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Different with Us: A Friends to Lovers Romance
Grai Harlowe
The love I had for my children’s father faded a long time ago. I didn’t stay for him, but because I was a high-school dropout who truly believed he was the best I could do. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When he kicks me and my kids out with nowhere to go, there’s only one place left to the home of the man who’s always been more than a friend. Lyrix has been my safe place, my support, and my soul mate in every sense of the word. He shows up every time I call, no questions asked. But now that we’re under the same roof, the lines I’ve drawn to protect our friendship are starting to blur into a beautiful portrait with the golden, magnetic hues of forever.
Lyrix “Poppa” Mercer
There’s no limit to the love I have for Grai and her boys. I was there for their first breaths, their first steps, their first lost teeth. Grai has been the one constant in my life, serving as not only my best friend but my heart. I’ve always seen the possibility of forever in her, but she stayed loyal to a man who never deserved her . . . until fate forced her hand. Now they’re living in my house, and the dream I’ve quietly held for years of being a real family is starting to feel dangerously close. But then I kissed her. Tasted her. Claimed what was never supposed to be mine. And now? Nothing is safe. Not our friendship. Not my heart. Because if I lose Grai, I lose everything.
The love I had for my children’s father faded a long time ago. I didn’t stay for him, but because I was a high-school dropout who truly believed he was the best I could do. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When he kicks me and my kids out with nowhere to go, there’s only one place left to the home of the man who’s always been more than a friend. Lyrix has been my safe place, my support, and my soul mate in every sense of the word. He shows up every time I call, no questions asked. But now that we’re under the same roof, the lines I’ve drawn to protect our friendship are starting to blur into a beautiful portrait with the golden, magnetic hues of forever.
Lyrix “Poppa” Mercer
There’s no limit to the love I have for Grai and her boys. I was there for their first breaths, their first steps, their first lost teeth. Grai has been the one constant in my life, serving as not only my best friend but my heart. I’ve always seen the possibility of forever in her, but she stayed loyal to a man who never deserved her . . . until fate forced her hand. Now they’re living in my house, and the dream I’ve quietly held for years of being a real family is starting to feel dangerously close. But then I kissed her. Tasted her. Claimed what was never supposed to be mine. And now? Nothing is safe. Not our friendship. Not my heart. Because if I lose Grai, I lose everything.
- GenresFriends To Lovers
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2025
117 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 19, 2025
I found this book scrolling on Tiktok. LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING!! It was a really good read! This author is new to me, but I am definitely open to reading more from here.
One of my favorite tropes is friends to lovers, but I definitely hated that it was SO long & SO much bullshit between them before Grai gave Lyrix the chance that they deserved. He loved those boys so much he called them his and was there for them more than that damn daddy!
This book gave the MC's their HEA's though so I couldn't be happier. Lyrix was the one that had been under her nose the entire time and they BOTH knew it. Chile... the timeline was fast and slow at the same time (I don't know how to explain it lol). Like, it went from days to like weeks & then it as like, Winter to Spring & BOOM we're at Christmas lol. However, I was also happy that it wasn't being dragged out like we've seen in other books. Would love to see another book with them.
One of my favorite tropes is friends to lovers, but I definitely hated that it was SO long & SO much bullshit between them before Grai gave Lyrix the chance that they deserved. He loved those boys so much he called them his and was there for them more than that damn daddy!
This book gave the MC's their HEA's though so I couldn't be happier. Lyrix was the one that had been under her nose the entire time and they BOTH knew it. Chile... the timeline was fast and slow at the same time (I don't know how to explain it lol). Like, it went from days to like weeks & then it as like, Winter to Spring & BOOM we're at Christmas lol. However, I was also happy that it wasn't being dragged out like we've seen in other books. Would love to see another book with them.
January 15, 2026
Poppa and Grai!!
Lyrix (Poppa) and Grai (Bubbles) have been friends since the second grade and have remained close since that time. This was a very good heart-warming book that just made me feel happy the whole time that I was reading it. Poppa didn't play about his Bubbles and his sons. He didn't care who he had to protect them against. I loved how he got Grai's mother all the way straight. I really, really disliked Grai's ex, Drey. He was foul for his behavior at her job and for the things he said and did. I had to laugh when I read the scene at the hospital when Grai was thinking that Drey was going to need their help after Poppa got finished with him. 😂 Beautifully written friends to lovers book that showed how 20 years of friendship between Poppa and Grai developed into them becoming soulmates in the end. Great job!!
Lyrix (Poppa) and Grai (Bubbles) have been friends since the second grade and have remained close since that time. This was a very good heart-warming book that just made me feel happy the whole time that I was reading it. Poppa didn't play about his Bubbles and his sons. He didn't care who he had to protect them against. I loved how he got Grai's mother all the way straight. I really, really disliked Grai's ex, Drey. He was foul for his behavior at her job and for the things he said and did. I had to laugh when I read the scene at the hospital when Grai was thinking that Drey was going to need their help after Poppa got finished with him. 😂 Beautifully written friends to lovers book that showed how 20 years of friendship between Poppa and Grai developed into them becoming soulmates in the end. Great job!!
December 17, 2025
I always love a friends to lover story when they’re pretty much already in a relationship and everyone but them can see that they’re end game 🤣. Grai’s BD was trash but little did they all know, his actions would set her happily ever after in motion. I love how supportive, protective, and attentive Lyrix was not just to Grai but to her sons as well. He didn’t hesitate to let anyone know that he’d burn it all down behind those 3. There was a nice smidgen of drama that wrapped up pretty quickly and left room for us to settle into witnessing their blossoming romance. Lyrix definitely was a loverboy and I loved that for her. Overall the story had likeable characters, decent banter, and good pacing.
January 18, 2026
If I was your best friend…
What a beautiful story! And yes, I cried at the end, so 🥹
Poppa is another one of my favorite characters. I was on his team as soon as he called them “his”. 😭
Grai was a sweetheart for real. I wasn’t too fond of her mother though. How you a hater!?
That baby daddy of hers was a real piece of work and I wasn’t too fond glad he disappeared from the storyline.
That hospital scene… If you only want that oath you take to apply to those that look like you, do not work in a public hospital. I wasn’t too fond so upset about that part. No woman should ever feel like that bringing life into the world. 💔💔
Okay, now, back to this very cute love story. I loved their friendship. I also love that they didn’t lose it.
What a beautiful story! And yes, I cried at the end, so 🥹
Poppa is another one of my favorite characters. I was on his team as soon as he called them “his”. 😭
Grai was a sweetheart for real. I wasn’t too fond of her mother though. How you a hater!?
That baby daddy of hers was a real piece of work and I wasn’t too fond glad he disappeared from the storyline.
That hospital scene… If you only want that oath you take to apply to those that look like you, do not work in a public hospital. I wasn’t too fond so upset about that part. No woman should ever feel like that bringing life into the world. 💔💔
Okay, now, back to this very cute love story. I loved their friendship. I also love that they didn’t lose it.
December 26, 2025
I pray that every woman finds a man like Lyrix!
Grai & Lyrix were meant to be. From childhood besties to marriage. Their little family is complete now with baby girl.
I hope her ex is having the life he deserves.
I hope the racist staff at the hospital is fired. I’m so happy medical racism was mentioned in the book because so many black women deal with this. White women in the healthcare field are a threat for black women. I love that Lyrix spoke up immediately!
Grai & Lyrix were meant to be. From childhood besties to marriage. Their little family is complete now with baby girl.
I hope her ex is having the life he deserves.
I hope the racist staff at the hospital is fired. I’m so happy medical racism was mentioned in the book because so many black women deal with this. White women in the healthcare field are a threat for black women. I love that Lyrix spoke up immediately!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2026
I loved this book ! Being friends with someone for years and truly loving them and what comes with them without crossing lines even though you know that’s your person is commendable 🥰🥰!
Poppa didn’t play about “HIS BOYS” or his Bubbles he came behind them ten toes down no matter who he was going up against!!!
&& them getting that happy ending 🤞🏾❤️ Best Friends to Soulmates !
This book was written beautifully!
Poppa didn’t play about “HIS BOYS” or his Bubbles he came behind them ten toes down no matter who he was going up against!!!
&& them getting that happy ending 🤞🏾❤️ Best Friends to Soulmates !
This book was written beautifully!
December 19, 2025
This was a bit different type of friends to lovers romance than what I'm used to reading. Grai and Lyrix had a type of love that was untouchable. The storyline in this one kept me involved and interested in what was going to come next. I was cheering on Poppa since he popped up on the page ! I love a man that loves hard for family and friends. Standing ten toes down not caring who they got to chin check.
Go on and read this one !
Go on and read this one !
December 20, 2025
loved it
Bubbles and Poppa were so good together. I loved the love that they had for each other. Drey is a just a sorry excuse for a man. I understood that as parents we have to make some stuff decisions but we need to always listen to our kids because they have a voice and should be able make decisions. Glad everything worked out for everyone.
Bubbles and Poppa were so good together. I loved the love that they had for each other. Drey is a just a sorry excuse for a man. I understood that as parents we have to make some stuff decisions but we need to always listen to our kids because they have a voice and should be able make decisions. Glad everything worked out for everyone.
December 23, 2025
His Forever
I was not ready for the up and down deepness of this story. I LOVED LOVED LOVED Lyrix. Grai had the bestest friend on earth. Baby daddy was trash but what did you expect from someone who didn't respect or love you.
He deserved everything that happened to him.
Get into this book.
I was not ready for the up and down deepness of this story. I LOVED LOVED LOVED Lyrix. Grai had the bestest friend on earth. Baby daddy was trash but what did you expect from someone who didn't respect or love you.
He deserved everything that happened to him.
Get into this book.
December 16, 2025
Friend to Lovers
Friends to lovers always gets me, and Grai & Lyrix delivered. Their friendship was solid and heartfelt, with Lyrix showing up as a genuine protector for her and the boys. I really enjoyed seeing that foundation turn into something deeper.
Friends to lovers always gets me, and Grai & Lyrix delivered. Their friendship was solid and heartfelt, with Lyrix showing up as a genuine protector for her and the boys. I really enjoyed seeing that foundation turn into something deeper.
December 29, 2025
Grai and Lyrix
This book was a great read. The ups and downs Grai experienced with no good Drey made the ending special to me. God’s timing is everything when it comes to love and right person. Lyrix was a solid friend, lover, and great father to their children.
This book was a great read. The ups and downs Grai experienced with no good Drey made the ending special to me. God’s timing is everything when it comes to love and right person. Lyrix was a solid friend, lover, and great father to their children.
January 3, 2026
Lyrix is the Best Bestfriend
I actually came across this book in my book suggestions and glad I clicked. I wasn't sure what I was getting but the book did not disappoint. If you're looking for a friends to lovers standalone this is the read for you.
I actually came across this book in my book suggestions and glad I clicked. I wasn't sure what I was getting but the book did not disappoint. If you're looking for a friends to lovers standalone this is the read for you.
January 13, 2026
cute read
This was a relatable quick read I love the relationship between Grai and Lyrix the way he showed up her & the boys now I must say that Drey must wanted to be caught what he rent a room where she worked just trifling
This was a relatable quick read I love the relationship between Grai and Lyrix the way he showed up her & the boys now I must say that Drey must wanted to be caught what he rent a room where she worked just trifling
January 14, 2026
Loved It💞💞
Such a sweet love story💕💕 , story of a single mother and her best friend Poppa. Poppa was a total alpha when it came to Grai and her two sons. Everyone could see that they were meant for each other, but they couldn't. So happy they got their HEA. Kudos to the author👏🏾
Such a sweet love story💕💕 , story of a single mother and her best friend Poppa. Poppa was a total alpha when it came to Grai and her two sons. Everyone could see that they were meant for each other, but they couldn't. So happy they got their HEA. Kudos to the author👏🏾
December 17, 2025
I usually love this trope but idk 🤷🏾♀️
December 19, 2025
3.5 for me!
January 2, 2026
Beautiful!!!!
This book was definitely beautiful. I didnt want to put it down. Inloved the loved between Grai and Poppa. He definitely did not play about her and his boys.
This book was definitely beautiful. I didnt want to put it down. Inloved the loved between Grai and Poppa. He definitely did not play about her and his boys.
January 4, 2026
Good read
This was a good friends to lovers read. Lyric was the greatest friend a girl could have while secretly pining for Grai. The two boys Solace and Shiloh were the sweetest.
This was a good friends to lovers read. Lyric was the greatest friend a girl could have while secretly pining for Grai. The two boys Solace and Shiloh were the sweetest.
January 13, 2026
Good read. I love a good romance read.
January 18, 2026
Friends to lovers books are the best this one did not disappoint
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews