Nyree is an aspiring photographer trying to make his mark in a competitive industry. Focused on establishing his career, he keeps to himself, rarely venturing beyond his camera lens and editing software. When he reluctantly agrees to a blind date he planned to cancel, he never expects it to change the trajectory of his carefully structured life.
Asia has sworn off relationships after a devastating heartbreak left her emotionally scarred. Despite her best friend's persistent efforts to get her back in the dating scene, Asia remains convinced that all men are cut from the same deceptive cloth. When she begrudgingly shows up for yet another blind date, she's prepared for disappointment—until Nyree walks in.
Something electric passes between them, an unexpected connection that catches them both off guard. But can two people with such different pasts and perspectives find common ground? Asia's walls are built high from betrayal, while Nyree's inexperience with serious relationships makes him an unlikely candidate for her heart.
As their chemistry intensifies, so do the complications. Nyree and Asia must decide if what they've found is worth fighting for. They say opposites attract, but is attraction enough when life starts throwing curveballs?
In this passionate story of unexpected love, second chances, and difficult choices, discover whether two people traveling different paths can truly build a future together—or if they're destined to pass each other by, missing their shot at forever.
Talking about a world-wind romance!! Asia & Nyree’s story gave me all the feels. The fact that these characters were able to bring out so many emotions early in the book was enough to let me know this is going to be a good story. I was yelling at them from the first few chapters telling them to put their big girl and big boy draws on and shoot their shot lol. It was obvious that it was an instant connection from when they first met, so naturally I was rushing them along. However, the story was very well paced and everything happened in my opinion exactly as it should have.
There’s no surprise that as soon as we think things are cruising right along, there’s a twist leave your mouth open & heart dropping as we try to determine how everything is going to unfold.
And let’s talk about Bella! The homegirl we all need. The one that’s unapologetic, gone tell you like it is whether you wanna hear it or not, and don’t care about pissing you off when she has your best interest in heart. Very loyal and I truly loved her character.
Overall, a great story that is perfect for romance lovers especially those that enjoy a few hurdles to overcome before getting to the finish line. Highly recommend.
Going into If I Was Your Best Friend, I was expecting a romance, love, connection, maybe a little messiness in between. NISHA writes her characters in a way that feels grounded and relatable to everyday people, and the character growth and development throughout the story is something I genuinely appreciated.
This one moved at a very fast pace, and I mean fast. Within a short window of time, there’s drama, a new connection, an engagement, a marriage, and children. For readers who love a whirlwind story where life just keeps moving and things happen quickly, this may be exactly the kind of read you’re looking for.
For me personally, I found myself wanting a little more time to settle into the characters, more backstory, more depth before everything unfolded. That’s just my reading preference, and it’s not a reflection of the story’s value. I can absolutely see this book finding and loving its audience.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how these characters were shown with real issues, real insecurities, fears, and vulnerabilities that we could relate to.
Asia wants a relationship, however, after being done dirty by her ex she swears off men. When her bestie pushes her to go on a blind date, she was like hell naw!! Said it with her whole chest too! 🤣 But Bella knew how to get her girl to cave, so she reluctantly goes. The date is a dud, but immediately after she encounters another man who takes her breath away.
Nyree has just floated through life without any clear path of anything. He never applied himself in school, had no idea what he wanted to do with his adult life, until he found photography. He does okay for himself but doesn’t do the work to get his name and brand out there. When he meets his friends for a night out, he sees a woman who stops him in his tracks.
Now, I love those who fall quickly, but this here was warp speed love! 😮 I believe that they had an intense connection that couldn’t be ignored, but why the rush? They both felt concerns about how fast things were moving, but neither had the courage to slow it down while getting to know each other. It was like I’ve never felt anything like this before, and if I don’t seize this moment, I’ll lose it. Then all the drama that falls seemingly out of nowhere, threw me.
Reading the synopsis for this book had me excited, and seeing all the rave reviews pushed it up on my TBR list. However, it didn’t give me what it gave many others. It was a cute story, but that rate at which this relationship unfolded didn’t allow me to feel the connection that I anticipated.
“But sometimes life doesn’t follow your plans. Sometimes something better comes along and you have to be brave enough to grab it.”
This was my second book by Nisha, and it definitely won’t be my last. Asia and Nyree both had to really learn themselves before they could fully show up for each other and I appreciated that growth.
Now let’s talk about it… Nyree has elite patience, okay? 😂 Asia was doing a bit too much in some scenes, but I get why it was necessary for the story to unfold the way it did.
Overall, this was a quick, no-pressure read full of Black love and just the right amount of messiness. I really wish there was an audiobook because it would’ve ate down!
I enjoyed this one and I’m looking forward to diving deeper into Nisha’s catalog.
Things definitely went a bit fast, but they were so sure of their love that nothing could stop them. I loved the way Nyrees stood Ten Toes when Asia was having doubts but they made it!
When you know, you know combined with a Ten Toes Down type of love.
Asia’s past relationship that broke her all the way down to her core that I related to. We’ve had our version of “Quan” in our lives. 😒 Nyree never claiming to be perfect. However, he knows that he is just the man that she needs in her life. Their love is raw, real, and fast paced that nobody can understand nor explain. But they always come back to “it feels right!” It gets messy and it rocks them both, especially Asia given her past relationship. They navigate the dynamics of it all because they know they have a love worth fighting for!
Nyree, an aspiring photographer finds something unexpected with Asia who is healing from her toxic ex.. Their bond grows fast but real life doesn't care about timing. The question is... can they make it through? Nyree? Yeah... I loved him!
This is my 1st book from Nisha. But, not my first book from the authors other genres. So, I was NOT surprised that the queen of plot twists threw in an unexpected twist or two within the storyline.
The MC’s were multilayered in a way that made them feel realistic. But, that strong self doubt was on my nerves throughout this. I expected this book to give grown Black love & a lot of it was teetering between being unsure and being unsure again. I enjoyed Kyree as a character. Although doubtful he’s passionate, loving & has the best interest of Asia in mind which I love. Asia was stressful for me in an annoying way. I wanted to be her best friend Bella to help her through her woes. I do not think sis was okay. But, their romance together sold it for me. It was soft, laced in desire & genuine interest & overall truly sweet to read. I liked that both characters made an effort to wait before delving deep into a sexual connection. Their love felt intentional.
Overall, this is a great book for a reader who likes romances that’ll take you on a ride that are full of emotions & depth.
If I Was Your Bestfriend ‼️ARC REVIEW!!!‼️ 🎶”… I’d want you ‘round all the time”🎶 This read may seem long but the love is instant. Nyree and Asia had an love at first site moment just from seeing one another in passing. Asia is a woman is has sworn off men, temporarily of course, due to severe heartbreak! She has one major rule and Nyree attempts to provide her with everything she requires. Nyree is straightforward and that can go either in his favor or against him! I personally like that he says what he means no matter how scary it feels. Going forward, they finally get an opportunity to test the waters and then what happens…chaos. While they’re enjoying the honeymoon phase, side characters come into play that put a damper on their relationship. You will see that a hater go hate!! Oh and you go be surprised at who pisses you off faster than others! You have to wonder: will they make it? Was this all a mistake? Can their love stand the test of time? If you like instant love stories that moves fast then this is for you! If you like a slow burner that picks up quick, this is for you! If you are the type that thinks everything deserves a sequel then this is not for you. Trust you get everything you need in this one and you will LOVE IT!!!
If I Was Your Best Friend by Nisha is such a soft, feel good read that leans all the way into that instalove magic 💕
Nyree, is a passionate photographer chasing his dreams and trying to elevate his business. He keeps to himself, rarely venturing beyond his camera lens. Then we have Asia, a social media marketer who’s still healing from heartbreak and not exactly open to letting anyone new in. A chance meeting at a group outing and we have instant sparks flying.
With this story you get that instant connection and undeniable chemistry, but it’s layered with Asia’s emotional walls and Nyree’s patience and consistency. He wasn’t just chasing love, he was intentional. Applying pressure should be his middle name.
The romance flows effortlessly, giving you butterflies without the heaviness, although there is a bit of unexpected drama. If I Was Your Best Friend is the kind of book you pick up when you want something light, comforting, and full of hope, especially if you love seeing a guarded woman slowly soften for the right man.
Overall: If you are looking for a heartfelt, romantic escape with a swoon worthy MMC and just enough emotional depth to keep you invested, I recommend. If I Was Your Best Friend is perfect for when you’re in the mood for love that feels easy, genuine, and meant to be ✨
A blind date neither one of them wanted to go on …. If I Was Your Bestfriend is a messy insta-love, second chance romance. It’s a story of what happens when you bet on love. No relationship is perfect, but when you take a chance, sky’s the limit!
Nyree struggled to find his purpose in life, until he got his big break in photography. While he builds himself up, he unexpectantly finds love. He falls fast and hard all while still battling the feeling of not being good enough. Nyree’s vulnerability was so refreshing to read. He wore his heart on his sleeve and let love guide him. He stuck his claim with Asia before she could even process what was happening(we love a delulu man!).
Asia was scared by her past relationships, being lied to and played by the man she gave her all to. She had her guard up and swore off men. Until her bestfriend Bella convinced her to go on a blind date. What started off bland, turned into an almost missed encounter. Reluctantly she opens up her heart, but everything that glitters isn’t gold…
I loved Jamel and Bella. Jamel put Nyree on when he didn’t have to and Bella gave Asia tough love even when she didnt want to hear it. They both were true definitions of friends!
If you love second chance romances, insta-love with a little mess along the way, add this to your TBR!
Your best friend try to get you to go on a blind date at first you didn't want to go but then you do. You & Que your blind date both have the same mutual feelings that it's just an friendly no attraction but at the end of the date this guy who is late you feel this strong magnetic attraction to him. Asia runs into Nyree again unexpectedly but still have the same feelings. He tells you that I'm going to be your man. After a first date Asia & Nyree are in quick relationship. Asia creates an professional website to help Nyree gets his photography career started to get new clients. Nyree rents a yacht to thank Asia for her because his website is growing. His business starts getting better then buys an engagement ring after 2 months of dating. Time comes to let people know they were engaged done had some concerns because it's quick. They run off to the courthouse to get married. Nyree is serious about his relationship to Asia he goes to post on fb he's engaged, then one of his old fuck buddies go to email Asia. Isis tells Asia Nyree has a 4 year old son so Nyree said he wants a DNA test because she was messing around with other guys.
There’s just something about a story that gets it and this one really did that for me.
The FMC Asia, Whew. I felt her deeply. When you go all in on love and it leaves you shattered, the idea of starting over feels almost impossible and her journey back to vulnerability felt so real and relatable. The emotional walls, the hesitation, the quiet hope… all of it hit.
And then there’s Nyree… 🥹 The patience. The understanding. The intentional pursuit. This man didn’t just say he cared, he showed up. Watching him go from someone who never planned to settle down to completely rearranging his life for the woman he loves? Yeah… that’s the kind of character development I will always eat up.
Their relationship wasn’t without challenges, but that’s what made it even better. The adversity, the growth, the choosing each other anyway, it all came together in a way that felt earned and satisfying.
✨ Emotional ✨ Romantic ✨ Healing ✨ Heavy on “love is worth the risk”
If you love a story where a guarded FMC learns to love again and a MMC who does the work to prove he’s worth it… add this to your list immediately.
This was giving cookie cutter love story until the shoe dropped. I was literally upset lol. BUT they worked thru their situation. Pretty much everything that came at them, they worked thru it. Very good communication between them. They both had their own doubts, and they still were able to meet each other in the middle. I was happy to see that. Sometimes when we think something is too good to be true, we self-sabotage. But they both decided to go for what they wanted!
I definitely thought they moved fast. Well, I was on the fence. When you know you know but also be careful lol. I did like how they held each other down while they figured out how to tell their family about each other. They were both so supportive and loving.
I didn't like the title of this book lol. They weren't really friends- and he only sung that song once lol. I was thinking this would be like a friends to lovers situation but it was something completely different.
This was a solid 4 read for me. Baby it was fast-paced and easy to get pulled in, I couldn’t put the book down. The characters felt real, especially Asia, whose guard from her past hurt made her emotions hit even harder. Nyree was that Man. I love a man who can show ya better than he can tell ya. My favorite character easily was Bella. Ain’t nothing like a Good Girlfriend. The story had just enough drama to keep you hooked without feeling overdone, and the emotional depth really stood out. Overall, it’s a romance you can enjoy in one sitting with a satisfying ending. I just love Black Love ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Nisha for this ARC read. All opinions are my own
SPOILERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS…..I liked Asia but I was sick of hearing about Quan. Quan Quan Quan like omg live your life. The constant lying to Bella the bff was aggravating. Like talk and work through your stuff! What really floored me was…….it was okay for Bella to be in love and engaged but not Asia?? The time frame was almost the same sooooooooo. Bella was going through things silently and I get that. Bella finally gets a ring and now she blesses her friends engagement after sowing seeds of doubt. Nyree deserved better idc idc idc. I get it Asia was hurt before but why is he paying for her past? I enjoyed the read but the FMC drove me nuts. Nyree had the gift but Asia had the marketing and the ability to speak life into that man. I wish the test went the other way though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
🎶If I was your best friend...I'd want you around all the time 🎶
This book brought up some emotions long buried, like alot of women I had a Quan in my life at some point but now I have a Nyree. 💜 I related to Asia so much with the conflicting emotions, wanting love but afraid to take a chance and then finally stepping out on faith scared and all.
Nyree was not perfect but he was consistent, loyal and loved with all his heart. What more can you ask for. You could literally see him mature in such a short amount of time and handle conflicts like a real man.
A little spice, romance and some conflict, perfect combination.
If you love you an intentional MMC that is all gas no breaks, this is the book for you.
Nyree was that man that said to Asia, I got you but I'm gonna show you better than I can tell you. Asia was so guarded from her past hurt that she questioned a lot of what she was feeling and the things she was doing because of her love for Nyree. In the moment, she was happy but when the excitement wore off she had doubts. Those doubts definitely was raging when some bombs were dropped. But in the end our MCs found their HEA.
Love a book that shows emotional depth in the characters. This was not a fluff and frill book. But I think you'll enjoy it.
I really enjoyed Asia and Nyree's story. This book was full of love, and the characters were so relatable. Nyree stood ten toes down behind his girl. He knew from the first meetup that she was it for him. Now Asia got on my nerves with the self-doubt from past relationship issues, but she made it through. I felt like her best friend Bella was a hater, but she renewed herself. Although things went a bit fast it was well worth it in the end. My favorite part was when that man got down on his knees and prayed for their union. Even with the obstacles they faced love conquered all and I love that for them.
If I Was Your Best Friend by Nisha was a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me, messy, dramatic, and way too much fun. I’m a sucker for love at first sight and a “he falls first” trope, so this hit every time.
Nyree was good man just trying to figure life out, but one thing about him, he knew exactly what he wanted and didn’t play about it. We love that.
Now Asia… girl 😭 I wanted to choke her THROUGHOUT this book, I’m not even gonna lie. But I’ll give credit where it’s due, she got it together eventually and let that man be her man like she was supposed to.
Overall, super entertaining read. Definitely one of those books that keeps you locked in from the drama alone.
If I Was Your Best Friend is a heartfelt, emotionally layered read that really digs into the complicated space between friendship and love. Nisha does a beautiful job of showing how deep connections can blur lines, especially when feelings have been sitting unspoken for way too long.
The story builds with a slow, steady tension that pulls you in, making every look, every conversation, and every moment feel loaded with meaning. The characters are relatable and flawed in the best way—they love hard, make messy choices, and have you rooting for them even when they’re getting it all wrong.
There’s a perfect balance of sweetness, drama, and those “oh wow, that just happened” moments that keep you locked in. It’s the kind of book that makes you think about timing, loyalty, and whether risking a friendship for love is ever really a gamble—or destiny.
I’m not sure where to start. This story is the kind of story that makes you turn your iPad off and walk away. But a minute later you are rushing to pick it up again. This is a fast paced love story that will bring out all of your emotions. Fast paced in the sense that the couple moves through the relationship stages pretty quickly, and just when they take a deep breath from the last issue, life comes at them from another angle. But in the end they realize if they love together, they can get through the trying times.
I loved getting to know Asia and Nyree ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I had no idea this story was about to be way more than I expected. I really liked Nyree; he stood on business for real and went after exactly what he wanted. Asia was definitely guarded, but I respected that she still took a chance even when her feelings were all over the place.
This isn't a cookie cutter romance either. Nyree and Asia have some real roadblocks ahead, and you can feel it. It's giving two people who, more than anything, just want their happily ever after but have to fight to get there.
A beautiful journey of healing and choosing love. Nyree and Asia’s story is a powerful reminder that the walls we build to protect ourselves can also be the very things that keep us from our greatest joy. Watching them transition from a guarded, unexpected first date to a soul-deep connection was incredibly moving. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the way they navigated their challenges and chose each other every day that truly stood out. If you enjoy stories centered on growth, passion, and emotional healing, this is a must-read!
I really enjoyed this romance. It jumped right in and moved fast. Like… really fast, lol. But it worked for the story and kept things engaging from the start.
The book explores love, a bit of trauma, a bit of drama, and the process of healing past wounds. I liked how Nyree came in with that bold, intentional energy in pursuing Asia, and how Asia allowed herself to open up and give love another chance.
This was a quick read for me and kept me hooked all the way through. This was a solid romance with heart and good emotional depth.
If I Was Your Best Friend was a heartfelt story with emotional depth, a little messiness, and a lot of love.
Asia…whew! 😩 She stressed me out at times, but her journey felt real and layered.
Nyree, though? Yeah, he was THAT guy.😮💨
Patient, intentional, and fully locked in once he knew Asia was the one. I loved how he showed up for her—no confusion, no games.
And honestly, what’s a love story without a little drama and a few plot twists? 😂 It kept things interesting while still delivering on the emotional side.
Thank you to Nisha for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. Knowing the author I knew it would be good so my expectations were high. This was for the most part just a feel good love story. I just cheesed through the majority. Although Nyerere and Asia had internal dialogue that could have ruined the relationship they actually talked. That’s a concept 😉. I didn’t care for Isis at all and didn’t need that situation. And her involvement during the end had me sideyeing the MMC. Fantastic book though.
Nyree and Asia were both lost souls navigating a new beginning. It is great living in your old world until the outside comes knocking on the door. I m happy they used communication to help bridge the gap of life and new obstacles.
It was an up and down rollercoaster but a fun read. Also, be careful of who you call friends because they pray on your downfall.
!! ARC REVIEW !! An insta-love story and it’s black? YES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!! This story is fast paced and will have you ready for more from chapter 1. Asia was super easy to relate to in how she swore off love after a horrible breakup. Nyree was that man. I truly enjoy the author’s writing style and how she makes it easy for the characters to be relatable. This was my second book by Nisha, and it certainly won’t be my last.
I enjoyed this!! It was 4.5 stars for me!! The read was fast paced. The story pulled you in. Right away I felt like a nosey homegirl curious how Miss Asias date was going to go and what was to come !!! The characters were so real and relatable I feel like I knew them! And I LOVED the ending. Definitely the type of book you run to when you want to enjoy a romance.