The Ex by S.E. Lynes
Published: August 26, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 367
Genre: Thriller
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
S.E. Lynes is the Amazon #1 best-selling author of THE HOUSEWARMING, VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT, THE PROPOSAL, THE WOMEN, THE LIES WE HIDE, CAN YOU SEE HER? HER SISTER’s SECRET and #10 best seller, THE BABY SHOWER. A former BBC Producer, she has lived in France, Spain, Scotland, and Italy and is now settled in Greater London. After completing her MA, S E Lynes taught creative writing at Richmond Adult Community College for ten years. She now combines writing, mentoring, and lecturing in Richmond Borough.
It’s hard, meeting your ex after so much time apart. You remember the tears and accusations, the desperate look on his face as he punched the wall, but you try not to show it. You smile politely, even while your heart beats faster.
You watch as he looks down into the stroller, at the beautiful blond-haired blue-eyed baby kicking his little legs in the sunshine, whose innocent smile lights up your world.
You see his face change. You know what he’s thinking.
The next day he calls. His voice is shaking. He wants the truth. Is it his child?
You hesitate, your throat dry, good and bad memories swirling in your mind. You’ve missed him so much… but can you ever trust him again?
You decide that the most important thing is doing what’s right for baby Tom. But months later, when the sirens wail in the night, you have to admit: you never thought either of you would go this far…
“It’s all been such a mess.”
Sam has spent quarantine with his beloved gran and enjoys taking hikes to calm his mind. He’s spent the last several months trying to heal from his tumultuous relationship with Naomi. Naomi, who Sam thought would be his forever, turned out to be anything but. When Sam unexpectedly sees Naomi while on a hike, he is stunned to see she’s pushing a baby in a stroller. Now, he has to find out the truth, even if it costs him everything.
HOLY. MOLY. BATMAN. This is the best psychological thriller I have read (so far) in 2022. Everything about this novel was beautifully done. I absolutely need more stars, because five is not enough.
I loved how this story was told. It was so freshly done, so different from anything I’ve read before. The narration was an absolute work of art.
The characters were so detailed, so defined, and their personalities so well portrayed. Sam was a beautiful character. Soft-spoken and kind, hardworking and loyal, Sam was someone you would want as a friend. Joyce was the loveliest gran. She captured my heart right away and reminded me of my own beloved Nan. Miranda was the most devoted best friend and someone I think everyone can identify with. I think we have all had feelings for a good friend and had to swallow the hurt of watching them love another.
It takes a lot to make me truly despise a character, but Naomi takes the cake. She was wicked reincarnate. Selfish and cunning, she knew what she had, and boy did she play the game.
I found this story fast-paced and addictive. The deeper you fall into the plot, the harder it is to put the book down. I was captivated, shocked, and left speechless.
The twist in this novel is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Not only was it brilliantly curated and wickedly executed, but it was plausible enough to scare you. The twist comes so fast and so unexpectedly that you will feel the emotions of the characters with them as they realize what is happening.
I devoured this novel, and when it was over felt like I had just run a mile. S.E. Lynes pulls every punch without hesitation. Absolutely one of the best, if not the best, thrillers of the year!