Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend

Buffed & Polished #1

by Liz Alden

Two little words that will forever change the way I see my best friend’s sister: boudoir session.

Bailey Price earns the big bucks in New York City, while I’m cleaning houses as a side gig in our hometown. I love the town, but Bailey only comes home when she has to.

Then she shows up at my photography studio asking for a boudoir shoot and suddenly I’m the one exposed. Every click of my camera reveals another reason why I can’t look away: her curves, her wit, her defensive edge.

I can’t play it safe. Not when she’s looking at me like I’m the only man who’s ever really seen her. Not when every photo taken becomes foreplay.

I have to face the truth: I’ve been in love with her since we were teens.

There’s just one problem: her brother. My best friend. The guy who’s protected Bailey with his fists ever since childhood, who trusts me not to cross that line.

But Bailey’s making it really hard to remember why I ever resisted in the first place.

The question is: how long can a good guy resist his bad ideas?

Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend features forbidden love, small-town romance, and a patient hero who’s been head over heels since childhood. Expect high heat, emotional depth, a curvy heroine’s journey to self-acceptance, and an HEA that’s worth breaking all the rules for. This steamy stand-alone romance is book one in the Buffed & Polished Small Town Romcom series.

Genres: Romance

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

My Direct Store: https://lizalden.myshopify.com/

2026 Releases
Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/Bailey
Rory Rides Her Fake Fiancé: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/Rory
Cava with My Colleague: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/Cava
The Gift of the Matchmaker: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/matchmaker


About Liz

I spent ten years traveling the world on a sailboat with my husband. He is not a secret rockstar, nor a grumpy farmer, nor a coworker I accidentally saw naked. I only see him naked intentionally.

Many of my books are based on my travels all over the world – from the Caribbean to Polynesia to Europe. I know exactly how big the world is—having sailed around it—and exactly how small it is, having bumped in to friends worldwide. I’ve been a dishwasher, an engineer, a CEO, and occasionally I get paid to write or sail.

Now I’m in my small town era, both in fiction and real life. I live in Western Massachusetts with a big backyard that would be perfect for a goat if only SOMEONE would let me have one. I like my men to be sweethearts, the bedroom door wide open (with a splash of something new!) and the women to be independent and mature.

You can read free short stories in all her series at https://www.lizalden.com/

Connect with Liz:
Facebook > https://facebook.com/lizaldenwriter
Twitter > https://twitter.com/lizaldenwriter
Instagram > https://instagram.com/lizaldenwriter
Pinterest > https://www.pinterest.com/lizaldenwri...

Reviews

[Jess Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a bold title, but the story itself felt surprisingly sweet and easy to fall into. It’s open-door, but not a shock-value read. What really worked was the warmth of it, and how quickly I found myself rooting for Bailey.

I loved her journey with body positivity, learning to like herself on her own terms, and setting real boundaries with her mom. It felt realistic and earned, not magically fixed overnight. And Silas is such a golden retriever of a love interest: sweet, steady, and all in. I’m so glad he wasn’t trying to “fix” Bailey. He was just helping her see herself the way he already sees her.

The small-town setting added a cozy vibe, and the side cast was fun. Bailey’s brother’s friend group is basically a whole pack of cinnamon rolls, and I can’t wait to read their stories too.

Four stars for a romance that’s cute, warm, and more emotionally satisfying than I expected.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Liz Alden for the ARC.

[Kameron Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay but don’t let the title fool you… this one was actually SO soft 🥹💕

Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend surprised me in the best way — what starts as a bold, attention-grabbing premise turns into such a sweet, comforting, and genuinely feel-good romance.

think:
✨ childhood proximity
✨ brother’s best friend tension
✨ quiet pining that sneaks up on you
✨ and a love story that just feels easy in the best way

bailey and her love interest had this natural chemistry that made every moment feel cozy and believable, and I couldn’t help but root for them the entire time 🫶🏼

this is one of those reads that wraps you up like a warm blanket and leaves you smiling long after you finish 🥰

huge thank you to @netgalley for the ARC — this gem releases march 31st and you’re going to want it on your radar 📚✨

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey's brother, Hunter, has been friends with Silas forever. In their teens Silas and Bailey start crushing on each other unbeknownst to each other until one day when Bailey wants a boudoir session with Silas taking photos of her and things get heated. This begins a spicy relationship but they each worry what will happen when her brother finds out. Can they create a deeper relationship or will it fizzle?

This was a spicy story of friends to lovers and the brother's best friend trope. I enjoyed that both characters indulged a little and wanted to explore their feelings for each other. I wish that the story was a little longer and had a slightly more character development but otherwise this is a great spicy, romance for a quick read! Would recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley, Liz Alden and Victory Editing Group for allowing me to review this ARC!

[Sadie E · Rating 3 out of 5]

First things first: the dedication page includes “And also: FUCK BEN.” And for that alone, I was in love. No notes.

The title’s pretty stupid. I’m sorry. It sounds like someone dared the author and the author said, “Bet.” But also… I kind of loved it? It’s so silly that it circles back around to charming.

I’ve tried a few brother’s best friend books, and I can safely say they’re not for me. Does anyone actually care who their sibling dates? Like, unless they’re a serial killer or actively dismantling society, why would you care? The secrecy always feels wildly exaggerated, and this book leans in so hard it practically sprints into drama.

It opens with:

“Asking your brother’s best friend for a professional favor should be simple. Unless the favor is something you can never, ever tell your brother about.”

Yes. We understand. It is secret. It will destroy life as we know it. Everything is secret. The suspense is mostly emotional paranoia wrapped in unnecessary tension.

So Bailey comes back to her hometown that she hates to hire Silas to take sexy “boudoir” photos as a confidence statement. Silas is somehow a cleaner, a photographer, and a real estate agent. My man is grinding. Respect.

That’s the secret her brother can never know. Not the photos. Not the confidence journey. Just the fact that Silas is involved. Which feels… manageable? But sure, we’ll run with it.

Her reasoning for the photoshoot is:

“This is a fuck-you to everyone who bullied me for being fat. I want to do this right under their noses.”

And I understand the empowerment angle. I genuinely do. But also… girl. Just ask him out. No need to concoct this insane plan. The entire plot could have been solved with one honest conversation and about 40% less spiraling. The premise is slightly unhinged in a way that's either bold or chaotic depending on your mood.

The author’s note claims this book tackles fatphobia. But does it, though? Like okay, she got teased in school. Who didn’t? Kids are mean. They would absolutely commit crimes if they could.

But also, the only person who was actually mean was a kid in school who called her Big Willy and Carrot Cake. And I don’t know why that's so funny, but I am dead 💀 It's terrible. It's childish. And yet Big Willy absolutely ended me.

Outside of something that happened a million years ago, everyone's pretty nice to Bailey. And I get that she’s supposed to be coming to terms with her weight, but she’d already done that before the book started. That’s literally why she went home. She's already done all her character growth before the book even begins, which makes for a pretty stagnant character.

It sometimes feels like the book's trying very hard to position itself as making a sweeping statement and hop on the body positivity train when it’s mostly just… a romance with vague body confidence vibes.

There's also a LOT of exposition. At one point we get what reads like a full life résumé about her job, apartment, work hours, and general exhaustion. It gets the information across, but sometimes it feels like the characters are filing paperwork instead of having dialogue.

Now let’s discuss Hunter, because Hunter is somehow the main character of a book he barely appears in.

Hunter is mentioned 220 times. Hunter physically appears FIVE TIMES. And these are brief cameos. Meanwhile, Bailey is mentioned 282 times, and the book is about her. That is insane.

Hunter isn't present, but he IS omnipresent. Hunter should absolutely be paying rent for how much space he occupies in everyone’s thoughts.

And here’s the real chaos detail: Hunter (when irked) speaks in all caps. Sir, why are you yelling???

But all the mentions of Hunter give us this gem:

“Don’t say your brother’s name while you’re holding my dick.”

I’m sorry. That line has taken up permanent residence in my brain. Which is fitting because of the whole Hunter situation.

We get the usual dual POV but I much preferred Silas’ chapters. Bailey’s fine, but her arc mostly revolves around being fat, owning it, and reclaiming that narrative. I respect it. Truly. She deserves to be fat and fabulous. But it did feel like that was the entire personality package. Silas, meanwhile, is a delight.

I love the grumpy x sunshine reversal. Silas has golden retriever vibes, and Bailey is the one who needs light in her life. That dynamic worked surprisingly well and honestly saved a lot of scenes.

The pacing's slow at the start, improves, and eventually becomes engaging. I did enjoy it. I just didn’t love it.

And in conclusion,
FUCK BEN.

Thank you to the author for an ARC

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend was such a joy to read, full of fun and laughter, romance, steamy scenes (lots and lots of steamy scenes!) and a solid story about wanting what you’re not supposed to have and working so hard to find self-acceptance and achieve your dreams.

Silas Montgomery is perfect. You can say cinnamon roll or golden retriever or any of those other descriptions popular these days, but really, perfect says it all so just go with that. He’s loved Bailey Price since he was a teenager. But she’s unattainable; she’s beautiful, smart and has a successful career in New York City and very rarely comes back to their small hometown. Plus there’s that bro-code thing about your best friend’s sister being off-limits – forever. Kind of ridiculous, I know, but that’s men for you. And Simon just lights up whenever Bailey is around, remembers every single thing about her, and will do anything if it makes her happy, including the boudoir photos she wants taken. His agreement there isn’t exactly just helping a friend in need, though; he’ll be darned if he’ll let someone else take those shots and see her beautiful body.

Bailey may not have paid much attention to Silas when they were teens but she sure notices him now. Boy Silas was cute. Full-grown man Silas is one handsome, sexy hunk of man. There are undeniable sparks between them, especially during the photo shoots. Even more, his focus, his attention, the way he makes her feel seen set her heart (and her hormones) aflutter. Yes, Bailey is successful in New York but it’s not as glamourous as it once seemed. She’s exhausted, lives in a tiny apartment with roommates, has friends but no one particularly close and is often lonely. But going home really isn’t an option, because then she’d be back in her parents’ orbit, where her mother is constantly commenting on her weight, practically taking food out of her mouth and just making her feel like a failure.

The mutual attraction with Silas – which grows, blooms and then explodes – is pretty much impossible to resist. They try but aren’t too successful. How can it ever work thought, with Bailey’s brother Hunter sure to flip his lid if he finds them together, with two career paths to consider and with the distinct possibility of Bailey being once again subjected to her mother’s constant criticism and her father’s intentional avoidance of it. Can love – and heat – conquer all?

I received an advance copy of Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend from the author, Liz Alden. All her books are wonderfully satisfying and this one, the first in her A Buffed & Polished Small Town Romcom series, is right up there with the rest. There are some hilariously funny moments: Bailey’s awkward klutziness, their attempts to keep things secret, the situations they get themselves into. Plus so many sweet, tender moments (remember, Silas is perfect), just enough sexy scenes to keep your heart-pounding and a wonderfully strong heroine who is willing to fight for what she wants. Can you tell I loved this book? Highly recommend. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy provided by Netgalley - I've voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story is so much more than the title leads one to believe. I love the title though, it's eye catching and provocative. This book is sexy, fun and spicy of course but that's not all this story is. It's also an insanely sweet story about two people who have been in each others orbit for years and when one finally makes a move, all bets are off.

Bailey, like many women, struggles with body image issues that started in childhood and have followed her into adulthood. So, the premise of her coming to our MMC Silas is bold but sweet. Silas has been in her life for years, attracted to Bailey since he was a teenager, but he is Bailey's brother best friend. But, despite that, Silas is more than willing to help Bailey see herself and her beauty through his camera lense and his eyes.

I enjoyed that the spicy scenes, while open door, we're not over done and they made sense to the story development. This book is not as spicy as I expected, but it does deliver multiple heart racing scenes. I will never look at maple syrup the same, in a good way. If you look at chili pepper ratings, I would personally rate it about 2 chili peppers.

If you are looking for a book with a mature MMC whose a dedicated cat dad, has slutty little glasses that are actually mentioned more than once, and is down bad for his girl this story might be fore you.

If you're looking for a story about a boss ass FMC who's trying to love her body and heal from past trauma of people telling her that her body isn't good enough because it's bigger, this story might be fore you.


Overall I enjoyed this story for what it was, a fun sexy quick read where I felt like I could relate to the female main character, and I was rooting for the couple from beginning to end.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Liz Alden for providing me with an ARC on this in exchange for an honest review!

Liz Alden’s Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend follows Bailey, a warm, witty, and wonderfully curvy heroine who returns home only to find herself entangled, emotionally and otherwise with Silas, her brother’s best friend. What begins as a long‑standing crush quickly escalates into a chemistry‑charged connection as the two navigate desire, boundaries, and the shift from friendship to something deeper. The novella blends humour, heartfelt moments, and a strong sense of personal growth as Bailey learns to embrace her confidence and Silas steps up as a partner who sees her fully and unapologetically.

This novella stands out because of its character work. Bailey is an amazing female lead—curvy, self-assured, and written with a refreshing level of authenticity. Her confidence and vulnerability make her easy to root for, and the story treats her body with respect rather than turning it into a trope. The chemistry between her and the love interest is strong, and the spicy scenes are well‑paced and engaging without overwhelming the emotional arc. Echo the cat deserves a special mention. She brings warmth, and those small, relatable pet moments that make Bailey’s world feel lived‑in. Her presence adds personality to the story and gives readers a charming glimpse into Bailey and Silas’ everyday life. While the novella format means the plot moves quickly, it still delivers a satisfying blend of heat, heart, and humour. The characters are memorable, the romance is fun, and the representation of a curvy heroine is handled beautifully. A solid, enjoyable 4‑star read.

[Kaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Liz Alden as a writer and was excited when I received an invite to read a copy of her newest book, Bailey Bangs Her Brother's Best Friend. The title is a little bold and out there, but I figured if anything, it would be a good time.
Bailey and her brother's best friend, Silas, have the hots for each other but have always kept it a secret. Things between them get heated after Bailey asks Silas to do a boudoir shoot for her.
This was not my favorite "I'm in love with my brother's best friend" novel. First of all, it's labeled as a romcom and honestly, I struggled to find both the rom and the com in this book. There was a lot of spice and lust, but no romance or connection. Bailey is on the curvier side and struggles with feeling beautiful and truly comfortable in her body. Her "romance" with Silas didn't really fit with Bailey and what she needed as a developing character. He just wanted to bang her all the time, pure lust. It gave fetish and fling instead of romance. I would be totally fine with that if this wasn't supposed to be a romance comedy. Also, when Hunter finds out about his sister and best friend, his reaction was just.. odd. After 20+ years of them being in his life and banging behind his back, the last thing I would expect Hunter to do is punch his best friend and then immediately run to his aid. Where was the anger and disappointment? Overall, I felt this book was more of a hot and spicy fling, not a romance. 3 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Liz Alden for this ARC.

[Yesenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a good cute story about two friends who shouldn’t be together but definitely should be, this book is for you. If you’ve ever read Camera Shy by Kay Cove you’ll love this book. It follows Bailey and Silas, two people who have grown up together most of their lives in a small ski town. Silas is Baileys older bothers best friend. If that isn’t a mouth full I don’t know what is 😂. The book instantly sucks you in with a favor that Silas literally can’t refuse and quite honestly doesn’t want to. Bailey being the naive, but the girl who’s never been picked finally gets to see and feel wanted in a way she never expected and especially not by the one man that’s off limits. This book was so cutesy and a little steamy at times. But you can’t help but lives not only these two characters but all the side characters! I need a book on all the guys!! And please tell me Morgan and Rory are next 🏍️!!!!

Bailey! Girl I literally wanted to punch your mom anytime she was mentioned or had a part in the book. She’s a strong FMC but she’s had to build herself up to be this boss babe. Life was hard for her growing up but that’s the reason why she is the way she is. I loved that she took the step she wanted, even though she didn’t get the results she expected, Silas will help her SEE herself 🖤.

Silas you lovable cat daddy with glasses 🖤. What more can I say! He’s the boy next door that’s had a crush on his best friend’s sister. He’s dreamy, charming, and has muscles for days 🤤.

Loved this book, can’t wait for the rest 🖤

[Chelsea Cozy Rebel Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a pleasant surprise! I have never read a book from this author so I didn’t know what to expect. I really enjoyed it. I am a forever fan of Liz Alden. This is probably one of my favorite reads of 2026 so far.
Bailey is a beautiful curvaceous woman who struggles with body image, & is trying to reclaim her power through body positivity, sexy lingerie, and a boudoir photo shoot done by Silas, her long time crush and brother’s best friend. They have both had crushes on each other since they were younger.
It’s got small town, friends to lovers, but with forbidden off limit vibes because Silas is Baileys brother’s best friend. The boudoir photo shoot had me swooning, so much tension and yearning. Silas on his knees.. yes please!
Silas is a tattoed, photographer, with hot biceps and golden retriever energy ;) I love that he accepts Bailey just the way she is! I loved that he brought pizza and beer home on Valentines Day, and that he is a baby talking cat lover..I mean seriously, need I say more?
It’s a sweet story with a little Spice sprinkled in there! The spice was definitely nice!
I’m looking forward to reading Morgan & Rory’s story next!
Here’s a couple quotes I loved. “He’s not ignoring the imperfections, hes worshiping them.”
“I notice everything about you.”

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Liz Alden for the ARC.

[Amanda Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, short read that managed to respectfully cover the sensitive topic of body image issues and how it impacts mental health in the span of less than 200 pages. I appreciated that Bailey's view of herself didn't change simply because some really nice pictures were taken. Finding the right angles and editing don't fix years of criticizing your own body (or the echoes of others criticizing it). The inclusion of therapy and the support she had from the people who love her provided a much more realistic storyline where that was concerned.

However, outside of that, things fell a little flat for me. The romance and the dancing around Hunter was fun at a glance, but it also felt kind of scripted for me at times. I appreciate the physicality of their relationship, especially given the way Bailey saw herself, but I would have liked to see more depth to their non-physical intimate moments instead of it repeatedly cycling through "What if Hunter finds out?" and "What are we going to do about the distance?"

I'll say this though--I love a man who will communicate and say what he wants instead of falling back on playing it cool. Bonus points for Silas there.

Despite the things I feel were a little lacking for me--and some editing errors that may be fixed by the time this goes to publication--it was still a fun read that I'd recommend for fans of the friends-to-lovers and brother's best friend tropes when you're in the mood for a bite-sized sexy snack.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of the Buffed & Polished series and was such a fun, steamy small-town romance with a lot more heart than I expected.
The story follows a classic best friend’s sister trope, but it feels fresh thanks to the emotional buildup between the characters. I really liked how the connection between Bailey and the hero wasn’t just physical. There’s history there—years of quiet longing—and that made every interaction feel more intense.
Bailey is confident on the surface but clearly has her own insecurities, and I liked seeing her grow into herself over the course of the story. Her boudoir shoot wasn’t just there for spice—it actually played into her journey of self-acceptance, which added a nice layer of depth.
Silas was patient, loyal, and has clearly been gone for her forever. That kind of slow-burn devotion always works for me. His internal struggle—wanting her but not wanting to betray his best friend—felt believable and added some real tension.
And yes, the spice is definitely there. The photography angle made things feel extra intimate, and the author didn’t hold back. If you like high-heat romance with emotional stakes, this delivers.
Overall, agreat pick if you love forbidden romance, small-town vibes, and a hero who’s been secretly in love for years. It’s steamy, emotional, and just the right amount of dramatic.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review. 

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey has had body issues forever, fueled by her mother. She really is an uncaring mother with her cruel, thoughtless comments about what Bailey eats. Bailey has decided to do something for herself, something that will make her feel good about herself. When she approaches her brother’s best friend, a photographer, he might be hesitant at first but…
Silas has always seen Bailey as perfect and doesn’t understand why she questions herself. She is lively, fun to be with and he has loved her since he was 15. Why can’t she see herself as he sees her? He sees beyond the exterior, seeing her as art.
Together they are fun and it is so sweet the way they come together. There is lots of humor and laughs in this story. I really loved Bailey and would gladly be her best friend. She has a great outlook on life and lives large. She has a great relationship with her brother, Hunter, and his friends, Silas being one of the guys who always seems to be around. I loved Hunter’s humor and hope he gets a story.
I am a big fan of Liz Alder’s books and have read every one of them. She writes stories that feel so real with relatable characters who you want to get to know. I have more than once had to remind myself they are characters. I loved this first book in a new Liz Alder series and look forward to the rest of the books. Bravo!

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC. Out March 31st.

I planned to read just a couple of chapters before bed…
Fast forward to 2:30 a.m. and I had finished the entire book. Safe to say this one completely pulled me in.

Bailey is such a relatable heroine. She’s vulnerable and still carrying years of hurt from other people’s comments about her body, and watching her slowly rebuild her confidence was incredibly moving.

Silas — Bailey’s brother’s best friend — has quietly been in love with her for years. When Bailey asks him to photograph a boudoir session, Silas is thrilled… but also painfully aware of the line he doesn’t want to cross. After all, Hunter is his best friend and extremely protective of his little sister.

The tension between Bailey and Silas is undeniable from the start. What follows is a sweet, spicy story about self-acceptance, healing, and finally allowing yourself to be loved.

I absolutely adored the dynamic between these two — the slow burn, the care Silas shows toward Bailey, and the emotional growth woven throughout the story.

This is the first instalment in the Buffed & Polished series, and I already cannot wait for Book 2 coming in May.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

P.S. If you sign up for the author’s newsletter, you get a bonus chapter — and trust me, you’ll want it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey moved to the big city to get away from the judgments of the small town where she was born. Now she is more self-confident and she wants to find a way to express that. She asks Silas to take boudoir pictures of her. The only problem is that Silas is Bailey’s brother’s best friend. But the two of them forge ahead and find out. What starts as a photo shoot turns into so much more but will it be a forever love or will this blow up in their faces?
Bailey appears to be a strong independent woman but in reality the wounds of being judged for her figure while growing up still affect her self-confidence. I understand why she moved to the city and created a whole new persona. I understand why she rarely returns even if she loves her brother deeply. I like that she wanted to see herself as beautiful and that she wanted pictures to prove it. It’s hysterical that she chose her brother’s best friend to take the photos. Silas is presented as a man who knows he’s good looking. He is also willing to work hard at many jobs to make ends meet. His life is very different from Bailey’s world. I like that he thought Bailey was beautiful before the photo session. When they get discovered, I like their response.
This is a small town, brother’s best friend story. This is a quick read. I enjoyed it and it made me smile. I will read more from this author in the future.

[CWilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Gah! I really wanted to like this book more. It had all the trappings of a great yearn-fest, and I kinda admired the blunt and very on-the-nose title. Sadly, in my opinion, Bailey banged her brother’s bff (Silas) way too soon in the story.

I wanted to see more tension, more yearning from each before she even asked him to take the photographs. Instead, Bailey jumped right in at the beginning of the book on her ask to hire him. Which also left me confused. Bailey is cognizant of her major crush on Silas while planning to ask him to take these boudoir photos that she’s also rather insecure about. She says that it’s because she feels safe with him, like he will make her feel beautiful despite her deep seated insecurities. But then why wouldn’t she also feel safe in sharing her feelings? Especially since later seeing the photos triggered her ongoing insecurities about her body? This just didn’t make sense to me.

It’s very possible that my own personal experiences and preferences judged the book too harshly, so if the summary intrigues you, please give it a shot. It’s still an entertaining read.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I choose this book based almost entirely on its title? Yes, yes, I did. Who can resist a book called Bailey Bangs Her Brother's Best Friend? Not me, apparently. But, did it live up to its fantastic title? Again, that would have to be a yes.
Bailey is looking for some reasurance about the way she looks, having battled her weight all her life, she has also had to battle the weight of other people (and worse still her own mother being the worst offender) and their comments. She asks her brother's best friend, Silas, to take some boudoir shots of her. As they've both secretly had a crush on one another for years, it's hardly surprising that things quickly escalate.
This was a fun and quick read. I powered through it and loved every second. Silas is very sweet (and hot), and Bailey clearly deserves someone just like that in her corner and her bed. I was a little less impressed with her brother Hunter, who seems a little too free and easy with his fists, but I'm sure that he'll redeem himself in the future. Being that this is the first in a series, I'm expecting that we might get his story in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Cat Lady Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥵 5 spicy stars for this brother's best friend small town romance. At just over 200 pages, it was a quick easy read and a great cure for my reading blues.

Bailey has always been into her younger brother's best friend Silas. And Silas has been in love with her since they were teens, when Hunter punched him for choosing Bailey to marry when they played F**k Marry Kill.

Bailey is a successful business woman living in NYC, hours from the small town where she grew up being teased for being overweight. Now a curvy adult, she wants to do a boudoir photoshoot to boost her confidence.

Silas still lives in their hometown and juggles multiple jobs including photography. When Bailey approaches him to do her shoot, Silas can't say no though he knows it'll probably end with him getting punched again.

The photo shoot predictably turns steamy, leaving the two to figure out what comes next. I saw someone describe this couple as black cat/golden retriever and that couldn't be more accurate!

Spice level 4/5, definitely adult only. This is a perfect read to boost your mood or just give you a feel-good read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC I received in exchange for my honest review.

[Myza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend by Liz Alden in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a fun and spicy small-town romance. Bailey returns to her hometown where her relationship with her family—especially her mother, who has always been critical of her weight—has left her with complicated feelings about herself.
After spending time working on her confidence, Bailey decides to do something for herself, she wants to book a boudoir photoshoot so she can finally see herself in a new light.

The only person she trusts to take the photos is her brother’s best friend Silas.

What Bailey doesn’t realize is that Silas has secretly had a crush on her for years. This makes their time together a lot more complicate but a lot more interesting.

I really enjoyed both Bailey and Silas as characters, and the dual POV gave great insight into how each of them felt about the other. The story also introduces several other characters in the town of Here, and I’m hoping this means we’ll get to see more of them in future books.

If you love small-town romances, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I stare at my phone. He full-named me. In a text. About scheduling sex."

This was a fun little romance that ticked all the boxes I needed as I get ready to round off a big month of reading. This one can be read in one day or one sitting, doesn't skimp on the spice and romance, with an HEA at the finish line.

Silus is serious book boyfriend goals. Sweet, hot, and completely head over heels for Bailey, his best friend's sister. One of those epic crushes that has been so many years in the making.

Bailey is relatable. I think many women, myself included, can relate to her and the struggle around body positivity and acceptance. I love that she steps outside her comfort zone and continues to grow.

There will be more books to follow in this series, and I know I'll go on to read the rest.

You should read this book if you love:
- Open door romance (plenty of spice)
- Brother's best friend
- Friend to lovers
- Small town romance
- Forbidden Romance
- Cat dad
- Dual POV

Bailey Bangs Her Brother's Best Friend is available on 31 March.

Thank you to Liz Alden for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Sarah Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable book and for a few reasons.
Bailey and Silas have secretly been in love with each other since they were teenagers but did nothing about it due to Bailey's brother.
Now they are older Bailey returns to her home town of Here to ask Silas, who she trusts to take some intimate pictures of her in a photo shoot. That's where this all begins.
Bailey is a curvy lady, like myself, and you read all about her body size insecurities. Her mother does not help, always going on about what she should and shouldn't eat in a nasty way, constantly knocking Bailey's confidence. Bailey is a successful business woman but her mother doesn't see this, just her size which for a mother is just plain mean.
Anyway we go on Bailey's journey with Silas which is delightful, the sex however is great but graphic so those of a delicate mind beware.
I loved the ending and can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens to Bailey, the ski lodge and Morgan. You will have to read the book to understand that last sentance!

[Liberty Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! I was pulled into the story from the first page and had a hard time putting it down... if life hadn't intervened, I would have finished this in a single read. Bailey is dealing with body image issues that are exacerbated by her mother. Silas has been in love with her for years and is the perfect person to help her build a foundation of self-love one pebble at a time. 

This was a lovely, emotional book as two people find their person, having to navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship and fears of how her brother (his best friend) will react when he finds out. 

Key tropes: Secret and forbidden relationship, brother's best friend, high school bullies and learning to love yourself by seeing yourself through the eyes of someone who thinks you're beautiful. 

Great banter, laugh out loud moments, and quiet moments when love of all kinds happen. I cannot wait for Morgan's story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Hilary Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading because of the shocker title, stayed for the cute and fun story.

Ok, I'll admit, I didn't know what I was getting into with a title like this one. But, the story was great and I read it so quickly! Bailey is a powerhouse and does not need a man to come in and save her. She holds her own just fine. Then enter Silas, the perfect counterpart she didn't know she needed. It is so nice to read a story where the main characters compliment each other so well. I love a female lead that is independent and strong and a lovable male lead that can be sweet and spicy at the same time.

Yes, it is small town, but not in a snoozey way. Bailey comes home and you can see the chemistry with Silas instantly. You can really feel their history. We watch as they navigate her brother and his group of friends - all are so fun and you can tell they all need (hopefully will get) their own stories :)

I recommend this one for something fast and fun!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

What to love about this book:
❤️Self Discovery
👭Older Brothers Best Friend
🥇He Falls First
📸 Boudoir Photography
🐈‍⬛Cat With Main Character Energy
🏘️Small Town
🫂Found Family
🧑🏽‍⚕️ Mental Health Representation

Bailey has struggled with her self worth since she was young. Escaping her hometown of Here was a big part of finding herself.
When she finally feels like she's ready to face her body issues head on she goes to her Brother's Best Friend Silas. As a local part time photographer and someone she trusts she can't think of anyone better to take photos of her.
Silas has some serious concerns but can't imagine anyone else taking these pictures for her. Or getting the opportunity to help her see how beautiful she truly is, how many people see her as more than she sees herself. That Here isn't the small town she grew up in anymore.
It's a heart warming story of learning to love one's self, letting others love you and living with happiness.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explicit. I really, really loved this book! When it popped up I thought the name was so on the nose and funny that I just had to read the blurb - and did not regret it. Bailey, who struggles with body image issues, hires her brother's photographer best friend for a boudoir shoot to see herself in a different light. The problem just ends up being that they've both liked each other for years. Mayhem ensues! This was both hilarious and managed to handle some tricky topics beautifully. I loved that Bailey got to see her old hometown, and herself, in a different light through Silas' eyes. Silas' cat, Echo (who loves to meow at everyone and is adorably loving) steals the show just by appearing! This was lightly spicy, but realistic and the characters were really easy to connect to. Definitely worth the read!

I received an advance copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Marina Torre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! I love everything Liz Alden writes, honestly. She adds the perfect amount of spice to build the romance, and I love the short reads, time and time again.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review, and my review is that you should read this book too!

Bailey and Silas are practically forbidden lovers because….. he’s her brother’s best friend! YIKES! my favorite trope ♥️


Update:

Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend 🩵 by Liz Alden (@lizaldenwriter)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an ARC of Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend in exchange for an honest review ahead of the novel’s publication on March 31st!

I love Liz Alden novels! They are short, spicy, and sweet. I can read each book in one sitting given half the chance. Truly a fun read, and Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend is wildly exciting, adrenaline-rushing, and high risk.

Bailey and her brother’s best friend, Silas, begin a long awaited romance hidden in plain sight. Sneaking around her brother’s back will only last for so long …

Thank you Liz Alden (@lizaldenwriter) for another great read! I can’t wait for the next!

#arcreview #bookreview #lizalden #romancereader #brothersbestfriend

[Julie Unold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a great read. Bailey is our female lead, and while she’s had some issues with her mom and dad, that has resulted in her feeling uncomfortable in her own body. Enter Silas, her brother's best friend, who is hot. BUT better than hot, he is also an absolute sweetheart!! I mean, think golden retriever vibes but dialed to the max. He doesn't pretend he doesn't have feelings or try to be cool. The FMC knows exactly where he stands with here and God am I here for it! I don't like rehashing the blurbs, so what I can say is this is an easy feel-good read. I am also very interested in learning and seeing more of the support characters in this. I feel like the author does a great job of not getting too bogged down in world-building of this cute town-Here and instead gives glimpses of the friend group and town goings-on. Highly recommend!

[Father Lib · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Brother's Best Friend Stars !!

This was such a cute and fun story ! Brother's best friend is one of my all time favorite tropes so I was so happy to read this one ! Bailey is so head strong and Silas is the perfect counterpart for her . The push and the pull that they have mixed with have knowing each other since they were childhood friends, makes for the perfect deep connection relationship . So after years of waiting to confront her with his feelings, Silas just hopes Bailey can see past him being her brother's best friend . I cannot wait to see what Liz is going to bring us with book 2 !

This is book one in the Buffed + Polished series and it can be read as a complete stand alone . Thank you Netgalley + Liza for the ARC . This e-book was given to me for honest review .

Tropes:
Brother's Best Friend
Small Town
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Forbidden
"It's Always Been You"

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book, wish it's longer.

Story about Bailey Price, who has been unsecured about her body her whole life, decide that she looks good enough to do boudoir photos but only her brother's best friend, Silas the only one she trust. Silas who has been harboring a crush since 15 is conflicted. Hot girl, dream girl, asking him to do this and how to stay professional?

Of course, it doesn't and they go thru how to be together, they live in different cities and one big issues, her brother. He's going to beat the crap out of Silas for messing with his sister. Except not only the whole town knew, think the brother knows that deep down, this is true love.

I enjoy the pace of the writing. It's action packed, and I do mean action *wink wink*. I like these stories, there's lots of emotions that came thru, there's issues to tackle (Bailey setting boundaries) and love.

Thank you NetGalley & ictory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the "Buffed & Polished" series - which is a hilarious group of men who get paid to clean shirtless.... LOL

The book is hilarious & lovely. I loved the plot, the characters, their witty banter, their chemistry, the spice... and of course the ending...

I love the whole forbidden love/brother's best friend tropes & love that when her brother finds out about them, yes, he gets mad...but it doesn't last long (he takes a walk to get donuts & says he'll be back in 20 min).

I love Bailey & Silas. I love how she struggles with her self esteem & he works so hard to help build her up. I also love how he doesn't see her flaws that she struggles with, but has always thought she was beautiful. He's swoonworthy & dreamy and just perfect for her!!

The book is fast paced & a quick read. Can't wait to read more in the series!!!

Thank you to the author (Liz Alden), publisher (Victory Editing) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.