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I Knew I Loved You
Falling in love with your best friend is simultaneously one of the most nerve-wracking, terrifying, and beautiful experiences of one's life – beautiful, if they reciprocate.
Dani is an introvert and has more walls than a Roman fortress. Her – gorgeous – best friend, Taylor, is an extrovert and one of only two people who’s ever been allowed inside Dani’s walls. They’ve been best friends for over seventeen years, and Dani has secretly been in love with her for nearly just as long. For the past several years, life and people have caused them to somewhat drift apart.
But when Taylor invites Dani to go on an all-expenses-paid trip to a luxury resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida, they get the space and solitude they need to hash out the reasons Dani has slowly closed her walls against Taylor and heal their friendship. And through the emotional reconnecting, something else blossoms between them, something Dani had always dreamed about and nearly lost hope of ever experiencing.
As their relationship transitions from one of friendship to one of passion, romance, and commitment, Dani and Taylor reevaluate their career paths, both helping each other to achieve what they want for their future. To follow her dreams to become an artist, Dani will have to learn how to control her ego, overcome her fears, and tear down the walls she’d spent most of her life erecting around her mind and heart.
Dani and Taylor have the kind of funny and cute chemistry that only comes from knowing someone through and through, and their love for each other is pure and beautiful, even before they know each other’s love runs deeper than friendship. You won’t be able to get enough of this lovely couple.
Dani is an introvert and has more walls than a Roman fortress. Her – gorgeous – best friend, Taylor, is an extrovert and one of only two people who’s ever been allowed inside Dani’s walls. They’ve been best friends for over seventeen years, and Dani has secretly been in love with her for nearly just as long. For the past several years, life and people have caused them to somewhat drift apart.
But when Taylor invites Dani to go on an all-expenses-paid trip to a luxury resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida, they get the space and solitude they need to hash out the reasons Dani has slowly closed her walls against Taylor and heal their friendship. And through the emotional reconnecting, something else blossoms between them, something Dani had always dreamed about and nearly lost hope of ever experiencing.
As their relationship transitions from one of friendship to one of passion, romance, and commitment, Dani and Taylor reevaluate their career paths, both helping each other to achieve what they want for their future. To follow her dreams to become an artist, Dani will have to learn how to control her ego, overcome her fears, and tear down the walls she’d spent most of her life erecting around her mind and heart.
Dani and Taylor have the kind of funny and cute chemistry that only comes from knowing someone through and through, and their love for each other is pure and beautiful, even before they know each other’s love runs deeper than friendship. You won’t be able to get enough of this lovely couple.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2023
80 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Amy DeMeritt
36 books89 followersAmy DeMeritt is an author of Sapphic romance and an occasional poet. She is a lover of the arts, coffee and tea, a day of sitting on the beach watching the waves crashing against the shore, and good books and music to get lost in. (A good thunderstorm is one of her favorite forms of music.)
Amy takes inspiration from every experience in life and gives her imagination full reign to take a small detail and expand it into an intricate tale. Weaving experience, interests, and even pushing the boundaries of personal comfort, Amy’s stories take a reader on a journey of varying emotions and the joys and trials of love, romance, and growing as an individual, all of which are embodied in an entertaining plot with complex characters.
Amy takes inspiration from every experience in life and gives her imagination full reign to take a small detail and expand it into an intricate tale. Weaving experience, interests, and even pushing the boundaries of personal comfort, Amy’s stories take a reader on a journey of varying emotions and the joys and trials of love, romance, and growing as an individual, all of which are embodied in an entertaining plot with complex characters.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 16, 2023
3 stars - low angst friends to lovers romance on Kindle Unlimited
This is a perfectly serviceable low angst romance that I think a lot of people would enjoy.
A few nitpicks:
1- Unfortunately for me, some early scenes had me not clicking with the primary MC Dani and that feeling just stuck with me the whole book. This is probably my biggest issue and it’s probably just me. I really liked Taylor though.
The rest of these are truly tiny issues
2- There was a very odd word choice in one of the first love scenes that took me a bit to dislodge from my brain.
3- every character in this book is very tactile. There is so much playful slapping, pinching, hugging, ticking, kissing of foreheads and temples. Just on and on. It got a bit much.
4- the MCs have been friends forever so the have a ton of history and crack each other up a lot. They are laughing their asses off quite a few times. But it’s the kind things that are only hilariously funny to the people involved so it just kinda fell flat as a reader.
Bottom line if the premise sounds good definitely give this one a try.
This is a perfectly serviceable low angst romance that I think a lot of people would enjoy.
A few nitpicks:
1- Unfortunately for me, some early scenes had me not clicking with the primary MC Dani and that feeling just stuck with me the whole book. This is probably my biggest issue and it’s probably just me. I really liked Taylor though.
The rest of these are truly tiny issues
2- There was a very odd word choice in one of the first love scenes that took me a bit to dislodge from my brain.
3- every character in this book is very tactile. There is so much playful slapping, pinching, hugging, ticking, kissing of foreheads and temples. Just on and on. It got a bit much.
4- the MCs have been friends forever so the have a ton of history and crack each other up a lot. They are laughing their asses off quite a few times. But it’s the kind things that are only hilariously funny to the people involved so it just kinda fell flat as a reader.
Bottom line if the premise sounds good definitely give this one a try.
August 16, 2023
I knew I loved You
Amy DeMeritt wrote a beautiful story, with very little angst. I loved how she addresses the social anxiety of the MC and the support system she created for her. Their chemistry is outstanding. There is a sweetness to the author's books that I greatly appreciate.
I love all of the romances this author writes and will continue to follow her and will be rereading again.
Amy DeMeritt wrote a beautiful story, with very little angst. I loved how she addresses the social anxiety of the MC and the support system she created for her. Their chemistry is outstanding. There is a sweetness to the author's books that I greatly appreciate.
I love all of the romances this author writes and will continue to follow her and will be rereading again.
June 23, 2024
4 Stars
It’s a cozy friends to lovers story but starts off a bit angsty which is great because after the hurdle has been overcome the relationship grows stronger each chapter. It’s a perfect book to read if you don’t want to feel stressed out about convoluted plots.
It’s a cozy friends to lovers story but starts off a bit angsty which is great because after the hurdle has been overcome the relationship grows stronger each chapter. It’s a perfect book to read if you don’t want to feel stressed out about convoluted plots.
August 8, 2023
You had me at the title!
Listen, usually friends to lovers isn't a trope I read very often because they are typically full of miscommunication. This was completely different from what I expected it to be and I enjoyed the build up of the romance and the sex scenes fit in naturally. Its a fem\fem story that also has some fully fleshed out side characters. Taylor and Dani work their way to a HEA. I loved Dani's mom, she was incredible and while the drama that came up seemed a bit far fetched to me, it didn't draw out so long that I was truly bothered by it. I intend to look at other books the author has written. It was also a treat that I highlighted some informative parts of the book and also pinned on my Pinterest board more than a few of the food and drink items mentioned. If you want a sweet romance with low angst, sex scenes, and a Yoda like mom lol you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Listen, usually friends to lovers isn't a trope I read very often because they are typically full of miscommunication. This was completely different from what I expected it to be and I enjoyed the build up of the romance and the sex scenes fit in naturally. Its a fem\fem story that also has some fully fleshed out side characters. Taylor and Dani work their way to a HEA. I loved Dani's mom, she was incredible and while the drama that came up seemed a bit far fetched to me, it didn't draw out so long that I was truly bothered by it. I intend to look at other books the author has written. It was also a treat that I highlighted some informative parts of the book and also pinned on my Pinterest board more than a few of the food and drink items mentioned. If you want a sweet romance with low angst, sex scenes, and a Yoda like mom lol you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
November 17, 2023
I overall thought this was a cute romance with likable characters. The first portion of this romance moved a bit slower so it took a while for me to get into reading this. I think I even pushed it aside and read another book while I was getting through this. The second part of the book was much better and I felt like I could connect a bit more than the first half. 3.5 stars
January 16, 2024
This was a sweet and heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance that delivered on exactly what it promised. While a little straightforward in execution, this is the perfect novel for lovers of Hallmark-style plotlines that deliver the feels with only a slight undercurrent of angst or conflict. It was an easy read, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes the genre.
The story follows Dani and Taylor who have been best friends for 16 years and secretly been in love with each other for most of that time. While on a weekend beach vacation getaway they finally push through their miscommunications and allow their relationship to move forward. After they return home, the two set about working through their remaining issues while determining how to move forward with turning these feelings into a real relationship.
The Great Stuff:
-At its core this is a sweet and heartwarming love story. If you want a lot of positive mushy feelings delivered with some complexity and depth for added realism, then this is for you.
-This novel properly dove into and explored the various plot elements thoroughly. It didn’t end right as the MC’s got together and assume a happy ending; the majority of the novel was spent exploring the unresolved issues and insecurities the characters had and spent an appropriate amount of time working through them in a realistic way. I believe these characters will stay together, which is something that you do NOT always get to say after a book ends.
-There was balance between the characters as both had their own insecurities and issues to work through, personally and with regards to the relationship. This was not the standard story of one troubled character being fixed by a perfect one. Both MC’s felt real and they complimented each other.
-The characters demonstrated some excellent and realistic communication for a couple working through their issues together in a constructive way. There were minor miscommunications but they were realistic and not plot-driven to annoying proportions. This was a healthy relationship (for once, yay!) being displayed. I also liked how they got to skip the “getting to know you stage” that would normally be featured in a story like this and instead focused on deeper issues of a relationship at a later stage.
The Nitpicks:
-The novel was a little bit too sappy for me and fairly repetitive. They spent a LOT of time discussing how much they love each other and how happy they are to finally be together. I understand where this is coming from; its certainly a feel-good read and the characters were looking forward to this for 16 years after all. Some variation would have been nice or more showing their happiness instead of explaining it.
-Some of the dialogue and storytelling was rather flat at times. The characters have a lot of moments where they are having fun and laughing hysterically however it doesn’t translate to the reader laughing along; often its inside jokes the characters share or we are simply told how funny the moment is instead of the dialogue actually being objectively funny.
The story follows Dani and Taylor who have been best friends for 16 years and secretly been in love with each other for most of that time. While on a weekend beach vacation getaway they finally push through their miscommunications and allow their relationship to move forward. After they return home, the two set about working through their remaining issues while determining how to move forward with turning these feelings into a real relationship.
The Great Stuff:
-At its core this is a sweet and heartwarming love story. If you want a lot of positive mushy feelings delivered with some complexity and depth for added realism, then this is for you.
-This novel properly dove into and explored the various plot elements thoroughly. It didn’t end right as the MC’s got together and assume a happy ending; the majority of the novel was spent exploring the unresolved issues and insecurities the characters had and spent an appropriate amount of time working through them in a realistic way. I believe these characters will stay together, which is something that you do NOT always get to say after a book ends.
-There was balance between the characters as both had their own insecurities and issues to work through, personally and with regards to the relationship. This was not the standard story of one troubled character being fixed by a perfect one. Both MC’s felt real and they complimented each other.
-The characters demonstrated some excellent and realistic communication for a couple working through their issues together in a constructive way. There were minor miscommunications but they were realistic and not plot-driven to annoying proportions. This was a healthy relationship (for once, yay!) being displayed. I also liked how they got to skip the “getting to know you stage” that would normally be featured in a story like this and instead focused on deeper issues of a relationship at a later stage.
The Nitpicks:
-The novel was a little bit too sappy for me and fairly repetitive. They spent a LOT of time discussing how much they love each other and how happy they are to finally be together. I understand where this is coming from; its certainly a feel-good read and the characters were looking forward to this for 16 years after all. Some variation would have been nice or more showing their happiness instead of explaining it.
-Some of the dialogue and storytelling was rather flat at times. The characters have a lot of moments where they are having fun and laughing hysterically however it doesn’t translate to the reader laughing along; often its inside jokes the characters share or we are simply told how funny the moment is instead of the dialogue actually being objectively funny.
August 21, 2023
A Supportive and Loving Friends to Lovers Story!
I love Amy DeMeritt and her stand alone books. I thought this would be a little young and predictable and I am glad to say I was wrong. This turned out to be so much more. This was about two friends who grew up together,secretly loving each other but pulled apart by unfortunate circumstances. Dani and Taylor are going away together,alone for the first time since they were younger. Dani has been trying for years to keep her feelings for Taylor buried deep. Even though this trip was part of Taylor’s online presence, Taylor hoped she could fix what problems their friendship seemed to be suffering. This was written so well. It had extreme love and support. It had honesty and integrity but mostly it had two people and add in Dani’s mom that formed a loving relationship and family, something that seems to be missing in life. Definitely a feel good book!
I love Amy DeMeritt and her stand alone books. I thought this would be a little young and predictable and I am glad to say I was wrong. This turned out to be so much more. This was about two friends who grew up together,secretly loving each other but pulled apart by unfortunate circumstances. Dani and Taylor are going away together,alone for the first time since they were younger. Dani has been trying for years to keep her feelings for Taylor buried deep. Even though this trip was part of Taylor’s online presence, Taylor hoped she could fix what problems their friendship seemed to be suffering. This was written so well. It had extreme love and support. It had honesty and integrity but mostly it had two people and add in Dani’s mom that formed a loving relationship and family, something that seems to be missing in life. Definitely a feel good book!
September 1, 2023
Amy DeMeritt
I Knew I Loved You: A Friends-to-Lovers Lesbian Romance
Dani and Taylor have been friends for seventeen years, and throughout that time, Dani had always admired Taylor's kindness and compassion.
As an avid reader, I eagerly anticipated the release of this author's latest book.
Amidst the challenges Dani faced after losing her job, she sought solace in the company of her incredible and resilient mother.
In an effort to rediscover themselves and reignite their connection, Dani and Taylor embarked on a journey together.
The story beautifully captured the profound love shared between Dani and Taylor, with the unwavering support and affectionate presence of both Taylor and Dani's mother. It was a tale that touched my heart.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book, now available on Amazon KU! Don't miss out on this remarkable read!
I Knew I Loved You: A Friends-to-Lovers Lesbian Romance
Dani and Taylor have been friends for seventeen years, and throughout that time, Dani had always admired Taylor's kindness and compassion.
As an avid reader, I eagerly anticipated the release of this author's latest book.
Amidst the challenges Dani faced after losing her job, she sought solace in the company of her incredible and resilient mother.
In an effort to rediscover themselves and reignite their connection, Dani and Taylor embarked on a journey together.
The story beautifully captured the profound love shared between Dani and Taylor, with the unwavering support and affectionate presence of both Taylor and Dani's mother. It was a tale that touched my heart.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book, now available on Amazon KU! Don't miss out on this remarkable read!
August 11, 2023
omg, loved every second.
Ok, wow… this is such a beautiful book. It highlights the ups and downs and insecurities everyone has. The very slight angst is resolved by actually talking to each other instead of letting it fester and blow up. Personally I wouldn’t have forgiven the side character! But that’s more a personal opinion. And the mom! Such a great character with some great dialogue.
This is a super sweet best friends to lovers story with a HEA that will make you swoon and smile, while also making you wonder…who actually eats Hawaiian pizza???
Grab a copy today and just…feel all the feels.
Ok, wow… this is such a beautiful book. It highlights the ups and downs and insecurities everyone has. The very slight angst is resolved by actually talking to each other instead of letting it fester and blow up. Personally I wouldn’t have forgiven the side character! But that’s more a personal opinion. And the mom! Such a great character with some great dialogue.
This is a super sweet best friends to lovers story with a HEA that will make you swoon and smile, while also making you wonder…who actually eats Hawaiian pizza???
Grab a copy today and just…feel all the feels.
October 9, 2023
I always crave a good friends to lovers romance book.
This book is more about how Taylor and Dani, the 2 mcs, navigate their relationship and not much about the process of getting into the relationship.
So it's very low angst and just a lot of fluff.
There were definitely problems during their whole relationship but they solved it like two mature adults through communicaton, and nothing really got out of hand.
Well nothing much to say about the side characters just that they added more to the book.
This was an engaging and enjoyable read throughout.
If u enjoy a feel good romance this is definitely for you.
4.5 stars.
This book is more about how Taylor and Dani, the 2 mcs, navigate their relationship and not much about the process of getting into the relationship.
So it's very low angst and just a lot of fluff.
There were definitely problems during their whole relationship but they solved it like two mature adults through communicaton, and nothing really got out of hand.
Well nothing much to say about the side characters just that they added more to the book.
This was an engaging and enjoyable read throughout.
If u enjoy a feel good romance this is definitely for you.
4.5 stars.
August 9, 2023
Endearing
It's nice to read a story where the characters fall in love and work through their fears to build the relationship despite the obstacles in their way. I really liked the dynamics between Dani and Taylor, it made relating to their characters easy. I recommend this to anyone who likes a good romance without the typical break up drama.
It's nice to read a story where the characters fall in love and work through their fears to build the relationship despite the obstacles in their way. I really liked the dynamics between Dani and Taylor, it made relating to their characters easy. I recommend this to anyone who likes a good romance without the typical break up drama.
August 22, 2023
Great Read
I loved this book. The banter back and forth between Dani and Taylor literally had me laughing out loud. This was such a sweet, romantic book. I fell in love with the characters and hope there is another book to show what happened next in their lives.
I loved this book. The banter back and forth between Dani and Taylor literally had me laughing out loud. This was such a sweet, romantic book. I fell in love with the characters and hope there is another book to show what happened next in their lives.
September 17, 2023
Great read
I love the characters in this book love how they both wanted each other and didn't know it till the vacation I was happy to see them together but would want another book about engagement and getting married and probably a baby too
I love the characters in this book love how they both wanted each other and didn't know it till the vacation I was happy to see them together but would want another book about engagement and getting married and probably a baby too
February 7, 2024
While Predictable, Still Refreshing
There were a couple editing misses. The story was predictable but it was still engaging. Enjoyed the characters and liked the depth of their personalities. Good read.
There were a couple editing misses. The story was predictable but it was still engaging. Enjoyed the characters and liked the depth of their personalities. Good read.
February 3, 2024
A cute friends to lovers story. The MVP by far was Sylvia. We all need a Sylvia in our lives. Really enjoyable.
February 5, 2026
Solid friends to lovers read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews