The Last Key

Baker Girls #2

by Bethany Monaco Smith

What do you do when your best friend, who you’ve always wanted, comes home for your high school reunion? Start flirting with her, teasing her, and then tell her she’s sharing your bed, of course.

From the moment Kennedy Baker moved in next door to me in middle school, she’s been my best friend. After a failed attempt at a kiss in eighth grade, nothing has ever happened between us. We’ve never come close to crossing that line. But since I moved back home—and away from Kennedy—two years ago, my feelings for her have only grown.

When she shows up at my door two weeks ahead of schedule because she needs me, I decide to test the waters and see if fate is finally pulling us together after all these years.

Are Devon and Kennedy destined to finally cross the line and be more than friends? Find out in The Last Key, a playful, steamy, best friends to lovers rom-com.

Part of the Brighton High School Reunion shared world.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance

198 pages, ebook

Published December 30, 2023

About the author

Bethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith

Reviews

[Abigail Bogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book Review: The Last Key

I loved, LOVED this story. Welcome to book 4 of the Brighton High School Reunion Books. Meet highschool/middle school best friends Kennedy and Devon. I’m definitely a sucker for best friend turned lovers romance. Kennedy is taking a career break and going home to visit her best friend Devon. Devon returned home a few years prior due family issues. See how their friendship turns into lovers. Coming soon on kindle unlimited.

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was extremely impressed with this book. It was my first read by this author, and man, she is amazing. The book covers a best friends to lovers, and man...

I LOVED THESE CHARACTERS. I wanted to know more about all the side characters too.
I swear, all of the characters were total green flags. They were sweet, funny, supportive.... what more could you want?

I hope I get to read more about the main characters at some point!

[Jeanette Durant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute best friends to lovers romance. These two have been besties since Kennedy moved to Brighton and 17 years later they still haven't revealed their love for each other to each other.

When Kennedy comes back to Brighton for their 10 year high school reunion, both are determined to finally admit their love, but what will happen?!

I was really rooting for Devon and Kennedy to get their happy ever after, this was such a cute romance, and I loved every minute of it. They had some brilliant chemistry and this book left me with a big smile on my face.

[Christina Rybka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy is going back home for her ten year High School reunion. She just got fired from her job and decides to go back home early and see her best friend Devon. They met when they were twelve, and Kennedy moved in next door. They secretly are in love with each other but they don’t want to mess up the friendship. Devon decided he will flirt and see what happened, because the feelings are just getting stronger. Will they cross the line and be more ? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book. Love Kennedy and Devon. Great supporting characters. This is my favorite trope, and it was written with humor and sexual tension. This os my first book by this author definitely not my last.

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If we keep going like this, I might combust before anything ever happens with her. But I know with certainty now, I’m not letting her leave Brighton without kissing her, tasting her, letting her know exactly how I feel.

The Last Key is the fourth release in the shared world of the Brighton High School Reunion series. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Friends to Lovers is not high on my list of favorite tropes, but this book has knocked it up several rankings! I enjoyed this book more than I expected; from the first page to the couple’s HEA, I was invested in their love story. Best friends who were hesitant to ever take the step to something more in fear of ruining their friendship when their affections weren’t returned, with everyone but them aware of the mutual feelings.

Both characters are lovable and relatable. Devon is the man who returns home to take over the family business and care for his ailing parents, always willing to selflessly give to others. Kennedy is the woman who followed her dreams to New York to write but finds herself flailing when she is fired, only to find her true place when she returns home to visit Devon early for their High School reunion.

The mutual pining is mixed with some angst, but mostly the feel of the story is uplifting, with lots of flirting and sexual innuendo before they figure out the right way forward. It’s medium burn but spicy. Devon’s dirty talk is delicious.

This was my first read from author Bethany Monaco Smith; I look forward to grabbing more of her works in the future.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: Best friends to lovers, small town, one bed, mutual pining, coming home, 10-year high school reunion
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, medium burn, spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone in Brighton High School Reunion shared world, HEA
TW/CW: Available on author’s website.

[Devonne Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great quick read for anyone who enjoys the friends to lovers trope. Im not particularly fond of novellas as I like lots of details, backstories and all of that. But this was exceptionally done where it didn’t feel like it was a novella.

Devon and Kennedy’s story had me reading from beginning to end without stopping. Definitely a story that sucked me in and I had to read it through.

The author did a beautiful of job of incorporating certain moments from their past mixed in between the present. I think my favorite parts were the moments when these 2 recreated those past moments to makeup for their secrets. When you read, you will see what I’m referencing. You will adore these characters and their story.

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

M/F
Friends to lovers
One bed/bed sharing
Real life health diagnoses (not the main characters)

[Sylvia Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute friends to lovers book. Devon and Kennedy have been best friends since Kennedy moved to Brighton 17 years ago. They immediately hit it off, but as they got older they both started having romantic feelings for each other. Unfortunately they were both too scared to ruin a good thing and let the other slip away. Fast forward and the reunion is coming up. After being let go from her job, Kennedy winds up going to Brighton early and immediately things with Devon are different. He's testing the waters to see if she could possibly feel the way he does. I loved this couple and how absolutely sweet and perfect for each other they are. Their friendship is top tier and the fact that they fit so well together is the icing on the cake.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Brighton High School Reunion series, The Last Key hit every mark. Best friends Kennedy and Devon have had feelings for each other for a long time - close to a lifetime. They were so close that they were worried about spoiling their friendship if they told each other how they felt.

After putting it off for years, and several twists of fate, the two decide to see what some hard core flirting with one another will do. Sparks fly and they realize they have been silly to wait so long.

Love, sex, family and true friendship is amazing and makes this a great read. It's fun and endearing and I really enjoyed all of the characters and the story. I really liked this book a lot and look forward to more from this author!!

The Brighton High School Reunion series is so fun and I'm loving this journey.

[Brittany Grinstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!

This book is a true friends to lovers. Devon and Kennedy are best friends for 17 years (and in love with each other for that long) before they finally stopped being scared and made the move. One of my favorite parts of it is the witty banter and ruthless flirting! This is one of my favorite books that I’ve ready so far and will definitely be at the top of my 2025 list!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was her best friend. The boy next door. He was beautiful. He didn’t think she wanted him.

She was his best friend. The girl next door who lived camping, and soccer. She was beautiful. She didn’t think he wanted her.

Many years of friendship. Many years of wishing things were different. Many years of deciding friendship was more important than possibly ruining it by confessing feelings.

This story was very well done. Silly in parts. I’ve never been a huge fan of the happy tropes personally. But this book was very well written.

Ps. Justin and Jade story next?

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick romantic read with some spice, this one is for you!
The cutest couple and bestest of friends.
Now looking for my equivalent of Devon. 😅

[Amberly Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book so much!!! Devon and Kennedy’s sexual tension was🔥🥵! They’ve been best friends since they were 12 and have been secretly been in love with each other. With the reunion right around the corner and Kennedy looses her job so she decides to go back to Brighton early. Devon is so excited to have her staying with him and you could cut the sexual tension with a knife!! I loved the angst and their relationship so much. This is my favorite one so far and can’t wait for more!!

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO
Kennedy had lived across the hall from her two cousins Frannie and Hallie who were more like sisters since birth. You see, her mom was a blood sister to their mom, and her dad was a blood brother to their dad. They cried and hugged in a huddle until Kennedy’s mom pulled them apart, so they wouldn’t miss their airplane. Now she’s on the other side of the country in some suburb of San Francisco. Brighton. All because her dad got some dream job in San Francisco. “Hey, honey,” Dad says, walking out onto the back porch.

The floorboards creak beneath his feet. “What do you want?” “I found your soccer ball. I thought maybe you’d like to have it for the backyard. We finally have space for you to play at home.” “Yeah, but I have no one to play with, so it doesn’t really matter.” Rather than touch her soccer ball, she continues sitting on the back steps, elbows on her knees and chin resting on her hands. Leaves rustle through the trees bordering the back of their property. It’s so quiet here. And boring.

They're at the end of a dead-end road. Apple Lane. Growling, she grabs her soccer ball and runs for the back of the yard, drops the ball in front of her, and kicks it hard against the black chain-link fence. Clang. She chases after the ball and kicks it at the fence again. And again and again, taking out all her frustration on this stupid fence. Stupid, lonely, perfect yard. She kicks and kicks and kicks, letting out all her anger and pain. Tears stream down her cheeks, and she kicks harder, then drops to the ground, wiping her cheeks as she sniffles.

“Wow. You can really kick,” comes a voice from behind her. She turns and sees a gangly boy with curly blond hair and the greenest eyes she’d ever seen. “I’m Devon. I live next door,” he says softly. “Kennedy,” she sniffs. “Just moved in?” she nods. “Don’t want to be here?” “Nope. I left my home and my life and my cousins—they’re my best friends. Now I have to start all over. I’m angry. I’m lonely. And this just… sucks.” “Well, you can be angry, but you don’t have to be lonely.” Her eyes shift toward his. “No?” “Nope. I’ve been looking for a good best friend.

You seem nice enough. You like soccer. And you don’t mind crying in front of me, which means you don’t care about appearances like most girls in my school do.” He rolls his eyes. “Actually, how do you feel about camping?” He turns so she’s partially facing him. “I like camping. My dad and my uncle would take my cousins and me on a camping trip every summer. Tents. Not a camper.” “Yep. We can definitely be best friends.”
FOURTEEN YEARS AGO
“I didn’t think it was going to rain this much,” he says, looking up at the top of the tent, grateful he put on both the rain fly and a tarp.

“I know. Normally, I love the rain, but I’m freezing,” Kennedy says. She’s in her sleeping bag but still shivering. “Come here,” he says, unzipping the side of his sleeping bag. “Bring yours with you. No wonder she’s freezing. She’s wearing the skimpiest little sleep shorts ever seen. Crap. He can barely control his hard-ons on good days. Forget on bad ones with Kennedy. Now she’s in tiny shorts. And snuggling against him. Crap. Crap. Crap.”

PRESENT
She was let go from her job, and now she must rethink her future.
Two weeks with her best friend, Devon, instead of four days? Hell yes. That’s it. Decision made.
Without another thought, She grabs her phone off the table in front of her, opens her travel app, and books a red eye to San Francisco for that night. “Oh, she’s got that look in her eye,” Frannie says. “The watch-out world look,” Hallie says, amused. “What were you doing just now?” “Ooh, gonna go see the hot bestie early?”

Hardy asks. “Right. Back to the point. Are you finally going to jump Devon’s bones?” Hallie asks, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. “Or even mention how you feel about him?” Frannie asks innocently. They all know she has feelings for Devon, but she put them away a long time ago. As soon as she realized every girl in school wanted him, and he could have whoever he wanted, she put him in the friend zone, unwilling to risk a rejection from him that could destroy their friendship. See if she takes that first step or does he?
And is it reciprocated? Such a good book, and fun seeing how their friends help them along.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dual POV🗝️Best Friends to Lovers🗝️Cinnamon Roll MMC🗝️Book Loving FMC🗝️Banter🗝️Spicy🗝️

I’m definitely firmly in a friends to lovers era right now! This is a short, sweet and spicy novella from Bethany Monaco Smith. It is a stand-alone but part of a shared world - Brighton High School Reunion. There are also crossover references to some of Bethany’s other novels, but you don’t need to have read those first. It’s just nice to get glimpses of characters I already know and love along the way.

Devon and Kennedy have been best friends since high school. Ten years later and living on opposite sides of the country they take the chance to meet up again for their high school reunion. Neither one has ever pursued their feelings for the other as they don’t want to risk losing their friendship. But sometimes the risk is worth it!

Devon is swoon worthy, steamy, and dominant. Kennedy is feeling lost after being made redundant again, so returning to her best friends arms while she figures out what she wants next feels like the right thing to do. Her love language is physical touch, she’s a lover of romance novels and a real people person. Devon knows exactly what she needs!

I connected with these two characters right away and was rooting for them. They really brought out the best in each other. Their flirty banter and teasing was top notch.

The term “singing in the shower” will never be the same after reading this book! IYKYK!

As a side note I appreciated the representation of some physical difficulties that Devon’s parents experience. I already knew that Bethany could write about mental health struggles perfectly and now I feel the same way about how she writes physical health struggles.

I zipped through this in pretty much one sitting, and it would serve as a great palate cleanser between other books.

[Gemma Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 of the shared World of Brighton High School Reunion.

Best friends turned lovers
🔥🔥

Her dad got his dream job and shifted the whole family from Manhattan to Brighton. She left her cousins behind her best friends so what was she going to do now. Then she meets the next door neighbour a boy with curly brown hair and the greenest eyes - in that moment they bound over her live of football, camping and not being ‘a girl’.

As they grow up they had so many opportunities thrown at them but there was always something that stopped Devin and Kennedy, it just wasn’t there time.

Kennedy loses her job and decides to come back to Brighton for their high school reunion early and spend some time with her bff. What happens when Devon and Kennedy spend time together, nothing they haven’t done before, sharing a bed for her whole trip. They continuously flirt, their friend Justin tries to push them together more.

But where is home for Kennedy now, what does she really want, can she put herself out there for what she really wants her best friend Devon or will it ruin what they already have.

Will Devon finally make his move on his one true love.

Loved this story, a really nice feel good story with the right amount of 🔥🔥🔥 - ‘singing in the shower’ solo and together.

[Book Nerdy 2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE LAST KEY By Bethany Monaco Smith

From the moment Kennedy Baker moved in next door to me in middle school, she’s been my best friend. After a failed attempt at a kiss in eighth grade, nothing has ever happened between us. We’ve never come close to crossing that line. But since I moved back home—and away from Kennedy—two years ago, my feelings for her have only grown.
When she shows up at my door two weeks ahead of schedule because she needs me, I decide to test the waters and see if fate is finally pulling us together after all these years.

😊What i liked -

✔ Forced Proximity/Small Town/Friends To Lovers.
✔ The flirting and the singing in the shower that was happening was next level epic.
✔ The ease Devon and Kennedy shared was really heartwarming.
✔ Justin was the cutest.
✔ Quick heartwarming, bantery, flirty, spicy with the cutest HEA.
.
🤔What could have been better -

✔ nope nothing nada.

📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
🏡Small Town Romance
💕Friends To Lovers Romance

📈My Rating : 4.5/5

Thank You, Bethany Monaco Smith ,for a copy.

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Key is book four in the Brighton High School Reunion series by Bethany Monaco Smith.

💜 high school best friends
💜 forced proximity
💜 hidden feelings
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice

Kennedy is living in New York with her cousin as a room mate. Working as a journalist has always been her dream and right now her boss is firing her. Not because she wasn’t a good writer, but because she didn’t present herself the way he wanted. Pig. Well she was going to go back to Brighton next week for her high school reunion. Why not go now? Especially when she can spend more time with her lifelong friend, Devon. Yes the same Devon she’s had feeling for forever. She just didn’t know if her feels the same. Will going back help them realize their feelings? Will she be able to get another journalism job? Will the Reunion be fun?

This was a sweet story between Devon and Kennedy. I also enjoyed all of the side characters that were brought into the storyline as well. This is a fun addition to the series. I can’t wait to see who else will be written about.

[Sheree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next instalment in the Brighton High School Reunion books is an adorably sweet best friends to lovers story. Devon and Kennedy have been best friends since middle school and over the years they fell in love with each other. However, neither were brave enough to risk their friendship by admitting their feelings. Kennedy’s life has taken a blow and she decided to run to the person she needed most, using attending the reunion as an excuse. Devon has decided that now is the time to find out whether they can become a couple. What follows is a lovely story of two friends finding their way to their happy ever after.

This was my first book by this author, but I am looking forward to reading more by them. It takes skill to develop well-rounded characters and share adequate backstory in a short book, and it was done well in this book. I enjoyed the moments from before and the current experiences, especially learning/feeling the emotions. I would love to see more of where they end up – maybe a bonus story or epilogue?!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nilda Parra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was left absolutely speechless with how much I love this look! Not just because I love friends to lovers books but also because of how well written the storyline and characters were. I totally fell in love with Kennedy and Devon. The flashbacks included not only helped build the foundation to their story but also helped the reader really get a grasp of their character and personalities.
*Spoilers*
Kennedy and Devon met years ago when Kennedys parents moved her to Brighton for her fathers job. While at first she was upset about leaving her friends, soon she met Devon and they became best friends. Now 2 weeks before their high school reunion Kennedy gets fired and what better place to think about her next steps then with her best friend. Thing is, they have always liked each other but didn’t want to act on it because they feared rejection or loosing their friendship.
Can they get past their fears and possibly gain the best relationship, or will they loose the one person in the world who feels like home?

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing*Perfect*Romantic* and so much more

Bethany is the queen of Friends to Lovers trope! This book is definitely in my favorites. Devon and Kennedy are definitely meant to be. They are for each other since that first day in the backyard. I love how years past and they are both pinning for each other in secret, a secret just for them because all the world know about that lol. I love how they are there to support, comfort and love each other. This book is fantastic I really enjoy reading their love story. Devon is *sigh* the most amazing friend/boyfriend/son. And Kend, she is amazing too, the last key was just what she need to be happier than ever. You are going to swoon, and get all flushed too. It was all really really good!!! Devon is definitely book boyfriend material (melting emoji). I love this friends to lovers so much, but I really love this author stories. Congratulations Bethany in another perfect couple.

I need this paperback in my collection. And I’m definitely doing those breakfast sandwiches with my husband (wink emoji)

[Alanys Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this couple for weeks now! And the author did NOT DISAPPOINT!!
This is the fourth installment of the Brighton Highschool Reunion series. We are presented with Devon and Kennedy’s beautiful friends-to-lovers story. To start of Devin and Kennedy have been friends since middle school and both developed a cute crush on each other bit neither had the confidence (in my opinion the balls 😂) to confess to one another in fear of ruining their beautiful friendship.
Was extremely glad that Claire made an appearance and was a bit disappointed that Dawson didn’t (which confused me a bit since Claire opened her shop there).
Truly loved how Kennedy finally chose her happiness and called Devon out on his self-sacrifice (Justin was the first to call him out with good reason too). Hope we get to see an epilogue where we get to see their children (if they get the chance to have any).

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the next book up in the Brighton High School Reunion Series and honestly it did not disappoint! We already got to meet Kennedy and Devon in Book 1 but as a bonus we got to see plenty of Claire make appearances throughout the book. Now these two were best friends growing up who ending up being in love but never acted on it not wanting to destroy the friendship. I mean I get that totally. However everyone around them can see the way these two just look at each other and know they belong together. What made this book so fun was seeing the build up and the game of who can take flirting too far before the other admits they have feelings. I mean at one point Devon just flat out tells her he wants to F her on the kitchen counter LOL. Now if that doesn’t mess with a girls head when she’s already unsure of how a guy she’s in love with feels then I don’t know. But I loved this book and I didn’t put it down once. I finished it in one go and ignored all my adult responsibilities.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers is my all-time favourite trope and Ms. Monaco Smith delivers just that with The Last Key. Here she gives us the story of two people who became friends by chance when Kennedy moves in next door to Devon. The instant connection that they had lasted for years but the connection was more than just friends. After spending years fighting the attraction they had for one another it all comes to a head when Kennedy loses her job and decides to go back home early for their high school reunion. Staying with Devon has the two of them flirting and this has the sexual tension so thick that you could cut it with a knife. A slip of the tongue, or was it, has them acting on what they have been fighting for all these years.
Ms. Monaco Smith writes a beautiful story that is intriguing, steamy and such a joy to read. This steamy, full of banter friends to lovers romance is definitely one to pick up.

[Colleen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 Small Town + 2 Best Friends = A Fantastic Friends-to-Lovers Trope by Bethany Monaco Smith.
Devon and Kennedy were meant to be together from the very beginning. Everyone knew it but them. After being let go from her job, Kennedy decides to book a trip to her Happy Place. She discovers that her old hometown is the place she wants to be, needs to be, and is meant to be.
Devon is more than happy that Kennedy is back in town. Although they’ve lived miles apart, their friendship has never wavered. Now that she’s here, he’s ready to explore their friendship by blurring the lines. When Kennedy doesn’t shy away from his touches or flirtatious comments, he goes all in and is surprised she’s felt the same way.
I loved how everyone around Devon and Kennedy knew how they felt about each other and encouraged it. Although it took many years, they both got their Happily Ever After.
I also loved Gladys’s quote, “It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are”. It’s so insightful.

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Last Key” is a best friends to lovers romance you’ll definitely not want to miss!!! I loved Devon and Kennedy’s love story, I thought it was a long time coming, because they were the only two people who didn’t know they had feelings for each other. I loved all the banter, the flirting, and the spicy scenes that I always get from a Bethany Monaco Smith book, as well. Devon was so sweet and charming; I loved the way he took care of his parents and how devoted he was to the people he cared about. As for Kennedy, I loved how smart and sassy she was. My favorite side character was Justin, Devon and Kennedy’s best friend from college who came down to Brighton to visit them - he was so flipping funny! All in all, I would highly recommend this book if you want a spicy best friends to lovers romantic comedy.

[Heather Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great romance by this author I am so glad I found!

I'm not big fan of friends to lovers trope but this author just knows how to write this trope well. I loved every minute of Devon and Kennedy's love story. They have been best friends for 17 years that have had feelings for each other since the beginning of their friendship. However, they didn't want to act on those feelings for fear of losing their friendship. Which I get that.

The banter and life-long friendship that Devon and Kennedy have was so amazing! When they finally let go of their fears, watch out! Their attraction and the flirting was so good. Add in the spice and it was so hot! I love how sweet and dirty Devon can be with Kennedy. And Kennedy, I felt she was a strong heroine who went after what she wanted in her career and her personal life.

I definitely recommend this!

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Best friends to lovers book is perfection! Kennedy and Devon have wanted each other since they were teens, but thought the other wouldn't want them in return so they never acted on their feelings. Years later, Kennedy comes back to town for their High School reunion and when they start some flirting and bothe decide to lay it all out and see what happens.
I loved that when they finally admit the feeling they have, they are all in and that there was no big drama, angst, third party stuff that tear them apart. They have real life circumstances and decisions they have to go through and figure out what is most important to themselves and each other.
It's a standalone, but part of the Brighton High School Reunion series. I haven't read the others in this series - yet. If this book is the type of quality reading to be expected, I'll be grabbing the rest of the series asap.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure if this is considered a novella or just a short book, but it had plenty of time for me to get to know Kennedy and Devon and root for them. They’ve been friends since they were children, they’ve both always fancied each other but were too afraid to try for more than being the great friends they are. One of the things I like about the books from Bethany, is they are more than just the romance. It usually brings in family and friends and makes that a piece of the story too. There is growth in the characters in their lives and personally.

I really feel for Devon and dealing with his parents. I love that this book didn’t shy away from feelings and that the characters were still figuring themselves out. So feelings about life, family, friends and love had me not wanting to put this one down.

[Laura Carter-Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon and Kennedy have been best friends for seventeen years. They hit it off immediately after meeting, but it wasn’t until they got older that their feelings slowly became less platonic and more romantic. Neither wanted to risk the friendship they had built, so kept their feelings to themselves. When their reunion is just around the corner, Kennedy heads to Brighton early and reconnects with Devon. But things between them have changed. The attraction between them is intense, and Devon decides to test the waters, not wanting to let Kennedy slip through his fingers again. Can Kennedy let her insecurities go, and embrace what could be a bright future with Devon? Or will she build the walls back around her heart and let him slip through her fingers?

[Shani (Bttrflymama88) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Key by Bethany Monaco Smith

Kennedy & Devon 💗

Bethany did it again! Like usual! Another amazing book!

I mean best friends to lovers, one bed, Flirty banter, hidden feelings, all that tension & a whole lot of singing!!

I absolutely loved these two!! I loved their friendship first and I loved their growth! Both in themselves and in their relationship! That push and push. The way they tested the boundaries and pushed the line! This was super fun, super flirty and just the book you need if you're trying to get out of a funk! And once they got it together and on the same page we got all that spice! A few minor speed bumps in their relationship but overall a super light fun read! Absolutely loved Devon & Kennedy 💗