There's something special about books that take the best friends to lovers' trope and make it work. Maybe it's the slow burn of the romance, or watching two people who are already comfortable with each other slowly realize their feelings for one another. Whatever it is, we can't get enough of these stories!
If you're looking for a good book to read, my list of best-friends-to-lovers books is sure to have something that piques your interest. Whether you’re looking for a light and fluffy romance or a steamy page-turner, I’ve got you covered.
Curl up with one of these amazing books this year and lose yourself in the story. You won’t regret it!
Keep reading to find out my list of best-friends-to-lovers books now!
How I Choose
I’ve combed thousands of reviews from romance readers to determine which books are worthy of consideration. I only add the top books mentioned at least twice or more in my list. Then pick the top 5 based on certain criteria that will matter to fans of this trope. These 5 romance novels feature witty dialogue, steamy scenes between characters who care deeply for each other (and sometimes more than friends), and twists you won't see coming—all topped off with a satisfying conclusion. Here are the best friends-to-lovers books.
Why I Love It!
I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore Cassandra Clare's books. They're thrilling, heart-wrenching, and full of magic and adventure. So when I heard that her new book, Lady Midnight, was coming out, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.
And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Lady Midnight is the first book in the Dark Artifices series, and it follows Emma Carstairs, a Shadowhunter who is determined to find out who killed her parents. Along the way, she teams up with Julian Blackthorn, a warlock with a dark past, and together they uncover a conspiracy that could destroy the entire Shadow World.
This book was so good that I could not put it down. The characters are rich and well-developed, the plot is full of twists and turns, and the romance is absolutely swoon-worthy. If you're a fan of Cassandra Clare's other books, or if you're just looking for an amazing story, then I highly recommend giving Lady Midnight a try.
What You Should Know
If you're looking for a book that's full of adventure, romance, and suspense, then you need to read Lady Midnight. This Cassandra Clare book is about a girl named Emma Carstairs who is trying to solve a mystery. She's also trying to come to terms with her own identity. The story is full of twists and turns, and you never know what's going to happen next. It's an addictive read that will keep you up all night turning pages.
Not only is this book packed with excitement, but it also features a diverse cast of characters that will appeal to readers of all ages. And did we mention that it's funny too? Whether you're looking for a new series to get into or just want a great book to read, Lady Midnight is definitely worth picking up!
Why I Love It!
I'm the kind of person who loves meeting new people on vacation. I love hearing their stories, learning about their cultures, and sharing a few laughs. That's why I was so excited to read Emily Henry's new book, People We Meet on Vacation.
This book is all about two strangers who meet on vacation and end up falling in love. I loved reading about their adventures and how they got to know each other. I could really relate to the characters and their experiences.
If you're looking for a funny, heartwarming story about two people finding love in unexpected places, then I highly recommend People We Meet on Vacation. It's the perfect summer read!
What You Should Know
This novel follows the stories of two best friends, Poppy and Alex, who had a summer fling one year ago. They agree to stay in touch over the next year, but when they meet up again at the same resort, things start to get complicated.
With its relatable and lovable characters, as well as its laugh-out-loud moments, People We Meet on Vacation is the perfect beach read. But it's not just a lighthearted romance; it also tackles some important issues like mental health and grief. So if you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think, then you need to read People We Meet on Vacation.
Why I Love It!
I am really enjoying The Cheat Sheet: A Novel by Sarah Adams, and I'd like to tell you why! Let's begin with the characters: they are so unique and refreshing. Sarah Adams's prose is dazzling, and her characters are soul-stirring. I highly recommend this novel! It's a must-read for anyone who loves good friends to lovers' romance.
What You Should Know
The Cheat Sheet is a fictional love story that combines the best of fake dating with the best of high school. Bree Camden has a crush on Nathan Donelson, the starting QB for the LA Sharks.
The novel has become a viral sensation thanks to the TikTok app. While it resembles an ordinary love story, it has the unique quality of being a rom-com. Nathan is a football legend, but Bree has her own secret. She lost her dream of becoming a ballerina after a car accident, but now she runs a dance studio and secretly loves Nathan.
Why I Love It!
The Friend Zone is one of my all-time favorite books! It's funny, smart, and sexy-everything I love in a book. The heroine, Kristen, is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants in life. She's not afraid to go after what she wants, and I admire her for that.
The hero, Josh, is a total catch. He's handsome, successful, and always there for Kristen when she needs him. I think their relationship is so beautiful and real. Every time I read this book, I can't help but smile. If you're looking for a feel-good romance novel that will make you belly laugh, then look no further than The Friend Zone!
What You Should Know
Friendship is a beautiful thing. It's the foundation of some of the best relationships we'll ever have in our lives. But let's be honest, sometimes friendships can be...complicated. That's where The Friend Zone comes in.
This Abby Jimenez book is all about complicated friendships and how to navigate them. It's funny, relatable, and at times, even poignant. So whether you're in the friend zone or just trying to figure out how to be a good friend, this book is for you.
The Friend Zone is a hilarious and heartwarming read that will leave you feeling grateful for your friends...even if they do drive you crazy sometimes.
Why I Love It!
The Bully by Sophie Lark is an amazing book that I could not put down! It follows the story of Dean and Cat, who start off in a very unique situation. Basically, Dean is Cat's bully, and he knows her secret. This gives him a ton of power over her, but as their relationship develops, it becomes clear that there is so much more to both of them than meets the eye.
I loved watching Dean and Cat transform throughout the course of the story. They both have a lot of baggage and demons to deal with, and it was so gratifying to see them work through all of that and come out stronger on the other side. Their relationship is funny, intense, and real, and I couldn't help but root for them the whole way.
If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you laugh, and make you cry, then I highly recommend The Bully!
What You Should Know
At its core, The Bully is a story about power and control. It's a dark, gritty, and often difficult read, but it's also incredibly rewarding. This is not a book for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for an intense and unforgettable read, then I highly recommend it. Just be warned—it will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
Honorable Mentions
When do you think about best friends to lovers books, which are the first ones that come to mind? For most people, it's a pretty predictable list. But what about all of the amazing best-friends-to-lovers books that never quite make it onto the popular lists?
Even though these stories did not make my top 5, they are just as heartwarming and romantic as the more popular titles, but they often get overlooked for reasons unknown. Keep reading for a closer look at some great books you may have missed!
This is a story of two childhood pen pals, Misha and Ryen. They became inseparable during their younger years and never stopped writing to one another. They each have their own rules for communicating with each other, and they don't share pictures or social media. They don't even know what the other looks like in real life. When Ryen's new best friend, Masen, starts attending her school, Misha is determined to find out who this guy is.
As a result, Punk 57 is dark and steamy and is about high school friendships. The two main characters are mismatched but still have a lot in common. The author has written two novellas based on this story. Punk 57 also contains many twists and turns. Readers should be aware that the novel contains some NSFW content. Nonetheless, Punk 57 is an enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys YA romances.
Blindsided is the story of Freya and Mac, two best friends who find themselves unexpectedly falling in love with each other. It's a funny, heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery.
Freya is a talented artist who's struggling to find her way in the world. She's been best friends with Mac since they met a year ago, and she's always appreciated his straightforward nature. But when she confesses to still being a virgin, Mac surprises her by offering to be her love coach.
At first, it's all fun and games, but as they begin to explore their feelings for each other, they realize that this could be something real. They start to question whether it's worth risking their friendship for a chance at love.
Blindsided is a sweet and sexy story about taking chances and finding love in unexpected places. It's perfect for anyone who's looking for a friends-to-lovers romance with a twist.
New York's bestseller, Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren focuses on love and relationships in this beautifully written book. In it, Lauren explores the importance of finding the right kind of love for the right person. While many people may find Lauren's work esoteric or difficult to understand, she explains her motivations and how she came up with the idea for this novel.
A second chance is rare, and some people fear them, while others seize it. In Love and Other Words, a young woman must face her fears to keep the love she has. In the end, she finds herself torn between her love for the man she loves and her desire for a different person. However, she will overcome her fear and find a way to make her love last.
This is a heartbreakingly romantic novel, told from two perspectives. The first story is set fifteen years ago, when Macy meets Elliot, and the second is set in the present. The two were childhood sweethearts, but their separation has left them estranged. They connect over their shared love of books and become best friends.
This is an enchanting young adult novel focusing on the friendship between two Mexican-American teenage boys. The novel is a prize-winner, having won many awards, including the Stonewall Book Award for LGBT fiction and the Pura Belpre Award for best young adult novel. It also has a loyal following of readers online.
While I thought the first book of the duo was a great debut, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Magic of the Universe is not the most memorable. Both books focus on the complexities of human sexuality and the way people come to terms with it. I appreciated the fact that both Dante and Aristotle were named after famous philosophers. The two main characters grew closer and developed deeper feelings for one another.
Dante and Ari's relationship are complicated, but they find that they have more in common than differences. While Ari denies liking Dante for a long time, Dante's actions speak louder than his words, and the two men's relationship slowly begins to change. While both men struggle to make up for their broken relationship, the two young men become good friends.
Sal has been a professional soccer player for a few years now, and she's just heard the news that her childhood hero, Reiner Kulti, will be coaching her team. Sal has always been in love with Kulti, and she's excited to finally have a chance to work with him. But their relationship is complicated from the start, and it's clear that they have a lot of history between them.
The story of Sal and Kulti's relationship is a slow burn, but it's so well done that you won't even mind. Their back-and-forth banter is hilarious, and you can't help but root for them to finally get together. If you're looking for a funny, heartwarming friends-to-lovers story, Kulti is the perfect book for you.
When it comes to matters of the heart, is it possible for guys and girls to just be friends? Clarke West and Audrey Tate put that question to the test in the charming new rom-com, "Married on Madison Avenue." The childhood friends have always been close, but without any romantic entanglements – until Clarke's mother starts hounding him about finding a wife. In order to dissuade her from her matchmaking efforts, Clarke hatches a plan to pretend he's engaged...to Audrey.
What starts out as a simple game quickly begins to feel like something more, as the "engaged" couple start to share some steamy kisses. With the wedding date fast approaching, Audrey and Clarke will have to decide if their fake relationship is worth sacrificing their real friendship.
If you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers stories, Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne is the perfect book for you. Clarke and Audrey's story is funny, sweet, and full of sexual tension. You won't be able to put this book down!
Friends to Lovers' Romance FAQ
So you've just finished reading that amazing new romance novel and are totally shipping the best friends-turned-lovers storyline. But now that you're thinking about it, you have a million questions.
Is this really possible? Can a friendship survive a transformation into something more? And what do you even do once those feelings are out in the open? Read on for our answers to all your best friends' to lovers' FAQs!
How do I go from best friend to lover?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because the transition from friend to lover depends on the dynamics of your particular friendship. However, here are five general tips for making the shift from friends to lovers:
1. Be honest about your feelings.
If you want something more than a friendship, be upfront about your feelings. Don't play games or try to lead your friend on; just be honest and straightforward. This will help set the stage for a potential relationship and avoid any unnecessary drama down the road.
2. Establish boundaries.
Just because you're now interested in a romantic relationship with your friend doesn't mean that everything needs to change overnight. It's important to establish clear boundaries and communicate openly about what you're comfortable with and what you're not. Otherwise, things can get confusing (and potentially uncomfortable) very quickly.
Establishing boundaries will also help prevent any awkwardness or hurt feelings if the relationship doesn't work out.
What is the most read romance book?
There are so many amazing romance books out there that it's difficult to narrow it down to just one. However, if we're looking at the most read romance book of all time, then the answer has to be Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
This classic novel tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with her boss, only to find out that he has a dark secret in his past. While it may not be the happiest of novels, readers can't help but be captivated by the intense love story at its heart.
Who is the best book boyfriend?
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect book boyfriend, but there are definitely some clear contenders for the title. Here are five of the best book boyfriends out there:
1. Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
Mr. Darcy is the epitome of a great book boyfriend. He’s wealthy, handsome, and just aloof enough to be intriguing. Plus, he’s fiercely loyal to those he loves and is always ready to defend them—even if it means getting himself into trouble.
2. Aidan MacGuire from Bella Andre’s The Sullivans series
Aidan is the perfect blend of sweet and sexy. He’s an incredible husband and father, but he’s not afraid to show his wild side in the bedroom. Plus, he’s always up for a good adventure, which makes him even more irresistible.
What is the best romance on Wattpad?
Wattpad is a social platform for sharing stories. It has a wide variety of genres, including romance.
Some of the best romantic reads on Wattpad include The Unexpected by Chloe Seibert, The Boy I Loved by Siobhan Davis, and My Life with the Walter Boys by Alysha Nett.
These are all romantic comedies that will make you laugh and swoon. If you're looking for something a little more dramatic, check out Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks or The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. Both of these books are tear-jerkers, but they're definitely worth the read!
How often do best friends fall in love?
It's normal to wonder how often best friends fall in love because it doesn't seem to happen as often as you see in movies or read about in books. In real life, the chances of best friends falling in love are actually pretty slim. According to a study done by Oxford University, only about 9% of friendships actually turn into romantic relationships.
However, that doesn't mean that it never happens. There are definitely times when best friends fall head over heels for each other, and it can be completely magical. It's just not as common as we might think. So if you're wondering whether or not your best friend could be the one for you, don't worry-you're not alone!
Is it awkward to go from friends to lovers?
There's no easy answer to this question—it depends entirely on the situation and the people involved. If you're both open and honest with each other from the start, then it shouldn't be too awkward to make the transition from friends to lovers. However, if one or both of you are harboring secret feelings, then it could be quite awkward indeed. The best thing to do is just take things slowly and see how it goes. Good luck!
What is the best love story ever?
There are so many great love stories out there, that it's hard to choose just one. But if I had to pick, I would say the story of Romeo and Juliet is one of the best love stories ever told. Their love was passionate and tragic, and their story has been told and retold for centuries. They are the ultimate example of star-crossed lovers.
What is the number one romance novel?
Well, that's a tough question! But if we're talking about the all-time greatest romance novel, then it has to be Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Published in 1813, this classic story of love and misunderstanding has been enjoyed by millions of readers over the centuries.
What makes Pride and Prejudice so special? Perhaps it is the vulnerable yet determined heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, who captures our hearts as she grapples with her feelings for the proud and aloof Mr. Darcy. Or maybe it is the skillful way Austen explores the subtle dynamics of family life, courtship, and marriage in early 19th-century England. Whatever the reason, this timeless tale continues to enchant readers around the world.
Which romance novel should I read?
If you're looking for a great romance novel to read, I suggest giving one of these a try.
Jude Deveraux's "A Knight in Shining Armor" is a wonderful story about a woman who is transported back in time and falls in love with a medieval knight. This one is sure to please anyone who enjoys a good historical romance.
Another option is Lisa Kleypas's "When Strangers Marry," Historical fiction which tells the story of Maximillian and Lysette. This new orleans fairy tale is both sweet and steamy and will leave you wanting more.
For something a little different, I recommend Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. These books follow the romance between an angel and a vampire hunter and are full of action, suspense, and of course, love.
Finally, if you're looking for a classic romance novel, then you can't go wrong with Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". This timeless story about love and misunderstanding is sure to please any reader.
What is book boyfriend?
A book boyfriend is a male character from a book who a reader falls in love with and desires to have as their own partner. Usually, the male character is very romantic and chivalrous, and the reader often feels an intense connection with him.
What do you put in a book for your boyfriend?
A lot of things! You could put in pictures, or tickets to a special event, or a love letter. Or why not put in something that will always remind him of you, like your favorite perfume or cologne.
Whatever you choose to put in your book for your boyfriend, make sure it comes from the heart. After all, the best gifts are always those that are personalized just for the person receiving them.
The right book for you!
So there you have it, my favorite Friends to Lovers romance books. These stories are sure to tug at your heartstrings and make you believe in the power of love. I promise you won't be disappointed!