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Falling For My Worst Best Friend
Carlos Fuentes is a notorious playboy, an unrepentant heartbreaker, and—allegedly—a beast in the sheets.
Just ask the women he’s ghosted. There’s probably a support group.
But for Jordan Tanaka, he was simply her best friend since childhood. He gladly offered her a place to stay when she moved to Cincinnati. Living together was supposed to be as effortless and platonic as the last twenty years of friendship.
It was simple. Until it got complicated.
Suddenly, the line between best friends and something more was thinner than the plot of a reality television show. Carlos swore he wouldn’t cross that line. No way was he playing the clichéd role of the horny jerk corrupting the perfect woman.
He wouldn’t look. Wouldn’t touch. Wouldn’t risk the one relationship that stood the test of time. He already had her understanding, kindness, and loyalty. He shouldn’t crave her beautiful body, too.
Too late. He really was the worst best friend.
Portions of Carlos and Jordan’s love story were previously featured in The Temptation Tutorial. However, Falling for My Worst Best Friend contains exclusive new material, a fully altered point of view, additional chapters, modified scenes, and extensive edits.
Just ask the women he’s ghosted. There’s probably a support group.
But for Jordan Tanaka, he was simply her best friend since childhood. He gladly offered her a place to stay when she moved to Cincinnati. Living together was supposed to be as effortless and platonic as the last twenty years of friendship.
It was simple. Until it got complicated.
Suddenly, the line between best friends and something more was thinner than the plot of a reality television show. Carlos swore he wouldn’t cross that line. No way was he playing the clichéd role of the horny jerk corrupting the perfect woman.
He wouldn’t look. Wouldn’t touch. Wouldn’t risk the one relationship that stood the test of time. He already had her understanding, kindness, and loyalty. He shouldn’t crave her beautiful body, too.
Too late. He really was the worst best friend.
Portions of Carlos and Jordan’s love story were previously featured in The Temptation Tutorial. However, Falling for My Worst Best Friend contains exclusive new material, a fully altered point of view, additional chapters, modified scenes, and extensive edits.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
10 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Laura Marquez Diamond
31 books114 followersLaura writes romances featuring women who slay their own dragons and the men who love them fiercely. In her books, the fall is hard, the steam is blinding, the groveling is glorious, and the passion all-consuming.
For updates on works in progress and to connect with Laura and other readers, join the Facebook group Romancing With Laura. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @romancinglauramd. She loves hearing from readers!
For updates on works in progress and to connect with Laura and other readers, join the Facebook group Romancing With Laura. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @romancinglauramd. She loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 29, 2025
Anyone who has had a friendship that takes a romantic turn, will appreciate the risk that could happen if it all goes wrong. Not only would you lose their love but possibly their friendship too.
Jordan and Carlos have been best friends since childhood. They've navigated some tricky times and both have past events that have shaped how they are. They know each other inside and out, until they don't.
When they realise their feelings run deeper they start second guessing themselves. Jealousy becomes a factor. And by trying to protect each other, they can hurt each other.
And that's the reality of friends to lovers, which Laura Marquez Diamond has captured exquisitely.
Shared memories and experiences provide a foundation for Jordan and Carlos. There's a lot of humour, support, laughter and understanding among the hurdles. And no one can deny their sexual chemistry, phew off the charts and fabulously written.
An absolutely fantastic 5 star read.
Jordan and Carlos have been best friends since childhood. They've navigated some tricky times and both have past events that have shaped how they are. They know each other inside and out, until they don't.
When they realise their feelings run deeper they start second guessing themselves. Jealousy becomes a factor. And by trying to protect each other, they can hurt each other.
And that's the reality of friends to lovers, which Laura Marquez Diamond has captured exquisitely.
Shared memories and experiences provide a foundation for Jordan and Carlos. There's a lot of humour, support, laughter and understanding among the hurdles. And no one can deny their sexual chemistry, phew off the charts and fabulously written.
An absolutely fantastic 5 star read.
July 3, 2025
Sigh! Chaos, drama, angst, and just so much emotion. I loved these two in nearly equal measure to how badly I wanted to shake sense into them. Both Carlos and Jordan had some significant relationship blind-spots, that I think we all knew were going to trip them up eventually. But we also knew we needed to see when and how it would happen, and more importantly, how they would recover. Because one of the things that kept me so hooked on this story, was how badly I wanted this pair to succeed. I loved watching them fight falling for one another, but I absolutely adored seeing them give in to the inevitable. I'm so happy with the ending they achieved, I just wish the book weren’t over already. I absolutely need more of Carlos and Jordan.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
June 25, 2025
Carlos and Jordan have been best friends since childhood. When Jordan finds herself in the midst of a breakup, Carlos opens his doors for her. They live together and all seems normal. That is until they realize how much they mean to one another, and it's more than friendship. Their relationship now as a couple is complicated, but the sizzling heat is definitely there, and although there will be some bumps in the road, they both work together to see this through. The epilogue was also adorable! I love seeing what happens to characters in the future.
July 7, 2025
This author did it again. I read a lot of fantasy and dark romance, and LMD always gives me the palate cleanser I come to love from her. I am not normally a fan of friends to lovers but if LMD writes it, I am going to read it. I love the drama and the tension between Carlos & Jordan, it's giving angst and longing, but I am so here for it. LMD gave me the perfect emotional rollercoaster with the third act breakup bs that I love to hate but the epilogue was worth the torture <3
June 22, 2025
If Laura Marquez Diamond is writing it, then I am reading it. She is a one-click author. This story hit me in all of the feels. There is so much passion and deep love. But also so many tough emotions. Phew! Cry a little during the third act break up, but keep reading because like every good romance, we get a happily ever after.
June 25, 2025
So, I think this is the first book I have read from Laura Marquez Diamond, but it will not be the last! Childhood best friends Carlos and Jordan have been there for each other through some pretty tough times. This book had me emotional. When they end up being roommates and then being looked at as something more than just friends it doesn't become just sunshine and flowers. I absolutely LOVED this book. It hit me right in the heart!
June 26, 2025
Laura gives us a wonderful book! Carlos and Jordan are best friends since they were little, so giving her a place to live seems a no-brainer. Things start to emerge between them. Dive into this beautifully written book with complex characters and plot twists that keep you turning pages throughout. I loved reading this story and highly Recommend it. Don't miss out on this book!!
June 28, 2025
Complicated best friends romance yes please. You need the help of your best friend. They let you move in with them. Said best friend is a playboy. You’ve been best friends for 20 years it can withstand anything or so you think. The line between friendship becomes blurred. Will you give into those feelings? Can your friendship evolve? Guess you’ll have to find out.
June 24, 2025
Loving friends
Jordan and Carlos start noticing and realizing their sexual attraction to one another. Both are worried about losing their friendship if they take that step. This is an emotional read with some laugh worthy moments. Can they grow from their pasts and take the next step? This is a great book, worth the read.
Jordan and Carlos start noticing and realizing their sexual attraction to one another. Both are worried about losing their friendship if they take that step. This is an emotional read with some laugh worthy moments. Can they grow from their pasts and take the next step? This is a great book, worth the read.
July 16, 2025
Loved loved loved this book! Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Laura Marquez Diamond blew this out of the water. Carlos and Jordan’s chemistry sizzled on the page as both friends and lovers.
June 27, 2025
Carlos Fuentes at the age of seven moves to California after his parent’s divorce, his father was given custody. When Carlos started third grade in a new school that was when he met his best friend, Jordan Tanaka. Carlos was there for her and she for him all through their childhood even when Jordan lost her mother and father. Carlos the fact he felt his mother did not want him cause him to believe he was not loved and had to earn love. Jordan was scared that it anything important in her life could be taken away also had trust issues. As they grow and move on with their lives their friendship strengths and nourish each other until Carlos wins a football scholarship in Ohio and he leaves for college. Jorden stays in California to go to college. What happens when Jordan decides to move to Ohio for a new start, and Carlos graciously offers to let her live in his place as a roommate because they are best friends. All of sudden they realized that they have feelings for each other, the problem is with one having abandonment issues and the other trust issues. Can this love survivor? Can they learn to acknowledge their fears and develop a strong life long relationship? Can one forgive the other for their doubts and fears that drives doubt and pushes the other away. What of Jordan’s brother and his involvement in thinking that Jordon needs to come back to California and that staying in Ohio with Carlos is a mistake what does Carlos have to offer her? This lovely story represents we are all the walking wounded, are they able do the hard work to develop a lasting love or like many figure it is too hard and walk away not willing to do the hard work?
June 23, 2025
Laura Marquez Diamond is one of my favourite authors – she always delivers such interesting, diverse characters, and this one was no exception. Carlos and Jordan have been best friends since they were kids, and now they’re housemates too. But when feelings bubble to the surface, everything changes.
These two have such a deep, affectionate friendship – they’ve helped each other through some genuinely tough times, and watching that turn into something more was a bit of an emotional ride. What I loved most, though, is that this isn’t one of those stories where they get together and that’s the end. It’s messy and real – they have to face their own grief, insecurities, and the stress of grown-up life, and sometimes they get it wrong. That made their love feel earned.
Carlos is still carrying the weight of old trauma and trying to figure out what’s next in his career. I really liked where that ended up going – a community-focused path that felt hopeful and genuinely good. It’s the kind of thoughtful, unconventional choice I’ve come to expect from Laura Marquez Diamond. Meanwhile, Jordan is grieving the loss of her parents and dealing with a frustratingly meddling brother – who, frankly, I’d have liked to see get a little comeuppance.
Carlos and Jordan have great chemistry and so much care for each other, and as always, Diamond brings real heart and delicious steam.
Thank you to Laura for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
These two have such a deep, affectionate friendship – they’ve helped each other through some genuinely tough times, and watching that turn into something more was a bit of an emotional ride. What I loved most, though, is that this isn’t one of those stories where they get together and that’s the end. It’s messy and real – they have to face their own grief, insecurities, and the stress of grown-up life, and sometimes they get it wrong. That made their love feel earned.
Carlos is still carrying the weight of old trauma and trying to figure out what’s next in his career. I really liked where that ended up going – a community-focused path that felt hopeful and genuinely good. It’s the kind of thoughtful, unconventional choice I’ve come to expect from Laura Marquez Diamond. Meanwhile, Jordan is grieving the loss of her parents and dealing with a frustratingly meddling brother – who, frankly, I’d have liked to see get a little comeuppance.
Carlos and Jordan have great chemistry and so much care for each other, and as always, Diamond brings real heart and delicious steam.
Thank you to Laura for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
June 17, 2025
Carlos and Jordan have been best friends since being little. Now they are house mates, their feelings for each other come to the surface.
These two have an amazing friendship and have been there for each other during some very low times in their lives. It was quite an emotional read.
Once their feelings start to come out and they become more than friends, they story is only just starting, and this is what I loved... that they didn't just get together and then the end. They had to deal with real life and the problems that were thrown at them along the way. They don't get it all right, but that just makes their relationship worth fighting for.
Carlos has childhood trauma and is at a turning point in his career whilst Jordan is still grieving her parents' death and a meadling brother.
All the emotions in this story.
These two have an amazing friendship and have been there for each other during some very low times in their lives. It was quite an emotional read.
Once their feelings start to come out and they become more than friends, they story is only just starting, and this is what I loved... that they didn't just get together and then the end. They had to deal with real life and the problems that were thrown at them along the way. They don't get it all right, but that just makes their relationship worth fighting for.
Carlos has childhood trauma and is at a turning point in his career whilst Jordan is still grieving her parents' death and a meadling brother.
All the emotions in this story.
June 28, 2025
A beautifully well written romance by Diamond. Our main characters are notorious playboy and heartbreaker Carlos Fuentes and his best friend since forever Jordan Tanaka. When Jordan finds herself in the midst of a breakup, Carlos comes to the rescue offering up his home as a place to stay. This leads to a close proximity and subsequent re-evaluation of feelings and their relationship. While changing the terms of their once friendship into a relationship of more comes with its own challenges, this book addresses it all in the best way and I absolutely loved it. Great characters and smooth storyline and flow make this romance read a delight. Well balanced with sweet and heat and all the feels. Can't wait for more from Laura Marquez Diamond!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
June 23, 2025
Here's another one that was an emotional read. I laughed,I cried, and I even swooned. I absolutely loved their story. Carlos and Jordan have been best friends since they were kids. Their friendship has remained strong. Jordan moves in with him after a breakup. He offers her a safe place. After all, they are best friends. Everything is so normal for them. Until it isn't. The lines between best friends and being a couple blur. They decide to go all in . Trying to make a go of their new relationship as a couple. Their journey took many roads. Pasts and futures haunt them. And a meddling brother tries to destroy what they have. Can love conquer all as the saying goes? Do they get their happy ending? You'll have to read to find out.
July 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this romance book. I enjoyed that the female was a strong character. Typically stories revolve around the woman's insecurities or emotions but this focused more towards both of the parties feelings and problems with themselves. And at times more of the males emotional instability. Very spicy but also gets into working through problems in relationships. Not giving up or pushing them to the side. Also the importance of mental health for both parties, trust, and honesty. Alot of great relationship points brought up in this novel.
Grief and abandonment were big subjects in this as well. I think they were represented well and showed different sides to how people cope with things in there lives. overall I liked how this romance story had so much more to it than just romance
Grief and abandonment were big subjects in this as well. I think they were represented well and showed different sides to how people cope with things in there lives. overall I liked how this romance story had so much more to it than just romance
June 15, 2025
They met as children, so they knew each other's highs and lows.
But when they finally admitted that they had feelings for each other, everything changed.
They take a chance at them.
But that becomes impossible when his own fears make him walk away.
Her love for him runs deep, and she's determined for nothing to stand in its way, even his fears.
He struggles to accept her love as whole, believing she deserves better than him.
She's determined to prove him wrong.
Talk about a battle of up and down feelings.
This story has it all, and it's so worth it.
A real tug at the heart strings book that will hold your attention.
But when they finally admitted that they had feelings for each other, everything changed.
They take a chance at them.
But that becomes impossible when his own fears make him walk away.
Her love for him runs deep, and she's determined for nothing to stand in its way, even his fears.
He struggles to accept her love as whole, believing she deserves better than him.
She's determined to prove him wrong.
Talk about a battle of up and down feelings.
This story has it all, and it's so worth it.
A real tug at the heart strings book that will hold your attention.
June 16, 2025
This author is a master at tackling hard subjects while keeping the story engaging and omg spicy. This book is about Carlos and Jordan best friends from third grade. When she graduates college and needs a place to stay Jordan moves in with Carlos. A sexy red dress leads to uncovered feelings and their friendship becomes more. Carlos faces the ghosts of his mother who left him and an emotionally distant father while Jordan deals with the loss of her parents as a teenager and an overbearing brother who prefers her ex to Carlos. They have bumps along the way but the story is wonderfully real and happy overall!
June 21, 2025
Friends to lovers, it’s a great trope. and this delivers! Jordan and Carlos have been best friends since Carlos moved to town in elementary school. Now, as young adults, they’re making their way in the world, and are back in the same city.
What started as a goofball idea morphs into something more, and before either knows, their in deep. So of course we need angst, yeah? Well, we get it, and I don’t remember the last time I called for a character’s head so viciously.
With laughter, poignancy, and steam, readers get a front row seat to watching the light bulbs go on and how it transforms two lives.
What started as a goofball idea morphs into something more, and before either knows, their in deep. So of course we need angst, yeah? Well, we get it, and I don’t remember the last time I called for a character’s head so viciously.
With laughter, poignancy, and steam, readers get a front row seat to watching the light bulbs go on and how it transforms two lives.
June 25, 2025
Carlos is a playboy who is getting tired of the meaningless hookups. He is running the neighborhood bar and the owner wants to sell it to him, but he is hesitant.
Jordan moved from California to Ohio to get a change of scenery and lives with her best friend Carlos. She meets a girl named Sara and gets clothing advice and that is when everything changes.
Carlos starts seeing Jordan as more than a friend and Jordan is asking him to teach her how to get her coworker’s attention.
Both are worried that if things change what will happen in the long run? The question is can they grow from their past and take a leap of faith?
Jordan moved from California to Ohio to get a change of scenery and lives with her best friend Carlos. She meets a girl named Sara and gets clothing advice and that is when everything changes.
Carlos starts seeing Jordan as more than a friend and Jordan is asking him to teach her how to get her coworker’s attention.
Both are worried that if things change what will happen in the long run? The question is can they grow from their past and take a leap of faith?
June 26, 2025
Best friends Jordan and Carlos have been close since childhood. Having been in and out of each other's lives for years. With close proximity by them living together their friendship develops into an attraction. When feelings are involved it led to complications and having to face things that could change their friendship. I liked their dynamic together and you really get from the start of this book just how perfect they are for each other. Just took them a while to catch up. Add to that both of them have had difficult backgrounds so like attracts like attracts near enough. I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the main characters too. A great read.
July 3, 2025
This book was like a warm hug and a heart-flipping swoon all in one! Childhood besties turned soulmates? Yes please! 😍 Watching these two stumble, grow, chase their dreams (and finally each other… best ending ever!) was like cheering for your favorite rom-com couple—but with more inside jokes and a whole lot of heart.
Sure, they had their ups, downs, and why-aren’t-you-kissing-yet moments, but when the timing finally clicked? Chef’s kiss. A sweet and satisfying love story that proves sometimes your forever person has been there all along—just waiting for the right moment (and maybe a little nudge from fate 💫).
Sure, they had their ups, downs, and why-aren’t-you-kissing-yet moments, but when the timing finally clicked? Chef’s kiss. A sweet and satisfying love story that proves sometimes your forever person has been there all along—just waiting for the right moment (and maybe a little nudge from fate 💫).
June 21, 2025
Carlos is a playboy who is getting tired of the meaningless hookups. He is running the neighborhood bar and the owner wants to sell it to him, but he is hesitant because he thinks he will fail at it.
Jordan moved from California to Ohio to get a change of scenery and lives with her best friend Carlos. She meets a girl named Sara and gets clothing advice and that is when everything changes.
Carlos starts seeing Jordan as more than a friend and Jordan is asking him to teach her how to get her coworker’s attention. Oh I love a good teach me book! I love how they start to open their eyes and realize that they like each other. Oh the mouth on Carlos will melt your panties!!!
This was a really good book!
Jordan moved from California to Ohio to get a change of scenery and lives with her best friend Carlos. She meets a girl named Sara and gets clothing advice and that is when everything changes.
Carlos starts seeing Jordan as more than a friend and Jordan is asking him to teach her how to get her coworker’s attention. Oh I love a good teach me book! I love how they start to open their eyes and realize that they like each other. Oh the mouth on Carlos will melt your panties!!!
This was a really good book!
June 21, 2025
Carlos and Jordan have been with each other through the highs and lows of their lives growing up. Close proximity as adults brings underlying feelings for each other to light. As they explore their hearts, life deals them challenges, past traumas throw up roadblocks but there is also laughter, hope and healing. I enjoyed their love journey filled with banter, steamy sizzle, fanning myself dirty talk, doubts, realizations, determination, and a forever HEA. Do have some tissues handy. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2025
I was all in for Carlos and Jordan from the jump! I love a friends to lovers trope, and this did not disappoint. Love their chemistry and their friendship. Especially how Carlos was there and supported Jordan through the loss of her parents, even as young as they were. There were some heart tugging moments, as well as some spicy ones, which had me falling in love with Carlos even more, wink! Love the epilogue! I really enjoyed getting to see what their future looked like, and I love how Jordan came into herself, such a wonderful coming of age.
July 1, 2025
Carlos and Jordan journey started when they were just kids. They are there for each other through their lowest points in their life. But they go their separate way when Carlos goes to college in Ohio. But when Jordan decides to move there for a new beginning he offers her a place to stay. But when lines becoming blurred and feelings are developed they must face their past and overcome obstacles that stand in their way. But can Jordan show Carlos he is worth her love. You will definitely need to read to find out.
June 17, 2025
This was hands down one of the best friends to lovers books I’ve read. I absolutely adore Jordan and Carlos. Their friendship is what most people hope and dream for. Watching them stumble and grow in their relationship was perfect. It was beautiful, ugly and true. It felt real to watch them try to navigate jealousies, support and the inadequate feelings of not being enough. I highly recommend this book!
June 20, 2025
This was such a good book. Jordan and Carlos were hilarious and hot. They started off as best friends but turned to something more the more time they got to spend together. There were trials and insecurities both of them had to work through but their love was adorable! I loved the epilogue insight as well. If your looking for a rom com with funny characters in a friends to lovers vibe, this is for you!
June 25, 2025
Jordan and Carlos are best friends but when she makes a transformation so do his feelings. While teaching her to getting attention she ends up getting his attention in ways he was not expecting. Then comes them moving from being friends to being more and the other challenges they face along the way. Him watching her get the attention at the gym and how it was affecting him was entertaining. It Them building a life together and how it worked out in the end was a nice read.
June 26, 2025
I adore everything I read by this author.
There's soft love in between the pages even when their is a heavier subject matter.
Jordan and Carlos are the typical platonic best friends finally realising theyre missing out on something and the book is an emotional, funny, often spicey wild ride from friends the lovers.
For a cutesy read ill always throw these books into my recommendations. Big love for them!
There's soft love in between the pages even when their is a heavier subject matter.
Jordan and Carlos are the typical platonic best friends finally realising theyre missing out on something and the book is an emotional, funny, often spicey wild ride from friends the lovers.
For a cutesy read ill always throw these books into my recommendations. Big love for them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews