Sometimes, we need to grow up independently before we can make things work. Morgan and Frankie were best friends turn high school sweethearts before a mismanaged breakup turned them into enemies. Though neither seems to have really gotten over each other.

In The Ex Effect, we meet them 15 years after their breakup when Frankie returns to her hometown, as a pro photographer, looking hot on a motorbike, while coping with the grief of losing her grandmother. And Morgan struggling to keep her wedding planning business afloat.

The Ex Effect was full of angst, slow burn, and a well-timed payoff. We are taken on a journey of rediscovery and forgiveness while our leads meet a brand new version of their exes. It was a little weird that Morgan and Frankie were supposed to know so much about each other, and yet the reasons behind their grudge suggest they really didn't. Would also be nice to have flashed out Frankie's history instead of summarizing it as an impulsive haircut and name change. The use of a podcast as a plot device was nice, though it would be better if it were shorter.

I had read 'Not In The Plan' previously. I love how Hawkins always seems to nail small details - the scoffing of outrageous coffee orders in Not In The Plan, Morgan's constant worry of running a one-man events company and the need for Frankie to ice her knee (very real especially after a day of physical labor, or when after an impromptu 300m dash and failing to get onto the public bus)

Thank you, NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Dana Hawkins for the ARC!

I was really looking forward to the new book by Dana Hawkins as I liked her previous books. However, I had real problems immersing myself in the story because I didn't warm to Morgan in particular. Her way of wanting to control everything really annoyed me. Also the constant repetition that Frankie is late.... Oh man. That was really too much at the beginning. Frankie, on the other hand, I immediately liked. I liked the depth and the many details from her past. Basically, I liked the second chance trope in this book because I could see some nice chemistry between the two of them as time went on. I also liked the “we're converting an old barn into a wedding venue” part. That was great. I just love it when old becomes new!

What did irritate me a little, though, was that certain parts of the conversation were only told in retrospect. I found that strange. Because I was really looking forward to some topics and was so curious about the other person's reaction, but then it was simply mentioned in the next chapter “Frankie told me that...”. That was rather disappointing.

A book that I didn't enjoy until the last third. A shame, because the plot had so much potential.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Dana Hawkins for the copy of The Ex Effect in exchange for my honest review!

First off, I adored both main characters and empathized with their struggles. Whether it was Morgan’s anxiety or Frankie’s ADHD, these issues were portrayed with care and felt like meaningful and respectful representation of these topics.

The story itself was very engaging. I was curious to see how they would pull off the wedding, how the breakup would be explored from both perspectives, and how everything would come together in the end.

That said, I did have two main critiques: the pacing and the lack of “show, don’t tell.”
The ending felt rushed and could have benefited from a more developed conclusion. Additionally, many of the emotional moments were explained through internal monologue of the characters rather than shown through dialogue or actions. I would’ve loved to see those feelings play out more naturally instead of just being told what the characters were experiencing.

Overall, I enjoyed The Ex Effect. It was a sweet and heartfelt romance. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Dana Hawkins. This story in particular just would have benefited from a more fleshed-out ending and more emotional development.

The Ex Effect is a heartfelt, emotional second-chance romance that feels really honest and real. The chemistry between the main characters is great, but what stood out most was how well the author handled the messy, complicated feelings that come with revisiting a past love.

It’s well-written, engaging, and the emotional moments actually hit. I just wish a couple of the side characters had been a bit more developed.

Overall, a strong story—I’ll definitely be watching for more from Dana Hawkins.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

The place you needed to grow and develop into a better version of yourself is not always the place you have to stay. It's okay to reevaluate your wants and needs periodically during your life. It's okay to pluck your current feathers and fly elsewhere.

This books is for the people who have anxious perfectionism and/or late recognized ADHD. I love the depth that the characters took to understand themselves and converse like maturity while also seeing realistic examples of imperfection. The inner thoughts in this book were so realistic, it was almost as if they were pulled out of my own head. There's beauty in 2 characters struggling with the exact same feelings in different ways. You need to take every moment with a loved one that you can. No time is wasted if it's with someone you care about. To love someone is to understand when to hold on and when to let go. And sometimes, with enough patience and effort, you ensure both of your dreams come true.

This book gave me all the things I like. Morgan and Frankie were very different in many ways, but somehow they still made sense together. Even with all the years and hurt between them, the connection stayed strong. I liked Morgan a lot. She was organized, focused, and maybe a little too intense sometimes, but I understood her. Frankie was more relaxed, creative, and a bit chaotic, but her story added real depth. The way the book explored her ADHD felt honest and respectful which is something I could relate and that I appreciate a lot. The romance was sweet and emotional, with just a little spice. Their chemistry was real, even when they were arguing. The story felt real, with messy feelings and no easy answers. I enjoyed it a lot and would read more by this author for sure. Thank you so much to the author, Storm Publishing and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Storm publishing for a copy of The Ex Effect by Dana Hawkins in exchange for my honest review. I will continue to acknowledge my blessings for the opportunities.

I am always just a *little* on edge with a second-chance romance, a little internal warring on my own behalf - can’t deny I need to know why they split to decide whether or not I am rooting for the reunion! This one was a little tough, and definitely an emotional read for me. Never ashamed to admit my tears with these books.

Morgan and Frankie, each having their own struggles with mental health and their own insecurities towards each other and the future - separate after high school graduation. A lifelong friendship, a whirlwind romance…suddenly each are on different trajectories in life and both left to pick up the broken pieces while putting them back together as best they can. Fifteen years later, Morgan and Frankie are thrust back together and not much has changed. Fifteen years of hurt, anger and confusion…an undeniably solid mutual attraction and magnetic pull. Doesn’t take long before the two can’t stay away from each other, but not much has changed, right? One will stay, and will go? What happens when the same questions are met with the same answers in the same story fifteen years later?

I do wish there would have been a larger portion of the book where we could enjoy Morgan and Frankie’s reconnection, however I do have to keep in mind the story is really only over a few month period. I also did want to love Frankie a bit more than I did, but I did feel she was a little bit selfish. I don’t think it was very fair that Morgan had to accept the brunt of the blame. Didn’t seem like it ever came up like, look we were kids - I hadn’t been diagnosed and I didn’t understand or have the space to conceptualize how it may have impacted you. It’s hard at 18, but it should be easier to say this in your 30s.

Overall, I did enjoy this and I will continue with this series as the author does! I loved the message, if you love something, let it go - if it comes back, it was always yours. So sweet! I loved EVEN MORE the message, we have to always do what is best for US as an individual…even if it sucks and hurts. Trust yourself, follow your dreams and let yourself feel love!

Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
I made it halfway in this one and I just still don't care about either of the characters. I can't buy into the premise of this wedding and the 90 day timeline doesn't make much sense at all. I'm pretty bored that the characters only personality seem to be that Morgan is type A must be early and Frankie is too adhd doesn't follow schedules. I just don't see these 2 ever making much sense and it's annoying they reference their high school break up but it's taking way too long to find out what happened.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dana Hawkins has done it again with this slow burn wlw enemies to lovers romance. Morgan, who is the quintessential type-a personality, is trying to save her business by taking on a last minute wedding. When she's the bride and groom say they've already got a photographer, Morgan is ecstatic, until she sees that it is Frankie Lee. Frankie Lee used to be unreliable and flighty but after some soul searching she comes back more reliable than ever. While there was bad blood between them, as they work to make this wedding happen they realize they never stopped loving each other. This book never feels like it's moving too slow and the characters are likable despite their differences. Overall, this is a must read for anyone who loves a bit of saphic enemies to lovers romance.

This is my first Dana Hawkins book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Second chance romance never gets old. I really enjoyed the ADHD rep and how accurately is was portrayed and related to the characters struggles in adolescence. My heart ached for Frankie when she talked about how much she had to overcome with reconciling her feelings about her diagnosis. And Morgan. That little perfectionist had so much anxiety, that I was on edge just reading about it. The chemistry between these characters was simmering to a boil and I was here for it. You know when there's a reunion like the one here, the rest is going to be off the charts. I loved how the dynamics between these two evolved so naturally and I just really enjoyed this story! Both characters had so much growth and I was really rooting for them to figure it out! I'll definitely read more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Ex Effect is such a sweet and satisfying second chance romance. I really loved that both characters were adults who had clearly done some emotional work before reconnecting—it made their reunion feel earned and believable. There’s a lot of charm in watching two people find their way back to each other, especially when there’s history and growth involved.

The wlw representation was really well done and felt both natural and affirming. It’s always refreshing to see queer relationships portrayed with this kind of care and nuance. The writing has a light, easy quality to it, making this a quick and cozy read overall. It didn’t necessarily break new ground for me, but I appreciated it for what it was: cute, heartfelt, and low-drama in all the right ways!!!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this one.

Unfortunately I DNF’d at 40%. I didn’t like either of these characters very much but Morgan in particular was really pissing me off. As someone with pretty severe anxiety myself, you absolutely have to stop blaming everyone else for not having a brain that works the same as yours and if you’re really struggling, you need to be honest and let them know how they could help you instead of just…being rude and snappy and assuming the worst. I know these two have history but also, their history pissed me off too so idk.

I did like the writing style and I would try this author again, but this missed the mark for me unfortunately.

I have a weakness for second- chance love stories and if they're set in a small town, I'm almost guaranteed to read the book.
I've enjoyed all of Dana Hawkins' books so far.
Some more than others, but generally, she creates beautiful, slightly complicated, and thoroughly realistic characters in her romance novels.
I had a bit of a struggle with Frankie and Morgan, though. Not with the characters themselves.
They have their pasts, and it's understandable why they initially can't stand each other, fifteen years later and after an unpleasant breakup as young adults. But that wasn't it.
I was simply amazed, at how little patience they had for each other at times, even though they knew each other so well and actually loved each other.
At least, that's how it seemed to me. The story was still sweet and believable, but I would have also liked a little more time with the two of them together as their relationship blossomed again.
When it finally happened, it was described too quickly and somehow presented as a given.
As if it were no big deal that they were attracted to each other again or had never stopped loving each other...
Nonetheless, if you're looking for a somewhat complicated second-chance love story with interesting MCs—both in their own unique ways—this is the book for you.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Dana Hawkins, and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the digital ARC!
I loved the second chance exes to lovers plot! The setting of a wedding was beautifully done. Overall a solid feel good queer romance!

3.75⭐️

Conflict of interest warning: I am one of those people who believes arriving on time is arriving late, and I do have quite a bit of anxiety. Keep this in mind when it comes to my feelings about one of the characters.

When I had an opportunity to read the newest Dana Hawkins book, I was looking forward to it. I had enjoyed all three Single in Seattle books, and I didn’t think a scenery change to Minnesota would change anything. And it wasn’t the scenery that changed anything.

Morgan and Frankie dated as teenagers. Then life after graduation and which direction to go in broke them up. That’s understandable. What isn’t really understandable is why they were together in the first place. And Hawkins doesn’t really go into any length as to what drew them together romantically. Nor does she really show anything in the present time–Morgan dislikes Frankie’s devil-may-care approach to something that is sort of her last-change approach as a wedding planner who is slowly being squeezed out by a corporation. And Frankie doesn’t like Morgan’s need to have everything planned and on time (almost as if a wedding planner might need to worry about those things), and we get her view that Morgan was always like that and Frankie never thought much of it, so why were they together in the first place? Again, I don’t know: when it comes to their past or a major event in Frankie’s recent history, we get told way more than shown–and “told” seems generous–more like summarized.

The reason Frankie is like she is has to do with her ADHD, but it’s also an excuse and grace she gives to herself she seems unable to give to others. It’s quite obvious that Morgan has anxiety, but Frankie doesn’t seem to care. Morgan might be one of the most self-centered and judgmental characters I’ve read in a book this year–at least until late in the book, and by then it’s too late for me. This is not to say that Frankie doesn’t do some kind things, but her overall approach to and inner monologues about Morgan negate all that to me.

I enjoyed Morgan, and I enjoyed the setting, and the resolution of the story worked perfectly fine for me (with things working differently than I expected), which would have been enjoyable if it wasn’t for Morgan.

This was not a good read, but Hawkins has written such a good Seattle trilogy that I look forward to the next book in this series and hope that this was but a bump in the road.

I was hooked from the very first, hilarious, line!
I loved this book, I can not recommend it highly enough. The characters, the story, every aspect was so well written.
What I liked most about this book was how realistically it was written, Ms Hawkins didn’t didn’t do the typical romantic drama of a big bust up, one heartfelt conversation and everything is forgiven and forgotten; the pain and hurt of the past came out bit by bit to be healed slowly and thoughtfully. The time taken through the story by characters to share their pain was beautiful.
I can not wait to go back and read other stories by Ms Hawkins.
Thank you to whomever gave me the chance from either Net Gallery, the publishing company or Ms Hawkins for giving me the chance to read this book before its release.

cute, easy read. Well written.
Parts too long. But delightful story line.
Felt like a true story.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
There are several things I really liked about this book. First off, the discussion about Frankie’s ADHD was really great. Frankie was undiagnosed for a really long time and due to this is really hurt her relationship with Morgan. It added a lot of depth to Frankie's character and made her very realistic. I also felt like it brought some awareness to the struggles of ADHD, instead of making into quirky and unique character traits.

Morgan has this personality which I actually found off-putting, making her difficult to like.
However, her character did improve somewhat as the book progressed.

The romance was actually really cute. I love how well these two women go together, despite how different they are.

Thank you to netgalley, author and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. It was a great read with a good depth of characters. If you like a light hearted read that emphasizes following dreams, finding love and being your best self, this is the book for you.

I think I am over the enemies to lovers for no reason and as much as I liked banter sometimes it is overdone and I also think im over second chances romance? I had to dnf this.