I loved this so much! I was a fan of Brynn and Sebastian so when I saw this new book, one that has that couple in it as supporting characters, I knew I had to read it! I listened to this in one sitting- these narrators are fabulous! I am such a friends to lovers fan and this was great. I love the town of Adelaide Springs and was so happy to be back there again.

Thank you for the ALC for my honest review!

Nearly 40 years of friendship and a dream from Cole with Layla has him questioning being more than friends with Layla. This was a really cute sweet friends to lovers romance. The best part is their own realization that there might be more than friends feelings towards each other.
The narration was amazing.

3.5⭐️ This was my first book by Bethany Turner, and I enjoyed it. There were some things I loved, and some things I didn’t care for. I will start with what I loved. The "first date" they go on was my favorite part of this book, because it was so darn cute! I enjoyed the relationship between all of the friends, and seeing Sebastian and Brynn play a big part in this book. (I have not read their book yet, but I enjoyed them in this one) The plot was actually a lot of fun and the writing flowed well. Small town kids (40 year olds) take on the big city. And most of all, Cole and Laila’s first kiss was pretty epic.

Now, reading about said 40 year olds was very different for me. I feel like at that age that you should have your life sort of figured out, and these people were just not to that point. And how could they not have loved each other romantically until then? Just all of sudden! Like what? They’ve kissed, said I love you, hold hands, sleep together?! (Not in an intimate way) and not until they turn 40 do they realize they’ve loved each other their whole lives? It wasn’t very believable, which is why the romance fell a bit flat for me.

So all in all, this book was good and enjoyable enough to keep reading, so I will probably give Bethany Turner another chance to wow me.

Read if you enjoy:
- Dual POV
- Friends to lovers
- Pop culture references
- Slow burn
- Middle aged couple (39)


Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved Brynn & Sebastian Hate Each Other but it pales in comparison to this work of art. While I was hesitant to leave Adelaide Springs behind, Bethany does such a great job centering her new setting, New York, as a backdrop worthy of exploration and awe from our two mains. As always, I am an absolute menace over a one-bed scene. This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me mad, etc. It is a natural successor for anyone suffering from Polin season this summer as we love oblivious friends-to-lovers.

While B&S's stories focus on belonging in community, Cole and Laila are focused on whether or not they want to stay with their found belonging. The idea of comfort vs freedom to explore and the implications of closing the door to the past.

Thank you SO MUCH to Harper Collins for the Audiobook!

Wow this was such a fun breath of fresh air for me!

I really liked both main characters Cole and Laila from start to finish! Their relationship was realistic (except for not knowing they were in love with each other ;)) and it was clear to the reader how deep their connection was and how much they meant to each other.

I loved the side plots and they kept me from ever being bored and helped things flow so well! I was also pleasantly surprised by how well all of the mini plots tied together in the end.

I didn't read Turner's previous book BRYNN AND SEBASTIAN HATE EACH OTHER yet but still appreciated the name dropping in this one! I will definitely have to go back and read it now!

I would recommend this for readers of

- Melissa Ferguson
- Courtney Walsh
- Nicole Deese

Read this if you like

- Milo Ventimiglia (trust me)
- New York City
- Cooking
- Closed Door Romance
- Friends to Lovers

As far as the audiobook production goes, I thought it was great! It was dual perspective between Laila and Cole voiced by Talon David and Andrew Eiden respectively and both voices were very well done! Definitely recommend!

This will be available for purchase on June 4th!

I DNFed the audiobook. I found it to be so boring. Brynne and Sebastian was a force finish, and I didn't realize it was the same series. It's a nice little mindless romance I suppose, but I just have too many other books to get to to care about these characters. Thank you Netgally for the ALC. Maybe, I'll pick it up again one day, but not today.

A perfectly sweet, friends to lovers, dual POV romcom featuring older MCs about to turn 40 and realizing maybe their years' long friendship could be something more.

I loved that we get cameos of Brynn and Sebastian in this book and the when the story moves to NYC there are soooo many great pop culture moments and an amazing You've got mail tribute!! Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Jenny Proctor.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! The cover is GORGEOUS on top of everything else and I am OBSESSED!