Lately every chick lit novel I pick up involves a perky twenty and a bit bright young thing (who always seems to be either work as a PR or a PA in fashion or advertising), dumped by some love rat, who after copious tears and self pity navigates her way to true love with her soul mate. Well I have been there and done that and now that I am edging ever closer to 40 I want heroines with more substance and less style. Recovering from a break up is infinitely more complicated when it involves children and property and Dee Ernst delivers with her warm and funny story about romance novelist Mona Berman who, when her 20 year marriage collapses, decides to move forward with her life, after all they say, living well is the best revenge. Of course Mona is a little bitter that her husband has left her and her three teenage daughters to be with a French tart fifteen years her junior but Mona's closest friends, her eccentric Aunt and even the gorgeous plumber, Ben, are there to support her with olive studded martini's and encouragement. From the moment Patricia and MarshaMarsha (distinct from MarshaTheBitch) mix martini's in Mona's kitchen and tell her to be the first to call her cheating husband's mother then collectively drool over the plumber's entrance (interspersed with snippets romantic fantasy) I was completely hooked. Perhaps because I have friends that would likely do the same for me should my husband ever decide to leave (though unfortunately I have no handsome plumber roaming my house and I may well insist he takes my teenage daughter with him).
Mona is capable and practical but has a hidden wild side. Her impending divorce frees her to recognise her own worth and take charge of relieving her frustrations, not only in her career but in her personal life. Branching out from the historical bodice ripping romances she usually writes Mona begins a novel that echo's her own experience as a new divorcee experiencing life released from cosy domesticity. At the same time Mona's practice dates while at her summer house relieve a different type of dissatisfaction. Her practice dates are a source of hilarity and her encounters with the long time neighbour certainly scratch her itch. The supporting cast are realistically drawn if perhaps a touch shallow, but I loved them all. There is enough truth in each of them for them to be familiar to many readers by dint of their quirks if nothing else.
I laughed a lot throughout the novel at the witty dialogue and slightly absurd situations in genuine amusement and wry sympathy. While the story is cliched in part, the humour carries it off. It may be a bit bawdy for some readers but I certainly enjoyed it.

Better Off Without Him is a hilarious yet honest story I found fun and engaging, a much better read than the cover may actually suggest I have no hesitation in recommending Better Off Without Him for the long married, newly divorced or anyone over the age of 30.

This was simply fun. I laughed lots, loved the not-every-sweaty-detail sex scenes, then recommended to my friends.And reviewer Alexa is right: you want to put it down in the first few pages. But don't. You would miss all that howling with hoots that has your family coming at a run to give you the look. Could be a guilty pleasure, but I refuse to hide this gem under any bush.

Not really my kind of book, but it kept my attention throughout.

Let's say 3.5. Chick lit for older babes lol. It's written with a good sense of humor. That's what kept me engaged. Although the plot is a little contrived and some characters are a little unbelievable [it echos the romance writer theme so perhaps appropriately intended], it's a nice little romp through the mess of middle-aged divorce and dating. The balance between loser and prize men tips far toward the "L" side - reality or myth??? You decide. A nice find via Kindle lending library!

Better Off Without HIm is an older chicklit, so maybe hen lit. Husband unexpectedly announces he wants a divorce and leaves the heroine for a much younger, chic French woman. Mona is distraught at first, but then begins to realize the wisdom in her crew of friend’s words, “You’re better off without him.”. Mona is a hard protagonist to feel sorry for or even connect with. She is wealthy in her own right even without her husband’s money. She has a dream job, romance novelist, a beach house, and a plethora of hunky men waiting to help her pick up the pieces. High on romance and a “you go girl” vibe, but low on realism. Overall, an okay, quick read.

Started out a bit weird and slow. Sometimes I found it rambling but overall an entertaining read

Mona Berman writes romances and is happy with her wedding and three daughters until her busband tells her he wants a divorce. Mona is completey caught off guard, and as she puts it: “Mr. Arnold,” I said between clenched teeth, “looking into a lighted make-up mirror with a plus-seven magnification is a humbling experience. Having your husband leave you for a younger woman just plain sucks.” Now Morna has to adjust to being single, convince her editor that her new book will sell even though she is not completely sure of it, survive her three children plus one dog, one cat and her aunt Lilly that comes to live with her and brings two more kitties with her. And then there's the plumber Ben who makes Mona's imagination run wild whether he's coming or leaving. Will Mona find her happy ending through so much ordeal?

For a free Kindle book, I expected less, much less. I laughed out loud several times and completely fell in love with Mona. It's easy to understand with whom she will be in the end, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way the story (and her dates!) unfolded. I kept wishing Mona good luck through her relationships and thankfully her good friends kept her sane through her divorce and bad first dates (she has a couple of really bad ones!). Aunt Lilly is too funny! An excellent addition to the "permanent" cast. A perfect reading for the Summer and to cheer you up!

Bailed at 80% so boring. Kept waiting for the "romance" to start. A cast of thousands, not without the token black and gay. Didn't warm to the main character.