The Art of Breaking Up

Elizabeth Stevens — 2021

Wade Phillips shattered Lisa McGinty's heart in Year 10 for no known reason. One minute he was the perfect boy-next-door boyfriend, star goalie on the soccer team, and future head prefect. The next he was like a different person altogether, dumping Lisa and systematically making his way through every girl in our year.By Year 12, he'd made it through most of them and was on to the year below. He'd miraculously made Head Prefect and was somehow still on the Soccer team, even though he put more effort into partying.Lisa and I were used to his sarcastic teasing, his shallow taunting, and his insincere flirting. My best friend put on a brave face in front of him, but she still felt the sting. I knew she still loved him. At least, she thought she did. I kept waiting for her to see he wasn't worth it.No one knew what happened to Wade and no one got close to him anymore. Not until a life-altering incident throws me unavoidably into his path.For one single second, I see through the armour he's built. It takes just one single second for him to see through mine. Something connects us. It turns out, Wade Phillips might be the only one who understands me. It turns out, I might be the only one who understands him.Wade Phillips might be the guy to teach me the art of breaking up, but will my heart - and Lisa's - break in the process?*For those 'Keeping Up Appearances' and 'Accidentally Perfect' fans, here's a return to that style. You'll find this story is a bit of a combination of the two. Like both, it's about growing up, finding and accepting yourself, being with people who bring out the best in you, and getting the guy that you might not think you want but that you need and, more importantly, needs you.*Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax. Not recommended for younger readers due to mature content.

Reviews

anderson elizabeth@256andeee

Feb 25, 2022

Authors who write love interests that go to therapy and utilize the knowledge that they’ve gained from therapy to better their relationships ??? PHENOMENAL. Amazing. Iconic. I love them dearly. And especially the fact that Elizabeth Stevens gave representation for male mental health. That is so incredibly important to normalize and give representation to. I absolutely ADORED Nora and Wade. The way that they were able to be there for each other and support one another made my heart feel so full and happy. They didn’t trauma dump on each other but took turns giving the other space to reveal what they wanted and work through what they were feeling which I felt was so important. Everything about them felt so domestic and I ate it up. The way that Wade got Nora to communicate and open up throughout the book was *chef’s kiss*. The friendship and love that Nora and Lisa have for each other is also everything. I loved the way Lisa knew there was something happening with Nora (without knowing it was the inevitable divorce) but gave her the ability to come to her on her own. Their girls' nights and support for each other felt true to the dynamic between my friends and I. They complimented/balanced one another. I have concluded that authors who include a playlist for their books and/or characters deserve the most restful of sleep and supreme of joy. AKA I wish Elizabeth Stevens a wonderful rest and all the joy in the world. Since finishing this wonderful book I’ve been making my way through the playlist and was DELIGHTED to see some of my all-time favorite bands on it (accidental pun with All Time Low being one of the said bands). more book playlists hooza. love interests who go to therapy and communicate !!! Thank you Sleeping Dragon Books and NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Michelle Boyea@caffeinatedbibliophile

Oct 27, 2021

I was lucky enough to receive a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a super cute book that is a quick and easy read. It’s a great book to curl up with and distract you from the day-to-day stressors. I loved the way Norah and Wade grew as their own people. Although, I so called it with Lisa :)

Isa@isapop

Dec 26, 2021

Sam Kiszonka@dastardlyreads

Dec 6, 2021