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The Ex-Wife

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From award-winning author Candice Dow comes a raw, sizzling, and emotional novel about a woman who must fight for what she wants-before she loses everything . . . THE EX-WIFE She's the hottest relationship expert around. Her get-real advice and tough-world experience have earned Ayana Blue money, fame, and a successful life she never imagined. And handsome Realtor Cameron Small is the sexy, steady Mr. Right she wasn't looking for yet always hoped she'd find. But Cam's unstable, in-denial ex-wife, Yasmin, isn't about to let him go-or allow anyone else take "her place." And if that means wrecking everything Ayana has worked so hard to build, then so be it. Now with her peace of mind shattered, her private business in the hole, and her reputation on the line, Ayana needs to figure out fast which dreams she can save, and what she'll have to let go. When it comes down to the ex-wife v. the next-wife, the only thing guaranteed is a scorched-earth battle-and it's winner takes all . . .

294 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Candice Dow

11 books87 followers
Candice Dow is a native of Baltimore, MD and graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Johns Hopkins University. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a Senior Software Engineer. It was her lifelong dream to write a novel and after toying with the idea for over five years, Candice made a commitment to herself to finish, Caught in the Mix; a story she had sporadically worked on.

Shortly after, Candice retained a literary agent and within two months was offered a two-book deal from Kensington Publishing. In 2005, she stepped out on faith and quit her six-figure job, one month prior to the release of her debut novel, Caught in the Mix. In her subsequent novels, Ain’t No Sunshine, A Hire Love and Tappin’ On Thirty, Candice continues to tackle relatable topics and create intriguing characters with stories that speak to the soul.

Candice currently resides in Maryland and is at work on her next novel. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Xi Omega Chapter in Baltimore. Candice is a frequent traveler and loves to analyze love, life, and relationships, and seeks to expose the answers in works of fiction.


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5 stars
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59 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Mary  BookHounds .
1,303 reviews1,966 followers
January 30, 2013
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Ayana has worked hard and it has all paid off. She currently has a booming psychology practice, two bestsellers, a call in radio show and is about to buy her first home. When a mutual friend introduces her to Cameron, a hot shot real estate agent, she is completely taken with him, so much so, that she sleeps with him that night. OK, now, everything happens really organically and the author builds the immediate attraction between them, that there is no other way they can not get together. It is really love at first sight for the both of them. And, yes, I was yelling at Ayala, NO! don't do that,. you are an extremely educated women who deals in relationships, you should know better. Well, she didn't listen to me.

The next day at work Ayala gets a foul online call that calls her a homewrecker and accuses her of sleeping with a married man. She immediately breaks it off with Cameron and he pleads with her that the divorce is almost final. This ex seems the stuff Fatal Attraction was made from and everything starts to happen except the bunny on the stove. Ayala's new home is vandalized, her car is stolen, she gets threatening messages every where she turns. Of course, this might cause the weakest of women to give up, but Ayala sees something in Cameron. He stayed married to the crazy woman, Yasmin, because they had a son together until she threw an affair right in his face and he could no longer ignore her baiting him.

I really liked all of the characters, even Yasmin, crazy as she could be, just seemed a little off and needed to grow up. The story is told in alternating view points between these characters and was a good way to show that Yasmin wasn't quite as crazy as she appeared. OH! And there is a magnificent plot twist towards the end that had me yelling YES! This was really a fun and quick read, just perfect for an afternoon when you need to get lost in something crazy.
Profile Image for Barbara.
795 reviews134 followers
February 17, 2013
The Ex-Wife was a page turner from beginning to end. The attraction between handsome Real Estate Broker, Cameron Small and Psychologist Dr. Ayana Blue, was instantaneous. They decided not pursue their relationship until his divorce was final.

The whirlwind romance began after his divorce and they were married in three months. The ex-wife, Yasmin, was not ready to give up on her man even though she had an affair with the delivery guy and through it in Cameron's face. Yasmin realized she had made a mistake and wanted her husband back.

The craziness begins. It was one stalking incident after another against Ayana but as they became more life-threatening, it was obvious the ex-wife was not the only crazy stalker.

The ending was unexpected. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Ms.Toni.
173 reviews21 followers
March 22, 2013
Is Your Wife Married?

It’s time for relationship expert, talk radio host, author and psychologist Ayana Blue to take her own advice. While looking for a new home, Ayana found more than she bargained for – a new home AND a new man. Cameron Small is a real estate broker and all around good guy. He’s Mr. Right. But when things are too good to be true, they generally are. Cameron has excess baggage in the form of a not so ex-wife. The marriage is over but Cameron’s ex, Yasmin, seems to have missed that memo. With someone determined to do whatever it takes to destroy Ayana’s happily ever after, will she heed the advice that she dishes out to other women on the regular?

I know that when I pick up a Candice Dow book, I’m in for a good read. “The Ex-Wife” is no exception. Dow is consistent with her ability to capture and intrigue readers. With a solid storyline that doesn’t go over the top, realistic and relatable characters, drama and a pinch of suspense, it’s a book I can easily recommend to others.

Six and a half books in (half for WE TAKE THIS MAN), I can’t say I’ve been disappointed by a Candice Dow read yet.
May 6, 2013
When you get into a new relationship, the one you really have to watch out for is the ex wife; they can be on the crazy side at times…

Ayana Blue is a successful career woman. People come to her, as a relationship expert, for advice all the time. But what happens when the expert needs a little advice of her own? Ayana is whip smart, doesn’t take crap from anyone, and is one sassy lady. She’s fallen for Cam, but his ex-wife threatens to take everything away in slow, unstable moves…

I’ll be honest, I don’t always like Cam. I think he could have found better ways of handling things, especially with Yasmin, his ex. But to give him credit, he does try. It’s not easy having an unstable ex that doesn’t know how to let go.

The story is told in two points-of-view, Ayana’s and Yasmin’s. Yasmin certainly does not give me the best impression. She can be selfish, rude, and hurtful. She uses her child to get back at Cam, and she’s plenty on the spiteful side. She acts like she has a claim to everything, including Cam. She’s not a character that grows on me at all, other than maybe a little bit at the end.

The Ex Wife is emotional, suspenseful, and engaging. I could relate to Ayana easily, and I’ve got to hand it to her, she dealt with this situation better than most people I know. Her life is starting ti spiral out of control, but she holds on tight to what she wants, what she believes in, and isn’t going to let some woman get in the way of her future, even if it’s the ex of the man Ayana loves.

The book is full of suspense, and the ending completely caught me off guard! Let’s just say I wasn’t expecting what happened, at all. If you’re looking for a great contemporary fiction novel to read, I suggest checking out The Ex Wife. Pull up a seat and stay for awhile, because this book had the power to hold me down for awhile.

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
Profile Image for Shakir Rashaan.
Author 51 books262 followers
January 29, 2013
When opening this book for the first time and being introduced to Ms. Ayana Blue, I took a seat and got to know this woman and some of the things she had to encounter while dealing with a man who had a (difficult woman) for a soon-to-be ex-wife.

Ayana Blue is a psychologist and best-selling author with a hit radio show on relationships on the side, and while moving to Atlanta, she encounters a Realtor who was referred to by her radio producer when she was in the market for purchasing a condo. The producer had her best interests at heart, pulling off a pseudo match-making opportunity to which she wasn't aware. So, imagine her surprise when the handsome Realtor, Cameron Small, was the one selling her condo to her and enjoying the sparks that came with the showings.

The courtship was fast and furious, but you'll read up on that later ;).

The only flaw in Cam's profile - he was an up-and-coming multi-million dollar seller, handsome, refined, everything a woman could ask for - was a soon-to-be ex-wife who would not let go of her marriage, even though she was the one who set things in motion to get to the point where they were. But that was NOT going to stop her from doing the things she did - and other things that she wasn't sure she did, either.

The Ex-Wife is a unique whirlwind romance with twists and turns you never see coming, including a secret from the past that threatened to cause irreparable harm near the end of the story. I can't wait to get back into Ms. Dow's back catalog and read some of her other books, this one was a must read!

Shakir Rashaan, author of the Chronicles of the Nubian Underworld and Deviant Intent series.

(***An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review purposes***)
Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews234 followers
March 24, 2013
Background Noise

Ayana Blue is the radio host of Girlfriend Confidential as well as an author and psychologist. Her philosophy is to make women recognize the value of friendship. Successful in business, Ayana is a happily single woman. When she’s ready to purchase a home, she meets Cameron Small, a realtor. It’s evident early on that Ayana and Cameron click. When business and pleasure mix will it be drowned by regrets and doubt?

Cameron Small is a realtor with dreams of bigger and better. An excellent father, Cameron is already looking forward to building a new life. Unfortunately, Vanessa, his ex-wife, is refusing to bow out gracefully. Is Cameron capable of putting her in her place for the sake of love?

Vanessa may not host a radio show or authored any books, but she has a major sisterhood of her own. When Cameron decides that he’s ready to move on without her, she’s able to intimidate, harass and extinguish any and all competition. Now that Ms. Blue is in the picture, she just may have to step her game up. But will it be enough for her to reclaim Cam’s heart?

THE EX-WIFE by Candice Dow is literary gold. Right away readers are held captive as love makes a new discovery, declares itself, and desperately fights to grow. While rooting for love, you’re intrigued by its nemesis, hate, and wonder if love will be able to make it to the finish line. As always, Candice’s characters are absolutely ones you would love for her to revisit. I cannot wait until her next release.

Reviewed by: Crystal
Profile Image for Ranie.
750 reviews14 followers
May 20, 2021
Wow, this is the very first book I have read by Candice Dow, and I'm utterly speechless and emotionally exhausted! It was so fascinating, captivating, compelling, and gripping from the beginning to the very ending. The conclusion of our story is so shocking and twisted!!!!

Our main characters, Ayana Blue and Yasmin Small, are depicted, as very strong will, determined women who will stop at nothing, even physical harm, to get what they what, without care of any else life. Throughout our journey, I genuinely thought that Yasmin was an evil ex-wife, who want to severely hurt Ayana, both emotionally and physically.

I also did not like Cameron, Ayana husband and Yasmine ex-husband. I felt his behavior was often irritating, and overly aggressive. I understand that he was getting frustrated with all the antics and problems that he and Ayana incurred, however, he could have dealth with each of the threats differently, in a calmer manner, which would not cause the situation to escalate so dramatically!

I'm really excited and looking forward to read more of Ms. Dow's books in the near future. Highly recommended....😍 😘 😇 🤗

(p.s. I knew that Margo behavior was erratic but I didn't realize that she was a psycho)
Profile Image for Tamala.
Author 13 books16 followers
June 10, 2013
I love a surprising twist at the end. Although there were little hints at the doubt of the accused culprit, there was always that wonder at the back of your mind if this person had split personalities they were unaware of. Reading from the two women's point of view was very helpful in understanding their emotions, but it would have been helpful getting Cameron's point of view as well. All in all, it was very clear from both Ayana's and Yasmin's views how Cameron felt throughout the entire process.
I think Candice did a great job bringing such a realistic type situation into a story where someone in that type of situation would actually stop and think about how their behavior affects the children involved.
At the risk of spoiling the story, I'll stop there.
Great read :)
Profile Image for Natasha.
444 reviews
March 21, 2014
The whole time I just had a nagging feeling that this wasn't just the ex-wife wreaking havoc...but you gotta keep reading and then of course it's all revealed in the last chapter lol. So while I'm reading and waiting I'm constantly questioning myself, is Cam really a jerk, is Ayanna crazy and imagining things, is Yasmin a psycho who seems lucky....or is there someone lurking in the background with a vendetta... All those questions kept me reading and I enjoyed the ending because I wasn't expecting it to unfold quite that way. I love when a book isn't predictable (to me anyway, but maybe I'm slow lol). Overall good story, I'd recommend it.
Profile Image for Kimyatta Walker.
70 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2013
Some stuff you just don't see coming! Here I was all set to hate someone and then they go and redeem themselves! Actually, the character I wanted to hate the most was Ayana! I liked her alright until she started tossing around her "professional opinion"! It was a quick read and I had trouble putting it down. The story unfolded with many twists and turns and though I figured out a key plot point early on, it was still fun to watch it unfold. I never expected things to turn out the way that it did. This is one you'll definitely need to add to your shelves!
Profile Image for Ashley.
16 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2013
I really enjoyed this book it was a page turner I kind of figured it out mid ways through but I had to keep reading to make sure I was right. Yasmin was crazy that much is true but in all reality I think she did what alot of hurt women do. Ayana was stronger then I could ever be I would have walked away in the beginning.
August 23, 2024
I have been married for 7 years. My marriage has been deteriorating for some time so it was bound to unravel. I was his loyal, faithful supportive and trusting Wife. He had an additional wild side that went out of control. The last incident is when I found out that he was having an affair 2 weeks before our 14th wedding anniversary. Out of the blue my husband just sprung the divorce talk on me. I was so hurt and being an independent woman, I thought I could cope with being single. It was so hard to move on, so i had to reach out for help. Our marriage therapist thought that "something" was not right about my husband. I went online and i found out about Lord Amend and his good spell work reviews. I ordered for a Love spell. 2 days later in the morning around 09:34AM, I was totally shocked on how my Husband called me, telling me how much he missed me. His spell worked on me so fast, and my husband has been so loving, natural and I'm having a happy marriage after using his love spell. If you are in a loveless and unhappy marriage that cannot be salvaged, believe me...There is light at the end of this tunnel. Lord Amend can also cast death spell, resolve court cases, bring your homosexual partner back, and bring back your lesbian partner. Contact Dr Amend through his website below

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Profile Image for Erica Stinson.
Author 9 books84 followers
January 8, 2019
I thought it was pretty good. Some suspense element and a tiny bit of a twist at the end. I kinda figured out what was going on about half-way but I usually think way outside of the box. I would read more by Candice Dow and plan to look for more books by her!
Profile Image for Jenny.
304 reviews
July 8, 2020
Sigh. So how did the crazy lady get into the nursery? See this is just like Taraji getting on that boat. You can’t just write stuff and forget you wrote it, leaving it open without explanation. There was plenty of that in this book. I’ll just leavejn
Profile Image for RAWFIZZLE.
66 reviews
August 25, 2024
4.5 stars. The plot twist was gooood. I kinda wish there was a follow up book 😭
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews220 followers
March 9, 2014
Reviewed by Tiffany
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

The Ex-Wife by Candice Dow is one of those rare books that will fully keep your attention from the first page to the very last sentence. Ayana is a best-selling author who has her own successful radio show and she is currently looking for a new home. And, her producer knows the perfect man to be her real estate agent.

Enter Cam. He is handsome, successful, and Ayana’s new real estate agent. Cam is the “it” agent at the moment and he is known for being kind and compassionate towards his clients. He’s truly one of the good guys. Cam and Ayana have a mutual attraction, but there’s one major flaw: his ex-wife!

Enter Vanessa. She is the wife that refuses to face the reality that her marriage is over. She exhausts all avenues to stay married which includes having her friends commit perjury so the judge believes there is still a physical relationship between Cam and Vanessa. Vanessa’s antics go as far as posting malicious things about Ayana on twitter and calling into her radio show to call her a home wrecker. Cam tries his best to soften the blows to Ayana but at times he seems very weak.

Candice Dow writes a true gem in The Ex-Wife. It has unexpected twists, tons of drama, and most of all, a beautiful love story. As stated previously, there were times when I was not a fan of Cam’s because he seemed weak in how he dealt with Vanessa’s antics but I understand he was trying to do what was best for everyone. The Ex-Wife is a book that I easily recommend to others because all of the characters are believable, the storyline is not over the top, and it is simply a well-written book.
Profile Image for Kellee.
500 reviews79 followers
November 24, 2013
I did not see me rating this book a 2 at all.

Initially, it was a 3 going on a 4. Eventually, the main character started getting on my nerves, but that wasn't the reason I gave the book a 2. I gave it 2 stars because of the ending. There were so many other possibilities on who the lunatic could be and a lot of questions were left unanswered. It was never clear if the lunatic did something or if Yasmin did it. There were times when it was obvious Yasmin didn't so something because during her chapters she would say she didn't, but when it came out who the real lunatic was, it was never described how she pulled it off.

I do commend the author on seeming to have done her research. I've seen a lot of authors make up things when it comes to law enforcement on how criminal matters are investigated. Some authors go way overboard with how much of an investigation will be done for a petty crime. Being that I am in law enforcement, it was refreshing to see that finally someone had written realistic investigations or lack thereof.

I started to get annoyed because at a lot of times, it sounded as if the author was speaking her own opinions as opposed to the characters' opinions. While I understand there is no way for me to know that was the case for sure, after reading different characters have the same opinion on something and having it repeated every time something similar occurred, it made me feel as if the author didn't like certain things or really liked certain things and was using the characters to get HER point across. That was actually another reason that made me give the book 2 stars.

Profile Image for India Jones-Tanner.
144 reviews23 followers
July 23, 2015
Have you ever read a book and the person who you should hate actually turns out to be the person who you like the most? That's the situation I found myself in while reading this book.

Ayana Blue is a psychologist, author, and talk show host. She prides herself on being a relationship expert, but she can't stop herself from falling for Cameron Smalls.

Cameron is dealing with his crazy ex-wife Yasmin who will stop at nothing to win her husband back. Yasmin will stoop to any level, if it means that Cameron will be with her or by himself. So when she finds out Ayana and Cameron are a couple, let the games begin.

Some strange things start to happen to Ayana and Yasmin is the prime suspect. I don't know if the author wanted the reader to hate Yasmin, but actually without her, I would've rated this book in the negative. Ayana was such a boring, stupid character. Her common sense was non existent. Cameron was suppose to have 24 hour surveillance on his home, but when Ayana had something happen to her, at his home, Ayana never even thought about checking his surveillance tapes. Huh?!?

Yasmin bought flavor and excitement to this story. At a point, I would have preferred her with Cameron instead of Ayana.

The ending left much to be desired also. It never was explained how the Ayana stalker was able to get away with everything she got away with. It also never stated what happened to the stalker. With what was exposed at the end of the story, the ending could've been much better.

This was my first read by this author, the story wasn't bad, I just got annoyed with Ayana. I would give another of her novels a try, as long as Ayana isn't a character. :-)
Profile Image for Monique.
1,776 reviews
March 24, 2013
The Ex-Wife by Candice Dow - 4 stars

Ayana Blue is single, educated and the #1 relationship on the air. She is introduced to celebrity realtor, Cameron Small, as they walk through condos sparks fly. Ayana takes the risks and goes all out then enters the soon-to-be ex-wife, Yasmin. Yasmin is crazy as a bitsy bug and ain't afraid to let the world know - by any means necessary. But Yasmin isn't the only female that Ayana should watch out for....

Dow continues to write non-stop drama with a storyline that takes unexpected turns. I did talk out loud about the characters because I wanted them to know what was going on. I so wanted Cameron to open his eyes and for Yasmin to grow up. Get ready for a spicy blend of romance, hatred and revenge.
Profile Image for Lunden.
130 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2013
At first, I was a little skeptical about this book. I could not stand Yasmine for the life of me. She was just plain delusional. I don't know how you cheat on your husband and continuously tell him that you don't want him even after he tries to make things work but then gets upset when he moves on. Just crazy.

I liked Ayana and I didn't fault her or think she was wrong for marrying Cam. They were both grown and his relationship with Yasmine was clearly over.

Wasn't expecting the ending AT ALL. Glad that it had that twist because without it it would've been what everyone was expecting.
Profile Image for Cemaliye Nouri.
168 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2021
Didn’t enjoy this one at all. The characters were ghetto. They spoke ghetto and I wasn’t crazy about that. Also, I didn’t really enjoy the story. Wasn’t what I thought it would be. People should still give it a chance though, because you never know. Maybe others will actually enjoy it. Happy reading! 😊📚

Edit: Took me a week to finish this one because I put the book down for a while. Would’ve taken me about a few days to finish it if I read it straight through.
Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 7:42 pm
71 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2013
This was a great book and there was never a dull moment. I was so anxious to find out who was doing those horrible things to Ayana. My first instincts were Tayshawn; Margo never crossed my mind until I got closer to the end. Margo was messed up in the head very badly. I was glad Yasmin finally got over Cameron and her and Ayana built a relationship. I give this novel a 2 thumbs up!!!! June 30 (my finish date)
Profile Image for Janice Ross.
Author 18 books243 followers
May 5, 2013
I did not like Ayana or Cameron, nor did I like their relationship. Moreover, I thought that Ayana's character was a hypocrite. Otherwise, the story was well-written.

I eventually stopped reading before the end because I no longer cared to put up with Ayana's judgement nature.
5 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2013
I thought this book was pretty great. I like Candice Dow as an author and this book had a ton of twist and turns. I like how she got the point of view from the wife and ex-wife. I wish there was a point of view from the guy that was in the middle. All in all, I am and will be a Candace Dow fan!
Author 8 books41 followers
Read
May 30, 2013
I could not connect with the main character. The storyline dragged and characters attraction to the male character unauthentic. Heterosexual men don`t say "No girlfriend." This was a hard read. I do not recommend this book.
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