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Love, Lilly
He’s her best friend’s brother and completely out of her league…
Twenty-three-year-old Lilly is the quirky girl, the one with the c-c-curly hair. She’s always late, is rarely neat and does not have her life together. She will never be that girl, the one who gets the perfect guy. But hopefully, this is about to change. It is a new year and Lilly has made some resolutions to get her act together.
Her best friend’s brother Oliver is the reliable guy, the one who rescues Lilly from all of her disasters. He’s organised, makes lots of lists and has a strict five-year plan in place to get ahead in life. He never makes rash decisions, unless it relates to Lilly, and then he can’t seem to help himself.
With this in mind, it would seem that these two friends have little in common. Except perhaps a secret pining for each other that has gone unspoken for too long.
Can a weekend of fake dating convince Lilly and Oliver that they are actually perfect for each other? And that opposites really do attract, after all?
Twenty-three-year-old Lilly is the quirky girl, the one with the c-c-curly hair. She’s always late, is rarely neat and does not have her life together. She will never be that girl, the one who gets the perfect guy. But hopefully, this is about to change. It is a new year and Lilly has made some resolutions to get her act together.
Her best friend’s brother Oliver is the reliable guy, the one who rescues Lilly from all of her disasters. He’s organised, makes lots of lists and has a strict five-year plan in place to get ahead in life. He never makes rash decisions, unless it relates to Lilly, and then he can’t seem to help himself.
With this in mind, it would seem that these two friends have little in common. Except perhaps a secret pining for each other that has gone unspoken for too long.
Can a weekend of fake dating convince Lilly and Oliver that they are actually perfect for each other? And that opposites really do attract, after all?
292 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2023
156 people are currently reading
12365 people want to read
About the author
Belinda Mary
8 books223 followersBelinda Mary is a long-time lover of all the books and has dreamed of being a writer her whole life. Since picking up her first Judy Blume novel at the age of ten, she has been happily lost in the world of fiction, and ask anyone around her, when she has a book to read, she turns into a very unproductive member of society.
After studying for ten years and obtaining her PhD in molecular biology, she pursued a career in the healthcare industry, and has recently taken the leap to make her lifelong dream of writing and publishing a novel come true. And when she is not looking after her two kids, her husband of eleven years and her crazy spoodle, she can be found on the couch reading, watching all things Bravo TV, or listening to true crime podcasts.
Belinda writes the kind of stories that she loves to read; filled with laughs, longing and love.
For the latest news, book information and bonus scenes—sign up to Belinda's newsletter at https://belindamary.com
After studying for ten years and obtaining her PhD in molecular biology, she pursued a career in the healthcare industry, and has recently taken the leap to make her lifelong dream of writing and publishing a novel come true. And when she is not looking after her two kids, her husband of eleven years and her crazy spoodle, she can be found on the couch reading, watching all things Bravo TV, or listening to true crime podcasts.
Belinda writes the kind of stories that she loves to read; filled with laughs, longing and love.
For the latest news, book information and bonus scenes—sign up to Belinda's newsletter at https://belindamary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
June 7, 2024
3 ⭐️
Friends to lovers with the best friend's brother and some fake dating. It was a cute & short story I had a good time reading it. I do wish I could've seen more of them actually together as a real couple and it also was a little too repetitive for me at times. Overall a quick sweet fluffy read!
Friends to lovers with the best friend's brother and some fake dating. It was a cute & short story I had a good time reading it. I do wish I could've seen more of them actually together as a real couple and it also was a little too repetitive for me at times. Overall a quick sweet fluffy read!
March 11, 2023
Gosh, what a cute book this was! It definitely has everyone's beloved tropes, including siblings best friend, childhood friends turned lovers, and fake dating. I was laughing and kicking my feet in the air the majority of the time!
Honestly I didn't have any expectations going in, and that made it a thousand times better. Lily and Oliver were such adorable characters, and I really enjoy their story! Oliver treated Lily with such care, and I appreciated how he never went outside of her comfort zone.
I mean, in most of the books I've read so far, the male protagonist is initially arrogant or selfish, but in this one, the male protagonist is completely worthy of admiration. He has grown to be one of my only those favorite reading boyfriends!
I also like that there were two points of view so I could understand both of their perspectives. I found Lilly to be very approachable. She really charmed me with her wild spirit and resolve to make the best of things. Oliver was too cute for words. It was so sweet to see his logical reasoning and their obvious chemistry and love.
The plot was very compelling, and the writing is outstanding. Even though this book is a slow-burn romance, the reader is drawn into the conflict between the two major characters within the first few pages, hooking them in right away. It was really helpful in developing the storyline that the author provided a clear standpoint on how each character saw themselves and how their actions were seen by the other.
I really like this overall and can't say enough good things about it! A wonderful romantic comedy that will make you smile throughout.
Pick up this book when it is expected to be released on March 21, 2023.
Through BookSirens, I received an advance review copy for free of this book by the author. All opinions are of my own.
Honestly I didn't have any expectations going in, and that made it a thousand times better. Lily and Oliver were such adorable characters, and I really enjoy their story! Oliver treated Lily with such care, and I appreciated how he never went outside of her comfort zone.
I mean, in most of the books I've read so far, the male protagonist is initially arrogant or selfish, but in this one, the male protagonist is completely worthy of admiration. He has grown to be one of my only those favorite reading boyfriends!
I also like that there were two points of view so I could understand both of their perspectives. I found Lilly to be very approachable. She really charmed me with her wild spirit and resolve to make the best of things. Oliver was too cute for words. It was so sweet to see his logical reasoning and their obvious chemistry and love.
The plot was very compelling, and the writing is outstanding. Even though this book is a slow-burn romance, the reader is drawn into the conflict between the two major characters within the first few pages, hooking them in right away. It was really helpful in developing the storyline that the author provided a clear standpoint on how each character saw themselves and how their actions were seen by the other.
I really like this overall and can't say enough good things about it! A wonderful romantic comedy that will make you smile throughout.
Pick up this book when it is expected to be released on March 21, 2023.
Through BookSirens, I received an advance review copy for free of this book by the author. All opinions are of my own.
April 12, 2023
This book was so freaking CUTE. My life has been a little hectic lately and this fun romantic comedy was exactly what I needed. I was smiling, laughing, and my heart was literally melting while reading this. Both Lilly and Oliver were great main characters who had their own personalities. I loved how quirky and unique Lilly was and I loved how Oliver treated her. Overall, I would highly recommend this one. What a great debut, I cannot wait to see what this author writes next.
March 28, 2023
El libro más desesperante del planeta. Dos adultos que actúan como niños, sonrojándose en lugar de comunicarse. Encima tardan años en besarse, NOP.
April 1, 2023
I am a Lilly hater
March 6, 2023
This is a cute romance- very fluffy and feel good. It is childhood friends to lovers, fake dating, older brother's best friend, only one bed & slow burn- all tropes I enjoy! This is a debut novel and it will leave you feeling warm inside. Also a super fast read, less than 300 pages. I read it in a day!
January 31, 2023
ohmygod?? ohmygod!!
this book was so cute, i’m so obsessed with lilly and oliver - i’m kinda biased because it’s a best friend’s brother book - AND I WAS GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET IN THE AIR MOST OF THE TIME.
i’m obsessed with lilly’s character, she’s such a sunshine/bejeweled girl and i want to be besties with her and bake with her.
ollie is just the most amazing book boyfriend ever (ugh, i’m swooning). HE’S PERFECT AND SO SUPPORTIVE AND PROTECTIVE 😩
also let’s talk about the grey’s anatomy and friends references because i loved them. AND THE HARRY STYLES MENTION? super slay.
all this to say that this book was so adorable and it’s the kind of book that would immediately get you of a reading slump. the writing is amazing and so are all of the characters. can’t wait for the next books (hopefully we’ll get a amy one 🤭)
you thought i forgot about the tropes? this book gives best friend’s brother, friends to lovers AND fake dating 🥰 and the best part? it’s dual pov eheheh.
love, lilly comes out march 21st so mark your calendars, you don’t wanna miss lilly and oliver’s sugary love story!!!
this book was so cute, i’m so obsessed with lilly and oliver - i’m kinda biased because it’s a best friend’s brother book - AND I WAS GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET IN THE AIR MOST OF THE TIME.
i’m obsessed with lilly’s character, she’s such a sunshine/bejeweled girl and i want to be besties with her and bake with her.
ollie is just the most amazing book boyfriend ever (ugh, i’m swooning). HE’S PERFECT AND SO SUPPORTIVE AND PROTECTIVE 😩
also let’s talk about the grey’s anatomy and friends references because i loved them. AND THE HARRY STYLES MENTION? super slay.
all this to say that this book was so adorable and it’s the kind of book that would immediately get you of a reading slump. the writing is amazing and so are all of the characters. can’t wait for the next books (hopefully we’ll get a amy one 🤭)
you thought i forgot about the tropes? this book gives best friend’s brother, friends to lovers AND fake dating 🥰 and the best part? it’s dual pov eheheh.
love, lilly comes out march 21st so mark your calendars, you don’t wanna miss lilly and oliver’s sugary love story!!!
March 4, 2023
What a wonderful debut romance. I loved it from start to finish.
Oliver is Lilly's best friend's brothers and they have known each other for decades. The problem is that Lilly has feelings for Oliver, it is so problematic that she made it one of her New Year's resolutions to move on from Oliver. This goal is nearly impossible when Oliver has to pretend to be her boyfriend for a weekend away.
Told mostly from Lilly's perspective, but also occasionally Oliver's, I loved this adorable sweet romance.
It's impossible not to love a friends to lovers with a side of fake dating. A perfect trope combination.
Thank you to the author for my gifted ebook. I'm sooooo glad you found me in Instagram 🥰🥰
I will be anxiously awaiting her next book.
Oliver is Lilly's best friend's brothers and they have known each other for decades. The problem is that Lilly has feelings for Oliver, it is so problematic that she made it one of her New Year's resolutions to move on from Oliver. This goal is nearly impossible when Oliver has to pretend to be her boyfriend for a weekend away.
Told mostly from Lilly's perspective, but also occasionally Oliver's, I loved this adorable sweet romance.
It's impossible not to love a friends to lovers with a side of fake dating. A perfect trope combination.
Thank you to the author for my gifted ebook. I'm sooooo glad you found me in Instagram 🥰🥰
I will be anxiously awaiting her next book.
May 20, 2023
“she had replaced “get over little oliver crush” with “stay in love with oliver forever.” 😭😭😭😭🫶🏻
February 2, 2023
You know when you’re reading a book filled with cute moments and characters and you feel like your heart is bursting from happiness?? That’s exactly what I felt while reading Love, Lilly! This is the kind of book that brings you happiness and makes you wanna read it without taking any breaks!!
Friends to lovers, best friend’s brother, fake dating, one bed trop, IT’S ALWAYS BEEN YOU TROPE!!!! Istg this book was made for me!
Oliver aka the perfect man! He’s so kind and CUTE (let’s count how many times i use this word in this review) He’s quite literally Lilly’s hero and savior! Always there when she needs help and he’s more than happy to do so! He’s the kind of guy every girl dreams about and i can’t blame Lilly for loving him!
Lilly, my sweet Lilly! This character reminded me so much of myself it was actually scary. I relate to her in so many points and that’s what made me love her so much <3 She has such a big heart and the sweetest soul! You can’t not love her <3
Special mention to Amy, Oliver’s sister and Lilly’s best friend! I LOVE her and the way she tried to get those two fools together because she always knew they loved each other!
This was my first ARC and I’m so thankful 🥲 thank you Belinda and BookSirens for sending it to me <3
Love, Lilly comes out on March 21st and I cannot recommend it enough! If you love books that will fill you with joy, make you fall in love with the cutest characters and make you crave some homemade cookies and brownies then this book is made for you 💗
Friends to lovers, best friend’s brother, fake dating, one bed trop, IT’S ALWAYS BEEN YOU TROPE!!!! Istg this book was made for me!
Oliver aka the perfect man! He’s so kind and CUTE (let’s count how many times i use this word in this review) He’s quite literally Lilly’s hero and savior! Always there when she needs help and he’s more than happy to do so! He’s the kind of guy every girl dreams about and i can’t blame Lilly for loving him!
Lilly, my sweet Lilly! This character reminded me so much of myself it was actually scary. I relate to her in so many points and that’s what made me love her so much <3 She has such a big heart and the sweetest soul! You can’t not love her <3
Special mention to Amy, Oliver’s sister and Lilly’s best friend! I LOVE her and the way she tried to get those two fools together because she always knew they loved each other!
This was my first ARC and I’m so thankful 🥲 thank you Belinda and BookSirens for sending it to me <3
Love, Lilly comes out on March 21st and I cannot recommend it enough! If you love books that will fill you with joy, make you fall in love with the cutest characters and make you crave some homemade cookies and brownies then this book is made for you 💗
May 11, 2023
DNF à la page 70.
Écriture très Wattpad mais genre de mauvaise qualité donc j’ai du mal…
Les personnages sont tellement immatures et veulent jouer aux grands. Lilly a 24 ans et pense se retrouver vieille fille car aucun mec ne l’aime - et beh ma fille..
Ça se voit que c’est une adulte quand même car elle règle tous ses soucis et remercie tout le monde en offrant des cookies aux gens. Je pense que vers 18 h elle descend d’un arc-en-ciel sur une licorne.
De l’autre on a Oliver. Le mec ça fait 8 ans qu’il est amoureux de Lilly, et au lieu (je sais pas je propose mais je crois que c’est ça qu’il faut faire) d’avoir une conversation avec elle et de lui dire ce qu’il ressent ben non il enterre tout et tiens pourquoi pas sortir avec une fille aussi ? Et pitié, mais son complexe du sauveur. Lilly n’est pas une petite chose fragile bon sang. Il se prend pour son chauffeur Uber et tout baaaah il m’exaspère.
Lilly et Amy sont censés être bff mais y’a genre 0 interactions entre elles.
Écriture très Wattpad mais genre de mauvaise qualité donc j’ai du mal…
Les personnages sont tellement immatures et veulent jouer aux grands. Lilly a 24 ans et pense se retrouver vieille fille car aucun mec ne l’aime - et beh ma fille..
Ça se voit que c’est une adulte quand même car elle règle tous ses soucis et remercie tout le monde en offrant des cookies aux gens. Je pense que vers 18 h elle descend d’un arc-en-ciel sur une licorne.
De l’autre on a Oliver. Le mec ça fait 8 ans qu’il est amoureux de Lilly, et au lieu (je sais pas je propose mais je crois que c’est ça qu’il faut faire) d’avoir une conversation avec elle et de lui dire ce qu’il ressent ben non il enterre tout et tiens pourquoi pas sortir avec une fille aussi ? Et pitié, mais son complexe du sauveur. Lilly n’est pas une petite chose fragile bon sang. Il se prend pour son chauffeur Uber et tout baaaah il m’exaspère.
Lilly et Amy sont censés être bff mais y’a genre 0 interactions entre elles.
March 26, 2023
bad protagonist, loose plot, my fav trope done so bad, characters are so boring
February 7, 2025
Lilly was ✨not like other girls ✨
March 17, 2024
I picked this up at a romance readers event and I am so mad I didn't buy the entire set!
This was a hoot!
Lilly was an adorable clutz, I loved how Oliver was always swooping in to save the day.
Fake dating + there's only one bed??? This is catnip to me and I really enjoyed how this was done.
Spice level: only smooching, but I'm not mad about it. Really enjoyed the slow burn.
Will be reading the others in the series for sure!!
4 Stars
This was a hoot!
Lilly was an adorable clutz, I loved how Oliver was always swooping in to save the day.
Fake dating + there's only one bed??? This is catnip to me and I really enjoyed how this was done.
Spice level: only smooching, but I'm not mad about it. Really enjoyed the slow burn.
Will be reading the others in the series for sure!!
4 Stars
July 1, 2025
Чудова романтична книга. З улюбленими книжковими тропами. З чоловіком green flag. Люблю такі історії. Біду продовжувати серію🥰
March 4, 2023
4.5 Stars
Love, Lilly is my first book by author Belinda Mary and I can’t wait for the next! Some authors have the ability to make you feel all warm and fuzzy, and Belinda has it.
Lilly, the FMC is just a doll and I fell in love with her quickly. I mean, can you not be a sweetheart and not be a baker in a rom-com? Her life is a bit hectic, but that's so fitting too.
What is a rom-com with a friends-to-lovers trope? Who is this friend I speak of? Well, Oliver the MMC, of course. Lilly’s best friend’s brother. Is that another trope? Haha. Lilly and Oliver have been friends for years. Oliver has always been there for her, willing to come at the drop of a dime can clean up her messes. They are just adorable together.
While the story is told in dual pov, it focuses mostly on Lilly. I would have really loved more insight from Oliver’s perspective. I also have to mention this book has awesome supporting characters that I adore! Hello?! Grey’s Anatomy references too?! Coming from someone that just binge-watched 18 seasons! If you want a feel-good, laugh-out-loud clean rom-com, read this book!
Thank you, Belinda Mary and Booksirens for a digital copy of Love, Lilly in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love, Lilly is my first book by author Belinda Mary and I can’t wait for the next! Some authors have the ability to make you feel all warm and fuzzy, and Belinda has it.
Lilly, the FMC is just a doll and I fell in love with her quickly. I mean, can you not be a sweetheart and not be a baker in a rom-com? Her life is a bit hectic, but that's so fitting too.
What is a rom-com with a friends-to-lovers trope? Who is this friend I speak of? Well, Oliver the MMC, of course. Lilly’s best friend’s brother. Is that another trope? Haha. Lilly and Oliver have been friends for years. Oliver has always been there for her, willing to come at the drop of a dime can clean up her messes. They are just adorable together.
While the story is told in dual pov, it focuses mostly on Lilly. I would have really loved more insight from Oliver’s perspective. I also have to mention this book has awesome supporting characters that I adore! Hello?! Grey’s Anatomy references too?! Coming from someone that just binge-watched 18 seasons! If you want a feel-good, laugh-out-loud clean rom-com, read this book!
Thank you, Belinda Mary and Booksirens for a digital copy of Love, Lilly in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 19, 2023
This was such a cute, fun rom com! it made me smile and laugh out loud and I loved the two main characters. I definitely loved the tension that built between Lilly and Oliver and getting to learn about their friendship before the love blossomed! I loved Lilly’s chaotic energy and Oliver’s organised personality, they were a perfect match!
I did find the fake dating part of the book a little rushed! I would have loved a little more fake dating tension, because who doesn’t love that! However, I loved Lilly and Oliver together either way!
Thank you to Belinda for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I did find the fake dating part of the book a little rushed! I would have loved a little more fake dating tension, because who doesn’t love that! However, I loved Lilly and Oliver together either way!
Thank you to Belinda for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 20, 2023
Tropes & Notes:
-baking!
-best friend's brother
-childhood friends to lovers
-pining after each other
-first in an upcoming series
This was such a fun and sweet read! I really related to our disaster of a fmc lol. I loved that Oliver was continuously having to help her out which was just so sweet. This book had one of my fav tropes, fake dating. I liked how it was handled and used in this story! I won't say tooo much because of spoilers, but it worked for me!
I love when books have a baking aspect to them, it just makes me so hungry as well. I enjoyed reading about Lilly's excitement towards the idea of opening her own bakery and where that will take her.
I am so excited for the rest of the books in this series! I can see some things happening and I am so ready! I hope we learn a little more about the bakery!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for an honest review!
-baking!
-best friend's brother
-childhood friends to lovers
-pining after each other
-first in an upcoming series
This was such a fun and sweet read! I really related to our disaster of a fmc lol. I loved that Oliver was continuously having to help her out which was just so sweet. This book had one of my fav tropes, fake dating. I liked how it was handled and used in this story! I won't say tooo much because of spoilers, but it worked for me!
I love when books have a baking aspect to them, it just makes me so hungry as well. I enjoyed reading about Lilly's excitement towards the idea of opening her own bakery and where that will take her.
I am so excited for the rest of the books in this series! I can see some things happening and I am so ready! I hope we learn a little more about the bakery!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for an honest review!
February 21, 2023
3.5 stars!
Sweet friends to lovers with the best friend’s brother and some fake dating, I loved that! Wish I could’ve seen more of them enjoying each other as a real couple though and it was a little too repetitive for me at times. Overall a quick sweet fluffy read 🥹
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sweet friends to lovers with the best friend’s brother and some fake dating, I loved that! Wish I could’ve seen more of them enjoying each other as a real couple though and it was a little too repetitive for me at times. Overall a quick sweet fluffy read 🥹
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 19, 2023
4 stars!
Olivia is her best friend's brother and someone who seems to be completely out of her league… Lilly is someone who doesn't exactly have her life together, always late and rarely neat, and she will never be ‘that girl’ and the one who gets the perfect guy. However, this might just change as it is a new year and Lilly has made some resolutions that will help her get her act together.
Oliva who is Lilly’s best friend's brother is the guy who is reliable, who is always there for Lilly, and someone who never really makes rash decisions, unless it comes to Lilly and for some reason he just can't seem to help himself.
With a weekend away and fake dating can this convince both Lilly and Oliver that they may actually just be perfect for each other?
AHHH where do I start? This book was so cute and I'm just obsessed with Lilly and Oliver!! This book had me giggling, smiling and kicking my feet in the air and I felt like my heart was gonna burst. Not to mention it had some of my favourite tropes: fake dating, friends to lovers, and best friends brother!!!!! OH AND IT'S DUAL POV but however I wish we got more from Oliver's POVs.
Oliver is just soo cute!! He's so supportive and protective of Lilly and will drop anything to be there for her whenever she needs help. (what a perfect book boyfriend *sigh*).
This book was such a good read and the grey's anatomy references? I loved it!!
I can't wait to read more books from Belinda and see what she comes up with next:)
Love, Lilly comes out March 21st, so be sure to check it out!! Thank you to Belinda Mary and Booksires for this eARC!
Olivia is her best friend's brother and someone who seems to be completely out of her league… Lilly is someone who doesn't exactly have her life together, always late and rarely neat, and she will never be ‘that girl’ and the one who gets the perfect guy. However, this might just change as it is a new year and Lilly has made some resolutions that will help her get her act together.
Oliva who is Lilly’s best friend's brother is the guy who is reliable, who is always there for Lilly, and someone who never really makes rash decisions, unless it comes to Lilly and for some reason he just can't seem to help himself.
With a weekend away and fake dating can this convince both Lilly and Oliver that they may actually just be perfect for each other?
AHHH where do I start? This book was so cute and I'm just obsessed with Lilly and Oliver!! This book had me giggling, smiling and kicking my feet in the air and I felt like my heart was gonna burst. Not to mention it had some of my favourite tropes: fake dating, friends to lovers, and best friends brother!!!!! OH AND IT'S DUAL POV but however I wish we got more from Oliver's POVs.
Oliver is just soo cute!! He's so supportive and protective of Lilly and will drop anything to be there for her whenever she needs help. (what a perfect book boyfriend *sigh*).
This book was such a good read and the grey's anatomy references? I loved it!!
I can't wait to read more books from Belinda and see what she comes up with next:)
Love, Lilly comes out March 21st, so be sure to check it out!! Thank you to Belinda Mary and Booksires for this eARC!
March 17, 2023
“So when did you know you were in love with me?”
(…) “You want all the details, hey?”
“Every one of them!” (…)
“I seem to recall it was an ordinary afternoon, when you had been dumped by that jerk Zack Petty. And I just looked at you and I knew. And I haven’t been able to shake the feeling ever since.”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
“Love, Lilly” follows Lilly and Oliver, two childhood friends that have been secretly pining for each other for years now. But Oliver is Lilly’s best friend’s brother so nothing can happen between them, Lilly would just never see him that way… right? Until they kinda fall into a fake dating arrangement for a weekend. Fake dating kisses are fake kisses, right? Then why do they feel so real?
This book really did play all it’s card right. Best friend’s older brother? Check. Fake dating? Check. Double pining? Check. Childhood friends to lovers? Check. Dual POV? Check. It was the perfect combination for a cute, lighthearted read—my favorite kind of read lately. The one downfall this debut novel had was that it was the slowest of slow burns, so if you’re a fan of those (which I’m not too much of), then you’ll love this read.
I would recommend “Love, Lilly” to romance readers that aren’t looking for too much spice and like some of the tropes involved—best friend’s brother, fake dating, childhood friends to lovers.
ARC provided by Book Sirens and Belinda Mary in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: March 21, 2023
(…) “You want all the details, hey?”
“Every one of them!” (…)
“I seem to recall it was an ordinary afternoon, when you had been dumped by that jerk Zack Petty. And I just looked at you and I knew. And I haven’t been able to shake the feeling ever since.”
Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
“Love, Lilly” follows Lilly and Oliver, two childhood friends that have been secretly pining for each other for years now. But Oliver is Lilly’s best friend’s brother so nothing can happen between them, Lilly would just never see him that way… right? Until they kinda fall into a fake dating arrangement for a weekend. Fake dating kisses are fake kisses, right? Then why do they feel so real?
This book really did play all it’s card right. Best friend’s older brother? Check. Fake dating? Check. Double pining? Check. Childhood friends to lovers? Check. Dual POV? Check. It was the perfect combination for a cute, lighthearted read—my favorite kind of read lately. The one downfall this debut novel had was that it was the slowest of slow burns, so if you’re a fan of those (which I’m not too much of), then you’ll love this read.
I would recommend “Love, Lilly” to romance readers that aren’t looking for too much spice and like some of the tropes involved—best friend’s brother, fake dating, childhood friends to lovers.
ARC provided by Book Sirens and Belinda Mary in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: March 21, 2023
June 5, 2023
What a sweet sweet story. I grinned from ear to ear during this story. I felt a little piece of me in Lilly. From her initial self doubt and lack of confidence to her humor and newfound love for herself, lilly was an incredibly adorable character. I loved the support from friends in this book. Amy and Lilly’s friendship was truly one for the books. Everyone deserves a loving friendship like that. I absolutely adore reading novels that showcase supportive best friends.
This book was chock full of some of my absolute favorite tropes… friends to lovers, fake dating, and best friends brother. My oh my did Belinda Mary deliver with an absolutely adorable love story. I adored so much about Lilly and Oliver’s relationship. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my all time favorite tropes and I think Lilly and Oliver are incredibly high on my list of favorites.
It was so sweet to watch their relationship unfold. Additionally, I couldn’t recommend the bonus chapter of Love, Lilly enough. It was sweet. It made my heart swell. It was everything I wanted in a bonus chapter and more.
This sweet book is on KU. So if you have a subscription, I highly recommend giving this adorable romance a shot.
Please read if you love:
-dual POV
-friends to lovers
-fake dating
-best friends brother
-baking makes everything better
-double chocolate for breakups
-“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
-supportive besties
One of my favorite quotes in this book:
“If you don’t feel you deserve the love, then you won’t be able to receive it either.”-Amy
So excited for Always, Amy 💖
This book was chock full of some of my absolute favorite tropes… friends to lovers, fake dating, and best friends brother. My oh my did Belinda Mary deliver with an absolutely adorable love story. I adored so much about Lilly and Oliver’s relationship. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my all time favorite tropes and I think Lilly and Oliver are incredibly high on my list of favorites.
It was so sweet to watch their relationship unfold. Additionally, I couldn’t recommend the bonus chapter of Love, Lilly enough. It was sweet. It made my heart swell. It was everything I wanted in a bonus chapter and more.
This sweet book is on KU. So if you have a subscription, I highly recommend giving this adorable romance a shot.
Please read if you love:
-dual POV
-friends to lovers
-fake dating
-best friends brother
-baking makes everything better
-double chocolate for breakups
-“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
-supportive besties
One of my favorite quotes in this book:
“If you don’t feel you deserve the love, then you won’t be able to receive it either.”-Amy
So excited for Always, Amy 💖
February 16, 2023
I received an eARC copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. This book has best friends brother, friends to lovers, and fake dating what more can you ask for! Lilly and Oliver's relationship was so cute. This book had me smiling a lot, and had a lot of cute moments. I enjoyed the story it was a really cute rom-com. I also liked the fake dating aspect of the story too. I also loved all the Grey's Anatomy references throughout the book. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to anyone. This is my very first ARC and I'm very grateful. Love, Lilly releases on March 21st. Thank you Belinda and BookSirens for the advance reader copy!
March 22, 2023
Thank you so much @belindamary.author for this arc. I LOVED IT🥰
You know when a book took you all the emotions possible, a heroine not satisfied with her job find a second job in her hobby. She get lot of support by her best friend and her brother that she knows forever. OMG this brother! He thinks he is not enough for her and she thinks she out off his ligue. So they are just friends. She is dumped and he has a perfect girlfriend. But as you can guess everything can change. And I would love to tell what happened and what has not happened when fake dating happens, but you will enjoy more reading if you discover that alone. It is tender and sweet, just Perfect to me.
You know when a book took you all the emotions possible, a heroine not satisfied with her job find a second job in her hobby. She get lot of support by her best friend and her brother that she knows forever. OMG this brother! He thinks he is not enough for her and she thinks she out off his ligue. So they are just friends. She is dumped and he has a perfect girlfriend. But as you can guess everything can change. And I would love to tell what happened and what has not happened when fake dating happens, but you will enjoy more reading if you discover that alone. It is tender and sweet, just Perfect to me.
March 2, 2023
This was a cute friends to lovers, one bed, fake dating romance!! Lily and Oliver have been friends for quite a while since Lily was friends with Oliver's sister Amy! Lily always manages to get herself into situations and Oliver always comes to the rescue. They both have liked each other but neither one of them new it. That is until Lily needs a date to her ex's wedding! From there the sparks fly! They end up sharing a hotel room with just one king sized bed and doing all these wedding activities as a couple. Lily definitely questions it alot whether or not Oliver likes her and I could definitely see why especially if you have a pesky ex that won't quit coming around. This is was all around super cute. Definitely pick this one up!
February 3, 2023
Cute and fast read.
This book was so lighthearted. I was selected to read an ARC (my very first) and I'm so glad it was Love, Lilly. All characters were very lovable. Lilly and I are one in the same making friends everywhere we go, the girl had me giggling. Oliver was so sweet and just the perfect book boyfriend.
Also, if you love Friends and Grey's Anatomy, then read!
Highly recommend and I am so excited for Amy's book and her Hottie 🫠💕
This book was so lighthearted. I was selected to read an ARC (my very first) and I'm so glad it was Love, Lilly. All characters were very lovable. Lilly and I are one in the same making friends everywhere we go, the girl had me giggling. Oliver was so sweet and just the perfect book boyfriend.
Also, if you love Friends and Grey's Anatomy, then read!
Highly recommend and I am so excited for Amy's book and her Hottie 🫠💕
January 31, 2023
first, thank you belinda for the ARC!! and second omg!!?? i loved the book, they are so cute, oliver is so protective i love him!! also i wish i could eat lilly’s cookies, i love her, she is the sweetest!! if you like friends to lovers you should read this one!!
February 9, 2023
This was SUCH a cute read! It will definitely make your heart flutter. I loved Lilly; she’s the best friend that everyone wants. She’s fun, funny, smart, and has an awesome baking talent. I love to bake as well, so I could get in the kitchen with Lilly and help her make her dreams come true! I also really love Oliver. He’s dependable, giving, sweet, and just so supportive of everything. Amy, Oliver’s sister, is also a great character. I love her intuition about Lilly and Oliver, and how she’s supportive as well. One of the great things about this book is that it gets right to the point; there isn’t too much fluff and unnecessary information provided. I couldn’t put this book down. In fact, my body wouldn’t let me sleep until I finished it! I finally finished it at 11:38pm, and then all of a sudden I was tired enough to fall asleep. I cannot wait for the next book!
April 8, 2023
super cuteeee and an easy read
lowkey lilly and oliver should’ve just been together from the beginning like guys 😭😭 idk how amy didn’t just force them together from the start!
but this was still such a cute rom com type read
def will read the next one!
lowkey lilly and oliver should’ve just been together from the beginning like guys 😭😭 idk how amy didn’t just force them together from the start!
but this was still such a cute rom com type read
def will read the next one!
July 21, 2023
kinda exasperating
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