4⭐
2🌶️

I've always been a fan of Jo's writing, who always guarantees to pull you into the story from the very first word of hers and let me tell you.. this was no exception. I absolutely adored this cute rom, filled with second chances, comedy gold banter, pure chemistry, and sizzling heat (of the slow variety 😉).

Ash is convinced she has been cursed by her ex, since the night everything went drastically wrong thirteen years ago. With a long list of bad bedroom experiences, she overhears about the Casanova/Sex God in town, Max, who is coincidentally the same person she's been emailing at work. Their instant connection has been tangible and down right flirty, but desspite not knowing what he looks like, Ash can't dismiss the notion that Max just might be the solution in breaking the 'curse'.

All is good until Ash sets out on her week long recce trip, accompanied by Max. This might just be the sign she needed in going through her crazy plan in seducing him... Until she comes face-to-face with 'Max' - the very last person she'd thought she'd ever see again.

I honestly loved the bizarre concept of this story, which made for a hilarious read. Ash and Max were such beautiful and fun characters and I thought the back story to their history was well written, in how they became from lovers to strangers. When they meet again it's anything from smooth sailing (and the antics that follow...!!). I absolutely adored them as a couple and their love story is definitely one that transcends through time. Their hearts never truly got over the other and I was so happy when they finally got their long awaited HEA 🫠💖 Gahhhhh....!!!

Jo also takes you on one epic African Safari journey, in which the MC's travel across some amazing places, from Zimbabwe, to Botswana and Malawi. I adored these scenes and I felt I was right there with them!

Thank you to Jo, Headline Eternal and Netgalley for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻

the ex effect was my very first book written by jo watson and well i can say now that it was truly a joyful experience!

this romcom was so funny since the very first page i was easily curious about the next chapters and this was also easy since the main characters were likeable and sometimes,dare i say,such a mood too?

if you need a gateway from your life well you could use this book as a refreshing,funny and lovely trip and i mean i think the cover’s already speaking for me! right? right because it’s gorgeous in my opinion and it captures the vibes of this romcom so well!

and btw this is a perfect escape especially for the second chance romance and slow burn lovers!

just give it a try and u’ll be catapulted in a lovely trip with ash and max!

A lot of thanks to Netgalley, Headline for the advanced e - arc of this book in exchange of my honest opinion!

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Nobody writes a slow-burn, second-chance, banter-filled, snortingly laugh-out-loud love story like Jo Watson!

Recipe

Ingredients:

▪️Take one accident-prone main female character, who believes she has been 'sex-cursed' by her catastrophic first-time attempt at a sexual encounter with her high-school sweetheart.
▪️Add one sex-god of a male specimen who, if the rumours are true, is the answer to every woman's prayers.
▪️Throw in a combination of fabulous friends who spend a lot of time sharing incredibly up close and intimate information on their juicy WhatsApp group!
▪️Insert stunning descriptions of African destinations - it's literally like a love story to Africa! The landscapes are spectacular, in-depth and detailed
▪️Drop in a moving backstory of a mother with dementia, and a son willing to move heaven and earth to ensure that all in her world is happy, safe and secure.

Method:

▪️Add all ingredients into a large mixing bowl very slowly, one by one.
▪️Start mixing together very slowly.
▪️Increase speed when you start to see the Ingredients merging together.
▪️When everything is completely blended, your recipe is complete.
▪️Sit back, relax, have a laugh or 50 while reading, and then smile and enjoy!!

(Do NOT - I repeat - do NOT eat or drink while reading this book!!!!!)

Out on 13 February.

Thank you to #netgalley and #headlineeternal for my review copy.

Ash has a comically appalling unlucky struck streak when it comes to dating and sex and Max is the total opposite. There is more to these two though and they are drawn to each other!
The whole book is like a love story to some beautiful locations across Africa though and I’m not sure which I loved the sound of more Africa or these two getting their HEA.

I received this book as an ARC and provide and honest review

'The Ex Effect' is the ultimate romantic, sexy read. The setting for this is beautiful, from South Africa to Lake Malawi there are multiple stunning locations to immerse yourself in which I thoroughly enjoyed. The plot is a pure delight, full of fun, love and emotions. I was swept away by the plot and found it to be incredibly enjoyable. The characters only improved the plot, Ash and Max are two fantastic and strong characters and it was a delight to get to know them and their relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy.

Wow this one took me by surprise in the very best way.

The banter. The tension. The Spice. This book had everything.

Ash’s sex life has been on chaotic event after another (the first sex scene had me laughing out loud) and her, probably far too close, group of friends think it’s because of a curse accidentally put on her by Logan her ex boyfriend, first love, and partner in said ridiculous sex scene. After he up and left nothing has gone right until she meets Max, the apparent sex god who could break the curse, except he hasn’t always been known as Max and he hasn’t always been a sex god…

For lovers of second chance romance, slow burn, high banter and emotions that might just make you sob over your coffee. Highly highly recommend.

Fingers crossed Charlie and Frank get their story told too!

I really loved the setting of this story. It was a really funny concept, and had lots of good banter and some wonderfully spicy scenes! For me personally, at times the story felt a little repetitive to the point that it took my head out of the immersion, and as such I give it 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars here). I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was a touch shorter.
I would definitely recommend this book to others though and I will absolutely be trying out other Jo Watson books.

Thank you so much to Headline for this ARC via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on this book.

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.