Our Friendship In Ruins

by Amy Buchanan

Three months, two friends, and one chance to see if “just one time” can turn into more.

Quinn Riley loves three things in this world. The city of Rome, whose complicated history rivals her own; her career counseling job at Billings College, despite toxic campus dynamics; and her best friend, Colton, even if she’s fighting a new thrum of attraction between them. When she has the chance to combine all three—working on the same study abroad program as Colton—she can’t pass it up. Unfortunately, the professors have turned what should be the summer of a lifetime into a test. With her beloved job on the line, Quinn refuses to fail.

Colton Miller has never failed at anything. When Quinn is being decimated by his colleagues, he can’t help but stand up for her, even when it lands him in the middle of the faculty vs. staff feud. Now, in order to secure the tenured position he desperately needs, this summer has to go perfectly. That means ignoring how devastatingly in love with Quinn he’s been for over a decade.

But when the two get to Rome, everything shifts. With delectable food, flowing wine, and enough PDA around to turn anyone’s mind to romance, the two question if finding forever with their best friend is worth the things they could lose in the process.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Workplace, Workplace Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2026

Reviews

[Kelsey reviews•books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day!!!

A sweet and spicy romance between friends set in Rome? Say less. I’m buckled in. This is Amy Buchanan’s third book (technically will be her second release) and first book self-published—and it’s oh so good.

▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★.25 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Shout out to the author for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest opinions. This book publishes April 21, 2026!
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○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○

– About: Quinn Riley loves the city of Rome, her career counseling job at Billings College in Boston, and her best friend Colton—even as she fights a growing attraction. When she joins a study abroad program with him, the summer quickly becomes a high-stakes test that could cost her job. Colton has never failed, but defending Quinn in a faculty feud threatens his chances at tenure—and forces him to ignore that he’s been in love with her for years. In Rome, the romance around them makes both question whether risking everything for each other is worth it.
– FMC: Quinn Livia Riley (aka “Chaos”). 32-year-old career counselor. Estranged from her family. Has always felt like “too much”. Kind, supportive, tough.
– MMC: Colton “Colt” Ford Miller. 32-year-old professor on track for tenure. Raised by a strong-willed single mom who worked hard to get him where he is and he’s trying to pay her back. Has dimples and nice biceps.
– Location: Boston, MA and Italy (Rome and various locations)
– POV: Dual first-person with dual timelines
– Spice: 6-8 open-door explicitly romantic spicy scenes
– Tropes: friends to lovers, idiots to lovers, academia, only one bed, forced proximity, he falls first, workplace romance, “let’s get it out of our system”, “fuck it”, he chases her, she loves his dimples
– Content warning: estranged family, being cut off from the family for choosing own path, financial strains, fighting to be heard
– Representation: plus-sized FMC, LGBTQ+ FMC

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↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12

Now Playing: Ruin the Friendship by Taylor Swift

╰┈➤ ❝My advice is always ruin the friendship; Better that than regret it; For all time❞

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

➼ Romances set in Rome like the movies When in Rome, Roman Holiday, and The Lizzie McGuire Movie; and on the opposite end of the Roman spectrum, if you like Mary Beard
➼ Academic politics and trying to be heard despite people “set in their ways”
➼ What is lovingly referred to as “idiots to lovers” where the friends truly don’t believe the other is interested in them but they are painfully in love with each other

─────────────────────────

⍟»This or That«⍟

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

─────────────────────────

🎯 My Thoughts:

This is my second book by Amy Buchanan (I also read an eARC of The Best I Never Had which is coming out later this year). I really appreciate her humor and attention to character detail. Her characters have a depth to them without being too weighed down with seriousness. It makes for a fun read with some dimension.

But two things sold me on this immediately before I even read it.
1- The FMC is plus sized. I want more plus-sized characters where it’s mentioned but not like the MAIN defining trait. and this one was perfect for me.
2- I am in love with Italy. I’ve been four times and dream about it all the time, so this was a really fun revisit to Rome for me. It’s not just set in Rome. You could tell that Amy either was intimately familiar with the city OR did her research (or both) because it didn’t just mention some of the great landmarks, but the culture as well. ♥

I hated Quinn’s father (which the reader is supposed to). It was perhaps a tad melodramatic at times, but I get why it was a catalyst for the conflict. And it really tied nicely into the over-arching plotline. But, I was admittedly a bit lost on the academic politics part. I still am not sure I fully understand what Quinn’s job is and why it’s different from what was proposed to her…and I don’t know that I understand what exactly was in jeopardy. But that’s not because it wasn’t well explained, I just think that if you’re not an academic, it might be hard to wrap your head around?

I thought the pacing was great. The spice was nice. The banter was fun. But this was a perfect couch getaway.

Would I Recommend?: Yes! And to give you more context, here are some of my favorite lines:

╰┈➤ Quinn to Colt: ❝I should never have given you that stack of romance novels. It’s like I walked up to Thanos and handed him the Infinity Stones. The women of Rome are in danger.❞

╰┈➤ ❝She’s chaos incarnate, and I want to exist solely in the whirlwind of her enthusiasm.❞

╰┈➤ ❝She’s my best friend, my Venus, the love of my goddamn life, regardless of whether or not I’m hers.❞

•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•



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I GOT THE ARC!! Thank you to Amy for including me in the advanced read review for this one. I read another book of hers coming out later this year and very much enjoyed it (The Best I Never Had). Her writing is funny and her characters have depth so I'm looking forward to this one set in ROME!

[elise | bookingthroughlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!!

i thought this was such a refreshing friends to lovers romance and it's set in rome!!! i had such a great time reading it.

the way these two loved each other SO MUCH and were just too scared to take the step !!! they were so convinced that the other person had zero feelings when it was so obviously not true LOL the best kind of friends to lovers!! i really like how they also had such different personalities, one quiet and reserved, the other bright and energetic who doesn't know a stranger. to watch them interact with each other and love each other and bring out the best in each other was so sweet!!!

honestly such a great summer romance set in rome 🏛️

also as someone who does not work in higher education, it was so fascinating to read about the obstacles both professors and staff face.

thank you so much amy for sending me an arc! this is my honest review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Amy Buchanan's debut novel, Let's Call a Truce. It made both my best debut and best contemporary romance lists of 2025. I was intrigued to see the character she set up in that book become the heroine of an indie release, though, considering Let's Call a Truce was traditionally published. It doesn't usually work that way, but I knew I wanted to get a copy of it.

Thanks to Amy Buchanan for the complimentary ARC of Our Friendship in Ruins.

Quinn Riley is caught between the job she loves and a toxic work environment at Billings College in Boston. There is a conflict between the faculty and staff at Billings, one that has made her work life a massive challenge and might cost her her job if a proposed change to the college bylaws goes through. But Quinn and her friend and co-worker, Inez, have a plan. Quinn will step in to teach the business class at the Billings summer intensive in Rome, showing that staff are integral to the academic life of the student body. In addition to proving her worth, this summer will also give Quinn the chance to return to Rome for the first time in almost ten years alongside her best friend, Colton Miller.

Colton joined the faculty of Billings College as a tenure-track professor of ancient history just this year. He was excited to teach at a small college and even more excited to be reunited with Quinn after ten years apart. He's missed her like crazy and is excited to support her quest to bring the faculty and staff together in Rome, even if it means his own reputation is on the line. But Colt would do anything for Quinn—he's been in love with her for 14 years, almost from the moment they met in Roman history class. But he can't tell Quinn that. They've always been the best of friends, and if he crosses the line, he could jeopardize the most important relationship in his life. But something is shifting between them. He's not sure if it's being in the same place after so many years apart or if the timing might finally be right, but when they're together, something is crackling between Colt and Quinn.

As many people know, friends-to-lovers is often a hard sell for me. Usually, the stakes just aren't there. I end up asking, "Why haven't these two gotten together when they are so clearly compatible?" The way Amy Buchanan got around this hurdle was by keeping them apart for the decade prior to the start of the novel. While Colt and Quinn stayed in touch, and they both were connected to the other's parents, they hadn't seen each other in person since they were 21, and a lot had changed for them in that time, including quite a bit about their physical appearances.

I really enjoyed that Amy Buchanan added some very complicated family dynamics for both characters. Colton grew up in a poor town in West Virginia and has supported his mom financially since he began working. But he's not honest with his mom and is living paycheck to paycheck because he isn't up front with her about his actual salary and financial situation. Quinn is estranged from her parents because of her career choice—her father is a respected professor in Colt's field and wanted her to follow in his footsteps—but Colton has a close professional relationship with him. That leads to guilt and some messed-up dynamics between Colt and his mentor, as well as with Quinn. Amy Buchanan did a great job of including complicated family relationships in her first book, and she really continued with that here.

I love a man who is down bad for some curves. Quinn is a curvy woman, and Colton is obsessed with her. He was always attracted to her, but when they reconnected in person and he saw how she had filled out, he was basically suffering whenever he was in her presence. I wanted 100% more of his pain. Praise be that this book is dual POV, so we got to experience his struggle firsthand.

Amy Buchanan has quickly become a reliable winner for me. I'm excited to read her next trad title, but I really hope she continues her hybrid publishing career, because I love that we get more than one book from her in 2026. 5 stars.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎶 My advice is always ruuuiiiin the friendship 🎶

Our Friendship in Ruins is friends-to-lovers excellence! I worship its every page. It's so gorgeously written, leading to a most fantastic time reading! I simply adored it.

And it's all thanks to two perfect leads, Quinn and Colton.

This book does such a lovely and heartfelt job in exploring that transition of friends to lovers. It stars Quinn and Colton who share a decade and a half of friendship. They have been friends since college and now are colleagues at one. They value their friendship so much, so much that they are willing to bottle up how in love they have been with each other for years. It’s not just fear of rejection, but fear of trying and failing and losing the strong foundation of camaraderie and partnership they have built over time. Yes this is a romance, but it genuinely feels high stakes in that you come to truly feel the weight of potential loss if an explored romance doesn’t work out. But you also yearn and yearn aaaand YEARN to see them explore the romance because these two are soulmates. They fit with each other so well, they see one another like no one else can, and they complement one another so much. I had the best time rooting for their romance!

Miscommunication is definitely the big hurdle these two need to overcome and there was many times I was screaming at the pages, demanding they just talk it out. But if they did that right away we'd have none of the delicious angst and swooniest of romantic moments! Like lifting my heel up a la Mia Thermopolis romance! Baah! I loved it!

I also loved the non-romantic subplots. We have the academic one that had my blood boiling at times, as intended! I hated how Quinn's colleagues would alienate her, but I so admired how their pushing only resulted in her pushing back and keeping true to her stance. I really enjoyed the resolution there. I did hit a hurdle in the resolution of the family dynamic resolution for Quinn. I just cared for her so much and felt so protective that I thought her resolution with her family, who turned their backs on her, was a touch too generous. Yet, I did love how she kept to her boundaries and limits, so while I don't think they're deserving of her grace, my gosh how I admire Quinn's strength in her generosity. I also admired how Colton's arc pertaining to his struggle with finances and keeping it hidden from his mother resolved itself as well. Unlike Quinn, Colton comes from a loving family, a single mother who raised him well but unintentionally set high expectations for him, causing him great stress. Truly all unintended but I loved how eventually the dam breaks and truths come out but so does so much love, understanding, and embrace.

I simply enjoyed and loved it all! From the romance to the non-romantic plot, it was all engaging and wholly satisfying!

Thank you kindly to Amy Buchanan for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS THE FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS LIZZIE x GORDO ENERGY WORPLACE ITALIAN ROMCOM THAT I NEEDED. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

[Allison Salamone · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟 and 3.5🌶️ for “Our Friendship in Ruins”. Yall…the YEARNING for YEARS this MMC had been doing. I would lay my life don go Colton at this point. I LOVE a down bad MMC so much. And boy is he down bad.

This book is a prime example of how Friends to Lovers can be in th most pristine and perfect way. I truly loved Quinn and Colton so so much. My sweet Quinn. Always feeling like too much but also not enough to others. I found myself shedding a few tears along with her. This is one of the few times I felt so seen when it comes to an FMC. Add in a dual POV, a splash of dual timelines, and the sweetest of endings. It’s 5🌟 all day.

“Our Friendship in Ruins” releases on April 21, 2026. Thank you so much Amy for this eARC.

[Stephanie ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Amy Buchanan for the complimentary copy of this!

This is out now!

My goodness. I have loved Amy's debut Let's Call a Truce so I knew I had to read this. Bonus we have a plus size heroine! I have really been enjoying friends to lovers so this was perfect for me. And as if Amy couldn't make me love this more she had to add a few more of my favorite tropes: workplace romance, forced proximity, one bed AND A CLUB/DANCE moment - checking all my boxes!

"You're going to forget all about me once you're off living the big life in Rome."
"There's nothing in this world that could make me forget you, Chaos."

From the outsiders perspective, you can tell very early on that Colton loves Quinn as more than just friends. He has made it SUPER obvious but she just laughs it off as them being best friends and how they are with one another. I love a man who is down bad for a girl. He would literally do anything for Quinn.

I was very excited to see that this was a dual POV romance. I know some people do not like being in the brain of a man, but I love it! I love knowing what is going through their brain and why they act the way they do. Colton had his reasons for not pursuing Quinn sooner. And Quinn really never saw him as an option. She had gone through some things which she admits makes her self sabotage. She did not want to lose their friendship because it meant so much to her. I had reached out to the author in the beginning when Quinn is packing for Rome and there is a discussion with Colton about lingerie that had me screaming. I pretty much was silently screaming while reading the whole time.

"I was happy just being your friend - I'd still be happy just being your friend- because you're the sun. All I wanted for the past decade and a half has been to enjoy your warmth in whatever way you'll allow me."

They each have these work pressures that orbit around them. She is trying to get a career counseling position off the ground at Billings and Colton is trying to get tenure. They each have their own obstacles. Her father for one thing has been a thorn in her side and not accepting that she does not want to follow in his footsteps and Colton is very close with him as he is involved in similar work. But even with that, Quinn always comes first. There was a conflict towards the end that I thought was going to separate the couple which I guess it does but not like how I thought it was going to go (in a good way)

The banter, the setting, the spice - it all just was so good! I have never been to Italy so it felt like I was being transported there through Amy's descriptions (which I learn in the acknowledgement that she had previously travelled there while in college). A very small wish - I wish we got to see Colton with a friend like we see Quinn with Inez. I love their friendship so much! Plus Inez was their number one cheerleading and a conspirator on thrusting them to stay together *wink*

I recommend this book if you are looking for a book with all the best tropes and will take you away to Italy as well as in an academic setting with some family drama!

PS - We get to catch up with Juliana and Ben from Let's Call A Truce which was very exciting! But don't worry if you haven't read it, they are just friends that Quinn is catching up with while in Italy.

[Allissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

forever a slut the friends-to-lovers trope, but even more so when they are best friends! There's just something about the deeper level of intimacy you get from someone truly knowing the best and the worst of you, and loving you for all of it.

Quinn & Colton have been the best of friends for well over a decade, but have spent many of those years oceans apart. Now they find themselves working at the same college and heading off to Rome for a summer of teaching. They end up sharing an apartment and the close quarters and time spent together sparks an attraction that they just can't ignore.

Colton's spark was lit long ago and he has been pining away for YEARS, but always content to have Quinn in life if whatever capacity he could. Her friendship was worth hiding away his feelings. Now though, he thinks he might just get his chance at winning her heart and he's not going to waste it.

These two had such a genuine connection and a wonderful friendship. Their chemistry, whether romantic or otherwise, was electric and I was dying for them to finally cross that line!! Colton is hot AF and such a giant ol' softie. Softboys will forever be like catnip to me.

This book also made me want to visit Rome again. I would love to see it through the eyes of someone who truly knows and loves it.

Amy wove this romance through with some heavier topics, though mainly toxic (or unhealthy) parent-child relationships. I like how this was tackled. I especially love how she wrote Quinn and how her struggles with her family affected other aspects of her life and her relationships so profoundly.

I enjoyed this immensely! Amy is 2/2 so far with her books and I am so looking forward to her next release!

many thanks to the author for kindly sending me an early review copy <3

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the e-book!

Amy did it again folks! I originally read Let’s Call a Truce on a whim and now three books later, Amy has become a major auto buy author for me! I love her writing so much, the depth she gives to the characters, where you can actually feel their emotions, and the love interests have so much great banter that has me kicking and giggling. Also the spice is also a good time.

I really loved Quinn and Colton. You could FEEL the care and love they had for one another through the pages. They had the perfect balance of tender and funny moments which really sealed the friendship. And for the MOST part they communicated really well which I always appreciate!

Also let’s talk about the setting! I have always wanted to travel to Rome (but I’m too scared to fly) so I was really excited to read a book set in Rome! Amy set the perfect picture in this book and I really felt like I was there seeing the city through Quinn and Colton’s eyes.

While I did overall love this book and Quinn & Colton as a couple/friends, as individuals something was missing for me… both of them were very avoidant in their own right and it kind of drove me insane. Plus, I found some of Quinn’s inner thoughts very repetitive with her feelings with Colton and why she couldn’t “go there.”

But overall I did really enjoy this one and recommend it!

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute!! Amy’s writing is SO good! The characters are so well written, well rounded, and well thought out. The setting was beautifully written - I’ve never been to Rome but it felt very real! And the whole entire academic storyline was complicated and messy and also so well done! Quinn and Colton were SO GOOD! I loved the flashbacks and them fighting their feelings in real time!!

There is nothing better than friends to lovers!!!!! Who FINALLY give in after a little forced proximity!!!!! It’s so clear how much love Quinn and Colton have for each other. And I loved how important their friendship was, to both of them! And that’s why it took them so long to get there together!! They were FUN together! They were cute! Colton has been PINING!!!! They loved each other so much!!! And now they can be IN love together!! It’s cute!!

The whole thing with Quinn’s father/family irritated me because I feel like simultaneously there wasn’t enough time spent on it and too much time?? And Colton’s relationship with his mother irritated me too…because he was hiding so much! And she was GOOD! She loved him, he loved her!! But they didn’t actually talk and it was painful. Potentially these are just a me issue?? I don’t think it was written BADLY I was just irritated.

Thanks to Amy Buchanan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Bethany Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a digital copy to review!

I read Amy’s first trad pub book last year and really enjoyed it. I was glad to receive a copy of her indie book and help shout her out.

The banter in this book is really well done and I definitely enjoyed the spicy bits. Their first encounter was *hot* and I loved it. Their heat in the bedroom was done so well and you could tell how well Colt and Quinn knew each other. I also really love a man who is so down bad which Colt was. The parental relationships were interesting too - I felt for Quinn and for Colt with their different issues. The Rome setting was dreamy and romantic and I like Tomasso and Inez as supporting characters.

I didn’t really understand the conflict with the college, between staff and faculty so it felt a little distracting to me. I also really enjoyed the dual POV but part of my problem with friends to lovers books (and this is definitely a me thing) is that they both dance around their feelings and in each of their heads we see that they’re so gone for the other person. It starts to feel stressful to me.

With that being said, there was still a lot to enjoy about this book and I hope you give it a chance. Amy is a fresh voice in romance.

Overall, Amy did a good job with this book and I hope her launch for indie is super successful!

[Stefani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the cuuuuutest!

A best friends to lovers, bit of a slow burn, so much tension and longing until like 45%. We’ve got some forced proximity, Quinn has some serious daddy issues, all the good stuff.

Quinn works at a university where there is an intense divide between the staff and faculty on what is best for the students and their futures. Colton is a faculty member on the tenure track at the same university. She’s trying to get the faculty in her side while they continuously try to push the staff out of the classrooms. Colton is fully supporting her despite the harm it could do to his potentially getting tenure.

Having worked at a two different colleges before, I appreciated the faculty/staff drama 😂. But I am 100% team staff, they are EQUALLY as important to the students.

I loved Quinn and Colton’s friendship, and that man’s patience in the friend zone just waiting for his chance for 14 years 😂😂😂. We’re running around Rome, very Lizzie McGuire, we love to see it.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this! Such a cute rom-com, and the cover is adorable. Pick this one up when it’s out on 4/21!

*Review of advanced copy received from the author.*

🏷️
#bookreview #ourfriendshipinruins

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rome in the summer ☀️ Wine flowing 🍷 and one very bad idea waiting to happen…

This is friends to lovers DONE RIGHT—years of history, inside jokes, knowing each other too well… and then suddenly seeing each other differently 😭

Quinn & Colton have over a decade of friendship behind them, and the flashbacks?? Absolutely everything. Watching where it all started made the tension in the present hit so much harder.

It’s set against a dreamy Roman summer this had:
— forced proximity
— academic drama
— mutual pining (HE IS DOWN BAD)
— banter that only best friends can pull off
— and that “just one time won’t hurt…” energy

and spoiler: it definitely hurts (in the best way)

The angst? Delicious
The longing? 🫠
The chemistry? Off the charts 🔥

If you love when the friendship foundation makes the romance feel deeper, sharper, and a little riskier… this one delivers.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing about Miss Amy? She’s gonna write the fuck outta some tension y’all!!!! And another thing? She’s gonna write a man who YEARNS!!! Go ahead and slap a Yearner of the Year sticker on Dr. Colton Miller’s head because baby boy would crawl across molten lava for Quinn Riley (as he should). I loved this book your honor!! I can’t wait to hold it in my grubby little hands!!



TY Amy for the eARC (ily girl)! This baby is out April 21 PUT IT ON YOUR TBR!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

4⭐️ plus another 1/2 for the Orlando connection (fun New Romantics shoutout), rounded up to 5! Friends to lovers is normally not my favorite, but this was very sweet and surprisingly sexy. Slight unrealism in the MMC was more than made up for in the deeply researched accuracy of the Roman setting. Perfect way to kick off summer reading season!

[Bella Colamarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC revived by Author! 💖

OBSESSED! I’ve ARC read for Amy before and I was so excited when i saw this in my inbox!

This book blew me away! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the writing style and duel POV!

THE SETTING? My favorite. I LOVE books set in a characters favorite place. Felt like i was IN rome with them.

QUINN AND COLTON!! They are so good. Their banter and friendship was amazing. Great spice as well! I love how much they love each other.

hometown six flags mentioned! which made me laugh

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet and spicy book from Amy Buchanan. I love the friends to lovers trope and this book executed it so well. The yearning and the chemistry between Quinn and Colton was electrifying. The patience of this man (14 years!! 🥹) and how he fully supports Quinn in everything is amazing to see.

I loved that this was set in Rome and so much of the history of the city was well described here. Now I want to book a trip to Rome and see all the spots mentioned.

Thankful to have received an ARC of this book and highly recommend for those who love a fun rom-com with spice and beautiful sights of Italy 🩷

[trinaty ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Amy is a wonderful writer, of that there was never any doubt, but this was something phenomenal. Colt and Quinn are an exceptional example of the friends to lovers trope (one of my favorites!) in all the best ways. Their care for each other, their easy flirting, the CONFESSIONS IN THIS BOOK? MY GOD. They made me giggle and kick my feet like an idiot, I loved them so much. Not only that but the narrative on working in academia, being a woman in academia specifically, AND being quite literally transported to Rome? The imagery was astounding. (I mean come on, the Fountain of Lovers????) I loved this so, so much.

[sere_s_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t even know where to start because I’m still riding the emotional high this book gave me. Our Friendiship in Ruins by Amy Buchanan is one of those stories—yeah, “that” kind of story. The kind of book you keep thinking about at random moments during the day bc it’s heartfelt, addictive, emotional, and SO easy to fall in love with.
And I have to say that it truly stands out for its originality because it’s not your typical college romance: the mix of academic dynamics, personal ambition, friendship, and slow-burn love makes it feel fresh, layered, and incredibly compelling.

The premise itself felt so fresh and engaging: after ten years spent an ocean apart, this summer should be nothing but perfect for Quinn and Colton: two best friends finally reunited, heading to Rome (the city they both love most) while doing the job they love. But what should be a dream is actually a high-stakes test, with Quinn’s career on the line… all while both of them are desperately trying to hide feelings they’ve carried for each other for over a decade, against the breathtaking backdrop of Rome. In one word: GENIAL! ✨

One thing I absolutely loved, and found genuinely fascinating, was how immersive the American college setting is. From my Italian perspective, it was honestly so enlightening to step into that world and experience it from the inside. The dynamics, the pressure, the environment… it all felt so different and so vividly portrayed. And through that lens, I really got to appreciate Quinn’s role even more.
I loved her character so much. Quinn is, without a doubt, one of the most inspiring heroines I’ve read in a long time. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering strength in the face of every obstacle are nothing short of admirable. The patience and tenacity she shows while working toward her goals made me respect her deeply. Honestly, I completely understand how Colton fell for her at first sight… because, despite being very much straight, I found myself falling a little bit in love with her too. I admired her that much. 💛

And Colton? An absolute sweetheart. Gentle, kind, and deeply caring yet also incredibly brave. His willingness to stand on the right side, even knowing he could lose everything he’s worked for his entire life, speaks volumes about his character. Together, Quinn and Colton have undeniable chemistry that practically sparks off the page. You feel every glance, every hug, every moment of tension, every emotional shift, and it’s impossible not to root for them. 🥹

Amy Buchanan’s writing style is just… PERFECTION. I already adored the way she writes love and desire in “Let’s Call a Truce”, but with this book she has officially secured a spot among my all-time favorite authors. Her writing is emotional, engaging, and incredibly vivid, with a perfect balance between sweetness and intensity. The spice is never overdone… it’s meaningful, intimate, and perfectly woven into the story. She makes you feel everything, reminding us that love is respect, friendship, complicity, and deep emotional connection… but also real, powerful desire. ❤️‍🔥

Also, can we talk about Juliana and Ben making a cameo?! I literally screamed when I saw their names. I was SO happy to get a glimpse of them again! 😍

And then there’s the setting: Rome. I ADORED it! Maybe because I’m Italian and I’ve been lucky enough to visit many times, but WOW, the way the city is described is simply magical. It feels like you’re right there, walking beside the characters, seeing the Eternal City through their eyes. It actually made me want to pack my bags immediately because I NEED to go back! And the scene where Colton surprises Quinn by taking her to the Pantheon? I melted. Completely. The Pantheon has always been such a special place for me too, and this book captured its magic perfectly. 🏛️✨

I also really appreciated how the author handled Quinn’s complicated relationship with her father. It’s a delicate topic that could be difficult for some readers, but it’s approached with so much care, sensitivity, and respect.

Tropes:
Opposites attract ⚡️
College/University setting 🎓
Found family 🫶
Slow burn romance 🔥
He falls first 💘
Friends to lovers 🥰
Emotional growth & healing 🌱
Strong heroine / soft hero 💪💖

Content Warnings (CW):

Complicated parent–child relationship (Quinn & her father)
Workplace toxicity / academic pressure

This book comes out tomorrow and I genuinely cannot recommend it enough. Do yourself a favor and pick it up as soon as you can, because this is one you don’t want to miss!

Finally, a huge thank you to Amy Buchanan for giving us readers the chance to experience this story in advance. These pages are something truly special, and I feel so grateful to have read them early.

This book made me smile, swoon, ache, and fall completely in love… an unforgettable journey from beginning to end. 💫

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wanted a romance that feels like a sun-drenched chance wrapped in years of longing, Our Friendship in Ruin by Amy Buchanan absolutely delivers.

This story sweeps you straight to Rome, where Quinn and Colton reunite to teach at a summer college program—mirroring the study abroad experience that first shaped their bond. Buchanan does such a vivid job with the setting that you can practically feel the heat rising off the cobblestone streets, taste the vineyard wines, and hear the hum of the city as these two try (and fail) to keep things strictly platonic.

Let’s talk about Colton, because when it comes to pining, he sets the standard. This man has been in love with Quinn since the moment they met, but knowing she never wanted anything serious, he chose to stay—quietly, loyally—as her best friend. It’s the kind of emotional restraint that hurts so good to read. Watching him still show up for her, still support her, still choose her in every way he can without crossing the line? Painful. Beautiful. Elite.

Of course, being back in close quarters changes everything. Quinn starts to notice what’s been there all along, and that slow shift—from comfort to tension to undeniable attraction—is where this book really shines. Their chemistry builds naturally, and while there is steam when things finally break, the real focus is on emotional payoff. It takes time for them to admit what they feel, and that slow burn makes every moment land harder.

Beyond the romance, there’s a strong subplot involving conflict between faculty and academic staff at their college, which Quinn and Colton tackle together. It adds depth and gives them a shared purpose, reinforcing just how well they function as a team, something that makes their transition from friends to lovers feel earned.

By the end, Buchanan ties everything together beautifully: Quinn’s family struggles, Colton’s relationship with his mom, the professional tensions at the college, and of course, the long-awaited resolution between two people who were always meant to find their way to each other.

If you’re looking for:

a gorgeous travel escape to Rome
best friends-to-lovers with serious emotional depth
a down-bad, ride-or-die hero who has waited years for his girl
and a romance that balances slow burn with satisfying payoff

this one is absolutely worth the trip.

Thank you to the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author, Amy Buchanan, for the ARC to this book.

Quinn and Colton are best friends who met in class in one of their undergraduate college classes. They become close fast, never crossing the line of friendship, although it’s not something that hasn’t been thought about secretly from Colt.

Quinn and Colton both work at a college in Boston and Quinn has a goal of bringing the faculty which very much divided with professors on one side and everyone else on the other, together. She wants to add herself to the role as a professor and having current professors respect her role in the college as someone who helps guide students. Quinn has an incredible opportunity to travel to Rome with students and other professors for an immersive program/ class that she would lead part of it. She convinces Colton to join as well and her coworker/ bestie, Inez, as well. Quinn has the 12 weeks of the program to work on convincing the other professors that the work she is doing and the work the class she is teaching is valuable and so is her role in the college to bridge the gap in the school.

While in Rome, a place she grew up going to and loving so much it became a part of her (she studied Italian culture/ art), she sees her estranged father who is also Colton’s mentor. This brings up so much for her and how he continues to treat her due to him not agreeing with her career choices. It’s also here that she and Colton need to decide if they should put their “friendship in ruins” by casually sleeping with one another.

This book was beautifully written and had my heart in so many ways. I loved hearing about the Italian culture and art through the characters and their travels. The pained relationship between Quinn and her dad and the reasons why made my heart ache, Colt’s need for support from her dad, and that need for Quinn and Colt to realize that they should absolutely ruin the friendship because they were perfect for each other. I truly enjoyed everything about this book and I need more of Quinn and Colton!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 - Quinn and Colton have been friends for 14 years, through college, graduate school, and now working together at a college. The college campus is a bit toxic, where the faculty doesn’t respect the value of the staff that help out the students. When an opportunity comes up for Quinn to go on the study abroad program in her beloved Italy, while proving the value of staff at the college, she jumps at the chance. Colton is one of the faculty on the trip as well. He wants nothing more than to stand up for Quinn in the staff vs. faculty battle, but it lands him in the middle of this feud, putting his chance at tenure at risk. Getting to Rome opens doors to new feelings, and the two must decide if best friends can become lovers.

I loved this book. Quinn and Colton’s friendship is amazing. These two have been friends for 14 years, having met in college, grown, and now are working at the same college. Watching Quinn realize her feelings are something more, while Colton has always had them, was perfect.

The story of academia and staff vs. faculty was frustrating, and I hated watching Quinn having to fight for respect from the professors at her college. I loved how she took it on herself to win each professor over in their different ways. It really showed how her personality was suited to the career she was in, relating to both students and faculty.

Let’s talk about the setting. The bulk of this book takes place in Italy. I felt transported. Italy is easily one of my favourite places in the world, and Amy Buchanan’s setting of the scene was impeccable.

This book is ultimately about two people taking chances on life and love. I loved Amy’s writing and scene setting. If you want to be transported to Italy and watch two best friends take a chance on love, this is the perfect book for you! Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Amy Buchanan for the opportunity to read this novel! All opinions expressed are my own.

Quinn Riley is super frustrated being part of the staff for a small college campus where the professors don’t value her opinions and insight. If that’s not hard enough, she also has been estranged from her family over her father’s criticism of her career path. She is excited to be given the opportunity to prove herself and lead an internship trip to Rome with the college —- and her best friend Colton gets to tag along for moral support. The best friend that she has noticed she’s attracted to more and more as time goes on.
Colton Miller, in pursuit of his tenure as a professor, has made it a point to always be there for Quinn over the last ten years. Perhaps it goes a little deeper than that considering he’s always had feelings for Quinn. What can go wrong being together in Rome for 3 months while fighting a simmering attraction for each other?

***Friends to Lovers
***Dual POV
***Plus size FMC
***Flashbacks

Amy’s first novel “Lets Call a Truce” was one of my favorite debuts last year, so I was so excited to be granted the privilege to read this new novel early. I’ll be totally honest, Friends to Lovers is usually not my favorite, as the shift can sometimes feel unauthentic and forced. But this chemistry between Quinn and Colton?? FIRE from the beginning! The attraction was always at the base, they just built a wonderful friendship around it. And now they’re both torn by ruining the friendship as they fight their feelings.

The way this man encourages, sticks up for, and worships this woman is top tier. This was a feel good, scrumptious romance. Grab this one when it comes out in April!

Amy Buchanan has definitely become an auto buy author for me here on out - I will read anything she writes!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends-to-Lovers lovers, you are in for a TREAT with Our Friendship in Ruins! Quinn and Colton are so achingly tender and sweet — with some serious heated chemistry between them.

Set in the academic world and mostly abroad in Rome, there is a scenic beauty as Quinn and Colton slowly give in to over a decade of wondering and denying themselves. Colton is a man who is completely gone for his best friend, but also recognizes the value of his friendship with Quinn enough to live his life however it allows her to be in it when he sees no hint of her feeling the same. For YEARS. The man yearns in silence for years even while fully believing there is no hope and channels it into being an outstanding friend. He is a soft-hearted good man.

Quinn has been burned by the people who are supposed to love her unconditionally for choosing a professional path that didn’t align with what her father wanted for her AND she’s fighting for her professional life at the institution she has shaped her career at. If the woman is hesitant to change the relationship she has with one of the only people she can count on to be by her side, well, it’s understandable. To see her push past some of the fear of losing Colton to embrace the feelings that become harder and harder to deny while also experiencing personal growth and building her confidence was a lovely thing.

Most of the academic turmoil is above my head because it’s not a world I’m familiar with beyond getting my basic bachelors degree, but I understand enough to get the spirit of the conflict and the struggle Quinn is facing, as well as the politics of academia and the power plays involved. I would not have the patience or temperament to deal with half of what Quinn does, so more power to her for how she handles everything.

Thank you to Amy Buchanan for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m such a fan.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Arc Review) first and foremost i'd love to thank Amy for the opportunity to be part of her ARC community ♡

right off that bat, I loved the setting! Italy has always been my dream holiday destination and the way Amy wrote those scenes had me craving that Italian air even more! Every detail made me feel like I was right there with them, absorbing all the Roman culture and gelato (only to realise I was in the UK. at home. in bed. with it raining outside 😮‍💨)

I also feel like I have to preface the fact that i'm not usually a friends to lovers girl 🫣 not for a lacking trying but I always felt there was something missing! However ☝🏻 this wasn't the case with Quinn and Colton. The foundation for the friendship was steady and built on solid ground that allowed for a nice, gradual relationship to develop with trust, love and secret yearning 😏 which is always appreciated! Together, I thought they were quite the wholesome pair, living the dream and delivering some top tier love confessions!

Despite this.... quinn and colton separately.... I wasnt a huge fan! I didn't dislike them as such, in fact there were elements to both of their personalities that I found admirable - like Colton's unwaivering support and attention to detail when it came to Quinn. Speaking of Quinn, I loved her overall lust for life! the fact that she went against the grain to build a life she loved showed immense resilience! BUT they were both incredibly avoidant in certain aspects of their life which I found a little tiresome as the book progressed - especially approaching the end!

Overall, this was a funny, light hearted, cutesy romance with a stunnung setting and a pretty good plot which portrayed decent character development! I'd say it's a brilliant palette cleanser 💕

[Lexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 3.75 for me.
What really worked for me is how real Quinn and Colton feel even before anything turns romantic. They’re not strangers forced together, they’re best friends with over a decade of history, and that makes every interaction feel loaded with meaning. The slow burn here isn’t about building attraction from scratch, it’s about finally confronting something that’s been there for years.

Quinn especially stood out to me. The pressure of advocating for her study abroad program, and her deep care for students made her feel incredibly relatable. She’s competent and passionate, but constantly fighting to be taken seriously in academic spaces. Those faculty/senate scenes added a lot of realism and tension beyond just the romance.

Colton is equally compelling in a quieter way. He’s supportive in the moments that matter, especially when Quinn is struggling publicly, but he’s also navigating his own pressures and loyalties. The push and pull between doing what’s right professionally and what he feels personally adds a lot of depth to his character.

Their chemistry shines most in the in-between moments, teasing, jealousy they refuse to name, and that constant “almost” energy. Once they’re in Rome and forced into closer proximity, it becomes impossible for them to keep pretending nothing is changing between them.

Inez was a standout character for me, 10/10 bestie!

Overall, this is a very emotional friends-to-lovers slow burn about timing, fear, and what it costs to finally admit what’s always been true. Frustrating at times (in the best way), but very satisfying once everything starts to break through.

Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a huge fan of Amy's debut romance, Let's Call A Truce, and was delighted when she sent me an early copy of her newest book to read in exchange for an honest review. Our Friendship In Ruins was the travel romance of my dreams. I love Rome and reading the pages of this book felt like getting to relive everything I love about the city. The food and magic is captured so well in this book about two friends who, through the course of a summer, are able to recognize their other half in the other, and then decide whether being together is worth the risk.

This book has a lot to do with the internal politics of academic institutions and the push and pull between faculty and staff. Buchanan does a great job of emphasizing how important counseling is for students and how even though professors might think they have their students' interests at heart, they may still make short-sighted and selfish decisions that don't serve them or their students. Quinn and Colton are both so passionate about their interests and in this dual pov romance, they struggle to prioritize themselves and their wants with those of their family and what they think they are supposed to want and need. The two have always had a connection, but it takes the magic of Rome for their romance to blossom.

This was such a lovely, heart-filled book that any lover of romance will enjoy. This is such a great example of a friends to lovers romance where both characters need to get over themselves and their hang ups to realize what is right in front of their faces. This was so delightful and I am SO grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Lynn Meeuwissen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes
🩷 friends to lovers
🩷 academic romance
🩷 only one bed
🩷 plus size FMC
🩷 dual POV and dual timeline

Thank you so much Amy to include me in your ARC team! It was an absolute honor to get the ebook of Our Friendship in Ruins. All opinions are my own.

There is so much I love about the book that I don’t even know where to start and I don’t want to spoil so here’s what I’ll say:
🩷 I love the friendship between Colton and Quinn. They had a meet cute that led to his nickname for her: chaos.
🩷 I love how Quinn decided to chose her own path, even if it cost her the relationship with her family. I also love how her being plus size is a part of who she is, but not all of it, on the contrary! I love a strong FMC chasing her dreams and freedom!
🩷 I love how the story didn’t just focus on the romance but also has a very strong story line about the academic world and standing up for what you believe in, which got me equally - if not more - invested!
🩷 I love how much Colton wants to take care of his mom, even if it’s hardly sustainable and he has to sacrifice so much which he does from a place of gratitude for all she did for him! And I love his loyalty!
🩷 Inez is an absolute delight as a side character!
🩷 I loved the almost cinematic description of all the ancient sites and villages: I was right back in Rome!

One of my favorite quotes of this book: “She’s put on weight that makes her look like an ancient statue of Venus brought to life, all lush curves built for grabbing.”

This book will be published tomorrow (April 21st, 2026) so I’d say: grab your copy ASAP, unless you don’t want to fall in love with Colton & Quinn, Amy Buchanan and Rome!

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Buchanan strikes again with another beautiful romance. Thank you so much for the ARC.

Quinn, our female main character, is a strong, determined, intelligent, extroverted bundle of energy with real backbone. Colton, our male lead, gives almost golden retriever vibes with his supportive nature and easy, charming personality. The two have been friends forever, finding each other in college and becoming nearly inseparable. Even when life pulled them in different directions physically, their bond never wavered, and their chemistry remained effortless and natural.

Quinn carries family trauma that’s left her with deep trust issues, while Colton struggles under the weight of expectations that make him anxious. They convince themselves they’re better off as friends. Why risk ruining something so solid, so perfectly balanced?

But after years apart, they’re thrown back together, sometimes literally thanks to the one bed trope, and the calm waters of their friendship begin to simmer into something much more intense. The chemistry between them is undeniable, building into a slow, satisfying burn that feels both inevitable and earned.

“Quinn’s fingers slot through mine, and my heart skips a beat. It feels so right, our hands wrapped together, a small point of connection even in a sea of other people.”

One of my favorite things about this book is Quinn’s representation as a plus size woman. It’s not treated as a problem or a source of conflict. Colton desires her fully, without hesitation, and her body is embraced rather than scrutinized. It’s refreshing to see that kind of representation handled with such ease and care.

ALSO I GOT TO SEE MY BABIES BEN AND JULIANA

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great example of how friends to lovers is the superior trope. You wouldn't get this type of fun banter and intimacy stemming from years of being each other's favorite person from an enemies to lovers.

Loved it. The writing style is everything I enjoy - fun, light, open, emotional. It got me giddy with excitement, especially because of the amount of the tension, yearning, and conflicted feelings (which were delicious). This is my kind of book, that's for sure. And the pop culture references were so fun!

Colton is a top notch MMC, and there's nothing I love more than two idiots who are in love but only one of them acknowledges it and is ready to do whatever for the other person. Their reasons for staying away were so rational it hurt, and I'm happy with how everything turned out.

Safe to say, the romance was great, but I actually found myself really enjoying the plot outside of it. The challenges they had to overcome connected to Quinn's program and Colton's tenure track were so interesting to follow.

I didn't dislike anything about reading this, I'm very happy that I had a chance to pick it up before it's officially out. If anything - with tension this delicious, I’d love a bit more of the slow burn before things start going down physically, but either way, I'm not mad. It's just personal preference.

I'd easily recommend this to any fan of friends to lovers trope or just someone who's looking for a book with a summery vibe.

A giant thank you to the author and her team for giving me a chance to read the ARC!