Happy almost Pub Day (tomorrow!) to this exceptionally suspenseful story, The Exes’ Revenge, published by Berkley! I was wowed with this one from the first page and cannot wait to share my thoughts with you. This is the ultimate revenge story!
My Thoughts:
I read The Exes’ Revenge with Holly, and this is just the kind of read you want to share with a friend!
Also called Sticks and Stones in the UK, this one had me enthralled from the first line:
The day of Phillip’s funeral
I expected to feel free, unburdened, but when the curtains close around Phillip Rochester’s satin-lined coffin all I feel is indigestion.
Phillip is an icky kind of character. Actually, he’s so abusive he is beyond ick and a total narcissist. Three women know his faults all too well: Ruby, his first ex-wife, Imogen his soon to be ex-wife #2 and mother of his only child, and Naomi, his bombshell live-in girlfriend.
Imogen thinks she is finally out of his clutches when they separate, but because they share a child, Phillip still tries to control her life. He shows up one day demanding that she move out of their house, or he’ll sue for custody of their son.
Faced with potentially losing it all, Imogen is understandably frantic. She does something impulsive and dangerous to take charge of her life, and somehow, Ruby and Naomi become involved, too.
This book is dark, but to me it’s a dark romp because it’s witty, entertaining, and wholly satisfying. No one likes Phillip, and I’m sure you won’t either. I shamefully went to the dark side with these ladies and reading about his demise was like watching a guilty pleasure movie with popcorn! A quick and engaging read, The Exes’ Revenge had me laughing out loud, and I enjoyed every bit!
Thank you to the Berkley book fairy for the physical ARC. All opinions are my own.
Please check out my friend, Holly’s, review, too.
Synopsis:
Originally titled Sticks and Stones
A wickedly dark debut thriller about three women who’ve all been involved with the same man and realize the one thing they have in common is that they all want revenge against him…
Divorces are often messy, and Imogen’s is no exception. Phillip Rochester is controlling, abusive, and determined to make things as difficult as possible. When he shows up without warning demanding that Imogen move out of their house by the end of the month or he’ll sue for sole custody of their young son, Imogen is ready to snap.
In a moment of madness, Imogen does something unthinkable–something that puts her in control for the first time in years. She’s desperate to protect her son and to claim authority over her own life.
But she wasn’t expecting both Phillip’s ex-wife and new girlfriend to get tangled up in her plans. These three very different women–and unlikely allies–reluctantly team up to take revenge against a man who has wronged them all.
This was so much fun to read with you!! The revenge ladies had me rooting them on. Fab review!!
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Thanks, Holls! It was so much to share in reading with you!
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Fantastic review Jennifer!!! 💜🌺
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Thank you, Lindsay! 💗 xo
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Hahaha you were laughing?? I was wondering how he managed to get 3 girls to be with him
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It was so witty and entertaining, Shalini! He did have a big ick factor, didn’t he?!
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Oh yes, he did. This was released as stick and stones when I read it… So I kept wondering about how he could get 3 women… Hehe
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I think we are on the same book radar. I just requested this one from the library. Glad to see it is a good one.
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We are, Marialyce! I can’t wait to see what you think of it. It held me captive!
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You had me at the first line and now your intriguing review! I love the combination of mystery, humor and tragedy.
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Thanks, Jonetta! It was a bit of a satire with the dark humor, and it kept me so entertained!
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So glad you and Holly loved your buddy read! So true—some guys are just icky! Can’t wait to read this after such an awesome review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Mack! I’m so excited to see what you and Berit think of this fun book! ♥️
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Great review. I have not read this one. I added to my tbr growing list. Thanks Jennifer. 📚💕🌸
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Thanks so much, Virginia! I hope it’s a fun read for you, too! 💗 xo
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Great review! Glad you enjoyed reading it. My review for this one will be up tomorrow.
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Thank you, Darinda! I will be watching for your review tomorrow!
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Really curious about the revenge and Phillip’s death. Glad you and Holly enjoyed this one. Great review!
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Thanks, Diana! I think you’d enjoy this one! The revenge was just too good.
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Happy Monday Jen! Awesome review my friend! Where are you in NC? I can’t stop watching the Weather Channel……..praying it’s not as bad as they are predicting!💕💕
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Thank you, Sus! Happy Monday! I’m in the zone expecting 20 inches of rain, and we’ve already had some rain. 🙈 My dad is on a mandatory evacuation from the coast, and I am a nervous wreck as he tries to get out with all the traffic and thunderstorms. I hope it’s not as bad, too. Thank you for thinking of me. ♥️ xoxo
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I hope your dad gets out okay Jen! Will he come by you?💕💕 Twenty inches? Jeez get those books up off the stairs!!!
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Thanks, Sus! ♥️ We have a basement, so the books are pretty high up off the ground! 😂 They should be good!
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I am almost done with this and loving it!💕
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Yay, I’m so happy to hear that, BB! 💗 xo
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Fantastic review Jennifer! I’ll be posting mine this week. ☺️
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Thanks, Kim! Yay, I’ll be watching! ♥️
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Great review, Jennifer! I’ve never heard of this one, but your review definitely makes me want to read it! It definitely sounds like my kind of psychological suspense novel! 🙂
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Thank you, Steph! If you see this, it’s a download on EW, too! Probably the last day! I think you’d love it, too. So entertaining. I’m so happy to see you, I can hardly type! ♥️ xoxoxo
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Ah i love a good narcissist… in books where they get what they deserve 😀
After your post i saw yesterday and realised i actually have this book, i moved this up on the waiting list 😀
Great review!
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Thank you, Norrie! Yay! I cannot wait to see what you think of this story. You will totally love to hate Phillip! He’s right up your alley! ♥️
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Great review 🌟
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Thank you, Priyasha! 💕
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This sounds like such fun! I think there’s a movie too where the exes work together but I can’t remember the name.. Great review Jennifer!
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Thanks, Inge! That does sound familiar, but I can’t think of it either! I really enjoyed this and felt a little guilty about it! 😊
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Fabulous review! Almost done with this and loving it as well!💛
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Thank you, Berit! Yay! I am so excited for your thoughts on it, and I am happy, but not surprised, that you are loving it too! 💗
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I’ve been in need of a good thriller lately!
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This is a good one, Paul! I have one I’m reviewing tomorrow, Lies, that is also good!
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Awesome! I’ll be sure to read your review.
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This one sounds awesome! 😃I def want to read it!
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I think you’d enjoy it, too, Lana! ♥️
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Wonderful review. Witty book with a narcissistic character? Sounds intriguing!
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Thank you, Chrissi! I enjoyed it!
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Stay safe, Jennifer. Hope the storm misses you. xx
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Thank you, Paula! Right now it looks like it will be a direct hit on my state, but these things can shift as the time gets closer. Thanks again for thinking of me.
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My ears pricked up when I heard it was going to hit North Carolina. I immediately thought of you and your lovely garden. I’m following it on BBC News. I’ve got everything crossed that it changes direction before hitting you. 🤗
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Thank you, Paula! We moved the plants in pots around today to get them more protected, and some we can take into the garage. Thank you for your words of support and for thinking of me. ♥️
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I hope the humming bird (and all the other wild creatures) find somewhere safe to hide!
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Me, too! The chipmunks are out and about working hard this morning (the cat has let me know!), and I was just thinking the same thing.
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You have chipmunks, too! 🐿️
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Do you have chipmunks? Most of ours have tails, but we have one tailless one who likes to come up on the deck multiple times a day, which is highly entertaining for my cat inside the sun porch! Mostly just stormy where today. Looks like things will close down early tomorrow to prepare. ♥️
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No, we don’t have wild chipmunks in the UK – only grey squirrels (red squirrels are very rare these days). I can imagine your cat watching them with interest. Oh dear, the storm still seems to be heading your way. Batten down the hatches and stay safe, Jennifer. 🤗
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We only have chipmunks in the hilly or mountainous areas. They have to live where the oak trees are for the acorns! That’s why the little fellow comes on the deck- to forage for acorns. We have grey squirrels and some rare reds, and even some that are black and only live in the pine forests! Thank you, Paula! I will do everything I can to batten things down! ♥️
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I didn’t think this would be a laugh-out-loud kind of book, but now I’m really intrigued! Glad you had fun with this one, Jennifer! 😀
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Thanks, Kathy! It wasn’t funny throughout, but it definitely had its snarky moments mostly because Phillip is such a rotten character, and the women could really commiserate! I hope you have a lovely day today! ♥️
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Icky is definitely a word to describe him! … Douchebag may be another!! 😂😂 Don’t know if this is a book for me, but definitely loved the review!! 💖💖
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Yeah, that would suit him perfectly! 😂 You nailed it! Thank you, Nicole! 💗
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This sounds right up my alley! I will have to check it out!! Thanks!!
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I read this and Lies back-to-back, and I could hardly believe how much I enjoyed both! If you are able to work it in, I hope you love it too!
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This reminds me a little bit of a book I read recently with a male character similar to this. I LOVE to hate people like this so thank you so much for this review Jen! 🤗
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Oh, that sounds good, Beth! I’m hoping it’s a review you haven’t posted yet? I’ll be watching! 👀 ♥️
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I posted it a little while ago I think? Not sure if you were *following* me then. It’s Do No Harm by L.V. Hay? Sorry for the delay in responding I’ve had such a crazy week!! 😜😅
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No worries about a delay, Beth! Now I think I did see that review because I remember wanting to read it! ♥️
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Sounds fantastic! Once again the pic is wonderful and your review is over the top!
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Thank you, Reeca! 😘 Your comments always make my day!
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