All Our Almosts

by Allie Moffatt

Two best friends ignite a long-buried attraction in this cozy winter romance. He's loved her forever, and she's the last to know.

Sophie Lindell is at a personal and professional crossroads: interviewing for PhD programs that will either keep her in Boston with her tight-knit group of friends or send her to California on her own. Already preparing for big changes, Sophie has her world turned on its head when a break up with her long-time boyfriend leaves her without a place to live. Fortunately, her best friend Andy Walsh has a spare bedroom—and a secret soft heart under his icy exterior.

The two make an unlikely pair: Sophie is ebullient, disorganized, and optimistic, with big dreams for her future. Andy is a creature of habit, with everything in his life rigidly under control—everything except the way Sophie makes him feel.

As roommates, their near-decade of carefully drawn boundaries finally starts to crumble. But with big changes ahead in Sophie’s career, is now really the time to be thinking about romance, and with her best friend of all people? And for Andy, is confessing how he’s always felt worth the risk of potentially losing the person who matters most?

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Amazon, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2026

Reviews

[Ara Parikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read this ahead of publication. It’s funny, endearing, really well written, and cozy. The characters are well developed, the Boston details are so spot on, and I laughed out loud so many times. Allie Moffat is also a master of the simile. I’m going to re-read it! Fingers crossed for a sequel!

[Erica Canas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a friends to lovers romance and this did the job for a quick easy read.

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly given access to this book prior to publication.

This is definitely one for fans of Ali Hazelwood and the like. Well written and easy read. Well developed characters, funny/snarky and realistic dialogue. Also for those who enjoy friends to lovers, misunderstanding and mutual pining tropes.

I’m looking forward to more books by Allie Moffatt.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely stellar debut novel. Listen, I read a lot of contemporary romance and admittedly, friends to lovers isn’t my favorite trope, but this is masterfully done. I really felt the genuine love and connection that Andy and Sophie had for one another, spanning a decade!

I loved the found family element of their friend group and how much comfort they both found in NASA. I also really appreciated the individuality they each had and their ability to stand alone as characters without disappearing into one another. Consider me a friends to lovers convert!

P.S. I absolutely need an Owen and Lia book, c’mon now!

[Bianca Crêtes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I would like this but I didn’t. The dialogue threw me off and I struggled to finish the book. And the proposal??? I’m still confused.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 ⭐️ Potential to be better

[Kellie McDonald · Rating 1 out of 5]

Booktok did me dirty.

[Mary Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Well Written Debut

I thought the writing was good for a debut. Sweet characters and looks like there will be more books about the friend group.

[Daniela Jimenez-Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing debut novel by Allie Moffatt. The story was well written and had me absorbed in Sophie’s life from page 1. The characters’ personalities were all well done and the bond between NASA was so sweet. All the dialogue and emotions felt so natural and real throughout.

Sophie and Andy’s journey was so captivating and frustrating (in a good way) the entire time and of course the ending was satisfying. I’m looking forward to future novels from Allie!

[Bella Pietrosanti · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. Fuck no. Everything about this was annoying. I thought it could be cute and simple not a good book but still and then it just got bad. Why the fuck did she propose?? 6 days into the relationship after she broke up with her bf of 3 years 3 weeks earlier. Stupid bad not good. 2/10

[Mora ౨ৎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

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ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ/ꜰɪɴɪꜱʜᴇᴅ: 11 ꜰᴇʙ/11 ꜰᴇʙ
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ: ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ x ꜱᴜɴꜱʜɪɴᴇ, ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ / ʀᴏᴏᴍᴍᴀᴛᴇꜱ, ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ
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Rating 2.25/5 | Spice 3/5 on the romance.io scale (1= Glimpses and kisses, 2=Closed door, 3=Open door, 4=Explicit open door, 5=Explicit and plentiful)

I get that this book is a debut, and I was going to be a bit lighter on some things that I usually wouldn't, but the ending (before the epilogue) is so stupid that I just don't know what to say...I'll spoil it right here because it's my main reason for disliking this book: After 1 week!! of dating MMC and only 4 weeks post breakup with her ex, FMC PROPOSES!!!! to MMC right after their 3rd act breakup. What the fuck??? It's especially dumb because this whole book, we and FMC, realise she just grasps any opportunity at love and that she can't be single, and then she does someting so fucking drastic?
Moving on from that, the writing is technically fine. I found the overexplanations quite annoying, as if FMC was talking to her diary or so, but alas. The book is quite of a slow burn despite it also being kinda insta-love, I don't know how to explain it.
These people are 26 and 28 yet they read and behaved very juvenile. Besides the job part it would've been more believable if they were like max 22 with the way they acted.
I would've forgiven quite a lot about this book if the ending didn't happen, but that just ruined it fully for me.

⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈⋆ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ ⋆┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
What can I say? I liked the idea of this, and like I said above I liked that it still moved quite slow. It could've worked, but it didn't.
FMC was annoying all throughout the book. She can't live without being in a relaionship and she just takes whatever bit of love she can get, she is aware of this too. She defends her ex in the most dumb moments.
MMC is also kind of meh. He has been in love for 9 years and just never said a thing. He turned FMC down once (for a good reason) and just never decided to speak to her about it? Come on. Meanwhile he needs to grow a backbone cause he tells FMC it's fine if she brings dates over. No it is not??
When the book decides it's time for MMC to admit his feelings it's so sudden and underwhelming.
They are together for a short while and then it also sorta ends (a break) because FMC decides that she loves him more so she needs time alone??? And she doesn't want MMC to agree to move with her to a new city because "it's too fast" yet when MMC tries to fix their relationship FMC out of nowhere proposes to him, having been just single 5 weeks only. As if THAT isn't fast??.
I guess I get that they fell in love, that part isn't insincere, things just didn't happen for ages, and then suddenly everything happened too fast.
All in all, FMC needed therapy, not a(nother) relationship. It just showed us that FMC didn't change at all.

⊹₊ ˚‧┈┈┈┈ꨄ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴍᴜᴛ ꨄ┈┈┈┈‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Open door but not explicit. Things are described like "where I want him the most". There is basically just 1 scene with a short extension the next morning. It was very tame.

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MMC
About: Andy Walsh, 28, developmental editor
Appearance: Dark brown hair (between wavy and straight), dark eyes, tall, slightly crooked too-big nose, glasses
FMC
About: Sophie Lindell, 26, Project Manager at the Boston Museum of Science
Appearance: Straight brown hair, hazel eyes, freckles, glasses

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Standalone
HEA
Vanilla smut
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[Butter Bagel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gosh, I really wanted to give this 4 stars! Some of the characters really pissed me off though and that kind of ruined the experience.

I love how the whole book was nothing but yearning. You get teased a lot by scenes that feel as if Sophie and Andy are going to kiss or confess their feelings only to have something get in the way. If you're into that, I think you will absolutely enjoy this book despite its flaws.

Also, the male characters were great. Andy was swoon-worthy and awkward. Nolan was a chill, dedicated friend. Owen was the estranged older brother, developed fairly well for only being brought into the story part way.

I even liked Elliot- Sophie's friends crapped on him so hard that I really sympathized with him. We are supposed to hate him for two reasons: one, he freaked out when he saw Andy and Sophie together at the club after their breakup. But Sophie literally told him there was nothing between them while they were dating which was so obviously a lie and I'd be pissed too seeing them together. Two, he made a comment about how he's not attracted to "hot girls", aka girls that are meticulously dressed up and self absorbed. He meant it as a compliment to Sophie meaning that she's more normal. Everyone seems to act like he was saying he didn't think she was attractive. No, he meant he liked her because she wasn't a "hot girl".

Sophie's character also fell a bit flat for me. I couldn't picture her in my head. Sometimes she's described as average, sometimes pretty, sometimes beautiful, sometimes hot. She has brown hair and freckles and wears the most generically average sounding outfits. I just wanted to picture her in my head because the author seemed to change her mind all the time on whether or not Sophie was quirky, or sexy, or pretty, or awkward that I just gave up trying to figure out which version was real.

I don't think Sophie deserves Andy. What kind of mid-20s woman has no money to offer for rent. I know you're friends but this man cooks for you twice a day and moves his whole home office for you to have your own bedroom and all you do in return is help clean. Which you should be doing anyway you twat.

Lia. Omg. If she was replaced by a different female best friend, this could have easily been a 4+ star book. Wtf is wrong with this lady. I have literally never read another book where the best friend we are supposed to adore is such a selfish b*tch and I don't say that lightly.

Gripes aside, I would actually recommend this as a romance, as long as you enjoy yearning and tropes like miscommunication, grumpy/sunshine. It's not perfect by any means but those aspects were done well and were quite enjoyable.

[Brindley Rowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh the YEARNING.

I was not ready for this book to consume me like it did. I’ve been trying to get out of a reading slump and was in desperate need of a story that would suck me in and captivate my attention during every chapter, and this DELIVERED. Literally finished it in mere HOURS.

First, one thing I struggle with in romance books is the miscommunication trope, because for goodness sake, just TALK. But something so refreshing was the approach to this best friends to lovers story. The characters know each other inside and out, so there isn’t miscommunication per se. It’s more their own projected shortcomings that make it difficult for them to accept that they could be loved by the other. And, good hell, I will eat that up every time. I’m only human.

Second, the way the POV shifts is so artfully done. The majority is told through the FMC’s perspective, but every few chapters, it shifts to the MMC’s. Sometimes when reading these shifts in other books, it’s hard to tell the difference between who is talking, but the author made their inner voices so distinctly *theirs* and I loved it. She was more rambling and impulsive, he was more methodical. It seeped from their actions into their monologues, and it was exciting to really see these characters come to life.

Overall, I will be sharing this book with my friends. It’s thoughtful, but not heavy, and I’m gonna be wishing for a hot best friend to fall in love with all thanks to Sophie and Andy.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie Moffat understands what makes a friends to lovers romance so marvelous. I think the trope can fall a bit flat when mishandled. It can be repetitive, lack mystique, and it can lean too hard into miscommunication. BUT NOT IN THIS BOOK!!!
This book is tantalizing, well paced, and filled to bursting with character that sizzle with chemistry.
Moffatt’s writing voice is charming and witty and over the course of the book, the characters become your friends. I loved the two main characters and the supporting cast. Also THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A MALE LEAD WHO YEARNS. TAKE NOTES. Andy left me breathless at points. And not at the parts you would assume loll.
I would put this book in a solid 2 - 3 peppers. Take what I say with a grain of salt I read a lot of spice. There are descriptions of intimate acts but they are easy to avoid if you are not into that sort of thing. I think spice appreciators of any tolerance can enjoy this book.
And guess what! THIS BOOK PASSES THE BECHDEL TEST!!! HIGHLY recommend you pick up this fresh and satisfying romance.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book by stumbling upon the author on TikTok. I’m fairly new to the app so I was trying to find like minded people to follow, and I’m so glad I found Allie’s page.

This is her debut novel and I think it’s a very sweet start to her writing career (and hopefully a series?).

We follow a friend group in Boston who have been friends close to a decade. Sophie and Andy have been orbiting around each other, but never crossing lines to something more. When Sophie moves in with Andy after a breakup, their walls start to crumble and they find it almost impossible to continue to resist each other.

I loved how much these two seemed to get each other. They really felt like each other’s person. They had believable chemistry as both friends and partners too.

I do feel like the beginning was a bit clunkier than the last 60%-70%. Almost like she was getting her groove a bit, but once she hits her stride, I think it turned into a really cute story.

It does make me want to visit Boston soon, for sure.

4/5 stars. Read this if you like friends to lovers!

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

"I usually jump into a relationship with the first person who shows interest."
I didn't really like any of the characters but I absolutely hated the female main character. The fact she seen the love interests brother flirt with her best friend and she said "it's not that I'm disappointed, I just really want to be wanted" is crazy.
There was no romance in the entire book. At all. I think they got engaged a week after she broke up with her ex? It was not a slow burn at all. I know they were best friends for a long time, but it was completely tell, no showing at all. She kept defending her shitty boyfriend, not just to her friends but in her head, and said her friends were mean for calling it out?
There was no character development at all. The whole book was focused on their relationship, but her internal monologues were so long and repetitive there was hardly any dialogue between the two and when there was it was really awkward and not realistic. Also the mmc is an editor, and he has a dream of becoming a writer, so idk why the author would make him bad with his words. Idk I just really did not like this book.

[CANDEN333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that was free on Stuff Your Kindle day! I’m really surprised because I rarely find a well written book for free! This is!

It’s starts off slow, a very slow burn. But once it picks up speed it’s great! A little STEM but thank you to the author not as much as that well known STEM writer’s book! This is actually engaging science not over the top boring!

The friends to lovers couple are Andy and Sophie. Both kind of shy, not extremely confident, bookworms who have the sweetest friendship! They are joined by other friends Nolan and Lia. Let’s say it— Lia nearly stole the show! She’s an awesome side with tons of personality! Nolan didn’t get much page time but seemed good.

The mains are the sweetest love story! Loving, caring and sexy! Just enough spice to keep it interesting!

Definitely a great read! Left me with a good feeling days afterwards!

[sienna rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it was a good debut novel. If this is becoming a series I think there is clear build up for Owen and Lia enemies to lovers next book most likely during the planning season. I’m not a huge fan of the addressing the reader aspect of the writing but that’s a personal preference. I liked Andy as a character but at times his personality seemed to waver. I would read the sequel if there was one as I did enjoy it I just wouldn’t say it was my favorite read as of late

Beginning kind of felt dreadful but picked up steam towards middle and I blew through the last half.

[Natalia Jambrichova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I am not a big fan of friends to lovers. No this review isn't the magical one when I said this book changed my mind. It didn't but it wasn't as bad as other books with this trope I tried. I'm giving this four stars for the amazing friendship that was in this group. The family like setting was very nice I liked that. I have to say I didn't like how oblivious Sophie was but that's the only detail that made me angry. Their chemistry was nice and even their friemdship. Only whem I knew how Andy felt it was a bjt frustrating. Overall it was a good and fun read.

[Marissa Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lived for the authors podcast and the humor and banter it had. When I heard she was writing a book I knew I had to read it immediately. The way she wrote the trope of friends to lovers was really beautiful and relatable to how it feels in real life. The humor and banter I loved so much was really good in the book. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with for her next book. I will be reading it!

[Kayleigh Sherrer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in one day and overall enjoyed it. I didn’t care for the way it was written in the sense that the FMC kept talking directly to the reader i.e. “As you know.”

Also, the last 10-ish pages were an absolute stretch (and not in a good way).

Overall, I’m glad I tried it without reading reviews first, but wouldn’t recommend it to others nor would I try anything else from this author.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This so sweet. I need a refresher from all the dark romance I read sometimes and this was the perfect balm. I love a good friends to lovers romance. This one was a slow burn and I was as anxious for Sophie and Andy to get together as they were! I’m not sure if there are more books coming with these characters but there is a potential for something else. No spoilers here but you’ll know what I mean if you’ve read the book. Such a cute, sweet romance.

[ac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love friends to lovers stories and this is no exception!

This book is SO GOOD! I love friends to lovers stories and this one hit all the marks. It had amazing tension, and Sophie the FMC was so relatable ❤️ I just felt so many of her emotions and I want her to be my friend. An amazing book and definitely one to check out! Absolutely worth it!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life looks good as she prepares for a new chapter of her life. Suddenly she is homeless when her boyfriend breaks up with her. Luckily her best friend offers his spare room. What she does not know is him being in love with her? See if he finally tells her
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a really delightful read

[Ally Cee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Booktok fooled me yet again because this was so bad. The FMC is beyond annoying and the romance was pretty non-existent. I found myself rolling my eyes because she’s complaining about how she loves Andy more even after the man said he’d move across the country for her. I usually love a friends to lovers but this was not it.

[Miriam Reyes-Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. and the characters were easy to root for. I loved their quirks. Sophie and Andy seem so right for each other. So much so that I kept getting frustrated at their miscommunication and constant situational avoidance. The end felt a little bit rushed, but I’m happy they got their happy ending. Slow burn friends to lovers.
I loved Andy’s protective one liners

[Samantha Singley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers - Room mate Romance. Quick read. Really enjoyed it. I liked both the FMC and the MMC. I also liked that we only got snippets of the MMC's POV... like 3 maybe 4 chapters. I liked the side characters they had a good vibe. Spice level was a medium-Lite maybe.. Not fade to black but not super detailed and only like 1.5 "scenes."

[Merissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

amazing

This book is a 4.5. I was skeptical at first but once the book picked up pace I couldn’t put it down. Allie knew just when to speed up to keep the reader entertained but when to slow down when it was too much. I was hooked when Andy slipped and called her baby I was in love with him from that point Andy is the book boyfriend we all need.

[Allison Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first friends-to-lovers and it was SO GOOD! I love the story of Sophie and Andy.

It’s a quick, cozy read. Lighthearted and made me laugh. Plus having lived in Boston for a spell it’s fun to know the references. In fact the beginning, scene I laughed and told Jake (SO) about the accuracy of it.

I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book and decided to give it a shot!

[HaydenWright · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 ⭐️It was fine. I just never felt a connection between the main characters I would have loved more from their past to really feel their attraction to each other. The miscommunication troupe drives me insane as well. There was just too much of it.