Review of Exes & Foes by Amanda Woody
As soon as I cracked open Exes & Foes by Amanda Woody, I was hooked. The premise alone—two ex-best friends competing for a new girl’s affection—spoke to my inner romantic thrill-seeker. It’s a deliciously tumultuous setup that had me eager to see how their history would play out in the face of blossoming romance and rivalry. Big thanks to Viking Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for providing an eARC for my thoughts!
The story centers on Caleb and Emma, whose friendship took a nosedive a few years ago. Now, they find themselves oddly drawn to the same girl, Juliet. The banter and competition between the two are fun and remind us how love can complicate even the most straightforward of friendships. But here’s where my reading experience became a bit icky. The way Caleb and Emma often referred to Juliet as a “prize” felt uncomfortable, even though they themselves acknowledged it wasn’t right. It’s a tricky dynamic, and despite the apologetic tone woven into the narrative, I wished the storytelling had approached their feelings with a more nuanced lens.
While both characters quickly develop crushes on Juliet, their rapid infatuation felt to me like a forced plot device rather than a natural evolution of their relationships. I found myself craving more depth in Juliet’s character—why were they so drawn to her? A little more backstory or moments shared between them would have anchored their attraction and made her less of a romantic pawn in their competition.
Now, onto Caleb and Emma’s romance: I wanted to feel the spark, truly, and yet, I didn’t. Their chemistry was evident, especially given their shared history, but I found myself glaring blankly at the page during pivotal moments that were meant to tug at the heartstrings. Perhaps this is a “me” thing—I was hoping to rekindle my love for romance, but I just didn’t feel those butterflies. Their heartfelt passages, including a line that hit hard about being each other’s "other half," struck a chord conceptually but lacked emotional impact.
Yet, I can’t stress enough that there were plenty of elements I genuinely enjoyed. Caleb and Emma both felt relatable in their individual struggles, and I appreciated the richness of their family dynamics. The conflicts they faced were authentic and didn’t seem shoehorned in for the sake of drama. The humor sparkled throughout, with witty moments that made me chuckle out loud.
Overall, Exes & Foes is undeniably a fun read filled with notable queer representation and sweet insights into friendship and love. Though it didn’t quite resonate with me in the way I hoped, I truly believe it will charm many. If you’re a fan of lighthearted romances with a twist of competition and a sprinkle of humor, give this one a shot—after all, it could be exactly what you’re looking for!
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