Member Reviews
Hello there fellow reader! Do you love a good friends to lovers story that also has ridiculous sexual tension and a pay off that will make you need a cold shower? Let me introduce to you to Liam & Chelsea.
Liam and Chelsea have been friends for a long time. After Chelsea moves away from work, they stay friends, but Liam because miserable. Of course he is in denial as to why he's miserable, but his family members see right through him. When Chelsea returns home for a temporary work assignment, she needs a place to stay. Luckily Liam has an extra room and he is more than willing to let her stay at his house. And that is when things get interesting.
Chelsea has feelings for Liam and Liam has feelings for Chelsea, but they are both too nervous to do anything about it. They value their friendship too much. But them living in close proximity pushes them to their limit until they just can't take anymore.
This book is fantastic slow burn that will you begging for these two to give into their feelings. And once they do, well it was hot as hell! I'm such a sucker for a friends to lovers story and OMG I LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH! Do yourself a favor and go 1-click this book today!
It's not often I have to write a review like this one, but I promised an honest review and that's what this is. I really wanted to like this one. It's always great to discover a new author and the blurb got me hooked for this one. I love a good friends-to-lovers story, but sadly, I had a very difficult time connecting with the characters and the story. After almost a week of attempts reading this and putting it down, I just had to put it down for good. I'm not sure what it was about this title, but it just didn't grab me and after 5 days and only getting to 25%, this just wasn't the title for me.
Your experience with this book may vary from mine.
An ARC was provided for review.
I love friends-to-lovers and really like Cindi Madsen‘s quirky, relatable characters–plus, the first book in this series (Until You’re Mine) was absolutely wonderful, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. It didn’t disappoint! Chelsea and Liam are all that you could wish for in awkward will-they-or-won’t-they, OMG-just-do-it-already goodness.
Every time they got close and then one of them (usually Liam) pulled back, leaving the other one slightly confused and doubting (usually Chelsea) just about killed me, though. It went on just a teensy bit too long, especially since it was a forced proximity romance (OF COURSE she should move in with you for six weeks, Liam, great idea! ;)) And then just when I was beginning to worry they’d never do anything about it…
🙂
An absolutely wonderful ending, which *almost* made me forget all the frustrating angst that came before it! I can’t wait to see what Ms. Madsen has in store for us next!
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Childhood bestfriends to lovers story. But while I liked the MC's and the over-all story, the inner monologues and circling around for most of the book drove me batty. I was like "come on! you guys! stop with all this pussyfooting around and get your sh!t together already!" So yeah, I could've done without all that and I would've probably rated this book higher. Nevertheless, Liam and Chelsea make a very cute couple and their happy ending made me smile when I finished the book.
I loved this book. Best friends wanting more but afraid to take the chance. I loved both characters. Their chemistry was tangible and their story line perfectly executed. I was captivated from the first paragraph and stayed up late to finish it.
Book is good but a little slow going. It takes a long time for the storyline to get going.
Chelsea & Liam are best friends who have known each other since they were younger. They have always had feelings for each other that they both held back. Until they start living together and things come to a point where they just can’t hold back anymore.
4.5 Stars
I loved the first book in the series and I loved this one just as much! I love friends to lovers book so I knew I was going to love this one. I like Liam and Chelsea. I loved Chelsea's nerdy side and her love of books. I like that she brings out a different side to Liam. Plus she has a cat so what's not to love about her. I can also relate about being assertive as not my strong suit and wanting to improve that. I could relate to Chelsea a lot in this book. She sees Liam in a light Liam's wishes in his dreams she would see. Now can Chelsea shows Liam she does? This book I just gobbled up. The flow was great which made for easy reading. The chemistry between Liam and Chelsea was perfect in my opinion. Another winner by Cindi Madsen!
"I wanted to push her up against the wall. To leave her breathless with my kisses; tease her into a panting, needy state."
Chelsea and Liam have been best friends since they were kids. They've always maintained that they are just friends. However, when Chelsea moved away for work, Liam was almost unbearable to be around.
Chelsea is back in town for six weeks and, instead of living with her grasping mother and stepdad, Liam insists that she lives with him. Could that possibly be a mistake?
Suddenly, he can't get more-than-friends thoughts about his roommate out of his head. Unbeknownst to him, Chelsea has been in love with him for a while.
"The only person who'd ever turned me on was my best friend."
This was a great story. I really enjoyed it. Liam absolutely adores Chelsea and only wants what is best for her, which he doesn't necessarily think is him. Plus, he has a ton of stuff on his plate to contend with, without starting a relationship he's not sure he can commit to. Chelsea has infinite patience but somewhat low self-esteem. However, I loved how she pushed Liam into taking action.
What I loved most was how much they truly cared for one another, and only had each other's best interests at heart. A great, easy read.
DNF at 23%.
Liam Roth is a MMA fighter and helps to run his family's MMA gym in San Diego which has been struggling for some time, although since his sister came home and had a showdown with their father they seemed to have turned a corner: diversifying and pulling their way out of debt. His BFF Chelsea comes from a dysfunctional family and after an awkward moment when she tried to turn a friendly peck on the cheek into something more, she moved to Denver for a new job. Now her firm is opening a new branch in San Diego and Chelsea begs to be part of the team to set it up.
What we have is two BFFs, hopelessly in love with each other but too afraid to act on it, Chelsea for fear of rejection and Liam because he's scared of losing their friendship if it all goes wrong. But of course Liam offers to let Chelsea to stay with him while she is in San Diego for six weeks and all that close proximity makes it difficult to ignore the attraction between them.
I struggled with the first book in this series because I'm not a fan of MMA or first person POV novels but I have loved Cindi Madsen's other novels so I gave it a try and eventually enjoyed it once the initial angst and insta-lurve settled down. Reading my review of that book I was really intrigued to find out what had gone on between Liam and Chelsea so I was stoked to see their book available on NetGalley.
Oh dear, there was no mystery about Liam and Chelsea, it falls into the tired cliche of the man being to scared to risk love and ruin a friendship, feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. Chelsea, in the little I read, seemed a spineless klutz. Of course Liam grunts because no MMA fighter EVER could speak normally. There was a lot of lusting after abs and staring at Liam as he walks around the gym and the apartment shirtless.
Overall, nothing I read seemed to suggest that this was anything other than a cliche-ridden YA/NA romance full of angst and misunderstandings. I certainly didn't want to read any further.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Cindi Madsen and I go way back. And by way back, I mean that it was through Anatomy of a Player that I was first introduced to ice hockey romances, which are basically my crack nowadays. That was 2.5 years ago, so not that long ago, but still almost a year before I started my romance blog. You'll have to go over to my other blog to read my review of that steamy college romance! Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that Cindi is pretty much a sure thing for me. She can deliver great characters with plenty of chemistry, and that proved true for Until We're More.
I devoured this book. I couldn't stop reading it, except to briefly sleep, and I am massively sleep-deprived today (a Saturday!) all because when I got up to go to the bathroom (I shouldn't down a glass of water right before bed...), my brain refused to shut off again in favour of picking up my Kindle.
I'm a sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope. Why? Because it means the romance is built on a solid foundation of trust and respect and genuinely enjoying each other's company. It also means that the couple know each other deeply and have worked out a rhythm. In their case, Chelsea can enjoy reading in peace while Liam is training, while Liam can enjoy not needing to talk while Chelsea takes care of the conversation. When she's not talking, he knows something is up.
--"When you don't talk, I know it's because you have so much to say that you're not sure where to even start. Then I get worried."
I'm not particularly chatty, but wow, that line made me feel seen. Because when my thoughts get too overwhelming, I retreat into myself, not sure how to express myself when people ask what's up. But it always make me feel like I'm being difficult by being upset and not saying why, while Liam seemed genuinely concerned and could calmly and patiently coax Chelsea out of her shell. I want that.
It was almost painful waiting for the two of them to just get it on, but it was so satisfying when they did. I should probably mention that she was a virgin, mostly because she'd never found the right guy what with none of them matching up to Liam, but that did not mean she was innocent. Both enjoyed some solo love before they could love each other. I actually wish there was more of the mutual loving, but what there was satisfied me enough, I suppose. (Yes, I'm a greedy girl.)
Another reason I loved this book was Chelsea. Despite her being yet another redhead, she was incredibly relatable. (Sorry, but every time I come across a ginger heroine, I roll my eyes. As much as I love red hair, it's not that common in real life! And what's wrong with good old dirty blonde hair?) For a start, she was a huge bookworm, which I – of course – adored. What was particular fun and new was the fact that Chelsea was both a big reader and rather chatty; often, readers are portrayed as quiet types. She was also very ambitious and driven; she wanted to grow professionally but faced criticism for not being assertive enough, and she sought help from Liam on how to be bolder. But while she asked for assistance, she was very clear throughout about wanting to be independent so as not to become like her mother.
--"Liam, I don't need you taking care of me all the time. Like I said, I've changed."
--"I'm always going to take care of you. That's never going to change, so get used to it."
Swoon.
Special mention of course goes to Chelsea's cat, George. He was such a cat, so grouchy and self-important. I got quite a few laughs from him.
That was such a wonderful fantasy world to live in for a few hours.
Cindi did another amazing job again!!
I loved Shane from Until You're Mine but I couldnt wait to read more about Liam.
This book was just brilliant. I swooned alot ♡
Can't wait to read more books from Cindi xx
If you love the best friends to lovers trope, then you will love this book! I usually do not read MMA fighter books neither, but I am a sucker for a best friends book, so I didn't hesitate to grab this one! I am glad I did!
Chelsea and Liam have been best friends since they were childhood neighbors. They are a bit opposite in that Chelsea is a talker and Liam is introverted, and Liam is assertive, but Chelsea is not. They balance each other well! After college Chelsea takes a job in another state. It was so hard wanting more than friends from Liam, but never thought it could be an option, so she left. When she returns home for work reasons, all bets are off!
Liam has been wanting more from Chelsea for a long time. He is a MMA fighter and upholding his father's legacy in their family gym. He never wanted to take her dreams away from her, so he never voiced his feelings. He was a miserable, brooding, and grumpy person after she left. When she returns home for a spell, he doesn't know what to do. He feels so much for her but needs to fight it at all costs. He doesn't feel he would be good for her-plus she lives in another state now, right?! Only fate has a way of putting a monkey wrench is all his plans!
While in town, Chelsea and her cat George, is staying with Liam. You know that sets the stage for some unbearable angsty-ness!! A volley back and forth! I am not a fan of all that! Their attraction was there! You could feel it sizzle off the page! It was like c'mon.....I've been waiting.....
There is a lot of humor, a lot of unspoken words, and general angst. It was a steamy, fun, and cute read! (if an MMA fighter can be cute!) The secondary characters were great and added a lot to round out the story! I rooted for Chelsea and Liam to get their crap together!! And finally...yea finally....they seemed to pull it together! Yay!
reviewed by Deb
I absolutely love Cindi Madsen's books and can't get enough of her sexy and swoony charscters. This book was no different as Chelsea and Liam wwre so fantastic together. This book was sexy and a delicious slow burn and I loved every word!
I absolutely love MMA stories, the friends to lovers trope and the roommates to lover trope so this book was right down my alley. I loved that Chelsea was unique and her own person and the.perfect complement to Liam. Likewise he was protective and sweet and such a great match. I really enjoyed their stoey!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Entsngled Publishing for an advanced copy for an honest review. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
I thought I would love Cindi Madsen's Until We're Move. It uses one of, if not my favorite, romance tropes, best friends to more; the heroine is a self-deprecating, klutzy bookworm; and the hero is sweet and protective, not to mention built like a wall--you know, a sexy wall. Unfortunately the pace is so slow that it might be the romantic fiction version of watching paint dry.
Chelsea has the opportunity to return home to San Diego from Denver when the company she works for decides to open a San Diego branch. She vows that she will be assertive and also that she will get over her romantic feelings for her best friend, Liam.
Liam, likewise, has been missing Chelsea, but it isn't until she's back that he realizes the depth of his feelings for her despite the fact that his siblings already knew and teased him about it.
There is much to like about this novel, the cat George, Chelsea's slapstick style, Liam's family, the steam when Liam and Chelsea ultimately get together, but when you're reading and you glance at the percentage read in the corner thinking that you must be at 50% and it's only 29%, there is a problem. When I finally did reach the 51% mark, it felt like things were going to pick up, that there would be some action. There was, but it fell off again for the monotonous waffling.
I suspect the pulling back and forth, the waffling of the characters as they imagine each other naked and having sex but do nothing to get there, might appeal to some readers. For me, it's not enough, especially for a novel that held so much promise.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Liam really drew my attention in the first Fighting For Her book. I couldn't want to find out more what went down between him and his best friend that made her move so far away. Liam and Chelsea were always more than friends, but Chelsea was too worried about losing her best friend to say anything and Liam thought Chelsea deserved more than him. These two had great chemistry and this story was really a slow burn as Chelsea comes back to town and moves in with Liam for a few weeks. It take a while before she finally becomes assertive enough to ask for what she wants. These two characters were very loveable. I love Liam's family and I'm excited for Finn's story!
3.5-4 stars.
This was a fun read with ups and downs.
This time we hear about Chelsea and Liam, they’ve been friends forever and secretly loved each other for a while, but are reluctant to do something to ruin their friendship.
Anyway, I overall liked these two, they were great for each other, if they could only see beyond the friendship barrier. Since they don’t, most of the story is an inner war in trying to stay friends and rip each other’s clothes, lol. So, lots of tension.
I loved how Chelsea was the peace and happiness in Liam’s life. He was carrying too much on his shoulders and didn’t want anyone to see him struggling. Which is why I loved Chelsea’s presence in his life. He also added some serious encouragement towards Chelsea, both in her personal life and professional.
It was a fun read overall, there was some back and forth that was a bit annoying at times (open up to each other!), but I was glad with the result.
Can’t wait to read about Finn.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*
4+ “All the love” Stars
Let me begin by saying that I don’t usually go for the whole “friends-to-lovers” trope as it is usually filled with what-if-I-risk-it-and-end-up-losing-my-friend back and forth thing that drives me completely crazy. But for Ms. Madsen’s MMA hunky fighters I was willing to make an exception, and I’m so glad I did!
While Until We’re More does indeed have a couple of “oh, no! what have I done?” moments, Liam and Chelsea were so adorable together it more than made up for it.
Chelsea and Liam have been neighbors and friends since childhood, but it wasn’t until much later that, unbeknownst to the other, they started seeing each other in a totally different light. In Until You’re Mine we know that Chelsea has moved away for a job opportunity and Liam is as happy about it as a grizzly bear just out of hibernation and being stung by a whole bee colony.
Now Chelsea is back in town for a couple of weeks to help open a new office branch for the company she works for, and with no other really good options of places to stay she accepts to be Liam’s roomy.
I had so much fun being in these two heads. Not only was their chemistry was off the charts, but the way they knew each other made for some totally hilarious banter and a depth of relationship that was just lovely.
Liam was absolutely dreamy. As the older sibling, he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders and wanted to do everything to keep his family’s gym afloat, no matter the cost to himself. When he was with Chelsea, though, he could relax and was funny, sweet and totally sexy.
“I wanted to push her up against the wall. To leave her breathless with my kisses; tease her into a panting, needy state; explore every inch of her skin with my hands and mouth; and make her scream my name.”
Chelsea was the shy, klutzy, avid book-reading dreamer. A less than stellar childhood had made for some insecurities and issues that she was set on overcoming. So, while a doormatish heroine is not my favorite type, Chelsea worked at it and gained a lot of spunk through the story endearing her even more to me.
Until We’re More was a fun read, with extremely hot sexnanigans, amazing chemistry, adorable togetherness and a finicky cat named George. I completely adored the time I spent with the inhabitants of Team Domination and can’t wait to get to read Finn’s story.
4 stars
Until We're More by Cindi Madsen is a sweet, fun and entertaining friends to lovers read and I really enjoyed it.
The writing is well done, the plot held my interest all throughout the book and the characters were likable, relatable.
Watching Liam and Chelsea's relationship unfold had me smiling and swooning one min and frustrated and annoyed the next. It made me a very happy girl when he finally let himself trust his heart and go after his happiness.
Overall, Until We're More is a lovely Sunday afternoon read and I highly recommend it.
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the ARC*
With every book by Cindi Madsen I read, I am more and more enthralled with her writing. In Until We’re More, the second book in her Fighting for Her series, we get a sweet and charming story. This is the second book in the series, but the first I read. I did not feel lost, however, I am excited to go back and read the first book.
Talk about a slow burning romance a long time coming! Chelsea and Liam have been friends for a long time and have always been there for each other. But then they realize, separately, they want more. But what if the other does not? Should they risk their friendship?
There was a lot of push and pull, but were both so good together. They had a lot of chemistry and history. The story was sweet and charming. They both wanted more, but had never wanted to destroy their friendship. Another great read by Cindi Madsen.
Happy reading!
Until We’re More is a standalone book that includes some characters from Cindi’s book, Until You’re Mine. But it IS truly a standalone so don’t feel like you have to read Until You’re Mine. However, it was also a great book, so I would highly encourage you to read it!
Until We’re More is Chelsea and Liam’s story. They’ve been best friends for what seems like forever. He’s the first person she turns to when she needs support or just needs to chat. And she’s really the only person Liam can have a decent conversation with. He’s more of a loner, save Chelsea, and it’s simply too people-y outside of his life at the gym. They’ve spent years telling everyone they were JUST FRIENDS, and that was true… until recently. Scared that she’ll always rely on him too much, or ruin their friendship with her less than friendly feelings, Chelsea takes a job in Denver. Now back home six months later in a temporary position, she’s trying really hard to keep her best friend… as her best friend (and not something more). Liam Roth was never one to be known to have an outgoing personality. But he’s always been able to simply be himself with his best friend. On a whim, he invites Chelsea to stay with him while she’s working in San Diego. She’s nice and friendly to a fault, and he’s too intimidating… to everyone BUT Chelsea. Can they preserve their friendship while giving in to their feelings for each other, or will being MORE be too much for them to handle?
NICUnurse’s Rating: Until We’re More is a definite 4.5 star read. These two characters are the most unlikely personality types to ever be a couple, yet somehow they just work. Of course, it’s not that simple. It’s a novel so it CAN’T be that simple! But Chelsea and Liam take stubborn to a new level. And did I mention he’s an MMA fighter on his way to winning a belt?? And super hot? Oh… sorry! (Not sorry!) Cindi Madsen writes wonderfully quirky, but loveable, characters in this story, even if you do want to smack them both here and there and tell them to quit being so stubborn! No spoilers, but they do get their HEA. For contemporary romance fans and sports romance fans alike, this is an entertaining, quick read.