Synopsis: The end of my marriage was the beginning of my happily ever after.
What happens when you hear your husband putting dents in your mattress with another woman?
Leave and never look back!
Easier said than done when you’re a stay-at-home mom, share two kids with the no-good cheater, and have a savings account that laughs in your face on the daily.

I want out and agree to an outrageous separation agreement to avoid a showdown in court with a man standing on his wallet, waiting for me to fall. The mission is next to impossible, but I would rather attempt a full split on a hibachi grill after a Brazilian wax than stay in a marriage I should’ve ended years ago.
Morgan, my best friend, offers a gorgeous townhouse her family owns to get me back on my feet. Eight months rent-free equals one step closer to Divorced AF.
I didn’t expect moms gone wild at my divorce party, but one fruity cocktail led to me staying out past my bedtime and the steamiest dream with a man straight from fantasies.
Every kiss, every caress, made me feel worshipped. Adored.
When Morgan offered this Georgetown home, she failed to mention it belongs to her younger brother, one of DC’s most eligible bachelors. He’s very fine, not a dream, and back early from time away in London.
Now, we’re staring at each other, dumbfounded and turned on.
Ella Gets the D is a standalone divorce romantic comedy perfect for lovers of cinnamon roll heroes, a tired mom getting her groove back, tacos, and lots of spice (we kick the door wide open). This isn’t your fluffy rom-com. Somebody might catch a case.

Book Review:

Now out in the world, Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart is a funny, fresh, emotional, heart-felt, realistic, engrossing story of a 30-something wife and mother who is forced to uproot her and her children’s lives after discovering her husband cheating on her in their home. The narrative captures the struggles and triumphs of Ella Greene, who represents countless women dedicated to their families, often at the expense of their own needs and aspirations. This book is a refreshing dive into the journey of self-rediscovery and empowerment, resonating deeply with readers through its relatable characters and scenarios.

Ella’s character is a testament to many women who prioritize their families above all else, neglecting their own needs, goals, and feelings. Her journey begins with the painful yet liberating separation from her egotistic, rude, and misogynistic soon-to-be-ex-husband Charles. As Ella navigates the turbulent waters of separation and single motherhood, she embodies the strength and resilience that many women can identify with, despite their personal circumstances.

Although I am not a mother of human children, I am familiar with the pressure of having to provide, manage, and take care of family members, often losing myself in the process. Being younger than Ella’s character and closer in age to the male lead in this book, Julian, I found myself relating to different aspects of their lives. However, it is Ella who stands out as the character that readers will connect with the most. Her authenticity, vulnerability, and strength are portrayed so vividly that it’s hard not to root for her at every turn.

In terms of romance, this book delivers a fun, slow-burn, chemistry-filled dynamic between Ella and Julian. Besides being a huge fan of slow-burn stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author showcases the genuine connection building between Ella and Julian. Their almost instant attraction and draw to one another are far from superficial, as the author skillfully develops their relationship with depth and nuance. This aspect of the book is particularly captivating, as it goes beyond the typical romance tropes and delves into the complexities of starting anew and finding love after heartbreak.

Beyond the romance, I absolutely loved watching Ella fall in love with herself again and her new life. She wasn’t very happy in her marriage, and while it’s easy to judge her for staying with Charles despite his flaws, the reality is that many people remain in relationships for far less significant reasons. Ella’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment is both inspiring and uplifting. Fiction doesn’t always need to be realistic, but it is crucial for readers to connect and relate to the characters, their struggles, goals, and stories. Peart has masterfully achieved this with Ella’s character, making her journey feel both genuine and compelling.

Another element of Ella Gets the D that I found thoroughly enjoyable was the emphasis on Ella’s friendships. The level of support, encouragement, empowerment, and care within the female relationships in this book is heartwarming. If I had close friends, I would want them to be like Morgan, Erica, and Ella herself. These relationships add a rich layer to the narrative, highlighting the importance of a strong support system. However, I did find myself questioning if some parts of the book would pass the Bechtel test; even if the conversations were about their kids or self-pleasuring, I felt most of the conversations were on the border. Nonetheless, these interactions were meaningful and added depth to Ella’s journey.

Julian Brooke’s character was a pleasant surprise. He’s attractive, smart, approachable, calm, wealthy, and exudes sex appeal. Known as DC’s most eligible bachelor and somewhat of a playboy, Julian is tired of the titles and the lifestyle that come with them. His character brings humor, confidence, and a refreshing honesty to the story. The way he supports and builds up Ella from the beginning is admirable. They are the epitome of relationship goals, and Julian has undoubtedly become my Book Boyfriend of the Year.

As a creative and fellow writer, I appreciated the author’s approach to character reactions, set-ups, and deliveries. The funny and poignant moments were executed perfectly, with many passages marked with ‘LOL’ notes in my e-arc. The narrative structure deviated from typical tropes, allowing for an immersive reading experience that kept me engaged in large reading sprints.

One minor critique I have is the repetitiveness of Ella’s doubts about Julian, particularly regarding their age difference. While her concerns are understandable, they became somewhat irritating. However, Julian’s consistent actions and respect for Ella’s thoughts, boundaries, and feelings spoke louder than words, reinforcing his commitment and love for her.

Ella Gets the D will have readers laughing, smiling, squealing, and eagerly anticipating how Ella rebuilds her life and navigates her attraction to Julian during her year of legal separation from her ex. This book is a heartwarming and empowering read that I highly recommend for your next literary adventure. Tanvier Peart has crafted a story that is not only entertaining but also deeply resonant, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a tale of love, growth, and self-discovery.

Have you ever found yourself in a critical life situation where you had to rebuild nearly everything? Can you imagine what that must be like? While reading about Ella’s story in Ella Gets the D, my thoughts turned to the families and individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Palestine who are facing unimaginable hardships.

Previously, I mentioned Operation Olive Branch and their commendable efforts to aid Palestinian families. I am pleased to share that this dedicated volunteer group has recently expanded its mission to assist civilians in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well. Operation Olive Branch is actively addressing the urgent humanitarian crises in these regions, providing essential support to those in dire need.

Their team continues to seek passionate volunteers to join their cause. They are in need of Arabic to English Translators, Social Media Influencers, Verifiers, and more. If donating isn’t an option for you right now, please consider contributing your skills and time by joining OOB’s volunteer team.

Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling to rebuild after devastating losses. Together, we can bring hope and support to those who need it most. Visit Operation Olive Branch’s website to learn more about how you can help.

Until the next post,

Gia