Review by Hillary: Solving For Ex by Leigh Ann Kopans | Giveaway: Comment & Win!

Title: Solving For Ex
Author: Leigh Ann Kopans
Publishing Company: N/A
Genre: YA—Contemporary Romance
Pages: 310
Expected Released: February 11th 2014

Brendan was the only reason being the new kid at snobby Mansfield Prep in the middle of sophomore year hadn’t plunged me even deeper into the black hole of depression. Even though I would have much preferred holding hands as we walked down the hallway instead of bumping shoulders, and sharing kisses during movies instead of just popcorn, I was happier being his best friend than I’d been in years. Given that, the status quo of our relationship was just fine with me.

Until it suddenly, horribly, wasn’t anymore.

Ashley Price doesn’t have much in life after being bullied so hard she had to leave her old school to live with her aunt and uncle in Pittsburgh. But the camera she borrowed from her best friend and secret crush Brendan, and her off the charts math abilities, make things a lot more bearable. Plus, since Brendan is the captain, making the school Mathletes team should be easy.

But when gorgeous new girl Sofia rolls in and steals Brendan, Ashley’s place on the team, and her fragile foothold on the Mansfield Park Prep social totem pole, it’s on. Sofia is everything Ashley left her old school to escape. The only thing Ashley didn’t count on is Sophia’s sexy twin brother Vincent.

Vincent is not only the hottest boy in school, he’s charming, sweet, and he’s got his eye on Ashley. He’s also not taking no for an answer. There’s no real reason Ashley shouldn’t like Vincent, but with the battle lines being drawn between her and Sofia, Ashley’s not sure which side he’s on. Or which side she wants him to be on.

She does know Sofia is trouble with a capital T, and she’s determined to make Brendan see it.

*Note to author: Leigh Ann, thank you so much for everything plus the card! You’re more fabulous for being a writer!

First things first, if you don’t know what book to read in the beginning of 2014, Solving For Ex by Leigh Ann Kopans is definitely the book you should be picking up! Hopefully you’ll understand after reading my review.

Usually I know what to expect before reading a book or I don’t know what to expect. Very rarely however, do I know and not know and this was one of those times. After reading the summary for Solving For Ex on Goodreads I kind of knew what I was getting myself into and at the same time I was nervous that I didn’t really know. All I knew was that I had to read this one because not only did the author send it to me because she is kind and generous, but also because the line at the very beginning of the summary caught my eye. I was finally going to read a book about a character moving on from bullying and depression. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to read a book that could relate to my high school life and I finally have and here is what I thought.

Ashley Price, the girl who in no way is looking for attention, has the biggest crush on her best friend, Brendan Thomas, the boy next door (literally) and he doesn’t know it. Ashley has always thought that Brendan could never guess her feelings for him and she’s definitely right. It’s even more apparent once new girl, Sofia, and her twin brother, Vincent, roll into town. As soon as Sofia got into the picture I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Ashley. She was that girl who had to stare across the room at the only guy she cared and loved the most looking at some other girl she eventually learns to hate most in the world. I definitely felt for her and I felt the same way as her too. As the story went on and Vincent got into the picture more and showed interest for Ashely I couldn’t help but swoon a little for him. I ended up regretting swooning for Vincent because when Ashley felt conflicted over the way she felt for Vincent I just wanted to shake her and tell her to give him a chance. Ashley’s gut feeling was very accurate in warning her to keep a distance from him though and in the end I put my head down in shame when I realized that the way he acted was indeed sketchy.

Sofia on the other hand, was easier to hate from the beginning. I just didn’t like her and she really reminded me of those high school cheerleader types that want all the attention from the guys and want to be the boss of everyone, but this time it’s about the Mathletes and how Sofia wants to make sure she gets into the top spot while also making sure Ashley gets kicked off the team. Sometimes I felt so crazy for wishing I could go inside the book and wanting to strangle her since Ashley wouldn’t. There were other moments were I was so ready to just scream out loud when I realized Sofia’s bad influence had reached Brendan and he was basically becoming her puppy who followed and did whatever she wanted. Those were probably the moments that affected me the most.

I really do feel that this book affected me emotionally, mentally, and physically. I haven’t been able to forget about the story in Solving For Ex and any of the characters (the ones I liked and cheered for) and I haven’t been able to stop the flow of memories that this book brought back to me. If anything, in the end I ended up swooning for more than just Brendan, but also for the book. I love this story so much I’m ready to just start telling people about it and about how much everyone should read it. That ending was definitely one of the best I’ve read so far for a standalone contemporary romance and I’m definitely sure that I won’t be forgetting about it anytime soon. If anything, this story has only helped fuel my desire to start writing my own contemporary romance book for YA readers that would involve things that actually happened to me in high school.

Solving For Ex by Leigh Ann Kopans is one of those books that will definitely not be leaving my mind and heart for a long time. I’m sure I’ll always remember this story and cherish it in my heart. Without Leigh Ann offering this book to me, I’m sure I wouldn’t have gotten a chance to read it sooner than others. I’ll always be grateful that such an awesome and amazing author offered me her book in the first place and months before the actual day it comes out. This book definitely tugged at my heartstrings and even if it is just a story, I feel like I’ve lived through everything that happened in the book which is very impressive. When I say that a book affects me in such a way, I rarely say it and I really mean it. I feel that everyone should read this book ASAP as soon as it comes out next year because this is a definite book to read. I’m sure others will love this story and I’m sure others will rave about it as well. I hope many of you have been convinced to read Solving For Ex because I feel like if I keep going I’m just going to go on and on and repeat myself until my point has come across clearly. Booknerds, I just hope you read this one and love it as much as I did!

Totally EPIC! One of the best books I have read. A MUST read!!

I really hope everyone enjoyed Hillary's review for Solving for Ex. She has offered to give away Solving for Ex postcards to random commenters. So if you'd like to win one all you have to do is leave a comment on this review. US ONLY but of course everything one is allowed to comment. :) Giveaway will close in 2 weeks. You may only comment once.