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The Morelli Sisters #4
Better Left Unsaid
I suggest we stop referring to it as "friends with benefits" and say it like it is: a recipe for disaster. See, it all started when I confessed a little something to my best friend, Dom. His response? Definitely something unexpected—in the best way possible. The next thing I knew I was proposing we be friends with benefits.
Things have always been complicated between Dom and me, and being friends with benefits has only made it more so. After all this time I’m noticing the way he makes me feel, how he’s always there for me, and the fact that he knows me better than I know myself.
I know it would be easier to forget this happened and go back to the way things were before the arrangement, but it won’t be the same. Nothing will ever be the same. As much as we didn’t want them to, things have changed.
Things have always been complicated between Dom and me, and being friends with benefits has only made it more so. After all this time I’m noticing the way he makes me feel, how he’s always there for me, and the fact that he knows me better than I know myself.
I know it would be easier to forget this happened and go back to the way things were before the arrangement, but it won’t be the same. Nothing will ever be the same. As much as we didn’t want them to, things have changed.
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
16 people are currently reading
5417 people want to read
About the author
Dani Ryan
16 books211 followersDani Ryan is the combined pen name of bestselling author duo and sisters Dani and Ryan. Dani is the former editor-in-chief at a digital and print publication with an emphasis on fashion and beauty in the wedding sphere. She served to deliver top trend reports and had a pulse on New York Bridal Fashion Week. Ryan previously spent time working at a cosmetics and skincare company. Formerly Ryan was a digital editor for a wedding blog. They live for time spent in New York with their family and Iggy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 5, 2025
I loved the best friendship and relationship dynamic between Maria and Dom. Their chemistry was so raw and relatable. Not only was their back and forth banter top notch, but the heat between them was jumping off the page!
Maria is such an independent, hard working woman. Ultimately she only wants what will be best for her and her daughter Isabella. The relationship that Dom had with Isabella was so special. There were so many moments of them together that had me fully swooning over Dom and kicking my feet!
Dom was so attentive to Maria. Even in times that he felt confused about what they were, he was still trying to be the best he could for her. And the modeling shoot? 🥵
This was my first of Dani Ryan’s but won’t be my last! I really loved the entire journey throughout this book and can’t wait to see what’s next!
I would highly recommend to my book besties who love a lot of spice, single moms and hilarious banter.
Thank you SO much to Dani Ryan for sending me a PR package including a copy of the book! 🤍
Maria is such an independent, hard working woman. Ultimately she only wants what will be best for her and her daughter Isabella. The relationship that Dom had with Isabella was so special. There were so many moments of them together that had me fully swooning over Dom and kicking my feet!
Dom was so attentive to Maria. Even in times that he felt confused about what they were, he was still trying to be the best he could for her. And the modeling shoot? 🥵
This was my first of Dani Ryan’s but won’t be my last! I really loved the entire journey throughout this book and can’t wait to see what’s next!
I would highly recommend to my book besties who love a lot of spice, single moms and hilarious banter.
Thank you SO much to Dani Ryan for sending me a PR package including a copy of the book! 🤍
May 6, 2025
I have been waiting for Maria and Dom’s story! I could not wait to see what was going to happen with these two best friends and I was not disappointed.
Maria is a very independent and strong woman. She has been a single mom and taking care of everything. She also doesn’t accept change very well. Her and Dom have been best friends for a very long time and it works for them, so why change?
Dom…he is just so swoon worthy! He is sweet, kind, loving, and that man has a mouth on him that will make you sweat. He has always been there for Maria and her daughter. He loves her as if she was his own. But he also has more than “just best friend” feelings for Maria.
When the two start their friends with benefits situation, I knew it wasn’t going to go the way they planned. I mean EVERYONE knew the two were destined to be together, but these two were stubborn. They had amazing sexual chemistry and she trusted him, something that didn’t come easily to her. I wanted to shake her at times and have her snap out of it a she saw what was in front of her before she lost it.
This story had me cracking up all the times they almost got caught and trying to cover it up. It was funny, sweet, and very very steamy! Maria and Dom deserve their happily ever after.
4⭐️
3.5🌶️
Maria is a very independent and strong woman. She has been a single mom and taking care of everything. She also doesn’t accept change very well. Her and Dom have been best friends for a very long time and it works for them, so why change?
Dom…he is just so swoon worthy! He is sweet, kind, loving, and that man has a mouth on him that will make you sweat. He has always been there for Maria and her daughter. He loves her as if she was his own. But he also has more than “just best friend” feelings for Maria.
When the two start their friends with benefits situation, I knew it wasn’t going to go the way they planned. I mean EVERYONE knew the two were destined to be together, but these two were stubborn. They had amazing sexual chemistry and she trusted him, something that didn’t come easily to her. I wanted to shake her at times and have her snap out of it a she saw what was in front of her before she lost it.
This story had me cracking up all the times they almost got caught and trying to cover it up. It was funny, sweet, and very very steamy! Maria and Dom deserve their happily ever after.
4⭐️
3.5🌶️
April 23, 2025
Absolutely LOVED this book!!
5/5⭐️
6/5🌶️🔥
I adored this book about Maria and Dom! It had lots of spice, but it felt perfectly balanced with the friendship and the romance that you get all throughout the book as well. I loved the “he falls first” vibes and that modeling scene!?!😍😍
Seriously everything about this book was so fun! I highly recommend!!
Thank you so much to Dani Ryan and Sery for choosing me to be an ARC reader! It was amazing!
5/5⭐️
6/5🌶️🔥
I adored this book about Maria and Dom! It had lots of spice, but it felt perfectly balanced with the friendship and the romance that you get all throughout the book as well. I loved the “he falls first” vibes and that modeling scene!?!😍😍
Seriously everything about this book was so fun! I highly recommend!!
Thank you so much to Dani Ryan and Sery for choosing me to be an ARC reader! It was amazing!
April 16, 2025
This was my first read of Dani Ryan’s, but it certainly won’t be my last!! I’m now going to scramble to pick up the other Morelli sister books as fast as I can, because I need EVERYONE’s story!
What I loved:
1. I’m an absolute sucker for the best friends to lovers trope, and this one was done so perfectly!! Two best friends who have been friends for a very long time, who “simply” decide to become friends with benefits because they have an “itch” they both need to scratch and they trust one another. Fast forward years later, and they're still scratching each other’s itches. What could go wrong? 😉
2. I absolutely adored how Maria and Dom were completely different, and really that was why it worked so well! He was a reformed playboy who went with the flow, whereas she was a planner through and through who didn’t open up to just anyone. Honestly, I identified with Maria so much, and reformed playboys are kinda my jam, especially when he falls first (*chefs kiss*)!
3. I loved that Maria’s daughter, Isabella, did play a role in the book. Instead of being a side character talked about off page, she was genuinely involved in so many things, and because of that we got to see how good Dom was with her (swoooooooon!).
4. I loved the humor running throughout, especially in their inner monologues. It definitely felt like they were talking to the reader at times (“you” language) and I loved this breaking of the fourth wall!
5. I really liked her half-sister Jade! From this book, the reader can gather that Jade was introduced in the previous book, but there is enough information to not have to have read the previous book. Maria is very standoffish with Jade but grows to accept and love her being around. I loved Maria’s growth around her grief and anger towards her mother and this whole situation.
Jade was hilarious and was by far my favorite sister in this group so far! I really can’t wait for her spicy story next with a certain someone!!!
6. Lastly, I loved that Maria was the one who made the grand gesture!! We don’t typically see the FMC doing this in books and it was a fun twist on the usual.
Thank you to Dani Ryan for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
What I loved:
1. I’m an absolute sucker for the best friends to lovers trope, and this one was done so perfectly!! Two best friends who have been friends for a very long time, who “simply” decide to become friends with benefits because they have an “itch” they both need to scratch and they trust one another. Fast forward years later, and they're still scratching each other’s itches. What could go wrong? 😉
2. I absolutely adored how Maria and Dom were completely different, and really that was why it worked so well! He was a reformed playboy who went with the flow, whereas she was a planner through and through who didn’t open up to just anyone. Honestly, I identified with Maria so much, and reformed playboys are kinda my jam, especially when he falls first (*chefs kiss*)!
3. I loved that Maria’s daughter, Isabella, did play a role in the book. Instead of being a side character talked about off page, she was genuinely involved in so many things, and because of that we got to see how good Dom was with her (swoooooooon!).
4. I loved the humor running throughout, especially in their inner monologues. It definitely felt like they were talking to the reader at times (“you” language) and I loved this breaking of the fourth wall!
5. I really liked her half-sister Jade! From this book, the reader can gather that Jade was introduced in the previous book, but there is enough information to not have to have read the previous book. Maria is very standoffish with Jade but grows to accept and love her being around. I loved Maria’s growth around her grief and anger towards her mother and this whole situation.
Jade was hilarious and was by far my favorite sister in this group so far! I really can’t wait for her spicy story next with a certain someone!!!
6. Lastly, I loved that Maria was the one who made the grand gesture!! We don’t typically see the FMC doing this in books and it was a fun twist on the usual.
Thank you to Dani Ryan for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
April 30, 2025
4.5⭐️
Welcome to Dom & Maria’s story! I was super excited about this one, I’ve been wanting to get to know Dom more and this book did not disappoint! When Maria and Dom decide to do the friends with benefits thing without feelings, it doesn’t last long for Dom, he falls fast and hard. We love a man that falls first. Maria on the other hand took some time and often times she reminded me of myself cause I also tend to push away my feelings and deny them.
You also get to see more of Jade in this book and I loved seeing the growth between her and Maria.
This book can technically be read as a standalone but reading the first ones will help you understand the family as a whole and get to know the family members and to know some of the background. If you read it as a standalone you’ll still enjoy it, reading the previous books will just make the experience even more enjoyable for you so I recommend reading the earlier books as well.
This book pulls you in from the very first sentence and will keep you hooked, you won’t want to put this down until you finish it. It features all your favorite tropes including hes always loved her, friends to lovers, friends with benefits, secret relationship, and more.
Thank you Dani Ryan & Sery’s Bookspace for this ARC.
Welcome to Dom & Maria’s story! I was super excited about this one, I’ve been wanting to get to know Dom more and this book did not disappoint! When Maria and Dom decide to do the friends with benefits thing without feelings, it doesn’t last long for Dom, he falls fast and hard. We love a man that falls first. Maria on the other hand took some time and often times she reminded me of myself cause I also tend to push away my feelings and deny them.
You also get to see more of Jade in this book and I loved seeing the growth between her and Maria.
This book can technically be read as a standalone but reading the first ones will help you understand the family as a whole and get to know the family members and to know some of the background. If you read it as a standalone you’ll still enjoy it, reading the previous books will just make the experience even more enjoyable for you so I recommend reading the earlier books as well.
This book pulls you in from the very first sentence and will keep you hooked, you won’t want to put this down until you finish it. It features all your favorite tropes including hes always loved her, friends to lovers, friends with benefits, secret relationship, and more.
Thank you Dani Ryan & Sery’s Bookspace for this ARC.
June 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
💜 Friends to Lovers
💜 Single Mom
💜 Friends with Benefits
💜 Secret Relationship
Dom & Maria will melted your heart! I am a total sucker for friends to lovers and the close connection between these two gave me all the feels.
The pining and caretaking between them is so sweet, and I love their bond and friendship. The ways in which Dom & Maria are so in tune with one another is super special and lays the perfect foundation for their eventual relationship.
Love these two, and all of Maria’s sister are so much fun. This family keeps me laughing and coming back for more with each book! Thank you to Hambright PR & Dani Ryan books.
💜 Friends to Lovers
💜 Single Mom
💜 Friends with Benefits
💜 Secret Relationship
Dom & Maria will melted your heart! I am a total sucker for friends to lovers and the close connection between these two gave me all the feels.
The pining and caretaking between them is so sweet, and I love their bond and friendship. The ways in which Dom & Maria are so in tune with one another is super special and lays the perfect foundation for their eventual relationship.
Love these two, and all of Maria’s sister are so much fun. This family keeps me laughing and coming back for more with each book! Thank you to Hambright PR & Dani Ryan books.
June 8, 2025
3.5-4⭐️
An easy read with some good wit and humour. Dom has definitely been one of my favourite characters in this series so it was satisfying to finally get his and Maria’s story. I do think the plot lacked when it came to Maria’s backstory with Isabella’s father. The Morelli sisters definitely have a way about them that keeps things interesting. The set up for Jade’s story was intriguing so let’s see.
An easy read with some good wit and humour. Dom has definitely been one of my favourite characters in this series so it was satisfying to finally get his and Maria’s story. I do think the plot lacked when it came to Maria’s backstory with Isabella’s father. The Morelli sisters definitely have a way about them that keeps things interesting. The set up for Jade’s story was intriguing so let’s see.
May 6, 2025
I loved this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series. It was so funny and beautiful. This book had all the tropes that i love.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 7, 2025
This is the book I have been eagerly been awaiting and it as even so much better than I had hoped! Dani Ryan has quickly become a favorite of mine and I highly suggest you grab this one up quickly!
Thank you @hambright + the author’s for this arc!
Thank you @hambright + the author’s for this arc!
April 29, 2025
⁕ 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 | 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 ⁕
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ⑤ /𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜
𝙿𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜: 𝟹𝟾𝟿
ＡＲＣ ＲＥＶＩＥＷ
💭 𝚖𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ to Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for the advanced copy of this steamy read!
Better Left Unsaid follows Marie Mortelli, a successful single mother who has crazy idea by asking her best friend of all people to become friends with benefits.
They played, they played hard, they played spicy but played too hot and heavy to where they both caught feelings.
But neither one of them knew…or at least told the other party that they broke their #1 rule.
I loved Maria! She reminded me so much of myself personality wise lol She was funny! Very punctual and knew what she wanted and when she wanted it.
She was a go getter, she worked hard and needed no one.
Dom, like I’m not sure how anyone could not just fall in love with this heavenly man, but the demon he became behind closed door was something else. 😭
The spice in this book was so good! It was just right! 🌶️🔥
He also was very successful and with his feeling for Maria he wanted to shout them to the rooftops but couldn’t.
Their friendship was so refreshing, from the beginning I knew Dom was more than just the greatest uncle to Isabella. The way he was there for Maria and her was so heartwarming.
He really gave his life and considered them both through everything!
Dom was just that guy, he was a friend with benefits, a best friend, and a secret lover. LIkkkeeee come on. Even broken he was still considerate I was like dang.
I want more of their story though this book ended exactly how it needed to. I didn’t want it to end even through the rough patch of confusion of their feelings between them trying to figuring out what was next for them in their lives.
I rooted for them to the very end!
This book truly was great and I can’t wait to read the other 3 books in Mortelli Sisters Series!
You will love this book if you enjoy these Tropes ✨
💜 friends-to-lovers
💜 single mom
💜 friends with benefits
💜 secret relationship
💜 he’s always loved her
💜 praise kink
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ⑤ /𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜
𝙿𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜: 𝟹𝟾𝟿
ＡＲＣ ＲＥＶＩＥＷ
💭 𝚖𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ to Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for the advanced copy of this steamy read!
Better Left Unsaid follows Marie Mortelli, a successful single mother who has crazy idea by asking her best friend of all people to become friends with benefits.
They played, they played hard, they played spicy but played too hot and heavy to where they both caught feelings.
But neither one of them knew…or at least told the other party that they broke their #1 rule.
I loved Maria! She reminded me so much of myself personality wise lol She was funny! Very punctual and knew what she wanted and when she wanted it.
She was a go getter, she worked hard and needed no one.
Dom, like I’m not sure how anyone could not just fall in love with this heavenly man, but the demon he became behind closed door was something else. 😭
The spice in this book was so good! It was just right! 🌶️🔥
He also was very successful and with his feeling for Maria he wanted to shout them to the rooftops but couldn’t.
Their friendship was so refreshing, from the beginning I knew Dom was more than just the greatest uncle to Isabella. The way he was there for Maria and her was so heartwarming.
He really gave his life and considered them both through everything!
Dom was just that guy, he was a friend with benefits, a best friend, and a secret lover. LIkkkeeee come on. Even broken he was still considerate I was like dang.
I want more of their story though this book ended exactly how it needed to. I didn’t want it to end even through the rough patch of confusion of their feelings between them trying to figuring out what was next for them in their lives.
I rooted for them to the very end!
This book truly was great and I can’t wait to read the other 3 books in Mortelli Sisters Series!
You will love this book if you enjoy these Tropes ✨
💜 friends-to-lovers
💜 single mom
💜 friends with benefits
💜 secret relationship
💜 he’s always loved her
💜 praise kink
May 7, 2025
Huge thank you to the authors and Hambright PR for the #gifted PR package✨
“𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓.”
𝘼𝙙𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝘽𝙍 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚...
📰friends to lovers/friends with benedits
📷single mom
📰he's always loved her
📷praise k!nk
Friends with benefits? More like a recipe for disaster!
Apparently our main characters Maria and Dom missed the memo that this kind of arrangement almost never works, someone always catches feelings first...looking at our MMC, Dom, in this one! 👀
Every woman deserves a Dom in her life. The way he was so attentive to Maria, especially when it came to anything involving her daughter, Isabella. As for Maria, I don't think I've ever resonated with an FMC more... I felt like I was reading a story I'd been placed into when it came to her personality and struggles.
This book can be read as a standalone, but it is apart of an interconnected series called The Morelli Sisters. I do recommend reading the other books in the series first to get more of an insight into all of the characters back stories.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series as soon as possible!
“𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓.”
𝘼𝙙𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝘽𝙍 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚...
📰friends to lovers/friends with benedits
📷single mom
📰he's always loved her
📷praise k!nk
Friends with benefits? More like a recipe for disaster!
Apparently our main characters Maria and Dom missed the memo that this kind of arrangement almost never works, someone always catches feelings first...looking at our MMC, Dom, in this one! 👀
Every woman deserves a Dom in her life. The way he was so attentive to Maria, especially when it came to anything involving her daughter, Isabella. As for Maria, I don't think I've ever resonated with an FMC more... I felt like I was reading a story I'd been placed into when it came to her personality and struggles.
This book can be read as a standalone, but it is apart of an interconnected series called The Morelli Sisters. I do recommend reading the other books in the series first to get more of an insight into all of the characters back stories.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series as soon as possible!
May 4, 2025
ARC Book Review
Better Left Unsaid
A Novel Written By Dani Ryan
Fiction - Romance
Published May 2025
344 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been wanting to read Maria and Don’s story since I read the first book in this series.
Maria Morelli, the oldest Morelli sister, and Dom Deluca, a model, have been best friends. He is a caring uncle to her young daughter, Isabella. They decide to take their friendship to the next level by becoming friends with benefits. They have one rule - no emotions are involved.
Keeping their situation a secret from their large Italian families and stifling their emotions prove to be too difficult for both of them. They are afraid to admit their true feelings to each other. Feelings that everyone else can see they have. Many times I wanted to tell Maria and Dom to get over themselves and tell each other how they feel. It was all worth it in the end when they become a real couple in love with each other.
“How did I get so lucky to have a friend like him.”
Better Left Unsaid
A Novel Written By Dani Ryan
Fiction - Romance
Published May 2025
344 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been wanting to read Maria and Don’s story since I read the first book in this series.
Maria Morelli, the oldest Morelli sister, and Dom Deluca, a model, have been best friends. He is a caring uncle to her young daughter, Isabella. They decide to take their friendship to the next level by becoming friends with benefits. They have one rule - no emotions are involved.
Keeping their situation a secret from their large Italian families and stifling their emotions prove to be too difficult for both of them. They are afraid to admit their true feelings to each other. Feelings that everyone else can see they have. Many times I wanted to tell Maria and Dom to get over themselves and tell each other how they feel. It was all worth it in the end when they become a real couple in love with each other.
“How did I get so lucky to have a friend like him.”
June 1, 2025
2.5 Stars!
I love a friends to lovers trope and this synopsis sounded so good, but honestly ended up being disappointed.
There was a bit too much lack of communication. And it just didn’t feel like there was much of a plot or depth for the first 3/4 of the book. I’m all for some open door spice in my romance, but I think with it starting from the first chapter and basically being in the majority of all chapters for the first half- it was just a bit too much and needed more chapters of depth. Also some of the spicy scenes were a bit cringey.
I did enjoy that it was dual POV. And I liked the family aspects in the book. I also really enjoyed the last 15% of the book once they finally communicated and the ending was cute and satisfying.
Unfortunately overall this one just wasn’t for me, but I have seen so many others love it, so maybe you would too.
Thank you @hambright_pr for this #gifted e-copy in exchange for my honest review!🫶🏼
I love a friends to lovers trope and this synopsis sounded so good, but honestly ended up being disappointed.
There was a bit too much lack of communication. And it just didn’t feel like there was much of a plot or depth for the first 3/4 of the book. I’m all for some open door spice in my romance, but I think with it starting from the first chapter and basically being in the majority of all chapters for the first half- it was just a bit too much and needed more chapters of depth. Also some of the spicy scenes were a bit cringey.
I did enjoy that it was dual POV. And I liked the family aspects in the book. I also really enjoyed the last 15% of the book once they finally communicated and the ending was cute and satisfying.
Unfortunately overall this one just wasn’t for me, but I have seen so many others love it, so maybe you would too.
Thank you @hambright_pr for this #gifted e-copy in exchange for my honest review!🫶🏼
April 11, 2025
I, much like the rest of you, have been waiting for Maria and Dom's story ever since we first got to see them in book #1, and their story did not disappoint! Right from the first line, I was laughing, and the spice also starts kicking in right from the first chapter.
There were many fun, cute, lovable moment, as well as deep, heartfelt ones. Having seen Maria and Dom throughout the past books, I was very much anticipating this story, and it delivered everything and more. The feeling of family, and the way I could predict how some of the sisters would react, really goes to show how well Dani Ryan developed the sisters personalities. Seeing more of Jade in this book was also a treat, and I really enjoyed that storyline.
I don't think I could have asked for a better ending for Maria and Dom! I can't wait to see where the next story leads, especially now that I think I have an idea of what we will be getting in book #5 👀🤭
If you haven't read the previous books, I definitely recommend you do, because the family dynamic just makes the series so good. But this one could be read as a standalone.
Thank you so much Dani Ryan for allowing me to read an early copy!
There were many fun, cute, lovable moment, as well as deep, heartfelt ones. Having seen Maria and Dom throughout the past books, I was very much anticipating this story, and it delivered everything and more. The feeling of family, and the way I could predict how some of the sisters would react, really goes to show how well Dani Ryan developed the sisters personalities. Seeing more of Jade in this book was also a treat, and I really enjoyed that storyline.
I don't think I could have asked for a better ending for Maria and Dom! I can't wait to see where the next story leads, especially now that I think I have an idea of what we will be getting in book #5 👀🤭
If you haven't read the previous books, I definitely recommend you do, because the family dynamic just makes the series so good. But this one could be read as a standalone.
Thank you so much Dani Ryan for allowing me to read an early copy!
April 30, 2025
Better Left Unsaid follows Marie Mortelli, a successful single mother who asks her best friend, Dom, to become friends with benefits.
Rules get made, feelings get caught, but neither one of them told the other that they broke their #1 rule.
Their relationship has great banter, sizzling tension, and has you rooting for their happily ever after. Marie’s daughter, Isabella, is such an important part to the story. I love when an author uses the children in a way that progresses the story instead of them just existing.
As someone who was friends with benefits with their best friend before they became their spouse, I absolutely loved this book.
Tropes You’ll Love:
✨Single Mom
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Friends with Benefits
✨He’s Always Loved Her
✨Praise Kink
Rules get made, feelings get caught, but neither one of them told the other that they broke their #1 rule.
Their relationship has great banter, sizzling tension, and has you rooting for their happily ever after. Marie’s daughter, Isabella, is such an important part to the story. I love when an author uses the children in a way that progresses the story instead of them just existing.
As someone who was friends with benefits with their best friend before they became their spouse, I absolutely loved this book.
Tropes You’ll Love:
✨Single Mom
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Friends with Benefits
✨He’s Always Loved Her
✨Praise Kink
May 8, 2025
Better Left Unsaid is the 4th book in an interconnected series of stand alone romance books following the Morelli sisters. Our leading lady is Maria Morelli who is a single mom, and her and her best friend, Dominic Deluca, have gotten themselves into a bit of a friends with benefits situation. Although this one is part of a series, it is 100% a true stand alone! I have not read the other books before reading this one and I did not feel like I was missing any important information regarding the plot/characters! (also will 100% be going back to read the other books!) This is the perfect book to pick up if you need to scratch that "friends to lovers" itch!!! Relatable characters, hilarious dialogue, and some steamy spicy scenes! If you're a romance reader, you need to add this to your TBR!
May 15, 2025
If there ever were two more clueless characters in a story, is definitely Maria and Dominic. The slow burn they give is very much turtle paced.
But yes the consistency is there, in that amazing friendship that crosses boundaries and is in serious need of an upgrade. Because all those benefits and rules they set are a recipe for disaster.
Although this is a lovely story and the characters are very interesting; I was pulling at my hair with them, very frustrating at times.
Sometimes we are clueless at what we have in front of us. And that is exactly what happens with Maria and Dom when they decide to have a friends with benefits sort of situation, obviously it doesn’t go according to plan. All you have to do is read and you’ll know what happens in this funny and banter filled story.
But yes the consistency is there, in that amazing friendship that crosses boundaries and is in serious need of an upgrade. Because all those benefits and rules they set are a recipe for disaster.
Although this is a lovely story and the characters are very interesting; I was pulling at my hair with them, very frustrating at times.
Sometimes we are clueless at what we have in front of us. And that is exactly what happens with Maria and Dom when they decide to have a friends with benefits sort of situation, obviously it doesn’t go according to plan. All you have to do is read and you’ll know what happens in this funny and banter filled story.
April 17, 2025
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Maria has everything she needs: a wonderful daughter, close family, great job, and a best friend with benefits. Why make everything more complicated by getting into a relationship? Maria and Dom promised each other they wouldn't let feelings get in the way of their special friendship, but after three years, Dom is ready to make it official. Maria loves rules and being in control, and a relationship with Dom means she has to let go a little. Are these two meant to be, or are their true feelings better left unsaid?
I adored Maria and Dom's story! As a mother, I love to see moms in fiction who are thriving personally and professionally. It was such fun to be in Maria's head. Dom's dedication to Maria was beautiful, and his love for her daughter was precious. You can really feel the chemistry between Maria and Dom throughout the novel. The spice hits in this one right out of the gate and doesn't slow down, but never at the expense of the plot. There is also an important sub-plot about grief that grounds the book and imparts some beautiful messages. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for more of The Morelli Sisters!
Follow me on Instagram @smorebooksplease for more bookish fun!
Maria has everything she needs: a wonderful daughter, close family, great job, and a best friend with benefits. Why make everything more complicated by getting into a relationship? Maria and Dom promised each other they wouldn't let feelings get in the way of their special friendship, but after three years, Dom is ready to make it official. Maria loves rules and being in control, and a relationship with Dom means she has to let go a little. Are these two meant to be, or are their true feelings better left unsaid?
I adored Maria and Dom's story! As a mother, I love to see moms in fiction who are thriving personally and professionally. It was such fun to be in Maria's head. Dom's dedication to Maria was beautiful, and his love for her daughter was precious. You can really feel the chemistry between Maria and Dom throughout the novel. The spice hits in this one right out of the gate and doesn't slow down, but never at the expense of the plot. There is also an important sub-plot about grief that grounds the book and imparts some beautiful messages. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for more of The Morelli Sisters!
Follow me on Instagram @smorebooksplease for more bookish fun!
May 6, 2025
Thank you to Dani Ryan and Hambright PR for the advanced copy of this book!
The tropes:
💜 friends-to-lovers
💜 single mom
💜 friends with benefits
💜 secret relationship
💜 he’s always loved her
💜 praise kink
✌🏼My two cents: Dani is a new to me author and this was my first book of hers I’ve read — and I really enjoyed it! It’s funny and spicy, emotional and really compelling. Maria and Dom are really lovable on their own and together they’re just exceptionally good!
While I hadn’t read the other books in this series, it still read great as a stand alone, though if you have the chance, I’d start at book 1 to get full scope of this world! I can’t wait to go back and get caught up!
The tropes:
💜 friends-to-lovers
💜 single mom
💜 friends with benefits
💜 secret relationship
💜 he’s always loved her
💜 praise kink
✌🏼My two cents: Dani is a new to me author and this was my first book of hers I’ve read — and I really enjoyed it! It’s funny and spicy, emotional and really compelling. Maria and Dom are really lovable on their own and together they’re just exceptionally good!
While I hadn’t read the other books in this series, it still read great as a stand alone, though if you have the chance, I’d start at book 1 to get full scope of this world! I can’t wait to go back and get caught up!
April 24, 2025
IT’S FINALLY MARIA AND DOM TIME!!!
i feel like i’ve been waiting so long for their book (i haven’t) but i’m so excited it’s their time!!! best friends to lovers is one of my faves and maria & dom were THE bffs
the thing i really enjoyed about this was how a lot of this was just about maria & dom going through life. it wasn’t angsty or conflict-y. i was truly just enjoying the story & giggling while i was reading. maria & dom’s story was such a feel-good one to me <3
i also loved how much dom loved isabella like that’s his baby!!!
thank you hambright pr for the arc!!
i feel like i’ve been waiting so long for their book (i haven’t) but i’m so excited it’s their time!!! best friends to lovers is one of my faves and maria & dom were THE bffs
the thing i really enjoyed about this was how a lot of this was just about maria & dom going through life. it wasn’t angsty or conflict-y. i was truly just enjoying the story & giggling while i was reading. maria & dom’s story was such a feel-good one to me <3
i also loved how much dom loved isabella like that’s his baby!!!
thank you hambright pr for the arc!!
May 9, 2025
This was such a fun book! I loved Maria and Dom together! They had this amazing friendship that had grown into an on again/off again friends with benefits situation…and Dom had fallen so hard for Maria. I was laughing and swooning reading this story - the banter was so well written. The inner monologues were so good too!
Oh Dom - I really loved how caring he was not just to Maria but also her daughter Isabella. He was this reformed playboy that went all in!!
I had loved all the books in this series and am excited for Jade’s story next!
✨What To Expect:
💜Romantic Comedy
❤️🔥Friends To Lovers 💋Single Mom 💖Friends With Benefits ⁉️Secret Relationship ⭐️He’s Always Loved Her
🔥Slow Burn
😂All The Banter
❤️🔥“F**k It Moment
🚫No 3rd Act Breakup
Oh Dom - I really loved how caring he was not just to Maria but also her daughter Isabella. He was this reformed playboy that went all in!!
I had loved all the books in this series and am excited for Jade’s story next!
✨What To Expect:
💜Romantic Comedy
❤️🔥Friends To Lovers 💋Single Mom 💖Friends With Benefits ⁉️Secret Relationship ⭐️He’s Always Loved Her
🔥Slow Burn
😂All The Banter
❤️🔥“F**k It Moment
🚫No 3rd Act Breakup
April 17, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! Maria and Dom are to die for!!! And the ending !!! Perfection ! Dani Ryan kills it again as always ! This whole series is superb !!!
April 9, 2025
Maria Morelli, formerly the oldest of her siblings, is having trouble figuring out where she fits. In the last book, There Are No Words, she and her sisters find out that their mother had a child, Jade, whom she gave up before she met and married Angelo Morelli. Though her sisters are getting on well with Jade, Maria is struggling, wondering what her new role is in the family, since she’s not the oldest anymore. There’s some good character development for Jade, here, too, and her book is coming next, rounding out the Morelli saga, if you will.
Oh, and Maria has had a friends with benefits relationship with her best friend, Dom, for the last three years, and she hasn’t figured out that he’s in love with her.
I believe that her obliviousness is purposeful, as Maria is not good with relinquishing control, accepting change, and trusting others. So I think she’s deliberately not facing what’s right in front of her. I mean, come on, she gets jealous when she sees a pretty woman flirting with Dom and immediately decides to go flirt with some random guy across the room. She doesn’t even come close to realizing that what she’s feeling is jealousy.
Dom is a very patient man when it comes to Maria, and her daughter Isabella. He loves that kid like she’s his own flesh and blood; despite Maria presenting him as “Uncle Dom”, he is the only father Isabella has ever known. There are limits to patience, though, especially when he’s not confessing that against the rules they established, he’s fallen in love with Maria.
A lot of Maria’s problems come from her own mind, especially with all of the negative self-talk that she’s doing. I don’t think she’s even aware that she’s sabotaging herself. I know what that feels like, and once I recognized what I was doing and how it was harming me, I started working on changing how I think about myself. The rule is, if I wouldn’t say it to my best friend’s face, I won’t say it to myself.
The buildup to that HEA is going to take a while, but trust me, it’s worth it. This book made me laugh, made me cry, and made me scream in frustration when Maria does something dumb, like go out with another man. But I knew that in the end, Dom and Maria would get together, and that their relationship would level up substantially. Turns out that telling someone you love them is never something better left unsaid.
Oh, and Maria has had a friends with benefits relationship with her best friend, Dom, for the last three years, and she hasn’t figured out that he’s in love with her.
I believe that her obliviousness is purposeful, as Maria is not good with relinquishing control, accepting change, and trusting others. So I think she’s deliberately not facing what’s right in front of her. I mean, come on, she gets jealous when she sees a pretty woman flirting with Dom and immediately decides to go flirt with some random guy across the room. She doesn’t even come close to realizing that what she’s feeling is jealousy.
Dom is a very patient man when it comes to Maria, and her daughter Isabella. He loves that kid like she’s his own flesh and blood; despite Maria presenting him as “Uncle Dom”, he is the only father Isabella has ever known. There are limits to patience, though, especially when he’s not confessing that against the rules they established, he’s fallen in love with Maria.
A lot of Maria’s problems come from her own mind, especially with all of the negative self-talk that she’s doing. I don’t think she’s even aware that she’s sabotaging herself. I know what that feels like, and once I recognized what I was doing and how it was harming me, I started working on changing how I think about myself. The rule is, if I wouldn’t say it to my best friend’s face, I won’t say it to myself.
The buildup to that HEA is going to take a while, but trust me, it’s worth it. This book made me laugh, made me cry, and made me scream in frustration when Maria does something dumb, like go out with another man. But I knew that in the end, Dom and Maria would get together, and that their relationship would level up substantially. Turns out that telling someone you love them is never something better left unsaid.
May 7, 2025
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
𝙱𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙻𝚎𝚏𝚝 𝚄𝚗𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍
𝙱𝚢: 𝙳𝚊𝚗𝚒 𝚁𝚢𝚊𝚗
𝙿𝚞𝚋 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟼, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻 {𝙷𝙰𝙿𝙿𝚈 𝙿𝚄𝙱 𝙳𝙰𝚈!}
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 𝟻
THIS IS THE BOOK I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! Since we first got to see them in the first book, I just knew their story would be nothing short of amazing. And I was right, their story did not disappoint one bit.
Maria Morelli & Dominic DeLuca have been friends for years. Maria is a single mother and Dom loves her daughter Isabella like she is his own. Dom would do anything for these two. When they decide to take their friendship to the next level with benefits, they create rules. Rule #1: It’s just sex, no emotions. #2: No one finds out. #3: it cannot ruin their friendship. Well, rules get made, feelings get caught, but neither of them tell the other that they broke rule number 1.
These two have sizzling tension and such great banter that has you rooting for them to end with a happily ever after. The spice between them is (*chef’s kiss*) top notch! This book had me laughing, screaming, and made me cry even a little bit! Also, seeing more of Jade in this book was such a treat and I can’t wait for her story in the Morelli Sisters Series. Although this story could be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend you read the other books. The whole family dynamics makes this story so good and each sister is more incredible than the last!
𝐼 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑚. 𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑.
𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 @daniryanbooks 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚! 💜
#betterleftunsaid #daniryanbooks #themorellisisters #arcreview #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #hambrightpr #hambrightprinfluencer #bookrecommendations #bookcommunity #bookishpost #booklover #booksaremagic #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks #bibliophile #booksta #bookrec #bookreview #bookloversofinstagram #readinglove #bookaesthetic #bookstagramcommunity #romancebooks
𝙱𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙻𝚎𝚏𝚝 𝚄𝚗𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍
𝙱𝚢: 𝙳𝚊𝚗𝚒 𝚁𝚢𝚊𝚗
𝙿𝚞𝚋 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟼, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻 {𝙷𝙰𝙿𝙿𝚈 𝙿𝚄𝙱 𝙳𝙰𝚈!}
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 𝟻
THIS IS THE BOOK I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! Since we first got to see them in the first book, I just knew their story would be nothing short of amazing. And I was right, their story did not disappoint one bit.
Maria Morelli & Dominic DeLuca have been friends for years. Maria is a single mother and Dom loves her daughter Isabella like she is his own. Dom would do anything for these two. When they decide to take their friendship to the next level with benefits, they create rules. Rule #1: It’s just sex, no emotions. #2: No one finds out. #3: it cannot ruin their friendship. Well, rules get made, feelings get caught, but neither of them tell the other that they broke rule number 1.
These two have sizzling tension and such great banter that has you rooting for them to end with a happily ever after. The spice between them is (*chef’s kiss*) top notch! This book had me laughing, screaming, and made me cry even a little bit! Also, seeing more of Jade in this book was such a treat and I can’t wait for her story in the Morelli Sisters Series. Although this story could be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend you read the other books. The whole family dynamics makes this story so good and each sister is more incredible than the last!
𝐼 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑚. 𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑.
𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 @daniryanbooks 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚! 💜
#betterleftunsaid #daniryanbooks #themorellisisters #arcreview #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #hambrightpr #hambrightprinfluencer #bookrecommendations #bookcommunity #bookishpost #booklover #booksaremagic #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks #bibliophile #booksta #bookrec #bookreview #bookloversofinstagram #readinglove #bookaesthetic #bookstagramcommunity #romancebooks
May 25, 2025
𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙇𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙐𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙞 𝙍𝙮𝙖𝙣
★★★★☆ (4.25/5)
Thank you, Dani and Hambright PR for the ARC ♡
Two friends agreed to be friends with benefits. The rules were simple: their friendship stays the same, no one finds out about the arrangement, and absolutely no feelings involved. Sounds easy, right? Except it’s not.
I’m such a sucker for the best friends-to-lovers trope, and this one absolutely hit the spot. Especially when it’s the MMC who falls first and spends half the book pining in silence, just hoping she feels the same? Oh god, yesss. The tension. The yearning. The slow burn. And let’s not forget the spice, we’re winning on all fronts.
Now, can we talk about Dom? Because I would absolutely break my ankle to run if it meant finding a man like him. He’s the blueprint. Attentive, sweet, and just so good to Maria and her daughter. He’s not “a good guy” only because he’s in love with her—he’s a genuinely good man through and through. The way he loves both Maria and Isabella is an immediate heart eyes. There's nothing more attractive than someone who radiates pure kindness.
Maria is also such a relatable and lovable character. Without giving too much away, I think a lot of readers will see parts of themselves in her. Despite everything she’s been through, she shows up as an incredible mom, a loyal friend, and just an all-around strong woman. And Isabella, her lovely daughter, added so much heart to the story. And of course, the side characters were super charming!!
Now, the only reason I knocked off a star is purely personal preference. I’m not a big fan of the miscommunication trope, and this book had quite a lot. I honestly wanted to trap Dom and Maria in a room and throw away the key until they finally just talked lol. It got to a point where I got exhausted for them. Other than that? This was such a wonderful story with a beautiful writing!
Overall, if you love a spicy, sweet friends-to-lovers story with loveable characters, this one’s definitely worth picking up!
April 9, 2025
I have been waiting for Maria and Dom’s book from the very beginning, and IT. WAS. PERFECT!!! I’m not usually a fan of friends to lovers, but this one was such an exception because Dom was everything you could want in a book boyfriend. The shocker??? They’re friends with benefits!
Dani Ryan did such a masterful job incorporating raw and deep and funny and cute moments. You see how they’re the best of friends and how they’re always there for each other. You also see how he’d do ANYTHING for her and how he broke one of the rules of their friends with benefits arrangement and fell in love with her. The he’s always loved her trope is one of my faves! Dom’s love was apparent in everything he did. Maria didn’t know, of course, which added a set of its own problems to the mix, and he didn’t want to ruin their friendship by telling her.
Maria was one sister I was looking forward to reading more about from book 1 and everything in this book was on point with her character and how I saw her being. Relinquishing control isn’t easy for her and she doesn’t trust easily. Seeing her develop and go through a journey where she learns to trust and fall for Dom was beautiful.
He would’ve waited eternity for her, but he didn’t want to and that was okay too because it pushed her to face hard truths.
And the damn spice is right at the start of the book in ch 1 🔥 it was soooooo good. The chess scene! Never knew that game could be so hot!! And I’m never looking at cheesecake the same way again 😂
I can’t wait for Jade’s story next and I’m going to be so sad when I finish this series because I love it so much!!! Anything Dani Ryan writes I’ll read though so it’ll be onto the next with them.
((Thanks for letting me read early))
Dani Ryan did such a masterful job incorporating raw and deep and funny and cute moments. You see how they’re the best of friends and how they’re always there for each other. You also see how he’d do ANYTHING for her and how he broke one of the rules of their friends with benefits arrangement and fell in love with her. The he’s always loved her trope is one of my faves! Dom’s love was apparent in everything he did. Maria didn’t know, of course, which added a set of its own problems to the mix, and he didn’t want to ruin their friendship by telling her.
Maria was one sister I was looking forward to reading more about from book 1 and everything in this book was on point with her character and how I saw her being. Relinquishing control isn’t easy for her and she doesn’t trust easily. Seeing her develop and go through a journey where she learns to trust and fall for Dom was beautiful.
He would’ve waited eternity for her, but he didn’t want to and that was okay too because it pushed her to face hard truths.
And the damn spice is right at the start of the book in ch 1 🔥 it was soooooo good. The chess scene! Never knew that game could be so hot!! And I’m never looking at cheesecake the same way again 😂
I can’t wait for Jade’s story next and I’m going to be so sad when I finish this series because I love it so much!!! Anything Dani Ryan writes I’ll read though so it’ll be onto the next with them.
((Thanks for letting me read early))
April 28, 2025
Before I begin, I would like to thank Dani Ryan for allowing me to read a copy of their upcoming book, Better Left Unsaid, which is the fourth book of their The Morelli Sisters series and will be available on Amazon on May 6th, 2025.
A few years ago, Maria Morelli proposed a friends-with benefits arrangement with her bestie Dominic Deluca. The rules are that their friendship stays the same, no romantic feelings get involved, and no one finds out about their deal. Then Maria realizes that how Dom knows and takes care of her and her daughter probably made their situation more complicated than when their secret arrangement began. Things have changed. Maria loves him, and maybe she always has. Can Maria find the courage to tell Dom how she feels?
This story was great. You have Maria, a strong, determined, hardworking, caring, and beautiful young woman that loves working in fashion, spending time with her family including her daughter and her best friend Dom. You have Dom Deluca, a talented, considerate, dedicated, handsome, and kind young man that loves hanging out with Maria, her daughter, and helping his family. The banter between Maria and Dom was funny, spicy and sweet. Maria’s daughter was innocent and sassy, and I loved how many people in the story were shipping the main characters. The insecurities/doubts that both Maria and Dom faced were relatable, and I wanted to give them hugs throughout the story. It was wonderful to see familiar faces from the previous books, and I was glad to see Maria process her feelings about various things that happened in the other stories. Overall if you like fashion, strong women, cute kids, complex characters, and sweet best friends-with-benefits romance with spice, then I would recommend this book.
A few years ago, Maria Morelli proposed a friends-with benefits arrangement with her bestie Dominic Deluca. The rules are that their friendship stays the same, no romantic feelings get involved, and no one finds out about their deal. Then Maria realizes that how Dom knows and takes care of her and her daughter probably made their situation more complicated than when their secret arrangement began. Things have changed. Maria loves him, and maybe she always has. Can Maria find the courage to tell Dom how she feels?
This story was great. You have Maria, a strong, determined, hardworking, caring, and beautiful young woman that loves working in fashion, spending time with her family including her daughter and her best friend Dom. You have Dom Deluca, a talented, considerate, dedicated, handsome, and kind young man that loves hanging out with Maria, her daughter, and helping his family. The banter between Maria and Dom was funny, spicy and sweet. Maria’s daughter was innocent and sassy, and I loved how many people in the story were shipping the main characters. The insecurities/doubts that both Maria and Dom faced were relatable, and I wanted to give them hugs throughout the story. It was wonderful to see familiar faces from the previous books, and I was glad to see Maria process her feelings about various things that happened in the other stories. Overall if you like fashion, strong women, cute kids, complex characters, and sweet best friends-with-benefits romance with spice, then I would recommend this book.
May 6, 2025
I will never not rave over Dani Ryan and the Morelli Sisters. Maybe I'm biased from my own close relationships with my sisters or maybe Dani and Ryan are just amazing. Probably both. Either way, Better Left Unsaid was the friends-to-lovers conclusion to Maria and Dom that I desperately needed from the very first book.
Maria, the (formerly) oldest of the Morelli sisters is in line to be Editor-in-Chief at the family fashion magazine empire. Maria's best friend, Dom, is a male model in the industry and every bit her match. He's attractive, loyal, an incredible presence in Maria's daughter's life, a friend to her family members, and the best spicy time of her life. Despite denying anything but platonic feelings to everyone, Maria and Dom have been on again off again friends with benefits for the past 3 years. They were responsible-there were rules. No one could know about their arrangement and their friendship couldn't change, including developing romantic feelings. What happens when rules start breaking? Do hearts break, too? Or do best friends turned lovers let their emotions take the lead?
I absolutely, whole-heartedly love the Morelli Sisters series. This is definitely my favorite of the series, though. The anticipation of finding out the background to Maria's and Dom's relationship and the conclusion of the original four (can't wait for Jade's story!) was perfectly captured. Tropes include friends-to-lovers, single mom, friends with benefits, secret relationship, he’s always loved her, and praise k!nk. If you are into any of these tropes, a series about sisters, or romcom with spice, this is it!
Thanks to Hambright and Dani Ryan for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maria, the (formerly) oldest of the Morelli sisters is in line to be Editor-in-Chief at the family fashion magazine empire. Maria's best friend, Dom, is a male model in the industry and every bit her match. He's attractive, loyal, an incredible presence in Maria's daughter's life, a friend to her family members, and the best spicy time of her life. Despite denying anything but platonic feelings to everyone, Maria and Dom have been on again off again friends with benefits for the past 3 years. They were responsible-there were rules. No one could know about their arrangement and their friendship couldn't change, including developing romantic feelings. What happens when rules start breaking? Do hearts break, too? Or do best friends turned lovers let their emotions take the lead?
I absolutely, whole-heartedly love the Morelli Sisters series. This is definitely my favorite of the series, though. The anticipation of finding out the background to Maria's and Dom's relationship and the conclusion of the original four (can't wait for Jade's story!) was perfectly captured. Tropes include friends-to-lovers, single mom, friends with benefits, secret relationship, he’s always loved her, and praise k!nk. If you are into any of these tropes, a series about sisters, or romcom with spice, this is it!
Thanks to Hambright and Dani Ryan for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes
💜 Single Mom
💜 Friends to Lovers
💜 Friends with Benefits
💜 He’s Always Loved Her
💜 Praise Kink
💜 Secret Relationship
The Morelli Sisters book 4
This book was an absolute delight! It has all the makings of a perfect romcom, and I could easily see it being adapted into a movie. As my first experience with Dani Ryan’s writing, I’m already hooked and eager to dive into the rest of the series.
Marie Morelli, a successful single mother, takes a bold step by asking her best friend, Dom, to become her friend with benefits. Boundaries are set, rules are made—but neither of them sticks to the biggest one. The result? A romance that crackles with banter, sizzling tension, and an undeniable emotional depth.
Marie’s daughter, Isabella, plays an integral role in the story, adding layers of warmth and meaning to the narrative. And Dom? He’s the perfect blend of emotional depth and unwavering attentiveness, making him an unforgettable leading man. The chemistry between Marie and Dom leaps off the page, making every moment between them utterly gripping.
The spice in this book is immediate and relentless but never overshadows the heart of the story. Beyond the romance, a beautifully crafted subplot about grief adds **depth and resonance**, delivering heartfelt and meaningful moments.
Overall, this was an incredibly enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to continue the journey with The Morelli Sisters. Especially with the next book! 🥵
Thank you Dani Ryan for this ARC 🫶🏻
💜Quotes 💜
"She wasn't just some girl, she was my girl"
She believed deeply that the best relationship you could be in was the one you had with yourself.
I propose we stop referring to it as friends with benefits and say it like it is—a recipe for disaster.
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes
💜 Single Mom
💜 Friends to Lovers
💜 Friends with Benefits
💜 He’s Always Loved Her
💜 Praise Kink
💜 Secret Relationship
The Morelli Sisters book 4
This book was an absolute delight! It has all the makings of a perfect romcom, and I could easily see it being adapted into a movie. As my first experience with Dani Ryan’s writing, I’m already hooked and eager to dive into the rest of the series.
Marie Morelli, a successful single mother, takes a bold step by asking her best friend, Dom, to become her friend with benefits. Boundaries are set, rules are made—but neither of them sticks to the biggest one. The result? A romance that crackles with banter, sizzling tension, and an undeniable emotional depth.
Marie’s daughter, Isabella, plays an integral role in the story, adding layers of warmth and meaning to the narrative. And Dom? He’s the perfect blend of emotional depth and unwavering attentiveness, making him an unforgettable leading man. The chemistry between Marie and Dom leaps off the page, making every moment between them utterly gripping.
The spice in this book is immediate and relentless but never overshadows the heart of the story. Beyond the romance, a beautifully crafted subplot about grief adds **depth and resonance**, delivering heartfelt and meaningful moments.
Overall, this was an incredibly enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to continue the journey with The Morelli Sisters. Especially with the next book! 🥵
Thank you Dani Ryan for this ARC 🫶🏻
💜Quotes 💜
"She wasn't just some girl, she was my girl"
She believed deeply that the best relationship you could be in was the one you had with yourself.
I propose we stop referring to it as friends with benefits and say it like it is—a recipe for disaster.
May 7, 2025
The worlds most frustratingly relatable and wonderful romance ever! This is already having everything you’ve ever wanted right in front of your face, the fear of change, the fear of letting go and simply trusting, and the fear of not being enough holding you back from the very thing, the very person, that makes your world spin round, and it’s a fun, sexy, and intimate, drive you absolutely crazy, trek to happily ever after that shoots straight to your heart.
Dom is a saint, any man who realizes he’s in love with his best friend and patiently waits years the way he does, while still being the same solid, dependable guy, deserves all the accolades. Especially when the one you’re in love with is so scared of change, and as certain that she couldn’t be what he needs in the woman he’ll spend forever with as Maria is. I love that even as Dom is considering letting go because it’s breaking his heart to stay, the only thing he says is that he wants her to be happy, the man is just so perfect he’s like kryptonite. I do get Maria though, when your world feels like chaos you take comfort in what’s known and the change in what’s known is by far scarier than anything that comes barreling at you out of the blue. Through everything this read maintains a fun intimacy, inside jokes, entire conversations with just their eyes, that keeps it light and drives home how connected Maria and Dom are, and Dom with Isabella, so dang adorable. Just a fantastic read that has you groaning in frustration, smiling like a fool, and loving the whole thing.
Dom is a saint, any man who realizes he’s in love with his best friend and patiently waits years the way he does, while still being the same solid, dependable guy, deserves all the accolades. Especially when the one you’re in love with is so scared of change, and as certain that she couldn’t be what he needs in the woman he’ll spend forever with as Maria is. I love that even as Dom is considering letting go because it’s breaking his heart to stay, the only thing he says is that he wants her to be happy, the man is just so perfect he’s like kryptonite. I do get Maria though, when your world feels like chaos you take comfort in what’s known and the change in what’s known is by far scarier than anything that comes barreling at you out of the blue. Through everything this read maintains a fun intimacy, inside jokes, entire conversations with just their eyes, that keeps it light and drives home how connected Maria and Dom are, and Dom with Isabella, so dang adorable. Just a fantastic read that has you groaning in frustration, smiling like a fool, and loving the whole thing.
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