The Best I Never Had
A Novel
$29.76
- Paperback
320 pages
- Release Date
1 December 2026
Summary
Thea Pappas has always been the storm in her own life—fiery and unpredictable—traits that led her and her younger sister, Addy, through a series of foster homes. But with Addy’s whirlwind engagement, Thea is determined to be the perfect maid of honor, even if she finds it odd that she hadn’t heard of the fiancé until the ring was on Addy’s finger. She believes she can survive a week in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a group of strangers without causing any trouble.
But upon arrival, Th…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781250341587 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1250341582 |
| Author: | Amy Buchanan |
| Publisher: | St Martin's Press |
| Imprint: | Saint Martin's Griffin,U.S. |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 320 |
| Release Date: | 1 December 2026 |
| Weight: | 454g |
| Dimensions: | 135mm x 208mm |
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Critics Review
“Featuring high stakes and trouble at every turn, this is a perfect title for readers looking for a mix of drama, family (found and inherited), and love, both the gooey and scorching variety.” - Library Journal
“The Best I Never Had is full of hijinks, with the freshest twist I’ve seen on fake dating and an unspeakable amount of tension. I found myself holding my breath during so many delicious moments between Owen and Thea, and couldn’t tear my eyes from the pages until I reached the end. Amy Buchanan is one of my go-to romance authors!” - Jessica Joyce, bestselling author of The Ex Vows
“The Best I Never Had is a wonderfully tender, swoony, and steamy second chance love affair. Thea and Owen sizzle with unresolved chemistry (and boy do they fix it!), set against a stunning setting, all the delightfully fun hijinks of wedding planning, and a vibrant cast of characters. This book is also a love letter to eldest daughters and women who feel like they’re always a little bit too much, and promises that they are so deserving of their beautiful happily ever afters!” - Mallory Marlowe, USA Today Bestselling Author of Love and Other Conspiracies
“A complicated, layered heroine, deliciously sultry spice, and a heartwarming ending that feels completely earned? Must be an Amy Buchanan novel! THE BEST I NEVER HAD had me engrossed from beginning to end, with one of the freshest takes on fake dating I’ve ever read.” -Katie Naymon, author of YOU BETWEEN THE LINES
“Deliciously hot, poignant, and brimming with tenderness, Amy Buchanan is at her best in this smart, sexy romp that paints a deeply romantic portrait of love, identity, and the family we choose for ourselves.” -Heather McBreen, author of WEDDING DASHERS
“A truly beautiful, funny, steamy story that turns the fake dating trope on its head in all the best ways.” -Sarah T. Dubb, author of BIRDING WITH BENEFITS
“Amy Buchanan has written another hit!! With a sister’s wedding, a secret, and a fresh twist on fake dating, THE BEST I NEVER HAD had all the vibes of my favorite 90’s romcoms! A pure delight from start to finish, filled with so much tenderness, swoon, and heat!!” - Naina Kumar, USA Today Bestselling Author of Flirting with Disaster
“THE BEST I NEVER HAD is a fun twist on two of my favorite tropes, fake dating and second chance romance. With a hilarious cast of secondary characters, a dreamy forced proximity setting, and some serious steam, this is a must read for any rom com fan.” –Falon Ballard, USA Today Bestselling author of CHANGE OF HEART
“Amy Buchanan shines incandescently bright in her sophomore novel THE BEST I NEVER HAD. Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey. Thea and Owen’s chemistry is sizzling off the page. I wanted to give them each a hug as the burden of being the stronger older siblings were often too great to bear. Buchanan writes delicious sexual tension, hilarious romcom hijinks, and such an endearing and emotional tribute to sisterhood. This book is one I’ll find myself returning to when I need a good laugh and cry.” – Danica Nava, USA Today Bestselling Author of LOVE IS A WAR SONG
“The Best I Never Had is brimming with irresistible charm, sharp humor, and poignant moments that will tug at your heartstrings. It has the perfect ingredients for a five-star romance: a seemingly prickly female main character who’s a softie at heart; a cinnamon roll leading man who’s sexy as hell; lovable side characters that will keep you in stitches; and yearning for days. For. Days. This was a joy to read!” –Mia Sosa, USA Today Bestselling Author of When Javi Dumped Mari
Amy Buchanan
Amy Buchanan has had a lifelong love affair with romance. She writes spicy contemporary romances with relatable heroines, swoonworthy heroes, and loving found families. She lives in Central Florida with her three littles, two pups, and one husband. On top of writing, she uses her Masters in Higher Education Administration to run a scholarship foundation for first-generation college students.
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