What do you think?
Rate this book
Better Love #1
Love You Better
Kelley Pierce is my person.
He has been since the 9th grade.
He gets me like no one else does.
My quirks. My love of pros/cons lists.
My need to have everything under control.
He accepts me just as I am,
because he is the perfect...friend.
My best friend.
But Kelley is also totally gorgeous.
And confident. And tempting.
None of that matters, though.
Best friends don't care about those things.
Or at least... I never used to.
One chemistry-filled moment has the power to change everything, and soon old emotions I've ignored and memories I've tried to forget come crashing back.
Now, he's making me feel things.
Now, he's making me want to be a little reckless.
To let go when I should be holding on tight.
I have goals for my future.
I have an image to maintain.
I have an airtight plan and no room for distraction.
I haven't prepared for falling in love.
But after that kiss...
Who is this man in front of me, and what has he done with my best friend?
★★★★★★
Love You Better is a sweet and sexy standalone, best friends to lovers, second chance romance.
It's got heart, heat, and an HEA sure to make you swoon.
It is the first standalone in the Better Love series.
He has been since the 9th grade.
He gets me like no one else does.
My quirks. My love of pros/cons lists.
My need to have everything under control.
He accepts me just as I am,
because he is the perfect...friend.
My best friend.
But Kelley is also totally gorgeous.
And confident. And tempting.
None of that matters, though.
Best friends don't care about those things.
Or at least... I never used to.
One chemistry-filled moment has the power to change everything, and soon old emotions I've ignored and memories I've tried to forget come crashing back.
Now, he's making me feel things.
Now, he's making me want to be a little reckless.
To let go when I should be holding on tight.
I have goals for my future.
I have an image to maintain.
I have an airtight plan and no room for distraction.
I haven't prepared for falling in love.
But after that kiss...
Who is this man in front of me, and what has he done with my best friend?
★★★★★★
Love You Better is a sweet and sexy standalone, best friends to lovers, second chance romance.
It's got heart, heat, and an HEA sure to make you swoon.
It is the first standalone in the Better Love series.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2021
836 people are currently reading
4620 people want to read
About the author
Brit Benson
20 books1,886 followersBrit Benson writes real, relatable romance novels. She likes outspoken, independent heroines, dirty-talking, love-struck heroes, and plots that get you right in the feels.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
Brit would almost always rather be reading or writing. When she's not dreaming up her next swoony book boyfriend and fierce book bestie, she's getting lost in someone else's fictional world. When she's not doing that, she's probably marathoning a Netflix series or wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles in Homegoods, sniffing candles and touching things she’ll never buy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
![Profile Image for Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1700331868i%2F85343546._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 12, 2023
RATING: 4 stars to Love You Better ★ ★ ★ ★
“It means I’m going to love you better than anyone can. The only person who will ever love you better than me is yourself, but I’m going to spend all of my life trying to match you. And when your self-love falters, when you doubt yourself or us, my heart will carry yours. I’ll love you big enough for the both of us. I always have, and if you let me, I always will.”
I've read some wonderfully recommendable Indie published romance, and I confirm that Brit Benson's Love You Better is affirmatively one of them. I eased into this one after reading a brief teaser excerpt of book two (which I immediately decided needed to be on my reading list) but thought I'd start at the source with Ivy and Kelley when I realised I already had the series opener locked and loaded on my kindle app. Love You Better is my Brit Benson first and moves to the bend of a beautiful, balanced, heartfelt, well-rounded college romance with the positive uplift of a long, familiar, sweetly bonded forever friendship en route to be so much more than a settled-into comforting companionship. Even after their timelines’ synced up for a second time it's been staunch friendship all the way. There's a very significant reason for that, a story that an unstoppable Ivy gets to tell as the storyline emerges.
Admittedly, friends to lovers isn't my favourite trope, and although I'm genuinely compelled by the concept of a long-established, twisting, turning relationship between two people who've shared the best of their teenaged years together, binding them together like a gravitational glue through any forthcoming separation, I find myself taken more by the concept next to the fiction-made reality. Love You Better does it like its own speciality and Kelley and Ivy do it believably, charmingly, conflictingly and sweetly slice of life in only the grounded way a college romance with smart, level-headed protagonists can do it. They've had to rekindle their friendship after a separation that splintered their made plans. They've since been back in each other's lives and have no desire to disrupt the special bond that's only ever been theirs to claim now that they're snugly, safely and hard and fast in the zone of friendship. Well-balanced storytelling sections every area of life that matters for the both of them; friendships, family, college life, internships, educational pursuit and studious application, a passion for where they're heading in their lives and the laid paths put in motion for their awaiting futures. And of course, each other. This series starter felt very 'on the cusp' for what comes next, in numerous ways.
There's so much love, acceptance, support and connection within their friendship group. The type of friends you know would be there for the rest to lean on whenever in need, and as such I just loved Bailey and Jesse as pivotal side characters. A bouquet of brownie points for Jesse especially, he's just a very special human in the best way. A great friend, an encouraging partner in crime, a comforting presence and a light-hearted but grounded personality to be around. I'm not sure why I have it on mind but if our hero and heroine ever decided to marry in their fictional future, I can't help envisioning Jesse being quick to jump at the chance at being a best man to Kelley as much as a bridesmaid to Ivy but it's a vision I can't efface. He has the type of energy you want to sidle up against and I had the inexhaustible urge to be the receiver of his cuddles while I hoped his silliness would permeate the story with the comical levity he seemed to impart so well. Every character, side and leading was thoughtfully materialised.
The romance is very slow burn and Kelley and Ivy definitely move to the current of more than just their friendship, with time. As much of a solid ground they both have in the space of each other's lives this was a slow burner that burned realistically, and in the way it likely was meant to. And while it takes its tender time for Ivy to confront and accept her very un-friendly feelings, Kelley gets to claim the title of 'the ultimate piner’ in Love You Better. His love for Ivy was so big, so secret but also not secret, so wholesome, so long-suffering and it's easy to trust that he'd hold her hand through anything in the single space of a breath if she asked him to. He felt like family more than friend, more than just a romantic interest. Their bond felt so known, connected and effortless. Readers who have a preference for bookish heroes with sportsman energy who execute the heat as much they publicise the sweet will likely love Kelley as much as he's lovestruck for his best friend. He's Ivy-faithful, kind, caring, loving and has a modern male confidence most would bury in favour of ego-centric chauvinism. He's a student teacher who has his heart set on being a high school educator but he's also very well-rounded in personality. He presents an unbiased, non-misogynistic voice from the male perspective which sits nicely against Ivy's sexual assault storyline that discusses female solidarity, autonomy, sexual freedom and consent. It's very fair to say he's love-bitten, and when the turning point comes, he's a man with purpose on the mind who lays himself as bare as he can to hope for the dream he's been dreaming since he made a fast friend out of Ivy Rivenwood.
My appreciation for Ivy was something of a slower build but I still believe she was a brilliant protagonist, trying to get through life with a bright mind, a won't-be-beaten strength and a heavy heart. Doing it with personal power supporting her steps to a future of purpose. Living life on the legal pad she's writing for herself, unwilling to become the totality of her trauma, adores her little brother like his happiness is her very own and wouldn't dare to lose the friendships that means everything to her. Her sense of pursuit was so fierce. Even if she took some time to warm up for me, she's in equal parts a complex, mature, motivated student but a fun, confident, independent woman who wants to enjoy her life while working hard for it. She over-thinks her way into or out of any given situation, and that spoke to an early life experience she was choiceless to accept. She epitomises the story of what can come from a lack of privilege by giving herself the opportunity to be something more than the privation she came from, to use her intelligence, focus and passion combined to be the best of herself. She was strong, fierce, human, and while I would have loved to see more vulnerability from her, her characterisation was reasoned sensibly well and aligned with a deeper sense of self-doubt derivative to her upbringing. In every way, Ivy's the smart academic who knows how to enjoy her life and apply herself reliably in all areas...in all but one. Maintaining her sense of control has become a life strategy, not wanting to become the living oversight in her own life and doing her damnedest to transform her pain into progress. So when downtime circles around, It doesn't stop her from living her life the way she's determined to; long weekdays and free and easy weekend delights. Her little side project has a point and a purpose, and very few know the real origins of why she seeks out sexual partners of a certain shade. She's desperate to get back to the day when she can be the twenty-one-year-old student who doesn't have to prep herself with adequate self talk, safety checks and the ease that comes with two consenting people enjoying some nocturnal company. She challenges herself by being quite proactive about her trauma, not wanting it to become height of what she has to offer.
What we have with Love You Better is a lovable, delightful and a long-time-coming romance with an intimately sweet friends to lovers appeal. It was only meant to end one way with these two, and their well-suited courtship fans the sexual flame as effortlessly as it complements their friendship. The leading protagonists are as much a part of the other as they a have real, independent purpose in their lives. A fun set of character friendships, preparing for their coming futures, having fun, being social, applying themselves purposefully and being the cheer for their friends' successes. Ivy and Kelley's friendship wasn't always quite so unbreakable however. With a pause in their history where they both fell apart and fell away from each other, Ivy's disappearance after their senior year of high school left Kelley at the biggest loss of his life. And Ivy with a disturbing secret that not even her best friend knows about. Current day and Ivy's the career driven, high-achieving law student who's worked out a nice little system for herself. But all that unbeatable pursuit hides its fair share, and has forged a woman who stores the deepest sense of security in her propensity for certainty.
It's pertinent for her to carry herself with a certain collected composure but a slip up in her progress brings back a time that has never stopped its haunting. A compatible friends to lovers romance where a history of secret feelings rekindles. There's a meaningful note that speaks to sexual freedom with Ivy's storyline, one that gauges very relevant, current topics. Both have great, receptive attitudes; Kelley with his take on male attitudes and Ivy with her pro-empowerment sense of female support. I did experience some hiccups and stumble over pacing from time to time but comprehensively, we have a worth-your-time debut and catalogue opener from Brit Benson that rolls and launches the first ball for the Better Love series. Kelley gets his dream girl with Ivy and she gets so much more than her best friend back. A gorgeous role reversal where the leading love interest has always held a candle for his best friend for as long as he could remember, and as long as he heard the name Ivy Rivenbark. Sweet heat, a loving friendship and sexy chemistry that sends you into a better love. Switched on in the way it grounds itself, characterises its cast and navigates its themes. A debut win for the romance genre and an aware, smart, feel good, heartfelt, achingly friends to lovers piece to the romancing game.
Content Warning: past sexual abuse and nondescript references/memories that allude to the assault. Trauma/assault-related panic attacks and nightmares. Bullying over a learning disability. Past parent death/car accident. PTSD, anxiety. Mentions drink driving. Reference to a past drugging and rape, and describes the impact of said sexual assault. Some violence.
EXTRA THOUGHTS:
1) I can't say I was surprised by the reveal of Ivy's abuser but I did think the author plays to it well.
2) I really appreciated the self awareness in Kelley's reasoning for his *current* (pertinent wording) celibacy. He, of course, still held feelings Ivy but also knew that it wouldn't be the best move to engage in a relationship when it would be unfair to both him and any respective love interest when he didn't feel in the best place to maintain a relationship. How many leading men follow that lead? He's also very aware of his preferences. But as much as I liked Kelley, I did feel as if we could have received MORE from him as a leading protagonist with character. For example, with the reveal of the conclusion, his reaction felt restricted. Preston had been his friend for a long time prior to his college life so I would have liked more commentary on that from Kelley's perspective as opposed to the way the final events quickly come to a close.
____________________________________
Visit my blog: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
____________________________________
“It means I’m going to love you better than anyone can. The only person who will ever love you better than me is yourself, but I’m going to spend all of my life trying to match you. And when your self-love falters, when you doubt yourself or us, my heart will carry yours. I’ll love you big enough for the both of us. I always have, and if you let me, I always will.”
I've read some wonderfully recommendable Indie published romance, and I confirm that Brit Benson's Love You Better is affirmatively one of them. I eased into this one after reading a brief teaser excerpt of book two (which I immediately decided needed to be on my reading list) but thought I'd start at the source with Ivy and Kelley when I realised I already had the series opener locked and loaded on my kindle app. Love You Better is my Brit Benson first and moves to the bend of a beautiful, balanced, heartfelt, well-rounded college romance with the positive uplift of a long, familiar, sweetly bonded forever friendship en route to be so much more than a settled-into comforting companionship. Even after their timelines’ synced up for a second time it's been staunch friendship all the way. There's a very significant reason for that, a story that an unstoppable Ivy gets to tell as the storyline emerges.
Admittedly, friends to lovers isn't my favourite trope, and although I'm genuinely compelled by the concept of a long-established, twisting, turning relationship between two people who've shared the best of their teenaged years together, binding them together like a gravitational glue through any forthcoming separation, I find myself taken more by the concept next to the fiction-made reality. Love You Better does it like its own speciality and Kelley and Ivy do it believably, charmingly, conflictingly and sweetly slice of life in only the grounded way a college romance with smart, level-headed protagonists can do it. They've had to rekindle their friendship after a separation that splintered their made plans. They've since been back in each other's lives and have no desire to disrupt the special bond that's only ever been theirs to claim now that they're snugly, safely and hard and fast in the zone of friendship. Well-balanced storytelling sections every area of life that matters for the both of them; friendships, family, college life, internships, educational pursuit and studious application, a passion for where they're heading in their lives and the laid paths put in motion for their awaiting futures. And of course, each other. This series starter felt very 'on the cusp' for what comes next, in numerous ways.
There's so much love, acceptance, support and connection within their friendship group. The type of friends you know would be there for the rest to lean on whenever in need, and as such I just loved Bailey and Jesse as pivotal side characters. A bouquet of brownie points for Jesse especially, he's just a very special human in the best way. A great friend, an encouraging partner in crime, a comforting presence and a light-hearted but grounded personality to be around. I'm not sure why I have it on mind but if our hero and heroine ever decided to marry in their fictional future, I can't help envisioning Jesse being quick to jump at the chance at being a best man to Kelley as much as a bridesmaid to Ivy but it's a vision I can't efface. He has the type of energy you want to sidle up against and I had the inexhaustible urge to be the receiver of his cuddles while I hoped his silliness would permeate the story with the comical levity he seemed to impart so well. Every character, side and leading was thoughtfully materialised.
The romance is very slow burn and Kelley and Ivy definitely move to the current of more than just their friendship, with time. As much of a solid ground they both have in the space of each other's lives this was a slow burner that burned realistically, and in the way it likely was meant to. And while it takes its tender time for Ivy to confront and accept her very un-friendly feelings, Kelley gets to claim the title of 'the ultimate piner’ in Love You Better. His love for Ivy was so big, so secret but also not secret, so wholesome, so long-suffering and it's easy to trust that he'd hold her hand through anything in the single space of a breath if she asked him to. He felt like family more than friend, more than just a romantic interest. Their bond felt so known, connected and effortless. Readers who have a preference for bookish heroes with sportsman energy who execute the heat as much they publicise the sweet will likely love Kelley as much as he's lovestruck for his best friend. He's Ivy-faithful, kind, caring, loving and has a modern male confidence most would bury in favour of ego-centric chauvinism. He's a student teacher who has his heart set on being a high school educator but he's also very well-rounded in personality. He presents an unbiased, non-misogynistic voice from the male perspective which sits nicely against Ivy's sexual assault storyline that discusses female solidarity, autonomy, sexual freedom and consent. It's very fair to say he's love-bitten, and when the turning point comes, he's a man with purpose on the mind who lays himself as bare as he can to hope for the dream he's been dreaming since he made a fast friend out of Ivy Rivenwood.
My appreciation for Ivy was something of a slower build but I still believe she was a brilliant protagonist, trying to get through life with a bright mind, a won't-be-beaten strength and a heavy heart. Doing it with personal power supporting her steps to a future of purpose. Living life on the legal pad she's writing for herself, unwilling to become the totality of her trauma, adores her little brother like his happiness is her very own and wouldn't dare to lose the friendships that means everything to her. Her sense of pursuit was so fierce. Even if she took some time to warm up for me, she's in equal parts a complex, mature, motivated student but a fun, confident, independent woman who wants to enjoy her life while working hard for it. She over-thinks her way into or out of any given situation, and that spoke to an early life experience she was choiceless to accept. She epitomises the story of what can come from a lack of privilege by giving herself the opportunity to be something more than the privation she came from, to use her intelligence, focus and passion combined to be the best of herself. She was strong, fierce, human, and while I would have loved to see more vulnerability from her, her characterisation was reasoned sensibly well and aligned with a deeper sense of self-doubt derivative to her upbringing. In every way, Ivy's the smart academic who knows how to enjoy her life and apply herself reliably in all areas...in all but one. Maintaining her sense of control has become a life strategy, not wanting to become the living oversight in her own life and doing her damnedest to transform her pain into progress. So when downtime circles around, It doesn't stop her from living her life the way she's determined to; long weekdays and free and easy weekend delights. Her little side project has a point and a purpose, and very few know the real origins of why she seeks out sexual partners of a certain shade. She's desperate to get back to the day when she can be the twenty-one-year-old student who doesn't have to prep herself with adequate self talk, safety checks and the ease that comes with two consenting people enjoying some nocturnal company. She challenges herself by being quite proactive about her trauma, not wanting it to become height of what she has to offer.
What we have with Love You Better is a lovable, delightful and a long-time-coming romance with an intimately sweet friends to lovers appeal. It was only meant to end one way with these two, and their well-suited courtship fans the sexual flame as effortlessly as it complements their friendship. The leading protagonists are as much a part of the other as they a have real, independent purpose in their lives. A fun set of character friendships, preparing for their coming futures, having fun, being social, applying themselves purposefully and being the cheer for their friends' successes. Ivy and Kelley's friendship wasn't always quite so unbreakable however. With a pause in their history where they both fell apart and fell away from each other, Ivy's disappearance after their senior year of high school left Kelley at the biggest loss of his life. And Ivy with a disturbing secret that not even her best friend knows about. Current day and Ivy's the career driven, high-achieving law student who's worked out a nice little system for herself. But all that unbeatable pursuit hides its fair share, and has forged a woman who stores the deepest sense of security in her propensity for certainty.
It's pertinent for her to carry herself with a certain collected composure but a slip up in her progress brings back a time that has never stopped its haunting. A compatible friends to lovers romance where a history of secret feelings rekindles. There's a meaningful note that speaks to sexual freedom with Ivy's storyline, one that gauges very relevant, current topics. Both have great, receptive attitudes; Kelley with his take on male attitudes and Ivy with her pro-empowerment sense of female support. I did experience some hiccups and stumble over pacing from time to time but comprehensively, we have a worth-your-time debut and catalogue opener from Brit Benson that rolls and launches the first ball for the Better Love series. Kelley gets his dream girl with Ivy and she gets so much more than her best friend back. A gorgeous role reversal where the leading love interest has always held a candle for his best friend for as long as he could remember, and as long as he heard the name Ivy Rivenbark. Sweet heat, a loving friendship and sexy chemistry that sends you into a better love. Switched on in the way it grounds itself, characterises its cast and navigates its themes. A debut win for the romance genre and an aware, smart, feel good, heartfelt, achingly friends to lovers piece to the romancing game.
Content Warning: past sexual abuse and nondescript references/memories that allude to the assault. Trauma/assault-related panic attacks and nightmares. Bullying over a learning disability. Past parent death/car accident. PTSD, anxiety. Mentions drink driving. Reference to a past drugging and rape, and describes the impact of said sexual assault. Some violence.
EXTRA THOUGHTS:
1) I can't say I was surprised by the reveal of Ivy's abuser but I did think the author plays to it well.
2) I really appreciated the self awareness in Kelley's reasoning for his *current* (pertinent wording) celibacy. He, of course, still held feelings Ivy but also knew that it wouldn't be the best move to engage in a relationship when it would be unfair to both him and any respective love interest when he didn't feel in the best place to maintain a relationship. How many leading men follow that lead? He's also very aware of his preferences. But as much as I liked Kelley, I did feel as if we could have received MORE from him as a leading protagonist with character. For example, with the reveal of the conclusion, his reaction felt restricted. Preston had been his friend for a long time prior to his college life so I would have liked more commentary on that from Kelley's perspective as opposed to the way the final events quickly come to a close.
____________________________________
Visit my blog: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @TheVicarious1
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
____________________________________
July 23, 2021
Being in love with your best friend means being painfully aware of the line and constantly toeing it. Giving yourself just enough to take the edge off, but never enough to satisfy the craving.
Best friends to lovers fans I have found the book for you! Alexa, cue up ‘Ruin the Friendship’ by Demi Lovato. Just kidding, no friendships were forever ruined in the unfolding of this book, but I definitely wanted to play this song for Ivy and Kelley a few times.
So we have Ivy and Kelley who met in high school and became fast friends. Fast forward to college times and we have fierce Ivy focused on school, family, friends, and overcoming her past. Oh and we have sweet Kelley who is also doing college, and trying his damndest to resist the “more than friends” pull he has towards his bestie Ivy. (No lie it’s funny to read his struggle 🤣)
They are living their lives in college. Hanging with their “found family” members, Bailey and Jesse and just overall preparing for their futures. Somewhat going through the motions though, until you know, they start to openly recognize their mutual feelings for each other. They are a bit slow burn, but really not too slow. Plus, it lends to the believability of them not wanting to ruin the friendship they have, and once they start it’s just hot until the very end. Along the way these two encounter some bumps, and really the tension between them throughout the story is the perfect mixture of sweet and hot. All that said, by the end you’ll be swooning, a little bit emotional, and just overall smiling at this pairings journey from besties to lovers.
Love You Better is Brit Benson’s debut novel, and honestly if I didn’t already know that prior to reading, then I truly wouldn’t have known that from reading the book. It’s incredibly well written, has great pace and flow, and it’s just a solid read. There are some flashbacks to the past, and I think Brit did a great job making them flow with the story and not letting it become confusing or overwhelming. While this story is the genre definition of new adult, it doesn’t read too young. So if you’re mainly a contemporary romance person I’d still pick this up. Yes, the characters are in college and on the cusp of real life, but they have a mature way of handling things that I think will translate for lovers of both new adult and contemporary.
All in all this is a good romance read. I’d say that my overall takeaway is a sweet and emotional friends to lovers! This is standalone book one of a planned three part (so far) series, and I’m so excited for book two and to get more of Bailey!
**CW - discussions of sexual assault and its aftermath, attempted sexual assault. The author provides a warning in the beginning of the book, but another heads up!
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
Best friends to lovers fans I have found the book for you! Alexa, cue up ‘Ruin the Friendship’ by Demi Lovato. Just kidding, no friendships were forever ruined in the unfolding of this book, but I definitely wanted to play this song for Ivy and Kelley a few times.
So we have Ivy and Kelley who met in high school and became fast friends. Fast forward to college times and we have fierce Ivy focused on school, family, friends, and overcoming her past. Oh and we have sweet Kelley who is also doing college, and trying his damndest to resist the “more than friends” pull he has towards his bestie Ivy. (No lie it’s funny to read his struggle 🤣)
They are living their lives in college. Hanging with their “found family” members, Bailey and Jesse and just overall preparing for their futures. Somewhat going through the motions though, until you know, they start to openly recognize their mutual feelings for each other. They are a bit slow burn, but really not too slow. Plus, it lends to the believability of them not wanting to ruin the friendship they have, and once they start it’s just hot until the very end. Along the way these two encounter some bumps, and really the tension between them throughout the story is the perfect mixture of sweet and hot. All that said, by the end you’ll be swooning, a little bit emotional, and just overall smiling at this pairings journey from besties to lovers.
Love You Better is Brit Benson’s debut novel, and honestly if I didn’t already know that prior to reading, then I truly wouldn’t have known that from reading the book. It’s incredibly well written, has great pace and flow, and it’s just a solid read. There are some flashbacks to the past, and I think Brit did a great job making them flow with the story and not letting it become confusing or overwhelming. While this story is the genre definition of new adult, it doesn’t read too young. So if you’re mainly a contemporary romance person I’d still pick this up. Yes, the characters are in college and on the cusp of real life, but they have a mature way of handling things that I think will translate for lovers of both new adult and contemporary.
All in all this is a good romance read. I’d say that my overall takeaway is a sweet and emotional friends to lovers! This is standalone book one of a planned three part (so far) series, and I’m so excited for book two and to get more of Bailey!
**CW - discussions of sexual assault and its aftermath, attempted sexual assault. The author provides a warning in the beginning of the book, but another heads up!
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
July 25, 2021
Nothing wrong with the book, it just felt like I’ve already read it.
I need to stop reading contemporary romance for a while because all the stories are starting to blend in so I know how it’s going to develop and I cannot enjoy them as much as I used to 🤧
I need to stop reading contemporary romance for a while because all the stories are starting to blend in so I know how it’s going to develop and I cannot enjoy them as much as I used to 🤧
July 24, 2021
If I could give a standing ovation to this debut author I would! I devoured this book. I fell for the sexy, swoony hero, I cheered for the fun and sassy heroine, I laughed out loud - many times, and I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for the moment that you just know is coming....and that it did!
B Benson not only wrote two main characters who are oh so easy to cheer for - but she wrote side characters who you will crave more of AND planted a twist in the story that you won't see coming. The wit and humor spread throughout the story will keep you grinning and laughing, and the natural development of Kelley & Ivy's relationship, who have been best friends for years, is so effortless and real that you will feel like they truly have been together their entire lives.
The writing is fabulous, the hero is oh so swoony, and I already called dibs on one side character whose story I know is coming! ;) This friends-to-lovers romance will have you laughing out loud and falling for this couple who finally break down their walls and spill their secrets...as only soulmates can do. Bravo B Benson on your debut novel!! I Can't wait for what's to come!
*BETA READ*
B Benson not only wrote two main characters who are oh so easy to cheer for - but she wrote side characters who you will crave more of AND planted a twist in the story that you won't see coming. The wit and humor spread throughout the story will keep you grinning and laughing, and the natural development of Kelley & Ivy's relationship, who have been best friends for years, is so effortless and real that you will feel like they truly have been together their entire lives.
The writing is fabulous, the hero is oh so swoony, and I already called dibs on one side character whose story I know is coming! ;) This friends-to-lovers romance will have you laughing out loud and falling for this couple who finally break down their walls and spill their secrets...as only soulmates can do. Bravo B Benson on your debut novel!! I Can't wait for what's to come!
*BETA READ*
December 1, 2022
**3.5 Stars**
Love You Better was a great debut from Brit Benson. An angsty and humorous NA college romance. Best friends to lovers trope and to top it off it has a pining and good guy hero. Kelley was just swoon worthy and so yum. Head over heels in love with his best friend Ivy who he met at fourteen. These two were so compatible and so good together. Ivy was a fabulous heroine too and has had to overcome a lot. Feisty and strong.
The overall story wasn’t anything new, sometimes repetitive and also the resolution of Ivy’s arc was predictable. What really makes me want to continue with the series is because of the characters. Not only Kelly and Ivy made an impression so did the fabulous side characters Bailey and Jesse. They’re why I really enjoyed Love You Better. The togetherness and love between them was palpable and jumping off the pages. A great debut with wonderful and honest characters.
3.5 Stars
Love You Better was a great debut from Brit Benson. An angsty and humorous NA college romance. Best friends to lovers trope and to top it off it has a pining and good guy hero. Kelley was just swoon worthy and so yum. Head over heels in love with his best friend Ivy who he met at fourteen. These two were so compatible and so good together. Ivy was a fabulous heroine too and has had to overcome a lot. Feisty and strong.
The overall story wasn’t anything new, sometimes repetitive and also the resolution of Ivy’s arc was predictable. What really makes me want to continue with the series is because of the characters. Not only Kelly and Ivy made an impression so did the fabulous side characters Bailey and Jesse. They’re why I really enjoyed Love You Better. The togetherness and love between them was palpable and jumping off the pages. A great debut with wonderful and honest characters.
3.5 Stars
July 21, 2021
Love You Better is hands down my favorite friend to lovers romance ever! Immediately we’re submerged with the two main characters, Ivy and Kelley, and their beautiful soul deep bond that is their friendship. They only get better from there with how strong their foundation is from the very start. I loved how individually these characters are independent and have purpose while together they’re the perfect balance of support and familiarity for one another.
Ivy is a capitol H Heroine! She has a backbone while at the same time has a vulnerable side just like everyone else but she’s so in control of what she wants and how she wants to be treated and I respected the heck out of her. I thought she was so cool! I related to Ivy on a lot of levels and seeing how much she could overcome while still pursuing what makes her happy was beautiful.
I’m obsessed with Kelley! I love that we got his POV frequently and I loved seeing all of his feelings he had for Ivy. He was her best friend but so much more! He notices the color of her clothing and how well blue looks on her, the little details that he cares about that make up Ivy just made me smile so much! Add in how possessively jealous and growl he gets, he’s the perfect book boyfriend! Thank you Brit for making Kelley a loving adorable gentleman in the streets and a hot AF dirty talking freak in the sheets.
And the side characters? J is hilarious and cares so much! I love Bailey’s sarcasm and fierce attitude and I can’t wait for her book! Honestly everything about this book had me hooked from the very start and it’s bittersweet to read their ending, I loved every word. If you love a friends to lovers romance full of characters who’s strength comes from overcoming and enduring with some spicy AF scenes definitely check this book out!
Ivy is a capitol H Heroine! She has a backbone while at the same time has a vulnerable side just like everyone else but she’s so in control of what she wants and how she wants to be treated and I respected the heck out of her. I thought she was so cool! I related to Ivy on a lot of levels and seeing how much she could overcome while still pursuing what makes her happy was beautiful.
I’m obsessed with Kelley! I love that we got his POV frequently and I loved seeing all of his feelings he had for Ivy. He was her best friend but so much more! He notices the color of her clothing and how well blue looks on her, the little details that he cares about that make up Ivy just made me smile so much! Add in how possessively jealous and growl he gets, he’s the perfect book boyfriend! Thank you Brit for making Kelley a loving adorable gentleman in the streets and a hot AF dirty talking freak in the sheets.
And the side characters? J is hilarious and cares so much! I love Bailey’s sarcasm and fierce attitude and I can’t wait for her book! Honestly everything about this book had me hooked from the very start and it’s bittersweet to read their ending, I loved every word. If you love a friends to lovers romance full of characters who’s strength comes from overcoming and enduring with some spicy AF scenes definitely check this book out!
July 17, 2021
Omg I adored this book!! It’s funny and witty and sarcastic and sexy and REAL. If I would’ve not known this was a debut novel I wouldn’t believe it. It’s written so well. Structurally and content wise. There is CARE put into every word and sentence used to mold Ivy and Kelley’s story. Emotional at times yet so light at others, it’s a great balance of feels. And the tension? THICK and delicious AF.
Ivy is a lovely and an incredibly down to earth heroine. I instantly clicked with her unique mix of drive and humor. We talk about strong heroines all the time, Ivy is the epitome of what I see as a realistic, bold and strong young woman. There’s no way you can’t like her. Equally smart, sassy and a blonde bombshell that comes with a best friend who provides some of the most epic girl banter! Her only true flaw being her overactive mind when it comes to taking the initial leap and even then was it really a flaw? She’s got a bit of all of us in her and is just so easy to connect to.
My heart usually melts for the antihero, the bad guy with a chip on his shoulder but sometimes, sometimes, there’s a marshmallow who slides in and just fucking owns me. Kelley is pure perfection, a book husband. Passionate, kind, understanding with a filthy mouth. Gah. You can not ask for more in a hero. Look up “swoon worthy” in the dictionary, it’ll say “Kelley Allen Pierce”. Everything from his demeanor to his chosen profession to his obsession with Ivy is absolutely heavenly.
I quickly became invested in this love story as well as the friend basis. I’m already dreaming of HEA’s to come. Love You Better is by far one of the best new releases I’ve read this year. I’ve never had a friends to lovers make me fall in love as hard as Kelley and Ivy did.
Ivy is a lovely and an incredibly down to earth heroine. I instantly clicked with her unique mix of drive and humor. We talk about strong heroines all the time, Ivy is the epitome of what I see as a realistic, bold and strong young woman. There’s no way you can’t like her. Equally smart, sassy and a blonde bombshell that comes with a best friend who provides some of the most epic girl banter! Her only true flaw being her overactive mind when it comes to taking the initial leap and even then was it really a flaw? She’s got a bit of all of us in her and is just so easy to connect to.
My heart usually melts for the antihero, the bad guy with a chip on his shoulder but sometimes, sometimes, there’s a marshmallow who slides in and just fucking owns me. Kelley is pure perfection, a book husband. Passionate, kind, understanding with a filthy mouth. Gah. You can not ask for more in a hero. Look up “swoon worthy” in the dictionary, it’ll say “Kelley Allen Pierce”. Everything from his demeanor to his chosen profession to his obsession with Ivy is absolutely heavenly.
I quickly became invested in this love story as well as the friend basis. I’m already dreaming of HEA’s to come. Love You Better is by far one of the best new releases I’ve read this year. I’ve never had a friends to lovers make me fall in love as hard as Kelley and Ivy did.
July 24, 2021
Absolutely Amazing debut novel from Brit Benson! I couldn’t put it down!
Loved the characters and the development of the story! So great! Kelley and Ivy gave me all the feels! I love me a Hot Ginger and who new Mr nice guy could have such a dirty mouth!
If you love friends to lovers than this will be your jam. A great story of friends exploring their feelings and desires together. Discovering what each other went through when they weren’t around. It’s such a sweet story!
Definitely recommend!
Loved the characters and the development of the story! So great! Kelley and Ivy gave me all the feels! I love me a Hot Ginger and who new Mr nice guy could have such a dirty mouth!
If you love friends to lovers than this will be your jam. A great story of friends exploring their feelings and desires together. Discovering what each other went through when they weren’t around. It’s such a sweet story!
Definitely recommend!
July 26, 2021
4.5 Stars
What a powerhouse of a debut! Compelling and unique heroine, the swooniest and sexiest leading man I’ve read in a while, a heartfelt and emotive friends to lovers story brimming with complex chemistry, and sweet and sincere love story about taking that leap of faith and the power of trust, forgiveness, and healing- what more could you want?! I’m so impressed with this debut, and I’m looking forward to more from Brit.
KELLEY. MY GOD. This man. Dreamy, just dreamy. The perfect hero- a bit of edge, a dirty mouth and super sexy, but also a kind, generous, patient, and emotionally open character. I simply adored him, from the first moment. Ivy took longer for me to connect with, in part because her own baggage has us only seeing certain aspects of her as she projects a persona that is safe for her. When we get more of her heart and vulnerability, when we see her with Kelley, I feel like we get the real Ivy. She’s the source of a lot of hold ups, but she’s got a lot of weight on her shoulders. I loved how she makes mistakes, but she does out of love and care for others.
This story really excels in the chemistry. It is magical, and the perfect articulation of the friends to lovers dynamic. Friends to lovers is hard to get just right- you have to both believe the characters are long term friends, but also believe that their failure to cross the friends to lovers line comes from legitimate barriers. And Brit brilliantly constructed that challenge- why two so besotted would be content to remain just friends. There is a profound emotinonal safety and intimacy between these two that I found so delightful, and quite moving. The transitionto lovers is also authentic and natural- the sexy feels intimate and personal, like two people who are already soul mates learning to explore each other in a new way. Not to mention- the steam in this book is SO good. HOT!!
The prose is beautifully captured, the characters dimensionally created, and the story balances heart, heat, and humor. I did find the pacing to be a bit uneven, and it took me a while to feel the story pick up and for me to also truly connect with Ivy, but about 40% in the story took off, and I was consumed. The narrative approach balances substantial flashbacks with present day tension so perfectly- helping us uncover the barriers and emotional baggage that have become the invisible wall between these two. And, while the ending felt a bit quick, it is only an indication of how much I loved these two together, I wanted MORE of them. And I did appreciate how after all the angst, the drama at the end is quickly and thoughtfully resolved. These characters know each other too well for it to be otherwise, and it was SOOOO swoony.
We have some exciting foreshadowing for characters' stories yet to come- and I can’t wait for more! Brava Brit, fantastic debut!
What a powerhouse of a debut! Compelling and unique heroine, the swooniest and sexiest leading man I’ve read in a while, a heartfelt and emotive friends to lovers story brimming with complex chemistry, and sweet and sincere love story about taking that leap of faith and the power of trust, forgiveness, and healing- what more could you want?! I’m so impressed with this debut, and I’m looking forward to more from Brit.
KELLEY. MY GOD. This man. Dreamy, just dreamy. The perfect hero- a bit of edge, a dirty mouth and super sexy, but also a kind, generous, patient, and emotionally open character. I simply adored him, from the first moment. Ivy took longer for me to connect with, in part because her own baggage has us only seeing certain aspects of her as she projects a persona that is safe for her. When we get more of her heart and vulnerability, when we see her with Kelley, I feel like we get the real Ivy. She’s the source of a lot of hold ups, but she’s got a lot of weight on her shoulders. I loved how she makes mistakes, but she does out of love and care for others.
This story really excels in the chemistry. It is magical, and the perfect articulation of the friends to lovers dynamic. Friends to lovers is hard to get just right- you have to both believe the characters are long term friends, but also believe that their failure to cross the friends to lovers line comes from legitimate barriers. And Brit brilliantly constructed that challenge- why two so besotted would be content to remain just friends. There is a profound emotinonal safety and intimacy between these two that I found so delightful, and quite moving. The transitionto lovers is also authentic and natural- the sexy feels intimate and personal, like two people who are already soul mates learning to explore each other in a new way. Not to mention- the steam in this book is SO good. HOT!!
The prose is beautifully captured, the characters dimensionally created, and the story balances heart, heat, and humor. I did find the pacing to be a bit uneven, and it took me a while to feel the story pick up and for me to also truly connect with Ivy, but about 40% in the story took off, and I was consumed. The narrative approach balances substantial flashbacks with present day tension so perfectly- helping us uncover the barriers and emotional baggage that have become the invisible wall between these two. And, while the ending felt a bit quick, it is only an indication of how much I loved these two together, I wanted MORE of them. And I did appreciate how after all the angst, the drama at the end is quickly and thoughtfully resolved. These characters know each other too well for it to be otherwise, and it was SOOOO swoony.
We have some exciting foreshadowing for characters' stories yet to come- and I can’t wait for more! Brava Brit, fantastic debut!
![Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572307419i%2F47676940._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 18, 2021
Love You Better is the perfect mixture of sweet and heat. From the start I fell in love with Ivy, Kelley, their friendship and of course, their relationship.
Ivy and Kelley have been best friends pretty much from the first moment they met, but there was always something a little more between them that neither really acknowledged. The chemistry between them is scorching and the tension between them at times was enough to leave you frustrated. Ivy is a character that is easy to connect with and she is a BA, you just want to instantly become her best friend. Kelley is swoony AF and super sweet, but there is also a little bit of a dirty side to him aka he is the perfect package.
The secondary characters, Bailey and Jesse, I LOVE THEM! They are both good friends with not just Ivy and not just Kelley, but the both of them. I can’t wait for Bailey’s story and of course, for more of this group.
This story does deal with some tough topics and the aftermath that someone may experience and it was handled in a graceful manner.
If you’re looking for a best friends to lovers romance this one to read!
Ivy and Kelley have been best friends pretty much from the first moment they met, but there was always something a little more between them that neither really acknowledged. The chemistry between them is scorching and the tension between them at times was enough to leave you frustrated. Ivy is a character that is easy to connect with and she is a BA, you just want to instantly become her best friend. Kelley is swoony AF and super sweet, but there is also a little bit of a dirty side to him aka he is the perfect package.
The secondary characters, Bailey and Jesse, I LOVE THEM! They are both good friends with not just Ivy and not just Kelley, but the both of them. I can’t wait for Bailey’s story and of course, for more of this group.
This story does deal with some tough topics and the aftermath that someone may experience and it was handled in a graceful manner.
If you’re looking for a best friends to lovers romance this one to read!
July 23, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and options are my own.
Swoon.
I ADORED this book. I adored this book so much that it’s on my list of favorite books from this year. Ivy and Kelley have such a great connection, friendship and relationship. I love how their relationship develops from purely friendship into something more serious. I became very invested in their story and didn’t ever want to put it down, even though life got in the way, multiple times. This is the second Friends to Lovers book I've read in the last week, shocker I know, and this book especially has been such a breath of fresh air and reminds me that my soul isn't dark and angsty all the time. It was compelling, well written and I still can't believe that this is a debut novel. I just can’t.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swoon.
I ADORED this book. I adored this book so much that it’s on my list of favorite books from this year. Ivy and Kelley have such a great connection, friendship and relationship. I love how their relationship develops from purely friendship into something more serious. I became very invested in their story and didn’t ever want to put it down, even though life got in the way, multiple times. This is the second Friends to Lovers book I've read in the last week, shocker I know, and this book especially has been such a breath of fresh air and reminds me that my soul isn't dark and angsty all the time. It was compelling, well written and I still can't believe that this is a debut novel. I just can’t.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 17, 2021
'Ivy Rivenbark is my power source . She is my light and my energy and my everything, but she will never be mine. Not like that. '
'Love you better' is a full package. It's funny , amusing, addictive, awe inspiring, and breath taking book .The characters ,my god, makes you love the novel even more if you didn't before . And the fact I loved it even though I am not a very big fan of friends to lovers romance it obviously is something.
I love the fact that the roles are reversed you know in alot of books the girl is a Virgin or she has done it only once or twice and guy is a player but here it's the guy who's ,somber?, for the lack of a better word.
Kelley and Jesse(not telling who they are) they were not even 5% chauvinist pigs .....there's this line “Guys like him treat other guys differently than they treat women.”
And it's just...>>>>>
Release date :July 23
Pre-order now
'Love you better' is a full package. It's funny , amusing, addictive, awe inspiring, and breath taking book .The characters ,my god, makes you love the novel even more if you didn't before . And the fact I loved it even though I am not a very big fan of friends to lovers romance it obviously is something.
I love the fact that the roles are reversed you know in alot of books the girl is a Virgin or she has done it only once or twice and guy is a player but here it's the guy who's ,somber?, for the lack of a better word.
Kelley and Jesse(not telling who they are) they were not even 5% chauvinist pigs .....there's this line “Guys like him treat other guys differently than they treat women.”
And it's just...>>>>>
Release date :July 23
Pre-order now
July 23, 2021
4.5 stars
I’m sorry this was a debut? I don’t believe it for one second. Brit Benson I am in awe. You storytelling was captivating. The characters had me wanting so much more.
“Let me love you, Ivy”
These best friends were having me screaming to get together. Kelley… you are perfect book boyfriend material.
“Ivy Rivenbark is my power source. She is my light and my energy and my everything.”
Ivy and Kelley separately were these individuals with so much to give. Together they are explosive.
“The only person who will ever love you better than me is yourself, but I’m going to spend all of my life trying to match you.”
I’m sorry this was a debut? I don’t believe it for one second. Brit Benson I am in awe. You storytelling was captivating. The characters had me wanting so much more.
“Let me love you, Ivy”
These best friends were having me screaming to get together. Kelley… you are perfect book boyfriend material.
“Ivy Rivenbark is my power source. She is my light and my energy and my everything.”
Ivy and Kelley separately were these individuals with so much to give. Together they are explosive.
“The only person who will ever love you better than me is yourself, but I’m going to spend all of my life trying to match you.”
July 24, 2021
Wow... Just wow!
This debut book is amazing.. The story, the characters, and the way the words flow is fantastic.
Kelley is that character you love and want more of. He is such an amazing man that is perfect in all the ways you want him to be!
Ivy is strong and a survivor is so many ways. She is a phenomenal woman that you will admire and root for.
These two don't have a perfect story but it has the perfect ending!
I couldn't stop reading this one, I wanted to devour it so I would know how it ended.
This book may have a trigger. The author did write a warning in the front of the book.
This debut book is amazing.. The story, the characters, and the way the words flow is fantastic.
Kelley is that character you love and want more of. He is such an amazing man that is perfect in all the ways you want him to be!
Ivy is strong and a survivor is so many ways. She is a phenomenal woman that you will admire and root for.
These two don't have a perfect story but it has the perfect ending!
I couldn't stop reading this one, I wanted to devour it so I would know how it ended.
This book may have a trigger. The author did write a warning in the front of the book.
July 24, 2021
4.5 STARS!
“Being in love with your best friend means being painfully aware of the line and constantly toeing it.”
DEBUT NOVEL SAY WHAT?!
This was a fantastic introduction to Brit Benson’s storytelling. Love You Better was a story packed with equal parts heart and heat. It had everything I’ve come to adore about the friends-to-lovers trope — angsty, deep connections, and a metamorphosis of the genuine love Kelley and Ivy shared.
It was full of banter that had me grinning, and secondary characters that I can’t wait to read more of. Also, Kelley’s dirty talk may have had me just as stunned as Ivy. He was so perfect! 😍
“Being in love with your best friend means being painfully aware of the line and constantly toeing it.”
DEBUT NOVEL SAY WHAT?!
This was a fantastic introduction to Brit Benson’s storytelling. Love You Better was a story packed with equal parts heart and heat. It had everything I’ve come to adore about the friends-to-lovers trope — angsty, deep connections, and a metamorphosis of the genuine love Kelley and Ivy shared.
It was full of banter that had me grinning, and secondary characters that I can’t wait to read more of. Also, Kelley’s dirty talk may have had me just as stunned as Ivy. He was so perfect! 😍
March 29, 2023
I really wanted to like this book because the blurb sucked me in. But I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I do. I wasn't expecting to cry as much as I did. I wasn't expecting to laugh has hard and as much as I did. I wasn't expecting Ivy to slay me as hard as she did. I wasn't expecting to fall in love with Kelley as hard as I did. But this book did all of those things and then some . . . and then some more. This debut book blew me away. Kelley and Ivy's story is a long and rough road but it is one of the best friends to lovers stories I have ever read. It was the perfect balance of humor, gut punch, emotional, steam and swoon. I adored every second of this book and cannot wait to see what Brit has in store for us next. Thank you for giving us Ivy and Kelley's story.
July 21, 2021
4.5 Stars
What a beautiful debut story from Brit Benson! Love you Better is an emotional, second chance friends to lovers story that will have you rooting for a Happy Ever After! I must say, friends to lovers is not always my cup of tea, but this one might be one of my faves in the genre! I loved the slow burn elements and the dual POV as we get to know the history of Ivy and Kelley. Kelley is definitely one of my top book boyfriends! Loyal, kind and so in love with Ivy, he made me swoon in pretty much every chapter! And I found Ivy to be so relatable as she tried to get past prior trauma that definitely impacted how she treated Kelley. I really enjoyed the flashbacks on how these two built their friendship and how they really each other's rocks when they needed each other. Of course, there was a bit of drama and misunderstanding in their way, but that's what led to their second chance. And I also loved the supporting characters as they all added depth to the story. And when Kelley fought for Ivy and wouldn't let her run away, OMG I may have cried a little bit. Overall, this friends to lovers story captivated me and I can't wait to read more from this author!
What a beautiful debut story from Brit Benson! Love you Better is an emotional, second chance friends to lovers story that will have you rooting for a Happy Ever After! I must say, friends to lovers is not always my cup of tea, but this one might be one of my faves in the genre! I loved the slow burn elements and the dual POV as we get to know the history of Ivy and Kelley. Kelley is definitely one of my top book boyfriends! Loyal, kind and so in love with Ivy, he made me swoon in pretty much every chapter! And I found Ivy to be so relatable as she tried to get past prior trauma that definitely impacted how she treated Kelley. I really enjoyed the flashbacks on how these two built their friendship and how they really each other's rocks when they needed each other. Of course, there was a bit of drama and misunderstanding in their way, but that's what led to their second chance. And I also loved the supporting characters as they all added depth to the story. And when Kelley fought for Ivy and wouldn't let her run away, OMG I may have cried a little bit. Overall, this friends to lovers story captivated me and I can't wait to read more from this author!
July 16, 2023
This was not my favorite, I had a hard time trying to finish it. There was nothing really wrong with it, it was sweet and the friendship was awesome, but it was lacking in the friends to lovers transition. We got a lot of the friends part of the story, like wayyy too much of it. Then we get the lovers part which was really great but it was so brief. There was a lot of telling us about the relationship instead of it actually happening. I wish we would've gotten more of them exploring their relationship. There was so much focus and detail when they were just friends but then It just jumped through their time together. Kelley was amazing and the story was cute but I just felt like I was reading about their great friendship
July 23, 2021
You’re a freaking star Brit!
If you love a great story with characters that you cannot help but fall in love with from the beginning to the end, look no further than this book.
I want her to be my friend in real life and he’s just the perfect hero in everything he does, and I mean everything !
What I love most is probably the awareness of a hard topic for many young people nowadays and how much friendships and finding help means.
Love you better is going straight to my favourite books of the year and can’t wait to read more from this debut author.
If you love a great story with characters that you cannot help but fall in love with from the beginning to the end, look no further than this book.
I want her to be my friend in real life and he’s just the perfect hero in everything he does, and I mean everything !
What I love most is probably the awareness of a hard topic for many young people nowadays and how much friendships and finding help means.
Love you better is going straight to my favourite books of the year and can’t wait to read more from this debut author.
July 23, 2021
I am a romance reader. With that being said I also have high expectations when it comes to connecting with my characters, the banter, and the overall appeal and feel of a story. This debut friends to more romance hit ALL THE MARKS for me. I connected instantly. The friendships and banter were addicting. I was in a state of DO NOT TALK TO ME while I devoured this journey. I honestly am blown away that it is a DEBUT!! Brit Benson is an author you need to read, follow and watch. Intelligently written romance that doesn't fit the "mold" of stereotypical male and female roles. The characters were smart, unapologetic and kind. Even when I thought I needed them to get catty, I WAS WRONG. Women and men supporting each other and loving each other for who they are. BRILLIANT!! Brit Benson made me swoon, smile, tear up and cheer for these two to see the light. I can't wait for more.
July 16, 2021
I absolutely fell in love with Kelley and Ivy omg this friends to lovers/ second chance romance is everything and more. I have been supper excited to read this one.
Ivy and Kelley they are best friends both scared to take a chance. Like any friendship or relationship they also have there ups and downs and struggles. Through it all they come out stronger than ever.
I laughed, I cried, and I was swooning for Ivy and Kelley! The side characters had me wanting more. This book pulled me in from the very first few pages. This book just has everything and flows so well.
Brit I absolutely loved this and can’t wait for more!
Ivy and Kelley they are best friends both scared to take a chance. Like any friendship or relationship they also have there ups and downs and struggles. Through it all they come out stronger than ever.
I laughed, I cried, and I was swooning for Ivy and Kelley! The side characters had me wanting more. This book pulled me in from the very first few pages. This book just has everything and flows so well.
Brit I absolutely loved this and can’t wait for more!
August 9, 2021
This is a beautifully written, second chance, friends to lovers story. I can’t believe this is Brit Benson’s debut novel! Ivy and Kelley have so much history, chemistry and tension! I couldn’t believe they were able to keep their hands off each other for so long. The humorous dialogue, palpable chemistry and heartfelt emotion kept me hooked. Well done Brit Benson! 👏🏼
July 23, 2021
I loved this book!! If you like slow burn friends to lovers books this one is for you! I generally find myself getting bored of books are to much of a slow burn, but that didn’t happen at all with this book! You will feel the feelings that both Ivy and Kelley feel while trying to hide their feelings for each other. The anxiousness and being scared of ruining a amazing friendship. There are some definite heavy parts in this book. Sexual assault is a part of the story and that might be triggering for someone. The side characters are just what was needed to bring in some lightness to the book. You will have parts where you are laughing and other parts that give you the chills! Ivey and Kelley are just perfect for each other! I am so excited for the next book!!! You would never know this was a debut book!! I am so excited for what is to come for Brit Benson! I absolutely recommend this book!!
Received a arc for a honest review.
Received a arc for a honest review.
July 23, 2021
A sexy and achingly sweet debut best friends to lovers romance with incredible steam, a quirky friend group, and clever banter that had me laughing out loud. This is sassy and charming sex positive novel that delighted and satisfied my romance loving heart!
Blurb: Ivy and Kelley have always been close, but after a falling out in high school the two go their separate ways. Now that they are back together, a sexual tension is starting to bubble and the platonic friendship doesn’t feel so platonic anymore. Will Ivy tell Kelley what happened all those years ago and can the two of them finally confess their true feelings?
This book is ridiculously swoony and comical, while also having some serious subject matter. I love that Brit writes candidly about the effects of sexual assault and discusses sex positivity in a clever and applicable way. Ivy isn’t ashamed of her sexuality and explains the importance of safe sex with her friends honestly and candidly. Brit also brought together all my favorite elements in romance. She gave me a supportive friend group, relevant topics, satisfying steam, and a plot that’s both hot and sweet at the same time. The tension between Ivy and Kelley is pure angst and I loved every moment of their relationship. I seriously can’t get enough of these characters! I need Jesse and Bailey’s books now! Bravo Brit! I am so incredibly proud of you!
Blurb: Ivy and Kelley have always been close, but after a falling out in high school the two go their separate ways. Now that they are back together, a sexual tension is starting to bubble and the platonic friendship doesn’t feel so platonic anymore. Will Ivy tell Kelley what happened all those years ago and can the two of them finally confess their true feelings?
This book is ridiculously swoony and comical, while also having some serious subject matter. I love that Brit writes candidly about the effects of sexual assault and discusses sex positivity in a clever and applicable way. Ivy isn’t ashamed of her sexuality and explains the importance of safe sex with her friends honestly and candidly. Brit also brought together all my favorite elements in romance. She gave me a supportive friend group, relevant topics, satisfying steam, and a plot that’s both hot and sweet at the same time. The tension between Ivy and Kelley is pure angst and I loved every moment of their relationship. I seriously can’t get enough of these characters! I need Jesse and Bailey’s books now! Bravo Brit! I am so incredibly proud of you!
July 20, 2021
Love You Better is the debut novel from Brit Benson, however, if you didn't tell me beforehand it was her first book I never would have guessed. This story is so well developed, with amazing characters, an addicting storyline, and the perfect balance of angst + humor.
I loved these characters so much! Kelley + Ivy had such incredible chemistry, from friendship to more they truly sizzled and I couldn't get enough of them. Kelley is the epitome of book boyfriend, and I will fight anyone who tries to take him from me. He's sexy + loyal, sweet + funny, and the guy you can't help but root for. Ivy is such a badass heroine, strong + opinionated, and never backs down from what she wants. And together? These two are pure magic! Add in Bailey + Jesse and you have an absolutely incredible group of characters.
This storyline flowed perfectly, never dragged and is such a treat. It made me laugh, it made me want to cry, and it made my heart fill until I thought it would burst. Brit Benson has delivered an incredible story that reads like that of a seasoned author, and I can't wait to see her talent shine in the future!
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
I loved these characters so much! Kelley + Ivy had such incredible chemistry, from friendship to more they truly sizzled and I couldn't get enough of them. Kelley is the epitome of book boyfriend, and I will fight anyone who tries to take him from me. He's sexy + loyal, sweet + funny, and the guy you can't help but root for. Ivy is such a badass heroine, strong + opinionated, and never backs down from what she wants. And together? These two are pure magic! Add in Bailey + Jesse and you have an absolutely incredible group of characters.
This storyline flowed perfectly, never dragged and is such a treat. It made me laugh, it made me want to cry, and it made my heart fill until I thought it would burst. Brit Benson has delivered an incredible story that reads like that of a seasoned author, and I can't wait to see her talent shine in the future!
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
July 18, 2021
4.5 stars
Brit Bensen’s debut novel, Love You Better, is a sweet and swoony friends to lovers romance with all the feels. The heroine, Ivy is a take no crap girl, with a side of hot mess, who loves her friends and family and knows what she wants from life. The hero, Kelly, is super sweet, although when these two finally start admitting their true feelings for each other, we get to see his dirty side too.
We instantly became invested in their story and were begging for their HEA. But Ivy and Kelley’s story was not without strife, dealing with past issues and tackling PTSD with modesty and consideration. All of this showed the bond they shared was unbreakable.
This was a solid debut and definitely worth reading.
Brit Bensen’s debut novel, Love You Better, is a sweet and swoony friends to lovers romance with all the feels. The heroine, Ivy is a take no crap girl, with a side of hot mess, who loves her friends and family and knows what she wants from life. The hero, Kelly, is super sweet, although when these two finally start admitting their true feelings for each other, we get to see his dirty side too.
We instantly became invested in their story and were begging for their HEA. But Ivy and Kelley’s story was not without strife, dealing with past issues and tackling PTSD with modesty and consideration. All of this showed the bond they shared was unbreakable.
This was a solid debut and definitely worth reading.
August 20, 2021
In love with Ivy & Kelley!
I’ve never loved a friends to lovers couple more! This authors debut novel is incredible. The story is packed full of angsty goodness and you’ll fall for this couple right from the start. I enjoyed that even though they were high school friends (now I’m college) they had their own stories separately as well. Their lives and the side characters stories wove together really well. Ivy is an strong leading lady and if you love a dirty talker Kelley will be your next favorite.
Definitely grab this book for a great read!
I’ve never loved a friends to lovers couple more! This authors debut novel is incredible. The story is packed full of angsty goodness and you’ll fall for this couple right from the start. I enjoyed that even though they were high school friends (now I’m college) they had their own stories separately as well. Their lives and the side characters stories wove together really well. Ivy is an strong leading lady and if you love a dirty talker Kelley will be your next favorite.
Definitely grab this book for a great read!
July 23, 2021
Humor, heart and all the sexual heat I love in my romances. 4.5 Stars!
“It means I’m going to love you better than anyone can. The only person who will ever love you better than me is yourself, but I’m going to spend all of my life trying to match you.”
A beautiful friends to lovers romance, this story was a fantastic debut novel! We get humor, heart and all the sexual heat I love in my romances. I always love when the guy has the unrequited feelings and Kelley has harbored a long-standing crush on his best friend. But Ivy likes to play the field and keep her love life far away from her friendships, a coping mechanism to heal from the pain of past trauma. One kiss changes everything and there was definitely no going back to just friends!
The pacing of the story builds like a slow burn romance, with a few chapters going back to high school to see how their unbreakable friendship began. Once we hit the halfway mark, the story really picked up for me and I started to fall in love with Ivy, she was strong willed and her sarcastic personality really shined through! Watching her truly and finally heal and open her heart was a beautiful journey.
But for me, Kelley really stole the show. I really felt the adoration and love that Kelley had for Ivy, he is as sweet as they come and builds Ivy up when she needs it the most, to me the true sign of a genuine and caring man. But oh boyyyy does Kelley have a dirty mouth! He may act the studious, nerd but the sex scenes in this story were on fire! Overall great debut romance with great chemistry between the leads and a fun supporting cast of characters to round out the story!
“It means I’m going to love you better than anyone can. The only person who will ever love you better than me is yourself, but I’m going to spend all of my life trying to match you.”
A beautiful friends to lovers romance, this story was a fantastic debut novel! We get humor, heart and all the sexual heat I love in my romances. I always love when the guy has the unrequited feelings and Kelley has harbored a long-standing crush on his best friend. But Ivy likes to play the field and keep her love life far away from her friendships, a coping mechanism to heal from the pain of past trauma. One kiss changes everything and there was definitely no going back to just friends!
The pacing of the story builds like a slow burn romance, with a few chapters going back to high school to see how their unbreakable friendship began. Once we hit the halfway mark, the story really picked up for me and I started to fall in love with Ivy, she was strong willed and her sarcastic personality really shined through! Watching her truly and finally heal and open her heart was a beautiful journey.
But for me, Kelley really stole the show. I really felt the adoration and love that Kelley had for Ivy, he is as sweet as they come and builds Ivy up when she needs it the most, to me the true sign of a genuine and caring man. But oh boyyyy does Kelley have a dirty mouth! He may act the studious, nerd but the sex scenes in this story were on fire! Overall great debut romance with great chemistry between the leads and a fun supporting cast of characters to round out the story!
August 9, 2021
“𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯! 𝘍𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘺!” 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. “ 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴𝘴-𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯. 𝘍𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘺.”
There is no way this beautifully written, enchanting and swoon-worthy novel is a debut. Brit has the natural talent as a writer. From beginning to end, this novel kept me reading and wanting to find out how Kelley and Ivy went from being best friends… to more. The hints at the past, the relationship between side characters, and the trauma endured made for a heartfelt read. This novel had the heart pulls, the comedy, and the delicious steam (totally worth the wait)! It was all captured so beautifully by Brit and I cannot wait to read more of her inspiring work.
“𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴!” 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺.”
Kelley was the most perfect, cinnamon, dirty talking book boyfriend. Ivy was everything to him, and while he knew it, he didn’t know how to tell her. Their friendship was like no other and their love was extraordinary. Kelley was passionate in all aspects of his life; school, work, family, friends, and relationships. Ivy held that equal passion, if not more. She was strong and inspiring and I think everyone needs an Ivy in their life. I loved getting to know these characters and hope I will see them again in book two!❤️
I loved this friends-to-lovers novel. This trope isn’t generally my favourite, but I think Brit may have reignited my love I used to have for it. Sometimes all I need is an amazing book to give me a reminder of why I love the spectrum of romance tropes.
I would give this 5-cornflowers💙
Steam rating: 4🔥
There is no way this beautifully written, enchanting and swoon-worthy novel is a debut. Brit has the natural talent as a writer. From beginning to end, this novel kept me reading and wanting to find out how Kelley and Ivy went from being best friends… to more. The hints at the past, the relationship between side characters, and the trauma endured made for a heartfelt read. This novel had the heart pulls, the comedy, and the delicious steam (totally worth the wait)! It was all captured so beautifully by Brit and I cannot wait to read more of her inspiring work.
“𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴!” 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺.”
Kelley was the most perfect, cinnamon, dirty talking book boyfriend. Ivy was everything to him, and while he knew it, he didn’t know how to tell her. Their friendship was like no other and their love was extraordinary. Kelley was passionate in all aspects of his life; school, work, family, friends, and relationships. Ivy held that equal passion, if not more. She was strong and inspiring and I think everyone needs an Ivy in their life. I loved getting to know these characters and hope I will see them again in book two!❤️
I loved this friends-to-lovers novel. This trope isn’t generally my favourite, but I think Brit may have reignited my love I used to have for it. Sometimes all I need is an amazing book to give me a reminder of why I love the spectrum of romance tropes.
I would give this 5-cornflowers💙
Steam rating: 4🔥
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews