Reviewer
Joanne "Jo" Mercer
Divorce mediator (retired) · 4,000+ couples · 25 years, 3 states
Jo mediated family-law disputes in Texas, California, and New Mexico for 25 years before retiring in 2024. She sat across the table from more than four thousand couples in varying states of dissolution and can identify the paragraph in a relationship book where the author stopped writing for the reader and started writing for the sale. Since 2024 she has read more than 60 relationship, dating, and ex-back programs in full — not skimming — to write the reviews on this site. She flags every subscription auto-enroll, every upsell sequence, and every moment when "empowerment" language slides into teaching one person to manage another without their knowledge. She is not a therapist and will tell you plainly when a situation calls for one rather than a $47 PDF. She reads "get him back" products with the eye she used to read a custody filing: looking for the clause that would harm someone.
How Joanne reviews
I read every program I review from start to finish before writing a word of the verdict. I run each product through what I call the custody-filing screen: if any paragraph would concern me in a mediation context — because it normalizes control, dismisses stated limits, or teaches one person to manage another's emotions covertly — I say so plainly in the review. I flag subscription auto-enrolls and upsell sequences before the verdict, not buried in a footnote. When a situation is beyond what a program can address I say so and link to a real resource. I do not score a product higher because the affiliate commission is higher.
71 reviews on the desk
Reviews by Joanne
300 Creative Dates
Budget couples who want a quick-reference list of low-cost date ideas
His Secret Obsession
Women in a long-term relationship that has gone quiet, who want a clear picture of what's happening before they decide what to do
Popping The Question
People who want to propose but feel stuck on an original idea
1000 Questions For Couples
Newer couples who want a low-pressure way to learn about each other beyond surface chat
500 Intimate Questions for Couples
Long-term couples who want a structured, low-pressure way to reconnect
That's Not How Men Work
Women who want a structured, empathetic framework for understanding male communication
The Ex Factor 2.0
People recently broken up who want a clear plan to avoid common mistakes
Blow by Blow
Couples in a healthy, communicative relationship who want new techniques in order
Jack's BJ Lessons
Adults in a healthy, communicative relationship who want to learn new skills
LASO Hypnosis
People who found meditation apps too effortful and want a passive, just-listen option
Rewind Your Romance
Women who want a structured, all-in-one workbook with the exercises laid out in order.
Save The Marriage System
Couples where both partners want to work but keep having the same fight
Stroke by Stroke
Beginners who want techniques in order without searching the internet
Beat The Breakup
People new to breakup recovery who want a structured, video-led plan
Grandma's Subtle Secrets
Women in a stable relationship who want a structured refresher on communication and attraction
Language of Desire
Women in stable, respectful relationships who want structured words for sexual desire.
Make Him Worship You
Women in stable relationships who want a clear way to improve communication
Master Your OCD From Home
People with mild to moderate OCD who want a structured, self-paced intro to CBT and ERP
Mend The Marriage
Couples who are both still invested but stuck in a communication rut and want a structured way to talk
Pleasure Principle
Women in stable, long-term relationships who want a structured way to try new communication approaches
Relationship Rewrite
Women thinking about reaching out to an ex who want a structured plan first
Respark The Romance
Couples who feel a little distant and want a structured, low-pressure way to reconnect over a month
Say This To Men
Women who want plain, ready-to-use communication scripts they can try right away.
Talking Dirty Secrets
Couples new to verbal intimacy who want a low-stakes, structured introduction