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Friends Like This #9
Nothing Like This
From the time I was sixteen years old, Hyla Montgomery has been my dream, but our story has never been easy. Filled with heartache, fraught with drama, it’s been a fight from the start.
We’ve fallen apart, come back together, held on to each other, and let go. It’s never been an easy path, it’s always been muddy and overgrown with thorns that have cut us and twists and turns that have tried to break us.
Somehow we survived. But is survival enough to give us a forever together?
When Hyla presents me with my dream—the future we dreamed together—the past crashes into the present and I have to decide if we’re ready to live the life we dreamed together or if it was all a pipe dream that was never meant to be.
Forget what you thought you knew about Mackenzie and Hyla’s love story and find out what really happened—and what comes next in the first part of their epic love story.
We’ve fallen apart, come back together, held on to each other, and let go. It’s never been an easy path, it’s always been muddy and overgrown with thorns that have cut us and twists and turns that have tried to break us.
Somehow we survived. But is survival enough to give us a forever together?
When Hyla presents me with my dream—the future we dreamed together—the past crashes into the present and I have to decide if we’re ready to live the life we dreamed together or if it was all a pipe dream that was never meant to be.
Forget what you thought you knew about Mackenzie and Hyla’s love story and find out what really happened—and what comes next in the first part of their epic love story.
603 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2024
26 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Monaco Smith
39 books195 followersBethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 26, 2024
Nothing Like This by Bethany Monaco Smith
Oh Mackie & Hyla!
When I started this series I knew once we got here I would feel all the feels and then some! What I've learned is Bethany does not hold back!
Getting the glimpses and bits and pieces of their story through the last 8 books is nothing like getting in their POVs and I'm so glad we are finally here! Even I it means a lot of heartbreak along the way!
As usual it's a Bethany book so it packs a punch. Full of all the emotions, ups and downs and some really hard stuff. Rough family dynamics (and that's putting it nicely, I have some colorful words for Hyla's family!). This group of friends! God I love them and am going to miss them when it ends! And the mental health aspect! Which is quite honestly one of my favorite parts!
What I love the most about Bethany's books is not just the growth that develops within all of her characters, but they are relatable, it's real life and I'm sure at some point in your life you've gone through something similar or know of someone who has.
Even if F/F isn't typically your jam you can help but fall in love with these characters and NEED to know their story and how it all unfolds!
Can not wait for Trust Like This so they get their HEA, because that is always a guarantee.
Oh Mackie & Hyla!
When I started this series I knew once we got here I would feel all the feels and then some! What I've learned is Bethany does not hold back!
Getting the glimpses and bits and pieces of their story through the last 8 books is nothing like getting in their POVs and I'm so glad we are finally here! Even I it means a lot of heartbreak along the way!
As usual it's a Bethany book so it packs a punch. Full of all the emotions, ups and downs and some really hard stuff. Rough family dynamics (and that's putting it nicely, I have some colorful words for Hyla's family!). This group of friends! God I love them and am going to miss them when it ends! And the mental health aspect! Which is quite honestly one of my favorite parts!
What I love the most about Bethany's books is not just the growth that develops within all of her characters, but they are relatable, it's real life and I'm sure at some point in your life you've gone through something similar or know of someone who has.
Even if F/F isn't typically your jam you can help but fall in love with these characters and NEED to know their story and how it all unfolds!
Can not wait for Trust Like This so they get their HEA, because that is always a guarantee.
April 25, 2024
Ohhhh if you have read any Bethany story in this series you know she is the queen of the roller coaster of emotions but this book, this story it is a real roller coaster!!! Oh wow! The anger, frustration, love, empathy, frustration, tears, gosh this story has everything. If you love Hyla and Mackie in the previous books, and it was just glimpses of their story, you are going to love them even more now. This is the first book for their love story and it was great because it gives us everything we didn’t get to experience from their POVs. I love getting to know them better and profound, love them and cry with them. Cannot wait for next book.
April 26, 2024
I don't usually read F/F but since this is part of the series I read it and I don't regret it. I can't wait for the conclusion to Mackie and Hylas story. Also I love the name Hyla, I'm pretty sure this is my first time hearing it, in this series, and I really like it. The chemistry was great and it was well written.
April 27, 2024
Can I cry happy tears now? I feel like this story has been a long time coming for me to read. Hyla and Mackenzie aka Mackie have my heart.
The way that this story will take you back to some of the toughest moments that these two have faced as teens, and young adults is astounding. It is definitely a story you need to pay attention to the trigger warnings for though, especially if you’re having a difficult time. Hyla is the girl that you’ll just want to hug. She has awful parents, she’s still figuring her life out…and she just needs people on her side. Mental health is her biggest thing to contend with, but it comes from both internal and external sources. Hyla is just…ughhhhh…I want to wrap her up like a burrito and hold onto her!
Mackie has so many things to face, but most of her struggles are internalized. She’s a bit of the glue that holds things together. Honestly Mackie is too good at times, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. She just sometimes needs time to process things instead of putting up the brave face of taking on everyone else’s problems. There’s a fine line. She’s brave in ways though…and I really love how she starts learning to grow.
I think my favorite line from this one was:
“No buts. I know we’re still figuring everything out, but that hasn’t stopped me from caring about you.” My voice cracks. “You mean so much to me, and I will always be here for you. Wherever and whenever you need me. No matter what. You’ve got me. You’ve always got me.”
This line rings true for so much of the story.
If you’re looking for a book that will frustrate you but also warm you - this one is it. I will never not love Hyla and Mackie!
The way that this story will take you back to some of the toughest moments that these two have faced as teens, and young adults is astounding. It is definitely a story you need to pay attention to the trigger warnings for though, especially if you’re having a difficult time. Hyla is the girl that you’ll just want to hug. She has awful parents, she’s still figuring her life out…and she just needs people on her side. Mental health is her biggest thing to contend with, but it comes from both internal and external sources. Hyla is just…ughhhhh…I want to wrap her up like a burrito and hold onto her!
Mackie has so many things to face, but most of her struggles are internalized. She’s a bit of the glue that holds things together. Honestly Mackie is too good at times, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. She just sometimes needs time to process things instead of putting up the brave face of taking on everyone else’s problems. There’s a fine line. She’s brave in ways though…and I really love how she starts learning to grow.
I think my favorite line from this one was:
“No buts. I know we’re still figuring everything out, but that hasn’t stopped me from caring about you.” My voice cracks. “You mean so much to me, and I will always be here for you. Wherever and whenever you need me. No matter what. You’ve got me. You’ve always got me.”
This line rings true for so much of the story.
If you’re looking for a book that will frustrate you but also warm you - this one is it. I will never not love Hyla and Mackie!
April 28, 2024
Being back with my “friends” in Ida feels like coming home. By now, I know so much about the lives of the core six that I truly feel like I know them. The only one left who still had some mystery surrounding her was Mackenzie aka Mackie/Macks/Kenz.
This is my chance to go deeper into the scenes of the past from Mackie and Hyla’s pov. I already know there was a lot of trauma and parental neglect for Hyla, especially around her coming out to her parents. Now I get to experience it in its entirety, and Bethany knows how to write emotional moments so I’m pretty much a weeping mess at the moment.
I love this series so much. Boy, I wish more people picked it up because it takes us on a journey. Bethany has a way of writing friends to lovers that feels so authentic. She doesn’t shy away from the hard moments that happen to us in reality. The way she is an advocate for wellbeing and therapy is inspiring. A lot of her characters have struggled at some point with their mental health, and she depicts this so well. You can have the best parents, the best friends, but that doesn’t mean your life is all glitter and rainbows. Thank you for normalising the fact that anyone, from any walk of life, can suffer, and seeking help doesn’t make them weak.
Thank you to Bethany Monaco Smith for the arc and this is my genuine opinion.
This is my chance to go deeper into the scenes of the past from Mackie and Hyla’s pov. I already know there was a lot of trauma and parental neglect for Hyla, especially around her coming out to her parents. Now I get to experience it in its entirety, and Bethany knows how to write emotional moments so I’m pretty much a weeping mess at the moment.
I love this series so much. Boy, I wish more people picked it up because it takes us on a journey. Bethany has a way of writing friends to lovers that feels so authentic. She doesn’t shy away from the hard moments that happen to us in reality. The way she is an advocate for wellbeing and therapy is inspiring. A lot of her characters have struggled at some point with their mental health, and she depicts this so well. You can have the best parents, the best friends, but that doesn’t mean your life is all glitter and rainbows. Thank you for normalising the fact that anyone, from any walk of life, can suffer, and seeking help doesn’t make them weak.
Thank you to Bethany Monaco Smith for the arc and this is my genuine opinion.
April 28, 2024
Hyla and Kenzie have intrigued me since they were introduced in previous books in Ms. Monaco Smith's Friends Like This series. I knew this book was going to be emotional but it was so much more. Gut-wrenching, moving, tear-jerking, and a page-turner are just some of the words I would use to describe Nothing Like This.
Hyla and Kenzie's story is about two souls who have wanted to be together since they were teens but parents, a political life and being gay caused hearts to break. Their lives were ripped apart so many times due to the narrow-minded and politically driven parents of Hyla's. Blackmail and bribery were just two ways that her parents interfered with Hyla's life and what she wanted. Kenzie had a loving and open-minded family that accepted her lifestyle and the girl she loved. There were times when they knew hearts were going to break but they had to do things for their mental health.
I loved how each of them had a group of friends who were there for them and loved them no matter who they loved.
Ms. Monaco Smith did an excellent job of dealing with delicate, sensitive topics. She made this story one that was difficult to read at times but at the same time impossible to put down.
Hyla and Kenzie's story is about two souls who have wanted to be together since they were teens but parents, a political life and being gay caused hearts to break. Their lives were ripped apart so many times due to the narrow-minded and politically driven parents of Hyla's. Blackmail and bribery were just two ways that her parents interfered with Hyla's life and what she wanted. Kenzie had a loving and open-minded family that accepted her lifestyle and the girl she loved. There were times when they knew hearts were going to break but they had to do things for their mental health.
I loved how each of them had a group of friends who were there for them and loved them no matter who they loved.
Ms. Monaco Smith did an excellent job of dealing with delicate, sensitive topics. She made this story one that was difficult to read at times but at the same time impossible to put down.
April 29, 2024
I was so excited for Mackenzie and Hyla’s story and it did not disappoint. Throughout all the other books in this series you get bits and pieces of their love, but being able to take it back to the beginning and get all the details, all the good times, all the bad times, all the fun moments, the sad moments, every single part of their story leading up to the start of their forever after, was the absolute best! I felt so many emotions while reading this and it definitely took me on a crazy rollercoaster ride, but I loved it so much. It broke my heart reading about all the struggles that Hyla had to go through with her family, but I loved watching her find herself and coming out on top and getting the love she deserved from her true family. While Mackenzie didn’t have family struggles she definitely still had her struggles, but seeing her overcome them and watching her find her dream career was amazing. Overall Bethany killed it with this book and I cannot wait to get more Mackenzie and Hyla!
April 12, 2024
I have been waiting for Mackie and Hyla's story since the very first moment I saw a relationship forming between them. It was great to finally get all sides and to see what went down between them. I already knew their story would be emotional but this just proved to me how much it was.
I love the two of them and knowing their entire story just makes me want to root for them even more. Bethany Monaco Smith did a beautiful job telling us their story and dealing with some very hard and sensitive topics. It is a well-written story that I feel was done exceptionally well. It made me love the two of them even more.
I can't wait to see what comes next for these two and to see them finally get their HEA.
I love the two of them and knowing their entire story just makes me want to root for them even more. Bethany Monaco Smith did a beautiful job telling us their story and dealing with some very hard and sensitive topics. It is a well-written story that I feel was done exceptionally well. It made me love the two of them even more.
I can't wait to see what comes next for these two and to see them finally get their HEA.
April 28, 2024
Mackie and Hyla is another beautifully written, emotional rollercoaster of a read that will rip your heart out and put it back together over and over again is the best way. I loved finally getting to see thing from their POV. I loved them in all the former books in the series and this book dedicated to Hyla and Mackie's journey made me love them even more! I cried with them and for them happy and sad tears and as always it was a joy to read the latest installment in this gorgeous series. This group of friends is what we could all hope a dream of having in our own lives and seeing Hyla and Mackie's love grow, blossom and last through the most difficult of times and separation is an absolute pleasure.
April 26, 2024
- Friends to lovers
- Continuing series
The Friends Like This series is one that I have enjoyed since book 1. The friend group is so close and supportive of each other. Mackie describes them as a "hive", which isn't too far off. The group can sense when one of them is going through a rough time.
This book is the first of 2 featuring Mackie and Hyla. We have met both of them in previous books and their relationship has been discussed. These 2 started off as friends, but as teenagers, they both realized they had feelings for one another.
True to this author's style, their journey is not an easy one, but worth it. Trust in the process, all will be completed in the next book.
- Continuing series
The Friends Like This series is one that I have enjoyed since book 1. The friend group is so close and supportive of each other. Mackie describes them as a "hive", which isn't too far off. The group can sense when one of them is going through a rough time.
This book is the first of 2 featuring Mackie and Hyla. We have met both of them in previous books and their relationship has been discussed. These 2 started off as friends, but as teenagers, they both realized they had feelings for one another.
True to this author's style, their journey is not an easy one, but worth it. Trust in the process, all will be completed in the next book.
April 26, 2024
I have been waiting (im)patiently for Mackie and Hyla's story, and Bethany did not disappoint! This one definitely pulled on my heartstrings.
This book made me feel all the emotions, and I know their rollercoaster ride isn't over yet. This friend group has grown to be one of my favorites, and I honestly can't believe we're coming to the end. I just know we're going to get a beautifully fitting HEA for all involved. Thanks Bethany for giving us this emotional FF love story (and all of the others!)
*This book deals with some pretty sensitive topics, so I definitely suggest reading at your own pace and taking care of yourself if needed.
This book made me feel all the emotions, and I know their rollercoaster ride isn't over yet. This friend group has grown to be one of my favorites, and I honestly can't believe we're coming to the end. I just know we're going to get a beautifully fitting HEA for all involved. Thanks Bethany for giving us this emotional FF love story (and all of the others!)
*This book deals with some pretty sensitive topics, so I definitely suggest reading at your own pace and taking care of yourself if needed.
April 21, 2024
Mackie and Hyla! 😍 I am so excited it is finally their time to shine. Seeing how their relationship started and the challenges they faced was just incredible. Mackie is one of the OG of the Friends Like This crew and Hyla is a beautiful girl who hopes to join the group. Hyla’s family is interesting to say the least. There is so much heartbreak, love, support and mental health representation 🩷 seeing how much they go through really pulled on my heart strings as Bethany usually does!
Bethany did an AMAZING job on this book and I am so honored to be a beta reader! I am so excited for the continuation. If you want to read about Mackie and Hyla, start from the beginning at Friends Like This!
Bethany did an AMAZING job on this book and I am so honored to be a beta reader! I am so excited for the continuation. If you want to read about Mackie and Hyla, start from the beginning at Friends Like This!
April 25, 2024
I am a BIG fan of this series.
I love seeing all the characters feed through each book but also seeing each of their individual stories.
This is the story of Mackie and Hyla who we have seen lots of snippets of throughout the series. I'm always a bit nervous when we get a book about an already established couple to see where the author will go with it but it was good to see their story and the history from their pov.
I really enjoy this author's writing style and she carries it through beautifully in this series. Looking forward to seeing how this story ends!
ARC Review.
I love seeing all the characters feed through each book but also seeing each of their individual stories.
This is the story of Mackie and Hyla who we have seen lots of snippets of throughout the series. I'm always a bit nervous when we get a book about an already established couple to see where the author will go with it but it was good to see their story and the history from their pov.
I really enjoy this author's writing style and she carries it through beautifully in this series. Looking forward to seeing how this story ends!
ARC Review.
April 27, 2024
So excited to finally get the POVs of Hyla and Mackie. We’ve seen bits and pieces of their story from the other books in this series (if you haven’t started from the beginning, go back and start there!) I loved that she went back and started with them in high school when they first realized they had feelings for each other and were excited about these new, secret to some, experiences. As always, this was beautifully written and takes you through allll the emotions! Yes there’s a cliffhanger, but there’s a second book with the 2 of them that will finish off their crazy, beautiful love story!
April 27, 2024
Swooning!!! I loved reading Hyla and Kenzies history!
Nothing Like This was everything I didn’t realize that I needed! Being the last couple in the “Friends like this Series” we got to see the ups and downs of Mackenzie and Hyla’s history. I thought that I knew it… but I didn’t. I love that Bethany took us back to the begining of thier story and gave us the details. What you thought you knew with Hyla’s struggles was nothing compared to what they were. I definately recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one!!!
Nothing Like This was everything I didn’t realize that I needed! Being the last couple in the “Friends like this Series” we got to see the ups and downs of Mackenzie and Hyla’s history. I thought that I knew it… but I didn’t. I love that Bethany took us back to the begining of thier story and gave us the details. What you thought you knew with Hyla’s struggles was nothing compared to what they were. I definately recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one!!!
April 27, 2024
I have been reading the series for a while and Hyla and Mackenzie have been there waiting patiently to step to the front of the story. So finally glad to see their story and it was worth the wait.
FF is not normally my normal romance read, but I really needed to know more about them as I already loved the characters.
As usual the book packs some emotion and pulls the reader into the fold. I can't wait to read the rest of their story.
FF is not normally my normal romance read, but I really needed to know more about them as I already loved the characters.
As usual the book packs some emotion and pulls the reader into the fold. I can't wait to read the rest of their story.
April 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this story! I felt for Hyla and Mackie throughout this book. This was one emotional rollercoaster but that's what made this feel real. They didn't have it easy but made it through it all, and I hope they have their happy ending just like they want. I can't wait to see what's next and I'm going to miss these friends.
April 26, 2024
A lovely crazy story of two incredible young ladies. They're not in my top three couples in this series but it's hard not to root for them.
As the series is drawing to an end its getting harder to finish these, not because they're not absolutely amazing, because each and every book is just that, but because it's one book closer to not having this crazy cult of friends to hang out with vicariously lol
As the series is drawing to an end its getting harder to finish these, not because they're not absolutely amazing, because each and every book is just that, but because it's one book closer to not having this crazy cult of friends to hang out with vicariously lol
May 1, 2024
wild thing and her angel
This book was a thick one! These two have waiting not so patiently for their story but man when they decided to tell it they gave it all. This book went through a lot of difficult emotions so be prepared for all of that as you read. This was my first FF romance and it was great! Cannot wait to see where the rest of the story goes!
This book was a thick one! These two have waiting not so patiently for their story but man when they decided to tell it they gave it all. This book went through a lot of difficult emotions so be prepared for all of that as you read. This was my first FF romance and it was great! Cannot wait to see where the rest of the story goes!
April 23, 2024
Wow. I thought I knew what Mackie and Hyla went through from the other books in this series, but reading this learning truly what they went through was amazing and heartbreaking all at the same time. I can't wait to see what they get up to into the next book. 🩷
April 25, 2024
This book was a heavy intense read that touched on real life topics and issues people go through. It was great to read the first part of Hyla and Mackenzie’s story and I can’t wait to read the second half!
April 26, 2024
We finally get to see what's really going on with Mackie and Hyla and I'm here for it! I need more!
Bethany always sends us on a roller coaster and this book was no different! I cannot wait for their HEA! Such an epic series altogether!
Bethany always sends us on a roller coaster and this book was no different! I cannot wait for their HEA! Such an epic series altogether!
April 26, 2024
This book was so good! I’m so glad we finally got their story, and it was written so beautifully! Their story is insane, and I loved every moment of it and learning more about them! Thank you so much for the arc! I can’t wait for the second half of their story!
April 26, 2024
I don't typically read F/F romances, but since this is in a series that has my heart I had to. I love Hyla and Mackie together. I really enjoyed seeing all the years and relationships through Mackenzie's eyes especially. I can't wait to get to the next book and see them get their HEA.
April 26, 2024
Mackie and Hyla
F/F
We are finally getting their story! We have seen bits and pieces from all of the past books in the series, but now it is truly their turn. Just like all of the other books, brace yourself for all the emotions and feels. Can't wait to read the next one.
F/F
We are finally getting their story! We have seen bits and pieces from all of the past books in the series, but now it is truly their turn. Just like all of the other books, brace yourself for all the emotions and feels. Can't wait to read the next one.
April 27, 2024
I can't get enough of this series. Each story just makes you fall more in love with these characters and friends. I don't know that I have read F/F before but I was willing to give it a try and I loved Hyla and Mackenzie! Page turning and so much gah and more to read!
April 28, 2024
Ensure you’ve read the other books in this series and once you have be ready for another amazing rollercoaster of a book as only Bethany Monaco Smith can take you on! I’m so excited to be getting their story and can’t wait for the next part!
May 24, 2024
Gah, I loved this book! We've seen Hyla and Mackie throughout the Friends Like This series, but it was so great to finally get their point of view! This book was a roller coaster, and I loved it! Now, on to the next one! ❤️
April 27, 2024
Bethany Monaco Smith has outdid herself again. We get to explore Mackie and Hyla's relationship more. The book broached some heavy topics, but as always Bethany Monaco handles them tactfully.
April 27, 2024
it was great to finally get the details of these two ladies' romance!! I love mackie and hyla!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews