News & Reviews
In the News / Trade reviews / Videos & Live Events / Goodreads Reviews / #Bookstagram Reviews
Special message from Lainey: I am so grateful to every reader, book blogger, reviewer or bookstagrammer who has read and shared #TheExitStrategy. Thank so much for taking time to read a debut!
Trade & Blog Reviews
“The well-crafted narrative sizzles with tense, relatable, and realistic scenes…” Kirkus reviews
“ impossible to put down. … a gripping narrative… splendid cast of characters and brilliant storytelling. Soumya Sreehari for Readers’ Favorite
“a refreshing change…In a genre that often hints that the most important thing a woman can do in her life is choose the right man, it’s a relief to read a book where the women put themselves first.” Jami Denison for Chick Lit Central
“5 Stars! The Exit Strategy is a dynamic, fast paced debut...expertly written. I devoured every word of this book. Secrets, betrayals and vulture like venture capitalists will keep you on the edge of your seat.” Miss W Book Reviews
“I absolutely LOVED this book!! ..full of amazingly strong women, who tackled the world head-on. Besides the characters, I LOVED the storyline. The story had many twists and turns thrown in. It definitely made this book a page-turner as I could not wait to see what happened next! Lost in a book after SW book blog
“.. such a unique and compelling story. I loved the twists and mystery to all of it and the confident, strong characters. Overall, I found it quite the page-turner.” Jennifer TarHeel Reader Book Blog
“I would highly recommend this thought-provoking novel! I was the cheerleader for certain characters!! Happy Reading!” Linda’s Book Obsession
“Way to get my attention right from the start! They should have been mortal enemies and instead they chose to stick together. Cheers to Ryn and Carly! Bookish Heidi Book Blog
“I was not expecting how this story flew. When I first started reading, I was slightly afraid it was going to be cliché. Thankfully, I was wrong. Filled with women power and friendship, Cameron’s The Exit Strategy looks at the discrimination and sexism women face in the business industry with a sense of humor and grace.” Rosie Reviews Book blog
“This was such a unique and compelling story. I loved the twists and mystery to all of it and the confident, strong characters… quite the page-turner.” Jennifer- Tar Heel Reader Blog
Goodreads Reviews
In The News
Charlotte Readers Podcast - Seven Authors Discuss Platform Building, Book Reviews, and Marketing and Selling Books
Author Express Podcast - Women’s Fiction and Why So Little Fiction is Set in the Work World
Top 30 Women Fiction Blogs and Websites - Lainey Cameron website listed on FeedSpot’s list of the best women’s fiction sites.
Interview with Lainey on The Hasty Book List, which books inspire her, which characters she’s be best friends with, and who she’d want to be stuck in an elevator with. Also what she’d be doing if she wasn’t an author.
Book feature about The Exit Strategy on The Hasty Book List
Drinking with Authors Podcast - Lainey joins Erika Lance and CR Rice to talk about drinking, girl-power grown up, books that don’t fit into normal publisher categories, and why her first novel took five years to write.
Have A Seat Podcast with Debra Coleman - Living That Digital Nomad Life. Have A Seat- Conversations with Women in the Workplace is a podcast full of lighthearted and heartfelt conversation with women about the work they do and the journey that brought them to pursue their career path.
The TufFish Show with editor and coach extraordinaire, Jennifer Milius - Imposter Syndrome, my Early Writing Mistakes & Why the Rules are Not Always Helpful. A great podcast listen for writers.
The Storytellers with Grace Sammon - strong collaborative women, Lainey’s digital nomad life, not letting gatekeepers have the final word, and how a startup mentality can help with writing.
Charlotte Readers Podcast - Two Unlikely Friends Challenge Sexism in Silicon Valley in Lainey Cameron’s “The Exit Strategy”
And I Thought Ladies - Lainey hanging out on video with Jade and Wilnona, the And I Thought ladies, on YouTube.
Podcaster Stories - A chat with Danny Brown who interviews those behind popular podcasts. Hunting with stoned tribesmen, how Lainey chooses guests for The Best of Women’s Fiction podcast, meetings in strip clubs, and dealing with sexism in tech.
The Reading and Writing Podcast with Jeff Rutherford
Uncaged Book Reviews- author feature. Book excerpt and an interview with Lainey; what she’s looking forward to once the pandemic ends, the first book that made her laugh or cry, and the ultimate reader question: ebook, audio or paper?
All Write In Sin City - Lainey joins Kim Conklin, Irene Moore Davis, and Sarah Jarvis on the podcast for a book-club like chat about The Exit Strategy.
This is Women’s Work podcast - Nicole Kalil interviews Lainey about the change for Lainey from exec to author; including fear of failure, the humbling experience of doing something new, and what authors can learn from corporate execs and vice versa!
Author2Author podcast - Lainey and author Bill Kenower talk on whether writing is truly in your blood, what exactly was Lainey’s job in Silicon Valley, and why do companies with women on their boards and female CEOs get better business results?
Dialogue Between the Lines - Blog Talk Radio with Susan Wingate. How being a digital nomad affected my writing practices, more on the protagonists of The Exit Strategy, and making space for the next generation of feminist books.
Thoughts From A Page podcast. Lainey chats with Cindy Burnett on the about her novel, the importance of titles and covers, publishing during the pandemic, the fabulous 2020 debut group, and more.
Hear Us Roar Podcast with Maggie Smith - Lainey shares the hardest character to write, how her marketing background helped with novel writing and the power of helping in the writing community.
2020 Favorites on Chick Lit Central - The Exit Strategy chosen as a top read of the year (by Jami)
Keepin It Real w/Caramel "As We Say 100" podcast - Lainey chats with Caramel Lucas about women supporting women, imposter syndrome, and uplifting messages for these difficult times
The Best of Women’s Fiction featured on Deb Ball List of Favorite writing books, blogs, podcasts
BookTrib - Recommended Reading - 9 Books to Celebrate Women’s Fiction Day.
Hen Lit Central. Interview article with Lainey including her advice for 'aspiring" writers over 40 and book recommendations.
Without Books 3 minute Podcast - How do you imagine a world without books? Lainey answers the question, and it’s all about empathy.
Suanne Schafer author’s blog Interview with Lainey including Lainey’s writing Kryptonite, what a fly on the wall would see if they watched her at work, and who she wishes would read The Exit Strategy
The Debutante Ball - Interview with Lainey about challenges on the debut path to publication, authors she admires, what book made her cry
The Pairings Project. Book and a cocktail? Sara Bond’s review and a recipe for Ryn’s Nutella martini or Nutella milkshake
Author and editor Christina Consolino’s blog Q&A with Lainey including why I hate the term "aspiring writer" and how travel fuels my creativity.
Author Sarahlyn Bruck’s blog features a Q&A including how Lainey is reacting to the book’s reception
Author Jill Hannah Anderson’s blog: Q&A with Lainey on what in the book is inspired from real life, travel plans, and challenges on the path to publication.
Anita Kushawha’s blog has a Q&A with Lainey
Candid with Courtney book blog Interview with Lainey about her #bookstagram passion and her novel’s recent reception
Review by author Kelly Duran: “sharp prose and quick pacing make this a definite page-turner” Read here.
Writer, Karen Kroll’s Blog: Interview with Lainey, we talk small publishers, what I’m reading, and which superpower I wish I had.
Videos & Live Events
The Quarantine Book Club : Author Spotlight
Lainey on the real life inspiration behind the book.
Story Mantra sharing the secrets behind publishing business, with Anju Gattani (3 part series)
Part 1: Lainey chats with Anju & Lindsey about her path to publication, querying, rejection and releasing during a pandemic.
Part 2: Lainey shares thoughts on marketing, PR, Author Branding, Social Media & Time Management.
Part 3: Lainey talks about how those most anticipated and best-seller lists really work.
The 2020 Quarantine Book Club Book Club Discussion about The Exit Strategy
Tell Me Your Secrets - Live Interview
Lainey and Kerry Anne King chat about how much of the book is inspired by real life, and her publication journey (130+ rejections - what?)
Beyond the Book: The Julie Chan Show
Lainey chats about sexism, her mom, how her pen name affected her marriage, and the story behind the book, The Exit Strategy.
Books on the Subway: A Conversation with 2020 Debut Authors
Lainey and 7 other debuts, including discuss the writing process and each of our inspiration.
Between The Covers TV show with Stephanie Larkin
5 minute Reads: Lainey reading from the opening chapter of The Exit Strategy as part of the Debut 2020s new live series
#Bookstagram Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟- F I V E stars!
You know the story you have always wanted to hear... of two women wronged by the same guy, but they realize that he is the problem and realize they were both the victims? YOU GOT IT NOW in Lainey Camerons’ PHENOMENAL debut The Exit Strategy. I am so in love with this novel, these women, and the woman who wrote it! The emotions felt throughout this book were gut wrenching at times, but it is exactly as it should be! The writing is wonderful and the characters come to life effortlessly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book. Women supporting women. Ryn and Carly both learn from each other. Everyone needs a friend like Carly. She’s ridiculously resilient, sweet and amazing.
There is also a #MeToo aspect to this book and I friggin’ loved it. It’s a pipe dream but I hope every day things like it happen.
The Exit Strategy was everything you can ever ask for in a book! Words can not truly describe how amazing this book is! The plot is filled with emotional twists and turns that leave you in awe! You can not help but to fall in love with the characters!
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Ryn finds out her husband has been cheating on her. When she confronts her husband’s mistress, she finds herself in a tangled web of lies that keeps getting deeper and deeper. As her personal life falls apart, Rynmust deal with her sexist boss, and the “boys club” mentality that is rampant in her profession. ⠀
Ryn finds an unexpected ally to help her through both. ⠀
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I loved the powerful message in the book, women supporting women, even in the gravest of circumstances. Ryn’s courage to befriend Carley, and to stand up to the men in her life that wronged her, and other women was so courageous. ⠀
This book addresses the inequalities of executive women in the workplace. It’s time that this attitude and behavior changes, and Exit Strategy promotes this.
This was a wonderful fiction thriller that spotlights a real world problem. The Exit Strategy is a must read! ⠀
This is the author’s debut novel and I must say it definitely hit the mark! I thought at first it’ll be about the battle of the women: wife vs mistress, silicon valley style. But, surprise surprise! None of that catfight!!! Instead, it gives us 2 strong-willed women who despite their unfortunate circumstances, forged an unlikely bond to prevail upon the obstacles they face both in their personal and professional lives. It was so uplifting to read about this girl-power friendship - a refreshing change especially with what’s happening nowadays. Instead of succumbing to rivalry and pulling each other down, they CHOSE to help one another!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @lainey_cameron also deftly described the behind-the-scenes of the venture capitalist world, making it an addicting and enjoyable read. If you want to be inspired by female empowerment/me too movement/sisterhood/success story, then this book is for you. Rating:🔖🔖🔖🔖/5
The Exit Strategy by @lainey_cameron was such an empowering and inspiring read. Here is my 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #bookreview
After I’ve read the synopsis I knew this book would be good but it exceeded my expectations. I’ve appreciated how mature and relatable are these characters. Ryn and Carly show the reader how two scorned women can overcome any rivalry, disagreement, grudge and fallout being smart, united and helping each other. On the contrary, I think I’ve never hated a character as much as I hated Tod, I would have kicked him in the nuts if he was real.
I recommend to read this story to every woman who needs a boost of Girl Power.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s a story that will have you rooting for this friendship by the end and wanting to punch Todd in the damn head.
With great friends that back you up, you can accomplish anything, be the person you want and strive to be.
This story also reaches sexism in the workplace “yes” even today it is still going on ,but more woman have a voice now and speak out then before , due to things like the #metoo movement and slowly things can and will be done about it.
If you haven’t read this yet, what are you waiting for??
I also want to thank the #bookishladiesclub for including me in this awesome #buddyread
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Exit Strategy is an amazing debut. Nothing makes me happier than reading about badass women! Especially two women who are able to form a friendship in spite of the crappy cards they were handed. (I mean could you be friends with the woman who was sleeping with your husband?!). The Exit Strategy was definitely the captivating story I’ve been looking for.
I really enjoyed reading about the friendship between Ryn and Carly. A fast paced page-turner you really don’t want to miss! This one is out now!
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What would you do if you found out your husband was cheating on you? Now what would you do if you found out you were about to fund his mistress' company and she was headed to your office to pitch her project?
That's how this book started out. Way to get my attention right from the start! I was furious for Ryn. I couldn't imagine being in her shoes.
Then we meet Carly and realize that she had NO idea and that she had been duped as well. Once she and Ryn talked, they both realized that he was the bad guy, and they both needed to get rid of him.
They stood together against Todd and all of his deceit. It was fabulous to see! They should have been mortal enemies and instead they chose to stick together. They got through Todd's mess, harassment from male bosses, and so much more. Cheers to Ryn and Carly!
It's better to have loved and lost... than to live with the psycho for the rest of your life. 🤣 Too true!
This book is fantastic!
Drawing on her past experience as a tech industry executive, Lainey has written a bingeworthy read that celebrates survival, motherhood, friendship, self-confidence, and brave women who put aside their differences and lift each other up, even in the face of betrayal.
I can't say enough great things about this book. The pacing was excellent, Lainey's knowledge of the tech industry shone through, and I absolutely loved Ryn and Carly, as well as the friendship, balance, and support they provided each other as they navigated their professional partnership and personal friendship. As Ryn says early in the book, shortly after she discovers her husband's infidelity and slings insults at Carly over the phone, "She (Ryn) had behaved no better than those crass movies she loathed, where two women debased themselves waging war over a man who deserved neither of them," and I loved that Cameron brought these two women together so that they could evolve into the best and strongest versions of themselves.
Additionally, I loved the supporting characters and how they furthered the development of Ryn and Carly. And have I mentioned my absolute love for another pivotal character in this story: Nutella?!? From cookies to lattes, Ryn is a Nutella addict, and after reading this, I had to eat some myself because I was absolutely craving it! After trying it for the first time about 15 years ago, when I was traveling through Europe with one of my best friends, I fell in love with this amazing chocolate hazelnut spread, and my kids and husbands are both big fans of it, too! So word to the wise: Before you start reading this book, definitely make sure you have some nearby!
Carly and Ryn are the antithesis to the helpless woman and instead they did not wallow and are inspirations to working women who will not back down, will not be intimidated or bullied and at the same time, are supporting other women. This working mom appreciates these characters so much!!! Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @lainey_cameron for my gifted copy and for having me on this tour. Back to work! -CD
How would you feel if you were at the top of your game, had almost everything you could always dream of, then BAM you meet your husband’s mistress whom he’s currently engaged to?
Ryn Brennan has it all - the job in Silicon Valley, the husband that supports her dreams and then she meets the fiancé of her husband. Yes, I said fiancé of her husband.
Carly doesn’t have the picture perfect world that Ryn has. She used to be a runaway but got her life together to get an education and start a company of her own and every company needs investors to help them get off the ground.
What kind of crazy karma is it that Carly’s biggest investor is her fiancé’s wife, Ryn. Yes, I said wife.
I know personally there is no way I could work together with the woman my husband is cheating with behind my back AND to help her become successful at that? Oh hell no! Haha.
Without giving away too much, I feel this book is a situation that you need to experience for yourself. The writing is superb, the feelings feel real and raw. You’ll keep wanting more page after page.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed Cameron's writing style and the complex multi-dimensional characters. It was empowering to read about women supporting each other as opposed to tearing each other down, and coming together for the greater good. The novel is poignant and timely. When we rise together, we are unstoppable. A wonderful debut novel! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️