Rule #10: You Can't Forgive Your Ex Best Friend

The Rules of Love #10

by Anne-Marie Meyer

Who said mistakes have to be bad?

It’s Christmas break and I’m alone. My best friend is off with the dance team to the Bahama’s and I’m at home, trying to pad my college application by volunteering with Safety Net Mentors, a program that pairs teens with kids in need—and if I finally get to talk to my life-long crush, I’m okay with that.

Everything is going according to plan until I discover that not only is my ex-best friend, Grayson back, but he’s also volunteering. And we get paired with siblings.

Great.

I not only have to talk to him but I have to spend time with him and his mentee. Which seems doable as long as neither of us bring up the past.

Which seems harder to do than say.

Now I’m so confused, I can’t keep my mind straight. There’s something Grayson isn’t telling me and feelings that creep up that weren’t there before.

Thing change and suddenly, what felt like the biggest Christmas break mistake doesn’t feel that way anymore. If only I could figure out what everything meant, I just might survive with my heart intact.

Previously titled, My Christmas Break Mistake.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Young Adult, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Holiday, Contemporary Romance

Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2018

About the author

Anne-Marie Meyer is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives south of the Twin Cities in MN. She spends her days with her knight in shining armor, four princes, and a baby princess.

When she's not running after her kids, she's dreaming up romantic stories. She loves to take her favorite moments in the books and movies she loves and tries to figure out a way to make them new and fresh.

Join her newsletter at anne-mariemeyer.com

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie's Christmas break isn't exactly shaping up to be as she pictured it. In an effort to get into an Ivy League college, she's home volunteering and her new partner in crime is her ex-best friend. Grayson left her without a word and is back now and she's not sure she can forgive him, especially as he continues to hold his secrets.

Christmas is a magical time, as is apparent in this story. Not only are Ellie and Grayson able to help these young siblings that they mentor while they're mom is dealing with rehab, but the ice is melting around Ellie's heart. Magic is shown in love and forgiveness, acceptance and hope, sweet romance, and most of all, in service. I love those little obvious and subliminal messages that appear throughout the story. This one is a sweet, tender one!

Content: mild romance; mild instances of parental neglect/rehab

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Traci Charlet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok

This was an ok read. Good plot idea but really not that deep and the conflict was a bit silly. It kinda made no logical sense. He left and couldn't even call while he was away? Like he couldn't make up a simple excuse for going to visit an uncle for a while? The conversations the two main characters had were not very deep and very superficial and then suddenly it was all ok? I guess I just didn't believe either of them. A good start to a story but it needs more depth and more mature writing (not mature characters, just less superficial and more logical). I'm not familiar with this author but the book read like it was by a new author or a young author in her teens. I think with more development this could be a really good book.

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/11/...

2 stars — First, the title and cover have changed for this book, but since the one on my Kindle is this one, I used the original title/cover.

*sigh* Ellie was NOT a great character. I mean, I assumed she was going to start off in this way and then grow and change, hence why I kept reading. But she didn’t. I don’t think she learned anything. She was selfish, self-involved, and I got whiplash from her emotions changing on a heartbeat. And since the book was entirely from her POV, I didn’t have anything else to temper her bad behavior. I seriously couldn’t believe how quickly she would go from feeling sorry for Grayson, feeling hurt by him, to hating him and never wanting anything to do with him. It was ridiculous! I get she’s a teenager, but this felt unrealistic even for that. And more importantly, I don’t think she ever saw the situation from his POV…I think she just finally settled on forgiving him instead of understanding him.

And don’t get me started on her behavior with the Safety Net program. That was just abhorrent. She supposedly cared for Molly, but it was in a totally selfish manner. She didn’t listen to the girl, or really connect with her at all. Her own feelings ALWAYS trumped what was best for her. I don’t think she has an empathic bone in her body. I was hella disappointed that she didn’t even really grow in that way and realize what she did was wrong…I mean, she said it, but I didn’t believe it for one second. Because she kept resorting to the same behavior. It was just luck that she and Grayson made up in the end. *rolls eyes*

And then there’s Grayson. It’s tough because we don’t get his POV, but the big reveal in the end? I don’t get it. I don’t understand AT ALL how that justified or explained his behavior along the way. I felt for him, for sure…and maybe it was his Dad’s influence? I don’t know. All I know is that none of what was happening with him explained him pushing her away so harshly and being mean.

So yeah. I think I started off rating this 2.5 stars, but I’m really having a hard time justifying what was deserving of the extra. The characters weren’t great, the lesson wasn’t there, the romance was lacking…*shrugs* Basically, it didn’t work for me.

OH! And to top it off, the editing was ATROCIOUS. If this author paid for line/copy editing, they should fire them. The grammar and punctuation were NOT GOOD. I will let a lot slide, but I feel like these were things that if you just loaded it into Google Docs, you could correct at least half of them. (and it was like commas in the middle of sentences, multiple misspellings (ridged instead of rigid), you’re instead of your, semi-colons in the middle of sentences, and more)

[letrasdesopita · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And this is how the series of “Rules of Love” ends.

I just love the stories with a Christmas theme, they just fill my heart with joy. I am a Christmas girl after all.

This was a more realistic book than the others, because El and Grayson already had history so, them
falling in love in such short amount of time was more believable. She did acted a little childish and a bit over thinker for my taste, like girl the boy hasn’t even said anything and you already are making and assumption.

It was a cute, short, romance book. I do recommend this series if you are into teenaged/romance and cliches, it was good and enjoyable.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Christmas Break Mistake is a sweet, clean read that has to deal with a tough subject. Secrets are kept, but will they come out in the end? I really enjoyed this touching story about Grayson and Ellie. No spoilers, so grab your copy and get in the holiday spirit.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has editing problems

I have mixed feelings about this book. There were some cute parts, but there were also editing issues (the number of times that "I" was used after a preposition, using "you're" when it should have been "your," and misplaced commas) and the constant whiplash of the main character's emotions was kind of annoying.

[Vivi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐

Why are they all allergic to communication??? And like yes it can be cute but holy fuck can it also be fucking annoying as shit because damn- I'm also upset at myself for starting this series since that means I've had to keep reading to finish the series too :(

[Ranee Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! And I always love a best friend romance. Really liked the twist the author gave this one.

[Gleidis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute towards the end but Eleanor could be really annoying and bit dense at times.

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nhá. Easy, shallow story. Kind of a short story. I did a couple of eyerolls while reading.

[Sometime · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just ok. It was a YA story that was very YA. The lack of communication by the MCs didn't make sense and the angst and drama was a bit OTT.

But, all in all, it was a sweet, clean, Christmassy story.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading Challenge Categories:
-#ReadingUSA: Maine

[Julie Jobe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I personally did not care for this book. It started out okay, but just went downhill from there for me. Ellie, the main character is repeatedly rude to someone she once considered her best friend because there's something he can't talk to her about. She continues to act impulsively throughout the book even though multiple times her actions are called into question and she says that she will do better for the sake of the child she is mentoring, yet does not. Her mom, more than once, tries to get her to understand that there may be more to the story than she knows and that maybe she should cut her friend some slack, but she refuses. The whole thing is all about her and the hurt she experienced because her best friend left and now he's back and he says he can't talk to her about what's going on. Not once does she stop to really consider him and what he might be going through. In fact, she inwardly coaches herself NOT to have compassion or sympathy for him (because he hasn't given in to her demand to know). Not once does she choose to selflessly show her support or friendship to him even though he isn't ready or able to share with her what's going on. Instead she throws a fit each time she asks and he won't talk. And then in the end, he finally tells her what's going on and she's all happy and in love with him, yet she hasn't learned a single thing or matured in any way during the course of the book. The characters are teens and I guess that may be the way many teens act, but it is not a book I would read again or recommend, especially to a teen because I would hope that they would at least be in the process of outgrowing this type of behavior. In fact, my 15 year old daughter and I recently talked about a situation where she had a friend that kept pushing her to talk about something that she just could not talk to her about and how it was frustrating to have to deal with that. It shows a lack of maturity. My daughter has worked to be different with her friends and show them that she's there for them whether they spill all their secrets or not.

[Vibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, though flawed, story

I generally enjoy Anne-Marie Meyer's YA stories, and this one was no exception. That said, there were some pretty big issues with the plot that remained puzzling & made it hard for me to shift into happily-ever-after mode with the story once it did.

I don't understand why Grayson's dad wouldn't have insisted that the family make the visit to Grayson's uncle look normal so that it didn't raise questions and arouse curiosity (ie have Grayson keep in touch with his friends at least superficially). Instead it ended up being the big mysterious thing that in real life would have drawn more attention to itself & been more likely to find its way into the news.

I also still don't understand why Grayson felt that his family's issues meant that he couldn't or shouldn't be with Ellie.

Ellie was also old enough that it seemed kind of strange that she couldn't understand the kind of things that can happen that people wouldn't be able to talk about without her feeling like it was a personal slight. It leaves the reader wondering just how overprotective her parents must be.

There was also a little too much repetition of Ellie's hurt feelings and dragging things out unnecessarily. Grayson's wounded silence made psychological sense to a point, but the poor communication between the two around & outside of that which he couldn't talk about seemed less plausible.

I liked Grayson & Ellie, as well as Johnny & Molly's story, and the writing was engaging enough to keep me immersed in it till the end, but the issues with the plot did make the happily-ever-after less satisfying than it could have and should have been.

Clean romance level: sweet kisses

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was potential here, but the actions/reactions were either extreme or did not make sense. For example, Ellie learns of Grayson's return and somehow her best friend knows, but doesn't tell her. First, how does her best friend know, but she doesn't? Why would her best friend know? Second, why was she able to easily blow off that her best friend did not tell her given how close she and Grayson were and how badly it hurt that he left with no word to her? Then there were her feelings in general. I understand the hurt, maybe even confusion as to why he seemed upset with her when he saw her when in fact he left, not the other way around. However, several times throughout the book, Ellie indicated she hated him, which does not make sense. Even for a teenager. Hurt, angry, confused, sad, worried even are all emotions I think would have made sense, but why hatred? Hatred is reserved for the worst offenses, and yes, leaving without a word does hurt, but not to the level of hatred. She came off as if she were really young and not in high school. Then there is his reasons for leaving. Legitimate, but why could he not have told her he needs to leave for family reasons, but he'll write or call when he can? I can see why he could not tell her why he left, but he could have told her he had to leave, but cannot disclose personal details as they impact his parents.

I struggled with the conflict that kept coming between them. One, she should not expect that he will tell her every personal thing that affects him. Boundaries people. Two, he should have been able to keep those secrets without her making it all about her. It had absolutely nothing to do with her. Again, I didn't hate this, but it just wasn't my favorite.

[Yames Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🍭🍭🍭
Spanish & English Opinion

Trope: friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
Story: short read. It has depth and a nice message but the length of the story makes it feel a bit incomplete.
Characters: cute but I wish we could have read more
Chemistry: great! The MCs are a really good couple

ESP ::

El libro tiene un mensaje positivo y un background interesante, pero es una lectura corta y por lo mismo, me quedé con la sensación de que no pudimos leer el desarrollo completo de los personajes y las situaciones.

Hubo incógnitas en mi mente: ¿por qué Grayson actúa hostil hacia Ellie? Él desaparece por completo, pero luego la busca, sin embargo, nada se ha resuelto o ha cambiado con Gray… Aún cuando se pueden deducir o interpretar, es inevitable sentir que las cosas no culminan cómo podrían.

El libro es entretenido y el mensaje de ayuda a otros y amistad incondicional es muy positivo.

ENG ::

I like the positive message of the book, to help others, unconditional friendship and Christmas spirit. The plot is interesting but it feels incomplete because of the length of the book. This is why it’s hard to make short stories, it’s difficult to finish the story in a way that feels satisfying enough without extending the content.

I kept wondering: Why Grayson is hostile towards Ellie? He decides to look fit her and try to approach her but nothing changed in his life so… ?? I mean, you can infer the answers but still, it felt incomplete for me.

The writing style is nice as always, the story is cute and the message is nice.

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was okay


 •••** not many spoilers; but it is just a few••***

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...

So I thought this book wasn’t going to catch my interest at first. But I soon got into it. I like how both Grayson and Ellie; was there for Molly and Johnny even though they were so stuck wait; Ellie was so stuck on Grayson! When Grayson was actually going through something! If it wasn’t for Molly and Johnny, I don’t think Grayson would have told Ellie about his mom! For one thing, I realize that “rich” people or those who are mayors, etc. don’t like to tell people what is going on in their family. Especially if there’s an election because they assume they aren’t going to win ... which is ridiculous if people want you to win regardless of what is going on with your family. You’ll win! It’s up to the people to vote. I guess his dad just wanted to be a prick and not to let his own son Grayson tell his best friend what was really going on. But glad; that Grayson finally came to his senses because Ellie whining was getting on my last nerve...
​

[Meredith Christensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really didn’t like this one. Still clean YA romance but the main character was so self involved! She volunteers with a program that pairs teen mentors with underprivileged children for the Christmas holidays. The main character, Ellie, spends the whole time obsessing over how her male ex best friend (who has unexpectedly reappeared after suddenly disappearing for months) hurt her feelings. She only half listens to her mentee. And she doesn’t listen to her ex best friend at all when he tries to explain that he can’t tell her why he left but he’s sorry. She’s so wrapped up in herself she doesn’t acknowledge his attempts to mend bridges, she ignores his assertion that he is not free to give her a detailed explanation. She can see it hurts him to not tell her but she still makes it about herself. So much so that she gets them kicked out of the mentor program. I just can’t get past how utterly selfish and self involved the main character was and really wish the male character had realized how toxic a person she was, how little she respected him, how little value she placed in his words when he explained what he could.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read was okay. Nothing special, not extra cute, not swoon-worthy. Just okay. I thought the plot ended up being a little... lacking? I get it, Grayson's the mayor's son, but like... a teenager these days who just disappears and doesn't contact ANYONE? Not even to be like, I moved to Kansas, or something? Ellie was... flat, I don't know... she was... okay. A little selfish. A lot immature. Very hurt by her bestie up and leaving her and then coming back. And I do get why that would hurt - at any age - but it was super one-sided. I feel like this story could've benefited from the dual POV that's sweeping YA right now. The mentorship program seemed a little plot device. I can't imagine any mentorship program being run the way it was depicted here, but that's okay because it was depicted in Ellie's POV, so you know.
I've a couple of the others in this "series" and they were better, so I wouldn't pass this author up completely!

[Syd · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s always fun reviewing a book a little late and having to read the description to remember what the book was even about. Also, it’s a clear sign the book was a 2 or 3 star. Okay, lets do this. Honestly, didn’t like this book pretty much from the start. Absolutely do not like a single thing about the main character. She comes off as self-centered right from that start and I always thought that she was going to have this growth and be a changed person at the end, but that didn’t happen. The redeeming factor of this book was the two kids from the program, and then they ended the book before we even saw Christmas with them. Didn’t feel the connection between the couple, and felt that a lot of emphasis was put on the past so that it seemed something big had happened, when in reality nothing happened. I don’t know, I just did not like this book. I can’t even say that I liked the love interest. He was fine, but nothing noteworthy about him. His story plot of the secret that caused him to leave that he couldn’t tell was so stupid. Yeah, nope, I don’t have anything good to say about this book other than the little girl was adorable and her brother was sweet. Back to the main character though, it was actually repulsive her behavior. She thought about herself and only herself and didn’t give a single shit about those kids and their well-being and what they have to go through. I’m getting frustrated just thinking about it. Also, last comment, what was up with her crush randomly talking to her? It made no sense.

[Ivon Molina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie wants to make Christmas for children in need to be perfect, she gets paired up with an adorable chatty girl, Molly. She finds out Molly has a brother who's mentor is her ex-friend Grayson. Ellie has to put her emotions aside for the kids but with each encounter she has with Grayson, she feels her walls crashing down and unknown feelings rising that make it harder for her to resist her ex-friend...will Christmas be bringing old friends together or will it be a mistake that will haunt her for many Christmas to come?

It's a quick short read but very cute. I got reccomend by a book club and I'm glad I picked it up. The plot was very easy to catch but overall enjoyable!

[Rockin Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Selfish main character

The writing was alright. The story was short and ok. But the !ain character So was highly self absorbed. She couldn't get past what her best friend had done to her by leaving me not telling her why. Not once taking note of how his obvious sadness and affection for her showed that there we more than he was able to tell her. Beside that, the character development was hardly there. It's a super quick read. Probably best suited for junior high reading level.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this tween read. I received this for free and chose to review it. I've given it a 4.5* rating.Good concept but the characters gave out mixed signals. At a time when hormones and feelings run high, this was a tough situation. There is a lot of tough talk and negative responses. Clearly, both hero and heroine still have a lot of growing up to do. A good ending after some good communication between them.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie and Grayson were best friends until he left without a word. When he returns and they are paired up to help siblings, can they return to their past friendship? I really enjoyed this YA book and thought for teens they handled their situation pretty well. Ellie was willing to try again and I so felt for Grayson. Sometimes we don't have to know everything in order to be friends. Loved how their relationship progressed. Great ending.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet YA read! Ellie & Grayson were best friends for a long time when he suddenly leaves town without a word and returns a few months later in the same fashion. What happens when you mix secrets, a broken friendship, two young children, and Christmas? A very good read that will melt your heart and remind you what Christmas is all about!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you fall for your ex-best friend

A really sweet Christmas romance story. Ellie has signed up to be a mentor to a young child over the Christmas break only to find herself paired with her ex-best friend Grayson. It her badly when he disappeared with a word, now forced to spend time with him she's confused by the feelings she's has for him. Can they put the past behind them and become friends again and possible more or will Greyson secret keep them apart

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a fan of this short read, for some reason I couldn't connect with the writing style or the characters and yet I kept reading because I wanted to find out why Grayson had left for a few months and couldn't tell Ellie. Ellie was childish, her attempts at trying to heal her friendship with Grayson were shallow at best, she was constantly making assumptions that it was difficult to believe any kind of friendship between these two had occurred let alone believe that the romance.

[Teresa Bertolio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Communication is the key to all relationships.* Spoilers: There is so much miscommunication that really hinders any relationship. I'm very glad these two friends were able to overcome their pride and forgive each other. I love happily ever after stories. I also really loved how both of the main characters reached out to 2 young children to give them a wonderful Christmas.

[Ljones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas story

Sometimes things aren't what they seem. When. El's friend Grayson just up and leaves without a word, she thinks she did something to upset him. Then he returns and is acting weird. She is hurt and confused and he won't talk about where he has been. Can they get past his secrets? Can they still be friends?

[Terressa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story. I liked the reminder of not judging before we know both sides of the story.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.