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Laws of You #1
Because of You
I have known Hallie Evans for my entire life.
I was eighteen years old when I first realized I was in love with her.
For more than a decade, I have kept my feelings a secret, afraid to risk the friendship that means so much to me and the close-knit bonds between my family and hers.
But eleven years of waiting is my limit.
At a career crossroads, Hallie has some secrets of her own. She has always kept her feelings buried deep and rarely opens up to anyone. But this time, she is opening up to me. And it seems like maybe – just maybe – she might share my feelings too.
One breakfast, cup of coffee, and conversation at a time, I am determined to be Hallie’s safe place to land, and to show her what I know we can be together.
Because I am absolutely certain that what we can be, is everything.
I was eighteen years old when I first realized I was in love with her.
For more than a decade, I have kept my feelings a secret, afraid to risk the friendship that means so much to me and the close-knit bonds between my family and hers.
But eleven years of waiting is my limit.
At a career crossroads, Hallie has some secrets of her own. She has always kept her feelings buried deep and rarely opens up to anyone. But this time, she is opening up to me. And it seems like maybe – just maybe – she might share my feelings too.
One breakfast, cup of coffee, and conversation at a time, I am determined to be Hallie’s safe place to land, and to show her what I know we can be together.
Because I am absolutely certain that what we can be, is everything.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2024
137 people are currently reading
2378 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Brinn
11 books213 followersSamantha Brinn (Sam to everyone who knows her) is an author of sweet, spicy, and swoony contemporary romance novels. A Pittsburgh girl currently living in the suburbs of NYC, Sam stole her first romance novel off of her mom’s bookshelf at age thirteen and has read pretty much nothing but romance ever since. Her Kindle is basically an extension of her hand at this point.
A lawyer by day and author by night, Sam can most often be found in bed with her laptop and writing desk late into the night, having the time of her life writing words and weaving stories and grinning at her characters’ hijinks.
Aside from being a reader and a writer, Sam is a lover of French fries, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and diet Pepsi, and much like her debut FMC, she rarely makes her coffee the same way twice. A mom of two, Sam cosplays as an organized human, but at her core, she’s mostly chaos and prefers it that way, and is loving every second of this wild indie author ride.
A lawyer by day and author by night, Sam can most often be found in bed with her laptop and writing desk late into the night, having the time of her life writing words and weaving stories and grinning at her characters’ hijinks.
Aside from being a reader and a writer, Sam is a lover of French fries, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and diet Pepsi, and much like her debut FMC, she rarely makes her coffee the same way twice. A mom of two, Sam cosplays as an organized human, but at her core, she’s mostly chaos and prefers it that way, and is loving every second of this wild indie author ride.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
November 19, 2024
I came to reading this by way of alleviating my fear of being let-down by my next read because the previous one had been so perfect. A good plan (thanks, Berengaria, for looking this up and letting me know!) — till it met with the reality of this novel, “Because of You”, Samantha Brinn's debut novel and the first instalment of her “Laws of You” series.
“Because” features some of the same strength the second novel has: No third-act breakup, a very nice, kind, and even somewhat cosy friends-to-lovers story with Hallie, another strong and independent lawyer, at its centre. Her love interest is her life-long best friend Ben who comes across as a very likeable, decent, and down-to-earth man.
Their path to each other is, just as Brinn mentions in her acknowledgements, “a warm hug of a story” and I read for long stretches under a soft, warm blanket in extremely comfortable armchairs.
There was some non-relationship drama, but there were no real disappointments — just not the kind of sensitivity and other highlights I found in “When I'm With You”.
Maybe I should have expected it since I do love my coloured spreadsheets as well and one of my former bosses (hi, Thomas!) once called a “Methoden-Monster”, meaning “Problem-solving Machine”. I’m less of a people pleaser like Hallie and more of a workaholic and problem-solver like Julie - so how could I not like her book more than Hallie’s? ;)
Either way, if you’re looking for a sweet contemporary romance “Because of You” will likely not disappoint. If you want to read one that’s slightly more evenly paced, fewer sex scenes than in this one (which had more than just one too many), features the most root-worthy couple, and has an ending that even surpasses “Because of You”’s lovely and fitting one, take a look at “When I'm With You”. They can be read independently of each other and in any order.
Four stars out of five.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
“Because” features some of the same strength the second novel has: No third-act breakup, a very nice, kind, and even somewhat cosy friends-to-lovers story with Hallie, another strong and independent lawyer, at its centre. Her love interest is her life-long best friend Ben who comes across as a very likeable, decent, and down-to-earth man.
Their path to each other is, just as Brinn mentions in her acknowledgements, “a warm hug of a story” and I read for long stretches under a soft, warm blanket in extremely comfortable armchairs.
There was some non-relationship drama, but there were no real disappointments — just not the kind of sensitivity and other highlights I found in “When I'm With You”.
Maybe I should have expected it since I do love my coloured spreadsheets as well and one of my former bosses (hi, Thomas!) once called a “Methoden-Monster”, meaning “Problem-solving Machine”. I’m less of a people pleaser like Hallie and more of a workaholic and problem-solver like Julie - so how could I not like her book more than Hallie’s? ;)
Either way, if you’re looking for a sweet contemporary romance “Because of You” will likely not disappoint. If you want to read one that’s slightly more evenly paced, fewer sex scenes than in this one (which had more than just one too many), features the most root-worthy couple, and has an ending that even surpasses “Because of You”’s lovely and fitting one, take a look at “When I'm With You”. They can be read independently of each other and in any order.
Four stars out of five.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
July 12, 2024
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🔥🔥💥
Ben and Hallie were the perfect example of why I absolutely love the friends to lovers trope. I read this book in one sitting and I could not stop smiling the entire time I was reading this book. Because of You is such a sweet read, and an incredible debut, and if you love watching a good guy get the girl, then you are going to love this.
And if you are an oldest child, you are going to feel so seen while reading this, it was done so well, and I related so hard to people-pleasing Hallie that just needed one person to see her for exactly who she was. That was Ben and he was just the sweetest golden retriever to ever be.
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ He Falls First
✨ Best Friend's Brother
✨ Golden Retriever MMC
✨ Acts of Service as a love language
✨ Bar Owner/ Lawyer
I loved every word of this. Ben and Hallie have been best friends their entire lives, and Ben has been harboring a crush on Hallie for most of their adult lives. But their worlds are so intertwined that he doesn't want to rock the boat... until he decides that he can't keep his feelings in anymore.
Hallie is a lawyer opening a firm with her three best friends including Ben's twin sister, but she finds herself at a crossroads in her career. The way Ben gets her to open up, this girl is a suffer in silence people pleaser, and I absolutely felt her struggles in my soul. Ben is just there for her, he sees her like no one else can, and when she starts seeing him back... those moments are so sweet.
He is such an acts of service person and watching Allie return his feelings made my heart flutter. I loved the friend group in this, and what I really loved is how much this story was a love story, but also a love letter to Pittsburg PA.
Sam's writing is like a warm hug, easy to get lost in and absolutely comforting. I cannot wait for more of this series because this little found family is absolutely endearing and I need more.
SPICE: 🔥🔥💥
Ben and Hallie were the perfect example of why I absolutely love the friends to lovers trope. I read this book in one sitting and I could not stop smiling the entire time I was reading this book. Because of You is such a sweet read, and an incredible debut, and if you love watching a good guy get the girl, then you are going to love this.
And if you are an oldest child, you are going to feel so seen while reading this, it was done so well, and I related so hard to people-pleasing Hallie that just needed one person to see her for exactly who she was. That was Ben and he was just the sweetest golden retriever to ever be.
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ He Falls First
✨ Best Friend's Brother
✨ Golden Retriever MMC
✨ Acts of Service as a love language
✨ Bar Owner/ Lawyer
I loved every word of this. Ben and Hallie have been best friends their entire lives, and Ben has been harboring a crush on Hallie for most of their adult lives. But their worlds are so intertwined that he doesn't want to rock the boat... until he decides that he can't keep his feelings in anymore.
Hallie is a lawyer opening a firm with her three best friends including Ben's twin sister, but she finds herself at a crossroads in her career. The way Ben gets her to open up, this girl is a suffer in silence people pleaser, and I absolutely felt her struggles in my soul. Ben is just there for her, he sees her like no one else can, and when she starts seeing him back... those moments are so sweet.
He is such an acts of service person and watching Allie return his feelings made my heart flutter. I loved the friend group in this, and what I really loved is how much this story was a love story, but also a love letter to Pittsburg PA.
Sam's writing is like a warm hug, easy to get lost in and absolutely comforting. I cannot wait for more of this series because this little found family is absolutely endearing and I need more.
June 8, 2025
DNF. Although I think I’m in the minority!
For me this type of book is why I struggle to like most Friends to Lovers books.
He’s supposed to have been pining for her for years, and yet was a complete manwhore. Yeah she sounds special…
Look I’m not expecting the guy to be celibate, but why do they always have to be complete playboys in the time before they actually decide to make a move?!?
”Our bedroom shared a wall for the years. You weren’t exactly…saving yourself for the love of your life, if you know what I mean. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for some fun, and from the sounds that came from your room, I bet you were excellent at that particular brand of fun, but…”
They weren’t her.” “No one ever could be. I guess I was just trying to…”
”F*ck her out of your system?”
”Yeah, pretty much.”
I don’t wanna read this crap nearly 30% in! He sounded so swoony up until this point.
For me this type of book is why I struggle to like most Friends to Lovers books.
He’s supposed to have been pining for her for years, and yet was a complete manwhore. Yeah she sounds special…
Look I’m not expecting the guy to be celibate, but why do they always have to be complete playboys in the time before they actually decide to make a move?!?
”Our bedroom shared a wall for the years. You weren’t exactly…saving yourself for the love of your life, if you know what I mean. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for some fun, and from the sounds that came from your room, I bet you were excellent at that particular brand of fun, but…”
They weren’t her.” “No one ever could be. I guess I was just trying to…”
”F*ck her out of your system?”
”Yeah, pretty much.”
I don’t wanna read this crap nearly 30% in! He sounded so swoony up until this point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 24, 2024Self note:
Not for me, friends to lovers, he’s loved her for years but screws OW🤮
Brings home gf to make h jealous🙄
Looks like this is a debut for this author so hopefully safety is better in her other books! Book 2 is on my shelf tbr
Not for me, friends to lovers, he’s loved her for years but screws OW🤮
Brings home gf to make h jealous🙄
Looks like this is a debut for this author so hopefully safety is better in her other books! Book 2 is on my shelf tbr
July 26, 2024
3 stars, this was cute but not amazing.
I enjoyed the first half of the book - there was definitely potential for this story. I liked the characters and could see how the side characters were going to play a role in future books. I liked that they both had different career issues unfolding, and I thought the lake house vacation that everyone goes to was a fun idea.
Unfortunately the execution wasn't quite there. There was never any angst or drama or difficulty with the relationship - they worried about it initially, but it all unfolded without issue. She kept mentioning "things have been different since the gala!" which was literally the day before they left for the lake, and they got together the first night. So things have been different for a day? I would have liked to see this part fleshed out a bit more / for longer. They were just instantly in love and that was the story.
I also found the MMC kind of nauseating. I like a man who can take care of his lady. But for heavens sake, if you say you see your Hallie girl one more time - I think I would honestly be sick. Let her do up her own seat belt, let her deal with her own career issues, and let her learn to speak up to her family on her own. Ben just came in and steamrolled everything to the way he felt it should be, and I kind of hated it!
That being said, I would give the next book a try because I do see potential in this author and this universe.
I enjoyed the first half of the book - there was definitely potential for this story. I liked the characters and could see how the side characters were going to play a role in future books. I liked that they both had different career issues unfolding, and I thought the lake house vacation that everyone goes to was a fun idea.
Unfortunately the execution wasn't quite there. There was never any angst or drama or difficulty with the relationship - they worried about it initially, but it all unfolded without issue. She kept mentioning "things have been different since the gala!" which was literally the day before they left for the lake, and they got together the first night. So things have been different for a day? I would have liked to see this part fleshed out a bit more / for longer. They were just instantly in love and that was the story.
I also found the MMC kind of nauseating. I like a man who can take care of his lady. But for heavens sake, if you say you see your Hallie girl one more time - I think I would honestly be sick. Let her do up her own seat belt, let her deal with her own career issues, and let her learn to speak up to her family on her own. Ben just came in and steamrolled everything to the way he felt it should be, and I kind of hated it!
That being said, I would give the next book a try because I do see potential in this author and this universe.
July 9, 2024
This book was FANTASTIC! I cannot and won’t believe this is a debut novel from Samantha Brinn.
I loved meeting the characters and seeing the dynamics between all of them. I loved meeting Hallie and Ben. Having it as a Dual POV was great because we got to see and understand Ben’s attraction and love for Hallie, and we also get to see Hallie forming the same feelings for Ben.
We all need a Ben in our life. He paid attention to the absolute smallest details of Hallie’s life, and it took her so long to notice. But it was so stinking sweet! (The Reese’s cups… swoon!)
I’m not normally a friends to lover type of girl, but this book was an exception. I cannot wait to dive deeper into the side characters more in this series!
Thank you Samantha for this ARC! Because Of You comes out July 17th! Take it from me, you are definitely gonna wanna read it!
I loved meeting the characters and seeing the dynamics between all of them. I loved meeting Hallie and Ben. Having it as a Dual POV was great because we got to see and understand Ben’s attraction and love for Hallie, and we also get to see Hallie forming the same feelings for Ben.
We all need a Ben in our life. He paid attention to the absolute smallest details of Hallie’s life, and it took her so long to notice. But it was so stinking sweet! (The Reese’s cups… swoon!)
I’m not normally a friends to lover type of girl, but this book was an exception. I cannot wait to dive deeper into the side characters more in this series!
Thank you Samantha for this ARC! Because Of You comes out July 17th! Take it from me, you are definitely gonna wanna read it!
July 17, 2024
ARC REVIEW
This is a debut novel. I'll repeat that again. THIS.IS.A.DEBUT.NOVEL.
I am absolutely dumbfounded that this is a debut because it was complete perfection. Friends to lovers is the ultimate trope for me. Whenever I read a friends to lovers, I judge it on a scale of 1 to A Long Time Coming (my favourite F2L). No other F2L has lived up to the perfection that is A.L.T.C. That is, until Because of You. So, from now on, I will be judging F2L on a scale of 1 to A.L.T.C / B.O.Y.
The fact that Ben is a cinnamon roll MMC made this book even more special. We know right from the beginning that Ben has been in love with his best friend for 11 years. This honestly made my heart bleed for him because he never tried to pursue anything in their years of friendship and just remained being the best friend who could to Hallie. But a man only has so much strength. When Ben can no longer go another day hiding his feelings, he starts changing his behaviour ever so slightly towards Hallie. A little flirting here, some light touches there, and Hallie starts to notice.
And then there's sweet Hallie girl. The oldest daughter, often in the background of her family, has a difficult time opening to people. She keeps her feelings close to her as she doesn't like confrontation and has a hard time asking for help. She finally finds herself opening up to Ben and leaning on him for support. For the first time in her life, she has someone taking care of her instead of her being the caretaker. And for the first time, she really starts to see Ben as more then friend Ben.
This book was truly so magical to read. I loved every moment of it and the growth between Ben and Hallie made my heart feel so full.
Thank you again to Samantha Brinn and Luna Literary Management for the ARC.
🌶🌶🌶.5
Tropes/themes
✨friends to lovers
✨cinnamon roll MMC
✨FMC at a career crossroads
✨best friend's brother
✨found family
✨he falls first and hard
✨caretaking
✨he remembers her chaotic coffee orders
✨it's always been you
This is a debut novel. I'll repeat that again. THIS.IS.A.DEBUT.NOVEL.
I am absolutely dumbfounded that this is a debut because it was complete perfection. Friends to lovers is the ultimate trope for me. Whenever I read a friends to lovers, I judge it on a scale of 1 to A Long Time Coming (my favourite F2L). No other F2L has lived up to the perfection that is A.L.T.C. That is, until Because of You. So, from now on, I will be judging F2L on a scale of 1 to A.L.T.C / B.O.Y.
The fact that Ben is a cinnamon roll MMC made this book even more special. We know right from the beginning that Ben has been in love with his best friend for 11 years. This honestly made my heart bleed for him because he never tried to pursue anything in their years of friendship and just remained being the best friend who could to Hallie. But a man only has so much strength. When Ben can no longer go another day hiding his feelings, he starts changing his behaviour ever so slightly towards Hallie. A little flirting here, some light touches there, and Hallie starts to notice.
And then there's sweet Hallie girl. The oldest daughter, often in the background of her family, has a difficult time opening to people. She keeps her feelings close to her as she doesn't like confrontation and has a hard time asking for help. She finally finds herself opening up to Ben and leaning on him for support. For the first time in her life, she has someone taking care of her instead of her being the caretaker. And for the first time, she really starts to see Ben as more then friend Ben.
This book was truly so magical to read. I loved every moment of it and the growth between Ben and Hallie made my heart feel so full.
Thank you again to Samantha Brinn and Luna Literary Management for the ARC.
🌶🌶🌶.5
Tropes/themes
✨friends to lovers
✨cinnamon roll MMC
✨FMC at a career crossroads
✨best friend's brother
✨found family
✨he falls first and hard
✨caretaking
✨he remembers her chaotic coffee orders
✨it's always been you
July 18, 2024
I wanted to love this. I did, mostly.
There was so much repetition.
How did you know?
I see you, Hal.
Hallie girl.
It was uncomfortable
There was so much repetition.
How did you know?
I see you, Hal.
Hallie girl.
It was uncomfortable
July 5, 2024
4.25 stars - Miss Brinn, where have you been hiding?! A DEBUT NOVEL BEING THIS GOOD... I needed this like 10 years ago.
This was the cutest read ever and I think I have hit capacity for amount of times a human can swoon. Because of You follows Ben and Hallie, 2 best friends who have grown up together. Hallie is going through a huge identity crisis whilst also trying to open a law firm with her friends, pleasing her family AND keeping herself entertained with her trusty e-reader. Ben is quite literally obsessed with everything Hallie does, he sees her through every emotional, professional and physical wobble and would end the world just so he could hold her hand.
The book sets the reader up for a classic "he falls first"/"best friends brother" scenario, and I absolutely adored it. Ben discovers that Hallie miiiight feel the same way as him, after some convincing from his friends, he decides to tests the waters, leaving Hallie (and the reader) dazed, confused and also a little bit... wound up. So ensues a week full of long eye glances, heavy amounts of winking, longer than normal hand holding and the classic brush of the body. ALSO, Ben has got cinnamon roll personality with the dirtiest mouth - how exciting.
Ben and Hallie would have always found each other, in whatever lifetime. Their story was so heartwarming and romantic to read. I felt like I was thrown into a 00s RomCom with all the stereotypical/nostalgic theming of a GOOD love story. That being said, I do prefer the angst and longing that some romance provides, the plot moves quite fast but I enjoyed it. It was a breath of fresh air from some of the hearty romances that grace the shelves nowadays.
Hallies inner struggles made me love her that bit more. She believed she could not be unhappy out of fear that it would hurt her friends and family- I know her because I am her. Samantha Brinn depicted anxiety so perfectly - "I start to lose my nerve, and my instinct to give in takes over".. oof.
Honestly, a romance with this kind of spice, love and words of affirmation/reassurance, that has NO stereotypical 3rd act breakup, deserves kudos. AND for it being a debut novel, I am floored.
I am forever grateful that I was gifted this as an ARC. Thank you to Samantha Brinn and Luna Literary for allowing me to read this in exchange for my review. I absolutely adored Hallie and Ben and I am SO eager to see who is next ...
(pls pls pls pls pls be Jeremy ... thank you)
Tropes:
- Best friends to lovers
- Best friends brother / Sisters best friend
- Cinnamon Roll MMC
- Found Family
- "Its always been you" // "you're mine"
- He falls first
- Dirty mouthed MMC
This was the cutest read ever and I think I have hit capacity for amount of times a human can swoon. Because of You follows Ben and Hallie, 2 best friends who have grown up together. Hallie is going through a huge identity crisis whilst also trying to open a law firm with her friends, pleasing her family AND keeping herself entertained with her trusty e-reader. Ben is quite literally obsessed with everything Hallie does, he sees her through every emotional, professional and physical wobble and would end the world just so he could hold her hand.
The book sets the reader up for a classic "he falls first"/"best friends brother" scenario, and I absolutely adored it. Ben discovers that Hallie miiiight feel the same way as him, after some convincing from his friends, he decides to tests the waters, leaving Hallie (and the reader) dazed, confused and also a little bit... wound up. So ensues a week full of long eye glances, heavy amounts of winking, longer than normal hand holding and the classic brush of the body. ALSO, Ben has got cinnamon roll personality with the dirtiest mouth - how exciting.
Ben and Hallie would have always found each other, in whatever lifetime. Their story was so heartwarming and romantic to read. I felt like I was thrown into a 00s RomCom with all the stereotypical/nostalgic theming of a GOOD love story. That being said, I do prefer the angst and longing that some romance provides, the plot moves quite fast but I enjoyed it. It was a breath of fresh air from some of the hearty romances that grace the shelves nowadays.
Hallies inner struggles made me love her that bit more. She believed she could not be unhappy out of fear that it would hurt her friends and family- I know her because I am her. Samantha Brinn depicted anxiety so perfectly - "I start to lose my nerve, and my instinct to give in takes over".. oof.
Honestly, a romance with this kind of spice, love and words of affirmation/reassurance, that has NO stereotypical 3rd act breakup, deserves kudos. AND for it being a debut novel, I am floored.
I am forever grateful that I was gifted this as an ARC. Thank you to Samantha Brinn and Luna Literary for allowing me to read this in exchange for my review. I absolutely adored Hallie and Ben and I am SO eager to see who is next ...
(pls pls pls pls pls be Jeremy ... thank you)
Tropes:
- Best friends to lovers
- Best friends brother / Sisters best friend
- Cinnamon Roll MMC
- Found Family
- "Its always been you" // "you're mine"
- He falls first
- Dirty mouthed MMC
July 16, 2024
🩷☕️ 𝙚𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 ☕️🩷
📖 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙔𝙤𝙪
5 ⭐️
I may just be convinced to become a friends to lovers girlie, you know. Samantha Brinn may have just converted me. This book was an absolute stellar debut and I’m so proud of Sam for smashing this!
Things I loved:
🩷 Ben and his gestures; the forehead kisses, the small touches, the winks
🩷 Hallie and how damn relatable she was. Her character made me feel ridiculously seen.
🩷 The setting! I’m moving to Pittsburgh, goodbye New Zealand, you’ve been fun!
🩷 The pacing of the story! It was so perfect which showcased the progression of Ben and Hallie’s relationship and their genuine connection!
I genuinely adored this book! It was so heartwarming and wholesome, the characters were entirely loveable and relatable. I just swooned at how well Ben knew Hallie, right down to her bones. He knew what she needed / wanted, even before she did. I really loved Hallie, too. An eldest daughter, a people pleaser. She made me feel so seen and I loved her personal growth throughout this book. Their connection was so beautiful, honestly just had me grinning the whole time. That pivotal moment for them was just perfection.
There’s so much I could say about this, and if you’re a friends to lovers fan, and love a walking green flag cinnamon roll MC with a dirty mouth, I highly recommend! I’m looking forward to the rest of this series!
Thank you Sam and Lemmy at Luna for the arc!
📖 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙔𝙤𝙪
5 ⭐️
I may just be convinced to become a friends to lovers girlie, you know. Samantha Brinn may have just converted me. This book was an absolute stellar debut and I’m so proud of Sam for smashing this!
Things I loved:
🩷 Ben and his gestures; the forehead kisses, the small touches, the winks
🩷 Hallie and how damn relatable she was. Her character made me feel ridiculously seen.
🩷 The setting! I’m moving to Pittsburgh, goodbye New Zealand, you’ve been fun!
🩷 The pacing of the story! It was so perfect which showcased the progression of Ben and Hallie’s relationship and their genuine connection!
I genuinely adored this book! It was so heartwarming and wholesome, the characters were entirely loveable and relatable. I just swooned at how well Ben knew Hallie, right down to her bones. He knew what she needed / wanted, even before she did. I really loved Hallie, too. An eldest daughter, a people pleaser. She made me feel so seen and I loved her personal growth throughout this book. Their connection was so beautiful, honestly just had me grinning the whole time. That pivotal moment for them was just perfection.
There’s so much I could say about this, and if you’re a friends to lovers fan, and love a walking green flag cinnamon roll MC with a dirty mouth, I highly recommend! I’m looking forward to the rest of this series!
Thank you Sam and Lemmy at Luna for the arc!
July 20, 2024
This is such a cute romance! The book is about Hallie and Ben, who have known each other for whole their lives, and are best friends, together with Ben’s twin Julie. Ben has secretly been in love with Hallie for eleven years, while Hallie’s feelings are brand new. The story has a dual POV and it’s very bingeable. There quite some spice in it too. The reason it is not a 5-star for me is because the pacing did not feel right, especially since they come together quite quickly. The epilogue did not feel necessary either. I also had some mixed feelings about Julie, she felt a bit mean and controlling to me. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this romance!
And as a (former) law student, I loved to read about the friend group setting up their own practice, you go girls! 💪🏻
And as a (former) law student, I loved to read about the friend group setting up their own practice, you go girls! 💪🏻
November 8, 2024
Arc Review
The dedication of this book got me. Being the oldest daughter I finally felt seen for something. I need to print the dedication and frame it.
This has to be one of my favorite childhood friends to lovers I have read in such a long time. AND it’s a debut novel.
Ben was as sweet and swoony as they come and boy did he fall first and quite some time ago. I mean he knows all of her various coffee orders. (key word is VARIOUS) Hallie is the best friends with Ben and his twin sister Jules since they were kids. She struggles with wanting to please everyone around her and take care of others.
Ben and Hallie have the best character growth and chemistry is was incredible. That man was the definition of acts of service and if he wanted to he would. He just knew what she needed by looking in Hallie’s eyes.
“You are my everything. Everything begins and ends with you.”
The dedication of this book got me. Being the oldest daughter I finally felt seen for something. I need to print the dedication and frame it.
This has to be one of my favorite childhood friends to lovers I have read in such a long time. AND it’s a debut novel.
Ben was as sweet and swoony as they come and boy did he fall first and quite some time ago. I mean he knows all of her various coffee orders. (key word is VARIOUS) Hallie is the best friends with Ben and his twin sister Jules since they were kids. She struggles with wanting to please everyone around her and take care of others.
Ben and Hallie have the best character growth and chemistry is was incredible. That man was the definition of acts of service and if he wanted to he would. He just knew what she needed by looking in Hallie’s eyes.
“You are my everything. Everything begins and ends with you.”
July 18, 2024
Title: Because of you
By: Samantha Brinn
3.75 ⭐ 3 🌶️
Tropes:
Friends to lovers • He falls first
Main Characters:
Ben & Hallie
Stand out lines/quotes:
“I told you, Hallie girl, I see you.”
My Thoughts:
I liked the book, for the most part. I thought it was really cute and sweet. Almost a little too cutesy and like some of the characters were a little too agreeable. Maybe my tastes are better suited in darker romance books because for me if it hadn’t been for the spice, I think I would’ve lost interest and not finished the book. I mean, it was still good don’t get me wrong, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Luckily reading is subjective and just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it’s not for someone else.
By: Samantha Brinn
3.75 ⭐ 3 🌶️
Tropes:
Friends to lovers • He falls first
Main Characters:
Ben & Hallie
Stand out lines/quotes:
“I told you, Hallie girl, I see you.”
My Thoughts:
I liked the book, for the most part. I thought it was really cute and sweet. Almost a little too cutesy and like some of the characters were a little too agreeable. Maybe my tastes are better suited in darker romance books because for me if it hadn’t been for the spice, I think I would’ve lost interest and not finished the book. I mean, it was still good don’t get me wrong, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Luckily reading is subjective and just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it’s not for someone else.
July 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I’m such a friends to lovers girlies and this book completely filled my cup 😭 it was fluffy and swooney and I was smiling so dang much that my cheeks are now sore. I can’t believe this is a debut and I am STOKED for this series to continue. Hallie and Ben forever 🫶🏼
I’m such a friends to lovers girlies and this book completely filled my cup 😭 it was fluffy and swooney and I was smiling so dang much that my cheeks are now sore. I can’t believe this is a debut and I am STOKED for this series to continue. Hallie and Ben forever 🫶🏼
February 11, 2026
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice - 🌶🌶
Trope - childhood friends to lovers, best friend's brother, MMC with a twin, he falls first, it's always been you, he reads her books, forced proximity, found family, romcom, HEA
This book centres around Ben and Hallie's story. Two inseparable childhood friends, but Ben has been hiding his feelings for Hallie for over a decade, and now he’s decided to finally go after what he wants.
Ben falling and becoming so deeply in love with Hallie was my Roman Empire. This man was sensible, mature, understanding, loving, caring, and so utterly perfect. I loved how he always communicated clearly and was always there to support others.
I knew how wonderful Hallie was from the story of the other two sisters, but reading her perspective was essential. She was a giver, healer, lover, and protector, and reading her thoughts and emotions often brought tears to my eyes. Our sweet Hallie.
Ben was exactly what Hallie needed in her life. His calm, non-judgmental, understanding attitude was the haven Hallie had never experienced, which made me value their relationship even more.
Their friendship was so tender and beautiful. They supported each other, making their relationship even more enchanting.
Their first kiss was dreamlike and full of spark. I adored their relationship even more once it officially began.
The friends' reactions to their relationship had me screaming—top-class moment.
The spice was so good >>>>
Side characters & plot -
1. The friend group was once again something to cherish, and I enjoyed every interaction.
2.
3. Jeremy and Ben's bond was precious. It's always a pleasure to read about strong, comforting friendships, and theirs was just right.
4. Shoutout to Rachel for being such a good mom figure to all the people.
5. It did feel slightly odd to see the patchy side of the sisters' bond, but knowing that their future relationship was stronger than ever made me feel at peace.
6. Julie's personality was so type A, and she intrigued me so much that I can't wait to read her story next.
_____________________________
Julie, Ben, and Hallie's friends were priceless, and it was heartbreaking to see them struggle, but it also made perfect sense—every friendship has its ups and downs, arguments, and reading it in stories makes it feel real.
The story was more on the subtle, sweet side, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Overall 3.75/5
Spice - 🌶🌶
Trope - childhood friends to lovers, best friend's brother, MMC with a twin, he falls first, it's always been you, he reads her books, forced proximity, found family, romcom, HEA
This book centres around Ben and Hallie's story. Two inseparable childhood friends, but Ben has been hiding his feelings for Hallie for over a decade, and now he’s decided to finally go after what he wants.
Ben falling and becoming so deeply in love with Hallie was my Roman Empire. This man was sensible, mature, understanding, loving, caring, and so utterly perfect. I loved how he always communicated clearly and was always there to support others.
I knew how wonderful Hallie was from the story of the other two sisters, but reading her perspective was essential. She was a giver, healer, lover, and protector, and reading her thoughts and emotions often brought tears to my eyes. Our sweet Hallie.
Ben was exactly what Hallie needed in her life. His calm, non-judgmental, understanding attitude was the haven Hallie had never experienced, which made me value their relationship even more.
Their friendship was so tender and beautiful. They supported each other, making their relationship even more enchanting.
Their first kiss was dreamlike and full of spark. I adored their relationship even more once it officially began.
The friends' reactions to their relationship had me screaming—top-class moment.
The spice was so good >>>>
Side characters & plot -
1. The friend group was once again something to cherish, and I enjoyed every interaction.
2.
3. Jeremy and Ben's bond was precious. It's always a pleasure to read about strong, comforting friendships, and theirs was just right.
4. Shoutout to Rachel for being such a good mom figure to all the people.
5. It did feel slightly odd to see the patchy side of the sisters' bond, but knowing that their future relationship was stronger than ever made me feel at peace.
6. Julie's personality was so type A, and she intrigued me so much that I can't wait to read her story next.
_____________________________
Julie, Ben, and Hallie's friends were priceless, and it was heartbreaking to see them struggle, but it also made perfect sense—every friendship has its ups and downs, arguments, and reading it in stories makes it feel real.
The story was more on the subtle, sweet side, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Overall 3.75/5
February 18, 2026
4⭐️ First Sam book and it most definitely won’t be my last! Hallie and Ben have known each other thier whole lives. Ben, Hallie and Ben’s twin sister have been an inseparable trio of friends, but one day their senior year of high school Ben noticed Hallie in a way he never had before. Ever since then he’s been silently in love with her. Fast forward eleven years and he’s finally reached his breaking point. He’s ready to love Hallie out loud and see if she could possibly feel the same way. Hallie may not have seen him that way before but lately things have been different between them. Hallie isn’t sure what direction she wants her career to take. Ben is her sounding board and the only person she can be completely honest with. When she realizes what she wants and that it isn’t the direction her life is going in Ben is there to be her support. But the more she leans on him the more she realizes something more just might be there. Their two week trip to the lake might just change everything.
I really enjoyed these two together! Such a fun friends to lovers story. I cannot believe Ben kept in his feelings for so long but it was fun to see Hallie join him and fall head over heels. Ben is just perfection. The way he cares for Hallie and supports her just made me melt. This girl group was one of a kind and I’m obsessed with them and I would like to also go on this like trip. Not only did I love Ben and Hallie but I’m slowly but surely falling in love with this whole crew! I cannot wait to keep reading!
Tropes:
✨Friends to Lovers
✨He Falls First
✨Best Friend’s Brother
✨It’s Always Been You
✨Found Family
I really enjoyed these two together! Such a fun friends to lovers story. I cannot believe Ben kept in his feelings for so long but it was fun to see Hallie join him and fall head over heels. Ben is just perfection. The way he cares for Hallie and supports her just made me melt. This girl group was one of a kind and I’m obsessed with them and I would like to also go on this like trip. Not only did I love Ben and Hallie but I’m slowly but surely falling in love with this whole crew! I cannot wait to keep reading!
Tropes:
✨Friends to Lovers
✨He Falls First
✨Best Friend’s Brother
✨It’s Always Been You
✨Found Family
October 10, 2024
4.5⭐️ 📖 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐧
“𝘔𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘉𝘦𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦.
𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢.”
❤️🔥BEN. PARKER.❤️🔥
That’s it. That’s the full review. 🤣❤️🔥
This man is the definition of a man absolutely devoted to every single part of his woman! He is one of the greatest cinnamon roll MMCs I’ve ever read! 🤭
The amount of caretaking Ben does for Hallie is seriously next level. Hallie is someone that takes care of everyone except herself and Ben made sure she knew she was special and worthy of being cared for.
“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰.“
There was a ton of mutual pining, which I always love. When they finally kiss it was explosive! ❤️🔥 Ben Parker is a GIVER if you know what I mean. 🤭
"𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴, 𝘉𝘦𝘯. 𝘏𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺?"
"𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭."
If you love the “best friend’s brother” trope you have to add, 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮, to your TBR! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy! 💞
I am so excited to dive into Julie & Asher’s story next! (𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰’𝒎 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒀𝒐𝒖)
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
💋 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥’𝘴 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳
🫶🏼 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
✨ 𝘏𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 & 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥
🤭 𝘔𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨
🧁 𝘊𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘔𝘊
☕️ 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨
💞 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
❤️🔥 𝘍•𝘐𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
“𝘔𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘉𝘦𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦.
𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢.”
❤️🔥BEN. PARKER.❤️🔥
That’s it. That’s the full review. 🤣❤️🔥
This man is the definition of a man absolutely devoted to every single part of his woman! He is one of the greatest cinnamon roll MMCs I’ve ever read! 🤭
The amount of caretaking Ben does for Hallie is seriously next level. Hallie is someone that takes care of everyone except herself and Ben made sure she knew she was special and worthy of being cared for.
“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰.“
There was a ton of mutual pining, which I always love. When they finally kiss it was explosive! ❤️🔥 Ben Parker is a GIVER if you know what I mean. 🤭
"𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴, 𝘉𝘦𝘯. 𝘏𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺?"
"𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭."
If you love the “best friend’s brother” trope you have to add, 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮, to your TBR! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy! 💞
I am so excited to dive into Julie & Asher’s story next! (𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰’𝒎 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒀𝒐𝒖)
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
💋 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥’𝘴 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳
🫶🏼 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
✨ 𝘏𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 & 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥
🤭 𝘔𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨
🧁 𝘊𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘔𝘊
☕️ 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨
💞 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
❤️🔥 𝘍•𝘐𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
July 17, 2024
Okay, I’ve mentioned before that Friends to Lovers isn’t always my favorite trope. This book changed my mind. I LOVED this book. And I think the reason is because Samantha Brinn truly created the most perfect, swooniest characters. She made Ben incredibly sweet and caring, and also daringly sexy and bold. Hallie is sweet and kind, while also a bad*ss lawyer and audacious with Ben. Brinn’s characters are dynamic and layered, even the supporting characters who I’m hoping we’ll get to know even more in future books as this is the first book of the Laws of You series.
I loved this story because it was balanced with romance and love, individual struggles, and strong female friendship. It represents a strong and successful FMC, who struggles with people pleasing, and an MMC who pushes her to go after her dreams and stand up for herself. The spice??? Absolutely incredible, made even more so by the fact that this book has a strong plot to go along with it all. Brinn’s writing is also so descriptive, I felt like I was in the book, at the lake house, in the law office. I really enjoyed this book and I very much recommend reading it. Out now!!
I loved this story because it was balanced with romance and love, individual struggles, and strong female friendship. It represents a strong and successful FMC, who struggles with people pleasing, and an MMC who pushes her to go after her dreams and stand up for herself. The spice??? Absolutely incredible, made even more so by the fact that this book has a strong plot to go along with it all. Brinn’s writing is also so descriptive, I felt like I was in the book, at the lake house, in the law office. I really enjoyed this book and I very much recommend reading it. Out now!!
January 28, 2026
-Childhood Friends to Lovers
-Found Family
-He Falls First
The lake house is where the magic happens. And boy, did it?! I’m glad Ben and Hallie finally gave into their true feelings for one another. That first kiss though 😮💨 Also, Ben is THAT guy. Charming, caring, attentive, takes mental notes about anything Hallie likes and dislikes. This was a cute, warm, and fuzzy read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 | 🌶️🌶️.5
-Found Family
-He Falls First
The lake house is where the magic happens. And boy, did it?! I’m glad Ben and Hallie finally gave into their true feelings for one another. That first kiss though 😮💨 Also, Ben is THAT guy. Charming, caring, attentive, takes mental notes about anything Hallie likes and dislikes. This was a cute, warm, and fuzzy read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 | 🌶️🌶️.5
February 6, 2025
4.5⭐️
I typically don’t love a friends to lovers trope, but this book was pure magic ✨ great friend group, character growth, and the spice was spicing’ 🌶️ I can’t wait to dive into more of Brinn’s books. Definitely a new fav author!
I typically don’t love a friends to lovers trope, but this book was pure magic ✨ great friend group, character growth, and the spice was spicing’ 🌶️ I can’t wait to dive into more of Brinn’s books. Definitely a new fav author!
July 11, 2024
I loved this book so much ! If you like best friends brother or friends to lovers read this rn ! Ben is boyfriend goals 🩷
July 17, 2024
Ummmm hello??? There was under no circumstance that Miss Samantha needed to come out here and slay me like that with this book.
Because of You is a debut novel that follows Hallie and Ben. Hallie has been Ben’s twin sister’s best friend for years and basically grew up with them. Now they are older, she is partnering in the law firm with her closest girl friends and Ben opened up a bar. As Hallie is figuring out what she truly wants to do in life and is questioning everything, she starts to feel more for Ben. These two have always been closer but it’s always been just “ best friend’s” to Hallie but Ben’s feelings changed for her one night 11 years ago.
When I tell you that this man is literally the definition of Acts of Service, he is. I just loved watching the relationship between these two blossom from best friends to lovers. He knows exactly what Hallie needs, right when she needs it.
Y’all want to make sure this one is on your TBR!!
***releasing 7/17***
Tropes
-best friends to lovers
-“it’s always been you”
-lawyer X bar owner
-best friend’s twin brother
Because of You is a debut novel that follows Hallie and Ben. Hallie has been Ben’s twin sister’s best friend for years and basically grew up with them. Now they are older, she is partnering in the law firm with her closest girl friends and Ben opened up a bar. As Hallie is figuring out what she truly wants to do in life and is questioning everything, she starts to feel more for Ben. These two have always been closer but it’s always been just “ best friend’s” to Hallie but Ben’s feelings changed for her one night 11 years ago.
When I tell you that this man is literally the definition of Acts of Service, he is. I just loved watching the relationship between these two blossom from best friends to lovers. He knows exactly what Hallie needs, right when she needs it.
Y’all want to make sure this one is on your TBR!!
***releasing 7/17***
Tropes
-best friends to lovers
-“it’s always been you”
-lawyer X bar owner
-best friend’s twin brother
November 14, 2024
As a coffee addict myself Ben’s attention to coffee detail is top tier. It may have bumped this book up a full star rating for me 🙌🏻
July 8, 2024
*ARC* Review Because Of You by Samantha Brinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book. And let me tell you, I literally adored it. Hands down five star read. I LOVED it. I LOVED all of the characters. I could not get enough of Ben and Hallie. Some what of slow burn waiting for the friends to turn to lovers but when it hit…good lord did it HIT. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Ben has been pining for his childhood best friend for 11 YEARS. Yes… 11 YEARS! He finally reaches the point where he cannot live without her knowing his true feelings any longer. Hallie is seriously the sweetest and most considerate human being. She is a people pleaser to her core and isn’t someone who does well with change. She notices that Ben starts acting a little different around her… lingering stares, touching a little more, flirty remarks here and there. And let’s just say, she doesn’t hate it. The more she thinks about it… “friend Ben” may not have always been just a friend.
Watching their love story unravel had a permanent grin on my face. Ben is such a cinnamon roll boyfriend and the way he treats Hallie… my god, he truly worships her and does the fricken sweetest things for her 🥹 and the mouth on that man. Hellloooo Ben Parker 😍 swoon. 🫠🥵
I truly enjoyed Samantha’s writing style & for it being her debut novel… my goodness she killed it! I felt like I belonged in Ben and Hallie’s friend group and that I was there at Ben’s parent’s lake house watching their love for one another develop. 😍
Thank you so much, Samantha for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest thoughts & review 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book. And let me tell you, I literally adored it. Hands down five star read. I LOVED it. I LOVED all of the characters. I could not get enough of Ben and Hallie. Some what of slow burn waiting for the friends to turn to lovers but when it hit…good lord did it HIT. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Ben has been pining for his childhood best friend for 11 YEARS. Yes… 11 YEARS! He finally reaches the point where he cannot live without her knowing his true feelings any longer. Hallie is seriously the sweetest and most considerate human being. She is a people pleaser to her core and isn’t someone who does well with change. She notices that Ben starts acting a little different around her… lingering stares, touching a little more, flirty remarks here and there. And let’s just say, she doesn’t hate it. The more she thinks about it… “friend Ben” may not have always been just a friend.
Watching their love story unravel had a permanent grin on my face. Ben is such a cinnamon roll boyfriend and the way he treats Hallie… my god, he truly worships her and does the fricken sweetest things for her 🥹 and the mouth on that man. Hellloooo Ben Parker 😍 swoon. 🫠🥵
I truly enjoyed Samantha’s writing style & for it being her debut novel… my goodness she killed it! I felt like I belonged in Ben and Hallie’s friend group and that I was there at Ben’s parent’s lake house watching their love for one another develop. 😍
Thank you so much, Samantha for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest thoughts & review 🤍
July 21, 2024
Samantha has turned me into a friends to lover fan. There was a constant smile on my face while reading this book. I could not stop reading. I still can't believe this is a debut novel.
Ben and Hallie were made for each other. From the first chapter you could feel how much they cared for each other. Bed was absolutely enamored with Hallie. The way he knew her so well. All the heart eyes. Every woman wishes for the perfect man that is Ben Parker.
Hallie is a lawyer and people pleaser. She has some struggles but Ben is always there to encourage her and give her miniature Reese cups. I loved watching Hallie grow throughout this whole story. It was truly inspiring.
This book was extra special to me because I was able to relate to so many places in the book. It made me love Ben and Hallie that much more (if that was even possible).
There are so many more things I want to say about this book but I guess you should just read it yourself.
Thank you Samantha and Luna Literacy for the ARC.
Ben and Hallie were made for each other. From the first chapter you could feel how much they cared for each other. Bed was absolutely enamored with Hallie. The way he knew her so well. All the heart eyes. Every woman wishes for the perfect man that is Ben Parker.
Hallie is a lawyer and people pleaser. She has some struggles but Ben is always there to encourage her and give her miniature Reese cups. I loved watching Hallie grow throughout this whole story. It was truly inspiring.
This book was extra special to me because I was able to relate to so many places in the book. It made me love Ben and Hallie that much more (if that was even possible).
There are so many more things I want to say about this book but I guess you should just read it yourself.
Thank you Samantha and Luna Literacy for the ARC.
October 14, 2024
4.5⭐️
How? HOW?! Tell me how this is a debut!!
I’m a friends to lovers girlie through and through. Add a dirty-talking cinnamon roll of an MMC who happens to be the FMC’s best friend’s brother, I’m so gone.
I couldn’t put this book down but at the same time I didn’t want it to end! The angst and yearning was just absolutely delicious, the friends had me laughing out loud, and the MCs were so empathetic and supportive that I was in my feels for most of the book. I threw my kindle down on the bed numerous times, squealing because I knew what was coming and I couldn’t handle it (in the best way!!). It’s also possible that I highlighted the entire book…
Ben was one of the most thoughtful book boyfriends I have read in a while. The amount of thought and effort that went into his reasonings and actions were unmatched! I also saw so much of Hallie in myself (oldest daughter, people pleaser, hates confrontation). And that notion of seeing and being seen was so powerful throughout and so so relatable. It was impossible for me not to get sucked in.
People say they’d read an author’s grocery list. I’d read measurements that Sam has scribbled down on a post-it note with her non-dominant hand. Doesn’t matter what it is, I’m already a fan. Seriously, I teared up even reading her acknowledgments!
Well-freakin-done!! Thank you so much to Sam and Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
How? HOW?! Tell me how this is a debut!!
I’m a friends to lovers girlie through and through. Add a dirty-talking cinnamon roll of an MMC who happens to be the FMC’s best friend’s brother, I’m so gone.
I couldn’t put this book down but at the same time I didn’t want it to end! The angst and yearning was just absolutely delicious, the friends had me laughing out loud, and the MCs were so empathetic and supportive that I was in my feels for most of the book. I threw my kindle down on the bed numerous times, squealing because I knew what was coming and I couldn’t handle it (in the best way!!). It’s also possible that I highlighted the entire book…
Ben was one of the most thoughtful book boyfriends I have read in a while. The amount of thought and effort that went into his reasonings and actions were unmatched! I also saw so much of Hallie in myself (oldest daughter, people pleaser, hates confrontation). And that notion of seeing and being seen was so powerful throughout and so so relatable. It was impossible for me not to get sucked in.
People say they’d read an author’s grocery list. I’d read measurements that Sam has scribbled down on a post-it note with her non-dominant hand. Doesn’t matter what it is, I’m already a fan. Seriously, I teared up even reading her acknowledgments!
Well-freakin-done!! Thank you so much to Sam and Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
May 27, 2024
There is something about childhood friends to lovers that just warms my soul. I think it’s because for as much as I love so many other tropes, this one feels the most real - like it could happen in real life, with real people. And that’s what Because of You is. You’ll feel like the characters are your friends, neighbors, and coworkers. I laughed, cried happy tears (always happy tears), and swooned. I constantly found myself just smiling as I read.
Ben is actually everything. All green flags. The way he treats Hallie like an absolute queen left me giddy and envious and serves as a reminder of the standard we should all have for the men in our lives. The moment he makes his love declaration is one of my favorite I’ve read, and his big reveal in the epilogue is… I don’t have words for the level of swoon that is the end of this book. Hallie so relatable and down to earth. The friend group is perfection, and I want them to just materialize in real life.
This may be Sam’s debut novel, but I know this series is going to be amazing! You can tell just how much she put her heart into these characters and this story. As a Pittsburgh native, she immediately draws you into the setting. And I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes from her next.
Ben is actually everything. All green flags. The way he treats Hallie like an absolute queen left me giddy and envious and serves as a reminder of the standard we should all have for the men in our lives. The moment he makes his love declaration is one of my favorite I’ve read, and his big reveal in the epilogue is… I don’t have words for the level of swoon that is the end of this book. Hallie so relatable and down to earth. The friend group is perfection, and I want them to just materialize in real life.
This may be Sam’s debut novel, but I know this series is going to be amazing! You can tell just how much she put her heart into these characters and this story. As a Pittsburgh native, she immediately draws you into the setting. And I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes from her next.
June 17, 2025
I’m not sure how this is Sam’s first ever book but OMG what a book!
I loved Hallie and Ben before chapter 1 - I was well and truly HOOKED!
What a love story, what amazing writing and what a character line up - Laws of you series is going to be sooooo good that I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
I honestly loved how Ben just got Hallie, understood her better then anyone (including her best friends who honestly took her for granted)
Hallie’s friendship, trust and love in Ben too - how he always made her feel safe and loved and seen - omg I just can’t even put it into words how much I loved these two!
5 stars all the way - cannot recommend this book enough
Thank you to Sam and Luna Literary for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review - I LOVED IT
I loved Hallie and Ben before chapter 1 - I was well and truly HOOKED!
What a love story, what amazing writing and what a character line up - Laws of you series is going to be sooooo good that I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
I honestly loved how Ben just got Hallie, understood her better then anyone (including her best friends who honestly took her for granted)
Hallie’s friendship, trust and love in Ben too - how he always made her feel safe and loved and seen - omg I just can’t even put it into words how much I loved these two!
5 stars all the way - cannot recommend this book enough
Thank you to Sam and Luna Literary for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review - I LOVED IT
July 19, 2024
"hallie girl" and "benji" - the nicknames pretty much set the tone for how I was going to feel about this book. Every time I read "Hallie girl" I gagged. Worst nickname ever. Ben was a dreamboat but the nickname sucked. I liked the beginning - Ben bringing Hallie around to them as a couple - but once they got together, the book became more about their relationships with the other people in the book. No angst / sparks. The conflicts were boring. That being said the spice was pretty damn hot for 2 milktoast main characters.
January 24, 2025
Ben proposing to Hallie in what he called ‘their sacred place’ was the WORST idea an author has ever had! How is it their sacred place?? He literally took another woman there and Hallie seen them there together AND what they were doing!! the very last page ruined his entire character and therefore the entire book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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