A review by lizanneyoung
The Ex List by Grace Pearce

4.0

Thank you to the author for the chance to read an eARC in exchange for an honest review! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

TROPES

💙 Second Chance Romance

💙 Found Family

💙 Forced Proximity

Ryan, a coastal engineer, runs into her college ex Grey at her best friend's wedding. Things didn’t end well, and since their break up four years ago, she has yet to find anyone she shares such a strong connection with. However, he broke her heart once, and she isn’t about to let that happen again.

This is a single-POV story told from Ryan’s perspective, which was witty and fun to read. Something about Ryan’s vibe hooked me from the first few pages. Her inner dialogue is so fun to hear, especially because it feels a lot like my own at times. 

The friend group surrounding Ryan is great. They all complement each other really well, and even when they go against the advice the group agrees on, it’s nice to see how supportive they still are for each other. They aren’t overbearing or demanding, especially considering the situation, and it was really nice to see such positive friendship dynamics. 

Ryan and Grey’s story is wonderful. I am usually a dual-POV person, but I think having any of the main story from Grey’s perspective would’ve ruined the atmosphere created by Ryan’s inner dialogue. Knowing her feelings at all times sells the narrative of losing your first love while also trying to find that feeling with someone else because you haven’t lost your belief in true love. Ryan is so passionate that she can find it with someone else, and watching her realize that it may not statistically be possible and become more vulnerable over the week feels incredibly realistic and natural.