Pranks, friendships, and romance: This May End Badly Review

Author: Samantha Markum

Pranking mastermind Doe and her motley band of Weston girls are determined to win the century-long war against Winfield Academy before the clock ticks down on their senior year. But when their headmistress announces that The Weston School will merge with its rival the following year, their longtime feud spirals into chaos.

To protect the school that has been her safe haven since her parents’ divorce, Doe puts together a plan to prove once and for all that Winfield boys and Weston girls just don’t mix, starting with a direct hit at Three, Winfield’s boy king and her nemesis. In a desperate move to win, Doe strikes a bargain with Three’s cousin, Wells: If he fake dates her to get under Three’s skin, she’ll help him get back his rightful family heirloom from Three.

As the pranks escalate, so do her feelings for her fake boyfriend, and Doe spins lie after lie to keep up her end of the deal. But when a teacher long suspected of inappropriate behavior messes with a younger Weston girl, Doe has to decide what’s more important: winning a rivalry, or joining forces to protect something far more critical than a prank war legacy.

Samantha Markum’s “This May End Badly” is a rom-com that revolves around the century-long rivalry between The Weston School and Winfield Academy. Fueled by pranks and a motley group of determined girls, the story takes unexpected turns when a merger between the schools is announced, and the stakes of their feud reach new heights.

Doe, the pranking mastermind, takes center stage as she devises a plan to prove once and for all that Winfield boys and Weston girls are incompatible. The narrative unfolds with a series of unique pranks, showcasing Doe’s wit and creativity. The fake dating trope and enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Doe and Wells, Three’s cousin, add layers of humor and romance to the plot.

One of the book’s strengths lies in the portrayal of heartfelt female friendships. The camaraderie among the Weston girls is both emotional and authentic, adding depth to the story beyond the rivalry and romance. Wells emerges as a swoon-worthy character, and the banter between him and Doe is witty and engaging.

“This May End Badly” succeeds in delivering a fun and entertaining read that explores themes of friendship, love, and standing up for what’s right. The characters are well-developed, the banter is delightful, and the rom-com elements are executed with flair. It’s a delightful book filled with pranks, witty banter, and a touch of romance. Fans of fake dating tropes and enemies-to-lovers dynamics will find plenty to enjoy in this humorous and heartfelt tale of rival schools, unexpected alliances, and the complexities of teenage relationships.