I have mixed feelings about this book. At times it was so slow, I felt like putting it down. However, having main characters dealing with being unhoused while others reveal sexual orientations that are outside the typical lesbian, gay or bi character was nice.

Caleb and Emma were inseparable, until they suddenly didn't talk anymore. When the new student, Juliet, catches both of their eyes, that all changes. The two ex-best friends are forced to spend time together as they attempt to woo their beautiful new friend and they begin to wonder if Juliet is really what they want after all.
This book is a cute YA romance, and it's full of LGBTQIA+ rep, which was amazing and well-written. The budding romance is very sweet, but I actually enjoyed the found family aspect more. Amidst the teenage angst, awful friends and worse parents, this group of friends comes together and finds love and acceptance. It was a healing journey for a few of them, and it was beautiful to read. I loved watching Caleb and Emma reconnect, and find a way to heal together. Even as they bickered, their care for each other came through in every interaction.
It was so nice to see a sweet story about queer youth and I'm glad stories like this one are becoming more popular. This book heavily celebrates friendship, as well, not just the romance also taking place on the page. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I can't wait to see what else the author has up their sleeves.

Well, I got to the end. I almost DNFed multiple times but I powered through.

There were a lot of things that irked me in this book. For one thing, there is a... plot twist, let's say, that I was afraid was coming, and it sure did. I think my biggest problem was that every single one of these characters felt like stock characters who never really got developed into whole people. This book tries to mix serious topics with comic relief, and while I do think that some of the themes are important to discuss, I didn't feel that they were handled in a nuanced way. The friends were supportive but otherwise uncharming, while the antagonists were almost cartoonishly evil. The humor was a total miss for me. There is also a non-graphic intimate scene in here that made me cringe so hard I had to skim ahead. It felt so wildly out of place with the tone of the rest of the book. Then again, the tone was all over the place. Lastly, in the early edition I read, the flashback scenes are in 3rd person past tense, while the rest of the book is in first person present. WHY. It jarred me out of the story every single time.

That said, there was a scene in here that was so kind and lovely that it made me cry. While the central romance plot did very little for me, the way that this book acknowledges that parents aren't always reliable, loving, stable, or even safe made me feel many feelings. Perhaps it's that I know so many people who have painful relationships with their parents to the point that they have had to cut them out of their lives. Emma's relationship with her mom and sister really brought some things up for me.

Tl;dr, this book didn't work for me, but it may contain some acknowledgement that will make some readers feel seen, and if bubblewrapping those moments in rom com mayhem is how that message finds its audience, great. This was a real roller coaster for me, obviously. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this as an ARC. My rambling ambivalence is my own.

Caleb and Emma are ex-best friends. They went from spending every moment of their lives together to never speaking. When they both end up crushing on the new kid, Juliet, they decide to compete for her affections. But it backfires majorly when all their interactions cause old feelings to stir up again and things end up in a totally different place than they expected.

There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this book, the number one thing being the representation. It's just so nice to see all kinds of queerness represented in a book and see everyone be accepted for exactly who they are. I also loved the friendships and the relationship Caleb's mom had with Caleb and Emma. This book tackles a lot of different parental relationships, and I loved that these two had at least one adult who loved them unconditionally.

With that said, it did take me a while to get into the story. At first, it felt like the writing was trying to hard and it took a bit of time for it to really find its stride. But a few chapters in, it felt like things settled and I started enjoying the story. I think it just felt a little off to me because the characters felt stereotypical in a way. Like Juliet felt like a typical rom-com lead. She was bubbly, clumsy, self-deprecating and a bit of a loner with a heart of gold. Emma and Caleb were just complete opposites who fit into the mold of a grumpy/sunshine pairing. It felt like they were lacking substance at first, but once they started interacting more with each other, it got a lot better for me.

Overall, I did like this book and though it didn't quite hit the same level as They Hate Each Other did, it's still a fun rom-com that touches on some heavy topics but doesn't delve too deep into the darkness. I enjoyed this opposites attract, ex-best friends to lovers story and I look forward to what the author writes next!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguinteen for the e-arc!
This is such a perfect option for a summer romance read! Two friends, Emma and Caleb, have had a tumultuous friendship. When they both develop a crush on the same girl, Julie, a competition for her heart springs up. However, things take a bit of a twist when Julie seems to be more interested in hanging out with both of them.
This was a super cute story about friendship and love! Romantic triangles can be very hit or mess and I think this was done very well with keeping the characters connected without overdoing it. I feel like I could definitely see a teenager reading the story and feeling very connected to Emma and Caleb's story. Both of them are struggling with their own identities and emotions but both develop so much throughout the story.

A very solid ya romance! From the premise, I thought this would be a silly goofy time (which it was), but there are actually some darker subject matters explored in this. I liked the dual POV, I liked the flashbacks, and I liked the way the competition was resolved. Some of the characters were a bit too quirky for me and I think "always and forever" is too commonly used to be impactful anymore, but nevertheless this was a great read! I will definitely be checking out the author's first release.

I read this book early through NetGalley.

Exes & Foes by Amanda Woody is a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep you hooked from the very first page. This delightful novel skillfully combines witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and genuine emotional depth, creating a compelling and entertaining reading experience.
I devoured this novel and I’m now I’m going back to read her debut novel They Hate Each Other!

Thank You NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This was a book that I wasn't so sure if I would like it. I think it was a pretty cute story. I mean nothing amazing. I thought the writing was pretty good as well.

My thanks to NetGalley and Viking/Penguin Random House for the ARC of 'Exes & Foes' in exchange for an honest review.
Even if the journey of the love story here is as inevitable as the sun coming up each morning, you won't find a sweeter, more heartfelt YA romantic triangle. It's loaded with hugs, tears, long overdue emotional showdowns and a sigh-worthy ending you can't wait to wallow in even if you knew it was coming anyway
Caleb and Emma, were lifelong best friends until something dire and unspoken split them apart in 8th grade. But yet their undeniable attraction and unspoken love for each other has continued to make them battling frenemies through high school . Caleb, gentle, gangly and easily bullied, still finds himself often protected by the fiesty, hot tempered Emma, whose reputation for not suffering fools (and bullies) gladly lands her in trouble over and over. Each of them copes with their parental woes....Caleb, from his indifferent divorced dad who can barely spare the time to meet him and Emma from her toxic mother, who's spent a lifetime belittling and denigrating her.
Now a new complication comes between them - they're both fallen hard for Juliet, the new girl in school who's almost criminally adorable.
They agree to engage in an all out competition for Juliet's heart, with the winner declared as the first one who kisses her..
The ongoing drama in Caleb and Emma's home life throws all kinds of bumps in the road for them, so readers should be prepared for multiple tender, "Awwwww" moments, right up through the final pages. No real surprises here, but if you can't resist a book that literally envelopes you with warm, fuzzy feelings, look no further.

I had mixed feelings about this book. For the first 100+ pages I was bored. Much of the dialogue felt really awkward and unrealistic, which put me off immediately. I also found all three main characters to be pretty annoying at first (Juliet, who repeatedly insisted "oh, I'm so annoying, haha!", Caleb, who appeared to have no backbone, and Emma, who couldn't seem to control herself and often resorted to violence). I almost DNFed the book. However, the narrative picks up after page 150 or so and I'm kind of glad I stuck with it. The romance element was pretty good, but it's the side relationships that really make this story sing. Emma's struggles with homelessness and her fraught relationships with her mother and sister carried the narrative. I was invested in what was going to happen to her, which is the main reason I kept reading. Caleb's relationship with his mother (and Emma's relationship with Caleb's mother) was so special and heartwarming. I also ended up loving the friendship group that formed around Juliet. With a ton of queer rep, mental health rep, and its message of unconditional acceptance, this book would be great for anyone who's struggled to fit in or who's ever felt unlovable.

The premise of this book was really cute. Caleb and Emma were lucky the plan of their competition didn’t blow up in anyone’s face. They had enough to deal with (ie: abusive parents). I loved the friend group that formed and every character within it. Thank you so much for net galley and this author for giving me this e-arc.

Thank you NetGalley for the aRC of Exes & Foes by Amanda Woody

I feel like the book is relatable for the reality teens are dealing with, mixed emotions form friends turned enemies but also the competition to win the girl, while I do not necessarily like that the treat Juliet , the girl both former best friends Emma and Caleb are interested I feel like that is reality for liking someone, as a side note I do love that the included a story line regarding the mom & a relationship that was scandalize at school because I do feel like these are reality life issues kids face love that the book is based on queer . bisexual relationships because 100% representation MATTERS this is the conversations and story's we should be having in rom-coms.

ARC REVIEW: Exes and Foes by Amanda Woody

Release Date: July 23, 2024
Genre: YA Romance (with Bi and Demi rep!)
Format: eBook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book # for 2024: #64

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

SYNOPSIS: Emma and Caleb are ex-best friends, who are both interested in the new student at their high school, Juliet. When they decide to hold a competitor for Juliet’s heart, they don’t expect to fall for each other instead.

MY THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed reading Amanda Woody’s debut, They Hate Each Other, last year, so I was super excited to have the opportunity to read an ARC of this book! I was not disappointed! I loved this book so much. The main characters. Caleb and Emma, are precious even if they’re oblivious to each other’s feelings towards the other.

This book also deals with some heavier topics. At the beginning of the book, Emma is essentially living in her car due to her toxic home life with her mother. Caleb’s dad basically comes in and out of his life when it’s convenient for him. The main trio deal with bullying as well.

I definitely recommend getting a copy of this book when it releases on Tuesday!!
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Q: What is a book that is releasing soon that you are looking forward to?
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#booksbooksbooks #arcreader #exesandfoes #amandawoody #netgalley #rainbowreads #ireadya #yaromance #ya #demirep #birepresentation

Unpopular opinion, but I wish this was either a single pov or added in snippets from Julia every now and then.

Overall this was a cute read.

there was a few things I didn’t like:
The competition over Juliet. I wish they would have talked to one another instead but I do understand they are teenagers so they aren’t as mature.
And I would have loved if there was more character development for the side characters.

I did love the ending, and despite the few things I didn’t like - I couldn’t put it down.

Overall, I would recommend.

Thank you for the arc!

What do you get when 3 queers walk into a cafeteria? This and more might be answered in this book. On the surface this is a cute Ya second chance romance. Under the surface the book inspires the reader to be themselves and not let other peoples judgement affect the way they act. Emma Caleb and Juliet are all great characters. Juliet was personally my favorite personality wise. I think the balance between the dual pov and flickered in flashbacks was done artfully. If you are looking for a cute read to get you out o feeling bad about yourself, or relationships around parent/chid relationships I would pick this up.

The quick cut: Two former best friends compete for the affection of the new girl at school.

A real review:
Thank you to Penguin Group for providing the arc for an honest review.

Friends come and go through life, but have you ever lost one on bad terms? For former best friends Caleb and Emma, that is very true after their falling out in middle school.

Caleb used to be best friends with Emma, but she's a consistent problem nowadays. When Caleb gets romantically interested in someone, Emma seemingly beats him there and wins their affection instead. He wishes she wasn't such a persistent presence in his life. Now they're both interested in the new girl at school named Juliet. To finally end their rivalry, they agree to compete for Juliet's love. Who will win?

This book was refreshingly cute, surprising, and enjoyable. I expected Juliet to play a bigger role than she did in the story, but was pleasantly surprised by the result! Caleb and Emma really are the heart of this story.

The chapters here feature alternating narrators in Caleb and Emma. In many ways, they are opposites that complement each other. That's definitely the reason why they fight so much (along with their childish parents).

Caleb is the kind of person who is type A in the way that he likes a clean organized environment and rules to be followed. He's on his own a lot, but gets along with his mother. His biggest wish is to have a real relationship with his father though. In many ways, it's his biggest blind spot.

Emma is a mess and has always been that way. She has a very negative relationship with her mother and really has never had a positive one with her at all. Honestly, I'm surprised that Emma is as strong and capable as she is. She's truly overcome so much to be where she's at. As impressive as that is, no one should have to endure that much emotional trauma.

Juliet at first comes off as flighty and slightly brainless, but she wins me over by the end. She's so much smarter than she appears and uses her appearance of being happy all the time to learn subtly about what's around her. Her role in the plot put a smile on my face (and made me wish she was my friend in real life!).

A cute romantic story with a twist.

My rating: 5 out of 5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

I was a huge fan of Amanda’s debut and this one showed all of her talents yet again. A bisexual love triangle where 2 ex best friends realize they are actually made for each other. I love those types of stories! The characters are lovable and easy to sympathize with. I always enjoy how Amanda writes romance. This is definitely a sophomore novel you will not want to miss!

This book had so much representation in it which is a big pro in a YA romance. I like the idea of it but the execution took too long to get into. I found some of the dialogue to be a bit cheesey and I think YA readers would see that as well. The book was better toward the end but I don’t know if all readers want to stick around for it.

Thank you NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read an ARC of Exes & Foes!

This book managed to be super cute while still talking about really hard conversations about how parents’ actions have a wide reaching and lasting impact on kids.

Juliet is the new girl in town and Caleb and Emma have huge crushes on her. Instead of asking her out, they take the most logical approach - they make a competition for her hand. There’re only a couple of problems though 1) Caleb and Emma had a massive falling out years ago and 2) they don’t tell Juliet they like her.

I had a hard time getting into this book, because the idea of having a competition where the winner gets the girl made me more uncomfortable than I was expecting when I went in. But I loved Amanda Woody’s debut, so I pushed through. And I’m glad I did! It helped a lot that the inherent creepiness of the competition was addressed on page and that while they wanted to date her, they were also really interested in being her friend.

The characters were all vibrant and had distinct personalities, wants, and goals. And that made reading this a lot of fun. Unfortunately this does mean I have to fight a lot of their parents and former friends (unfortunately because I’m about as good at fighting as Caleb is).

Overall if you like queer stories about found family, friendship, and falling in love and you don’t mind it coming with a supersized serving of bawling your eyes out, you should check this out.