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Love Clichés #4.5
Falling for Your Brother's Best Friend
Older brothers are the worst. Older brother's best friends, however, are the BEST. Except when they don't seem to return your feelings...
My crush on my brother's best friend, Mason, has grown into something totally unmanageable over the years. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's not a crush at all, but something bigger I'd rather not name.
And while I know Mason cares about me, I don't think he cares the way I WISH he would.
That is, unless my overbearing and uber protective brother has been standing in the way.
When Mason and I find ourselves sharing my brother's loft while he's gone, the dynamics start to shift. Sharing a space with your (possibly) unrequited crush is its own special kind of challenge.
But just maybe while the cat (aka my brother) is away, the mice (aka Mason and me) will finally get a chance to play???
Falling for Your Brother's Best Friend is a grumpy sunshine, roommates romcom that takes place in the Love Clichés world, right alongside Falling for Your Best Friend. You'll find characters to love, sizzling chemistry, and closed door romance.
*A previous version of this book was published only for newsletter subscribers, and this version has substantive changes in length and the story.
My crush on my brother's best friend, Mason, has grown into something totally unmanageable over the years. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's not a crush at all, but something bigger I'd rather not name.
And while I know Mason cares about me, I don't think he cares the way I WISH he would.
That is, unless my overbearing and uber protective brother has been standing in the way.
When Mason and I find ourselves sharing my brother's loft while he's gone, the dynamics start to shift. Sharing a space with your (possibly) unrequited crush is its own special kind of challenge.
But just maybe while the cat (aka my brother) is away, the mice (aka Mason and me) will finally get a chance to play???
Falling for Your Brother's Best Friend is a grumpy sunshine, roommates romcom that takes place in the Love Clichés world, right alongside Falling for Your Best Friend. You'll find characters to love, sizzling chemistry, and closed door romance.
*A previous version of this book was published only for newsletter subscribers, and this version has substantive changes in length and the story.
236 pages, ebook
Published April 1, 2022
308 people are currently reading
2764 people want to read
About the author
Emma St. Clair
62 books3,870 followersEmma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
December 21, 2023
April 2022 Review:
One of the easiest five stars I've ever given for a rom-com.
Tropes: brother's best friend, friends to more, forced proximity
Content: lots of noticing, kissing
5 Stars
December 2023:
4.5 Stars
One of the easiest five stars I've ever given for a rom-com.
Tropes: brother's best friend, friends to more, forced proximity
Content: lots of noticing, kissing
5 Stars
December 2023:
4.5 Stars
April 7, 2022
This one just had me laughing. I almost spit across the room at the yarn suit part. My gosh this was just funny. I don't know if I haven't gotten out much this week or if the book was just funny but man I laughed so often. This is a novella hooked to another book but you can read this on its own. Sweet and silly you should love watching these two finally get there chance to be together.
December 21, 2024
Good lil christmasy romance! ❤️💚
December 13, 2023
We love perfectly quirky, adorable characters! And brother best friend. And forced proximity! And adorable novellas. Especially when they’re written by Emma!
Chelsea was a golden retriever, sunshine, ball of energy and I loved her!
Mason was more subdued! Quiet, thoughtful, and totally head over heels for Chelsea! Every small thing he did for her made me swoon. 😍
I LOVED how Chelsea and her family took Mason in and he just become one of them and they loved him so much regardless of his home life.
The TRULY TERRIBLE dates Chelsea went on were so humorous! And Mason’s “No More Mr. Nice Guy” act was just adorable.
I really enjoyed this story when it first released and I enjoyed it just as much with the new chapters & edits made.
It was a sweet story, it was the perfect little read!
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
*not cf but closed door*
Chelsea was a golden retriever, sunshine, ball of energy and I loved her!
Mason was more subdued! Quiet, thoughtful, and totally head over heels for Chelsea! Every small thing he did for her made me swoon. 😍
I LOVED how Chelsea and her family took Mason in and he just become one of them and they loved him so much regardless of his home life.
The TRULY TERRIBLE dates Chelsea went on were so humorous! And Mason’s “No More Mr. Nice Guy” act was just adorable.
I really enjoyed this story when it first released and I enjoyed it just as much with the new chapters & edits made.
It was a sweet story, it was the perfect little read!
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
*not cf but closed door*
December 29, 2025
Have a holy time reading this!
Read if you enjoy these tropes:
Brother is a secret matchmaker
Bad dates and good things afterwards.
Both the FMC AND THE MMC grow in confidence.
Best quotes;
“Yes, times a million. I would love for you to be my boyfriend. I’d love
to be your girlfriend—why does that sound so good? Can we get matching
t-shirts or—”
“No.” He cuts me off first with the word. And then with a kiss.
I wasn’t prepared.
Not for his lips on mine in this moment. And not for the way the kiss
knocks my entire body off balance. And I don’t just mean physically,
though I do start to slump and have to be held up by Mason’s arm around
my waist.”
“Is this okay?” Mason murmurs, and I can feel his words in the brush of
his lips and the ghost of his breath over my skin. “I know you aren’t casual
with your affection, Chelsea. And I don’t want you to think for one moment
that I’m being casual about you.”
Chelsea shifts Watson out of the way and places a tender kiss on my
lips. “It seems only fitting after all the waiting we did.”
“Agreed.” I place another lingering kiss on my fiancée’s lips while
stretching a hand down to pet Watson. “You, my perfect person, were
absolutely worth the wait.”
PS: for people who are wondering, Watson is a cute corgi that Mason and Chelsea adopted!
Read if you enjoy these tropes:
Brother is a secret matchmaker
Bad dates and good things afterwards.
Both the FMC AND THE MMC grow in confidence.
Best quotes;
“Yes, times a million. I would love for you to be my boyfriend. I’d love
to be your girlfriend—why does that sound so good? Can we get matching
t-shirts or—”
“No.” He cuts me off first with the word. And then with a kiss.
I wasn’t prepared.
Not for his lips on mine in this moment. And not for the way the kiss
knocks my entire body off balance. And I don’t just mean physically,
though I do start to slump and have to be held up by Mason’s arm around
my waist.”
“Is this okay?” Mason murmurs, and I can feel his words in the brush of
his lips and the ghost of his breath over my skin. “I know you aren’t casual
with your affection, Chelsea. And I don’t want you to think for one moment
that I’m being casual about you.”
Chelsea shifts Watson out of the way and places a tender kiss on my
lips. “It seems only fitting after all the waiting we did.”
“Agreed.” I place another lingering kiss on my fiancée’s lips while
stretching a hand down to pet Watson. “You, my perfect person, were
absolutely worth the wait.”
PS: for people who are wondering, Watson is a cute corgi that Mason and Chelsea adopted!
May 21, 2022
Cute! This was a fun novella about longtime friends who secretly have crushed on each other for years. Chelsea and Mason had fun chemistry, but haven't wanted to cross any lines since Mason is best friends with her brother John. John is quite the meddler and is trying to help Chelsea find her perfect match so he sets up a bunch of dates for her. In the end, things work out how they should. I thought this was an enjoyable story.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Other: Mild talk of Mason's mom having substance abuse problems
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Other: Mild talk of Mason's mom having substance abuse problems
December 19, 2023
Everything I like about an Emma St. Clair book.
June 11, 2022
This was cute. I am struggling to remember how they fit into the larger Love Cliches series but I am drawing a complete blank. I enjoyed seeing all of the bad dates that John surprised her with.
May 27, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: brief mentions of alcoholism and death of a parent
Chelsea has had a crush on her brother's best friend Mason for years, and now she is sharing an apartment with him while her brother is out of the country for a few months. As if that isn't awkward enough, her brother has also decided to set her up on some blind dates and asked Mason to look out for her. But Mason has secretly been harboring feelings of his own and is determined to finally show Chelsea how much he cares. While Mason tries to scare off the blind dates and be more affectionate, Chelsea struggles to read the mixed signals he's giving off. Will these two finally get the timing right and confess their true feelings?
After finding Chelsea a bit annoying when she was introduced in Falling for Your Best Friend, I was slightly tempted to skip this novella. I'm so glad I didn't! Yes, Chelsea was still a little overly goofy and awkward at times, but I honestly loved her story. It became obvious to me early on that her brother had ulterior motives with the blind dates, and I enjoyed seeing how ridiculous each guy acted around Mason and Chelsea. Yes, direct communication would have been better from Chelsea's brother, but it wouldn't have been half as entertaining. Mason was so sweet, and I loved how he respected Chelsea and didn't want to rush things along. There were so many romantic gestures from him, and the passion definitely came through in the final chapter. I also enjoyed how they got payback on Chelsea's brother in the epilogue! I'm so glad I made time for this novella before moving on to the final book in the series.
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: brief mentions of alcoholism and death of a parent
Chelsea has had a crush on her brother's best friend Mason for years, and now she is sharing an apartment with him while her brother is out of the country for a few months. As if that isn't awkward enough, her brother has also decided to set her up on some blind dates and asked Mason to look out for her. But Mason has secretly been harboring feelings of his own and is determined to finally show Chelsea how much he cares. While Mason tries to scare off the blind dates and be more affectionate, Chelsea struggles to read the mixed signals he's giving off. Will these two finally get the timing right and confess their true feelings?
After finding Chelsea a bit annoying when she was introduced in Falling for Your Best Friend, I was slightly tempted to skip this novella. I'm so glad I didn't! Yes, Chelsea was still a little overly goofy and awkward at times, but I honestly loved her story. It became obvious to me early on that her brother had ulterior motives with the blind dates, and I enjoyed seeing how ridiculous each guy acted around Mason and Chelsea. Yes, direct communication would have been better from Chelsea's brother, but it wouldn't have been half as entertaining. Mason was so sweet, and I loved how he respected Chelsea and didn't want to rush things along. There were so many romantic gestures from him, and the passion definitely came through in the final chapter. I also enjoyed how they got payback on Chelsea's brother in the epilogue! I'm so glad I made time for this novella before moving on to the final book in the series.
August 31, 2025
Ha! What a blast. This is a goofy and charming novella. It’s super fun and super entertaining. It’s a Christmas rom-com meant to make us laugh, and boy does it ever. No, I won’t say it has great depth, but I came out of it with a smile and a great deal of feel-good cheer.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a smile.
Content:
There’s no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to mildly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a smile.
Content:
There’s no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to mildly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God
November 19, 2022
3.5⭐
Really sweet novella! Chelsea's brother John was laughable with everything he did.
Super wholesome.
Really sweet novella! Chelsea's brother John was laughable with everything he did.
Super wholesome.
April 20, 2022
This is a cute novella.
January 15, 2023
Short. Sweet. That covers it. Basically a gateway to more ESC books, I’m sure.
January 3, 2024
Another cute read from Emma. I loved being back with Chelsea and seeing how all these stories intertwine. I loved the teaser at the end. I loved Chelsea and Mason's relationship and growth. Such a fun escape 😊
Content Warnings: death of parents, addiction references, kissing
Content Warnings: death of parents, addiction references, kissing
December 26, 2023
I loved this cute brother's best friend romance. The humor and swoony romance were all present in this cute novella that had me laughing and cheering as I read along. Emma St. Clair is an auto-read/auto-buy author for me and I can’t' recommend this story and the Love Clichés series enough.
Updated review: Oh, my lanta! Emma delivers once again in her latest adorable romcom connected to her ten-star series, the Love Cliches.
I originally read Falling for Your Brother’s Best Friend when it was a part of the Prolific Works newsletter promo. I have to tell you, this new beefed up— or should I say “swoonied up”— version was an absolute delight! I loved it even more than the first version which was also a total winner so I guess this is like winning twice. Basically, what I’m trying to say is it is ADORABLE and romcom fans, this is not to be missed!
Mason is Chelsea’s brother’s best friend who she happens to be totally in love with. Unbeknownst to her, Mason feels the same way. I loved how believable the author made this trope and some of the twists in the romance and plot. It was hilarious, deep, romantic, and fun. It had some holiday vibes, being set from Christmas to New Year’s, which got me in the spirit of the season even more.
I loved seeing little cameos from other Love Cliches books too. Between that ending and the last Doctor Love email… let’s just say I’m even more excited for what Emma has up her sleeve for next year.
Updated review: Oh, my lanta! Emma delivers once again in her latest adorable romcom connected to her ten-star series, the Love Cliches.
I originally read Falling for Your Brother’s Best Friend when it was a part of the Prolific Works newsletter promo. I have to tell you, this new beefed up— or should I say “swoonied up”— version was an absolute delight! I loved it even more than the first version which was also a total winner so I guess this is like winning twice. Basically, what I’m trying to say is it is ADORABLE and romcom fans, this is not to be missed!
Mason is Chelsea’s brother’s best friend who she happens to be totally in love with. Unbeknownst to her, Mason feels the same way. I loved how believable the author made this trope and some of the twists in the romance and plot. It was hilarious, deep, romantic, and fun. It had some holiday vibes, being set from Christmas to New Year’s, which got me in the spirit of the season even more.
I loved seeing little cameos from other Love Cliches books too. Between that ending and the last Doctor Love email… let’s just say I’m even more excited for what Emma has up her sleeve for next year.
June 24, 2022
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞. 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞.”
I’ve missed the Love Cliches seriesssss
As a talkative girl, I love that she’s talkative and I love the contrast with his personality lol
Mason is too good to be true
I want John to have his own book nowwww!!
Awwww! Goofy socks!! 💗
Mean Girls! 👏
HE MADE THE WHIPPED CREAM?!
Ohhhhh snapppp
Whipped cream, whipped cream, WHIPPED CREAM
Otters ARE adorable 😍
I see you, John...I know what’s up
CHAPTER 9
How weird that Mason finds her laugh-snorts endearing 😂😂
A bubble bath?? No one pinch me
Damon, like the vampire
I forgot about my notes list lol
THE KNIFE!
“Let me tell you how it’s going to be”
I’m highlighting everything about this last chapter and I have NO FREAKING REGRETS
So cuteeeee!!
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: death of parents (past), Mason's mom struggled with alcoholism and dating terrible men (past/present), I can't think of anything else...
I’ve missed the Love Cliches seriesssss
As a talkative girl, I love that she’s talkative and I love the contrast with his personality lol
Mason is too good to be true
I want John to have his own book nowwww!!
Awwww! Goofy socks!! 💗
Mean Girls! 👏
HE MADE THE WHIPPED CREAM?!
Ohhhhh snapppp
Whipped cream, whipped cream, WHIPPED CREAM
Otters ARE adorable 😍
I see you, John...I know what’s up
CHAPTER 9
How weird that Mason finds her laugh-snorts endearing 😂😂
A bubble bath?? No one pinch me
Damon, like the vampire
I forgot about my notes list lol
THE KNIFE!
“Let me tell you how it’s going to be”
I’m highlighting everything about this last chapter and I have NO FREAKING REGRETS
So cuteeeee!!
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: death of parents (past), Mason's mom struggled with alcoholism and dating terrible men (past/present), I can't think of anything else...
April 5, 2022
It was fun heading back into the Love Cliches world by the fantastic Emma St. Clair.
This was a sweet and funny novella that had all the feels, chemistry and lovable characters. This love story reminded me a bit of my own and for that I loved it more. Chelsea and Mason were a great love story duo and, as with most novellas, I wished this was longer so you could get more out of the story.
You can definitely read this on it’s own, but all the other love cliche books are so great, go check those out as well.
This is a great book to read in a day for anyone looking for a little literary pick me up.
This was a sweet and funny novella that had all the feels, chemistry and lovable characters. This love story reminded me a bit of my own and for that I loved it more. Chelsea and Mason were a great love story duo and, as with most novellas, I wished this was longer so you could get more out of the story.
You can definitely read this on it’s own, but all the other love cliche books are so great, go check those out as well.
This is a great book to read in a day for anyone looking for a little literary pick me up.
December 27, 2023
Oh, my dear Chelsea!
If you read Chase & Harper’s story (Falling for Your Best Friend, which I personally recommend reading first!), you’ve met Chelsea is all her skunk petting glory. 😂 Never did I ever think I’ve need Chelsea’s redemption, now I’m not sure how I managed so long without it, haha!
Chelsea and Mason are just so ridiculously adorable! Also, John is kinda the worst… and kinda not? Ugh, I can’t decide. I laughed so hard over this story & Chelsea’s string of terrible dates. And I’ll never look a crochet the same way again. EVER. Consider yourself warned. 😂
THAT LAST DR LOVE EMAIL! *incoherent screaming of all Emma’s fans in unison* OH MY GOODNESS! THE CROSSOVER! 😍
If you read Chase & Harper’s story (Falling for Your Best Friend, which I personally recommend reading first!), you’ve met Chelsea is all her skunk petting glory. 😂 Never did I ever think I’ve need Chelsea’s redemption, now I’m not sure how I managed so long without it, haha!
Chelsea and Mason are just so ridiculously adorable! Also, John is kinda the worst… and kinda not? Ugh, I can’t decide. I laughed so hard over this story & Chelsea’s string of terrible dates. And I’ll never look a crochet the same way again. EVER. Consider yourself warned. 😂
THAT LAST DR LOVE EMAIL! *incoherent screaming of all Emma’s fans in unison* OH MY GOODNESS! THE CROSSOVER! 😍
November 11, 2022
This is a cute novella. Chelsea and Mason have liked each other for quite awhile but her brother, John, had warned Mason not to date his sister so nothing ever happened until they end up sharing John's apartment while he's out of the country. John sets Chelsea up on quite a few dates using a dating app and none of these guys work out. The descriptions of the guys and the dates are hilarious. This is a sweet romance with some swoony kisses.
December 31, 2023
Well. Color me in love because, once again, an Emma St. Clair book stole my heart! I laughed out loud multiple times, had my heartstrings tugged and my feels turned up a notch, and grinned like a fool through most of this sweet little book.
First of all, I do love a sweet Christmas story, but it was kind of fun to read a book specifically set in the week between Christmas and New Years. (Though could someone tell me about eating black eyed peas on New Years Day? Because I’m not familiar with that tradition.)
I love Chelsea. Love her! I loved her in Falling for Your Best Friend (where she makes an important appearance, and which storyline crosses this book in the best possible way), and I love her even more now. She’s sweet and funny, and her clumsiness and awkwardness is just adorable. So yes, I love her. And holy hunka, Mason is sooo good! To say I was annoyed at John for his meddling would be putting it lightly, because as soon as Mason decided to go for it, his thoughtfulness pushed me over the edge (in the best possible way). He is deliciously swoony because he is decidedly observant and caring and shows that the small things really do mean the most.
But John’s meddling really is over the top and I would very much like for him to get a story in which he learns a few lessons about stepping into people’s lives and choosing things for them. [insert evil laugh here]
And that epilogue!! And the final Dr. Love letter?! Well sheesh. I’m always excited about what may be coming out of the pipe line from Emma, but now I’m positively jumping up and down with excitement! Did I gasp out loud? Yes, yes I did. Did I then squeal with my level of thrill? Also yes. You got me, Emma. I’m hooked. And now anxiously waiting.
Other things I loved:
Watson. I died.
Crochet unitards
Koi fish
Skunk luck
Dead pine needles
Seven foot Christmas tree
New Christmas ornaments
The vacuuming!
Washing the dishes!
The hot chocolate!!
Mean Girls (I think I’ve only seen that movie once but this book really made me want to rewatch)
Crepes
Leaning
Corgi socks (did I order myself a pair of Corgi socks right after that scene? You bet your socks I did)
Clove allergy!
Sweet mom
Otter man
John being gone
First confession of love
Bubble bath
Special cookies
Second confession of love
All the kissing!
Absolutely fantastic book! It’s a short novel, and can easily be consumed in a couple of hours, so treat yourself to a New Year’s book, and read this one!
Quotes I loved:
“You don’t need to hide around me,” he says. “I know you, Chels. And I like you exactly as are.”
First of all, I do love a sweet Christmas story, but it was kind of fun to read a book specifically set in the week between Christmas and New Years. (Though could someone tell me about eating black eyed peas on New Years Day? Because I’m not familiar with that tradition.)
I love Chelsea. Love her! I loved her in Falling for Your Best Friend (where she makes an important appearance, and which storyline crosses this book in the best possible way), and I love her even more now. She’s sweet and funny, and her clumsiness and awkwardness is just adorable. So yes, I love her. And holy hunka, Mason is sooo good! To say I was annoyed at John for his meddling would be putting it lightly, because as soon as Mason decided to go for it, his thoughtfulness pushed me over the edge (in the best possible way). He is deliciously swoony because he is decidedly observant and caring and shows that the small things really do mean the most.
But John’s meddling really is over the top and I would very much like for him to get a story in which he learns a few lessons about stepping into people’s lives and choosing things for them. [insert evil laugh here]
And that epilogue!! And the final Dr. Love letter?! Well sheesh. I’m always excited about what may be coming out of the pipe line from Emma, but now I’m positively jumping up and down with excitement! Did I gasp out loud? Yes, yes I did. Did I then squeal with my level of thrill? Also yes. You got me, Emma. I’m hooked. And now anxiously waiting.
Other things I loved:
Watson. I died.
Crochet unitards
Koi fish
Skunk luck
Dead pine needles
Seven foot Christmas tree
New Christmas ornaments
The vacuuming!
Washing the dishes!
The hot chocolate!!
Mean Girls (I think I’ve only seen that movie once but this book really made me want to rewatch)
Crepes
Leaning
Corgi socks (did I order myself a pair of Corgi socks right after that scene? You bet your socks I did)
Clove allergy!
Sweet mom
Otter man
John being gone
First confession of love
Bubble bath
Special cookies
Second confession of love
All the kissing!
Absolutely fantastic book! It’s a short novel, and can easily be consumed in a couple of hours, so treat yourself to a New Year’s book, and read this one!
Quotes I loved:
“You don’t need to hide around me,” he says. “I know you, Chels. And I like you exactly as are.”
December 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Christmas romcom
Content: makeouts, allergic reaction (on page)
This is a cute brother's best friend story (obviously)! After meeting her in Falling for Your Best Friend, I was really happy that Chelsea got her happily ending. She was a nice character....just not for Chase!
Chelsea is an extroverted ray of sunshine. Mason is more reserved, though not grumpy, per se. They balance each other out nicely!
I will say there were points in the story where I wanted to shake each of them and say, "JUST TELL HIM/HER HOW YOU FEEL!!!" and "Do you really not see what John is hinting at here because it is glaringly obvious, friends...." But even with that, it was enjoyable! You can't exactly go wrong when it's an ESC book!
Favorite Quotes:
😂 Still—I wasn't sure if he'd come without John the deserter, who I hope gets bedbugs for missing Christmas. Okay, bedbugs is a pretty awful thing to wish on anyone. Maybe just lice.
😍 And even if she hadn't swept in here like an agent of chaos, there is no way I'd ever be able to even walk in any apartment and not know Chelsea's there. She occupies too much of my headspace and my heartspace to ever ignore.
‼️ Because I'm a smart man, and I know you should never, ever do any thing remotely in the neighborhood of telling a woman to calm down or quiet down.
🫁 I've hidden my feelings so long that doing so is like breathing. Well Breathing with a bad case of asthma and a collapsed lung, but still.
🔥 "Also, I like that he uses punctuation in his texts. That's dreamy."
"Punctuation in texts is totally hot.”
❤️ "You don't need to hide around me," he says. "I know you, Chels. And I like you exactly as you are."
👩❤️👨 “I'm done holding back. I'm done being afraid. There is nowhere I'd rather be than right here with you."
Genre: Christmas romcom
Content: makeouts, allergic reaction (on page)
This is a cute brother's best friend story (obviously)! After meeting her in Falling for Your Best Friend, I was really happy that Chelsea got her happily ending. She was a nice character....just not for Chase!
Chelsea is an extroverted ray of sunshine. Mason is more reserved, though not grumpy, per se. They balance each other out nicely!
I will say there were points in the story where I wanted to shake each of them and say, "JUST TELL HIM/HER HOW YOU FEEL!!!" and "Do you really not see what John is hinting at here because it is glaringly obvious, friends...." But even with that, it was enjoyable! You can't exactly go wrong when it's an ESC book!
Favorite Quotes:
😂 Still—I wasn't sure if he'd come without John the deserter, who I hope gets bedbugs for missing Christmas. Okay, bedbugs is a pretty awful thing to wish on anyone. Maybe just lice.
😍 And even if she hadn't swept in here like an agent of chaos, there is no way I'd ever be able to even walk in any apartment and not know Chelsea's there. She occupies too much of my headspace and my heartspace to ever ignore.
‼️ Because I'm a smart man, and I know you should never, ever do any thing remotely in the neighborhood of telling a woman to calm down or quiet down.
🫁 I've hidden my feelings so long that doing so is like breathing. Well Breathing with a bad case of asthma and a collapsed lung, but still.
🔥 "Also, I like that he uses punctuation in his texts. That's dreamy."
"Punctuation in texts is totally hot.”
❤️ "You don't need to hide around me," he says. "I know you, Chels. And I like you exactly as you are."
👩❤️👨 “I'm done holding back. I'm done being afraid. There is nowhere I'd rather be than right here with you."
December 24, 2023
FALLING FOR YOUR BROTHER'S BEST FRIEND By Emma St. Clair
Older brothers are the worst. Older brother's best friends, however, are the BEST. Except when they don't seem to return your feelings...
My crush on my brother's best friend, Mason, has grown into something totally unmanageable over the years. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's not a crush at all, but something bigger I'd rather not name.
And while I know Mason cares about me, I don't think he cares the way I WISH he would.
That is, unless my overbearing and uber protective brother has been standing in the way.
When Mason and I find ourselves sharing my brother's loft while he's gone, the dynamics start to shift. Sharing a space with your (possibly) unrequited crush is its own special kind of challenge.
But just maybe while the cat (aka my brother) is away, the mice (aka Mason and me) will finally get a chance to play???
😊What i liked -
✔ Brother's Best Friend/Roommates To Lovers/Childhood Friends To Lovers/Forced Proximity.
✔ This was one cute read.
✔ Chealsea was such a cute, sunshiney and quirky character.
✔ I loved all the characters in this.
✔ OMGi laughed my ass off because of those blind dates.
✔Closed door romance but with tons of cuteness and swoon.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Wanted more.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕Brother's Best Friend Romance
💞Roommates Romance
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank you, Emma St. Clair, for a copy.
Older brothers are the worst. Older brother's best friends, however, are the BEST. Except when they don't seem to return your feelings...
My crush on my brother's best friend, Mason, has grown into something totally unmanageable over the years. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's not a crush at all, but something bigger I'd rather not name.
And while I know Mason cares about me, I don't think he cares the way I WISH he would.
That is, unless my overbearing and uber protective brother has been standing in the way.
When Mason and I find ourselves sharing my brother's loft while he's gone, the dynamics start to shift. Sharing a space with your (possibly) unrequited crush is its own special kind of challenge.
But just maybe while the cat (aka my brother) is away, the mice (aka Mason and me) will finally get a chance to play???
😊What i liked -
✔ Brother's Best Friend/Roommates To Lovers/Childhood Friends To Lovers/Forced Proximity.
✔ This was one cute read.
✔ Chealsea was such a cute, sunshiney and quirky character.
✔ I loved all the characters in this.
✔ OMGi laughed my ass off because of those blind dates.
✔Closed door romance but with tons of cuteness and swoon.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Wanted more.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕Brother's Best Friend Romance
💞Roommates Romance
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank you, Emma St. Clair, for a copy.
December 23, 2025
It’s sweet yet predictable
📚 brothers best friend
📚 forced proximity
📚 mutual pining
📚 dual POV
📚 novella
🚫 clean romance
“You don’t need to hide around me,” he says. “I know you, Chels. And I like you exactly as you are.”
|Thoughts|
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone (I’ve not read others in the series).
I do love a good brothers best friend romance and this has some sweet moments. Her brother setting her up on horrible dates was entertaining but overly predictable.
It was also the cleanest of romances and very cliche in terms of its (fast) ending. The characters feel a little immature/ young for their age. But maybe that comes from the mutual pining over years and as a plot device to keep them apart (and g rated). The miscommunication as a result is a bit tiresome.
“And then—be still my heart—he turns on Mean Girls, my favorite Christmas movie.”
Q. Is mean girls a Christmas movie?
Nice little dash of Christmas. The story mainly takes place from Christmas Day to NYE.
“He raises a brow. “I’m going to spend the rest of the night—and beyond—showing you what you’re worth.”
🧶 For more bookish content follow me on Instagram.com/read_watch_crochet
📚 brothers best friend
📚 forced proximity
📚 mutual pining
📚 dual POV
📚 novella
🚫 clean romance
“You don’t need to hide around me,” he says. “I know you, Chels. And I like you exactly as you are.”
|Thoughts|
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone (I’ve not read others in the series).
I do love a good brothers best friend romance and this has some sweet moments. Her brother setting her up on horrible dates was entertaining but overly predictable.
It was also the cleanest of romances and very cliche in terms of its (fast) ending. The characters feel a little immature/ young for their age. But maybe that comes from the mutual pining over years and as a plot device to keep them apart (and g rated). The miscommunication as a result is a bit tiresome.
“And then—be still my heart—he turns on Mean Girls, my favorite Christmas movie.”
Q. Is mean girls a Christmas movie?
Nice little dash of Christmas. The story mainly takes place from Christmas Day to NYE.
“He raises a brow. “I’m going to spend the rest of the night—and beyond—showing you what you’re worth.”
🧶 For more bookish content follow me on Instagram.com/read_watch_crochet
December 18, 2023
Another binge-worthy book from Emma St. Clair. While Falling For Your Brother's Best Friend was available last year to Emma's newsletter subscribers, it has been updated and expanded and is now available to everyone.
I would love to reread the entire Love Cliche series to see how Chelsea and Mason fit in. I do remember some of the scenes with Chelsea. If I recall correctly, I didn't care for her much. However, I liked her and Mason in this story. She was relatable, and you couldn't help but feel sorry for her and some of the situations that she found herself in.
Mason is the perfect hero in this story. He has more to lose than anyone if he gets into a relationship with Chelsea and it goes south. He has been best friends with her brother for years, and their family is the only family he has really known.
While there is a lot of chemistry between Chelsea and Mason, there is nothing but kissing in the book, making this a fun, clean read. Plenty of Christmas scenes make it a great seasonal read. Falling For Your Brother's Best Friend is filled with witty dialogue and Emma St. Clair's trademark humor.
Thank you to Emma St. Clair for the opportunity to read this story. I was not required to provide a review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I would love to reread the entire Love Cliche series to see how Chelsea and Mason fit in. I do remember some of the scenes with Chelsea. If I recall correctly, I didn't care for her much. However, I liked her and Mason in this story. She was relatable, and you couldn't help but feel sorry for her and some of the situations that she found herself in.
Mason is the perfect hero in this story. He has more to lose than anyone if he gets into a relationship with Chelsea and it goes south. He has been best friends with her brother for years, and their family is the only family he has really known.
While there is a lot of chemistry between Chelsea and Mason, there is nothing but kissing in the book, making this a fun, clean read. Plenty of Christmas scenes make it a great seasonal read. Falling For Your Brother's Best Friend is filled with witty dialogue and Emma St. Clair's trademark humor.
Thank you to Emma St. Clair for the opportunity to read this story. I was not required to provide a review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
December 22, 2023
“If he’s a library, I want to spend the rest of my life walking among his shelves, devouring every single book only to start all over again.”
This was such a great read, but I’m not surprised because Emma’s always are! They’re always so cute and funny, and are the PERFECT book to pull you out of a slump!
Chelsea and Mason’s character are both so perfect. I loved that they both had been pining over each other for years but didn’t know. I thought the forced proximity was the best!! Especially when Chelsea’s date with another guy made Mason step up his game- Christmas tree decorating? Hot chocolate? The almost kiss?? And then Chelsea’s brother, John, pulls his favor card and sets up blind dates for her, wanting to “find her one”- only for us to find out that his terrible picks for Chelsea were part of his plan.
Overall, this was super cute, had me laughing like crazy, and as always, I look forward to reading more! 💗
“If Chelsea is the social butterfly, I’m like the social roly-poly—hiding under rocks and curling up in a protective ball when I see people.”
April 2, 2022
When you become roommates with your brothers best friend, who happens to be your crush, things get a little wild.
Chelsea has a crush on Mason.
Mason has a crush on Chelsea.
They both keep their distance because of John, her big brother, his best friend.
John wants to help Chelsea find Mr. Right, he enlists Mason's help. But the guys he has chosen are the most ridiculous men ever, what is John up to?
I had so much fun reading this story. It is light and flirty. Mason is a dream. Who doesn't want a man who knows all the little details and can make something so simple like taking down a Christmas tree so special.
I loved the dates, they were hilarious. Poor Chelsea really went through it. Jealous Mason was everything.
Chelsea has a crush on Mason.
Mason has a crush on Chelsea.
They both keep their distance because of John, her big brother, his best friend.
John wants to help Chelsea find Mr. Right, he enlists Mason's help. But the guys he has chosen are the most ridiculous men ever, what is John up to?
I had so much fun reading this story. It is light and flirty. Mason is a dream. Who doesn't want a man who knows all the little details and can make something so simple like taking down a Christmas tree so special.
I loved the dates, they were hilarious. Poor Chelsea really went through it. Jealous Mason was everything.
December 29, 2023
This story was absolutely adorable and a fun addition to one of my favorite series. Emma is a master at creating wonderful characters, funny moments, and super swoony romances. This charming story has all of that, and I really enjoyed it.
Chelsea has been in love with Mason for a long time, but her big brother has always made sure they don’t get together.
Mason has secretly been in love with Chelsea for years, but has been afraid to make a move. If things go wrong, he’ll lose the only family he’s ever felt a part of.
Surprisingly, through Chelsea‘s brother, they end up being roommates in his condo while he’s gone for six months, and the sparks begin to fly.
I loved Chelsea’s fun personality and her awkward moments. I loved everything about Mason, especially the way he was all in once he decided to go after Chelsea.
This is a long novella, and definitely a fun holiday read, but one you would enjoy anytime of the year.
Closed door — kisses only.
Chelsea has been in love with Mason for a long time, but her big brother has always made sure they don’t get together.
Mason has secretly been in love with Chelsea for years, but has been afraid to make a move. If things go wrong, he’ll lose the only family he’s ever felt a part of.
Surprisingly, through Chelsea‘s brother, they end up being roommates in his condo while he’s gone for six months, and the sparks begin to fly.
I loved Chelsea’s fun personality and her awkward moments. I loved everything about Mason, especially the way he was all in once he decided to go after Chelsea.
This is a long novella, and definitely a fun holiday read, but one you would enjoy anytime of the year.
Closed door — kisses only.
December 18, 2023
I had read the original novella length book by the same title before this latest update. I really enjoyed the extra content that was added to the story.
We get a glimpse of some of our favorite Sheetcake characters in this story. That's an added bonus to the fun story that belongs to Chelsea and Mason.
The humor is signature Emma St Clair. We have more animal related follies and crazy dates. I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to the author for the advanced complimentary copy of the book. I am happily and voluntarily leaving my honest review.
We get a glimpse of some of our favorite Sheetcake characters in this story. That's an added bonus to the fun story that belongs to Chelsea and Mason.
The humor is signature Emma St Clair. We have more animal related follies and crazy dates. I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to the author for the advanced complimentary copy of the book. I am happily and voluntarily leaving my honest review.
December 18, 2023
This story is super cute, funny, and has all the swoon! But what else would you expect from an Emma St Clair book? 😜
Always a joy to read!
I love Mason and Chelsea! Opposites in personality but they fit together perfectly. And I always enjoy a brother’s best friend story! The history between these two was so good and I loved how much they loved each other. Mason is top boyfriend material for sure!
You’ll definitely want to check this one out!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Always a joy to read!
I love Mason and Chelsea! Opposites in personality but they fit together perfectly. And I always enjoy a brother’s best friend story! The history between these two was so good and I loved how much they loved each other. Mason is top boyfriend material for sure!
You’ll definitely want to check this one out!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 16, 2022
This novella was a really sweet one. Emma’s books always hook me in from the first page with her charming wit, swoony characters and gorgeous little additions that make you giggle!
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the Christmas novella also released by Emma but this was still beautiful.
Cannot wait for many more memorable reads to come
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the Christmas novella also released by Emma but this was still beautiful.
Cannot wait for many more memorable reads to come
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