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Shell Grove #3
Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend
Sometimes The One you’ve been looking for…
is the one who’s been there all along.
Reason #1: Finn is Maggie’s best friend. They don’t have secrets. Which means they know exactly how disastrous they would be as a couple. They bicker, they annoy each other, but they also have one hell of a good time together. Outside the bedroom, of course. Why would they risk ruining a great thing just to satisfy years of curiosity?
Reason #2: Finn is stable and secure while Maggie acts on any wild hair she gets. She’s always looking for her next adventure. But it’s been a while. Everyone around her is moving forward with their lives, leaving her floating alone in open waters. And when she’s offered the job of a lifetime in Key West—hundreds of miles from their hometown of Shell Grove, SC—it’s too enticing to resist. Besides, it’s not like she’ll ever be the kind of woman Finn would want to settle down with anyway.
Reason #3: Losing Finn would destroy her. That’s exactly what would happen if they ever took things too far and it blew up in their faces. But ever since that job offer was put on the table, Finn is putting a whole lot of other stuff on the table, too. Suddenly, Maggie and Finn are forgetting all of their rules. And she’s wondering why it’s taken them so long to be bad when it feels this good .
Maggie wants more adventure? Fine. Finn will give her all she can handle. She's avoiding commitment? No problem. He’ll keep his thoughts on the subject to himself. But he’s not letting her take that job in Key West. She has no idea what she’d be throwing away. It’s taken him a long time to see things clearly, too, but his vision is 20/20 now. And he’s not letting his best friend—who might just be the girl of his dreams—go without putting up the fight of his life. All he has to do is show her he can be so much more than just the BEST FRIEND.
is the one who’s been there all along.
Reason #1: Finn is Maggie’s best friend. They don’t have secrets. Which means they know exactly how disastrous they would be as a couple. They bicker, they annoy each other, but they also have one hell of a good time together. Outside the bedroom, of course. Why would they risk ruining a great thing just to satisfy years of curiosity?
Reason #2: Finn is stable and secure while Maggie acts on any wild hair she gets. She’s always looking for her next adventure. But it’s been a while. Everyone around her is moving forward with their lives, leaving her floating alone in open waters. And when she’s offered the job of a lifetime in Key West—hundreds of miles from their hometown of Shell Grove, SC—it’s too enticing to resist. Besides, it’s not like she’ll ever be the kind of woman Finn would want to settle down with anyway.
Reason #3: Losing Finn would destroy her. That’s exactly what would happen if they ever took things too far and it blew up in their faces. But ever since that job offer was put on the table, Finn is putting a whole lot of other stuff on the table, too. Suddenly, Maggie and Finn are forgetting all of their rules. And she’s wondering why it’s taken them so long to be bad when it feels this good .
Maggie wants more adventure? Fine. Finn will give her all she can handle. She's avoiding commitment? No problem. He’ll keep his thoughts on the subject to himself. But he’s not letting her take that job in Key West. She has no idea what she’d be throwing away. It’s taken him a long time to see things clearly, too, but his vision is 20/20 now. And he’s not letting his best friend—who might just be the girl of his dreams—go without putting up the fight of his life. All he has to do is show her he can be so much more than just the BEST FRIEND.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Munton
34 books773 followersMelanie grew up in the Midwest, but she loves living in the Southeast (where the beaches are!) now with her husband and daughter.
Melanie's other passion is traveling and seeing the world. With anthropology degrees under their belts, she and her husband have made it their goal in life to see as many archaeological sites around the world as possible.
She has a horrible food addiction to pasta and candy (not together...ew). And she gets sad when her wine rack is empty.
At the end of the day, she is a true romantic at heart. She loves writing the cheesy and corny of romantic comedies, and the sassy and sexy of suspense. She aims to make her readers swoon, laugh out loud, maybe sweat a little, and above all, fall in love.
Go visit Melanie's website and sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on release dates, teasers, and other details for all of her projects!
http://www.melaniemunton.com/
You can also follow Melanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Goodreads.
Melanie's other passion is traveling and seeing the world. With anthropology degrees under their belts, she and her husband have made it their goal in life to see as many archaeological sites around the world as possible.
She has a horrible food addiction to pasta and candy (not together...ew). And she gets sad when her wine rack is empty.
At the end of the day, she is a true romantic at heart. She loves writing the cheesy and corny of romantic comedies, and the sassy and sexy of suspense. She aims to make her readers swoon, laugh out loud, maybe sweat a little, and above all, fall in love.
Go visit Melanie's website and sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on release dates, teasers, and other details for all of her projects!
http://www.melaniemunton.com/
You can also follow Melanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 9, 2023
This was the perfect summer beach read.
Set in a cute little oceanfront town, with the sea turtle loving wild child and the hunky ex football/bar owner. These two were friends for over a decade before things took a turn… a very spicey turn.
The banter in this book was great, the conflict was believable and I thoroughly liked this book.
Moral of the story: do date your best friend.
Set in a cute little oceanfront town, with the sea turtle loving wild child and the hunky ex football/bar owner. These two were friends for over a decade before things took a turn… a very spicey turn.
The banter in this book was great, the conflict was believable and I thoroughly liked this book.
Moral of the story: do date your best friend.
July 9, 2023
⭒ Rating: 4,2 stars
This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed her writing as well as this group of friends. I just might have to go and read the rest of the series!
But best friends to lovers and a promising summer read? Of course I just had to read it! And I’m so happy I did because it was the perfect summer read.
I gotta say I loved both the character’s jobs! It was so fun to see them making their dreams come true. The heroine had such an amazing dream job, I loved watching her achieve something she longed to for years.
This story was filled with angst and I loved it. The heroine was struggling with where she was in her life and where she thought she would be by now. It was relatable and heart-wrenching to watch her struggle through such a big life decision.
But it was so endearing and fun to watch her bestfriend show her she had everything already at her disposal and that she had to stay in her hometown, with her friends. With him.
I loved Finn! Loved watching him finally realize that she wasn’t just his bestest friend but that he had been in love with her for years. It was such an amazing journey. Loved the small town vibes, all the summer activities and the whole group of friends!
⭒ ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
♥ Tropes: friends to lovers, summer romance, smalltown, slow burn
⭒ Order at: Amazon US
⭒ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Tiktok ⁕ Pinterest ⁕ Facebook
This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed her writing as well as this group of friends. I just might have to go and read the rest of the series!
But best friends to lovers and a promising summer read? Of course I just had to read it! And I’m so happy I did because it was the perfect summer read.
I gotta say I loved both the character’s jobs! It was so fun to see them making their dreams come true. The heroine had such an amazing dream job, I loved watching her achieve something she longed to for years.
This story was filled with angst and I loved it. The heroine was struggling with where she was in her life and where she thought she would be by now. It was relatable and heart-wrenching to watch her struggle through such a big life decision.
But it was so endearing and fun to watch her bestfriend show her she had everything already at her disposal and that she had to stay in her hometown, with her friends. With him.
I loved Finn! Loved watching him finally realize that she wasn’t just his bestest friend but that he had been in love with her for years. It was such an amazing journey. Loved the small town vibes, all the summer activities and the whole group of friends!
⭒ ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
♥ Tropes: friends to lovers, summer romance, smalltown, slow burn
⭒ Order at: Amazon US
⭒ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Tiktok ⁕ Pinterest ⁕ Facebook
June 20, 2023
Small town. Friends to lovers. The SPICE. Check, check, check! Reasons Why Not To Date The Best Friends is your new spicy romance novel to read this summer!
These characters were rough around the edges, a nice little mixup from my heavy emotional romances lately! The banter alone will make you giggle along with Maggie and Finn. But it’s their profound love for their friends, family, careers, and each other that makes this a page turner.
I was not ready for this level of dirty talk let me just say 😅 I was straight up blushing when these two get hot and heavy, didn’t mind it 👀🤣 these characters are firey, in every aspect!
This was a fun, easy read, thank you @netgalley and @authormelaniemunton for this ARC 🥰
Due to release NEXT WEEK 27th of June 🤩
These characters were rough around the edges, a nice little mixup from my heavy emotional romances lately! The banter alone will make you giggle along with Maggie and Finn. But it’s their profound love for their friends, family, careers, and each other that makes this a page turner.
I was not ready for this level of dirty talk let me just say 😅 I was straight up blushing when these two get hot and heavy, didn’t mind it 👀🤣 these characters are firey, in every aspect!
This was a fun, easy read, thank you @netgalley and @authormelaniemunton for this ARC 🥰
Due to release NEXT WEEK 27th of June 🤩
June 15, 2023
Spicy friends to lovers set in a small town.
Sea turtles, witty banter, friends to lovers and a Travis Kelce mention! What is not to love in this book. I really enjoyed Maggie and Finn's relationship as it moved from long time best friends into more than.
The author did a great job on the characters. Really showing their unique personalities. I want to move to Shell Grove and become Maggie's best friend to see and get involved in her shenanigans.
This would make a great beach read. A little spicy a lot of romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sea turtles, witty banter, friends to lovers and a Travis Kelce mention! What is not to love in this book. I really enjoyed Maggie and Finn's relationship as it moved from long time best friends into more than.
The author did a great job on the characters. Really showing their unique personalities. I want to move to Shell Grove and become Maggie's best friend to see and get involved in her shenanigans.
This would make a great beach read. A little spicy a lot of romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an e-ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.
This was such a cute small town friends to lovers novel. I really enjoyed Maggie and Finn's personalities and their growth throughout the story. Great beach read! It's steamier than what I normally like, but I don't really read spicy romances, so if you enjoy steamy romance, this one is for you.
This was such a cute small town friends to lovers novel. I really enjoyed Maggie and Finn's personalities and their growth throughout the story. Great beach read! It's steamier than what I normally like, but I don't really read spicy romances, so if you enjoy steamy romance, this one is for you.
July 8, 2023
I can always count on Melanie Munton to give me a fun love story filled with memorable characters. In fact, there is nothing better than a dirty-talking southern gentleman who realizes he is in love with that one stubborn sassy woman he's known for years.
Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend is told in first person dual perspectives. Maggie Breedlove is a marine biologist who owns a scuba diving school in the small town of Shell Grove, North Carolina. She loves her town, her job, and her friends, but she's been feeling lonely and restless. When a fantastic job comes her way, she can't pass it up, but can she leave her life and her best friend, Finn, behind. Finn Caldwell had a plan to be a professional football player, but when he was injured he had to find another gig. With help from his best friend Maggie, he opens a successful bar in Shell Grove and recruits up-and-coming musical artists to play there. Everything is going great until Maggie considers another job. How can she leave the town she loves? How can she leave him? He must convince her to stay because he realizes he can't live without her.
It is heartwarming to watch Finn, this normally secure man, fall head over heels and come up with a slow sexy seduction to persuade her to stay. Everything he loves about Maggie was right there in front of him all those years and boy, it's hot to watch the bad boy Finn in action.
Maggie is a hellion wild child who loves to pull pranks and do adventurous things that have her on a first-name basis with the cops in town. I understand Maggie's need to finally fulfill her dream to work with sea turtles, but to leave her life and friends would be difficult. It's a tough decision for anyone especially when the man she knows best is showing her how much he wants her to stay. When Maggie opens her heart, it's a sexy treat to watch her meet him halfway.
This lovely story is a slow burn at first, but then it starts to heat up and wow, I couldn't wait to see Finn and Maggie's happy ending. Throw in all the wonderful friends I met in the previous books and most especially Berkeley, the golden retriever, and you get a refreshing taste of southern living in a small town.
Thank you once again to Ms. Munton for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend is told in first person dual perspectives. Maggie Breedlove is a marine biologist who owns a scuba diving school in the small town of Shell Grove, North Carolina. She loves her town, her job, and her friends, but she's been feeling lonely and restless. When a fantastic job comes her way, she can't pass it up, but can she leave her life and her best friend, Finn, behind. Finn Caldwell had a plan to be a professional football player, but when he was injured he had to find another gig. With help from his best friend Maggie, he opens a successful bar in Shell Grove and recruits up-and-coming musical artists to play there. Everything is going great until Maggie considers another job. How can she leave the town she loves? How can she leave him? He must convince her to stay because he realizes he can't live without her.
It is heartwarming to watch Finn, this normally secure man, fall head over heels and come up with a slow sexy seduction to persuade her to stay. Everything he loves about Maggie was right there in front of him all those years and boy, it's hot to watch the bad boy Finn in action.
Maggie is a hellion wild child who loves to pull pranks and do adventurous things that have her on a first-name basis with the cops in town. I understand Maggie's need to finally fulfill her dream to work with sea turtles, but to leave her life and friends would be difficult. It's a tough decision for anyone especially when the man she knows best is showing her how much he wants her to stay. When Maggie opens her heart, it's a sexy treat to watch her meet him halfway.
This lovely story is a slow burn at first, but then it starts to heat up and wow, I couldn't wait to see Finn and Maggie's happy ending. Throw in all the wonderful friends I met in the previous books and most especially Berkeley, the golden retriever, and you get a refreshing taste of southern living in a small town.
Thank you once again to Ms. Munton for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
July 12, 2023
Finn and Maggie are best friends. They met in high school when Finn was a football star and Maggie was a new student struggling to belong.
They've been nearly inseparable ever since. They even share custody of a dog! What they DON'T do is cross that line into more than friends...
...until a unique opportunity pops up that may take Maggie away from Finn. It makes her realize that maybe their friendship has been holding them back from finding true love, and made him realize maybe they had true love the whole time.
He falls first. Friends to lovers. Small town romance. Dirty talking hero. Hilarious banter. Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend has it all!
Watching Finn and Maggie realize what they meant to each other was the highlight of my week. They tried to fight it, but it's difficult to argue with a bond that tight. Finn has been her rock, trying to keep her out of trouble as much as possible while she tries to break Coors Light Carl's arrest record. Maggie's was there to pick up the pieces when Finn's life imploded and he had to reevaluate his entire existence.
They were soul mates too blind or scared to see what was right in front of them.
I was not expecting the pure, delicious machismo that Finn embodied once he woke up. That man knew what he wanted and refused to back down. The things he said to Maggie will forever be etched in that dirty part of my brain, and I'm not mad about it.
It actually took me a few days to write this review because I have three pages of highlighted notes, and most of them can't be shared without triggering online keyword flags. They HAD to be highlighted, though, because each one also showed a depth of emotion often left out of spicier scenes. Each and every utterance from Finn about Maggie carried over a decade of love and devotion, and that is heady indeed!
Now excuse me while I binge read this author's entire backlist!
Favorite quotes:
“Jesus Christ, woman. You’ve got larceny in your heart if you think you can take this away from me now.”
“Remove all other male names from your vocabulary, Mags. Mine is the only one you need to know now. And damn sure the only one you’ll be crying out as you...”
Thank you, NetGalley and Melanie Munton, for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
They've been nearly inseparable ever since. They even share custody of a dog! What they DON'T do is cross that line into more than friends...
...until a unique opportunity pops up that may take Maggie away from Finn. It makes her realize that maybe their friendship has been holding them back from finding true love, and made him realize maybe they had true love the whole time.
He falls first. Friends to lovers. Small town romance. Dirty talking hero. Hilarious banter. Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend has it all!
Watching Finn and Maggie realize what they meant to each other was the highlight of my week. They tried to fight it, but it's difficult to argue with a bond that tight. Finn has been her rock, trying to keep her out of trouble as much as possible while she tries to break Coors Light Carl's arrest record. Maggie's was there to pick up the pieces when Finn's life imploded and he had to reevaluate his entire existence.
They were soul mates too blind or scared to see what was right in front of them.
I was not expecting the pure, delicious machismo that Finn embodied once he woke up. That man knew what he wanted and refused to back down. The things he said to Maggie will forever be etched in that dirty part of my brain, and I'm not mad about it.
It actually took me a few days to write this review because I have three pages of highlighted notes, and most of them can't be shared without triggering online keyword flags. They HAD to be highlighted, though, because each one also showed a depth of emotion often left out of spicier scenes. Each and every utterance from Finn about Maggie carried over a decade of love and devotion, and that is heady indeed!
Now excuse me while I binge read this author's entire backlist!
Favorite quotes:
“Jesus Christ, woman. You’ve got larceny in your heart if you think you can take this away from me now.”
“Remove all other male names from your vocabulary, Mags. Mine is the only one you need to know now. And damn sure the only one you’ll be crying out as you...”
Thank you, NetGalley and Melanie Munton, for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 27, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend for the advanced readers copy.
2.5 ⭐ s
Romance | Best Friends to Lovers
Maggie and Finn have been best friends since they met in high school and he accepted her for who she is. Although their friend group always give them banter for just being friends, Maggie and Finn typically ignore it and continue their friendship.
As their friend group begins to all get married and have children, Maggie finds herself questioning everything. Will her friends still want to be with her as much? Is she stagnant where she is at? What will become of her future? Why is she suddenly finding her best friend attractive?
All of the questioning leads to discovery when Maggie finds herself offered a new career and tests the waters with Finn and their relationship.
The introduction chapter to the book automatically put me off. It was vulgar and seemed unnecessary, in my own opinion, for the type of book. However, it seems the main character has a vulgar type of personality throughout the book and it stays consistent.
The writing of the book was not my style. It was heavy block paragraphs of details that seemed unnecessary. My eyes glazed over many large paragraphs and I feel I did not miss any important information.
*little bit of a spoiler in this next part*
The characters in the book seemed a bit toxic. I was not rooting for them to get together. I feel the book would gone better if they simply stayed friends, Maggie at least tried and visited Florida, and experienced life somewhere else by herself. In the beginning of the book her backstory is so random it bothered me. But I feel that due to her backstory she needed to discover herself more.
2.5 ⭐ s
Romance | Best Friends to Lovers
Maggie and Finn have been best friends since they met in high school and he accepted her for who she is. Although their friend group always give them banter for just being friends, Maggie and Finn typically ignore it and continue their friendship.
As their friend group begins to all get married and have children, Maggie finds herself questioning everything. Will her friends still want to be with her as much? Is she stagnant where she is at? What will become of her future? Why is she suddenly finding her best friend attractive?
All of the questioning leads to discovery when Maggie finds herself offered a new career and tests the waters with Finn and their relationship.
The introduction chapter to the book automatically put me off. It was vulgar and seemed unnecessary, in my own opinion, for the type of book. However, it seems the main character has a vulgar type of personality throughout the book and it stays consistent.
The writing of the book was not my style. It was heavy block paragraphs of details that seemed unnecessary. My eyes glazed over many large paragraphs and I feel I did not miss any important information.
*little bit of a spoiler in this next part*
The characters in the book seemed a bit toxic. I was not rooting for them to get together. I feel the book would gone better if they simply stayed friends, Maggie at least tried and visited Florida, and experienced life somewhere else by herself. In the beginning of the book her backstory is so random it bothered me. But I feel that due to her backstory she needed to discover herself more.
June 18, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was probably the ultimate Small town, friends to lovers romance I’ve read, and it was just *chefs kiss*.
Maggie and Finn have been best friends since she was 15, they were completely ride or die for each other. Pulling pranks, making memories, throwing parties, and owning a dog, they did it all together. In their small beach town of Shell Grove, SC Maggie and Finn seem to be the last ones who are single and not dating anyone. The more Maggie dwells on that, the more she decides she needs a change. When a handsome stranger stops by her surf and dive shop to offer her the job of her dreams in Key West, Maggie is a bit hesitant but still so excited. As she spends the summer trying to make the decision if she should spread her wings and leave Shell Grove for FL, Finn comes to terms with the fact that he is head over heels in love with Maggie, and he cannot let her leave. This is their story of figuring it out that summer, can best friends really become lovers without any drama? What is Maggie running from if she leaves SC for FL?
This sweet and spicy story will leave you breathless at times, and aching for a summer trip to Shell Grove. Definitely add this book to your summer TBR!!
This was probably the ultimate Small town, friends to lovers romance I’ve read, and it was just *chefs kiss*.
Maggie and Finn have been best friends since she was 15, they were completely ride or die for each other. Pulling pranks, making memories, throwing parties, and owning a dog, they did it all together. In their small beach town of Shell Grove, SC Maggie and Finn seem to be the last ones who are single and not dating anyone. The more Maggie dwells on that, the more she decides she needs a change. When a handsome stranger stops by her surf and dive shop to offer her the job of her dreams in Key West, Maggie is a bit hesitant but still so excited. As she spends the summer trying to make the decision if she should spread her wings and leave Shell Grove for FL, Finn comes to terms with the fact that he is head over heels in love with Maggie, and he cannot let her leave. This is their story of figuring it out that summer, can best friends really become lovers without any drama? What is Maggie running from if she leaves SC for FL?
This sweet and spicy story will leave you breathless at times, and aching for a summer trip to Shell Grove. Definitely add this book to your summer TBR!!
June 23, 2023
Small Town romance between friends but written by Melanie Munton, that means that her characters are going to come out of the mold and the least I will remember as a reader are the tropes between swoon worthy and steamy scenes
.
Maggie and Fin have been friends since high school and have a particular friendship, with its own rules
.
Not only spending time together and making plans, as well as sharing custody of a very particular dog they rescued, Finn and Maggie have the strangest adventures, mostly Maggie's quips and almost always ending with the police involved
.
But now that all her friends have partners and their families are starting, Maggie feels that she no longer fits in the small coastal town and at the right time a job offer in Florida arrives
.
But Finn is not going to let her go so easily, Maggie is more than his best friend and he cannot think of being away from her for more than a few hours, so he decides to make a plan and show her all the things and adventures that there still has left for living together, if they can also explore what they feel for each other is a plus. But convincing the stubborn Maggie can be quite a challenge
.
like how Melanie Munton gives a unique background to the characters and then the adventurous girl has more sense and personality that makes her leave the page together with the golden boy of the town who again is much more than that and together have a beautiful and fun love story
.
.
.
Thanks to Melanie Munton for give me a copy of this Beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion
.
Maggie and Fin have been friends since high school and have a particular friendship, with its own rules
.
Not only spending time together and making plans, as well as sharing custody of a very particular dog they rescued, Finn and Maggie have the strangest adventures, mostly Maggie's quips and almost always ending with the police involved
.
But now that all her friends have partners and their families are starting, Maggie feels that she no longer fits in the small coastal town and at the right time a job offer in Florida arrives
.
But Finn is not going to let her go so easily, Maggie is more than his best friend and he cannot think of being away from her for more than a few hours, so he decides to make a plan and show her all the things and adventures that there still has left for living together, if they can also explore what they feel for each other is a plus. But convincing the stubborn Maggie can be quite a challenge
.
like how Melanie Munton gives a unique background to the characters and then the adventurous girl has more sense and personality that makes her leave the page together with the golden boy of the town who again is much more than that and together have a beautiful and fun love story
.
.
.
Thanks to Melanie Munton for give me a copy of this Beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion
Read
June 22, 2023We have Maggie and Finn- best friends since high school (and do we get an adorable backstory of them and how their friendship started).
Small town-themed, sea turtles, Finn's football/bar career, and how Maggie is feeling like a 3rd wheel with her group of friends. Thinking about needing to change her career and where she lives, she gets an amazing offer of course that puts even more stress and emotions on her and her life.
So many changes in feeling, life, heavy emotions yet sooo much fun flirty banter that will make you laugh out loud.
This book was adorable and sooo much fun to read even though there were a bunch of sad feelings and life struggles add it. It def made you feel for the characters and could see this really happening in real life.
There was def some spice in this book also and the dirty talk from these 2 were def not expected.
The author did a fantastic job on this book and all of the characters involved.
Well written and a must-read book of the summer.
Oh and did I mention there are sea turtles in here also.
I am so glad that I was able to read the ARC of this book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. The review above is my own, honest and voluntary.
Small town-themed, sea turtles, Finn's football/bar career, and how Maggie is feeling like a 3rd wheel with her group of friends. Thinking about needing to change her career and where she lives, she gets an amazing offer of course that puts even more stress and emotions on her and her life.
So many changes in feeling, life, heavy emotions yet sooo much fun flirty banter that will make you laugh out loud.
This book was adorable and sooo much fun to read even though there were a bunch of sad feelings and life struggles add it. It def made you feel for the characters and could see this really happening in real life.
There was def some spice in this book also and the dirty talk from these 2 were def not expected.
The author did a fantastic job on this book and all of the characters involved.
Well written and a must-read book of the summer.
Oh and did I mention there are sea turtles in here also.
I am so glad that I was able to read the ARC of this book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. The review above is my own, honest and voluntary.
August 28, 2023
please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: yes
spice: a few open-door spicy scenes
TWs: mild OW/OM drama but no cheating, shark scare but not attack
standalone: book 3 in the Shell Grove series - can be read as a standalone
final thoughts: WOW talk about slowburn with lots of sparks and neither MC noticing how perfect they are for each other…. Get it together Finn and Maggie!!
As with the rest of the series, I love the reasons that start out mostly every chapter of why they’re not great together as a couple and shouldn’t try it out.
Lots of will they/won’t they with plenty of drama and plenty of sweet moments in between. Overall, in really enjoyed this book but I wish it was less tense when they realized their feelings- it could’ve been so effortless and beautiful, but miscommunication strikes again LOL
read this book if you love
💓 slowburn
👮 blue collar FMC (teacher)
😬 angst
💞 friends-to-lovers
🏡 small town
👮 blue collar MMC (bar owner)
🤐 miscommunication
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: yes
spice: a few open-door spicy scenes
TWs: mild OW/OM drama but no cheating, shark scare but not attack
standalone: book 3 in the Shell Grove series - can be read as a standalone
final thoughts: WOW talk about slowburn with lots of sparks and neither MC noticing how perfect they are for each other…. Get it together Finn and Maggie!!
As with the rest of the series, I love the reasons that start out mostly every chapter of why they’re not great together as a couple and shouldn’t try it out.
Lots of will they/won’t they with plenty of drama and plenty of sweet moments in between. Overall, in really enjoyed this book but I wish it was less tense when they realized their feelings- it could’ve been so effortless and beautiful, but miscommunication strikes again LOL
read this book if you love
💓 slowburn
👮 blue collar FMC (teacher)
😬 angst
💞 friends-to-lovers
🏡 small town
👮 blue collar MMC (bar owner)
🤐 miscommunication
June 26, 2023
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Finally, the book Shell Grove fans have been waiting for! The tension between these two has been building in the background since book one, and it was completely worth the wait to see them combust in such a big fashion.
I already knew Maggie was pretty unhinged and I love her all the more for it. She says and does the funniest things, and Finn is there to encourage her in everything she does, the perfect partner (or alibi) in crime. I love Finn, an all American sweetheart whose true colors showed even back in high school when these two first formed a bond. As much as I loved both of them individually, they were even better together so for the first 50-ish % of this book I was so frustrated with these two best friends and how they couldn’t see what was obvious to everyone around them! Luckily, they both went through a lot of growth and found their HEA!
I laughed and teared up, with the friendships and small beach town that I’ve come to love. I wish I could stay in this little world forever!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Finally, the book Shell Grove fans have been waiting for! The tension between these two has been building in the background since book one, and it was completely worth the wait to see them combust in such a big fashion.
I already knew Maggie was pretty unhinged and I love her all the more for it. She says and does the funniest things, and Finn is there to encourage her in everything she does, the perfect partner (or alibi) in crime. I love Finn, an all American sweetheart whose true colors showed even back in high school when these two first formed a bond. As much as I loved both of them individually, they were even better together so for the first 50-ish % of this book I was so frustrated with these two best friends and how they couldn’t see what was obvious to everyone around them! Luckily, they both went through a lot of growth and found their HEA!
I laughed and teared up, with the friendships and small beach town that I’ve come to love. I wish I could stay in this little world forever!
June 27, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange of a honest review.
Reasons why not to date the best friend is a best friends to lovers romance.
I have wanted to read this since I read the book before in the series, I already knew Finn and Maggie had potential. And this book only confirmed my suspicion. The two of them had so much chemistry that was obvious even when they weren’t the main characters.
I really like this book and finished it in like three days even if I had other things to do. I like the writing style of the author, the plot was very interesting and everything was very enjoyable. The reason I can’t get myself to give it five stars is because of some of the points in the main characters’ discussions. I probably took it personally and that’s why I don’t think it gives less to this book. That’s only my personal opinion but I really think this is a good read and, in general, a good series.
Reasons why not to date the best friend is a best friends to lovers romance.
I have wanted to read this since I read the book before in the series, I already knew Finn and Maggie had potential. And this book only confirmed my suspicion. The two of them had so much chemistry that was obvious even when they weren’t the main characters.
I really like this book and finished it in like three days even if I had other things to do. I like the writing style of the author, the plot was very interesting and everything was very enjoyable. The reason I can’t get myself to give it five stars is because of some of the points in the main characters’ discussions. I probably took it personally and that’s why I don’t think it gives less to this book. That’s only my personal opinion but I really think this is a good read and, in general, a good series.
June 26, 2023
I LOVED it! This had me in the biggest chokehold from minute one. Maybe because the FMC’s name is Maggie and she only has 1 person in her life who calls her Mags (just like me), I found myself loving her from the beginning. Maggie and Finn are so special and I love them.
When Finn said, “If it’s a contest you’re looking for, let me know. I tend to not lose at those, especially when the prize is something i really want.” and “Dibs, Maggie. When it comes to you, I always have fucking dibs.” my jaw was on the floor. I’m obsessed with him!!
I found myself smiling, giggling, and kicking my feet the whole time and I can’t ask for anything more in a book!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When Finn said, “If it’s a contest you’re looking for, let me know. I tend to not lose at those, especially when the prize is something i really want.” and “Dibs, Maggie. When it comes to you, I always have fucking dibs.” my jaw was on the floor. I’m obsessed with him!!
I found myself smiling, giggling, and kicking my feet the whole time and I can’t ask for anything more in a book!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 15, 2023
Small town romance. Best friends to lovers.
Maggie and Finn have been best friends since high school. Now that all of their friends are getting married, Maggie is feeling a bit like a third wheel. So, of course, it’s the perfect time for an out-of-towner to make her a professional offer she can’t refuse. But with the possibility of her leaving, Finn starts to realize his feelings may be stronger than friendship.
FYI this one is pretty steamy 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend to come out June 27, 2023.
Maggie and Finn have been best friends since high school. Now that all of their friends are getting married, Maggie is feeling a bit like a third wheel. So, of course, it’s the perfect time for an out-of-towner to make her a professional offer she can’t refuse. But with the possibility of her leaving, Finn starts to realize his feelings may be stronger than friendship.
FYI this one is pretty steamy 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend to come out June 27, 2023.
June 28, 2023
I loved this book! I will jump at the chance to go back to Shell Grove! Maggie and Finn have been best friends since they were teenagers, and they are each other's biggest cheerleader and biggest supporter. They have always viewed each other as friends... until all of that changes. Things change when Maggie is offered her dream job, which would require her to me from Shell Grove.
Finn and Maggie have amazing chemistry, and there is so much steaminess when they get out of the friend zone. They were so sweet together too, and I loved that they were so supportive of each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and XPresso Book Tours for an ARC of this book.
Finn and Maggie have amazing chemistry, and there is so much steaminess when they get out of the friend zone. They were so sweet together too, and I loved that they were so supportive of each other.
Thanks to NetGalley and XPresso Book Tours for an ARC of this book.
June 25, 2023
This was such an interesting friends to lovers story. Most of the time at least one of them has been pining so it was interesting to read one where that wasn't the case. Seeing them realize that they do in fact love each other and probably have for a while was such a treat. He understood her so well and the pace that she needed to go at. They also had such a good break up scene, give me all the angst.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
July 17, 2023
DNF
I liked the blurb but when I was reading it the book had its moments. I think I was slightly uninterested because of the long paragraphs and little dialogue. I also felt like up until I DNFed Finn and Maggie are just good friends and they just lack the attraction. Suddenly, when she's presented with a job opportunity, Finn starts to become jealous. I didn't understand where that came from and since Maggie was so excited about her new job I wish and hope she followed through because it would make me mad if Finn didn't ''allow'' her the liberties to be her own person.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked the blurb but when I was reading it the book had its moments. I think I was slightly uninterested because of the long paragraphs and little dialogue. I also felt like up until I DNFed Finn and Maggie are just good friends and they just lack the attraction. Suddenly, when she's presented with a job opportunity, Finn starts to become jealous. I didn't understand where that came from and since Maggie was so excited about her new job I wish and hope she followed through because it would make me mad if Finn didn't ''allow'' her the liberties to be her own person.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 17, 2023
Small town, friends to lovers romance.
I laughed out loud at some of the pranks and stories from Maggie.
I love that she’s a headstrong, free spirit who refuses to give up her dreams.
A little cringey spice but not unreadable.
Would be a great beach/pool read.
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of this book.
I laughed out loud at some of the pranks and stories from Maggie.
I love that she’s a headstrong, free spirit who refuses to give up her dreams.
A little cringey spice but not unreadable.
Would be a great beach/pool read.
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of this book.
July 14, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley.
I was excited to start reading this book because it sounded really good and I liked the concept of the story. However for me this book fell flat.
It was incredibly slow to read and it took me a long time to get through it. I just didn't have the hunger to want to finish the book - although I did finish it.
I did not like Maggie as a character and that made it more difficult for me to enjoy the story. I liked Finn at the beginning but he started to become a bit annoying as the book went on. It seemed like he was going out of his way to show Maggie how much he cared and she didn't reciprocate as much.
There were also a lot of random bits in the story and I wish there has been a bigger focus on two or three main storylines, instead of so many random ones.
If you're into best friend romances then maybe you'll like this one.
I was excited to start reading this book because it sounded really good and I liked the concept of the story. However for me this book fell flat.
It was incredibly slow to read and it took me a long time to get through it. I just didn't have the hunger to want to finish the book - although I did finish it.
I did not like Maggie as a character and that made it more difficult for me to enjoy the story. I liked Finn at the beginning but he started to become a bit annoying as the book went on. It seemed like he was going out of his way to show Maggie how much he cared and she didn't reciprocate as much.
There were also a lot of random bits in the story and I wish there has been a bigger focus on two or three main storylines, instead of so many random ones.
If you're into best friend romances then maybe you'll like this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2023
While making it 76% of the way through, I just couldn't anymore. The possessiveness, masculine pride and icky dirty talk were too much. If I read the words pussy or cunt anymore, I might gag, and the unholy jealousy and mineness of Finn's thoughts towards Maggie were just cringy. She is not yours! She is her own person.
I actually liked Maggie’s job and would have loved to see her take on that new challenge, but of course, Finn was never going to let that happen because not letting the woman you love take an amazing job opportunity just because it meant moving away is ok.
No, thank you.
I actually liked Maggie’s job and would have loved to see her take on that new challenge, but of course, Finn was never going to let that happen because not letting the woman you love take an amazing job opportunity just because it meant moving away is ok.
No, thank you.
January 1, 2025
Maggie and Finn have been friends since high school and that is it! They do a lot of things together including owning a dog they found on the side of the road(who adds a lot of laughs, btw). As their friends are getting married and in serious relationships, Maggie finds herself more of a 3rd wheel than she would like. When she is offered a job opportunity in Florida, Finn realizes how much he needs her to not go.
Reasons Why Not To Date the Best Friend is the 3rd in Melanie Munton's Shell Grove series. It is just as wonderful as the other 2 which I read so quickly. I am always excited to see Melanie's books. She always has the right amount of spice and I love the dual POVs she shows in her books. Maggie and Finn are returning characters and we finally get to see the story behind the have they/they haven't? storyline.
I loved this book and feel like I know Shell Grove so well. Thanks for the e-ARC NetGalley and Melanie Munton. This review is my own opinion.
Reasons Why Not To Date the Best Friend is the 3rd in Melanie Munton's Shell Grove series. It is just as wonderful as the other 2 which I read so quickly. I am always excited to see Melanie's books. She always has the right amount of spice and I love the dual POVs she shows in her books. Maggie and Finn are returning characters and we finally get to see the story behind the have they/they haven't? storyline.
I loved this book and feel like I know Shell Grove so well. Thanks for the e-ARC NetGalley and Melanie Munton. This review is my own opinion.
July 1, 2023
Amazon / B&N / Kobo
Maggie's been off for awhile. She's been feeling sort of out of place in her own community, has felt that way since her last birthday. Now her birthday's about to roll around again, all her friends save for one, are pairing up and settling down. So when a job is offered to her that will take her away, she's seriously considering it, considering leaving and trying to find her new niche, her new adventure. She underestimated her best friend, Finn, though, and just how adamantly he'd oppose the idea, and the lengths he'd go to keep her here, with him, where she belongs.
Damn but I was not expecting laid back Finn and his prankster best friend to be so damn hot together! Once they got together, they got dirty, and I was here for it. These two are some of the hottest friends to more I've read in a very long time, and their story is just as entertaining and good as their chemistry is hot. Throw in lots of pranks, lots of turtles, and a small town full of quirky friends, and this rom-com ended up being the perfect beach read.
ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review.
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July 6, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for this arc.
Maggie and Finn have been best friends for years. Maggie gets a job offer to head a turtle rescue center. Once Finn learns this he realizes that he is in love with Maggie. Maggie helped Finn start his bar and she helps him decide to start a music festival. Maggie is known as the town daredevil and has been arrested quite a few times and is trying to beat Carl’s arrest record. Finn takes Maggie on a serious of dates to show her that she can still have fun in Shell Grove. Finn and Maggie kiss which they hadn’t done since a drunken night years earlier so they decide to bring dates to the town’s annual 4th of July celebration. Maggie gets jealous of Finn’s date who happens to be married to another woman. Maggie brings another guy who Finn is jealous of. Maggie and Finn end up sleeping together and soon can’t stop seeing each other. Their mutual friends are worried about them and confront Finn to know what is going on and Finn confirms that he loves her and wants to be with her. At Finn’s first annual music festival he declares to the crowd that Maggie is his girlfriend and they kiss. Finn then discovers airplane tickets to Key West where Maggie’s job offer is. Maggie and Finn have a fight and break up. Maggie ends up going to the beach for a early afternoon swim and discover sea turtle eggs and decides to make a campsite to watch over them to make sure they go to the ocean peacefully. Maggie finally realizes how much Finn means to her and that she doesn’t really want to leave Shell Grove. Finn follows her to the airport to go with her to Key Wear because he doesn’t want to be where she’s not. Maggie tells Finn that she is going to Key West to talk to some people about moving the new center closer to Shell Grove so she doesn’t have to leave and they get back together. Then eight months later Maggie is successful with her new job and her and Finn live together and Finn proposes using their dog Berkeley that they rescued together. It’s such a sweet book and I didn’t want it to end. I definitely want to check out the other books in this series.
Maggie and Finn have been best friends for years. Maggie gets a job offer to head a turtle rescue center. Once Finn learns this he realizes that he is in love with Maggie. Maggie helped Finn start his bar and she helps him decide to start a music festival. Maggie is known as the town daredevil and has been arrested quite a few times and is trying to beat Carl’s arrest record. Finn takes Maggie on a serious of dates to show her that she can still have fun in Shell Grove. Finn and Maggie kiss which they hadn’t done since a drunken night years earlier so they decide to bring dates to the town’s annual 4th of July celebration. Maggie gets jealous of Finn’s date who happens to be married to another woman. Maggie brings another guy who Finn is jealous of. Maggie and Finn end up sleeping together and soon can’t stop seeing each other. Their mutual friends are worried about them and confront Finn to know what is going on and Finn confirms that he loves her and wants to be with her. At Finn’s first annual music festival he declares to the crowd that Maggie is his girlfriend and they kiss. Finn then discovers airplane tickets to Key West where Maggie’s job offer is. Maggie and Finn have a fight and break up. Maggie ends up going to the beach for a early afternoon swim and discover sea turtle eggs and decides to make a campsite to watch over them to make sure they go to the ocean peacefully. Maggie finally realizes how much Finn means to her and that she doesn’t really want to leave Shell Grove. Finn follows her to the airport to go with her to Key Wear because he doesn’t want to be where she’s not. Maggie tells Finn that she is going to Key West to talk to some people about moving the new center closer to Shell Grove so she doesn’t have to leave and they get back together. Then eight months later Maggie is successful with her new job and her and Finn live together and Finn proposes using their dog Berkeley that they rescued together. It’s such a sweet book and I didn’t want it to end. I definitely want to check out the other books in this series.
June 16, 2023
Reasons why you should read Melanie Munton’s books: 1) they are phenomenal! 2) she gives me all the “feels” 3) she absolutely nails small town romance (and every other genre too!) 4) they’re funny, sweet & sexy all rolled into one great storyline. Need I go on?! After having read the first 2 books in this series, I really enjoyed re-visiting those characters that showed up in Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend, the 3rd book in the Shell Grove Series, but I might go out on a limb and say that this is my favorite of all 3. Finn and Maggie have been best friends forever and reading everything they’ve experienced through Ms. Munton’s eyes and fantastic writing made these characters really come to life for me. So much so that I want to move to Shell Grove so I can become part of their crazy, hilarious, fun-filled days! And I love where I live so that’s saying something!
When I review a book I don't generally say much about the story because I don’t want to ruin the surprise and enjoyment of reading it firsthand like I did so I usually like to relate how the story made me "feel" .... oh my goodness, I had so many feels with this one. The well-written blurb really sums up what this book is about, but you really have to read it to experience all that it has to offer. These well-developed and well-connected group of friends and how they are always there for each other and always looking out for each other is just an added bonus to this wonderful story. Ms. Munton has the spectacular ability to put me right inside their lives with her stunning and amazing writing.
I would guess if you start reading her work you’ll be much like me and read everything she has written and everything she writes in the future! And I, for one, can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next! I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book.
When I review a book I don't generally say much about the story because I don’t want to ruin the surprise and enjoyment of reading it firsthand like I did so I usually like to relate how the story made me "feel" .... oh my goodness, I had so many feels with this one. The well-written blurb really sums up what this book is about, but you really have to read it to experience all that it has to offer. These well-developed and well-connected group of friends and how they are always there for each other and always looking out for each other is just an added bonus to this wonderful story. Ms. Munton has the spectacular ability to put me right inside their lives with her stunning and amazing writing.
I would guess if you start reading her work you’ll be much like me and read everything she has written and everything she writes in the future! And I, for one, can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next! I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book.
March 4, 2024
This one started out a little too real for me, as in far too relatable for my comfort level. Basically, a 27 year old marine biologist who only likes field work, is adhd coded, and works with turtles lives in coastal South Carolina working in a job not in her field because Field Work is hard to come by and doesn’t pay well. I immediately texted my friends a little freaked out because as a 25 year old adhd field biologist who worked as a waitress in HHI, SC while trying to get jobs in the field and working with turtles, it hit a little too close to home. But that being said, the struggles of working in the industry were pretty well done, along with the emotional aspect of feeling like you’re failing to make enough of a difference. The author must have known someone in the field at some point in time because Maggie’s rants were pretty spot on. I will say though, the author did inaccurately talk about sea turtle nesting at the end, describing the nesting and hatching in a way that doesn’t go along well with what actually happens. But overall the premise was cute, albeit not overly believable as far as starting a rehab and rescue center in todays world (maybe back in the good ole days but the timeline and education and being offered support and such just isn’t as smooth). I really liked the representation for the industry overall though. Of course, this one plot point was quite minor overall. I really liked the chemistry between Finn and Maggie, the banter was good and the evolution of feelings was believable. As far as friends to lovers, the way the author did it was awesome. I liked that they were genuinely always friends and that one of them wasn’t pining the whole time. The pacing of the book was decent. Some of the spice was a bit cringey for me as well. Overall, it was on the better end as far as rom-coms go and was a fun and easy read.
August 1, 2023
I just did not love this book - I think the plot fell flat, the main characters were ridiculous, and the storyline focused more on sexual encounters than anything else.
The opening lines hit you with dirty talk right off the bat, which was slightly off putting for me. To be fair, this is the first book by Melanie that I have read, so maybe this is her norm, and I just wasn't prepared for that. The friendship between Maggie and Finn started out so wholesome...and it quickly went down the drain when she got the job offer. Maggie is impulsive to the extreme, and she blames it on her upbringing, which doesn't really make sense to me. Finn went from not looking at Maggie as anything other than his best friend to being super possessive at the flip of a switch, which was also unbelievable. I felt like the first half of the book just drug on, and then the second half of the book was focused more on their sexual tension/relationship versus their actual romance, and Maggie's decision to stay or go.
I'm all for a guy who is slightly possessive of his woman, but I am not for a guy who tries to make decisions for his partner. Finn decided they were dating - so he told her (in front of a huge crowd, including their friends and family) that they were dating. Finn decided Maggie needed to stay, so he got her a job - to entice her to stay. He went way beyond possessive, and it was a huge turn-off.
I was so excited about the premise of this story, but unfortunately, I wasn't excited when I finished the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The opening lines hit you with dirty talk right off the bat, which was slightly off putting for me. To be fair, this is the first book by Melanie that I have read, so maybe this is her norm, and I just wasn't prepared for that. The friendship between Maggie and Finn started out so wholesome...and it quickly went down the drain when she got the job offer. Maggie is impulsive to the extreme, and she blames it on her upbringing, which doesn't really make sense to me. Finn went from not looking at Maggie as anything other than his best friend to being super possessive at the flip of a switch, which was also unbelievable. I felt like the first half of the book just drug on, and then the second half of the book was focused more on their sexual tension/relationship versus their actual romance, and Maggie's decision to stay or go.
I'm all for a guy who is slightly possessive of his woman, but I am not for a guy who tries to make decisions for his partner. Finn decided they were dating - so he told her (in front of a huge crowd, including their friends and family) that they were dating. Finn decided Maggie needed to stay, so he got her a job - to entice her to stay. He went way beyond possessive, and it was a huge turn-off.
I was so excited about the premise of this story, but unfortunately, I wasn't excited when I finished the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2023
⭐️3,25
(ARC)
The love between the characters is what I'm looking for in real life. They were so cute and lovely together especially once they really got together. The jealousy scenes on 4th July was just amazing and what I needed. Though there are a couple of things that I didn't really like about the book.
First of all, I really liked Finn. Loved how obsessed he was with Maggie and how he thought about her every time he would look at her. You can literally feel his love for her. We know that the main characters met when Maggie was 15 and Finn 18, though I was a little shocked I didn't think anything about it, because they started with a friendship and got together 12 years later. I really didn't have a problem about it, because nothing weird was said or showed when Maggie was still. a minor, until Finn told her he loved her since she was 15. See, even though I really like when the characters have that "it was always you moments" and "I fell in love with you since we met", I didn't like it in this book because of the age difference. Though, people would say that they only have a three-year age-gap, I was still uncomfortable when he said that.
Another thing, I really didn't like when Finn acted the way he did when Maggie wanted to go and pursue her dreams. The fact that he wasn't really supporting her, because the job was going to be in another town, really made me angry. Especially, after we saw how Maggie supported him throughout his entire football career and when she helped him go through his difficult moment afterwards. I feel like the way he handled the news and the fact that she was thinking about taking the job was just selfish of him. Which is sad, because I really liked him.
One thing that bothers me with Maggie is the fact that she lacks communication skills. Every time there's a problem, whether it was with Finn or someone else she wouldn't communicate which was annoying. Besides that, I really liked her free-spirit, joyful and full of life character. She was amazing.
I feel like the story went a little too long and every time they were going to be together something had to happen, which frustrated me. But, I still liked it and still continued the book because I wanted to see Finn's and Maggie's happy ending.
I hope to have a bonus epilogue of just them enjoying their little life together with eventually kids?
(ARC)
The love between the characters is what I'm looking for in real life. They were so cute and lovely together especially once they really got together. The jealousy scenes on 4th July was just amazing and what I needed. Though there are a couple of things that I didn't really like about the book.
First of all, I really liked Finn. Loved how obsessed he was with Maggie and how he thought about her every time he would look at her. You can literally feel his love for her. We know that the main characters met when Maggie was 15 and Finn 18, though I was a little shocked I didn't think anything about it, because they started with a friendship and got together 12 years later. I really didn't have a problem about it, because nothing weird was said or showed when Maggie was still. a minor, until Finn told her he loved her since she was 15. See, even though I really like when the characters have that "it was always you moments" and "I fell in love with you since we met", I didn't like it in this book because of the age difference. Though, people would say that they only have a three-year age-gap, I was still uncomfortable when he said that.
Another thing, I really didn't like when Finn acted the way he did when Maggie wanted to go and pursue her dreams. The fact that he wasn't really supporting her, because the job was going to be in another town, really made me angry. Especially, after we saw how Maggie supported him throughout his entire football career and when she helped him go through his difficult moment afterwards. I feel like the way he handled the news and the fact that she was thinking about taking the job was just selfish of him. Which is sad, because I really liked him.
One thing that bothers me with Maggie is the fact that she lacks communication skills. Every time there's a problem, whether it was with Finn or someone else she wouldn't communicate which was annoying. Besides that, I really liked her free-spirit, joyful and full of life character. She was amazing.
I feel like the story went a little too long and every time they were going to be together something had to happen, which frustrated me. But, I still liked it and still continued the book because I wanted to see Finn's and Maggie's happy ending.
I hope to have a bonus epilogue of just them enjoying their little life together with eventually kids?
July 10, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of Reasons Why Not to Date the Best Friend for the advanced readers copy.
* Best friends to lovers
* small beach town romance
* Spice
* Dual pov
• Third act breakup
Finn and Maggie have been best friends for 10 years until a major life change brings to light the feelings both swept under the rug in order to keep each other near.
Maggie Breedlove is a marine biologist who owns a scuba and surf shop in town. When she begins to feel restless and solo when her friends start to get married and start their own little families a new job in Florida opens up, but can she leave her best friend behind.
Finn Caldwell was the NFL hopeful until an injury stopped his career, and he and Maggie brainstormed an idea for him to start a bar where he finds undiscovered musicians to play. It’s been Maggie and him since senior year but with a new job opportunity doing what she loves on the horizon he realizes he can’t live with out her. Now all he has to do is convince her of this too.
Was slow burn until around 50% then things started to heat up quite a bit. I did feel like a lot of the dirty talk could have been lessened as it felt overdone and kind of ruined the steamy moments for me.
Berkeley was absolutely adorable I loved reading his cameos they were so funny.
I felt the book ran long and the inner monologues would sometimes run off on tangents that I would skim through.
* Best friends to lovers
* small beach town romance
* Spice
* Dual pov
• Third act breakup
Finn and Maggie have been best friends for 10 years until a major life change brings to light the feelings both swept under the rug in order to keep each other near.
Maggie Breedlove is a marine biologist who owns a scuba and surf shop in town. When she begins to feel restless and solo when her friends start to get married and start their own little families a new job in Florida opens up, but can she leave her best friend behind.
Finn Caldwell was the NFL hopeful until an injury stopped his career, and he and Maggie brainstormed an idea for him to start a bar where he finds undiscovered musicians to play. It’s been Maggie and him since senior year but with a new job opportunity doing what she loves on the horizon he realizes he can’t live with out her. Now all he has to do is convince her of this too.
Was slow burn until around 50% then things started to heat up quite a bit. I did feel like a lot of the dirty talk could have been lessened as it felt overdone and kind of ruined the steamy moments for me.
Berkeley was absolutely adorable I loved reading his cameos they were so funny.
I felt the book ran long and the inner monologues would sometimes run off on tangents that I would skim through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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