This is the first Aria Hawthorne book I read, and it won't be the last. The story is pretty straightforward, there are no major twits or surprises, but it is well written and the characters feel real enough. An uncomplicated story, an easy and pleasant read that I would definitely recommend.

Loved this Fantastic Second chance Romance story! This is the first story that I have read by Aria Hawthorne and I can't wait to read more! Loved the Chemistry and banter between Harvey and Alma as they become entangled once more when Alma his ex-wife and a " Lara Croft" of the antique hunters shows up on his land claiming the existence of a priceless Tiffany stained glass window, as Harvey is trying to sell this particular riverfront property in order to finance another deal. Building the Tallest Building in the World " Shanghai Towers". His longing and lasting love for his ex-wife leads them to come together in a mission to try and find Tiffany's "Eternal Love".

After getting a number of a friend of a friend, billionaire Harvey Zale starts having a sexting affair with a complete stranger. He could have any woman he wants except for his mysterious Contessa, who soothes his conscious from his own shallow ambitions. He was attempting to ensnare the mythical seductress, invincible, alluring, playful and teasing temptress who attracted his attention and enjoyed the challenge of remaining just beyond his reach. It had become the ultimate escape for him.

Alma Castillo's sister Conchita had secretly signed her up by posting her profile to VenusDatesMars.com without her permission. Alma had never done anything frivolous, everything in her life was a conscious choice, careful planning. No one would believe that she was secretly sexting with a complete stranger. But she felt amazing throwing aside every instinct of caution and prudence that had marked her life and instead being someone fearless and uninhibited. She wasn't sure why he was the one to inspire her sassy, sultry side she simply knew she loved it. His demanding way of tempting her to explore everything was exactly what excited her about him. Until a year ago her ex-husband had been the only man she had trusted enough to inspire her naughty side.

But when her mysterious suitor gifted her with a million dollar necklace without any assurances, he would ever hear from her again, she can barely resist the magnetism of their connection. As the cat and mouse game of seduction stakes are steadily increased what will their final outcome be? Will Harvey's love for Alma be his saving grace or will Harvey's love of money and success be all that he will be left with?

This is so seductive, sensual and alluring it will get your heart pounding. Loved all the secret longing that they still have for one another and the history of their old lives together that weaves throughout the story as they remember what they had together. It makes this story so magical. The Tiffany history was alluring in itself and it made it so intriguing. I couldn't put this story down. Loved it! highly Recommended!

I voluntarily requested a ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily agreed to post an honest review.

Good story, well set and I liked Harvey. But I found the starting point of the texting sub story just not believable and that kind of ruined it for me.

But there's lots to like about it, the extra characters are great too. The whole antique thing is interesting.

I just don’t get why this book got so many favorable reviews. The idea of the plot had promise. We have Harvey Zale, your typical romance-novel real estate billionaire. The twist is that he is still in love with his ex-wife, Alma. Alma evaluates antiques and is an expert on Tiffany glasswork. They were wildly in love and then she left him when she felt that he’d become too focused on making money instead of restoring older buildings which he’d been doing when they fell in love. There is no explanation of why he turned from the sweet guy she fell in love with who cared about restoring architectural treasures to a cold-hearted billionaire who just cared about making more money.
Judging by the timeline, the change happened rather suddenly and he became a billionaire. Of course. But instead of talking it out, she asked for a divorce. Now they’ve been divorced for a year and he can’t forget her.

They come together again because he’s set to tear down an old rail station in Chicago and she is called in to evaluate the stained glass windows there. She finds some clues that indicate that maybe there is a connection to a famous, lost, never-seen Tiffany window. They then embark on a treasure hunt to find the missing glass.

Meanwhile, there is a subplot that Harvey and Alma have been exchanging sexy texts anonymously without realizing that they’re actually sexting with their ex-spouses. They arrange to meet up and he realizes that his sexy Contessa is actually his ex-wife. He arranges for them to spend the night together in the dark without revealing himself to her. And she doesn’t recognize him.

Seriously? They were college sweethearts and married for five years and she doesn’t recognize his voice on the phone or in person. She sees his silhouette and a bit of his jaw and doesn’t recognize him? Come on.

There is also no explanation of why the Tiffany art of a century earlier would be so hidden and clues placed all over Chicago taking them back and forth to the same places to find more clues. It just doesn’t make any sense.

I’m all up for a lot of suspension of disbelief when reading romance novels, but there was just too much. It was like there were all these plot threads thrown in a mixer and combined for no coherent reason.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a fantastic read!

This book starts with Harvey, who has succeeded in his career, is on track to build the biggest towers in the world, but is feeling empty. He has been divorced from the love of his life for a year and is trying to move on. So starts the beginning of a 'relationship' with a mystery woman from which he received her phone number from an acquaintance.

Then we are introduced to Alma, who is an antique restorer, loves all things historical and wants to save them all. Alma, is also divorced, and has started doing a little sexting with a mystery man...

Harvey and Alma, turns out are divorced from each other. Harvey is still very hung up on his ex-wife and Alma can't see the Harvey she fell in love with now that this new Harvey has found his success in tearing down the history in the old buildings they once wanted to restore together.

The characters made this book such a fun read with every humorous thing that was said, I loved Alma's sister and father and the relationships they still have with Harvey. Add in a little mystery, some history, Chicago architecture and of course some hot encounters between Harvey and Alma! This book was a pleasant surprise, had a nice fast pace, but well developed, likable characters. Truly a must read.

I received this book for free for my unbiased review, and it has introduced me to Aria Hawthorne and her amazing writing. I will definitely now be adding the rest of her books to my Kindle library.

While I enjoyed this book, there were two things that I didn't like. One, Harvey's name. I enjoyed his character and his adventurous ways. And most importantly, his deep and abiding love for Alma. But I wasn't able to associate the name Harvey with a dashing billionaire. To me, his name didn't fit. The other thing was Alma, pouty, whiny, judgemental, unforgiving, ungrateful. I just didn't like her. She and Harvey didn't seem like a good fit. He probably would have been better off with Conchita. I don't know what more this man could have done to prove his love. But even until the end, he still had to jump through hoops to remarry her. I would have liked to see that actually happen as well as the birth of the baby as well. It was also interesting to learn some historical facts about Chicago. Even though I am a New Yorker...lol

Harvey and Alma are the perfect "ex-couple". They still have the sexual tension, and you can see the love that they have for each other, but there is also the obstacles that they need to forgive before life will get better.
I love that the mystery of the Tiffany windows play such a huge spot in this story. It gives substance to both Harvey and Alma, each wanting something from the discovery. She wants to preserve the history as a antiquities appraiser. He wants to get rid of them as they are standing in the way of construction.
Now I want to read Conchita's story. PLEASE

Absolutely loved this book
5 stars

This is the first time I’ve read Aria Hawthorne’s work but it definitely won’t be the last - I adored this book from start to finish.

Alma was such a ‘normal’ girl that I would love to have her as a friend but could also see a lot of myself in her. I rooted for her from the first moment. Harvey, however, stole my heart from the moment he showed his vulnerability and how much he was still in love with Alma. On his own he was the arrogant, business-like and somewhat tortured hero but with Alma, his playful side came out. He was hilarious and my God, I could see why Alma was by turns ridiculously irritated by him and couldn’t help her feelings for him. They had such chemistry that I honestly couldn’t put this book down.

Throughout the whole book, my stomach would get butterflies in anticipation of what was to come and of the interactions between Harvey and Alma. The sex scenes were deliciously hot but also had an all-consuming slow burn which was obvious throughout the novel. The sexual tension was there in spades.

The sexting affair was a really unusual twist and it really added something extra to the story. Why don’t men ever text me naughty things? I also really enjoyed the details of the Tiffany windows that Alma wanted to save. Either Ms Hawthorne is an expert herself or she’s just a damn good writer because Alma’s passion for her work shone through in detail. The story’s back-drop of Chicago was wonderful, too, and I honestly would love to visit there and see all the historic sites described in the book. A subtle tourism advert for the city.

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of second chance romance novels and this one just blew me away. There aren’t many books that come along that have me so engrossed but this story and its characters hooked me from start to finish. If you love a sexy and sultry romance about soulmates who are a little too stubborn to admit what they really want, then I would highly recommend this book to you. 5 stars.

I enjoyed this story and I loved all the art history about Tiffany and specifically his stained glass windows. The author certainly inspired me with a desire to one day visit Chicago. The story is one of second chances or beginnings; of a couple who have divorced because they have grown apart over the years but still have a strong connection. It lost a star for me due to editing issues and inconsistencies (eg. voice recognition, security in gem filled rooms). I am also not keen on kinky sex with strangers but I suppose it was a fantasy but somehow it didn't seem to mesh with her personality.
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for a voluntary review.

I wanted to like this book - but something was off for me. I didn't feel the chemistry between them. I don't think they needed to split up.

4 1/2 Stars! This is the 1st book that I have read from this author, and I quite enjoyed it. Alma divorced Harvey a year ago because he wasn't the same man she married. He used to love going on antique hunts with her and help her to preserve the past, but he has become a real estate developer and now wants to build the tallest buildings in the world ... tearing down the past. Alma is still in love with the "old" Harvey.

Then one night Alma gets a text from a stranger and they begin a sexting affair. When this stranger wants to meet in person, she is torn between the 2 men. She wants to move on, but all of a sudden Harvey keeps showing up in her life. Alma is a Chicago's leading expert in historic stained glass and the building Harvey plans to bulldoze down apparently has more than a dozen stained glass windows and Alma is sent to evaluate them. I found the banter between the exes quite entertaining ... and Alma's sister is just hilarious (she needs her own book, because there is definitely a story there). That's pretty much all I can say without spoiling the book for others ... because this is a MUST read!

I received an ARC copy from the French Kiss Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

To be honest – under normal circumstances I avoid each and every book with the word billionaire in it´s title. Of course – books are not always about reality and we want to be swept away with the idea of a fairy tale – but I don´t like the inflation of billionaires. So this book would not be my pick of the day.

But – it was called Exes – and I am a big fan of second chances. I like it if two people are growing up and finding a new and hopefully better way together.

So I gave „Exes - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance Novel” a try. It is the first book I read of Aria Hawthorne.
It is the story of Alma, an antique appraiser and her Ex-husband Harvey, a real estate tycoon. When they first married, they both finished college yet. But then he was successful in real estate and she was not able to understand the choices he made. In her eyes he became greedy and hard and he was no longer the man she wanted to live with. So she decided to file divorce. The book began one year later – both of them wants to start a new life, dating new people.
Both started a text affair – not knowing (of course) their significant other is their former husband/wife.
Nice plot.
Unfortunately we came to a point where I was not able to believe … first – they started phonecalls - and sorry – but I cannot believe that you are married for five years to someone and don´t recognize his or here voice via telephone. And – he gave her a very very precious gift. Without knowing her identity. And there are some other occurrences (I do not want to spoiler) like this.
No – this was a part of the book I really really didn´t like – because it was so contrary to common sense I struggled to finish the book.
But I wanted to know how these two people find their way back into a relationship – so I continued and the autor was able to catch my attention again – and it was getting better and I finally enjoyed the last third of the book until the (no surprise) HEA.
All things considered it was an easy read with some flaws, but I was captures with this couple – so I think I will read the other books where the second characters will get their “leading role”.

I very seriously disliked this book.

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for a voluntary review.

Summary: I would recommend this book to others, 5 stars.

Exes is the story of Harvey and Alma. Harvey is a billionaire real estate developer, who in the process of getting rich lost his soul. Lost, particularly the desire to fight for historic preservation. Alma is an expert in one facet of historic preservation, old glass. Set in Chicago, rich with architectural history including glass windows. Alma’s also Harvey’s ex-wife. She divorced him because they grew apart, her interest in preservation no longer matching with his.

This is the story of how they get back together. And what a story it is.

They are set up, but they don’t realize it’s each other. Then they do, and they also begin a journey together to discover an old piece of art.

This is a wonderful book. The story is rich and detailed. I’d not read anything by this author before, and this will absolutely make me read more. Its quite long, but that’s because in addition to being a steamy romance, and it is in parts, there’s lots of plot and lots of character development. If you prefer more sex and less plot/romance, then this is probably not the book for you. But if you enjoy a plot and miss characters when they are gone this is almost certainly the book for you.

Its written in the third person. Normally that annoys me, I much prefer the characters in first person. In part because it’s easier to hear them in my head and also because the danger with the third person is that the author can bounce around between the different characters giving us background. That tends to get me confused, which character is being focused on. Especially when you have more than two.

That said, this was brilliantly executed. Its the best third person story I’ve read in a long while, and its because the author does a good job of staying with the main characters and giving each one the space needed to be developed.

Finally, for anyone whose lived in Chicago (waves hand) this is a little trip down memory lane. Love the setting.

Definitely a unique romance read. I really enjoyed all the unique twists in this book. A modern courtship with historical influence and a second chance at love set in the beautiful city of chicago.

Money and greed are what tore Harvey and Alma apart, but the fairy tale and a Tiffany window bring them back together. Throw in a little sexting with a stranger who happens to be your ex, and you have yourself a great read and an emotional rollercoaster. You want to route for the couple not only to get back together but to find the diamond in the rough.

copy received through Netgalley for honest review
I was torn on what to write for this review. I was expecting not to like the hero but actually I loved Harvey. I was torn with my feelings for Alma. She put to blame for the marriage breakup solely on Harvey's shoulders. Yes, he had changed and they kind of lost each other,but she concentrated too much on the bad. During one of their conversations, it seemed like he went out of his way to do cute things for her. She kind saw everything in black and white, If they had communicated better it would have saved them a lot of heartache. It was hard to reconcile the Harvey from page one and Alma's description with the Harvey that we saw. I loved the silly, clueless jokester, He really loved Alma. It was funny how he became his own competition. The reconciliation was a little rushed toward the end. the story had some fun dialogue and silly fun characters. I really enjoyed reading it.

Kindle Copy for Review

It’s been a year since their divorce which took real estate tycoon Harvey Zale by surprise since he still love his wife Alma Castillo an antique expert who specialized in stained glass windows. Their paths crosses once again when they find themselves sexting each other not knowing who they were messaging until they set up a meeting and he realizes who she is but fails to tell her.

Meanwhile Harvey is planning on demolishing a site he owns, so he can raise capital to build the tallest building in the world but Alma shows up claiming there is priceless Tiffany stained glass windows on the site and that the area should be preserved historically. She is willing to do anything to preserve it.

They cannot resist each other despite their history as they spend time together. She fears that he will never be the same idealistic man she fell in love with and all he sees is money. Will they be able be together or will Alma never forgive him? A fiery couple who are enjoyable.

This author is new to me. On impulse, I picked this book to read based on the blurb.
I love 2nd chance romances. I wasn't so sure about the billionaire trope. I received this ARC from NetGalley-but I would have bought it or borrowed through KU.
I was immediately sucked into this story of Harvey (the billionaire real estate tycoon) and Alma, his ex-wife (antiques expert- specifically Louis Comfort Tiffany glass art works).
Harvey has started sexting a mysterious sexy stranger he calls "Contessa". His marriage with Alma broke up when she couldn't handle his (in her view) total focus on money money and making more money.
I'm not giving away too much to reveal that Alma and Harvey are texting each other without knowing the real identity of the other.
The POV is 3rd person.
Alma's sister Conchita is the instigator in the texting. She somehow gets her sister & ex-brother-in law to communicate on a very intimate level. There's some great intimate scenes that are off the charts- smoking hot.
In person, Alma wants nothing to do with Harvey. She left him a year ago when she felt ignored and they had grown apart. She thought at Harvey changed from the many she fell in love with.
Harvey was stunned when Alma divorced him. He let's her know that he wants to get back together. They clash over his latest real estate flipping deal. Alma's convinced that there's several valuable Tiffany glass pieces.
Alma successfully delays the bulldozing of the property while she researches their authenticity. Sparks fly. Alma continues to push Harvey away.
The sexting continues, but it eventually takes a back burner to Alma and Harvey's real life relationship. The early part of the book reminded me of the movie "You've Got Mail". Alma even wears overalls- like Meg Ryan's frumpy clothes. Alma does have her sexy side too and Harvey appreciates it all.
Harvey seems to have gotten a bad rap. I know that billionaires get NO respect. Boo hoo.
In this case, Harvey doesn't seem to flaunt it. He makes light of it when she throws it in his face. These too seemed so opposite. The hipster art restorer and the mega rich hunky business man. And yet, their love for each other is obvious.
The support characters were really well done: Conchita- the spit- fire free- spirit little sister (she's the instigator); and Alma's dad, Enrique. Harvey and Enrique have remained friends and go to White Sox games together. *I would love a book about Conchita (please?)
I really love the author's writing. There was a little slow middle. There's a lot of detail about Alma's business and especially her quest to find genuine Louis Comfort stained glass.
I thought that Harvey's grovel (if he needed one) was genuine. He seemed to realize that he'd neglected Alma while building their business. Alma made him work REALLY hard to get her back.
There's no ow. There's funny, sweet and quite a few sexy moments.
There's an HEA, but not too far in the future.
I really really liked this author's original take on this familiar trope.
4.95 stars- deducting a little for a little too stubborn Alma. I LOVED Harvey ALL the way through-even as the ambitious billionaire. I wouldn't kick him out ;)

Interesting read, I will have a review posted on ibooks on release week!