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The Becoming #1
Where We Start
Not yet published
Expected 24 Oct 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
10 days and 08:46:34
100 copies available
U.S. only
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Ontario and the milestones of early adulthood “Where We Start” is an emotional, character-driven romance about ambition, friendship, family, and the kind of love that feels both terrifying and inevitable.
Olanma Eze has always been focused on the future, graduate, pass her exams, start her nursing career, and build a life she can be proud of. Love was never supposed to complicate the plan.
Until Wesley Beaucroft.
Successful, intentional, and completely disarming, he is the kind of man who sees straight through her defenses and makes her feel wanted in a way she has never experienced before.
Sometimes love does not arrive when life is stable, it arrives when everything is just beginning.
Olanma Eze has always been focused on the future, graduate, pass her exams, start her nursing career, and build a life she can be proud of. Love was never supposed to complicate the plan.
Until Wesley Beaucroft.
Successful, intentional, and completely disarming, he is the kind of man who sees straight through her defenses and makes her feel wanted in a way she has never experienced before.
Sometimes love does not arrive when life is stable, it arrives when everything is just beginning.
Unknown Binding
Expected publication October 24, 2026
About the author
Anita Best
6 books54 followersAnita Best is an Amazon bestselling indie romance author who writes emotional, character-driven romance where love changes lives already in motion.
Her books blend heart-aching intimacy, unwavering devotion, courageous heroines, and steady heroes with the kind of love readers wish they could live inside forever.
Outside of writing, Anita is a proud wife, devoted mum of two, and full-time dreamer, splitting her days between family life, running her event space, and creating the next world her readers can escape into.
Connect with Anita on Instagram/TikTok at @mzzbesttbest for updates, exclusive teasers, and a front-row seat to her author journey.
Her books blend heart-aching intimacy, unwavering devotion, courageous heroines, and steady heroes with the kind of love readers wish they could live inside forever.
Outside of writing, Anita is a proud wife, devoted mum of two, and full-time dreamer, splitting her days between family life, running her event space, and creating the next world her readers can escape into.
Connect with Anita on Instagram/TikTok at @mzzbesttbest for updates, exclusive teasers, and a front-row seat to her author journey.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨Character driven romance
🌸Interracial romance
✨Friends to lovers adjacent
🌸Sisterhood
✨New adult
This book was just so sweet! I loved the romance between Olanma and Wesley, but what really made this story shine for me were the friendships. Olanma’s bond with Emily and Sloane felt so genuine and added so much heart to the story. The way they were always there for her… every girl needs best friends like that. I also adored Olanma’s relationship with her brother Kosi. Anita truly knows how to write character-driven stories that make you fall in love with every relationship on the page.
🌸Interracial romance
✨Friends to lovers adjacent
🌸Sisterhood
✨New adult
This book was just so sweet! I loved the romance between Olanma and Wesley, but what really made this story shine for me were the friendships. Olanma’s bond with Emily and Sloane felt so genuine and added so much heart to the story. The way they were always there for her… every girl needs best friends like that. I also adored Olanma’s relationship with her brother Kosi. Anita truly knows how to write character-driven stories that make you fall in love with every relationship on the page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s a sweet but intoxicating tale of two people finding eachother and learning how to be the best versions of themselves. What I liked the most was her understanding of a nurses life- the busy, the stress, yet capturing the love for what we do. It is so difficult to put into words what it means to do this as a living- and this author captured it beautifully. It is woven throughout the story in a way that also breathes reality into the love story. His ability to see her, understand how hard what she does is, and yet, want to fully support and care for her. We all should be that lucky. No jealousy, no selfishness- just an eyes wide open approach to loving someone and all the things that make them, them. Well done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I know everyone is talking about the main characters, but I’m here to talk about the supporting cast. Kosi is the kind of brother everyone should have, and Emily and Sloane were perfect for the story. And Nick with all his charm, plus Cain! I hope they all get their own books because I want to see more of them. This was truly a beautiful read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the balance of swoony romance, close friendships, family, and real life. Olanma and Wesley felt easy to root for, and their love story left me with a full heart. Nicely put together, Anita. Looking forward to the next book and character to love
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Beautiful, Character-Driven Romance!
Wesley and Olanma’s story is so beautiful. I honestly can’t write a full review without spoiling too much, so I’ll just say this: Where We Start is a 10/10 read for me.
Their love story feels like a breath of fresh air. Anita writes such beautiful character-driven romance, with heartfelt emotions, realistic characters, and wholesome friendships that make the story even more special.
The sisterhood and friendship dynamics were beautifully done, and I loved how much heart was poured into this book.
If you love romance that focuses on the characters, their growth, and the relationships around them, you need to order your copy of Where We Start.
Tropes:
✨ Interracial Romance
✨ Sisterhood
✨ New Adult
✨ Friends-to-lovers adjacent
Wesley and Olanma’s story is so beautiful. I honestly can’t write a full review without spoiling too much, so I’ll just say this: Where We Start is a 10/10 read for me.
Their love story feels like a breath of fresh air. Anita writes such beautiful character-driven romance, with heartfelt emotions, realistic characters, and wholesome friendships that make the story even more special.
The sisterhood and friendship dynamics were beautifully done, and I loved how much heart was poured into this book.
If you love romance that focuses on the characters, their growth, and the relationships around them, you need to order your copy of Where We Start.
Tropes:
✨ Interracial Romance
✨ Sisterhood
✨ New Adult
✨ Friends-to-lovers adjacent
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review from Anita herself.
First of all, I freaking LOVE Olanma’s relationship with her girls. 😍😍 The friendship, the conversations, the way they show up for each other… YES. Give me more of this. And Dana??? Dana is fantastic. 😂🙌🏻 The interrogation alone had me deceased.
And Wes… 👀😱🫠 A man who knows what he wants, orders for you, brings breakfast in bed WITH coffee, makes you laugh AND takes accountability? 👀😍 Excuse me as I fan myself.
But with every great love story comes trust issues. Because WHY are we ghosting? WHY are we making decisions without talking? WHY ARE WE DOING THIS AGAIN, SIR!? 🤦♀️ I went from “Awww 🥹” to “OMG WHAT THE ACTUAL FREAKKING FK WES” in approximately 0.4 seconds.
But honestly, that’s what made this romance work for me. These characters aren’t perfect. They fk up. They hurt each other. They have to acknowledge what they did, apologize without making excuses, respect boundaries and actually EARN that trust back. And THAT? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
“Just keep choosing me.” 😫🥹
CHEFS. KISS.
The friendships and family dynamics on both sides are absolutely relatable😂😂😂At times I was in shock, others I was laughing so hard I was crying. The way everyone collectively refuses to let these two get away with anything made this story feel so damn real.
Anita Best gave me a romance about choosing each other, growing together and learning that love isn’t just about falling. Sometimes it’s about staying, communicating, apologizing, rebuilding and continuing to choose each other.
I laughed. I yelled. I questioned every damn decision. I fell in love with these characters and absolutely wanted to throw several people off a cliff. 😂
And … Wes? I’m still mad at you. But I’ll forgive you. FOR NOW. 😏❤️
First of all, I freaking LOVE Olanma’s relationship with her girls. 😍😍 The friendship, the conversations, the way they show up for each other… YES. Give me more of this. And Dana??? Dana is fantastic. 😂🙌🏻 The interrogation alone had me deceased.
And Wes… 👀😱🫠 A man who knows what he wants, orders for you, brings breakfast in bed WITH coffee, makes you laugh AND takes accountability? 👀😍 Excuse me as I fan myself.
But with every great love story comes trust issues. Because WHY are we ghosting? WHY are we making decisions without talking? WHY ARE WE DOING THIS AGAIN, SIR!? 🤦♀️ I went from “Awww 🥹” to “OMG WHAT THE ACTUAL FREAKKING FK WES” in approximately 0.4 seconds.
But honestly, that’s what made this romance work for me. These characters aren’t perfect. They fk up. They hurt each other. They have to acknowledge what they did, apologize without making excuses, respect boundaries and actually EARN that trust back. And THAT? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
“Just keep choosing me.” 😫🥹
CHEFS. KISS.
The friendships and family dynamics on both sides are absolutely relatable😂😂😂At times I was in shock, others I was laughing so hard I was crying. The way everyone collectively refuses to let these two get away with anything made this story feel so damn real.
Anita Best gave me a romance about choosing each other, growing together and learning that love isn’t just about falling. Sometimes it’s about staying, communicating, apologizing, rebuilding and continuing to choose each other.
I laughed. I yelled. I questioned every damn decision. I fell in love with these characters and absolutely wanted to throw several people off a cliff. 😂
And … Wes? I’m still mad at you. But I’ll forgive you. FOR NOW. 😏❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨
This was definitely a wholesome, emotional read and would recommend for romance lovers. I loved the main characters, but the supporting characters were just as great and really made the story that much better! The relationship between Olan and Wesley is intense, but it touches on realistic relationship dynamics, which made some parts of the book emotional for me. The chemistry between them is amazing, and Wesley definitely knows how to take care of his woman😌
The writing is descriptive, especially the internal monologue, which gives you a real window into the characters' thoughts and feelings. I am looking forward to the second book in the series!
This was definitely a wholesome, emotional read and would recommend for romance lovers. I loved the main characters, but the supporting characters were just as great and really made the story that much better! The relationship between Olan and Wesley is intense, but it touches on realistic relationship dynamics, which made some parts of the book emotional for me. The chemistry between them is amazing, and Wesley definitely knows how to take care of his woman😌
The writing is descriptive, especially the internal monologue, which gives you a real window into the characters' thoughts and feelings. I am looking forward to the second book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved how relatable this book was. The waiting period, when everyone else seemed to have something going on except her, really spoke to me. And oh, Olanma and Wesley’s love is so beautiful and lived in. Their story felt complete in the best way. Let’s not even get started on the friendships. Anita came correct! I can’t wait to read about the other characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a romance that understands falling in love is only one part of the story, especially when you’re still trying to figure out who you are and what you want your life to look like. Where We Start really captured that for me.
Olanma is ambitious, determined, and has worked hard toward the future she’s envisioned for herself. I appreciated that her goals and career aspirations weren’t simply pushed aside once romance entered the picture. Her journey felt grounded in the very real challenges of early adulthood, when you’re trying to build something for yourself while navigating family, friendships, expectations, and now feelings you didn’t necessarily plan for.
And Wesley? I really enjoyed his intentionality. There’s something incredibly attractive about a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to make a woman feel wanted. Their connection had a lovely balance of tenderness, chemistry, and emotional vulnerability, and I appreciated that the story allowed their individual lives to matter just as much as their relationship.
What stood out most to me was the exploration of love alongside personal growth. Sometimes two people can genuinely want each other while still having to figure out how to make room for that relationship without losing themselves in the process.
There were a few moments where I wanted things to move along a little quicker, but overall, this was such a heartfelt, character-driven romance. I loved the Ontario setting, the emphasis on ambition and family, and the reminder that building a future with someone shouldn’t mean abandoning the one you’ve worked so hard to create for yourself.
A beautiful story about finding your footing, allowing yourself to be loved, and realizing that sometimes the life you planned and the love you never expected can exist together.
Olanma is ambitious, determined, and has worked hard toward the future she’s envisioned for herself. I appreciated that her goals and career aspirations weren’t simply pushed aside once romance entered the picture. Her journey felt grounded in the very real challenges of early adulthood, when you’re trying to build something for yourself while navigating family, friendships, expectations, and now feelings you didn’t necessarily plan for.
And Wesley? I really enjoyed his intentionality. There’s something incredibly attractive about a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to make a woman feel wanted. Their connection had a lovely balance of tenderness, chemistry, and emotional vulnerability, and I appreciated that the story allowed their individual lives to matter just as much as their relationship.
What stood out most to me was the exploration of love alongside personal growth. Sometimes two people can genuinely want each other while still having to figure out how to make room for that relationship without losing themselves in the process.
There were a few moments where I wanted things to move along a little quicker, but overall, this was such a heartfelt, character-driven romance. I loved the Ontario setting, the emphasis on ambition and family, and the reminder that building a future with someone shouldn’t mean abandoning the one you’ve worked so hard to create for yourself.
A beautiful story about finding your footing, allowing yourself to be loved, and realizing that sometimes the life you planned and the love you never expected can exist together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.75⭐️
I loved this book. Olanma and Wesley’s romance felt tender, passionate, and wonderfully lived in. Their relationship didn’t exist in a bubble. It unfolded around work, family, friendships, and all the ordinary responsibilities that can make it difficult to know where love fits. That made their connection feel especially real to me.
Olanma is such a compelling heroine. She’s confident and witty, but she also has moments where she’s trying to balance the demands of her life with what she wants for herself. Wesley meets her with so much care and attention. He makes it clear that loving her means seeing her whole life, not just the parts that are easy.
And the friendships!👀👀 The supporting characters brought so much life and warmth to the story. I found myself caring about all of them and hoping they’ll get books of their own. Where We Start left me with a full heart and made me excited for the rest of the series.
I loved this book. Olanma and Wesley’s romance felt tender, passionate, and wonderfully lived in. Their relationship didn’t exist in a bubble. It unfolded around work, family, friendships, and all the ordinary responsibilities that can make it difficult to know where love fits. That made their connection feel especially real to me.
Olanma is such a compelling heroine. She’s confident and witty, but she also has moments where she’s trying to balance the demands of her life with what she wants for herself. Wesley meets her with so much care and attention. He makes it clear that loving her means seeing her whole life, not just the parts that are easy.
And the friendships!👀👀 The supporting characters brought so much life and warmth to the story. I found myself caring about all of them and hoping they’ll get books of their own. Where We Start left me with a full heart and made me excited for the rest of the series.
Read
October 15, 2026ARC REVIEW
Author Anita wrote it exactly as it is, a person can love you so much and still have fleas, but what matters is how much they are willing to make it work, how much they’re willing to fix themselves.
Firstly, let me talk about Kosi, oh I love his character, such a loving big brother, you can tell he’s so mature from how he was written.
Secondly, Olanma backbones like I love to call them, Emily and Sloane. I love their friendship so much, how they love each other and turn up for each other, amazing friendship, I want 😩😩
Thirdly, Olanma and Wes, a very sweet pair, they made me smile so much but I was also annoyed sha😂 but I guess that is what the story is really about, people who love each other doing their best to make it work.
A very good romance story.
Author Anita wrote it exactly as it is, a person can love you so much and still have fleas, but what matters is how much they are willing to make it work, how much they’re willing to fix themselves.
Firstly, let me talk about Kosi, oh I love his character, such a loving big brother, you can tell he’s so mature from how he was written.
Secondly, Olanma backbones like I love to call them, Emily and Sloane. I love their friendship so much, how they love each other and turn up for each other, amazing friendship, I want 😩😩
Thirdly, Olanma and Wes, a very sweet pair, they made me smile so much but I was also annoyed sha😂 but I guess that is what the story is really about, people who love each other doing their best to make it work.
A very good romance story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where We Start felt complete in the way I want a romance to feel complete.
Olanma and Wesley’s story has tenderness, chemistry, meaningful growth, and a strong sense of the life they’re building together. Their relationship feels lived in, and I enjoyed seeing love become part of Olanma’s world without taking away the other things that make her who she is.
The uniqueness of Anita and her writing style, this book leaves you with a memorable circle of friends and family, which made the world feel bigger than the central romance. I finished this book staying happy with Olanma and Wesley, while already wondering what to expect from the next story. A warm, heartfelt read that made me want to stay in this series.
Olanma and Wesley’s story has tenderness, chemistry, meaningful growth, and a strong sense of the life they’re building together. Their relationship feels lived in, and I enjoyed seeing love become part of Olanma’s world without taking away the other things that make her who she is.
The uniqueness of Anita and her writing style, this book leaves you with a memorable circle of friends and family, which made the world feel bigger than the central romance. I finished this book staying happy with Olanma and Wesley, while already wondering what to expect from the next story. A warm, heartfelt read that made me want to stay in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where We Start felt complete in the way I want a romance to feel complete.
Olanma and Wesley’s story has tenderness, chemistry, meaningful growth, and a strong sense of the life they’re building together. Their relationship feels lived in, and I enjoyed seeing love become part of Olanma’s world without taking away the other things that make her who she is.
The uniqueness of Anita and her writing style, this book leaves you with a memorable circle of friends and family, which made the world feel bigger than the central romance. I finished this book staying happy with Olanma and Wesley, while already wondering what to expect from the next story. A warm, heartfelt read that made me want to stay in this series.
Olanma and Wesley’s story has tenderness, chemistry, meaningful growth, and a strong sense of the life they’re building together. Their relationship feels lived in, and I enjoyed seeing love become part of Olanma’s world without taking away the other things that make her who she is.
The uniqueness of Anita and her writing style, this book leaves you with a memorable circle of friends and family, which made the world feel bigger than the central romance. I finished this book staying happy with Olanma and Wesley, while already wondering what to expect from the next story. A warm, heartfelt read that made me want to stay in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was intense… Very expressive and descriptive. I wouldn’t say it was a slow burn, but it seemed very internal (with internal thoughts) for the majority of the book which was quite different to me. It’s kind of hard to explain, but I think there weren’t enough conversations, between characters, within the book for me in the beginning (that’s just how I felt personally). However, for me it got to about 60% in and that’s where I found things became more expressive in terms of the conversations and that made things so much better. Beautifully written. The care put into family relationships and friendships was also quite heartwarming. Worth a read.
October 16, 2026
This book was given to me as an ARC by the Author and BookFunnel here is my voluntarily review.
4.50⭐️ I really enjoyed reading this book 📕 sometimes finding the courage to start over is harder than we think. There were moments that made me smile and others that just made my heart hurt a little. I always appreciate a story that reminds me that healing takes time and that not everything in life goes the way we planned. Overall, a beautiful, heartfelt read about finding your way, letting go, and realizing that sometimes a new beginning is exactly what we need. ❤️📖definitely a recommendation to read this book 📕.
4.50⭐️ I really enjoyed reading this book 📕 sometimes finding the courage to start over is harder than we think. There were moments that made me smile and others that just made my heart hurt a little. I always appreciate a story that reminds me that healing takes time and that not everything in life goes the way we planned. Overall, a beautiful, heartfelt read about finding your way, letting go, and realizing that sometimes a new beginning is exactly what we need. ❤️📖definitely a recommendation to read this book 📕.
October 12, 2026
Review from an advanced copy from the author.
A great read! The characters were well-developed, likable, and relatable, and their relationships with each other felt natural and meaningful. I loved how everyday life was woven into the story rather than pushed to the side, making everything feel realistic and easy to connect with. Overall, such an enjoyable read with a satisfying happily ever after! ❤️
A great read! The characters were well-developed, likable, and relatable, and their relationships with each other felt natural and meaningful. I loved how everyday life was woven into the story rather than pushed to the side, making everything feel realistic and easy to connect with. Overall, such an enjoyable read with a satisfying happily ever after! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The Canadian setting of this book brings me some sort of warmth and vivid imagery that I enjoyed . The Author’s way of showing realistic friction and genuine vulnerability while prioritizing the character’s connections was amazing. Oh!! The friendships !!! Made me imagine many possibilities 😃
Did Not Finish
October 10, 2026DNF @ 22% - this one just wasn’t working for me. I couldn’t connect with the characters, there’s quite a few continuity issues, and the romance seems a little immature to me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 PREORDER CAMPAIGN IS LIVE! 📚
Where We Start releases October 24, 2026, and I am so excited to finally share this story.
If you love character-driven romance, emotional tension, found family, sisterhood, and a love story that unfolds when life is already in motion, I hope you’ll check it out.
Preorder here:
https://books2read.com/u/b6611p
Thank you so much for your support. ❤️
Where We Start releases October 24, 2026, and I am so excited to finally share this story.
If you love character-driven romance, emotional tension, found family, sisterhood, and a love story that unfolds when life is already in motion, I hope you’ll check it out.
Preorder here:
https://books2read.com/u/b6611p
Thank you so much for your support. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Olanma and Wesley’s story. Her relationship with her friends and Wesley’s with his boys. So wholesome🥹this book was so gooooooddddd.
From this beta reader to the world, I can’t wait for yall to read it. I’ll be back to update this review when the book is officially out.
We don’t do spoilers over here 😤
From this beta reader to the world, I can’t wait for yall to read it. I’ll be back to update this review when the book is officially out.
We don’t do spoilers over here 😤
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews