struggled to connect with the story once I started reading.

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

After rereading the book’s description, I felt it was a little misleading about what to expect. I thought Lincoln was going to be an unexpected hurdle in Ebony living her best divorcetante life. However, it seems like Ebony’s ex-husband, Julian, and his family also factor into that.

The high-profile wedding mentioned in the book’s description is Ebony’s ex-brother-in-law’s wedding. When Ebony agreed to plan the wedding, it seemed like she was pressured to do so because of where and how she was asked. It didn’t at all seem to be a sound, well-thought-out decision made to rewrite her future on her own terms.

The historic venue that’s mentioned in the description is owned by Cornelia, Ebony’s hateful ex-mother-in-law, setting up what could be a very contentious work relationship.

Cornelia hired Lincoln to restore the historic venue. I didn’t read far enough to understand what Cornelia’s goal was in doing that, but I’m assuming hiring Lincoln was not done with good intentions.

I wasn’t able to suspend disbelief to get past all of that.

I think Ebony’s life still being entangled with the Livingstons was worth mentioning in the book description, since that appears to be something key to the storyline. I acknowledge that the Livingstons might not be a big part of the story past the 20% mark, but I wasn’t able to continue reading to find out.

There were a lot of off-putting characters introduced to the story early on, like Hailey, who allowed Julian to ambush Ebony in a bathroom and who also put Ebony on the spot at her engagement party when she very publicly asked her to plan her wedding. And there’s Julian, who cheated on Ebony and then declared he wanted her back without being especially remorseful about cheating. And there’s Ebony’s mother, who suggested Ebony be open to reconciling with Julian without there being any good reason to do so. And there’s Cornelia, who was so disrespectful to both Ebony and Lincoln. And there’s The Morning Tea crew, who set Ebony up to be filmed while Julian was in the act of cheating. And there’s the town people, who have villainized Ebony for Julian cheating on her.

Again, I didn’t finish the book; I don’t know if these characters become less off-putting. They were just too off-putting for me to enjoy what I was reading 20% into a novel.

Besides the premise, I struggled with the style this novel was written in. Italics are used very heavily, not just for thoughts but also when characters speak. It was a big distraction for me to read dialogue where everyone seems to constantly speak with emphasis, no matter the conversation.
Also, at one point, I confused Lincoln and Ebony because there wasn’t enough distinction in their characterizations/personalities for me to realize I was reading from a certain character’s POV.

WHAT I LIKED...
I liked that Ebony divorced Julian and was eager to rediscover who she was.
I enjoyed how Ebony and Lincon’s first face-to-face played out. Those two have an undeniable spark! I was rooting for them to get to a good place after that first interaction and was interested in how their story would unfold.
I enjoyed the humor in the novel. At one point, Ebony was trying to remember if a character’s name was Krystal or Christina. I laughed out loud when the character’s name was Kristalina.
I enjoyed the sisterhood Ebony shared with her friends.

FINAL THOUGHTS...
The book wasn’t for me, but I do appreciate a Black love story and hope others will have a better reading experience than I did.

Another 5-star read for me from Mia! I love the idea of a woman going through one of the most challenging times of her life, in the public eye, poised and with class. Ebony took lemons and served them up straight with a sugared rim!!

I am leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.

Mia has a gift for writing characters of color who are well-off in their lifestyles, facing everyday problems when it comes to matters of the heart. Any person reading this book could insert themselves into the role of Ebony Grace Livingston, a highly sought-after event planner, whose life has imploded with the very public notification of her husband cheating on her, and her divorce becoming a public spectacle. Ok, maybe not everyone can relate to that specific situation. Still, the heartache in the betrayal of a cheating spouse, dealing with the emotional fallout from that, and regaining your power by turning devastation into determination, progress, and healing. Everyone can relate to that. No matter the tax bracket.

However, when Ebony said that Idris Elba, Aaron Pierre, and Morris Chestnut could ask her out and she wouldn't be interested, I clutched my pearls and called for reinforcements!

There is a great deal to unpack in this book. The twists and turns of Ebony and Linc dancing around, attempting to convince themselves that they are not interested in each other, all while remembering that one time they hooked up, the friend groups being supportive and problematic, like most friends are. The pressures of living in a society with expectations that are not always met and are not the best options. Overbearing parents, monstrous in-laws, LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS, OH MY!

I appreciated that Lincoln's point of view was given room to shine. He didn't have it all together; he was nervous, yet respectful, successful, and in love. Not to mention, FINE!

The Divorcetante moved at a great speed to convey the story properly. Cozy, spicy, romance drama, with solid character development, and Divatantes!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Honey Blossom Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles, and the incomparable Mia Heintzelman for the advance readers copy of The Divorcetante.

Thank you to the author Mia Heintzelman, NetGalley and Honey Bloom Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The story had me from the start, it kicks off with high class drama. The storyline delivered messy scandal, friendship, betrayal, self-growth, heart swooning second chance with a worthy slow burn romance.

Ebony Grace learned her worth after marriage and fought for what she deserved, all while finding herself. I loved that for her, but I don’t think I could’ve resisted Lincoln Bridges as long as she did. That was a MAN. Whew!

I’m just not connecting with this story. The writing isn’t bad but it’s not hooking me. The set up is more of a second chance but the characters, I just can’t get with them, especially Ebony when we find out something that the love interest warned her about.

I do like the rich Black people vibes this story brings with the story’s version of Jack and Jill, but because I can’t really root for the relationship, I’m just going to stop it. There’s a lot of friendship things because they each have a pretty strong friend group but nothing about the romance was making me want to root for them.

This book has a lot of potential to be a really great read if you are in the mood for a slow burn and chaos. There were too many characters in this book that made the book feel drug out at points. It took me a little longer than expected to finish so I would not consider this a fast read, and I think most romance readers prefer the fast read. I loved the Chronicle episode and the interactions with Linc and Ebony. I think we could have used more of Cornelia's evilness' on the page because by the time it was over I didn't really care of feel like justice was done. As a new romance reader I am not the target reader understood, but this was still enjoyable enough to finish and find out all the secrets and the proposal was super curtesy ending. Also the discussion questions are great and makes for a great book club discussion to flush thoughts out 3..5 stars overall

I really liked this book. I finished the book in under 2 days. Loved the drama and I loved the main character, Ebony. She was fantastic and I loved that when she made her decision, she stuck to it and did not waver. The drama was fantastic and I loved the male main character Lincoln, he knew what he wanted and he did not waver.

”Because you’re the person who makes my ordinary moments extraordinary.”

This book is a feeling, it’s summer days in the deep American south – I’ve never been to Georgia but I really felt like I was there! – and sweet pining, and stolen moments, and standing on your own two feet with the support of those who really love you. I was hooked from chapter one and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This beautifully written book put me in a champagne bubble I wanted to float in forever.

The best kind of empowering summer read which will have you giggling and kicking your feet in joy. Thank you, Mia, for Ebony and Linc!

This was so good and addictive!
The slow burn, the tension, the drama...
Next strong female character the character depth was good, the plot was nice and the atmosphere dramatic!

Thank you NetGalley, Honey Blossom Press and Mia Heitzelman for the opportunity to read an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Mia, girl! This book is going to be one of the best releases this summer! I laughed out loud, yelled, screamed, cried a bit in the afterglow and BLUSHED a lot (it’s always the tatted forearms!)

The Divorcétante is a delightfully beautiful small but bougie town romance of personal growth after divorce and reclaiming your story on your own terms.

Ebony Grace Livingston never truly had the chance to decide for herself what she wanted. Her story is one of a dutiful daughter who was groomed to be the perfect wife to what she thought was the perfect man.

She finds out, the hard way, that her life is perfectly crafted for an image and she is a prop, much to her dismay. Add in the rabid Luxe Ladies fanbase, the overbearing mother and the disdainful mother in law and you can imagine how this plays out publically when she decides to end her ten year marriage after she and the rest of Ellswood discover that her husband, Julian, is cheating on her with the Queen of the Luxe Ladies, Nora.

What transpires afterward is a well crafted story of a woman who was done wrong, treated like the villain. We follow Ebony on her journey to hed the idea of who she thought she was and discover who she truly is.

Part of her journey is reconnecting with an old dear friend, Lincoln Bridges. How they reconnect is wild - the ex MIL of all people!Lincoln is…my goodness…whew! Essentially, he is the man she denied herself thinking her life with Julian was what she wanted.

The tension?! Crackled immediately on page. These two were so electrifying when in the same room, I was sweating like I was there. Ebony’s fears of ruining her new life and Linc’s fears of her rejection keep them from giving in to temptation. It is a slow burn for sure, but it was the perfect way to showcase two people who had realistic fears. Add in that they have a high stakes event to plan for Ellswood’s finest which happens to Ebony Grace’s dragon of a former mother in law who seems to be intent on sabotaging Ebony’s business and newfound freedom and Linc’s business reputation so the tension was definitely there throughout the book and it kept me hooked until the very end.

The spice?! Let me just say I will never pass a waterfall in my life and never think of Ebony Grace and Linc!

I will not spoil the end nor give any more of the plot away. If you love stories of women finding themselves after disappearing in unhappy marriages and getting the second chance happy ending they deserve…this is the book for you!

P.S. I already preordered!

The cover of the book had me sold and once I read the story I was hooked. I’m so glad Ebony stayed true to her healing journey and didn’t let any of that crazy family bring her down. I’m glad she and Lincoln found their way back to each other. This was my first read by the author and now I have to go back and add the rest of her catalog to my TBR.

Ebony Grace Livingston has been cheated on by her husband of 10 years, her life as an elite debutante has been torn down in place of somehow being blamed for her husband’s affair. As she works to rebuild her business and reputation, she finds herself working side by side with a former almost love, her former best friend, Lincoln Bridges. The two reconnect, and realize they have never forgotten about their feelings for each other, as they work on making sure the wedding of the century in Elleswood’s historical Madison Manor goes off without a hitch, they realize that there are truths they have to confront. This book takes you through twists that make your jaw drop, it feels like you are watching reality tv drama. Both Ebony and Lincoln are looking to restore something, Ebony herself, and Lincoln his family’s place in Elleswood history. I loved reading this book. Lincoln and Ebony have amazing chemistry, as friends and as lovers. This is an easy read that pulls you in from the beginning, and we commit to Ebony’s journey to rebuild her business, and Lincoln’s journey to rebuild Madison Manor, and win back Ebony’s heart. Lincoln is all in and ready to show Ebony he’s the one for her as soon as he’s aware he has a chance. And once Ebony also realizes that she does want to give her and Lincoln a real shot, she also doesn’t give in, and she jumps right in.

Trope: second chance romance , workplace romance, romcom, small town romance.

General thoughts: it’s giving real housewives feel. an easy to read romcom, that will have you glued to the pages . Mia Heintzelman is a new to me author and I really enjoyed her writing style. The author has provided discussion question at the end of the book which will be great for book club pick.

Book review:
We follow Ebony Grace a southern debutante who recently divorced Julian livingston, from the legacy Livingston family of islewood. Their picture prefect marriage went through a public scandal when Ebony catch her ex husband Julian with his pants down. Ever since that scandal, the whole town is invested in her reinvention post-divorce. Ebony grace a
successful event planner navigates self-discovery, societal expectations, and the messy joy of second chances romance with her childhood love before marriage. This story is full of high societal drama , gossip and laugh out loud moment.

Ebony had the picture-perfect life that came crashing down when she caught her husband with another woman on broadcast TV. A year later, Ebony is trying to rebuild her life and her business by planning the premier social event of the season along with launching her social media blog. However, the universe throws a wrench her plans when she crosses paths with her former friend, Lincoln.

This book is so damn good. We’re not even at the halfway point, but I know this book is one of the top reads of 2025. Ebony is so relatable. I was cheering from the sideline during her journey of self-discovery. I think so many Black women can relate to Ebony’s past. Society (including some of the women in our lives) convinces us that we need to conform in order to have a good life. We’re put in positions where we have to make ourselves smaller, continuously give without reciprocity. This was evident with Ebony’s first marriage. Ebony was sold a bill of goods that lead her to invest years with a man who did not deserve a second of her time, much less a decade. I loved that Ebony took back her power and agency. She learned not to let outside voices cloud her vision of herself. Freeing herself from Livingston shackles allowed Ebony to rediscover the parts of herself that brought joy and happiness. By setting boundaries and choosing herself, Ebony made space for the kind of love she always deserved.

The chemistry between Ebony and Lincoln was off the charts. Even when all the cards were stacked against Lincoln, his love for Ebony never wavered. Lincoln always knew the real Ebony. Not the event planner extraordinaire or the demure socialite. To Lincoln, Ebony would always be the young woman who loved singing, seashells, and waterfalls. Lincoln always made it clear he wanted to complement Ebony’s life instead of dim her light.

Other takeaways: 1) I love the divatantes and Vincent (I wouldn’t be mad at a follow-up novella so we can see these characters again). 2) One thing a trifling man never runs out of is audacity (looking at you Julian). 3) Some women rather be co-conspirators than dismantlers of misogyny (bombastic side-eye at Cornelia and Mama King).

Thank you NetGalley and Honey Blossom Press for providing this ARC for review.

Thank you, NetGalley, Mia Heintzelman, and Honey Press for the advanced copy of The Divorcétante.

Ebony Grace Livingston is the main character of the book. I love how she focuses on making a comeback in her business since her divorce. She puts her efforts into making sure the event is the best. She is not only proving to others that she is capable but also to herself. Despite the bad press, it is moving on.

She does not allow her mother-in-law to interfere with her business or life. Instead, she tells the truth about her in-laws. Ebony proves that she is strong and resilient by telling her story on social media. I love how she does not allow anyone to control her.
I enjoyed seeing her pursue her passions, which include Lincoln. Their chemistry was beautiful, and I enjoyed reading it. Overall, it was a delightful book about finding yourself and living your life.

I recently got an ARC of The Divorcetante by @miaheintzelmanauthor The cover is minimalistic, which caught my attention, and the title is something that I hadn't heard before. It's a romance book, so I knew I needed to read it to tell y'all about it.
I know that I'm trying to stay away from star ratings when I do more in-depth reviews, because those are subjective, buuuut, for simplicity's sake, this book is in the 4.5 - 5 stars category. It's that good.

In the heart of a small Georgia town, a recently-divorced woman is trying to stand back on her feet and return her business to its former glory. With her ex husband trying to weasel his way back into her life and ex monster-in-law working against her, Ebony (that's our main lady here) must stand her ground and let those who obstinately keep an eye on her that she is not someone to push around.

The pacing was captivating and kept me going. The only thing that confused me was that I had to re-read some parts because some issues were not clear. I caught myself reading on and then asking "Wait, What's going on?"

If you are looking for a quick summer read full of romance, a strong woman, and featuring a hot love interest that falls hard (pun absolutely intended), this book is the one for you. There is some 🌶️ maybe about a 3/5, but it was so tastefully done that I genuinely admire this author's skill to write these scenes.

This was my first Mia Heintzelman book and it was a delight! The scandal, the drama, oh myyy. I can easily see this as a movie or series on the screen. We got Ebony who's trying to get back to herself after a divorce and having to deal with the one who got away (Hey Linc heyyyyy). She has to not only deal with her annoying ex, his equally annoying mother, gossiping from the townspeople but also hi the hottie who she now has to work with.

Ebony and Linc were both sweet and sexy as they navigated having to work together while Ebony's wicked ex-mother in law tries to stir up trouble.

Can't wait to see what the author has in store for the other divatantes.

This was fun quick romance.Ebony and Linc relationship developed really nicely.a story about a women finding herself post divorce. read on May 16,25-May 17,25