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How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend
Boyfriends are supposed to be loyal, caring, and handsome. Giovanna?s boyfriend, Jesse, has perfected the last two. But when her twin brother, Dante, runs for student body president, Jesse doesn?t support Dante, choosing to campaign for his opponent instead. Shouldn?t the fact that Jesse is Giovanna?s boyfriend count for something? So Giovanna dumps Jesse and becomes Dante?s campaign manager. But as the political debates heat up, Giovanna begins to regret breaking up with Jesse, and realizes that maybe her decision wasn?t the political strategy she should have used?.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2007
58 people are currently reading
2087 people want to read
About the author
Janette Rallison
74 books1,999 followersCheck out my awesome book trailers!
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
December 29, 2014
"I bet you Cinderella didn't get along with Prince Charming's friends. Oh sure, the knights and barons probably put up with her on account that she was pretty and had such dainty feet and all, but you know every duchess and countess in the kingdom hated her guts. That's how women are when someone encroaches on their turf."
------------------------
I hate people who think they’re better than everybody else because they’re rich.
I am not stereotyping here okay.
I said I hate people who think they’re better because they’re rich not just plain rich people.
Having money doesn’t give you leverage.
It has its perks but then again you are NOT better than everyone else.
Money could buy you tons of things but not real friends.
Why do I hate those types of people? Because I know a few of them and they make my blood boil.
How to take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend is a cute and amusing read.
I loved how Ms. Rallison tackled not only how Giovanna wanted to get her ex-boyfriend Jesse back but also other stuff like family, friendship and other stuff like that.
I liked how it wasn’t entirely the typical YA romance novel with the whole book just about Giovanna and Jesse and their relationship.
Giovanna broke up with her boyfriend Jesse and now she wants him back.
Why’d she break up with him?
Giovanna is known to be very emotional and because of one emotional outburst she broke up with Jesse just because he chose to support Wilson instead of her brother Dante as a student council president.
I loved everything about this book starting from the title to its last page.
As I mentioned earlier it was cute and amusing.
This is my first book of Ms. Rallison and definitely won’t be the last.
The title of the book is definitely what made me want to read it.
“How to take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend”
Catchy right?
It’s a good thing that its content actually lived up to its pretty cover and appealing title.
Let me start by saying that I am quite emotional myself so I could relate to how Giovanna took how Jesse made the decision of campaigning for Wilson instead of her brother.
I love Jesse and all but still all this drama should have been prevented if he just explained in the first place why he had to do it but if that happens then there wouldn’t be this book right?
Another issue for me was Giovanna’s lack of trust on her boyfriend.
I mean weren’t they supposed to be in love?
And being in love means trusting each others decision to be what would be best for the two of you.
Giovanna has trust issues which I could also relate to.
I think Giovanna and me had tons in common which was one of the reasons why I liked this book.
This book was very light and fast read although I wasn’t able to finish it as fast I would have done if I didn’t have work but it is a very fast read.
If you are looking for a book that doesn’t have sex, kissing or curses or in other words “clean” read then this is definitely one of them.
There were times that I found the plot a little boring but it then gets better.
The ending was well a little predictable but I still enjoyed it.
This book was humorous with a lesson to teach.
Trust, Communication and Love is essentially the three things that would make a relationship work and for me Giovanna and Jesse failed on two of them but were able to fix their issues in the end.
The ending?
Cinderella got her prince back and they lived happily ever after.
I give this book 4 stars
------------------------
I hate people who think they’re better than everybody else because they’re rich.
I am not stereotyping here okay.
I said I hate people who think they’re better because they’re rich not just plain rich people.
Having money doesn’t give you leverage.
It has its perks but then again you are NOT better than everyone else.
Money could buy you tons of things but not real friends.
Why do I hate those types of people? Because I know a few of them and they make my blood boil.
How to take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend is a cute and amusing read.
I loved how Ms. Rallison tackled not only how Giovanna wanted to get her ex-boyfriend Jesse back but also other stuff like family, friendship and other stuff like that.
I liked how it wasn’t entirely the typical YA romance novel with the whole book just about Giovanna and Jesse and their relationship.
Giovanna broke up with her boyfriend Jesse and now she wants him back.
Why’d she break up with him?
Giovanna is known to be very emotional and because of one emotional outburst she broke up with Jesse just because he chose to support Wilson instead of her brother Dante as a student council president.
I loved everything about this book starting from the title to its last page.
As I mentioned earlier it was cute and amusing.
This is my first book of Ms. Rallison and definitely won’t be the last.
The title of the book is definitely what made me want to read it.
“How to take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend”
Catchy right?
It’s a good thing that its content actually lived up to its pretty cover and appealing title.
Let me start by saying that I am quite emotional myself so I could relate to how Giovanna took how Jesse made the decision of campaigning for Wilson instead of her brother.
I love Jesse and all but still all this drama should have been prevented if he just explained in the first place why he had to do it but if that happens then there wouldn’t be this book right?
Another issue for me was Giovanna’s lack of trust on her boyfriend.
I mean weren’t they supposed to be in love?
And being in love means trusting each others decision to be what would be best for the two of you.
Giovanna has trust issues which I could also relate to.
I think Giovanna and me had tons in common which was one of the reasons why I liked this book.
This book was very light and fast read although I wasn’t able to finish it as fast I would have done if I didn’t have work but it is a very fast read.
If you are looking for a book that doesn’t have sex, kissing or curses or in other words “clean” read then this is definitely one of them.
There were times that I found the plot a little boring but it then gets better.
The ending was well a little predictable but I still enjoyed it.
This book was humorous with a lesson to teach.
Trust, Communication and Love is essentially the three things that would make a relationship work and for me Giovanna and Jesse failed on two of them but were able to fix their issues in the end.
The ending?
Cinderella got her prince back and they lived happily ever after.
I give this book 4 stars
August 24, 2025
Hilarious, G-rated, YA, chick-lit comedy of errors
It is an uphill battle from the start when 16-year-old Giovanna's anti-establishment twin brother, Dante, decides to run for student body president. He is outraged that the current student leadership has not authorized funds for a memorial for a recently deceased student. Dante's opponent is a good-looking, athletic, extremely popular, 17-year-old student named Winston, who has the additional benefit of a rich father, who is the mayor of the small Texas town where they live. Winston is able to basically bribe students for their vote by inviting them to a huge, blowout party at his mansion. Giovanna becomes extremely angry with her handsome, popular, athletic, Cinnamon Roll boyfriend, Jesse, whom she has been dating for a few months, when he agrees to be Winston's campaign manager instead of Dante's. She strongly believes that Jesse's first loyalty should be to Dante, who is both his friend and the brother of his girlfriend. Unfortunately, Jesse says that Winston has first call on his loyalty, because he has been friends with Winston his whole life. Jesse soothingly suggests that Giovanna not get so heavily attached to the election, because her brother doesn't have a snowball's chance in Hades of winning. He also tells her it would be a good idea if she herself would serve as her brother's campaign manager.
This novel, as is typical for female-centric, YA chick lit, is told from the single, first-person POV of the FMC. There are frequent, laugh-out-loud moments in this sprightly story because of Giovanna's humorously intense overreactions. In particular, she has a very public fight with Jesse, for what she considers to be his unforgivable disloyalty to Dante and herself, and dumps him. This is an impulsive act, which she comes to strongly regret over the course of the novel, very much wishing to get back together with her ex.
I really liked both Giovanna and Jesse. Giovanna is a very strong, active, determined FMC. Though we don't get access to Jesse's thoughts, his actions and motivations, which are not fully exposed until the end of the story, reveal him to be a person of integrity, and a caring and protective boyfriend to Giovanna. He is a truly excellent love interest.
Giovanna's stepmother is really hard on her throughout this novel and is a major antagonist whom it is easy to dislike. Fortunately, rather than simply declaring this situation resolved at the end of the novel, with nothing meaningful whatsoever actually having been done to achieve this laudable outcome, as so many YA authors tend to do, there is a believable, earned HEA to this major plot point.
I am not typically a fan of either adult or YA chick lit, unless it is extremely well done, and it is funny rather than melodramatic. JR is one of the best at achieving both of those things.
I own this hilarious, G-rated comedy of errors in both Kindle and audiobook format. I have read it multiple times over the years, and I will undoubtedly read it again many times in the future. The audiobook is very well done with a talented narrator.
It is an uphill battle from the start when 16-year-old Giovanna's anti-establishment twin brother, Dante, decides to run for student body president. He is outraged that the current student leadership has not authorized funds for a memorial for a recently deceased student. Dante's opponent is a good-looking, athletic, extremely popular, 17-year-old student named Winston, who has the additional benefit of a rich father, who is the mayor of the small Texas town where they live. Winston is able to basically bribe students for their vote by inviting them to a huge, blowout party at his mansion. Giovanna becomes extremely angry with her handsome, popular, athletic, Cinnamon Roll boyfriend, Jesse, whom she has been dating for a few months, when he agrees to be Winston's campaign manager instead of Dante's. She strongly believes that Jesse's first loyalty should be to Dante, who is both his friend and the brother of his girlfriend. Unfortunately, Jesse says that Winston has first call on his loyalty, because he has been friends with Winston his whole life. Jesse soothingly suggests that Giovanna not get so heavily attached to the election, because her brother doesn't have a snowball's chance in Hades of winning. He also tells her it would be a good idea if she herself would serve as her brother's campaign manager.
This novel, as is typical for female-centric, YA chick lit, is told from the single, first-person POV of the FMC. There are frequent, laugh-out-loud moments in this sprightly story because of Giovanna's humorously intense overreactions. In particular, she has a very public fight with Jesse, for what she considers to be his unforgivable disloyalty to Dante and herself, and dumps him. This is an impulsive act, which she comes to strongly regret over the course of the novel, very much wishing to get back together with her ex.
I really liked both Giovanna and Jesse. Giovanna is a very strong, active, determined FMC. Though we don't get access to Jesse's thoughts, his actions and motivations, which are not fully exposed until the end of the story, reveal him to be a person of integrity, and a caring and protective boyfriend to Giovanna. He is a truly excellent love interest.
Giovanna's stepmother is really hard on her throughout this novel and is a major antagonist whom it is easy to dislike. Fortunately, rather than simply declaring this situation resolved at the end of the novel, with nothing meaningful whatsoever actually having been done to achieve this laudable outcome, as so many YA authors tend to do, there is a believable, earned HEA to this major plot point.
I am not typically a fan of either adult or YA chick lit, unless it is extremely well done, and it is funny rather than melodramatic. JR is one of the best at achieving both of those things.
I own this hilarious, G-rated comedy of errors in both Kindle and audiobook format. I have read it multiple times over the years, and I will undoubtedly read it again many times in the future. The audiobook is very well done with a talented narrator.
October 26, 2007
Love it. Love it. Love it. Even though Janette Rallison isn't nearly as well known (say, like Meg Cabot) I'm starting to believe that I prefer her books over Cabot. There's just something so satisfying about finishing one of Rallison's books that I just want to go online and write a good review for it. So. Here I am.
Giovanna thinks she has the best boyfriend ever. Sure, he might hang out with a few jerks as friends, but that's okay. Until Giovanna's twin brother, Dante, decides to run against the mayor's son for student council president. When asked which side Giovanna's boyfriend would take, Jesse becomes the enemy's campaign manager. Angered by his decision, Giovanna breaks up with up. It's only later, as the election progresses that Giovanna realizes how irrational she'd been, and now she wants her ex-boyfriend back.
One of my favorite things about this book is the title. I am a firm believer about book titles being the eye-catcher. I mean, if I came upon something called, like, The Case of the Highlighter, I'd just be like: Huh, okay, moving on... All the books written by Janette Rallison has good titles. Catchy, silly, and a bit long, but that's good, especially since it gets the good point across.
Another thing I loved was the storyline. Although the ending wasn't a shocker or anything, I thought the whole "Taking the Ex out of Ex-Boyfriend" idea was a genius, especially followed up by this spunky heroine and her equally amusing (ex) boyfriend. Really, I still can't get over how well written this book was. I can already see myself re-reading this book a few years from now. Hah.
Giovanna thinks she has the best boyfriend ever. Sure, he might hang out with a few jerks as friends, but that's okay. Until Giovanna's twin brother, Dante, decides to run against the mayor's son for student council president. When asked which side Giovanna's boyfriend would take, Jesse becomes the enemy's campaign manager. Angered by his decision, Giovanna breaks up with up. It's only later, as the election progresses that Giovanna realizes how irrational she'd been, and now she wants her ex-boyfriend back.
One of my favorite things about this book is the title. I am a firm believer about book titles being the eye-catcher. I mean, if I came upon something called, like, The Case of the Highlighter, I'd just be like: Huh, okay, moving on... All the books written by Janette Rallison has good titles. Catchy, silly, and a bit long, but that's good, especially since it gets the good point across.
Another thing I loved was the storyline. Although the ending wasn't a shocker or anything, I thought the whole "Taking the Ex out of Ex-Boyfriend" idea was a genius, especially followed up by this spunky heroine and her equally amusing (ex) boyfriend. Really, I still can't get over how well written this book was. I can already see myself re-reading this book a few years from now. Hah.
February 11, 2014
I couldn't decide on something to read last night and finally decided to revisit this favorite of mine. I love the opening line: "I bet you Cinderella didn’t get along with Prince Charming’s friends.” Because, when you think about it, that's probably true.
Anyway, I've read this a few times now and I enjoyed it just as much this time around. Giovanna was a fun character; she broke up with her perfect boyfriend Jesse when he chose his friends over her and her twin brother. She probably should have trusted him, but I also think Jesse could have handled the situation a lot better as well. It did seem like Dante and Jesse were a little clueless and blamed Giovanna for being too "emotional" when they were in the wrong. In order to try and get over Jesse, Giovanna goes on a series of blind dates. They were pretty funny, especially that last one. Wow, talk about embarrassing. Jesse and Giovanna still have some fun interactions throughout the story, and while it's obvious Jesse is a little jealous, I would have liked to see him actually miss Giovanna a little more. I guess he was confident in how everything would work out, but a little groveling on his part would have been nice (Granted, I like his reasons for doing what he did, but I still think he could have gone about it better). I’m not sure if he really ever considered them broken-up.
Overall, this is a fun, lighthearted read.
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean
Other: Side characters get drunk at a party, but is shown in a negative light.
Anyway, I've read this a few times now and I enjoyed it just as much this time around. Giovanna was a fun character; she broke up with her perfect boyfriend Jesse when he chose his friends over her and her twin brother. She probably should have trusted him, but I also think Jesse could have handled the situation a lot better as well. It did seem like Dante and Jesse were a little clueless and blamed Giovanna for being too "emotional" when they were in the wrong. In order to try and get over Jesse, Giovanna goes on a series of blind dates. They were pretty funny, especially that last one. Wow, talk about embarrassing. Jesse and Giovanna still have some fun interactions throughout the story, and while it's obvious Jesse is a little jealous, I would have liked to see him actually miss Giovanna a little more. I guess he was confident in how everything would work out, but a little groveling on his part would have been nice (Granted, I like his reasons for doing what he did, but I still think he could have gone about it better). I’m not sure if he really ever considered them broken-up.
Overall, this is a fun, lighthearted read.
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean
Other: Side characters get drunk at a party, but is shown in a negative light.
November 12, 2024
Plot- The plot follows the FMC who rashly breaks up with her awesome (but in her opinion, lacking in loyalty) boyfriend in order to support her twin brother by being his campaign manager for Senior President. (Incidentally, although she worked hard and embarrassed herself often for her twin’s campaign, her twin didn’t seem particularly invested or thankful for her help, imo.)
The FMC seemed cursed to have everything go sideways on her. It was a comedy of errors, but all light hearted in nature. This is not a plot that I enjoy. I frequently felt low level dread and secondhand embarrassment as I read.
The only bright spot was when she turned the tide by exposing Wilson for being a jerk.
Romance- This YA romantic comedy was very light on the Romantic and heavier on the Comedy. In fact, I’d hardly consider this romance at all. There was a plan to make her ex-boyfriend jealous (in order to want her back more), and I was SO excited for her to finally get a well deserved WIN for once, but the plan backfired, which was super disappointing. Ugh. This girl keeps getting the smack down.
The chemistry was low.
But I did thoroughly enjoy her best friend’s strategy at how to play the game in order to get him back:
“He’ll have to think it’s his idea. That’s the thing about guys. They love a challenge. If you come crawling back to him, it’s like admitting you aren’t capable of doing better. He’ll think you’re a B-list girl. Then the only way to salvage his dignity—so he’s not lumped together with all the guys who wouldn’t have you—is to dump you right back.”
….
“I’m supposed to act snobby?”
“No, not snobby. Snobby people might as well walk around with a sign that says, ‘Look at me—I’m trying to be A-list.’ You have to like yourself, that’s all. When you like yourself, you have confidence. Confidence is an A-list quality.”
Writing This is where the book shined! The writing was incredibly witty and entertaining! I guffawed out loud many times.
Twins are supposed to have a psychic connection. …. Let me say right off this has never happened between Dante and me. …. Maybe it’s because Dante and I aren’t identical twins. But it’s more likely because Dante isn’t trying hard enough.
-
This has caused Dante to give her no end of grief about the subject. When she’s at our house, he refers to his bike as either “the death trap” or “the Demonmobile.” Sometimes he lets out a possessed-sounding cackle and pretends he’s trying to get her. At some point during her visits, she usually ends up hitting him.
Characters- I really liked the FMC and her three best friends. They were awesome. The male side characters were also good.
I also liked the positive message about fixing a strained relationship with a step-parent.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Spice- None. Maybe two sweet, chaste kisses.
Cover- I LOVE the cover with the broken mug. It’s clever and it pulls me right in.
POV- 1st person POV from the FMC.
Cliffhanger- No. This is standalone.
Format- KU
The FMC seemed cursed to have everything go sideways on her. It was a comedy of errors, but all light hearted in nature. This is not a plot that I enjoy. I frequently felt low level dread and secondhand embarrassment as I read.
The only bright spot was when she turned the tide by exposing Wilson for being a jerk.
Romance- This YA romantic comedy was very light on the Romantic and heavier on the Comedy. In fact, I’d hardly consider this romance at all. There was a plan to make her ex-boyfriend jealous (in order to want her back more), and I was SO excited for her to finally get a well deserved WIN for once, but the plan backfired, which was super disappointing. Ugh. This girl keeps getting the smack down.
The chemistry was low.
But I did thoroughly enjoy her best friend’s strategy at how to play the game in order to get him back:
“He’ll have to think it’s his idea. That’s the thing about guys. They love a challenge. If you come crawling back to him, it’s like admitting you aren’t capable of doing better. He’ll think you’re a B-list girl. Then the only way to salvage his dignity—so he’s not lumped together with all the guys who wouldn’t have you—is to dump you right back.”
….
“I’m supposed to act snobby?”
“No, not snobby. Snobby people might as well walk around with a sign that says, ‘Look at me—I’m trying to be A-list.’ You have to like yourself, that’s all. When you like yourself, you have confidence. Confidence is an A-list quality.”
Writing This is where the book shined! The writing was incredibly witty and entertaining! I guffawed out loud many times.
Twins are supposed to have a psychic connection. …. Let me say right off this has never happened between Dante and me. …. Maybe it’s because Dante and I aren’t identical twins. But it’s more likely because Dante isn’t trying hard enough.
-
This has caused Dante to give her no end of grief about the subject. When she’s at our house, he refers to his bike as either “the death trap” or “the Demonmobile.” Sometimes he lets out a possessed-sounding cackle and pretends he’s trying to get her. At some point during her visits, she usually ends up hitting him.
Characters- I really liked the FMC and her three best friends. They were awesome. The male side characters were also good.
I also liked the positive message about fixing a strained relationship with a step-parent.
Content-
Language- no swearing
Spice- None. Maybe two sweet, chaste kisses.
Cover- I LOVE the cover with the broken mug. It’s clever and it pulls me right in.
POV- 1st person POV from the FMC.
Cliffhanger- No. This is standalone.
Format- KU
October 2, 2017
I've had this book on my bookshelf since 2007/2008 and decided it was time to finally pick it up. How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend was a light, quick, drama filled read that had me laughing at times.
December 22, 2019
Eh it was okay.
How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend has been on my TBR for a while. No idea what initially intrigued me about this because I have never wanted any of this to happen. If someone was my ex then they were an ex for a reason. Time to move on. Yet, I dove into this with zero expectations.
In it, you will meet Giovanna and Jesse. It was a classic, you don't realize what you had until it's gone. Long story short, she broke up with him and then wanted him back. The drama between them was kind of dumb and by that - it completely was. Besides that the lack of trust was just eye-roll worthy. Yes, it is YA and I can see how trust is basically non-existent in these type of books BUT we all know that without trust there is no 'us'.
It didn't take long for things to get a bit more realistic and likable for me. The sad thing is that I just wasn't fully committed to everyone and everything happening. It was cute though and I'm glad that it was because they kind of deserved a little HEA - ya know?
How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend has been on my TBR for a while. No idea what initially intrigued me about this because I have never wanted any of this to happen. If someone was my ex then they were an ex for a reason. Time to move on. Yet, I dove into this with zero expectations.
In it, you will meet Giovanna and Jesse. It was a classic, you don't realize what you had until it's gone. Long story short, she broke up with him and then wanted him back. The drama between them was kind of dumb and by that - it completely was. Besides that the lack of trust was just eye-roll worthy. Yes, it is YA and I can see how trust is basically non-existent in these type of books BUT we all know that without trust there is no 'us'.
It didn't take long for things to get a bit more realistic and likable for me. The sad thing is that I just wasn't fully committed to everyone and everything happening. It was cute though and I'm glad that it was because they kind of deserved a little HEA - ya know?
June 2, 2021
I love Rallison. She depicts high schoolers in really entertaining ways without making them too flawed or stupid or clumsy or any of the other tropes from film. Instead she gives them a fatal flaw and uses entertaining and humorous hijinks to help the protagonist recognize her own flaw and seek ways to fix it. I find that immensely satisfying. Even in a light-hearted beach read, Rallison manages to nail the concept of the story arc.
February 7, 2013
4.5 (Just because I felt the ending seemed a bit hurried....)
I loved this light, fun, read by Janette Rallison. I read it in one night because I couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and smiling thoughout the entire book. A great, clean, YA read.
I loved this light, fun, read by Janette Rallison. I read it in one night because I couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and smiling thoughout the entire book. A great, clean, YA read.
April 12, 2019
You know, a Dante-Charity book would be just the thing right now.
January 27, 2022
If you are looking for first love, misunderstandings, an annoying twin brother, motorcycles, sweet, spice and everything nice than these are the ingredients for the perfect teen book.
Janette Rallison has always been able to write teens sounding and acting like well... teens! I find sometimes teens tend to act like adults in YA fiction and I am like "dude I never had that type of cognitive action in my brain at 16." Sometimes I still don't 😅 Ask my husband how many petty disagreements we had when we were young and dating. Too many, mostly because I was hungry or needed a nap. 😂
The characters are stubborn, they're flawed, they lack communication but they make a fun story. I enjoyed this one!
Thank you to the author for a #gifted copy. These are my stubborn opinions. Never knew how to grow out of that as a teen. Not willing to give it up now.
Janette Rallison has always been able to write teens sounding and acting like well... teens! I find sometimes teens tend to act like adults in YA fiction and I am like "dude I never had that type of cognitive action in my brain at 16." Sometimes I still don't 😅 Ask my husband how many petty disagreements we had when we were young and dating. Too many, mostly because I was hungry or needed a nap. 😂
The characters are stubborn, they're flawed, they lack communication but they make a fun story. I enjoyed this one!
Thank you to the author for a #gifted copy. These are my stubborn opinions. Never knew how to grow out of that as a teen. Not willing to give it up now.
January 7, 2015
Short Review also appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison was an incredibly light and fluffy read--which is exactly what I needed! Was it the best book I've ever read? No, but it was a lot of fun.
I will admit that I went into this book kind of knowing what to expect, but I was still surprised by how it didn't focus on what I thought it would. The title is a loose indicator of what this book is about and I enjoyed the easy-going and predictable nature of the storyline. Some of the characters, however, were a bit too much, especially the step-mom. For a moment, I thought I was reading a Cinderella retelling. It got to the point where her meanness became a bit overdramatic.
Also, the dialogue was very high school for me. I mean, there are contemporary teen reads that have teenagers who talk and you can hear the author's voice in each word, and then you have books like this one where the author obviously strived to have characters that sounded nothing like her. This isn't a dig at teenagers, I was one once too and I used to talk like this and scheme like this. This book was fun, but not perfect.
I did not see the twist at the end coming--I thought it would be a cheesy way of ending things--but it was actually a pretty nice way of tying up all loose ends. That's another good thing I liked about Rallison's novel: she finishes her story with enough openness that the characters aren't defined by the conclusion of the story, but gives enough closure for the reader that s/he's not raked with curiosity long after the final sentence.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a light read after reading a heavy novel. There's enough humor and predictability to make this a great way of shedding off the pretentiousness of whatever heavy book you've just read. I was laughing out loud at various parts and if you're looking for something very light, then this might be the book that will have you laughing, too.
Happy reading!
How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison was an incredibly light and fluffy read--which is exactly what I needed! Was it the best book I've ever read? No, but it was a lot of fun.
I will admit that I went into this book kind of knowing what to expect, but I was still surprised by how it didn't focus on what I thought it would. The title is a loose indicator of what this book is about and I enjoyed the easy-going and predictable nature of the storyline. Some of the characters, however, were a bit too much, especially the step-mom. For a moment, I thought I was reading a Cinderella retelling. It got to the point where her meanness became a bit overdramatic.
Also, the dialogue was very high school for me. I mean, there are contemporary teen reads that have teenagers who talk and you can hear the author's voice in each word, and then you have books like this one where the author obviously strived to have characters that sounded nothing like her. This isn't a dig at teenagers, I was one once too and I used to talk like this and scheme like this. This book was fun, but not perfect.
I did not see the twist at the end coming--I thought it would be a cheesy way of ending things--but it was actually a pretty nice way of tying up all loose ends. That's another good thing I liked about Rallison's novel: she finishes her story with enough openness that the characters aren't defined by the conclusion of the story, but gives enough closure for the reader that s/he's not raked with curiosity long after the final sentence.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a light read after reading a heavy novel. There's enough humor and predictability to make this a great way of shedding off the pretentiousness of whatever heavy book you've just read. I was laughing out loud at various parts and if you're looking for something very light, then this might be the book that will have you laughing, too.
Happy reading!
November 22, 2014
I try to avoid YA contemporary. Mostly because it's usually full of swearing and sex talk. Not to mention no one has any superpowers.
Instead the characters are pregnant/strugglingwithsexualorientation/depressed/orphaned/abused/homicidal/suicidal.
Since this book has none of the above, I think it needs it's own genre:
REAL LIFE BUT BETTER
And by better, I mean hilarious (and nobody dies or contracts a terminal illness!) I read this aloud to my wife, and every few pages I had difficulty controlling my laughter enough to get the words out.
Fresh, uplifting, and optimistic. Why would anyone read the other kind?
Instead the characters are pregnant/strugglingwithsexualorientation/depressed/orphaned/abused/homicidal/suicidal.
Since this book has none of the above, I think it needs it's own genre:
REAL LIFE BUT BETTER
And by better, I mean hilarious (and nobody dies or contracts a terminal illness!) I read this aloud to my wife, and every few pages I had difficulty controlling my laughter enough to get the words out.
Fresh, uplifting, and optimistic. Why would anyone read the other kind?
August 6, 2017
This book had a great storyline. I also enjoyed the characters. It also seemed like a story that could happen in real life.
February 20, 2021
"3 out of 5 stars. It's a cute story. Definitely had some unexpected twists that made me want to find out what would happen next, but it wasn't ..."
Read more of this review and a TEASER here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2010/06/made-grade-how-to-take-ex-out-of-ex.html
Read more of this review and a TEASER here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2010/06/made-grade-how-to-take-ex-out-of-ex.html
April 30, 2009
I laughed out loud reading this book. Rallison has a great connection to what it feels like to be a teenager. I felt like she kept the story real and it was not filled with beverly hills 90210 type drama.
October 28, 2021
In the book How to Take the Ex out of Ex-boyfriend, written by Jannette Rallison is about Giovanna Petrizzo who is an emotional 16 year old and she has a twin brother, Dante. Dante was the one who basically introduced her to her boyfriend Jesse all because of a motorcycle. Giovanna doesn’t really like Jesse’s friends especially Wilson, Wilson is the mayor's son and he is the one to always run for class president. At a party Wilson was talking about some of the decisions that the council made and one of the decisions made Dante very unhappy. Dante decided to run against Wilson in the election for president so he, Dante, could get justice. She thought Jesse would help her brother with the election but no he chose to help Wilson. Jesse and Giovanna break up and Giovanna becomes her brother's campaign helper. Giovanna wants to get back with Jesse but will they get back together? I do like this book because it has lots of detail and you can imagine the scene you're reading. There are also parts that have some drama and I love drama because it’s so entertaining. There are some funny parts like at the party Giovanna and Dante hosted and three drunk guys that Dante knew came over and Giovanna had to take them home, there was some drama there too but that part was the funniest thing. The only thing I don’t like about the book is their step mom Gabby. I say this because she obviously favors Dante more than Giovanna and whenever Giovanna tries to be nice to her Gabby brushes her off. There was that big scandal that happened with some dead frogs in Gabby’s briefcase but that all wasn’t even Giovanna’s fault. I would recommend this book to anyone who can read because there are no inappropriate parts, there are some mentions of drinking but that’s not as bad as other things that could have been mentioned.
August 28, 2022
3.5 stars. Cute, funny and sweet. Giovanna doesn't want to be put between her boyfriend Jesse and her twin brother Dante, but in high school fashion, she decides to side with Dante in his campaign for student body president. Jesse winds up supporting Dante's opponent. The story is adorable in Giovanna's perspective in how she navigates this murky territory along with the trouble she keeps finding herself in. Not to mention how Jesse keeps showing up even though they aren't together anymore and how her relationship with Dante always feels one-sided until he really does come through for her.
December 1, 2022
Super cute!! Fun read.
May 16, 2025
It's not my favorite. That will always be It's a Mall World After All. There could be a tiny bit more of a relationship resolution with the step-mom. Other than that, I liked it. I wish JR would write more teen books. A Dante/Charity sequel would be great. And the law breaking, and subsequent arrest, was a bit over my line. Just a bit.
I lost it with the frogs, though. Just couldn't keep the giggles in.
I lost it with the frogs, though. Just couldn't keep the giggles in.
April 2, 2015
I really liked this book in the end, but I spent a lot of time being seriously irritated on Giovanna’s behalf. I could relate to why she was so angry and I didn’t really feel like she was being overly emotional--just supportive of her brother and expecting her boyfriend to do what he’d told her he’d do. Most of the time I just thought Jesse should have handled things differently with a bit more explanation/repentance and less “well that’s just the way it’s going to be so live with it and don’t question anything.” Sure, things turned out in the end and all made sense, but I really did spend a large part of the book wondering why she wanted to get back with such a jerk. I kept trying to figure out how the author was going to redeem Jesse and explain his appalling behavior--and the reasons did end up surprising me! I really do like Rallison’s writing--it’s always cute and amusing. I’d probably give this book 3.5, if I could.
**Spoilers**: .
**Spoilers**: .
September 17, 2010
I liked the concept of this story. In the beginning I was really drawn to Giovanna and Dante. I also thought that Jesse was completely swoon worthy and that stuck through most of the book. I did find myself lapsing a few times though, like I got annoyed with some of the things that Giovanna would say or do and Jesse was nearly too perfectly perfect really. BUT, overall it was a very cute read.
Rallison has a way with words that make you want to curl up with a book all evening long, which is exactly what I did. The way that she opened chapters had me itching for more. The best paragraph in the whole book has to be the 1st one, which I have to share because I loved it so much.
"I bet you Cinderella didn't get along with Prince Charming's friends. Oh sure, the knights and barons probably put up with her on account that she was pretty and had such dainty feet and all, but you should know every duchess and contess in the kingdom hated her guts."
That alone made me laugh and think, that can be so true! I loved the way that Rallison wrote and I can't wait to read more from her. If your in the mood for a little rivalry and like a protaginist that has a knack for getting herself caught in awkward situations, then this would be a perfect book for you to cuddle up to one evening.
Rallison has a way with words that make you want to curl up with a book all evening long, which is exactly what I did. The way that she opened chapters had me itching for more. The best paragraph in the whole book has to be the 1st one, which I have to share because I loved it so much.
"I bet you Cinderella didn't get along with Prince Charming's friends. Oh sure, the knights and barons probably put up with her on account that she was pretty and had such dainty feet and all, but you should know every duchess and contess in the kingdom hated her guts."
That alone made me laugh and think, that can be so true! I loved the way that Rallison wrote and I can't wait to read more from her. If your in the mood for a little rivalry and like a protaginist that has a knack for getting herself caught in awkward situations, then this would be a perfect book for you to cuddle up to one evening.
June 27, 2008
Giovanna is surprised when her twin brother, Dante decides to run for class president, but she is even more shocked when her boyfriend, Jesse (who is also a friend of Dante) says he is going to support the opposing side. In a fit of conflicting emotions, Giovanna dumps Jesse because she feels it is the only right thing to do, with him turning on her and Dante. But later she realizes that that might have been a little rash and wants to win him back, but she also wants to help her brother win class president.
I loved this book. I pretty much love anything Janette Rallison writes. This book made me laugh out loud Several Times. Just when you thought that Giovanna couldn't possibly be in a worst situation, Janette would add a whole new layer and you would be left spell-bound, wondering how Giovanna would ever pull through. Janette always had a little plot twist up her sleeve, something you never saw coming and then you'd go, "no WAY!" and laugh hysterically. A book I would recommend to all my friends.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
I loved this book. I pretty much love anything Janette Rallison writes. This book made me laugh out loud Several Times. Just when you thought that Giovanna couldn't possibly be in a worst situation, Janette would add a whole new layer and you would be left spell-bound, wondering how Giovanna would ever pull through. Janette always had a little plot twist up her sleeve, something you never saw coming and then you'd go, "no WAY!" and laugh hysterically. A book I would recommend to all my friends.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
April 25, 2011
This was an easy breezy read. Not great, but fun and fluffy. I did surprise myself by finishing it in one sitting.
It was all a little ridiculous, of course. And Jesse (the ex-boyfriend Giovanna eventually decides she wants to un-ex) was not nearly as nice as I thought he should be. He was a bit of a jerk, actually. I mean, blacklisting Giovanna from getting another date? Constantly smirking in her presence? Using Blond Bimbo #2 to make her jealous (or at least never dispelling Giovanna’s jealousy by insisting she’s just a friend)? Patronizing Giovanna by not telling her the real reason he's campaigning for his jerk of a friend instead of her brother (who also happens to be Jesse's friend)? I dunno, I feel like Giovanna could do better. Especially since she keeps insisting that Jesse is so amazing, despite his apparent lack of loyalty to her brother.
Also, Dante is a jerk of a brother. He doesn’t deserve Giovanna as his sister. I thought he’d learn a lesson about this in the end, but nope.
Still, an amusing read and a great break from finals studying.
It was all a little ridiculous, of course. And Jesse (the ex-boyfriend Giovanna eventually decides she wants to un-ex) was not nearly as nice as I thought he should be. He was a bit of a jerk, actually. I mean, blacklisting Giovanna from getting another date? Constantly smirking in her presence? Using Blond Bimbo #2 to make her jealous (or at least never dispelling Giovanna’s jealousy by insisting she’s just a friend)? Patronizing Giovanna by not telling her the real reason he's campaigning for his jerk of a friend instead of her brother (who also happens to be Jesse's friend)? I dunno, I feel like Giovanna could do better. Especially since she keeps insisting that Jesse is so amazing, despite his apparent lack of loyalty to her brother.
Also, Dante is a jerk of a brother. He doesn’t deserve Giovanna as his sister. I thought he’d learn a lesson about this in the end, but nope.
Still, an amusing read and a great break from finals studying.
February 16, 2010
I'm ambivalent towards this book which is not what I want from my bubble gum reads (something easy and sweet to entertain for a few minutes or hours and then spit it out, in the case of gum, and forget about it in the case of books). The writing was pretty good for a bubble gum read, it was laugh out loud funny in many parts and had the love interest component too.
The main problem with the book was it sent up too many red therapy flags that I couldn't ignore. Codependence (or low differentiation) was promoted, emotions or being "emotional" was viewed negatively and the main character learned that if she trusted the wise, all-knowing, non-emotional guys in her life and not expect them to trust her in return she would be better off and get her happy ending. I just couldn't overlook so many unhealthy concepts especially for girls/women.
And the book is kind of misnamed...it's not really about trying to get your ex back.
The main problem with the book was it sent up too many red therapy flags that I couldn't ignore. Codependence (or low differentiation) was promoted, emotions or being "emotional" was viewed negatively and the main character learned that if she trusted the wise, all-knowing, non-emotional guys in her life and not expect them to trust her in return she would be better off and get her happy ending. I just couldn't overlook so many unhealthy concepts especially for girls/women.
And the book is kind of misnamed...it's not really about trying to get your ex back.
September 29, 2009
How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend is the second book I've read by author Janette Rallison. It's also the second time I've been completely underwhelmed.
The plot seemed interesting enough. It was interesting. It's unfortunate that I found the characters flat and annoying. I don't usually have such a hard time finding something I actually like about a main character. I wasn't able to relate to any of the characters. Giovanna's relationship with her supposed best friends wasn't believable to me. Jesse and Giovanna's relationship didn't seem real or believable, either.
I also didn't like the stereotypical way Giovanna explained the alternative school. I graduated from one. We're not trouble makers and bad kids. But I won't even go into that.
Overall, I find this book to be forgettable and disappointing.
The plot seemed interesting enough. It was interesting. It's unfortunate that I found the characters flat and annoying. I don't usually have such a hard time finding something I actually like about a main character. I wasn't able to relate to any of the characters. Giovanna's relationship with her supposed best friends wasn't believable to me. Jesse and Giovanna's relationship didn't seem real or believable, either.
I also didn't like the stereotypical way Giovanna explained the alternative school. I graduated from one. We're not trouble makers and bad kids. But I won't even go into that.
Overall, I find this book to be forgettable and disappointing.
August 9, 2010
Giovanna's twin brother, Dante, decides to run for class president after Wilson (the incumbent)decides to scrap plans for a classmates memorial. Jesse, Giovanna's boyfriend, declines to help Dante and instead helps Wilson with his campaign. Giovanna dumps him, in a fit of emotion, and then regrets it. Her friend tries to help her take the ex out of ex-boyfriend.
Rallison has a way of making those tumultuous high school experiences seem funny. There were many situations that if I had found myself in during my high school experience, I would have cried and wished the floor would opened up to swallow me whole. But the situations in this book were just so funny!! The way the characters handle them are just perfect. And of course, the romance was clean.
A terrific romantic comedy!
Rallison has a way of making those tumultuous high school experiences seem funny. There were many situations that if I had found myself in during my high school experience, I would have cried and wished the floor would opened up to swallow me whole. But the situations in this book were just so funny!! The way the characters handle them are just perfect. And of course, the romance was clean.
A terrific romantic comedy!
January 9, 2022
(4.5 stars) - An authentic & totally entertaining YA voice
Rallison writes Giovanna with a YA voice that sounds impressively authentic & is thoroughly amusing.
Even with some of the comedic moments where you can see what's coming, it was still pretty funny.
I would have liked for Bridget & Stacy to have gotten some kind of karma for being so crappy to Giovanna all the time. Jesse threatened Gary for not stopping with the panther nickname but then said nothing when Bridget started doing it. That disappointed me.
However, it wasn't enough to detract from the good mood the story left me in - I very enthusiastically recommend this one!
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Mentions of swears & use of substitute swears but no actual language
Rallison writes Giovanna with a YA voice that sounds impressively authentic & is thoroughly amusing.
Even with some of the comedic moments where you can see what's coming, it was still pretty funny.
I would have liked for Bridget & Stacy to have gotten some kind of karma for being so crappy to Giovanna all the time. Jesse threatened Gary for not stopping with the panther nickname but then said nothing when Bridget started doing it. That disappointed me.
However, it wasn't enough to detract from the good mood the story left me in - I very enthusiastically recommend this one!
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Mentions of swears & use of substitute swears but no actual language
February 12, 2009
I read this book because I have met the author through my writer's organization and I have never read one of her young adult books. I thought this was adorable! I chuckled all the way through it. I read this during a stressful week and it was just the light-hearted escape I needed. And every bit of it was CLEAN! I hear all her books are clean and funny. If I had a teenage, or pre-teen daughter, I would encourage something by Janette Rallison over the Twilight series any day of the week. I think adults would enjoy it too.
November 30, 2009
LOVED THIS BOOK! It was just such a cute story, and I can see myself really falling in love with this author. It was a quick read and I had the HARDEST time putting it down. I just had to know how it all turned out.
I loved the main guy Jesse. He was just so cool and nice and the whole time you are thinking the main girl is CRAZY for ever letting him go. The characters in the book were fun and real. I loved it and thought it was nothing but a FUN story that made you smile when you were done.
I loved the main guy Jesse. He was just so cool and nice and the whole time you are thinking the main girl is CRAZY for ever letting him go. The characters in the book were fun and real. I loved it and thought it was nothing but a FUN story that made you smile when you were done.
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