Burning Down The Spouse (Ex Trophy Wife #2) by Dakota Cassidy
Contemporary Romance
July 5, 2011
Trade Paperback
Berkley Trade

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote:” Wow, I sound like one of those commercials where everything is gray and dreary until you take a Xanax, or in this case, a Maxine, whatever it is, and poof, it magically makes your world go all bright with shiny colors again. Well, except for those nagging side effects like anal weeping and eyeball leakage. “

World…meet Frankie Bennett. When Frankie found her husband cheating on her with his 20 something assistant named Bamby with a “y” she has an Emmy worthy melt down on her husband’s televised cooking show. After the divorce, she goes to lick her wounds at her aunt’s home. Aunt Gail is glad to have Frankie stay with her but after a month of watching Frankie mate with her bedspread, Gail decides to bring out the big guns. Maxine Barker, owner and founder of The Trophy Jobs Employment Agency. A former trophy wife herself, Maxine knows just how Frankie feels and what she needs to do. With the help of some ice water and a few well thought out threats, Maxine gets Frankie up, showered, and employed at the diner of the “world’s greatest meatloaf.”

Nikos Antonakas, owner of the diner and Greek god look a like, happened to catch Frankie’s televised break up but chose instead to play dumb when Maxine brings her in for a job interview at his diner. Nikos doesn’t need anymore ‘strays’ but something about Frankie appeals to him. Watching as Frankie charms his family and friends, Nikos starts to think that maybe they can cook up something special together. But when Frankie’s ex husband comes back into the picture, Niko’s old insecurities come into play and soon it all becomes a recipe for disaster.

Burning Down The Spouse is the second book is Dakota Cassidy’s hilarious tongue in cheek Ex Trophy Wife series. Ms. Cassidy mixes up a potent recipe of humor and seriousness with zany one liners, reality checks, and a cast of eccentric characters tossed in that will have you laughing away tears as we watch Frankie navigate through the pitfalls of divorce and life after divorce. Character driven, it’s the fast pacing and conversational style writing that enhances the appeal of this story. What I enjoy about Ms. Cassidy’s books is that her heroines are usually older woman. Too often it’s the young, gorgeous 20 somethings that get the HEAs and their older girlfriends are regulated to the “wise, advice giving friend” role. Divorce is hard enough but it’s even harder when your tossed aside for someone younger. Ms. Cassidy doesn’t sugar coat the ups and downs of divorce for the sake of an HEA in here. It’s a messy, heartbreaking, unfair and all that and more is presented clearly and without apology.

I love Frankie. Even though she went nuts on TV , who could blame her? After 18 years of marriage and building up his career and ego; to be blatantly hit in the face with his affairs is heartbreaking and insulting. So Frankie goes a little (ok, a lot) nuts. But that isn’t the real Frankie as we come to discover. The real Frankie is down to earth, intelligent, loyal, and reasonably sane. She’s embarrassed by her moment of fame but not by her decision to leave her husband. Watching her drag herself from bed into learning to live for herself is both enlightening and funny. Especially when we see her interact with her new friends.

Frankie and Nikos have an instant chemistry that blends in well with the main conflict. The dialogue between them is infectious and feels natural. I like that Frankie doesn’t just fall into bed with Nikos. She understands that she needs to stand on her own two feet before she can stand with someone else. Nikos is enjoyable with his easy going manner and unapologetic nature of wanting to help. His sense of humor wins serious points with Frankie and me.

The secondary romance is just as enjoyable and perhaps more heartfelt then the one between our protagonists. Jasmine and Simon are delightful as they taunt and tease their way into bed and each others hearts. Their relationship blends well and elevates the main arc in a shocking way.

The secondary characters are all well fleshed out as they add delish snarkiness and humor to the story. I love that we see Maxine (heroine of You Dropped a Blonde On me) and she is just as feisty and opinionated as ever. Niko’s family is hilarious with his mom’s unique twist on English slang and his father’s Mafia mentality towards chopping veggies. Jasmine’s ex trophy wife advice and non judgmental attitude is a breathe of fresh air and just what Frankie needs. Mitch is the perfect pitiful villain you will love to hate.

The main conflict is a bit over the top and there were some parts that made me want to pull my hair out and ask, “wha!?!” It comes across a little far fetched and I really couldn’t understand how a normal person would believe any of it. I was also disappointed with Nikos. He goes overboard in his conviction of Frankie and chooses to believe everyone but her. I found it ironic that the one person who should have been put out by Frankie’s supposed betrayal was one of the only few who believed in her innocence.

The ending is predictable but funny in how it plays out. Burning Down The Spouse is a humorous romantic contemporary that will have you laughing out loud as Frankie and Nikos navigate a path between friendship, love, and everything in between. I look forward to the third of this series, title to be announced.

Rating: B-

Recent Reviews:
All About Romance – C-
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