Jessica Joyce has become an auto-buy author for me! Her talent for crafting deeply human characters, like Eli and Georgia, makes their stories incredibly relatable. I saw parts of myself in both of them—Eli’s anxiety and Georgia’s tendency to please others. The mental health representation is spot-on, capturing the fears and challenges of growing up and moving on, especially with those closest to you. Joyce conveys these experiences with remarkable authenticity and depth. I can't wait for her next title!

I loved last year’s You, With a View so this was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I was not disappointed! Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and this one was done so well. I loved the flashbacks, friendships, setting, and especially how paper rings were incorporated into the story. The Swiftie in me was swooning. It was relatable and emotional and I loved both main characters! Highly recommend! 4.5⭐️

Having enjoyed YOU, WITH A VIEW and seeing overwhelmingly positive reviews from both trusted friends and the general reading community, I knew I didn't want to miss THE EX VOWS. Overall, I liked the book, but it didn't evoke the depth of emotion I anticipated. Second chance romances are hard because an author has to weave together past and present storylines to create a dynamic emotional response. Eli and Georgia both took the appropriate steps for growth, which I appreciated, yet the lack of depiction of their past traumas on the page made it difficult for me to grasp the full scope of their struggles. I acknowledge that I'm in the minority with my thoughts, and I do not think it's a bad book by any means. I did love the cast of characters and the reveal at the end of the book. Eli's romantic gesture stood out within the genre, leaving a lasting impression.

Many thanks to Berkley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Berkley for this ARC of one of my most anticipated reads of the year! I devoured this book in one sitting and it was everything I wanted and more. It was such a refreshing take on second chance romances; there was nothing huge or life-altering or devastating about the reason Eli and Georgia's relationship fell apart the first time. It was simply that life happened and sometimes the people we are at that point in time aren't ready to do what's needed to hold the relationship together and that's okay! Because that really is life and Jessica Joyce documents that perfectly through Georgia's witty voice and honest, raw, and incredibly sweet characterization of all of the characters. I absolutely loved this book and this quickly made Jessica Joyce a favorite.

The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce was fun summer romance read. I am a huge fan of the second chance romance trope, and I would recommend this book to anyone who also enjoys it. There are multiple things I really enjoyed about the books such as the setting and the author's writing style. However, I only gave the book 3 stars because some of the actions taken by main and side characters were not to my liking, however, I understand that in order for the books plot to work they needed to happen. I also felt many times miscommunication is used in order to add conflict to a story, and this undermines the resolution of the story for me.

This was so beautiful 🥹

Genuinely unsure how I’m supposed to move on after this because wow.. Georgia and Eli 😍🥰 The maturity between these two was amazing to witness. I also enjoyed every single one of these characters and their friendships. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

I really enjoyed this second chance romance, which is actually my favorite romance trope. This was really cute and I was completely immersed in this story. I loved the characters Eli and Georgia. They had great chemistry together. I loved that this one also had great supporting characters as well. I enjoyed the flashbacks to the relationship Eli and Georgia had in the past. You could see how in love they were back then, and how it came to an end. I enjoyed seeing them rekindle their feelings. Overall a really enjoyable read. I might've given this 5⭐, but parts of it seemed to drag a bit, but I definitely recommend it.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

**My review as posted to my Instagram on 7/30**


BOOK REVIEW

A huge thanks to #partner @berkleyromance for my #gifted eARC and finished copy, and @prhaudio for the free accompanying audiobook 🎧🩷 #berkleyIG #berkleyromancepartner #penguinrandomhousepartner

Jessica Joyce does it again! Her debut, YWAV, was one of my top romance novels of 2023, and I adored her holiday novella A Risk Worth Taking. It's no surprise her newest is just as fabulous! So excuse me while I gush about it for a little while....

The Ex Vows
Jessica Joyce

📖 Estranged exes must stick close together to save their best friend’s wedding after a string of disasters in this swoony and steamy second-chance romance.

💭 You know those authors who just get you? Like they're writing just for you? That's the feeling I get every time I read a JJ book. Joyce doesn't duck around; there are no surface level, wishy-washy, did-it-for-the-tropes themes to be found here. Instead she gives us an authentic, heartfelt story of young love gone wrong, and how these two imperfect people find their way back to one another for a second chance (and all the messy feelings that go along with that). What struck me the most is the maturity of the MCs and their conversations about the past, present, and future, and the way they handled the other's heart with care.

The Ex Vows is an unforgettable contemporary romance that'll have readers laughing, crying, and swooning (simultaneously). Add in the picturesque setting, the fun wedding planning, and the great friend group, it's easy to get lost in this gem of a book. I hope you'll add it to your TBR if it's not already there. Easy 5 ⭐ from me!

🎧 When I saw Kyla Garcia was solo narrating the audiobook, I knew I wanted to read and listen in tandem. She has beautifully performed both of Joyce's novels, and I'm always so impressed by her range! Love her!

📌 Out now!

° ° ° ° °

STUNNING. PERFECTION. ELI MORA AND HIS GOLD CHAIN. “PEACH”. GeorgiaEli angst. Chemistry. Chaos. Tears. This is THE second chance romance and I will need 3-5 business days to gather coherent thoughts.

Imagine having to work with your ex to save your best friends wedding?

Let me introduce you to Georgia and Eli.

These two are awkwardly adorable, comedic and absolutely perfect for one another, they just don't know it yet.

The Ex Vows, was hysterical and the perfect romcom to keep me company on the best beach day.

Cue the steam, this book packs it on thick!

Jessica Joyce, knocks it out of the park with this sure to be bestseller, five stars.

Check out this teaser :

Estranged exes must stick close together to save their best friend’s wedding after a string of disasters in this swoony and steamy second-chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of You, with a View.

Georgia Woodward lives by her lists, none more so than the one about her ex, Eli Mora. It’s full of the ironclad dos and don’ts they’ve been following since she returned to the Bay Area after their cataclysmic breakup five years ago.

With the wedding of their mutual best friend, Adam, looming, and them about to step into their roles as best woman and man, Georgia’s never needed it more. She refuses to threaten their tight-knit friend group with her messy—and still very present—feelings. The rules on that list will keep her cool, calm, and compartmentalized.

What’s not on her list? Eli arriving from New York with a new rule-breaking attitude or the all-inclusive venue burning to the ground, leaving the bride and groom in dire straits. Nor does she anticipate Adam asking her and Eli to help him make a miracle happen. Together.

As Georgia and Eli rush up to Napa Valley to pull off the perfect wedding, their old chemistry comes back in technicolor. Somewhere between cake tastings gone wrong, disastrous DJ auditions, and Eli’s heated attention, Georgia starts recognizing the man she fell in love with before. And if she lets herself break her rules, she might find what they’re building isn’t the something old that ruined them—it’s a chance at something new.

You’ll recognize Jessica Joyce’s name because of the amazing book she put out last year- You With A View. This is her newest release and I am in love with this story! 💕

Estranged exs are thrown together to help save their best friend’s wedding! It’s swoony, steamy and a great second chance romance. 🍷

a perfect and fun summer romance! this was such a fun book to read in the middle of summer (and living in the area it takes place in definitely a plus!) i had so much fun reading this and can't wait to see what else i can pick up by this author!

This second-chance romance truly grabbed my heart. From the beginning, I was completely engrossed in their story, feeling every emotion as if it were my own. The way the characters’ past and present interwove created a compelling narrative that kept me hooked, eagerly anticipating each new development.

The depiction of their struggles and growth was incredibly real, making their eventual reconciliation all the more meaningful. Each moment of tension and tenderness was rendered with such authenticity that it made their journey feel profoundly impactful. By the time they found their way back to each other, I was deeply moved, left with a lasting impression of their love’s power and resilience.

This book wasn’t just about a romance rekindled; it was about the emotional depth and journey that made their second chance so special. It’s a beautifully crafted story that resonates long after the final page, offering a heartfelt and memorable reading experience.

Fabulous from start to finish. Her writing is just beautiful

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy

Georgia and Eli were once in love, but it didn’t work. When their mutual best friend gets married, they have to find a way to put their history aside to be the best man and best woman and make their friend’s day perfect. But when one thing after another goes wrong, Georgia and Eli find they really have to work together to save the wedding.

Jessica Joyce is a phenomenal writer. This is a book that had me deeply engrossed and left me in all the feels. THe second chance romance was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at times. Georgia and Eli’s deep history and friendship made their situation extra complicated, but also made me root for them from the very beginning. I loved how they were able to work on themselves and ultimately fix the problems that were at the root of their breakup - it felt so real and genuine and was just incredible. I also loved their friend group - the side characters added some fun, sass, and often put them in their place and I was here for it. I adored this book!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Georgia, Eli, and Adam were inseparable as teenagers. Best friends and found family practically on sight, the trio had an unbreakable bond. When Georgia and Eli started dating during college, it seemed like fate. That is, until the two broke up five years later and forced themselves to put on a brave face any time they were around Adam, insisting they were fine, friends even. But when Adam is getting married and Eli and Georgia are in his wedding party, it's tougher to put on a front for an extended period of time--especially when they're working together to pull off a seemingly cursed wedding and the attraction and love between them seems to still be there.

Gosh, I have nothing but good things to say about this book. I even cried a little toward the end, and I never do that (though it could have been the several glasses of wine I had had). I absolutely adored You, With a View, but this book may be even better. It's just such a beautiful second chance romance with the perfect pacing and flow and a couple I was rooting for so hard. No notes.

Thanks to Berkley for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 10/10

Jessica Joyce is a freaking genius. I took this book on vacation with me and I would have happily spent the entire vacation in my hotel room reading, that's how much I loved this book. The second chance tension was unmatched and I loved watching these two find their way back to each other!

Jessica Joyce knocked it out of the park for me with YWAV. And even more so now with The Ex Vows. I love a second chance romance and this was executed so perfectly. I felt like I was THERE with them while reading this book. It's going down as one of my absolute favorite reads of the year. If I could marry this book, I would!

This book was absolutely phenomenal, Eli and Georgias friendship was so beautiful and I loved how important friendship and personal growth was within this story. The friendships between Eli and Adam, Georgia and Jamie, etc. had my whole heart. I loved watching Georgia and Eli grow individually and learn to heal from their respective traumas while also learning to accept the scary parts of love. This book was such a perfect mix of heavy but also sweet and fun.🥹🥹🩷I can’t wait for Jessica’s next book!

Loved it so much. Loved the story, loved the second chance romance, loved the slow angst burn. Loved the characters. Loved the cover.

The only remark I have is, I wish Eli had his own POV. That would have been so great. But the author did a good job portraying his feeling and emotions through Georgia’s words and observations.