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Leads to This #1
All Roads Lead to This
Cedric and Rueben have been best friends since sixth grade, and cannot imagine life without each other - Cedric was there for Rueben when he came out to his family, and Rueben was there for Cedric through every step of his transition.
Now, both twenty-four and working at the same plant shop, their boss gets an opportunity to receive some extremely rare plants she's wanted for years, except there's a the plants need to be collected in person from across the country, and she cannot make the journey herself. Rueben, ever helpful, is quick to volunteer him and Cedric to travel across the country in her place.
Cedric is apprehensive about the trip, both because he hates sudden changes to his routine, and because he may or may not have a few secrets he hasn't told Rueben about. Secrets like the fact that he might be in love with his best friend...
All Roads Lead to This is a low angst HEA m/m romance that involves a road trip across South Africa, sharing a bed, heavy pinning, and childhood friends to lovers tropes. This book is part of a shared-universe romance series, but each book can be read as a stand-alone. Roughly 85,000 words long. The book contains adult content.
Now, both twenty-four and working at the same plant shop, their boss gets an opportunity to receive some extremely rare plants she's wanted for years, except there's a the plants need to be collected in person from across the country, and she cannot make the journey herself. Rueben, ever helpful, is quick to volunteer him and Cedric to travel across the country in her place.
Cedric is apprehensive about the trip, both because he hates sudden changes to his routine, and because he may or may not have a few secrets he hasn't told Rueben about. Secrets like the fact that he might be in love with his best friend...
All Roads Lead to This is a low angst HEA m/m romance that involves a road trip across South Africa, sharing a bed, heavy pinning, and childhood friends to lovers tropes. This book is part of a shared-universe romance series, but each book can be read as a stand-alone. Roughly 85,000 words long. The book contains adult content.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2021
10 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Kay Claire
19 books69 followersKay Claire is an illustrator, comic creator and author from Cape Town, South Africa. When not doing art or writing they spend most of their waking hours reading, trying out new hobbies, and taking their dog for walks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 10, 2021
I guess a lot of people write reviews for their own books, so I might as well do it too, huh?
I loved writing this book. It went through about four goes of editing, and I'll admit, there were times when I had serious doubts about it. I worried about the plot constantly, if I was doing too much, if I was doing too little...
On my final edit, reading the whole thing from beginning to end for the third time, as I was adding in a few more scenes my beta reader flagged as needing a little extra oomph, I realised: I love reading the book. I love these characters. There were bits that made me teary eyed. And the final line of the epilogue put a huge smile on my face.
I really hope you all enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed creating it. And I hope you'll enjoy the future instalments: the two books I have planned for Seb and Zea.
I loved writing this book. It went through about four goes of editing, and I'll admit, there were times when I had serious doubts about it. I worried about the plot constantly, if I was doing too much, if I was doing too little...
On my final edit, reading the whole thing from beginning to end for the third time, as I was adding in a few more scenes my beta reader flagged as needing a little extra oomph, I realised: I love reading the book. I love these characters. There were bits that made me teary eyed. And the final line of the epilogue put a huge smile on my face.
I really hope you all enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed creating it. And I hope you'll enjoy the future instalments: the two books I have planned for Seb and Zea.
October 7, 2022
All roads lead to this
If you are thinking about reading this book, do it without a second thought. It’s one of the best contemporary romance books I’ve read in a long while and it’s finally about people my age. The main characters are 24 years old , they have been best friends since they were children and.. (drum rolls) they are in love with one another. Of course they haven’t told each other yet. Because of work they have to do a road trip and the magic begins there.
I loved this book, it exceeded every expectation I had, it made me feel warm inside and so so happy. The characters were all amazing , starting from our mcs to their best friends to even their boss. I really liked that the story is written with the current events in mind which I hadn’t seen in another book.
What I mainly loved about this book( because if I don’t do that it’s going to take a while) :
•povs from both mcs
•road trip through South Africa and all the descriptions of the scenery
•the fact that they were always there for each other, especially through Rueben’s coming out and Cedric’s transition
•childhood friends to lovers 💛
•Cedric’s anxiety rep
If you are thinking about reading this book, do it without a second thought. It’s one of the best contemporary romance books I’ve read in a long while and it’s finally about people my age. The main characters are 24 years old , they have been best friends since they were children and.. (drum rolls) they are in love with one another. Of course they haven’t told each other yet. Because of work they have to do a road trip and the magic begins there.
I loved this book, it exceeded every expectation I had, it made me feel warm inside and so so happy. The characters were all amazing , starting from our mcs to their best friends to even their boss. I really liked that the story is written with the current events in mind which I hadn’t seen in another book.
What I mainly loved about this book( because if I don’t do that it’s going to take a while) :
•povs from both mcs
•road trip through South Africa and all the descriptions of the scenery
•the fact that they were always there for each other, especially through Rueben’s coming out and Cedric’s transition
•childhood friends to lovers 💛
•Cedric’s anxiety rep
January 12, 2023
Ahh this was VERY cute
January 16, 2024
Cedric and Reuben are two 24 year olds who work at Botanique, a specialist House Plant shop in Cape Town, South Africa. They have been best friend since childhood.
Reuben is an outgoing, friendly, out and proud guy who lives with his 70 year old Grandmother. He lives upstairs and Grandmother downstairs. She often has her 54 year old boyfriend to stay. His parents have just retired and moved to the other side of the country but he didn’t want to leave his granny alone with no other family around.
Cedric is a transgender man, who suffers from anxiety attacks and worries about everything. He comes from a well off family but isn’t close to them, and weren’t very accepting of his decision to become trans. Cedric has a room in a house with several of housemates, who, together with Reuben, have been there supporting him during his transition.
Both guys are harbouring secrets which they haven’t shared, despite their closeness.
When their boss Gwen has an emergency and asks them to help Reuben jumps at the opportunity and Cedric eventually agrees to accompany him. They have to travel to the other side of the country and pick up exotic and unusual plants from the growers.
The journey will take several days there and back in a special vehicle to maintain the light and oxygen conditions for the plants.
The trip turns out to be quite the adventure, with overnight stays at hotels, side trips to beautiful scenery and places of interest. Reuben is struggling, trying not to be too much in Cedric’s space.
When Cedric reveals one of his secrets something changes between them, Reuben is hurt and Cedric retreats into his shell. A couple days later more secrets are divulged on both sides.
The thing I liked about these two was they didn’t let their misunderstandings go on and fester, they cooled down and confronted the issues asap.
I enjoyed this book set in South Africa.
It is a short, angst free read if you have a few hours to sit down and enjoy it.
Reuben is an outgoing, friendly, out and proud guy who lives with his 70 year old Grandmother. He lives upstairs and Grandmother downstairs. She often has her 54 year old boyfriend to stay. His parents have just retired and moved to the other side of the country but he didn’t want to leave his granny alone with no other family around.
Cedric is a transgender man, who suffers from anxiety attacks and worries about everything. He comes from a well off family but isn’t close to them, and weren’t very accepting of his decision to become trans. Cedric has a room in a house with several of housemates, who, together with Reuben, have been there supporting him during his transition.
Both guys are harbouring secrets which they haven’t shared, despite their closeness.
When their boss Gwen has an emergency and asks them to help Reuben jumps at the opportunity and Cedric eventually agrees to accompany him. They have to travel to the other side of the country and pick up exotic and unusual plants from the growers.
The journey will take several days there and back in a special vehicle to maintain the light and oxygen conditions for the plants.
The trip turns out to be quite the adventure, with overnight stays at hotels, side trips to beautiful scenery and places of interest. Reuben is struggling, trying not to be too much in Cedric’s space.
When Cedric reveals one of his secrets something changes between them, Reuben is hurt and Cedric retreats into his shell. A couple days later more secrets are divulged on both sides.
The thing I liked about these two was they didn’t let their misunderstandings go on and fester, they cooled down and confronted the issues asap.
I enjoyed this book set in South Africa.
It is a short, angst free read if you have a few hours to sit down and enjoy it.
March 26, 2023
I liked the rep in this book (trans-masc main character, non-binary side character). I thought the second half was stronger, because they finally talked about their feelings.
Cedric sometimes acted like a jerk towards Rueben, and while the reason was that he didn’t want to keep him from doing things that Rueben actually liked doing, I thought they could just talk about it, instead of Cedric being angry.
I also really liked the conversation before the first smut scene, when they talked about their boundaries and what they’re comfortable with.
I wasn’t fan of all the tiktok scenes, I don’t care about tiktok in general, so reading about it was a bit annoying.
I didn’t really see much chemistry between Cedric and Rueben so it was a bit hard to root for them. That changed once they started dating.
Overall 3*, I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t love it.
Cedric sometimes acted like a jerk towards Rueben, and while the reason was that he didn’t want to keep him from doing things that Rueben actually liked doing, I thought they could just talk about it, instead of Cedric being angry.
I also really liked the conversation before the first smut scene, when they talked about their boundaries and what they’re comfortable with.
I wasn’t fan of all the tiktok scenes, I don’t care about tiktok in general, so reading about it was a bit annoying.
I didn’t really see much chemistry between Cedric and Rueben so it was a bit hard to root for them. That changed once they started dating.
Overall 3*, I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t love it.
March 30, 2024
4 stars, 2.5 spice
“You’re my person. My absolute favourite person in the entire world. I would be more than happy to be your best friend for the rest of our lives... But... But if dating you is on the table? I’d take that opportunity in a heartbeat.”
This is so cute!! All Roads Lead to This is a low stakes, friends to lovers romance. Rueben and Cedric (both 24) have been best friends for most of their lives. Cedric was there for Rueben when he came out as gay and Rueben was there for Cedric as he transitioned. During Covid, they’re both working at a plant shop that has just gotten a great deal on some rare plants that have to be picked up on the other side of the country (South Africa). So a road trip perfect for feelings to be revealed ensues.
I added this book to my TBR the second I saw the cover. I have been a huge plant lover since 2016, but it really picked up in 2018, when I graduated from college, and then I got more into rare plants during the pandemic.
I actually even have many of the plants listed in this book, including a queen Anthurium on the cover! I thought all of the plant pieces that were included were great and accurate, and every time a plant was mentions that I have I got kind of giddy.
This novel does include current events from the time it was written - so expects some mentions of mask wearing and hand sanitizer because it was Covid, but it’s not excessive. Covid did play a huge part in the indoor plant industry boom so I don’t have a problem with us being included at all. Also, like many of us, Cedric is on TikTok. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of social media being mentioned, but I just found so much of what was included to be so relatable, and the way it plays a role in this ends up being both cute, sexy and important to the story.
The spice! I am an absolute sucker for clear communication when it comes to the adult content. They had a beautiful conversation about how Cedric wanted his body parts referred to and interacted with, they both spoke honestly about what they like, didn’t like, what they wanted etc. and because of that, I felt that not only was the spice good but it felt extremely intimate and validating.
Tropes & Rep:
- Friends to lovers
- Roadtrip
- One-bed
- plant lovers
- Anxiety rep (Cedric)
- MM
- Dual POV
- Trans main character
- LGBTQIA+ side characters
Definitely pick this up if you’re looking for something sweet/low stakes, you love plants and you want to read some great trans representation!
“You’re my person. My absolute favourite person in the entire world. I would be more than happy to be your best friend for the rest of our lives... But... But if dating you is on the table? I’d take that opportunity in a heartbeat.”
This is so cute!! All Roads Lead to This is a low stakes, friends to lovers romance. Rueben and Cedric (both 24) have been best friends for most of their lives. Cedric was there for Rueben when he came out as gay and Rueben was there for Cedric as he transitioned. During Covid, they’re both working at a plant shop that has just gotten a great deal on some rare plants that have to be picked up on the other side of the country (South Africa). So a road trip perfect for feelings to be revealed ensues.
I added this book to my TBR the second I saw the cover. I have been a huge plant lover since 2016, but it really picked up in 2018, when I graduated from college, and then I got more into rare plants during the pandemic.
I actually even have many of the plants listed in this book, including a queen Anthurium on the cover! I thought all of the plant pieces that were included were great and accurate, and every time a plant was mentions that I have I got kind of giddy.
This novel does include current events from the time it was written - so expects some mentions of mask wearing and hand sanitizer because it was Covid, but it’s not excessive. Covid did play a huge part in the indoor plant industry boom so I don’t have a problem with us being included at all. Also, like many of us, Cedric is on TikTok. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of social media being mentioned, but I just found so much of what was included to be so relatable, and the way it plays a role in this ends up being both cute, sexy and important to the story.
The spice! I am an absolute sucker for clear communication when it comes to the adult content. They had a beautiful conversation about how Cedric wanted his body parts referred to and interacted with, they both spoke honestly about what they like, didn’t like, what they wanted etc. and because of that, I felt that not only was the spice good but it felt extremely intimate and validating.
Tropes & Rep:
- Friends to lovers
- Roadtrip
- One-bed
- plant lovers
- Anxiety rep (Cedric)
- MM
- Dual POV
- Trans main character
- LGBTQIA+ side characters
Definitely pick this up if you’re looking for something sweet/low stakes, you love plants and you want to read some great trans representation!
March 26, 2023
What a lovely story - a wonderful friendship that turns into something more, during a roadtrip through South Africa.
It's a beautiful story, I loved the level of intimacy between Rueben and Cedric, they're adorable together. Their friendship is so solid, and it easily progressed when they were both finally ready to admit their feelings for one another.
But I have to be honest here, as much as I loved following their roadtrip on the map and searching the places they stopped in, I do not like plants. Like, at all. All my plants are artificial ones. 😅 So that part didn't really interest me, and there's a lot of plant content. But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book.
3.5 stars
It's a beautiful story, I loved the level of intimacy between Rueben and Cedric, they're adorable together. Their friendship is so solid, and it easily progressed when they were both finally ready to admit their feelings for one another.
But I have to be honest here, as much as I loved following their roadtrip on the map and searching the places they stopped in, I do not like plants. Like, at all. All my plants are artificial ones. 😅 So that part didn't really interest me, and there's a lot of plant content. But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book.
3.5 stars
June 10, 2023
This was an adorable best friends to lovers story. Dual POV, a Trans Male lead, a road trip, just one bed scenario, tik-tok thirst traps, ALL the plants, and quality steam.
November 4, 2021
Okay. This was much much much better than I expected.
It was pretty well written, the characters are wholesome as f*ck. I love Cedric and his anxiety rep. It's realistic, but didn't take over the whole story.
I love how these two helped each other out with emotional stuff, all the time.
And Rueben is an angel!
I don't regret buying this on a whim and reading it. Fluffy cuteness with amazing representation.
It was pretty well written, the characters are wholesome as f*ck. I love Cedric and his anxiety rep. It's realistic, but didn't take over the whole story.
I love how these two helped each other out with emotional stuff, all the time.
And Rueben is an angel!
I don't regret buying this on a whim and reading it. Fluffy cuteness with amazing representation.
September 29, 2022
I loved reading this so much!!!! Everything exceeded my expectations as I fell in love with the characters and the story immediately! Getting to see the story play out from both perspectives was one of my favourite parts. The writing is so compelling and I loved the modernity of it. So many others shy away from the inclusion of current events and even the inclusion of social media, but here it was all included along with the incredibly written characters and their wonderfully written personalities.
I can’t wait for whatever may come next for Cedric and Reuben! I will keep my eyes peeled for updates 👀 09/11/2021
PS. thinking back on it… I read this while on vacation in Mexico. So now as I recall this book, I also get to remember the wonderful time I was having whilst the lovely boys were on their road trip 💕 29/09/2022
I can’t wait for whatever may come next for Cedric and Reuben! I will keep my eyes peeled for updates 👀 09/11/2021
PS. thinking back on it… I read this while on vacation in Mexico. So now as I recall this book, I also get to remember the wonderful time I was having whilst the lovely boys were on their road trip 💕 29/09/2022
October 17, 2022
Friends to lovers is one of my favourite romance tropes and Kay’s book delivered one of the best I’ve ever seen.
You know those books that fills your heart with love, gives you only happy feelings, and makes you have a goofy smile throughout the whole read? That was All Roads to me.
Two childhood best friends working in a plant shop together. Cedric and Rueben have the perfect best friends relationship. They’re always there for each other, they know when to give the other some space, they’ve supported each other through everything in their lives, and they’re always trying to make the other happy.
The thing is…Cedric has always had a secret crush on Rueben, and Rueben volunteered the two of them to go on an almost week long road trip to get a rare plant for the shop. Just the two of them…a car…the scenery…and shared rooms along the way…oh wait, maybe a shared bed too?
Seriously, everything about this book was amazing. The queer rep was top tier, the anxiety rep so real and relatable, the romance was sweet and felt so natural, there was the perfect amount of spicy (and omg those scenes were HOT), and one thing that makes me happier than all else: THEY TALKED!!! Y’all, they actually talked whenever there was a conflict or something felt wrong
So, if you want to read a book that will make you happy and take you to a comfortable and peaceful place, read All Roads Lead To This.
You know those books that fills your heart with love, gives you only happy feelings, and makes you have a goofy smile throughout the whole read? That was All Roads to me.
Two childhood best friends working in a plant shop together. Cedric and Rueben have the perfect best friends relationship. They’re always there for each other, they know when to give the other some space, they’ve supported each other through everything in their lives, and they’re always trying to make the other happy.
The thing is…Cedric has always had a secret crush on Rueben, and Rueben volunteered the two of them to go on an almost week long road trip to get a rare plant for the shop. Just the two of them…a car…the scenery…and shared rooms along the way…oh wait, maybe a shared bed too?
Seriously, everything about this book was amazing. The queer rep was top tier, the anxiety rep so real and relatable, the romance was sweet and felt so natural, there was the perfect amount of spicy (and omg those scenes were HOT), and one thing that makes me happier than all else: THEY TALKED!!! Y’all, they actually talked whenever there was a conflict or something felt wrong
So, if you want to read a book that will make you happy and take you to a comfortable and peaceful place, read All Roads Lead To This.
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March 24, 2024I’m sure this story is really cute but the writing did not work for me at all. It didn’t feel natural, and it didn’t feel like the two MCs were best friends who were secretly in love. Started skimming around 30% and finally decided to call it at 45%
June 23, 2025
All Roads Lead to This is a cute story that follows two friends, Reuben and Cedric who have been friends since childhood as they journey across South Africa during the pandemic as they go to retrieve rare plants for their employer. I love how much the areas the two go through are described and it sounds wonderful especially how lovely the coastal area sounded.
Both men are attracted to one another but have their insecurities as to why they’ve never vocalised it to one another and yet, it’s apparent to the reader how perfect the two are for one another and how they’re the epitome of friends to lovers. But oh, that’s the joy of a miscommunication trope as well as friends to lovers isn’t it - if your characters can’t confess how much they’re attracted to someone then a mistake or confusion in a conversation can cause the truth to come out.
I loved Cedric who is a transgender man, and how he explores the fluidity of his fashion via his TikTok videos after being encouraged by his flatmates and how on one hand he’s so confident making the videos and yet filled with anxiety of Reuben finding out. He complements Reuben so well, and I was hoping to see the two realise what the reader could see, but I did find that the confession/realisation came quite late on in the book (around 60%) and I was wondering if it was ever going to happen given they were together all the time on the journey.
Once the two are on the same page, I liked how when they talked, it felt real and had an honesty to the way the two men felt about one another and also their reactions to realising that they both were attracted to one another. The spiciness between these two is quite a lot and I wasn’t expecting it to be if I’m honest (not that I mind spice) but I had thought it was more a cute rom-com style read so be prepared for the two of them to make up for lost time so to speak.
What I will say though is I don’t know quite what it was but at times the writing felt quite stilted and we got more information about their journey than we needed.
The only way I can describe parts of it is similar to when you have a friend recounting a journey and you drift in and out of listening because it’s been two hours longer than it needed to be. It did put me off and made me consider briefly putting the book down but I wanted to see it through and get to their ‘happy ever after’ because I liked the two characters together and they deserved all the happiness. What was really good writing wise however, was the addition of a glossary of terms as there were terminology etc that were familiar to those in South Africa and not necessarily anywhere else. I also liked how one character was far more familiar with Afrikaans than the other, and there were examples of that language throughout the book.
We ended on the two being asked to travel again… I’m unsure if there is a sequel from the author, but if so, I hope it’s set far after the pandemic as even the brief reminder of that time wasn’t one I wished to recall.
Both men are attracted to one another but have their insecurities as to why they’ve never vocalised it to one another and yet, it’s apparent to the reader how perfect the two are for one another and how they’re the epitome of friends to lovers. But oh, that’s the joy of a miscommunication trope as well as friends to lovers isn’t it - if your characters can’t confess how much they’re attracted to someone then a mistake or confusion in a conversation can cause the truth to come out.
I loved Cedric who is a transgender man, and how he explores the fluidity of his fashion via his TikTok videos after being encouraged by his flatmates and how on one hand he’s so confident making the videos and yet filled with anxiety of Reuben finding out. He complements Reuben so well, and I was hoping to see the two realise what the reader could see, but I did find that the confession/realisation came quite late on in the book (around 60%) and I was wondering if it was ever going to happen given they were together all the time on the journey.
Once the two are on the same page, I liked how when they talked, it felt real and had an honesty to the way the two men felt about one another and also their reactions to realising that they both were attracted to one another. The spiciness between these two is quite a lot and I wasn’t expecting it to be if I’m honest (not that I mind spice) but I had thought it was more a cute rom-com style read so be prepared for the two of them to make up for lost time so to speak.
What I will say though is I don’t know quite what it was but at times the writing felt quite stilted and we got more information about their journey than we needed.
The only way I can describe parts of it is similar to when you have a friend recounting a journey and you drift in and out of listening because it’s been two hours longer than it needed to be. It did put me off and made me consider briefly putting the book down but I wanted to see it through and get to their ‘happy ever after’ because I liked the two characters together and they deserved all the happiness. What was really good writing wise however, was the addition of a glossary of terms as there were terminology etc that were familiar to those in South Africa and not necessarily anywhere else. I also liked how one character was far more familiar with Afrikaans than the other, and there were examples of that language throughout the book.
We ended on the two being asked to travel again… I’m unsure if there is a sequel from the author, but if so, I hope it’s set far after the pandemic as even the brief reminder of that time wasn’t one I wished to recall.
March 22, 2025
Such a sweet story. I absolutely loved both Rueben and Cedric, both their POVs, and also their friends.
It was so easy to get lost in their road trip, the anxiety and love between them (even when I just wanted them to talk, but the hesitation there was also relatable). The spice is very nicely written as well, with lots of consent, talking and laughing, but at the same time hot.
An amazing read overall, perfect for sunny days.
It was so easy to get lost in their road trip, the anxiety and love between them (even when I just wanted them to talk, but the hesitation there was also relatable). The spice is very nicely written as well, with lots of consent, talking and laughing, but at the same time hot.
An amazing read overall, perfect for sunny days.
March 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
The slow burn in this one is so so worth it! Rueben & Cedric know each other so well, their history is well established and they go from friends to lovers easily. I loved the road trip element. I also love that these two communicate their wants and needs perfectly to each other. It was just so so good!
The slow burn in this one is so so worth it! Rueben & Cedric know each other so well, their history is well established and they go from friends to lovers easily. I loved the road trip element. I also love that these two communicate their wants and needs perfectly to each other. It was just so so good!
December 13, 2025
3.5 🌟
Cedric felt very relatable and well written as a trans character with anxiety too
I just spent the whole book praying for them to communicate better
I also loved the descriptions of all the places they visited it sounded lovely
I also wish covid wasn't really mentioned I think if there wasn't any indicator of years it maybe would age better over time
Cedric felt very relatable and well written as a trans character with anxiety too
I just spent the whole book praying for them to communicate better
I also loved the descriptions of all the places they visited it sounded lovely
I also wish covid wasn't really mentioned I think if there wasn't any indicator of years it maybe would age better over time
November 14, 2021
Cute, fun, great read!
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were fun and I’m a sucker for a besties to lovers story. As someone not familiar with South Africa, I really enjoyed the setting. I would love to read more set in the same universe!
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were fun and I’m a sucker for a besties to lovers story. As someone not familiar with South Africa, I really enjoyed the setting. I would love to read more set in the same universe!
November 2, 2021
I might be biased because I beta read this book, but it was a really enjoyable experience to read and follow the progress of the creation of this story.
A best friends to lovers that takes place over the course of a roadtrip.
A best friends to lovers that takes place over the course of a roadtrip.
March 23, 2023
I’ve got a few contradictory feelings about this book.
The book depicts the story of two guys who have been best friends since they were little kids.
Reuben is a marshmallow extrovert with the biggest heart and a lovely and outgoing personality. He loves surfing and photography. He went to photography school in university and is really talented, but he left photography as a hobby and he works as a sales person in a Plant Shop together with Cedric. He isn’t depicted openly as someone having anxiety but you can definitely tell he is more than an anxious person from his inner monologue. He is insecure when it comes to relationships, most of his exes have told him he is too “clingy” or “overbearing”. He is gay and has a super supportive afrikaans family. Also, he is bilingual in English and Afrikaans.
Cedric, on the other hand, is a bit of an introvert and he has diagnosed anxiety. He is very gorgeous. He studied marketing and e-commerce in university, he loves plants and works in the e-commerce and marketing area of the same Plant Store as Reuben. He is really passionate about indoor plants and he started a TikTok account about plants. That account ended up having a lot of followers and he discovered that he loves editing videos and is great at it. He uses his account to explore his gender identity and gender presentation, uploading sexy videos in which he explores his femininity through outfits and makeup. He is trans and his extended family still deadnames and misgenders him sometimes. He is also gay.
The plot is more than interesting: the 2 best friends are in love, some pinning leads to romance in a road trip through South Africa; the book includes great trans rep -even some amazing respectful s*x scenes- and South African representation, together with a lot of info about plants which, if it’s your thing, should be great.
The thing is that the book is, sadly, veeery poorly written. The book goes between a narration in the past and a narration in simple present in a way that is simple grammatically incorrect, incohesive and very difficult to ignore, sometimes being incoherent in the same sentence.
Also, I had a very hard time empathising with Cedric for the first 60% of the book. Until they get together, he manages his pinning VERY poorly, mistreating Reuben, lying to him and being very confusing and aggressive.
I think the book had a looot of potential but sadly I can’t recommend it because it turned out to be a very uphill read.
The book depicts the story of two guys who have been best friends since they were little kids.
Reuben is a marshmallow extrovert with the biggest heart and a lovely and outgoing personality. He loves surfing and photography. He went to photography school in university and is really talented, but he left photography as a hobby and he works as a sales person in a Plant Shop together with Cedric. He isn’t depicted openly as someone having anxiety but you can definitely tell he is more than an anxious person from his inner monologue. He is insecure when it comes to relationships, most of his exes have told him he is too “clingy” or “overbearing”. He is gay and has a super supportive afrikaans family. Also, he is bilingual in English and Afrikaans.
Cedric, on the other hand, is a bit of an introvert and he has diagnosed anxiety. He is very gorgeous. He studied marketing and e-commerce in university, he loves plants and works in the e-commerce and marketing area of the same Plant Store as Reuben. He is really passionate about indoor plants and he started a TikTok account about plants. That account ended up having a lot of followers and he discovered that he loves editing videos and is great at it. He uses his account to explore his gender identity and gender presentation, uploading sexy videos in which he explores his femininity through outfits and makeup. He is trans and his extended family still deadnames and misgenders him sometimes. He is also gay.
The plot is more than interesting: the 2 best friends are in love, some pinning leads to romance in a road trip through South Africa; the book includes great trans rep -even some amazing respectful s*x scenes- and South African representation, together with a lot of info about plants which, if it’s your thing, should be great.
The thing is that the book is, sadly, veeery poorly written. The book goes between a narration in the past and a narration in simple present in a way that is simple grammatically incorrect, incohesive and very difficult to ignore, sometimes being incoherent in the same sentence.
Also, I had a very hard time empathising with Cedric for the first 60% of the book. Until they get together, he manages his pinning VERY poorly, mistreating Reuben, lying to him and being very confusing and aggressive.
I think the book had a looot of potential but sadly I can’t recommend it because it turned out to be a very uphill read.
June 10, 2022
I discovered this author by chance though Instagram and was intrigued by this book because of the fact that it takes place in South Africa, which was a nice change, and I love a good friends to lover romance!
I loved that there was no big drama (no talk about homophobia etc…) and that they had a realistic relationship and that their reactions didn’t seem over the top. No « oh I misunderstood you and I won’t talk to you for 2 chapters » ^^
It was a nice quick read.
I was a bit apprehensive when I read in the intro that it took place in 2021 with Covid being included but as the author says, it doesn’t affect the story at all.
I loved that there was no big drama (no talk about homophobia etc…) and that they had a realistic relationship and that their reactions didn’t seem over the top. No « oh I misunderstood you and I won’t talk to you for 2 chapters » ^^
It was a nice quick read.
I was a bit apprehensive when I read in the intro that it took place in 2021 with Covid being included but as the author says, it doesn’t affect the story at all.
May 30, 2024
4.4/5 ☆
okay, first let me just say: this is the kind of childhood best friends to lovers romance i always look for. honestly, it was sweet and angsty and beautiful.
the story starts with Cedric and Reuben — two childhood best friends working at the same plant shop — taking a road trip together in order to collect a rare plant from a supplier. the trip takes them all over Cape Town and the little glimpses we got to have into the Afrikaans language, and South African cultures and landscapes and sights were so fascinating.
the trans rep was also so gorgeous and showed us the phsyical reality of being a trans man and how the world greets him. i loved how Cedric was so supported and understood and protected by all his friends and everyone.
and as road trips often bring with them the element of cozy proximity and different hotel rooms and yes, only one bed, this one gave us all of it in full intensity. and i've been pretty neutral on the "only one bed" trope, but can i just say i need this EXACT amount of angst when employing this trope? pls i think i'll be disappointed now if i see anything less than this level of internal struggle in this trope.
the best friend to lovers arc was, gaaah, straightup keysmash-worthy, a smorgasbord of all the right FEELS that hit me just in the right spots. the unrequited crush was crushing so bad. the angst was angsting so hard. the pining was SO precious!!! the /it hurt me that you don't look at me that way/ confession and the RESPONSE to that — inner me was constantly going, "sir i am gonna need you to take a breather."
i really loved their whole relationship development.
the tiktok culture and influencers side explored here also gave my gen z brain some excitement.
though to be completely honest, the first quarter of the book was kind of slow for me, probably bc i wasn't in the right mood at the time.
if you are plants lover, you will LOVE the big chunks of the story that's filled with plants trivia. but since i am not a big fan, those places kind of dragged for me. like i knew the story would have some plants-related things too, but i didn't expect so much, esp. the technical jargons and scientific terms. which is not bad! it just works so much better for plant lovers. and again, that's subjective so take it with a pinch of salt. it also didn't sway my feelings on the book itself much.
apart from that, i had some minor tiffs that were mostly my pet peeves: some repetitive phrases, overuse of exclamation points etc, but ignoring all that, it was a really sweet, wholesome read and an excellent one for a debut!
okay, first let me just say: this is the kind of childhood best friends to lovers romance i always look for. honestly, it was sweet and angsty and beautiful.
the story starts with Cedric and Reuben — two childhood best friends working at the same plant shop — taking a road trip together in order to collect a rare plant from a supplier. the trip takes them all over Cape Town and the little glimpses we got to have into the Afrikaans language, and South African cultures and landscapes and sights were so fascinating.
the trans rep was also so gorgeous and showed us the phsyical reality of being a trans man and how the world greets him. i loved how Cedric was so supported and understood and protected by all his friends and everyone.
and as road trips often bring with them the element of cozy proximity and different hotel rooms and yes, only one bed, this one gave us all of it in full intensity. and i've been pretty neutral on the "only one bed" trope, but can i just say i need this EXACT amount of angst when employing this trope? pls i think i'll be disappointed now if i see anything less than this level of internal struggle in this trope.
the best friend to lovers arc was, gaaah, straightup keysmash-worthy, a smorgasbord of all the right FEELS that hit me just in the right spots. the unrequited crush was crushing so bad. the angst was angsting so hard. the pining was SO precious!!! the /it hurt me that you don't look at me that way/ confession and the RESPONSE to that — inner me was constantly going, "sir i am gonna need you to take a breather."
i really loved their whole relationship development.
the tiktok culture and influencers side explored here also gave my gen z brain some excitement.
though to be completely honest, the first quarter of the book was kind of slow for me, probably bc i wasn't in the right mood at the time.
if you are plants lover, you will LOVE the big chunks of the story that's filled with plants trivia. but since i am not a big fan, those places kind of dragged for me. like i knew the story would have some plants-related things too, but i didn't expect so much, esp. the technical jargons and scientific terms. which is not bad! it just works so much better for plant lovers. and again, that's subjective so take it with a pinch of salt. it also didn't sway my feelings on the book itself much.
apart from that, i had some minor tiffs that were mostly my pet peeves: some repetitive phrases, overuse of exclamation points etc, but ignoring all that, it was a really sweet, wholesome read and an excellent one for a debut!
May 4, 2025
3.25 - liked it ok
This book follows best friends Rueben and Cedric. The two work at a botanical store in Cape Town. When their boss asks them to go on a road trip to collect some rare plants on the other side of the country, Rueben readily agrees.
Cedric's feelings about the trip are more complicated, because though he loves Rueben and considers him his best friend, he also is harboring the world's biggest crush on him. And being in such close quarters for five days make it damn near impossible to keep hiding his feelings.
On Rueben's part, he loves his best friend. He wants to spend all his time with Cedric. He just worries that it's too much for Cedric and will consequently push him away.
I liked this book ok. This book had a lot of firsts for me; I've never read a book set in South Africa, for once, and this one even explored the geography of the country. I've also never read a book about plant enthusiasts before, though I've certainly met them IRL. And lastly, I've never read a book with a trans MC before.
Regarding Cedric being trans: I thought it was really interesting. I don't know any trans men well, so it was good and interesting to hear more about what his life looked like, what relationships and intimacy looked like, etc. I also loved that Rueben was unshakably supportive and never batted an eye at anything trans-related.
This book was really inclusive in regards to the LGBT+ community, and had a lot of representation. We saw lesbians, gay men, trans men, and an enby character as well. I don't know that I've read a book with such LGBT+ breadth before, and I commend the author on doing it well.
All that being said, I feel just ok about this book because I didn't feel particularly drawn in by the story or romance. I don't really care about plants, and while road trips are cool, I feel like it's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime vibe in this book where it really isn't where I live in America. I appreciate that the love story wasn't overly dramatic, but it also wasn't the most interesting either.
So overall, I liked this book ok. I'd recommend it for people who like South Africa, gay romance, trans characters, and overall LGBT representation.
This book follows best friends Rueben and Cedric. The two work at a botanical store in Cape Town. When their boss asks them to go on a road trip to collect some rare plants on the other side of the country, Rueben readily agrees.
Cedric's feelings about the trip are more complicated, because though he loves Rueben and considers him his best friend, he also is harboring the world's biggest crush on him. And being in such close quarters for five days make it damn near impossible to keep hiding his feelings.
On Rueben's part, he loves his best friend. He wants to spend all his time with Cedric. He just worries that it's too much for Cedric and will consequently push him away.
I liked this book ok. This book had a lot of firsts for me; I've never read a book set in South Africa, for once, and this one even explored the geography of the country. I've also never read a book about plant enthusiasts before, though I've certainly met them IRL. And lastly, I've never read a book with a trans MC before.
Regarding Cedric being trans: I thought it was really interesting. I don't know any trans men well, so it was good and interesting to hear more about what his life looked like, what relationships and intimacy looked like, etc. I also loved that Rueben was unshakably supportive and never batted an eye at anything trans-related.
This book was really inclusive in regards to the LGBT+ community, and had a lot of representation. We saw lesbians, gay men, trans men, and an enby character as well. I don't know that I've read a book with such LGBT+ breadth before, and I commend the author on doing it well.
All that being said, I feel just ok about this book because I didn't feel particularly drawn in by the story or romance. I don't really care about plants, and while road trips are cool, I feel like it's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime vibe in this book where it really isn't where I live in America. I appreciate that the love story wasn't overly dramatic, but it also wasn't the most interesting either.
So overall, I liked this book ok. I'd recommend it for people who like South Africa, gay romance, trans characters, and overall LGBT representation.
October 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3,75/5) – All Roads Lead to This by Kay Claire
Best-friends-to-lovers — one of my favorite tropes, and this book goes all in on it. It’s a cozy little story about two friends on a work road trip. The writing is solid, the pacing comfortable, and the characters are likeable. It had that easy-to-read, feel-good vibe that makes it perfect for when you just want something soft and low-drama.
But… I really missed some depth here. These two are supposed to be lifelong besties, and yet their “shift” into romance just didn’t convince me. The feelings didn’t feel layered or earned — more like they were suddenly told to be there. As a couple, I couldn’t vibe with them at all, and that took away some of the spark this trope usually gives me.
What would’ve made it stronger? A few flashbacks to their friendship, more moments showing their history, or even just a little extra tension to build the chemistry. That way, the leap from friends to lovers would’ve felt more natural and satisfying.
Still, it’s cute, it’s cozy, and for the right reader it might hit all the comfort-read notes.
Best-friends-to-lovers — one of my favorite tropes, and this book goes all in on it. It’s a cozy little story about two friends on a work road trip. The writing is solid, the pacing comfortable, and the characters are likeable. It had that easy-to-read, feel-good vibe that makes it perfect for when you just want something soft and low-drama.
But… I really missed some depth here. These two are supposed to be lifelong besties, and yet their “shift” into romance just didn’t convince me. The feelings didn’t feel layered or earned — more like they were suddenly told to be there. As a couple, I couldn’t vibe with them at all, and that took away some of the spark this trope usually gives me.
What would’ve made it stronger? A few flashbacks to their friendship, more moments showing their history, or even just a little extra tension to build the chemistry. That way, the leap from friends to lovers would’ve felt more natural and satisfying.
Still, it’s cute, it’s cozy, and for the right reader it might hit all the comfort-read notes.
June 21, 2023
Sweet story
Rueben and Cedric have been best friends forever. Post-uni, they're now working at a high-end plant boutique when their boss sends them on a road trip across South Africa to collect some rare specimens.
A misunderstanding caused by Rueben and Cedric's current crush and secrets of his own lead to them finally realize how they really feel about each other.
Both characters are endearing and the secondary characters are recently drawn. I enjoyed reading about a part of South Africa that I haven't been to-- I've only been to the coast near Cape Town.
There are a few wrong words which a good copy edit may have cleared up but not enough that they really got to me.
Rueben and Cedric have been best friends forever. Post-uni, they're now working at a high-end plant boutique when their boss sends them on a road trip across South Africa to collect some rare specimens.
A misunderstanding caused by Rueben and Cedric's current crush and secrets of his own lead to them finally realize how they really feel about each other.
Both characters are endearing and the secondary characters are recently drawn. I enjoyed reading about a part of South Africa that I haven't been to-- I've only been to the coast near Cape Town.
There are a few wrong words which a good copy edit may have cleared up but not enough that they really got to me.
February 21, 2022
All Roads Lead to This is a modern love story between childhood best friends. I flew through this book and loved it! I'm not a huge fan of romance but this hit the spot! I saw myself in the characters and their experiences with each other. I loved the visual themes throughout the book, the plants and the landscape of South Africa. The book took me on a road trip with the boys and allowed me to imagine a part of the country I've never experienced. Not to mention the diversity! The anxiety and trans representation are great and I'm sure that many readers can relate to either Cedric or Rueben.
Congrats to Kay Claire on her debut novel and I can't wait to read more from this author!
Congrats to Kay Claire on her debut novel and I can't wait to read more from this author!
March 17, 2023
Good, a tad wordy and awkward descriptions of things that didn’t seem to really need describing in detail. Steamy scenes were really well done! The approach to honest communication regarding gender, sex and sexuality was so good. I liked the alternating pov between the main characters! There was a lot of love and care for South Africa and the cultures put into this! I appreciated the glossary of terms and did refer back to it several times!!! Context clues are enough to figure out this gist of what is being said but I like knowing exactly what is being said and talked about and the glossary was so nice to have!
I plan to read the second book very soon
I plan to read the second book very soon
September 29, 2025
First of all, the cover is stunning. Second, friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes, and it was done so well! Third, I felt like I was on that road trip with how beautifully the scenery was described. And lastly, as someone who worries about every single thing all the time and also struggles with anxiety & panic attacks, Cedric made me feel so seen. I honestly have nothing but praise for this book. Absolutely loved it and can't recommend it enough!
*I received a reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion.*
*I received a reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion.*
November 15, 2022
3.9
the point of friends to lovers is to make them believable FRIENDS first…these two had about as much chemistry as two cardboard boxes cut in stick figure shape :/
almost every conflict was resolved within 20 pages and there was no real drama. combine that with a cookie cutter couple and i was tired chile.
the point of friends to lovers is to make them believable FRIENDS first…these two had about as much chemistry as two cardboard boxes cut in stick figure shape :/
almost every conflict was resolved within 20 pages and there was no real drama. combine that with a cookie cutter couple and i was tired chile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2022
This was a really cute friends-to-lovers story.
I was a big fan of Rueben. Cedric was sweet too but he had some character trades I share with him and I don’t like them about me so I had a hard time accepting it on him.
I was a big fan of Rueben. Cedric was sweet too but he had some character trades I share with him and I don’t like them about me so I had a hard time accepting it on him.
February 4, 2025
Cute & Fun Read
Cedric and Rueben were so good together! Very sweet, and I enjoyed their banter. I can't wait to see more of them and their roommates in the next book! If you're looking for something low-angst, humorous, and a bit spicy, I highly recommend this one.
Cedric and Rueben were so good together! Very sweet, and I enjoyed their banter. I can't wait to see more of them and their roommates in the next book! If you're looking for something low-angst, humorous, and a bit spicy, I highly recommend this one.
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