I can’t borrow him.He’s not a sweater or a skirt.He’s not even her favorite dress—the lucky one she wears on first dates. The one she probably wore on her first date with him.In my defense, I didn’t know who he was. To me, he was a cool, calm, confident stranger. He was perfection for the entire hour and a half train ride while the concrete jungle turned into a rolling green landscape.To an … landscape.
To an outsider, we probably appeared more friends than hopeful lovers. But my blush came quickly, and his dimples indented with every smile. We definitely shared a spark of what could be.
Too bad I didn’t know who he was before I fell for him, because he can’t be mine.
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Do you ever read books that just slightly don’t work for you but you try to justify it to yourself because you like the author? This was one of those books for me. I wanted to like it and I tried to justify the characters behaviours I didn’t like but in the end I just had to give it up.
I liked Blanca ………. for a while. She was this strong, independent young lady who quit the job she hated to chase her dreams. She reconnected with a childhood friend and was living the life she wanted. Then she just annoyed me with her weak choices when it came to Ethan.
The first meeting between Blanca and Ethan was great and I felt the instant attraction. But I wanted him to be less wishy washy. Because omg did he run hot and cold worse than a teenage girl and I wanted my own set of rusty scissors. He drove me nuts and Blanca was just too accommodating for a woman with a backbone.
But all that said, it’s Piper Rayne and the writing was good. The next book is so well set up and I am really excited to read it. This one just wasn’t the one for me.
Piper Rayne has done it again in the start of looks to be another amazing series. If you read their White Collar series, then you are already familiar with the baby sister of that family – Blanca Mancini. In this new series, we will get to find Blanca and her friends finding love. If you haven’t read that series, then it’s totally fine but if you are like me you’ll love the Mancini brothers so much you’ll want to go read their books.
Blanca is making a change in her life. She runs into a best friend from childhood Sierra and when they reconnect she tells her they need a roommate. Blanca jumps in to the new apartment and her new job.
The day before starting her new job, she meets this cute guy on the train ride home from Sunday dinner with the Mancini’s. She doesn’t learn is name but they are both intrigued by each other. When she gets to work on Monday, she runs into the cute guy which is Ethan. They are attracted to each other, amazing chemistry and start dating. Of course we can’t just have a happily ever after that easy though can we? LOL! Blanca finds out later on that Ethan is her best friend’s ex. So they split up.
I really enjoyed this story. I love Blanca and Ethan together. I love how she pushes Ethan into areas he’s not comfortable with but he can’t not do because he’s so attracted to Blanca. Also Ethan helps Blanca out and encourages her to pursue some of her wants and dreams. Then of course we get to hear from the Mancini family and I love that.
I’m looking forward to what we have coming with the next book in this series with Sierra.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Blanca Mancini is ready for a change and when her childhood best friend, Sierra Sanders, offers her a new start living in Clifton Heights she jumps on the chance. Now she has a new job and is happy with the stranger that she met on the train one night coming back from the city.
But how was Bianca to know that this man who charmed her and made her laugh was actually the evil ex of her best friend Sierra?
Now Sierra must decide where her loyalties lay – with her best friend or with herself!
This is another awesome book from Piper Rayne and I love resding these books so much!! There is so much laughter in them but also there is a more sensitive side that can tackle difficult subjects.
Bianca is awesome which we knew was coming because of how great her brothers are. I loved that she was always hitting everyone just because that was what she was used to doing with her brothers. Bianca was loyal to her friends and before everything fell apart I loved that she was loyal to both Sierra and Ethan.
Ethan Ryland was a great character who was running from his past and ashamed of it so much that he closed himself off to that side of him and never let anyone get close to him. I did understand that as sometimes although you love your family it’s hard to forgive them for past mistakes that in turn hurt you.
I loved the attraction between Ethan and Bianca from the moment they met on the train and then when they discovered that they would actually be working together. I knew why Ethan was hesitant to get involved with anyone he worked with but he was so hot and cold with Bianca and he was super lucky that she was quite easy going.
You knew that something was going to happen for the pieces to fall together and a huge blow up was coming. When Ethan realized everything right before everyone else he was just in shock and knew it wasn’t going to be good. I kind of felt bad for Dylan as he had been so close to putting it all together but hadn’t yet. Since no names were ever mentioned I couldn’t fault Bianca at all and I felt horrible for her.
The family lunch was awesome and i was glad that Ethan got some good solid advice from Bianca’s brothers. The events after were so sad and I know having grandparents with Alzheimer’s how difficult these events can be. At that moment I felt so bad for Ethan as he felt like he had lost more of his father and also Bianca.
I was super proud of Ethan for his conversation with Sierra and everyone figuring everything out so that they could all be happy and have no animosity over their heads!!
The end was awesome and I loved getting a look at what’s coming next!!
OHMIGOSH! This might be my new favorite Piper Rayne book! I mean, I’ve been dying for Blanca’s book but this blew me out of the water!
Ethan & Blanca are so swoony and sweet and I just love their banter! These two just drew me in from the first page, although I was a bit nervous with the prologue because this is definitely a tough situation for them. I loved watching them navigate their feelings and figure out how to get that HEA.
This is an amazing start of a series. I can’t decided whose book I’m most excited for because this group of characters is going to give us all the feels!
Absolutely wonderful book!!! I love Bianca and Ethan! Such a great story!! Can’t wait to see what happens with the rest of the crew!!!
I loved the Rooftop Crew! White Collar Series is where we first got to meet Blanca and her family. I was so excited to finally get my hands on My Besties Ex to finally get Blancas story! It did not disappoint, it was fun, exciting, and everything you could want out of a sweet forbidden romance. In My Besties’s Ex not only are we getting Blancas story but it also introduces her roommates and the Hot fun guys from across the hall. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it! I really fell for Blanca and Ethan and hope you do as well! I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reading this arc, but I loved it so much I purchased my own copy!
My Bestie’s Ex kicks off a new series from Piper Rayne. As a fan of this author duo I had previously been introduced to Blanca in the last series. I loved the guys of the White Collar Brothers series and was excited for their little sister to get a book. And now that I’ve gotten it I found that I liked it.
I liked the way that this book was a combination of romance tropes. It was a best friend’s ex book as was clear from the title, but also a work place romance. I liked the way the best friend’s ex aspect was handled as far as their intro and initial getting to know each other. I also liked the banter and chemistry that came from their working relationship.
While I can’t say that this book is my favorite of Piper Rayne’s books, it was still really well written and had good characters. Overall it was pretty good and I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up their next book.
Meeting The Rooftop Crew was like meeting my own set of friends as they’re a colorful and tight-knit group who’ve recently added one new member to their crew as a young woman decides to start over with a new job and a new place to live. She also starts off with an unexpected romance with the stranger she met on the train and who has a surprising past with her roommate that leads to all sorts of complications and hard truths.
Readers got to know a bit about Blanca Mancini when Ms. Rayne shared her three brother’s stories in a previous trilogy that charmed readers and showed the close connection these siblings have. While Blanca loves her family and appreciates their protectiveness, she’s ready to go out on her own. After quitting her job it’s a fortuitous meeting with her one—time friend that has her moving into the apartment complex inhabited by The Rooftop Crew which brings her new friends and a support system that feels like family. It also brings her a bit of heartache once she discovers that her new love is the ex-boyfriend of her roommate which has her making a difficult and frustrating decision. Blanca’s an immensely appealing heroine with a big heart. Her and her friend pick up right where they left off all those years ago and I admired how good of a friend she was when her heart was put on the line. She’s a smart and sassy heroine, giving as good as she got, and I enjoyed the fun and flirty interactions between her and Ethan. She and Ethan were crackling together and though they came from very different families they felt perfect together. Throughout most of the story they put a smile on my face but a small hiccup late in the story had me wanting to scream but happy that things were resolved quickly.
Ethan had a rough childhood, one where he ended up being the man of the house at an early age and sacrificing much for his sister, while his mother worked endlessly and his father drank. He’s risen above all that though, ready to leave his mark on the world, and is a bit embarrassed by his past which he keeps hidden. It makes him seem closed-off when it comes to getting closer to others and doomed his previous relationship with Sierra. Blanca’s different though and from the moment they meet there’s a definite sizzle. Fun and flirty interactions soon lead to more as they both start envisioning a future together…at least until his true identity comes out and Sierra offers an ultimatum. Ethan’s a true charmer, a great cook and kisser, who’s quick to form connections with his fellow train passengers. He’s funny but clearly has anger over his father’s past actions and current prognosis and I just wanted to hug him. When it came time to fight for Blanca he did just that in scenes where he endeared himself to her brothers while finally dealing with Sierra once and for all after her constant trash talk of him. He manned-up and it had me cheering him on every step of the way.
This was a quick and entertaining romance of coworkers who take a crackling journey to HEA. Their interactions put a smile on my face while providing a blush or two along the way courtesy of Ethan’s shameless flirtations. Add in the complication of his and Sierra’s past and readers will find bits of frustration here too that put Sierra in a bad light in my opinion. Along with a likable main couple who are delightful together, with a romance worth fighting for, comes an equally memorable cast of secondary characters. First up are Blanca’s brothers whose stories were told in The White Collar Brothers series where readers first fell in love with them and I enjoyed getting an update on each as they were all still in love with their well-matched heroines. When it came to The Rooftop Crew I found myself drawn to almost all of them. I could see myself in good girl Rian and am hoping that bad boy Dylan notices her obvious feelings for him soon. Then there’s bagel boy Seth and his war with another bagel maker that I hope to see play out soon. Add in police officer Knox, who’s quietly commanding, and I have yet another reason to look forward to the future. The one weak link for me was Sierra. I found her a bit manipulative when it came to Blanca trying to be a good friend and as she tried to look like a victim with her feelings of abandonment that have her flitting from one guy to another. When it came to Ethan she made him out to be the bad guy when it was her who was equally at fault. Her obsession with a foreign prince feels a bit over-the-top too but it fuels the next book in this series and is definitely a unique set-up for romance. Readers looking for witty banter and sweet and sensual encounters will want to grab this series as The Rooftop Crew starts to feel more like family.
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the new Rooftop Crew series. I can tell you already I’m going to really love this series. I want to get to know the rest of the crew. Don’t know how I can be patient. Now this book we have Bianca which we have met before in her brothers’ books. I may have let out a little squee with their little cameo. I loved Bianca. Her and Ethan will have you gobbling up this book. You can feel their instant connection. I thought their dates/outings were super sweet and some of my favorite parts of the book. Bianca is going to find herself between a rock and a hard place. That was an interesting twist that I don’t read too often. We learn there are many layers when it comes to Ethan. His back story hit me in the heart and if anyone deserves a HEA it’s him. This kicked off the series with a bang and I’m really looking forward to more from this series.
I enjoyed this a lot overall. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars. This review is for an ARC, and reflects my honest opinion.
Blanca was a great character in the White Collar Brothers series, so I was excited she was getting her own book. I loved the back and forth banter between her and Ethan. While I did enjoy this, I felt like I didn’t get as invested in this couple as I normally do with Piper Rayne’s books. I loved both individually, but there were some struggles with the progression of their relationship; I won’t spoil anything, but it didn’t flow as well as I thought it would.
While I liked Ethan, but he wasn’t my favorite hero from this duo. Although he got major points for being an amazing cook, and writer. I wanted to see more of him working on his issues that were brought up, but in the end, I think he can conquer anything with Blanca by his side.
Also I would have liked to see more of Blanca’s family. The Mancini clan was amazing as usual. I liked some of the side characters (Dylan, Seth, and Rian to name a few), but there were a couple that we didn’t really get to know well, or that I didn’t like. Sierra was one I was pretty meh about, so it’ll be interesting seeing more of her in upcoming books. I would actually like this to be an extended series, or have another spin-off trilogy, because I’d like to see the love stories for everyone.
But yet another great read by these ladies! Iv been patiently waiting for Blancas story and it didn’t disappoint. I was a little wary about Ethan at first but quickly came to love him. Drama. Steam. And some more drama. I really liked both characters and the connection between them. Specially loved brining in all the new characters but still keeping ones we know and love. Looking forward to seeing what happens next with them and the roof top gang!
After reading a number of Piper Rayne’s books and series, I always look forward to their new releases. My Bestie’s Ex is the first book in the new Rooftop Crew series and features Blanca Mancini, the younger sister of the Mancini brothers from the White Collar Brothers.
Blanca and Ethan are attracted to each other from their first meeting, but don’t know that he is the ex of the best friend she recently reconnected and moved in with. While that is certainly a conflict, the whole story isn’t reliant on it. There are issues that the characters have outside of it that drive the plot as well. I liked getting to see them in the workplace together too.
As always, I am impressed by Piper Rayne’s ability to make you invested in both the couple the book is about in addition to the secondary characters. I am really looking forward to the rest of this series and seeing what’s next for all of the Rooftop Crew.
Thank you to the authors for providing an ARC for an honest review.
I’ve only read one other Piper Rayne book before this one, and I’m wondering why I haven’t read more as My Bestie’s Ex was a truly fun and entertaining book! Blanca and Ethan had just a fabulous chemistry from that first moment they met on the train, and no matter what they said about keeping it friendly after they discovered the next day that they were coworkers – there was no way they could be just friends. Obviously, things get a little complicated when they discover the mutual connection they have – and it threatens their relationship. Blanca is torn between continuing the relationship or sticking with the girl code of not dating your friend’s ex……but Ethan knows that the feelings he has for Blanca is anything like he’s ever known, and he doesn’t want to give that up.
Really enjoyed all the fun and humorous banter between Ethan and Blanca, along with all the other members of the Rooftop crew. I can’t wait to get my hands on their stories next, because they definitely need to be told!! And after that epilogue – I’m super curious as to how Sierra’s story goes, because she wasn’t my favorite of this group of friends, but I have a feeling I will love her by the end.
We all know that friends come before boy/girl friends. It’s the unwritten rule. We do not go where our best friends have already been. We know this and in most cases we 100% agree. But what happens when you meet someone, you have an instant connection and you really want to see where it goes but then you realise your best friend has already been there? Do you risk your friendship or do you call time on what could turn out to be your everything?
Blanca isn’t happy with her job so after deciding to quit, her life’s a little up in the air. Which makes it even more special when on her last day at work she bumps into her old childhood friend Sierra after not seeing her for years. When Sierra offers her the chance to move from Manhattan to Cliffton Heights and share an apartment with Seirra, Blanca jumps at the chance to rekindle their friendship. A chance meeting introduces Blanca to a guy who instantly has her attention and as things progress it becomes clear that things are not going to be as easy as she’d hoped. Her new man has secrets and some issues he’s trying to work through but he’s surprisingly easy to like.
I’m a huge fan of these authors and having read their previous books I’d already ‘met’ Blanca in their White Collar series. She’s a great character and after reading her book I think I love her even more. Her story is the first in Piper Raynes new Rooftop series and I can’t wait to get the others stories (especially Dylan. I need this guys book badly). Another good book from this duo that gets this new series off to a great start
My Bestie’s Ex by Piper Rayne is the first book in a brand new series, The Rooftop Crew . Book one in the series begins with Blanca Mancini, younger sister to the Mancini brothers whom you may remember from the White Collar Brothers series. This book was a departure from the city, but only a train-ride away, and a sweet and fun romance. Clearly setting the stage for more shenanigans to come. Blanca and Ethan’s story is funny and sweet and a little bit sexy and comes wrapped up in a neat little happy ending that sets the stage for the next book. A fun read, a quick visit with some favorites and a great start to this new leg of the journey. Enjoy!
The first book in a new series always sets the tone for what to expect, and Piper Rayne definitely didn’t drop the ball with this one!
Ethan is unlike most heroes we come across in romance novels. He doesn’t have his life all figured out, he isn’t without struggles and personal demons, and he can be unsure and full of self-doubt at times. He really is trying to balance his life by following the rules he’s set for himself and breaking as few of them as possible to achieve his goals. The problem is, he’s irresistible. He’s funny, sexy, charming, and can cook. And as much as that makes him sound like the perfect guy, he’s definitely not perfect. He’s often his own worst enemy, his indecisiveness getting the better of him. Be patient. He’s worth the wait.
Blanca is amazing. If her name sounds familiar, it should if you’ve read any of the White Collar brothers series: she’s the younger sister of Enzo, Carm, and Dom Mancini (which, incidentally, you should read their stories because they’re full of amazingness). She’s instantly likable (must be the Mancini charm) and is fun, outgoing, and bold. She doesn’t play games and isn’t afraid to pursue what she wants, which in this case is Ethan.
Just like with every other Piper Rayne book I’ve devoured, I LOVED this one! There’s plenty of fun and heat, but it also tugs on the heartstrings and makes you re-evaluate your stance on a variety of topics. Ethan and Blanca have a connection from day one and it’s easy to fall for them as they fall (or try to resist falling) for each other. I love this group of friends and can’t wait to see more of them in this series. The next book is set up perfectly (as is in true Piper Rayne fashion) and I can’t wait to read it. If you’re in the mood to start a new series, I highly recommend this one.
My Bestie’s Ex is the beginning of the new series The Rooftop Crew by Piper Rayne which is told in the first-person point of view.
Blanca has just quit her job and is looking to start new when she runs into her best friend from high school that she has not seen in forever. When Sierra invites Blanca to come to move in with her and start fresh, Blanca jumps on the opportunity. On her way home from family dinner one Sunday night, Blanca meets Ethan on the train and his odd ways interest her. Ethan feels a pull when it comes to Blanca but when he realizes they are co-workers he says he can not date her. After realizing they can no longer fight the pull they have to each other Ethan and Blanca start to date only to find out the Blanca is Sierra’s best friend and Ethan is Sierra’s ex-boyfriend. Blanca takes the side of her best friend but Ethan is determined to get Blanca back.
My Bestie’s Ex is my first novel by Piper Rayne. I liked how Ethan’s softer side showed when it was just him and Blanca together as it was made to seem like Ethan was bossy and non-romantic. I enjoyed My Bestie’s Ex and feel that it was a great introduction to the crew and I am looking forward to the continuation of The Rooftop Crew series to see the growth of Ethan and Blanca’s relationship and getting to know all of their friends better.
I was provided with an arc of this novel for my honest review
Piper Rayne is an author (or “they” since they are a duo) that has always something on the sleeves. This trope about the best friend’ ex seems that it cannot bring something new, but in the end they bring to the table a sensitive book that shows the characters as not young adults but as people.
Blanca and Ethan are indeed young and ambitious, they met in the subway returning home and know little about each other. In the next day, they found out that they are working together and slowly develop feelings for each other. However, there is always a dramatic twist! I tell you what, the twist is not about the best friend and how is her reaction… The twist is about them, as humans, their feelings for their family and each other. In fact, Ethan is an interesting character and has many layers that are worth your reading.
This book is great!!!
My Bestie’s Ex is the first book in a new series by Piper Rayne, and if the rest are even half as good The Rooftop Crew will be my new favorite series!
For anyone who has read the White Collar Brothers series, you’ve gotten glimpses of Blanca Mancini. We now have her story, and it’s even better than I hoped. Also, if you thought her brothers were hot just wait – I have a serious girl crush on her right now! Confident & sexy but still reserved, Blanca is going after what she wants and starting a new life for herself. New town, new job, new friends – and a hot coworker she’s insanely attracted to.
Ethan is working his way towards his dream career in journalism, and won’t let anything get in his way. Especially the new writer his magazine just hired to write opposite him. But even his rule of never dating a coworker can’t stop the pull between them, and no matter how hard he tries he can’t deny how much he wants Blanca.
“He kisses like he banters. A little bit of flirting and teasing with a heavy dose of swagger that some might misinterpret as arrogance.”
I can’t even begin to explain how much I adored these characters! They had off the charts chemistry, the kind even I could feel through the pages. I couldn’t get enough of their flirty banter, and I devoured their story. It’s fun and sexy, with plenty of laugh out loud moments weaved in seamlessly with panty-melting ones.
And even better than my new favorite couple? Their friends! Piper Rayne flawlessly made me fall in love with Ethan & Blanca, while also building up the excitement for the rest of the series. This new crew is amazing, and I am so intrigued and ready for each of their stories!
I’m so excited to start the Rooftop Crew series and I have to say, Piper Rayne did not disappoint! My Besties Ex is the story of Blanca and Ethan, who meet on the train home one Sunday night and their paths continue to cross. I really enjoyed watching their relationship grown and develop and how they just could not deny their attraction to each other…that is until the bottom fell out due to Blanca’s bestie. Blanca and Ethan’s story was full of funny moments, drama and sexiness that was off the charts HOT. I could not put this book down and I’m SO looking forward to reading the entire series!