Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Friends That Break Us

Rate this book
They say if you're lucky, your childhood best friends stay with you for life.
I used to believe that.

The four of us—Rya, Ezra, Zayn, and me—were inseparable. Our summers were filled with secrets, promises whispered under starlit skies, and a bond I thought we’d always cherish…

But life has a funny way of upending even the most solid friendships.
What began with a quiet heartache turned into something I couldn't ignore. Lines blurred. Marriages were formed. And somewhere along the way, the foundation we built started to crack.

Now, everything I thought I knew is unraveling.
I’m left questioning my marriage, my friendships, and the choices that brought us here. Because sometimes the deepest betrayals don’t come from strangers—they come from the people you thought would never hurt you.

280 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2025

95 people are currently reading
6417 people want to read

About the author

Mia Skye

9 books69 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
70 (36%)
4 stars
63 (32%)
3 stars
45 (23%)
2 stars
10 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Sienna.
44 reviews17 followers
January 7, 2026
It was ok but a little to predictable
Profile Image for Maria.
521 reviews26 followers
January 3, 2026
Ive read another Mia Skye book involving cheating and it didnt dissapoint so I thought Id give this one a try for a bit of gut wrenching angst. The writing is solid amd the story is so accurate in the stages of betrayal; sex, secrets, lies and stomping on the fmcs ❤️ heart.

This is a tale of 4 best friends, 2 females, 2 males. The fmc was in love with mmc #2 in high school and the flame best friend said she'd relay that to him. Then she slept with him and told her he didnt feel that way about her. She encouraged her to het together with mmc#1 ( who she married at 22 and they are 30).

When they all go away to Vegas on her 30th birthday she starts to feel a disconnect with her husband: he's pushing her away, refusing her advances and ghosting her on their date nights. He swears he's not cheating wjen she confront her . Meanwhile mmc#2 is also expressing concerns about his wife's strange behavior.

The angst is there but I dont know maybe I was looking for something else to be there in the story. Its almost like the fmc is having a out of body experience and relaying what she sees going on between her , her husband, her best friend and the best friends husband. Like theres a lack of inner emotional connection. However this maybe a me thing.

Im going to go in with a spoiler and my opinions in book 1 if the fuology so dont read this if you dont want a spoiler:

Profile Image for Ashley Watson.
590 reviews72 followers
July 10, 2025
I enjoyed the story until it became too predictable. I liked the writing in this and will try another one of this authors. If you love a cheating trope and a mess between best friends I would pick this one up.
14 reviews
July 12, 2025
ARC review of Friends That Break Us by Mia Skye. This book has the following tropes:

💜 Childhood friends
💜 Friends to lovers
💜 Betrayal
💜 Cheating

Here is a short blurb from the book:

✨️"The four of us - Rya, Ezra, Zayn, and me - were inseparable. Our summers were filled with secrets, promises whispered under starlight skies, and a bond I thought we'd always cherish...
But life has a funny way of upending even the most solid friendships."✨️

As mentioned above, this story is about four friends who have grown up together and eventually paired off and got married. They went away on a group vacation, and from the moment they returned home, it was clear that something was going on. Secrets were being kept, marriages were turning rocky, and friendships were becoming strained. We follow along through the eyes of Violet as she has to piece together what is going on not only with her marriage but with her friendships as well. Will things work out in the end, or will marriages and friendships be severed for good?

Friends That Break Us was an interesting read, and the storyline was good, however, the book just didn't hit it out of the ballpark for me, personally. Now, here is where I struggled. To me, the chapters were a lot of the same thing. Back and forth of being mad at each other to forgiving then back to being mad. It felt repetitive and, therefore, became predictable. By the end of chapter 46, I knew what was, more than likely, going to be happening by the end of the book. Prior to that chapter, it was clear who did what and with whom. Which made it a struggle for me to get through to the end.

Chapter 48, until the end of chapter 51, was the best part of the book, in my opinion.

With all that said, do NOT let my one review discourage you from giving it a read! What I didn't like, just might be something you do! I have always had a hard time finishing a book once I've pieced it all together prior to the ending.
Profile Image for Vivien Richards.
1,455 reviews19 followers
July 27, 2025
Wow, this story is so good. It's emotional and angsty. Just like I like em. There is also a cheating trope but for me it makes the book more interesting and adds to the drama. This is a story about childhood friends Rya, Ezra, Zayn and Violet. That leads to marriages and eventually heartbreaking betrayals within the circle of friends. I found myself sucked into the plot and really felt for Violet most of all. I cannot wait for part two of the duet.
Profile Image for Ivonne Santiago-Harris.
134 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2025
This book was the first of a duet where lifelong friends get messy , fair warning this book contains a cheating trope. If you’re like me and that’s not for you that’s totally fair but hear me out too .

Like I said I’m not a fan of cheating tropes but I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to understand it in this particular scenario . The way the author writes was really pleasant and easy to follow along .

We get things from Vi’s pov , I enjoyed it that way , although I do wish to see more than her pov . There are four friends that remain friends into adulthood but things get messy and life happens . Vi, rya , zay and Ezra. Messy gets messier and lines get crossed . In my opinion rya is not a good friend and that friendship is carried way too much .

Things got pretty predictable and while I liked the authors style of writing and would gladly pick up a different series by her , this isn’t something I want more of . Without saying too much let’s just sayin not so sure the friendships will survive through book 2 . I know they wouldn’t for me .
Profile Image for Lexi Newbury.
16 reviews
July 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌸Friends to Lovers
🌸Cheating
🌸Betrayal and Lies
🌸childhood friendships

This book really kept me invested. I had such anxiety for Vi the whole time. I knew Zayn was being shady. I love how Mia made the book relatable though. The way Zayn kept making Vi think she was crazy and making something out of nothing I feel like is such a defense mechanism used in real life in these situations. Every time he did it I felt the manipulation taking place through the pages. I wish we would have found out if Ry actually told Ezra how Vi felt because something tells me Ry only made the move she did because of Vi’s feelings. The ending left my jaw dropping. I was not happy with how it ended for the simple fact that I need more!! I need to know more of what happens!! If you’re looking for a cute quick read this is perfect for you! Make sure to get your copy and support Mia! I’m so happy I got to be apart of her ARC team and super happy for her successful book!
Profile Image for Susie Rocha.
124 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2025
I absolutely love this author! The way she makes you feel, all the emotions and angst and the build up is something not every book gives me. I could not put this one down, I finished it, in one sitting. This is book one of her Friends Duet. Let me tell you, I CANNOT wait for book two! This storyline seems so real, and I feel like I’m talking to a friend, or reading someone’s diary. The only thing I don’t like is not getting a HEA. She at least gives us some small closure. Best friends since childhood, Violet, Rya, Ezra, and Zayn learn and experience life together, but can they be friends forever? Or does life get in the way? This one will break your heart and make you emotional. Check the TW. I hope book 2 puts us back together 🤞🏻. This is a must read!
Profile Image for Britt .
36 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW :
TROPES:
💜Childhood Friends
💜Friends X Lovers
💔Betrayal
💔Cheating
I went into this book blind and wasnt sure what to expect . I knew it would probably break me because of the title itself. This book follows 4 best friends since childhood journeying through life up until their 30s. The fmc violet marries Zayn and their bestie Rya Marries Ezra. I caught on very easy to what was going to happen and I was so pissed !! its a very emotional read and about Betrayal and heartbreak and thinking you know your friends but in the end they are the ones who hurt you the most. I finished this book in 2 days which is faster than what ive been reading lately so I definitely recommend it! also can we talk about that ending??? I saw it coming but absolutely cant wait for book 2 !
Profile Image for Nedam.
423 reviews3 followers
abandoned
January 18, 2026
They told me once that they think it’s cool that I’m a girl and like to do boy stuff like them. There aren’t many girls around here that like to do that kind of stuff. My other friends that are girls don’t like to do a lot of stuff that gets you dirty.


Is she going to be "not like other girls?"

Rya has a shopping problem. Her closet is overflowing with so many clothes, shoes, purses, perfumes, and makeup. She’s such a girly girl. Which I get, so am I, but there has to be some limit to your shopping addiction. Sometimes I wonder how she liked to do the stuff we did when we were kids since we played outside a lot, getting dirty. I love all things girly too, but I’m not as bad as her.


So much gendering and judging.


I’m in gym clothes twenty-four seven, and since I’m home all day cooking, there’s no need to do my makeup and hair. It sounds like I look like a slob.


No, it doesn't. Women are not required do do their hair and makeup and dress up every single day.

I never expected to develop anything like that toward him. One day I saw him as my best friend, and the next I was seeing him as more than that.


Romantic relationships are not leveled up friendship. It's just a different type of relationship. Best friend is not less.

I have a feeling this book and me aren't going to get along.

DNF
Profile Image for Kristen (IG: books.n.snakes).
304 reviews12 followers
July 2, 2025
🧁𝔽𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝔹𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝕌𝕤🧁

“𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”

📖 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗨𝘀
✍🏼 𝗠𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗸𝘆𝗲
#️⃣ 𝟮𝟴𝟭 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘋𝘶𝘦𝘵
🔧ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ᴜꜱ
🔧ᴛʙᴅ

𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙜𝙪𝙩.

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦
🍰ꜰᴏᴜʀ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ
🍰ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
🍰ʙᴇ��ʀᴀʏᴀʟ
🍰ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ
🍰ᴄʜᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ

📖𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this read, and I'm shocked by that. Not at the author or her writing, but the fact I enjoyed a book that had a "specific trope" in it. That's not usually my cup of tea, but I've been broadening my horizons lately, and was excited to give this book a go! I won't delve too much into the background of that, and let the story play out for itself.

I really enjoyed Violets character, as we're in her POV this book.

Violet, Zayn, Rya and Ezra all 4 grew up together as best friends, and that friendship turned into marriages amongst them. They have all 4 remained friends into their adulthood, and still do everything together.

Then their friendships are tested to their limits, and I can't wait to see where this story goes in book 2!

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘
📖 ᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ
🎧 ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ
📱 ᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ ✔️
Profile Image for Busychapterbelle.
59 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2025
Watching four friends grow up together, sharing memories and challenges. The way Violet’s journey unfolds—from youthful innocence to adult reflection—feels genuine and raw. She questions her own choices and the shifts in her relationships, which mirrors how we all grapple with change in our lives. It’s refreshing to see a character who doesn’t have all the answers but still tries to make sense of it all.

What struck me most was the dynamic between Violet and Rya. Violet seemed to carry more weight in their friendship, often being the one who held things together. Meanwhile, Rya’s behavior left me wondering about her true nature—was it a flaw, a defense mechanism, or simply who she is? This imbalance made their relationship feel real and complicated, not just black and white. It’s a reminder that friendships aren’t always equal, yet they still matter deeply.

The ending left me on edge, craving part two. Although the cliffhanger felt predictable, it didn’t reduce my curiosity about what happens next.
32 reviews
July 25, 2025
Friends That Break Us was an emotional read. Mia Skye did an excellent job of getting how the characters were feeling across and it nearly broke me. There is cheating in this book and I thought that might bother me but the way it was written was beautifully done. Violet has been friends with Zayn, Ezra, and Rya since they were children. The flashbacks we get of their friendship throughout the years were nice. However, knowing 18 year old me, I would have likely ended the friendship with how Rya acted. I felt for Violet and know that if my husband ever acted like Zayn was, I would have been acting crazy too. I kept second guessing what was going on until the very end and really enjoyed the book. I need the second book now!
Profile Image for Bookreviewsbyalthea.
79 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2025
ARC review: I very much enjoyed this book. It kept me invested while also giving me some anxiety for the main character. Violet had a huge crush on Ezra their senior year of highschool. Her best friend Rya was supposed to talk to Ezra about how he felt about Violet. Rya ended up with Ez and I still am not sure if she ever talked to him about her. Violet ended up marrying Ezra’s friend Zayn. Now 12 years later Zayn and Rya are both acting weird. Now Violet has to figure out if Zayn is actually just stressed out or if there is something else going on. The book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger. I hope it will be continued somehow but most of everything gets wrapped up.
Profile Image for Amaris Hedrick.
12 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2025
ARC Review!

I wasn’t sure that I’d enjoy this as much as I did when I first started it, but the more I read, the more I found myself eager to get to the next page.

The depiction of the effects of a cheating partner and the emotional downfall and implosion was so wonderfully depicted that it made me not want to stop, and so, I finished the entire book in one go. (It’s 1am and I’ll definitely be questioning my judgement in the morning, but right now I’m glad I did it)

I’m looking forward to the second book, to see where it goes from here.

If you like drama, messy, betrayal, and gaslighting- this book is for you!
1 review
July 15, 2025
The book features an interesting plot and well developed characters who evoke real emotional investment. However, the execution of the cheating trope felt underwhelming, as it was clear early on who was involved with whom. The writing also became repetitive at times, with similar scenes playing out across multiple chapters. While I understand the author's decision to make this a two-part series, the story realistically could have been told in a single novel. That said, the book kept me turning the pages, especially as it built toward the climax—which was executed beautifully. I just wish the story had reached that point a bit sooner.
194 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2025
In this book you follow along with four childhood best friends as they grow up and pair off. From the start, you know there is something off with Rya. I could tell she just wasn't the best girl's girl. Besides that, without giving away spoilers, there is cheating so if that's a no go for you be aware. Most of the characters in this book are not the best people, and I really feel for Vi. The middle did get a bit repetitive (c'mon girl, everyone and a google search would tell Vi the same thing but she buries her head!) but the ending did start to have some resolution. I can't wait for book two!

Thank you to the author for an ARC!
Profile Image for Lyndsay Blackman.
87 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2025
Wow, I don’t know what to say! I loved and devoured this book! 4 best friends from childhood grow up together, fall in love and become 2 married couples who are still best friends. Little do they know all their lives are about to be turned upside down.

I read this book in less than 24 hours and had a hard time putting it down I wanted to keep reading, I NEEDED to keep reading.

The cliffhanger at the end though phew 😅 I need to know, I want to know and now I’m stuck here waiting. That’s ok, well worth it.
Profile Image for Elle and the Haunted Library.
280 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2025
This book? UUUUGHH. (in the best way.)
This book isn’t my usual choice, but I’m thankful that I gave this book at chance. The cover is gorgeous, the author has mastered the craft of giving you all the feels. Anger and build up is not something every single book can produce but this one does! The storyline is real, relatable and it feels like you’ve sat down with a friend to discuss things over a cup of tea or something. Will these best friends be friends forever? Does life just get in a way as it does? This book will be break your heart and make you desperately awaiting book two.
Profile Image for Shae.
9 reviews
July 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW!

So this story centers around 4 childhood friends and follows them through the trials of growing into adulthood. Then it all takes a turn after they take a vacay together. Secrets and suspicions arise after they return back home. This book was a solid read and I loved the pacing of the book overall. There were some chapters that read a little slow for me and you can kind of predict what was gonna happen but the ending took me by surprise. The ending got me with my mouth open though lol Mia did a great a job on this book and I can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Emily Glorius.
13 reviews
July 7, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very first page! Friends That Break Us is one of those reads you just can’t put down — I kept flipping pages wanting to know what would happen next. There were a few jaw-dropping moments that totally caught me off guard. I had some suspicions along the way, but the ending still managed to shock me. It’s an emotional rollercoaster in the best way, and I already can’t wait for the next one! I loved it and I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for clouded ☼.
74 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2026
I stayed up all night to finish this, the drama was too good. I never reach for cheating tropes but this was different.. being in the mind of the spouse who’s getting cheated on? Heartbreaking. It was a ride! Even if some things were predictable, the author gave every hint who was cheating on who with but it’s the way she explained the mind of the other woman. I can’t wait for book 2!


ALSO ZAYN & RAYA WHEN YOU CATCH THESE HANDS
80 reviews
July 11, 2025
Mia… maaaaaam! You can’t just end it like that?! I’m going to need book two like… yesterday. Lol. I honestly really loved this book! It was a tad repetitive at times but still had me unable to stop reading. Cheating is a tough one for me but I believe book two will give them the closure they deserve.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
73 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2025
The way Mia described the emotions that the characters went through was powerful. You could feel their pain. The story seems like it would be predictable, however, the twists and turns make you question what is going on. She didn’t confirm for sure what you suspected until the very end. It’s a powerful book, an easy read, and spicy. Now I can’t wait for book number 2.
Profile Image for Liz.
11 reviews12 followers
July 13, 2025
This was a cute but long read. The plot was “spoiled” early in the book but that shouldn’t discourage you from reading it! The characters are developed well and most are believable. Unfortunately the climax and ending felt rushed due to the buildup of the storyline. All in all, Mia Skye shows promise as an author.
Profile Image for Julie.
4 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2025
I loved every second of this book. The writing and the characters were both so beautiful that you could feel it coming to life. Thank you SO much to the author for my arc copy. This book had me up until 2am to finish it. Highly highly suggest
Profile Image for Maria Miranda.
5 reviews
July 15, 2025
I could not put this book down! I read it in one day and now can’t wait for part 2. It follows 4 best friends from childhood to adulthood and the life changes they go through with eachother. I loved Vi she is a strong fmc that knows to always trust her gut!
Profile Image for Rebecca Horist.
151 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2025
Disclaimer: was given as an ARC

This first book in a duology is so gripping and heartbreaking from start to finish.
What secrets lie in this group of 4 adults?
Will the find happiness?

Stay tuned. I for one am regretting reading only because I have to wait for Book 2!
Profile Image for Kerry.
671 reviews29 followers
September 13, 2025
Predictable? 100%.... Enjoyable? 100%.... Angry at having to wait for the 2nd book? 100%.... Will I buy the 2nd book?.... Yes 100% But you're not getting 5 stars because I'm having to wait!!

Please please please give Vi and Ez backbones and let us feel the anger they deserve to dish out.
Profile Image for ☆Tiffy☆.
15 reviews
July 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this whole story line. It really kept on getting better and guessing who the cheater(s) were. Definitely a cliff hanger ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.