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Sweet on Charlie Beck: Childhood Friends to Lovers Popstar Romcom
One childhood bestie, one secret crush, one troubled popstar—it might be time to ruin the friendship
Devon
I’ve been sweet on Charlie Beck since I was a gawky, awkward adolescent...then he became a member of one of the most popular boybands in history. Now he’s lost his mum, his singing voice, and his career. He thinks we can help each other because I’ve suffered a few losses myself. So, when he suggests I follow him to Malibu as his personal assistant, it’s a no brainer.
But between shirtless mornings, late-night confessions, and the way he suddenly can’t stop looking at me like I’m more than just the girl next door… this "strictly friends" setup is one skinny-dip away from disaster.
And Charlie isn’t the only one with baggage. I’ve got a secret—one that could turn this friends to lovers dream into a reunion nightmare.
Charlie
Devon’s been my ride or die since forever. She’s smart, hilarious, and—yeah, okay—insanely hot. But she's my best friend. You don't perv on your best friend… right?
Now she's at a crossroads, thanks to her failed bakery, freeloading mum, and wanker of an ex. We're living together, working together, and I’m beginning to catch feelings that have nothing to do with funny jokes and friendship bracelets. The chemistry and temptation are unbearable, but the risk is sky high. Because Devon’s not just my best friend—she’s the only person left who sees the real me.
And if I screw this up, I’ll lose more than just my shot at a comeback… I’ll lose he
Devon
I’ve been sweet on Charlie Beck since I was a gawky, awkward adolescent...then he became a member of one of the most popular boybands in history. Now he’s lost his mum, his singing voice, and his career. He thinks we can help each other because I’ve suffered a few losses myself. So, when he suggests I follow him to Malibu as his personal assistant, it’s a no brainer.
But between shirtless mornings, late-night confessions, and the way he suddenly can’t stop looking at me like I’m more than just the girl next door… this "strictly friends" setup is one skinny-dip away from disaster.
And Charlie isn’t the only one with baggage. I’ve got a secret—one that could turn this friends to lovers dream into a reunion nightmare.
Charlie
Devon’s been my ride or die since forever. She’s smart, hilarious, and—yeah, okay—insanely hot. But she's my best friend. You don't perv on your best friend… right?
Now she's at a crossroads, thanks to her failed bakery, freeloading mum, and wanker of an ex. We're living together, working together, and I’m beginning to catch feelings that have nothing to do with funny jokes and friendship bracelets. The chemistry and temptation are unbearable, but the risk is sky high. Because Devon’s not just my best friend—she’s the only person left who sees the real me.
And if I screw this up, I’ll lose more than just my shot at a comeback… I’ll lose he
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2025
2 people are currently reading
3997 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ericson
338 books127 followersBest-selling, award-winning romance author, Carol Ericson, has written more than 65 books, mostly romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Also indie pubbed, Carol is working on a spicy popstar romcom series about five members of a boyband. A California girl and graduate of UCLA, Carol lives near the beach with her husband and their giant dog. For more information about Carol’s books, please visit her website at www.authorcarolericson.com and follow her on Instagram @author.carol.ericson
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 30, 2025
rc gifted by: @author.carol.ericson
This book completely melted my heart. 🫶 Charlie and Devon have been best friends for as long as they can remember, and even after Charlie shot to fame as part of the boyband Five2Go! 🎤, their friendship never wavered.
Devon is doing her best to hold her family together — running their pub after losing her dad, while her mom slowly fades into herself. Charlie, meanwhile, returns home to England after his mom’s funeral, carrying his own grief and uncertainty. When he invites Devon, her sister Chelsea, and his sister Poppy to LA 🌴, it’s meant to be a short escape — but it becomes a turning point. There are misunderstandings, unspoken feelings, and that painful kind of silence that comes when two people love each other but are too afraid to say it.
As a mom, this story resonated so profoundly with me. I was recently diagnosed with an illness, and while reading Charlie’s story — his quiet strength, his care for his sisters, and how he tries to stay strong despite the pain — I couldn’t help but imagine my own son stepping up someday as a loving, responsible big brother to his sister. 💙 It reminded me how family bonds, even when tested by loss and change, can be incredibly healing.
There’s so much heart here — grief, friendship, love, and hope. And let’s be real, Chelsea and Poppy stole the show 😂 I’m crossing my fingers for a bonus novella featuring those two because their banter was everything.
Thank you to @author.carol.ericson for the ARC 💌 I truly can’t wait to see what adventures await the rest of the Five2Go! boys in future books!📚✨
This book completely melted my heart. 🫶 Charlie and Devon have been best friends for as long as they can remember, and even after Charlie shot to fame as part of the boyband Five2Go! 🎤, their friendship never wavered.
Devon is doing her best to hold her family together — running their pub after losing her dad, while her mom slowly fades into herself. Charlie, meanwhile, returns home to England after his mom’s funeral, carrying his own grief and uncertainty. When he invites Devon, her sister Chelsea, and his sister Poppy to LA 🌴, it’s meant to be a short escape — but it becomes a turning point. There are misunderstandings, unspoken feelings, and that painful kind of silence that comes when two people love each other but are too afraid to say it.
As a mom, this story resonated so profoundly with me. I was recently diagnosed with an illness, and while reading Charlie’s story — his quiet strength, his care for his sisters, and how he tries to stay strong despite the pain — I couldn’t help but imagine my own son stepping up someday as a loving, responsible big brother to his sister. 💙 It reminded me how family bonds, even when tested by loss and change, can be incredibly healing.
There’s so much heart here — grief, friendship, love, and hope. And let’s be real, Chelsea and Poppy stole the show 😂 I’m crossing my fingers for a bonus novella featuring those two because their banter was everything.
Thank you to @author.carol.ericson for the ARC 💌 I truly can’t wait to see what adventures await the rest of the Five2Go! boys in future books!📚✨
September 23, 2025
Spice:🌶️🌶️
This book was so sweet! If you love One Direction and daydreaming about being in a relationship with a famous celebrity you will love this book! I definitely got the Louis Tomlinson Vibes from this book!
Charlie is one of the band members from Five2Go! He lost his voice after the band broke up.
I loved following Charlie and Devon in this cute book on their adventures through helping Charlie find his voice again and song writing!
Their love story was so cute and I loved how it all worked out in the end! I love how Charlie bright Devon back to L.A. with him.
The sex scenes between Charlie and Devon were sexy and also had some humor. They made me laugh a little bit lol but well written enough to make me swoon!
I loved the wanna be influencers Chelsea and Poppy! They were great characters.
I thought this book was great and made me wish Louis was my bf!
#arcread #bookreviewer #booktok #bookstagrammer #onedirection #louistomlinson #five2go #sweetoncharliebeck #spicyreads
November 12, 2025
Crushing on a popstar is cute unless you're no longer a pre-teen and the popstar in question is your childhood friend...
Devon:
I’ve been sweet on Charlie Beck since I was a gawky, awkward adolescent. Three years later, he became part of one of the most popular boybands in history, and suddenly everyone had a crush on him. But Charlie and I go way back.
Now he’s home, his life in freefall, he’s lost his mum, his voice, and his career. When he asks me to come to Malibu as his personal assistant, I can’t say no. It’s totally platonic… right?
But between shirtless mornings, late-night confessions, and the way he’s looking at me now, “just friends” is about to get very complicated.
Charlie:
Devon’s been my ride or die forever smart, hilarious, and beautiful, but off-limits. Until Malibu. Now we’re living and working together, and the chemistry is impossible to ignore. But she’s the only person who sees the real me… and if I screw this up, I’ll lose everything.
A friends-to-lovers slow burn full of heart, heat, and Hollywood sparkle.
Devon:
I’ve been sweet on Charlie Beck since I was a gawky, awkward adolescent. Three years later, he became part of one of the most popular boybands in history, and suddenly everyone had a crush on him. But Charlie and I go way back.
Now he’s home, his life in freefall, he’s lost his mum, his voice, and his career. When he asks me to come to Malibu as his personal assistant, I can’t say no. It’s totally platonic… right?
But between shirtless mornings, late-night confessions, and the way he’s looking at me now, “just friends” is about to get very complicated.
Charlie:
Devon’s been my ride or die forever smart, hilarious, and beautiful, but off-limits. Until Malibu. Now we’re living and working together, and the chemistry is impossible to ignore. But she’s the only person who sees the real me… and if I screw this up, I’ll lose everything.
A friends-to-lovers slow burn full of heart, heat, and Hollywood sparkle.
October 8, 2025
Such a cute book! Charlie and Devon have been friends for ages, and even though Charlie became part of a huge boyband, Five2Go!, their friendship is still strong.
Devon is running her family pub after her father has passed away and her mother becomes a ghost of herself, while Charlie is back in England after his mother’s funeral. When Charlie is getting ready to go back to LA, he offers for Devon and her sister Chelsea to join him and his sister Poppy.
There are lots of misunderstandings, and lots of keeping silent on both ends because nobody wants to ruin the friendship. But secrets don’t always stay that way and when they come out, things change. With the help of the sisters, Charlie and Devon get their footing back.
I would love some bonus content from Chelsea and Poppy because they are too funny!
Thanks to the author for the ARC. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the Five2Go! Members get up to in future books.
Devon is running her family pub after her father has passed away and her mother becomes a ghost of herself, while Charlie is back in England after his mother’s funeral. When Charlie is getting ready to go back to LA, he offers for Devon and her sister Chelsea to join him and his sister Poppy.
There are lots of misunderstandings, and lots of keeping silent on both ends because nobody wants to ruin the friendship. But secrets don’t always stay that way and when they come out, things change. With the help of the sisters, Charlie and Devon get their footing back.
I would love some bonus content from Chelsea and Poppy because they are too funny!
Thanks to the author for the ARC. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the Five2Go! Members get up to in future books.
October 15, 2025
In the first book, we met Ian Pope, a member of the Five2Go band. In this book, you get to know Charlie Beck. Since Five2Go has split up, Charlie has been performing on his own, that is, until he lost his ability to sing. Now he's back in his hometown and decides it's time to see his best friend Devon. Devon has been sweet on Charlie since childhood; now they are catching up on what has been happening in their lives. Devon has been holding on to a secret that could change Charlie's life, and the more they are around each other, the more this secret weighs on her. As if they don't have enough to deal with, their sisters, Poppy and Chelsea, will keep them on their toes. The story is full of emotion, some heat, and some funny moments. I must admit I loved the therapist scene. So you'll have to read the book and find out if Charlie and Devon can overcome the past and have a future together. I received an ARC of this book and chose to leave a review.
October 15, 2025
Cute book about a woman named Devon who wanted to be a baker and a man named Charlie who was a musician. The two were childhood friends who drifted apart because of Charlie moving around with the boy band he was in. They had feelings for each other at a young age but nothing came of it. Both were hiding secrets from each other and one is hiding a big secret from the world. The romance portion was cute and I loved the added troublesome family members. Even though I didn’t like a few of the characters, it added depth to the story. Kind of want to punch Ryan in the throat. IYKYK. The book was an easy read and I never had a hard time picking it up. Liked it enough that I plan to eventually read all the books in the series once they are released!
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me an ARC copy!
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me an ARC copy!
October 12, 2025
This series is a about former members of the boyband Five2Go. I received an ARC for Sweet on Charlie Beck. This book is so good. It's a best friends to lovers with friends with benefits story.
This is Charlies book.
Charlie and Devon have been best for years. They have always liked eachother but never said anything. When Charlie's mom passes he loses his singing voice. Devon knows what's its like to lose a parent her father passed the year before. She helps him get his voice back. Starting with helping his write a new hit song for his former band mate Ian.
These too are so cute together. Charlie will do anything for Devon. And she will do anything for him.
Can't wait for the next book in the series
This is Charlies book.
Charlie and Devon have been best for years. They have always liked eachother but never said anything. When Charlie's mom passes he loses his singing voice. Devon knows what's its like to lose a parent her father passed the year before. She helps him get his voice back. Starting with helping his write a new hit song for his former band mate Ian.
These too are so cute together. Charlie will do anything for Devon. And she will do anything for him.
Can't wait for the next book in the series
October 15, 2025
ARC Review
This book was such a sweet and heart-warming read! Longtime friends Devon and Charlie have been through it all — loss, fame, and the growing pains that come with life pulling you in different directions. When Charlie’s boy-band career takes off and Devon ends up working for him, their friendship reignites in the best way. Old feelings resurface, and that secret crush he’s been hiding? Let’s just say it makes things very interesting.
It’s a quick, fun, and emotional friends-to-lovers story with just the right mix of heart, humor, and a touch of spice. If you love feel-good romances that leave you smiling, this one’s for you!
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was such a sweet and heart-warming read! Longtime friends Devon and Charlie have been through it all — loss, fame, and the growing pains that come with life pulling you in different directions. When Charlie’s boy-band career takes off and Devon ends up working for him, their friendship reignites in the best way. Old feelings resurface, and that secret crush he’s been hiding? Let’s just say it makes things very interesting.
It’s a quick, fun, and emotional friends-to-lovers story with just the right mix of heart, humor, and a touch of spice. If you love feel-good romances that leave you smiling, this one’s for you!
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 21, 2025
📚 ARC Review 📚
Sweet on Charlie Beck by Carol Ericson
⭐️⭐️
This is a friends to lovers, forced proximity, rockstar romance.
Unfortunately this just wasn’t it for me. I did finish it, but that’s about it. I felt like the first half of the book was very repetitive and then when we finally went from friends to lovers it was a hard right turn out of no where. I also didn’t love how the issues we saw were just all the FMCs fault. He placed the blame & she just accepted it.
Anyway, this may be someone’s jam, but it just wasn’t mine.
#arcreview #bookreview #bookcommunity #booklovers #bookstagram #sweetoncharliebeck #carolericson
Sweet on Charlie Beck by Carol Ericson
⭐️⭐️
This is a friends to lovers, forced proximity, rockstar romance.
Unfortunately this just wasn’t it for me. I did finish it, but that’s about it. I felt like the first half of the book was very repetitive and then when we finally went from friends to lovers it was a hard right turn out of no where. I also didn’t love how the issues we saw were just all the FMCs fault. He placed the blame & she just accepted it.
Anyway, this may be someone’s jam, but it just wasn’t mine.
#arcreview #bookreview #bookcommunity #booklovers #bookstagram #sweetoncharliebeck #carolericson
December 1, 2025
Super fun! I really enjoyed this romance. For once, the main characters didn't act like teenagers, and although the two younger sisters initially did, they ultimately turned out to be much more mature and sympathetic than you'd expect. Devon's brother, on the other hand… what an a-hole! And then there's Devon's mother; so terrible when parents put one child on a pedestal at the expense of the other. All in all, very well written, very realistic; you're truly drawn into the story. And the humor isn't lacking either, and there's no excessive angst.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
September 17, 2025
Charlie and Devon have my heart. Charlie who is a ex-boy band singer who lost his voice and is trying to get back in his grove, invites his friend Devon to LA to help him while he’s out of commission and she is trying to figure out her next plans. The banter, old friends and the right amount of spice was all I needed. I love how comfortable they are together and they just fit. What a SWEET, fun read.
September 25, 2025
Oh my….Devon and Charlie ♥️♥️♥️ Nothing better than falling in love with your childhood friend. The fact that Devon is his muse and has him finding his voice and writing songs again is the HEA every romantic is looking for. I loved seeing Devon being that support that Charlie needed (physically 😘 and mentally). And let’s not forget the two insta wannabes Chelsea and Poppy.
October 7, 2025
ARC review: I thought this was a cute book. Long time friends Devon and Charlie go through losing parents, Charlie gaining popularity form being in a popular boy band. She eventually works for him but this brings them closer than before, he secret crush still raging inside. So these longtime friends become lovers? You’ll have to read to find out! Quick read, cute, spicy and a bit romantic.
October 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Friends to lovers is such a cute trope and the dynamic between the MCs was amazing. I have to say the bizzy blondes had me cracking up. I loved them. It was such a lighthearted read for the most part and the twists were great even if a few were predictable. The spice was just right and didn’t take over the book. I would definitely recommend this to my friends 5/5⭐️
October 12, 2025
Sometimes a lighthearted bit of bookish whimsy is just right. I loved getting to read this ARC. It’s fun and engaging while also containing relatable grief as someone who has lost a parent. I adore a good friends to lovers romance; friendship is such a beautiful way to fall in love.
Thank you, Carol Ericson- I can’t wait to learn more about the other band members!
Thank you, Carol Ericson- I can’t wait to learn more about the other band members!
October 15, 2025
4.5 🌟
I immediately was rooting for these two! I loved their flirty relationship so much. I hate the lack of conversation seen through some parts especially since they're supposed to 'be there for each other so much'. but I loved the book! The writing style is easy to consume which is exactly what I did 💗
I immediately was rooting for these two! I loved their flirty relationship so much. I hate the lack of conversation seen through some parts especially since they're supposed to 'be there for each other so much'. but I loved the book! The writing style is easy to consume which is exactly what I did 💗
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
This was a cute, quick read, rom-com. I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers (story of my life that no one asked to know). The first spicy scene felt a little far-fetched and wasn't my cup of tea, but I pushed through and enjoyed the overall relationship between Devin and Charlie.
Hated the brother.
Went back and forth on the insta-sisters (my personal name for them).
Thank you for my ARC!
Hated the brother.
Went back and forth on the insta-sisters (my personal name for them).
Thank you for my ARC!
Read
January 11, 2026What a super cute/spicy Celebrity romance!
I loved these two.
Devon and Charlie had been friends even before Charlie became a superstar...and I loved reading their relationship go from friends...to more😍
And the wannabe influencer side characters? Had me dying🤣
This cute Romcom celebrity Romance is definitely worth the read💘
I loved these two.
Devon and Charlie had been friends even before Charlie became a superstar...and I loved reading their relationship go from friends...to more😍
And the wannabe influencer side characters? Had me dying🤣
This cute Romcom celebrity Romance is definitely worth the read💘
October 5, 2025
If you enjoy romance with music / celebrity elements, friends-to-lovers tropes, and emotional stakes around loss and reinvention, then run to read Sweet on Charlie Beck, by Carol Ericson. Fans of romance with a side of soul and character growth will enjoy this book.
October 15, 2025
Such a cute easy fun read!
I love all things boybands, so I knew this book was going to be for me!
Loved the slow burn and friends to lovers aspect! And the dynamic between Dev and Charlie. I also loved the side characters of their sisters!
I love all things boybands, so I knew this book was going to be for me!
Loved the slow burn and friends to lovers aspect! And the dynamic between Dev and Charlie. I also loved the side characters of their sisters!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews