𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 & 𝙴𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Divorcetante by Mia Heintzelman was easily a 5-star read. I normally don't read books with the cheating trope, but man, this book handled that topic so maturely. It also handled the topic of what someone loves, life, feelings, and life after your partner betrays you, and also how life could be after the divorce is final, and you're free again, and reinventing your life.
Between Ebony Grace Livingston, who was raised to be flawless. A debutante-turned-elite event planner, she built a life around breathtaking galas, whispered exclusives, and the kind of connections money can’t buy. After her divorce, Ebony decides she’s done curating perfection for everyone but herself.

The audiobook is dual narrated by J.Y. Kora and Midnight Michael. They both did a good job, but Midnight Michael is easily becoming a favorite of my male narrators. They were both easy to listen to and understand. Listened at 2x speed.

Thank you, Honey Blossom Press, for the ebook, and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 🌟

"My former friend. The one who got away. Because she was never mine to begin with."

"I’m supposed to be dating, reinventing myself, starting anew. Yet with every step, Lincoln Bridges reminds me he’s a perfectly viable option. He’s always been right here. He’ll always be here."

Second Chance Romance at it's finest! 😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥

Ebony is in a position to change her life the way SHE wants after a messy and embarrassing divorce . Lincoln is the blast from the past she was NOT expecting to run into again, much less work with on her current wedding planning project. Second chances never looked so good . THE DIVORCETANTE is a romantic comedy full of close proximity, Second chances at Love, sister circles , and what it means to pave your own path.

The Divorcétante was a great rom-com book craving a rom-com second chance, with a little friend to lover’s trope story. Rediscovering yourself after a Divorce can be embarrassing, hard, depressing, and lonely. I love how Mia, allowed Ebony Grace to find herself again, She didn’t believe the lies and she did not allow her past circumstances to dictate her present or her future after a messy divorce.

Ebony Grace, was beautiful in all ways, and she learned how to love again after ending a bad marriage. She was the epitome of how a black woman can stand with grace after being Divorce. Lincoln and Ebony showed tension, but the chemistry between these two was unmatched. I also love how Mia didn’t introduce the steamy pieces until the end of the book, which allowed the characters to have a friendship/relationship first. These two really played the kissing game 

I admire how Ebony Grace also stood up to her mother who was trying to dictate her life by telling her to settle just because Julian was handsome, wealthy, despite he cheated on her and publicly humiliated her, not to mention impregnated someone. Her mother words “all you have to do is put on your crown and smile.”

That was the way of the past, women no longer must tolerate those things anymore, Shared Values, Tenderness, Loyalty, and being Intelligent are requested these days and if they’re lacking those things, women now have the right to say NO!

Grace:
Simple Elegance or Refinement of Movement
Unmerited favor of God

Takeaways:
Courage to be unapologetically me
Live life on your terms

Source: 📖🎧

This was a 5/5 ⭐ read for me!

Narrated by J.Y. Kora; Midnite Michael and they did an excellent job! Midnite’s voice was perfect!
Thank you Mia Heintzelman, Netgalley, and Dreamscape Media for the e-ARC, and e-ALC.

This is Greenleaf without the pulpit, and Something New without the white guy but all the mess, betrayal, and reinvention you could want.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ebook!

Ebony thought she married into a life of luxury and love but behind the gated community and designer labels was a cheating husband and a nightmare of a mother-in-law. When Ebony finally finds the strength to walk away, her hell of a mother-in-law is hellbent on launching a revenge campaign to make Ebony regret ever leaving her golden boy.

Ebony is not the same woman she was ten years ago and reading how she reclaimed her voice, and stop playing nice was chef’s kiss. This is a story of survival, sabotage, and sweet revenge mixed with second chance/ friends to lovers.

It goes without saying that I absolutely love this author and this book was no exception, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be coming back for more!

This is actually the first book from The Divatantes series and I am so so glad that there are more books to come as I need to find out more from this gorgeous exclusive luxurious world!

Ebony is the debutante - turned elite event planner and is rebuilding her life after a failed marriage and attempting to start over as the perfectionist that she is.

I was instantly pulled into the binge worthy pages of this book and each chapter very easily pushed me along to the next one and the next! With the authors witty one liners and beautiful style of writing this book kept me engrossed right until the very end.

The chemistry between Ebony & Lincoln was perfect and kept me wanting more and it was emotional, a wonderful romance, the perfect amount of funny, a slow burn, full of second chances and scandal and was a perfect read for the Summer…

Calling this a banger is an understatement.

Thank you Honey Blossom Press, Mia Heintzelman and Netgalley for the ARC.

I might be exposing my age here but the book is giving Greenleaf, Single Ladies (Ebony is such a Raquel to me) and the real housewives of Atlanta AND Potomac, in the best possible way. I was HERE for all the drama.

I enjoyed the plot twists, the surprises, the dialogue and the mannerisms of the characters. Ebony was self assured and confident in her talent while coming off genuine and sincere. Many characters in her position would come off fake and putting on airs above their abilities. Her growth and self reflections were really inspiring.
Lincoln was a very good MMC. I love the gentle way he supported Ebony while giving her the freedom to connect with him at a pace that worked with how she recovers from her previous life.

I loved the side characters very much. Even the “villains” were equally realistic and entertaining.

4.75 stars because some parts slight dragged for me; but that is me problem lol. Otherwise this is a solid contemporary romance.

I have other Mia Heintzelman books on my TBR list that I think I should get to, ASAP.

The Divorcetante is a fabulous, addictive and very gossipy novel about smart women and second chances.

Ebony Grace Livingston is a fierce, strong, independent woman who had it all. Until her man decided to ruin it by cheating on her publicly. Ebony will pick herself up with the help of her dinamic girlfriends, reinvent herself, and do what she does best, work!
There is also a hot man named Lincoln that still feels a little something for Ebony, the one that got away.

I loved reading this book so much. It has successful women, a mean spirited mother in law, shady ex husband's, a manor that is being restored, and just so much glamour and bouginess to fill my heart's desires. First time reading this author, and I will most definitely read her other works.

Thank you, Netgalley and Honey Blossom Press/IBPA, for this fabulous ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

Let me start by saying, as someone who lives for the drama, I had high expectations going in, and this book did not disappoint!! The level of scandal delivered was chef’s kiss, like, think Real Housewives energy. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! It’s an emotional rollercoaster that had me feeling anxious, infuriated, and entertained, while also deeply rooting for Ebony as she rebuilt herself after her humiliating divorce from the so-called “Prince of Ellswood” that was her sad sack of a husband, Julian.

Despite every curveball thrown her way, Ebony rises above it all. She transforms into the Diva who takes back control, refuses to be anyone’s puppet, and walks with power and grace. When moments of self-doubt creep in, her Divatante friends (and especially Lincoln!) are there to remind her of her strength and worth (Cornelia, her ex MIL, didn’t stand a chance, let’s be honest).

The romance between Lincoln and Ebony is just as sweet as it is heartfelt. Lincoln is charming, sensitive, patient, and deeply supportive—total cinnamon roll energy. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the pacing of their second chance romance feels just right. There’s something magical about two people picking up where they left off, as if time paused rather than passed. You can feel their love from the very beginning. Swoooooooooooned. (Also that man is FOINE)

I loved the lighthearted tone paired with the emotional depth. The banter between friends, the pacing of the story, and the honest portrayal of divorce, self-worth, and fresh starts made this such a rewarding read. Mia Heintzelman brings a refreshing, humorous touch to complex themes—and I felt seen in so many moments.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Honey Blossom Press, and Mia Heintzelman for the advanced copy! This was a romcom I didn't know I needed!

4/5

This was my first novel by Mia Heintzlman and will not be my last.

If you like scandal, upper-society drama, or The Real Housewives franchise then The Divorcétante is for you.

Ebony Grace Livingston is newly divorced after her husband embarrassed her in the worst way and she is now reclaiming her time and taking back what’s hers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Mia Heintzlman for the ARC.

Oh. My. Goodness. this was such a cute story! This book is an absolute delight from start to finish. It was heartwarming, empowering, and genuinely entertaining read.

From the get-go, Mia, pulls you into Ebony's world with such charm and wit. And speaking of Ebony, I absolutely loved how she became that Diva and took control of her life! Watching her journey of self-discovery and transformation after such a major life upheaval was incredibly inspiring. She truly embodies the idea that sometimes, the end of one chapter is just the beginning of your best one yet.

Now, let's talk about the characters who really made this story sing (and sometimes, scream). First up: Cornelia. Cornelia, count your days woman! Seriously, the audacity, the sheer nerve! Every time she appeared on the page, I was both infuriated and thoroughly entertained by her antics. She serves as the perfect foil, highlighting Ebony's grace and resilience even more.

And LINCOLN. Sigh. Lincoln is definitely Bae. He's charming, supportive, and everything you could want in a leading man. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching their relationship unfold was one of the most enjoyable aspects of the book. He's the kind of character you root for from the moment he appears.

The author has crafted a narrative that is both lighthearted and deeply resonant. She tackles the complexities of divorce, self-worth, and new beginnings with a refreshing honesty and a healthy dose of humor. The pacing is spot-on, the dialogue is snappy, and the emotional beats land perfectly.

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!