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Exes and Ohs
exit the groom...
Child psychologist Gwen Traynor has learned the hard way that "perfect" men aren't always what they seem. After being dumped the night before her wedding, she's understandably wary of diving back into the dating pool. But when she meets Alex Coughlin, she's convinced her luck is changing. He's smart, handsome, funny -- an ideal rebound guy. She doesn't intend to fall in love with him, but scintillating dates and mind-blowing physical chemistry have a way of winning a girl over.
enter the ex...
Just as things are heating up with Alex, Gwen meets her newest patient -- a precocious preschooler whose chaotic soap opera-actress of a mother, Harmony, sounds an awful lot like one of Alex's crazy ex-girlfriends. Mostly because she is one of Alex's crazy ex-girlfriends. Unfortunately for Gwen, Harmony has a secret that plunges them all into a real-life daytime drama, complete with sex, lies, and Vegas elopements. With Harmony determined to reunite with Alex and Gwen's ex-fiancé begging for a second chance, only one thing is certain:
New loves and old flames are an explosive combination.
Child psychologist Gwen Traynor has learned the hard way that "perfect" men aren't always what they seem. After being dumped the night before her wedding, she's understandably wary of diving back into the dating pool. But when she meets Alex Coughlin, she's convinced her luck is changing. He's smart, handsome, funny -- an ideal rebound guy. She doesn't intend to fall in love with him, but scintillating dates and mind-blowing physical chemistry have a way of winning a girl over.
enter the ex...
Just as things are heating up with Alex, Gwen meets her newest patient -- a precocious preschooler whose chaotic soap opera-actress of a mother, Harmony, sounds an awful lot like one of Alex's crazy ex-girlfriends. Mostly because she is one of Alex's crazy ex-girlfriends. Unfortunately for Gwen, Harmony has a secret that plunges them all into a real-life daytime drama, complete with sex, lies, and Vegas elopements. With Harmony determined to reunite with Alex and Gwen's ex-fiancé begging for a second chance, only one thing is certain:
New loves and old flames are an explosive combination.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
30 people are currently reading
2,465 people want to read
About the author
Beth Kendrick
22 books771 followers This is the part where I’m supposed to brag about all my illustrious accomplishments, but honestly, I’d rather talk about my dogs and brag about some of the things I haven’t done:
I’ve never been to prison*, court-ordered rehab*, or splashed across the cover of a salacious weekly gossip tabloid with my ladybits on display**.
I’m a Leo, a middle child, and a formidable Trivial Pursuit opponent. I read everything I can get my hands on, from the classics to comic books. I don’t drink coffee because, frankly, I’m high strung enough without adding caffeine into the mix. Here is the true story of how I became a novelist:
So I had just started seeing this guy, and on our second or third date, he invited me to be his guest at a family wedding. Being young and free and a bit commitment-shy, I was about to decline until he casually mentioned that the bride was a successful romance novelist. Well, the second I heard that, I had to go. Being a writer had always been my dream job, and I’d never met anyone who’d actually beaten the odds and made the leap into big-time publishing. So I RSVP-ed, sidled up to the bar at the reception, waited until the bride and all her author friends uncorked the good champagne, and then peppered them with endless questions about writing, editing, and landing an agent. They were so funny and encouraging and generous with their time and advice. (And drunk!) Next thing you know, I had joined a critique group and was knee-deep in the manuscript that would eventually become MY FAVORITE MISTAKE. The open bar at that wedding changed my life forever.
Oh, and the guy who invited me to the wedding? I ended up marrying him. All together: awww…
I live in Arizona in a very cute fixer-upper that my husband and I bought in a burst of can-do, pioneering confidence. We thought it would be fun to embark on a series of do-it-yourself renovations. Yeah. I know. Turns out, replacing baseboard that’s been painted over 15 times since 1958 is not as easy as those Home Depot commercials would lead you to believe. Also, freshly-installed lawn drip systems and “helpful” dogs are a bad mix.
Friday and RoxieSpeaking of dogs, here we have the indefatigable canine lawn maintenance crew: Roxie and Friday. Both were rescued from the pound when they were puppies. I think they’re Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes. (Probably. Maybe? Anything’s possible.) Roxie is the brains of the operation and Friday is…well, he’s very sweet. And so indolent he could be mistaken for a piece of furniture, which I consider a very desirable trait in a family dog.
I absolutely love hearing from readers, so please feel free to email me, with the caveat that I am often on deadline/on the road/on the ragged edge of sanity, so it may be awhile before you get a reply. Just know that it’s not you; it’s me!
Have fun exploring the site, and if you have any questions about my new book, my backlist, or finding an agent…I’ll be right over there at the bar.
*Yet.
**That I know of.
I’ve never been to prison*, court-ordered rehab*, or splashed across the cover of a salacious weekly gossip tabloid with my ladybits on display**.
I’m a Leo, a middle child, and a formidable Trivial Pursuit opponent. I read everything I can get my hands on, from the classics to comic books. I don’t drink coffee because, frankly, I’m high strung enough without adding caffeine into the mix. Here is the true story of how I became a novelist:
So I had just started seeing this guy, and on our second or third date, he invited me to be his guest at a family wedding. Being young and free and a bit commitment-shy, I was about to decline until he casually mentioned that the bride was a successful romance novelist. Well, the second I heard that, I had to go. Being a writer had always been my dream job, and I’d never met anyone who’d actually beaten the odds and made the leap into big-time publishing. So I RSVP-ed, sidled up to the bar at the reception, waited until the bride and all her author friends uncorked the good champagne, and then peppered them with endless questions about writing, editing, and landing an agent. They were so funny and encouraging and generous with their time and advice. (And drunk!) Next thing you know, I had joined a critique group and was knee-deep in the manuscript that would eventually become MY FAVORITE MISTAKE. The open bar at that wedding changed my life forever.
Oh, and the guy who invited me to the wedding? I ended up marrying him. All together: awww…
I live in Arizona in a very cute fixer-upper that my husband and I bought in a burst of can-do, pioneering confidence. We thought it would be fun to embark on a series of do-it-yourself renovations. Yeah. I know. Turns out, replacing baseboard that’s been painted over 15 times since 1958 is not as easy as those Home Depot commercials would lead you to believe. Also, freshly-installed lawn drip systems and “helpful” dogs are a bad mix.
Friday and RoxieSpeaking of dogs, here we have the indefatigable canine lawn maintenance crew: Roxie and Friday. Both were rescued from the pound when they were puppies. I think they’re Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes. (Probably. Maybe? Anything’s possible.) Roxie is the brains of the operation and Friday is…well, he’s very sweet. And so indolent he could be mistaken for a piece of furniture, which I consider a very desirable trait in a family dog.
I absolutely love hearing from readers, so please feel free to email me, with the caveat that I am often on deadline/on the road/on the ragged edge of sanity, so it may be awhile before you get a reply. Just know that it’s not you; it’s me!
Have fun exploring the site, and if you have any questions about my new book, my backlist, or finding an agent…I’ll be right over there at the bar.
*Yet.
**That I know of.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
May 20, 2019
2.5 stars. I read this book because I didn’t have anything else to read on the plane and asked my neighbor if I could read what she brought along. This is a pretty standard, harmless, fluffy chick lit with improbable events that are not meant to be taken seriously. I can see this as a low-budget Hallmark rom-com movie that you watch in the background and forget afterward. I appreciate that the book did not fall into the trap of painting the ex as an evil monster and pitting two women against each other; surprisingly, the ex is kind of endearing in a silly way. That being said, Kendrick didn’t really show why we should be rooting for the main couple. I didn’t feel strongly about the two of them being together and surviving all the conflicts that get tossed their way. The main character’s best friend is also totally unsympathetic and flippant to her in a way that doesn’t make sense for why they’re friends. While I can accept the ludicrous events that happen, I do think I would’ve been more willing to embrace the book if the characters and relationships had more substance and consistency to them where you actually want them to have a happy ending.
August 25, 2007
How do such weak books get published?
September 7, 2019
I read this after watching Cindy’s video, so yes! I knew what I was getting myself into. And okay, I’m not going to lie. I did have fun with this because this was kind of like watching a train wreck or something...well...nevermind...I wouldn’t compare it to that.
The point is I had fun because although it was ridiculous, it was ridiculous in a sort of funny. I guess it’s kind of like watching reality tv, and you’re just thinking “Damn! What else are these characters gonna get themselves into?”
It is very ridiculous, but it’s like a perfect book for a tired mind. I kind of like the main character, she sorta reminded me of myself. I never had to cancel a wedding or anything, but something about her just makes me think of myself. Maybe that isn’t a good thing, but oh well, these are my thoughts for better or for worse.
I gave this book a 3.5 stars because it entertained me for a day on 2x speed! Yep! I listened to the audiobook. This book is kind of hilarious in its ridiculous nature if you read it as an audiobook.
The point is I had fun because although it was ridiculous, it was ridiculous in a sort of funny. I guess it’s kind of like watching reality tv, and you’re just thinking “Damn! What else are these characters gonna get themselves into?”
It is very ridiculous, but it’s like a perfect book for a tired mind. I kind of like the main character, she sorta reminded me of myself. I never had to cancel a wedding or anything, but something about her just makes me think of myself. Maybe that isn’t a good thing, but oh well, these are my thoughts for better or for worse.
I gave this book a 3.5 stars because it entertained me for a day on 2x speed! Yep! I listened to the audiobook. This book is kind of hilarious in its ridiculous nature if you read it as an audiobook.
September 8, 2019
If you’re one of those few Pinoy peeps who don’t give a damn as to watch a lot of local telenovelas, then this is really not for you.
Like Exes & Ohs, it literally has “every single element” you will find in a typical, Filipino soap opera series.
Like Exes & Ohs, it literally has “every single element” you will find in a typical, Filipino soap opera series.
May 22, 2018
I expected this to be quite negative. Not sure why probably because usually women exes are portrayed as quite bitchy and obnoxious but Harmony wasn't she was a little eccentric which I enjoyed but she was pretty nice and not as bitchy as I expected. The same can be said for Gwen when she talks to the man who nearly left her at the altar. I'd have been a nasty person but she wasn't.
Male exes can also be a little violent and rude but neither was in this which again was great. It was nice to read normal people emotions and not all over the place.
This is a fluffy chick lit so don't expect perfection but for what it was it was a good read.
Male exes can also be a little violent and rude but neither was in this which again was great. It was nice to read normal people emotions and not all over the place.
This is a fluffy chick lit so don't expect perfection but for what it was it was a good read.
November 3, 2018
DNF - this book was utter garbage and the main character was a self absorbed twit. Quit at 20% of the way through mainly because I was sick of Gwen talking about diet cokes. Gross.
Shelved as 'youtube-reviews'
January 31, 2020after reading this book i finally understood the meaning of the phrase "so bad it's good"
May 9, 2020
This book doesn't make any sense... wtf did I just read?!? :D
November 13, 2014
This was a fun read; it was a nice distraction at the end of a long day. I enjoyed the story, even though I wouldn’t agree with all the choices our characters made, it was still entertaining. Gwen was a good heroine, I liked her personality and that she stood up for herself. I also liked Alex and how deep down he was more of a traditional guy who knew the importance of marriage and family. He kind of makes a few mistakes along the way, but he does have good intentions. I thought Alex and Gwen had good chemistry and it was fun watching their story unfold. Her best friend Cesca drove me a little crazy, but she was a good friend to Gwen. I was a surprised with where Cesca’s story ended up, but glad things turned out the way they did. Overall, this is a fun fluff book that was well written and I will definitely be checking out what else Kendrick has to offer.
It does contain a bit of swearing scattered here and there, as well as some mild sexual content.
Bookworm Rating: 3.5
It does contain a bit of swearing scattered here and there, as well as some mild sexual content.
Bookworm Rating: 3.5
June 21, 2007
This was not one of Beth Kendrick's best books. I didn't enjoy the characters and the plot was a little too unbelieveable. I really enjoyed her others and would recommend those a lot more than this one.
May 9, 2024
Here lies yet another review of me complaining about a book that’s meant to be taken lightly and may (or may not) be supposed to be cringe; still doesn’t change the fact that I don’t like it. But continue to read these kinds of books, I likely shall; I have hope that someday, one of them will claim my heart.
I don’t like the cheating and potentially/actually getting back with the cheater because no, it wasn’t a mistake, it was a choice and clearly, loving your significant other wasn’t enough to stop you from cheating so why would it stop you from doing it again in the future?
The only reason this is two stars is because it kind of reminds me of “Am I the Asshole” stories on Reddit; those things get just as wild sometimes.
I don’t like the cheating and potentially/actually getting back with the cheater because no, it wasn’t a mistake, it was a choice and clearly, loving your significant other wasn’t enough to stop you from cheating so why would it stop you from doing it again in the future?
The only reason this is two stars is because it kind of reminds me of “Am I the Asshole” stories on Reddit; those things get just as wild sometimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2023
3.5 stars.
I admit, I picked this book up by mistake. A book containing an X and an O was recommended to me, and this showed up. Only later I discovered that the recommended book was not this one but Amy Lea's Exes and O's. By then, I had already reading it, so I kept on.
It ended up being pretty fun. I enjoyed its comedy of errors, romcom-y feel, and the arcs some of the characters went through, especially Alex defying his idealistic expectations of relationships and parenthood. I also appreciated the bits of child psychology sprinkled in, and thought the humor landed well on most occasions.
Overall, I enjoyed Beth Kendrick's Exes and Ohs, and I'm glad to have stumbled my way upon it.
I admit, I picked this book up by mistake. A book containing an X and an O was recommended to me, and this showed up. Only later I discovered that the recommended book was not this one but Amy Lea's Exes and O's. By then, I had already reading it, so I kept on.
It ended up being pretty fun. I enjoyed its comedy of errors, romcom-y feel, and the arcs some of the characters went through, especially Alex defying his idealistic expectations of relationships and parenthood. I also appreciated the bits of child psychology sprinkled in, and thought the humor landed well on most occasions.
Overall, I enjoyed Beth Kendrick's Exes and Ohs, and I'm glad to have stumbled my way upon it.
February 12, 2021
1 star for the part where she says that you don't need a man to be content- you go girl
Docking 4 stars for the ridiculousness, inconsistency, totally boomer-mindset, and just the rest. I'm burning this story away from my memory.
PS. Also, Alex can go eff himself because girl, aside from him being rich, I doubt he has any redeeming qualities- total turn off.
PSS. You don't need anyone to make you happy- love yourself.
PSSS. I can't believe my mom actually has a copy of this. Maybe she uses it to comfort herself that life is still good to her, I'll adapt the same mindset ㅋㅋㅋ
Docking 4 stars for the ridiculousness, inconsistency, totally boomer-mindset, and just the rest. I'm burning this story away from my memory.
PS. Also, Alex can go eff himself because girl, aside from him being rich, I doubt he has any redeeming qualities- total turn off.
PSS. You don't need anyone to make you happy- love yourself.
PSSS. I can't believe my mom actually has a copy of this. Maybe she uses it to comfort herself that life is still good to her, I'll adapt the same mindset ㅋㅋㅋ
July 17, 2008
It may help that I'm on vacation, but I couldn't put the book down. I will definitely read more of Beth Kendrick as this was the first book by her that I'd read and really enjoyed it. Easy read - definitely chick lit.
June 17, 2010
Loved this book!!!
April 4, 2010
Has implausible moments, but laugh-out-loud sassy dialogue kept me reading.
August 8, 2018
An example of my favorite fluff...
November 25, 2018
Started off good but then just kinda went down hill. The ending was disappointing.
February 24, 2025
I liked this one. A perfect palate cleanser after a heavy read. Had a good storyline with good characters looking forward to reading more Beth Kendrick.
March 21, 2023
I loved the writing, but really hated the ending. Now I’m off for a Diet Coke and bag of Twizzlers … 😉
March 27, 2011
Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick: I cried a little. I don't know why that's a good measure of a great read, but when you hit that gut-wrenching feeling for some character that someone has created and you have made a mental movie of... I don't know what's better than that. That's why I read. I realize I'm giving away stuff in some of my baby reviews. Sorry. But how do you explain your favorite parts without actually airing them out? Maybe a requirement of reading the blog should be that you have to read the books before reading my comments or just not be bugged if I give it away. Besides, don't most books have the arc of despair, redemption and happy endings? Well, the ones I like anyway. The beginning moved really quick for me; a little too quick perhaps. The flirting with Alex C. was a little over the top, especially for someone who could possibly still hate men. He seemed like a nice guy and Gwen was likeable. We could of did without more Dennis. And maybe more Paul for Gwen. Harmony bugged, but wasn't that the point? And Cesca and Carter seemed a bit improbable. Oh no. I've turned into a criticky critic. Yuck. Good book. The scene at the party with Harmony, Paul and Gwen made me cry. The real end result was a little too downplayed. I had to read it again to make sure I got it right. I'm really surprised Gwen's brakes didn't go out. Highlights: Alex is a nice dresser. Mike was over the top, but I kinda thought he was funny. I wish a famous soap star would send her fab00 hair stylist my way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2009
This book was a romantic comedy about a woman who gets stood up at the alter. It was a perfect beach or vacation book, a very easy, fast read, and very funny. Ms. Kendrick has a wonderful sense of humor. I would recommend it if you're in the mood for light hearted chick lit.
April 12, 2013
It was a cute fast paced read. I was sympathetic to everything that Gwen was going through and really felt for her character. The ending however seems a tad too well out together. Doubtful something like that could happen in real life
April 24, 2009
I loved this book. It was a light, funny, romance book. I like her writing..I read her book the Prenup (also
really good) It's great to read on vacation around a pool. Read it quick
really good) It's great to read on vacation around a pool. Read it quick
April 29, 2015
It started off really good and I was immediately hooked but as the plot progressed so did the drama. It was very dramatic for my taste. And the ending, gah.
September 26, 2017
3 1/2 stars. clever, funny makes you want to cheer for the good guys
June 13, 2019
Forgettable.
July 24, 2023
My ratings are how I feel about a book and nothing more. This book had me laughing out loud, shaking my head in disbelief and rooting for them all. It was a great way to spend a hot lazy summer afternoon.
Gwen is in grief over a marriage that didn't happen, her roommate keeps bouncing back to a horrible boyfriend ( immature) and there are so many conflicts of interest. Gwen is a therapist who just happens to land a client who is the ex of a guy she just started seeing. Circumstances beyond their control, they must end their relationship. But that is where so many complications happen. More Ex's show up, a surprise wedding and a pregnancy.
So settle in with some snacks and get comfy and just read this train wreck you wont be disappointed.
I don't like HEA endings but this one worked,
Gwen is in grief over a marriage that didn't happen, her roommate keeps bouncing back to a horrible boyfriend ( immature) and there are so many conflicts of interest. Gwen is a therapist who just happens to land a client who is the ex of a guy she just started seeing. Circumstances beyond their control, they must end their relationship. But that is where so many complications happen. More Ex's show up, a surprise wedding and a pregnancy.
So settle in with some snacks and get comfy and just read this train wreck you wont be disappointed.
I don't like HEA endings but this one worked,
March 31, 2023
I was inspired to read this book based on withcindy's review of it on youtube so i knew the plot before going into it but i wanted the chaos. Admittedly, Cindy's review made it sound a lot more fun than it actually was, but, again, that's maybe because I already knew what was going to happen, so they chaotic twist and turns it made weren't as entertainingly random as they seemed in the youtube video. Nonetheless, the last 100 pages were an amusing ride. I love it when authors are bad at writing cohesive plots. Not to dump on the author's writing but her best friend taking off to Vegas (or wherever, I forget) and getting married to someone she'd known for, like, a minute is simultaneously the laziest example of a filler plot and the most hilarious thing i have ever read. I didn't know books like this could be published and sold.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews