How to Be the Best Third Wheel

By: Loridee De Villa

Narrated by: Ferdelle Capistrano

It’s the last year of high school, and everything has changed . . .

After a summer spent in the Philippines with her family, Lara de la Cruz is eager to start her senior year and, most importantly, reunite with her three besties, Carol, Jasmine, and Kiera. Of course, summer is the season of change, and Lara knew she’d have to get caught up on the major updates, hot gossip, and other shenanigans she may have missed. But what she did not expect was to show up on the first day of school to all three of her friends now in relationships.

The mushy public displays of affection and lunches spent gushing about their new “boyfries” has Lara quickly realizing her last year of high school is nothing like she imagined.

Since she’s been back, Lara’s long time frenemy, James, has become impossibly annoying. Sure, they are now both third wheels, but why is he asking her to tutor him in classes? And why, after they start spending more time together, does she begin to notice how cute he looks when he smiles . . . uh oh.

Fighting for the attention of her best friends, catching some pretty new and confusing feelings for James, and wading through the pressures post-high school plans all have Lara reeling. And to make matters worse, Lara’s beautiful and untrustworthy cousin conveniently appears and wiggles her way right between her and James’ budding relationship. Feeling like a third wheel in more ways than one, Lara must learn to accept that change is inevitable, love is complicated, and being the odd one out is sometimes where inner power is found.

©2022 Loridee De Villa (P)2022 Audible, Inc.

well written

Tearjerker! A coming to age story most can find things to sympathize with. Hoping for some follow up stories out of it.

Adorable, sappy, and the sweetest clean romance!

Am I a middle aged woman? Yes, I am. Did I still adore this story about young love? Yes, yes I did. Will I recommend this to others who enjoy “Hallmark movie” style book? You better believe it!

high school drama

This is a YA novel written for YA readers. I would have enjoyed it more as a younger person. It is more coming of age than romantic comedy. Heavy emphasis on Filipino heritage and language. The reader did an excellent job.
Clean, contemporary.

Absolutely loved this!

The narration was hilarious and the narrator was the perfect choice for this story! I never leave reviews but this book is a must read. It made me laugh and it made me sad and angry. I felt like I was right back in the same stage of life changes and decisions. It was feel good and not a bit cringey. A 15/10 I loved this story

I really enjoyed this book.

There were moments that made me cringe, laugh, yell and want to smack someone. And the ending left me a bit bereft. All signs of a good book. I was invested in the characters and I liked it.

Some people have complained about the main character Lara- yes she was immature and she admitted it. But if you were ever a nerd, wallflower or 3rd wheel as a teenager, I think you would definitely identify.

I have teen daughters and the drama in this is pretty spot on (and vanilla, which I appreciate!). They absolutely get involved in each other's relationships and it's dramatic. They are trying to figure out where they fit and who they are and as irritating as it may seem to an adult or someone who is very self-aware, it's pretty realistic.

I loved all of the Tagalog in the book, listening to the narrator speak was musical and wonderful. I also think the way she acts toward her awful cousin is colored by the way she was taught to treat family members. I don't think we westerners with weaker ethnic ties are taught the same things.