Some books are meant to be devoured like a decadent dessert—messy, indulgent, and full of guilty pleasure. The Ex Effect by Jo Watson is exactly that: a laugh-out-loud, wildly chaotic, and unapologetically steamy romance that doesn’t hold back on the drama or the absurdity. With its self-deprecating humour, over-the-top mishaps, and sizzling chemistry, it’s a rom-com that thrives on its own ridiculousness.
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A sexual curse and a second chance
Ash’s love life has been doomed for over a decade, ever since a disastrous first time with her long-term boyfriend, Max, who then vanished without a trace. Fast forward thirteen years, and Ash is still convinced she’s under some kind of cosmic hex—every attempt at intimacy ends in catastrophe. But when a flirty email exchange with a mysterious “Max” leads to an in-person meeting, she realises, to her horror, that he’s that Max. The one responsible for her so-called curse.
Now, stuck working together on a project that takes them through the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Africa, Ash is faced with an impossible dilemma: can she finally move on, or is Max the only man who can break the spell?
Chaos, comedy, and chemistry
From the first page, Watson makes it clear that this isn’t a romance that takes itself too seriously. The plot is a full-blown comedy of errors, where everything that can go wrong, does—often in the most spectacularly absurd ways. Snakes, spider webs, unfortunate animal encounters, a rogue sex toy, and an unsettling obsession with cheese all play a role in Ash’s journey. It’s the kind of story that feels tailor-made for a film adaptation, with its quick-witted dialogue and fast-paced, unpredictable antics.
The humour is the book’s strongest suit, and it’s infused with a distinctly South African edge—sharp, sarcastic, and wonderfully self-aware. Readers who enjoy rom-coms packed with slapstick moments and outrageous predicaments will be right at home.
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A sizzling, slightly unhinged romance
Beneath all the chaos, The Ex Effect delivers a romance that is equal parts fiery and frustrating. Ash and Max have chemistry in spades, with tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. Their dynamic leans heavily into the let’s-just-get-it-out-of-our-systems trope, but despite their best efforts, their emotions refuse to stay neatly compartmentalised. Max, in particular, falls hard and fast, bordering on instalove, but given how little realism the book clings to, it somehow works.
Be warned: this book does not shy away from open conversations about sex. Ash is refreshingly candid about her experiences (or lack thereof), and her friendships are filled with the kind of unfiltered, no-topic-is-off-limits discussions that feel authentic and relatable. If explicit banter and steamy scenes aren’t your thing, this might not be the book for you.
A love letter to Southern Africa
Beyond the romance and the comedy, the book also shines in its setting. Watson takes readers on a whirlwind tour through Kruger National Park, the Chobe River, Zambia, Botswana, and Lake Malawi, painting vivid scenes of stunning landscapes and wildlife. The descriptions are so immersive that even the most devoted homebody might feel inspired to pack their bags and explore. For readers familiar with the region, there’s a special kind of joy in seeing it represented so beautifully.
A few stumbles along the way
As fun as the book is, it does have a tendency to push the comedy a little too far. By the final stretch, the sheer number of disasters starts to feel excessive, making some of the later mishaps less effective. The central conflict—why Ash and Max were apart for thirteen years—also feels a little flimsy, and the resolution happens so quickly that it doesn’t quite deliver the emotional payoff it should. But in a story that thrives on chaos, these are minor grievances.
The final verdict
The Ex Effect is pure escapism—outrageous, steamy, and laugh-out-loud funny. If you’re looking for a rom-com with a Bridget Jones meets The Hangover vibe, packed with second-chance romance, exotic locations, and a whole lot of what-just-happened moments, this book is for you. It’s not meant to be taken too seriously, and that’s exactly why it works.
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