REVIEW: THE EX DILEMMA is Book #1 in Batchelor Life, a new series by Elle Wright. The prologue introduces Wesley Batchelor and Albany Keys at sixteen, when their long friendship has blossomed into young love. Unfortunately, Wesley’s dad recently passed away under mysterious circumstances. The reader can tell that the sweet moment they shared won’t last.
Fast forward sixteen years and Wesley is… not into relationships and that is putting it mildly. Besides his grandma, sister and one of his cousins, he dislikes most of his family. Personally, he’s a mess, though he works for his grandmother’s successful media company. Grandma Joyce is not happy about Wesley’s shenanigans which are publicized by a social media personality named “Ms. Tea”. Grandma Joyce puts her foot down and wants all her grandkids to settle down and she’s starting with Wes.
Albany has recently returned to town after a painful divorce and is trying to rebuild her life. She’s started a PI agency, and Grandma Joyce hires her to uncover the identity of “Ms. Tea.” Albany needs the money, especially since her rapper ex-husband turned out to be a con artist, which his family warned her about. She doesn’t have the best relationship with her dad and stepmom, but her grandmother, Grandma Liv, raised her and will do anything for her.
When Albany comes face to face with Wesley for the first time in sixteen years, she tries to keep things professional. Wes and Albany are forced to work together by Grandma Joyce (with the help of her best friend, Grandma Liv), who knows exactly what they’re doing. It took years for Albany to get over Wes leaving, and all the old emotions: hurt, anger and lingering love came rushing back. She doesn’t like him, but she doesn’t not like him either. Wesley is still tall, dark, has intense light brown eyes and is still beautiful to her. Their connection is still there. When Albany finally gives in to those long-buried feelings, it’s clear that Wes is no longer the boy she once loved. He’s a grown man now, and there are spicy scenes to prove it!
THE EX DILEMMA is a strong start to this new series. One of Elle Wright’s strengths is supporting characters, from Albany’s best friend Bri and Bri’s sister Kayla to Wesley’s sister and cousin and of course the grandmothers. Grandma Joyce is more regal. Grandma Liv was probably off the chain in her day and will throw hands if needed! There is a connection with the original Mr. Black Detroit. Let’s just say that the Granny’s have a life too! There are hints on who’s story will be next, and I look forward to the continuation of the series.
27 January 2026 | romcol@caribsurf.com
Fast forward sixteen years and Wesley is… not into relationships and that is putting it mildly. Besides his grandma, sister and one of his cousins, he dislikes most of his family. Personally, he’s a mess, though he works for his grandmother’s successful media company. Grandma Joyce is not happy about Wesley’s shenanigans which are publicized by a social media personality named “Ms. Tea”. Grandma Joyce puts her foot down and wants all her grandkids to settle down and she’s starting with Wes.
Albany has recently returned to town after a painful divorce and is trying to rebuild her life. She’s started a PI agency, and Grandma Joyce hires her to uncover the identity of “Ms. Tea.” Albany needs the money, especially since her rapper ex-husband turned out to be a con artist, which his family warned her about. She doesn’t have the best relationship with her dad and stepmom, but her grandmother, Grandma Liv, raised her and will do anything for her.
When Albany comes face to face with Wesley for the first time in sixteen years, she tries to keep things professional. Wes and Albany are forced to work together by Grandma Joyce (with the help of her best friend, Grandma Liv), who knows exactly what they’re doing. It took years for Albany to get over Wes leaving, and all the old emotions: hurt, anger and lingering love came rushing back. She doesn’t like him, but she doesn’t not like him either. Wesley is still tall, dark, has intense light brown eyes and is still beautiful to her. Their connection is still there. When Albany finally gives in to those long-buried feelings, it’s clear that Wes is no longer the boy she once loved. He’s a grown man now, and there are spicy scenes to prove it!
THE EX DILEMMA is a strong start to this new series. One of Elle Wright’s strengths is supporting characters, from Albany’s best friend Bri and Bri’s sister Kayla to Wesley’s sister and cousin and of course the grandmothers. Grandma Joyce is more regal. Grandma Liv was probably off the chain in her day and will throw hands if needed! There is a connection with the original Mr. Black Detroit. Let’s just say that the Granny’s have a life too! There are hints on who’s story will be next, and I look forward to the continuation of the series.
27 January 2026 | romcol@caribsurf.com
