Booked Boyfriends, Bad Decisions

by A. Blossom

Genres: Friends To Lovers

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2026

About the author

Author Blossom is an upcoming best selling author born and raised in Saint Louis, Mo. It was there that she developed a love for reading and writing early on. A. Blossom knew she had a passion for writing after she wrote her first story for the girls in her eight-grade class. A. Blossom wants to pen love stories that show black women and men of all skin tones, shapes, and sizes.

When she isn’t writing, Blossom spends her free time with her husband and her two small children. A. Blossom is excited to embark on this journey and invites readers to let love grow. Blossom can be reached on these platforms:

Email: authorablossom@gmail.com

Instagram: author_blossom

Facebook: Author A Blossom

Twitter: @AuthorBlossom

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ lol

Thank you to A.Blossom for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was MESSY in the best way and I ate up every single second of it. If you love fake dating and best friends to lovers, this one is going to have you locked in from page one because she really had me at hello.

We start off chaotic and honestly… the mess never fully lets up. Just when you think things are settling, another layer unfolds, and I loved that emotional tension throughout the story. But underneath all the drama was a love story that felt so real, so intentional, and so worth the ride.

Let’s talk about Hasheem for a second because that man STANDS ten toes down on what he wants. The way he was so intentional about Harlowe…Yeah… I melted. The intimacy was top tier, not just the spice (which was SPICING, okay 👀), but the emotional closeness, the care, the attention. He wasn’t just showing desire, he was showing devotion.

And Harlowe and Hasheem pushing past their fears and finally trusting their love had me seated for EVERY minute of it. Their growth, their vulnerability, and the way their friendship evolved into something deeper was chef’s kiss.

This book gave:
✨ Fake dating tension
✨ Best friends to lovers excellence
✨ Messy emotions + beautiful payoff
✨ Spice with PURPOSE

[Rein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute But …

Let me get this straight, you out here living in a whole book fantasy on a paid vacation then go home and throw the book out!! Girl bye.

This was cute until it wasn’t. It’s one thing to get in your feelings about some comments made because you dated your man’s brother BUT when your man is your best friend and you go to him for everything usually; how you going to punk out and just avoid him completely! So for the actions of this whole emotionally immature woman I could only be disappointed.

[CoCo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute!

This was a cute quick read. It did make dating a content creator seem awful though. Lol They made it work.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5⭐️) This was a cute Valentine’s read. I loved their banter & their friendship, they had a nice easy going chemistry. But poor Harlowe REALLY needed a Xanax. She was wound so tight the whole book😩. Hasheem was applying all the pressure behind her despite her objections and outside forces that tried to attack their relationship. Him being a for real book boyfriend inside of a book felt like being trapped in the matrix though🤣But I adored how he paid attention to her & was able to calm her when she crashed out (which was often). He was so mature in his communication as well.

I will say though I kept rolling my eyes when she kept saying “I can’t date my ex’s brother”. Girl that was in high school🙄If it didn’t lead to marriage and/or a baby the statute of limitations is over.🤣I also didn’t like how she acted post trip, it was kind of immature.

So yeah a cute story. Got some good spice, some giggles, and a nice dose of drama.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good friend to lovers read, so I knew I was in for a treat. Miss Harlowe was just a whirlwind of energy with her life and content creation. Excited about this brand retreat is all she can think about, except there's one issue. It is a couple's retreat, around Valentine's Day! 👀 Sis can't even pay anyone to be her plus one, so she recruits her bestie to be her fake man for the trip. What's the worst that could happen? 🤯

Hasheem will do anything for Harlowe, and she knows that. However, he knows that going on this trip with her is a bad idea. It could change everything between them, then what? But he does what he always does and bails her out. Here we come Zanzibar!

Upon arrival there is an accidental kiss between the two that changes the game! They both immediately begin to think what if. Can this work between us? Should we do it? This is so damn messy!! Harlowe is on the fence, however, Hasheem is all in. He has loved her from the beginning, but now his true feelings have come to the forefront. Then here comes the drama... A person close to the couple works for the company and is not happy about their coupling, making things even messier. Truths are spilled angering Hasheem and making Harlowe run for the hills. 🤬 I loved the intention and persistence Hasheem showed when Harlowe allowed her fears to rule her good sense. He never wavered on his stance and stood ten toes down for what he felt for her. Enjoyable read. 👍🏿

[perfectlyamberb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book boyfriends 😍

This was some good mess, but it was also a sweet story about friends taking that next inevitable step into loverhood. Hasheem was definitely a book boyfriend. He showed up for Harlowe every time, always trying to show her the potential of what they could be. Super cute!

[Ashanti Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and short holiday read. Friends to lovers with fake dating. Fast paced with a lil drama. I enjoyed reading.

[Cardi Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messsss

This was quality mess. And Hashy put it downnnnnn. I’m glad Lowe got out of her head. But whew Simone needed hands put on her. She tried it.

[LayLay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harlowe irritated me this whole book lol. Cute and short read though

['The Book Queen' · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprised 3.5 Stars.

I was truly surprised that I liked this story. I was not expecting this turn of events. Dating brothers at different times, and falling in love with the next brother was different. Shrug.

[Jay Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hasheem was so attentive and the perfect calmed to Harlowe's overdramatics. I get the whole exes situation but baby those folks were just placeholders. Sometimes the messiness can turn into exactly what they needed.

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booked boyfriends, bad decisions

“Love is messy, and sometimes the right person has been standing in front of you the whole damn time.”

This quote basically sums up this book for me. What can be more messy than dating your best friend’s brother? The answer to that is dating your best friend’s brother, introducing your best friend to your friend and your friend now becomes your best friend’s ex and now you and best friend enter a fake dating turned real deal relationship!

Harlowe and Hasheem had a beautiful friendship. They were clearly each other’s person but a trip across the world as fake boyfriend/girlfriend had them both coming to terms that maybe just maybe their feelings weren’t so platonic all along. If I had a best friend who loved on me the way Hasheeem did Harlowe, I couldn’t ever see another relationship lasting as long as we were friends. Hasheem was what book boyfriends are made of. He knew his best friend through and through and respected her overthinking even when it hurt but he wasn’t willing to let her go without a fight. I was glad to see them work it out because there were times I was screaming for Harlowe to get it together and stop focusing on what other people thought, especially people who you don’t know and who don’t know you or your situation.

If you’re a fan of the fake dating or best friends to lovers trope, this is a great and enjoyable read.

[Shamoya Radcliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: thanks to A. Blossom for allowing me to read this early.

I was smiling the entire time reading this one ☺️ this was the one perfect Valentine’s Day themed novella. Fake relationship/ best friends to lovers/a little messy/ a little bit forbidden.

This follows the FMC Harlowe, she is a romance book content creator who gets invited on this couples retreat brand trip, but the thing is while she raves about swoon worthy romances she is in fact single. Now she is stressing trying to find the perfect boyfriend to book for her trip. When all fails she had to asked her best friend to do her this one favor and be her fake boyfriend for a few days.

Hasheem being the friend he is couldn’t say no to Harlowe and after one kiss between the two, they both started to feel things. Harlowe was an over thinker and certified crash out, but Hasheem was the calm to her raging storm. Everytime she almost flies off the rails he reels her back in.

I loved how attentive Hasheem was, he constantly checked in and made sure she is comfortable. He really was her best friend and has always shown that through his acts of service. He was the perfect book boyfriend

There was just enough drama/ plot / and the perfect friends to lovers love story.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hasheem and Harlowe!!

Harlowe, a romance book content creator, received a wonderful opportunity to go on a couple's retreat in Zanzibar. There was just one problem. She didn't have a significant other to take with her. This is where her best friend and her ex's brother, Hasheem, entered the messy situation. Their journey from friends to lovers begins after the first blazing kiss. The fire between them continues from their suite, the couples oil lab, and the cave. While there, they run into Hasheem's ex-fiance, Simone, who works for the company sponsoring the retreat. Simone was a messy heffa who let jealousy get between her and her coins, and I didn't feel sorry for her at all. Once home, Harlowe decides to run and hide from her feelings for Hasheem. I loved how Hasheem came for her which was straight book bae behavior. I really enjoyed this forbidden, friends to lovers, fake dating book from beginning to end. Great job A. Blossom!!

[Shonta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we be lovers and friends?!

I love a friends to lovers book and as usual A. Blossom put her special twist on this book and trope. It was Harlowe needed an assist from her bestie Hasheem and as usual he came through. What they didn’t expect was what came after he said yes. The beautifulness that formed while they attempted not to blur the lines couldn’t be helped. Although the thought of it was frightening going back to what It was before things changed was longer an option on the table. Who better to try new things with other than the one who knows you best and will protect and guard your heart and feelings at all times. Sometimes all you need is staring you in the face all along. Naysayers and the past attempted to throw fire in their mix but who better to stand toes down with and put out fires with than the best bad decision ever Harlowe could’ve made…Hasheem.

[Tori Hightower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was too cute. I loved the bond that Harlowe and Hasheem shared. I get the hesitation about them acting on their true feelings due to the fact that she dated his brother. BUT if you catch it, that wasn’t even how it was supposed to go. Once they threw caution to the wind (*whew* I have to fan myself) it was on from there. Their love was beautiful and it was always there ever since the beginning. They had a slight hiccup and she was in her head (as was he a little) but they overcame that obstacle. I loved how he sent her books, he read the books, sat outside her place just waiting for her to get out of her head and come talk to him. I loved their relationship and the fact that he knew her love language was books. This is a cute, fast read for the romance lover and for those who want that “book boyfriend”. He’s out there somewhere.

[Shay Colbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlowe & Hasheem 🥰

Hasheem, a firefighter and Harlowe, a book content creator that loved everything about love, especially book boyfriends in romance novels.. they had been close friends since high school.. she dated his brother, who was her 1st.. they didn’t work out but Hasheem and Harlowe had a close friendship.. she introduced him to her friend Simone and they were engaged.. until Simone called it off because she no longer was comfortable with how close they were.. an opportunity for a brand presented itself for couples retreat weekend in Zanzibar but she needed a boo.. after convincing Hasheem agreed to go and play her fake boyfriend until couple things got real and they crossed the line.. This was a cute read, however Harlowe was too much of an over thinker and worked my nerves at times, but I enjoyed

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now a time was had and I was there for it

Harlowe was the only one worried about other people's feelings and views regarding her feelings. Each person she gave energy to played her every which way but loose. Only real one was Hasheem regarding the matter and he was ready to build on what was taken from him.

My boy wasted no time playing the part and making sure Harlowe was pleased and comfortable. She may have blushed a few times but for good reason.

This was one messing but fun friends to lovers. I enjoyed the book bae action and real life book club idea from across the street. Now, when we tagging Simone butt for being extra and a user. Jealousy is all she displayed. She was not a real friend or lover.

[Puffahontas · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I just finished an ARC of Book Boyfriends, Bad Decisions and when I tell you this book was MESSY??? I mean messy in the most entertaining way possible.

The drama starts early and never lets up. The decisions?. The chemistry? Off the charts. And somehow… it still gave cozy, feel-good vibes.

I was smiling, stressed, and fully invested. You know when you’re judging the characters but also protecting them at the same time? That was me the entire book.

If you love chaotic romance, tension, and book boyfriends who might ruin your life but in a good way… add this to your TBR immediately.

We all need a firefighter in our life lol

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gawd!!! 🔥🔥🔥

Harlowe and Hasheem are best friends who become lovers when they go on a trip together. He shows up as her fake boyfriend but he ends up being her man. This couple have been each other’s person for years. Their situation is complicated because she dated his brother in high school. Harlowe was caught up regarding the messiness of the situation and what people would say. Listen, people are going to talk and the fact of the matter is that Harlowe and Hasheem deserved to be happy and they were happy together. Their friendship was a perfect foundation for their love. A. Blossom delivered another winner that had me caught up in the rapture!! I loved it.

[Crystal G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. Blossom does it again!!! I really enjoyed this story so much! It was very true to the game for bookish influencers when she crafted Harlow! Sometimes the girls are willing to do anything (within reason) for their big break and Harlowe had to make something shake and FAST!

I loved the build up and chemistry of the FMC & MMC. And baby the plot twist with “Ol Girl” was top tier! Everyone had a bitter ex but her betrayal was soooo well written and a definite “gotcha” moment when it bit her in the butt 😂

10/10 recommend this and any of A. Blossom titles at this point!!!!

*Thank you to A. Blossom for a ARC of this title*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Go Read NOW!!

[Ess Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

say yes to the MESS!

baby.. miss A. Blossom told us this was messy in the Trigger Warning, & I still wasn’t prepared. My flabber was ghasted at every turn ok!

I loved Hasheem. He was thoughtful, dependable & caring. “Mr. Consistency” gone do it for me every time!
I for sure saw bits of myself in Harlow. I was so proud of my girl for standing in her truth.

This was a great, quick read.
It was fun, flirty, & “laugh out loud” funny. There were so many sweet, intimate moments throughout all of the chaos.
I love when the “fake dating” is just two love birds finally coming to terms with their real feeling.

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens in Zanzibar...

Lowe is best friends with her ex's brother and its been like that for 15 years. Til one day, she needed a fake boyfriend for this work thing and lines become blurry. Hasheem doesn't have a problem with it, but Harlowe is afraid to ruin their friendship in the end. And just to add a little more drama, Hasheem's ex fiance is at this shindig, who also happens to be Lowe's ex-friend and she does all she can to make them feel terrible and blame the two of them for breaking up their relationship.
Ohhhhhh yeah, for a quick short read, alot happens but it all gets worked out and Lowe & Hash get their happily ever after ending.

[TheSoftestRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this juicy read!

Okay so listen… Booked Boyfriend, Bad Decisions by was so deliciously juicy!

Sis lies her way onto a luxury brand trip & then has to fake date her best friend… who also happens to be her ex’s brother. Like??? GWORL!

The fake dating turns very 🔥🥵🌶️ very fast, and when I tell you the chemistry is loud from the first “work kiss”… Y’all! This was too good! I was just like this the entire read: 🤭

If you like friends-to-lovers with history, ex drama, and a MMC who isn’t afraid to claim his spot, go ahead and clear your evening. Because this one will have you blushing and turning pages at the same time.

[Jazmine Newsome · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BLOSSOM. This is officially my favorite book by this author. I love a good friends to lovers mixed with fake dating. Hasheem was the perfect book boyfriend. The way he made Harlowe his business was special. He always knew her. He paid attention. Knowing her, he was able to be intentional with how he moved throughout this book. The bookstore, the cave, the buddy read. I loved reading through this friendship blossoming into something bigger.

[Keyarica Teyonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends to lovers…..I loved this story. Hasheem was everything! He didn’t play when it came to Harlowe. Oh I wish I was in that cave. Lol. His ex fiancée is messy, but she didn’t stop nothing!!!! Because Harlowe is an overthinker, she decided to run. However, Hasheem still showed up every day bringing her gifts and books that they could read together. Love a man who will do anything to make his partner happy! I highly recommend this book.

[Pamela B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good friends-to-lovers romance, especially when love grows while one is saving the other.

The chemistry between the characters felt natural, and I enjoyed watching their friendship shift into something deeper and more meaningful. There’s something special about a love story built on history, loyalty, and showing up when it matters most.

I also appreciated the side storyline centered around a book/lifestyle influencer. It added a fun, modern layer to the story and gave it a little extra depth beyond just the romance and let's not forget it takes place in Africa.

Overall, this was a solid, feel good read for anyone who loves friends-to-lovers with heart and a little drama mixed in.

[Cat E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where's Mines? 🥰🥰

Absolutely adored this book! It captures everything perfect about romance, especially within Black Romance. The friends-to-lovers journey is such a beautiful and heartfelt path, and I love how Hasheem and Harlowe finally realize they're each other's forever. He truly understood her on a deep level, showing that some men will go above and beyond for the women they love. A must-read for all hopeless romantics out there!

[Monique McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

It was messy in the beginning, but it was beautiful.
The couple was cute. I love how they had to go through so much just to be together.
Hasheem showed Harlowe that he was going to wait and stand for their no matter what. I live their best friend to lovers.
All the other issues before could have affected them in the beginning. Once they got that out the way, their story was beautiful.

[Krissy’s Korner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved!

I really enjoyed this read! It’s a fake dating mixed with friends to lovers! It was the perfect combo! Loved the way Hashemite loved Harlowe! Super cute quick read!

** there was a few minor editing mishaps I caught at the beginning- flight left at 9:10 then a few chapters down it left at 11:10.. It was also a few words off in the text threads but overall I didn’t take away from my reading experience**