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Sweetkiss Creek #1
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Best Friend
We all know how this goes. Girl likes boy, a lot, but the boy? He’s out of her league.
The realization that you’ve fallen for your best friend is, for me, pretty scary.
It’s not that Reid is all the way in the stratosphere out of my league, it’s more like I want to get it together so I’m not the one who feels so inadequate.
But when I take ten steps forward, I’m shoved twenty steps back and left wondering if we’d be a good match in the end. And I want the best for my friend…even if that means it’s not me.
Yet the thought of him with anyone else makes me crazy and I want to run screaming into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The thing is, if I don’t get over myself I’m probably going to not only lose my best friend, but my chance at true love…
The Art of Falling for Your Best Friend is a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming romcom with an anxious main character, a cinnamon roll hero, and a cute terrier named Max. Chemistry and tension collide in this closed-door romance!
The realization that you’ve fallen for your best friend is, for me, pretty scary.
It’s not that Reid is all the way in the stratosphere out of my league, it’s more like I want to get it together so I’m not the one who feels so inadequate.
But when I take ten steps forward, I’m shoved twenty steps back and left wondering if we’d be a good match in the end. And I want the best for my friend…even if that means it’s not me.
Yet the thought of him with anyone else makes me crazy and I want to run screaming into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The thing is, if I don’t get over myself I’m probably going to not only lose my best friend, but my chance at true love…
The Art of Falling for Your Best Friend is a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming romcom with an anxious main character, a cinnamon roll hero, and a cute terrier named Max. Chemistry and tension collide in this closed-door romance!
208 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2023
213 people are currently reading
887 people want to read
About the author
Anne Kemp
34 books435 followersAnne Kemp is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. She loves reading (and she doesn’t it ridiculously fast, too!), gluten-free baking (because everyone needs a hobby that makes them crazy), and finding time to binge-watch her favorite shows. She grew up in Maryland but made Los Angeles her home until she encountered her own real-life meet-cute at a friend's wedding where she ended up married to one of the groomsmen. For real.
Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.
You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com
On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest: @missannekemp
On TikTok: @annekempauthor
You can always find her www.AnneKemp.com.
Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.
You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com
On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest: @missannekemp
On TikTok: @annekempauthor
You can always find her www.AnneKemp.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 13, 2023
This is my second read from this author, and she is definitely on-brand for sweet, clean rom-coms with lots of fun tropes to help escape life for a while.
I met these two in the last book, and was excited to read their story. Friends to lovers is always fun. Both knew they liked the other, and, to be honest, so did everyone else in town. Their chemistry was undeniable. But the heroine still tried, even when the hero was doing his best to point out the elephant in the room.
Concerning that, I could really relate to the heroine, dealing with anxiety as she was. However, I did not understand how her inferiority complex could latch onto her father's debt and use it as a reason to make herself feel unworthy of the hero's love. I mean, even her father was dating, so why couldn't she? I understand being too stressed out and needing to focus on just one thing, but that's entirely different from trying to push the man you love off on someone else because of family drama.
As for the hero, I loved him and is sense of humor. He had a really fun alter ego, and I always love alter egos. All around, it was fun watching these two develop their respective relationships with their family, friends, and own futures as well as their own relationship with each other.
Note to more sensitive readers: I can't think of anything objectionable.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This book is perfect for anyone looking for a clean, breezy rom-com.
I met these two in the last book, and was excited to read their story. Friends to lovers is always fun. Both knew they liked the other, and, to be honest, so did everyone else in town. Their chemistry was undeniable. But the heroine still tried, even when the hero was doing his best to point out the elephant in the room.
Concerning that, I could really relate to the heroine, dealing with anxiety as she was. However, I did not understand how her inferiority complex could latch onto her father's debt and use it as a reason to make herself feel unworthy of the hero's love. I mean, even her father was dating, so why couldn't she? I understand being too stressed out and needing to focus on just one thing, but that's entirely different from trying to push the man you love off on someone else because of family drama.
As for the hero, I loved him and is sense of humor. He had a really fun alter ego, and I always love alter egos. All around, it was fun watching these two develop their respective relationships with their family, friends, and own futures as well as their own relationship with each other.
Note to more sensitive readers: I can't think of anything objectionable.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This book is perfect for anyone looking for a clean, breezy rom-com.
January 3, 2026
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Best Friend by Anne Kemp is a tender, sweet friends‑to‑lovers contemporary romance about Dylan and Reid, best friends and co‑workers in the small town of Sweetkiss Creek, who secretly carry deeper feelings for each other but are afraid to speak them out loud because they treasure the friendship they’ve built and fear risking it all for love. The story gently explores how two people can be so close yet so afraid to cross the line that everyone around them can see clearly, inviting readers into a warm slow burn filled with humor, hesitation and heartfelt moments.
As I read this, I kept smiling at the effortless banter and deep connection between Dylan and Reid, from chaotic firehouse rescue moments to softness in shared silences, a shared history that felt comforting and rich. Dylan’s anxiety and self‑doubt about whether she’s good enough for Reid made her feel beautifully real, while Reid’s kindness, quiet strength and occasional cluelessness about his own feelings made me root for him fiercely.
Their chemistry simmered in everyday scenes that were both laugh‑out‑loud funny and quietly charged with longing, and the way scenes like an escape room mishap or small town dinner brought them closer felt joyfully sincere. It also felt like a story about community, family and how love sometimes waits until two hearts feel safe enough to speak.
The pacing is a slow burn and the romance unfolds gently rather than explosively. However, that softness was part of the charm that made every smile, hesitation and heartfelt step feel earned.
I’m giving The Art of Falling in Love with Your Best Friend 4 out of 5 stars because it left me with that warm, contented feeling of witnessing a love story that grows from deep friendship into something wonderfully true.
As I read this, I kept smiling at the effortless banter and deep connection between Dylan and Reid, from chaotic firehouse rescue moments to softness in shared silences, a shared history that felt comforting and rich. Dylan’s anxiety and self‑doubt about whether she’s good enough for Reid made her feel beautifully real, while Reid’s kindness, quiet strength and occasional cluelessness about his own feelings made me root for him fiercely.
Their chemistry simmered in everyday scenes that were both laugh‑out‑loud funny and quietly charged with longing, and the way scenes like an escape room mishap or small town dinner brought them closer felt joyfully sincere. It also felt like a story about community, family and how love sometimes waits until two hearts feel safe enough to speak.
The pacing is a slow burn and the romance unfolds gently rather than explosively. However, that softness was part of the charm that made every smile, hesitation and heartfelt step feel earned.
I’m giving The Art of Falling in Love with Your Best Friend 4 out of 5 stars because it left me with that warm, contented feeling of witnessing a love story that grows from deep friendship into something wonderfully true.
April 12, 2023
The Art of an extremely long title lol. I was calling it The Art, but now I will call it Falling after reading the title of the follow up book.
Falling is about Dylan and Reid who have been best friends for a few years and do everything together. She is afraid of telling him she is in love with him, because she feels like she doesn't bring much to the table. And he is afraid to ruin their friendship if she doesn't feel the same.
I have to say miscommunication teeters on a very very steep cliff for me. Luckily Falling keeps itself safe by calling itself out and saying just how stupid it is to let your self be sucked into a miscommunication trope.
There are a few pacing problems for me, it seemed like nothing happened, nothing happened, nothing happened and then everything was happening. Though this could be all on me, my mind is a fickle beast.
Those pacing problems did not stop me from fully enjoying this super sweet story though. I love a small town with lots of fun characters. Also I can't forget arguably the best part, Max the dog. He loves foot rubs, his mama and cuddles with shirtless men.
I was provided an ARC by the author for my honest review.
Falling is about Dylan and Reid who have been best friends for a few years and do everything together. She is afraid of telling him she is in love with him, because she feels like she doesn't bring much to the table. And he is afraid to ruin their friendship if she doesn't feel the same.
I have to say miscommunication teeters on a very very steep cliff for me. Luckily Falling keeps itself safe by calling itself out and saying just how stupid it is to let your self be sucked into a miscommunication trope.
There are a few pacing problems for me, it seemed like nothing happened, nothing happened, nothing happened and then everything was happening. Though this could be all on me, my mind is a fickle beast.
Those pacing problems did not stop me from fully enjoying this super sweet story though. I love a small town with lots of fun characters. Also I can't forget arguably the best part, Max the dog. He loves foot rubs, his mama and cuddles with shirtless men.
I was provided an ARC by the author for my honest review.
May 11, 2025
Fun Rom Com!
This friends to lovers Rom Com was super sweet. I don't love the miscommunication trope, but it was done in a way that made it understandable why opening up fully was challenging.
Overall it was a sweet story and I enjoyed the character and relationship development. I'll probably read more from this series!
This friends to lovers Rom Com was super sweet. I don't love the miscommunication trope, but it was done in a way that made it understandable why opening up fully was challenging.
Overall it was a sweet story and I enjoyed the character and relationship development. I'll probably read more from this series!
April 14, 2023
This was a very cute and sweet love story. This friends-to-lovers romance was everything you expect it to be.
The only reason I gave it 3 stars was because I struggled to connect with the characters. While I loved the storyline, I just found it hard to connect with Dylan and Reid. I loved Etta, she was my favourite character of all.
Thank you to Anne Kemp for allowing me to read this as an ARC. This is my honest review.
The only reason I gave it 3 stars was because I struggled to connect with the characters. While I loved the storyline, I just found it hard to connect with Dylan and Reid. I loved Etta, she was my favourite character of all.
Thank you to Anne Kemp for allowing me to read this as an ARC. This is my honest review.
April 27, 2023
Purple doubts and orange anxiety, yellow affection, white hope, and pink attractions; Anne Kemp’s latest release captured every shade that makes their work pop, time and time again! Their words told a story of small town charm and friendships rooted deeply in the heart, and it was a joy to watch love bloom between two sweet individuals who shared such a special bond.
It is always a joy to open my kindle to find a new Kemp masterpiece, and this one was ticking all the boxes. The friendship Dylan and Reid shared was so cute, and the chemistry that simmered between them was undeniable to all around them. Theirs was a relatively easy slow burn with a good dose of humour and uncertainty, and their reactions and reservations were believable in light of Dylan’s anxiety and the friendship at stake, and I felt Reid navigated this gently and respectfully.
What I loved most, however, was that relationships - and the support they lended - were prioritised in all capacities. Those relationships between a friend and family, one’s relationship with themselves and their future, and of course the romantic relationship that developed on page. Each was given a place to shine, and I can already tell that Zac and Etta’s story to follow is going to be a hoot! 😉
Sweet, clean, and filled with laughs, Kemp takes home the win with this fun new series. And, If I should ever fall in love with my best friend, I’d want it to be as colourful and sure as Dylan and Reid’s sweet happy ever after shaped out to be.
💕 Friends to Lovers
💕 Small town Charm
💕 secret identity
💕 cinnamon roll hero
I received an advanced copy thanks to the author, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
It is always a joy to open my kindle to find a new Kemp masterpiece, and this one was ticking all the boxes. The friendship Dylan and Reid shared was so cute, and the chemistry that simmered between them was undeniable to all around them. Theirs was a relatively easy slow burn with a good dose of humour and uncertainty, and their reactions and reservations were believable in light of Dylan’s anxiety and the friendship at stake, and I felt Reid navigated this gently and respectfully.
What I loved most, however, was that relationships - and the support they lended - were prioritised in all capacities. Those relationships between a friend and family, one’s relationship with themselves and their future, and of course the romantic relationship that developed on page. Each was given a place to shine, and I can already tell that Zac and Etta’s story to follow is going to be a hoot! 😉
Sweet, clean, and filled with laughs, Kemp takes home the win with this fun new series. And, If I should ever fall in love with my best friend, I’d want it to be as colourful and sure as Dylan and Reid’s sweet happy ever after shaped out to be.
💕 Friends to Lovers
💕 Small town Charm
💕 secret identity
💕 cinnamon roll hero
I received an advanced copy thanks to the author, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
June 30, 2025
This sweet friends to more audio book was fun to listen to. This romcom between fellow paramedics, Dylan and Reid, had plenty of witty moments intertwined with budding romance.
Dylan carried a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders which really didn't need to be there. I felt for her, but also for Reid, who desperately wanted his best friend to realize that they could be a great match together.
This was a sweet and easy story to listen to and an enjoyable start to the series.
Dylan carried a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders which really didn't need to be there. I felt for her, but also for Reid, who desperately wanted his best friend to realize that they could be a great match together.
This was a sweet and easy story to listen to and an enjoyable start to the series.
October 18, 2023
Básicamente el 90% del libro es de Dylan intentado que Reid salga con Etta porque él se merece una buena mujer y aunque esta enamorada de Reid, Dylan no se cree lo suficiente para él.
Todo lo anterior era porque el papá de Dylan debía dinero y ella le tenia que ayudar y no quería ser una carga para Reid.
Todo lo anterior era porque el papá de Dylan debía dinero y ella le tenia que ayudar y no quería ser una carga para Reid.
May 17, 2023
I absolutely loved Reid & Dylan's funny, sweet, caring, loving, swoony story!!!
August 11, 2023
2.5⭐️
I don’t know. I just didn’t like this one. It was such so slow burn and I didn’t really feel a connection to the characters.
I don’t know. I just didn’t like this one. It was such so slow burn and I didn’t really feel a connection to the characters.
April 18, 2025
Boring and I despise a miscommunication trope.
April 27, 2023
Fantastic book, Anne. Didn't want to put it down but you have to sleep. Loved Dylan and Reid's story and especially having the dual pov of these characters. Looking forward to reading more about the characters in Sweetkiss Creek which isn't too far from Lake Lorelei. Keep up the great writing.
April 11, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Dylan & Reid’s points of views
Review:
I loved this best friends to more romance! Dylan and Reid have the best banter and I loved the situations they got into in this book! I loved that Dylan’s dad was a sounding board for the both of them and just told them what he could see was happening. I also loved the secret identity aspect of the story and how it came full circle. Some of my favorite scenes/moments included: a bat, Dylan’s attempts to push Reid away, an escape room, Dylan’s friendships, Reid trying to get through to Dylan, and asking for her hand/the proposal.
Summary:
Dylan is in love with her best friend Reid, but doesn’t feel like she is enough for him. So instead she tries to just pine away for a mysterious local blogger and push the new woman in town towards her best friend. But jealousy is a fickle thing, and Dylan can’t seem to completely let go of it…
Reid doesn’t know what Dylan is doing, but he certainly isn’t interested in being set up by his own crush with someone else. And now his new roommate is trying to make a move on Dylan right in front of him. Reid isn’t about to let his chance get away at happily ever after with his best friend, not without taking a chance at the love he hopes for.
Those that know them both are rooting for them, now they just need to take their shots or risk losing the best thing that could ever happen to them both…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Dylan & Reid’s points of views
Review:
I loved this best friends to more romance! Dylan and Reid have the best banter and I loved the situations they got into in this book! I loved that Dylan’s dad was a sounding board for the both of them and just told them what he could see was happening. I also loved the secret identity aspect of the story and how it came full circle. Some of my favorite scenes/moments included: a bat, Dylan’s attempts to push Reid away, an escape room, Dylan’s friendships, Reid trying to get through to Dylan, and asking for her hand/the proposal.
Summary:
Dylan is in love with her best friend Reid, but doesn’t feel like she is enough for him. So instead she tries to just pine away for a mysterious local blogger and push the new woman in town towards her best friend. But jealousy is a fickle thing, and Dylan can’t seem to completely let go of it…
Reid doesn’t know what Dylan is doing, but he certainly isn’t interested in being set up by his own crush with someone else. And now his new roommate is trying to make a move on Dylan right in front of him. Reid isn’t about to let his chance get away at happily ever after with his best friend, not without taking a chance at the love he hopes for.
Those that know them both are rooting for them, now they just need to take their shots or risk losing the best thing that could ever happen to them both…
April 10, 2023
The Art of Falling in Love With Your Best Friend is the first book in Anne Kemp's new Sweetkiss Creek series. While it's the first book in the series, Dylan and Reid might be a little familiar if you've read her previous Love in Lake Lorelei series. (But don't worry, you can definitely read this as a standalone, I'd personally not read that series yet either!)
There's just something about the friends-to-lovers trope that always brings me joy. Don't get me wrong, I love a good meet cute and such too, but with friends... particularly best friends... the history there just makes that moment when they finally see the light and come together all the more wonderful. Of course, that tension of just wanting them to see what's right in front of them is both frustrating at times, but also oh so appealing as a reader too, quickly drawing you into the story. That was certainly true with the story, and I enjoyed every single second of it!
Being someone who is quite anxious myself (to put it mildly), I certainly related to Dylan's character on that level so that definitely drew me in as well. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic start to the new series. Not only am I looking forward to seeing what is going to happen next in this series, but it has me wanting to go back and read the previous series too! If you enjoy a friend-to-lovers clean RomCom, this is certainly one to check out!
**I received a complimentary ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
There's just something about the friends-to-lovers trope that always brings me joy. Don't get me wrong, I love a good meet cute and such too, but with friends... particularly best friends... the history there just makes that moment when they finally see the light and come together all the more wonderful. Of course, that tension of just wanting them to see what's right in front of them is both frustrating at times, but also oh so appealing as a reader too, quickly drawing you into the story. That was certainly true with the story, and I enjoyed every single second of it!
Being someone who is quite anxious myself (to put it mildly), I certainly related to Dylan's character on that level so that definitely drew me in as well. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic start to the new series. Not only am I looking forward to seeing what is going to happen next in this series, but it has me wanting to go back and read the previous series too! If you enjoy a friend-to-lovers clean RomCom, this is certainly one to check out!
**I received a complimentary ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2023
Dylan’s mom had left her and her father when she was a little girl so her father raised her. When he moved she felt like she needed to go and be closer to him. As she is working for the fire department the one her dad works at she meets Reid. Her and Reid become best friends because they work together and he was the first to make her feel welcome.
In the meantime Dylan loves reading this column in the local newspaper written by Andrew. Andrew spotlights new business but it is all a secret of who he is. Her and Reid go to these places after she reads about them. Then Etta who is the sister of Reid and Dylan’s boss comes to town. Dylan sets Reid up with Etta for a date but why would she do that when she is secretly crushing on him?
Dylan’s dad also runs a garage in his spare time and he is on the verge of losing it. Shady tax advisors didn’t take care of him the right way. One of the funniest parts was when Reid and Dylan was called to a woman house and she had a bat flying around.
I received this ARC for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the meantime Dylan loves reading this column in the local newspaper written by Andrew. Andrew spotlights new business but it is all a secret of who he is. Her and Reid go to these places after she reads about them. Then Etta who is the sister of Reid and Dylan’s boss comes to town. Dylan sets Reid up with Etta for a date but why would she do that when she is secretly crushing on him?
Dylan’s dad also runs a garage in his spare time and he is on the verge of losing it. Shady tax advisors didn’t take care of him the right way. One of the funniest parts was when Reid and Dylan was called to a woman house and she had a bat flying around.
I received this ARC for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 1 of the Sweetkiss Creek Series but we first meet Dylan & Reid in the Love in Lake Lorelai Series, though you don't need to read those first in order to read this one. The book's blurb lets you know what to expect. It's a good best friends to lovers dual romance.
Because of her anxiety & financial situation, Dylan doesn't think that she suits Reid & tries to keep her feelings to herself. Before she can get things in order for her life, she doesn't think that it's okay for her to want to pursue anything with him. While readers may think that it's not a big dealespecially because her dad finds no problem with dating someone, it's important to remember that Dylan's anxiety makes her fixate on the issue. So, even when I wanted her to just admit her feelings to him, I could understand her.
Like her, Reid also keeps his feelings to himself. Because Reid knows Dylan so well & is aware of what she's going through with her dad, he doesn't want to say or do anything that may cause her more worry. Aside from that, he's keeping a secret identity from her & everyone else. While it's nothing that will hurt anyone, he isn't sure how they'll react & is also not ready for others to know. As he's thinking about his feelings for Dylan & the secret he's keeping, potential love interests for both appear making him & Dylan have to decide to act on their feelings or to stay only as friends.
The romance is a sweet slow burn. The pacing of the story is also slow at times & sometimes some of the side characters were taking too much of the spotlight.I know that as I was reading Etta & Zac's scenes I wanted their story already. Also, although I was happy with the ending, I wanted a bit more from Dylan & Reid as they came to terms with their individual choices regarding their careers. However, it was a good introduction to them & the new series. Overall, it's an enjoyable read - especially for readers looking for something light who like the best friend to lovers trope.
Because of her anxiety & financial situation, Dylan doesn't think that she suits Reid & tries to keep her feelings to herself. Before she can get things in order for her life, she doesn't think that it's okay for her to want to pursue anything with him. While readers may think that it's not a big deal
Like her, Reid also keeps his feelings to himself. Because Reid knows Dylan so well & is aware of what she's going through with her dad, he doesn't want to say or do anything that may cause her more worry. Aside from that, he's keeping a secret identity from her & everyone else. While it's nothing that will hurt anyone, he isn't sure how they'll react & is also not ready for others to know. As he's thinking about his feelings for Dylan & the secret he's keeping, potential love interests for both appear making him & Dylan have to decide to act on their feelings or to stay only as friends.
The romance is a sweet slow burn. The pacing of the story is also slow at times & sometimes some of the side characters were taking too much of the spotlight.
April 13, 2023
This book will leave you with a smile on your face. I love happy stories like this one. Dylan and Reid have worked together with the local fire department. They are best friends. They do everything together, and even though it is apparent early on that they both have feelings for the other one, they fight this romantic tension. Neither one wants to ruin their friendship, and I actually believe they are afraid of rejection as well.
The first scene in the book will leave you in stitches as they are on a call with the fire department. A bat is loose in a lady's house, and they are trying to capture it. Needless to say this capture does not go well.
I love the friends to lovers trope. I feel that being great friends first just cements the relationship to last because you know each other so well. Dylan is besotted with a mysterious local blogger who gives advice on local events and businesses. She feels that he is almost speaking directly to her. He really is speaking to her. You will have to read the book to find out more.
Anne Kemp knows how to write a lovely, clean romance with a little humor mixed in. There were also several touching scenes in this book as these two learn to just let go and go for it. The characters were fun and easy to get to know. There is a little bump in the road when two other friends seem to be making the move on each them. They are both insanely jealous of the possibility that the other one will fall for this new person, but again, they will not admit it. I always a enjoy a good rom-com, and Anne Kemp knows how to write a great one! This book is part of the Love in Lake Lorelei series, but you can read this book as a standalone.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first scene in the book will leave you in stitches as they are on a call with the fire department. A bat is loose in a lady's house, and they are trying to capture it. Needless to say this capture does not go well.
I love the friends to lovers trope. I feel that being great friends first just cements the relationship to last because you know each other so well. Dylan is besotted with a mysterious local blogger who gives advice on local events and businesses. She feels that he is almost speaking directly to her. He really is speaking to her. You will have to read the book to find out more.
Anne Kemp knows how to write a lovely, clean romance with a little humor mixed in. There were also several touching scenes in this book as these two learn to just let go and go for it. The characters were fun and easy to get to know. There is a little bump in the road when two other friends seem to be making the move on each them. They are both insanely jealous of the possibility that the other one will fall for this new person, but again, they will not admit it. I always a enjoy a good rom-com, and Anne Kemp knows how to write a great one! This book is part of the Love in Lake Lorelei series, but you can read this book as a standalone.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2023
Romance level: kissing 🔥
I loved Dylan! She's this big light , a total sunshine. I love how she's always trying to help others, especially her dad.
The friendship between Reid & Dylan was so cute. I loved their first scene together during a call 😂
So the thing with best friends to lovers is that the tension & the longing is always agonizing. You feel the love, the banter, their fears on ruining the friendship...Anne does an excellent job nailing this trope down. 🧯🚒
Reid was just a sweetheart, a clueless one, but a sweetheart nonetheless. I loved how he was there to bring joy to Dylan's life, but also support her and more importantly listen to her.
One of my favorite scenes definitely involved a shirtless Reid & food😍. When this man got his senses back & went for it, I was so happy! The escape room scene was exquisite!
Yes, there's a little miscommunication trope, on Dylan's part, but oh boy I was so here for the realization! Everyone needs a friend like Riley 😂She was the slap of reality Dylan needed.
Reid & Dubs (Dylan's dad) were so cute! I loved seeing those two interacting 😍 the respect & companionship was so sweet. Also, the actual relationship of Dylan with her dad was amazing💜. Through thick & thin whenever it's family.
The extra twist to the plot was so cute. And I love how that brought those two together😍. The epilogue had my heart, Reid is just the sweetest cinnamon roll.
The second characters here were so good. Etta was so funny & I love seeing her putting Zac on his place. I'm more than excited to read that story next! 🔐
⚠️TW: parental abandonment
🏕️
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
I loved Dylan! She's this big light , a total sunshine. I love how she's always trying to help others, especially her dad.
The friendship between Reid & Dylan was so cute. I loved their first scene together during a call 😂
So the thing with best friends to lovers is that the tension & the longing is always agonizing. You feel the love, the banter, their fears on ruining the friendship...Anne does an excellent job nailing this trope down. 🧯🚒
Reid was just a sweetheart, a clueless one, but a sweetheart nonetheless. I loved how he was there to bring joy to Dylan's life, but also support her and more importantly listen to her.
One of my favorite scenes definitely involved a shirtless Reid & food😍. When this man got his senses back & went for it, I was so happy! The escape room scene was exquisite!
Yes, there's a little miscommunication trope, on Dylan's part, but oh boy I was so here for the realization! Everyone needs a friend like Riley 😂She was the slap of reality Dylan needed.
Reid & Dubs (Dylan's dad) were so cute! I loved seeing those two interacting 😍 the respect & companionship was so sweet. Also, the actual relationship of Dylan with her dad was amazing💜. Through thick & thin whenever it's family.
The extra twist to the plot was so cute. And I love how that brought those two together😍. The epilogue had my heart, Reid is just the sweetest cinnamon roll.
The second characters here were so good. Etta was so funny & I love seeing her putting Zac on his place. I'm more than excited to read that story next! 🔐
⚠️TW: parental abandonment
🏕️
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
January 18, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Ahhh…the best friend tension. I adore best friends becoming more, so this was a fun read. Having years where you’re able to truly get to know someone and know them WELL, and then moving onto a more romantic relationship is just the sweetest in my opinion. Make them work partners with the fire department like Dylan and Reid and it’s all the better.
Dylan is aware of the feelings she has for her best friend, Reid, yet she actively sets him up on dates, trying to mask the reality of where their own relationship stands. Reid has feelings for Dylan as well, but he too is afraid to speak up and take the next step. Dylan is overwhelmed helping to care for her dad and his dire financial situation. Reid is deeply involved in writing for a newspaper column under a secret penname. A column in which Dylan is a huge fan of – yet she has no idea Reid is the man behind “Andrew”, the author. There’s a lot of complicated scenarios holding these two friends back, some miscommunication and a lot of fear and anxiety at the prospect of moving from the friend zone to something more.
When Reid’s column takes off and he’s offered an incredible book deal, decisions really do need to be made. He realizes it’s time to start being more honest with those he loves, regardless of what the outcome might be.
The grand gesture and sweetness at the end of this story will melt your heart.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Ahhh…the best friend tension. I adore best friends becoming more, so this was a fun read. Having years where you’re able to truly get to know someone and know them WELL, and then moving onto a more romantic relationship is just the sweetest in my opinion. Make them work partners with the fire department like Dylan and Reid and it’s all the better.
Dylan is aware of the feelings she has for her best friend, Reid, yet she actively sets him up on dates, trying to mask the reality of where their own relationship stands. Reid has feelings for Dylan as well, but he too is afraid to speak up and take the next step. Dylan is overwhelmed helping to care for her dad and his dire financial situation. Reid is deeply involved in writing for a newspaper column under a secret penname. A column in which Dylan is a huge fan of – yet she has no idea Reid is the man behind “Andrew”, the author. There’s a lot of complicated scenarios holding these two friends back, some miscommunication and a lot of fear and anxiety at the prospect of moving from the friend zone to something more.
When Reid’s column takes off and he’s offered an incredible book deal, decisions really do need to be made. He realizes it’s time to start being more honest with those he loves, regardless of what the outcome might be.
The grand gesture and sweetness at the end of this story will melt your heart.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
May 29, 2025
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Reid and Dylan have been best friends since he helped her transition from the big city of Los Angelas to the small town of Sweetkiss Creek. Despite hanging out whenever they aren’t working alongside each other as paramedics, they never seem to tire of each other’s company. But the pair is forced to confront their true feelings when Dylan might have to make yet another big move. Will they prove that best friends make the best significant others, or will their relationship stall out in the friend zone?
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Best Friend, by Anne Kemp is the first book in the Sweetkiss Creek Series. While this is an interconnected series, Kemp wrote each book as a standalone novel. Therefore, they can be enjoyed both collectively or individually, depending on your preference. As someone who plans to make their way through the entire series I appreciated that this book flushed out both the setting and side characters early on.
Not only was this a super cute story that left me thoroughly entertained; getting to listen to this book on audio came in super handy. With a jam packed week, I made sure to squeeze in a listen whenever an opportunity presented itself. Coming in at roughly 6 hours, I was able to finish the story relatively quickly. Shout out to Ashley Bryce and Danny Montooth who served as narrators. They did a great job bringing the story to life with their voice acting skills.
Be sure to read this book for:
-dual POVs
-friends to more
-small town/ workplace romance
-secret identity
Reid and Dylan have been best friends since he helped her transition from the big city of Los Angelas to the small town of Sweetkiss Creek. Despite hanging out whenever they aren’t working alongside each other as paramedics, they never seem to tire of each other’s company. But the pair is forced to confront their true feelings when Dylan might have to make yet another big move. Will they prove that best friends make the best significant others, or will their relationship stall out in the friend zone?
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Best Friend, by Anne Kemp is the first book in the Sweetkiss Creek Series. While this is an interconnected series, Kemp wrote each book as a standalone novel. Therefore, they can be enjoyed both collectively or individually, depending on your preference. As someone who plans to make their way through the entire series I appreciated that this book flushed out both the setting and side characters early on.
Not only was this a super cute story that left me thoroughly entertained; getting to listen to this book on audio came in super handy. With a jam packed week, I made sure to squeeze in a listen whenever an opportunity presented itself. Coming in at roughly 6 hours, I was able to finish the story relatively quickly. Shout out to Ashley Bryce and Danny Montooth who served as narrators. They did a great job bringing the story to life with their voice acting skills.
Be sure to read this book for:
-dual POVs
-friends to more
-small town/ workplace romance
-secret identity
July 31, 2023
The Art Of Falling In Love With Your Best Friend is a friend to lovers contemporary romance featuring Dylan Williams and Reid Shannon.
Dylan moved to Sweetkiss Creek, North Carolina about 2 years ago. She works as a paramedic and is partnered with Reid, an ambulance driver and her best friend. They were introduced through Dubs, Dylan's father, who had moved to the area first.
Dylan and Reid spend a ton of time together, and they love it. These best friends are realizing that they've fallen for the other, but of course they refuse to admit it. They're worried that crossing that line could adversely affect their friendship, which they both treasure. Add to that is Dylan's anxiety and her concern that she's not good enough for Reid, plus she's sort of crushing on the author of Culture Shock, a column that reviews what's new and exciting in Love Valley. Reid is a lovable cinnamon roll MMC and a stand up guy who battles with his own insecurities and a strong need to please his parents. Reid knows he wants Dylan, but can't figure out how to tell her.
This is a cute small town rom-com and a uses humour to call out a blatant miscommunication trope. It took me awhile to get into to, but I enjoyed this sweet closed-door romance.
Dylan moved to Sweetkiss Creek, North Carolina about 2 years ago. She works as a paramedic and is partnered with Reid, an ambulance driver and her best friend. They were introduced through Dubs, Dylan's father, who had moved to the area first.
Dylan and Reid spend a ton of time together, and they love it. These best friends are realizing that they've fallen for the other, but of course they refuse to admit it. They're worried that crossing that line could adversely affect their friendship, which they both treasure. Add to that is Dylan's anxiety and her concern that she's not good enough for Reid, plus she's sort of crushing on the author of Culture Shock, a column that reviews what's new and exciting in Love Valley. Reid is a lovable cinnamon roll MMC and a stand up guy who battles with his own insecurities and a strong need to please his parents. Reid knows he wants Dylan, but can't figure out how to tell her.
This is a cute small town rom-com and a uses humour to call out a blatant miscommunication trope. It took me awhile to get into to, but I enjoyed this sweet closed-door romance.
October 26, 2024
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Best Friend by Anne Kemp is the kind of book that makes you smile so much your cheeks hurt! Dylan and Reid’s friendship is full of banter, laughs, and so many “will-they-or-won’t-they” moments that kept me turning pages way past my bedtime.
The story opens with a hilarious scene that sets the tone for their dynamic—think chaotic rescue missions and awkward attempts at being smooth. Their chemistry is *chef’s kiss* from start to finish, and I loved every second of watching them navigate that tricky line between friendship and something more.
Reid is the kind of hero who’s sweet but hilariously clueless, and Dylan is such a ball of sunshine that I just wanted to be her friend. Plus, the side characters! They bring their own personalities, fun drama, and charm to Sweetkiss Creek, making it feel like a town you’d want to visit.
Anne Kemp did an incredible job balancing all the laughs with heartfelt moments and a steady build-up of tension. This is one of those books that leaves you in a good mood long after you finish, and I’m officially obsessed with this series!
The story opens with a hilarious scene that sets the tone for their dynamic—think chaotic rescue missions and awkward attempts at being smooth. Their chemistry is *chef’s kiss* from start to finish, and I loved every second of watching them navigate that tricky line between friendship and something more.
Reid is the kind of hero who’s sweet but hilariously clueless, and Dylan is such a ball of sunshine that I just wanted to be her friend. Plus, the side characters! They bring their own personalities, fun drama, and charm to Sweetkiss Creek, making it feel like a town you’d want to visit.
Anne Kemp did an incredible job balancing all the laughs with heartfelt moments and a steady build-up of tension. This is one of those books that leaves you in a good mood long after you finish, and I’m officially obsessed with this series!
April 12, 2023
I’m a sucker for a good rom-com so I was so super excited to start this book! Though this is the first book in the Sweetkiss Creek series, Dylan and Reid have made appearances in Anne Kemp’s pervious series Love in Lake Lorelei. Love in Lake Lorelei stories were an enjoyable read for me so I recommend them as well, but it’s not necessary to read before reading The Art of Falling in Love With Your Best Friend as can be read as a stand alone.
Rom-coms are a go to for me when I need something light and fun to read and this did not disappoint! I love the friends to lovers trope and reading Dylan and Reid’s story was so much fun. The miscommunication trope is not a favorite and I was a little hesitant about half way through but the book calls itself out, which redeemed a few points back from me. I do wish the book had been a little longer, just so we could see more of the main characters. But even so, I probably stayed up way too late to finish it because I just couldn’t put the book down!
Overall I really enjoyed this book I would rate it 4.5 stars!
Rom-coms are a go to for me when I need something light and fun to read and this did not disappoint! I love the friends to lovers trope and reading Dylan and Reid’s story was so much fun. The miscommunication trope is not a favorite and I was a little hesitant about half way through but the book calls itself out, which redeemed a few points back from me. I do wish the book had been a little longer, just so we could see more of the main characters. But even so, I probably stayed up way too late to finish it because I just couldn’t put the book down!
Overall I really enjoyed this book I would rate it 4.5 stars!
April 28, 2023
This is a great friends to love story. I really enjoyed Dylan and Reid and their love story. They are best friends and work partners. They each separately acknowledge to themselves that they have feelings for each other, but can’t seem to overcome their fears and hesitations to move forward. They also each have other stresses in their lives, Dylan with her father’s precarious financial situation, and Reid with his secret side gig. Dylan especially fights against a potential relationship. This book is well done and the story is fun. There are some funny moments and some sweet moments, plus romantic tension. And cute little Max, of course. Dylan and Reid were engaging and I got attached for sure. And there was some good representation of anxiety through Dylan. “Stop overthinking everything. You must feel like you’ve run a mile by ten in the morning every day if this is how you operate.” The side characters were also great and I’m looking forward to more stories about some of them. This is a clean and sweet romance. It’s a good choice. Enjoy!
June 9, 2024
Bestie coworkers to forever
I love a best friends to forever trope, and this book does it well. Both Dylan and Reid are afraid to risk anything that might upset the perfect best friends dynamic between them. The truth they both refuse to acknowledge is that the dynamic has already changed when they danced at a mutual friend's wedding reception several months ago. Everyone around them can see/feel it; the electricity between them when together. But neither will own up to it.
The situations they find themselves in are crazy, and classically rom-com. But once they start being totally open and honest with everyone around them, their road to HEA is rather obstacle-free because they have already put in the ground work to build a strong foundation for their newly evolved relationship.
I purchased a copy of this story from Amazon and voluntarily chose to share my review.
I love a best friends to forever trope, and this book does it well. Both Dylan and Reid are afraid to risk anything that might upset the perfect best friends dynamic between them. The truth they both refuse to acknowledge is that the dynamic has already changed when they danced at a mutual friend's wedding reception several months ago. Everyone around them can see/feel it; the electricity between them when together. But neither will own up to it.
The situations they find themselves in are crazy, and classically rom-com. But once they start being totally open and honest with everyone around them, their road to HEA is rather obstacle-free because they have already put in the ground work to build a strong foundation for their newly evolved relationship.
I purchased a copy of this story from Amazon and voluntarily chose to share my review.
April 12, 2023
4 stars.
The vibes:
- friends to lovers
- First responders
- Miscommunication
My thoughts:
I really felt the chemistry between Dylan and Reid- especially from Reid. I loved Reid so much. The way he knew what he wanted and the way he was actually direct about what he wanted. Meanwhile- Dylan really was a dumdum. I still found her likable despite her nonsense, and her bff - Riley - really gave us the voice of reason that Dylan desperately needed. I really wanted to know more about Reid and where his occupational passion truly was, but overall- this one was really cute. It was a super quick read, and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you so much to Anne Kemp for providing me with this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The vibes:
- friends to lovers
- First responders
- Miscommunication
My thoughts:
I really felt the chemistry between Dylan and Reid- especially from Reid. I loved Reid so much. The way he knew what he wanted and the way he was actually direct about what he wanted. Meanwhile- Dylan really was a dumdum. I still found her likable despite her nonsense, and her bff - Riley - really gave us the voice of reason that Dylan desperately needed. I really wanted to know more about Reid and where his occupational passion truly was, but overall- this one was really cute. It was a super quick read, and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you so much to Anne Kemp for providing me with this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 12, 2023
Another gentle love story that is built on the basis of a beautiful friendship. The book is much more than a story about two people, however. It's about perceptions of how people think others see them, about families and everyone's need for support at any age, about friendships both old and new, goals people set for themselves, working together, and best of all, being in love. (And don't forget loving the cute puppy!)
Wonderful characters, detailed descriptions, honest dialogues, and genuine thoughts and feelings all swirl together to make a love story that is both fun, funny, and delightfully genuine. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see where that story heads...it's sure to be fun! This was a delightful story!
Wonderful characters, detailed descriptions, honest dialogues, and genuine thoughts and feelings all swirl together to make a love story that is both fun, funny, and delightfully genuine. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see where that story heads...it's sure to be fun! This was a delightful story!
April 21, 2023
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Best Friend
By Anne Kemp
I loved this quick read! I’m not always a fan of friends to lover trope, but I enjoyed this one!
Reid and Dylan are friends and close co-workers. Their friendship banter and laughable moments keep you reading past bedtime! Their first almost kiss is so 🔥 🔥!!
A few of my favorite moments:
💜The bat 🦇 😂
💜Sweet kiss Creek
💜“I need a moment to calm down the kitten in heat that’s taken over my body all of the sudden”
💜Doggie max ❤️ and his jackets
💜The first almost kiss 🔥whew!! Had me swoony!
💜Andrew (iykyk 💙)
💜 the Escape Room 😂😂😂😂
This was such a cute read, perfect for spring!
I can’t wait for Etta and Zac’s story!!
By Anne Kemp
I loved this quick read! I’m not always a fan of friends to lover trope, but I enjoyed this one!
Reid and Dylan are friends and close co-workers. Their friendship banter and laughable moments keep you reading past bedtime! Their first almost kiss is so 🔥 🔥!!
A few of my favorite moments:
💜The bat 🦇 😂
💜Sweet kiss Creek
💜“I need a moment to calm down the kitten in heat that’s taken over my body all of the sudden”
💜Doggie max ❤️ and his jackets
💜The first almost kiss 🔥whew!! Had me swoony!
💜Andrew (iykyk 💙)
💜 the Escape Room 😂😂😂😂
This was such a cute read, perfect for spring!
I can’t wait for Etta and Zac’s story!!
May 9, 2023
3/5 I like this a lot and I feel like it would've been a five star if there was more. idk I feel like they needed more scenes with each other, yes they had scenes but in a way it felt more like they had most scenes/conversations with the side characters instead of one another.
I would've enjoyed if we got to see them flirt/banter with one another, I loved the first scene we should've gotten more like that
and I just felt like it was too short, like there needed to be more. I guess that falls with there needing to be more scenes with one another. I felt their connection but with more scenes and more pages I would've been stronger
overall I enjoyed this, I probably won't remember it in a week from now but it was good
I would've enjoyed if we got to see them flirt/banter with one another, I loved the first scene we should've gotten more like that
and I just felt like it was too short, like there needed to be more. I guess that falls with there needing to be more scenes with one another. I felt their connection but with more scenes and more pages I would've been stronger
overall I enjoyed this, I probably won't remember it in a week from now but it was good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
Synopsis:
Dylan and Reid work together as paramedics in a fire department and from the beginning they became best friends. More important, from the very beginning they love each other, but the problem is that they are afraid to confess.
Includes:
✨Best Friends to Lovers
✨Secret Identity
✨Cinammon Roll Hero
✨Anxiety Rep
✨Slow Burn
🌶️Heat Level:
Sweet Kisses
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥
My Opinion:
This is such a lovely book. As someone who can't live without a planner and worries too much, I connected with Dylan a lot! Reid is a sweetheart and friends are amazing. And Dubs? I need a novella about him right now lol I think it's a great start to a series, with a good plot and very relatable characters (with a bit of a Wallmark vibe too). I can't wait to see Etta's story and I hope the third one is about Riley.
Dylan and Reid work together as paramedics in a fire department and from the beginning they became best friends. More important, from the very beginning they love each other, but the problem is that they are afraid to confess.
Includes:
✨Best Friends to Lovers
✨Secret Identity
✨Cinammon Roll Hero
✨Anxiety Rep
✨Slow Burn
🌶️Heat Level:
Sweet Kisses
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥
My Opinion:
This is such a lovely book. As someone who can't live without a planner and worries too much, I connected with Dylan a lot! Reid is a sweetheart and friends are amazing. And Dubs? I need a novella about him right now lol I think it's a great start to a series, with a good plot and very relatable characters (with a bit of a Wallmark vibe too). I can't wait to see Etta's story and I hope the third one is about Riley.
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