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Love on a Deadline #2
The Friendship Rule
Rules are meant to be broken.
Lily Price doesn’t do relationships. Her whole life, she’s been dating bearded, muscled jocks with zero long-term potential. No hassle, no heartache. The only man that truly knows her is Oliver—her best friend, her knight. He’s serious, stoic and shy, and could not be further from her type.
Until one feverish incident shows Lily that maybe Oliver is not as unaffected by her as she thought, and maybe—just maybe—she doesn’t hate it at all.
Oliver Knight doesn’t date. At all. Not because he’s not interested, but because the only woman he’s ever wanted is absolutely off-limits. With her Barbie doll looks and big personality, Lily can have anyone, so why would she ever look in her nerdy best friend’s direction?
Then, an unexpected opportunity and a blurted-out confession change everything.
When Lily realizes that Oliver has never been with a woman, she volunteers to be his teacher and test subject. That’s an offer Oliver can’t refuse. But can he be the perfect student and still stick to the rules of friendship? Or will he break them one by one until all that is left is the truth?
The Friendship Rule is a best friends to lovers romance novella with an innocent hero who totally fell first, an experienced heroine, and plenty of steamy lessons and scrumptious baked goods.
Lily Price doesn’t do relationships. Her whole life, she’s been dating bearded, muscled jocks with zero long-term potential. No hassle, no heartache. The only man that truly knows her is Oliver—her best friend, her knight. He’s serious, stoic and shy, and could not be further from her type.
Until one feverish incident shows Lily that maybe Oliver is not as unaffected by her as she thought, and maybe—just maybe—she doesn’t hate it at all.
Oliver Knight doesn’t date. At all. Not because he’s not interested, but because the only woman he’s ever wanted is absolutely off-limits. With her Barbie doll looks and big personality, Lily can have anyone, so why would she ever look in her nerdy best friend’s direction?
Then, an unexpected opportunity and a blurted-out confession change everything.
When Lily realizes that Oliver has never been with a woman, she volunteers to be his teacher and test subject. That’s an offer Oliver can’t refuse. But can he be the perfect student and still stick to the rules of friendship? Or will he break them one by one until all that is left is the truth?
The Friendship Rule is a best friends to lovers romance novella with an innocent hero who totally fell first, an experienced heroine, and plenty of steamy lessons and scrumptious baked goods.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Kay Red
3 books10 followersKay Red writes romance quickies with heat and heart. She lives with her husband wherever their passports can take them. When she’s not writing she can be found consuming books in any format known to woman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 9, 2026
Oliver is worth the 3 stars. He’s the V MMC and the h is his BFF, who teaches him what she knows….or does he teach her? 🙃
A short, spicy read.
A short, spicy read.
May 19, 2026
Loved Oliver!!! Lily was annoying!!!! Lily did not deserve Oliver at all.
Friends to Lovers (11 years)
Experienced FMC x Virgin MMC(Only been kissed once)
Nerdy MMC
Introvert x Extrovert
He falls first
Sex Lessons
No OWD
No Real OMD (Mentions of past OM)
No sharing/Cheating/Intimate Scenes With OP
Dual POV (1st person)
HEA
Friends to Lovers (11 years)
Experienced FMC x Virgin MMC(Only been kissed once)
Nerdy MMC
Introvert x Extrovert
He falls first
Sex Lessons
No OWD
No Real OMD (Mentions of past OM)
No sharing/Cheating/Intimate Scenes With OP
Dual POV (1st person)
HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall rating 4,5 stars rounding it up to 5 stars for how complete this book felt in only 180-ish pages!
🌶️🌶️,5
Spice rating is somewhere between 2,5-3 chili peppers, because while the spice was super well and open door, I am think it was less descriptive than what I usually read.
The Friendship Rule was such a great read! I has some of my absolutely favourite tropes and they were executed to perfection, no notes!
The two main characters, Lily and Oliver, were both likeable, and in Oliver's case downright both hot and adorable. Oliver is written as being very nerdy and has some difficulties with his social skills, but comes across an exceptional man, steadfast, loving, brave, a little stern when needed (and we love a stern man), and incredibly caring, especially towards Lily.
He is also a virgin, and deeply in love with his best friend Lily, and I love how the author purposefully avoided the "friendzone" scenario, because Oliver is legitimately deeply appreciative of their friendship despite his unrequited feelings. When they finally get together so she can teach him a thing or two, he learns *everything* about pleasing her, like he is getting a PhD in Lily!
Lily is more of a social butterfly and ropes (no, not literally ;)) Oliver into an easy friendship on their first day of college after he helps her get rid of 'Chad'. She is clearly still healing from issues in her past and she is very much into brief encounters without feelings in her love life -and upfront about it with her potential partners.
The love story is really amazing to see both characters come out of their shell, while Oliver might be a virgin, she was very emotionally inexperienced. I feel like the author made some great decisions on the character, Lily being a bad ass in stem, Oliver coming off neurodivergent and not being the usual 'ideal body type', and they felt like fully fleshed out people.
If you want the full experience of great chemistry, banter, spicey scenes and a great and slightly non conventional HEA in less than 200 pages, you really need to read 'The Friendship Rule', and I am jumping back to the first book in the series to read that as well!
Tropes:
👫 Best Friends to lovers
🤭 Virgin MMC
😉 She teaches him
😍 He fall first
Thank you to Kay Red for letting me read this ARC!
Overall rating 4,5 stars rounding it up to 5 stars for how complete this book felt in only 180-ish pages!
🌶️🌶️,5
Spice rating is somewhere between 2,5-3 chili peppers, because while the spice was super well and open door, I am think it was less descriptive than what I usually read.
The Friendship Rule was such a great read! I has some of my absolutely favourite tropes and they were executed to perfection, no notes!
The two main characters, Lily and Oliver, were both likeable, and in Oliver's case downright both hot and adorable. Oliver is written as being very nerdy and has some difficulties with his social skills, but comes across an exceptional man, steadfast, loving, brave, a little stern when needed (and we love a stern man), and incredibly caring, especially towards Lily.
He is also a virgin, and deeply in love with his best friend Lily, and I love how the author purposefully avoided the "friendzone" scenario, because Oliver is legitimately deeply appreciative of their friendship despite his unrequited feelings. When they finally get together so she can teach him a thing or two, he learns *everything* about pleasing her, like he is getting a PhD in Lily!
Lily is more of a social butterfly and ropes (no, not literally ;)) Oliver into an easy friendship on their first day of college after he helps her get rid of 'Chad'. She is clearly still healing from issues in her past and she is very much into brief encounters without feelings in her love life -and upfront about it with her potential partners.
The love story is really amazing to see both characters come out of their shell, while Oliver might be a virgin, she was very emotionally inexperienced. I feel like the author made some great decisions on the character, Lily being a bad ass in stem, Oliver coming off neurodivergent and not being the usual 'ideal body type', and they felt like fully fleshed out people.
If you want the full experience of great chemistry, banter, spicey scenes and a great and slightly non conventional HEA in less than 200 pages, you really need to read 'The Friendship Rule', and I am jumping back to the first book in the series to read that as well!
Tropes:
👫 Best Friends to lovers
🤭 Virgin MMC
😉 She teaches him
😍 He fall first
Thank you to Kay Red for letting me read this ARC!
May 3, 2026
"And nobody feel sorry for me, because right here, on a freezing balcony of our friend's apartment, pinned to the wall by her delicate hands, is exactly where I want to be."
I really enjoyed the story of Lily and Oliver and friends to lovers is a really tricky trope to write. I saw how much and how deeply they cared for one another so acting out on their romantic feelings felt natural. It is a novella so things happen pretty quickly but the characters are given space to grow and doubt themselves and examine their feelings. Nerdy and virgin MMC you will always be loved by me, but never doubt that the FMC, the commitment-phobe who thinks she's not worth it but is such a badass and a bomb really makes you feel and root for her.
I really enjoyed the story of Lily and Oliver and friends to lovers is a really tricky trope to write. I saw how much and how deeply they cared for one another so acting out on their romantic feelings felt natural. It is a novella so things happen pretty quickly but the characters are given space to grow and doubt themselves and examine their feelings. Nerdy and virgin MMC you will always be loved by me, but never doubt that the FMC, the commitment-phobe who thinks she's not worth it but is such a badass and a bomb really makes you feel and root for her.
May 2, 2026
Ok so I refuse to rate this story higher. I can’t in good conscience do it I love the beginning and the thought of what it was supposed to be. But the details and meat and potatoes part of the book was terrible!! I hated the FMC!! SHE WAS SO MEAN to sweet baby boy Ollie!
The good things from this story
- I did love the ending (which was rushed)
- I loved the teaching aspect of it as well as the virgin hero
The good things from this story
- I did love the ending (which was rushed)
- I loved the teaching aspect of it as well as the virgin hero
Review of advance copy received from Author
If Kay Red writes it I'm going to read it and love it. I don't make the rules, it's just a fact at this point. Her third novella and I'm still in awe. I was hooked from the first line, and I finished this in less than 24 hours. A fast paced read that is sure to make you feel every emotion under the sun.
❤️ Best Friends to Lovers
🩷 Virgin MMC
❤️ Spicy Lessons
🩷 Shy Nerdy Boy in Glasses
❤️ It's Always Been You
Lily and Oliver met their first night at college and they quickly became best friends. 11 years later, and they are still fast friends... and Oliver is still hopelessly in love with a commitment phobic Lily. He has set rules in place to ensure that Lily never finds out this little fact, and to keep their friendship intact. However after a drunk night full of confessions, Lily finds out that Oliver has never been with a woman. So obviously she volunteers to be his teacher and test subject 😅. And suddenly all Oliver's rules to keep this friendship steady get thrown out one by one, until all that's left is the raw truth he's been trying to hide for years.
Oh we love a man who YEARNS, and no one does it better than our shy, nerdy boy Oliver! I fell in love with Oliver from the moment he first spoke in the prologue. Oh what an absolute sweetie he is! I loved being inside his nerotic little brain, and seeing how absolutely lost he was for Lily. If you love an inexperienced, soft boy MMC then you will absolutely fall in love with Oliver (think Archer Hale from Archers Voice, but nerdier 😏).
I wanted to shake Lily at times and just beg her to see what was right and front of her, but the journey of her realizing for herself what a catch Oliver is was super fun too. I love that she was the experienced one and that she was teaching Oliver spicy things 👀. You don't see that as often and idk why because it hits so well! I also like that even though she was the one with the experience she was still loosing her ever loving mind (because honestly I would be feeling the same over Oliver 🤭).
Overall, I devoured this spicy little friends to lovers romance in less than 24 hours. Granted it was a novella, but for me that's still pretty quick. It was so fast paced, with two characters that you couldn't help but fall in love with. I'm so happy we finally got Lily and Oliver's story, and I can't wait to see what Kay Red cooks up in the future 🥰. Because as previously stated... WHATEVER THIS WOMAN WRITES I AM HERE FOR IT OKAY!! 🙌🏼
** Thank you to Kay Red for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
❤️ Best Friends to Lovers
🩷 Virgin MMC
❤️ Spicy Lessons
🩷 Shy Nerdy Boy in Glasses
❤️ It's Always Been You
Lily and Oliver met their first night at college and they quickly became best friends. 11 years later, and they are still fast friends... and Oliver is still hopelessly in love with a commitment phobic Lily. He has set rules in place to ensure that Lily never finds out this little fact, and to keep their friendship intact. However after a drunk night full of confessions, Lily finds out that Oliver has never been with a woman. So obviously she volunteers to be his teacher and test subject 😅. And suddenly all Oliver's rules to keep this friendship steady get thrown out one by one, until all that's left is the raw truth he's been trying to hide for years.
Oh we love a man who YEARNS, and no one does it better than our shy, nerdy boy Oliver! I fell in love with Oliver from the moment he first spoke in the prologue. Oh what an absolute sweetie he is! I loved being inside his nerotic little brain, and seeing how absolutely lost he was for Lily. If you love an inexperienced, soft boy MMC then you will absolutely fall in love with Oliver (think Archer Hale from Archers Voice, but nerdier 😏).
I wanted to shake Lily at times and just beg her to see what was right and front of her, but the journey of her realizing for herself what a catch Oliver is was super fun too. I love that she was the experienced one and that she was teaching Oliver spicy things 👀. You don't see that as often and idk why because it hits so well! I also like that even though she was the one with the experience she was still loosing her ever loving mind (because honestly I would be feeling the same over Oliver 🤭).
Overall, I devoured this spicy little friends to lovers romance in less than 24 hours. Granted it was a novella, but for me that's still pretty quick. It was so fast paced, with two characters that you couldn't help but fall in love with. I'm so happy we finally got Lily and Oliver's story, and I can't wait to see what Kay Red cooks up in the future 🥰. Because as previously stated... WHATEVER THIS WOMAN WRITES I AM HERE FOR IT OKAY!! 🙌🏼
** Thank you to Kay Red for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of The Friendship Rule, and it was such a refreshing, standalone novella. From the author’s funny opening note to the included playlist, the "vibe" was set perfectly before I even got to the first chapter.
The story kicks off with a chivalrous first meeting with the MMC, Knight (whose name is very fitting!). I had a personal chuckle when he was called the same nickname as my husband because of his height—it made him instantly likable. The dual POV worked well here, and I loved the creative touch of including texting pictures; it made the modern romance feel very authentic.
What really stood out was the character depth. Knight is a pining, demisexual virgin who—wait for it—does all the baking! On the other hand, the FMC deals with significant attachment trauma and abandonment issues from her past. She uses casual encounters as a coping mechanism to avoid emotional intimacy, leading her to believe their friendship was one-sided. However, the story beautifully shows how much Knight valued her, especially as she helped him navigate his stutter and his father’s health.
The "sex lessons" trope was handled with a fun twist—Knight’s research definitely paid off! I am giving this four stars because the angst and the miscommunication trope were a bit heavy for me at times, but the payoff was still well worth the wait. Her surprise trip to Germany to find him was the perfect way to finally bridge the gap between them.
It’s giving me Sheldon and Penny (from The Big Bang Theory) vibes if they actually got together. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and am grateful for the ARC. The ending is incredibly sweet, tying up every loose end and setting them up for a genuine "happily ever after." I would definitely recommend people give this one a read!
The story kicks off with a chivalrous first meeting with the MMC, Knight (whose name is very fitting!). I had a personal chuckle when he was called the same nickname as my husband because of his height—it made him instantly likable. The dual POV worked well here, and I loved the creative touch of including texting pictures; it made the modern romance feel very authentic.
What really stood out was the character depth. Knight is a pining, demisexual virgin who—wait for it—does all the baking! On the other hand, the FMC deals with significant attachment trauma and abandonment issues from her past. She uses casual encounters as a coping mechanism to avoid emotional intimacy, leading her to believe their friendship was one-sided. However, the story beautifully shows how much Knight valued her, especially as she helped him navigate his stutter and his father’s health.
The "sex lessons" trope was handled with a fun twist—Knight’s research definitely paid off! I am giving this four stars because the angst and the miscommunication trope were a bit heavy for me at times, but the payoff was still well worth the wait. Her surprise trip to Germany to find him was the perfect way to finally bridge the gap between them.
It’s giving me Sheldon and Penny (from The Big Bang Theory) vibes if they actually got together. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and am grateful for the ARC. The ending is incredibly sweet, tying up every loose end and setting them up for a genuine "happily ever after." I would definitely recommend people give this one a read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4🌟, 2.5🌶️
I picked this up on a whim and it actually surprised me.
This is a short and quick read but still feels full, like you get a complete story without it dragging. Lily and Oliver’s dynamic pulled me in right away, especially that long time friendship with feelings quietly sitting under the surface.
Oliver was easily my favorite part. He is shy, a little awkward, and so genuinely devoted that it is hard not to love him. The pining, the patience, the way he shows up for Lily just worked for me. I really liked that their friendship actually mattered and was not turned into unnecessary drama. Lily took me a bit longer to warm up to, but her growth felt natural, and I enjoyed watching her slowly let her guard down. Their chemistry is there, and the spice leans more toward emotional connection than anything overly intense.
It is fast, emotional, and easy to finish in one sitting, with a nice balance of angst and warmth. A few moments felt slightly rushed, but overall it still lands well and leaves you feeling satisfied.
Ultimately, this was such a solid, enjoyable read.
~~~~
Huge thank you to the author herself, Kay Red, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
I picked this up on a whim and it actually surprised me.
This is a short and quick read but still feels full, like you get a complete story without it dragging. Lily and Oliver’s dynamic pulled me in right away, especially that long time friendship with feelings quietly sitting under the surface.
Oliver was easily my favorite part. He is shy, a little awkward, and so genuinely devoted that it is hard not to love him. The pining, the patience, the way he shows up for Lily just worked for me. I really liked that their friendship actually mattered and was not turned into unnecessary drama. Lily took me a bit longer to warm up to, but her growth felt natural, and I enjoyed watching her slowly let her guard down. Their chemistry is there, and the spice leans more toward emotional connection than anything overly intense.
It is fast, emotional, and easy to finish in one sitting, with a nice balance of angst and warmth. A few moments felt slightly rushed, but overall it still lands well and leaves you feeling satisfied.
Ultimately, this was such a solid, enjoyable read.
~~~~
Huge thank you to the author herself, Kay Red, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun, heartwarming, spicy little novella. Lily and Oliver have been best friends since the first day of freshman year in college. Oliver has been deeply in love with Lily since that day but hides his feelings so he doesn’t ruin their friendship or scare off the commitment phobic Lily. I loved them together. Oliver was such a swoony, caring, kind boyfriend - and seriously, he’d been playing that role for years. Lily was so full of love, outgoing and confident, but in truth she has very low self esteem. Lily was the only one who truly wanted to be friends with Oliver. She helped him overcome speech impediments, confidence issues and helped him grow into who he is today. Oliver is Lily’s only family. Truly, her parents may as well not exist. When these two finally get out of their own way and admit their feelings they’re magical together. My first book by this author and I’ll definitely be reading more.
Thank you to Kay Red for an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Kay Red for an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a sweet, heartwarming and fun book to read. I was pleasantly surprised how good and cozy it was. A short read so it was easy to read start to finish.
Lily and Oliver have been best friends since the beginning of freshman year of college and for over a decade Oliver has been secretly in love with Lily. Lily made it known from the beginning she was a no relationship type of girl. Lily relies on Oliver for so many things and I think really takes him for granted. When Lily finds out Oliver might be leaving for years it's like her whole world crashes down. She starts to realize she might have feelings for her best friend.
Oliver and Lily were really cute together in a mess of a way. They both helped each other in different ways over the years to become the people they became. I think they were really good together as he taught her how to love and let go and she taught him patience and acceptance.
A perfect cozy read to pick up if you enjoy friends to lovers tropes! This had moments that make you cry, moments that make you laugh and some spicy in-between.
Lily and Oliver have been best friends since the beginning of freshman year of college and for over a decade Oliver has been secretly in love with Lily. Lily made it known from the beginning she was a no relationship type of girl. Lily relies on Oliver for so many things and I think really takes him for granted. When Lily finds out Oliver might be leaving for years it's like her whole world crashes down. She starts to realize she might have feelings for her best friend.
Oliver and Lily were really cute together in a mess of a way. They both helped each other in different ways over the years to become the people they became. I think they were really good together as he taught her how to love and let go and she taught him patience and acceptance.
A perfect cozy read to pick up if you enjoy friends to lovers tropes! This had moments that make you cry, moments that make you laugh and some spicy in-between.
May 4, 2026
⭐️ In any case, sharing overly sweet hot chocolate with the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen might be the highlight of my year. ⭐️
⭐️ “It’s my new rule.” He shrugs. “And it effectively cancels all the old rules.” “What is it?” “When it comes to us, there are no doubts.” ⭐️
This is such a cute quick read, having not read anything by this author I didn’t know what to expect, but it was an easy read, quick paced but didn’t feel like it was lacking in story at all.
I loved Oliver from the moment we meet him in the prologue! He was so cute standing up for Lily that it formed their very friendship that lasts over 11 years.
Partly down to Oliver’s friendship rules, that include never saying I love you to Lily.
Lily I would 100% describe her as a free spirit but wanting to keep anyone from getting close to her romantically. She loves her friends fiercely and would do anything for them. Which is why she falls for Oliver without realising it.
I will definitely be adding this author to my TBR from now on.
⭐️ “It’s my new rule.” He shrugs. “And it effectively cancels all the old rules.” “What is it?” “When it comes to us, there are no doubts.” ⭐️
This is such a cute quick read, having not read anything by this author I didn’t know what to expect, but it was an easy read, quick paced but didn’t feel like it was lacking in story at all.
I loved Oliver from the moment we meet him in the prologue! He was so cute standing up for Lily that it formed their very friendship that lasts over 11 years.
Partly down to Oliver’s friendship rules, that include never saying I love you to Lily.
Lily I would 100% describe her as a free spirit but wanting to keep anyone from getting close to her romantically. She loves her friends fiercely and would do anything for them. Which is why she falls for Oliver without realising it.
I will definitely be adding this author to my TBR from now on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐4.5
Si Kay lo escribe, aquí me van a tener leyéndola y es que esta novela fue TODO lo que necesitaba! Los personajes, la historia, el friends to lovers tan bien escrito, es que me encanto!
Lily y Oliver son nuestros protagonistas y unos que me robaron el corazón, el spicy fue perfecto, el drama también, y si, estaba un poco preocupada por ello pero fue necesario para que pudieran estar juntos, todo fluyó de buena manera. El romance fue de sube y baja a decir verdad (si, siendo esta una novela la sentí completa en ese aspecto) pero funcionó.
Una historia que se lee rápido, te atrapa y que te da TODO. Sin duda Kay sabe como escribir novelas cortas pero completas.
*******
If Kay writes it, I'll be here reading it—and this novel was EVERYTHING I needed! The characters, the story, the well written “friends to lovers” plot I just loved it!
Lily and Oliver are our main characters, and they stole my heart. The spice was perfect, the drama too, and yes, I was a little worried about it, but it was necessary for them to be together and everything flowed smoothly. The romance had its ups and downs, to be honest (yes, even though this is a novella, I felt it was complete in that regard), but it worked.
A story that's a quick read, hooks you and gives you EVERYTHING. Kay definitely knows how to write short but complete novels.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
Si Kay lo escribe, aquí me van a tener leyéndola y es que esta novela fue TODO lo que necesitaba! Los personajes, la historia, el friends to lovers tan bien escrito, es que me encanto!
Lily y Oliver son nuestros protagonistas y unos que me robaron el corazón, el spicy fue perfecto, el drama también, y si, estaba un poco preocupada por ello pero fue necesario para que pudieran estar juntos, todo fluyó de buena manera. El romance fue de sube y baja a decir verdad (si, siendo esta una novela la sentí completa en ese aspecto) pero funcionó.
Una historia que se lee rápido, te atrapa y que te da TODO. Sin duda Kay sabe como escribir novelas cortas pero completas.
*******
If Kay writes it, I'll be here reading it—and this novel was EVERYTHING I needed! The characters, the story, the well written “friends to lovers” plot I just loved it!
Lily and Oliver are our main characters, and they stole my heart. The spice was perfect, the drama too, and yes, I was a little worried about it, but it was necessary for them to be together and everything flowed smoothly. The romance had its ups and downs, to be honest (yes, even though this is a novella, I felt it was complete in that regard), but it worked.
A story that's a quick read, hooks you and gives you EVERYTHING. Kay definitely knows how to write short but complete novels.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
May 18, 2026
3.5/5 ⭐. Overall, this was a cute and quick read with some great spicy scenes! I absolutely loved Oliver (MMC) - the smarts, the bakery, the complete devotion to Lily (FMC), the thorough note-taking at times 😉, and his all-around amazing self. I wasn't the biggest fan of Lily, though - she is definitely a party girl who loved all the bf things Oliver did for her without actually wanting to date him. I'm not a fan of characters thinking they're not good enough for each other in general, so maybe that's why I didn't love Lily. I would rate this a 2.5/5 🌶 in terms of spice, because while there weren't too many spicy scenes, they were written very well! In general, this was a fun story to read and I was VERY happy with the ending!!! 😊
Thank you to Kay Red for the ARC! ❤ (I apologize for not reviewing sooner, I just started a new job and have been extremely overwhelmed).
Thank you to Kay Red for the ARC! ❤ (I apologize for not reviewing sooner, I just started a new job and have been extremely overwhelmed).
May 3, 2026
4.5 stars!
First and foremost THANK YOU to Kay Red for the E-ARC of The Friendship Rule, a spicy novella of her Lova on a Deadline Series.
Honestly, anything Kay writes, I will read! Her stories are fun, spicy and short! Novellas can be tricky because there are storylines that are sometimes "rushed" because of the length of the book but once again Kay knows how to balance story and spicy perfectly in this series.
I love Oliver with my whole heart, and Lily grew on me. There were moments I wanted to scream at them because HOW CAN THEY NOT SEE THEY LOVE EACH OTHER IN A ROMANTIC WAY? But other than that, a fun, heartwarming and special novella.
Thanks again to Kay for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost THANK YOU to Kay Red for the E-ARC of The Friendship Rule, a spicy novella of her Lova on a Deadline Series.
Honestly, anything Kay writes, I will read! Her stories are fun, spicy and short! Novellas can be tricky because there are storylines that are sometimes "rushed" because of the length of the book but once again Kay knows how to balance story and spicy perfectly in this series.
I love Oliver with my whole heart, and Lily grew on me. There were moments I wanted to scream at them because HOW CAN THEY NOT SEE THEY LOVE EACH OTHER IN A ROMANTIC WAY? But other than that, a fun, heartwarming and special novella.
Thanks again to Kay for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🌸 ARC Review 🌸
Wow… I was not expecting all that from a little novella! I loved this so much! 😭
For such a short book, it did not leave anything out! This was packed with so much angst, yearning, healing and character development. It did not lack in plot, and delivered spice, an adorable MMC who treats her like a queen, so many tears!!
This is my first book from this author, and I’m hooked! I’m definitely going to read the first book in the series, because Violet and Archer seem amazing!
Tropes
🌸Best friends to lovers
🌸It’s always been you
🌸He falls first
🌸Inexperienced MMC
🌸Lessons
🌸He takes care of her when she’s sick
Wow… I was not expecting all that from a little novella! I loved this so much! 😭
For such a short book, it did not leave anything out! This was packed with so much angst, yearning, healing and character development. It did not lack in plot, and delivered spice, an adorable MMC who treats her like a queen, so many tears!!
This is my first book from this author, and I’m hooked! I’m definitely going to read the first book in the series, because Violet and Archer seem amazing!
Tropes
🌸Best friends to lovers
🌸It’s always been you
🌸He falls first
🌸Inexperienced MMC
🌸Lessons
🌸He takes care of her when she’s sick
May 4, 2026
Rules Are Meant To Be Broken
Hey siri play “New Rules” by Dua Lipa.
Tropes
- Friends to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Introvert X Extrovert
- Virgin MMC
- Novella
- Toys
Absolutely LOVED this novella! Super cute writing that knows exactly how to turn up the heat. Both the MCs were super endearing and are so easy to root for. It’s under 200 pages but it felt so whole. I ate this book up too dang fast. I wish there was more to read but it’s also perfect just the way it is. The only reason I’m going to give it a low-ish spice rating is because it wasn’t littered with it and generally vanilla. What was there was so very good though.
4.5/5 ✨
3/5 🌶️
Hey siri play “New Rules” by Dua Lipa.
Tropes
- Friends to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Introvert X Extrovert
- Virgin MMC
- Novella
- Toys
Absolutely LOVED this novella! Super cute writing that knows exactly how to turn up the heat. Both the MCs were super endearing and are so easy to root for. It’s under 200 pages but it felt so whole. I ate this book up too dang fast. I wish there was more to read but it’s also perfect just the way it is. The only reason I’m going to give it a low-ish spice rating is because it wasn’t littered with it and generally vanilla. What was there was so very good though.
4.5/5 ✨
3/5 🌶️
May 14, 2026
This is my first Kay Red book and it will not be my last. Absolutely love the writing style, perfect amount of description of scenes, just the right amount of plot balanced with the spice. I'm hooked. This is a short book at 180 pages but I read this in an evening. The storyline here is so good, you have a shy nerdy MMC whose best friend is the one who dates around but never does feelings. The way that Oliver yearns for Lily. This is the Virgin MMC trope at its best. Oliver has never been with anyone because he's only ever had feelings for Lily. I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to devour more of Kay Red's books.
April 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up)
🌶️🌶️🌶️
♥️Best Friends to Lovers
♥️He Falls First
♥️Spicy Lessons
♥️Virgin MMC
♥️It’s Always Been You
♥️Less than 200 pages
*I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own*
For being less than 200 pages this book did not skimp on plot or spice! It had it all, yearning, swooning, banter, growing, emotions and spice.
I love a book with a shy/nerdy MMC and Oliver was absolutely perfect! I devoured this book in just a few hours.
If you need a quick but full read with all the feels, I would definitely recommend this book!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
♥️Best Friends to Lovers
♥️He Falls First
♥️Spicy Lessons
♥️Virgin MMC
♥️It’s Always Been You
♥️Less than 200 pages
*I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own*
For being less than 200 pages this book did not skimp on plot or spice! It had it all, yearning, swooning, banter, growing, emotions and spice.
I love a book with a shy/nerdy MMC and Oliver was absolutely perfect! I devoured this book in just a few hours.
If you need a quick but full read with all the feels, I would definitely recommend this book!
May 5, 2026
LOVED.
They meet in college and get to both experience I type of kindness and connection that is new for them both. She makes rules to keep distance and so does he but just for her. When life circumstances change it is the push they need to truly check their feelings and decide if they are willing to maintain that distance to have the love of a lifetime.
There is so much love, care, heartfelt challenging, spice, nerdy dirty talk, and beautiful growth. I was hooked from page one and flew through the book in a single night. Absolutely would recommend!!
They meet in college and get to both experience I type of kindness and connection that is new for them both. She makes rules to keep distance and so does he but just for her. When life circumstances change it is the push they need to truly check their feelings and decide if they are willing to maintain that distance to have the love of a lifetime.
There is so much love, care, heartfelt challenging, spice, nerdy dirty talk, and beautiful growth. I was hooked from page one and flew through the book in a single night. Absolutely would recommend!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Team Oliver forever!
I don’t have adequate words for how swoony and great this book was. Oliver is such an unconventional hero but you can’t help but root for him to get his girl! And lily, she’s all women at some point in our lives where we feel unlovable and won’t let others love us for fear of heartbreak. Did I cry? Yes. Did I want to shake both character and tell them to get together already? Also yes! But everything you go through is worth the HEA!
** I received this book as an ARC**
I don’t have adequate words for how swoony and great this book was. Oliver is such an unconventional hero but you can’t help but root for him to get his girl! And lily, she’s all women at some point in our lives where we feel unlovable and won’t let others love us for fear of heartbreak. Did I cry? Yes. Did I want to shake both character and tell them to get together already? Also yes! But everything you go through is worth the HEA!
** I received this book as an ARC**
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a review of an arc, provided by the author. Thank you Kay for this opportunity 😀
This book is so cute! It was a fun and littly spicy novella. It didn’t feel rushed for a novella. I really got the feeling I have the full story.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ for fhe spice. The spicy scenes were really good and open door.
If you like following tropes:
👉 He falls first
👉 best friends to lovers
👉 fast burn
Then this book is for you!
This book is so cute! It was a fun and littly spicy novella. It didn’t feel rushed for a novella. I really got the feeling I have the full story.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ for fhe spice. The spicy scenes were really good and open door.
If you like following tropes:
👉 He falls first
👉 best friends to lovers
👉 fast burn
Then this book is for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When you meet in college and become best friends ❤️
But what happens when feeling start to change. Oliver has been in love with Lily since he met her. Lily has friend zoned Oliver for years, but what happens when Lily offers to teach Oliver about sex and those feelings start to change.
Super cute and sexy story where they both also discover new sides to themselves when they start to come together.
But what happens when feeling start to change. Oliver has been in love with Lily since he met her. Lily has friend zoned Oliver for years, but what happens when Lily offers to teach Oliver about sex and those feelings start to change.
Super cute and sexy story where they both also discover new sides to themselves when they start to come together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Best friends Lily and Oliver couldn’t be more opposite; Lily jumps in the water for the moment while Oliver stays safe on shore. I felt their long friendship was largely unbalanced for quite a while but it worked for them. I enjoyed how the story changed when both characters became honest with themselves and each other. This is an engaging book that kept me invested and made me happy. Truly a great book by Kay Red.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg! I loved this book from start to finish. It was cute, funny and loved all the spicy scenes.
Oliver is so cute and sweet throughout. His nerdy vibe is great. I love how you see his character grow.
Lily is stubborn, but fierce. Her oversharing tendencies make me laugh.
I absolutely recommend for a feel good friends to lovers.
Oliver is so cute and sweet throughout. His nerdy vibe is great. I love how you see his character grow.
Lily is stubborn, but fierce. Her oversharing tendencies make me laugh.
I absolutely recommend for a feel good friends to lovers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️ ARC review ✨️
"I will never understand how it's even an option for anyone not to love you." ❤️
At first I thought the story may be a little too YA for me then 💥!!! I found myself up at 2 am needing to know what happens. ☺️ friends to lovers with spicy lessons that turned in an emotional good chaos. Can't help but love the MMC.
"I will never understand how it's even an option for anyone not to love you." ❤️
At first I thought the story may be a little too YA for me then 💥!!! I found myself up at 2 am needing to know what happens. ☺️ friends to lovers with spicy lessons that turned in an emotional good chaos. Can't help but love the MMC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**Received as an ARC**
I loved this novella! I took a chance because this is not the typical genre that I read, but I'm glad I did.
Oliver is so sweet and Lily's character is very realistic. I really enjoyed the complexity of their relationship and how each had to work through their faults and fears.
This novella is a great palette cleanser and perfect for a quick read.
I loved this novella! I took a chance because this is not the typical genre that I read, but I'm glad I did.
Oliver is so sweet and Lily's character is very realistic. I really enjoyed the complexity of their relationship and how each had to work through their faults and fears.
This novella is a great palette cleanser and perfect for a quick read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
4 stars! I loved the friendship between Oliver and Lily. I love how outspoken she was compared to his shyness. I also love that Lily brought out a different side of Oliver. His rules were hilarious, too. Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, I am so happy they ended up together!
4 stars! I loved the friendship between Oliver and Lily. I love how outspoken she was compared to his shyness. I also love that Lily brought out a different side of Oliver. His rules were hilarious, too. Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, I am so happy they ended up together!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first time reading a book by this author and let me just say I will gladly continue reading her books!! A short sweet and spicy novella that had me feeling all types of way!! Oliver is such a nerdy and adorable MMC how you couldn’t help root for from the very beginning. Lily is a strong headed badass FMC who just wants love but is scared. Their chemistry together was unmatched ❤️💕🌶️
May 3, 2026
First time reading this author’s work, & I loved it! Had me hooked from the beginning.
A fast paced romance where the nerdy MMC falls first. I enjoyed the banter & all the spicy moments.
This novella had me feeling all the emotions, & I’m very glad the FMC had her realization. Because if not, I wouldn’t know how to handle it!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC.
A fast paced romance where the nerdy MMC falls first. I enjoyed the banter & all the spicy moments.
This novella had me feeling all the emotions, & I’m very glad the FMC had her realization. Because if not, I wouldn’t know how to handle it!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC.
April 23, 2026
4.5 stars. Was able to be an ARC Reader!! Wow I absolutely loved the pining from Oliver, and the inner turmoil from lily was *chefs kiss*. Very cute and short story that I finished in a day! Highly recommend if you like the friends to lovers trope
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