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Can We Talk?
Can We Talk? The last time I heard these words, my relationship ended. Though it was mutual, it hasn’t stopped me from spending countless sleepless nights overthinking all the what-ifs.
Inspired by a life coach, I, Eliza Hawkes, realize it’s time to make some changes in my life. I’m ready to face my journey head-on, but just as I take a step forward, my cousin drops a bombshell.
Recovering from the shocking news will be hard, but thankfully there’s a distraction in the chaos. My best friend and perpetual bachelor, Mason, begs me to attend a quick weekend getaway to New York City, all at his company’s expense. The only thing we need to do is pretend to be in a relationship. This should be easy, considering Mason’s been my ride-or-die for years.
What I don’t plan for is the weekend to take such an unexpected turn, leaving me shaken to my core. The effects of which could have a lasting impact. It’s time for Mason and me to have a very important talk. But am I ready to take this leap of faith and risk losing the most important thing in my life, or would it be better if everything stayed the same?
From USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin comes a brand new swoony story that will give you all the feels.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2023
204 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Baldwin
41 books643 followersUSA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin is a planner-obsessed Disney fan who still watches Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.
She's a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of twenty-nine Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.
When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/57309...
She's a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of twenty-nine Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.
When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/57309...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 18, 2023
Melissa Baldwin strikes again in this rom-com in a book (but I also wish it was a movie)! A cute story about best friends, a few interesting obstacles and throwing caution to the wind. If you need something light, fast paced, and uplifting this is the perfect pick!
May 23, 2023
Loved Can We Talk!! It was a light-hearted, fun, and adorable romcom. I dove into this book without reading the synopsis, which was really fun. The book took turns I was not expecting but absolutely loved.
The friendship dynamic was so genuine and fun. I adored Elizas Grandmother and her mother's devotion to stand by her was funny yet lovely.
Eliza and Mason, where to begin!? Their whole relationship is amazing. The back and forth banter and flirting was fun to read. The love and loyalty between the two and the need to make sure the other is happy made their relationship that much better.
I could feel a lot of the emotions that were running through this book. However, I wish I felt a little more from Elizas realization at the end then I did.
I would strongly recommend Can We Talk!! It's a wonderful swoon-worthy and fun read. Melissa Baldwin did not disappoint, as usual.
- over.booked.mom
The friendship dynamic was so genuine and fun. I adored Elizas Grandmother and her mother's devotion to stand by her was funny yet lovely.
Eliza and Mason, where to begin!? Their whole relationship is amazing. The back and forth banter and flirting was fun to read. The love and loyalty between the two and the need to make sure the other is happy made their relationship that much better.
I could feel a lot of the emotions that were running through this book. However, I wish I felt a little more from Elizas realization at the end then I did.
I would strongly recommend Can We Talk!! It's a wonderful swoon-worthy and fun read. Melissa Baldwin did not disappoint, as usual.
- over.booked.mom
May 12, 2023
Eliza is ready for a change and is reevaluating her life, and is now studying to become a life coach. Her best friend, Mason, who's only real "family" is Eliza's, has always been there for her. Despite still getting over her ex, things are going well for Eliza. Mason's only lasting relationship over the years has been his close friendship with Eliza. Mason asks Eliza to accompany him for a weekend getaway for a very important work retreat, and suddenly the two are pretending to be engaged, but their true hidden feelings surface and it takes both of them by surprise. This is a story about letting go of past relationships, recognizing who your one true love is, and embracing change. Everything about this book is uplifting, inspirational, and just full of awesomeness.
June 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book a lot, however, I really wanted to know Mason’s POV in his feelings and thoughts around the climax of the book. The epilogue felt unfinished or rushed? Not sure but I would have loved to see them get married after all they went through. Due of this I give it 3.5/5 stars. It was enjoyable and funny until about 75% and then I thought there was information missing.
No spice in this book - very lighthearted, feel good, romance.
No spice in this book - very lighthearted, feel good, romance.
May 24, 2023
📚 ᴄᴀɴ ᴡᴇ ᴛᴀʟᴋ
• [best] friends to lovers
• HEA
• fake engagement
• ex/family drama
• found family
• easy/cozy read
☕ Meet Eliza and Mason. Best friends for 10 years, along with Serena.
5 months prior Eliza and her boyfriend break up, amicably, and she's finally ready to put herself out there again.
Eliza starts dating a guy who is a friend of a colleague Serena works with, and as she's getting comfortable with the new turn in life Mason asks her for a huge favor. He needs a a fake fiance for his weekend business trip.
Because of Mason's messy past family life, he's sworn off serious relationships, and considers Eliza's family his family, and vice versa. He tags along to family dinners, and knows Eliza better than anyone else. They can absolutely count on each other, always. He's positive their perfect friendship will convince his new boss and fellow office mates their engagement is real.
During their trip away, sparks ignite between the two of them, surprising, and scaring, them both, and they're not sure it's worth pursuing at the risk of their friendship. Plus, Eliza's new guy is pretty great...right?
Baldwin writes fun, cute, romcoms. It's an easy read that you can put down and pick up at anytime, and I find these are great for getting out of a reading slump, or when you just need a cozy read.
• [best] friends to lovers
• HEA
• fake engagement
• ex/family drama
• found family
• easy/cozy read
☕ Meet Eliza and Mason. Best friends for 10 years, along with Serena.
5 months prior Eliza and her boyfriend break up, amicably, and she's finally ready to put herself out there again.
Eliza starts dating a guy who is a friend of a colleague Serena works with, and as she's getting comfortable with the new turn in life Mason asks her for a huge favor. He needs a a fake fiance for his weekend business trip.
Because of Mason's messy past family life, he's sworn off serious relationships, and considers Eliza's family his family, and vice versa. He tags along to family dinners, and knows Eliza better than anyone else. They can absolutely count on each other, always. He's positive their perfect friendship will convince his new boss and fellow office mates their engagement is real.
During their trip away, sparks ignite between the two of them, surprising, and scaring, them both, and they're not sure it's worth pursuing at the risk of their friendship. Plus, Eliza's new guy is pretty great...right?
Baldwin writes fun, cute, romcoms. It's an easy read that you can put down and pick up at anytime, and I find these are great for getting out of a reading slump, or when you just need a cozy read.
April 29, 2024
Eliza has not long got out of a relationship, but it feels like everyone around her is set to see her with a new love. She is set on making positive changes in her life, which is why she has signed up to do a life coach course. She wants change and wants it to happen now. But of course she wants it to be positive change, however what she didn't expect was her cousin to announce that she was not only going out with Eliza's ex but was engaged to him. At a weekly dinner at her Grandmothers she finds out this news and that her mum and aunty were raging a battle about the newly formed relationship of her cousin.
Eliza welcomes the chance to escape the city (and the family drama) when her friend Mason invites her to an all expenses paid trip to be his plus one at a work conference.
Just before the trip away she finally meets a new guy with potential, Leo and after a few dates before she goes away, she is excited where things might go with Leo.
As they head away, Mason drops a bombshell that he's told all at work that he and Eliza are engaged, and that they need to pretend they are a blissfully engaged couple whilst away.
Can Eliza fake a relationship with Mason, her best friend? Where will things lead with Leo? How many lies will she need to tell on the weekend away?
What can go wrong? It's just a weekend away right?
This was a lighthearted read and I got quite a few good belly laughs from this read.
Eliza welcomes the chance to escape the city (and the family drama) when her friend Mason invites her to an all expenses paid trip to be his plus one at a work conference.
Just before the trip away she finally meets a new guy with potential, Leo and after a few dates before she goes away, she is excited where things might go with Leo.
As they head away, Mason drops a bombshell that he's told all at work that he and Eliza are engaged, and that they need to pretend they are a blissfully engaged couple whilst away.
Can Eliza fake a relationship with Mason, her best friend? Where will things lead with Leo? How many lies will she need to tell on the weekend away?
What can go wrong? It's just a weekend away right?
This was a lighthearted read and I got quite a few good belly laughs from this read.
May 24, 2023
I am a fan of Melissa Baldwin's books and I really enjoyed reading Can We Talk. For the best friends to eventual lovers in this romantic comedy, their relationship has been ten years in the making. Eliza's life consists of her job in advertising, hanging out with her friends Mason Carter and Serena, and her family. She agrees to accompany Mason to New York for a weekend corporate retreat for his job. He "mentioned" to his co-workers that he is bringing his fiance as his plus one. Eliza agrees to go along with the pretense, but the time they spend together in New York brings up some more than "just friends" feelings for the first time. This book was one of those, I can't wait to see what happens next to oh darn I finished it! I liked the main characters and their interactions with the secondary characters. Baldwin's writing makes it easy to visualize everything that is happening. I highly recommend this book to fans of rom-coms.
May 20, 2023
I love her rom coms! Mason and Eliza are best friends. Eliza and her family are the only family Mason has. A friendship of 10 years has been his only constant. Eliza is doing well is her career and recently decided to become a life coach. She had a recent break-up with her ex that was amicable. Eliza and her friend Serena decide they are going to be open for a new relationship. She meets someone at a party she attends with Serena. Mason’s company is going through a merger and he asks Eliza to attend for the weekend as his plus one. The weekend goes well in many ways that are expected and not. Then her ex throws a wrench in things. Family drama, romance, and friendships are all intertwined in this page turner!
May 24, 2023
I think I have read all of Melissa Baldwin's books. Her writing comforts me and there is never any adjustment---I just dive in and go. This book is no different. Mason and Eliza are best friends who are always there for each other so when Mason asks Eliza to be his plus one on his business trip to NYC she agrees. Some time prior to the trip, Mason tells the new owner that he is engaged, so Eliza becomes his fake fiance. This is a great friends to lovers, fake fiance story. As always, Baldwin's character development is top notch. Everyone from the friends to co-workers to family is written in such a three dimensional manner that you feel as though you know them. The story is so well written and a real page turner. She really is a master of the happily ever after!
June 23, 2023
Another amazing read
I enjoyed reading this Friends to Lover story. Eliza's and Masons journey will leave you all swoony and giddy inside. Mason's sweetness and protectiveness of Eliza would make you wish you had a bestie like him hot, sweet and loving. Their strong friendship and the need to protect it was strong enough so they can be more open about how they feel for each other without losing what they have.
There are tons of swoony heart melting moments between Eliza and Mason. As well as fun hilarious banters.
This read will make you happy, sad, excited and all swoony inside all throughout the book. Yet another amazing book by Melissa Baldwin.
I enjoyed reading this Friends to Lover story. Eliza's and Masons journey will leave you all swoony and giddy inside. Mason's sweetness and protectiveness of Eliza would make you wish you had a bestie like him hot, sweet and loving. Their strong friendship and the need to protect it was strong enough so they can be more open about how they feel for each other without losing what they have.
There are tons of swoony heart melting moments between Eliza and Mason. As well as fun hilarious banters.
This read will make you happy, sad, excited and all swoony inside all throughout the book. Yet another amazing book by Melissa Baldwin.
May 24, 2023
I have never been, nor do I think I'll ever be, someone that can sit and read a book in one sitting. Many things contribute to this. Children, work, children, sleeping..... children! It's even rare that I find myself finishing a book in less than a week and in only 3/4 sittings.
Enter 'Can We Talk?' by Melissa Baldwin.. I loved this book... I devoured it. This wasn't my first read from this author and it won't be my last. The characters and relationships in this felt so special and I really truly cared about our MC, Eliza. This book was like a hug from a friend.. Warm and lovely
Enter 'Can We Talk?' by Melissa Baldwin.. I loved this book... I devoured it. This wasn't my first read from this author and it won't be my last. The characters and relationships in this felt so special and I really truly cared about our MC, Eliza. This book was like a hug from a friend.. Warm and lovely
April 10, 2024
I think I found a new favorite author!!
Great story. I was expecting the typical miscommunication trope. The third act break up. All the cliche things so overdone in the romance (especially the clean romance) genre. I was happily surprised when none of that occurred. The couple talked. They were healthy. Communicated, supported, didn’t jump to conclusions. It is what would happen in that situation with healthy couples. I was pleasantly surprised. I will be reading this author again!
Great story. I was expecting the typical miscommunication trope. The third act break up. All the cliche things so overdone in the romance (especially the clean romance) genre. I was happily surprised when none of that occurred. The couple talked. They were healthy. Communicated, supported, didn’t jump to conclusions. It is what would happen in that situation with healthy couples. I was pleasantly surprised. I will be reading this author again!
June 9, 2024
This is such a sweet and entertaining rom com! I felt like I was watching a movie in my head as I was reading along. I loved the writing style and how the story flowed so effortlessly. It made me forget I was even reading! I loved following along with Eliza and reading from her perspective made me feel so connected to her. When her best friend Mason needs a plus one for his business retreat, Eliza happily goes along with his plan. Little do they know their time together in New York will change everything!
Thank you so much Melissa for the gifted copy!
Thank you so much Melissa for the gifted copy!
June 13, 2023
DNF. I made it about 100 pages, but every chapter felt like a rehash of the previous information. Couch Cam is a PE teacher that my best friend has a crush on...Mason's has issues with his family and doesn't believe in relationships...I'm over Dean. Repeat in the next chapter, forever and always. I wanted to like the plot but I felt like I couldn't get to the plot because it was boggled down with the same details.
September 20, 2023
This story was so much fun to listen to. The narrator did a really great job. I really enjoy this narrator's work a lot.
I was totally captured by the story. The author didn't add in extra story lines just to make the story longer, which was really nice. It focuses just on the main characters. The book is sweet and doesn't contain much drama, which was refreshing. Definitely recommend listening to this book!
I was totally captured by the story. The author didn't add in extra story lines just to make the story longer, which was really nice. It focuses just on the main characters. The book is sweet and doesn't contain much drama, which was refreshing. Definitely recommend listening to this book!
April 2, 2024
I flew through this book, it was such an easy and cute read. I love Mason, he’s a very well written character and the humor was great.
My only small critique is I wish we’d seen more of their romantic relationship. The end felt super rushed Ave the epilogue didn’t really help things out. The rest of the story seemed so well thought out and planned but it did kind of fall apart in the end.
All that aside, I really enjoyed the book as a whole and well more than likely read again in the future.
My only small critique is I wish we’d seen more of their romantic relationship. The end felt super rushed Ave the epilogue didn’t really help things out. The rest of the story seemed so well thought out and planned but it did kind of fall apart in the end.
All that aside, I really enjoyed the book as a whole and well more than likely read again in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2023
I'm a sucker for the best-friends-to-lovers trope, and this one is probably one of my favorites. There are no toxic characters in this book, only mature ones (except maybe the female lead's mom). Everyone seems to know how to communicate their emotions and is not afraid of difficult conversations. It is a light, short, and wholesome read that can definitely take you out of a reading slump.
June 10, 2023
Friends forever and beyond
What a delightful book filled with great characters that includes friends, family, and co-workers. Surprising developments turn the world upside down which turns out to be exactly the way it should be.
I liked the positivity between most characters, and especially Eliza, Mason, and Serena. Such a fun book to read. I loved it!
What a delightful book filled with great characters that includes friends, family, and co-workers. Surprising developments turn the world upside down which turns out to be exactly the way it should be.
I liked the positivity between most characters, and especially Eliza, Mason, and Serena. Such a fun book to read. I loved it!
June 16, 2023
I mean- it’s Melissa Baldwin!
I’ve enjoyed her stories in the past so I looked forward to Can We Talk and, again, was not disappointed! I even got a little emotional when Mason came through her parent’s door to support her! I loved that the characters seemed grown up enough not to not have silly quips or sticking out of the tongues.
I’ve enjoyed her stories in the past so I looked forward to Can We Talk and, again, was not disappointed! I even got a little emotional when Mason came through her parent’s door to support her! I loved that the characters seemed grown up enough not to not have silly quips or sticking out of the tongues.
June 3, 2024
light and fun but no real depth
This is a light and fun read. However, the author feels new to the craft as there’s very little depth, dimension, or development to the plot or characters. That said, there are no major editing problems and the characters are lovable. A quick read for an enjoyable clean romance.
This is a light and fun read. However, the author feels new to the craft as there’s very little depth, dimension, or development to the plot or characters. That said, there are no major editing problems and the characters are lovable. A quick read for an enjoyable clean romance.
May 26, 2023
I love a friends to lovers story. It seemed like everyone but them knew they were crazy about each other. The emphasis on Eliza becoming a life coach didn’t add anything to the story IMO but I did love the book. It was a quick read and good characters.
May 30, 2023
Melissa never disappoints. This book is quirky, funny and has a few unexpected turns. You will fall in love with all the characters. I highly recommend this book to family and friends as a bit of light reading, ideal to take on holiday.
June 18, 2023
This is a fun romantic comedy. I enjoyed reading about the characters and all the challenges they have especially when a fake engagement comes into play. Some very funny moments and a couple of surprises along the way. Overall great story with mild language and innuendo.
September 28, 2023
The premise sounded good but the execution was slow and pedestrian. I felt no sparks between the h/H and the other characters were so one dimensional. I gave up eventually. Clearly a lot of readers did like it judging from the 4/5 star reviews - but it wasn’t my cup of tea. Sorry!
October 20, 2023
best friends make ideal partners
best buds for over 10 years and then a work retreat and a fake engagement to score points with the boss but feelings have moved out of the friendship zone and have landed in unfamiliar but very welcome territory
best buds for over 10 years and then a work retreat and a fake engagement to score points with the boss but feelings have moved out of the friendship zone and have landed in unfamiliar but very welcome territory
November 14, 2023
I do love a good friend to lovers story, it's exactly how my husband and I started dating. This book was a nice and quick read, quite fast paced so made it easy to read it all in one sitting.
I did enjoy it, but I don't think it's one of those books that I'd read multiple times.
I did enjoy it, but I don't think it's one of those books that I'd read multiple times.
April 4, 2024
Can We Talk? Melissa Baldwin
Take two best friends and mix them up with a fake engagement and you got a lovely story. The story has been a joy to read! There is a sweet side couple in need of help in the romantic push! All round good clean romance.
Take two best friends and mix them up with a fake engagement and you got a lovely story. The story has been a joy to read! There is a sweet side couple in need of help in the romantic push! All round good clean romance.
May 19, 2024
Read via Ebook - 4⭐️
Fake dating? friends to lovers? forced proximity? Yes, yes and yes, please!
This was a cute, easy read with likable characters, and a predictable but enjoyable plot.
Free book via BookBub.
Fake dating? friends to lovers? forced proximity? Yes, yes and yes, please!
This was a cute, easy read with likable characters, and a predictable but enjoyable plot.
Free book via BookBub.
April 14, 2025
A quick, cute read. I liked the characters although Eliza's choices in a couple of situations weren't my favourite, but the friction had to be there I suppose. Got the book for free on Amazon, thank you!
December 17, 2025
No entendí en donde nació su amor, pasaron de verse como amigos y al siguiente minuto se gustaban. No hubo desarrollo, fue raro.
Tampoco me gusto que Serena se quedara con Cam. Todos los hombres de este libro quedan mucho a deber.
Tampoco me gusto que Serena se quedara con Cam. Todos los hombres de este libro quedan mucho a deber.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews