Breaking the Best Friend Code: Sweet Closed Door Romantic Comedy

by Amy Green

Moving back to Ridgeview was the last thing I wanted. I got away from here as soon as I could and I’ve hardly looked back. Yet here I am, twelve years later, living in my hometown where ghosts of broken dreams and promises haunt me around every corner. Even when my life fell apart and I had to make a new plan I never planned to fall in love. Not with anyone, but especially not with her.



Millie Jacobson, my best friend’s little sister and my little brother’s best friend. To sum it it’s complicated. I’ve known her since the day she was born. We grew up together. Somehow along the way she grew up. She’s no longer that gangly little girl who sang at the top of her lungs at my baseball games anymore than I am that kid who couldn’t wait to get out of Ridgeview and make the major leagues.



Now if I could only figure out a way to get her to take a chance on me.



Breaking the Best Friend Code is a closed door romantic comedy with real life issues, elements of self reflection and discovery, awkward and clumsy moments, and lots of love and banter. There is no swearing and no intimacy beyond sweet and swoony kissing.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Clean Romance

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2024

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a perfectly cute, fluffy, happy chicklit meant to be consumed as quickly as possible, which was exactly what I needed this week. I actually knew Amy growing up, and it was so fun to recognize her hometown in Ridgeview and her happy family in the Jacobsen’s. I agree there are a LOT of characters but it sort of adds to the reality of the story, and the family trees were very helpful. There’s also a full list in the back of the book. I’ll definitely be tuning in whenever book 2 comes along! Who will be next? Tori? We never figured out what was up with her…

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And that’s all that matters. All the rest—all the best friends and all the brothers—it will all work out. Mark Winters loves me, and I love him.”

4.5/5⭐️
This was so cute! Such a sweet, easy read perfect for readers who love:
✔️ Brother’s Best Friend
✔️ Best Friend’s Brother
✔️ Secret Dating
✔️ Clean Rom-Com

Premise: Breaking the Best Friend Code is a clean rom-com following Mark Winters and Millie Jacobson, two people with intimately connected families. Mark is both best friends with Millie’s older brother, Ben, and the older brother to Millie’s best friend, Jonathan. Their families had always been close and they grew up together, but after Mark left for college, they rarely saw each other. Now, 12 years later, he’s moved back home and his best friend’s little sister isn’t so little anymore. Millie’s had a secret crush on Mark basically as long as she can remember, so it should have been easy for him to convince her to give him a chance. But when friends and family are involved, nothing is easy and neither of their best friends would be happy about their friend dating their sibling.

Tropes: Brother’s Best Friend, Best Friend’s Brother/Best Friend’s Sister, Secret Dating, Workplace Romance, Clean Romance, Childhood Crush, Rom-Com, She Fell First, He Fell Harder

This book absolutely reads like a sweet Hallmark movie version of The Kissing Booth. While this is a clean romance with no more intimacy than kissing, it still reads like an adult relationship with a very natural progression (not something I can say about all clean romances I’ve read). With how fantastic this debut was, I absolutely can’t wait for more from this series and author and to hopefully see more of Mark and Millie’s friends and family.

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because spending time with Mark makes me happy. I’m tired of trying to deny that. There’s this pull towards him that has never been there in the past. I’m drawn to Mark like a magnet. I feel lighter and more myself when I’m with him than I do with anyone else.

I also realize that I finally understand what Ben meant when he said once I found the right person, I’d be willing to do anything to make her happy. And I would. I would do anything to make Millie happy. Even paint my walls black.

[Janey-Ann Jooste · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this more…
It had all the right ingredients but it wasn’t enough. Some things felt rushed, while others weren’t developed enough. Not enough show, sooooo much tell.
It’s a bit like the frozen lasagna Mark tried to make - burnt on the sides and frozen in the middle.
Doesn’t mean I don’t like lasagna… you know what I mean.?!

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was unexpected in multiple ways, and I’m not opposed to it even slightly!  I was chatting with a friend in DMs and we talked about latest reads/projects we were working on and this book was brought up!  We know this trope is my kryptonite, but it being two-fold is next level!

Did you ever make a code/pact with a friend growing up vowing to uphold forever and ever?!  I never did, but the protagonists of this book did.  Each with their own best friend and at separate times in their lives.  Millie and her best friend Jonathan were 11; Mark and his best friend Ben were 13!  Their separate codes seemed iron clad until Mark moved back to Ridgeville, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Millie works for a publication company that has a persnickety author, who is never satisfied with his first contract.  This forces Millie’s hand as she will need to go to the law office across the hallway in the building to talk to the lawyer, who just can’t keep his hands or his mouth to himself.  Yay!  Gotta love a creepy guy!  Now creepy guy has someone job shadowing him, Mark!  Childhood crush and best friend’s big brother, Mark!  Enter some initial awkwardness but heavy on the heart eyes for Millie! 

The last person on Mark’s radar when assigned to being CG’s (creepy guy) shadow was Millie!  Millie, his best friend’s little sister, who wasn’t so little anymore!  Soon enough Mark proved he was more than capable in his own right and started assisting Millie in other contracts and not just for fussy clients.  Being back in town wasn’t a seamless transition for Mark, but with a budding friendship with Millie and having the support system he left behind coming around, things were looking up!

This book has a lot of ups and downs, but honestly, I think that’s what makes this story so successful!  Life isn’t about perfection, it’s the things we go through, how we handle them and how they shape us.  Job well done for new to me author Amy Green!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jacobson and Winters families have absolutely won my heart! I must admit that at the start of the story, it took me a bit to keep everyone straight... there were a lot of family members introduced between the two families. The author did include a character chart before the book began and glossary at the end, which was super helpful--- and would be even more so in the paperback copy too! While it took me a little bit to sort everyone and their relationships out, once I did, I couldn't help but be drawn in by each and every one of them. Millie and Mark are each other's brother's best friends with families that are super close too. As such, when he comes back to town and they find themselves falling for each other... well, it gets a little complicated to say the least! The chemistry between them was really sweet, and I loved getting glimpses into their history, making me root for them all that much more. There were definitely some complicated family dynamics that they had to work through to get their happily ever after, but it certainly paid off in the end. As much as I loved Millie and Mark, I really did love their siblings just as much too... I find myself very much hoping to see more from all of them in future books in the series. With a debut like this, I very much look forward to seeing what Amy Green writes next!

Breaking the Best Friend Code is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Ms bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ✨


I have always and always been a fan of girl fell first,childhood crush, sunshine X grumpy✨
And obviously the sweet,cute and gentle kind of Love 💕 and this book is exactly that.. I knew it im going to love this one just by looking at the tropes..
I personally love reading easy going,smooth,the kind of books with will make me smile and blush(bcz why not 😉) this has been one of it.. !!!! If you are someone like me then this is for you.. 🫧
The characters are well written..There were some amazing supporting characters. My most favourite Are Millie’s dad and the old lady in mark’s office.. they were just amazing 💕🤌 but there are some not so desirable characters too…(which you will know once you read 😉)
Overall it was an amazing experience🫧✨

Tropes ✨
Brother’s bestfriend
Childhood crush
Secret dating
Found family
Lawyer X Editor
She fell first
GrumpyX Sunshine

Favourite quotes 🎀
“Call me old fashioned all you want,but the only women I will ever live is MY WIFE” ~ Mark Winter ❄️

“Books never gave me anxiety” ~ Millie Jacobson

Note: There are a lot more but I can’t and I’m not going to state here 🫣🤭😉

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, wholesome romance with funny and quirky moments that will leave you unable to put the book down. It’s a quick read with lots of heart. Both main characters are lovable and complement each other well. I was definitely cheering for them!

I loved the strong themes of friendship and family throughout. It’s always nice seeing such tight night, loving environments. Millie especially is surrounded by such strong female characters who encourage and support her.

The novel does well with balancing heavier and lighter moments, creating character depth and development. The interwoven moments of the past provide insight into Millie and Mark’s relationship development and allowed the reader to understand how long this connection was building.

This author did an amazing job with her debut novel, I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Thanks Amy for the arc! All opinions are completely my own.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you so much to Amy Green for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for honest feedback. The thoughts below are entirely my own.**

Breaking the Best Friend Code was such a fun time! The characters were unique and so fun to read about. I was really invested in them and their storylines! The book explored some heavy topics, but I think they were written very well.

I did, however, have a few issues with Breaking the Best Friend Code. There were some grammatical errors that distracted me while reading, and I thought there were too many characters. I had a hard time following all of the characters, and I kept forgetting who people were. It made some of the more important side characters shallower than I would have liked. Also, some of the characters had really similar names, which made them that much harder to keep straight.

I did love how clean this book was! It was a really cute, fun, clean contemporary rom-com.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking the Best Friend Code was an adorable best friend’s brother romance. It felt like a hallmark movie with many heartwarming moments and strong family dynamic. This book had many hilarious moments. Millie and Mark were perfect for each other. They had great chemistry and had great banter. The banter was sweet and sassy. Millie and Mark also were open with each other. They trusted and respected one another. Amy Green did a great building their relationship. The flashbacks really enhanced the story. This book is full of many great side characters that were entertaining and quirky. I loved the Jacobson family. They were supportive of one another and up in each other’s business. The matchmaking attempts were hysterical! The romance was sweet and had nothing more than kissing. This book was excellent and I am looking forward to the next one in the Romance in Ridgeview series.

I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful family friends story with lots of heart

I really loved Millie and Mark together. They had great chemistry. Lots of sparks. The story was really entertaining. It was a up-and-down emotions due to the whole all best friend families theme. They wanted to try dating but fear how both families would immediately be all involved. How can they even be together if Millie had promised she would never date her BFF’s family. Even though it was a comedy, there was still some drama drama drama. And oh did Mark have super swoony things to say! Delightful!
There are a lot of characters in the book since they come from big families. It was really helpful that the author had a character list in the back so you can keep straight who’s who. Had some really great characters that I want to learn more about. I look forward to reading more in this series. This is the author’s debut novel and I think they did a great job with it. I know I’m definitely hooked.
Rating: PG, clean, triggers: past divorce and infidelity in MMC parents marriage. Mild childhood trauma from bad marriage example.

[g ⋆ ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ - first off thank you so much Amy Green for giving me the arc to your debut novel!! I loved this book sm it was everything I needed.

Mark and Millie have my whole entire heart the way they care for each other had me squealing and smiling the whole book 😭😭🩷. I genuinely loved this book and it was quick and easy to read the way they loved each other, talked to each other, found comfort in one another just made me long for something like that!!

This book was so well written in ways I can’t even describe it showed real topics!! One thing I loved was how it’s not easy to admit feelings for another person like yes people get nervous and that’s what I loved about Millie and Mark and how they were scared to admit their love for the other but they still did it!!

(ps- this book got me out oh my slump because it was that good)

[Kahra Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Breaking the Best Friend Code by Amy Green

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💭 Thoughts:
This book was such a cute romcom. Best Friend’s Brother and Brother’s Best Friend are some of my favourite tropes so I was stoked to read this book. It’s is a nice light read with chemistry off the charts between the MMC and the FMC. This is @amy_green_books debut novel and it did not disappoint. I am hoping there are more books in the series because I would love to get to see the stories for both Millie and Mark’s brothers.

▫️ Brother’s Best Friend
▫️ Best Friend’s Brother
▫️ Mutual Pining
▫️ Childhood Crush
▫️ She Falls First - He Falls Harder
▫️ Secret Relationship

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this fabulous book!

#romcom #romancereader #romancebooks #closeddoorromcom #closeddoorromance #bestfriendsbrother #brothersbestfriend #shefallsfirst #debutnovel #breakingthebestfriendcode #closeddoorromance

[Chhaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐
"She really is too good for me, but I’m grateful she doesn’t think so. And I’ll do anything I can to prove to her that I’m worth the cost."
 
Millie!!
You said your story is not a hallmark movie type, but it's exactly like a HALLMARK MOVIE love story!
 
The book was beautiful. The ups and downs in the relationship, the fear of not getting your feelings reciprocated, the fear of choosing between two people you can't choose, and the happiness around that one person—everything was beautifully portrayed. You can feel the turmoil of emotions both Millie and Mark were going through. The emotions were portrayed amazingly. The side characters were also portrayed perfectly; I love the character of Nancy. She was like a mother figure, which Mark didn't know he needed.
 
So my favorite scenes from the book are many, but the one that is interesting enough to mention here is the story of the pink bubble gum shoes of Millie (well, technically Millie's friend). Now you gotta read the book to know about which scene I'm talking about, and I'm trying really hard not to give any spoilers, so I would like to end my review here so that I don't blabber too much.
 
I just want to say that you should go and read the book if you love a cute, wholesome romance with some funny moments. (No spice) 

[Kelly Quirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark and Millie’s families are as close as can be. Mark’s best friend is Millie’s second oldest brother. Millie’s best friend is Mark’s younger brother. They’ve both made “Best Friend Codes” that they won’t date their friends siblings…. But that doesn’t keep Millie from having a years long unrequited crush on Mark. Millie thinks more will come of that crush… until Mark moves back to town. This book was sweet and fluffy. It felt a lot like it was setting the scene for a whole cast of love stories. I loved the main characters, but I especially loved Millie’s dad Dan and Mark’s coworker Nancy. While this wasn’t the best book I’ve read this year, it was a cute quick fun romance that was a great read! I would definitely read more stories set in Ridgeview!

[Emari Gerberding · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is Amy's debut novel. It has been on my tbr list since it came out last summer. I'm glad I was finally able to have a chance to read it! 


I enjoyed this book so much and was smiling and laughing so much (hot pink heels 😂). I loved the complexity of the family and hope we get many, many more stories from the Jacobsons & Winters families (justice for Matt and I want a Jon story and Rosie). 


While this book had a few moments that felt a bit rough in the plot, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. I'm excited to see how Amy Green continues to develop as a writer, and I'm looking forward to reading her future books!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️:👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Such a cute story about a childhood crush (one of my FAV troupes)! I won’t lie, I kinda had a hard time keeping all the family members in the Winters & Jacobson families straight at first, but I caught on eventually, haha. The bond that Millie’s Dad has with Mark was just ❤️😭 and I loved watching both Millie and Mark come to terms with their feelings and begin to fight for their relationship.

STUFF I LIKED:
-Brothers best friend
-Childhood crush
-Kisses only
-She falls first
-Dual POV

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything from Amy before so I had no expectations going in. I have been burned before with reading new authors that I have never heard of but this was not one of those times! This book was so good! I wish life hadn’t kept getting in the way because I just wanted to finish this book! The Jacobsons are so great and the winters aren’t so bad either. I got a little bit of Romeo and Juliet vibes but these family’s get along. You won’t be disappointed in reading this book!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was just the sweetest. If you love a feel good romance that places you right in a Hallmark movie, this books is for you.

The main character Millie is just so real - I loved it. And oftentimes I found myself thinking I could be her. And I love that the whole things just seems so real life. Nothing crazy, no drastic plot twists or unimaginable events take place.

It was the perfect little palate cleanser in between some heavier books. Really enjoyed it!

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5



Me gustó que cuando los hermanos se enteraron de la relación e hicieron su drama tanto a Millie como Mack jamás se les cruzo por la mente que debían terminar, es más eso los unió y su actitud fue de "pues bien eres mi mejor amigo, pero la/o amo y no voy a dejarla/o por tus problemas, si quieres seguir siendo mi amigo lo tendras que superar".

[Kelsey Low · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute, clean & sweet. It embodied the perfect hallmark movie & kept me intrigued the whole way through! Some of the characters rubbed me the wrong way & I couldn’t relate or emphasize with them, but the chemistry between the 2 main characters was so so cute. I was cheering for them! Definitely one to pick up if you enjoy sweet romance books. 💕
& many thanks to Amy Green for a free copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the characters.

At the start this was just giving me the kissing booth vibes but believe me it's not.

The brother's best friend plus the best friend brother is just amazing.

The only thing I wasn't a big fan was the ending.

[Kristie Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Fun Read

I liked the tropes in this book. It’s fun because there are two sets of best friends/siblings. Makes for a fun read. So many great characters, I’m excited for the next story.

[Haylee Trew · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review!!

Your gal is usually a spicy, open door, smut connoisseur, but this book did everything for me without having to have all of that. It's a brother's best friend, close family dynamic between the two main characters. I don't know how many times I caught myself yelling in my head, "ONE CONVERSATION WILL SOLVE THIS PROBLEM!!!" but I love the angst of it all! I also empathize with the MMC and his family dynamic. The story and characters are developed beautifully, and I feel like I was there. Such an awesome read!

[Jamie Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a bit slow for me. There were so many characters to keep track of. I finally started making a list for myself so I could remember who was who. Then I found the Character Glossery at the very end of the book. Wish I'd known about it sooner.

[Tiffany]

I just could not get into this book. I’m not sure why because the premise is so fun. But I guess this one just wasn’t for me.

[E'Who'Reads'a'Thousand'Mysteries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

This debut rom com has a sweet tone, interesting characters with indepth thought patterns and an overall lovely feel. I'll definitely read more books by this author.

[Courtney Driggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 what a sweet read!

[Brielle Denning · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Cute, light Hallmark vibe kind of romance!

[Beth Kaiser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and sweet! Perfect holiday reading