The Best I Never Had: A Novel

by Amy Buchanan

They staged a romance, faked a breakup, and this time around, anything can happen—even something real.

Thea Pappas has always been the storm in her own life—fiery and unpredictable—traits that led her and her younger sister, Addy, through a series of foster homes. But with Addy's whirlwind engagement, Thea is determined to be the perfect maid of honor, even if she finds it odd that she hadn't heard of the fiancé until the ring was on Addy's finger. She believes she can survive a week in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a group of strangers without causing any trouble.

But upon arrival, Thea realizes these aren't strangers. Among the familiar faces is Owen Hayes—the man who, three years ago, paid her to pretend to be his girlfriend at a family wedding. Now, he's looking at her with the same panicked expression.

Owen's life has always been about control—managing his mother's matchmaking schemes, his family's expectations, and the career path he never truly chose. Thea was his one rebellion, a beautiful lie that ended with a "heart-destroying" fake breakup. Now, with his younger brother's wedding underway and his mother on the prowl, Owen begs Thea to reprise their roles. One week. Same fake breakup. No feelings.

But as old sparks reignite and the lines between pretense and reality blur, Thea and Owen will have to choose: carry on their greatest performance yet or admit the truth—that it was never fake at all.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 18, 2026

Reviews

[Savvy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
The YEARNING in this book was absolute perfection. About three quarters of my highlights reference how down bad Owen was for Thea and I LOVED it. The fake dating to fake heartbroken to secret fooling around made the forced proximity that much more intense. The entire cast of characters were outlandish, funny, and had a believable family connection. I appreciate that the author created nuance surrounding grief, parental/family structure, foster/adoption trauma, and mental illness in a caregiver. This didn’t wrap up with everyone “cured” and “perfect,” but actively working toward healthier dynamics.

Also, this was far more steamy than I was anticipating and I am not mad about it. The chemistry and passion between Thea and Owen was well written.


Anticipated Publication Date: August 18th, 2026

A big thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this free eGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

[Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Amy Buchanan’s debut and was excited to read her follow up. I loved this one just the same. The premise of this story I thought was so original. What happens after a fake dating and fake breakup story? We start the story with Thea having pretended to be Owen’s girlfriend for a wedding date years ago - and afterwards they had a fake heart-breaking breakup. Now three years later, Thea’s sister happens to actually be marrying Owen’s brother - unbeknownst to either of them. For the wedding week, Owen begs Thea to pretend they are still broken up, when hopefully they can’t catch any feelings for each other.

I loved this book. It was so fresh and original. The chemistry between Owen and Thea was undeniable. The extra layer in this story was the one with Thea and her sister, Addy. Two orphans, Thea, the older sister, was always trying to protect Addy and make sure she had the better life. The sister love and past hardships drove a lot of the decisions Thea made in this story, while falling in love with Owen. Just a beautiful drama filled romance book with many great themes, and personal development from both Owen and Thea.

Amy Buchanan has become an auto-read author for me!
Thank you so much St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Arielle Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Thea is direct, loyal, and extremely protective of the people she loves and Owen has some golden retriever energy that balances her energy well. This book made me chuckle on a few different occasions with the funny things that Thea would say.

There are a few spicy scenes that I don’t necessarily care about, but they didn’t take from the storyline and there were only a few.

[Kelsey S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of toxic, messy people and I enjoyed every minute of it.

▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the advanced e-copy. This book comes out August 18, 2026.
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○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○

– About: Little does Thea know that the family her little sister, Addy, is marrying into is one she’s already familiar with. One Thea met three years ago when she was hired to be a fake girlfriend to Addy’s groom’s older brother, Owen, for a different family wedding. Meanwhile, Owen’s been pining for Thea ever since that weekend—despite her deleting her number from his phone and the fact they hadn’t even kissed. Because of Thea’s past, she doesn’t believe she’s good enough for him. Because of Owen’s familial obligations, he doesn’t think he’s deserving or desirable.
But what sparks will reignite when they’re forced to perform as best man and maid of honor? Who will their ruse impact?
– FMC: Thea (aka “Tia” or “sweetheart”). 26-years old and still searching for something stable and permanent. Rough around the edges, but very charismatic. Has deep wounds due to her upbringing. Self-described as “a mess who can’t control her temper”
– MMC: Owen. 32-years old and searching for a lifeline to help pull him out of being tied to familial expectations. Self-described as “reliable, but boring” (he is NOT boring…)
– Location: North Carolina (and Orlando, FL briefly)
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: 4 open-door explicit spicy scenes
– Tropes: second chance, fake dating-ish, forbidden-ish, yearning, hurt/heal (but more emotional and it’s subtle)
– Content warning: being in the foster system (negative outlook), grief (death of parent; offpage), being ghosted, intrusive thoughts, controlling parent (who is also manipulative)
– Representation: FMC of Greek heritage (very minor rep), LGBTQ+ side characters

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↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12

Now Playing: Elastic Heart by Sia

╰┈➤ ❝Another one bites the dust, oh why can I not conquer love?❞

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★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★

➼ Characters who are too shy to sing and then blow the other main character away with their beautiful singing voice at karaoke
➼ Vibes are the family dynamics from My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets the character depth of The Wedding People by Alison Espach—but with spice

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⍟»This or That«⍟

Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn—————✧——————Slow Burn
Sweet——————————✧—Spicy
Light/Fluffy————✧———————Heavy/Emotional

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🎯 My Thoughts:

This book read a lot like a rom com with some darker parts. The writing was a bit over the top sometimes—classic romance like “I would do anything if it meant he/she would laugh like that for the rest of our lives” or “If I could bottle up their smell” type of prose.

I did have to suspend my disbelief a bit and it leaned a bit more into “insta love” than I typically like, but the plot was engaging enough that it balanced each other out. I particularly enjoyed Thea as a main character. Her hesitation and tough shell due to her time in the foster system was heartbreaking. While I did get frustrated with her AND Addy at times, it felt super realistic considering their upbringing.

I also loved Owen’s growth as a character. Being forced into a situation he didn’t want but always trying to make the best of it will be relatable to a lot of readers.

I can’t tell if I could cut being married into the Ellis family or not! They are an intense bunch, but the found family here still hit.

Would I Recommend?: Yes! This is what a rom com in a book feels like.

[Hardee · Rating 5 out of 5]

They faked the relationship. They faked the break-up. Now what?

I absolutely adored this book. First of all, the premise was totally fresh and unique, allowing the main characters to already have a bit of a rapport, without actually knowing each other well.
Three years ago, Owen had hired Thea to be his pretend girlfriend for a weekend and they attended his cousin’s wedding together. Not only did they pull off the scheme successfully, Owen’s boisterous family fell in love with Thea and her authenticity. Afterwards, he led his family to believe that they had dated for a year before she broke up with him and he continued to milk this ‘heartbreak’ for the last three years. So, imagine his surprise when she shows up to his younger brother’s wedding, at the same venue, as the bride’s sister and Maid of Honour.
Thea is fresh out of a job and desperate to help her younger sister win over her fiance’s family and their approval, but it turns out she already knows the family in question. To make matters worse, Owen asks her to continue pretending that they are exes, leading to some hilarious misunderstandings between the main characters and their respective families.
As they spend time together in the week leading up to their siblings’ wedding, they find themselves spending time together, causing Thea and Owen to get to know each other better and start falling in love. Owen’s entire family is rooting for them to get back together, because they see that Owen is happy in Thea’s company. Except, Thea’s sister Addy forbids Thea from getting back together with her so-called ‘ex’ because he is Addy’s soon-to-be brother-in-law and she is worried about making waves in her new family.
So, now Owen and Thea are forced to keep up the charade while also trying to manage the expectations of their respective families, talk about consequences!
This premise led to some really funny moments, like Thea falling into a cake at the welcome party on day one, but it was also conducive to Owen and Thea helping each other with their respective families.
Personally, as the eldest child/daughter in my family, I found the main characters to be totally relatable. Once they overcame their personal misunderstandings about each other, Owen and Thea were so good together because they shared the same values and were able to empathize with one another. Although they both carried trauma from their respective childhoods, they both encouraged each other to let go of their respective trauma behaviours. For example, Thea helped Owen to set healthy boundaries with his family and Owen was able to convince Thea to let go of her negative beliefs about herself. In this way, they complemented one another beautifully.
What I loved was that this book reminded the readers that, while everyone makes mistakes from time to time, they aren’t defined by a single moment. And my favourite scene was when Owen opened up to Thea about his past and she gently reminded him that, “trauma is not a competition,” just because her childhood was even more traumatic than his, that didn’t invalidate his suffering.
The character development and narrative progressed at a good pace, keeping the reader hooked and the humour was the cherry on top.
Overall, a really solid work of art, especially considering it’s only the author’s second novel.

[casey nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start, I want to thank Amy for giving me the chance to be part of her traveling arc team. It has been one of the best experiences I've had with an arc, and I truly loved every moment of reading this book. I DEVOURED Let's Make a Truce, so I was genuinely so excited to get the chance to dive into another world of hers. She exceeded every one of my expectations with her story telling, and quite honestly it felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. While it's only February, it's undoubtedly one of my favorite books of the year.

thea pappas She's fiery, bold, and unpredictable - all traits that have led her and her little sister Addy through a series of foster homes and a life full of ups and downs. When she learns Addy is getting married, she makes a vow to herself that she'll not only be the perfect sister but the perfect maid of honor too. That is, until she learns the family she's marrying into - is the family of her 'fake boyfriend', Owen Hayes that she parted ways with three years ago.

owen hayes He's quiet, introspective, loyal, dependable and emotionally guarded. He's thoughtful and observant, and sacrifices his own wants and needs for his family - especially his mom who's grieving so deeply after the loss of his dad. He's given up a lot of his own happiness for her, and has instead done what he believes is 'sensible' rather than take chances that will undoubtedly clash with the path that has been set for him.

From the beginning, I knew that I loved these two characters. Thea is a tornado of a human being. She's messy, hotheaded, and at times very toxic, and I loved this about her. She felt so deeply real, and there were aspects of her character that I felt so drawn to and relatable. She's done a lot of wrong, but the one thing she's always gotten right is the loyalty and protection of her sister. Owen is sacrificial of his dreams and aspirations, and just like Thea, devoted to his family. He's cared for his brother Harrison his whole life, bent to the will of his mother to protect the peace, and has always done what his cousins have expected of him instead of telling them what he truly wants and needs.

Some things that I found so enjoyable was the way Owen was unabashedly down bad for Thea. We see it from the beginning - he YEARNED so heavily for her, and it's obvious from the first wedding they spent together, that he's never truly forgotten about her, or moved on. I also loved the dynamic between all of the family members. They were chaotic and so hilarious, and Gabriel had me giggling over every interaction he had with Thea and the rest of the family. I think Amy did a phenomenal job with being sensitive around the topic of foster homes, and the way that the system truly isn't built fairly, or in a way that puts the well being of children first.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed that I could relate to a lot of the characters, and the way that I felt like I was in the mountains with them. It was deeply engaging, had heart and was so raw and real - so much so that I bawled like a baby toward the end. I felt an instant connection to Thea and Owen, and couldn't help but root for them and their happiness that they so HEAVILY deserved. They sacrificed everything for the people they loved, and it felt satisfying to see them get their HEA.

[Elia Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Best I Never Had" is one of the best romantic comedies I have read in a long time. From the beginning I fell for Thea and Owen. From the beginning, we were able to see the depths of each character, see how lovable they are and what challenges they faced. One thing that stood out was on the outside Thea and Owen seemed so different but they were more alike than I could ever guess, both giving up so much to care for their younger siblings and putting their families before themselves. Both Thea and Owen's back story is heartbreaking and inspiring, to see Thea go through foster care and never feel loved once to Owen living for his mother to try to keep her happy, they both still accomplished so much and worked through so much pain to become their best selves.

I love how this took the fake relationship trope and gave it a fun new twist. Instead of seeing Thea and Owen fake date, they already did that! Not it is months after the fact and when they arrive about their siblings wedding, they find out Thea's sister is marrying Owen's brother! Now instead of fake dating, they need to pretend like they did fake date, and while it didn't work out, they can still be friends but not too friendly. How is that going to be possible when their chemistry sparks off the page!

Seeing both Thea and Owen's perspectives was so helpful to see how they saw themselves and each other. They always lifted each other up and as they slowly opened up to each other, we got to see the broken pieces and how they could work to heal them by themselves and together.

I laughed so many times with Owen's family, they were such a fun and cooky family always in each other's business and causing trouble and mayhem. I also teared up with some conversations between Thea and her sister Addy as well as Owen and his brother Harrison. While these siblings loves each other and were close, we got to see them be completely open and work to further solidify their sibling love.

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and probably bookmarked or highlighted a third of it to remember my favorite parts. if you love hilarious, complex, lovely characters, a inspiring and romantic story line and want to laugh and cry just a little, this book is for you!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ashley Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favourite romances. It was the perfect balance between emotional, fun, and dramatic.

What could possibly go wrong if you agree to fake date a wonderful guy to get his family off his back, stage a “breakup”, and then never discuss the true feelings you started having. Nothing 🤗 until years later… you find out your sister is getting married!! Oh.. and who’s the grooms brother??? Her fake ex boyfriend.

Right from the start you learn that Owen is a YEARNER. This man yearns for her so deeply. I was sold off his first pov. He has an emotional background of losing his father, taking care of his family, and always putting others before himself. He has such amazing growth throughout the book - this can honestly be said about so many characters in the book.

Thea was such an interesting character to follow. I loved being in her head and being with her as she worked through her feelings. Thea and her sister grew up bouncing from foster home to foster home. Throughout the story you can see how it emotionally affected each sister. Thea is described as fiery and unpredictable, which stands true in the book. She’s quick to defend or snap… which doesn’t always work out in her favour.

Owen and Thea’s growth over the course of the book was done in such a lovely way. I really appreciated how the author wrapped everything up. It’s like in the book you are filled in on inside jokes and by the end… it just revisits those fun moments and pulls it all together so nicely. This book was so fun and I was genuinely laughing out loud at so many moments. Yet, it was also emotional, tender, and at times some characters actions felt so real… I felt like I just got slapped because sometimes trauma can make you say the wildest things. Also the family members all attending the wedding were such a blast - especially Gabriel.


Thank you to NetGalley and to the St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an E-ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Lily Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed The Best I Never Had, though it wasn’t without its flaws. Thea is direct, loyal, and fiercely protective of her sister and those she loves, and Owen’s quiet, steady energy complements her perfectly. Their chemistry is undeniable, with slow-burn moments and just enough tension to keep you turning pages. The fake ex/fake dating setup was executed well, and the forced proximity during the wedding-week plot made for some genuinely fun, swoony, and hilarious moments.

That said, the book leans heavily on romance tropes—opposites attract, small-town charm, forbidden romance, and family drama—which can make parts of the story feel predictable or slightly contrived. Thea’s self-protective behavior and temper, while understandable given her foster care background, could be frustrating to read. Similarly, some elements of the plot strained credibility, like Thea never having met her sister’s fiancé despite their close relationship. A few of the romance beats also crossed into insta-love territory, which slightly pulled me out of the story at times.

Despite these minor issues, there’s a lot to love. Thea’s resilience and loyalty make her a compelling heroine, and Owen’s warmth and quiet determination give the romance an emotional anchor. The family dynamics, particularly the intensity and humor of the Ellis family, add depth and heart, and the book handles themes such as foster/adoption trauma, grief, and personal growth in subtle yet meaningful ways. The dialogue is witty, the romance is satisfying, and the pacing, while occasionally uneven, keeps the story moving. It’s a fun, swoony, and heartwarming romance with strong characters and family dynamics, perfect for fans of contemporary romance and forced proximity setups.

Read if you like:
- forbidden romance
- Small town
- Fake exes
- Only one barn
- Dual POV

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thea and Owen fake dated at a wedding for one of Owen's family members. They fake broke up too. Fast forward three years and Thea's sister is getting married. When Thea meets her fiancé and his family, she is shocked to discover that his brother is Owen. They decide to go back to their original roles but it's not as easy as they think since the sparks between them are still there.

Romance books set around a wedding is a theme I enjoy. Set on a vineyard for a week at the Blue Ridge Mountains, I liked the forced proximity between Thea, her sister, Owen and all of his family. Thea and Owen tried so hard not to give in to any lingering and new feelings between them, but eventually it just became impossible to stop.

I liked how another theme of the book was Thea and Owen both trying to find their own pathways with regard to their careers. Especially Owen since he had pressure to always do what was best for his family but not necessarily himself. I was happy that by the end he was able to do something with his life that he was passionate about.

Thea has a tough time growing up being in and out of foster homes. This made her very defensive about the people she cared about, especially her sister. I did like how much they loved and relied on each other. But Thea constantly seemed to be in a self-destructive mode. Often snapping at people and coming across as being mean. I understand she had trauma from her past, but she never was a likable character to me. I think she needed help so she could work through her childhood. Also, how could she have never met her sister's fiancé before they got engaged when they were so close?

With all the family drama and lies, things between Thea, her sister, Owen and his family were so complicated that I had trouble getting into the romance unfortunately.

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twist on the fake dating/second chance trope - when the fake relationship doesn't immediately transform into a real one despite real feelings. This is what happens to Thea and Owen, who become attracted to each other after their fake dating shenanigan but chooses not to share/act on their feelings. They both think that they aren't enough for the other person. Years later, a second chance appears on the week Thea's sister and Owen's brother are to get married, and Thea and Owen are forced to reconnect and resume their fake relationship/breakup.

From the get go, sparks are flying between Thea and Owen. Owen is so far-gone for Thea, it's adorable (the ANGST, the yearning!!). He would do anything for her, even though he believes that his feelings for Thea are unrequited. Shaped by her experiences as a foster child, Thea is used to being on her own and fights for her own, especially her sister, and she doesn't believe that she deserves Owen. She is scared of getting hurt if she decides to pursue her feelings for Owen. I love how Owen consistently and persistently shows and tells Thea how amazing she is, and he tries to change her perspective about herself. Meanwhile, Thea helps Owen realize what he wants in his life with his career and relationships. She helps him stand up for himself with his mom and family. I loved their relationship dynamic and they seemed to bring out the best in each other. Their chemistry was also undeniable.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Emily Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Amy Buchanan and I have to say that I enjoyed the majority of this one! The yearning was so good that it made the pay off very satisfying.

Thea feels like she is a constant mess and just wants her sisters wedding weekend to go off without a hitch. Unfortunately for both of them it turns out Addie is marrying the bother of the man who paid her to fake a relationship for a different family wedding. They parted ways after and now have to fake it once again to make sure the wedding goes off without a hitch.

The cousins were so funny, Camilla and Gabe were probably my favorites. On the topic of family, however, this is where I had the most issues. Thea’s sister treats her like trash the whole book and while there is a little bit acknowledgment at the end I still wanted more. Addie was very thoughtless and definitely took Thea for granted. No Thea wasn’t perfect but damn girl, give the woman a break. And much like Thea, our MMC Owen lets his mother dictate too much of his life under the guise of keeping the peace. I was so happy for them when they started living their lives for them instead of for others

But the Romance y’all? That was so great. While I didn’t love the REASONS for the yearn, I LOVED the yearn. There are a handful of open door spice scenes that added to the story but I did enjoy that there wasn’t just a romance/spice plot but a real story of growth and learning to put yourself first. I was so happy for our couple by the end. Truly people you could root for!

Absolutely recommend

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of the fake dating trope, I was excited to read this since the fake relationship took place before the book began which is something I haven’t read in a novel before! Overall, this did not disappoint since Thea and Owen had a lot of chemistry right from the start! I did wish there was a prologue to the fake relationship aspect to get an idea of the chemistry between Thea and Owen, as well as a sneak peak into Thea’s first impression with the family.

As for Thea and Owen in this timeframe, I really enjoyed them and their dynamic. Though Owen did make me a bit annoyed when there was some miscommunication, he was a good MMC and him and Thea brought a lot of funny and sweet moments. They both shared a lot of the same characteristics when it came to their families which is why I think they worked so well together and bonded. Thea surprised me a lot in some ways, especially with her anger, but it wasn’t so “out of pocket” as she and Addy had made it seem throughout the book. I thought a lot of her feelings and actions were justified. I also really liked Owen’s family and the dynamic there.


The only reason why I didn’t rate this book a bit higher was because of Addy and Owen’s mom. Most of the book, each main character tip toed around these family members and their behaviors which frustrated me so much and I wanted to do the screaming and confronting for them. While others may love the sister dynamic between Addy and Thea, I read it as very toxic and didn’t think the solution at the end really solved anything between the two of them.

**Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Griffin, and the author for a copy of the e-book in exchange for a honest review*

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶🌶

The Best I Never Had was such a fun surprise. It has that classic rom-com charm—banter, chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments—but with enough emotional depth to give it real heart.

I genuinely found myself laughing thanks to the Ellis family shenanigans; they completely stole the show at times. Thea and Owen’s connection felt natural and grounded, and I really loved how they give each other space to feel and process their emotions. That kind of emotional safety is rare to see done so well and made their relationship feel incredibly genuine.

And Owen? Absolute swoon from the start. The yearning, the quiet devotion, the way he feels everything—top tier book boyfriend energy.

The romance includes:
• Fake Dating
• Forbidden Romance
• Forced Proximity

Spice-wise, this is about 2 chili peppers with 4 open-door scenes—tasteful, well-paced, and fitting for the story rather than overwhelming it.

Please note this book does touch on heavier topics including family death, foster care, and addiction, all handled with care and sensitivity.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, funny, and emotionally satisfying read that balances rom-com vibes with meaningful depth. I’d absolutely recommend it if you’re in the mood for swoon, laughter, and a romance that feels real.

Thank you to Netgally for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Anticipated Publication Date: August 18th, 2026
A big thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this free eGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Thea and Owen fake date a few years back to save him at a family wedding. There is something there but both let fear get in the way of them trying to be together. Fast forward a few years and they are back at the same place, watching his brother and her sister get married. With everyone thinking they are exes. Get ready for the drama and tension!

Owen and Thea deserve the world! There was so much depth to their characters and the other family members as well. There were so many times I wanted to shake the characters in the book, but I guess that means you are part of the family 😂

I love how Owen and Thea were able to see past the facade that they put on for others. They saw each other for who they really were and loved it. It means so much so much because both of them are terrified of doing things that will disappoint the ones they love. The chemistry and love is truly there!

There was so much growth in this book and it was so nice to see the journey. This was also very entertaining and funny to read. I loved the family dynamics. Highly recommend.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I love a second chance romance, and I love a fake dating trope, and I have read these tropes together before BUT The Best I Never Had felt like such a fresh take on these tropes, and I LOVED it! The way Thea and Owen first met because a mutual friend connected them so that Owen would pay her to be his date to his cousin's wedding, and then they reconnect because her sister and his brother are getting married was just such a perfect premise.

I loved seeing how Thea and Owen reconnected and navigated the semi-wacky family events together. They had such great chemistry. Thea was such a strong character, and seeing her protectiveness and care for those around her and how deep-rooted it went was incredible. I also loved all of the cousins! They added such a fun layer to the story and helped create the atmosphere of a family event. I know we weren't supposed to like Owen's mom, but I found her so infuriating. Using your grief and loss to manipulate those around you was just so disgusting to me, and I could not stand her. To a lesser extent, I just didn't like Thea's sister Addy. She was giving baby of the family who always got her way. She was so selfish, and I fully recognize that she dealt with her trauma in a different way, but the way she treated Thea and just reacted to interactions with her fiance's family was immature and constantly playing the victim. I understand if that's how she was supposed to come across, but I couldn't stand her on the page.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin, NetGalley, and the author, Amy Buchanan, for the advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best I Never Had by Amy Buchanan absolutely wrecked me in the best way. This is one of those stories that sneaks up on you: quietly emotional, deeply tender, and impossible to forget once you’ve turned the last page.
Owen is, without question, my gold standard for male main characters. He is kindness embodied; selfless, patient, and profoundly attentive in the way that matters most. He sees Thea not as she fears she is, but as who she truly is, even when she can’t see it herself. That kind of love (the kind that notices, that believes, that never demands more than someone can give) is rare and breathtaking to read.
And Thea? Absolute perfection. Both she and Owen are shaped by sacrifice, constantly putting their siblings’ needs ahead of their own, carrying quiet burdens without complaint. They’re afraid to show their worst parts, yet somehow manage to see only the best in each other. Their connection feels earned, grounded in empathy rather than grand gestures, and that makes it ache all the more beautifully.
This book is gentle and devastating all at once: a love story about being truly seen, about choosing others even when it costs you, and about finding someone who loves you not despite your flaws, but with full awareness of them. I absolutely adored every page.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea solo quiere sobrevivir a la boda de su hermana sin meterse en problemas, pero el destino tiene otros planes. Años atrás aceptó fingir ser la novia de un desconocido por un fin de semana y pensó que nunca más lo volvería a ver. Ahora ese hombre reaparece justo cuando menos lo necesita y no solo eso, también es parte de la familia con la que va a convivir toda la semana. Para evitar dramas deciden seguir con la mentira, aunque nada es tan simple cuando hay recuerdos incómodos, miradas que pesan y sentimientos que no deberían existir. Lo que empezó como una actuación termina removiendo cosas que ambos creían superadas y Thea tendrá que decidir si sigue huyendo o si por una vez se queda a sentirlo todo.


__
No soporte a la hermana de Thea ni a la mamá de Owen, se me hicieron igualitas. Las dos solo buscan que tanto T como O hagan lo que ellas quieran sin importarles la felicidad de ellos.





Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Kate Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this romance filled with fake dating and the pressures involved when we live for others rather than ourselves. Amy Buchanan has created another incredible couple that I rooted for from the first page. Thea and Owen spent a wedding weekend together three years ago, pretending to be a couple, and then Thea vanished from Owen's life. Now, they're thrown together at another wedding, this time for each of their siblings. Both would do anything for their siblings and for their chance at not just a happy marriage, but a happy and harmonious family life. Thea's always felt guilty for causing strife in her younger sister's life and ruining her chance at a stable family, so she willingly agrees to her sister's request to avoid Owen and not break his heart again. But her connection with Owen proves too strong to suppress, and the ripple effects could devastate both of their families if anyone learns about their lies.

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the early reading opportunity!

[casey ⋆˚౨ৎ ⋆.˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

let me just say the yearning😮‍💨 owen was down bad for thea and has been waiting for their moment because their chemistry >> there was another layer between thea and her sister/their memories of being in foster care which a lot of her decisions were centered around (she really loves her sister and wants the best for her). overall, a cute read with a lot of family dynamics (which made me angry at times) and character growth.

“they staged a romance, faked a breakup, and this time around, anything can happen, even something real.”

this is about thea who is determined to be the perfect maid of honor for her sister. once she arrives in the mountains for the wedding, she recognizes owen, the man who paid her to pretend to be his girlfriend three years ago. once again he begs for thea to reprise her role for the wedding week (his brother is the fiancé), same breakup, no strings attached but will lines blur????

tropes: forbidden romance, small town, fake exes, only one barn, opposites attract, complex family dynamics

🏔️💍🎂🥂💜

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. The premise was something I hadn’t encountered before: the main characters fake-dated years ago for a wedding, and although it never turned into anything more, they never truly forgot about each other. They unexpectedly reunite when they realize their siblings are getting married, setting the stage for a story full of heartwarming family shenanigans.

Alongside the romance, the book thoughtfully explores heavier and more delicate themes, including the loss of a parent, the foster care system, and the feeling of not truly belonging. The side characters really made the story for me, while the families are portrayed as dysfunctional at times, at the center of it all is a deep sense of love and connection.

I also appreciated that while the characters do get their happy endings, not every issue is neatly tied up. It felt honest and realistic, showing that working through problems is difficult and, more than anything, takes time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m new to Amy Buchanan as an author, but I was immediately drawn in by the premise of The Best I Never Had. It’s a fresh take on an original concept and very well done. The opening hooked me right away, and I instantly fell for Thea. She’s perfectly imperfect and the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for from the very first pages.

Owen is a great MMC. He’s sweet, patient, and the perfect balance to Thea. The side characters are just as strong, and the family dynamics add real heart and depth to the story. And the chemistry between Owen and Thea? So good. The yearning, the slow burn, and the spice all work beautifully together, and their scenes were easily my favorite part of the book. It’s fun, swoony, and deeply satisfying.

This was a delightful, bingeable romance that kept a smile on my face from start to finish. I’m already excited to go back and read Amy Buchanan’s debut. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the early copy!

[jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

a “second-chance” romance with a fresh spin on the fake-dating trope, which i absolutely loved! even with the unique twist, this still had that classic rom-com feel, full of sharp banter, situational chaos, and moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud—while still being grounded by real emotional stakes and authentic chemistry between thea and owen (omg the yearning!!!). the forced proximity and forbidden element created such palpable, angsty tension. these characters and their relational dynamics are messy, complicated, and at times deeply frustrating, which is why they felt so real and compelling. however, i wish there had been a dual timeline or flashbacks to the weekend thea and owen were fake dating. i wanted more insight into their past to fully feel the depth of their connection and the potential of what they lost before the present-day “second chance”. overall, a really charming, heartfelt rom-com with meaningful emotional depth.

thank you so much to netgalley and st. martin's press for providing me with this arc!

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 3.5/5

I was really curious about this one based on the description and ended up reading it in one day. 📖

Fake dating, second chances, family weddings… this book has a lot going on, but it stays mostly focused on the main couple, which I appreciated. Thea and Owen already have a past, so their connection doesn’t feel completely instant, even if things move pretty fast once the story gets going. 😅

There’s a good mix of banter, shared moments, and family chaos. 👀😂 The spice level was a bit higher than my preference 🌶️ (I skipped a few pages), and there’s quite a lot of family drama and emotional baggage on both sides, sometimes a little too much for my taste. The final airport-style conflict also felt a bit over the top. 🤷‍♀️

Still, it’s an easy, fast read, the couple is sweet, and it’s hard not to root for them. Overall, a fun and engaging romance, even if not a new favorite. 💞

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🩶📚

[Alex Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and You Had Me at HEA for the ARC of this book! I devoured Amy Buchanan's debut romance and this one was one of my most anticipated reads of the year! I LOVED IT! The books follows sisters Thea and Addy who grew up in foster care due to unpredictable and sad circumstances. Thea has always been a bit unpredictable herself but has always tried to be there for her sister Addy. When Addy gets engaged and plans to get married very quickly, both girls get thrust into the world of the Hayes Family. Thea is surprised upon arrival to realize that her sister's new brother in law is the man she fake dated a few years ago who she developed some real feelings for.
Meanwhile, Owen is the stability is his family and the family business who has essentially been the
"man of the house" since his dad died when he was 13. When he realizes that Thea is the sister of his new sister in law, he asks her to continue the ruse they had going previously. They effortlessly fall back into step with each other and their chemistry jumps off the page. I loved reading about how they find love and also how they learn to love themselves and prioritize their own needs as well. This was a perfect romance with tons of heart, lots of self reflections, fantastic banter and a beautiful love story. Infinity stars!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're worth making waves for". -Owen Hayes


The secret flirting, the chemistry and the yearning so much yearning between Thea and Owen. 🥵 This was such a fun time! Wedding Shenanigans is turning into one of my favorite tropes! I loved the energy and chemistry from Thea and Owen, along with the antics leading up to Addy and Harrison's wedding. Everyone could see the chemistry between Thea and Owen as much as Addy wanted their relationship to be forbidden. They were drawn to each other and the one barn scene 🥵 was so steamy! I couldn't put "The Best I Never Had" down! Even the Epilogue was refreshing!

Read it you Love:

✨Fake Exes
✨Small Town
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Opposites Attract 
✨Wedding Shenanigans 
✨ Complicated Families 
✨Only One Barn 


Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC Copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Buchanan is an insta-read author for me...and this book did not disappoint.
Thea has had to fight her entire life; fight for her sister, fight for herself and fight to just exist in a world that constantly accuses her of being too big & too angry.
When her little sister announces her engagement, Thea is worried that Addy's choice is happening too fast...but when she learns her sister's fiance's older brother is THE Owen that Thea can't forget about...THE Owen that paid Thea to be his girlfriend for a weekend to appease his family...all hell breaks loose.
Seeing Owen finally take what he wants, and not what he should do to help his family, was such a highlight for me in this story....especially since that person is Thea.
Thanks to Macmillan for the ARC!

[Amanda Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to begin with this one. A masterpiece. I'm head over heels in love with Thea, and Owen, and this entire book. Thea was written so beautifully, the wounds from the life she's had so realistic and RAW, and I truly, truly understood the decisions she made and the actions she took and how they related to her struggles growing up. Truly a beautiful depiction of someone who's been through the foster care system. Owen is an ultimate book boyfriend. Quiet, close, reserved, the weight of the entire family on his back with a secretly filthy mouth?? Sign me the fuck up. I love him. If Thea couldn't fight (which lbr we know she can) I'd try to take her. This book is full of heart and soul, and I loved it with every fiber of my being.

[SuzieQuzie7973 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so very much to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Amy Buchanan for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.

The Best I Never Had is absolutely incredible. What can go wrong with a fake relationship and a fake breakup?? Possibly everything. The chemistry between sowed and Thea is out of this world. The character development and world building are phenomenal. I fell in love with everything about this book. Everything is utterly delicious. The side characters, the humor and the banter are all just the perfect amount of frosting.

I wholeheartedly recommend that y'all get this book, trust me, y'all won't be disappointed.

[Emmy Cole]

Wow, these people are messy! Fake dating leads to a fake breakup, followed by ghosting—until, surprise, their siblings are getting married three years later. The premise is cute and definitely drew me in.
The extended family and the beautiful setting were highlights for me, and while I enjoyed the story overall, I didn’t quite love it. Thea and Owen could have solved several of their personal issues and many of their problems with each other—by simply talking to anyone. Instead, they constantly step in to “save the day,” which became frustrating at times.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️ 3.5 stars