This book was exactly four stars for me. This young adult novel is told from the POV of 17-year-old Wren who is simultaneously charming and annoying. Like most 17 year olds? While the pacing did not always work for me - sometimes it felt like it was dragging - I didn't really want to put it down and I had fun. Really this is Wren's book and despite his flaws, his is likable and just doing his best with his circumstances. I also thought the ace rep was lovely. While some of the plot was super predictable, there were some surprises in there so I would suggest jumping in without too much pre-reading and just enjoy the ride but for one big content warning (spoiler re grief:) of parental and other family loss due to cancer.

To start, thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this novel, however, all thoughts and opinions in the review are my own. Spoiler alert: I really liked this and think you should read it.

I'm basically in the winter of my young adult reading life. I don't read as much as I used to and I request it less than ever, but I'm still a sucker for cute queer love stories, particularly when they have ace MCs and chickens. Okay, the chickens don't play that large of a role in the story, but I love seeing ace representation out and about more. Especially when it also notes like this one that just because someone is asexual, that doesn't necessarily mean they don't want romance. Wren, if I have to stick labels on him, I would say is asexual, but homoromantic. And it is adorable.

Wren is definitely a little bit of a hot mess character, partly of his own making and partly because he recently lost his mother. He's a bit grumpy. He doesn't like school dances. He also thinks social media apps are a bit stupid. He loves Reeses. And dislikes people that he considers popular/stupidly perfect. Basically, my high school self would have found him insanely relatable. And Leo, well, perfect on the outside, but having problems that aren't as easily seen. Also prone to grand gestures. Sort of adore them both.

I liked watching the two of them go back and forth as they participated in student council together. The plot didn't go any places that I didn't expect it too on a whole, which honestly, I'm fine with. This books, for me at least, was well-written and executed. I didn't need it to go crazy places to keep my attention. There was at least one reveal at the end that I didn't see coming, but checked out when I thought about it a bit more. Others may realize it quicker than I did, but otherwise I was happy just to be along for the ride of watching two cuties fall in love. I guess we could say that it had a little bit of 'right book at the right time' going on.

I haven't read anything else by DeWitt, but I am apparently sleeping on her. I remember when Aces Wild came out, and I was offered an ARC, but I had too many others at the time so I didn't read it. Now I wish I had just squeezed it in because this was great. I'm going to have to go back and read it. I think that this is going to be perfect for readers of Café con Lychee, Fake Dates and Mooncakes, and other soft queer contemporary romances. This book has a few serious topics that are touched on, but it isn't heavy or really serious. It's just really nice and cozy.

This was a cute read, with a grumpy/sunshine pairing and anonymous messages. Most of the story is lighthearted, with funny banter and supportive friends, but there is some angst and sadness sprinkled throughout to give it some depth.

I liked following Wren as he is pushed by his best friend Ryan and nemesis (or crush?) Leo into participating in various holiday and school activities. He's kind of a rain cloud, but is surrounded by sunny people and I liked seeing Wren open up and have some fun.

I did skim some of this and felt like there was too much filler, plus it's easy to see where the story is heading and what's going on with the messages from Buddy Boy. I still had a good time reading it and if you're looking for an easy book with a happy ending, check this out!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Peachtree Teen and NetGalley for the copy.

This was such a fun and enjoyable read! Told in Wren Martin’s point of view we witness Wren understanding his emotions while organizing the “Dance” as student council president.

This was a predictable story, yet refreshing, engaging and well written. The twists and overall plot is predictable. What stands out in this story is the writing. Written in Wren’s perspective, as a reader we really get to understand and know who Wren is and how Wren will act. The writing is engaging and filled with emotions throughout. It makes you laugh, it makes you sad, but overall you’ll know Wren as if they’re your best friend.

Wren’s personality was intelligently crafted and painted in the writing. Wren isn’t perfect. Wren is slightly cunning, self centered, selfish and adorably cute in love. I loved Wren’s banter with Buddy Boy and Leo. Specifically the exchanged messages exuded such emotion and flow that I loved them. They didn’t feel disconnected from the story and added to the building of the relationship. That said, I also enjoyed Wren’s lists because I usually have difficulties liking those.

Aside from Leo there are many other characters in this book that stood out. They are far from unique characters but each one’s personality shone through even if there was no eventual character growth for them. I liked how they were all supportive and honestly there was no villain.

The story does slightly venture into characters dealing with someone in their family who has cancer. Honestly I liked how the book handled it, because it wasn’t too deep yet emotional enough to understand the silent pain each character was going through. That said, I loved how this book handled sexuality because it felt normal, not awkward.

I also enjoyed the details woven throughout the book that made this story feel normal. Such as Wren’s cat being a common nuisance, to Ryan’s love for costumes. It felt so natural and acceptable while reading and not out of place or surprising.

Overall, I loved this book and really wish this becomes a movie! I loved Wren, Leo and Ryan the most but the supporting cast is just as important to have this story flowing. This was definitely one of my favorite reads this year, and I recommend you to give it a try as well. You’ll definitely be smiling throughout this book.

4.5 stars

Thank you netgalley for providing this arc.

This was super cute. Every once in a while, a cute little romance like this is the perfect palette cleanser. I loved the concept. Wren did slightly annoy because bro, come on it’s obviously him, but him knowing would ruin the plot so sjdjdjdnd I get it. I loved having the ace rep, especially when the love interest doesn’t make a big deal about it, and they have a normal relationship. ✨Casual aceness✨ beautiful.

I finally finished my eARC of Wren Martin Ruins it All by Amanda Dewitt and it was nothing short of delightful!!! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC <3

IThis novel is so incredibly, wonderfully queer, and with all its wit and all its heart, it has been such a lovely break from all the stress of real life these past few weeks! I cannot recommend it enough! <3 <3 <3

Wren is a wonderful main character, and I loved getting to know him, his humor, his grief, his big oblivious heart!!! Following along as he slowly figures out his own feelings was such a joy, and I adored the chemistry between the characters! The entire student council team has my heart <3

It was also SO refreshing to read a queer YA novel where queer-phobia or coming out isn’t the focal point of the story. Those stories are important, but this one is too! A story where the main characters are allowed to just deal with their messy feelings and their grief.

TW: Death of loved one (not on page), grief, terminal illness of loved one.

An absolutely wonderful contemporary YA book! Wren Martin Ruins It All has the perfect balance of plot and I loved Wren as a character. I think this story has the right pacing and build but also adds in new elements with identity and teen struggle. With rivals-to-lovers, which is one of my favorites, this book is easily one of my new favorites!

A very, very funny YA romance with just the right amounts of angst and fluff. Absolutely every reader knows going in what the resolution of the "who is this mystery person on a chat app" plot line will be—if you've at all read the cover blurb, you probably know already—but the journey to the destination is absolutely delightful. Like all romcom fans I'm a sucker for a ridiculous situation and a load of snappy, humorous dialogue, and this book delivers like an overachieving student body president.

Honestly, I didn´t expect to like this book as much as I did, it´s written from Wren´s perspective and follows his inner monologue, which is not my favorite. But he is so chaotic, loveable, and quite relatable that I found myself rooting for him and laughing out loud more than once.
The whole cast is just amazing, Rayn is so quirky and lovely, the twins are amazing and Leo is just so relatable. Bonus the chickens stole the show, I was in love with them every time they appeared on the page.
There are a lot of discussions around losing a family member and grief, so check the trigger warnings, but it´s very beautifully handled and it left me sometimes crying and other times just full of hope.
The plot twists were pretty obvious, at least to me, but that didn´t take away from my enjoyment. Instead, it was fun watching Leo and Wren be completely obvious and just straight-up miss clues that were just in front of them.

“It feels weird, defining yourself by the absence of something. Sometimes I wonder if I would have ever realized my asexuality needed a label if the world didn’t keep telling me I did.“

I loved the Ace representation, Wren’s struggles are both a very important part of the story but at the same time not the main focus. My favorite trope is having LGBTIQAI+ characters just living their lives and falling in love without necessarily having their identity being their only trait. Don´t get me wrong, I love a good coming-out story but sometimes I just wanna read about queer people just existing.
I think at the end of the day Wren Marting ruins it all it´s just a rom-com, it´s funny, heart-warming, and just straight-up lovable. Was it cheesy? yes!! Maybe I am biased because I am a sucker for rom-coms but I had a blast reading it and couldn´t put it down.

Thank you NetGalley and Peachtree for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this book was very enjoyable. I can see similar vibes as to Love Simon. I found the two main characters relationship was well built and the enemies to romance very cute. I would defiantly recommend this to my viewers.

First off, before I even start the review, I must say that the cover is so fun and cozy. The chickens definitely made the story just a little better.

Wren Martin Ruins It All had me hooked from the first line. I laughed all the way through this book. It was such a heartwarming, amusing, and very true to the high school/queer kid experience.

Wren was a chaotic mess, but that’s what made his story so fun. I enjoyed reading the story through his narrations, even if they were a bit cheesy at times. There was also a bit of second-hand embarrassment that comes along with the sitcom style of storytelling.

Leo was so sweet, which is funny because in the beginning, Wren was giving a whole list of reasons why he doesn’t like Leo. I don’t normally like rivals or enemies to lovers outside of fantasy books. Their rivalry didn’t last long. In the end, they had wonderful chemistry throughout the book.

The asexual representation was beautiful and made me incredibly happy. I appreciate the fact that he’s asexual and just existing; it's just part of who he is.

Wren and Leo’s relationship was so sweet and true. They weren’t without their flaws, but that’s what makes their relationship feel so real.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants ace rep, a fun queer read, or if you liked Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

Something I must say is that Amanda DeWitt knows how to still add some sense of humour and irony into a story. It is something I loved with Aces Wild and now with Wren Ruins It All, you get a total different story and setting but you still get this sense that it is DeWitt’s writing. I absolutely love it! And look forward to add this book to my physical shelf.

Young adult rivals to lovers.
Woo ace rep! This was great as I hardly ever see it being represented especially in YA books.
Such a heartfelt book and made me smile throughout. Wren and Leos characters were so well written and they got along fantastically. The characters were flawed but that makes them so much more relatable , full of feels and took me right back to that age.

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc.

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

My Review:

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review – thanks!

I have not read DeWitt’s debut, as I am not usually drawn to heist novels, but I think after reading Wren Martin I am more interested in picking it up. Her writing style is so easy to fall into and the characterization in this book was just really well done. I couldn’t put this book down! And I definitely will be recommending it time and time again.

One thing about this book is that the “twist” is glaringly obvious to the reader from the beginning. But, somehow, DeWitt makes it still be such an important and endearing moment. I didn’t mind knowing one bit, even if it made some of the choices the characters make more frustrating.

Moving on from that, the narrative choices in this book really did keep the plot moving forward even though it takes place over more than half of the school year. I liked Wren’s quippy way of recapping what is going on, as it really does suit his character to glide past things that aren’t necessarily important to the reader (or even to him). It really doesn’t waste any time on trivial plot points that don’t add to the story, which I can really appreciate.

Wren and Ryan’s friendship is definitely one of my favourite things about this book. I loved the easy way that they just *know* one another so well, and its shown so well. I just think they are the cutest, and I hope that somewhere out there, some one will make some cute fan art of them because they deserve it <3.

It’s hard to review this book without talking about the obvious, which would be Leo Reyes. While we do not get his POV in this book, I think that Wren does a good job at building up what we know about him. There is a lot of growth from his character, and the balance between the pair of them is really well written.

I really do not want to spoil too much of this book, so I will leave my review here with the desperate plea that you pick up this book and read it! You will not regret it.

Wren Martin Ruins It All released November 7th, 2023

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
I loved Wren Martin Ruins It All by Amanda DeWitt so much, and it's definitely going to end up in my top 5 reads of the year! Wren was a fascinating and dynamic character and I loved him from page 1 and he was so funny. As a member of the ace community, I found the asexual rep to be great and incredibly relatable! I loved the whole student council group and Ryan was the best friend. And while I enjoyed Wren's character so, so, so much, Leo may have been my favorite character in the book. He was so sweet and honestly a cinnamon roll. I really liked how the book managed to be heartfelt, chaotic (in a good way), and hilarious! I gave this 4.7 stars out of 5.

Wren Martin is determined to make changes during his last year at Rapture High, including fixing the hole in the stage floor and, most importantly, abolishing the Valentine’s Day dance. Nothing goes quite as he plans, though. Wren works closely with seemingly-perfect Leo Reyes, a classmate he has sworn as his enemy since 7th grade, and he updates his list of reasons why he hates Leo. Working together on student council means they spend more time together, though, and with time can come understanding. Wren also develops a secret appreciation for Buddy, the app he swore was stupid and he would never use. In fact, he realizes he has a crush on his match in Buddy, someone he has nicknamed “Buddy Boy.” Wren thought he had his senior year planned out, but suddenly his life is filled with drama. Wren Martin Ruins It All is a fun-filled read about friendship, love, grief, and growth.

DeWitt masterfully crafts the first person narrative. Jack Shannon was a delight in Aces Wild, and Wren Martin captures our attention and our hearts from the first page. We can quickly see past Wren’s stubborn, grumpy facade and discover a thoughtful, humorous individual who is grieving. With the help of the student council advisor’s thoughtful questions, he comes to understand the ways in which his grief over the loss of his mom is intertwined with this post-high school plans. He takes steps towards healing, and he also able to connect with and help a friend. Wren’s voice is raw, honest, and funny. He reflects on his understanding over the course of the narrative and he speaks directly to the reader at points, sometimes acknowledging his own shortcomings, and sometimes acknowledging the details he knows we want to hear. We can see how the pieces fit together long before Wren can, but it is a joy to watch the story unfold.

One of the most powerful aspects of DeWitt’s novels alongside her craft is the extent to which they are inclusive and offer asexual representation. Not only are the novels themselves inclusive in terms of the representation, though, but her characters are developed to the extent that they process their own understanding and experience and recognize how each individual experience is truly unique.

In Aces Wild, for instance, we see how Gabe reflects on his own understanding of his asexuality and how he came to understand that everyone’s experience as an asexual is different.
Similarly, in Wren Martin Ruins it All, Wren reflects on what his identity as an asexual means to him. He considers how he has valued the term asexual and the fact that it “makes [him] feel like [he] belongs somewhere even when the rest of the world thinks [he’s] not quite right” (241). And, yet, he also recognizes that not everyone wants to label their identity. When Ryan shares her experience and lack of romantic attraction but says she “never needed a word for it, really,” Wren reflects that while for him, the term was helpful, “for some people it’s more comfortable opting out of having a box entirely.” When his crush on Buddy Boy leads him to understand that he is, in fact, romantic, he reflects that he “used to wonder if [he] was aromatic, too, if it went hand in hand with asexuality like some sort of two-for-one-special” (240). At other points, Wren reflects on his hesitation to even bother with dating for fear of rejection. He shares these concerns with Ryan and Buddy Boy and has to decide whether or not he will take a chance for someone to accept all of who he is. While the story is not about Wren being ace, DeWitt provides an authentic representation of an asexual experience, reflecting how aspects of our identity influence various parts of our lives. The conversation between Ryan and Wren highlights the distinction between romantic attraction and sexual attraction, and the fact that it is not always a “two-for-one-special,” as Wren notes. (Related ace side note: Love the inclusion of the cake variation!)

Read Wren Martin for the romance, the drama, the ace rep, because you love Aces Wild, or all of the above. It does not disappoint!

Thanks to NetGalley and Peach Tree Teen for an ARC of Wren Martin Ruins It All.

Happy release day! Let me tell you all you need to know about this book. Firstly, as a part of the community myself, we love to see the ‘A’ in LGBTQIA+ being represented! And so naturally might I add, like it wasn’t the main thing about him, it is simply what makes Wren, Wren. And as characters both Wren and Leo had so much depth and I found myself rooting for them. Usually ‘slow-burn’ isn’t for me, but GOD this was just so precious! Aside from the romance, there were also other interesting topics in the mix, like grief and how one navigates and tries to cope with it. Overall this was great, just my cup of tea.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with such a nice experience!

What a palate cleanser of a cute weird YA romance? Romcom? IT WAS REALLY FUNNY OKAY.

Wren Martin has basically written dating and romance out of his life because honestly, it's hard enough to navigate being a teen still grieving the loss of a parent using the age-old proven technique of "I don't talk about it", not to mention also being asexual! So when Student Council Presidency falls into his lap due to both the line of succession and some misdeeds of the former president there's one thing this low budget school is wholly and intently focused on that Wren hates: The Dance. Add in a vice president that's too tall/handsome/smart and nice despite Wren's desperate attempt to hold onto a years-long grudge and a new anonymous pen pal via the app that's all the rage we've got so many recipes for disaster. Especially as being asexual does not always mean that you're also aromantic...........

Wren is a grumpy gremlin and honestly I love him. He's got great dry humor (humor: not JUST a defense mechanism!) that's matched by anonymous chatbuddy "BB" and it's the sort of low stakes book (despite the cws: cancer/grief/loss/impeding loss) where you basically know what's going to happen but that's not a detriment at all, it has you quickly going to the next page to find out how and when the expected things are going to happen.

Just a great quick read with cute banter not just between the main pair but between the friends and the other members of the student council too. I very much enjoyed!

Thank you to NetGalley and PeachTree Teen for the eARC in exchange for review!

Wren Martin Ruins It All is full of heart and wit. I absolutely flew through this book and was constantly thinking about it when I wasn't reading.

I enjoyed the conversational style of the writing, it was so charming and made me love Wren immediately. The characters in this story were all unique and loveable in different ways. I adored the banter between Wren and Leo, as well as Wren with Ryan.

Books with asexual representation are still somewhat rare, so it was lovely to read a YA story with that present. Wren learning to be vulnerable with others and take risks was so heartwarming.

I definitely recommend this book for a funny, sweet queer YA read!

Thank you to Peachtree Teen and NetGalley for an early copy of this title. All thoughts are my own.

3.5★

This was freaking cute. Super slow burn, lots of awkwardness of age 17, coming of age with real struggles, self discovery journey.

Wren is dealing with the pain of growing up, he is in senior year of high school, trying to find his place in there, passionate about making his school a better place, trying to find his place in world and the rest of his life, he is also grieving, trying to navigate his relationship with his dad and grief, he is also navigating through his sexuality, afraid his asexuality will affect his romantic relationships. He has unresolved feelings towards Leo, which he thinks he only hates.

Leo, on the other hand, is a more popular, taller, good looking, seemingly, happily and easily acquiring what he wants in life. But he has his own battles in life, which we discover along with Wren and changes the perception of him.

They are forced to work together in student council, which leads to a lot of awkward moments, and an awkward friendship and lots of insight on both Leo and Wren’s lives. I loved how slowly their friendship grew and evolved. I also loved their interactions because they were genuine.

I liked the writing style most, Wren’s lists for everything were super cute, but most importantly, dialogues, events and characters were written age-appropriate, without being cringy or forced. The communication between students, and how they reacted, yes sometimes they are silly but they are 17 so they have to be but even in those times, it felt genuine.
I liked Wren’s quirky brain a lot, he was stubborn and biased a lot of times but one by one those biases were demolished, it was really nice to watch his growth.
I liked the cat!

There were a few things I wished different though;
The supposedly biggest plot twist around Buddy app was pretty predictable, very early on. I wished that mystery was handled more mysteriously.
The slow burn was so slow, some events seemed a bit dragged, I wished we had seen more of their relationship at least how they interacted as a couple a little.
The ending felt a bit rushed, or short. Because when they finally made peace and revealed all their secrets and came together, it just ended. Obviously on a happy note which was nice but also a bit loose. I wished we got a more elaborate epilogue or more solid end.

Overall, it was fun and cute read, I enjoyed a lot, smiled throughout the book because Wren is irresistible.

Thank you NetGalley and Amanda Dewitt for the ARC.