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Girls Trip #2
Like Lovers Do
Tracey Livesay continues her fun-filled Girls Trip series with this romance that will tug at your heartstrings.
Sometimes faking it can lead to the real thing…
Driven and focused, Dr. Nicole Allen is an accomplished surgeon. With a tough past, Nic’s gone above and beyond everyone’s expectations. But when she disciplines an intern—a powerful donor’s son—a prestigious fellowship she’s awaiting is placed in jeopardy.
Coming from a successful family who runs a medical business empire, Benjamin Reed Van Mont is the black sheep, having chosen to start his own business instead. Though he’s not ready to settle down, he knows when the time comes it definitely won’t be with a workaholic doctor like his friend Nic—even if she’s had him re-examining his edict…more than once.
When Ben’s status-climbing ex-girlfriend finds her way back into his orbit, Nic proposes a swap of services. She’ll spend the week with Ben on Martha’s Vineyard, pretending to be his girlfriend—but only if he’ll have his family intervene on her behalf so she won’t lose her fellowship. How hard can the charade be?
But as they’re about to discover, they’ve sorely underestimated their true feelings for each other…
Sometimes faking it can lead to the real thing…
Driven and focused, Dr. Nicole Allen is an accomplished surgeon. With a tough past, Nic’s gone above and beyond everyone’s expectations. But when she disciplines an intern—a powerful donor’s son—a prestigious fellowship she’s awaiting is placed in jeopardy.
Coming from a successful family who runs a medical business empire, Benjamin Reed Van Mont is the black sheep, having chosen to start his own business instead. Though he’s not ready to settle down, he knows when the time comes it definitely won’t be with a workaholic doctor like his friend Nic—even if she’s had him re-examining his edict…more than once.
When Ben’s status-climbing ex-girlfriend finds her way back into his orbit, Nic proposes a swap of services. She’ll spend the week with Ben on Martha’s Vineyard, pretending to be his girlfriend—but only if he’ll have his family intervene on her behalf so she won’t lose her fellowship. How hard can the charade be?
But as they’re about to discover, they’ve sorely underestimated their true feelings for each other…
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2020
145 people are currently reading
4349 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Livesay
16 books960 followersTracey Livesay writes smart, sexy and emotional contemporary romances where strong, successful heroines find love with powerful, passionate heroes. Her latest release, THE DUCHESS EFFECT, is the sequel to last summer’s American Royalty, which evokes the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, if Meghan was Megan Thee Stallion. She is the 2021 Emma Award winner for Best Interracial Romance for Like Lovers Do, which was also named one of the 100 Best Fiction Books of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews. A former criminal defense attorney, she lives in Virginia with her husband—who she met on the very first day of law school—and is counting down the days until they have an empty nest. (Don’t worry, their three kids are well aware.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
December 23, 2020
SERIES: Girls Trip no.2 ( it can be read as standalone)
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: fake dating, friends to lovers
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS: no
HOTTIE METER: 4
SONGS: Little Mix- Gloves up
Ariana Grande- God is a Woman
LOVED IT!!
As someone who doesn't care about friends to lovers trope in a romance novel, this book took me by surprise, kicked all my notions aside, and made me enjoy it.
INCREDIBLE & SKILLED WRITING!
This is my first book by this author and 100% won't be the last. Exceptionally well written with everything being just right; characters, plotline, dialogue. The way the author interwove certain topics without being preachy about it is nothing short of amazing. Subtle but impactful.
BANTER!
Be ready to be wowed. I laughed so much. The humor and the back and forth between the characters was everything. There are also a lot of steamy moments. When we get to them, they are just right.
FRIENDSHIP!
Besides this book is an amazing romance novel, this book has a side storyline about amazing found family- the friends we choose in our life. Nic is a part of a group that is her support system. And this book celebrates strong friendships.
HERO & HEROINE!
I loved the way they interacted. This is one of the best fake dating storylines I have read, where two people involved actually communicated their emotions and when & why their feelings change. It is so refreshing to read it. The hero is such a sweetheart and the heroine is a strong & inspiring woman.
I am so happy to have found this author!!
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 31, 2020
FRIENDS TO LOVERS. FAKE RELATIONSHIP. How could I not enjoy this!? Like Lovers Do was my first Tracey Livesay book but it definitely won’t be my last. Nic and Ben’s romance is steamy and full of chemistry. I admired Nic so much - she’s one of the few Black women working towards becoming an orthopedic surgeon. She’s prioritized work her whole life but it’s hard to resist falling in love with a guy like Ben, one of her closest friends. And it’s even harder when the two pretend to be in a loving relationship to save Nic’s career and get Ben’s ex off his back. If you love nice guy heroes, you don’t get any more sweet and wholesome than Ben. I also love this group of girl friends the series is centered around and can’t wait to read about the rest of them!
July 7, 2020
this is a really excellent friends-to-lovers romance. This isn't even a trope I enjoy all that often--I think it's difficult to pull off, and this one is MASTERFUL.
I loved Nic and Ben, I loved their journey, I loved how it shows them both really learning each other in a new way, and I loved how hot it was. I know we're supposed to frown at evil ex plots, but Ben's ex was a real Karen and I though the way that whole plot played out and the explanation for why he was with her really worked for me.
Also this book is HOT and although I really think having sex in a hammock sounds kind of terrible, it worked for them and that is what counts.
What a great romance! perfect!!!
I loved Nic and Ben, I loved their journey, I loved how it shows them both really learning each other in a new way, and I loved how hot it was. I know we're supposed to frown at evil ex plots, but Ben's ex was a real Karen and I though the way that whole plot played out and the explanation for why he was with her really worked for me.
Also this book is HOT and although I really think having sex in a hammock sounds kind of terrible, it worked for them and that is what counts.
What a great romance! perfect!!!
September 24, 2020
Like Lovers Do was my first book from Tracey Livesay and it will definitely not be my last. A fabulous friends to lovers romance filled with humor and a fake girlfriend trope. I adored Nicole the strong and determined heroine. She’s a surgeon and knows how much work goes into that. Her roommate is the kind and amazing Ben. Their friendship is easy and comfortable. When a sexting goes wrong it slowly makes them see each other in a different light. Especially for Nicole. When she offers to pretend to be Ben’s fake girlfriend all bets are off and feelings get revealed.
I couldn’t get enough of these two and chemistry jumped off the pages. Nicole was my kind of heroine. Secure in herself and her sexuality. Ben was swoon worthy and such a great support to Nicole. They’re mature people in their thirties and I absolutely loved that about this story.
The friendships play a huge role and Nicole’s girlfriends were fantastic. I hope besides Calia that the other ladies will get their own book cause they deserve one. Such a wonderful book!
4 Friendship Stars
I couldn’t get enough of these two and chemistry jumped off the pages. Nicole was my kind of heroine. Secure in herself and her sexuality. Ben was swoon worthy and such a great support to Nicole. They’re mature people in their thirties and I absolutely loved that about this story.
The friendships play a huge role and Nicole’s girlfriends were fantastic. I hope besides Calia that the other ladies will get their own book cause they deserve one. Such a wonderful book!
4 Friendship Stars
July 21, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars (rounding up)
Like Lovers Do is a really great contemporary romance with some tropes I love! Friends to lovers, fake dating, and roommate romance! This was my first outing with Tracey Livesay and I would definitely read more from her.
She's known for writing interracial romances, and in this book we follow a light-skinned Black woman named Nic who is a smart and ambitious surgeon. The friend/roommate? Benjamin Reed Van Mont, a cinnamon roll hero who comes from an elite family, but has turned his back on his parents and their expectations for him to carry on the family business. Nic and Ben are close friends, but Ben's workaholic doctor parents were never there for him so he's determined to give his kids what he never had. Which means a sweet woman who wants to be a wife and mother, and definitely NO DOCTORS!
But that is clearly going out the window, even though Nic is committed to her job and not particularly sweet. When Ben discovers that his ex-girlfriend is angling to get him back on a vacation with friends to Martha's Vineyard Island, Nic agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for a week to head her off. And so it begins....
I love Nic as a character. She cares deeply for people but isn't afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself. She is driven and knows what she wants, but also has wounds from her past that she hides behind walls. Ben is a sweetheart, but he needs to learn to stand up for himself and not let people take advantage of him. They have a great relationship, that ends up becoming quite steamy as well.
This also tackles some issues involving race, gender, and economic privilege. Nic gets in trouble for reprimanding a spoiled male resident, Ben's ex makes some nasty and subtly racist comments that Ben doesn't pick up on right away, Nic shares about growing up with a single mom struggling financially, etc. These issues don't dominate the romance, but I appreciate how they are woven into the story and handled well. I also love how Nic has a group of girlfriends who support each other unconditionally. Overall, this was a great, feel-good romance with characters I was rooting for.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book for review! All opinions are my own.
Like Lovers Do is a really great contemporary romance with some tropes I love! Friends to lovers, fake dating, and roommate romance! This was my first outing with Tracey Livesay and I would definitely read more from her.
She's known for writing interracial romances, and in this book we follow a light-skinned Black woman named Nic who is a smart and ambitious surgeon. The friend/roommate? Benjamin Reed Van Mont, a cinnamon roll hero who comes from an elite family, but has turned his back on his parents and their expectations for him to carry on the family business. Nic and Ben are close friends, but Ben's workaholic doctor parents were never there for him so he's determined to give his kids what he never had. Which means a sweet woman who wants to be a wife and mother, and definitely NO DOCTORS!
But that is clearly going out the window, even though Nic is committed to her job and not particularly sweet. When Ben discovers that his ex-girlfriend is angling to get him back on a vacation with friends to Martha's Vineyard Island, Nic agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for a week to head her off. And so it begins....
I love Nic as a character. She cares deeply for people but isn't afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself. She is driven and knows what she wants, but also has wounds from her past that she hides behind walls. Ben is a sweetheart, but he needs to learn to stand up for himself and not let people take advantage of him. They have a great relationship, that ends up becoming quite steamy as well.
This also tackles some issues involving race, gender, and economic privilege. Nic gets in trouble for reprimanding a spoiled male resident, Ben's ex makes some nasty and subtly racist comments that Ben doesn't pick up on right away, Nic shares about growing up with a single mom struggling financially, etc. These issues don't dominate the romance, but I appreciate how they are woven into the story and handled well. I also love how Nic has a group of girlfriends who support each other unconditionally. Overall, this was a great, feel-good romance with characters I was rooting for.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book for review! All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2020
Gather ’round & pull up a chair while I tell you why I think Like Lover's Do by Tracey Livesay is such a sweet & sultry summer read.
Ben & Nic are a perfect pair from the first time they appear on the page together. The chemistry is there, of course. But more importantly, there's this comforting familiarity that binds them together, adding a richness to their romance that's shown through the witty banter tossed back & forth between them & extends beyond their hot & playful sexy times. Also, verbally taunting a sex partner during the act has never read in such a funny, yet sexy-as-hell way before. These two are an absolute mess & I loved them!
Aside from their amazing chemistry, another plus for this story is the backdrop of closeness the heroine shares with her longtime girlfriends.
I could so easily see my girls & I reflected in these pages. We cut-up, trash-talk each other, collect each other when necessary, & always have each others’ backs when it matters most. It was an experience that rang absolutely true to me.
Ultimately, there are two great lessons for the characters and the reader to learn: First, never underestimate the virility of the sweet, nice guy you’ve relegated to the friend zone because he could be a back-breaker in bed. Second, never allow your past to dictate your future. Learn from it and move on.
Overall, the relationship between Ben & Nic felt like a favorite blanket on a chilly night: warm & comforting, the only thing that will soothe you when it's cold outside. But when it's hot, even though it's familiar, it has the potential to raise your temperature and make you sizzle. I loved it! This is the perfect summer read.
Ben & Nic are a perfect pair from the first time they appear on the page together. The chemistry is there, of course. But more importantly, there's this comforting familiarity that binds them together, adding a richness to their romance that's shown through the witty banter tossed back & forth between them & extends beyond their hot & playful sexy times. Also, verbally taunting a sex partner during the act has never read in such a funny, yet sexy-as-hell way before. These two are an absolute mess & I loved them!
Aside from their amazing chemistry, another plus for this story is the backdrop of closeness the heroine shares with her longtime girlfriends.
I could so easily see my girls & I reflected in these pages. We cut-up, trash-talk each other, collect each other when necessary, & always have each others’ backs when it matters most. It was an experience that rang absolutely true to me.
Ultimately, there are two great lessons for the characters and the reader to learn: First, never underestimate the virility of the sweet, nice guy you’ve relegated to the friend zone because he could be a back-breaker in bed. Second, never allow your past to dictate your future. Learn from it and move on.
Overall, the relationship between Ben & Nic felt like a favorite blanket on a chilly night: warm & comforting, the only thing that will soothe you when it's cold outside. But when it's hot, even though it's familiar, it has the potential to raise your temperature and make you sizzle. I loved it! This is the perfect summer read.
December 17, 2022
A simply masterful blend of friends-to-lovers + fake dating, I devoured LIKE LOVERS DO in one fell swoop, both breaking a terrible slump and making me smile so hard. I don't typically enjoy friends-to-lovers, it is a trope I personally struggle with, but this take made me a believer!
I absolutely adored how Nicole is so driven and hyper-focused on her career, but also has her team of friends she always makes time for, and a mom who she both loves and adores, in her corner. She's a doctor, but she isn't wealthy (yet). She has to manage her budget and her time.
Ben is a total babe and he's always been attracted to Nicole but absolutely has not acted on it since she one, is tenant/roommate and two, has become his best friend and hasn't ever give him the indication she might also be into him. Until she is. The way consent/power is handled in this story is both sexy and powerful, showing again Livesay's writing prowess.
And oh, please take me to Martha's Vineyard for a vacation, and boot the awful Karen character out of the house please. She was awful, but it was a good see how Ben, a white man, is not immediately aware of the microaggressions his ex-fiancee is using to hurt Nicole (a Black woman), but believes her pain and figures out where the harm is coming from and confronts it head on.
ALSO wow, the sexual tension and that hammock scene! Who knew! Livesay knew!
Highly recommend.
*I received an ARC from the publisher and also purchased a print copy from Fountain Bookstore.
Dr. Nicole Allen
Benjamin Reed Van Mont
I absolutely adored how Nicole is so driven and hyper-focused on her career, but also has her team of friends she always makes time for, and a mom who she both loves and adores, in her corner. She's a doctor, but she isn't wealthy (yet). She has to manage her budget and her time.
Ben is a total babe and he's always been attracted to Nicole but absolutely has not acted on it since she one, is tenant/roommate and two, has become his best friend and hasn't ever give him the indication she might also be into him. Until she is. The way consent/power is handled in this story is both sexy and powerful, showing again Livesay's writing prowess.
And oh, please take me to Martha's Vineyard for a vacation, and boot the awful Karen character out of the house please. She was awful, but it was a good see how Ben, a white man, is not immediately aware of the microaggressions his ex-fiancee is using to hurt Nicole (a Black woman), but believes her pain and figures out where the harm is coming from and confronts it head on.
ALSO wow, the sexual tension and that hammock scene! Who knew! Livesay knew!
Highly recommend.
*I received an ARC from the publisher and also purchased a print copy from Fountain Bookstore.
Dr. Nicole Allen
Benjamin Reed Van Mont
August 29, 2021
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August 31, 2020A friends to lovers romance with fake relationship. Nic is a fabulous heroine, strong but vulnerable, self-confident, strong enough to stick to her guns even when she doesn't feel confident, but still able to question herself when she's messed up. I didn't find Ben quite a match for her blazing personality, but then that would be hard. It's fabulous to see a romance with a ferociously determined heroine and supportive hero, and he is *super* supportive including a really good sacrifice. Very tropey (including an evil ex, in case that's your catnip or ... er, anti-catnip) with some sparky dialogue and intriguing setups for future books.
Currently reading
September 17, 2020Like Lovers Do received a Starred Review ⭐from Kirkus Reviews!!
"An exemplary friends to lovers romance with characters who grow and change to find happiness with themselves and each other."
https://kirkusreviews.com/book-review...
"An exemplary friends to lovers romance with characters who grow and change to find happiness with themselves and each other."
https://kirkusreviews.com/book-review...
May 25, 2022
Ahhhh. I had high hopes. But this heroine is so stubborn and big headed that she hurts her best friend to prove a point. It makes me sad.
Also, there was 1 sex scene and the rest were fade to black.
3 stars
2 on the spice scale.
Also, there was 1 sex scene and the rest were fade to black.
3 stars
2 on the spice scale.
June 2, 2020
Ben. Oh sweet and sexy Ben. If he doesn’t make you swoon, I’m not sure you’re human. And Nic is absolutely one of the best heroines I’ve ever read. She’s so smart and strong, but painfully vulnerable too. They are so spectacular together, and their story is beautiful. I just loved this book so much, and this series is quickly becoming one of my favorites ever!
November 1, 2020
5 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Like Lovers Do has everything I want in a fake dating romance. A dirty talking strong-willed main male character and an independent goal-driven female character. Nicole and Ben have been living together as friends, but when one of them has too much to drink, pictures are shared, and feelings are revealed. Right around the same time, one of them needs a buffer during a vacation trip, and our fake dating situation is born. Some social issues arise, and I enjoyed how Tracey Livesay handles the discussion between all of the characters involved. I cannot wait to read the first book of this series as well as future books.
Video review available in Week 43: Oct 18 – Oct 24 weekly book reviews and the Week of Netgalley Vlog, Episode 6 (coming soon).
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Like Lovers Do has everything I want in a fake dating romance. A dirty talking strong-willed main male character and an independent goal-driven female character. Nicole and Ben have been living together as friends, but when one of them has too much to drink, pictures are shared, and feelings are revealed. Right around the same time, one of them needs a buffer during a vacation trip, and our fake dating situation is born. Some social issues arise, and I enjoyed how Tracey Livesay handles the discussion between all of the characters involved. I cannot wait to read the first book of this series as well as future books.
Video review available in Week 43: Oct 18 – Oct 24 weekly book reviews and the Week of Netgalley Vlog, Episode 6 (coming soon).
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
February 16, 2021
I was nervous going into LIKE LOVERS DO by Tracey Livesay. Friends to lovers is a hard trope to pull off in a romance novel. Readers want to see the chemistry between the characters, and I’ve found some friends to lovers books lack that spark. Well, let me assure you, Dr. Nicole Allen and Benjamin Reed Van Mont have chemistry in SPADES. Whew, I am sweating just thinking about all the fire between Nicole and Ben. Thank you for that, Ms. Livesay!
In addition to friends to lovers, this book explores fake dating and forced proximity. YES. Give me all the tropes. Nicole, an extremely driven and gifted doctor, is about to start her orthopedics fellowship when a mishap at work puts her career in jeopardy. Her best friend and landlord, Ben, agrees to talk to his influential doctor parents for her, and in exchange, she offers to be his plus one for a trip to Martha’s Vineyard, where his annoying ex is planning on ambushing him.
I love that Livesay doesn’t shy away from serious topics in her romance novels. Wealth disparity, privilege, race, and many other weighty issues are woven throughout a beautifully crafted romance. Ben was such a dream boyfriend. He’s kind, thoughtful, and driven and loves Nicole to pieces by the end of the book. Nicole was just as wonderful, if a bit prickly, but I loved that she was willing to stand up for herself – always. She is such an inspirational character! I thought the conflict between them, and why they friend-zoned each other, felt realistic and thoughtfully resolved by the end of the book.
The book did start a little slow, it took me a little while to warm up to Nicole and understand Ben’s depths, but it was worth the wait! I also got a bit uncomfortable with all the other woman drama, but even that wasn’t enough to impact my enjoyment too much.
Overall, I am a big fan of this series! Livesay has a great series base with these strong and independent friends who prioritize their unique careers and life and each other. Plus, her love scenes are SO HOT. Whew. I’m sweating. Hammock sex, anyone??
**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**
In addition to friends to lovers, this book explores fake dating and forced proximity. YES. Give me all the tropes. Nicole, an extremely driven and gifted doctor, is about to start her orthopedics fellowship when a mishap at work puts her career in jeopardy. Her best friend and landlord, Ben, agrees to talk to his influential doctor parents for her, and in exchange, she offers to be his plus one for a trip to Martha’s Vineyard, where his annoying ex is planning on ambushing him.
I love that Livesay doesn’t shy away from serious topics in her romance novels. Wealth disparity, privilege, race, and many other weighty issues are woven throughout a beautifully crafted romance. Ben was such a dream boyfriend. He’s kind, thoughtful, and driven and loves Nicole to pieces by the end of the book. Nicole was just as wonderful, if a bit prickly, but I loved that she was willing to stand up for herself – always. She is such an inspirational character! I thought the conflict between them, and why they friend-zoned each other, felt realistic and thoughtfully resolved by the end of the book.
The book did start a little slow, it took me a little while to warm up to Nicole and understand Ben’s depths, but it was worth the wait! I also got a bit uncomfortable with all the other woman drama, but even that wasn’t enough to impact my enjoyment too much.
Overall, I am a big fan of this series! Livesay has a great series base with these strong and independent friends who prioritize their unique careers and life and each other. Plus, her love scenes are SO HOT. Whew. I’m sweating. Hammock sex, anyone??
**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**
October 13, 2020
Tracey Livesay is such a good writer. Another good book by her. I really loved Ben and Nic's relationship, especially their friendship. It was so funny to see that they were basically a couple without the intimacy. Then woo-boy, when we got the intimacy we got a hot read!!!
While I wanted to hit Nic upside the head in the end for her stubborness in not seeing that Ben would never ask her to change, I still really liked her. She took no shit from anyone and was uber protective of Ben. Loved how she stood up to the ex and never backed down. Very powerful female character and likeable.
Looking forward to the last two books in this series. No idea when we'll get them though!
While I wanted to hit Nic upside the head in the end for her stubborness in not seeing that Ben would never ask her to change, I still really liked her. She took no shit from anyone and was uber protective of Ben. Loved how she stood up to the ex and never backed down. Very powerful female character and likeable.
Looking forward to the last two books in this series. No idea when we'll get them though!
September 20, 2020
This is my first book by this author. The blurb and the cover caught my eye. What a beautiful, romantic
beach scene. I love a friends to lovers story. There's a great set up. I really could feel Nic and Ben as close friends. Nic (Nicole) is renting the garden apartment from Ben, while Nic finishes up her Orthopedic Surgery residency at Johns Hopkins. In a few weeks, Nic will be moving to North Carolina for a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Duke University. Nic is a Chief Resident. She works long hours at the hospital. In her down time, she spends a lot of time with Ben. Nic doesn't go out except with her friends, Ava, Lacey and Caila.
I loved how close and supportive the girlfriends are to each other. They are all successful and know each other's strengths. They know who to call on in a time of need.
Ben is from a very wealthy family. both parents are very successful physicians. Ben has some resentment from his childhood- being left with the household staff while they were working.
Ben vowed never to get involved with a Dr, due to the long hours. Ben feels comfortable with Nic. They've been friends/house mates for the last 3 years.
Nic reprimands a young intern for not following triage guidelines. The intern has influential parents who threaten to go to Nic's boss and to the Duke Med Ctr Fellowship program. Nic is devastated.
She's worked so hard! Nic cannot let her Fellowship get rescinded.
She mentions this to Ben. He has a solution. Come with him on a trip to Martha's Vineyard where his friend are having a going away get together. Ben's ex will be there. Ben needs a shield to keep his ex away.
Ben's friends are great, but his ex Tinsley will not take NO for an answer-even with Nic and Ben acting as a couple. I could not figure out why any of them were friends with her. Tinsley, the ex, really does constantly insult NIc and almost begs Ben to take her back. (Tinsley broke up with him 5 years before)
Ben and Nic start to acknowledge romantic feelings for each other.while on the island.
I was thinking of some songs that would fit in a sound track for this book.
#1 is "Everything Has Changed" by Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1oM3...
#2 is "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette (especially toward the end)
Once Nic and Ben get back from their beach trip, they have to face their feelings for each other. Ben
is more open than Nic. I do love the supporting characters- including her 3 girlfriends and Nic's mother.
Nic is very close to her mother who raised her alone while working 2 jobs.
The ending was a little abrupt & there was no epilogue. I want to read the next book. I hope that it's Ava, she's the fiesty one.
beach scene. I love a friends to lovers story. There's a great set up. I really could feel Nic and Ben as close friends. Nic (Nicole) is renting the garden apartment from Ben, while Nic finishes up her Orthopedic Surgery residency at Johns Hopkins. In a few weeks, Nic will be moving to North Carolina for a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Duke University. Nic is a Chief Resident. She works long hours at the hospital. In her down time, she spends a lot of time with Ben. Nic doesn't go out except with her friends, Ava, Lacey and Caila.
I loved how close and supportive the girlfriends are to each other. They are all successful and know each other's strengths. They know who to call on in a time of need.
Ben is from a very wealthy family. both parents are very successful physicians. Ben has some resentment from his childhood- being left with the household staff while they were working.
Ben vowed never to get involved with a Dr, due to the long hours. Ben feels comfortable with Nic. They've been friends/house mates for the last 3 years.
Nic reprimands a young intern for not following triage guidelines. The intern has influential parents who threaten to go to Nic's boss and to the Duke Med Ctr Fellowship program. Nic is devastated.
She's worked so hard! Nic cannot let her Fellowship get rescinded.
She mentions this to Ben. He has a solution. Come with him on a trip to Martha's Vineyard where his friend are having a going away get together. Ben's ex will be there. Ben needs a shield to keep his ex away.
Ben's friends are great, but his ex Tinsley will not take NO for an answer-even with Nic and Ben acting as a couple. I could not figure out why any of them were friends with her. Tinsley, the ex, really does constantly insult NIc and almost begs Ben to take her back. (Tinsley broke up with him 5 years before)
Ben and Nic start to acknowledge romantic feelings for each other.while on the island.
I was thinking of some songs that would fit in a sound track for this book.
#1 is "Everything Has Changed" by Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1oM3...
#2 is "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette (especially toward the end)
Once Nic and Ben get back from their beach trip, they have to face their feelings for each other. Ben
is more open than Nic. I do love the supporting characters- including her 3 girlfriends and Nic's mother.
Nic is very close to her mother who raised her alone while working 2 jobs.
The ending was a little abrupt & there was no epilogue. I want to read the next book. I hope that it's Ava, she's the fiesty one.
December 15, 2020
I love a good vacation romance and Like Lovers Do features some of my favorite plot points, so this book sounded like it would be catnip for me. And it was. If you enjoy friends-to-lovers romances, this is a great one.
Dr. Nicole (Nic) Allen is finishing up her residency at Johns Hopkins and soon will head down to Durham for a prestigious sports medicine fellowship. During her three years in Baltimore, she has had the perfect landlord, roommate, and friend, Benjamin Van Mont. Though he struck out on his own in the financial industry, Ben comes from a prominent medical family and he understands Nic’s work world and the pressures she faces. From the opening chapters, it’s clear that the two are good friends and as Nic has worked her way up to becoming Chief Resident and is now earning her fellowship spot, Ben is one of her biggest cheerleaders.
When hospital politics throw Nic’s job prospects sideways, Ben comes up with an idea. He is expected to go to a getaway with some of his friends on Martha’s Vineyard but he has an uncomfortable problem. An ex of his plans to be there, and she wants him back. This woman dumped Ben when he announced plans to start his own business, but now that he has succeeded and obviously won’t be living in poverty, she wants him back.
Nic agrees to go on the beach trip as Ben’s fake girlfriend, and he plans to do everything he can to help her keep the job of her dreams. Since we’re all romance readers here, we know this fake romance is going to turn real. Ms. Livesay handles that dynamic near perfectly, and that’s one of the many reasons I loved this book. While the chemistry between Nic and Ben is obvious from the beginning, their struggles over what acting upon it could do to their friendship feel very real. They clearly value their friendship, and watching them communicate (and sometimes miscommunicate) their way into a relationship was amazing. Both are intelligent, deeply likable people and I really wanted them to succeed and be happy together.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text here: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
Dr. Nicole (Nic) Allen is finishing up her residency at Johns Hopkins and soon will head down to Durham for a prestigious sports medicine fellowship. During her three years in Baltimore, she has had the perfect landlord, roommate, and friend, Benjamin Van Mont. Though he struck out on his own in the financial industry, Ben comes from a prominent medical family and he understands Nic’s work world and the pressures she faces. From the opening chapters, it’s clear that the two are good friends and as Nic has worked her way up to becoming Chief Resident and is now earning her fellowship spot, Ben is one of her biggest cheerleaders.
When hospital politics throw Nic’s job prospects sideways, Ben comes up with an idea. He is expected to go to a getaway with some of his friends on Martha’s Vineyard but he has an uncomfortable problem. An ex of his plans to be there, and she wants him back. This woman dumped Ben when he announced plans to start his own business, but now that he has succeeded and obviously won’t be living in poverty, she wants him back.
Nic agrees to go on the beach trip as Ben’s fake girlfriend, and he plans to do everything he can to help her keep the job of her dreams. Since we’re all romance readers here, we know this fake romance is going to turn real. Ms. Livesay handles that dynamic near perfectly, and that’s one of the many reasons I loved this book. While the chemistry between Nic and Ben is obvious from the beginning, their struggles over what acting upon it could do to their friendship feel very real. They clearly value their friendship, and watching them communicate (and sometimes miscommunicate) their way into a relationship was amazing. Both are intelligent, deeply likable people and I really wanted them to succeed and be happy together.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text here: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
January 29, 2021
All very pantomime type characters. A lot of telling not showing. I love a friend's to lovers but I was literally bored at 70% when they actually got together. I skimmed steamy scenes because the book had not evoked one feeling about these characters. So I wasn't invested at all in their future.
August 31, 2020
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the author.
You guys. This book had SO many of my favorite things all wrapped in one swoony story.
✓Friends-to-lovers
✓Fake dating
✓Vacation
✓One bed
✓Strong female heroine
✓Fun, cringy, embarrassing moment
✓Epic friend group
✓AOC
✓Interracial romance
✓Career-minded heroine
✓Humor
✓Banter
✓Written by an inspiring author
✓Cinnamon roll hero
I feel like this review should just be lists. Lists of things I love, lists of the characters I loved, lists of the moments I loved. List of the personality traits I love.
It's kind of hard to find a friends-to-lovers romance that begins in the middle of a friendship and still make it believable. Far too often, I've found that friends-to-lovers romances tend to have the "friends" talking about how attractive the other person is - more than actually solidifying a believable friendship between the two.
This is not the case for this book.
Yes, Ben and Nic find one another attractive, however, they've been friends for three years and have never entertained the idea of dating because their goals are so different. Ben wants a family one day soon and Nic is extremely career-focused - and neither wants to deprive the other of their dream. (PS I love the stereotype role-reversal here.)
The humor was subtle, but had me laughing out loud with surprise when it did happen, Nic was so inspiring with how hard she worked, Ben was SO swoony and so very sweet, I LOVED the vacation and fake dating aspects...
It's always interesting to see how authors pull off the one bed trope. Normally, the characters balk at the idea of sharing a bed (even though they are clearly attracted to one another), but in this one, true to her nature, Nic was just like, "Listen, we're adults, the bed is big. Who cares." And I so loved that.
And the FRIEND GROUP! Ughhhh.... The whole series revolves around this group of friends who go on vacation together once a year. You're introduced to them in the very beginning and I immediately was interested in all of their stories. Their personalities are distinct and though they don't play a huge part throughout this book, the bits where they are included are impactful. (I also learned from the acknowledgments that Tracey does this once a year vacation with her friends, too! I'm so jealous!)
Overall this book was just so happy. It was light and uplifting. It's the perfect pandemic read if you're struggling to smile right now.
You guys. This book had SO many of my favorite things all wrapped in one swoony story.
✓Friends-to-lovers
✓Fake dating
✓Vacation
✓One bed
✓Strong female heroine
✓Fun, cringy, embarrassing moment
✓Epic friend group
✓AOC
✓Interracial romance
✓Career-minded heroine
✓Humor
✓Banter
✓Written by an inspiring author
✓Cinnamon roll hero
I feel like this review should just be lists. Lists of things I love, lists of the characters I loved, lists of the moments I loved. List of the personality traits I love.
It's kind of hard to find a friends-to-lovers romance that begins in the middle of a friendship and still make it believable. Far too often, I've found that friends-to-lovers romances tend to have the "friends" talking about how attractive the other person is - more than actually solidifying a believable friendship between the two.
This is not the case for this book.
Yes, Ben and Nic find one another attractive, however, they've been friends for three years and have never entertained the idea of dating because their goals are so different. Ben wants a family one day soon and Nic is extremely career-focused - and neither wants to deprive the other of their dream. (PS I love the stereotype role-reversal here.)
The humor was subtle, but had me laughing out loud with surprise when it did happen, Nic was so inspiring with how hard she worked, Ben was SO swoony and so very sweet, I LOVED the vacation and fake dating aspects...
It's always interesting to see how authors pull off the one bed trope. Normally, the characters balk at the idea of sharing a bed (even though they are clearly attracted to one another), but in this one, true to her nature, Nic was just like, "Listen, we're adults, the bed is big. Who cares." And I so loved that.
And the FRIEND GROUP! Ughhhh.... The whole series revolves around this group of friends who go on vacation together once a year. You're introduced to them in the very beginning and I immediately was interested in all of their stories. Their personalities are distinct and though they don't play a huge part throughout this book, the bits where they are included are impactful. (I also learned from the acknowledgments that Tracey does this once a year vacation with her friends, too! I'm so jealous!)
Overall this book was just so happy. It was light and uplifting. It's the perfect pandemic read if you're struggling to smile right now.
January 2, 2021
This was book 2 in the Girls’ Trip series and I’ll definitely read the next and final two in the series. I will say, though, that this one had a remarkably similar theme to book 1:
Black woman from a modest background (with a single mother) is a very successful workaholic and refuses to even consider a relationship due to issues in her childhood .......until rich white guy with a cold and unfeeling family (who he wants nothing to do with but sigh, RICH PEOPLE PROBLEMS) comes along and makes her rethink said aversion to relationships.
I’m not necessarily objecting to this theme, but it’s just interesting when the two books have different main characters but essentially the same story, that’s all. We shall see if book 3 follows the same pattern!
Black woman from a modest background (with a single mother) is a very successful workaholic and refuses to even consider a relationship due to issues in her childhood .......until rich white guy with a cold and unfeeling family (who he wants nothing to do with but sigh, RICH PEOPLE PROBLEMS) comes along and makes her rethink said aversion to relationships.
I’m not necessarily objecting to this theme, but it’s just interesting when the two books have different main characters but essentially the same story, that’s all. We shall see if book 3 follows the same pattern!
November 1, 2020
4 "B*tches get stitches." Stars!
December 22, 2023
Read as Audiobook. I loved that this book featured GROWN people with careers and lives. It’s a terrific example of a (smoking hot) book that shows compromise for a real relationship.
October 13, 2020
Fake dating! Friends to lovers!
Real life issues with real life solutions! I really love when an author can put forth some of the hard stuff and give us a resolution that’s satisfying but not sugarcoated.
Also this friend group continues to make me feel kinda lonely but hopeful at the same time. I love them for each other.
Real life issues with real life solutions! I really love when an author can put forth some of the hard stuff and give us a resolution that’s satisfying but not sugarcoated.
Also this friend group continues to make me feel kinda lonely but hopeful at the same time. I love them for each other.
August 23, 2020
I adored this funny, sexy, emotional love story about the intersection of our own dreams and ambitions, and the importance of creating room for the people we love. The friendships were just as fabulous as the romance.
August 5, 2021
Friends to lovers. She put her career first. He refused to put career ahead of the family he wanted someday. They were both letting their parents trauma prevent them from being happy.
April 25, 2021
2.5. This was ok. I do really appreciate romance novels that have BIPOC and really strong female protagonists. However, I wish they didn’t have to constantly TELL me that they are strong and capable. Pretty sure I can figure that out on my own. Anyway, this was a fun quick read that was soothing during this vaccine/stress/Covid filled news week.
September 15, 2020
Like Lovers Do follows Nic - a Black, brilliant orthopedic surgeon - and Ben - a successful financial advisor. Nic is damn good at her job, but her race and sex has made it a cutthroat experience as she finds herself always having to do more and be more to get even an ounce of recognition and respect. When an under-performing intern she reprimands threatens her job and upcoming fellowship, Nic finds herself taking some unplanned and unwanted time off. When Ben, her friend and landlord, offers to help her out with her job situation, Nic of course decides to repay the favor by pretending to be his girlfriend to get his ex off his back.
Tropes galore! You've got friends to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity... what's there not to love? Nic and Ben balanced each other out. While Nic is bold, motivated, and takes not shit, Ben is more reserved, introspected, and is dealing with a lot of hurt and pain that stems from a discomforting relationship with his parents. Nic is nicer, softer, hero. (I bore and irritate easily with alpha male characters so this was a treat). Because they were friends of several years, Nic and Ben already had a foundation to base their romance on. To me, it felt as though at times I was told more than I was shown how good their friendship was.
This story was big on friendships; Nic had her core group of girlfriends who were introduced to in the first book. As much as I loved the concept of college friends maintaining their friendship well after graduating, I do not feel as though we go enough of the group dynamic. And, it continues to irk me that this series is called "Girls Trip", but yet has very little to do with the college friends going on trips together, and more so about each individual woman taking a trip that results in a budding romance. But I digress. Ben also had a strong group of childhood friends. He was able to go to them with almost anything, even if they did clown him or call him out on his bull.
Like Lovers Do explored the complexities of not wanting to lose yourself and your dreams, but also opening yourself to previously unknown wants and desires. Both Nic and Ben had to work on individual issues that were impacting their growth as people, as well as the walls they were putting up when it came to their romance. Some of the conflicts at the end tested my patience, however.
As this is also an interracial romance (Ben is white), there were also discussions about race that I am glad were not ignored. (The ex-girlfriend, Tinsley, was used as a catalyst for a lot of these discussions. She was quite the exasperating character and I lived for the moments when Nic would intentionally butcher her name).
Overall, this was a cute and entertaining read. Not as charming as the first book in the series though, in my opinion. If you are looking for something that has both wholesome aspects and steaminess, this would be a good option.
Tropes galore! You've got friends to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity... what's there not to love? Nic and Ben balanced each other out. While Nic is bold, motivated, and takes not shit, Ben is more reserved, introspected, and is dealing with a lot of hurt and pain that stems from a discomforting relationship with his parents. Nic is nicer, softer, hero. (I bore and irritate easily with alpha male characters so this was a treat). Because they were friends of several years, Nic and Ben already had a foundation to base their romance on. To me, it felt as though at times I was told more than I was shown how good their friendship was.
This story was big on friendships; Nic had her core group of girlfriends who were introduced to in the first book. As much as I loved the concept of college friends maintaining their friendship well after graduating, I do not feel as though we go enough of the group dynamic. And, it continues to irk me that this series is called "Girls Trip", but yet has very little to do with the college friends going on trips together, and more so about each individual woman taking a trip that results in a budding romance. But I digress. Ben also had a strong group of childhood friends. He was able to go to them with almost anything, even if they did clown him or call him out on his bull.
Like Lovers Do explored the complexities of not wanting to lose yourself and your dreams, but also opening yourself to previously unknown wants and desires. Both Nic and Ben had to work on individual issues that were impacting their growth as people, as well as the walls they were putting up when it came to their romance. Some of the conflicts at the end tested my patience, however.
As this is also an interracial romance (Ben is white), there were also discussions about race that I am glad were not ignored. (The ex-girlfriend, Tinsley, was used as a catalyst for a lot of these discussions. She was quite the exasperating character and I lived for the moments when Nic would intentionally butcher her name).
Overall, this was a cute and entertaining read. Not as charming as the first book in the series though, in my opinion. If you are looking for something that has both wholesome aspects and steaminess, this would be a good option.
August 25, 2020
4.5 stars
Like Lovers Do is an engrossing friends to lovers interracial romance with some realistically rendered class conflict that held my attention from the start. Both main characters are interesting and specific and their chemistry makes sense. Ben is lovely, smart, sensitive and strong in an attractively lowkey and nurturing way. Nicole is driven and still kind and smart about people as well as medicine. I really appreciated how human and recognizable she was. They’ve lived in the same brownstone for three years and have been close platonic friends though it does not take much to finally push them out of the friend zone. Much of the action takes place over the course of a week with Ben’s friends in Martha’s Vineyard. The cultural/race based conflicts that arise there between Nicole and one member of the group were realistic and well drawn. They showed off Nicole’s strength and vulnerability in just the right measure. Overall, it just worked really well. I enjoyed this one a lot and read it in one sitting.
Like Lovers Do is an engrossing friends to lovers interracial romance with some realistically rendered class conflict that held my attention from the start. Both main characters are interesting and specific and their chemistry makes sense. Ben is lovely, smart, sensitive and strong in an attractively lowkey and nurturing way. Nicole is driven and still kind and smart about people as well as medicine. I really appreciated how human and recognizable she was. They’ve lived in the same brownstone for three years and have been close platonic friends though it does not take much to finally push them out of the friend zone. Much of the action takes place over the course of a week with Ben’s friends in Martha’s Vineyard. The cultural/race based conflicts that arise there between Nicole and one member of the group were realistic and well drawn. They showed off Nicole’s strength and vulnerability in just the right measure. Overall, it just worked really well. I enjoyed this one a lot and read it in one sitting.
June 22, 2020
I devoured this in a single day. So many delicious tropes all mashed up together in a setting where I had childhood vacations?
Yes, please.
Friends to lovers, fake dating, house party, only one bed... Honestly, there are probably more tropes here but I've got happy book hangover.
It's also got all the hot sex you could ask for.
I was given an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Yes, please.
Friends to lovers, fake dating, house party, only one bed... Honestly, there are probably more tropes here but I've got happy book hangover.
It's also got all the hot sex you could ask for.
I was given an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
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