This book takes romance and adds another layer. Georgia & Eli are impossible not to love (as well as a host of brilliant side characters!)

Georgia is incredibly relatable (although at times I felt like her inner monologue was extended for no real reason and became a little infuriating). Having said this, it meant that you could really see her character development which was great. At first Eli was infurating, however this was so cleverly done as we see him purely through Georgia and it isn't until later where she develops more awareness of how he has changed.

A great second chance romance book that isn't just a repeat of every other romance!

I would say, this book is maybe slightly too long, I felt some parts were a little repetitive near the beginning, however the pace quickly picked up in the latter portion of the book.

Jessica Joyce is officially on my automatic to be read list! I absolutely adored this book. I knew going in I was going to like it because I’m a sucker for second chance romance. Georgia and Eli are totally soulmates annd endgame. There is no horrible cheating that broke them apart but rather they are both dealing with their internalized insecurities that sometimes you need your 20s to get over. But that’s what makes the story so relatable and honestly beautiful. Joyce is such a good writer and adds such realism to the flaws and beauty of romance.

Thank you #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story had me hooked from the very beginning. The characters were totally loveable and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through. Georgia and Eli had such good chemistry and I didn’t want their story to end.

I received a free arc of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.

4.5!!

Ohhhh this was a good one! Absolutely adored this book! The best second chance romance I’ve ever read!
Second chance can be a difficult trope to conquer but Jessica totally smashed this one. We were transported so graciously through all of Eli and Georgia’s relationship (past, present, heartbreak, falling in love). I love how while Jessica was retelling their past, we had their present right a long side it and it made me want to rip my hair out (in the best way possible) just seeing how perfect these two were for eachother! Totally soulmates 💘

The reasoning behind why things didn’t work out the first time round for them was something I also felt was really well thought out and written. There wasn’t some big bust up or cheating; but rather two people who just weren’t necessarily the best versions of themselves at that current time. And then to find their way back to each other years later … omg I just love it. They focused not only on each other but on themselves and I am so here for it.

I think it’s a hard task to write a love story about two people that have previously hurt each other, but are still so loveable. But then I also think this makes them incredibly relatable, real and raw.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole premise of this book I loved the storyline and the forced proximity!!! 👀 I loved all the side characters a long with it. Jessica’s writing is just absolutely beautiful she makes reading feel so effortless and easy she is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors!

Overall loved this book and I so highly would recommend! 🫶🏼 thank you to Netgalley for the arc! Add this one to your calendars! July 16th!!

Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley and Jessica Joyce for giving me an early copy to read!

Jessica Joyce really knows how to write an incredible romance that blends a fast paced, humorous and meaningful plot into one. These characters were so incredibly loveable and it was such a fun read where you felt that the characters really had such a great bond, a found family and most of all incredible chemistry.

The plot of the two main characters spanned 7 years which meant there was a lot of Jessica to build upon and develop and share snippets of both character’s lives over that period. I really loved how both characters had the ability to compliment each other with their personalities and to help each other with their respective troubles.

I really loved the entire plot of this, the slight forced proximity and how it intensified to the point of both characters just caving into what they both really want. This story was so meaningful and encapsulated what a romance book is all about.

I also really loved how Jessica dealt with the ‘second act break up’ aspect that’s a key point in all romance books. Jessica didn’t make it about a ‘we can’t be together, we’re not good for each other’ it was about how both main characters had to develop and find themselves before they could fully become each others and I really respected that approach compared to some of the typical second act break up plot that is in most romances.

Overall this was such a fun read and I loved reading Jessica’s writing again and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

It's rare for me to rate a book 5 stars, but the two Jessica Joyce books I've read recently have been 5 stars. There's something so addictive and real about her characters and I love her writing.

At first, I wasn't sold on Georgia. I felt she was irritating and too needy but then realised I've had her exact thoughts, feelings and anxieties in the past. I think we all have a little Georgia in us and that's what made her feel so real.

I loved the relationship <i>chef's kiss </i>, the character developments, the friendships, the banter, the messiness and realness of complicated feelings - everything was, for me, perfect. I'll 100% be reading more of Jessica's books.

I loved You With a View & was so excited to read this. This book was an easy 5 stars for me!!

A cursed wedding, ex’s as the ‘best people’ and a week to fix literally everything with the man you never want to see again but also never want to let out of your sight - what could go wrong?

I love a second chance romance as I just feel like the yearning is even greater. I also found Georgia’s struggles with friendships and allowing herself to need people, and Eli’s workaholic anxiety really compelling as foils that lead to the end of the relationship, while still making them sympathetic characters despite breaking each others hearts! Adam is a great friend and extra layer to their dynamic, and I loved their whole little gang.

I honestly cried for about 80% of this book (both happy and sad tears) and just can’t recommend enough. Thanks so much for this ARC

I loved 'You with a view’ by this author and second chance romance is one of my favourite romance tropes so I had high hopes going into this.

I enjoyed this one but I just didn’t feel that same deep connection to the characters as I did with You with a view.

I found the plot of them having to collectively work together to save their mutual best friends wedding gave way to some great tropes:

- Fake engagement
- Forced proximity
- Neighbours
- One bed trope
- Tension due to ticking deadline etc

Eli’s paper rings motif running through out the book which then created that adorable ending and revelation for Georgia was just wonderful.

I will definitely read more from this author as I really like her writing style.

Single FMC POV ✔️
Exes / Second chance ✔️
Sprinkle of open door spice ✔️
Anxiety rep ✔️

Thank you for this arc in return for an honest review.

*4.5 stars*

Thanks to Penguin Random House UK, Transworld, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book to review.

This is everything I want in a romance and more. This book made me laugh, cry, and feel every emotion possible. It felt like a much grander romance than ones I have been reading recently, with much higher stakes, so I felt like I was fully absorbed in Georgia's and Eli's world the entire time I was reading this story.

I think part of the reason I loved this book so much was because the issues Georgia was going through felt very personal to me at the moment, and I felt so emotionally connected to her experiences. The feeling of friendships changing as you grow into different stages of your lives and not knowing where your place is with your friends anymore. Another thing for Georgie was that she knew the best thing for her as a person was to move away from everything she knew and loved and start fresh in a place she had loved once before but only lived for a short space of time, but having the fear of leaving all of her loved ones behind, them forgetting about her, the fear of things not going well when she gets to the new place. All of these things that Georgia was going through made me just root for her as a protagonist, because I saw myself a lot in her, and so could empathise with all her worries.

Eli was just one of the cutest people ever. From the moment he entered the book, it was obvious how much he adored and loved Georgia, but due to their past, she never wanted to address things between them. They had to stick to their carefully crafted rules to ensure their best friend, Adam, thinks things are good between them, when really they don't speak since they broke up five years ago.

Second chance romances get me every time, and sprinkle in a bit of friends to lovers, you have the recipe for a perfect book in my eyes. Oh, and add in some forced proximity, that's one tasty book!

All the side characters in this were beautiful too. I particularly loved Cole and his particular brand of chaos. I loved how he was so brutal with his comments, but actually turned out to be such a solid friend for Eli and had both their backs so much when they were struggling to navigate their new dynamic.

I can't wait for this book to hit shelves and for everyone to fall in love with these characters as much as I have. I know this is one that I'll definitely come back to time and time again, and now I can't wait to read Jessica Joyce's debut novel, as I just loved her writing style.

Highly recommend!

I was absolutely swept away by the emotional rollercoaster of a journey depicted in this book! What initially seemed like a simple exploration of lingering feelings between exes turned out to be a deeply intricate, authentic, and passionate love story that resonated with me on so many levels.

I'm thrilled to have discovered this gem and I wholeheartedly recommend it to you. Be prepared to shed tears, to immerse yourself in the poignant melodies of "Paper Rings" on repeat, and to sing along at the top of your lungs until your vocal cords protest or your neighbors kindly request a pause. Because when you find a book that speaks to your soul in such profound ways, who cares about the opinions or reactions of others?

Jessica Joyce has truly outdone herself with this masterpiece, deserving not just five stars but a galaxy of accolades. I found myself not only rooting for team Geli (Georgia-Eli) but also deeply invested in their genuine connection with their friends and the vivid backdrop of Napa Valley, which may just convince you to plan your own wedding in Blue Yonder.

Upon finishing the book, I couldn't resist revisiting certain chapters, particularly those between Eli and Georgia, and I was captivated anew by their raw and heartfelt dialogues. It's possibly one of the most authentic portrayals of a bittersweet and compelling love story I've encountered.

The character development is striking, with both protagonists embarking on profound journeys of self-discovery. There's no unnecessary drama, exaggerated angst, or tired clichés here; instead, readers are treated to a refreshing honesty and relatable perspectives that foster a deep connection with the characters.

Let's delve into the plot: Picture yourself as the maid of honor at your childhood best friend's wedding, which seems to be plagued by a series of unfortunate incidents, including the venue burning down. Is it a sign of impending disaster?

This is just one of the challenges facing Georgia Woodward as she scrambles to salvage the wedding arrangements in just one week. From revisiting her past in Blue Yonder to sourcing the perfect wedding cake, she's got her hands full. And to make matters more complicated, she's forced to work alongside Eli Mora, the man who shattered her heart years ago.

Despite their attempts to maintain a facade of indifference for the sake of their friendship circle, it becomes increasingly clear that the unresolved feelings between Georgia and Eli are impossible to ignore. As they navigate the wedding preparations together, the tension crackles, and suppressed emotions bubble to the surface.

Georgia is hesitant to reopen old wounds, but what if confronting the past is the key to unlocking a future filled with happiness? What if burying her feelings only leads to more regret and sorrow? What if they have a chance to rewrite their story and find the happiness they both deserve?

I absolutely adored every page of this book—it resonated with me on such a deep level. Have I mentioned how much I loved it? Well, let me say it again: I adored it beyond measure! Count me firmly on team Geli!

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital review copy of this incredible book in exchange for my honest feedback.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

this was absolutely brilliant. I loved everything about this book.I mean literally everything .the writing was beautiful, the characters were multidimensional and had my undivided attention.the plot .I am in awe.this was my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more of her work. 100% recommended. Readers that love second chance romance will adore this.

This was everything I loved in a romance and more. Georgia was a perfect main character, I saw a lot of my own anxieties, hopes and dreams in her which made it incredibly easy to root for her. I loved her friendship with Adam and Jamie and how they kept her grounded, while still allowing her to grow and ask for the help and love she deserved.

And Eli, oh boy. What a beautifully, well rounded love interest. I appreciated that he had his own baggage and realistic struggles that he brought to the table. Reading about his and Georgia’s past made it to easy to love them together in the present. By the end of the book I was in tears, from the final confession to the epilogue, this entire book was full of big characters with strong emotions and an absolutely breathtaking love story. I can’t wait to reread it when it’s out and annotate my copy.

There's something almost painful about second chance romance, like it hurts your heart to read how two people who loved each other have managed to drift or fall apart - and Jessica Joyce captures that so perfectly in The Ex Vows.

With the upcoming wedding of Georgia and Eli's best friend, Adam, the pair have to pull everything together at the last minute and have no choice but to work closely. Georgia's heart is still broken from when they broke up five years before and she's still struggling with her childhood abandonment issues and serious FOMO. When she sees Eli for the first time in a while, it's shocking to her how much she still feels that pull towards him, even though something about him seems different, he's not glued to his phone like he normally is, and his work doesn't seem as important to him as usual.

Throughout the week leading to Adam's wedding, the pair rediscover each other and move beyond the awkwardness and pain of their break up - discovering each other again and avoiding the pain of the past.

This was such a beautiful book and I highlighted so many wonderfully written lines. Jessica Joyce is a new favourite author of mine, You, with a View was excellent and I think The Ex Vows is even better. The side characters are wholesome and Joyce gives space for them to shine throughout the novel as we delve into Georgia and Eli's love story. The setting is stunning and I felt like I was staying at Blue Yonder with them, plus the pacing was perfect and there was no third act conflict!

Highly recommend.

I've had the pleasure and privilege of reading both of Jessica Joyce's novels early, and I am so utterly grateful to have had a chance to read these books!

Joyce writes books that are the literary equivalent of hugs. The kinds of desperate and calming hugs you get after crying, the kinds that calm the world around you, that make everything better. Georgia and Eli are such genuine real characters, and their story from friends to lovers to heartbroken friends who are now forced to coexist for their best friend's wedding absolutely tore me apart.

This book had me sobbing at the conclusion, clutching it to my chest. I would recommend this for anyone who wants their heart broken and put back together in the best way.

I was super excited for this book after loving Jessica Joyce's debut book so much - You With a View. This book had some brilliant laugh out loud moments in it, with the curse they are all desperately trying to end. The banter between Georgia and Eli was brilliant and really well written and so was the beauty of their relationship. It's so easy when you're an adult to get swooped up into the working life that we forget about the things around us and this book portrays that really well. How Eli was so focused on work and doing better than his Dad that he let Georgia slip through his fingers.

Georgia and Eli's love story was really well written and the spicy parts were on point. I absolutely loved the ending it brought a tear to my eye. One thing I found though is that certain points of this book really dragged for me so it took me longer to read than normal but I did love it and think it's a solid four stars overall.

5/5 stars.

This book is such an easy five star read for me. Ever since i first read "you, with a view" by jessica joyce, i immediately fell in love with her writing style. And this book way exceeds my expectations. I love love love this book.

i'm not a huge fan of second chance romance books but this one hits different. the storyline is great and the characters each has their own emotional depth with flaws and rawness to them. and the friendships between Eli, Georgia & Grace? they're so cute and i love them.

Eli and Georgia has their respective anxieties and fears, and the way they try to navigate them and talk things out makes me feel so happy and also heartbreaking. And the paper rings Eli made for Georgia for all these years?? and the little letters written in them?? god, i literally cried. now whenever i listen to "paper rings" by taylor swift, i will always remember Eli Mora.

anyway, this is such a perfect second chance romance book and i love jessica for writing this <3 live, laugh, love Jessica Joyce!

This book is the most wonderful second chance romance 🥹 It definitely has Happy Place vibes - two exes come together & pretend to act completely normal for the sake of their friends - but thankfully there is much less angst!

We are fully in Georgia’s PoV so I was expecting pain… but it becomes clear to the reader from early on that Eli is still very much in love with her, and I felt like I knew both of them so well by the end (no mean feat in a single PoV book!)

One of the reasons I loved Georgia & Eli’s romance so much was because it felt so real. I worked in finance for many years and am familiar with the pressures & commitments that can come with a job like Eli’s. Pair this with Eli’s anxiety and their 23yo immaturity, and I really do believe that - despite Eli & Georgia being perfect for one another - this relationship could have fallen apart.

I absolutely loved Eli & Georgia both independently and together (especially Eli 🥺) Whilst they tiptoed around admitting their true feelings for a while, it never felt like there was frustrating miscommunication (even though there was when they broke up the first time!)

Eli and Georgia finding their way back to one another made me cry happy tears, and don’t even get me started on the paper rings 🥲🫶🏼

From a completely objective point of view - this book is extraordinary. Jessica Joyce's writing flows naturally and tugs at your heartstrings, it is poetic but relatable. A feeling so precisely described you can feel it, you can taste it. The past and present are intertwined not only in Georgia's mind but also visually and we can see two similar scenes taking place at the same time because Jessice weaves them so seamlessly. The characters are fleshed out, we manage to get inside Georgia's head and it is such a messy place to be in but you want to stay, want to be there for her. And since she knows Eli so well, as well as he knows her, you kind of manage to get inside his head but never all the way. The entire time you are wondering along with Georgia and anticipating their happy ending. From the subjective point of view - this book ruined me in the best possible way. I adore it. Georgia is so much like me that it makes me want to scream. While I was never that bad at communicating my needs, I do tend not to rely on anyone for anything. And the people pleaser in me understood every single move she made even when I wanted to shake her and tell her to take a breath. Second chances are always a bit sad but also hopeful and the grief for their relationship and for the way it ended (and the fact that it did) is such a huge part of the story it hurts to read about it. I cannot remember how many times I gasped and clutched my chest in actual pain for them and there was certainly a lot of crying - both ugly sad crying and crying tears of joy. I loved how this book celebrates mess and how important it is to be loved while being imperfect, to have people be there for you through good AND the bad and it goes for all kinds of relationships - whether they are romantic or platonic. There was a lot of genuine humor in it and the steamy scenes were never over the top, but handled with care and love. If you like second chance romances you will love it and if you enjoyed her debut as much as I did, you will love it! I already want to read it again and spend some more time with these characters, and I mean all of them!

I loved You with the View, so I was expecting that I would love this one too. And I did.
This book has two of my favorite tropes friends to lovers and second chance.
It was such a well writen story that griped me till the end.
Recomend thi one.

Their mutual best friend is getting married unfortunately things keep going wrong. With a week left until their special day Adam enlists his best friends to help make a miracle happen. Georgia and Eli’s relationship has been strained to say the least since their breakup 5 years ago. They’ve managed to stick to a set of rules but that will inevitably change in Napa Valley where it all began. In between disasters Georgia starts to recognize the man she used to love, breaking the rules might not be so terrible after all.

It’s a bit early but I’m calling it, this will be one of my favorite reads of 2024. There is so much history and unspoken words between Eli and Georgia. I highly appreciate how they handled things after the breakup, trying to be adults about it. Their love for each other is evident and even though it wasn’t easy it made them stronger in the end. Both as individuals and eventually as a couple once again.

Eli’s unhealthy work life balance is what ruined their relationship and now he’s finally starting to deal with the damage it caused. Their relationship wasn’t the only thing that suffered his mental health also deteriorated. Normalizing therapy and mental health is so important and I love how the author wrote it into this story.

The ending is so GOOOOD I don’t know how to do it justice in my review without spoiling anything. It’s years in the making, so romantic and sweet. It gave me all the feels, I’m talking uncontrollable happy tears.

There is so much tension between Georgia and Eli and I’m glad to say it’s not too slow burn and very spicy!! The entire story is told from Georgias pov which works great imo.

I can’t recommend it enough, if you’re a romance reader this is a must read. Out July 16th!