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Alpha Lover Friend
Demi Michaels came home to grieve. Her mother’s death had left her shattered and everything all around her was changing. One thing remained steady and that was her best friend. He was there for her, picking up the pieces…but now her feelings for him were changing. Could she cross the line from friendship to more?
Marco Davis knew, from the moment Demi stepped back into town that something had changed. They had been friends their whole life, solid…unshakable. But the lion that resided in him was telling him that they could be so much more if he took the risk.
They were standing at the edge of the falls. Behind them, years of solid, steadfast friendship…but below…was a love that could turn out to be turbulent as the waters.
Marco Davis knew, from the moment Demi stepped back into town that something had changed. They had been friends their whole life, solid…unshakable. But the lion that resided in him was telling him that they could be so much more if he took the risk.
They were standing at the edge of the falls. Behind them, years of solid, steadfast friendship…but below…was a love that could turn out to be turbulent as the waters.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2023
74 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Dria Andersen
33 books187 followersDria Andersen is a full-time photographer, mother of two, and lifelong storyteller. After the birth of her first child, she made a promise to pursue her dreams boldly-starting with writing the kinds of stories she always wanted to see in the world. That leap of faith became her debut novel, and she's been writing ever since.
Dria crafts love stories that center brown girls with heart, strength, and agency. Blending romance with elements of fantasy and wonder, her books invite readers into richly imagined worlds where anything is possible and everyone deserves a happy ending.
Dria crafts love stories that center brown girls with heart, strength, and agency. Blending romance with elements of fantasy and wonder, her books invite readers into richly imagined worlds where anything is possible and everyone deserves a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 22, 2023
🦁
Marco and his temple kisses 🥹 and Demi ready to fight when needed. When I say, I love friends to lovers this is what I mean. The comfort of seeing each other through life and then realizing wait that's my man/wife, I will eat it up every time. Dria just threw in fated mates and made their story even better.
One thing though is that since it's a novella their story is shorter and I thought there were a few things that needed more breathing room. For instance, the issues with Marco's dad and Demi's family. Even though I've read from this world it was new to have raptors and lions so I was a bit confused how they all fit. Nonetheless I enjoyed this book. Oh and I was so happy there wasn't unnecessary tension between Diedre and Demi (but who's the Regine?).
CN: loss of a parent, grief, parental neglect, fight that results in death
Marco and his temple kisses 🥹 and Demi ready to fight when needed. When I say, I love friends to lovers this is what I mean. The comfort of seeing each other through life and then realizing wait that's my man/wife, I will eat it up every time. Dria just threw in fated mates and made their story even better.
One thing though is that since it's a novella their story is shorter and I thought there were a few things that needed more breathing room. For instance, the issues with Marco's dad and Demi's family. Even though I've read from this world it was new to have raptors and lions so I was a bit confused how they all fit. Nonetheless I enjoyed this book. Oh and I was so happy there wasn't unnecessary tension between Diedre and Demi (but who's the Regine?).
CN: loss of a parent, grief, parental neglect, fight that results in death
January 9, 2024
Better each time
You have to love a story that’s so good it gets better each time you read it! Andersen has a tired and true recipe with her shifter books and I eat it up every time! The chemistry between Demi and Marco was perfect. The bond and found family between the cousins and be was special and the banter was to funny. I enjoyed this in the Current Anthology and I enjoyed it even more the second time around!
You have to love a story that’s so good it gets better each time you read it! Andersen has a tired and true recipe with her shifter books and I eat it up every time! The chemistry between Demi and Marco was perfect. The bond and found family between the cousins and be was special and the banter was to funny. I enjoyed this in the Current Anthology and I enjoyed it even more the second time around!
February 21, 2024
3.5⭐
Really cute friends to lovers. However this novella felt rushed while her other novella haven't really felt like this.
Really cute friends to lovers. However this novella felt rushed while her other novella haven't really felt like this.
June 17, 2024
Demi has been picking up the pieces of her life and childhood after her mom's death. The one thing she can count on? Marco. Her best friend who is also a lion shifter, head of his family, and completely in love with her. Will their friendship finally become something more? And if so, what happens when Demi wants to be like Marco... in every way?
This was my first Dria Andersen and I immediately went to her website to make a purchase because I am hooked. Paranormal isn't my regular genre and I've only tiptoed in a couple of times, but this was the right move. I love Dria's writing. Her rhythm and her emotion when Demi and Marco are in each other's space. It felt romantic and intentional. Their bond felt real and solidified and when she became fully his, and his mate in every way it was so passionate and loving at the same time. Their playfulness and banter, and the rest of his family were also great additions. the conflict wasn't overdone and seemed like something actually of this world. I love the different animal groups and their traits and alliances. And I loved the way Demi stepped into her own, but Marco still was able to protect and care for her the way he'd always done. Very well done. Damn near perfect for my reading tastes.
This was my first Dria Andersen and I immediately went to her website to make a purchase because I am hooked. Paranormal isn't my regular genre and I've only tiptoed in a couple of times, but this was the right move. I love Dria's writing. Her rhythm and her emotion when Demi and Marco are in each other's space. It felt romantic and intentional. Their bond felt real and solidified and when she became fully his, and his mate in every way it was so passionate and loving at the same time. Their playfulness and banter, and the rest of his family were also great additions. the conflict wasn't overdone and seemed like something actually of this world. I love the different animal groups and their traits and alliances. And I loved the way Demi stepped into her own, but Marco still was able to protect and care for her the way he'd always done. Very well done. Damn near perfect for my reading tastes.
January 15, 2024
Dria does it AGAIN
Who doesn’t love a good friends to lovers trope?! Mason and Demi have been friends forever! He use to seek protection at her house from his abusive father! Her mother and herself were there for him every time! Now they are adults and haven’t seen each other in some time! A tragedy brings Demi back home and in his arms!
I just love how they are both in love with each other, everybody knows it but them! But once they got together, baby it was on! I loved them and I can’t wait to read another Dria Book! I just know they are riding off in the sunset together and Demi’s mom is shining down on them!
Who doesn’t love a good friends to lovers trope?! Mason and Demi have been friends forever! He use to seek protection at her house from his abusive father! Her mother and herself were there for him every time! Now they are adults and haven’t seen each other in some time! A tragedy brings Demi back home and in his arms!
I just love how they are both in love with each other, everybody knows it but them! But once they got together, baby it was on! I loved them and I can’t wait to read another Dria Book! I just know they are riding off in the sunset together and Demi’s mom is shining down on them!
June 19, 2024
My least favorite trope done right
I’m not a fan of friends to lovers, but I am a fan of Dria Anderson and that’s what prompted me to read this book. It was lovely
Marco and Demetria have been friends since childhood, but with the chemistry they have, it’s easy to forget how long they’ve been friends.
This book is different because it doesn’t place emphasis on the friend part, and instead focuses on the love between the two. I love the background characters and I’d love to see Miles’ book if there is one.
I’m not a fan of friends to lovers, but I am a fan of Dria Anderson and that’s what prompted me to read this book. It was lovely
Marco and Demetria have been friends since childhood, but with the chemistry they have, it’s easy to forget how long they’ve been friends.
This book is different because it doesn’t place emphasis on the friend part, and instead focuses on the love between the two. I love the background characters and I’d love to see Miles’ book if there is one.
January 15, 2024
Guale Falls
Dria can do no wrong in my eyes! Always pulling me into her many worlds; and making me fall for her characters. She made this friends-to-lover story feel so authentic, and I'm not a friends-to-lover girl. This was feelings of love from the first page, and I couldn't get enough of Demi & Marco's is palpable from the first page, and I relished every moment. I love a bad Bish that will stomp some weak wolves out, and ask for pancakes afterward!
Dria can do no wrong in my eyes! Always pulling me into her many worlds; and making me fall for her characters. She made this friends-to-lover story feel so authentic, and I'm not a friends-to-lover girl. This was feelings of love from the first page, and I couldn't get enough of Demi & Marco's is palpable from the first page, and I relished every moment. I love a bad Bish that will stomp some weak wolves out, and ask for pancakes afterward!
May 15, 2024
Demi ans Gato are so lovable and their story so beautiful. A lot goes on in your late teens and early twenties and people fading off the radar is something unavoidable, but the bond that these two have is so beautiful. Because despite what, Gato is still usually in her orbit and she Demi is always mothering him, with space and the give and take they have, made this story such a good read. I loved them.
September 27, 2024
Lions
Demi and Marco have been friends since forever. But things are changing with the shifters in the area, so Marco needs Demi to want to be more. Soon.
This one was relatively quick, but it was still a little involved. It was very much Urban Paranormal Romance, which I appreciated.
If you like shifters, friends to lovers, and people who are ten toes down about you, this is for you.
Demi and Marco have been friends since forever. But things are changing with the shifters in the area, so Marco needs Demi to want to be more. Soon.
This one was relatively quick, but it was still a little involved. It was very much Urban Paranormal Romance, which I appreciated.
If you like shifters, friends to lovers, and people who are ten toes down about you, this is for you.
December 14, 2023
Who doesn’t love a friends to lovers?!
Nobody quite does shifters like Dria does shifters! It’s like she has great hand knowledge of these folk because the way their stories, feelings, emotions, AROUSALS come across on page?!?! You feel every bit of what they experience! I’m jumping for joy at every release and this one way no different and definitely didn’t disappoint!
Nobody quite does shifters like Dria does shifters! It’s like she has great hand knowledge of these folk because the way their stories, feelings, emotions, AROUSALS come across on page?!?! You feel every bit of what they experience! I’m jumping for joy at every release and this one way no different and definitely didn’t disappoint!
January 10, 2024
Friends To Lovers💞💞💞
I love friends to lovers, the hero and heroine had been friends since they were children. The hero had always been there for her. Something had changed, his feelings for her had shifted. He wondered if she felt the same way was it worth maybe losing their friendship to find out. Very good read, kudos to the author👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I love friends to lovers, the hero and heroine had been friends since they were children. The hero had always been there for her. Something had changed, his feelings for her had shifted. He wondered if she felt the same way was it worth maybe losing their friendship to find out. Very good read, kudos to the author👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
January 12, 2024
Oh Gato
I loved this book, plain and simple. Demi and Marco had this unspoken thing between them from the very beginning and it did it for me. Seeing their friendship evolve into a Leo/Regine relationship was serendipitous. I also loved the fact that she held her own with no problem...talk about f-ing the club up! I would love to see Miles and Paul find their mates.
I loved this book, plain and simple. Demi and Marco had this unspoken thing between them from the very beginning and it did it for me. Seeing their friendship evolve into a Leo/Regine relationship was serendipitous. I also loved the fact that she held her own with no problem...talk about f-ing the club up! I would love to see Miles and Paul find their mates.
January 15, 2024
Well-done Novella
Another good, short novella (under 130 pages) by Ms. Andersen. The MFC and MMC grew up together, even though he is a shifter and she is human. After Demi has been back home for a year taking care of her mother, she and Marco separately realize they have deeper feelings than friendship.
Another good, short novella (under 130 pages) by Ms. Andersen. The MFC and MMC grew up together, even though he is a shifter and she is human. After Demi has been back home for a year taking care of her mother, she and Marco separately realize they have deeper feelings than friendship.
December 15, 2023
Alpha Lover Friend
Friend, now lover and friend. Marco and Demi gave internal conflict, sexual tension and some uncertainty, all things felt when friends become lovers. I just love when there isn’t too much anguish and fighting of feelings. I’m loving shifter relationships
Friend, now lover and friend. Marco and Demi gave internal conflict, sexual tension and some uncertainty, all things felt when friends become lovers. I just love when there isn’t too much anguish and fighting of feelings. I’m loving shifter relationships
December 16, 2023
Sweet paranormal romance
I love the best friends turned lovers aspect. It makes them more protective. I'd love to see Demi and Marco story expand to include a family. I'd also like to see Miles and Paul's stories play out.
I love the best friends turned lovers aspect. It makes them more protective. I'd love to see Demi and Marco story expand to include a family. I'd also like to see Miles and Paul's stories play out.
January 28, 2024
Great book
This book was great from beginning to end. I love how they had been knowing each other for years. I wish his father came back to the pride as a better person to help his son with council. I also wish Demi and Marco had kids. As well as Paul and Miles to have mates.
This book was great from beginning to end. I love how they had been knowing each other for years. I wish his father came back to the pride as a better person to help his son with council. I also wish Demi and Marco had kids. As well as Paul and Miles to have mates.
June 24, 2024
Loving Mates
As always your stories are wonderful. Marco was smart and rough and could handle Demi’s bullheaded attitude. They’re friendship made it easy for them. Cat shifters are 1 of my favorite paranormal stories.
As always your stories are wonderful. Marco was smart and rough and could handle Demi’s bullheaded attitude. They’re friendship made it easy for them. Cat shifters are 1 of my favorite paranormal stories.
July 31, 2024
Love it 🥰
I love a good friends to lovers read. I enjoy the way this author can connect you to the characters. If you love smiling while reading then this is definitely for you!!!!
These two had good chemistry and such tender moments
I love a good friends to lovers read. I enjoy the way this author can connect you to the characters. If you love smiling while reading then this is definitely for you!!!!
These two had good chemistry and such tender moments
July 27, 2025
From friends to lovers
Marco and Demi are so cute, they had their forever partner right in front of them but was too blind to see it. Glad they did take a chance and found that they can be friends and lovers
Marco and Demi are so cute, they had their forever partner right in front of them but was too blind to see it. Glad they did take a chance and found that they can be friends and lovers
December 14, 2023
Loved it
Loved the characters. Loved their love Short and very sweet...this book definitely needs a sequel. Great writing and a great writer .
Loved the characters. Loved their love Short and very sweet...this book definitely needs a sequel. Great writing and a great writer .
April 25, 2024
Cute novella but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was reading parts of her other books. The chemistry between Demi & Marco was like through the roof so idk how they kept on missing it but glad they got it together when they did.
All in all, I’d recommend if you’re looking to get into shifter stories
All in all, I’d recommend if you’re looking to get into shifter stories
May 4, 2024
A friends to lovers story with a fated mates drive.
June 22, 2024
🥰🥰🥰
I love a good friends to lovers/mates!! This was such a great read. I was sad about their loss, but they came together and didn’t let each other drown in it.
I love a good friends to lovers/mates!! This was such a great read. I was sad about their loss, but they came together and didn’t let each other drown in it.
December 25, 2024
Here again to say this was another great read.
January 3, 2025
Great Read
Another great read from this author. Loving the Black characters in this genre. Need to see middle aged Black characters.
Another great read from this author. Loving the Black characters in this genre. Need to see middle aged Black characters.
March 14, 2025
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed this one!!!
Dria Andersen has quickly become a fave. I am ready to read her whole catalog!!!!
I really enjoyed this one!!!
Dria Andersen has quickly become a fave. I am ready to read her whole catalog!!!!
April 3, 2025
I have enjoyed all of books by Dria, this one not so much. Don’t know why, it just felt flat.
January 9, 2026
Amazing read!!
Loved the story and characters. Sometimes you never know when who or where you’ll find love. Loved that Demi came around.
Loved the story and characters. Sometimes you never know when who or where you’ll find love. Loved that Demi came around.
September 9, 2024
4⭐
Really cute. If it's one thing Demi's gonna do, she's gonna start a fight haha I liked her 😂.
Really cute. If it's one thing Demi's gonna do, she's gonna start a fight haha I liked her 😂.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews