Love On The Rocks: A Sparkling Second Chance Romance
Have you ever wished you could go back and do it all over again with “the one that got away”? To right the wrongs, say the things left unsaid, and see if the magic is still there? In Jessica Joyce’s delightful new novel The Ex Vows, estranged exes Georgia and Eli get that rare second chance when their best friend’s wedding goes up in flames—quite literally.
What follows is a steamy, heart-tugging rollercoaster as these two former lovebirds are forced to work together to save the day, all while trying (and adorably failing) to keep their lingering feelings for each other at bay. With snappy dialogue, sizzling chemistry, and wonderfully flawed characters you can’t help but root for, Joyce proves herself a rising star in the world of contemporary romance.
A Wedding in Jeopardy
When we first meet our heroine Georgia Woodward, she’s living a carefully controlled life dictated by her trusty to-do lists. Chief among them is her “Eli Mora list”—a set of ironclad rules for interacting with her ex-boyfriend that have kept the peace for the five years since their messy breakup. With their mutual best friend Adam’s wedding fast approaching, Georgia knows she’ll need that list more than ever to make it through her duties as best woman opposite Eli as best man.
But the universe seems to have other plans. First, Eli shows up from New York with a new rule-breaking attitude that immediately throws Georgia for a loop. Then disaster strikes as the wedding venue burns to the ground just days before the ceremony. Suddenly Georgia and Eli find themselves whisked off to wine country on a mission to pull off the perfect wedding against impossible odds.
As they scramble to book new vendors, taste cakes, and audition DJs, that old spark between them reignites in a major way. Joyce does a masterful job building the delicious tension between these two, with lingering glances and charged touches that had me squealing into my pillow. Their banter is pitch-perfect—equal parts flirty and combative as they dance around their obvious attraction.
Unpacking the Baggage
Of course, it’s not all stolen kisses and witty quips. As Georgia and Eli are forced into close quarters, they’re also confronted with the ghosts of their past relationship. Through intimate late-night conversations and revealing flashbacks, we learn how these college sweethearts went from #couplegoals to strangers.
Joyce handles their backstory with nuance and care, showing how even the deepest love can crumble under the weight of poor communication, misaligned priorities, and good old-fashioned fear. I found myself nodding along in recognition at the all-too-relatable ways Georgia and Eli sabotaged their own happiness.
The exploration of their individual emotional journeys in the years since their split is equally compelling. Georgia’s struggles with anxiety and people-pleasing tendencies felt especially authentic. And Eli’s arc as he works to overcome his workaholic ways and reconnect with his emotions had me cheering him on.
Setting the Scene
One of Joyce’s greatest strengths is her ability to bring settings to vivid life. The lush descriptions of sun-dappled vineyards and quaint bed & breakfasts transported me straight to Napa Valley. I could practically taste the wine and feel the balmy California breeze.
The author also has a knack for crafting swoon-worthy romantic moments in picturesque locales. A steamy nighttime swim scene had me fanning myself, while a sweet stargazing interlude made my heart melt. Joyce knows how to set the perfect mood.
Supporting Cast
While Georgia and Eli are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the novel is rounded out by a colorful cast of supporting characters. From the frazzled bride and groom to Georgia’s no-nonsense sister to the mischievous wedding planner, each adds flavor and depth to the story. I particularly enjoyed the glimpses into Georgia and Eli’s friend group dynamic—you really get a sense of their shared history and inside jokes.
Heating Up
Fair warning: The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce definitely earns its “steamy” descriptor. Joyce isn’t afraid to get sultry with her love scenes, which range from tender to scorching hot. But it never feels gratuitous—each intimate moment reveals something new about the characters and moves their emotional journey forward.
The physical chemistry between Georgia and Eli leaps off the page. Their longing gazes and “accidental” touches create a delicious slow burn that had me frantically turning pages to see when they’d finally give in to temptation. And when they do…well, let’s just say you might need a cold shower afterwards!
Overcoming the Odds
As Georgia and Eli race against the clock to pull off wedding magic, they’re also forced to confront the fears and insecurities that tore them apart years ago. Joyce does an excellent job of layering in moments of vulnerability and growth amidst the rom-com hijinks.
I found myself fully invested in their journey back to each other, rooting for them to overcome their demons and take a chance on love again. The evolution of their relationship feels earned rather than forced, with plenty of setbacks and misunderstandings along the way to keep things interesting.
A Satisfying Conclusion
Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that the climactic wedding scene delivers all the emotional payoff you could want. Get your tissues ready! Joyce wraps things up with an epilogue that had me grinning from ear to ear.
While the ending may be a tad neat for some readers’ tastes, I found it utterly satisfying. After all the angst and obstacles these characters overcome, they deserve their happily ever after. And Joyce leaves just enough threads dangling to hint at future stories in this world (fingers crossed for a sequel following some of the side characters!).
Final Thoughts
With its perfect balance of humor, heart, and heat, The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce is a standout in the crowded field of contemporary romance. Joyce has crafted a story that feels both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly modern. Her characters are complex and relatable, the dialogue crackles with wit, and the central romance is swoon-worthy in the extreme.
This novel would make the perfect beach read or cozy night in with a glass of wine. Fans of authors like Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, or Ali Hazelwood will find lots to love here. And for those new to the romance genre, it serves as an excellent entry point with its engaging plot and well-developed characters.
The Ex Vows marks Jessica Joyce as an author to watch in the romance world. If this is only her sophomore novel (following last year’s well-received debut You, With a View), I can’t wait to see what she delivers next. In the meantime, I’ll be over here swooning over Georgia and Eli and planning my own trip to wine country!
The Verdict
Rating: 4/5 stars
The Good:
- Sizzling chemistry between lead characters
- Well-crafted backstory and character development
- Vivid, atmospheric settings
- Perfect balance of humor and emotion
- Satisfying romantic payoff
The Not-So-Good:
- Some plot points a bit predictable
- Ending may be too neat for some readers
Bottom Line: A charming, sexy, and emotionally resonant romance that will leave you believing in second chances. Jessica Joyce has delivered another winner!
