REVIEW: Happy Ending by Chloe Liese

In Happy Ending by Chloe Liese, Divorce was definitely not on Thea’s bingo card. But her husband Ethan shocked her with his proclamation two years ago–and even further surprised her when he began a new relationship very, very soon after they split. Thea’s life turned inward for a bit, focusing on her career at The Bookstore in Pittsburgh, moving into her own tiny apartment. But everything changed one day when she went to her former house–now her ex’s–to pick up their dog, Argos. She found out that Ethan was very romantically involved with Jen, a mom to Mia, one of Thea’s favorite StoryTime kids at The Bookstore. And that chef Alex, Jen’s ex-husband and Mia’s dad, was there to pick up his daughter. After an awkward exchange, the two of them come up with a big old fib to get back at their exes, spinning a tale that they were former first loves and still very close friends.

‘I’m having very lusty, very unfriendlike thoughts about my friend.’

Okay, so Thea didn’t think through the logistics of a fake relationship with her ex’s new girlfriend’s former husband. Although, as she and Alex got to know each other, their friendship fell right into place and felt like the most natural thing in the world. Sure, Thea can admit how handsome and talented Alex is. And two years on, they spend more time together than apart. But she can’t seem to make herself take that next step and admit her feelings are growing for him, considering the disaster her relationship with Ethan turned into. She knows the famous chef is a completely different person than her ex. Even still, as they embark on a last-minute vacation with Ethan, Jen, Mia, and Argos in tow, dreading whatever their exes have planned, Thea is worried if the truth about their past will come out. Or if time spent so close together will push her into giving in to what her heart wants–knowing she could risk losing the best relationship she’s ever had.

“Divorce is the worst fucking thing that’s happened to me, but it gave me the best thing in life, besides Mia…you.”

Give me any romance written by Chloe Liese and it will make my day, just like HAPPY ENDING did. An angst-fueled, fake relationship, slow burn friends to lovers story with highly relatable characters, I loved the journey she took readers on this time around. It was messy. The people were imperfect yet perfectly lovely (aside from Thea’s ex). And it paired up two of my favorite subjects: books and food, so how could I not enjoy it?

There was something so down-to-earth and genuine about Alex and Thea that kept me wanting more time with them. It was told from Thea’s POV, but Liese’s attention to detail brought *all* of the characters to life on the pages in a way that honestly didn’t need to be from their POV–it was apparent what they were thinking by their actions and words, big and small. Particularly with Alex. He was a tactile guy who carved out a sweet, playful friendship with Thea. I absolutely adored him. The Hot Chef, as Thea’s BFF Lauren called him, was also a wonderful dad to his precocious six-year-old daughter, Mia. And I’m sure Alex’s devotion to her will melt your heart, just like it did Thea’s.

Speaking of Thea, the bookish heroine in her mid-thirties made me smile and giggle throughout her entire path to rediscovering who she was and becoming more self-reliant after her unexpected divorce. There were some somber, more serious moments, of course. But it was Thea’s enthusiasm and love of helping others–both she and Alex were such *kind* and generous people–that I found absolutely endearing. But it was how she and Alex brought out the best in each other, even during stressful times, that made me sure they were perfect together. Theirs wasn’t a quick, instalove romance. It was something that was forged over time through every life-altering event they overcame, meaning the bond Thea and Alex cultivated was strong enough to last.

TROPES/VIBES:

• Rom-com
• Fake dating
• Slow burn friends to lovers
• Famous Chef Hero & Book-Loving Heroine
• Canine custody battle

CW: View Spoiler »Mental health rep (anxiety, emotional overwhelm, childhood trauma, neurodivergent), divorce, grief, over-drinking « Hide Spoiler

Trust Chloe Liese to take readers on an entertaining ride with emotional depth and characters you’ll want to befriend. Recommended for beach trips, rainy weekends, or anytime you need a pick-me-up.

QOTD: Thea’s book club had an unfortunate name (that she didn’t choose). Have you come across any unique or fun book club names in real life?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: April 14th, 2026 | Gallery Books |

From USA TODAY bestselling author Chloe Liese, a clever and heartwarming rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Annabel Monaghan about two best friends who must fake a relationship for their exes.

Thea and Alex have three things in common—they love food, they hate where they live, and they’re both divorced. Otherwise, they couldn’t be more different.

Thea’s never cooked a day in her life. Alex is a world-class chef. Alex resents feeling stuck in his hometown. Thea resents the town for not feeling more like home. Thea and her ex are in a contentious custody battle for their dog. Alex and his ex amicably coparent their daughter. Beyond a few friends in common, a couple small-world connections (welcome to life in a mid-size city), their lives look nothing alike. Fast forward two years, and they’re truly the best of friends. No one would ever know their friendship began as a lie…

Two years ago, their exes got together immediately following their divorces, and somehow, Thea and Alex found themselves spinning a spite-fueled story about being old friends and first loves. Two years later, what began as a ruse has grown into real friendship—just friendship, despite what friends and family seem to think. But when their exes invite them on a two-week, “two family” beach vacation—daughter and dog included—Alex and Thea start to wonder if this story they’ve spun might have gotten away from them, and if it’s led them to the last place they ever thought it would: a happy ending.