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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If you are a fan of the tv show Friends, then you are going to like this book. The story centers around two main characters: Blanca Mancini and Ethan aka Sigmund Santiago.
Blanca comes from an Italian family with 3 older successful brothers who still see her as a child and stick their noses in her business a bit too much. To find her independence, she quits a job she hates, moves from NYC to the small town of Cliffton Heights. In Cliffton Heights, she moves into an apartment with childhood friend Sierra and her roommate Rian. She also gets a job at a small publication to pursue her desire to write thought-provoking articles. As she adjusts to her new life, Blanca learns that Sierra is still getting over her ex, Sigmund. Bringing up his name is a big no no, but it can’t always be avoided as his good buddies, Dylan, Sean and Kyle, live in the same apt building and remain friends with Sierra & Rian, which can be tricky. Blanca decides to concentrate on her new job and not the drama. Oh, if only it could be that simple.
Ethan is adjusting to life on his own because of a recent breakup with his girlfriend. He works for a small publication which he views as just a stepping stone to bigger things. He can’t see his guy friends as often as he used to because they live in his ex’s apt building, which is awkward. On top of that, he spends Sunday’s commuting to NYC to see his family, which is a challenge due to a very unhappy childhood. Life sucks for Ethan until a cute Italian brunette catches his eye on the train back to Cliffton Heights.
A flirty ride home turns into a fateful encounter as Blanca and Ethan navigate through a workplace romance, keeping their relationship on the down low until they see where it’s headed. All good plans come to an end when it is discovered that Ethan is actually Sierra’s ex Sigmund (a nickname). Blanca is stunned and can’t bring herself to continue their relationship without hurting Sierra. Ethan, however, is totally invested and not ready to give her up. It’s truly complicated and one can see both sides of this issue. As the story unfolds and details are revealed of family histories, I found myself sympathetic to everyone and their individual situations. I wanted it to work out for everyone. Piper Rayne’s strength is the ability to write endearing characters, witty banter, wonderful romance, and empathy in difficult situations.
The setting of a small town with neighborhood hangouts, communal living situation, warm friendships and loving families makes My Bestie’s Ex a real pleasure to read.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
My Bestie’s Ex is the first book in The Rooftop Crew series, however if you’ve read Piper Rayne’s White Collar Brothers series, some of the characters who make appearances in this one will be very familiar to you!
Blanca Mancini needs a change. She’s been working as a bank teller, but that job is just not what she wants to do long term and quite frankly, she’s just not happy. She ends up reconnecting with her best friend from childhood who encourages her to move to the small town where she lives and to move in with her. While it will be quite the change from NYC, she’s game. She gets a job as a journalist at a small publication called Mars and Venus and she’s looking forward to her new start.
Ethan has not had the easiest last year. He’s not only dealing with having broken up with his girlfriend of over a year, he’s also dealing with family stuff and working in a job where not many, if any, people really like him. He is using his job as a springboard to get to the type of publication he really wants to work for, but he knows he’s got to bide his time. When a new co-worker shows up, he’s not expecting the sparks that fly.
When Blanca and Ethan meet one another on a train back from the city, the chemistry is immediate. They enjoy spending time together and when they encounter one another in another location, the sparks are no less present. When they figure out that there is another tie between them, will it end up tanking the budding relationship before it really gets off the ground?
I really enjoyed both of these characters. Blanca is a strong woman, partially because of her three older brothers, and I loved that she was so independent. Ethan was fantastic and there was just something so great about him. I really enjoyed how this one unfolded and I’m looking forward to what we have coming with the next book in this series!
I just finished the arc for this book. Piper Rayne has done it again. I loved this book. Ethan and Blanca were perfect for each other. The chemistry was amazing and Blanca was as loyal as ever. I love the Mancini family. I’m so happy Blanca got a happily ever after.