★Because I Said So★Friends to Lovers

Because I Said So - Friends to Lovers

BecauseIsaidSo_friendslovers_alleskelle

I realized I haven’t updated my recommendations lists since I started this blog last year.
Book recs by tropes is something I’m always looking after. See, I’m a moody reader, and it serves a purpose to have lists ready to fit  any  mood!
Yesterday a friend was asking about new recommendations for Friends to Lovers books, that same friend who created a Goodreads shelf aptly named “Because Alex Said So” so here you go, my absolute Friends To Lovers list, Because I Said So!

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Contemp / Erotica

Creed by Kristen Ashley

Heartbreaking – Uplifting – Sexy – Edgy – Erotic

This book! All the feels. Not only it’s a beautiful friends to lovers story, but it’s also a fantastic second chance at love one. It’s even more than just a friends to lovers story, Creed must be my all time KA favorite. Heartbreaking yet uplifting, Sylvie and Creed story was as beautiful as it’s edgy. Not your typical hearts and roses romance here, this is Kristen Ashley with an edge and a bit of a kink. So if you’re looking for an emotional and steamy read? This one is the one you need. (Seriously, read it.)

Way too young, eleven year old Tucker Creed and his six year old neighbor, Sylvie Bissenette, find they have something awful in common. Creed then decides he’s going to do everything in his limited power to shield his Sylvie from her ordeal. So he does and Creed and Sylvie form a bond that grows and blossoms with their ages.

They plot to leave their lives behind, the town they live in that will hold them down and the histories they share that, unless they break free, will bury them. Sylvie goes to their special place, Creed never shows and she doesn’t see him again until it’s too late.

With Creed gone, Sylvie is forced to endure a nightmare and do the unspeakable to end it. To deal, she develops a hard shell with sharp edges that very few can break through. So when Creed again finds his Sylvie, he discovers the girl he loved is locked away and he has to find his way back into her heart without getting shredded in the process.

It’s always you and me. Always me and my Sylvie, yeah?’
-‘Yeah,’ I whispered.

Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

Sweet – Humorous – FuckHot – Happy Feels

I haven’t read that much M/M books but I feel this one would be the perfect book to try if you are curious about this genre. Honestly, it doesn’t even matter what genre it is, the book is just SO good. The love story and friendship between Ryan and Jamie is so endearing and sweet, I was swooning and full of happy feels all through the book. A little angst was welcome and expected seeing as one of the character is straight and afraid of his emotions, but not too much drama, if any, and that was refreshing considering both characters were quite young.
Now regarding the steam… we are talking sizzling hot, panty melting sex scenes, so probably not a RIP book, unless you have a perfect poker face and are unaffected by blushing.

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they? 

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—

can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend…and a big one to learn about himself.

Our mouths fit together so perfectly. Every time we kiss, I fall even more in love with him, and it has nothing to do with sex or lust.
It's him. His closeness and his scent and the way he soothes me.

Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren

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Contemp / Erotica

Quality Banter – Humor – Sizzling Hot Chemistry

If you haven’t read any of the Beautiful series yet, then you’re in for a treat! These books keep getting better and better! I loved the first one, (if you enjoyed Wallbanger, Tangled…) and loved the second book even more, but I must say I was really surprised with this one! I wasn’t expecting it to blow my mind! 
The sex scenes were scorching hot, playful and something you better know right now is the level of dirty talk involved. High.Melting your panties kind. Will Sumner is sure sex driven, and I loved that he was a “talker”. Best of all, it wasn’t awkward, as often encountered in erotica or romance books.
Angst was delivered moderately, and drama was defined by the well known misinterpretation and indecisiveness, but again sparingly displayed. I thought it made sense with both Hanna and Will personalities, and it wasn’t over stretched.
All in all you have great contemporary romance book right here! With some truly hot moments, Beautiful Player just won me over but I must say what really made me love this book was the great quality banter. Will and Hanna were hilarious!

A bombshell bookworm. A chronic Casanova. And a lesson in chemistry too scandalous for school.

When Hanna Bergstrom receives a lecture from her overprotective brother about neglecting her social life and burying herself in grad school, she’s determined to tackle his implied assignment: get out, make friends, start dating. And who better to turn her into the sultry siren every man wants than her brother’s gorgeous best friend, Will Sumner, venture capitalist and unapologetic playboy?

Will takes risks for a living, but he’s skeptical about this challenge of Hanna’s…until the wild night his innocently seductive pupil tempts him into bed- and teaches him a thing or two about being with a woman he can’t forget. Now that Hanna’s discovered the power of her own sex appeal, it’s up to Will to prove he’s the only man she’ll ever need.

It wasn't just a physical attraction between us. Of course I'd been attracted to women before. But there was something more with Hanna, some chemistry in our blood, something between us that snapped and crackled, that made me always want just a little more than I should take. She offered her friendship, I wanted her body. She offered her body, I wanted to hijack her thoughts. She offered her thoughts, I wanted her heart.

Paper Hearts by Claire Contreras

Captivating – Emotional – Beautiful – Unputdownable

Paper Hearts is one of those books you just can’t forget. It was just so full of tender and sweet moments, Claire Contreras did such an amazing job at character’s development, the chemistry and attraction between Jensen and Mia was truly perfection. The male lead was to swoon for and I adored him, plain and simple. I loved the tension and anst growing between them so much, you know that floating moment of awkwardness and pain between friends right before they fall for each other? It was golden.
The slow burn in this story, the right blend of humor and emotions made me a very very happy romance reader.

I lost her. 
No. I threw her away. 
She was my best friend. 
I was never supposed to fall in love with her. 
I was careless. 
She was heartbroken. 
I thought I was doing fine. But here she is, years later, forced to work with me, reminding me why I fell in love with her in the first place. 
And this time I’m going to do everything in my power to never let her go.

Maybe our souls really are scattered in the things we love, and we are all completely lost, but from the moment she looked at me, I felt like I’d been found.

And One Last Thing by Molly Harper

7100200

Chick Lit

Fun – Romantic – Wonderful

I often describe my books as happy feels book or feel good book. Well, “One Last Thing” was the epitome of glorious feels! It was fun, witty, and romantic. I loved the heroine and all the secondary characters. It made for such an entertaining read!
Lacey is a scorned woman, her bastard husband cheated on her so she decides to leave him, but everyone in their town is making her life hell after the way she left him. She decides to retreat in her cabin in the woods, where she meets Monroe, a recluse and brooding writer. At first hating each other, they’re going to become friends and then more…
What made this book a winner for me was the quality banter and the slow burn romance between Monroe and Lacey.

Lacey Terwilliger’s shock and humiliation over her husband’s philandering prompt her to add some bonus material to Mike’s company newsletter: stunning Technicolor descriptions of the special brand of “administrative support” his receptionist gives him. The detailed mass e-mail to Mike’s family, friends, and clients blows up in her face, and before one can say “instant urban legend,” Lacey has become the pariah of her small Kentucky town, a media punch line, and the defendant in Mike’s defamation lawsuit. 

Her seemingly perfect life up in flames, Lacey retreats to her family’s lakeside cabin, only to encounter an aggravating neighbor named Monroe. A hunky crime novelist with a low tolerance for drama, Monroe is not thrilled about a newly divorced woman moving in next door. But with time, beer, and a screen door to the nose, a cautious friendship develops into something infinitely more satisfying. 

Lacey has to make a decision about her long-term living arrangements, though. Should she take a job writing caustic divorce newsletters for paying clients, or move on with her own life, pursuing more literary aspirations? Can she find happiness with a man who tells her what he thinks and not what she wants to hear? And will she ever be able to resist saying one . . . last . . . thing?

My new neighbour, hoo boy. I will admit that the only reason I own the X-Men trilogy on DVD is that I have an unnatural fixation with Hugh Jackman. And here I was living next door to a Wolverine personified.

Say No To Joe by Lori Foster

8287112

Contemporary

 Fun and Sexy!

I loved Luna and Joe story!  I really enjoyed the slow build of their love story, the pace was just perfect. The kids were hilarious and sweet, really nice intrigue and nice steam factor. A winner!

IRRESISTIBLE FORCE—MEET IMMOVABLE OBJECT
Joe Winston has a routine with women: he exists; they swoon; roll credits. With his smoldering looks, macho style, and irrepressible charm, Joe can have any woman—except the one he really wants. Secretly, Luna Clark may lust after Joe, but she’s made it clear that she’s too smart to fall for him. He can just keep holding his breath, thank you very much. But now, Luna’s inherited two kids who need more than she alone can give in a small town that seems hell-bent on driving them away. She needs someone to help out . . . someone who can’t be intimidated . . . someone just like Joe. Becoming an instant family wasn’t exactly what Joe had in mind, but hey, it’s a start, and you can’t blame a guy for trying every angle.

After all, where there’s a Joe, there’s a way . . . straight into a woman’s heart.

He was used to being playful with women, teasing while keeping ultimate control. With Luna, he felt like a berserk marauder. He couldn't even spell control, much less utilize it.

The Do Over by MK Schiller

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Contemporary

Fun – Sexy – Unputdownable

This is one of the books I would love to see adapted on screen, it was such a great romantic comedy with a nice dose of steam! I’ve became addicted within the first pages.
Lanie, a frumpy and sexually inexperienced young woman is in love with Brad. Brad is her co-worker at the lawyer firm and dating Lanie’s sister, Cassie.
When Brad enrolls his best friend and manwhore Kyle to pity date Lanie, he has no idea what he has just unleashed…
Kyle and Lanie are going to become friends, Lanie asking the oh so expert Kyle into seduction lessons so she can get Brad’s attention… Or so she thinks, as the more time Kyle spends with frumpy unfashionable Lanie, the less he wants her to achieve her goal to seduce Brad…
Must read, glorious banter and sweet romance!

Arrogant womanizer Kyle Manchester hates blind dates; however, when best friend, Brad calls in a favor, insisting Kyle take out his girlfriend’s sister, Kyle reluctantly agrees. Attorney Lanie Carmichael’s appearance is no surprise. She is dowdy, awkward, and dressed in so many layers she resembles a wedding cake, but not in an edible way. Her brazen attitude though, astonishes him, especially when she explains she has no interest in gorgeous Kyle. Lanie Carmichael is in love with Brad, and wants Kyle’s assistance in winning his best friend’s heart.

Kyle gradually accepts, justifying that the mystery of Lanie has sparked his natural, thirsty curiosity. As an ambitious journalist, he also can’t resist the Pulitzer worthy scoop she offers him. However, as Lanie sheds more layers, both emotionally and physically, Kyle begins to examine his life choices, and his true feelings for this enigmatic girl. With Kyle’s support, Lanie begins to unravel the secrets of her past, and the deep pain that has quietly defined her life. As they each learn more about themselves and each other, both question how a relationship built on fraudulent lies between two broken people could ever survive.

Her fork flew right out of her hand, past Kyle’s shoulder. She sat there for a second staring disbelievingly at her empty hand. Then she narrowed her eyes at Kyle and snatched the fork out of his hand and used it.
-“That’s my fork, Lanie.”
-“Fork you, Kyle,” she said and took a bite of her duck, chewing it with deliberate slowness.
-“Fork yourself, Lanie,” he replied, irritated by her rant.
She got quiet for a minute, swallowed, and then said barely above a whisper,
-“I tried but it didn't work. That's why I have you.”

Fighting Silence by Aly Martinez

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Contemporary

Emotional – Beautiful – Unforgettable

What can I say about this book? Honestly, after finishing it I was just speechless. I was sad it was over already, I was happy Till and Eliza had their happy ending, I was swooning remembering the sweet moment when their friendship became more, I was grinning thinking about the secondary characters, Quarry and Flint, Till’s little brothers, I was just feeling happy after an amazing read. Till and Eliza met young, became friends and were separated before meeting years later. Both have changed and with time real life problems and struggles came complicating their life a little more. This book was just a beautiful tale of second chance at love, friends to lovers and a happy unconventional family. I loved it!

I’ve always been a fighter. With parents who barely managed to stay out of jail and two little brothers who narrowly avoided foster care, I became skilled at dodging the punches life threw at me. Growing up, I didn’t have anything I could call my own, but from the moment I met Eliza Reynolds, she was always mine. I became utterly addicted to her and the escape from reality we provided each other. Throughout the years, she had boyfriends and I had girlfriends, but there wasn’t a single night that I didn’t hear her voice.

You see, meeting the love of my life at age thirteen was never part of my plan. However, neither was gradually going deaf at the age of twenty-one.
They both happened anyway.
Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting for my career.
Fighting the impending silence.
Fighting for her.
Every night, just before falling asleep, she sighs as a final conscious breath leaves her.
I think that’s the sound I’ll miss the most.

There is nothing in this world that was ever more mine than you.

Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie

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Contemp/Comedy

Funny, Witty, Lighthearted

Funny and lighthearted, Anyone But You was the perfect mix of two romance tropes I love : Neighbors to Lovers and Friends to Lovers. Oh let’s not forget the fact that the heroine, Nina falls for her 10 years younger hot neighbor, Alex… So refreshing!  And written by Jennifer Crusie, I can tell you I enjoyed myself more than I needed to, with her witty and funny dialogues, the third character, the dog, Fred was the real hero of this book though. Without him, Nina would never have met her Alex, the hot ER doctor! The romance in this one was definitely a slow burn, Jennifer Crusie made me root for Nina and Alex until the very end of this book, which I loved a great deal! No one writes romantic comedy like this author and I cannot recommend her enough ! ( Side note, Bet Me is a must read!)

For Nina Askew, turning forty means freedom–from the ex-husband, freedom from their stuffy suburban home, freedom to focus on what she wants for a change. And what she wants is something her ex always vetoed–a puppy. A bouncy, adorable puppy. Instead she gets…Fred.

Overweight, middle-aged, a bit smelly and obviously depressed, Fred is light-years from perky. But he does manage to put Nina in the path of Alex Moore, her gorgeous, younger-by-a-decade neighbor.

Alex seems perfect–he’s a sexy, seemingly sane, surprisingly single E.R. doctor–but the age gap convinces Nina that anyone but Alex would be better relationship material. But with every silver-haired stiff she dates, the more she suspects it’s the young, dog-loving doc she wants to sit and stay!

You don't believe in unconditional love. Neither does Alex. So you both threw away the best thing you ever had because you didn't believe in each other or yourselves.

Rock Chick Revenge by Kristen Ashley

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Contemporary

Crazy and Sexy. Happy Place!

I figured the Nightingale Investigations job application form had the question “Are you hot? Yes. No. If you answered no, please exit the building.

If you haven’t met Luke and Ava yet, then stop everything you’re doing and get ready for a fun and sexy adventure. Just know that Luke is mine and that I’m willing to lend him to you for a limited time. This KA at her best, Hot alphas claiming crazy feisty chicks. What I can assure you is that after reading this, you’ll have only one envy. Move to Colorado and find that place named Fortnum’s. And I’ll be there, with Luke, of course.

Ava hates men, she has reason and she’s vowed not only never to get involved with another one again but also to exact vengeance on her best friend’s, lying, cheating husband. Since Luke, Ava’s childhood crush, is now a private investigator, she thinks to enlist him but changes her mind at the last second.

Too late, Luke knows she’s up to something and he’s already seen many a Rock Chick try to fight her own battles without the Hot Bunch stepping in. He’s having none of it. She’s having none of him. The clash of the Rock Chick and Hot Guy begins but Luke’s got the advantage. He has handcuffs and he’s not afraid to use them. 

I'm not stupid, I know your heart's involved in this and I've never, not once in all the time you've known me, given you the idea that I won't handle it with care.

The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan

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Contemporary

Slow Burn – Steamy – Fun – Unputdownable

Oh I love a good slow burn romance and The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan almost killed me from sexual frustration! I’m saying almost… because once the building high and sizzling, Kristen Callihan delivered the steam in spade. So fucking hot!
I enjoyed the building of Ivy and Gray’s friendship. The author did such an awesome job with the banter, some of it through texting and borderline sexting, glorious exchanges of wittiness and sarcasm. I could go on and on about how much I loved Gray ( MINE) and how cool and fabulous Ivy was, but all I can focus on before rereading my favorite parts, is telling you to grab this little gem of contemporary romance. Happy feels, sexy times, a perfect read.

Gray doesn’t make friends with women. He has sex with them. Until Ivy. 

The last thing star tight-end Gray Grayson wants to do is drive his agent’s daughter’s bubblegum pink car. But he needs the wheels and she’s studying abroad. Something he explains when she sends him an irate text to let him know exactly how much pain she’ll put him in if he crashes her beloved ride. Before he knows it, Ivy Mackenzie has become his best texting bud. But then Ivy comes home and everything goes haywire. Because the only thing Gray can think of is being with Ivy. 

Ivy doesn’t have sex with friends. Especially not with a certain football player. No matter how hot he makes her… 

Gray drives Ivy crazy. He’s irreverent, sex on a stick, and completely off limits. Because, Ivy has one golden rule: never get involved with one of her father’s clients. A rule that’s proving harder to keep now that Gray is doing his best to seduce her. Her best friend is fast becoming the most irresistible guy she’s ever met. 

Which means Gray is going to have to use all his skills to win Ivy’s heart. Game on. 

His fingers briefly touch my cheek as he kisses me back. “The fact is, Ivy, for me, there is one absolute truth. The sum of my existence equals you.

Friends Without Benefits by Penny Reid

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Contemporary

Hilarious – Sexy – Crazy

Penny Reid has a singular and storytelling and her characters are truly unique. I love her dialogues, and Friends Without Benefits charmed the pants out of me.
If you’re looking for a romance story with spunk and humor, then definitely go for this one.
Nico was the main attraction in this book for me, hot and sexy Italian actor, meeting with the woman he knew all his life was his soulmate. But Elizabeth isn’t quite so sure about this, for all she knows, Nico is still the bully he was as a teenager. The cat and mouse game was fun to watch, even if I would have run toward the cat rather than running from him…  (Shaking my head at Elizabeth!)
The secondary characters are hilarious as hell, the storytelling engaging and all in all this book is just happy feels!

There are three things you need to know about Elizabeth Finney: 1) She suffers from severe sarcastic syndrome, especially when she’s unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her like Nico Manganiello, and 3) She knows how to knit.

Elizabeth Finney is almost always right about everything: the musical merits of boy bands are undervalued by society, “benefits” with human Ken dolls are better without friendship, and the sun has set on her once-in-a-lifetime chance for true love. But when Elizabeth’s plans for benefits without friendship are disarmed by the irritatingly charismatic and chauvinistic Nico Manganiello- her former nemesis- she finds herself struggling to maintain the electric fence around her heart while avoiding electrocution or, worse, falling in love. 

Italians who speak Italian should be illegal, or at least come with warning labels - may make your panties explode.

Dark Wild Nights by Christina Lauren

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Contemp/erotica

Nerdy – Sexy – Funny

I have to admit this book have all the right ingredients for me. Both characters are nerds, best friends and romantic at heart. The perfect combination to charm this romance reader! And of course, all wrapped up in the  storytelling of my favorite writing duo, it’s no wonder this book is a favorite! If you’ve read stories by Christina Lauren you know what to expect, fun, banter and sizzling hot sex scenes. If you’re new them, then don’t wait and pick this one already!

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
But what didn’t happen in Vegas seems to follow them everywhere.
 

Lola and Oliver like to congratulate themselves on having the good sense to not consummate their drunken Las Vegas wedding. If they’d doubled-down on that mistake, their Just Friends situation might not be half as great as it is now.

… Or so goes the official line.
In reality, Lola’s wanted Oliver since day one—and over time has only fallen harder for his sexy Aussie accent and easygoing ability to take her as she comes. More at home in her studio than in baring herself to people, Lola’s instinctive comfort around Oliver nearly seems too good to be true. So why ruin a good thing?

Even as geek girls fawn over him, Oliver can’t get his mind off what he didn’t do with Lola when he had the chance. He knows what he wants with her now … and it’s far outside the friend zone. When Lola’s graphic novel starts getting national acclaim—and is then fast-tracked for a major motion picture—Oliver steps up to be there for her whenever she needs him. After all, she’s not the kind of girl who likes all that attention, but maybe she’s the kind who’ll eventually like him.
Sometimes seeing what’s right in front of us takes a great leap of faith. And sometimes a dark wild night in Vegas isn’t just the end of a day, but the beginning of a bright new life…

I don’t think I’ve ever loved anyone quite like this. In this sort of giddy, obliterating game-changing way. Where I can see myself with her for the rest of my life...

Friend Zoned by Belle Aurora

17948485

Contemporary

Hilarious – Sweet and Sexy

More than a friends to lovers story, this one is first and foremost hilarious. It reminds me of the rock chick by KA and their hot bunch. I loved the main characters but I enjoyed the banter between all secondary characters. This book was just goofy and steamy at the same time. The perfect feel good book !

Nikolai Leokov never thought he’d fall in love with the only girl he’s ever befriended. 
Valentina Tomic has issues with commitment after the ultimate betrayal. 
When Tina decides to make broody Nik’s day better, she never thought she would end up friends with the hard man. 
Nik has never had a woman be so affectionate to him without expecting something in return. 
Nik and Tina cordially invite you to read Friend-zoned.

10:16am Thinking about Tina.
11:04am Thinking about Tina’s perfect ass.
12:37pm Thinking about Tina panting under me in bed.
1:02pm Going to the bathroom to jerk off.

Before Jamaica Lane by Samantha Young

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Contemp/Erotica

Angsty – Swoony and seriously Steamy!

I want you to teach me how to be good at sex.
Now come on! We all know this is a bad idea to even start with, but a delicious one nonetheless! Especially if the teacher is Nate Sawyer, remorseless manwhore. Outgoing but insecure Olivia and Nate have been friends for a long time, when she sees someone at the library she likes she wants to be sure of her seduction skills and who could be a better teacher than her best friend Nate?
I loved this book so much, the blurred lines between friends to lovers bringing just the nice dose of angst, coupled to some crackling chemistry it made for the perfect sexual tension between our characters. And who says sexual tension says… holy fuckhot steam! Samantha Young knows how to write attaching characters, witty and funny dialogues and perfect steamy scenes. I love this series and this book was one of my favorite.

Despite her outgoing demeanor, Olivia is painfully insecure around the opposite sex—usually, she can’t get up the nerve to approach guys she’s interested in. But moving to Edinburgh has given her a new start, and, after she develops a crush on a sexy postgrad, she decides it’s time to push past her fears and go after what she wants.

Nate Sawyer is a gorgeous player who never commits, but to his close friends, he’s as loyal as they come. So when Olivia turns to him with her relationship woes, he offers to instruct her in the art of flirting and to help her become more sexually confident.

The friendly education in seduction soon grows into an intense and hot romance. But then Nate’s past and commitment issues rear their ugly heads, and Olivia is left brokenhearted. When Nate realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he will have to work harder than he ever has before to entice his best friend into falling back in love with him—or he may lose her forever….

I never meant to fall in love with you. But I did. I felt it the first night I made love to you. I tried to walk away then because I've never felt so lost and yet so fucking found as I felt that night looking into your eyes as I moved inside you.

Unleashed by Cherrie Lynn

7202825

Contemporary

Romantic – Sexy – Light

I loved that one. Looking for a light and sexy friends to lovers story? Here’s the perfect one. Kelsey has been secretly in love with his best friend Evan ever since college but never acted on it, as a result they both ended up married to different persons. Fast forward a few years and Kelsey discovers her husband is cheating with no one else than Evan’s fiancée. Obviously they both end things with their respective cheating partners and Evan decides to take Kelsey on his  non-refundable honeymoon in Hawaii. After all they’re best friends, which better company is there than your bestie to enjoy a little time off and mend your breaking heart?
I loved this friends to lovers story, nothing out of the original, I just loved both characters, Evan was such a fun and nice guy, both shared some scorching hot chemistry and the result between the sheets? Smoking!

One week in paradise will make or break them…
It’s not enough that Kelsey’s husband left her for another woman. Oh, no. The “other woman” had to be her best friend Evan’s fiancée. Not only has she lost her marriage, she fears losing Evan to the lingering awkwardness and humiliation that hangs between them.

Evan has no intention of letting that happen. He’s got plans…namely, an extra plane ticket to Hawaii now his future wife is out of the picture. There’s only one person he wants on the trip with him, the one who’s always been there for him. The one he should never have let slip away into the arms of a traitorous friend who shattered her heart.

Kelsey is anticipating a week of fun in the sun with the man who’s always treated her like a little sister. No one’s more surprised when she discovers that Evan has seduction on his mind—and that she’s more than ready for it.
Love is the most powerful healing force of all. But past demons have a way of ripping open old wounds, and threatening the survival of even the strongest friendship…
Warning: This title contains explicit sex between best friends, graphic language…and a hero who knows how to put the hot in “hot tub”.

You’ve given me back everything he took away, and then some.”
“I’l give you more than he ever did.”

Mister O by Lauren Blakely

27856826

Contemporary

Hilarious – Sizzling Hot – Unputdownable

Oh this book! Best male POV ever! I’m not kidding, it was hilarious, sexy and sizzlingly hot! Lauren Blakely completely surprised me with this one. So damn funny I was snickering or laughing out loud the whole time.
The male lead, Nick Hammer, famous cartoonist and freaking hot nerd( Oh yeah the name was on point.) was such an arrogant asshole I was happy to meet his female match in the person of Harper. Sarcastic and feisty magician and his best friend’s little sister. Both are actually friends as well and neither want to sacrifice their friendship over a little chemistry…
And speaking of chemistry? Those two have it in spade, I loved how the author took her time with the building and teasing and how naturally they became an item. So much love for the dialogues, the sexual innuendos, the sexy times, the banter and nerdy references. This book is just a must read and a favorite of 2016.

Just call me Mister O. Because YOUR pleasure is my super power. 

Making a woman feel ‘oh-god-that’s-good’ is the name of the game, and if a man can’t get the job done, he should get the hell out of the bedroom. I’m talking toe-curling, mind-blowing, sheet-grabbing ecstasy. Like I provide every time.

I suppose that makes me a superhero of pleasure, and my mission is to always deliver.

But then I’m thrown for a loop when a certain woman asks me to teach her everything about how to win a man. The only problem? She’s my best friend’s sister, but she’s far too tempting to resist–especially when I learn that sweet, sexy Harper, has a dirty mind too and wants to put it to good use. What could possibly go wrong as I give the woman I’ve secretly wanted some no-strings-attached lessons in seduction?

No one will know, even if we send a few dirty sexts. Okay, a few hundred. Or if the zipper on her dress gets stuck. Not on that! Or if she gives me those f*&k-me-eyes on the train in front of her whole family.

The trouble is the more nights I spend with her in bed, the more days I want to spend with her out of bed. And for the first time ever, I’m not only thinking about how to make a woman cry out in pleasure –I’m thinking about how to keep her in my arms for a long time to come.

Looks like the real Adventures of Mister Orgasm have only just begun….

I want it all, but it has to come from her so I know this isn't just another illusion. Every inch, every bend, every second until our lips meet has to start with her. I need to know whether this is all in my mind , or if this crackling electricity between us truly is as two-way as I want it to be.

The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken

17560674

Contemporary

Cute – Funny – Sexy

All I want to say is : Read the prologue. And if that doesn’t make you read furthermore then I don’t know what else I could say to you.
In all seriousness, this book was such a great blend of angst, banter, slow building tension and  sexy times! The author did a good job mixing several winning  romance tropes, the friends to lovers, pretended relationship, enemies to lovers and a seemingly love triangle… It could have been a mess but the result was brilliantly entertaining and fun! I adored the heroine, such a smartass and feisty  little thing and the bickering sessions between her and Travis were golden. A highly recommended read, perfect for a little escape from the real world!

“I have a proposition for you.” Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus’s mouth. It’s been years since Kacey’s seen her childhood friend Jake, but the minute Jake mentions his ill grandmother, Kacey is ready to do anything for the sweet old woman. And if that means pretending they’re engaged for her sake-so be it.

But Kacey wasn’t counting on Jake’s older brother Travis still being there. She calls him “Satan” for a reason: she’s never forgotten the way he teased and taunted her. Yet when they meet again, Travis’s gorgeous smile is a direct hit to her heart . . . and Kacey’s more confused than ever. As the days pass, only one thing starts to become alarmingly clear-she never should have accepted Jake’s deal . . .

That, he said as he kissed her nose. Is a shame. You should be told you're beautiful every day. Because every day it's true, and every time I see you, you grow in your beauty. Just because people don't say the words, doesn't mean its any less true, Kace.

Blurred Lines by Lauren Layne

23636581

Contemporary

Fun – Lovely – Sexy

I loved how Lauren Layne described the easy going friendship between Parker and Ben. It was genuine. It didn’t felt like it was forced or didn’t even hinted that there was something “more” at first. It all happened naturally, the change.
I loved Parker ad Ben together as friends, and I loved them a helluva more as best friends with benefits. !
They’re convinced their little arrangement can survive their friendship just like they were able to defy the old adage that men and women cannot be friends.
This part of the book was really all fun and sexy, it was even thrilling, the first kiss… their first time… Lauren Layne knows how to create real chemistry between her characters and I truly enjoyed these moments.
Blurred Lines was a really pleasant but predictable story about best friends becoming lovers.

Lauren Layne delivers a sexy take on the timeless question: Can a guy and a girl really be “just friends”?

When Parker Blanton meets Ben Olsen during her freshman year of college, the connection is immediate—and platonic. Six years later, they’re still best friends, sharing an apartment in Portland’s trendy Northwest District as they happily settle into adult life. But when Parker’s boyfriend dumps her out of the blue, she starts to wonder about Ben’s no-strings-attached approach to dating. The trouble is, even with Ben as her wingman, Parker can’t seem to get the hang of casual sex—until she tries it with him.

The arrangement works perfectly . . . at first. The sex is mind-blowing, and their friendship remains as solid as ever, without any of the usual messy romantic entanglements. But when Parker’s ex decides he wants her back, Ben is shocked by a fierce stab of possessiveness. And when Ben starts seeing a girl from work, Parker finds herself plagued by unfamiliar jealousy. With their friendship on the rocks for the first time, Parker and Ben face an alarming truth: Maybe they can’t go back. And maybe, deep down, they never want to.

Fix You by Mari Carr

16031312

Contemporary

 Emotional – Heartbreaking – Engaging – Wonderful

This book is more a novella than a full length novel and that’s the only negative thing I could find to say about it. It just about 127 pages, Mari Carr managed to make me feel immersed and feel like one of the crew. So much love for this book, the heartbreaking story of Zoey, who has been in love with her best friend for 25 years without daring to tell him. When she finally gathers enough courage to reveal her feelings to Rob, she discovers a lump in her breast and the love story will have to wait.
I know it may sounds like a deep and heavy read, but it’s not. Au contraire, it’s uplifting, sweet, sexy and swoony. It’s a story about friendship, love and courage and truly heartwarming.
Yes some parts during her fight against cancer were truly bringing tears out of me, and I want to point out how on point and real the author depicted that. She didn’t over did it, or dramatized it, but made it part of Zoey and Rob’s bonding as friend to lovers.
A truly heartfelt and swooning love story with a nice dose of steam!

After too many years of secretly loving her best friend, Zoey realizes she’s been shortchanging herself. It’s time to take action. This New Year’s Eve heralds the year she’s going to tell Rob the truth. Even if he is on the road, reaching for musical stardom with his band. 

Her plan is derailed when she discovers a lump in her breast—and it’s not “nothing to worry about”. How can she ask Rob to take a chance on love when her future is so uncertain? 

Rob has spent his entire life chasing his dream, but the moment he hears Zoey’s voice on the phone, he realizes he’s been running the wrong race. Zoey never sounds like she’s been crying. Ever. Without a second thought, he books a flight for home, determined to give her everything she needs. A shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold…and nights of intensely emotional, passionate sex. 

His biggest challenge, though, is convincing his best friend that he’s in it for the long haul. Because he finally knows what he wants, and it’s not fame and fortune. It’s her—and her love. 

I look at my future and all I see is you.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

16068905

Contemp/ YA

Authentic – Unique – Heartfelt – Happy place

First of, I have to say, the simple fact that the heroine is a fanfic addict just sold me on the book back then. And I think it should be no question to any romance book addict or any fiction reader, this book is a must read.
Rainbow Rowell is an author I love for her authenticity and ability to make me immerse myself completely in her stories. She’s a master at character development, just reading about Cath, her family and entourage felt SO genuine, I wondered if I was still reading fiction. Yes, that good. She did such a terrific job at portraying Cath as a nerd, I could totally identify myself to her!
I also loved Levi, not your typical romance hero, Levi was a really nice guy, so far away from all those alpha males flooding the romance market it was refreshing!
The slow building love story growing between Cath and Levy was tremendously heartfelt, this book made me feel so much, I just have to recommend it to anyone looking for a good “Friends to Lovers” trope.

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan…

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words… And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Happily ever after, or even just together ever after, is not cheesy,” Wren said. “It’s the noblest, like, the most courageous thing two people can shoot for.

You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me by Sarra Manning

11516282

Contemp/ Chick Lit

Happy Feels – Uplifting – Beautiful – Fabulous!

This book! So many things to say about it! It’s the perfect friends to lovers story. From the start you don’t have a choice but to root for both the heroes to end up together, to become lovers. It’s just one of those books you never want it to end. You want the epilogue, the happy ever after and the sequel. You want more, and you’ll reread it just because… Happy feels overload!
So much angst resulting from the setup makes you ache and yearn for love along with the heroine. Eve really is as sweet as she is smart but definitely lacks confidence when it comes to seduction, she is adorably endearing! I loved the banter and dialogues between Eve and Max, hilarious times that made me flat out laugh out loud! This book is addictive, hilarious and the romance oh so sweet. Highly recommended!

Sweet, bookish Neve Slater always plays by the rules and the number one rule is that good-natured fat girls like her don’t get guys like gorgeous, handsome William, heir to Neve’s heart since university. But William’s been in LA for three years, and Neve’s been slimming down and re-inventing herself so that when he returns, he’ll fall head over heels in love with the new, improved her.

So she’s not that interested in other men. Until her sister Celia points out that if Neve wants William to think she’s an experienced love-goddess and not the fumbling, awkward girl he left behind, then she’d better get some, well, experience.

What Neve needs is someone to show her the ropes, someone like Celia’s colleague Max. Wicked, shallow, sexy Max. And since he’s such a man-slut, and so not Neve’s type, she certainly won’t fall for him. Because William is the man for her… right?

The thing about love was that it caught you unawares, turned up in the most unexpected places, even when you weren't looking for it.

More Friends to Lovers

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20 Comments

  1. says: Bube

    Only four of Friends To Lovers List I have read 😀
    And added so many new books to my TBR 😀
    I love this trope!
    Thank you for the great book recommendationes Alex 🙂

  2. Maria Rosesays: Maria Rose

    I added a bunch to my L/A rec folder! I also have a friends to lovers folder on goodreads of ones I’ve read – some of ours overlap but there are a lot of dift ones!

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