The Right Time

by Mel Walker

A Best Friends to Lovers Small Town Romance

Sometimes, the sweetest love may be found in your own backyard.

Adrienne and Lucas' friendship spans a lifetime, woven with shared secrets, dreams, and the white picket fence that divides their worlds. But when Lucas returns home after years away, Adrienne’s heart stumbles into uncharted territory—a tangle of emotions she can’t untangle.

As she grapples with her feelings, Jasmine, her confidante, throws her a curveball: set her up with Lucas. The impossible choice looms—risk their lifelong friendship for love or play matchmaker and silently ache as love blooms elsewhere.

In this tender small-town romance, Adrienne must decide: will she forever watch from the sidelines or Is it the right time to confess her heart’s truth?

The Right Time is a best friends to lovers heartwarming emotional small town novella about taking chances and following your heart.
Note: The Right Time was previously published as a novella as part of the Limited Edition XOXO Romance Anthology.

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2024

About the author

Mel Walker is an award-winning rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys baseball, reading, bike rides, and writing outdoors where he absorbs the energy of the city.


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Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood best friends, Adrienne and Lucas, have a special connection that’s lasted the test of time. But there’s always been an element of “what if…?” that they’ve never been willing to fully embrace. When faced with the possibility of letting one another go, will they be brave enough to take the chance or stick with the easy, familiar relationship they’re used to? I have loved everything from this author that I’ve been able to get my hands on, and this book is no exception. I adored this pair of leading characters. They took me with them through every anxiety-laden moment of their reunion. And now, I kind of hope that we may see books for their friends at some point in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Annette Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book from the start! Adrienne and Lucas are the best of friends. But Lucas goes across the country to college for five years, coming back for holidays and breaks. The. Lucas is back from college and it just gets really good! I do t wanna spoil it for anyone, so please if you like a good best friends to lovers storyline then go pick this book up asap!! It’s a short Novella and it made me cry toward the end!! It’s not letting me give half stars but I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Friendship Still Enough ? . . .

Adrienne and Lucas have known each other forever, and their friendship is the strong and lasting kind. And he is coming home soon, so they will be reunited. Her other best friend is Jasmine whom she had met in college. Now Jasmine has settled in Adrienne’s hometown and found a satisfying job, and she is asking for Adrienne’s matchmaker help in finding her a man. Adrienne works at a flower shop and is also a social media influencer with 700,000 followers. So since this is Adrienne’s day to check on the irrigation system in the greenhouse for her boss, she will film Jasmine dancing among that lovely background of flowers and will post it on TikTok. The music compels Adrienne to step into the camera area and join her friend as they have crazy fun expressing themselves. With her huge media following, she expects Jasmine will have her pick of guys to keep her busy all summer. Then Jasmine startles her with a question: “Do you think Lucas will see it?”

Adrienne’s own feelings for Lucas have recently seemed to be changing, but she won’t admit that to him yet, if ever. Their friendship is so important to her that she is afraid to risk losing it by trying for something more. So she reassures Jasmine that she is only friends with Lucas and could never be anything else. When he arrives back home, will Adrienne realize she must make her choice now? If she is not willing to risk their friendship and tell him that she loves him, she will have to watch him fall for someone else… and her heart may not survive that.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and slow burn friends to lovers romance novella. Adrienne and Lucas have known each other forever and who have an intense connection. The supporting characters that we meet along the way help build the story as it continues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne has dragged her friend Jasmine out early determined to end her bad luck at romance. All through college Jasmine's boyfriends would break up with her right before summer break and come Fall it would just be wash, rinse, repeat.

Adrienne is determined to find her friend a boyfriend and what better way than through her TikTok following. Every Sunday the employees of the flower shop where she works have a rotation to double check the greenhouse sprinkler system. So while she has the place to herself she gets her TikTok videos recorded in advance.

But then Jasmine wants to make sure that Lucas, Adrienne's next-door neighbor, still follows all her posts. Jasmine knows that he is returning home after being away for the last five years for college and Adrienne tries to keep her expression blank when Jasmine asks her to put in a good word for her so Lucas will go on a date with her.

Lucas has been Adrienne's best friend since they first became neighbors when they were eight years old. She has always known in her heart that Lucas was her future so why did he agree when she asked him to go out with Jasmine?

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Adrienne and Lucas have been best friends since they met and always knew that Lucas was her future, but it wasn't until they had their seven minutes in Heaven during a game of Spin the Bottle that it became crystal clear... but his announcement that he was leaving for college without her made her question everything she thought she knew.

This best-friends-to-lovers romance will keep you laughing. It was nice traveling back to Mesa and the cameo appearance of her sister Catherine. I always enjoy reading anything by Mel Walker, but this may be my favorite yet. Highly recommend!

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne and Lucas have been friends since the day his family moved in next door at the age of 8. They have this incredible bond that has been formed over years of being each other’s shoulder to lean on to the one they always run to for everything. The feelings that have bloomed to more has been tucked away by both of them for so long because of the fear it might ruin their friendship, but you just know these two are made for each other if only they can be brave enough to admit it. With Lucas finally coming back to town after being away for so long will Adrienne be able to admit to her feelings and let him know or will she help her roommate try to get the man of her dreams? These two are beyond amazing for each other but timing has never been their thing, is it time that they will figure it out or will others and fear stand in their way? I loved these two!!!

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

new to me author

I really enjoyed this novella. Adrienne and Lucas are best friends who each have feelings for the other but never done anything with those feelings. Lucas wanted to make sure Adrienne went to college and got to experience that life while he went traveling deferring a year before college. Lucas is back in town after graduating. A double date helps push Lucas into doing something about those more than friends feelings for Adrienne. This story was a fun and easy read. I can see myself reading more books by Mel Walker.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Sweet Stars!

Adrienne and Lucas story was the PERFECT novella. It was eloquently written, making you fall into the story and these amazing characters. I'm not going to lie and say that there wasn't a point that I didn't want to shake both Adrienne and Lucas just a little bit. But they are young, have been best friends forever so sometimes you miss what is right in front of you. Seven Minute Future, I simply loved this as part of the story!

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne and Lucas have been best friends since the day he moved in next door when they were kids. They grew up together, did most everything together, and over the years feelings developed, but neither wanted to ruin their friendship. Then Lucas left for college and now after years away, he’s returning home. Will these two stay best friends or become more? Absolutely loved Adrienne and Lucas’s story.

[Anna Kaaiakamanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The right time is a wonderful story of two life-long friends and each is uncertain of their feelings for each. other. Adrienne is a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl, and Lucas is more of a planner. Their opposites make for the best of friends. The duo go on a double date but they are each going with the other's friend. The date is quite a rollercoaster! This is a short read, but definitely worth it!

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne and Lucas have been best friends since he moved into the house next door as an adolescent. They both went off to college but maintained their best friend status. Until Lucas returns home after graduation and everything changes when Adrienne sets him up on a date with her friend.

It’s a truly sweet, easy to read, low angst romance. And the boy next door gets his girl next door in the end.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small town, best friends to lovers romance.
Adrienne and Lucas have been best friends since he moved in next door and when he moves back its with one goal, tell her how he feels. Adrienne does not have the same plans.
This was a really sweet easy read, if you’re looking for a book with a lot of love and humour this is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong character and a sweet, warm hearted, feel good romance. The author brings a friends to lovers to more between best friend's Lucas and Adrienne. She does a great job developing the story and relationship, paints her scenes fluidly and delivers a cute romance.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Angela Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters are sweet and relatable

The Right Time by Mel Walker is a heartwarming best friends to lovers sweet romance. Adrienne and Lucas are best friends and that’s one thing that makes this story so good, they can read each other well and have such rich history. One of my favorite things about the story is the code talk between the friends, it’s fun and cute. Both of the characters are sweet and relatable and I was excited to when they finally got to their HEA!

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this best friends come lovers read.
Adrienne and Lucas were next door neighbours and best friends. But over the years feelings bloomed but were tucked away for fear of ruining a perfect friendship.
These two are perfect together, but they always say timing is everything.
Loved these two together.
Another great read.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review

[Claudia Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Time is a beautiful & sweet novella about Adrienne and Lucas and their best friend to more relationship journey. This story invokes memories and feelings of being young and in love, taking chances and still coming into your own person at that age. It was a wonderful introduction & read from Author Mel Walker for me.

[Amy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long does it take to fall in love? This is a warm hearted romance with 2 best friends who have patiently waited for the right time for their HEA. True friends, good family's and finally the right time. You will enjoy this book. It's a stand alone, and I look forward to the next one with Adriennes older sister. I recommend this book.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great small town romance about childhood friends.

This was truly an enjoyable quick read that reminds you sometimes love is where you least expect.

Adrienne and Lucas have been next door neighbors and friends since Lucas moved to town. They were inseparable until it was time to go to college.

Now it's time to return home and fulfill adulthood. Which way will they go?

[Whit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed this story, Adrienne and Lucas wasted way too much time. Yes they were and are best friends, yet they were both too cowardly to risk their friendship and pursue the love they both felt for each other.

However, that hilarious double date, with Trent and Jasmine, saved the story for me.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a page turner that will have you cheering for Adrienne & Lucas. This was so beautifully written and such a heartwarming amazing story!! I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one evening. If you love best friends to lovers, small town romance, you won’t be disappointed with this one.

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne and Lucas have been friends since he moved next door when they were 8. Now he’s back and they both realize they want to be more than friends. You will laugh, cry, smile and be so glad you read this book. Enjoy

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute friends to lovers romance. The title says it all timing is everything. Lucas comes back and it's now or never for him, and Adrianne. Especially when there is someone else in the wings.

[Mel Walker]

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this best friends to lovers romance. Light on the steam, high on the connection of the two main characters.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great best friends-to-lovers story. Adrienne and Lucas always had an attachment and even when friends thought differently, the friends saw the tie that binds.

[Stacy Mahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a quick read. It was very sweet

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute short read. Childhood friends who took a chance on love. Adrienne and Lucas were so perfect together. This was such a sweet, feel good story. I enjoyed it!

I received an arc and this review is my own.

[JLBBM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this best friend to lovers book. Adrienne and Lucas have been next door neighbors and best friends since they were 8 years old. As they grew up they did everything together, including being each other’s wingman. It’s been 5 years since Lucas went away to see the world and go to college, but now he’s back in their hometown. Both realized that they have more than friends feelings for the other, but keep it to themselves so they don’t lose their best friend. Can they stay just friends and continue to be their wingmen? Can they get the courage to bare their feelings? This story had me rooting for them as I laughed, cried a little, wanted to yell at them to pay attention to what the other was saying and not saying, loving Lucas’s parents and even rooting for the side characters. It was so good I read it in a day.

[Jara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella has dual point of view between Adrienne (a white female) and Lucas (a black male) in their 20's, but reads like it's a white female and her gay white male bestie in junior high (i.e., no black male that I know thinks or talks like Lucas). Even their friendship traditions are childish (holing up in a tent, wrestling, drinking Capri Sun, etc.). And, like immature children, they can't openly discuss their feelings with each other even though they're supposed to be so close that they're damn near telepathic and can talk about everything under the sun. I'd only recommend this book to college-age young adults and younger.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 New Living Translation

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrienne and Lucas have been best friends since they were eight years old, and while they shared a kiss at 17, it has never gone further. Now, after six years of living thousands of kilometres away, Lucas is back home and this time around it seems that both crave more than friendship. But do they dare to take the step and perhaps ruin everything?
This was one of the sweetest and most emotional romances I have ever read and not in the hallmarkey-sugary-cliched way but in the way first love is sweet and fresh and passionate and hesitant and overwhelming all at once. We get a very good picture of the complex and layered persons both Lucas and Adrienne are, of why they are drawn to each other, what their very unique friendship has been like and why they are so hesitant to take things further even though both desperately want it and even though deep down they have always known they are meant for each other. When the time is right. But how do you know when the time is right?
This is a relatively short story so there isn’t much of a plot here, it really takes place over a couple of days but the feelings it evoked in me were genuine and strong. Lovely, lovely story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.