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Friends Like This #10
Trust Like This
Part two of Mackenzie's love story...This is a direct continuation of the first eight books in the series. If you haven't read them yet, please go back to the beginning and jump on the roller coaster in Friends Like This.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
30 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Monaco Smith
41 books193 followersBethany 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 24, 2024
Trust Like This by Bethany Monaco Smith
At this point I don't know why I'm still surprised by Bethany! Pleasantly surprised and never disappointed! This book is the second part of Mackie & Hyla's story! And the growth! While these two still have stuff they will have to work through the fact that they have grown so much and found ways to work through it, together makes my heart so happy. I knew their story was not going to be easy. And while each couple went through hard times. Hyla and Mackie's was one you knew was coming and wondered how it would play out! These two NEEDED their happily ever after! They had been through way to much not to get it. To see it from their point of view, because while we think we know their story because we saw pieces of it through the eyes of their friends we really had no clue. The highs and lows, and the lowest. All that they had been through we got to see through their eyes. Hyla's parents (or lack their of), finding themselves individually, working through mental health struggles, changing dynamics in different friendships, moving in together, and overall learning how to be in a real relationship TOGETHER! & Bethany did an amazing job from beginning to end of bringing their heartbreakingly beautiful story to a close with a HEA! I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters in the next book but if I know Bethany it will be beautifully done, with a few bumps mixed in! & I can not wait!
At this point I don't know why I'm still surprised by Bethany! Pleasantly surprised and never disappointed! This book is the second part of Mackie & Hyla's story! And the growth! While these two still have stuff they will have to work through the fact that they have grown so much and found ways to work through it, together makes my heart so happy. I knew their story was not going to be easy. And while each couple went through hard times. Hyla and Mackie's was one you knew was coming and wondered how it would play out! These two NEEDED their happily ever after! They had been through way to much not to get it. To see it from their point of view, because while we think we know their story because we saw pieces of it through the eyes of their friends we really had no clue. The highs and lows, and the lowest. All that they had been through we got to see through their eyes. Hyla's parents (or lack their of), finding themselves individually, working through mental health struggles, changing dynamics in different friendships, moving in together, and overall learning how to be in a real relationship TOGETHER! & Bethany did an amazing job from beginning to end of bringing their heartbreakingly beautiful story to a close with a HEA! I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters in the next book but if I know Bethany it will be beautifully done, with a few bumps mixed in! & I can not wait!
May 24, 2024
First of all - Bethany - how dare you? And I mean that in the absolute best possible way. Thank you for taking a chance on writing a Sapphic love story. Thank you for giving the world Hyla and Mackenzie!! (Thank you for trusting me with them *crying*).
“We’ve been through so much. So much pain and heartache. So much fighting. It’s why I wanted to cling to that honeymoon period, that happy feeling. But this is important too. It’s important to free ourselves from the chains that have been holding us down.” - while this wasn’t something someone said out loud, it felt like one of the most important and profound parts of the story to me.
Hyla and Mackenzie have been through so much, and they have so much to still learn. They have to learn to move past their own pasts. They are perfectly imperfect. The way that both Hyla and Mackie learn so much about themselves throughout this book is heartwarming, and heartbreaking all at the same time. There is so much to resonate to with them. I honestly don’t even know fully how to describe the story without giving everything about it away. Just know that this story truly is everything that these characters deserved.
I will say too if you just want a Sapphic story, this and the previous book can be read as a stand-alone duo. While you may be wondering about small things for other characters, I truly don’t feel it takes away from the story of Hyla and Mackenzie.
“We’ve been through so much. So much pain and heartache. So much fighting. It’s why I wanted to cling to that honeymoon period, that happy feeling. But this is important too. It’s important to free ourselves from the chains that have been holding us down.” - while this wasn’t something someone said out loud, it felt like one of the most important and profound parts of the story to me.
Hyla and Mackenzie have been through so much, and they have so much to still learn. They have to learn to move past their own pasts. They are perfectly imperfect. The way that both Hyla and Mackie learn so much about themselves throughout this book is heartwarming, and heartbreaking all at the same time. There is so much to resonate to with them. I honestly don’t even know fully how to describe the story without giving everything about it away. Just know that this story truly is everything that these characters deserved.
I will say too if you just want a Sapphic story, this and the previous book can be read as a stand-alone duo. While you may be wondering about small things for other characters, I truly don’t feel it takes away from the story of Hyla and Mackenzie.
May 27, 2024
Bethany’s talent for writing blows me away first of all. The way she’s done this entire series amazes me. All the little details she throws into each book along the way about all the side characters gets you so excited to read their story when their turn comes along. You get little glimpses, then you go to read their story and remember just the smallest detail from a previous book and the story behind that one “dramatic walking away from the table” while the main character hopes they’re ok. Now you get to see what happened behind the scene so long ago. I just truly enjoy the way it’s all out together. But enough about that, let’s discuss Hyla and Mackie and how much I enjoyed my first girl/girl love story. The emotions and growth between these two is insane. They go through so much for so long. Together and separate. You feel so many feelings for these two.
It can actually be read as a duet almost if you’ve not read the books before it in the series (read the one right before this one for their complete story, can’t read this one without it) but the writing is that good that you can read it as a duet standalone and not be lost. You will however meet some amazing characters/friends that you’ll want to go back and read about for sure. Thank you again, Bethany! So classy, real, romantic, just beautiful. What a ride.
It can actually be read as a duet almost if you’ve not read the books before it in the series (read the one right before this one for their complete story, can’t read this one without it) but the writing is that good that you can read it as a duet standalone and not be lost. You will however meet some amazing characters/friends that you’ll want to go back and read about for sure. Thank you again, Bethany! So classy, real, romantic, just beautiful. What a ride.
June 22, 2024
TRUST LIKE THIS By Bethany Monaco Smith
Mackenzie Montoya is the love of my life.
After all we’ve been through, life has finally led us back together, and I’ve never been happier.
But happiness is fleeting, and despite all we’ve been through, we both have things to learn. Now that we’re finally a couple, we have to face the things both of us would rather ignore or risk losing each other for good.
Not an option.
I know this is where I’m meant to be, building a life with her.
No matter what comes our way, I will fight with everything inside me for our happily ever after, because after all we’ve been through, we deserve that and so much more.
😊What i liked -
✔ Friends To Lovers/Inter-connected Series/Small Town
✔ Over the course of Hyla and Mac's love has just grown.
✔ Their individual growth, while dealing with so many problems and changes has been fantastically written about.
✔ Love the bond that this whole group of friends have. It just warms the heart.
✔ Though turbulent, I loved that these two got their HEA.
✔ Bethany beautifully makes the reader experience each beautiful moment as well as the heart wrenching ones.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ The wait for their HEA was too long a wait.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕Friends To Lovers Romance
📈My Rating : 4/5
Thank you, Bethany Monaco Smith, for a copy.
Mackenzie Montoya is the love of my life.
After all we’ve been through, life has finally led us back together, and I’ve never been happier.
But happiness is fleeting, and despite all we’ve been through, we both have things to learn. Now that we’re finally a couple, we have to face the things both of us would rather ignore or risk losing each other for good.
Not an option.
I know this is where I’m meant to be, building a life with her.
No matter what comes our way, I will fight with everything inside me for our happily ever after, because after all we’ve been through, we deserve that and so much more.
😊What i liked -
✔ Friends To Lovers/Inter-connected Series/Small Town
✔ Over the course of Hyla and Mac's love has just grown.
✔ Their individual growth, while dealing with so many problems and changes has been fantastically written about.
✔ Love the bond that this whole group of friends have. It just warms the heart.
✔ Though turbulent, I loved that these two got their HEA.
✔ Bethany beautifully makes the reader experience each beautiful moment as well as the heart wrenching ones.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ The wait for their HEA was too long a wait.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕Friends To Lovers Romance
📈My Rating : 4/5
Thank you, Bethany Monaco Smith, for a copy.
May 24, 2024
Mac and Hyla's story continues and Ms. Monaco Smith will have your heart beating faster, your stomach in knots but at the same time, you will feel the love that they have for one another. Life has yet again thrown the two of them into a world of uneasiness and yet they seem to find the light at the end of the tunnel. They have moved into their house, which of course is right near their circle of friends. They have overcome so many obstacles to be together and it was so nice to see that their love was strong enough and true enough to handle what was thrown at them. Yes, their road to love and their HEA was not smooth but that made what they had so much stronger. With the help of their family, both blood and not, as well as their family of friends, they had the support and love that helped them see life can be full of hope, dreams and love.
May 25, 2024
Reading this was bittersweet as I know there’s only one book left in the series. I’m going to miss this group. They epitomise the meaning of found family, and I love them all.
Predominantly this was Mackenzie and Hyla’s HEA. These two have loved each other for a long time so was good to see them come full circle.
There is a heavy lean to mental health rep and therapy here which felt similar to Miles and Amelia’s story. Actually, all the couples have focussed pretty heavily on mental health.
The next book out is going to be tying up every one’s story and whilst I’m looking forward to it, I’m also not, as I’ve enjoyed my time in Ida and will miss it once it’s over.
Thank you to Bethany Monaco Smith for the arc and this is my honest review.
Predominantly this was Mackenzie and Hyla’s HEA. These two have loved each other for a long time so was good to see them come full circle.
There is a heavy lean to mental health rep and therapy here which felt similar to Miles and Amelia’s story. Actually, all the couples have focussed pretty heavily on mental health.
The next book out is going to be tying up every one’s story and whilst I’m looking forward to it, I’m also not, as I’ve enjoyed my time in Ida and will miss it once it’s over.
Thank you to Bethany Monaco Smith for the arc and this is my honest review.
June 2, 2024
Awww it was perfect for Hyla and Mackenzie
In this story we can feel the real love Kenz and Hyla have for each other. It’s so beautiful and amazing. They finally pit themselves first and that is the key for their HEA. I love how after all the troubles they work together for their relationship and future. I love all the babies and seeing all the couples together and thriving. I was happy that although the emotions were everywhere I didn’t cried but…. Yes as always I cried. It was an emotional chapter for me. I love feeling every emotion in these stories of Bethany. Ohh the cliffhanger!!! Can’t wait to read the next one, sad because is going to be the last one but so excited to read all their HEAs.
In this story we can feel the real love Kenz and Hyla have for each other. It’s so beautiful and amazing. They finally pit themselves first and that is the key for their HEA. I love how after all the troubles they work together for their relationship and future. I love all the babies and seeing all the couples together and thriving. I was happy that although the emotions were everywhere I didn’t cried but…. Yes as always I cried. It was an emotional chapter for me. I love feeling every emotion in these stories of Bethany. Ohh the cliffhanger!!! Can’t wait to read the next one, sad because is going to be the last one but so excited to read all their HEAs.
May 25, 2024
Yay for part two of Mackenzie and Hyla’s story. Every time I pick one of these up, I get to catch up on the group. Not only is there the couple at the forefront, but there are tidbits of what is going on with the rest of the group and the basis for the next couple. The character development and growth over the series.
I loved getting to see more of the two and that they are still together after all they’ve endured. They are perfectly flawed and that makes them all the more rootable for me.
The author’s writing style makes her books easy to read and the characters draw you in.
This is a direct continuation from the last book, so make sure you’ve read Nothing Like This.
I loved getting to see more of the two and that they are still together after all they’ve endured. They are perfectly flawed and that makes them all the more rootable for me.
The author’s writing style makes her books easy to read and the characters draw you in.
This is a direct continuation from the last book, so make sure you’ve read Nothing Like This.
May 25, 2024
Yet again, I naively thought I knew what was going on with Hyla and Mac’s story and I should have known that what I thought I knew barely cracked the surface!
It was so wonderful to be in the journey with them growing and maturing into the relationship and dealing with the changes in their lives and those closest to them as well. Family issues, mental health issues are still key factors in the story and they are dealt with in such a caring and respectful manner. I’m thrilled that they got to their HEA and I will be so sad to see this series end. Another beautiful, heart wrenching experience for the readers and I feel like I’m right in it with them!
It was so wonderful to be in the journey with them growing and maturing into the relationship and dealing with the changes in their lives and those closest to them as well. Family issues, mental health issues are still key factors in the story and they are dealt with in such a caring and respectful manner. I’m thrilled that they got to their HEA and I will be so sad to see this series end. Another beautiful, heart wrenching experience for the readers and I feel like I’m right in it with them!
May 19, 2024
I loved getting more of Hyla and Makenzie! They had been through so much and getting to see them work through things and come out stronger than ever was absolutely perfect! They faced some hard trials and while it was hard for them they worked through it and made sure to take the steps to come out stronger and making their love and relationship unbreakable no matter who or what came at them. I also loved getting little pieces of all the others and their lives together and cannot wait to get more!
May 20, 2024
Bethany did it again!!! MacKenzie and Hyla's story was the one that I thought that I knew since it was entertwined with the other stories... but we did need it!! We had the happiness in the last book of MacKenzie and Hyla deciding to move in together... but then what happens? I love that they showed thier maturing relationship, the trials of non-supportive and gas-lighting parents and how it can effect you and the relationship. This friend group is the one that dreams are made of! You will not regret reading this book!!
May 24, 2024
And we are back in the land of this friendship group for (I think) the second last book! I'm going be real sad seeing this series come to an end!
This is part 2 of Hyla and Mackenzies story! Life is hard, the struggle is real and people are mean! Boy do these two face some hardships both individually but also together. The good thing is they come out the other side. It's always great to see the snippets of everyone else throughout the journey!
I really enjoy this author's writing style and I LOVE when we get more than one book about a particular couple.
This is part 2 of Hyla and Mackenzies story! Life is hard, the struggle is real and people are mean! Boy do these two face some hardships both individually but also together. The good thing is they come out the other side. It's always great to see the snippets of everyone else throughout the journey!
I really enjoy this author's writing style and I LOVE when we get more than one book about a particular couple.
May 23, 2024
The second part of Mackie and Hyla did not disappoint! They grew even more together and showed they still have their moments they need to work on together and learned to lean on others as well. Bethany is such an amazing advocate for mental health within her stories. I’m so happy for Mackie and Hyla it isn’t even funny. The love and devotion they have for each other. They deserve everything good for them! I like to say Bethany’s stories make me feel all the feels. And in true Bethany fashion, ends in a cliff hanger so I cannot wait to read the next! ❤️❤️
May 24, 2024
Ah, how I love this friend group! This book is part of the continuing series, Friends Like This. All of the books should be read in order as the stories flow together.
This book is the second part of the story for Hyla and MacKenzie. They declared their love for one another in the previous story, but they are still working on their HEA. They are committed to one another, but not everyone is so supportive of their relationship....
This series is one that is very dear to me and I have been living vicariously in this friend group!
This book is the second part of the story for Hyla and MacKenzie. They declared their love for one another in the previous story, but they are still working on their HEA. They are committed to one another, but not everyone is so supportive of their relationship....
This series is one that is very dear to me and I have been living vicariously in this friend group!
May 24, 2024
What an amazing end to an amazing love story. I knew Mackenzie and Hyla’s story would be a hard read but it was so worth it. The way Bethany Monaco Smith handled such a hard topic was perfect. To show the struggles and how they worked through them rather than just jumping to the HEA took a lot of thought.
I’m sad that this book is the last main book in the series, but am excited about what is to come. Maybe more with the side characters? I certainly hope so. Whatever it is, it’s an instant click for me for sure.
I’m sad that this book is the last main book in the series, but am excited about what is to come. Maybe more with the side characters? I certainly hope so. Whatever it is, it’s an instant click for me for sure.
May 19, 2024
This is a book I didn’t know I needed from this series! The journey you witness with Hyla and Mackenzie and how they grow individually and together was a wonderful transformation. You see them struggle separately, come back together and struggle a little together while they figure things out was touching. It’s also nice to see them take their struggles and passions and use them to help others and be a safe place for others to come to them and confide in them.
May 24, 2024
What a way to wrap up Mackie and Hyla! I have to say I loved the way that these two have grown together. I loved how Bethany has highlighted the mental health rep and the importance of it especially seeing the growth in Hyla. I wish these books were longer because I love all the little nuances that go with the whole group. I loved the glimpses of the friend gang too! I am sad to see them wrap up in the next book.
May 22, 2024
I am so freaking happy that Mackenzie and Hyla finally got to live out their dream together, but it wasn't easy getting there. It was a fun rollercoaster with them, all the ups and downs were worth it. They have been through it all and came out stronger. Just as I hoped, I cannot wait for what's next for everyone but at the same time also miss them.
May 24, 2024
I absolutely loved getting to read all about their happily ever after. This is the full epilogue of a romance that you normally do not get, I am so happy they were able to get theirs because they have been waiting as we learned how the rest of their family found their one. Mack will always be a favorite but I am glad to see how much her and Hyla have grown.
May 24, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
Not my favorite couple of the series, though I do adore our messy girls. The drama and messes these girls can find themselves in is unbelievable but I suppose that's what makes all of BMS's characters feel so real.
I am not ready for this series to be done with but cannot wait to see where this crazy crew go next.
Not my favorite couple of the series, though I do adore our messy girls. The drama and messes these girls can find themselves in is unbelievable but I suppose that's what makes all of BMS's characters feel so real.
I am not ready for this series to be done with but cannot wait to see where this crazy crew go next.
May 19, 2024
I enjoyed this! I love seeing how far these characters have come and how much they've overcome together. Getting to be with these amazing characters is everything. The way this books ends is crazy and I can't wait to see what happens next!
May 21, 2024
Oh my gosh! That was a rollercoaster! I cannot believe what happened during the second half of their story! It was so good! Thank you so much for the arc! I’m so sad that there’s only one book left in the series! I don’t want it to end!
May 22, 2024
I loved this book. Loved getting to know Mackenzie and Hyla even better. I love getting to know these characters and everything there is to know about them. I get so lost in these books and can't put them down once I start them. I love this group of characters and these stories!
May 24, 2024
As always Bethany Monaco Smith knows how to write. This woman makes you think you know things and then we get the couples story and you are in awe.
This woman brings us the emotion, the love and the friendships. Hyla and MacKenzie what a couple.
What a great edition to this series of books.
This woman brings us the emotion, the love and the friendships. Hyla and MacKenzie what a couple.
What a great edition to this series of books.
May 21, 2024
Love love loved this book. Hyla and Mackie got the happy ending they deserved, and they worked so hard for. Highly recommend the whole series!
May 23, 2024
Book 2 for Hyla and MacKenzie
Just like with all of the other books in the series, you get a rollercoaster of emotions and growth both individually and together. So good!
Just like with all of the other books in the series, you get a rollercoaster of emotions and growth both individually and together. So good!
May 24, 2024
This was a good conclusion for Hyla and Makenzie. This showed how they continued to grow individually and together. The chemistry was good and it was well written
May 24, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! Hyla and Mackie have both grown so much throughout this series, and their story does not disappoint!
July 15, 2024
I'm so glad mackie and hyla are finally together!! Can't believe this series is almost over l!!
January 15, 2025
My favorite line from this series is 'Spiral up'.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews