Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
She's the adventure he never expected.

Rae is about to spend another Valentine’s Day alone… and hopelessly in love with her best bud. Tired of everyone pairing off while she stays at a standstill, she considers making a big move, putting a lot of those trusty miles between her and her unrequited.

All Tommy knows is that he’ll do anything to keep his best bud from up and leaving, and he’s pulling out all the punches for her favorite—okay, third favorite—holiday.

But will playing Romeo epically backfire on him? Or will it be the thing that makes him realize that maybe friendship just isn’t enough anymore?

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2019

33 people are currently reading
114 people want to read

About the author

Sandra Marie

18 books39 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
36 (39%)
4 stars
29 (31%)
3 stars
16 (17%)
2 stars
9 (9%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Katie.
2,978 reviews155 followers
March 28, 2019
Sigh, I need to get back in the habit of reviewing books sooner. It's been a few days, so I've lost some thoughts

But this was very good. Just a few ticks off from great. Excellent background characters and a wonderful friends to lovers stories. Rae's being in love with Tommy for years didn't bother me (I have a pining problem! But they were so close that it just made sense) and I mostly understood Tommy being stupid about it. No real drama . . . it just worked.

I am for sure interested in going back and reading the books in the series I missed. (I read the first and I have the next one.)

Thanks to the author and her awesome mailing list for the book!
Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,389 reviews64 followers
February 1, 2019
https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/02/...

I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

4.5 stars — I’ve been staring at this review for what feels like forever, and I honestly don’t know what’s got me stalling. I absolutely ADORED these two together, and Tommy totally made my book boyfriend list, even as I wanted to smack him upside the head sometimes.

I mean seriously, Tommy really was a bonehead sometimes. But I couldn’t help but love him, with his hilarious sense of humour, his genuineness…he was just straight up affable. And while I didn’t understand his need for adventure and addiction to adrenaline, even that was kind of endearing on him. He was like a bad puppy dog that you couldn’t help but want to snuggle. But more than ALL OF THAT, I LOVED how much he truly cared for Rae. He may have been blind, but even before he figured out his feelings, he only wanted the best for her…and he always tried to do what he could to make sure she was happy.

And damn, his crapstorm of romance was perfection. I loved that he went all in once he decided he was going to do this for Rae. From the first gifts, to the date itself, everything was just spectacular. I don’t want to give anything away, but I loved all the little nods to different romance movies.

Rae was bold and confident and sassy and almost badass, and conversely she was also a HUGE romantic who was vulnerable and slightly insecure. I LOVED that. So often the badass heroine scoffs at love and romance, and I SO needed a badass heroine who was a secret romantic. I wasn’t expecting it, but it fit. I will admit that I wasn’t always sure how I felt about her continued pursuit of men on the dating app, but at the same time if you believe she’s truly given up on Tommy and is trying to move on, then it makes sense.

And then there’s the two of them together…*sigh* They were perfect. Their banter was one of my absolute favourite things about the book. You could FEEL their friendship chemistry dripping off the pages. They made me laugh so much, and I had to refrain from highlighting a whole bunch of things that without context wouldn’t have been as funny. And their chemistry once they finally did go from friends to more? Swoon! The kissing scene was so hot!

Honestly, they reminded me of my hubby and I in a few ways (though definitely not all ways). Even from physical stature, I loved that Rae was attracted to him even though he was more sleight, but that she went after bigger men because she was insecure about her own size a bit. She was me in so many ways — trying to be body positive, and mostly succeeding in loving herself, but having moments where you just can’t beat back those insecurities, you know? And they had so much fun together! That reminded me of my hubby and I too. My husband’s friendship is what I prize most in the entire world, and I honestly don’t know (and wouldn’t want to know) what my life would be like without him. He gets me. Just like Tommy gets Rae, and vice versa.

As always, I loved the glimpses of other characters from this series, either ones whose stories we’ve already read, or those whose stories are yet to come. Gavin’s role in this book has made me fall in love with him already, and I can’t wait for him to get his HEA. And I ADORED Rae’s family. The timeouts seriously made me howl.

So yeah. Another hit. It’s not like I’m surprised, but it’s just nice when you get what you were looking for and more.
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,685 reviews51 followers
February 20, 2019
Between Friends by Sandra Marie is the 5th book in the Romance for all Seasons serie. This book is about Tommy and Rae. The book I was waiting for since the first book!! I loved them! Can't wait for the next story in this series.
Profile Image for Amanda.
710 reviews9 followers
February 12, 2019
I feel like this is an important one to have read the other books first. It probably still does work on it's own, but there's quite a bit of previous characters popping up in here.

I love stories where friends turn to more, and this one didn't disappoint. Tommy and Rae have been best friends for many years and own a tattoo shop and work together. Rae is bummed at the prospect of spending another Valentine's Day alone, especially since her friends all seem to be in relationships now. Tommy decides to surprise Rae by planning a special date, hoping to make it her dream Valentine's Day. This was a very fun book, and a sweet story to read for Valentine's Day.
2,384 reviews
February 10, 2021
Major Plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk

This seemed to be the perfect time to read this story since it took place during Valentine’s Day. The fact that this was a friends to lovers with a smattering of unrequited love was just icing on the cake.

First off all, I loved the friendship between Tommy and Rae. They had a really, really great bond that was established very quickly. The supported each other beautifully. They clearly cared deeply for one another, though while Rae totally acknowledged that she was in love with Tommy for forever, Tommy didn’t realize that he felt the same until later on, even though he called her his soul mate multiple times before admitting his love for Rae. I loved their banter. I loved their interactions as they teased other. They had a lot in common like they were artists and they worked at the tattoo parlor. I just loved seeing them spend time together. It was sweet and adorable. They had some great chemistry going on.

I loved the fact when Tommy found out how lonely Rae was feeling and how she wanted an epic Valentine’s that he put into motion a plan to give her the ultimate Valentine’s Day. He went to epic portions in order to give her that special day. He even researched rom coms for romantic gestures that he could do that would give those Valentine’s feels. It showed he really cared about her and wanted give her the world because he didn’t want to see her sad. It was really sweet to the effort he went through for Rae.

The whole Valentine’s Day date between the two of them was beyond special and romantic. Her really put his heart and soul into every little gesture and moment he created for Rae. I loved the little note gave her as they started off on their romantic journey. Then recreated some of those moments from rom coms that were really sweet and romantic. I loved the cuddling on the blanket while looking at the stars in a planetarium, then the make out session in the snow, and the private plane ride. It was just very swoon worthy and perfect for a Valentine’s read. I loved it.

I will say that I wish that Tommy realized that he was in love with Rae before the Valentine’s date because I would have liked to have seen the big declaration scene during that romantic and special day that they spent together. That would have really put the date over the top and just be the cherry on the sundae. That would have been perfect moment.

I was expecting this to be a little bit spicer. I was waiting for sexy time scene between them after all the build up, but was disappointed when it was a fade to black moment. I was ready for a hot, steamy, romantic and emotional full blown love scene. I was preparing for it especially with how this story began with the Passion Party. So, I was disappointed there wasn’t one in the story. In fact aside from that heated make out session in the show, there wasn’t a lot of hot and sexy moments between them.

There were quite a few humorous moments. One of the funniest moments was when Rae was on a “date” with someone else and Tommy tagging along. They interactions between the three of them were a hoot. I loved Tommy niggling the other guy where it was very clear he was making it known that Rae was his even if Tommy didn’t acknowledge it to himself. The ribbing was just classic. It was just so entertaining to watch. Also the interactions between Tommy and Rae’s family were as equally as entertaining. He really was part of the family, and they like to rib him as much as he liked to rib them. It was sweet and adorable and just plain funny. The family was very clear of where his heart truly was. I loved the moment at the end when Tommy realized he was in love with Rae, and he told her dad. Her dad was like “I knew that already, and that’s not information to me.” It was how it was delivered was classic. It just made me smile.

I loved the grand gesture at the end with the tattoo to show Tommy how in love and how special Rae was too him. It symbolized their Valentine’s date with the stars, snow, and the dancing. It was just so cute. My heart gushed. Then it doubled gushed when she got the matching tattoo right along with him. It just sweet moment between the two of them.

Overall, I did enjoy this story. It was a sweet and romantic read for the Valentine’s season. I liked it was a friends to lovers. I loved the established friendship between them, which clearly was a lot more than friendship. The feelings were there. The sentiment were there. Just the words weren’t there or acknowledged until they finally decided to take that leap of faith. I really liked Tommy. I loved how he saw Rae through his eyes. I loved how he vowed to make her feel special on Valentine’s Day. His romantic gestures were special and beautiful. It was just really heart warming to see the effort he went through to make her feel special. There was great humor. There were a few things that I wish were included or different, but it was still an entertaining ride it go on.














































This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
February 15, 2019
Between Friends #5 - Of all the books in this series so far, this is my favorite. It's nonstop Rae and Tommy rule the relationships so far as the best. Not only were they the best loving laughter and love. Well written, the storylines blend in with other characters from the series, but couple with a deep friendship to strengthen their love, but the support characters were good, too. Rae's mom was my favorite, outside of Tommy and Rae. They were just perfect together with and without Mom.

The dude sat through countless chick flicks voluntarily by himself. Even I consider that punishment for me, although there were a couple of those movies I liked. George was a good touch to the story; everyone needs a grumpy, furry sofa cover. This is just a feel good romance between two people that started with a deep friendship without knowing the depth was their love for each romantically too. I contacted the author to review her books and this has been an enjoyable series. 5*

After the Night #1 - This is my first read by this author and I had fun reading it. Don't care too much about this age group (twenties), but Sandra did a delightful job telling this story about two "ugly ducklings" that haven't turned into swans yet, or two nerds actually that are perfect for each other. After having a cute meet at the company's Halloween party, she tries to find out who he is as he tries to tell her it was him. The supporting cast add to the fun of the story. There's even a mystery to boot. Well written, funny and full of goofs, clumsy actions and misunderstanding. Needs minor editing. 4*

Across the Street #2 - Perfect addition to After the Night. Another well written, sweet romance between Cassie's best friend Steven and wallflower Ginny. They both need each other and have three weeks to make things work. Adding to the interesting characters are three sweet furballs of love that enhance this lovely, clean story even more. The storylines keeps the reader lost in the pages as love and confidence grow steady for this couple. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*

Under the Tree #3 - The fun and romance continue with this entertaining, clean romance. Ooops, she's pregnant and he's immature. The characters are fun, interesting and do a realistic job in trying to make things work. Good storylines that keep the reader glued to the pages until the end. The supporting characters add their touches to the story. Well written with just a touch of minor editing needed. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*

Going Down #4 - Having read the first three books, I still enjoyed reading this addition. This book is just as entertaining and delightful as the previous stories. I barely remember Ash from a previous story, but he's a good guy, lots of fun and takes care of business. Even though what Lily May suffered through in the first chapter, the story never let LM down; she was just as funny, sweet and determined to the last page. The other characters do a great job in their roles.
The storylines, like in the other books, are interesting with plenty of humor to keep the reader involved with the characters and their antics. It's never a dull moment with anything in this series and the pace is continuous so the stories are a fast read since it's difficult to stop reading.

As a Southerner, I laughed at a lot of the vernacular comin outta Lily May's mouth. "Bless your heart" is not something to say as LM used it; it's actually a polite way to insult someone. I just wish authors would stick to what they know. I'd rather have the site be Auckland instead of Seattle, and read real Kiwi speak instead of Southern (or American) done wrong. I contacted the author to review her books and I'm happy I found this delightful series. 4*
73 reviews
January 23, 2019
Rae and Tommy have been best friends for years. They work together, they hang out together and everyone else already thinks they are the cutest couple. The problem is that they aren't a couple. Rae loves him but he just sees her as his best friend.
When Rae finally decided that she needed a change to finally move on from loving Tommy, she applies for a job in Vegas, which is a bit of a ways away from Tommy in Seattle. After not hearing back right away, she forgets about it until one day she receives a phone call asking for her to come down for an interview, the day after Valentine's Day.
Tommy realizes that Rae is sad and lonely and wants to cheer her up so he promises to romance her for Valentine's Day so that she will be happy again. Will he pull out all of the stops to make her happy or will Rae finally be moving on from her best friend for the sake of her heart?

I really liked the way this book was written. It was about a friend who realized that she was in love with her best friend and her best friend who began as oblivious and how he slowly transformed his views of how their friendship was and how it evolved over the years. I really like that there was the conflict of whether she will move away in order to find her happiness. Sometimes in real life, it is difficult to get over something when it is starring you in the face all of the time.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,671 reviews182 followers
January 28, 2019
I’ve been waiting for Rae and Tommy’s story since these characters were introduced in the first book and this story did not disappoint.
Rae and Tommy are the best of friends. They work together, they spending all their free time together, they do everything together. Yet, these two aren’t a couple. Rae is surrounding by people pairing up from her friends to her family and she wants that for herself and she wants that with Tommy. Tommy doesn’t see Rae as anything but his best friend.
This was a super sweet best friends to lovers romance. There was a slow build up to it and watching these two finally come to the realization that they are both in love with each other.
As always, it is nice to get more of characters from the previous books and introductions to characters in the next book.
Profile Image for Christy B.
291 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2019
I absolutely loved Rae and Tommy. I've been looking forward to their story since we met them in Jon and Cassidy's story. Rae knew she was in love with her best friend but didn't want to ruin things - so she starts looking at alternative options. Heartbreak for her as Tommy is always there to pick up the pieces and make her smile again and again. Tommy was a surprise - beneath all the jokes he really was a sweetheart. A completely oblivious sweetheart. There was plenty of swoon-worthy moments in the story and I was certainly yelling/teary at my kindle a few times. I loved seeing all the previous characters here and there throughout the book as well. Rae and Tommy completely and totally rocked my heart. Theirs was a fabulous friends to lovers story.
Profile Image for Cara.
92 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2019
A "crapstorm of romance", that's what Rae wanted. Just one night where someone pulls out all the RomCom moves, one where she is the center of attention and she doesn't have to think about how everyone else is all paired off. Hating to see her hurt and upset, her best friend Tommy takes on the challenge of giving Rae her perfect night.

I won't lie, I was SOOO excited for this book. I've been waiting to see what transpires between Rae and Tommy since their cameo appearances in "After the Night". Sandra Marie did not disappoint!

The chemistry between these two characters is amazing. Rae was the first female in a long line of friends-to-lovers troupe stories that I didn't want to smack upside the head and tell her to just speak up for herself. Tommy, who still has his dumb@$$ moments, knows that Rae is special and that he can't live without her...he just maybe doesn't fully understand exactly what that means...yet :)

With only one book left in the series, I can't want to see how this all wraps up!
376 reviews
February 5, 2019
Rae is a talented tattoo artist but she's unlucky in love! All her friends have found their other half, but she has lost all hope that the man she knows is her soulmate will ever reciprocate her feelings. Tommy is adventurous and always ready to experience something new. But when it comes to his relationship with Rae, she's his best friend and he's afraid to jeopardize their friendship! With Valentine's Day approaching, Tommy promises to plan the best date Rae ever had and she begins to hope. Will she find the courage to express her feelings and how will Tommy react? A romantic and entertaining friends to lovers story! Rae and Tommy are best friends so they are reluctant to have a romantic relationship! But Cupid has different plans and they won't escape from his arrows!
Profile Image for Keri .
744 reviews19 followers
February 19, 2021
Another great story for this series. I love a good friends to lovers and this one was perfect! Rae and Tommy are just adorable together. Sometimes I get a little annoyed when one of the characters is so oblivious to their feelings but Tommy is wonderfully written and truly seemed like he had no idea just how he truly loves Rae. My favorite part was his conversation with Rae's mom, that family dynamic was just wonderful. My only fault is that since I have been waiting to read these when the appropriate holiday comes along I have had trouble remembering which character is which from the previous books. I can usually pause and think back and remember fairly quickly though. I'm a little bummed that St. Patrick's Day is the last book but I really look forward to Gavin's story!!
1,465 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2019
Rae & Tommy are best friends. They are buddies for life. But when Rae is ready to move on with her life, she’s not sure if telling her best friend, she’s in love with him with ruin their lifelong friendship. Tommy’s always had Rae in his life. He’s never thought of her as a sister so does that mean he’s in love with her? Between Friends is the most romantic and perfect story for Valentine’s. The lengths Tommy will go to show his best friend romance is the sweetest. Pick up this wonderfully written friend to lover’s romance as the holiday of love approaches.
Profile Image for Regina.
50 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2019
Tommy and Rae are best friends, Rae works with Tommy at his tattoo shop. Rae has been in love with Tommy forever and of course Tommy does not realize it. Rae is using dating apps to try and find a Valentines Date so she will not spend another valentines day alone. Tommy tells her if she leaves the app alone he will give her the best Valentines Day ever. During this time Rae goes on a job interview in another state and Tommy just doesn't know if he can live with out her.
This is a wonderful book, it does help to have read the rest of the Romance for all Seasons Books, but it is not required.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,855 reviews52 followers
February 1, 2019
Between Friends is a wonderful read just in time for Valentine's Day. I love this one. Not only do you get familiar characters from past books but you also get a beautiful love story in the process. Rae and Tommy have this chemistry that you can't help but to love. You would think they were a couple just by their banter. I love who they went from friends to lovers almost seamlessly. You really have to read this one just to get a feeling of who Rae and Tommy are. This one is really good.
2,697 reviews20 followers
February 1, 2019
Between Friends takes one on a journey between Rae and Tommy who work together at Tommy's Tats and are best friends. It is fun to see their antics and how much fun they have together but neither one is willing to cross the friendship line and ruin things. Throw in some jealousy and Valentine's Day and you have a cute and fun friends to lovers story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
4,571 reviews38 followers
February 3, 2019
I loved Between Friends. It may just be my favorite story in the entire series. Rae and Tommy were a hoot! It was nice to catch up on many characters from previous stories. (Do not worry if you have not read the other books. These stand alone just fine.) Tommy was an adrenaline junkie which made for some interesting scenes. The crapstorm of romance was fabulous.! Your really need to read this friends to lovers romance. I could not put it down.
282 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2019
This was a fun romance comedy that pulled me in from the beginning. I loved Rae's personality. She is so fun-loving and just looking for love. Tommy is great comedy relief in the story. I love how he steps up to help Rae through her many flops at romance. Tommy seems pretty clueless until he almost loses Rae to another man. Watching the antics and chemistry of the friends was amazing. I recommend to those that like romance, comedy, and a little steam in their stories.
57 reviews
February 14, 2019
Between friends is such a great valentines book. I loved Rae and Tommy’s story of how best friends can fall in love. It might have taken Tommy a while to realize that he was in love with Rae but when he did he was ready to jump in with both feet. Sandra Marie is a great author and I can’t wait for her next book!!!
Profile Image for SynergyQuest.
2,032 reviews8 followers
June 10, 2019
Okay

I paid .99 cents for Between Friends. While the story is worth .99, it wasn’t as good as I was hoping. It’s a clean romance if that’s your Jam (not mine) and it ends with a HEA. There are not crazy ex’s or hyped drama.
Profile Image for Susan Saltos.
369 reviews9 followers
March 9, 2019
Loved! 5 books, 5 stars. Got another book in the series to read next. Each one has been a must read!
65 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2021
It was okay . I liked the other books in the series better though. This one didn’t draw me in the way the other in the series did.
Profile Image for Kshitija.
43 reviews23 followers
October 5, 2022
4.5 stars!! So sweet and swoony 😍 I loved Tommy and Rae so much!!!
Profile Image for Laura.
1,488 reviews16 followers
February 3, 2019
What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with your best friend?

Tommy and Rae have been friends since forever. Their friendship is strong (or maybe codependent) but Rae needs more than just a friend. And Tommy needs his friend to stay put.

This book was the cutest of the series so far. So many nods to rom-coms and my favorite romantic movies. I liked Tommy and Rae but I can't quite put my finger on what kept me from loving them. I can't wait for Gavin's story!!!! I can't wait to meet the lady who knocks him down!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
Profile Image for SCBookAddict.
645 reviews52 followers
February 2, 2019
Rae and Tommy are best friends. They work together and hang out together. Now, with Valentine's Day approaching, Rae wants a
relationship. She's tired of being the only unattached girl she knows.
This sets off a series of events that has Tommy questioning his feelings.
Characters from the previous series makes appearances, which is fun because I get to see them develop in the background.
As much as I was looking forward to this book, I felt like I was missing that connection that I get when I'm wrapped up in a book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.