ARC Review ~ More Than Exes (Chasing the Dream 0.5) by Elizabeth Briggs

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: October 28th 2014

Description:
Keyboardist Kyle Cross may look like a bad boy with his tattoos and piercings, but he’s really the good guy who’s always stuck fixing his band’s problems and never gets the girl. His band is competing in a college Battle of the Bands, but when their bassist doesn't show, Kyle must track her down with the help of the person he least expects: his ex-girlfriend Alexis Monroe. 

Kyle hasn’t seen Alexis since she dumped him in high school, and she’s dropped her preppy image for fiery red hair and a bold new attitude to match. With only hours before his band goes on stage, Kyle has to be a little bad if he wants to win both the Battle and the girl he's never gotten over. But when their old problems resurface, the good guy might just get his heart broken all over again.

My Opinion

After being pleasantly surprised by book 1 (More Than Music) earlier this year, I just had to request this from NetGalley. This time I went into reading it knowing the author's style and everything about the band, because this is a prequel, so it didn't surprise me. I knew I'd enjoy it, and that's what happened.

More Than Exes is a short novella that is based around one night before 'The Sound' competition you read about in book 1. I thought it gave a nice, additional scene that explained some of the issues that arise in More Than Music and you learnt more about why the characters became who they are in it. The pacing was good and everything flowed well. It's unusual for me to read a book written solely in the guy's POV, but it worked in this because Kyle is the good guy and a likable character. 

Just like any novella, this doesn't go into huge amounts of detail about things, and it is quick. However, I think the author did a good job of including a little of everything. There was a small backstory, drama, romance, and a little tension. The characters were well developed and it leads on into book 1 well. 

Overall this was an enjoyable, easy read that was nice to relax with. I'll definitely be looking out for more in this series.