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You are here: Home / B Review / Review: Burning Down the Spouse by Dakota Cassidy

Review: Burning Down the Spouse by Dakota Cassidy

July 11, 2011 by Tori 20 Comments

Burning Down the Spouse (Ex Trophy Wives #2)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-
Goodreads

Author’s Website l Series Listing

Amazon l Kindle l Nook

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Filed Under: B Review, Contemporary Romance, Penguin

Comments

  1. blodeuedd says

    July 11, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    :D I did enjoy book 1 and now I would like to read about more trophy wives. I am glad this oen is good too

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    • tori says

      July 11, 2011 at 3:25 pm

      It’s a cute series. The heroine is calmer in this one compared to the first one, but the secondary characters more then make up for that. lol

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  2. may says

    July 11, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    great review! I ended up DNF’ing the first book in this series – I just couldn’t care. Sounds like this one wouldn’t work for me either.

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    • tori says

      July 11, 2011 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks. Boo-sorry this series doesn’t work for you. :(

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  3. Lissa Matthews says

    July 11, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    After meeting Dakota at Lori Foster, I think I need to get crackin’ on this series! I’m hoping to enjoy her contemporary romance!

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    • tori says

      July 11, 2011 at 4:49 pm

      She’s a funny lady and it reflects well in her books.

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  4. Dr J says

    July 11, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    I do love Dakota Cassidy and while I have not read a huge number of her books I always found myself chuckling a goodly portion of the time. She is just one very funny lady and a person who has the writing skills to put it in print. I know some really funny people but getting them to put it on paper just doesn’t happen. Thanks for a really insightful review. Have to get these books, for sure.

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    • tori says

      July 11, 2011 at 8:07 pm

      Her books (and her tweets) never fail to brighten my day and have me rolling with laughter.

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  5. Aurian says

    July 11, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    Okay, you have sold me. I want to read this series!

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    • tori says

      July 11, 2011 at 8:09 pm

      YEA! Another convert to the dark funny side. lol

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  6. Mandi says

    July 11, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    I still haven’t read Cassidy *HANGS HEAD IN SHAME*

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    • tori says

      July 11, 2011 at 8:10 pm

      Oh Mandi-that makes me sad. :(

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  7. MamaKitty says

    July 11, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    I didn’t catch book one but I think I’ll go back and grab it as well as book two. Thanks for the review! :)

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    • tori says

      July 11, 2011 at 8:15 pm

      Tell me what you think when your done.

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  8. LeeAnn says

    July 12, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Mandy I’m with you I haven’t read any of this authors books,b ut I have to say that after reading Tori’s review I think my TBR pile just grew by at least 2 books. I’m happy but my bookcases aren’t. LOL

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    • tori says

      July 12, 2011 at 4:52 pm

      YEA!! My bookcases hate me. lol

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  9. LeeAnn says

    July 12, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Mandy I’m with you I haven’t read any of this authors books, but I have to say that after reading Tori’s review I think my TBR pile just grew by at least 2 books. I’m happy but my bookcases aren’t. LOL

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  10. Mary G says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    I bought the first one in Cincy (& got Dakota to sign it) so I better get reading it. Can’t wait for this one too.

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    • tori says

      July 12, 2011 at 4:53 pm

      I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

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  11. redzsm says

    July 13, 2011 at 1:02 am

    This book sounds like a hoot! I love the title. Too cute. Thanks Tori.

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