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Love in Louisville #1
Exactly As You Are
Joan’s best friend is a guy — Lucas. Which is no big deal when you’re kids. When you start dating, it gets … complicated. So, when Joan’s latest boyfriend dumps her, Lucas assumes their friendship is to blame … again.
But there’s something Joan has kept hidden even from her best friend. A condition that’s been ruining her relationships and wrecking her self-esteem.
Opening up about it didn’t feel right with a guy she’s not dating, but cutting Lucas out feels worse.
Joan’s treatment is a little unconventional — sex therapy. To make it work better, she needs a guy.
A guy she trusts absolutely.
A guy who’d do anything for her.
A guy like … Lucas.
But “therapy” turns out to be much hotter than expected.
And now they’ve crossed that line, is there any way back?
Is their friendship strong enough to survive?
Or will Joan lose another lover and worse … her best friend?
But there’s something Joan has kept hidden even from her best friend. A condition that’s been ruining her relationships and wrecking her self-esteem.
Opening up about it didn’t feel right with a guy she’s not dating, but cutting Lucas out feels worse.
Joan’s treatment is a little unconventional — sex therapy. To make it work better, she needs a guy.
A guy she trusts absolutely.
A guy who’d do anything for her.
A guy like … Lucas.
But “therapy” turns out to be much hotter than expected.
And now they’ve crossed that line, is there any way back?
Is their friendship strong enough to survive?
Or will Joan lose another lover and worse … her best friend?
- GenresFriends To Lovers
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2025
10 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Liliana Woodland
3 books7 followersLiliana Woodland writes sweet and steamy contemporary romance. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and children. She enjoys hanging with her friends and family, and secretly wishing she could be home with whatever book she's currently reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 7, 2025
I would say this was a solid 3 stars for me. The story had a lot of potential but fell a little flat for me. There were a lot of subplots happening that I felt didn't need to be included. I also had a hard time connecting with the characters and feeling their chemistry off page. I did appreciate the originality of the story and the challenges that Joan had been experiencing. I thought the author did a great job tackling that as I had never heard of that before. I enjoyed the side characters but couldn't tell if this was going to be a series where we watch everyone find their people.
Joan is in a situation she doesn't know how to navigate. She had been broken up with again because of her challenges in the bedroom. Her therapist has mentioned that it may help to have someone that she trusts with her. But the only person she can think of is her best friend Lucas. But they have NEVER ventured into discussing bedroom stuff. Could she trust him with this? She decides that yes she can. She asks for his help. His patience as they navigate this together. She makes it clear that this will be a friends with benefits situation. No strings and going back to friends after. He surprisingly agrees. But what she doesn't expect is for her to feel THIS comfortable around him. She is pushing the limits on what she has experienced with him. He makes her feel sexy unlike anyone ever has. She also doesn't expect these feelings to develop. She finds herself wanting him all the time. Not just for his company but for his kisses for his touch. She has to remind herself what they agreed upon. Lucas has this potential job he might be leaving for soon. But she is caught off guard when she finds out he has already made a decision without her...even though she is supposed to be his girlfriend. She is reminded of his past dating experience and realizes she might have just been a fling to him.
Lucas is on the other side of a breakup again. There is just something about him that makes it where he gets bored eventually in a relationship. Nothing seems to stick. Except for his friendship with Joan. But she is hiding something for him. She assures him it isn't bad. But he can't take it anymore. He has to make sure they are ok. Once she loops him in on what is going on he realizes how much he doesn't know about what she has been going through. He wants to take care of her. He is honored that she is asking him to be a partner in this experiment. He realizes that he now kind of has a thing for Joan. He is loving what they are doing in the bedroom but also his general feelings are expanding. He wants to be around her all the time. He just wants her. So when they decide to go official it's like this weight has been lifted from his shoulders. But then the past comes back to haunt him. He made a big life decision and didn't include her. And now he has to show her that she isn't like all the other girls before her.
Like I said there was a lot of potential here but some side plots that were happening that got me confused on the focus of the story. And though I liked Joan and I liked Lucas I had a hard time processing them together. Their chemistry was kind of meh.
I do want to thank Luna Literary and Liliana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Joan is in a situation she doesn't know how to navigate. She had been broken up with again because of her challenges in the bedroom. Her therapist has mentioned that it may help to have someone that she trusts with her. But the only person she can think of is her best friend Lucas. But they have NEVER ventured into discussing bedroom stuff. Could she trust him with this? She decides that yes she can. She asks for his help. His patience as they navigate this together. She makes it clear that this will be a friends with benefits situation. No strings and going back to friends after. He surprisingly agrees. But what she doesn't expect is for her to feel THIS comfortable around him. She is pushing the limits on what she has experienced with him. He makes her feel sexy unlike anyone ever has. She also doesn't expect these feelings to develop. She finds herself wanting him all the time. Not just for his company but for his kisses for his touch. She has to remind herself what they agreed upon. Lucas has this potential job he might be leaving for soon. But she is caught off guard when she finds out he has already made a decision without her...even though she is supposed to be his girlfriend. She is reminded of his past dating experience and realizes she might have just been a fling to him.
Lucas is on the other side of a breakup again. There is just something about him that makes it where he gets bored eventually in a relationship. Nothing seems to stick. Except for his friendship with Joan. But she is hiding something for him. She assures him it isn't bad. But he can't take it anymore. He has to make sure they are ok. Once she loops him in on what is going on he realizes how much he doesn't know about what she has been going through. He wants to take care of her. He is honored that she is asking him to be a partner in this experiment. He realizes that he now kind of has a thing for Joan. He is loving what they are doing in the bedroom but also his general feelings are expanding. He wants to be around her all the time. He just wants her. So when they decide to go official it's like this weight has been lifted from his shoulders. But then the past comes back to haunt him. He made a big life decision and didn't include her. And now he has to show her that she isn't like all the other girls before her.
Like I said there was a lot of potential here but some side plots that were happening that got me confused on the focus of the story. And though I liked Joan and I liked Lucas I had a hard time processing them together. Their chemistry was kind of meh.
I do want to thank Luna Literary and Liliana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 19, 2025
I was given an ARC of this book, and while there were some minor errors, those can be caught by edits so it didn't affect my overall rating.
I loved Lucas and Joan as characters, as well as the several subplots this book included. I also liked seeing that they had other friends, and that Joan wasn't the only one who struggled with insecurities.
Most importantly though, I loved the way Joan's vaginismus was handled! I'm a reader and writer with vaginismus, and I've hardly ever seen it represented at all in books, let alone by name. I think this is an important read for any AFAB person who is diagnosed with vaginismus, because it does talk about treatment, like pelvic floor therapy, and shows Joan progressing over time with handling more penetration. But it also shows that on days when you have flares, or if you never get there, that it's okay, because the right person will never love or want you less. I think if I'd had this book right after my diagnosis, I would've known that I didn't have to settle for someone who'd just tolerate it.
I loved Lucas and Joan as characters, as well as the several subplots this book included. I also liked seeing that they had other friends, and that Joan wasn't the only one who struggled with insecurities.
Most importantly though, I loved the way Joan's vaginismus was handled! I'm a reader and writer with vaginismus, and I've hardly ever seen it represented at all in books, let alone by name. I think this is an important read for any AFAB person who is diagnosed with vaginismus, because it does talk about treatment, like pelvic floor therapy, and shows Joan progressing over time with handling more penetration. But it also shows that on days when you have flares, or if you never get there, that it's okay, because the right person will never love or want you less. I think if I'd had this book right after my diagnosis, I would've known that I didn't have to settle for someone who'd just tolerate it.
January 20, 2025
Exactly As You Are was such a great read especially with characters that just seemed so real. Joan and Lucas are best friends and their growth and development was a joy to read. I adored their friendship group and the way they supported each other was amazing. Lucas was perfection especially with how kind and caring he was with Joan and who doesn’t love a best friends to lovers romance especially when they are so perfect for each other. I received a complementary copy.
January 25, 2025
Thank you so much Liliana Woodland and Luna Literary for sending me an ARC copy of her latest book! This was so good! It was a uniquely beautiful story about two best friends who became more! I love Lucas and Joan! Their banter was hilarious and their friendship is beautiful! I love that they not only work on their own to get past their own traumas but also work together as well.
Lucas is the sweetest golden retriever! He would do anything for anyone especially Joan! Seeing his struggles really got me but I won’t say more because spoilers. But man when he realizes how important Joan is to him and his feelings for her he falls so hard!
Joan is such a beautiful character and I love seeing how she grows! She is so kind and good to a point where she has a lot of people pleasing tendencies. She has vaginismus and has expired a lot of heartache because of it. She is learning to put herself first and work to improve her life not for love but for herself love will come later thought. Maybe it’s right in front of her.
I loved Joan and Lucas! They were so sweet and real! I loved also getting to know their friends and family and see them all support each other is beautiful! Check it out on January 30th!
Lucas is the sweetest golden retriever! He would do anything for anyone especially Joan! Seeing his struggles really got me but I won’t say more because spoilers. But man when he realizes how important Joan is to him and his feelings for her he falls so hard!
Joan is such a beautiful character and I love seeing how she grows! She is so kind and good to a point where she has a lot of people pleasing tendencies. She has vaginismus and has expired a lot of heartache because of it. She is learning to put herself first and work to improve her life not for love but for herself love will come later thought. Maybe it’s right in front of her.
I loved Joan and Lucas! They were so sweet and real! I loved also getting to know their friends and family and see them all support each other is beautiful! Check it out on January 30th!
January 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this story of childhood friends to lovers with an interesting twist on friends with benefits. I loved Joan and Lucas’s relationship as friends, and it was even better when they finally figured out they were in love with each other. They both had their own baggage but worked through things to make their relationship work. My only complaint, and it’s a minor one, is that it’s written in 3rd person, and I prefer 1st person. Just a personal preference of mine and didn’t take away from the characters or the story. Loved it.
dnf
January 24, 2025DNF. 3rd person pov no go for me
January 27, 2025
ARC Review: Exactly as You Are by Liliana Woodland
Exactly As You Are by Liliana Woodland isn’t your regular best friends to lover it’s much more than that. If you’re in the mood for a slow burn but shouldn’t compromise on the spice level, this book is it for you! Joan Coleman and Lucas weren’t lucky enough to find love. Lucas, because he was fickle-minded and his previous girlfriends have been wary of his friendship with Joan. Joan, because she is diagnosed with vaginismus and also because her previous boyfriends have been wary about her friendship with Lucas.
When Joan improves with her treatment using doctor-prescribed materials, she wants more. She wants to try intimacy with someone she trusts to be patient with her, so she can finally make sex enjoyable. When she finds the courage to propose this arrangement with her best friend, will it remain strictly clinical, or will sparks fly, revealing there’s more to their relationship than being “just friends”?
Lucas and Joan grew up together in Louisville and have been friends for as long as they can remember. After Joan’s recent breakup with Chet, she is plagued by a prickling fear that no man will be patient enough to help her through her medical condition, or be okay if she can never fully recover, while also dealing with her hesitation to open up to Lucas about her vaginismus. Lucas, on the other hand, has decided to stay away from love and relationships after a series of failed relationships. Upon getting positive feedback from her doctor, Joan feels confident and hopeful about curing her condition or at least making it work for her. In a moment of confrontation, Joan finally opens up about her condition to Lucas. Soon after, she asks if he would help her work through her condition—strictly physical, with the promise that once it’s over, they’ll return to being friends. Lucas agrees, wanting to support his friend, little did they know that’s not how it’ll end.
Apart from their relationship slowly developing into something more, this book also talks about the difficulties of a people pleaser setting their boundaries, and also about someone whose parent isn’t the ideal role model he envisioned them to be. Joan, the people-pleaser among her friends and family, could never say no to anyone asking for help. However, over the course of the book, she finds the courage to set her boundaries, ensuring that while she’s happy to help the people in her life, she also deserves a little appreciation and respect for her personal space.
Lucas, who had always idolized his father as his role model, is devastated when he discovers his dad’s infidelity and gambling behavior. Where he once felt proud to hear his father say, “You’re just like me,” he now feels disgusted by the comparison. This moment becomes a turning point for Lucas, leading him to realize that he needs therapy to become better and, most importantly, nothing like his father. The author ensures that Lucas’s father isn’t merely dismissed after this revelation but is instead given a redemption arc.
I enjoyed the book; I loved how the author didn’t rush between the characters and made the tension understandable. I also loved how Joan stood up for her in front of her family and the grumpy nurse, Celeste, it feels like a validation to all the people pleasers out there that it’s okay to say no sometimes and that putting yourself first isn’t always selfish. Similarly, Lucas, who has always been fickle-minded and doubted that maybe he would end up like his dad, proved himself wrong by trying to be the better version of himself.
While I liked the book overall, it felt a little slow-paced at times, which made it hard to stay fully engaged. It lacked that attention-grabbing factor that makes you lose yourself in the story—I felt like I was just reading it rather than truly getting into it.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 (I’m keeping the one star with me because of the pacing and attention-grabbing factor.)
Overall, Exactly As You Are is a beautiful small-town, best-friends-to-lovers story that talks about meaningful themes like personal growth, setting boundaries, and overcoming inner fears. As the title suggests, loving someone exactly as they are is my biggest takeaway from the book, and the author beautifully delivers it through Joan and Lucas’s journey. With its slow-burn romance, layered characters, and a touch of spice, it’s a story that will stay with readers who appreciate emotional depth in their love stories. Despite its slower pacing at times, the journey of Joan and Lucas is beautiful! It’s the kind of story that reminds you of the beauty in both vulnerability and connection, leaving a lasting impression.
Thank You, Liliana Woodland and Luna Literary, for the opportunity!♥️
Exactly As You Are by Liliana Woodland isn’t your regular best friends to lover it’s much more than that. If you’re in the mood for a slow burn but shouldn’t compromise on the spice level, this book is it for you! Joan Coleman and Lucas weren’t lucky enough to find love. Lucas, because he was fickle-minded and his previous girlfriends have been wary of his friendship with Joan. Joan, because she is diagnosed with vaginismus and also because her previous boyfriends have been wary about her friendship with Lucas.
When Joan improves with her treatment using doctor-prescribed materials, she wants more. She wants to try intimacy with someone she trusts to be patient with her, so she can finally make sex enjoyable. When she finds the courage to propose this arrangement with her best friend, will it remain strictly clinical, or will sparks fly, revealing there’s more to their relationship than being “just friends”?
Lucas and Joan grew up together in Louisville and have been friends for as long as they can remember. After Joan’s recent breakup with Chet, she is plagued by a prickling fear that no man will be patient enough to help her through her medical condition, or be okay if she can never fully recover, while also dealing with her hesitation to open up to Lucas about her vaginismus. Lucas, on the other hand, has decided to stay away from love and relationships after a series of failed relationships. Upon getting positive feedback from her doctor, Joan feels confident and hopeful about curing her condition or at least making it work for her. In a moment of confrontation, Joan finally opens up about her condition to Lucas. Soon after, she asks if he would help her work through her condition—strictly physical, with the promise that once it’s over, they’ll return to being friends. Lucas agrees, wanting to support his friend, little did they know that’s not how it’ll end.
Apart from their relationship slowly developing into something more, this book also talks about the difficulties of a people pleaser setting their boundaries, and also about someone whose parent isn’t the ideal role model he envisioned them to be. Joan, the people-pleaser among her friends and family, could never say no to anyone asking for help. However, over the course of the book, she finds the courage to set her boundaries, ensuring that while she’s happy to help the people in her life, she also deserves a little appreciation and respect for her personal space.
Lucas, who had always idolized his father as his role model, is devastated when he discovers his dad’s infidelity and gambling behavior. Where he once felt proud to hear his father say, “You’re just like me,” he now feels disgusted by the comparison. This moment becomes a turning point for Lucas, leading him to realize that he needs therapy to become better and, most importantly, nothing like his father. The author ensures that Lucas’s father isn’t merely dismissed after this revelation but is instead given a redemption arc.
I enjoyed the book; I loved how the author didn’t rush between the characters and made the tension understandable. I also loved how Joan stood up for her in front of her family and the grumpy nurse, Celeste, it feels like a validation to all the people pleasers out there that it’s okay to say no sometimes and that putting yourself first isn’t always selfish. Similarly, Lucas, who has always been fickle-minded and doubted that maybe he would end up like his dad, proved himself wrong by trying to be the better version of himself.
While I liked the book overall, it felt a little slow-paced at times, which made it hard to stay fully engaged. It lacked that attention-grabbing factor that makes you lose yourself in the story—I felt like I was just reading it rather than truly getting into it.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 (I’m keeping the one star with me because of the pacing and attention-grabbing factor.)
Overall, Exactly As You Are is a beautiful small-town, best-friends-to-lovers story that talks about meaningful themes like personal growth, setting boundaries, and overcoming inner fears. As the title suggests, loving someone exactly as they are is my biggest takeaway from the book, and the author beautifully delivers it through Joan and Lucas’s journey. With its slow-burn romance, layered characters, and a touch of spice, it’s a story that will stay with readers who appreciate emotional depth in their love stories. Despite its slower pacing at times, the journey of Joan and Lucas is beautiful! It’s the kind of story that reminds you of the beauty in both vulnerability and connection, leaving a lasting impression.
Thank You, Liliana Woodland and Luna Literary, for the opportunity!♥️
February 23, 2025
If the first few seasons of Friends was a book, but followed the POV of a man and woman in the friend group who happened to fall in love, I feel like this book would be it😅
Joan and Lucas are the type of best friends that have always been super close, and the depth of their connection was definitely captured in the pages of this book🤭 The couple's "best friends to lovers" arc was scattered among moments where Joan and Lucas were hanging out with friends, getting life updates from friends and family, providing each other with insight into their life at work, or being at work with their coworkers.
While it was nice to have this realistic portrayal of what it means to have and maintain friendships and relationships as a working adult, it felt like about 50% of the book was dedicated to hanging out with friends, 20% to family members and issues, 10% to the sex therapy plot and 20% to Joan and Lucas's relationship. Because of the pacing and these different subplots, Joan and Lucas's relationship felt like it was progressing slower than I'd have liked. They also didn't really feel like the book's central characters, but like main characters in part of an ensemble cast that gets just as much screen time as our MCs.
But when the focus was on Joan and Lucas, I enjoyed what I read. Joan learnt to stand up for herself and what she wanted, and Lucas learnt to not be ashamed of what he wanted. She worked through her insecurities and he worked through his fears about repeating certain toxic behaviours. They both had to work for their HEA, and there was a lot of communication issues along the way, but all their internal struggling was worth it in the end💖
Although I would've liked more romance and more focus on Joan and Lucas's relationship, I enjoyed the portrayal of different types of friendships and how they were maintained in this book. It was nice to read about a group of people who genuinely cared for each other, and who grew to value each other for exactly who they were.
Thank you to Luna Literacy for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review💖
Joan and Lucas are the type of best friends that have always been super close, and the depth of their connection was definitely captured in the pages of this book🤭 The couple's "best friends to lovers" arc was scattered among moments where Joan and Lucas were hanging out with friends, getting life updates from friends and family, providing each other with insight into their life at work, or being at work with their coworkers.
While it was nice to have this realistic portrayal of what it means to have and maintain friendships and relationships as a working adult, it felt like about 50% of the book was dedicated to hanging out with friends, 20% to family members and issues, 10% to the sex therapy plot and 20% to Joan and Lucas's relationship. Because of the pacing and these different subplots, Joan and Lucas's relationship felt like it was progressing slower than I'd have liked. They also didn't really feel like the book's central characters, but like main characters in part of an ensemble cast that gets just as much screen time as our MCs.
But when the focus was on Joan and Lucas, I enjoyed what I read. Joan learnt to stand up for herself and what she wanted, and Lucas learnt to not be ashamed of what he wanted. She worked through her insecurities and he worked through his fears about repeating certain toxic behaviours. They both had to work for their HEA, and there was a lot of communication issues along the way, but all their internal struggling was worth it in the end💖
Although I would've liked more romance and more focus on Joan and Lucas's relationship, I enjoyed the portrayal of different types of friendships and how they were maintained in this book. It was nice to read about a group of people who genuinely cared for each other, and who grew to value each other for exactly who they were.
Thank you to Luna Literacy for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review💖
January 30, 2025
4.5/5 stars
I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to receive this book as an eARC!
I found this story to be so powerful and cute! The representation was done so well and I really felt like I could easily empathize with both characters, even when they were going through things I have never experienced.
Our FMC Joan is a strong woman but you could tell she had much room to grow throughout her story. Watching her progress with her condition while also growing to be a better person for herself was so relatable! I felt like I was her personal cheerleader at times while reading. Every time she stood up for herself and/or became more confident, I was there like "Yes girl!!"
Our golden retriever MMC Lucas was such an easy character fall in love with. The way he was there for Joan NO MATTER WHAT was amazing. Yes he had a lot of things to work through as well, but the fact that he does that to be a better man for Joan? LOVED!
Their situation definitely could have been messy and ultimately ruing their friendship but the way Liliana crafted the story, you wanted to see them succeed and have everything together. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romances and seeing representation done well.
I also loved all the side characters that helped make up Lucas and Joan's story and hope to see some of their stories in this universe!!
I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to receive this book as an eARC!
I found this story to be so powerful and cute! The representation was done so well and I really felt like I could easily empathize with both characters, even when they were going through things I have never experienced.
Our FMC Joan is a strong woman but you could tell she had much room to grow throughout her story. Watching her progress with her condition while also growing to be a better person for herself was so relatable! I felt like I was her personal cheerleader at times while reading. Every time she stood up for herself and/or became more confident, I was there like "Yes girl!!"
Our golden retriever MMC Lucas was such an easy character fall in love with. The way he was there for Joan NO MATTER WHAT was amazing. Yes he had a lot of things to work through as well, but the fact that he does that to be a better man for Joan? LOVED!
Their situation definitely could have been messy and ultimately ruing their friendship but the way Liliana crafted the story, you wanted to see them succeed and have everything together. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romances and seeing representation done well.
I also loved all the side characters that helped make up Lucas and Joan's story and hope to see some of their stories in this universe!!
February 8, 2025
I LOVE a friends to lovers romance. The struggle so many authors have with this trope is making the reader buy into their friendship and chemistry that has all been developed off page before the book even starts. I think this book did that really well. The close friendship between Joan and Lucas is apparent from page 1 and it had me rooting for their love from the get go.
I really appreciated how the author handled the nursing bits. The unit dynamics were so real I could have switched out the names here for names of some of my coworkers.
The only nitpick thing I have is there were a lot of friends to keep up with. I’m certain they’re all going to get their own book at some point and that’s the reason for their inclusion. But I also liked that the friends had other things to talk about besides just relationships.
Some tough themes are tackled in this story including cheating (not by either MC), miscarriage, and intimacy issues. I think the author did well showing Joan’s arc in relation to her medical concerns. It was exciting and interesting to see the parallel of her growth in the bedroom and in the rest of her relationships.
All in all, a fun and spicy read from an author I’d be more than happy to read more from.
I really appreciated how the author handled the nursing bits. The unit dynamics were so real I could have switched out the names here for names of some of my coworkers.
The only nitpick thing I have is there were a lot of friends to keep up with. I’m certain they’re all going to get their own book at some point and that’s the reason for their inclusion. But I also liked that the friends had other things to talk about besides just relationships.
Some tough themes are tackled in this story including cheating (not by either MC), miscarriage, and intimacy issues. I think the author did well showing Joan’s arc in relation to her medical concerns. It was exciting and interesting to see the parallel of her growth in the bedroom and in the rest of her relationships.
All in all, a fun and spicy read from an author I’d be more than happy to read more from.
February 14, 2025
This is such a beautiful story. An inseparable bond between two best friends bloomed into lover. Imagine seeing right through the eyes of Lucas and Joan and wondering if their love for each other has always been there, buried deep within and waiting for the right time to show up for each other.
Lilliana developed these main characters with so much substance and emotion, I feel like I am being inside their heads trying to figure out each other.
All the circumstances reflected these characters well, from Joan seeing herself with her difficulties in maintaining relationships while struggling with vaginismus, and Lucas with his internal struggles from transitioning his love for Joan as a friend to a lover. It was all captured seamlessly in the beautiful writing of this story.
I love all the sub-plots and the side characters included in this story. There is a vulnerability shown in every character in this book. Also, the fact that a lot of issues that we face in our society are being highlighted and discussed in a manner that we all can relate.
A brilliant debut by Liliana and I appreciate the ARC from both author & Luna Literary for having me as your reader.
Lilliana developed these main characters with so much substance and emotion, I feel like I am being inside their heads trying to figure out each other.
All the circumstances reflected these characters well, from Joan seeing herself with her difficulties in maintaining relationships while struggling with vaginismus, and Lucas with his internal struggles from transitioning his love for Joan as a friend to a lover. It was all captured seamlessly in the beautiful writing of this story.
I love all the sub-plots and the side characters included in this story. There is a vulnerability shown in every character in this book. Also, the fact that a lot of issues that we face in our society are being highlighted and discussed in a manner that we all can relate.
A brilliant debut by Liliana and I appreciate the ARC from both author & Luna Literary for having me as your reader.
January 23, 2025
This is a beautiful story of love, friendship, acceptance and growth. The journey the characters went from as they moved from best friends to a relationship felt so raw and real. Joan struggles with a condition which has led her to feeling insecure. She makes a step to get treatment, and Lucas is by her side all the way. The bond the characters share was clear from page one and the friendship was strong and healthy. The transition from friends to lovers felt smooth as the sexual chemistry between the two felt electric. The characters themselves were also well developed as they had their own faults and drama going through their life which not only helped them to grow but also caused them to lean on each other. The side characters were also fun to read about, it was great seeing that Joan had a community of supportive women to hang out with. All the characters, even though in a couple of scenes felt like real people with quirks, personalities and trauma. I appreciated how the sensitive topic of Joan's issue was handled with care.
February 3, 2025
ARC Review
3 ⭐️ Stars
Joan seems sweet and while she's frustrated by her medical condition, she also seems somewhat realistic about her situation. I wish the guys previous to Lucas had treated her better. Joan is a believable character who goes through it but has supportive people around her.
Lucas reads more like a golden retriever NPC or a stock character, sure he was sweet, a good guy, and listened to Joan but I didn't understand him. He didn't get real until the second half.
If you like a slow burn, I mean molasses paced, this is for you. Halfway through and not much has progressed. There were entire chapters that could have been cut because they don't add to the story.
The POV read awkwardly because it was 3rd person limited but it went back and forth between two characters, as if the author wanted it to be in first person with two perspectives.
My overall take is that it's a cute story with a woman trying to manage her medical condition and better her life with the help of her friend, Lucas.
It's not a story for me but there is a place for stories like this and are absolutely necessary to be told, not only source people feel seen but also so those going through it know that they aren't alone.
3 ⭐️ Stars
Joan seems sweet and while she's frustrated by her medical condition, she also seems somewhat realistic about her situation. I wish the guys previous to Lucas had treated her better. Joan is a believable character who goes through it but has supportive people around her.
Lucas reads more like a golden retriever NPC or a stock character, sure he was sweet, a good guy, and listened to Joan but I didn't understand him. He didn't get real until the second half.
If you like a slow burn, I mean molasses paced, this is for you. Halfway through and not much has progressed. There were entire chapters that could have been cut because they don't add to the story.
The POV read awkwardly because it was 3rd person limited but it went back and forth between two characters, as if the author wanted it to be in first person with two perspectives.
My overall take is that it's a cute story with a woman trying to manage her medical condition and better her life with the help of her friend, Lucas.
It's not a story for me but there is a place for stories like this and are absolutely necessary to be told, not only source people feel seen but also so those going through it know that they aren't alone.
February 14, 2025
This was a cute story. For me, the background of growing up playing baseball and softball is something that i relate to in my personal life. I have played softball basically my whole life. My husband has played baseball basically his whole life so that made me feel connected to the main characters pretty instantaneous.
I really appreciated how the author caught both main characters mental health struggles. The banter between those two was pretty perfect. My emotions pretty much stayed parallel to what was happening in the story. All the good and spicy parts, i had a smile on my face the whole time, and then the not so good parts where things were happening with Lucas's family- i was right there with him mad at his father! I can't relate to either of their situations personally but i do know a thing or two about mental health struggles.
I enjoyed all the side characters and not gonna lie- i need to know more about Kendall and what shes about!! Overall, this was a nice change of pace to what i have been reading currently (Dark Romance). Thank you Liliana!!
I really appreciated how the author caught both main characters mental health struggles. The banter between those two was pretty perfect. My emotions pretty much stayed parallel to what was happening in the story. All the good and spicy parts, i had a smile on my face the whole time, and then the not so good parts where things were happening with Lucas's family- i was right there with him mad at his father! I can't relate to either of their situations personally but i do know a thing or two about mental health struggles.
I enjoyed all the side characters and not gonna lie- i need to know more about Kendall and what shes about!! Overall, this was a nice change of pace to what i have been reading currently (Dark Romance). Thank you Liliana!!
January 19, 2025
Exactly As You Are
By Liliana Woodland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lucas and Joan have been friends since childhood and always involved in each other’s family activities. Joan has a busy life as a nurse and is very involved in caring for her family. She is also working with pelvic floor PT for her vaginismus and slowly making progress. Nobody besides her girl friends really know about her diagnosis. When her ex dumps her she ends up confiding in Lucas who is always there for her. They are both navigating some tough circumstances in their lives but are there to help each other through it.
I loved how real this book felt. As a women’s health nurse myself I applaud Liliana for bringing these touchy things to light. Vaginismus is so common yet rarely talked about and pelvic floor PT is so beneficial to so many people. I loved watching Joan and Lucas grow as people throughout the book and learn how to be this best they can be together.
Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC
By Liliana Woodland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lucas and Joan have been friends since childhood and always involved in each other’s family activities. Joan has a busy life as a nurse and is very involved in caring for her family. She is also working with pelvic floor PT for her vaginismus and slowly making progress. Nobody besides her girl friends really know about her diagnosis. When her ex dumps her she ends up confiding in Lucas who is always there for her. They are both navigating some tough circumstances in their lives but are there to help each other through it.
I loved how real this book felt. As a women’s health nurse myself I applaud Liliana for bringing these touchy things to light. Vaginismus is so common yet rarely talked about and pelvic floor PT is so beneficial to so many people. I loved watching Joan and Lucas grow as people throughout the book and learn how to be this best they can be together.
Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC
January 20, 2025
Exactly As You Are
By @lilianawoodwardauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Joan and Lucas have been best friends since childhood. She a softball player, he a baseball player shared a love for the sport and friendly competitions that helped solidify their deep friendship.
The story takes us through Lucas' family drama and his self-doubt and Joan's work issues and therapy for a pelvic dysfunction. Both are between relationships and Joan approaches Lucas for help with her very personal issue. The way the issue is handled is so delicate and important that any woman dealing with it can appreciate the approach.
I was rooting for Joan and Lucas through the story. I loved their friendship and all his ever changing names for her. Their friend group and coworkers (sans one) are wonderful side characters. Hopefully we'll learn more about them in the future.
Congratulations on writing such a wonderful and important first novel.
By @lilianawoodwardauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Joan and Lucas have been best friends since childhood. She a softball player, he a baseball player shared a love for the sport and friendly competitions that helped solidify their deep friendship.
The story takes us through Lucas' family drama and his self-doubt and Joan's work issues and therapy for a pelvic dysfunction. Both are between relationships and Joan approaches Lucas for help with her very personal issue. The way the issue is handled is so delicate and important that any woman dealing with it can appreciate the approach.
I was rooting for Joan and Lucas through the story. I loved their friendship and all his ever changing names for her. Their friend group and coworkers (sans one) are wonderful side characters. Hopefully we'll learn more about them in the future.
Congratulations on writing such a wonderful and important first novel.
January 20, 2025
I received a complementary ARC of this book from the author for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, with the character development and the journey both of the MCs went on. As I've said in other reviews, I like best friends to lovers romances because they truly are heartfelt and, I feel, stronger and fun to read. It's like any other romance but with shared context and, sometimes, a shared friend group. I'd share what I liked about both of their journeys but I don't want too many spoilers, outside of what's already shared in the book summary that the author has provided. I will say both MCs are going in different journey's of identity which presented some challenges for them but which they overcame. Together and separately. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thank the author and company involved in receiving this ARC!
January 28, 2025
A sweet romance with female health representation and touches on male mental health.
It’s very much friends to lovers and these two main characters are so very supportive of one another but at times they did struggle with miscommunication by not talking more I feel, obviously it’s a book there’s going to be a little tension it’s just something I don’t personally always enjoy.
They’re apart of a big friendship group which is always nice to read about.
Fmc has vaginismus and the book details how this condition affects women, their relationships and life which is so so important so well done to this author.
🩷 Childhood friends to lovers
🩷 Third person POV
🩷“It was always you”
🩷 He falls first and harder
🩷 Nurse x Baseball coach
🩷 Golden retriever mmc
🩷 “Spice therapy”
🩷 Pelvic floor dysfunction representation
Thank you to Liliana Woodland & Luna Literacy for the arc 💋
It’s very much friends to lovers and these two main characters are so very supportive of one another but at times they did struggle with miscommunication by not talking more I feel, obviously it’s a book there’s going to be a little tension it’s just something I don’t personally always enjoy.
They’re apart of a big friendship group which is always nice to read about.
Fmc has vaginismus and the book details how this condition affects women, their relationships and life which is so so important so well done to this author.
🩷 Childhood friends to lovers
🩷 Third person POV
🩷“It was always you”
🩷 He falls first and harder
🩷 Nurse x Baseball coach
🩷 Golden retriever mmc
🩷 “Spice therapy”
🩷 Pelvic floor dysfunction representation
Thank you to Liliana Woodland & Luna Literacy for the arc 💋
January 24, 2025
I was given an arc for this book and was so excited to start reading it. This story was so sweet and I loved all the characters throughout and the friendship and love story of Joan and Lucas. This book was very relatable and realistic. It talked about important mental health and medical issues. I really appreciated and related, on a small level compared to the main character, to her struggles with her pelvic floor. The author did such a great job of explaining the struggles Joan has and had with relationships because of her medical condition. I also appreciated that the main characters were average people with bodies that matched.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series!!
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series!!
January 25, 2025
Best friends to lovers will always be one of my favorite tropes and this was no exception.
Joan and Lucas are best friends and have never crossed the line into more. Joan is keeping a very personal secret that is affecting her self confidence and her relationships with men. The only man she completely trusts with this is Lucas but won’t that ruin their friendship forever?
Lucas may be one of the sweetest MMCs I’ve ever read. Once he finds out about Joan’s condition, his heart breaks for her but he’s also quick to step in to help. It was an unlikely arrangement but I loved it so much. I think the way they handled the situation was very realistic. I love a good slow burn and this was one of the best. I cannot wait to see what’s next!
Joan and Lucas are best friends and have never crossed the line into more. Joan is keeping a very personal secret that is affecting her self confidence and her relationships with men. The only man she completely trusts with this is Lucas but won’t that ruin their friendship forever?
Lucas may be one of the sweetest MMCs I’ve ever read. Once he finds out about Joan’s condition, his heart breaks for her but he’s also quick to step in to help. It was an unlikely arrangement but I loved it so much. I think the way they handled the situation was very realistic. I love a good slow burn and this was one of the best. I cannot wait to see what’s next!
February 18, 2025
There is a lot going on in this book - from the budding relationship to the crazy coworkers, family drama, and friends' separate issues. I think the basis of the story is good, cute even. I love the friends-to-lovers trope - where the relationship comes out of a solid foundation. But yet, there was so much going on in each of their worlds that I felt disconnected from the MCs. Entering into an “unlikely arrangement” worked out for Joan and Lucas - but my brain was pulled all everywhere else. Overall, it was cute and had good bones.
The representation of
⭐️Best friends to lovers
⭐️Golden retriever MMC
⭐️An unlikely arrangement
⭐️Spicy slow-burn
Thank you to Liliana Woodland and Luna Literary for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The representation of
⭐️Best friends to lovers
⭐️Golden retriever MMC
⭐️An unlikely arrangement
⭐️Spicy slow-burn
Thank you to Liliana Woodland and Luna Literary for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 30, 2025
Exactly As You Are by Liliana Woodland is a friends-to-lovers contemporary romance told with dual PoVs that focuses on compassion and acceptance…and loving people for exactly as they are. Longtime friends Joan and Lucas enter an arrangement to help her with a physical intimacy issue, but together their relationship grows from friends to more. Lucas is a golden retriever MMC to a T, and Joan is a MFC not afraid to express her needs and provide direction. Their growth is exceptional and captivating, a great debut from this author. Thanks to the author and Luna Literary Management for the eARC-thoughts are my own, honest and voluntary.
February 14, 2025
Joan and Lucas have been best friends for the past two decades. While Lucas is facing issues with his family, Joan has a health condition which is causing her stress. To help her out, Lucas offers to “experiment” together with her.
Those experiments were blazing hot and I loved how patient and understanding he was. Their friendship is indeed precious and the many years of history makes their love life even better.
Overall, this was a good debut novel with an interesting plot. I wished though that there were fewer sub plots as it made the pace a bit draggy and took away too much airtime from the main characters.
Those experiments were blazing hot and I loved how patient and understanding he was. Their friendship is indeed precious and the many years of history makes their love life even better.
Overall, this was a good debut novel with an interesting plot. I wished though that there were fewer sub plots as it made the pace a bit draggy and took away too much airtime from the main characters.
January 20, 2025
Rating: 4 stars
This is such a heartwarming romance story. Like an equivalent of a cozy blanket and a cup of hot tea on a night in - and I'm a sucker for those.
Joan and Lucas start out as friends, so their lovestory is full of mutual support, banter and a ton of shared history fro the get-go. I think the author did a great job at showing how the main characters navigated their feelings as they changed from platonic to romantic - with the budding attraction, angst and fear of loosing not only the best friend, but also the friend group (and family) dynamics.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is such a heartwarming romance story. Like an equivalent of a cozy blanket and a cup of hot tea on a night in - and I'm a sucker for those.
Joan and Lucas start out as friends, so their lovestory is full of mutual support, banter and a ton of shared history fro the get-go. I think the author did a great job at showing how the main characters navigated their feelings as they changed from platonic to romantic - with the budding attraction, angst and fear of loosing not only the best friend, but also the friend group (and family) dynamics.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 31, 2025
The way Joan and Lucas navigate their friendship turning into something more feels so authentic and real. I especially appreciated how the author handled Joan's medical condition with such care and sensitivity, while still keeping the story warm and hopeful. Lucas is basically the sweetest male lead ever, protective without being overbearing, and just so genuinely supportive. The friend group dynamics add such great depth to the story too. If you love a well-done friends-to-lovers romance with characters that feel like real people dealing with real issues, this one's a must-read.
February 2, 2025
Lucas and Joan are best friends. Between them they've had a string of failed relationships so seeing as they're both single Lucas offers to help Joan with her therapy for vaginismus.
They think they can safely navigate the situation without ruining their friendship although it's a risk, and wow, never has NOT having sex been so hot! The chemistry between them is electric and they take every opportunity they can to explore each other.
A great story of friendship, honesty and finding a relationship that's the right fit for you.
They think they can safely navigate the situation without ruining their friendship although it's a risk, and wow, never has NOT having sex been so hot! The chemistry between them is electric and they take every opportunity they can to explore each other.
A great story of friendship, honesty and finding a relationship that's the right fit for you.
February 10, 2025
Firstly thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the ARC! I truly appreciate the chance to review an author's work before release.
I really really wanted to love this but sadly it missed the mark for me. I'm not sure if it was because it was written in 3rd person but I found it very difficult to connect with the characters. I found Joan and Lucas's friendship to be lacking I didn't really feel the chemistry between them.
I appreciate the vaginismus rep and the conversations regarding sex in the book but other than that it fell very flat for me.
I really really wanted to love this but sadly it missed the mark for me. I'm not sure if it was because it was written in 3rd person but I found it very difficult to connect with the characters. I found Joan and Lucas's friendship to be lacking I didn't really feel the chemistry between them.
I appreciate the vaginismus rep and the conversations regarding sex in the book but other than that it fell very flat for me.
April 7, 2025
3.7 Stars
Our FMC Joan suffers from an embarrassing and painful condition.
Lucas our MMC has been friends with Joan for years. He's broken up with his GF and is considering taking a new job and moving away.
When he discovers our FMC's problem he offers to help her out.
This did in no way happen extremely quickly and it made the story that much more believable and endearing.
There were many other little stories/plots surrounding other characters that were distracting but I really appreciated this book all the same.
Our FMC Joan suffers from an embarrassing and painful condition.
Lucas our MMC has been friends with Joan for years. He's broken up with his GF and is considering taking a new job and moving away.
When he discovers our FMC's problem he offers to help her out.
This did in no way happen extremely quickly and it made the story that much more believable and endearing.
There were many other little stories/plots surrounding other characters that were distracting but I really appreciated this book all the same.
January 18, 2025
This book is SO important. She was able to take a sensitive topic that so many women deal with and put it into words. On top of that, it was a great story. The characters had excellent development, there were wonderful friendship dynamics, and it touched on the love and challenges so many families endure. Both of them being ex-athletes who still play in adult leagues was such a fun touch! What an excellent debut! This friends to lovers love story was simply chefs kiss! A must read! ❤️
January 27, 2025
This was such a cute book. At the very beginning I was a little skeptical but quickly got hooked and I could not put it down. Joan is a great FMC , and I loved her story. Lukas is adorable and was a cute MMC. This felt like the slowest slow burn and isn’t super spicey but it’s so worth the read! Their growth from friends to lovers, and all the trust and growth, individually and together is everything! I would definitely recommend! I surely loved this story so much!
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