How Do You Get Over Your (Best Friend's) Ex by Kristi McManus

ABOUT THE BOOK

Falling in love isn’t complicated . . . unless it’s with your best friend’s ex.

Hannah Taylor has lived in her best friend Braelyn’s shadow all through high school. But when she meets Seth, the handsome and charming newcomer, she wonders if, for once, she might finally be in the spotlight. Until Braelyn and Seth meet, and Brae sweeps his attention away as only she can. Hannah is left to watch the first boy she’s ever truly liked date not only someone else, but her best friend.

When Seth unexpectedly breaks up with Brae months later, Hannah vows to help her friend get over the breakup while secretly trying to move on from Seth once and for all. Because even though Seth is no longer dating Brae, you never, ever date your best friend’s ex. But getting over Seth is easier said than done when Hannah learns that she was the reason for the breakup, and Seth may like her back.

MY REVIEW

This book is tagged as a YA romance, but it’s more about Hannah and Braelyn’s friendship. I appreciated the realistic portrayal of teenage girls dealing with the trials of young love, loyalty, and self-discovery.

Hannah’s internal conflict between her feelings for Seth and her loyalty to Braelyn is described as awkward and truthful, and I empathized with Hannah’s predicament. The author truly captures the essence of teenage angst caused by complications of a love triangle and unrequited love.

Brae is the quintessential mean girl drama queen who doesn’t grow significantly but does come around after all the sacrifices Hannah has made in the name of friendship.

Hannah’s character development is the greatest as she grows from a doormat to expressing what she wants and finally choosing her happiness over others.

Seth is charming and clueless about the female psyche, as teenage boys are. He’s sweet and gives Hannah space when she needs it.

I recommend this sweet fast read for those who enjoy authentic emotional reads in a young adult setting.

Thank you to Ms. McManus for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

BUY THE BOOK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristi McManus is a Registered Nurse by trade, but avid reader and enthusiastic book lover all her life. Her debut novel, Our Vengeful Souls, was released Summer 2023 by CamCat Books, with her follow up novel, How to Get Over Your (Best Friend’s) Ex, coming Summer 2024. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys photography, art, and considers napping to be a form of cardio. She lives in Toronto with her husband.