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To Lagos for Love: A Friends-to-Lovers Romance
When you’re pining from afar, distance can be just an illusion.
Laura Ross doesn’t know what circle of hell she’s in, but it’s torture. Because somewhere between business meetings and late-night laughter, and somewhere in the midst of her boss, Natasha Ainsworth, transforming her into a successful luxury real estate agent, Laura fell. Hard.
Confessing her feelings could break the most meaningful friendship of her life. So Laura swallows them down, wears a smile, and politely declines Natasha’s yearly invitation to her annual getaway in Portugal. The temptation to go one comment or one touch further would be too great.
Natasha is considering a permanent move to Portugal, telling herself she’s ready for a slower pace of life, better weather, and a fresh start. But the truth is, it’s Laura. Or more accurately, it’s everything Natasha can’t say to her. The feelings that build every time Laura smiles, and the words she’s terrified will escape her lips and ruin Want. Need. Love.
And then, after years of refusals, Laura shows up on the doorstep of Natasha’s clifftop villa, suitcase in hand.
Can time alone beneath the Portuguese sun unlock the dream of a future they both thought impossible? Or will secrets and long-held fears unravel it all before it’s even begun?
Laura Ross doesn’t know what circle of hell she’s in, but it’s torture. Because somewhere between business meetings and late-night laughter, and somewhere in the midst of her boss, Natasha Ainsworth, transforming her into a successful luxury real estate agent, Laura fell. Hard.
Confessing her feelings could break the most meaningful friendship of her life. So Laura swallows them down, wears a smile, and politely declines Natasha’s yearly invitation to her annual getaway in Portugal. The temptation to go one comment or one touch further would be too great.
Natasha is considering a permanent move to Portugal, telling herself she’s ready for a slower pace of life, better weather, and a fresh start. But the truth is, it’s Laura. Or more accurately, it’s everything Natasha can’t say to her. The feelings that build every time Laura smiles, and the words she’s terrified will escape her lips and ruin Want. Need. Love.
And then, after years of refusals, Laura shows up on the doorstep of Natasha’s clifftop villa, suitcase in hand.
Can time alone beneath the Portuguese sun unlock the dream of a future they both thought impossible? Or will secrets and long-held fears unravel it all before it’s even begun?
- GenresFriends To LoversRomance
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2025
About the author
Melissa Tereze
44 books790 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 23, 2026
slow burn
August 30, 2025
repetitive
Seemed like from the moment they admitted their feelings for each other, they kept saying the same thing over, and over, and over. There was no growth after that. Just fumbling and awkwardness. This is very unusual with this author.
Seemed like from the moment they admitted their feelings for each other, they kept saying the same thing over, and over, and over. There was no growth after that. Just fumbling and awkwardness. This is very unusual with this author.
August 27, 2025
OMG! Melissa Tereze does it again! Natasha has a fabulous realty business,selling multimillion dollar mansions, and estates. Her prodigy is Laura who is just as good as Natasha in selling properties. They each have a secret, they're in love with one another. But Laura thinks Natasha, who is older and divorced,is straight.
When Natasha takes a vacation to her property in Lagos, Portugal, she invites Laura (as she has invited her in the past). Laura finally says yes.
When Laura finds out a secret about Natasha, things change between them. They get closer!
This is another beautiful age gap, HOT, love story! A FAVORITE!! I LOVE THIS BOOK! 5 stars!!
When Natasha takes a vacation to her property in Lagos, Portugal, she invites Laura (as she has invited her in the past). Laura finally says yes.
When Laura finds out a secret about Natasha, things change between them. They get closer!
This is another beautiful age gap, HOT, love story! A FAVORITE!! I LOVE THIS BOOK! 5 stars!!
September 22, 2025
Sweet and lighthearted
Another banger from Melissa. This was very low angst and just a really sweet friends to lovers story. And it makes me want to take a trip to Portugal!
Another banger from Melissa. This was very low angst and just a really sweet friends to lovers story. And it makes me want to take a trip to Portugal!
August 22, 2025
Natasha & Laura Loved Them! Lagos Portugal Love It! Melissa Tereze Love Her!
There was so much to love with this book. The writing was superb. It had heart, it had depth and it had promise. The main characters, Natasha & Laura. How hard life is when you are so in love with someone that must be kept inside. To be with said person almost everyday but unable to speak the truth. It is one thing when you work with your hard crush, it is another when that person is your best friend that you love with all your heart. Things change after Laura suffers another breakup and Natasha has already left for her annual vacation in Lagos Portugal. When she once again extends the invitation to join her at her villa, Laura decides to take her up on it. She has convinced herself that it is only two weeks and she could put her heart away while there. But she is not the only one who is having trouble controlling her own emotions, Natasha is having an extremely hard time of it until they run into her fling. Cat who was trying to hit on Laura, drops that attempt once she sees Laura’s best friend for the chartered boat ride Laura reserved is Natasha, she hasn’t seen nor heard from for years. What truths come out affects all three women. This story was about loyalty, about sacrifices made for the love of friendship and ultimately the decision to address the elephant in the room. I love this book. Melissa Tereze just keeps getting better and her experiences being in Lagos Portugal comes through in this book. Now I need to go and see for myself.
There was so much to love with this book. The writing was superb. It had heart, it had depth and it had promise. The main characters, Natasha & Laura. How hard life is when you are so in love with someone that must be kept inside. To be with said person almost everyday but unable to speak the truth. It is one thing when you work with your hard crush, it is another when that person is your best friend that you love with all your heart. Things change after Laura suffers another breakup and Natasha has already left for her annual vacation in Lagos Portugal. When she once again extends the invitation to join her at her villa, Laura decides to take her up on it. She has convinced herself that it is only two weeks and she could put her heart away while there. But she is not the only one who is having trouble controlling her own emotions, Natasha is having an extremely hard time of it until they run into her fling. Cat who was trying to hit on Laura, drops that attempt once she sees Laura’s best friend for the chartered boat ride Laura reserved is Natasha, she hasn’t seen nor heard from for years. What truths come out affects all three women. This story was about loyalty, about sacrifices made for the love of friendship and ultimately the decision to address the elephant in the room. I love this book. Melissa Tereze just keeps getting better and her experiences being in Lagos Portugal comes through in this book. Now I need to go and see for myself.
August 14, 2025
I knew this book would transport me to the beautiful Algarve, Portugal,
so I just relaxed in my favorite spot and enjoyed this wonderful romance.
I just couldn't put it down! I also knew there wouldn't be a breakup or anything in the third act, but there was still a bit of tension and a hint of jealousy, which added a nice spice to the whole stoty, and it definitely wasn't boring!
Quite the opposite! Lauren and Natasha's love story is just as exciting as any other love story in Melissa Tereze's books.
Even though they're already best friends, they've hidden a lot and definitely kept their feelings for each other to themselves.
Neither of them can imagine anything other than friendship developing into anything else.
Because that's just wishful thinking, right?!
Summer, sun and the breathtaking landscape of Lagos in the Algarve lead to a very beautiful, light and touching love story
Thanks so much for this ARC and another beautiful book!
so I just relaxed in my favorite spot and enjoyed this wonderful romance.
I just couldn't put it down! I also knew there wouldn't be a breakup or anything in the third act, but there was still a bit of tension and a hint of jealousy, which added a nice spice to the whole stoty, and it definitely wasn't boring!
Quite the opposite! Lauren and Natasha's love story is just as exciting as any other love story in Melissa Tereze's books.
Even though they're already best friends, they've hidden a lot and definitely kept their feelings for each other to themselves.
Neither of them can imagine anything other than friendship developing into anything else.
Because that's just wishful thinking, right?!
Summer, sun and the breathtaking landscape of Lagos in the Algarve lead to a very beautiful, light and touching love story
Thanks so much for this ARC and another beautiful book!
August 28, 2025
Omg how do I put into word how much I loved this book!!
When I knew this book was gonna be a Portugal age gap romance, I knew I had to read it! This booked checked off every box for me, I love that it was a friends to lovers romance, about two best friends who have been secretly in love with each other for years, and Natasha only ever being with one woman ever many years before for like a week fling , but in her heart she knew she had always wanted her best friend Laura. I love that this book didn’t put them together straight off the bat, I love the slow burn feeling, and the build up of taking their long friendship to the next level and crossing the bridge into lovers. Also why I loved this book was because in the next year or 2 my fiancé and I are planning to move to Portugal, and I may be feeling Lagos now after reading this story, and i sure would go to Lagos for love. Thank you Melissa for another fantastic read, can’t wait for the next one. :)
When I knew this book was gonna be a Portugal age gap romance, I knew I had to read it! This booked checked off every box for me, I love that it was a friends to lovers romance, about two best friends who have been secretly in love with each other for years, and Natasha only ever being with one woman ever many years before for like a week fling , but in her heart she knew she had always wanted her best friend Laura. I love that this book didn’t put them together straight off the bat, I love the slow burn feeling, and the build up of taking their long friendship to the next level and crossing the bridge into lovers. Also why I loved this book was because in the next year or 2 my fiancé and I are planning to move to Portugal, and I may be feeling Lagos now after reading this story, and i sure would go to Lagos for love. Thank you Melissa for another fantastic read, can’t wait for the next one. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
Both Natasha and Laura have feelings for each other, but both don't want to risk their friendship. But when Laura gets dumped, Natasha invites her to join her on vacation.
Natasha is also considering semi-retiring, which bothers Laura as she won't see her as much. As both pine over each other, Laura learns Natasha had a affair there... with a woman.
Bit of a slog. For the first 1/3 of the book they just pine for each other and don't talk. I wanted to bang their heads together. Which is weird as I usually like slow burns.
3 out of 5. The end half was good.
(Also the font choice for 'Lagos' makes me keep reading it as LEGOS. Oops.)
Natasha is also considering semi-retiring, which bothers Laura as she won't see her as much. As both pine over each other, Laura learns Natasha had a affair there... with a woman.
Bit of a slog. For the first 1/3 of the book they just pine for each other and don't talk. I wanted to bang their heads together. Which is weird as I usually like slow burns.
3 out of 5. The end half was good.
(Also the font choice for 'Lagos' makes me keep reading it as LEGOS. Oops.)
April 21, 2026
This audiobook was soooo amazing! Whenever you have Melissa and Walsh together they cut up, they show off, they will definitely always have you clutching your invisible sapphic pearls everytime! This storyline and it's MCs were alluring, captivating, witty and annoying all at the same time. Melissa Tereze you have a gift of storytelling that just makes my little sapphic heart beam with pride after I listen to your words. I will definitely have to re-listen again and revisit this masterpiece very soon. I recommend everyone read/listen like right now forget about your 1 mil TBR list this has to be your next experience! 10s across the board!
August 29, 2025
I am a M Tereze fan, loved most of her books. This one to me was a disappointment. I understand it's a love story to Lagos - but the actual love story between the two MC's is kinda boring. OK, so they secretly pined for each other for ages - being best friends and all and not wanting to loose that relationship. But when they finally fess-up the story becomes oh so repetitive. I read to about 75%, not waiting for the 3rd act misunderstanding/split up/ make up (which usually happens in these type of stories) - I just did not care if they stayed together or not.
April 14, 2026
So satisfying and real
I liked both main characters and their relationship. This was a very satisfying read. I even really liked the ending. So many times, the endings let me down, but not in this book. The writing is really good. I only caught 15 errors. I would say this isn't maybe the most deep book in terms of character development, but we did really get to know them. They had the best chemistry. You could see the foundation of their friendship. I had only read one other book by this author and wasn't impressed, but it was an earlier title.
I liked both main characters and their relationship. This was a very satisfying read. I even really liked the ending. So many times, the endings let me down, but not in this book. The writing is really good. I only caught 15 errors. I would say this isn't maybe the most deep book in terms of character development, but we did really get to know them. They had the best chemistry. You could see the foundation of their friendship. I had only read one other book by this author and wasn't impressed, but it was an earlier title.
August 19, 2025
I was ready for a good book and this one did not disappoint. This story had what a lot of us have gone through, falling for out best friend. Will she or won't she reciprocate those feelings, the angst is real. Will she or won't she if I ever get the guts to tell her? I don't want to ruin the story for those who are reading about Laura and Natasha. We will just say it is well worth the money to buy the book.
August 27, 2025
What a story!
Natasha and Laura are so good together. Taking that step from friends to more is a scary one, sometimes it goes better than you ever imagined.
The setting is beautiful, the story is incredibly sweet, even though they are a fictional couple, I hope MT doesn’t put them through the wringer if future books are on the horizon.
I’ll admit, this one did bring back memories, just in reverse…
Take that risk, it just might change your life!
Natasha and Laura are so good together. Taking that step from friends to more is a scary one, sometimes it goes better than you ever imagined.
The setting is beautiful, the story is incredibly sweet, even though they are a fictional couple, I hope MT doesn’t put them through the wringer if future books are on the horizon.
I’ll admit, this one did bring back memories, just in reverse…
Take that risk, it just might change your life!
September 9, 2025
Beautiful but repetitive!
I enjoyed the story of two best friends, Natasha and Laura, luxury property agents in England then Portugal. They actually realized they were in love early on. Going from best friends to lovers is tricky to write. While their emotions were well-written, it often felt repetitive. Their friendship was truly special and the scenery appeared breathtaking. Heck, I'd like to visit that villa!
I enjoyed the story of two best friends, Natasha and Laura, luxury property agents in England then Portugal. They actually realized they were in love early on. Going from best friends to lovers is tricky to write. While their emotions were well-written, it often felt repetitive. Their friendship was truly special and the scenery appeared breathtaking. Heck, I'd like to visit that villa!
August 19, 2025
Another fantastic book by Melissa Terese. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled so hard I thought my face would crack. This book was absolutely divine and I really wish I could read it again for the first time.
The pining between the characters was really well done and easily felt. And when they finally admit it all...well, it's just even more delicious from then on.
The pining between the characters was really well done and easily felt. And when they finally admit it all...well, it's just even more delicious from then on.
February 10, 2026
Good book
A friend to lovers book. Melissa did an amazing job with each MC. She captured both their thoughts when when Natasha or Laura was talking to each other, how they wanted to be together but each refused to say something in fear of losing each other friendship. Then it continue with the what it's after they get together. A wonderful story line to read.
A friend to lovers book. Melissa did an amazing job with each MC. She captured both their thoughts when when Natasha or Laura was talking to each other, how they wanted to be together but each refused to say something in fear of losing each other friendship. Then it continue with the what it's after they get together. A wonderful story line to read.
August 16, 2025
What a beautifully sunny book. A friends to lovers story that was perfectly written. The tension between Natasha and Laura is palpable throughout the book and I loved reading how they navigated their change in relationship.
August 26, 2025
Wow what a phenomenal story I loved the main characters their connection was embedded beautifully throughout but their individual struggles were described with so much depth giving you front row seats into their world ,I couldn't put it down definitely must read congratulations
September 2, 2025
beautiful
Pages filled with courage and passion that leads to a happily ever after. After taking the leap of faith to living an authentic life with the one that truly fills your heart.
Pages filled with courage and passion that leads to a happily ever after. After taking the leap of faith to living an authentic life with the one that truly fills your heart.
September 11, 2025
Another amazing book
Another amazing book by an amazing author. It was lighthearted and beautiful. Seeing the two MCs finally admit what they were feeling and seeing them build their life together was so sweet. Great job !!
Another amazing book by an amazing author. It was lighthearted and beautiful. Seeing the two MCs finally admit what they were feeling and seeing them build their life together was so sweet. Great job !!
November 6, 2025
DNF ~45%.
I’m all for friends to lovers and years of pining, however, this book fell incredibly short of encapsulating a true story. MC’s were boring and too predictable. I thought it would get drawn out longer but it was just stupid miscommunication after another.
I’m all for friends to lovers and years of pining, however, this book fell incredibly short of encapsulating a true story. MC’s were boring and too predictable. I thought it would get drawn out longer but it was just stupid miscommunication after another.
August 24, 2025
3.5⭐️
August 30, 2025
A friends to lovers story in the classic Melissa Tereze style, throughly enjoyed it.
September 10, 2025
OMG, this book was so good. I loved it, I couldn't read it fast enough but then I didn't want it to end. It has all the feels and everything I love in a good book. Great job!
October 3, 2025
Really enjoyed the relatable MCs. Found myself thinking about the story while running errands.
August 28, 2025
Wonderful
All of her books are amazing, but this one was breathtaking. Such an amazing love story between best friends and the Portuguese sun.
All of her books are amazing, but this one was breathtaking. Such an amazing love story between best friends and the Portuguese sun.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews