Twenty Seconds to Love Him

by Haleigh Falcon, Jessica A.M. (Editor)

Genres: Friends To Lovers

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 15, 2026

Reviews

[readingromancehea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Haleigh Falcon for this arc in exchange for an honest review

Bodie’s girlfriend Amber hates Bryce because she thinks they’re in love with each other. When Amber breaks up with Bodie he starts to think about how he’s always put Bryce before everyone especially Amber. What do you do when you realize you’ve always been in love with your best friend?

I feel bad at how broken Bodie was at first when Amber broke up with him. Bryce helping him through that was amazing. Bodie going through all the times he chose Bryce over Amber was painful for him. Poor Bodie really had no idea how much he loves Bryce. The admission Bodie gave to Bryce was eye opening for them both. The 20 second hug is the best thing ever. It’s sweet how fast Bryce jumped into the caretaker roll when he noticed Bodie was sick. I love how Bryce trusts Bodie so much that he can only sleep well when they’re sleeping together. The ending was nice.

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first page, Bodie and Bryce completely stole my heart. Their bond is the kind that only comes from years of growing up side by side—best friends since childhood, inseparable, and practically a two-for-one deal in everyone’s life. So when Bodie’s girlfriend ends their relationship because she’s convinced he’s actually in love with Bryce, it forces Bodie to look at his feelings in a way he never has before. What starts as confusion quickly turns into a realization that maybe what they have has never been just friendship.

The dynamic between them is unbelievably tender. Bryce has quietly carried feelings for Bodie for years, but acting on them is terrifying. Their friendship means everything to him, and the idea of risking it for something more makes him hesitate—even if his heart is screaming that Bodie has always been the one. On top of that, Bryce carries some deeply personal fears and anxieties he’s never shared, worried that opening up might drive away the people he loves most.

And then there’s Bodie, who is just the sweetest soul. Once the possibility of loving Bryce in a different way clicks for him, he doesn’t shy away from it. His natural “go with the flow” personality makes him willing to explore what this new realization means. But it’s not without complications. Bodie’s hockey career and his potential future in the NHL make things more complicated, especially when the idea of coming out to his team could have real consequences if their relationship doesn’t work out.

Watching these two navigate the shift from lifelong friends to something deeper was honestly heart-melting. The small moments between them were my favorite—those quiet, intimate interactions that show just how much they already mean to each other. Bodie’s quirks, warmth, and devotion made him impossible not to love, while Bryce’s journey through some painful experiences added depth and emotion to the story. Seeing him work through those struggles with Bodie by his side was incredibly touching.

Despite a few emotional bumps, the overall tone of the story feels warm, hopeful, and uplifting. It’s the kind of romance that gives you butterflies and leaves you smiling while you read. The found-family elements and appearances from Haleigh’s previous characters added another layer of charm that made the world feel even more special.

Bodie and Bryce truly feel like two people who were always meant to find their way to each other. Their story is sweet, heartfelt, a little spicy, and full of genuine love. If you enjoy best-friends-to-lovers romances with lovable characters and a relationship that feels both natural and deeply emotional, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I’m already excited to see where the rest of the series goes next.

[Barbara Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

MC’s: Bodie & Bryce

I loved this book! First of all the MC’s: Bodie deserves his own trope: Oblivious Golden Retriever Hockey Goalie Baby Boy: OGRHGBB for short.
🤔🦮🥅🩵👶
He is the perfect pairing to his childhood best friend, now roommate, Bryce, who has some secrets and trauma and needs the hugs as much as he gives them. Their dynamic was authentic and moving and the steamy bits were hot. 🥵
There all kinds of fun micro-tropes for this bi-awakening story such as bring me flowers 💐if it’s a real date and some jock strap 🏳️‍🌈 shenanigans.

I loved it so much that I also devoured the Just is Not Enough book right after to get more of some of the side characters.

There is some angst and definite triggers around parental loss, survival guilt and a past auto accident. And a gross side character you want to make a voodoo doll for. You’ll know it when you read it.
Be kind to yourself. ❤️‍🩹

If you love childhood friends to lovers where a GR brings the comfort to a hurt Bestie — I totally recommend this book!

5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
3/5 🖤


Tropes I would recommend for.
🩵 (Childhood) Friends To Lovers
🩵 MM Romance
🩵 Bi-Awakening
🩵 Oblivious MC
🩵 Hurt-Comfort
🩵 Hockey Romance
🩵 Oblivious Golden Retriever

MicroTropes:
🩵 Hockey Goalie + Flirty Bartender Romance
🩵 Friends Share a Bed, Right?
🩵 I Only Sleep When You’re Here
🩵 Baby-Bi Up For Whatever

Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodie and Bryce, Bryce and Bodie - they are a package deal. Best friends since childhood, each other's person. So when Bodie's girlfriend breaks up with him claiming that he is totally in love with Bryce - he begins to wonder if there isn't some truth to her claim.
This sweet story of the adorable MMC's will have you getting butterflies as they navigate their friendship to the next level. You can completely understand Bryce's hesitation of not wanting to ruin their friendship by pursuing more with Bodie, yet at the same time, he has been in love with Bodie for as long as he can remember that it just seems right. However, Bryce has a secret... he has some closely guarded anxieties he fears will push away the people he loves if he speaks his truth out into the world and is not sure if it is worth losing Bodie.
And Bodie oh this sweet man. He wants nothing more than to fall even deeper in love with Bryce than he already is but also not wanting to potentially disrupt his chance of playing in the NHL by coming out to his team if this relationship is not going to move past the friend zone. I absolutely loved this book, it was sweet, spicy and perfect. The love Bodie and Bryce have for each other plus their amazing found family will have you grinning the entire time you read!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free for my honest review.

This book was ok. I liked the premise of 2 lifelong friends, one gay and one straight to bi for you. I liked that it took someone pointing out that they were in love to get the story going. I like that their journey had communication, jealousy, supportive friends and family.

That said I didn’t really connect, it was missing something. There is a lot in this book that isn’t discussed, talked about, or is just assumed, like Bodie’s sexual awakening and when it means for him coming out or staying DL. It’s not flowing, my mind has to consciously keep up rather than naturally do it. It didn’t flow harmoniously. It felt more like a series of thoughts and paragraphs than a flowing tale.

I really enjoyed the premise and the characters are likeable. It may be the writing style that I didn’t connect with.

With all that said, it’s a cute story with a bi-awakening between best friends, some good jealousy comeuppance, lots of spice, just a little angst, and a satisfying HEA. It’s an easy read with hints at another possible couple for the next book.

[Amalas · Rating 4 out of 5]

When two absolutely beautiful souls find each other and fall in love. This is the only way I can think to describe Bodie and Bryce, they are so sweet together and to each other.

Who says you can't fall in love with your best friend? Bodie and Bryce have been best friends since second grade. They've been inseparable ever since. Their love for each other is strictly platonic, right?

Bodie plays hockey, has had the same girlfriend since high-school and lives with his best friend Bryce. Bryce is a bartender, hasn't had any real longterm relationships, and doesn't understand why Bodies girlfriend hates him so much. Otherwise life is good for both of them. All it takes is one confrontation, and both of their worlds shift entirely!

Reading Twenty Seconds to Love Him was such a sweet read! It was so easy to fall into Bryce and Bodies story, I easily could have read it in one sitting (if sleep didn't get in the way). I would describe their story as little to no angst, just a couple of bumps along the way. If you're looking for a sweet story, with loveable guys that just make you smile- this should be your next read.

[Nicole Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty Seconds to Love Him is the first book the Bartender Chronicles series by Haleigh Falcon.

This book features Bryce and Bodie. The pair has been best friends since elementary school and are now roommates. After Bodie’s girlfriend breaks up with him because she is convinced that Bodie is in love with Bryce, Bodie begins to spiral and question his sexuality.

Bryce has always been gay, but never allowed himself to see Bodie that way. Bryce struggles with childhood trauma that still presents in adulthood. He really relies on Bodies friendship to help him and is afraid to do anything to jeopardize that.

Once Bodie realizes that he has feelings for Bryce, it is game over. Their chemistry in the bedroom is next level. And don’t get me started on the jockstrap kink!

I love a friends to lovers trope and this definitely satisfied that. The miscommunication trope isn’t alway my favorite but it really helped in this book for these two men to figure out their feelings for one another.

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what’s next. Thank you Haleigh Falcon and the Author Agency for the advanced copy.

[Shannon Winning · Rating 5 out of 5]

BODIE IS MINE!!

I absolutely adored this book from start to finish! All the little moments between Bodie and Bryce were so freaking sweet!

Bryce and Bodie have always had a unique connection as they are best friends but when Bodies girlfriend breaks up with him because she sees something he doesn’t between these best friends it makes him take a step back and really look! He’s always such a go with the flow guy so he takes the realization and GOES!! Bodie of course has his issues with this new connection that has brought up some older feelings.

Bodie is such a sweetheart I seriously feel in love with him from the get go! All his little quirks and passion made him so special! And while this was a sweet read Bryce went through some very tragic things in his life and I loved being about to see him work through that and having Bodie there to help him.

Also loved seeing all Haleigh’s old characters come together again!

I can’t wait for the rest of this series!

[HappilyEverReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodie and Bryce were so sweet together. Longtime friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I absolutely devoured this book in a single sitting.

I’ll admit I was relieved when Bodie’s girlfriend broke up with him—she seemed awful from the start, and Bodie was far too much of a sweet marshmallow for someone like her. I loved the way Bryce took care of him after the break up and when he was sick. I especially loved the small, thoughtful moments, like bringing flowers and chocolate on their date after Bodie had casually mentioned liking them earlier.

Their relationship felt natural and effortless, and the chemistry between them was wonderful. Watching their friendship evolve into something deeper was such a joy to read. I had so much fun with their story and enjoyed every minute of it.

My only complaint is that it felt too short—I would have happily read so much more about them!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Haleigh Falcon & The Author Agency for this ARC, these are my own thoughts and feelings!
Bodie and Bryce were so hopelessly in love with each other that they themselves didn’t know it. I felt for Amber, but I loved how she handled it in the end.

There were times that I felt like the miscommunication or lack of communication took me out of the story out of frustration; like just talk to each other (Bryce and his Mom too) but they always came back to one another; the importance of a hug truly shown on the page. There was a lot of emotion within the plot that I wasn't expecting going into the story and Haleigh took care in writing about a potentially triggering scenario!

Drew can eat dirt, Calisse and Emmett were among my favourite side characters I’ve read in awhile!
*I will never look at a jock strap the same 😂*

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

AAAA THIS BOOK!! The hold it had on me. If sleep wasn’t a necessary function, I’d have read it all at once!

Bodie and Bryce are precious and need to be protected at all costs! Their shift from BFFs to lovers was… so well executed. They had an unbreakable bond, where they were friends first and foremost, which I felt really highlighted the fact that they really cherished each other.

When things got steamy though!? Did they *ever*!!

The miscommunication was heavy with these two, but I felt it added depth into their development, leading them to become more well developed, well rounded, mature adults. And they are so good for each other. Even when their pasts creep up and there is some angst (delicious, delicious angst).

I will never think of birthday cake the same ever again lollll

4.5 ⭐️

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5

[Bethiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This book was so adorable. Bodie was such a sweetheart and Bryce was so patient with him.

Bryce and Bodie have been best friends since childhood. Bodie's girlfriend breaks up with him and tells him he in love with Bryce more than her.

Bryce has always in a way
has always been in love with Bodie. But he has been hesitant because of past trama and anxieties. But once they get together, their relationship develops so beautifully. They already had a beautiful friendship, and that made their relationship a but easy.

But Bryce's anxiety causes some problems with them, but I lo e how they come together and work it out.

Thank you to The Author's Agency and Harleigh Falcon for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[The Naughty Booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodie and Bryce brought the spice, and they showed everything nice. Sorry, I had to make a rhyme. Ignore me.

Ok, serious time if you are in the mood for a best friends to lovers story this will check every single box you could want. They will make you laugh silly, keep you smiling, and even draw a tear or two for our Bryce. These are two hearts that were made for each other, and we get to see a beautiful love come together. We get to see some of our past favorites and some new characters that im sure will get thier turn in the spotlight and this review would not be complete with out adding we get sexy jockstraps and for that alone THANK YOU
Haleigh my browser will never be the same 😊

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodie and Bryce have been an inseparable duo since their primary school days, crafting a bond that many envy. While Bodie has been committed to the same girlfriend since high school, Bryce, a carefree barman, has danced through a series of short-lived relationships, never quite finding the spark.

Their friendship is a refuge; they rely on each other for guidance and comfort, feeling incomplete when apart. However, when Bodie’s girlfriend candidly suggests that he loves Bryce more than her, it sends him into deep reflection.

Taking a step back, Bodie begins to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about his feelings and his friendship with Bryce.

This marks the beginning of an unexpected journey, one that could forever change their lives... and their relationship.

[Julian Leibach · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC review***

“I’m discovering every day that he’s more than who I always thought he was to me.”

Twenty Seconds to Love Him is an mm romance surrounding Bodie, a “straight” AHL player, and Bryce, a gay bartender. They have been platonic best friends since middle school, but when Bodie’s girlfriend dumps him because she thinks he’s in love with Bryce, these best friends have new ground to explore.

Although the plot has been done many a time before, this was a very good read! It was smoothly written and I loved the way these two navigated their new feelings for each other.

And I loved a good jockstrap kink 🤣

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review or advanced copy

I adore friends to lovers as a trope and I did like Bodie and Bryce together but I found myself wishing for more of a slow burn. They fit together as well as you’d imagine best friends would but it felt a little too easy, there was tension but it wasn’t drawn out and there was a mini third act breakup that I felt wasn’t really addressed as thoroughly as it could have been between the characters. That being said, I liked the ending and Bodie & Bryce as a couple as well as the setting.

Check it out if you like;
🏑Fluffy with minimal angst
🥅 Friends to Lovers
⛸️Hockey Goalie MMC
🥃Bartender MMC
🩵HEA

[Brooke (reads by b) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bryce and Bodie

Best Friends to lovers
Bartender x Hockey Player
Possessive
Obliviously in Love
Queer Awakening

This was a quick, fun, and easy read – just the type of fluff I’ve come to love and expect from Haleigh Falcon. I have been excited to read Bryce‘s story since we met him in the Charlotte Socials.

Friends to lovers is never my favorite trope, but I loved how easily these two oblivious boys fell in love.

My only critique about this book is the Josh plot line. I personally don’t think this part was needed at all. I feel like there would have been enough emotional impact without.

[Wicked River Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read. Bryce has always intrigued me when we see him in JINE and BLUE as the flirty bartender so I’m glad we got to see more of him. Bodie and Bryce were cute together and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop into something new. They had a few kinks to work out and new situations to adjust to but it was nice to see them come together and guide each other. The side characters were fun and I’m interested to see if we get more of them!


💚ARC REVIEW🖤

☑️ Trigger Warnings.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute couple. I love a good life long friends to I didnt know we were actually inlove story.
Braces story broke my heart. I cant imagine growing up feeling that way about the loss of a parent. But im so glad he had Bodie.

Bodie is that lovable himbo jock and I love me one of those. Im glad his GF didnt turn out to be a huge b****. She called him out rightfully so then broke up with him and was not hateful when she was right.

Cute book with a cute couple 🥰

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. This is book 1 in the Bartender Chronicles series. This MM romance is so sweet. I absolutely love Bodie and Bryce. Now amber bodies GF breaks up with Bodie because she blames him for choosing his best friend over here always. Then poor Bodie struggles with the breakup and Bryce is there to step in an comfort him. The 20 second hug I kind of cried. This relationship was beautiful and loved this book so much. I am excited to see how this series continues.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a best friends to lovers story with a biawakening. This was so cute. I loved how sweet Bodie was and how he had zero hesitation. I did want to shake Bryce a couple of times because I just wanted him to tell Bodie all the things, but trauma reacts differently in different people. I did enjoy that this overlaps the other series, so we get to see those characters again.

[Michelle Exploringwithchapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story about two best friends, that had an affectionate relationship which evolved into more. Bodie and Bryce capture your heart as they work to navigate what this new relationship looks like. This is a MM Hockey romance, with some sweet moments, and a fair bit of frustration! ❤️ Full review to come.

[Danni Crass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a simple, short, and sweet read. I thought I would dislike Amber but she kind of surprised me. I loved that the boys went into this head first with only minor complications. You know the issue don't wanna ruin the friendship, but I am glad they took that leap. Most definitely a beautiful read.

[Sammy Standing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I was absolutely obsessed with this story and these characters. It is such a phenomenal read and I could not put this down for even a second. I definitely need to check out other books by this author asap.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me personally, as evidenced by mostly glowing reviews, this book needed a little more time in the oven. It just wasn't flowing and felt like things were dropped or picked up a little randomly. Maybe I failed to connect and it wont be true for everyone else.

[Bear_reads_romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends to lovers is alwags so good and this one works really well, it's really cute and I loved Bryce and Bodhi. Pretty low and with some good spice!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️RTC