Don't Mess With The Ex (Rules We Break Book 2) by DJ Jamison

Don't Mess with the Ex brings us the story of Granville's town manager Tucker and the man, well husband, who got away. 

From the blurb:

For years, I've lived by one simple rule: Don't Mess with the Ex.

It was an easy rule to follow when Laurence Kensington III was on the other side of the country.

Now that he's shown up out of the blue to tell me we're still married? Not so much.

I followed my heart into a whirlwind romance with him once, and it ended in a heart-breaking annulment. Or at least, I thought it did. I don't know what to think of the news we're still hitched.

I've vowed to never be so impulsive or reckless again. But when he brings me a proposal that will help me achieve my dreams for Granville *and* refuse his entitled family something they want, I'm once more put to the test.

Laurie is as handsome as I remember, and so damn tempting. His sweet gestures, generous spirit, and open heart make it a challenge to stick to my rule.

But then, maybe messing with the ex wouldn't be all bad. Maybe it's time to write new rules.

Is it really so wrong to follow my heart if my heart was right all along?

Don't Mess With The Ex is Book 2 of Rules We Break, a spin-off series from Games We Play, set in the small, quirky town of Granville, where nosy residents meddle in one another's lives, great friendships are made, and silly innuendos are a way of life.

Jacqueleen the Reading Queen's Review:

"I'd done exactly one impulsive, rash, foolish thing in my life - and now he was staring me in the face. My husband."

When we got the shock at the end of Don't Date a DILF revealing the existence of Tucker's secret husband I was already salivating for this book. Tucker has always been portrayed as a solid guy who puts his all into the town he manages. For him to have a long-lost secret hubby, I just knew there had to be a juicy story there. And I was right.

Almost right from the start I loved Laurie. Being in his head was insightful. It helped convince me how sincere he was about his feelings for Tucker. What happened to them 20 years ago was a tragedy. Anyone with two eyes could see how much those two adored each other. Not only that, but their tastes in the bedroom also seemed to perfectly align as well which led to some seriously steamy scenes.

"Fuck!... I forgot how wild you are."

"No, you didn't."

Tucker and Laurie's romance was incredibly romantic, despite the fact that Laurie's family was a threat throughout most of the book. The difference is now these men are older, wiser. Laurie has a determination in him and a plan, something he didn't have their first go around. Like Tucker, I believed him when he said this time would be different. And I'm glad I did because he was right. Their love and devotion to one another proved it could withstand anything thrown their way.

I loved all the funny moments that are littered throughout this series. The visits to Glazed Holes with its terrible tasting coffee gets me every time. Miles is a scream. I'm also excited that next in line for their story are the bros from the trivia group."Straight" dude-bros who also happen to be stepbros, what more could you ask for?

Rating: 5 Stars

Reds Book Reads Review:

I loved this book so much. I loved how dedicated Laurie was to winning Tucker back as well as seeing Tucker slowly open himself up to more. The drama from Laurie’s family was so well done and the residents of the town absolutely make this series. 

I can’t wait for the next book now!

Rating: 5 Stars

Reedkaye's Review:

I really enjoyed this fun relaxing story. When Tucker and Laurie do something rash as young men they find out life doesn’t always go as hoped nor planned. Things happen that cause Tucker and Laurie to separate for twenty years. They were in love and neither could forget the other. Even though their reunion wasn’t what they planned it was the start of a string of events that gave me a few awe moments and more than a few laughs.  

Small town stories always work their way into my heart and this one sure did that. This town is what many dream for. Heartwarming and welcoming. I love the way the secondary characters played a big part in the story. Tucker’s mom is a gem. The twerking and loveseat gave me a couple laughs.  

I’m anxious to read the next in the series.

Rating: 4 Stars

Heather's Review:

I am loving the Rules We Break spin-offs series and Don't Mess with the Ex is an excellent addition to the saga!  I've been wondering what Tucker's story is - and I never expected the long term history that would come out of the woodwork!  

I love that the story starts out with Laurie needing a favour, not just coming back and declaring his undying love - the slowly rebuilding relationship definitely adds to the tension between these two... but honestly, what makes this series and the Games We Play series before it is the town and the family side characters, especially some of the recurring friends and neighbours...  coming back to Granville, with it's teenage boy humourous names and sweet, gossipy residents is a delight!

I can't wait to see what happens next - because we know it won't stay in Vegas...

Rating: 5 Stars

Don't Mess with the Ex is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.