At the heart of "The Exes" lies the complex dynamic between exes reunited by music. Lilly, the songwriter, and Hank, the guitarist, initiated the band as a PR move, but as their music resonates with audiences, old feelings resurface, blurring the lines between performance and genuine emotion. The novel dives deep into the question of whether love can truly be rekindled or if some flames are better left extinguished.

As "The Exes" skyrocket to fame, the band members grapple with the intoxicating, yet often destructive, nature of celebrity. Personal lives become public fodder, relationships are tested under the spotlight's glare, and the pursuit of artistic integrity clashes with the demands of a fickle music industry. Kennedy masterfully portrays the allure and danger of fame, exposing its potential to both fulfill and corrupt.

Music serves as a potent catalyst throughout the novel, acting as a conduit for emotional expression, a bridge between the past and present, and a platform for vulnerability and connection. Through the characters' shared passion for music, "The Exes" highlights the universal language it speaks, capable of healing old wounds, igniting new passions, and ultimately binding individuals together despite their complex histories.