More Than Friends

by Reese Ryan

Best friends. Only one bed. What’s the worst that could happen?

Leilani

Toby and I dated in high school. The romance didn’t last, but I got a friend for life. I’m a session singer, he’s an A&R rep, and we live on opposite coasts. Still, we’ve been best friends since high school. Okay, yes there’s occasionally some innocent flirting, but nothing serious. Neither of us would risk our friendship by getting involved again. But one long overdue destination wedding, a petty prank by his scheming ex, and a little flirting turns into one incredible night. It was a mistake. And it definitely…probably…won’t happen again.

Toby

For a long time, I accepted that Leilani and I were better as friends than lovers. But lately, our “innocent” flirtations incite the filthiest thoughts, and I can’t stop wanting her. When playful teasing turns to a heated kiss, it ends in a night neither of us will ever forget. Leilani declares it a mistake, but I propose friendship with benefits, and she agrees. But the truth is I can’t ignore my growing feelings for her anymore. I’m determined to prove that we could be so much more than friends and that taking a chance on finding forever is worth the risk.

Content MORE THAN FRIENDS deals with a variety of issues that may be difficult for some readers. Please note that this story deals with the

Neurodevelopmental disordersADHDPrison / Justice systemPhysical abuse describedExplicit languageExplicit love scenesEach of these topics is dealt with in an informed and deliberate manner. However, some readers may prefer not to read a romance that deals with such heavy, real-life issues.

Genres: Contemporary

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2025

About the author

Vivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.

Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.

Reviews

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Friends delivers a classic friends-to-lovers second chance romance with all the right ingredients: sizzling chemistry, playful banter, and just the right amount of angst. Leilani and Toby’s history gives their dynamic plenty of depth, making their transition from best friends to something more feel natural yet undeniably intense.

This book is lighthearted yet heartfelt, balancing humor with emotional stakes. If you love romance stories with genuine friendships, steamy moments, and a man determined to prove love is worth the risk, this book is definitely for you.

[KAREN MCCRAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Toby and Leilani's story was really a great read . It was informative but filled with friendship,love, secrets and success.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the ” The Love And Music Suite Series.” I must say that I enjoyed reading about Leilani and Toby. Reese Ryan did an awesome job dealing with the issue of ADHD. Even though I knew a little about the subject of ADHD; I learned a lot more. Leilani and Toby were best friends and dated while in high school. They come to conclusion that they were better off as friends. Leilani was dealing with an undiagnosed case of ADHD. Even though Leilani and Toby live in different states they remain the best of friends. Toby and Leilani find themselves at a destination wedding. The two started off with flirting when their little flirting took a turn into being so much more than friends. It was really great that Toby was there for Leilani and helped her along the way. These two are so great together I love chemistry.

I received an ARC via the author Reese Ryan and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, friendship and finally a correct diagnosis, works wonders!!

Toby and Leilani or Tobani as they call themselves, friends for as long as they can remember, become the best of both worlds i.e. best friends and lifetime lovers! Thank you Reese for delving into something many probably have no idea how to traverse! To be honest, until I read this story, I had no idea that there were any let alone so many undiagnosed Neuro developmental diseases existing in adults! I enjoyed the love story between Toby and Leilani and I learned a lot about a condition that many miss while others refuse to admit exists!! This was a very serious love story that covered some truly life impacting issues! I am so glad I grabbed this story off my extensive TBR list! Great job, Reese, A truly great job indeed!!! Thank you Reese, I learned a lot on both fronts!

[SL Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

First, I have to say I am a huge fan of Reese Ryan. She always writes compelling stories. In her last book in this series, she touched on anxiety and depression with one of the main characters. In this book, Leilani and Toby have been best friends for years and had actually dated in high school. But years later, the friendship turns into something more. But the best part of the book wasn’t their love story or the steamy scenes, but that Leilani had undiagnosed ADHD. I learned so much about ADHD and it was eye opening and educational. This book made me laugh and cry. Fantastic book Ms. Ryan!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading More than Friends, book 3 in The Love & Music Suite series and I’m giving it all the 4 ☕️☕️☕️☕️cups of tea.
Tobe and Leilani’s story is a true friend’s to lovers story with a lot of love, laughter, and real life experiences. I wanted their friendship to be a relationship from the beginning, but they had a few life issues to work through especially Lai.
Reese Ryan wrote about some serious real life issues and I feel she did an amazing job.
In my career field I have worked with children who have neurological disorders but not in adults. It was very informative to read about the difference between adults and children.
Thank you for the opportunity to read such a great book Reese Ryan. Waiting patiently for book #4.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leilani and Toby are best friends, until they’re not. After a brief HS coupling the pair decided they would be better as friends. Over 20 years they have become best friends. Until their mutual friend’s wedding, and Toby’s spiteful ex forces them to share a king bed room at a the resort in Aruba (she cancelled his reservation after they broke up).

This is a he falls first, well he admits it first, romance, with an undiagnosed neurodivergent MFC. But Toby loves Lei despite here ADHD, and he helps her heal through it and grow.

Loved this couple, loved, loved, loved Toby. And of course, it wouldn’t be a romance, without Toby and Leilani getting their happy ending.

[Shanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT

I'm really enjoying this series. I love how Toby and Leilani's friendship grows into something more. I like how the author chose her lead female character as someone dealing with ADHD as an adult. For so many years, Leilani felt she wasn't good enough as an achiever until she sought help in understanding her disorder. I loved Toby's support, understanding, and caring to Leilani and her needs. Their journey was filled with friendship, being more open and accepting of taking things to the next level.

[Tommie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Me With All Your Heart

This was such an interesting story. I loved the fact that certain disabilities were discussed. Toby and Leilani were friends before lovers.
Each of them had trauma in their lives. ADHD is rarely diagnosed in girls. Shouts out the author for discussing it in detailed.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved Toby and Leilani. The fact that they were best friends first was definitely a plus in the development and transition of their friendship to relationship. This book also dealt with adult female ADHD. I never thought about it before and liked the way the author brought awareness and had the characters deal with the topic. Great story with fantastic characters!

[Dionna · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. I tried to finish this book but finally put it down, at 84%, when the FMC behaved as if she were personally betrayed, she wasn't, because the MMC made a promise to his grandparents when he was 8 YEARS OLD! Give me a break.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan does not hesitate to take on the issues while still focusing the story on the characters and working their way to an HEA. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but Ryan’s careful handling makes it a must read.

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m actually rating this book 3.75⭐️. It’s nice to read another book in this series but Leilani annoyed me. Yes I know it’s not cool to state that you don’t like the woman with ADHD. But it was Leilani’s privilege, selfishness, and unwillingness to look at her obvious love for Toby that annoyed me.

Toby was steadfast and true, always there for Leilani, accepting her on her terms. So I was annoyed when she learned his most important secret that was based upon a promise he made at 8 to his grandparents. He was 8 - a child - and she acted betrayed.

Otherwise I enjoyed the story. The sex was sexing. The development of their relationship was good and Toby being such a stand-up guy made the book enjoyable. This was the first book in the series where the Atlanta music scene took a backseat since Toby was LA based and Leilani was NYC based. They don’t get back to Atlanta until 3/4rds of the book in.

Also, the focus of the book is squarely on Toby, Leilani and his grandmother. The other characters from Book 1 & 2 are there but not predominantly.

Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.

[Gwendolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that the story was a great real life inserted story. However, I just couldn't get into it like I normally do with this author's work.

I wasn't feeling it. It wasn't the issues either. I will admit that I didn't even read every chapter, which not normal for me..

I liked both characters, Toby and Leilani. Their best friend relationship and genuine love for each other was like no other.

Their test of true love and friendship was getting through & helping her with her diagnose of ADHD and him revealing his paste childhood situation.

I fell in love with his grandma La. Such an energetic 80 yr young woman. Who wouldn't want a grandma like her? Toby definitely showed his love for her by taking care of all of her.

So glad that they ended up together as an official couple.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite so far

This one is definitely my favorite in the series. I loved the writing and the humor and the heat, and the rapport between Toby and Leilani. I'll say that I had to practice patience with Lei when she'd have one of her paranoia moments or it veered into what at times felt like an ADHD lesson; I can appreciate the care that went into displaying how it can manifest, though.
The secret Toby was forced to keep, namely Lei's reaction to it, admittedly took me out some. Her anger at Toby and his immediate groveling as if he was at fault for something heinous dimmed my enthusiasm. I LOVE how much he loved her and rode for her but I felt he deserved way more compassion and understanding, especially after Mama La's explanation and even more so because of his track record with Lei. She acted like he betrayed her and it wasn't about her at all (in my opinion). It seemed a little bit like forced conflict to me, but I was a little relieved when Toby (finally) called Lei on her actions. Thankfully.

This is still my favorite in the series and I look forward to reading the next one.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

MORE THAN FRIENDS by Reese Ryan is the third in her Love & Music Suite. Leilani Stephens and Tobias Hanlon have been BFFs since high school. They tried dating for about thirty seconds then, but decided they were better off as friends and have been each other's ride or dies ever since. Lately they've been flirting more and an ex's malicious prank ends up spurring them into a with-benefits situation but Toby is hoping for more.

Reese Ryan packs a lot of characterization and plot into More Than Friends, and it's a real page turner in the best ways. Lei and Toby have a rock solid friendship and it's a joy to see how it carries them through the challenge of changing or adding to that with a romantic component, and also how the trust they've built allows them to face other major life concerns. Ms Ryan doesn't hesitate to show readers the ups and downs that come their way and the support and pain that sometimes comes with those who love us the best and most. An excellent read.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming and steamy friends-to-lovers story with depth! Leilani and Toby's journey from best friends to something more is filled with sizzling chemistry and emotional vulnerability. While their "one bed" scenario kicks off a night of undeniable passion, it's their complex history and individual struggles that make this romance truly compelling. The author thoughtfully addresses sensitive topics, adding a layer of realism and depth to their relationship. Despite the challenges they face, their connection shines through, making for a satisfying and ultimately hopeful read. I recommend this for those who enjoy their romance with a touch of real-world grit.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I read her first book, I have yet to read a book by this author and not enjoy it. I love how she crafts the characters and the story line. There is always great conversation, banter, romance and laughter in between. Second chance romances is one of my favorite troupes, and the author hits it every time (TBH, she does and has for all of her books.) And they are always compelling and have me wanting more. So excited to see what she comes up with next.

I received a copy of the book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions

[Sharon Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Tory and Leilani's story, it was a page turner from the first page. This was a second chance and a friends to lover's story. Tory has always been in love with Leilani but for her he was just her best friend. I loved the ups and downs of their romance/friendship. I also liked how she included the information regarding mental health issues. This was such a great book and it was good catching up with the Peachtree School of the Arts friends. I love reading books by this author and would recommend that you read some of her other books, when you get a chance.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this was the third in the series, and the first book I read in said series, I enjoyed reading it. There was no difficulty following the story, nor were there any overly extra details from other stories to complicate the storyline.

I love friends-to-lovers story arcs, and coupled with a second chance plot, I was sold. There was enough backstory that their story felt natural and realistic.

I enjoyed this read, and I recommend it, especially if you enjoy light, fun reading.

[Kwana Swain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me first say, if you have an 20 years friendship, then you know you got a true friend. That's what Leilani and Toby have and Lei is scared of losing, if they become more than friends. I love this story, it's tell how truly through thick and thin love can survive. Toby and Lei went through the fire, but come out shining.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this friends to lover’s story. I loved Toby and Leilani‘s story. It will captivate you from the start as it takes you through an emotional journey. I loved the characters, the banter and the flying sparks. I enjoyed their journey as they let down their barriers and allow themselves to love. It’s an entertaining story but also we learn about ADHD.

[Danielle Brownson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Reese Ryan did a great job showing how females go undetected for ADHD. This book will show some women who are dealing with it get evaluated and it shed the light on women imprisoned for protecting themselves and their children.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe 4.5 stars, but I don't mind rounding up. A fun read with great banter, and I love how well the two leads treat each other. Very sweet.