4.5 stars.
I'm not usually a massive lover of second chance romance but really enjoyed this. The mmc really redeemed himself and worked on himself rather than just saying sorry fifty times and. Did get a little bit emosh at times which is always a winner for me. Can't wait to see what else Jessica comes out with.

4.25 stars
1 spice

This book really took me by surprise, a very pleasant one.
As I have just finished it and everything is still fresh in my mind - that ending has to be one of the cutest I have ever read and I was almost crying from how sweet it was. I made the mistake of reading other reviews before starting but my mind was quickly changed.

The book flowed really well, the angst was suffocating at times , but I loved it! I loved how realistic the story and characters were, yes Eli and Georgia were apart for 5 years before Eli started to make changes to his life, but they were young when they broke up and the book highlighted how each person has to reach their own breaking point and come to each realisation themselves.

I personally related to Georgia as she struggled to feel as though she fits into her friend's changing lives even though its obvious they all love each other and are incredibly close. It was how she felt she needed to be useful, always there and without problems so that she wasn't a burden to her friends. If you relate to this, the book will feel extra personal.

Most importantly, I was really rooting for Eli and Georgia to make their way back to each other. I loved their story and this was an amazingly written book, definitely recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy.

i am writing this review on my own and all thoughts are from me. thank you netgalley for the chance to read the ARC!

all in all, this is quite a nice second-chance romance book that i read this year. it has good tension between the exes, so i anticipated more for their interactions. i never had any experience in love so reading this book kinda gave me an insight of how love works and it's not always sunshine and rainbow. it's always has it's roughness and bitter moments. i didnt pay much attention to the settings and other characters honestly cause i was busy focusing on the main characters and i was rooting for them to make up.

i had a hard time finishing this cause it has many fillers and i got bored easily, so it took months for me to complete my reading. but i did it anyway, and this book was great enough. so thank you for the enjoyable read!

I remember how much I loved the characters in You with a view, but these ones just feel meh. Don’t get me wrong, i like them, but not that much. I mean, it seems like Eli just did the bare minimum to get his girl back.

I really wanted to love this book, I was so excited even tho the friends to lovers and second chance romance are my least favorite trope to ever exist, but here I was, giving it a chance because it’s Jessica Joyce, but I’m so sad to say that this was not as satisfactory as i wish it was.

To begin with, I like the main reason of why they broke up because that is something realistic that we’ve seen in movies before (and real life). For most people it may seem like a flat reason, but that can really affect relationships. But the way they jumped to each other as soon as they were in the same room and forgetting everything that easy (and avoid TALKING very time) when they were supposedly so heartbroken felt too quick.

I really don’t get to understand Eli’s mindset, if he loved her that much, why didn’t he tried harder the first time in therapy to save their relationship? why did he decide to give up so easy without a fight?

The ending felt abrupt for me, and the way they got back together just because they actually talked to each other for the first time, he should have tried harder.

Anyway, I’m still a fan of Jessica Joyce and will continue reading whatever she publishes in the future.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Transworld publishers, Random house Uk for the ARC.

This book was such a delight that I’m still stuck in its universe. Eli and Georgia are two completely beautifully written characters that I wish they were real people so I could view their coming back together with my own eyes rather than having to imagine it.

This is a story of first love, second chances and finding yourself as a person. For admitting what you need instead of denying yourself. For recognising how much you need the people in your life no matter how needy you feel. Also recognising when you’re brain isn’t at it best and what you need to do to get it right again. Or as much as you can.

I adored this book. It will stay with me for a long long time.

I’m giving this a 3.5 stars. 3 feels just too harsh and it is a nice read. But after reading You With A View, this felt like it lacked something.

It’s a second chance romance between two people who are helping their best friends plan a wedding. It’s meant to be a messy break up previously but planning a romantic day means old feelings come back.

I liked the idea of the book but it ended up being very slow. The prose itself is good, I enjoyed the literal reading but I felt the chemistry wasn’t there and the wedding planning and various disasters felt like it overshadowed the romance side of things.

Title: The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

Release Date: July, 18th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

Georgia Woodward lives her life governed by lists, especially the one detailing the dos and don'ts of dealing with her ex, Eli Mora. Since their tumultuous breakup five years ago, these rules have been her lifeline, ensuring she keeps her emotions in check as they navigate mutual friendships, particularly with their best friend Adam's upcoming wedding. However, when unexpected circumstances arise, such as the wedding venue burning down and Adam needing their help, Georgia finds herself thrown together with Eli in Napa Valley. As they work to salvage the wedding plans, old feelings resurface, and Georgia starts to see a new side of Eli—one that reignites the spark they once shared. Amidst the chaos of wedding preparations, Georgia must decide whether to stick to her rules or take a chance on a new beginning with Eli.

A breathtaking journey that delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Georgia's relatable character resonates with readers who understand the struggles of navigating messy emotions and the desire to be chosen and valued.

As Georgia and Eli find themselves brought together while assisting with a friend's wedding, they confront their tangled past and buried feelings, leading to a poignant and heartfelt exploration of love and self-discovery. This truly tugged at my heartstrings.

Joyce's amazing storytelling captivated me from start to finish, making this book an unforgettable and deeply moving read. I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.

Tropes:

Second Chance Romance
Forced Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Self-Discovery


Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Penguin, The Author Jessica Joyce & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. 🤍

4.5 ⭐️

PAPER RINGS. PAPER RINGS!!!!!!!!!!!

this was amazing. jessica joyce just absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one. i loved you, with a view and this book cemented her as one of my favourite authors.

the characters in this were so well written and so easy to connect to. it was just the perfect second chance romance with brilliant writing. the individual issues the main characters were going through as well as their relationship really added depth to the story. i also loved all of the side characters and their friendships.

fans of emily henry will absolutely adore this book!!

3/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️

The ex vows had many things I liked but also many things that did not work for me. I'm going to keep it short and sweet with my options :)

Things that worked:
- I enjoyed the wedding setting
- I liked the representation for people who move states/country and miss their family and friends
- I liked the writing style

Things that didn't work:
- The relationship was very bland
- I didn't feel like their was a big moment when they got back together
- The resolution for their 'second chance' was too rushed and not well concluded
- He did not grovel enough for the problems he caused when they broke up

<3

TROPES/GENRES:
- Second Chance
- Forced Proximity
- Mental Health Rep
- Found Family
- Single-POV

Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars. I absolutely loved You With A View and devoured it. However, I was a little disappointed with this book. It follows the story of a group of friends, two of which had a relationship and a really messy breakup. When they have to help their best friend organise their wedding they are thrown together. Old, and new, feelings rise and they find themselves thinking what-ifs, and rekindling what they once had. Unfortunately, I found the book really slow. Also, the amount of bad luck that happens regarding the wedding seemed extremely unrealistic and I found myself hating things going wrong. I was saddened to not enjoy this as much as her debut.

If you love romance books then make this book on your radar because this second chance was executed to perfection. My first read by Jessica Joyce and it certainly won’t be the last as I love her now.


What I cherished most about Eli and Georgia's storyEas how Eli and Georgia was so raw and real. Jessica made it easy for me to imagine these characters as the writing was so vivid. This book provided excellent representation on a variety of topics, including therapy, anxiety, mental health, people-pleasing, and navigating friendships in your twenties. I could therefore identify with Eli and Georgia.

I felt every emotion while reading this book and following the development between Eli and Georgia.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House, Uk for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Exes reuniting for their best friend’s wedding? Teaming up to save the day? What more could you want from a rom com?

The Ex Vows is a beautifully written, funny and moving story about Georgia and Eli, two people who went from friends to lovers to exes, who are thrown back together again.

Of course, the chemistry is ✨off the charts✨ as they work to salvage a multitude of pre-wedding disasters, whilst trying to put aside their own history and lingering feelings.

This is such an amazing summer read and I fully expect to see it in everyone’s 2024 favourites. The characters are so likeable, the relationship is so raw and believable, and the 🌶️ is *chef’s kiss*

Can’t recommend this one enough!

Stunning book with fully fleshed out characters. I absolutely adored the depth that she was given and all her fears and worries felt so relatable. This book is pretty similar to Happy Place but there are less characters so the whole friendship group thing feels less overwhelming.

i’ve been seeing books by jessica joyce all over my insta and tiktok, and boy oh boy do i understand the hype! not only is her writing so beautiful, it has a way of reeling you into the magical gorgeous world she’s created within the book and making you fall in love with the characters and their lives. i adored everything about the book, the pining and the chemistry and the romance and just ahhhh. i’m definitely going to get a physical copy as well

I loved this authors first book, ‘You, With A View’ but this one? This one blew me away! It was absolutely fantastic and I inhaled every single page of it.

🩵 Childhood Friends To Lovers
🩵 Second Chance
🩵 Forced Proximity
🩵 One Bed
🩵 Anxiety Rep
🩵 Found Family

The tropes in this book were some of my absolute favourites, childhood friends to lovers is an all time fave and when it moved promptly into forced proximity you have no idea how excited it made me. The author does though as I slipped straight into her DMs haha.

We have Georgia, Eli and Adam who are a trio of best friends and they have been best friends since 6th grade. Eli joined the friendship a couple of years later but he fitted right in and there were definitely feelings between him and Georgia. Fast forward a few years where they got together but sadly broke up. For the sake of their friendship group they did their best to keep it happy in front of Adam, as they didn’t want to ruin the bond they all shared.

Fast forward another few years when Adam is getting married and chooses this pair to stand beside him at his wedding. Let’s say things definitely do not go to plan because of ‘the curse’ and this sends Eli and Georgia into a forced proximity situation and let me tell you that I was there for it.

Eli was the most amazing guy, straight away I connected with him, the fact that he was always shirtless definitely helped haha. He suffered from severe anxiety which has been controlling him and his life for years. Finally he is getting some help and trying to make changes. He is loving, fun and loyal and an absolute pleasure to be around.

Georgia is an absolute mess and I say that with love as we have all been there. Life right now is changing and she is scared and struggling. She is an amazing friend and will do anything for anyone.

Both of this pair had a not so great upbringing and having Adam and his family is what kept them going.

I really resonated with this pair with Adams anxiety and Georgias love of lists, and just how gorgeous they both are.

Loved the storyline, while it had some raw moments it was just so bloomin beautiful.

I also think the ending was absolute perfection 🩷

Eli and Georgia are in my bank of favourite couple and characters forever, I will definitely never forget them.

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!

Everyone who has spoken with me in the last year knows that Happy Place is one of my favorite books EVER, and since I read that last year I have been looking for books with the same vibes.. This book was the first one that gave me the same feeling that Happy Place gave me and I loved every single second of it!

Jessica Joyce has quickly become one of my favorite romance authors and I'm so excited to get a physical copy of this and read everything else she will come out with!

Really enjoyed this. The characters are loveable and multidimensional. The emotions are a whirlwind and it explores important issues, especially around mental health. My first read by this author but I will definitely be going back for more!

Georgia and Eli have been assigned the role of best woman and man at their mutual best friend Adam's wedding. It won't be easy to fulfill their respective roles when these two former lovers must work together to avoid further disasters on their best friend's perfect day. Along the way, past wounds and hidden feelings will come to the fore. Although deep down they know that if they give themselves a second chance, it's possible it won't last long for various reasons. Which makes Georgia question whether it's time to break the rules she's followed throughout her life and start something new.
I genuinely enjoyed the book quite a bit, and I think second chance romances are becoming my favorites. Anyway, I liked this couple so much. The plot was simple and yet well-written. I think the author gets better every time she puts out a book. This is a story with a kaleidoscope of emotions, and the way Jessica wrote it was beautifully real. I literally cried many times reading it.
This book was engaging in every way with its heartfelt love story. Georgia and Eli's relationship shows how being in a relationship can be complicated, messy, needy, but at the same time passionate, trustworthy and embracing. The chemistry and banter between them was undeniable even apart, that connection was still there. Through those emotional dialogues and heated stares, you could tell how much they still mattered to each other. Notably, I'm glad they gave themselves a second chance after being sure that what they really wanted.
The personal journey of both main characters was powerfully intricate and relatable. I could truly resonate with both of them. Their struggles were well-portrayed and not overdone. I loved that this book isn't only focus on the romantic side but also on the self-discovery and personal growth of the characters. They aren't perfect and yet, that made me love them more.
The found family in this book was splendidly lifelike; the group dynamic was down-to-earth indeed. I loved that touch of truth in how those types of friendships change throughout life, but that we always find time for those we care about and spend quality time with them. The last three chapters + epilogue wrecked me. Jessica nailed it; she gave us a powerful and angsty love confession and really emotional moments.
I loved one particular message that this book leaves us with; how the feeling and shape of home go hand in hand with love, and how it can vary in each one of us. Overall, it is a book that I highly recommend, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC

Thank you so much NetGalley for this arc!!

As someone who devoured you with a view finding out I received this arc was a dream! Firstly this book was absolutely gorgeous and it felt like a love letter to second chance romance. This for me gave me the same sentiment as Happy Place. You often don’t connect with characters so heavily in standalone romances but the found family and the healthy journeys they all set off on alongside needed conversations and the love story girls can dream of, this was perfect from start to finish for me.

Their love story for me and why it started and ended before reuniting made so much sense to me and there’s nothing worse than a second chance romance where you feel like you could’ve solved it all for them but with these characters, you were just so swept up in them and their story that you let it breathe. You let them figure it out. And it was GORGEOUS.

Reading this on my hols listening to Lizzys new album was a dream. Thank you so much for this masterpiece Jessica x

After reading you with a view, I knew I'd love this book, and I was right.

I expected the 2nd chance at love trope, but I didn't quite expect this story and the emotions that it involved. I found some aspects regarding mental health written about extremely well and carefully. The two main characters were with so much love and you could feel the love both in friendship and relationships throughout the book