Solving for Ex

by Leighann Kopans

[Angie]

Solving for Ex was so freaking cute! It combines two of my favorite things: romance and math! Ashley is a Mathlete and in love her team captain, who also happens to be her neighbor and best friend. In fact, Brendan is really her only friend at her new school after she was bullied so badly that she had to move and transfer. Now, Ashley is just trying to stay under the radar and get into college. Then the twins come to town. Sofia immediately attaches herself to Brendan, and Vincent really seems to be interested in Ashley.

Apparently, Solving for Ex is a modern retelling of Mansfield Park. I'm not familiar with the original at all, so I can't tell you how this one compares. But I can say that I super enjoyed it! I loved that it didn't go the way that I was expecting, but I'm sure if you know the original story, you'll know how it goes. Watching Ashley's dating disasters and her little war with Sofia was a lot of fun. Nothing goes right for this girl in her quest to get a boyfriend and go to the state math competition!

My favorite part of Solving for Ex was that there wasn't any "Waah, my brown hair and brown eyes are so ugly. I'm so plain! Boys don't like me! I'm poor and have ugly clothes!" nonsense from Ashley. She doesn't have the designer clothes like her classmates, but she feels confident in the clothes that she does have. She even looks at herself and admits that she's pretty and that her ass looks great in these jeans. I think that's super important for girls to see! Especially geeky girls! Ashley doesn't get all dolled up, she's just comfortable with who she is and that is wonderful!

Solving for Ex was just a really pleasant surprise. It's geeky and cute and sweet. I think Ashley was an amazing protagonist and not just because she owns her body and appearance. She stands up for herself to Vincent when he's not being the best date. She stands up to Brendan even though she's in love with him. She actually talks to the adults in her life about her problems. She's just awesome!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.