Future Like This

Friends Like This #8

by Bethany Monaco Smith

I’m a mess.
I kept it together alone for years, pulling every thread tight to keep from unraveling. Now here I am, a mess of tangled strings on the floor, trying to sort myself out and put myself back together.
Not just for me. For my baby and for the man I love. For the relationship I have with him.
I’ve spent too long being the strong one. Being vulnerable doesn’t come easily to me. But as I stare into the deep green eyes of the man whose heart I’m breaking every time I don’t let him in, I know I have to let my walls down.
I need to let him in and let my hurt out so I can heal and grow stronger. So I can be the best version of myself, mom to our daughter, and partner to Miles.
No matter how broken I am, I’ll do whatever it takes to fix things, so I can finally have the future I’ve always dreamed of—the future I finally believe I deserve—with the love of my life and our daughter.

Future Like This is the eighth book in the Friends Like This series and the second book featuring Miles and Amelia’s love story. This is a direct continuation of book seven and all the previous books in the series. If you haven’t read them yet, head back to the beginning and jump on the roller coaster in Friends Like This.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2024

About the author

Bethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just SO much I could say about this book. I feel like any time you start investing yourself in the “background” characters, you want to see their stories continue even more. That was absolutely the case for Miles. He went from not looking for love to becoming a dad in less than a full year. He has to learn to cope with anxiety, and how to manage it - all while learning about being in a relationship and becoming a father. His growth in this book is incredible.

Amelia also has a lot of learning and growing to do. She didn’t want love, didn’t think she’d be a mother so soon…and does this all while still grieving her father, and her mother (even with her mother still being alive). There’s just something so strong about how Bethany wrote Amelia that I felt connected to. The experience of grief was told in such a way that, at times, I wondered if it was written directly about me. That’s just how connected it is!

We also get the sneak peak into more of the two I’m looking forward to the most…Hyla and Mackenzie. The way that I became emotionally invested in them right from the start of this entire series, and then getting hints right after being put on one of the craziest emotional rollercoasters? Perfection. We also got more of essentially everyone we’ve met through this series, and it’s been one of the most incredible journeys.

[Shani (Bttrflymama88) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Future Like This by Bethany Monaco Smith

Part two of Miles & Amelia!!!

They way my heart is so happy!! If you've made it this far.. we're at book 8, you know that Bethany put her couples THROUGH IT!!! But their is a reason for the emotional rollercoasters she takes you on!! I said it from the very beginning that when Miles got hit with the love bug, not only would he get hit with it hard but that he would meet his match! And boy did he ever on both accounts!

While I loved watching Aaron & Rae and of course Sarah and Joel. I LOVED watching Miles and Amelia's love story unfold. I loved getting that outside of the "hive" look in. Seeing the group of friends in Amelia's POV was amazing. And then to see her become a part of the group and fit so perfectly was beautiful! She fits. I loved watching her develop relationships with the girls, and with Aaron. Watching her realize that she isn't alone. And that sometimes family is more than just blood. And to watch Miles learn that it is okay to not be okay! I think that's my favorite lesson from this book!

The amount of growth they went through in such a short amount of time, both individually and together was absolutely amazing to watch. Not only did they learn to fight for eachother but themselves. The fact that they would walk through fire for their little family! The amount of work, and tears that they both gave and put in to get to their HEA. You literally feel all the feels. The happy and the sad, the angry and the confusion, the hurt and anxiety. You feel it. All. You go through the highs and lows and you become invested in these characters and just want them happy and healthy. And when you get that you don't ever want it to end! This series I think will forever be my favorite of Bethany's because she makes me feel everything! Even when I don't want to. And it's so relatable!

There is so much more I could say, because I'm sure I'm leaving so much out! But the biggest thing I can say is to read this series. You will not regret it!

[Book Nerdy 2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

FUTURE LIKE THIS By Bethany Monaco Smith

I’m a mess.
I kept it together alone for years, pulling every thread tight to keep from unraveling. Now here I am, a mess of tangled strings on the floor, trying to sort myself out and put myself back together.
Not just for me. For my baby and for the man I love. For the relationship I have with him.
I’ve spent too long being the strong one. Being vulnerable doesn’t come easily to me. But as I stare into the deep green eyes of the man whose heart I’m breaking every time I don’t let him in, I know I have to let my walls down.
I need to let him in and let my hurt out so I can heal and grow stronger. So I can be the best version of myself, mom to our daughter, and partner to Miles.
No matter how broken I am, I’ll do whatever it takes to fix things, so I can finally have the future I’ve always dreamed of—the future I finally believe I deserve—with the love of my life and our daughter.

😊What i liked -

✔ Accidental Pregnancy/Found Family/Small Town.
✔ Miles has been my favourite since the first book in the series. Sweet, Caring and Protective are the perfect words to describe him.
✔ Amelia is a strong character with her own set of insecurities.
✔ I loved the snippets of all the friends too. (such a treat)
✔ Bethany and the rollercoaster of emotions go hand in hand. It has such cute, sweet moments with a ton of heartaches.

🤔What could have been better -

✔ I wish i didn't cry so much


📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
🏡Small Town Romance
👪Found Family Romance


📈My Rating : 4/5


Thank you, Bethany Monaco Smith, for a copy.

[Colleen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a blink of an eye, Miles and Amelia are on a new journey together …developing as individuals, as partners, and as parents. The mental, social, and physical stress they endure can be felt through the chapters and boy does it turn into a beautiful story.
Althought the main focus is on Miles and Amelia’s relationship, reading how all the characters level up in each new story is absolutely amazing and soothing to the soul.

[DFS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles and Amelia's story continues in "Future Like This". The book handles real life issues very well. Miles is one of my favorite characters in the "Friends Like This" series. The book had me very emotional and I teared up a couple of times. I loved reading Miles and Amelia's journey and how they overcome problems together and in their individual paths.

[Cassie Hollenbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! I’m so happy that we got more of their story and they got a happy ever after! I’m curious what the updates of each couple will be in the next book! I love how in each book we learn more about each person in the friend group and it’s not just solely on the two that the book is about! Thank you so much for the arc! I cannot wait for the next one but I’m going to be so sad that their story is almost over.

[Ryann Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! Bethany had outdone herself once again! This is the second book of Miles and Amelia’s story with some other POVs from her other main characters from the Friends Like This series. This book shows so much progression of Miles and Amelia and their beautiful life together. I couldn’t stop crying on and off throughout the entire book. I could not put it down either. Bethany’s FLT series is my absolute favorite and I cannot wait for the continuation of this series! Definitely make put it on your TBR.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Future Like This ( Friends Like This Book 8 ) Tropes 💜Small Town 💜Accidental Pregnancy Well I really was just taken on the ride of my life and completely blown away in all the best ways . Bethany Monaco Smith nailed it and delivered the most unforgettable and unputdownable conclusion to Miles and Amelia’s epic love story . These two have been though so much ( so many obstacles in their lives . Not only as a couple but separately. Miles is the type of guy we all hope to find - loving , caring , compassionate, protective- he would do absolutely anything to ensure Amelia’s happiness . And Amelia Such a strong and independent heroine ( she’s spent so much of her life relying on herself) well all that’s changed now that Miles has entered her life . These two so clearly deserve a happily ever after . Love , passion, humor , witty banter , secrets , obstacles, second chances, off the charts chemistry, heartbreaking and heartfelt, family , friendships and so much more . What an emotional rollercoaster that’s going to play on all your emotions in ways you won’t even be expecting. I experienced it all , speechless, screaming outta pure frustration, being glued to the edge of my seat in anticipation of what would happen next , I smiled , I laughed, I sobbed and I rooted so freaking hard . Bethany never fails to exceed all my expectations every single time I pick up one of her books . Future Like This really is a must read , chefs kiss , a 10/10

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles is my absolute favourite! Put him with Amelia and give them a sweet baby? It's just icing on the cake!
This is book 8 in the seres and it continues with Miles and Amelia's story. I think this is my favourite book thus far. You should read the series from the beginning as they are all intertwined.
They have moments of weakness and moments of strength, but through it all they know that they have each other and family and friends to help get through anything that comes at them. It's not all sunshine and roses and they have some heavy, deep stuff to work through, but they are determined to work on themselves for each other and their own well being.
There is plenty of light, sweet and/or steamy moments to break up the angst-y parts and it's beautifully entwined through the story. I love that we get moments of continuing story with past characters and glimpses of future stories to come and that everyone doesn't always have happy or sad all at the same time, much like real life. It's nice to see the stories grow and mature with the characters throughout the series.
I wish I was as self-aware and mature as many of the characters when I was their age and I really wish I had a group of friends like this.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Monaco Smith's books pull on your heartstrings and are very emotional, so I was prepared to ride the emotional rollercoaster. I was not prepared to have tears rolling down my cheeks throughout the book. Future Like This is book two of Miles and Amelia's love story and picks up where Family Like Us leaves off. Ms. Monaco Smith gives us a book that deals with real-life situations, friends that are family and a love that is pure and true.
The two of them had so much on their plates regarding family, Miles' anxiety, Amelia's pushing people away and worrying about people leaving her as well as being young parents. I love the way that Miles put her on a pedestal and knew everything that she needed but also he was taking care of himself and wanting to be a better person for himself, her and their daughter. Their road to their HEA took a long time but when two souls were made for one another, nothing was going to get in the way of their happiness.
The added icing on the case was that all the friends were there and we got glimpses of what was happening in their lives, from engagements, babes and finally getting your second chance at love.

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Future Like This” is the conclusion to Miles and Amelia’s love story, and is the eighth book in Bethany Monaco Smith’s Friends Like This series.

This was another amazing addition to the series, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from Bethany Monaco Smith. It was swoony and emotional, while also being heartfelt and hilarious.

Miles and Amelia have been through so much, both together and separately, but I’ve been rooting for them to find happiness together the whole time.

Miles is such a sweetheart. I love how possessive and protective he is of Amelia, it’s obvious that he would do anything to ensure her comfort and happiness. I could also relate to his issues with anxiety, and those scenes in particular made me feel seen.

And Amelia! She’s spent so long trying to be strong and only rely on herself, that it was nice to see her realizing that she actually has a support system and could rely on the people who cared about her, which in my opinion takes a different kind of strength.

All in all, this was a fantastic read. I highly recommend Bethany Monaco Smith’s books to any small town romance fan!

[Cams Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could possibly be a 6 star read. I’m still deciding.


Boy, my eyes are sore. There were a lot of waterworks spilt while reading this book. Happy tears were shed, but by far I cried because of revisited grief and nostalgic memories. The issues touched on are so realistic and brought up a lot of residual feelings for me.
Bethany has such a way with words. The way she describes situations pull the reader in, and it’s so easy to empathise with Amelia and Miles.
The mental health rep is top notch. Both Amelia and Miles recognise they need help with their individual issues and attend therapy sessions. They, along with all the others in this series, are willing to put in the hard yards to make their relationship work.
I was super happy to be back in Ida with the original six and all the new people they’ve welcomed into their little found family. Katie, what an amazing mum. I absolutely loved her, even with all her threats to cut people😂😂
Up next is Mackie, I can’t wait. I feel like she’s the only one I don’t know as in depth as the others.

Thank you so much Bethany and team for the arc. I had a blast.

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

so so good

Miles and Amelia are for each other, the perfect match. It’s time for their HEA, finally! I was so excited to read their love story I know it was going to be a little roller coaster of emotions as always but this time a little different but still so good. And yes I still cry because obviously it’s Benathy’s story you are going to cry always. I really enjoyed reading this book… remembering some stages of my life, loving this couple and the whole gang. I love Ma Hyun-Hansen, she is the best, love her and Kara so much! Daddy Miles keeps getting better and better…. Gosh that man. I love all the parents but Miles, wow they are amazing, love them so much. Those letters… Bethany you just crushed my heart to pieces, so many tears. Everything in this story amazing! Their love is really intense, magical and perfect! I love all the Gang, can’t wait for Mackie and Hyla. Aaron and Rae still are my favorites. Aaron freaking Cooper is going to make you swoon again. Sarah and Joel are perfect too, love their future here. Love them all. Love this series so much. Can’t wait to read the next one.

PS. Chapter 17 you need a box of tissues

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Continuation of story
- Mental health rep
- Unplanned pregnancy

This story is a continuation of the Friends Like This series and is not intended to be read as a standalone. The friend group is so supportive of each other, especially now that Miles has opened up about his anxiety.

This book spoke to me on such a deep level. I related to Amelia so much that I found myself tearing up throughout the story. What I love most about this book (and truly, the series) is that we get to see past the initial "happy ever after" - where relationships are real and take nurturing, as Miles puts it. I loved that mindset! Things aren't easy for Miles and Amelia's relationship, but they are learning to trust each other and try to be the best person they can be, both for each other and their daughter.

My favorite quote: " I never wanted to fix things. I just wanted you to let me be your safe space for whatever you were feeling at that moment."

Five swoony stars from me!

[Book Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book about Miles and Ameila and continues where the first left off. Remember we had resident playboy Miles who was knocked on is a** by Amelia. Amelia is pregnant with Miles' baby. Amelia is still struggling with depending on people and Miles is being as supportive as ever!

I felt like Amelia really found herself in this book with the support of Miles. We see the birth of their daughter and watch them navigate parenthood and eventually have their happily ever after. These books touch on some serious topics including mental health but it is dealt with in a sensitive and realistic way.

Bethany has a real way of weaving this tightknit friendship group into all of her books and it's a joy to read about. It's making me want to go back and start the series again! I really don't want to say too much as these books are a fantastic read and are best enjoyed going in blind!

[Gemma Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again another fabulous book at Bethany Monaco Smith. What this lady does to make the characters not only relatable but realistic. The emotions that our characters feel just seep off the page and it make you go on that journey with them.
This is part 2 of the Miles and Amelia story, we always knew that once Miles got hit with that love connection that we were going to be in for some ride. Amelia is his perfect math in every way, although their story is not all love and butterflies it is real and you go on their journey of growth with them. This book has it all the angst, the love, the chemistry, the friendships, passion, humor and so much more.
There is so much I want to say about this story, but I won’t spoil it I’ll just say if you have went on this journey with our couples then this book will not disappoint.

[Jacqueline Fromm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was everything you could hope for. Miles is the one that I couldn't wait to read and the wait was forever worth it. Watching Miles and Amelia are the epitome of end game. Granted Aaron and Rae are still my top couple these two are right there. I am also very biased because Miles daughter shares a middle name with my daughter and she was also named for family. It made me emotional and Bethany is one of the only authors that can make me cry.
There is so much emotion in the story it sends you on the spiral of a lifetime that is worth it. Please give it a chance but start at the beginning of the series. It is a lot but it is so worth it.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the continued story of Miles & Amelia. This couple has been through so much and they have also been supporting and loving their daughter and their friends/families. These two have had so much anxiety and stress that their love is constantly challenged.

Miles will do anything for his growing family but Amelia is still struggling and her journey can be painful at time and also redeeming. It's a wild and passionate ride to get to where they need to be in order to move forward.

Of course some of our favorite characters are here because where else would they be. This series is amazing and these characters will stay with you long after the last word. Happy Reading!!

[Megan Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Future Like This is part two of Miles and Amelia's story (so if you haven't read the first part, go do that now!)

Miles and Amelia are reeling at the beginning of this book. For two young people to have as many challenges as they did, I feel like they worked together well and figured things out. Miles has always been my favorite of the guys, and I'm glad he found his unicorn. I honestly didn't agree with Amelia's handling of most situations, so it was hard for me to identify with her. However, I absolutely loooovvvved the sneak peeks of Mackie and Hyla's relationship, and I am ready to read the next one!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the continuation of Ameila and Mile’s story and is definitely not a stand alone. What I like about this series is the real situations and the emotions it evokes in me as I read.

I love as I read this one I caught up with Rae and Aaron and Sarah and Joel. As much as I love reading the relationship in the book, I love reading about the friendships and how they grow and change. It warms my heart.

I love that Amanda really found herself in this one. And reading about Miles and his anxiety. Such tough topics with the reward of not only their HEA but their family.

I enjoyed being back in Ida with this group of friends.

[Jalesa Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, the story, the characters, the love shown throughout the book had such a hold on me. Each book in this series gets better and better as it goes on and another character finds their love. I absolutely loved reading Miles and Amelia’s story and how they worked hard with each other to not only build their relationship and love but to heal each other from their past and their struggles they’ve faced. Every character in this series is finding their love and I cannot wait for what comes next!

[Stephanie Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been so anticipating this release. Future Like This is the second book of Miles and Amelia's story and the eighth book of the Friends Like This series from Bethany Monaco Smith. To get the full context, all the books should be read in order.

I love how the story dives in to some real people issues and doesn't just sugarcoat everything and the author does an amazing job of the characters also finding real solutions and the struggles that come with it.

I am really looking forward to the next book, although that means we're one book closer to the end of the series - which will be sad.

[Kristy Finto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing! Miles and Amelia are so great together and I've enjoyed watching their love strengthen and grow. Bethany knows how to make me cry over and over again but still repair my heart. I adore these characters and how much of a family they are and can't wait to be back with them all again.

[Kaitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books!!! I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. Miles and Amelia, man! I love getting to dive into this world every time we get a new book and visiting with these characters that feel like family!

[Halee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful love story, as always. I can’t tell you how many times I’m cried or laughed during the whole story. I just loved this so much, almost as much as Miles. I’m so happy that Miles and Amelia got their happy ending and can’t wait for what’s next.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bethany for letting me ARC read this amazing book. Her books always have me in my emotions in the first chapter. This book is so well written that you will care for the character so much. The spice is so well written. The ending was so good and makes this a must read.

[Trish Bannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!!! This duet was everything! It was the best ending to Miles and Amelia's story. Bethany created a world of characters that I am insanely jealous of! I want a freind group like this. Bethany makes her characters relatable, lovable and then she adds the 🌶🌶🌶. This is definatley a must read!

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bethany did Miles' story justice! I've been waiting for this forever he was my favorite of the ogs and I fell in love with him more and more every time he consoled Rae or Sarah or Mac this is probably my favorite of the whole group! 5 stars for me!!! I just love him and Amelia's characters!!!

[Kelly Castillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of Amelia and Miles

What an emotional roller-coaster. Each other these stories are so relatable with what the characters have to endure. It makes the connection to them much stronger. Love the connection to mental health. Great read!

[Debbie Ohrem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great follow up for their story. I love how the author incorporates all our favorite characters as well as mental health. A story that will have you feeling all the things and smiling so much by the end. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!