Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend

by Liz Alden

Two little words that will forever change the way I see my best friend’s boudoir session.

Bailey Price earns the big bucks in New York City, while I’m cleaning houses as a side gig in our hometown. I love the town, but Bailey only comes home when she has to.

Then she shows up at my photography studio asking for a boudoir shoot and suddenly I’m the one exposed. Every click of my camera reveals another reason why I can’t look her curves, her wit, her defensive edge.

I can’t play it safe. Not when she’s looking at me like I’m the only man who’s ever really seen her. Not when every photo taken becomes foreplay.

I have to face the I’ve been in love with her since we were teens.

There’s just one her brother. My best friend. The guy who’s protected Bailey with his fists ever since childhood, who trusts me not to cross that line.

But Bailey’s making it really hard to remember why I ever resisted in the first place.

The question how long can a good guy resist his bad ideas?

Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend features forbidden love, small-town romance, and a patient hero who’s been head over heels since childhood. Expect high heat, emotional depth, a curvy heroine’s journey to self-acceptance, and an HEA that’s worth breaking all the rules for. This steamy stand-alone romance is book one in the Buffed & Polished Small Town Romcom series.

Genres: Romance

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

My Direct Store: https://lizalden.myshopify.com/

2026 Releases
Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/Bailey
Rory Rides Her Fake Fiancé: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/Rory
Cava with My Colleague: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/Cava
The Gift of the Matchmaker: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/matchmaker


About Liz

I spent ten years traveling the world on a sailboat with my husband. He is not a secret rockstar, nor a grumpy farmer, nor a coworker I accidentally saw naked. I only see him naked intentionally.

Many of my books are based on my travels all over the world – from the Caribbean to Polynesia to Europe. I know exactly how big the world is—having sailed around it—and exactly how small it is, having bumped in to friends worldwide. I’ve been a dishwasher, an engineer, a CEO, and occasionally I get paid to write or sail.

Now I’m in my small town era, both in fiction and real life. I live in Western Massachusetts with a big backyard that would be perfect for a goat if only SOMEONE would let me have one. I like my men to be sweethearts, the bedroom door wide open (with a splash of something new!) and the women to be independent and mature.

You can read free short stories in all her series at https://www.lizalden.com/

Connect with Liz:
Facebook > https://facebook.com/lizaldenwriter
Twitter > https://twitter.com/lizaldenwriter
Instagram > https://instagram.com/lizaldenwriter
Pinterest > https://www.pinterest.com/lizaldenwri...

Reviews

[Jess Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a bold title, but the story itself felt surprisingly sweet and easy to fall into. It’s open-door, but not a shock-value read. What really worked was the warmth of it, and how quickly I found myself rooting for Bailey.

I loved her journey with body positivity, learning to like herself on her own terms, and setting real boundaries with her mom. It felt realistic and earned, not magically fixed overnight. And Silas is such a golden retriever of a love interest: sweet, steady, and all in. I’m so glad he wasn’t trying to “fix” Bailey. He was just helping her see herself the way he already sees her.

The small-town setting added a cozy vibe, and the side cast was fun. Bailey’s brother’s friend group is basically a whole pack of cinnamon rolls, and I can’t wait to read their stories too.

Four stars for a romance that’s cute, warm, and more emotionally satisfying than I expected.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Liz Alden for the ARC.

[Kameron Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay but don’t let the title fool you… this one was actually SO soft 🥹💕

Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend surprised me in the best way — what starts as a bold, attention-grabbing premise turns into such a sweet, comforting, and genuinely feel-good romance.

think:
✨ childhood proximity
✨ brother’s best friend tension
✨ quiet pining that sneaks up on you
✨ and a love story that just feels easy in the best way

bailey and her love interest had this natural chemistry that made every moment feel cozy and believable, and I couldn’t help but root for them the entire time 🫶🏼

this is one of those reads that wraps you up like a warm blanket and leaves you smiling long after you finish 🥰

huge thank you to @netgalley for the ARC — this gem releases march 31st and you’re going to want it on your radar 📚✨

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey's brother, Hunter, has been friends with Silas forever. In their teens Silas and Bailey start crushing on each other unbeknownst to each other until one day when Bailey wants a boudoir session with Silas taking photos of her and things get heated. This begins a spicy relationship but they each worry what will happen when her brother finds out. Can they create a deeper relationship or will it fizzle?

This was a spicy story of friends to lovers and the brother's best friend trope. I enjoyed that both characters indulged a little and wanted to explore their feelings for each other. I wish that the story was a little longer and had a slightly more character development but otherwise this is a great spicy, romance for a quick read! Would recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley, Liz Alden and Victory Editing Group for allowing me to review this ARC!

[Sadie E · Rating 3 out of 5]

First things first: the dedication page includes “And also: FUCK BEN.” And for that alone, I was in love. No notes.

The title’s pretty stupid. I’m sorry. It sounds like someone dared the author and the author said, “Bet.” But also… I kind of loved it? It’s so silly that it circles back around to charming.

I’ve tried a few brother’s best friend books, and I can safely say they’re not for me. Does anyone actually care who their sibling dates? Like, unless they’re a serial killer or actively dismantling society, why would you care? The secrecy always feels wildly exaggerated, and this book leans in so hard it practically sprints into drama.

It opens with:

“Asking your brother’s best friend for a professional favor should be simple. Unless the favor is something you can never, ever tell your brother about.”

Yes. We understand. It is secret. It will destroy life as we know it. Everything is secret. The suspense is mostly emotional paranoia wrapped in unnecessary tension.

So Bailey comes back to her hometown that she hates to hire Silas to take sexy “boudoir” photos as a confidence statement. Silas is somehow a cleaner, a photographer, and a real estate agent. My man is grinding. Respect.

That’s the secret her brother can never know. Not the photos. Not the confidence journey. Just the fact that Silas is involved. Which feels… manageable? But sure, we’ll run with it.

Her reasoning for the photoshoot is:

“This is a fuck-you to everyone who bullied me for being fat. I want to do this right under their noses.”

And I understand the empowerment angle. I genuinely do. But also… girl. Just ask him out. No need to concoct this insane plan. The entire plot could have been solved with one honest conversation and about 40% less spiraling. The premise is slightly unhinged in a way that's either bold or chaotic depending on your mood.

The author’s note claims this book tackles fatphobia. But does it, though? Like okay, she got teased in school. Who didn’t? Kids are mean. They would absolutely commit crimes if they could.

But also, the only person who was actually mean was a kid in school who called her Big Willy and Carrot Cake. And I don’t know why that's so funny, but I am dead 💀 It's terrible. It's childish. And yet Big Willy absolutely ended me.

Outside of something that happened a million years ago, everyone's pretty nice to Bailey. And I get that she’s supposed to be coming to terms with her weight, but she’d already done that before the book started. That’s literally why she went home. She's already done all her character growth before the book even begins, which makes for a pretty stagnant character.

It sometimes feels like the book's trying very hard to position itself as making a sweeping statement and hop on the body positivity train when it’s mostly just… a romance with vague body confidence vibes.

There's also a LOT of exposition. At one point we get what reads like a full life résumé about her job, apartment, work hours, and general exhaustion. It gets the information across, but sometimes it feels like the characters are filing paperwork instead of having dialogue.

Now let’s discuss Hunter, because Hunter is somehow the main character of a book he barely appears in.

Hunter is mentioned 220 times. Hunter physically appears FIVE TIMES. And these are brief cameos. Meanwhile, Bailey is mentioned 282 times, and the book is about her. That is insane.

Hunter isn't present, but he IS omnipresent. Hunter should absolutely be paying rent for how much space he occupies in everyone’s thoughts.

And here’s the real chaos detail: Hunter (when irked) speaks in all caps. Sir, why are you yelling???

But all the mentions of Hunter give us this gem:

“Don’t say your brother’s name while you’re holding my dick.”

I’m sorry. That line has taken up permanent residence in my brain. Which is fitting because of the whole Hunter situation.

We get the usual dual POV but I much preferred Silas’ chapters. Bailey’s fine, but her arc mostly revolves around being fat, owning it, and reclaiming that narrative. I respect it. Truly. She deserves to be fat and fabulous. But it did feel like that was the entire personality package. Silas, meanwhile, is a delight.

I love the grumpy x sunshine reversal. Silas has golden retriever vibes, and Bailey is the one who needs light in her life. That dynamic worked surprisingly well and honestly saved a lot of scenes.

The pacing's slow at the start, improves, and eventually becomes engaging. I did enjoy it. I just didn’t love it.

And in conclusion,
FUCK BEN.

Thank you to the author for an ARC

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Liz Alden for providing me with an ARC on this in exchange for an honest review!

Liz Alden’s Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend follows Bailey, a warm, witty, and wonderfully curvy heroine who returns home only to find herself entangled, emotionally and otherwise with Silas, her brother’s best friend. What begins as a long‑standing crush quickly escalates into a chemistry‑charged connection as the two navigate desire, boundaries, and the shift from friendship to something deeper. The novella blends humour, heartfelt moments, and a strong sense of personal growth as Bailey learns to embrace her confidence and Silas steps up as a partner who sees her fully and unapologetically.

This novella stands out because of its character work. Bailey is an amazing female lead—curvy, self-assured, and written with a refreshing level of authenticity. Her confidence and vulnerability make her easy to root for, and the story treats her body with respect rather than turning it into a trope. The chemistry between her and the love interest is strong, and the spicy scenes are well‑paced and engaging without overwhelming the emotional arc. Echo the cat deserves a special mention. She brings warmth, and those small, relatable pet moments that make Bailey’s world feel lived‑in. Her presence adds personality to the story and gives readers a charming glimpse into Bailey and Silas’ everyday life. While the novella format means the plot moves quickly, it still delivers a satisfying blend of heat, heart, and humour. The characters are memorable, the romance is fun, and the representation of a curvy heroine is handled beautifully. A solid, enjoyable 4‑star read.

[Kaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Liz Alden as a writer and was excited when I received an invite to read a copy of her newest book, Bailey Bangs Her Brother's Best Friend. The title is a little bold and out there, but I figured if anything, it would be a good time.
Bailey and her brother's best friend, Silas, have the hots for each other but have always kept it a secret. Things between them get heated after Bailey asks Silas to do a boudoir shoot for her.
This was not my favorite "I'm in love with my brother's best friend" novel. First of all, it's labeled as a romcom and honestly, I struggled to find both the rom and the com in this book. There was a lot of spice and lust, but no romance or connection. Bailey is on the curvier side and struggles with feeling beautiful and truly comfortable in her body. Her "romance" with Silas didn't really fit with Bailey and what she needed as a developing character. He just wanted to bang her all the time, pure lust. It gave fetish and fling instead of romance. I would be totally fine with that if this wasn't supposed to be a romance comedy. Also, when Hunter finds out about his sister and best friend, his reaction was just.. odd. After 20+ years of them being in his life and banging behind his back, the last thing I would expect Hunter to do is punch his best friend and then immediately run to his aid. Where was the anger and disappointment? Overall, I felt this book was more of a hot and spicy fling, not a romance. 3 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Liz Alden for this ARC.

[Yesenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a good cute story about two friends who shouldn’t be together but definitely should be, this book is for you. If you’ve ever read Camera Shy by Kay Cove you’ll love this book. It follows Bailey and Silas, two people who have grown up together most of their lives in a small ski town. Silas is Baileys older bothers best friend. If that isn’t a mouth full I don’t know what is 😂. The book instantly sucks you in with a favor that Silas literally can’t refuse and quite honestly doesn’t want to. Bailey being the naive, but the girl who’s never been picked finally gets to see and feel wanted in a way she never expected and especially not by the one man that’s off limits. This book was so cutesy and a little steamy at times. But you can’t help but lives not only these two characters but all the side characters! I need a book on all the guys!! And please tell me Morgan and Rory are next 🏍️!!!!

Bailey! Girl I literally wanted to punch your mom anytime she was mentioned or had a part in the book. She’s a strong FMC but she’s had to build herself up to be this boss babe. Life was hard for her growing up but that’s the reason why she is the way she is. I loved that she took the step she wanted, even though she didn’t get the results she expected, Silas will help her SEE herself 🖤.

Silas you lovable cat daddy with glasses 🖤. What more can I say! He’s the boy next door that’s had a crush on his best friend’s sister. He’s dreamy, charming, and has muscles for days 🤤.

Loved this book, can’t wait for the rest 🖤

[Chelsea Cozy Rebel Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a pleasant surprise! I have never read a book from this author so I didn’t know what to expect. I really enjoyed it. I am a forever fan of Liz Alden. This is probably one of my favorite reads of 2026 so far.
Bailey is a beautiful curvaceous woman who struggles with body image, & is trying to reclaim her power through body positivity, sexy lingerie, and a boudoir photo shoot done by Silas, her long time crush and brother’s best friend. They have both had crushes on each other since they were younger.
It’s got small town, friends to lovers, but with forbidden off limit vibes because Silas is Baileys brother’s best friend. The boudoir photo shoot had me swooning, so much tension and yearning. Silas on his knees.. yes please!
Silas is a tattoed, photographer, with hot biceps and golden retriever energy ;) I love that he accepts Bailey just the way she is! I loved that he brought pizza and beer home on Valentines Day, and that he is a baby talking cat lover..I mean seriously, need I say more?
It’s a sweet story with a little Spice sprinkled in there! The spice was definitely nice!
I’m looking forward to reading Morgan & Rory’s story next!
Here’s a couple quotes I loved. “He’s not ignoring the imperfections, hes worshiping them.”
“I notice everything about you.”

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Liz Alden for the ARC.

[Amanda Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, short read that managed to respectfully cover the sensitive topic of body image issues and how it impacts mental health in the span of less than 200 pages. I appreciated that Bailey's view of herself didn't change simply because some really nice pictures were taken. Finding the right angles and editing don't fix years of criticizing your own body (or the echoes of others criticizing it). The inclusion of therapy and the support she had from the people who love her provided a much more realistic storyline where that was concerned.

However, outside of that, things fell a little flat for me. The romance and the dancing around Hunter was fun at a glance, but it also felt kind of scripted for me at times. I appreciate the physicality of their relationship, especially given the way Bailey saw herself, but I would have liked to see more depth to their non-physical intimate moments instead of it repeatedly cycling through "What if Hunter finds out?" and "What are we going to do about the distance?"

I'll say this though--I love a man who will communicate and say what he wants instead of falling back on playing it cool. Bonus points for Silas there.

Despite the things I feel were a little lacking for me--and some editing errors that may be fixed by the time this goes to publication--it was still a fun read that I'd recommend for fans of the friends-to-lovers and brother's best friend tropes when you're in the mood for a bite-sized sexy snack.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey has had body issues forever, fueled by her mother. She really is an uncaring mother with her cruel, thoughtless comments about what Bailey eats. Bailey has decided to do something for herself, something that will make her feel good about herself. When she approaches her brother’s best friend, a photographer, he might be hesitant at first but…
Silas has always seen Bailey as perfect and doesn’t understand why she questions herself. She is lively, fun to be with and he has loved her since he was 15. Why can’t she see herself as he sees her? He sees beyond the exterior, seeing her as art.
Together they are fun and it is so sweet the way they come together. There is lots of humor and laughs in this story. I really loved Bailey and would gladly be her best friend. She has a great outlook on life and lives large. She has a great relationship with her brother, Hunter, and his friends, Silas being one of the guys who always seems to be around. I loved Hunter’s humor and hope he gets a story.
I am a big fan of Liz Alder’s books and have read every one of them. She writes stories that feel so real with relatable characters who you want to get to know. I have more than once had to remind myself they are characters. I loved this first book in a new Liz Alder series and look forward to the rest of the books. Bravo!

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC. Out March 31st.

I planned to read just a couple of chapters before bed…
Fast forward to 2:30 a.m. and I had finished the entire book. Safe to say this one completely pulled me in.

Bailey is such a relatable heroine. She’s vulnerable and still carrying years of hurt from other people’s comments about her body, and watching her slowly rebuild her confidence was incredibly moving.

Silas — Bailey’s brother’s best friend — has quietly been in love with her for years. When Bailey asks him to photograph a boudoir session, Silas is thrilled… but also painfully aware of the line he doesn’t want to cross. After all, Hunter is his best friend and extremely protective of his little sister.

The tension between Bailey and Silas is undeniable from the start. What follows is a sweet, spicy story about self-acceptance, healing, and finally allowing yourself to be loved.

I absolutely adored the dynamic between these two — the slow burn, the care Silas shows toward Bailey, and the emotional growth woven throughout the story.

This is the first instalment in the Buffed & Polished series, and I already cannot wait for Book 2 coming in May.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

P.S. If you sign up for the author’s newsletter, you get a bonus chapter — and trust me, you’ll want it.

[CWilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Gah! I really wanted to like this book more. It had all the trappings of a great yearn-fest, and I kinda admired the blunt and very on-the-nose title. Sadly, in my opinion, Bailey banged her brother’s bff (Silas) way too soon in the story.

I wanted to see more tension, more yearning from each before she even asked him to take the photographs. Instead, Bailey jumped right in at the beginning of the book on her ask to hire him. Which also left me confused. Bailey is cognizant of her major crush on Silas while planning to ask him to take these boudoir photos that she’s also rather insecure about. She says that it’s because she feels safe with him, like he will make her feel beautiful despite her deep seated insecurities. But then why wouldn’t she also feel safe in sharing her feelings? Especially since later seeing the photos triggered her ongoing insecurities about her body? This just didn’t make sense to me.

It’s very possible that my own personal experiences and preferences judged the book too harshly, so if the summary intrigues you, please give it a shot. It’s still an entertaining read.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I choose this book based almost entirely on its title? Yes, yes, I did. Who can resist a book called Bailey Bangs Her Brother's Best Friend? Not me, apparently. But, did it live up to its fantastic title? Again, that would have to be a yes.
Bailey is looking for some reasurance about the way she looks, having battled her weight all her life, she has also had to battle the weight of other people (and worse still her own mother being the worst offender) and their comments. She asks her brother's best friend, Silas, to take some boudoir shots of her. As they've both secretly had a crush on one another for years, it's hardly surprising that things quickly escalate.
This was a fun and quick read. I powered through it and loved every second. Silas is very sweet (and hot), and Bailey clearly deserves someone just like that in her corner and her bed. I was a little less impressed with her brother Hunter, who seems a little too free and easy with his fists, but I'm sure that he'll redeem himself in the future. Being that this is the first in a series, I'm expecting that we might get his story in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Myza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend by Liz Alden in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a fun and spicy small-town romance. Bailey returns to her hometown where her relationship with her family—especially her mother, who has always been critical of her weight—has left her with complicated feelings about herself.
After spending time working on her confidence, Bailey decides to do something for herself, she wants to book a boudoir photoshoot so she can finally see herself in a new light.

The only person she trusts to take the photos is her brother’s best friend Silas.

What Bailey doesn’t realize is that Silas has secretly had a crush on her for years. This makes their time together a lot more complicate but a lot more interesting.

I really enjoyed both Bailey and Silas as characters, and the dual POV gave great insight into how each of them felt about the other. The story also introduces several other characters in the town of Here, and I’m hoping this means we’ll get to see more of them in future books.

If you love small-town romances, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I stare at my phone. He full-named me. In a text. About scheduling sex."

This was a fun little romance that ticked all the boxes I needed as I get ready to round off a big month of reading. This one can be read in one day or one sitting, doesn't skimp on the spice and romance, with an HEA at the finish line.

Silus is serious book boyfriend goals. Sweet, hot, and completely head over heels for Bailey, his best friend's sister. One of those epic crushes that has been so many years in the making.

Bailey is relatable. I think many women, myself included, can relate to her and the struggle around body positivity and acceptance. I love that she steps outside her comfort zone and continues to grow.

There will be more books to follow in this series, and I know I'll go on to read the rest.

You should read this book if you love:
- Open door romance (plenty of spice)
- Brother's best friend
- Friend to lovers
- Small town romance
- Forbidden Romance
- Cat dad
- Dual POV

Bailey Bangs Her Brother's Best Friend is available on 31 March.

Thank you to Liz Alden for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Sarah Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable book and for a few reasons.
Bailey and Silas have secretly been in love with each other since they were teenagers but did nothing about it due to Bailey's brother.
Now they are older Bailey returns to her home town of Here to ask Silas, who she trusts to take some intimate pictures of her in a photo shoot. That's where this all begins.
Bailey is a curvy lady, like myself, and you read all about her body size insecurities. Her mother does not help, always going on about what she should and shouldn't eat in a nasty way, constantly knocking Bailey's confidence. Bailey is a successful business woman but her mother doesn't see this, just her size which for a mother is just plain mean.
Anyway we go on Bailey's journey with Silas which is delightful, the sex however is great but graphic so those of a delicate mind beware.
I loved the ending and can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens to Bailey, the ski lodge and Morgan. You will have to read the book to understand that last sentance!

[Liberty Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! I was pulled into the story from the first page and had a hard time putting it down... if life hadn't intervened, I would have finished this in a single read. Bailey is dealing with body image issues that are exacerbated by her mother. Silas has been in love with her for years and is the perfect person to help her build a foundation of self-love one pebble at a time. 

This was a lovely, emotional book as two people find their person, having to navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship and fears of how her brother (his best friend) will react when he finds out. 

Key tropes: Secret and forbidden relationship, brother's best friend, high school bullies and learning to love yourself by seeing yourself through the eyes of someone who thinks you're beautiful. 

Great banter, laugh out loud moments, and quiet moments when love of all kinds happen. I cannot wait for Morgan's story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey & Silas ❤️

📸New Yorker Bailey grew up in a small Catskills town called Here. She left as soon as she could, and now works in a renewable energy company where she’s achieving the dream.

📸Her body image is damaged after years bullying from others, and especially her critical mother. When she walks into Silas’s office in town, he’s not expecting her to ask for a boudoir shoot.

📸The appointment has the two conversing, and despite Silas being Bailey’s brother best friend, the feelings they’ve both held in for so long can’t really be held back.

I have read just about every story Liz Alden’s written and really enjoy her writing style. Bailey and Silas’s story feels like it’s ready to slot into a bigger picture of Silas’s friend group, and the future of the town of Here. This guy has “green flag book boyfriend” written all over him, love the cat that found its way to him and the life that he has made for himself.

Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub Date Mar 31 2026

Connect with me: http://www.instagram.com/read.athon2021

[Nicole Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I don’t love this title. It makes it seem a lot more hard core than it is, and I would definitely pass solely on the title. That being said, it is more rom com than hard for sex. Is there smut? Sure but a lot more tame than the title would suggest.

It was cute. I’m personally a New Yorker who hangs in the Catskills multiple times a year and the vibes are pretty spot on. Made me want to plan my next visit. The town is name Here, which felt a little lame. I get that we love that town mottos of everyone belongs Here, but it’s just too in the nose. And the towns people are called Herevians? Ehhh no, doesn’t feel natural. I live in Yonkers and have no idea what you would call me…just say the locals.

For the most part this is a cute book and a quick read. I feel like there isn’t the most character development ever, but that’s okay. Maybe if the book was longer? But did I enjoy it, absolutely. Gives you the warm and fuzzies with that happy ending (in more ways than one 😉).

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explicit. I really, really loved this book! When it popped up I thought the name was so on the nose and funny that I just had to read the blurb - and did not regret it. Bailey, who struggles with body image issues, hires her brother's photographer best friend for a boudoir shoot to see herself in a different light. The problem just ends up being that they've both liked each other for years. Mayhem ensues! This was both hilarious and managed to handle some tricky topics beautifully. I loved that Bailey got to see her old hometown, and herself, in a different light through Silas' eyes. Silas' cat, Echo (who loves to meow at everyone and is adorably loving) steals the show just by appearing! This was lightly spicy, but realistic and the characters were really easy to connect to. Definitely worth the read!

I received an advance copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Marina Torre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! I love everything Liz Alden writes, honestly. She adds the perfect amount of spice to build the romance, and I love the short reads, time and time again.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review, and my review is that you should read this book too!

Bailey and Silas are practically forbidden lovers because….. he’s her brother’s best friend! YIKES! my favorite trope ♥️


Update:

Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend 🩵 by Liz Alden (@lizaldenwriter)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an ARC of Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend in exchange for an honest review ahead of the novel’s publication on March 31st!

I love Liz Alden novels! They are short, spicy, and sweet. I can read each book in one sitting given half the chance. Truly a fun read, and Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend is wildly exciting, adrenaline-rushing, and high risk.

Bailey and her brother’s best friend, Silas, begin a long awaited romance hidden in plain sight. Sneaking around her brother’s back will only last for so long …

Thank you Liz Alden (@lizaldenwriter) for another great read! I can’t wait for the next!

#arcreview #bookreview #lizalden #romancereader #brothersbestfriend

[Imogen Dior · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend. Both Bailey and Silas were great characters who had red hot chemistry and a genuine connection. I loved the body positivity this book had and how it was portrayed. Bailey’s journey was hard but you could see her making progress and it was just such a pleasure to read about. Both of the main characters personalities were awesome. Silas was so patient and kind and so passionate, his different jobs were so cool and how much he loved his little town was awesome. Bailey was a bit lost but you could see the confident woman just underneath the surface and we really saw her rise and believe in herself. Seeing her fall in love with not only Silas but the town again, seeing it through his eyes was so cool to see. Loved the secondary characters and can’t wait for book 2.

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. The friends-to-lovers dynamic felt warm, genuine, and incredibly vulnerable.

Bailey struggles with body dysmorphia after years of being bullied, not just by classmates but by her own mother, which added so much emotional depth to her character. Silas has secretly loved her for years, but the “best friend’s little sister” rule kept her firmly in the no-go zone. Still, their chemistry is undeniable from the start, and watching their connection grow and snowball into something more was both emotional and satisfying.

This story balanced tenderness and tension beautifully, with heartfelt moments and just enough spice to elevate the romance without overshadowing the emotional core. I really enjoyed this one.

[Kristi Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend by Liz Alden.

I’m always a sucker for a good brother’s best friend trope, and this one definitely delivered on the tension and chemistry you’d expect. It’s a pretty predictable setup overall, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want — familiar, comforting, and satisfying.

I really connected with Bailey and appreciated how her body image struggles were woven into the story. That aspect felt relatable and added a bit more depth beyond the romance. Watching her navigate vulnerability while falling in love made the emotional moments land well.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. It was fun, steamy, and hit the classic trope beats. I’m giving it 3 stars — a solid, enjoyable read.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you to Liz Alden for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you are looking for a fun, spicy, quick read with a brother’s best friend and a curvy FMC, check this out. Bailey is an outwardly confident, professionally accomplished woman who’s had a crush on her brother’s best friend for years. She deals with body shaming and relatable body insecurities but has managed to find comfort in her skin. She got out of her small town as soon as she could to escape the scrutiny she felt over her weight and her worth.

Silas is a hometown guy with seasonal jobs to keep him busy. He’s a photographer, real estate agent and part time shirtless house cleaner. He’s had a thing for Bailey since he was 15 and can’t say no to her request for him to take boudoir photos of her. Lines blur, heat flares and sparks fly. They have to dugout how to navigate what comes next and when (and how) to tell Bailey’s brother.

[Liz Alden]

This book is total romcom candy! Silas is delicious, golden retriever, adorable cat dad energy and Bailey is one badass babe who's reclaiming her power with a boudoir shoot. I'm so excited for the small town shenanigans and the perilous future of Here, NY.

❌ Brother's best friend (forbidden)
📸 Boudoir photography
💛 He falls first (and hardest)
🖤 Black cat x Golden retriever
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spicy with feelings
❄️ Small town Catskills romance

All that fun stuff aside - Bailey is on a journey of loving her own body. It's not easy, but it's one I am on myself and still struggle with. I loved writing Bailey's challenges and Silas's absolute commitment to loving her.

I hope you enjoy - the fun stuff and the hard stuff!

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, No So Unrequited
Bailey has always been a big girl, suffering from her mother’s remarks about her body and her eating patterns. How something like that can influence your own view of what is wrong or right about your own body. To alter her view Bailey decides to have her brother’s friend Silas, who is a photographer, make boudoir pictures of her. Being so close together in this endeavor their crush for each other comes to the surface again. And Silas teaches her through his pictures of their small town Here, to develop a different type of view.
Sweet romance with twists. But with some very serious underlying psychological problems. A wonderful book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ask your brother's best friend for a boudoir photoshoot. Check ✅
Ignore that you've been attracted to him. Check ✅
Find out he had feelings for you since you were teenagers? Not on the list but here's where the fun starts....

These two are so cute together. Bailey has been working hard on herself, specifically on her self image after growing up in a toxic household, where all of her food was monitored. And Silas is the most supportive person, hyping her up, seeing her "imperfections" and worshipping them, trying to make Bailey realise all the beauty he sees looking at her.

If you like brother's best friend, small towns, friends to lovers, plus size FMCs, cinnamon roll MMCs and spice all rolled into one fantastic novella, then start reading this series asap!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Silas and Bailey captured my attention from the start and held it until the very end. I enjoyed spending time with these two and the path their romance took to get to their HEA. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. While the story has a heavy subplot, Alden does a good job of balancing the romance and the subplots. They work hand in hand and help grow both the characters and the romance. For me, the story is easy to read and get into.

Check trigger warnings

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brand new series from Liz following the story of four best friends who live in Here. The best part?! They are all cleaners magic mike style! - That alone had me hooked in. It's full of sassy banter and hilarious antics and a whole lot of steam. I loved how Bailey was eventually able to stand up to her toxic mother and how supportive Silas (and Hunter, her brother) were. Silas is a cheerleading squad all on his own, where can I find me one?! - Off to search for that unicorn and a banana print dressing gown!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own