Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life book cover

Summary

The person who ruined their lives just might bring them together…

Brad is ready for a perfect senior year: he has a seat at the popular lunch table, a gig co-hosting the school’s morning announcements, and a gorgeous girlfriend. But when Carissa breaks up with Brad, his carefully constructed life comes crashing down. Convinced everything would be perfect if only Carissa would take him back, Brad creates a “self-improvement plan” and vows to re-win her heart.

Rose wishes she were having a normal senior year like everyone else, but leave it to her twin sister Carissa to butt in and ruin her life. Carissa secretly nominated Rose for the reality TV show Help Me Lose Weight and Live Again—and now Rose is on her way to Texas for three months of calorie-counting, marathon-exercising hell. Rose already felt overshadowed by her “perfect” sister, and collapsing on a treadmill on national TV is not making things any better. Plus, Rose can’t squash feelings for her sister’s boyfriend Brad (even though she knows he would never see her as anything but a friend.)

For fans of friends-to-lovers romance comes a heartwarming novel about self-improvement, identity and acceptance in our image-obsessed culture.

5-star reviews from Indies Today, Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews, and Reedsy Discovery!

>>Click here to read an excerpt.

>>Click here to download the Bonus Chapter!! Rose & Brad's First Date

Before getting too comfortable, be sure to grab a warm drink and a cozy blanket, because once you pick up Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life, you won’t be putting it down for a while.”

Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews 

A perfect young adult romance, this slightly outlandish but totally delicious story is as contemporary as it is witty.”

Must read. This book deserves five stars and no less. A perfect mix of drama, emotions, friendship, love and family bonding. You will laugh and cry.”

Reedsy Discovery
Link to Full Review >

I absolutely love the message behind this story and the Legally Blonde-esque moments where the characters realize that they are trying to change themselves for all the wrong reasons—and what they strive so hard to achieve is not worth nearly as much as discovering the beauty they had inside them all along."

Hope Bolinger, author of the award-winning Blaze trilogy and Dear Hero duology

A charming slow-burn romance that builds with each page. Your heart will ache and rejoice for Rose and Brad as they maneuver through the obstacles stacked against them by the one person who has brought them together: Rose's twin sister, Carissa."

Gabi Justice, author of Dog Girl

This thoughtful YA novel examines questions of love, identity, and the importance of self-worth and acceptance.”

@readwithdani

This sweet YA Romance gave me all the feels!”

@andreana.loves.books

Woodburn crafts a sweet and warmly written YA contemporary novel about the lengths two teens will go to for love and acceptance, only to discover that what they truly need is right beside them. Dive into this sweet, soulful story where the underdogs prevail and the true meaning of love shines!”

Kelli Warner, author of The Moment We Fell

The Best Week That Never Happened was a heartwarming, poignant and bittersweet read about love, hope, and discovering yourself.”

YA Bookers Blog

Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life was one of the most refreshing books I’ve read in a long time.”

@li.bbrary

An enjoyable quick read that offers an insightful look at the value of relationships and self-discovery."

@itskooreviews

This book had all the happy friends-to-lovers-cuteness! But I think the thing I loved most was its underlying themes of growth, positivity, acceptance, and really– just love.”

@adventure.of.pages

Recommended for all YA fans and is a must read!”

@once_upon.a.read

I really, really enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down.”

@nicole.thecozybookworm

Oh, I just loved this YA romance! I absolutely fell in love with the characters and couldn’t finish fast enough. I usually read thrillers so the fact that I loved this so much says a lot!”

@the_bookbooth

Book Club Guide

I love to visit book clubs — both in-person and virtually over Zoom! It's so much fun to answer questions and hear readers’ thoughts and insights. Download the free Book Club Guides for bonus material about each of my books, recipes, discussion questions, and more!

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