Book Review: "The Ex Effect" by Jo Watson

Jo Watson’s The Ex Effect is a hilarious, spicy, and thoroughly enjoyable second-chance rom-com that is sure to captivate fans of witty, heartfelt romance. This novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through love, loss, and unexpected new beginnings, all wrapped up in Watson’s signature humor and charm.

The story centers around Ash, a cinematographer who, after a disastrous high school experience with her first love, Logan, has been left with a very inconvenient "sexual curse." Years of bad dates and even worse sexual experiences have caused Ash to almost give up on the idea of a happy ending. Enter Maximillian Adam—an impossibly charming and flirtatious location agent. Through their flirtatious emails, Ash begins to wonder if Max might just be the one to finally break her curse.

What makes this rom-com stand out is not only the sizzling chemistry between Ash and Max but also the emotional depth behind their banter and attraction. The tension between their past and present selves provides an engaging dynamic, and readers will find themselves rooting for them as they navigate miscommunication, attraction, and unresolved feelings.

Watson’s writing is sharp and full of heart. The humor is effortless, and the chemistry between the protagonists is palpable from the very first page. Ash’s character is endearing in her vulnerability, while Max’s charm and wit will make readers swoon. Their journey is not only about romance but also self-discovery, making The Ex Effect both fun and emotionally fulfilling.

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O’Leary, and Christina Lauren, this novel blends lighthearted humor with heartfelt moments, making it a delightful read from start to finish. If you're looking for a romantic comedy that’s both steamy and full of heart, The Ex Effect is the perfect book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for this ARC.

I like Jo Watson's books but there are two things you need to know beforehand:
1. They take place in South Africa and
2. They are sexually very explicit, from the first page.

The whole book centers around the fact that FMC Ash has had a bad first sexual experience with her high school boyfriend Logan and now seems cursed to never have good sex. She is a cinematographer with a big circle of friends and somehow their WhatsApp group discusses nothing other than her unsatisfactory love life.

Logan now runs a film location agency, and because he has changed his name to Max and Ash is Leigh in a professional capacity, they have professional (and flirty) email dealings without realising who the other is. Until they need to do a location tour in Africa together.

While Max is happy to see her again, Ash is in a nightmare. There is mud, snakes, mosquitos, thorns, a storm, a free roaming leopard, rickety old planes and her ex. It couldn't get any worse. And she will not have sex with him. No sirree. Absolutely not. Never. Out of the question.

I loved Love at First Flight but this didn't gel with me in the same way. It's far too predictable and uses tired old tropes like forced proximity and miscommunication. Max was a bit too intense for me and there was no real reason to me why he loved her other than he found her beautiful and got very jealous when she spoke to other men. I don't like it when men talk about what they are going to do TO a woman sexually, like she has to endure it. Why not talk about doing something WITH another person?

I liked their travels through Africa though, Max's mother's dementia was portrayed realistically and it's always nice to read a second chances love story. I think Jo Watson is very talented and I will be curious what she writes next, though I might skip the steamiest pages again.

3.5 stars

No Watson never disappoints. She has and will always be my favorite for a reason. I love this book! I love the Hollywood aspect as well as just being in the mood for a really good romcom in book form! This book delivered.