Alexandra McCabe is disconnected from the world, grieving the loss of her parents… Content with studying and keeping to herself, Alex has no interest in the campus playboy, Drew Collins, trying to get close to her. But even dousing him with beer doesn’t deter the easy-going charmer, and against her better judgment, the pair falls into a reluctant friendship. Drew is bored with college life, and Alex’s romantic rejection intrigues him… Their friendship is good for both of them, but Drew is used to getting what he wants, and he’s tired of shallow sorority girls. He’s much more interested in the feisty redhead, but despite his growing feelings, Alex keeps him firmly in the friend zone. Old heartaches and new tragedies deepen a complicated relationship… Whatever life throws their way, Alex and Drew remain best friends with their own traditions. Drew is Alex’s family, her rock, and Alex keeps Drew grounded, always challenging him to better himself. When years of buried feelings rush to the surface, they threaten to change everything… Drew promised his mother he’d tell Alex how he feels, when the time is right—but how will he know when that is? Alex is terrified to reveal those ‘three little words,’ certain Drew doesn’t feel the same, and she’ll lose the only family she has. Getting what you want might be as easy as being brave enough to ask for it. Should Alex and Drew open their hearts, and risk being crushed? Should they be satisfied with a deep, lifelong friendship? Or does the only chance for happiness lie… Somewhere In Between?
Samatha “Sam” Harris lives near Baltimore, Maryland with her husband David and daughter Ava. Born in Florida, she migrated north which most people agree was a little backwards. She has been an artist all of her life, a Tattoo Artist for more than ten years, and a storyteller since she was a kid. Sam has a slightly unhealthy love for Frank Sinatra, classic movies, and Jazz and Blues music, but her first love will always be reading. From Romance, to Thrillers, to Historical Fiction and everything in between, she loves to become a part of the story. As a writer she tells the stories that she would want to read.
Yes, yes, yes! When I want a contemporary romance, without OD'ing on angst, *this* is what I want.
Alex and Drew meet in college and despite a rocky start (she pours a beer over his head at a party) they become friends. Best friends. For Drew, Alex (he calls her Red) is the first woman he's ever really developed a relationship with. For Alex, Drew fills a void - he's friend and family rolled into one. Over the years, both have feelings that go well beyond friendship, but neither is willing to chance losing the special relationship they have.
I adored Alex and Drew. They never felt like cookie cutter characters and I was connected to them both. Their relationship, their closeness, their banter... we should all be so lucky to have a friendship like that. Drew may have been something of a manwhore in college, but he sure had a softer side with Alex. This guy was so selfless when it came to Alex and that made him a superstar in my book. Usually I'm antsy for my people to just get together already. I mean, there's slow burn and then there's just frustrating. But not so here. I loved their relationship so much that I was (mostly) okay with just their friendship... and a little flirting.
And just when I was all "Gah! Enough already!"... there it was. But don't go thinking it was over there. Oh no, there was much more to come. And I ate it up like it was ice cream (mint chocolate chip, thank you very much).
The secondary characters were also top notch. Some I loved and a couple I wanted to throat punch. But all of them felt utterly realistic and I totally wanted to hang out with Alex and Drew's group of friends. There were even a couple moments with Drew's family that got me teary-eyed. Well played, Samatha. You hit me right in the feels.
I will say I was a little confused at Drew's decision-making at several points. He had numerous opportunities to set things straight but didn't and that led to confusion and drama that could have been avoided. Each time it happened I was confused enough to be jarred out of the story, wondering why he was making certain decisions. But it wasn't enough to take away my enjoyment of the characters and their story. (It just made me want to throttle Drew a time or two.)
Somewhere In Between is Samatha's debut novel (and what a debut!) and all I can say is: I want more! Hopefully there will be another story soon... maybe for Sean or Wiley? My fingers are crossed!
Drew and Alex are college students. They meet each other at a party at Drew’s apartment. Drew is attracted to Alex and he tries to charm her, but he fails. He soon discovers that Alex is the roommate of his roommate’s girlfriend. Alex and Drew turn to each other when they need to escape their roommate. They become best friends and they are always there for each other.
Drew and Alex are still best friends six years later. They live close to each other and do many things together. Drew fell already in love with Alex at college, but he hasn’t said it to Alex. Now, Alex starts to feel something for Drew that is more than just friendship and she isn’t sure what to do. She never wants to lose Drew.
I liked Drew and Alex. Alex is very passionate and amazing at her job. She had a few dreams at college and they came true. Alex was lonely and a little lost before she met Drew. Drew is an amazing friend. He would do anything for Alex and he’s very protective over her. It’s not easy for him to hide his feelings. Drew is very close to his family and other friends. They were so nice to Alex from the start.
I loved how close Drew and Alex are. They know each other through and through. They need each other. They talk about everything but their feelings for each other. Their friendship is important for both of them.
This book is told in dual pov. Drew’s chapters happen at college and Alex’s chapters happen six years later. I loved that. But I’m still wondering why there was a gap of six years. I sometimes wanted that the whole book would just happen at college, because so many important things happened back then. They could have gotten together a lot sooner. They only become a couple near the end and then it doesn’t take long before they break up. I wanted more time of them as a couple.
Do you like books where the H is in love with the h, but still continues to manwhore his way through life for years? If so, this book is for you. You'll also enjoy this if you like details of the MCs with other people, both in the past and the present. If those things appeal to you, you'll like it if the H is such an a-hole that he sleeps with the h's enemy, even though the h has told him many times about how said enemy is terrible to her. And then he expects the h to forgive her after walking in on them? Ugh.
Needless to say, I hated this book. I loathed the H. He realizes the h needs him as a friend, so he doesn't pursue her romantically. Of course this doesn't stop him from sleeping around for six years. Gross. I'm sorry. But the H's parents were right about him. He didn't deserve her.
Aside from the plot, the writing style was not for me. Rarely do I enjoy stories told from the first person pov and this wasn't one of those times. I think if the writing style as "pst...let me tell you my life story." It was boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Drew is the typical college player. He likes his girls easy on the eye and quick into the bedroom. His roommate is in a committed relationship. His girlfriend introduces Drew to Alex.
Alex isn't interested in becoming another notch on Drew's bed post. In fact, she's reluctant to get to know him at all, but he isn't giving up that easily. Drew becomes the family Alex desperately needs. After 6 years of friendship, she begins to notice Drew as more than her best friend but the risk is big. If it doesn't workout, she will lose everything.
This book is written in the college years and the now. It switches throughout the story to help create a fuller picture.
4.5 stars out of 5. I really enjoyed Somewhere in between. It's the first instalment of the Madison Square series. It can be read as a standalone. However, I can't wait to read the next instalment. Plus this book is free for Kindle Unlimited readers which is always a bonus.
This book is intended for an adult audience (U.K. 16+).
*I am taking part in the book tour for the latest addition to this series and will be reviewing book 3; Chance at redemption on the 2nd June. This fact did not influence my review*
Title: Somewhere in Between Author: Samatha Harris Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance Series or Standalone: Standalone Rating: ★★★★★
Review
I’m a sucker for a good best friends to lover’s romance and this one has that. So even though I didn’t have experience with this author before, I had no issue diving right in and I thoroughly enjoyed what took place once I did.
Alex (Red) and Drew are friends. They don’t start out that way of course, but after one of the funniest but probably most awkward first meetings in existence, they find common ground and their friendship is off to the races.
Now this book, like a lot of books in the college arena starts off in a very typical way, but this friends to lover’s story isn’t typical past that in the slightest.
Where Drew appears shallow on the surface, deep inside he’s anything but, and I especially enjoyed getting to see that through not only the flashback chapters shown through his eyes, but also in the here and now moments. He’s funny, sweet, and protective. Basically all the things you’d want him to be, or at least I wanted him to be, he was. He is capable of loving pretty strongly, but until he meets and becomes a part of this friendship with Alex (his Red), you don’t really see it. He’s the typical college playboy and for him up until that point, it’s always been the way he wants it to be.
Alex changes all of that for him and even though you learn quite early on that she’s had a lot of tragedy in her life and appears quite fragile, she’s not. She’s something more under the surface too. She’s just the right blend of feisty firecracker and soft hearted emotional sweetheart. She gives back as good as she gets from Drew and I enjoyed her character immensely. She wasn’t like anyone else around her. It was also nice to see how after she begins the friendship with Drew, she seems to become more open than she was in the start.
These characters played very well off one another, balancing each other out in many ways and it was a beautiful thing to witness.
The progression of their relationship, how long it takes for them to admit how they feel, I think it was very well done. They realize what is happening between them at different periods. Drew seeming to know before her, but keeping it quiet because no matter how he feels, he wants to be what she needs him to be and up until the point where a light bulb seems to go off over Alex’s head, that’s strictly friends.
The conflict that one experiences when they one day wake up and see their best friend in a different light. Wanting to speak up, admit how they feel since they’ve never had a problem being honest before, but not wanting to ruin the good thing they have going, it was all very real to me. Having a male best friend, a lot of the ways Alex would react, I understood and could sympathize with, but the moment when the truth is admitted finally, feelings are put on the table, was worth all of the back and forth struggle that took place.
I couldn’t review this book without mentioning Drew’s family. His mother and the words she spoke to him and that his father carried on after she was gone, they touched my heart. The feels for this family were off the charts in terms of the way they looked at true love. And how they seemed to just know at various points over the years (his mom first and then his father) that Alex was the one for him (and that he was the one for her) was fantastic. Having the family play the part they did here definitely made me understand Drew even more.
I really enjoyed this story and in the end, it gave me everything I could want in a friends to lover’s story, in a romance, and just in a book period. I was emotionally involved while reading, I was connected throughout to the characters (even when I didn’t exactly agree with all their choices), and I enjoyed the way it all came together in terms of pacing and flow. I’m still having a hard time believing with the way this book was written that it’s a debut novel.
If you’re a fan of the stories that don’t come easy, but that end beautifully, fans of stories where two friends fall in love, or just a fan of romance in general (with the right amount of humor laced throughout), I think you’ll enjoy this. I know I did and I can’t wait for what the author has planned for us next.
My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me read this before its official release. I’m so glad that I got to be a part of Alex and Drew’s journey.
I find this hard to believe this is Samantha Harris’ debut novel, why you ask? Somewhere in Between is a beautifully written novel that does not encompass sex, instant love or cheating. Somewhere in Between has some tension, misunderstandings, laugh out loud moments and moments brought tears to my eyes. It left me chomping off at the bit. OMG you guys, this book is just so good. I really enjoyed this and loved the brilliant way these duo POV’s were written. It’s not like anything I’ve experienced before.
Drew and Alex meet in college and he is the utter play boy, different girl in his bed, parties hard, good looking and arrogant. Drew is used to getting any woman he wants, but his world was all about to change, when he see Red across the room. Red is nothing like Drew expected, she does not want anything to do with him and is not interested in being a notch on his post. Drew never thought there would be a girl that could challenge him, but that is exactly what Alex.
Alex is as feisty, she does not take any crap for anyone. She sees straight through Drew and is not about to be his bedtime buddy. Alex’s character will tug at your heart strings. She recently lost both her parents in a drunk driving incident, and has been alone for a year. When she and Drew end up sparking up a friendship, they develop a bond that is strong and secure. With Drew and his family, Alex finds a family she has longed for since the loss of her family.
For 6 years Drew and Alex from a relationship that withstands many changes, but each of them does not let their true feelings for one another known. The back and forth banter, the easy going and natural relationship they share is felt throughout the pages and over the years. They are truly each other’s means of existence. They both love each other intensely and both do not want to jeopardize what they have. With the help of friends and family, they both have to make a choice and pray that things will work out for the better. Will Drew and Alex finally be able to have their HEA? Can best friends really become lovers? I have to say I really loved this book and can’t wait to see what else this author will bring us next.
So this book actually spans the time of 6 years. And has dual pov's which is my favorite type of books. And I was so entranced with how the author set it up and brought it together that I finished the book it one sitting. It gives you backstory on both characters as well as where they are now. There is spots where you will cry and I did have to wipe my cheeks of a couple of times but it's not real angsty just enough. The secondary characters are some characters in themselves and I'm so glad that some of them are getting their own books because I'm am digging into another one in just a minute. This is one of those books that shows that people come into your life and the right time and just because it isn't meant to be at that time don't be afraid to tell them how you feel. When you think it's time. Because somewhere in between you both can fall. I loved Drew and Red so hard from beginning to end. Although there are times I want to beat the fire out of Drew for some of his stupid stupid actions!! He would be so smart one minute to so dumb the next. Then Red would just so scared she couldn't see what was right in front of her face. You guys so need to read this book!!!
I "met" Samantha Harris at a Facebook event and immediately fell in love with the teasers and blurb for her Madison Square Series. I knew they were just what I needed in my life and as soon as finished the book I was currently reading I downloaded this from Kindle Unlimited. Every spare moment I had, even sneaking in a few pages when I was supposed to be doing other things, I soaked up Drew and Red's love. This book was so beautifully written, and it elicited so many feelings from me. I can't wait to start the next book in the series!
I am blown away by this novel from debut author Samatha Harris! This story truly swept me away, and had me hooked from the very first chapter. I never wanted to stop reading...in fact, I finished this in one sitting! It's that good! Every single thing about this book was perfect and the story read like a seasoned author who has written countless novels before this. Every character is so well developed and the two main leads are simply amazing. I felt a connection with them instantly, and fell more and more in love with them as the story progressed. Ms. Harris's writing is brilliant and it is very clear that she has a great talent that needs to be more recognized.
Alex (aka Red) and Drew are our 2 main characters in this book, and the story is told from both their perspectives. However, it is unique in that Drew's perspective is from the past, whereas Alex's POV is in present day. I thought this was such a great way to tell the story and incorporate the slow burn of Alex and Drew's relationship. This different way of telling their story allowed the reader to understand and grow with both Alex and Drew. You get to see how their friendship formed and see them slowly fall in love with each other. I simply adored their relationship and it is exactly what every person should have. They had a great balance and are the epitome of relationship goals.
As I said, their relationship is a slow burn buildup throughout the story. Normally, this can go one of two ways for me...super annoying and I get frustrated or it makes the story. Luckily, this is the latter. The slow buildup of their relationship made the story. Granted, there were times I wanted to just throttle them and say, "Get together already!" But at the same time, I adored their friendship and felt that it was a very realistic progression of friends to something more. Their banter is pure gold, and Ms. Harris did an excellent job at creating a real and fun relationship.
I highly recommend checking out this novel if you love fun, flirty romance. You don't want to miss out on this great start to a series. While each novel can be read standalone, it's great to connect to the other characters and get to know them while reading. You easily form a connection with all of the characters, and I can't wait to see what's in store for them as well!
*** On behalf of I Love Story Time, reviewed by Juls ***
"When you fall in love, never stop fighting to be the man that she deserves. Always remember that you, my friend, don’t deserve her.”
The quote I just posted above is by far my favorite quote in this story. I believe that the meaning behind it is the best advice a mom or dad can give their sons/daughters. I liked that throughout the story, it was constantly said by Papa Jack. Papa Jack was a great dad and I liked his little bar as well.
I really enjoyed Drew and Alex's story. I really liked that it was a story about how their friendship started and that we were able to witness it grow into a loving relationship. I can't stand when authors have the characters meet and by the end of their first encounter together, it's love at first sight! I don't buy it! lol! I like details and I like to see it from start to finish! I definitely got that from Somewhere In Between! I also think that the title is the perfect name for this book.
I really did enjoy all characters and the close friendship that they shared. I loved that Drew's family treated Alex as if she was one of their own before they even became a couple. Drew was cute and I loved his personality and playfulness! If you're looking for a story about friends to lovers, this is for you! It really was a cute story!
I couldn't wait for these two to get together! I loved the progression of their relationship from college to after, friends to more. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series!
This is one of the most gripping best friends to lovers stories I've ever read. Filled with tension, friendship, chemistry, drama, family, lots of emotion, sexy times, and a hard journey to a well-deserved HEA!
I felt so many emotions reading this story and even cried. The authors did such a fantastic job bringing life to these characters. This book was free and I voluntarily chose to leave an honest review.
Somewhere in between is a love story with a twist. It spans six years. This book has a now and then per chapter.
Drew is a man whore in college and gets all the girls he wants until he meets Alex or who he affectionately calls Red. Alex is strong independent and isn't going to be a notch on any bodies bed post especially Drew’s.
What starts out as a game of cat and mouse turns into a long friendship and these to become the best of friends no strings attached. Until one night when Drew Kisses Alex and Alex realise what everyone around her has for years is she is love with Drew. Alex continues to push him away because of fear things will change between them and she doesn't want to loose him. Drew has secretly loved her all this time but has never pushed because he knew Alex need him to be there for her.
You will get frustrated with this book I found I wanted to kill Alex and a number of occasions, but you will also see the fear and the hurt that they both go through because neither are game enough to bring their relationship to the front or admit how they feel.
I gave this book 4 ½ stars, you will love the family unity and how the whole family have pulled Alex in to be included. I hope Samantha Harris has another book installed to continue on or about one of the other members of this family
I really enjoyed this book. This book was a book I could not put down. There are so many things I enjoyed. I love love love the Friendship to Love Stories. I love the Then and Now, it fills up the gaps and leaves me completely complete about the story. I loved the feeling I had reading this book.
Alex..She is so stubborn. For most but not all of the book I really wanted to throw my kindle at her. But as a reader I had to be patient and let her work out her issues. But that is what I love that a story can do, is bring out all these emotions. Despite her stubbornness..I adored Alex, I loved her sassy disposition. I loved watching her figure out her feelings and I loved watching her finally give into them.
Drew...Seriously ladies, despite being quite the "womanizer" this guy was simply amazing. He was hands down my favorite part of the book. I loved how he watched over Alex, I loved that he stepped back and was there for Alex. I loved that he gave her a family, and even though his feelings for her were strong. He became what she needed. A Friend, A family, someone that would not leave. He was so amazing.
This book is really good. #MustRead Y'all will love these two journey!
This was one of the better best friends to lover stories I have read recently. It stands out from a lot of other books in the way Samantha used the dual POV’s. Drew POV was used to tell the past and Alex’s the present story. Even though this is an interesting idea I would have liked some of the other POV in each period- especially a few chapters from Alex’s POV in the present. There were a lot of great things about this story. The character development was amazing- including all the side characters like Papa Jack, Sean and Wiley. You could easily picture these people as your friends. The book had it all hilarious scenes, emotional moments, and romance galore. Samantha also did a great job with seamlessly linking the past and present chapters. It was a little frustrating how long they both denied their feelings for each other. It was obvious to everyone but them that they were perfect for each other. Overall it was a beautiful love story about finding love and family. I received an ARC for an honest review. Review by Cathy
I was caught "Somewhere In Between" 4 and 5 stars for this book. In the end, I rated it as "amazing" just because of the feels it gave me. Talk about tension and the edge of your seat! I was guilty of skipping to the Alex/Drew scenes just because I wanted to read them so much.
Bits of the story were a little predictable/cliche, but there were parts that definitely were a surprise. I laughed my ass off at so many places throughout the book. The friendship between the two MCs was so adorable: the way he took care of her, the way she pushed him off but eventually let him take care of her. Alex resonated with me, and I felt almost like I was reading a BFF's story. I rooted from her from the moment she started talking.
The writing itself was rich with detail, especially the love scenes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about friends who could be so much more.
I couldn't put this book down. The story of Alex aka. Red and Drew. Their friendship and feelings for each other are frustrating but beautiful. The story goes from college to life after college. Through tragedy and happy times ... sob. Their friendship means the world to both of them, so much so that they won't tell each other how they feel for fear that it will ruin everything if they mess up. I did get confused at times with the back and forth of the timelines, but I loved the progression of their love. The family around them love fiercely. It's just... beautiful, sigh.
Well written and makes me want to read more by Samatha Harris
This was one of the best books I have read this year! They say the best relationships start as best friends. Drew was a huge player. If there was a short skirt in his radar, Drew chased it. That was until e met Alex. Sure he still chased skirts, but that was because he was working through his frustrations. Alex was a little bit sassy a little bit sweet girl that caught the players eye. Yes she attracted a few guys, but all she wanted was Drew.....I truly loved all the charterers, although my favorite's were Sean and David.
Ah! This was such a great read! My favorite part was Alex. I found her to be so funny and relatable. But all of the characters were awesome. The writing is clear but clever, the story classic in some ways but so unique in others. Anytime a book makes me literally laugh out loud right from the start, I know I'm in for a treat. And the tension...ahhhh I felt the tension. And loved it! I'm excited to check out what Harris writes next! Easily a 5 star read.
This book has been sitting on my kindle for a long time and I finally read it. I regret waiting! I loved Drew and Alex. They are amazing together. I loved the dual POV with the past and present time lines. The author wrote that beautifully! Can not wait to finish the series!
amazing. i couldn’t get enough. :D samatha harris is a phenomenal author... witty. smart. and oh so funny. and has a way with hitting you in the feels. she has a way of letting u fall in love with the characters and too see each of their perspectives. and to root for them as their story plays out. <3 i couldn’t recommend this book more...
i especially love wily <3 lol give me a weird quirky artist best friend type. and im yours forever <3 ^_^
I love finding new to me authors and this is no exception. This author and series was recommended to me by a friend and I dove straight in with no expectations. Wow! What I got was a beautifully funny story of friendship, family and unrequited love. Alex (Red) and Drew meet at a party.....she pours beer over his head and isn't the typical sorority sister that throws herself at him......an unlikely friendship is forged and over the years, built on.......but things are about to change...... My heart!! At about 80% I thought it would break but I'm not telling you why! You need to read it to find out!!
Received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review. Original, full posting can be found at mignon mykel : reviews.
Note: I tried to make this a little review... I just had so much to say!
I don't typically like stories that flip-flop time in the meat of the story -- for me, either do the past at the beginning, or do a few flashbacks here and there. I tend to become annoyed with the constant back and forth.
But Samantha Harris found a way that worked -- at least, it worked for me.
This story is set up in two point of views -- Drew's and Alex's. Drew's view points of his and Alex's story are told in 'then', six years prior, when they met. Alex's point of view, then, is told in the 'now', now that their friendship is established. And what further makes everything interesting is the linear way in which their view points work.
There are a number of instances that happen in 'then' that happen again, in a different context, in 'now'. Relationships, family matters, La Vie en Rose... At one point 'then', Alex and Drew make a decision to move closer to the city center, him on one side, she on the other, so they could meet in the middle for coffee -- something that they end up doing.
Best-friends to lovers stories can be a dime a dozen (case in point, I've reviewed another for today). I typically enjoy them -- regardless of how quick the story itself goes, the characters have history and a solid foundation; if the relationship works, who cares how long they put a label on it, when in truth, they'd been working on it for years. This is the case for for Drew and Alex. Drew was the typical man-whore, and when best friend and roommate, Sean's girlfriend wants to introduce Drew to her new roommate, he wants to blow it off.
...mainly because he hates Sean's girlfriend, but whatevs (said in Drew's voice, mind you).
Right from the get-go, I loved Alex. Before she and Drew were properly introduced, she shows off what a spitfire she could be. I loved her attitude and spunk; she had Drew's number (MO, call card) before he could even say a thing. He offers coffee to makeup for a meeting gone wrong, she wants him out of her hair so she says yes -- and then he actually sits and waits for over an hour for her to show. Right there, ladies and perhaps some gents, was the first sign that Alex would someday be more to Drew than he realized.
Their friendship was unlikely, but it grew quickly. When Drew learns why Alex holds herself back, he wants to do anything for her to make her feel like she belongs. I absolutely loved him for this. By doing it, though, he decides that she needs a friend far more than she needs a relationship, so he works extremely hard at being her friend -- and a true, full, best-friendship blooms between these two.
These two... Drew may have fallen first, but it was semi-expected with his ways. What wasn't expected was his falling becoming full-fledged love; something that Drew himself doesn't bother denying. It will take years to get them on the same wavelength, but the bottom line is always there -- if something happens with Drew and Alex, everything Drew has given her, friendships, family... it would all be gone for her.
So the decision has to be made: best friends forever, or try for that something more. Try to be the man she deserved, live up to Papa Jack's expectations and his mother, Emma's promise.
This was such a beautiful read; I loved Drew and Alex's friendship and I am pleasantly surprised to say I loved the way the story was set up. I was also surprised to see this as Ms. Harris's first title and can't wait to see what else she brings forth in the future.
A book about best friends falling in love is always a winner for me. There is something about two people who have history and a stable foundation that fall in love that makes a story richer and more beautiful! Samantha Harris' debut novel Somewhere in Between hits all the sweet spots. It is funny, flirty, deep, and passionate. There is a spark between these two main characters and watching it grow to consume who they are is brilliant.
In this story we get both the past and present told in separate POVs. That way of writing allows the reader to piece together how things developed for each individual character. In the past we see everything through Drew's eyes, allowing us to see his player mentality, his family, and his attraction and friendship that grows into more for Alex. In the present day chapters, we see the story through Alex's POV. It is fascinating to see how the story lines up with the past and present. We see new developments and then add depth and history to what happens in the present. Samantha did a fantastic job of sharing this story in multiple time frames and dual POVs without dragging the story down. Each chapter gives something special to what is happening and enhances the way the reader experiences what is developing. I loved it!
This story spans over 6 years of time, starting when these two characters meet in college and continues as they begin their "real" adult life. By having a story that is not rushed, you see more. Going back into the past and then fast forwarding into the present allows the reader to understand the depth of connection and friendship between Drew and Alex. These two have endured so much in life, both the good and the bad. Their friendship is solid and becomes such a deep connection. The people we meet in this story enhance what is happening between Alex and Drew. They become a family that is tight knit and solid, one that cannot be shaken no matter the hardship and mayhem that life throws at them. I loved the stability we see in the midst of chaos. It adds sincerity and authenticity to this book.
The romance that develops between Drew and Alex is sweet. Having dual POVs in the past and present allows the reader to see how the friendship becomes more for each character. I loved seeing the moment when Drew knew that Alex was the one for him. I relished in the change of Alex's heart towards Drew and the way she waded through the confusion and overwhelming emotions. As with every relationship that is true and passionate, there are moments of heartache and strife. Miscommunication is a huge obstacle. These two are so terrified of the negative outcome that you begin to wonder if they will ever truly experience the beauty of what could be.
If this debut novel is any indication, Samantha Harris has so much talent for people to look forward to. The story is solid and the characters are genuine. I loved the way she presents her story, making it stand out in the sea of New Adult romances. This story is a classic friends to lovers romance that will share a bit of a twist in how the subgenre is presented. Don't miss this one! I am excited for more of what Samantha has up her sleeve!
How can an entire book be about two people working from friendship to a relationship? I was worried that the story would get repetitive and I would get bored. This was not the case. There were parts that I passed over paragraphs just to get to the Alex and Drew scenes. Their story is so amazing. Drew is a hero. He put his playboy ways to the side to be the friend and family that Alex truly needed while in college. Of course, he wanted more. Not always a relationship but a good time. Yet, he was strong enough to hold off on those urges and just be there for Alex. He was lucky to have a family that was strong and able to help him stay strong and still encourage him to show his true feelings.
Alex had a rough time during college. She lost her entire family and was truly alone in the world. She was attractive and the guys all wanted her, but they were not looking for friendships. When she met Drew I loved how she told him off before he even got a chance to get a whole sentence off. I am so glad that she held strong and made him work for her friendship. The saying that nothing good in life comes easy was definitely true for Alex and Drew’s relationship.
This is a sweet story. There were surprises along with some predictability. I recommend checking out this story if you are looking for a romance that starts as friends and develops into so much more.How can an entire book be about two people working from friendship to a relationship? I was worried that the story would get repetitive and I would get bored. This was not the case. There were parts that I passed over paragraphs just to get to the Alex and Drew scenes. Their story is so amazing. Drew is a hero. He put his playboy ways to the side to be the friend and family that Alex truly needed while in college. Of course, he wanted more. Not always a relationship but a good time. Yet, he was strong enough to hold off on those urges and just be there for Alex. He was lucky to have a family that was strong and able to help him stay strong and still encourage him to show his true feelings.
Alex had a rough time during college. She lost her entire family and was truly alone in the world. She was attractive and the guys all wanted her, but they were not looking for friendships. When she met Drew I loved how she told him off before he even got a chance to get a whole sentence off. I am so glad that she held strong and made him work for her friendship. The saying that nothing good in life comes easy was definitely true for Alex and Drew’s relationship.
This is a sweet story. There were surprises along with some predictability. I recommend checking out this story if you are looking for a romance that starts as friends and develops into so much more.
This story was frustratingly fun, sweet and a bit steamy thanks to best friends trying to keep their relationship in tack while fighting the hope and attraction for more. The story was told in present and past form tying together the couples perspectives on their relationship and feelings. From the beginning to cute end you are rooting for them to get their lives in order and feelings out in the open so they can get their HEA.
Drew Collins was always the one night stand kind of man not looking for love until one woman with red hair said no to him and dumped beer on him. Stunned that she would say no, Drew is intrigued by the beauty named Alexandra 'Alex' McCabe, who is alluring in a way that says 'Go Away' to all who approach. Finally getting into her life was not easy, but he knows Alex needs him as a friend more than anything, including his offer of love. Alex has lost both her parents and fears no one will stay in her life. Then Drew annoys his way into her life and she once again has something to lose. Out of fear Alex never hopes for more with Drew and choose to keep her best friend and connection to a pseudo family over a chance at love. The problem is when both deny what they really want and make mistakes push their relationship to the brink will they finally admit what they want or let it be nothing more?
Overall, good story and I loved Alex and Drew's relationship, especially when she put Drew in his place. The two of them were just perfect for each other and it hurt to see them deny their love for one another when it was so painfully obvious to everyone around them. Now, I enjoyed the flashback perspective style used to highlight Drew's feelings, but I really wanted a chapter or two in the present from him. The same went for Alex, all of her chapters were in the present form, but I would have loved a few in the past just to know how she thought at a few moments back then. The only other issue I had was about the drama between Alex and Drew, it felt overly contrived and escalated to a point it didn't have to, vague I know, but by having it all go wrong to make the reader scream in frustration was not relaxing for me. At one point I really questioned if Alex should forgive Drew, sad I know, but he really did a jerk move which I really would never forgive. But Drew more than makes up for it in the end with a very cute . . . well I'm not spoiling it. So if you' re up for a frustratingly cute read where Best Friends think it's best for them to remain friend zoned but their attraction is too much to handle when they click so well, then this is a book you'll enjoy.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**