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Love, Lust & Friendship
Meet Christopher Henderson. Kit to his friends and admirers. Hendo to the jocks who worship him. Butt-head (or Topher) to me and my best friend. AKA, the dillweed of a human being.
Meet Alexander Henderson. Ander to the people who put up with his skinny ass. Hendo Jr to the jocks sucking up to Topher. Best Friend Extraordinaire to me. AKA, the love of my life.
Meet Addison MacGuire. Addy to whoever asks because (honestly) what kind of name is Addison? Addy Mac to anyone who sees her doing stupid sh*t. And well…me to me. AKA, the girl you don’t date because... Well, who knows.
So, what happens when you take one tomboy, one best friend, and that best friend’s stupidly hot, popular older brother with a bad attitude?
That’s right, you get a story worthy of a teen rom-com.
Because, sometimes real life is a bitch. Sometimes the only guy to come between you and the love of your life is the one guy you weren’t supposed to fall in love with. But, how do you tell the difference between love, lust and friendship?
Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.
Meet Alexander Henderson. Ander to the people who put up with his skinny ass. Hendo Jr to the jocks sucking up to Topher. Best Friend Extraordinaire to me. AKA, the love of my life.
Meet Addison MacGuire. Addy to whoever asks because (honestly) what kind of name is Addison? Addy Mac to anyone who sees her doing stupid sh*t. And well…me to me. AKA, the girl you don’t date because... Well, who knows.
So, what happens when you take one tomboy, one best friend, and that best friend’s stupidly hot, popular older brother with a bad attitude?
That’s right, you get a story worthy of a teen rom-com.
Because, sometimes real life is a bitch. Sometimes the only guy to come between you and the love of your life is the one guy you weren’t supposed to fall in love with. But, how do you tell the difference between love, lust and friendship?
Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2018
357 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Stevens
77 books368 followersWriter. Reader. Perpetual student. Nerd.
I started out writing fantasy. But, I like to write anything, honestly. These days, I mainly stick to YA and there's always at least a sprinkling of romance, if not a 'whoops, I dropped the whole packet in'. Almost all my books are set in my home state of South Australia, either in real or fictional places - gotta write what you know - with Netherfield being the only current exception.
Like most writers, I love to read. Although, time for reading at the moment is hard to come by. When I'm not too busy writing, I'm usually reading a number of authors. Some of my favourites are Rick Riordan, Jane Austen, Kate Forsyth, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Kasie West, John Flanagan, Terry Pratchett, Isobelle Carmody, Christina Benjamin, Emily Rodda, and many more.
I'm an avid fan of Marvel, DC, Doctor Who, Supernatural, Red Dwarf, IT Crowd, and pretty much anything similar. I've recently discovered Richard Ayoade's Travel Man and it's brilliant. I love watching soccer (go Gunners) and thoroughly look forward to seeing Eurovision every year. Celebrity crushes include Anna Kendrick and Chris Evans, because they are wonderful.
I live in Adelaide with my husband and a menagerie of animals – a cat reliving her (sixth) youth, a cowardly Beagle-Cavalier who thinks he’s smaller than he is, one meeping guinea pig who thinks any plastic bag has his greens in, two chickens who are terrified of free-ranging, and a turtle with a penchant for sticking her head up her filter pipe.
I have a Master of Arts (Writing) from Swinburne University of Technology. I also have a Master of Arts (Editing and Publishing) at University of Southern Queensland and, am now working towards my PhD. I also hope to one day undertake a PhD in Creative Writing - perpetual student, am I.
I also organise the Sleeping Dragon Emerging Fantasy Writers’ Collective writing group. The group self-published their anthology Tales from the Sleeping Dragon in 2012.
You can also find me on:
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If you'd like to keep up with all my shenanigans, you can sign up for my newsletter here.
NB: I'm usually happy to discuss review copies of my books. A track record of reviewing is preferable, but not completely necessary.
I started out writing fantasy. But, I like to write anything, honestly. These days, I mainly stick to YA and there's always at least a sprinkling of romance, if not a 'whoops, I dropped the whole packet in'. Almost all my books are set in my home state of South Australia, either in real or fictional places - gotta write what you know - with Netherfield being the only current exception.
Like most writers, I love to read. Although, time for reading at the moment is hard to come by. When I'm not too busy writing, I'm usually reading a number of authors. Some of my favourites are Rick Riordan, Jane Austen, Kate Forsyth, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Kasie West, John Flanagan, Terry Pratchett, Isobelle Carmody, Christina Benjamin, Emily Rodda, and many more.
I'm an avid fan of Marvel, DC, Doctor Who, Supernatural, Red Dwarf, IT Crowd, and pretty much anything similar. I've recently discovered Richard Ayoade's Travel Man and it's brilliant. I love watching soccer (go Gunners) and thoroughly look forward to seeing Eurovision every year. Celebrity crushes include Anna Kendrick and Chris Evans, because they are wonderful.
I live in Adelaide with my husband and a menagerie of animals – a cat reliving her (sixth) youth, a cowardly Beagle-Cavalier who thinks he’s smaller than he is, one meeping guinea pig who thinks any plastic bag has his greens in, two chickens who are terrified of free-ranging, and a turtle with a penchant for sticking her head up her filter pipe.
I have a Master of Arts (Writing) from Swinburne University of Technology. I also have a Master of Arts (Editing and Publishing) at University of Southern Queensland and, am now working towards my PhD. I also hope to one day undertake a PhD in Creative Writing - perpetual student, am I.
I also organise the Sleeping Dragon Emerging Fantasy Writers’ Collective writing group. The group self-published their anthology Tales from the Sleeping Dragon in 2012.
You can also find me on:
Wattpad
If you'd like to keep up with all my shenanigans, you can sign up for my newsletter here.
NB: I'm usually happy to discuss review copies of my books. A track record of reviewing is preferable, but not completely necessary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 24, 2021
The heart of this story is really, really weird. Addison is best friends with Alexander (Ander). They're completely platonic, but due to weirdness at Addison's home, she has been living in his bedroom and sharing his bed, for years. Including during this story when they're seventeen. So they share intimate space and don't have any body shame but there's no hint of them being more than platonic. And all the adults around them don't have any issue with this. And they're both explicitly heterosexual so you just have to accept that this is how it is.. And if you can roll with that, it's still weird, but at least you can buy the story as written. I had to suspend a huge load of disbelief to go along with this. But it was worth it in the end, I think.
Christopher (Topher) is older by a couple of years, but hanging out at home after graduating for a thing that might be an actual thing in their private school in Australia but I just rolled with because it let him be in the story. So same house as Addison and Ander. And it sounds like they didn't much like him when he was at their school years prior because he's a popular kid and kind of a jock and they're in the "alt" crowd and into skateboarding so culture clash and all. Only Topher starts playing up to Addison and they kiss and don't hate it and it turns out that he's a really nice guy and totally into her and I really liked him.
And I liked him and Addison together as she grows past some of the things at home that suck and the fractures in their school group of alt kids. I enjoyed them getting to know and accept one another. And the dynamic with the best friend/younger brother were interesting, but only on their end. Because the problem with the entire story is that Ander is a giant snotbag. They talk about being best friends and "love you forever" but he says one thing and behaves counter to those things over and over again. And he makes Addison miserable. And it creates all this tension that made it really hard for me to stay engaged with Addison because this is the guy she wants for a best friend? In short, he is a horrible friend, let alone best friend, let along someone who claims to have her back forever.
So I'm being told their relationship is one thing but I can see that it really, really isn't. Which might have been cool if the story had dealt with that tension or break. I don't think it really did, in the end, and that broke me a bit. I mean, I loved Topher and Addison. I liked them together and I loved how caring he was and supportive. He was the best friend she deserved and kowtowing to the snotbag actually worked to make me like them both a little less.
Anyway, this ends up 3½ stars that I'm rounding up on Topher with an assist from the engaging and lovely Aunt Jelly. Oh, and I should pull out that the copy editing of this is atrocious. I nearly rounded down on how disruptive it was to have words in the wrong places or mangled sentences. The publisher did not cover itself in glory on this one.
A note about Steamy: They talk about sex and eventually have some. There is enough intimate description that I count this as being "steamy". But Stevens pulls back very fast and we don't get anything like a play-by-play. Or any details at all, really. So it's the lightest possible steam.
Christopher (Topher) is older by a couple of years, but hanging out at home after graduating for a thing that might be an actual thing in their private school in Australia but I just rolled with because it let him be in the story. So same house as Addison and Ander. And it sounds like they didn't much like him when he was at their school years prior because he's a popular kid and kind of a jock and they're in the "alt" crowd and into skateboarding so culture clash and all. Only Topher starts playing up to Addison and they kiss and don't hate it and it turns out that he's a really nice guy and totally into her and I really liked him.
And I liked him and Addison together as she grows past some of the things at home that suck and the fractures in their school group of alt kids. I enjoyed them getting to know and accept one another. And the dynamic with the best friend/younger brother were interesting, but only on their end. Because the problem with the entire story is that Ander is a giant snotbag. They talk about being best friends and "love you forever" but he says one thing and behaves counter to those things over and over again. And he makes Addison miserable. And it creates all this tension that made it really hard for me to stay engaged with Addison because this is the guy she wants for a best friend? In short, he is a horrible friend, let alone best friend, let along someone who claims to have her back forever.
So I'm being told their relationship is one thing but I can see that it really, really isn't. Which might have been cool if the story had dealt with that tension or break. I don't think it really did, in the end, and that broke me a bit. I mean, I loved Topher and Addison. I liked them together and I loved how caring he was and supportive. He was the best friend she deserved and kowtowing to the snotbag actually worked to make me like them both a little less.
Anyway, this ends up 3½ stars that I'm rounding up on Topher with an assist from the engaging and lovely Aunt Jelly. Oh, and I should pull out that the copy editing of this is atrocious. I nearly rounded down on how disruptive it was to have words in the wrong places or mangled sentences. The publisher did not cover itself in glory on this one.
A note about Steamy: They talk about sex and eventually have some. There is enough intimate description that I count this as being "steamy". But Stevens pulls back very fast and we don't get anything like a play-by-play. Or any details at all, really. So it's the lightest possible steam.
October 18, 2019
I like how the relationships grow, break and change.
She and Lex are best friends, and I love how well they know each other and how their love is unconditional, but they need to learn how to love each other while also loving somebody else.
Unlike in The stand-in they resolve most of her family issues, and they all come around for a happy ending
She and Lex are best friends, and I love how well they know each other and how their love is unconditional, but they need to learn how to love each other while also loving somebody else.
Unlike in The stand-in they resolve most of her family issues, and they all come around for a happy ending
December 6, 2018
Good read.. but...
Despite the 3 star rating I did enjoy this story, however it reminded me so much of the Kissing Booth and the more I read, the more I found myself comparing them to each other.
Despite the 3 star rating I did enjoy this story, however it reminded me so much of the Kissing Booth and the more I read, the more I found myself comparing them to each other.
December 22, 2021
This one certainly lived up to the title and not in a good way. I was expecting it to be similar to “Keeping Up Appearances” or “The Roommate” but this just went from bad to worse. The writing style wasn’t very clear so at 15% I had absolutely no idea what was happening between the characters but as I read on things began to make more sense. I thought this was going to be a light, fun read where some teenagers try to figure stuff out and come to grips with their emotions but 90% of this book consisted of:
(1) Addy & Topher lusting after each other.
(2) Addy watching Topher lust after other girls
(3) Addy’s friends talking to her about lusting over other girls
(4) And Ander uncomfortably watching Addy & Topher lust after each other. (It was just too much)
THINGS I LIKED
* The banters among Ander, Addy & Topher were very funny
* They were also fun as individual characters especially Topher who was actually kinda sweet (together it was just chaos and a whole lot of unnecessary angst)
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
* Addy & Ander’s friendship was extremely unrealistic at best and incredibly toxic at worst. No one should have that much power over the life choices you make. I know their relationship was supposed to be cute but it made me cringe more often than not 😬
* Addy & Ander calling each other “babe”. It was funny the first few times but then it got old really fast.
* The negligence of the adults was appalling. I can’t imagine any mature adult walking in on two teenagers making out, in their house, and just leave them be.
* There wasn’t a single character that had a moral code. From adults to teenagers they had no regard for virtue considering the callous way in which they viewed and talked about sex.
Content: PG-13 clean (No on page sex), Strong language (A few F* bombs), Strong innuendo throughout.
(1) Addy & Topher lusting after each other.
(2) Addy watching Topher lust after other girls
(3) Addy’s friends talking to her about lusting over other girls
(4) And Ander uncomfortably watching Addy & Topher lust after each other. (It was just too much)
THINGS I LIKED
* The banters among Ander, Addy & Topher were very funny
* They were also fun as individual characters especially Topher who was actually kinda sweet (together it was just chaos and a whole lot of unnecessary angst)
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
* Addy & Ander’s friendship was extremely unrealistic at best and incredibly toxic at worst. No one should have that much power over the life choices you make. I know their relationship was supposed to be cute but it made me cringe more often than not 😬
* Addy & Ander calling each other “babe”. It was funny the first few times but then it got old really fast.
* The negligence of the adults was appalling. I can’t imagine any mature adult walking in on two teenagers making out, in their house, and just leave them be.
* There wasn’t a single character that had a moral code. From adults to teenagers they had no regard for virtue considering the callous way in which they viewed and talked about sex.
Content: PG-13 clean (No on page sex), Strong language (A few F* bombs), Strong innuendo throughout.
September 18, 2021
I have nothing to say about this story because nothing happens in this story. Nothing. This is a story about a girl who has a boyfriend-girlfriend like relationship with a boy who isn't her boyfriend but is her "one true love." Things get complicated when she starts to date his older brother. That's it. That's the story. It's not a bad one. I usually adore Aussie young adult lit I have read because the characters are so authentic and the stories don't feel gimmicky. But this one just felt boring. I didn't really fall in love with Addy or Topher or Ander. I didn't really care all that much about Addy's family issues. They seemed thrown in there so that there was something to talk about other than her dilemma about what to do about her feelings for Topher. The resolution of the family thing was just tossed in as a paragraph in the final chapter. I felt nothing. So I'm going to be generous and give this three stars, recognizing that maybe I was in a funk as I was reading. Maybe on another day I would have loved these characters more. I don't know. I'll say that I liked the story, but it took me FOREVER (almost a month) to get through it because nothing ever drove me to want to pick it up. Three stars.
September 13, 2018
Too much awkward
A few issues ruined it for me. The plot line mimics The Kissing Booth, I knew that going in. But some scenes were so alike I felt a little bad supporting the author. Next issue, completely unrealistic portrayal of a boy girl friendship and the way others would handle it. The main character and her male bff share a bed almost every night, call each other “Babe” and tell each other “I love you” complete with corny “more than the stars in the sky” phrases. Basically they are a couple that doesn’t have sex. The impossible part comes in how no one seems to have an issue with it. Even when she starts dating the brother he says he’s fine with it because he knows they relationship. Sorry no one is that secure. And separate from insecurity is that those are relationship things and a partner wanting you to have those type of things with only them is completely appropriate. Their friendship bordered in creepy and every time they called each other “babe” I had to force myself to read on. Big issue is that this book drug on with unnecessary fluff that made it a good 100 pages longer than it should have been.
A few issues ruined it for me. The plot line mimics The Kissing Booth, I knew that going in. But some scenes were so alike I felt a little bad supporting the author. Next issue, completely unrealistic portrayal of a boy girl friendship and the way others would handle it. The main character and her male bff share a bed almost every night, call each other “Babe” and tell each other “I love you” complete with corny “more than the stars in the sky” phrases. Basically they are a couple that doesn’t have sex. The impossible part comes in how no one seems to have an issue with it. Even when she starts dating the brother he says he’s fine with it because he knows they relationship. Sorry no one is that secure. And separate from insecurity is that those are relationship things and a partner wanting you to have those type of things with only them is completely appropriate. Their friendship bordered in creepy and every time they called each other “babe” I had to force myself to read on. Big issue is that this book drug on with unnecessary fluff that made it a good 100 pages longer than it should have been.
October 1, 2021
As soon as I started reading I was completely glued to this book (read as my phone because I was reading on the kindle app). The reading style is just Elizabeth Stevens and it works really well for these kind of YA books.
However, as unusual as it is, I did not enjoy this book as much as her others. I’m pretty sure this is a question of it’s not you, it’s me but I just couldn’t bring myself to rate this any higher.
Why did this book not work for this reader?
For one, there were some out there things happening and I wasn’t able suspend my disbelief long enough to actually enjoy them that much. Think rom-com levels of ridiculous that can work really well at the right moment (I’m writing this and thinking this book would totally be for me in one of those afternoons where I’m feeling a little down for no reason) but not for me right now. *sigh* I also didn’t much enjoy the main characters interactions with her friends because they felt not enough fleshed out to be distinguishable (which usually happens in Stevens’ other books).
All in all, a fun story that I really wasn’t in the mood for.
However, as unusual as it is, I did not enjoy this book as much as her others. I’m pretty sure this is a question of it’s not you, it’s me but I just couldn’t bring myself to rate this any higher.
Why did this book not work for this reader?
For one, there were some out there things happening and I wasn’t able suspend my disbelief long enough to actually enjoy them that much. Think rom-com levels of ridiculous that can work really well at the right moment (I’m writing this and thinking this book would totally be for me in one of those afternoons where I’m feeling a little down for no reason) but not for me right now. *sigh* I also didn’t much enjoy the main characters interactions with her friends because they felt not enough fleshed out to be distinguishable (which usually happens in Stevens’ other books).
All in all, a fun story that I really wasn’t in the mood for.
September 7, 2018
Loved this book a lot! Yay for an Aussie author! At times the story was very reminiscent of the Kissing Booth (the movie!) but still original enough that I could not put it down. Loved the characters of Addy and Topher and Ander. Aunty Jel was great, she needs her own story. Really enjoyable, sweet story and also romantic and steamy without being too much.
November 20, 2019
4.5 stars
September 17, 2018
I received a free eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
So, I'd like to thank the author for this eARC and sorry it took me a while but life happens and I wasn't able to Read & Review sooner.
This book was really cute and I loved Addy and Topher! I can't say the same for Ander, since he actually acted like a child in this story, until toeards the end when he started to finally grow up a little, thanks the Gods for it.
Topher was a real keeper. So sweet, you couldn't help falling in love with him. And he was soooo in love with Addy, it was the cutest thing ever. And although I didn't always get Addy, or get to agree with all her decisions, I liked her. She was a loyal friend, she wasn't selfish, she was strong and didn't let other people (aka her mother) put her down. Her friendship with Ander was unique, and weird. But it worked for them and it worked for the story.
And I also loved Aunt Jelly and the Boys, especially Tate.
I'd like to read Topher's POV on when he realized he had a thing for Addy. Or any POV of him, really. I must admit I have a little crush on him.
So, although I didn't love this book as much as Keeping Up Appearances, it was still a really good and cute read. Maybe not 4 full stars, but 3.75 for sure.
So, I'd like to thank the author for this eARC and sorry it took me a while but life happens and I wasn't able to Read & Review sooner.
This book was really cute and I loved Addy and Topher! I can't say the same for Ander, since he actually acted like a child in this story, until toeards the end when he started to finally grow up a little, thanks the Gods for it.
Topher was a real keeper. So sweet, you couldn't help falling in love with him. And he was soooo in love with Addy, it was the cutest thing ever. And although I didn't always get Addy, or get to agree with all her decisions, I liked her. She was a loyal friend, she wasn't selfish, she was strong and didn't let other people (aka her mother) put her down. Her friendship with Ander was unique, and weird. But it worked for them and it worked for the story.
And I also loved Aunt Jelly and the Boys, especially Tate.
I'd like to read Topher's POV on when he realized he had a thing for Addy. Or any POV of him, really. I must admit I have a little crush on him.
So, although I didn't love this book as much as Keeping Up Appearances, it was still a really good and cute read. Maybe not 4 full stars, but 3.75 for sure.
March 10, 2019
After reading a couple of her contemporary romances last year and really enjoying them, I went into this with high expectations. Unfortunately, this book fell flat: awkward dialogue, constant typos/words missing, the same things said again and again and again, and then there was the unfortunate resemblances to the kissing booth.
I was extremely disappointed in the book, and while there were a few positive merits I would not recommend this book.
I was extremely disappointed in the book, and while there were a few positive merits I would not recommend this book.
January 12, 2019
even stitch would run out of fingers trying to count out all the dumb things about this book tbh
September 20, 2018
* i have generously received an eARC in return of a honest review
What an another amazing book! I just keep on loving every book this author writes. The characters, the dialogue, and the hilarious moments made reading this book such a fun read.
The characters in this book were very developed. Lex, Topher, and Addie have been good friends all their lives. Things go smoothly until Addie realizes that she thinks of Topher than her best friend’s older brother. Addie had a ton of snark in this novel. I loved how she was a fun heroine, but super sweet. She cared for everyone. And my one favorite thing about Addie is that she deals with her problems rationally. I liked how she was mature for her age. Lex and Topher were great heroes. I loved how Lex cared so much for Addie. They were such great friends, and that didn’t cause any unnecessary drama. Topher is an awesome book boyfriend. I like how he was a bad-boy, but had a proper personality and brains. He was smart and flawed.
Topher and Addie as a couple were great. They had amazing chemistry. I loved the kissing scenes. They were super sweet, but hot enough to fee their chemistry. Despite their awesome chemistry, I liked that there was a deep bond and understanding between them. Their love story wasn’t rushed or insta-love. But rather developed throughout the book.
The plot and writing were really good. I liked how despite being written in first person the book had proper grammar and definetly was edited properly. The plot also had a good pace. Even with the drama that was necessary to the plot, the story moved on. And, the story didn’t just focus on Addie and Topher and Lex. It focused on other important issues such as family and parental relationships. I liked how the secondary conflicts were relatable.
All in all, this is a great YA novel. It had all the feels and sweet moments. For lovers of contemporary YA romance, I definitely recommend this book. And, it’s set in Australia so how can’t it get any better.
What an another amazing book! I just keep on loving every book this author writes. The characters, the dialogue, and the hilarious moments made reading this book such a fun read.
The characters in this book were very developed. Lex, Topher, and Addie have been good friends all their lives. Things go smoothly until Addie realizes that she thinks of Topher than her best friend’s older brother. Addie had a ton of snark in this novel. I loved how she was a fun heroine, but super sweet. She cared for everyone. And my one favorite thing about Addie is that she deals with her problems rationally. I liked how she was mature for her age. Lex and Topher were great heroes. I loved how Lex cared so much for Addie. They were such great friends, and that didn’t cause any unnecessary drama. Topher is an awesome book boyfriend. I like how he was a bad-boy, but had a proper personality and brains. He was smart and flawed.
Topher and Addie as a couple were great. They had amazing chemistry. I loved the kissing scenes. They were super sweet, but hot enough to fee their chemistry. Despite their awesome chemistry, I liked that there was a deep bond and understanding between them. Their love story wasn’t rushed or insta-love. But rather developed throughout the book.
The plot and writing were really good. I liked how despite being written in first person the book had proper grammar and definetly was edited properly. The plot also had a good pace. Even with the drama that was necessary to the plot, the story moved on. And, the story didn’t just focus on Addie and Topher and Lex. It focused on other important issues such as family and parental relationships. I liked how the secondary conflicts were relatable.
All in all, this is a great YA novel. It had all the feels and sweet moments. For lovers of contemporary YA romance, I definitely recommend this book. And, it’s set in Australia so how can’t it get any better.
September 24, 2018
3.5 to 4 stars. Fun, enjoyable, cute.
I think compared to her other books, this one didn't have as much substance. It was still a fun read, it was still cute, I still enjoyed it. There wasn't really anything wrong with it, I just can't help but compare to the others of hers I've read and want more from this book. That's all. So, please don't think that I'm saying it's bad. This one was just more light-hearted than what I'm used to with her others. The serious issues in this book weren't quite as serious as previous topics. I thought the author did a good job of showing the evolution of Addy and Topher's feelings for each other. They didn't feel forced or too sudden. I appreciated that. Ander did drive me a little crazy with his "I'm okay with this but now I'm not okay with this" back and forth dealing with Addy and Topher's relationship. Good job from the author stressing consent in a relationship from the characters. Young people, especially young girls, need to know that it is okay to say "stop" anytime they want, no matter how far along they are in a heated moment, and to have that respected by their partner. I also liked that Addy didn't change to make Topher like her. The tomboy, "daggy" clothes-wearing girl is what Topher fell for. It was only after she got some self-confidence that she wanted to spruce up her wardrobe some. I like how it specifically states in there how you should be yourself, otherwise, how will you know the other person is falling for the real you? Anyway, some parts of this book reminded me of The Kissing Booth for some reason. It didn't follow that storyline or anything. I guess just the cutesy-ness of it, the banter of the characters, and then the girl, best guy friend, and older brother crush thing. If you liked that movie, you'd probably like this book.
I think compared to her other books, this one didn't have as much substance. It was still a fun read, it was still cute, I still enjoyed it. There wasn't really anything wrong with it, I just can't help but compare to the others of hers I've read and want more from this book. That's all. So, please don't think that I'm saying it's bad. This one was just more light-hearted than what I'm used to with her others. The serious issues in this book weren't quite as serious as previous topics. I thought the author did a good job of showing the evolution of Addy and Topher's feelings for each other. They didn't feel forced or too sudden. I appreciated that. Ander did drive me a little crazy with his "I'm okay with this but now I'm not okay with this" back and forth dealing with Addy and Topher's relationship. Good job from the author stressing consent in a relationship from the characters. Young people, especially young girls, need to know that it is okay to say "stop" anytime they want, no matter how far along they are in a heated moment, and to have that respected by their partner. I also liked that Addy didn't change to make Topher like her. The tomboy, "daggy" clothes-wearing girl is what Topher fell for. It was only after she got some self-confidence that she wanted to spruce up her wardrobe some. I like how it specifically states in there how you should be yourself, otherwise, how will you know the other person is falling for the real you? Anyway, some parts of this book reminded me of The Kissing Booth for some reason. It didn't follow that storyline or anything. I guess just the cutesy-ness of it, the banter of the characters, and then the girl, best guy friend, and older brother crush thing. If you liked that movie, you'd probably like this book.
September 7, 2018
Love, Lust, and Friendship is a cute YA novel about 3 high school students where the lines betweens friends, lust, and love are blurred.
Told entirely from Addy’s POV, you learn about Addy’s background and why she never wants to fall in love and why she spends so much time at the Henderson’s house. Addy has a unique personality and questions her feelings towards Ander’s very popular older brother, Topher. Ander is the best friend ever. I wish that I had someone like him when I was younger. They are both loyal and very supportive of each other. You cannot help, but love Topher. He never shies away from expressing his feelings towards Addy. However, can things always stay the same? As the dynamics between the 3 of them change, will Addy be forced to choose one brother over another?
This book is a YA coming of age novel. A lot of times authors market something as YA and the characters seem like 30 years-old masquerading as high students. Elizabeth Stevens creates characters that act like, have the maturity level of, and have the interests of today’s teens. The characters are likable and well developed. The secondary characters are fun too - especially Aunt Jelly. There is a lot of humor and the antics that Addy, Ander, and their friends pull is hilarious. This is a fast paced, YA adult romance with a HEA.
If you love Elizabeth Steven’s other coming of age books, then you will enjoy Love, Lust, and Friendship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Told entirely from Addy’s POV, you learn about Addy’s background and why she never wants to fall in love and why she spends so much time at the Henderson’s house. Addy has a unique personality and questions her feelings towards Ander’s very popular older brother, Topher. Ander is the best friend ever. I wish that I had someone like him when I was younger. They are both loyal and very supportive of each other. You cannot help, but love Topher. He never shies away from expressing his feelings towards Addy. However, can things always stay the same? As the dynamics between the 3 of them change, will Addy be forced to choose one brother over another?
This book is a YA coming of age novel. A lot of times authors market something as YA and the characters seem like 30 years-old masquerading as high students. Elizabeth Stevens creates characters that act like, have the maturity level of, and have the interests of today’s teens. The characters are likable and well developed. The secondary characters are fun too - especially Aunt Jelly. There is a lot of humor and the antics that Addy, Ander, and their friends pull is hilarious. This is a fast paced, YA adult romance with a HEA.
If you love Elizabeth Steven’s other coming of age books, then you will enjoy Love, Lust, and Friendship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2018
I have to admit, it took me a while to really get into the story. Everyone seems to have a gazillion nicknames, and depending on who is talking to whom, they get switched around so frequently, it takes some getting used to.
Also, it took me some time to get to like Addy and Ander. There are so many in-jokes, rituals, handshakes, the tacky bombs... At first, it feels like they are so happy in their own little bubble, why would they need me as a reader to root for them?
In the beginning, Topher seems a bit like the stereotypical, two-dimensional player type, though that gets better over time, when we discover that he's human after all. :)
My favorite character is, hands-down, Aunt Jelly - I absolutely adore her! She's the best and truly deserves her own story!
Despite my initial misgivings, the story came together nicely in the end.
Looking forward to the "boys" getting their own stories!
Also, it took me some time to get to like Addy and Ander. There are so many in-jokes, rituals, handshakes, the tacky bombs... At first, it feels like they are so happy in their own little bubble, why would they need me as a reader to root for them?
In the beginning, Topher seems a bit like the stereotypical, two-dimensional player type, though that gets better over time, when we discover that he's human after all. :)
My favorite character is, hands-down, Aunt Jelly - I absolutely adore her! She's the best and truly deserves her own story!
Despite my initial misgivings, the story came together nicely in the end.
Looking forward to the "boys" getting their own stories!
January 27, 2019
A fun teen romance! Similar to the Kissing Booth but this time set in Australia. Loved how the relationship between Addy and Topher develops. Great banter throughout and pop culture references!
The only drawback was I couldn't get my head around Ads and Anders's friendship. Seemed over the top and not realistic. Also Addy practically living at the Hendersons without any complaints from her parents. Her father actually paying for her keep there. Again was off for me.
That said the story itself had me turning pages to see how things were going to work out and I wasn't disappointed!
Read on KU.
The only drawback was I couldn't get my head around Ads and Anders's friendship. Seemed over the top and not realistic. Also Addy practically living at the Hendersons without any complaints from her parents. Her father actually paying for her keep there. Again was off for me.
That said the story itself had me turning pages to see how things were going to work out and I wasn't disappointed!
Read on KU.
November 23, 2018
Loved this story.
Ok.. first off, Addy and Ander have a very weird relationship. That alone is worth reading. Topher makes you swoon. Elizabeth Stevens' writes great loveworthy male characters that make your heart melt and you just want to hug and love him!
Again, Addy and Ander... so weird!! I feel like we didn't get a very good understanding about Ander in the end, maybe because there is going to be a book two?
Loved the storyline and loved Topher and Addy. Really loving this author and can't wait to read more by her.
Ok.. first off, Addy and Ander have a very weird relationship. That alone is worth reading. Topher makes you swoon. Elizabeth Stevens' writes great loveworthy male characters that make your heart melt and you just want to hug and love him!
Again, Addy and Ander... so weird!! I feel like we didn't get a very good understanding about Ander in the end, maybe because there is going to be a book two?
Loved the storyline and loved Topher and Addy. Really loving this author and can't wait to read more by her.
November 27, 2018
Loved this book.
Full of just the right amount of humour, drama and angst.
I love the fact that there are doubts about Addy and Anders relationship,no what ifs, you know exactly how much these two mean to each other without it crossing into maybe territory.
Topher and Addy's relationship was well written and so sweet, the topic of sex and first times was beautiful handled and defenitly in line with the modern world, and Topher is exactly the guy we all dreamed of having as our first love.
Full of just the right amount of humour, drama and angst.
I love the fact that there are doubts about Addy and Anders relationship,no what ifs, you know exactly how much these two mean to each other without it crossing into maybe territory.
Topher and Addy's relationship was well written and so sweet, the topic of sex and first times was beautiful handled and defenitly in line with the modern world, and Topher is exactly the guy we all dreamed of having as our first love.
January 27, 2019
Enjoyable read
The storyline started a bit slow but once the romance started it got better. Enjoyed the characters development and how the author showed the emotions instead of telling.
Definitely not a love triangle. No cheating or too detailed sex scenes. The best friend relationship was different and it was kinda of borderline less platonic with the endearment calling and sleeping in the same room. That got weird for me. The best friend portrayal felt like they were in a relationship but not. If you like YA school romance with feelings definitely read this book.
The storyline started a bit slow but once the romance started it got better. Enjoyed the characters development and how the author showed the emotions instead of telling.
Definitely not a love triangle. No cheating or too detailed sex scenes. The best friend relationship was different and it was kinda of borderline less platonic with the endearment calling and sleeping in the same room. That got weird for me. The best friend portrayal felt like they were in a relationship but not. If you like YA school romance with feelings definitely read this book.
September 8, 2018
This was actually a teen romance but of course once I had started, I was totally enchanted by it, and had to carry on! very sweet, lovely relationships between Addy, and Ander, Addy and Topher, Ander and Topher and of course their friends too, I thought it was lovely, would’ve been nice to have had a much later epilogue (because I like to make sure they get their HEA! 😉😁) but thought it was very sweet 😊
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2018
tbh I'm not much into thgis type of book, but I picked it because it sounded fun, and I needed fun. There were laughs, sarcasm, swooning, and pretty much everything you have in your typical teenage life, including angst. Learning to navigate friendship and first romantic love without losing sight of oneself. Aunt Jelly is one of the highlights of many of this book. Great writting, great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2018
I'm in love with both of these two loving souls, Ander and Topher. Addy is so lucky to have them in her life. I found this book to be humorous, heartbreaking, and wonderfully satisfying. I love how the author developed the characters and the relationships with the entire cast of characters. Everyone in this book seemed real. The reactions and emotions seemed real. A wonderful look at life as a young adult.
4 1/2 stars
4 1/2 stars
November 19, 2018
Cliche’ Teen Love
Whoo Rah! FINALLY- a girl who doesn’t know it all and can be totally kick ass. Being one of those girls who had more guys friends than girl, I totally related to the stigma that Addy went through by having all male friends. And who hasn’t fallen for the friends older brother at least once in their life. I think even with all the dysfunction these teens managed life about as great as any teen today. Awesome read, and definitely one Id read again.
Whoo Rah! FINALLY- a girl who doesn’t know it all and can be totally kick ass. Being one of those girls who had more guys friends than girl, I totally related to the stigma that Addy went through by having all male friends. And who hasn’t fallen for the friends older brother at least once in their life. I think even with all the dysfunction these teens managed life about as great as any teen today. Awesome read, and definitely one Id read again.
November 20, 2018
Similar to the Kissing Booth but with a better message.
There wasn't really anything unique about this book and if you have read (or seen) the kissing booth this is basically the same minus the actual kissing booth. However this book had a lot better messages. Especially about sex and consent. The author did a great job of incorporating the topic in a way that was true to real life. Messages that I think a lot of teenagers (boys and girls) need to hear.
There wasn't really anything unique about this book and if you have read (or seen) the kissing booth this is basically the same minus the actual kissing booth. However this book had a lot better messages. Especially about sex and consent. The author did a great job of incorporating the topic in a way that was true to real life. Messages that I think a lot of teenagers (boys and girls) need to hear.
March 5, 2019
Hilarious and filled with drama
I think this one is my favorite thus far. Mainly because it was hilarious but also because Aunt Jelly is my spirit animal. This one kind of reminded me of the Netflix original movie The Kissing Booth. It's not really a complaint per se, just an observation, but has anyone else noticed the author's penchant for bad boys who really get around with the ladies? Again not that there's anything wrong with that in a book.
I think this one is my favorite thus far. Mainly because it was hilarious but also because Aunt Jelly is my spirit animal. This one kind of reminded me of the Netflix original movie The Kissing Booth. It's not really a complaint per se, just an observation, but has anyone else noticed the author's penchant for bad boys who really get around with the ladies? Again not that there's anything wrong with that in a book.
May 22, 2019
Can you have all three?
This was a quick read for me. Elizabeth captured the life of a teen, and what goes through their brains. I love the different dynamics and relationships into the book. It is true that you can be friends with the opposite sex. Addison doesn't do herself up the way most girls do. This is more normal than what !let movies portray. This was thoroughly enjoyable to read.
This was a quick read for me. Elizabeth captured the life of a teen, and what goes through their brains. I love the different dynamics and relationships into the book. It is true that you can be friends with the opposite sex. Addison doesn't do herself up the way most girls do. This is more normal than what !let movies portray. This was thoroughly enjoyable to read.
May 25, 2019
Cute little story
Ander and Addy are best friends forever, but just friends... These two are like siblings... Topher is Anders brother, and is about to become important in Addys life too.
Teen high school romance, and honestly it's a cute story, the writing flows and it kept me reading but for me, something was missing in book... I just can't put my finger on why. Definitely worth a read tho :)
Ander and Addy are best friends forever, but just friends... These two are like siblings... Topher is Anders brother, and is about to become important in Addys life too.
Teen high school romance, and honestly it's a cute story, the writing flows and it kept me reading but for me, something was missing in book... I just can't put my finger on why. Definitely worth a read tho :)
September 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this YA romance. A very clever and entertaining blend of romance, humor, angst and drama is incorporated into a engaging storyline. With likable characters, good chemistry and deep emotions to keep your interest, you will get swept into this story of love, lust and friendship. A very, very good read! This is my honest, voluntary review.
September 8, 2018
The book is a good teen and young adult romance read. The story has an engaging story line. The characters are good, likable, and they have good chemistry. The story is a clever, entertaining blend of romance, humor, angst, and drama read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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