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Franklin Notch #4
Just Best Friends
Releasing October 2023
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2023
66 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 23, 2024
Okay. This was by far my favourite book of the series.
Best friends since they were brought into the world 15 minutes apart, Ben and Thea have the best platonic relationship. Until they accidentally kiss while pretending to be together.
They realize they want more but obviously there’s fear of losing each other-mostly from Thea’s perspective. So they pretend its a fwb. Slowly Thea becomes accepting of the soulmate love Ben is providing her but as she prepares to tell him, he gets trampled at his animal rescue causing a plethora of issues for her.
Classic best friends to lovers. Mild spicy. Not a bad series overall.
Best friends since they were brought into the world 15 minutes apart, Ben and Thea have the best platonic relationship. Until they accidentally kiss while pretending to be together.
They realize they want more but obviously there’s fear of losing each other-mostly from Thea’s perspective. So they pretend its a fwb. Slowly Thea becomes accepting of the soulmate love Ben is providing her but as she prepares to tell him, he gets trampled at his animal rescue causing a plethora of issues for her.
Classic best friends to lovers. Mild spicy. Not a bad series overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2024
i’ve loved this whole series! wasn’t overly invested in thea and ben’s story but i enjoyed the story nonetheless! friends to lovers always hits the spot!
October 21, 2023
Ben and Thea, the lead characters, have been best friends from birth, literally sharing a birthday and whose mothers were good friends. They have grown up together and regularly sleep (just sleep) in the same bed even as adults. Neither of them has been tempted to go past friendship, much, except during hormone driven teen years, certainly not recently…until this birthday, when Thea says she wants children, and her regular hook up breaks up with her for a promotion across the country…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a funny, steamy, best friends to lovers, contemporary romance. I enjoyed the loveliness of such a tight friendship that had survived so much pressure. I enjoyed Ben’s dedication to Thea and his willingness to wait however long was necessary for her to be ready for a defined longterm relationship. I enjoyed Thea’s dawning awareness that she wanted more from Ben than friendship. I empathised with her concern over changing the nature of their relationship. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters and the support both lead characters received from those around them.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
This story is dual POV, well written, and a funny, steamy, best friends to lovers, contemporary romance. I enjoyed the loveliness of such a tight friendship that had survived so much pressure. I enjoyed Ben’s dedication to Thea and his willingness to wait however long was necessary for her to be ready for a defined longterm relationship. I enjoyed Thea’s dawning awareness that she wanted more from Ben than friendship. I empathised with her concern over changing the nature of their relationship. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters and the support both lead characters received from those around them.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
October 26, 2023
Thea has always been one of my favorite characters in Franklin Notch and I love how her and Ben’s story is full of moments that make you giggle and swoon. These two have been attached at the hip since birth, sharing the same birthday and often the same bed. It’s always been on a “Just Best Friends” level. I love their backstory and how much Ben’s family loves Thea as one of their own. Deep down, it’s easy to see how everyone was simply waiting for these two to open their eyes and see what is right in front of them.
I loved how Ben is incredibly patient throughout the book, giving Thea every crazy moment she needs to come to terms with what their hearts have been screaming all along. He nudges her in the right direction while still giving her space to reign in her overthinking. He keeps his persona has her best friend to the outside world, but when they’re alone, wow! The depth of Ben’s feelings for Thea are spicy, passionate, and make your insides feel like goo!
Franklin Notch has been full of quirky characters who have become like family and friends. I have so many other stories I’d love to hear about the small town. This is an instant buy now to complete my hard copy for my bookshelves!
I loved how Ben is incredibly patient throughout the book, giving Thea every crazy moment she needs to come to terms with what their hearts have been screaming all along. He nudges her in the right direction while still giving her space to reign in her overthinking. He keeps his persona has her best friend to the outside world, but when they’re alone, wow! The depth of Ben’s feelings for Thea are spicy, passionate, and make your insides feel like goo!
Franklin Notch has been full of quirky characters who have become like family and friends. I have so many other stories I’d love to hear about the small town. This is an instant buy now to complete my hard copy for my bookshelves!
December 31, 2024
Cute story but please get a new editor
This series was new to me and I’ll admit I started at book 3 when I saw it on Stuff your kindle day. I liked this one better than that book even though I wasn’t a huge fan of Thea. If you’re looking for something light hearted with minimal drama then this book will be for you. I honestly didn’t feel much of a connection between the characters and there wasn’t really any growth for either of them to be honest but again, easy quick read without drama or angst so I was fine with it. It made me smile at times. The only truly negative thing I have to say is that this author desperately needs a new editor. Several times in this book and the previous book incorrect words were used at the wrong time or you could tell she started to go one way with a sentence then decided to reword it but left a word from the previous direction it was going so it didn’t make sense. And in both books I read, the wrong name for side characters were used and it was confusing. I gave this 3.5 stars for that but rounded up since Amazon refuses to allow us to do half stars.
This series was new to me and I’ll admit I started at book 3 when I saw it on Stuff your kindle day. I liked this one better than that book even though I wasn’t a huge fan of Thea. If you’re looking for something light hearted with minimal drama then this book will be for you. I honestly didn’t feel much of a connection between the characters and there wasn’t really any growth for either of them to be honest but again, easy quick read without drama or angst so I was fine with it. It made me smile at times. The only truly negative thing I have to say is that this author desperately needs a new editor. Several times in this book and the previous book incorrect words were used at the wrong time or you could tell she started to go one way with a sentence then decided to reword it but left a word from the previous direction it was going so it didn’t make sense. And in both books I read, the wrong name for side characters were used and it was confusing. I gave this 3.5 stars for that but rounded up since Amazon refuses to allow us to do half stars.
October 25, 2023
Oh how I enjoyed being back in Franklin Notch with Sarah Everly's amazing town full of quirky characters we all love. Every story in the Franklin Notch series brings to this charming small town in New England to life, and the story of Ben and Thea definitely does NOT disappoint us!!
Ben and Thea have been best friends for their entire life, until one weekend away changes everything. Thea books a surprise romantic getaway for her boyfriend, but the surprise is on her when he breaks up with her after accepting a job out of state. She can't cancel her trip and convinces Ben to come with her. They share a kiss, and it turns Thea's life upside down. She begins second-guessing her decisions and decides to make some major changes in her life. Will those changes include Ben as just a friend or more? Can she risk their friendship to find out?
This is a sweet best friends to lovers story. It makes you want to scream at Ben and Thea to just stop trying to deny those feelings and be together already!! I adored their story and look forward to the next book in this series.
Ben and Thea have been best friends for their entire life, until one weekend away changes everything. Thea books a surprise romantic getaway for her boyfriend, but the surprise is on her when he breaks up with her after accepting a job out of state. She can't cancel her trip and convinces Ben to come with her. They share a kiss, and it turns Thea's life upside down. She begins second-guessing her decisions and decides to make some major changes in her life. Will those changes include Ben as just a friend or more? Can she risk their friendship to find out?
This is a sweet best friends to lovers story. It makes you want to scream at Ben and Thea to just stop trying to deny those feelings and be together already!! I adored their story and look forward to the next book in this series.
October 19, 2023
Thea and Ben have been life long friends, even born on the same day. Both enjoy their lives and friendship as it is. Until that is Ben suddenly realises it's not friendship he wants with Thea it's more. Can their friendship last if they take further or will Thea lose the most stable part of her life. Losing her mother to cancer, her father abandoning her and the loss of her grandmother she's lost enough. This is one of those books that keeps you gripped from start to finish. Being the fourth book set in Franklin Notch I certainly think Sarah this is the best yet. Between speed dating, a moose being made part of the town counsel, this book has laughs no end yet still has tension with the animals in the sanctuary. Can these two work through what's put in their way and can Thea overcome her fears. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book. I'm certain you'll love it as much as I have
October 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I will start out by saying I have yet to read the other books in the series and I didn’t feel like I was missing context. I could read it as a stand-alone. However, I know the area and that was one of things that excites me about this book.
Meeting Ben Clark was sort of awesome for me. I have been to Clark’s Trading Post and to have a fiction story of the background I loved more than I thought I would. He is such a marshmallow of a man and an amazing friend to Thea that I found myself swooning. Thea was the perfect best friend and I loved her individuality. She was stubborn and loved to sew. She was the extrovert to Ben’s introvert. I loved how patient he was for her to catch up to what he knew all along. That his best friend after 28 years was his soul mate.
This book is low spice and isn’t graphic in the bedroom scenes. I love the White Mountains area and that made this book even better for me.
Meeting Ben Clark was sort of awesome for me. I have been to Clark’s Trading Post and to have a fiction story of the background I loved more than I thought I would. He is such a marshmallow of a man and an amazing friend to Thea that I found myself swooning. Thea was the perfect best friend and I loved her individuality. She was stubborn and loved to sew. She was the extrovert to Ben’s introvert. I loved how patient he was for her to catch up to what he knew all along. That his best friend after 28 years was his soul mate.
This book is low spice and isn’t graphic in the bedroom scenes. I love the White Mountains area and that made this book even better for me.
November 6, 2023
I love the Franklin Notch and have been waiting for Thea and Ben's story since book one.
Thea and Ben have known each other since they were in diapers and are best friends.
Thea is ready for marriage and kids with her boyfriend,but things don't work out the way she wants.
Ben has had feelings for Thea,but doesn't want to ruin their friendship.
They go away together and it changes things between them.
As they spend more time together Ben hopes Thea will realise they can be more than just best friends.
There are lots of laughs,tears,emotions,romance,
friendships,small town vibes,great characters and a happily ever after.
Cannot wait for the next book by Sarah.
I recieved an ARC of this book for free by the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Thea and Ben have known each other since they were in diapers and are best friends.
Thea is ready for marriage and kids with her boyfriend,but things don't work out the way she wants.
Ben has had feelings for Thea,but doesn't want to ruin their friendship.
They go away together and it changes things between them.
As they spend more time together Ben hopes Thea will realise they can be more than just best friends.
There are lots of laughs,tears,emotions,romance,
friendships,small town vibes,great characters and a happily ever after.
Cannot wait for the next book by Sarah.
I recieved an ARC of this book for free by the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
Thea and Ben have been best friends forever. They both can not imagine a life outside of Franklin Notch or without the other but they were always just best friends and never more. When they go on a romantic weekend away this might change though. But can they risk their friendship for a relationship that might not work out?
I have read all the other books in the series and this is my favorite one so far. The main characters are charming, the plot is funny and fast-paced and I really loved meeting all the characters from the previous books again.
I received a ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read all the other books in the series and this is my favorite one so far. The main characters are charming, the plot is funny and fast-paced and I really loved meeting all the characters from the previous books again.
I received a ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2023
Another delightful visit to Franklin Notch. Thea and Ben have been best friends practically from birth with their mothers being best friends. The two have never had anything but platonic feelings for each other until…now. Ben embraces the fact that he is in love with his best friend as soon as the revelation presents itself but Thea is hesitant to change their relationship dynamics as their lives are so intertwined she is afraid she will lose everyone she loves if they don’t work out despite his assurances otherwise. The journey through the evolution of their feelings is filled with sweet romance and steamy scenes as well as melancholy and tenderness.
October 25, 2023
Thea and Ben were so adorable together and had an amazing connection. I enjoyed how Ben knew first that they belonged together and patiently waited for Thea to come to the same conclusion. I really empathized with Thea as she debated whether or not they should explore a romantic relationship as she had so much at stake. I loved seeing the attraction between Thea and Ben play out throughout the book and how they were able to communicate maturely. It was also great to catch up with some of the previous characters.
October 28, 2023
This was a great book. I enjoyed reading it. It was a page turner and the suspense was intense of romance. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. Thea and Ben friendship were more complicated than we could imagine. Could they be falling for each other or will the friendship be in jeopardy. They went through a hookup until a major breakup with them. There were so much of drama and secrets. Could they rekindle their romance moments?
I highly recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received ARC of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
I highly recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received ARC of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
October 27, 2023
Thea and Ben had been inseparable all of their lives; literally. Born in the same day, their mothers were best friends. And when Theas mother lost her battle with cancer, Ben’s mom stepped in to finish raiding her. Their lives are inextricably entwined.
Now they’ve begun to realize there just might be more than best friendship between them.
But do they dare take the risk?
Beautifully written you feel like you are right there in their small town as they muddle they try to
Navigate their new feelings!
Great book!
Now they’ve begun to realize there just might be more than best friendship between them.
But do they dare take the risk?
Beautifully written you feel like you are right there in their small town as they muddle they try to
Navigate their new feelings!
Great book!
October 21, 2023
An easy read romance about two best friends. I really loved their friendship and how they always had each othera backs. Ben's character was definitely the perfect guy, I love him and all of the different aspects that make up his personality. I had moments where I loved Thea as well, and then moments where she just annoyed me. Overal an enjoyable read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 18, 2023
I’ve been waiting for the story of Thea and Ben! They had always said they were just friends and seeing that change into something more in this book was fantastic. Ben is so steadfast, even with Thea working through her feelings. I love the twists and turns that they end up taking to get to the end.
October 22, 2023
Such a lovely best friends to lovers story.
Both Ben and Thea are such amazing characters on their own, but together, their friendship is something else.
Such a sweet ending too 😊
I did feel that I struggled at times when reading this, but I think it is simply due to some small story elements not being truly necessary for the build.
But I enjoyed it none the less.
Both Ben and Thea are such amazing characters on their own, but together, their friendship is something else.
Such a sweet ending too 😊
I did feel that I struggled at times when reading this, but I think it is simply due to some small story elements not being truly necessary for the build.
But I enjoyed it none the less.
January 15, 2024
3.8 stars
Best Friends to Lovers trope. It was nice, but nothing original. They’ve known each other for 27 years, they’ve been with other people, they suddenly realize that they love each other. I didn’t like the HEA.
Spice: 3/5
Plot: 3.8/5
Romance: 3.5/5
Best Friends to Lovers trope. It was nice, but nothing original. They’ve known each other for 27 years, they’ve been with other people, they suddenly realize that they love each other. I didn’t like the HEA.
Spice: 3/5
Plot: 3.8/5
Romance: 3.5/5
May 31, 2024
Loved this book . Ben and Thea hit the spot. The friendship that they have was beautiful . Rhe rest of the gang was fantastic . I loved how we could imagine the town , feel the emotions in the story . We got some laugh moments , some hmm moments , some aww moments and some omg I can't believe that moments . A great read .
March 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the characters and was able to relate to them. This is my first book by this author, and I read an out of order. As I started with book 4.
The ending of this book had me crying and laughing at the same time. The tears were good tears. I really thoroughly enjoyed this.
The ending of this book had me crying and laughing at the same time. The tears were good tears. I really thoroughly enjoyed this.
November 20, 2023
I loved this friends to lovers read! It was so good to see how the MC’s came to the realization that they were perfect for each other, and I highly recommend this read!
I am leaving this review after reading an ARC Copy.
I am leaving this review after reading an ARC Copy.
February 10, 2024
Wow so the last 85% gets a little stressful and a little wild. Makes me thankful I’ve never had to deal with that situation. Very enjoyable read though despite the hard left turn that I didn’t see coming and didn’t feel like was entirely necessary.
🌶️🌶️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
Finished! I think after reading the first book in this series, this is the story I most wanted to read. I loved Benny and Thea’s deep friendship and how it turns into a romance, and how that goes from being something transitory to a deep commitment.
March 5, 2024
Ehhhh
I wanted to like this book but I just couldn't do it. I tried so hard to connect with the characters but, it didn't work.
I wanted to like this book but I just couldn't do it. I tried so hard to connect with the characters but, it didn't work.
May 5, 2024
would have been so much better if they didn’t pull out the “I’m pregnant” card - why couldn’t they have gotten together without having a baby?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2024
My favorite in the series. ❤️
January 26, 2025
3.5 rounded up
Hea
No 3rd act b/u
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (open door, multiple scenes)
Hea
No 3rd act b/u
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (open door, multiple scenes)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews