The Duet: A Brother's Best Friend Sweet Romantic Comedy

Falling for Franklin #3

by Hailey Gardiner

Connor Cane is strictly off-limits. Which is terribly unfortunate, because I've had a crush on him for years. What’s a girl supposed to do when her brother’s best friend also happens to be an insanely handsome country music artist? When we cross paths again at a friend's wedding, I jump at the chance to write a song with him. Purely for professional reasons that have nothing to do with his good looks and charisma. Getting a cut on a Connor Cane album is just the leg up I’m needing in my songwriting career. As our song gains traction leading up to the release of his record, so does the undeniable chemistry between us. But there’s a dark side to fame, and I become a target by association. Flirting? Fine. Singing together? Necessary. Falling in love with Connor Cane? A very bad idea.

A laugh-out-loud, brother’s best friend, sweet romance with incredible chemistry and heart-stopping kisses. Books in the Falling for Franklin series are full length stand-alone novels and can be read in any order.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Friends To Lovers

347 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2023

About the author

Hailey Gardiner writes cheeky, sweet romantic comedies in an effort to finally put her wildly active imagination to good use. Hailey is a master at quoting movies, will eat any dessert that’s salted, and loves raising two book-loving boys with her husband.

www.haileygardiner.com

@authorhaileygardiner

Reviews

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE MUTUAL PINING.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I was a smitten puddle of goo after finishing this book y’all. I feel like I am officially a Hailey Gardiner fan girl. I love the way she writes stories and conveys love in such a beautiful and positive light.

The combination of mutual pining and banter was my favorite. Oh they way they battled with wits and charm and clearly I’m so into you vibes. GAH. It was everything. It was light but with the right level of passion and concern. The song writing aspects were great and I was just really invested in this whole thing.

I wouldn’t dub this an off limits romance with how a few things panned out in the story but that’s a minor issue. The grand gesture at the end WAS EVERYTHING I NEEDED AND MORE. I love a well placed moment like this and I just can’t get enough.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed returning to Franklin Tennessee and the women who make up this tight friend group!! The third full-length book in the series starts with Chloe and Hunter's wedding from The Make up and then progresses as Luke and Lainey from The Retreat, plan their wedding.

Central to this story though is Lainey's roommate, Ella Mae, a hardworking country songwriter who's always had a bit of a crush on her brother's best friend and country music star, Connor Cane, but has never wanted to be in the spotlight herself.

When a chance to write a song together arises, these two find themselves exploring romantic feelings while also battling the challenges that come along with Ella Mae's new exposure and Connor's growing fame (paparazzi, online trolls, forced road trip separation, a spiteful ex, etc.).

Even though it doesn't seem like a life together will be possible, their steadfast love and devotion ultimately wins and my heart was melting to the very end of the book with its beautiful uplifting epilogue!

Full of sweet, swoony moments, this kissing only indie romance delivers on ALL the feels and gave me the VERY best Scarlett/Gunnar vibes from the tv show, Nashville.

Highly recommended for fans of authors like Sarah Adams, Melissa Grace or Juliana Smith. I voluntarily read an early copy and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Edina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, Ella Mae. You´re my favorite.

✨️ read if you like
- brother's best friend
- songwriter x singer
- slow burn
- fluff
- flirty banter
- closed door
- music related stories
- dual POV


The Duet is a cute, slow burn, friends to lovers romantic comedy. An easy read that had me laughing and swooning over the characters. The book was filled with sweet and tender moments, but i also couldn’t stop myself from shedding a few tears here and there.

"The sheer security I feel as my face smashes against the planes of his chest astounds me. I've never been safer in my life."

It was pure joy seeing Ella Mae and Connor bond over music. They were both so passionate about what they were doing, but that never stopped them from looking out for each other. Their teasing was top tier, all I´m gonna say is, THE fishing song and Robin. (iykyk)

"I needed to be here for you"

The epilogue was my absolute favourite, and i really have to hold myself together to not spill anything, but don't worry, my lips are sealed.

"It was always you"

"Our home"

I can't help but mention that i could feel the author's love for music shining through her characters.

This cutie is coming your way on August 8th, don't miss it.

Special thanks to Hailey for trusting me with an ARC.

[Amy Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I had such a hard time putting it down and read it in one afternoon. I was rooting for these two to get together so much. And their story was just the sweetest.

Ella Mae is perfectly happy writing songs and staying out of the spotlight. When country music star Connor Cane, her long time crush and brother’s best friend, asks her to help him write a song for his next album and then sing a duet with him, Ella Mae suddenly finds herself thrown in the middle of fame and all that comes with it, including the paparazzi.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒎, 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒇𝒖𝒏. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒂 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏. 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅. 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐.

I loved all the behind the scenes music industry stuff. They are both so passionate about music and it poured into their song writing scenes. Their song writing brings them together and awakens all kinds of feelings. I absolutely loved how they teased each other and their playful banter. The fish song, bird names and all the flirting was just so fun! I loved how down to earth Connor was and the fact that he still drives his beloved truck. The truck scenes were my favorite. Ant the first kiss scene was hands down swoony. So many scenes had me smiling while reading and the epilogue was just perfect!!

This is book 3 in the Falling for Franklin Series but can be read as a stand alone.

Thanks to Hailey Gardiner for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

📖
🔥kissing, making out

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just LOVE Connor and Ella Mae so much!
The best playful banter, amazing tension, and such a fun peek into the world of song writing.
This was such a great take on a celebrity romance mashed with brother’s best friend.

Things I Loved:
-“Wedding etiquette, you see.”
-Naturally Blond Connor
-The fishing song
-Marthas
-“‘It’s a date,’ he says with a crooked grin. ‘You’re already making an exception for me, Ella Mae. I’m touched.’”
-Bird names
-The painting
-“‘You’re ridiculous.’ ‘You like it.’”
-All their texts
-Jesse McCartney 😂
-The Incredibles reference
-“You’re my favorite.”
-Frank
-Lainey
-Trent (Do we get his story? I’m here for his story.)
-The note
-“ENCORE! ENCORE!”
-The whole ending! ♥️

I really just couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face while reading this book. It is a fantastic end to the Falling for Franklin series, but can also definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. If you haven’t checked out these books yet—what are you waiting for?! This is a sweet, swoon-worthy, delightfully funny read that you do not want to miss!

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella Mae & Conner’s story is adorably sweet and chalked full of southern charm & country music culture!

I love reading about strong friend groups, and this is definitely one of the good ones! The way Lainey, Ava, Chloe, and Ella Mae (plus their fellas) have each others’ backs warmed my heart so much. 🥹

There’s plenty of heart & more than a little humour (the “Marthas” had me rolling 😂)!

[Aubrey Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

super cute + cheesy rom com!

what to expect //
🎤brothers best friend
🎤country singer-songwriters
🎤banter
🎤stand alone series

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Bethany C · Rating 5 out of 5]

UM HI THIS WAS SO GOOD R U KIDDING 🥹🥹🥹

[Madison Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Kyrie :-) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved every bit of the “Falling for Franklin” series! Ella Mae and Connor’s story was so sweet, and as always, I loved their banter! still so sad to hear about the author, she really was a great writer! can’t wait to read the rest of her books 💗

[Sierra Krause · Rating 4 out of 5]

So so cute!! I need more people to read these books so I can talk about them!

[Katie Pack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda cute, kinda cringy. Liked the main characters.

[Readwithtaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Mae, a striving song writer, & Conner, a rising country superstar artist, re-meet at a friend's wedding where they eventually end up co-writing a song together. With all the closed studio time & media publicity around this track, sparks start flying. Did I mention, Ella Mae is Conner's best friend little sister?!

Well, it comes with no surprise, Hailey has done it again. Can it be any better? Straight No!

Another sweet breezy flawless romcom slay! It's simple. Down to earth. Low conflict. Lighthearted. Genuinely heartwarming. This book managed to have me engulfed in a cocoon of warm candid emotions. One I wanted to elongate my stay in for long. It's that same cocoon each of Haylie's books manages to evince & make me lie in. The "Hay-coon-lie"

Hailey managed to create two characters that you can't not help yourself in adoring, caring about, & falling for. Literally, sweet souls. Ella & Conner's chemistry was obvious, swoonworthy, mischievous flirts, & the banter was on point. I loved all that bird naming, fishing song, Jessie McCartney anecdotes, & let us not forget the Marthas!

That shyness, skipping around, sweet awkwardness, timid flirtatiousness, and adorable teasing playfulness, all made my romantic sobby heart bask in everlasting happiness. This humble reader was in a constant state of heart eyes. I appreciated how the author took her time building this relationship's foundation. It made plenty of sense & gave it that touch of realness & relatability. It was wonderful seeing them connect more through their love of music & witnessing how they supported one another. No one's dream came over the expense of the other. Reading this one, it was crystal clear how much passion & knowledge Haylie has of the song writing business as she had it down to a T.

And I got to see what my other favorite Franklin residents have been up to, extra brownie points!

So, Hailey, heres an idea. How about we get Trent to move to Franklin? He’d fit right in, being closer to his sister and best friend. I can’t say goodbye to Franklin yet. Maybe we can explore this? I am just grasping at straws here for more books. PLEASE, I NEED MORE.

Thank you for the author for an advance copy of this read in an exchange for my honest review.

[Genesis (geny.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5

Read it for the:
-Brother best friend trope
-Celebrity romance
-Sunshine Main characters
-Country Music
-Sweet, and unproblematic read

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭:
Romance: clean - kissing only

𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
The Deut delivers a sweet romance featuring plenty of country music and an entertaining plot that explores the different sides of fame.

I enjoyed the relationship between Ella Mae, an aspiring songwriter, and Country music Star, Connor Chase. I felt the shift of feelings going from longtime friends to more was realistically done. The playful banter and teasing came naturally to them and it was easy to see the chemistry they had. Their dates were adorable! My favorite scenes were the ones where Ella Mae and Connor got to work together on their music. It was great to see the passion they had for their careers, and then have that translate to admiration for each other. The author's love for music and knowledge of the process of creating a song from the writing to the rhythm shows and added to the plot. I loved Ella Mae and Connor as characters. Both were naturally optimistic but not naive, and well grounded. It was refreshing to read a story where both characters don't have strong personal conflicts to address but still show growth.

What I love most about this book was how unproblematic it was. Both characters acted reasonably throughout the story, and while it was not without its conflicts, the overall reading experience was stress-free for me. Their romance was beautiful and did not have the drama that comes with a celebrity or brother's best friend trope. It was unique and honestly, welcome. The last half up to the ending was heartwarming and so sweet! Sometimes you just need a wholesome read.

I have enjoyed every book so far in this series, and am excited to see what is next for Hailey Gardiner! The Deut is part of a series and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading to avoid spoilers for the first two books.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader's Notes:

- this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

- this is told from Ella Mae & Connor’s points of view

- there was a little bit of innuendo

Review:

I adored Ella Mae & Connor! They were so sweet with each other and I loved that Connor wanted to protect Ella Mae from the bad parts of his popularity. I loved that we got to see more of the main characters from the other books as well and the progression in their lives that we got to glimpse in the midst of this wonderful story. I loved that Ella Mae fit so well with Connor's crew of people and that they teased him about her. I also loved that it was obvious that the sisters were trying to push Ella Mae together with Connor and tried to talk things through with her when they were alone. Some more of my favorite scenes/moments in this story included: the bird jokes, going out into the field, the wedding(s), Frank, creating their song, and the radio show.

Summary:

Ella Mae is a songwriter that has been burned in love and doesn't want to risk her heart again. But when a chance to write a song with Connor Cane comes along, Ella Mae may just have to risk it. Her brother's best friend (who's also been her crush for years) shouldn't be a risk to Ella Mae's heart because he doesn't see her that way. But with the growing popularity to their song and the more time they spend together, Ella Mae is beginning to wonder if Connor does have feelings for her and what they'd do about it if they chose to truly pursue a relationship with how Connor's fame is already affecting their lives...

Connor is floored when he sees Ella Mae at a friend's wedding and discovers that he sees her as more than just his best friend's little sister. He can't just let her pass him by and manages to ask for her help in saving his second album. With every lyric, outing, and strum of their guitars, Connor finds himself falling deeper for Ella Mae. If only he could convince her to break her rules for dating people not in their industry...

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE DUET
(Book Three in the Falling for Franklin Series)
by: Hailey Gardiner
@authorhaileygardiner

-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~Connor Cane is too much. All charm, kindness, and flirtatious fun. But he’s also a musician. Strike one. And my brother’s best friend. Strike two…

“If this was a real date, I would have kissed you by now.”

-Friends, it is with mixed emotions to say that this was my 7th and final book of Hailey’s to read with honoring her. 😭🥰-I will say it again, that her stories are delightful and they have felt like such a warm cozy hug as Hailey immersed herself into each story-just like her, each one is filled with light, goodness, and love. Oh my heart! I am better because I did read and love them.
🤍✨💙

-The Duet, is no exception! This is such a happy, funny, low conflict, lighthearted FUN story, where you will find forbidden love, truck bed kisses nashville + country music, teasing and tunny banter, appearances from other endearing characters in this series, and a fresh grounded take on the celebrity trope, with such dear characters, that you will simply adore and be cheering on. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them connect through their love of music. Seeing how they truly cared and supported one another along the way was heartwarming. Seeing these dear characters be so excited, invested, and love what they do while also looking out for each other’s back along the way was so sweet. I loved how much they inspired each other. Most of all, I loved how Hailey’s dear love for music shines so brightly in these characters and through out the story. When these characters collaborate, the sparks are flying. Then, when they sing a duet together, talk about a symphony of the heart, and hitting just the notes! Oh what a delightful story worth the read!🤍✨💙

“It was always you”

-Content. Only kisses; make-outs.

“He cares about the little things. It doesn’t matter what I’m about to say, whatever it is matters to him because it’s coming from me.”

#theduet
#authorhaileygardiner
#worththeread
#rememberinghaileygardiner
#allaboutthebestreads

“Yes, you’re my favorite.”

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duet is the third full length novel in the Falling for Franklin series. I had personally only read the series prequel and found that I was able to enjoy this one as a standalone just fine. That said, I've enjoyed both of these so much that I look forward to going back and reading what I missed in between.

While I've enjoyed the occasional celebrity and/or musician romance, I can't say that it's ever been my particular favorite trope either... but this one certainly has me rethinking that because... oh my goodness, this was just SO good! The author was a songwriter before writing fiction and I definitely feel like that knowledge and passion added so much to the story and made it feel so much more authentic. And I absolutely loved every minute of being drawn into that world, both the good and the bad. And the chemistry between Ella Mae and Connor? Oh. My. Goodness. Seriously, LOVED them together. It certainly didn't hurt that brother's best friend also happens to be one of my favorite tropes too!

All of that alone would have made this a great story anyway... but can we talk about the Jesse McCartney love in this story!? He was actually one of my own celebrity crushes as a teenager, and I actually got to meet him (and the rest of Dream Street) at a meet and greet back in junior high so... yeah, that definitely elevated the story for me personally too. I loved it!

The Duet is a closed-door romance with amazing chemistry filled kisses, but nothing beyond that and no language. I would say this probably falls into C&W level 2.

If you're looking for a great music-centered romance, this is one absolutely not to be missed.

**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duet the third book in Hailey Gardiner’s Falling for Franklin series. It can be read as a stand alone but you’ll see characters from The Retreat and The Makeup. I’ve read both of those and loved them so I was super excited for this ARC and it didn’t disappoint! Ella Mae Stewart is a songwriter who meets up at a friend’s wedding with her brother’s best friend and country music sensation Connor Cane. They end up writing a song together, a duet, as you may have guessed by the title, and well, let’s just say the rest is history. ❤️


Thoughts While I Read:
-Naturally Blond Connor in her phone 😂
-the fishing teasing 🎣
-the bird middle names teasing 🦜🦅🦉
-the Marthas 🤣
-“what did he do to you?” 😠
-the truck bed kiss 🔥

Quotes (this is the narrowed down version, y’all):
🎤"You're too good to me, Connor."
"Not as good as I want to be."
🎸 He's oozing charm, and Southern sweetness, and everything any good woman would want in a man.
🎤 My whole soul feels warm and sunny and bright when I'm with him. He lights me up with his kindness and sense of humor. His passion for his craft and ability to create. His work ethic, and voice, and everything else that makes him who he
is. I want more of him.
🎸 He cares about the little things. It doesn't matter what I'm about to say, whatever it is matters to him because it's coming from me.
🎤 I find myself with a constant smile on my face, even though I'm not physically with her. She's my sunshine state of mind. The place I can go when things start to feel overwhelming or stressful. Ella Mae's light simply can't be dimmed.
🎸My friends weren't trying to "fix" something in themselves by getting married. It's just the opposite. They are becoming their true, most naturally radiant selves by choosing to be vulnerable enough to love someone else forever.

The Duet is available now in paperback and the ebook will be available on August 8th! You won’t want to miss it!

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This room is packed full of people, but somehow it feels like she’s it. An audience of one.”

It’s no surprise that I loved this one. The Duet is the third and final full-length novel in the Falling for Franklin series, a set of rom-coms based in Nashville (but there’s also a holiday novella!).

Synopsis: For songwriter, Ella Mae, the handsome blue-eyed country music star, Connor Cane, is strictly off-limits. Not only because of his fame and Ella Mae’s rule against dating musicians, but also because Connor is her brothers best friend. But when Ella Mae has a chance to collaborate on Connor’s second album, she can’t say no. Sparks fly and the negative effects of dating a musician start to come to light. Is Connor worth it!?

I don’t even know where to start! I loved Ella Mae and Connor and their relationship gave me all the good feels and heart eyes 😍 Their problems felt real and relatable, their chemistry was off the charts, and the resolution y’all 🫶🏼

This is a brothers best friend romance and I was sooo glad to see that Ella Mae’s brother, Trent, wasn’t an absolute overbearing, psycho kinda guy. Sometimes that feels like too much drama for me.

The music! You guys I almost forgot the best part. Hailey is also a musician and her passion for it shows in The Duet. I felt the magic that is songwriting, producing, and performing through Hailey’s descriptions and characters.

Bottom line: Hailey writes the sweetest rom-coms full of swoon-worthy moments and the best pop culture references. The Duet is no exception. 💛

The Falling for Franklin series can be read as stand-alone’s or in order. I personally recommend reading The Retreat first and then the rest in whichever order floats your boat (and don’t skip that novella, it’s so so good).

You’ll love:
+ brothers best friend
+ famous person/real person
+ songwriting
+ low drama
+ closed door (kisses only!)

Thank you to @authorhaileygardiner for the e-arc of The Duet releasing on 8/8 🗓️

[Chelsea | chelseadennreads Dennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen if you aren’t reading Hailey Gardiner’s books you need to fix that ASAP. This was my final book in Hailey’s backlist and every single one is wonderful.

I read The Make-Up last fall and when we got a glimpse of Ella Mae and Connor Cane…well needless to say I could not wait to read this story. Brother’s best friend and celebrity? Sign me up please.

Connor and Ella Mae had so much chemistry. One thing Hailey is so good at is writing closed door books where you still feel that attraction and chemistry and all the tension and build up. She’s truly phenomenal at it and it was so evident between these two. I loved their dynamic so much. They were fun and flirty but there was also a sweet friendship between them. Their communication was amazing and I loved how honest they were with one another. (And the last chapter and epilogue!!! Swooning 🥹)

Also give me more country music star romances!! I’ve read 2 in the past couple of months and have eaten them up. Even though Connor is the country artist, Ella Mae is a songwriter and I loved that they got to share this interest with each other. (Also here for more Jesse McCartney references in my romance books).

The female friendships in this book-and the whole series-are just so sweet and wonderful. These girls genuinely feel so real and like people you could be best friends with.

I highly recommend picking up a Hailey Gardiner book if you haven’t already and I’m anxiously awaiting her next one!

👍🏻Read If You Like:
•Brother’s Best Friend
•Jesse McCartney
•Forced Proximity
•Taylor Swift’s Country Albums (this is the vibe)

🚪Closed Door Romance

[Jade (beauty.andherbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st Read: ★★★★★
Tropes: brother's best friend, witty banter, nicknames, musicians
Tense: first person, present tense, dual POV

Someone call 911 because I'm dying from swooning so much. Connor and Ella Mae were simply phenomenal. I was continuously rooting for these two throughout the whole story. Connor and Ella Mae's chemistry was off the charts and simply romantic; I even found myself tearing up at some scenes. Their banter sold me even more on their relationship. I very much related to Ella Mae and it made my hopeless, yet hopeful, romantic heart happy.

I love how the author's passion for singing and songwriting was palpable through the book. I could almost feel the rise and fall of the song through the pages. I love how both the protagonists are in the same industry because it created an almost workplace romance feel without both of them actually working in the same place.

There were so many pages I bookmarked so I could come back to them once I get a physical copy of the book and mark them down. If you're a fan of sweet and swoon-worthy romances, you won't be disappointed picking this up on August 8th.

Thank you to Hailey Gardiner for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Aurora Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, did I ever love this book!

I have enjoyed each book in the series, but this one takes the cake! There is so much of the author and her experiences in this book and it made this story a little extra special.

Conner Cane is country music’s hottest new comer. After an amazing debut album, he feels the pressure of releasing another album that can measure up to the first.

Ella Mae Stewart loves writing songs, but she hasn’t had any musicians snag up her writing talent and sky rocket her career. It’s been years since she’s seen Conner, her brother’s best friend, and she’s hoping for the chance to write for him.

When Conner and Ella Mae get together to write songs, its evident that they have chemistry in the studio and are quiet the duo. Sparks fly in the studio and out and this pair starts making headlines.

If you love these….

Brother’s best friend
Friend-to-more
Celebrity romance
Dual POV
Music representation
Slow burn
Flirting
...you will love The Duet.

I personally don’t mind a good third act breakup, but for those of you who do not like them, you will be happy to know that there is no third act breakup in this story!

The studio scenes are fantastic, the nicknames, the inside jokes (birds...iykyk), and all the eye contact between these two will make you love this story.

The Duet is a closed door romcom with kisses only and some mild innuendo.

[Gracie N · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this series I think that it is so refreshing to read romances that is all romance. Yes there was a climax in each story but not hidden girlfriends, surprise baby’s, monumental lies or secrets, or forbidden love.

In each of the books they liked each other, but didn’t know how to approach it without drastically changing the dynamic of their relationships. There was some hesitation but only due to their own unresolved feelings.

Ella Mae is a song writer, she can sing but doesn’t like singing in front of others. Connor is an up and coming singer, whose career is just beginning. They know each other well. Connor is Ella Mae’s brother Best Friend. She sees him for the first time in forever at her friends wedding and used it as the opportunity to put herself out there and get a song on his next album.

While she obviously thinks he’s attractive, she wants to keep it strictly professional because of her brother. But she didn’t expect Connor to also feel that same way. They working relationship shifts very suddenly, and crazy enough her brother is coo! But is Ella Mai ready for what comes with dating a celebrity? Months of not being with them because of tours and crazy fans and tabloids all in their business and attacking her for no reason.

Love this book.

[Kate Fredrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my...Hailey does it again with another beautiful romance. Her writing and storytelling of Ella Mae and Conor's story will sweep you off your feet and heart. This story follows my favorite trope of the brother's best friend. Connor is a famous musician who happens to be Ella Mae's brother's best friend. They happen to run into each other at a friend's wedding and Ella Mae's childhood crush come's creeping back into her heart. Together Ella Mae and Connor write and record a duet, "Always You". Little do they know this will push them together in ways neither were expecting. Are they willing to cross that line of childhood friends? Is Connor's fame worth fighting through to see where their hearts can lead them? If you love a sweet clean romance, naming your car, Jesse McCartney, watching stars from the bed of a truck, and great swoon worthy kisses this is the perfect romance for you.
Thank you, Hailey, for my free eBook. It was not expected for me to leave any positive feedback, these opinions are 100% my own.

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as good as I had hoped. The Duet is the third book in Hailey Gardiner’s Falling for Franklin series. I read this book so quickly and I enjoyed it immensely.
Connor and Ella Mae were just the sweetest of friends. I love how they knew each other before and they already had a connection. I liked both of these characters and I was able to connect with them immediately. They were relatable and I loved getting to know them. The romance was sweet and I was engaged with the story from the beginning.
I would definitely recommend The Duet. It is a wonderful rom-com! I love seeing old characters and meeting new ones. I am excited to see what Gardiner will write next. The Duet is a closed romantic comedy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Savannah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute love story! I loved all the music and song writing that was woven into this story, and the strong connection that Connor and Ella Mae have through the music they create together. I really loved how they were attracted to each other from the start but really became friends first and then their romance grew and developed so freely and naturally. I really liked how they faced the issue of telling Ella Mae’s older brother and Connors best friend about their relationship instead of hiding it for a really long time. Trent’s reaction is priceless! I loved it! But you’ll have to read it to find out why 😉 The setting of Nashville and the music scene was so well done too, it felt so immersive and vibrant. I loved this sweet love story and can’t wait to read more! Please please pretty please tell me we get a book about Trent! ☺️

Thank you to the author for an e-arc copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Stephanie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s finally out! I have been waiting for this. Fun, sweet rom-com with a great build of steam and no spice. I always love a good celebrity romance trope, plus throwing in the brother’s best friend trope and the guaranteed HEA? Yes, thank you! Enjoy digging into The Duet by Hailey Gardiner and follow the sweet story that opens up when Ella Mae and Connor reunite at a friend's wedding after spending the last few years apart. At the recommendation of their mutual friend, they agree to write a song together. Connor knows this will help Ella Mae’s career progress, but she may be just what he needs to get back on track with his career. Neither one anticipated how their personal lives would be drawn together. It was incredibly sweet and fun to follow along as they learn what they are willing to live both with and without as they consider making a real relationship work. Snag yourself a copy, and enjoy!

[Megan Crofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to end and wrap up this series. I loved this one so much! This series will forever live in my mind. This one was so swoony, witty, and romantic!

Connor and Ella Mae were so adorable and fun together and they had the best flirty banter. I laughed so hard at their antics and their wonderful sense of humor. Their blatant flirting was just delightful! They danced around their true feelings and I loved all the almost moments. Their story was so fun and romantic.

I loved all the behind the scenes music stuff and knowing that the author was a musician as well. She brought such great detail to the inner workings of songwriting and recording. Gardiner always had the best pop culture references that don't get in the way of the story or were oversaturated. The Jesse McCartney references, IYKYK!!

I adored this book and this entire series so much!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the hearts and stars from me! Connor Cane and Ella Mae are the absolute sweetest and I thought their story was SO CUTE!

Their story is:
•celebrity trope
•singer x songwriter
•brother's best friend
•friends-to-lovers
•excellent flirting, tension and banter!
•no angst! & adult conversations 👏👏👏
•swoony kisses!
•music!*

*Musicians, and those that just really love music, are especially going to love Connor and Ella Mae's story! You can really feel the author's passion and understanding for music in this story! So cool!

I absolutely enjoyed this story and was totally hooked and rooting for the couple to be together from beginning to end!

If you enjoy sweet romantic comedies with swoony kisses, add this to your TBR!

[Our Book Confessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d had these on my tbr for far too long. I set aside some time last Thursday to read The Retreat, and ended up binging the whole series.

They were quick reads, but filled with so much heart. The characters were relatable, and the chemistry was fantastic.

I was enjoying myself immensely and then it got to the part in the story, you know what I’m talking about…where you just know it’s set up for one of the mc’s to say or do something stupid. And it didn’t happen. They talked to each other like mature adults. It didn’t solve their problems and the tension was still there, but they worked through it together. I adored the communication she wrote into all three stories.

We highly recommend this series! Read them and you’ll love them too!