Had To Be You

The Bennett Family #2

by Lily Miller

Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t believe in relationships, romance or any of that BS. My younger brother may have lost his mind over a woman, but that won’t happen to me. I'm a shark in and out of the courtroom, and that's exactly the way I like it.

I worked my ass off to become Reed Point’s #1 attorney and I’m not going to let any woman get in the way of my career.

It turns out, though, that Ellie Reeves is not just any woman. She’s wild and infuriating and completely unpredictable. In other words, she's everything I don't need. Did I mention she's also sexy as hell?

I lost myself to Ellie once and I vowed never to let that happen again. But every time I think she's finally out of my head, I’ll remember the feel of her skin, the taste of her lips. She's impossible to forget. And with both of us in the wedding party when my brother gets married in a few weeks, we're going to be seeing a lot of each other.

I know what I need to do. I need to stay far away from Ellie if I have any chance of resisting temptation. And it works - that is, until I find myself alone with her and end up having the hottest night of my life. Now she's under my skin. Everything about her turns me on. Suddenly I’m breaking all my rules.

The trouble is, she’s keeping a secret. All the passion in the world may not be enough to save me from getting burned.

But how do I walk away when Ellie may be everything I never knew I wanted?

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, New Adult, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance

324 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2022

About the author

Contemporary romance author writing sweet, steamy happily ever afters with swoon-worthy heroes and confident, sexy heroines. Romace reads are my happly place. XO

Reviews

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam is a workaholic, he doesn’t do relationships. His career is his primary focus. Ellie is more of a free spirit, she is also hardworking and full of fire.

The chemistry between the two of them. From the start there is tons of passion and fire between the two of them. Despite being opposites, Liam and Ellie balance each other and work so well with each other. Their story had me feeling everything. It was sweet, spicy, funny, and swoony.

I love that Ellie brings out a different side of Liam and it was great to see Liam relax and open up. He also learned that he could still have a career and work hard, but also enjoy a relationship. Liam is also extremely sweet and charming and the little things he does for Ellie had me swoony.

I love the Bennett family more and more and I can’t wait to see what is in store next for this group!

If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, opposites attract romance this is one to check out.

[Jennifer Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie and Liam…what a great couple. These 2 opposites had sparks galore flying anyone within a few feet of them could see and feel the heat. Once they finally have in you could see the underlying feelings seeping through. I loved this couple way more than I thought possible.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had To Be You
Author: Lily Miller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We now have officially met Liam and he did not disappoint. He is 🔥 and Ellie is everything he needs to stay away from. But, since they are both in the bridal party for Parker and Olivia’s wedding, they are forced to be around each other all the time.

Read this book if you like:
✨ enemies to lovers romance
✨ a swoonworthy millionaire hero
✨ a hilarious witty heroine
✨ lots of tension and insane chemistry
✨ tons of laughable moments
✨ glimpses of Parker and Olivia

I cannot wait to read whatever Lily and Miller write next!

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect small town romance! A broody and smug hero and a free spirited heroine?! Yes, please! There was so much steam and angst too. And the ending was everything! Love love love!

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spending a couple of evenings with Ellie and Liam was no hardship. They went from sniping at each other to mooning and in lust. Liam to serious Bennett brother always held a lure for Ellie. Ellie was the spontaneous fun one and this made her stand out to Liam. Their story was sweet with heat and these two can't keep their hands off of each other. Turns out sparring was just complicated foreplay as we get to watch them admit feelings. Of course there is an angsty twist but watching them make up was swoony. I need to catch up on Parker and Olivia's story before Miles and Rylee. ~Cindy


Ellie and Liam…what a great couple. These 2 opposites had sparks galore flying anyone within a few feet of them could see and feel the heat. Once they finally have in you could see the underlying feelings seeping through. I loved this couple way more than I thought possible. ~Jen

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam is a workaholic attorney. He won't let anything get in his way especially a woman. Ellie is forthright and outspoken. The two are going to be in a wedding party for Liam's brother. The sparks between this couple set the pages on fire.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam is a workaholic who doesn't do love and he's not about to let the gorgeous, sassy and unforgettable Ellie derail his career plans. Which is why he plans to stay far away from Ellie. Easier said than done. I just loved Had To Be You and couldn't get enough of Liam and Ellie!

[Reader27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg I loved this book it was so freaking cute!! Not over it 🤩

[Taylor Ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book from Lily Miller DID NOT disappoint. I am so obsessed with Liam and Ellie’s story to say the least 🥰🤩

Ellie is a firecracker with a laid back personality. Liam is the polar opposite, where he craves structure and routine. Well, the two combined make the perfect couple. Lily Miller does such an amazing job with their steamy chemistry between the characters. The banter between the two was 🤌🏻

HIGHLY Recommend adding this to your TBR

Enimies to lover
East coast romance (Hi Jersey)

[Thorunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was totally a "love to love" book - and I love love. The personality of the two main characters jumped off the page from start and I loved the spunk, humor and intelligence of Ellie and how she matched Liam. Their chemistry is off the charts and their back-and-forth - sizzling. Great, fun, sizzling hot read. So recommend, especially for those who love love!

[AlyssasBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAD TO BE YOU
—Lily Miller

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Liam Bennett doesn’t do relationships. Ellie Reeves doesn’t do… well, Liam Bennett. Liam’s all work, no play. A shark in and out of the courtroom with a cockiness that pushes Ellie’s buttons. Ellie is fun, spontaneous, and can’t let some guy like Liam get to her. The two don’t want anything to do with each other despite the night they spent months ago locking lips in the bathroom. Both do everything in their power to forget about each other.

The only problem? Liam’s brother, Parker, is marrying Ellie’s best friend.

Being forced to see each other for the sake of the wedding, things get complicated.

When I read Always Been You by Lily Miller following their debut release, I absolutely fell in love with their writing style. Their writing is admirable and elegant, and the stories they tell are described so well, I feel like I’m watching a movie. Their ability to reel you in is outstanding, and this second book did NOT disappoint.

I’m a little biased, to be honest with you. Whenever I see a book with any of the following tropes:
⭐️Grumpy/Sunshine
⭐️Enemies to Lovers

I swoon.

Liam and Ellie are truly electric, and I don’t know how Lily Miller are going to top this couple, but I’m already buzzing with anticipation for their next release (give me more!!!)

My favorite part of reading anything by Lily Miller is the attention to detail in each character’s surrounding. Not only do I feel like I’m right there with Liam and Ellie, but I get to be apart of their lives separately. Seeing Liam’s family, Ellie’s friends and parents, and every side character they come into contact with is equally as thrilling.

I’m already ready for a reread of both books. I miss the friendship between Olivia and Ellie, the relationships between Olivia and Parker, Ellie and Liam.

Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed and all emotional over this story. @authorlilymiller well done, AGAIN. I’m obsessed, and I cannot wait to see what other wonderful stories you bring into this world.

Go read Had to Be You by Lily Miller TODAY!

I promise, you’ll love Ellie. And you’ll want Liam. (I know I do🥰🥵)

[c ও · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars
Just let me list you the vibes and you will see that they are pretty good:
enemies to lovers and a him being the brother of her best friends finance??

Ellie is pure sunshine.
Her energy is fundamentally positive and one can only love her.
She loves to party, do crossword puzzles and discover new things.
However, she also has a secret that no one knows but her.
A good question you should ask yourself is: If that works out for her or not?

Liam is a hot and rich workaholic who loves to provoke Ellie.
Ever since their first meet, which ended in a one night stand, he can't get Ellie out of his mind.
He feels an attraction and passion for her that he only feels for his job which makes him question many things.
He is used to have a planned and work oriented life.

You can say that botj didn't have an easy start, but they still had an existing connection.
In my opinion, there could have been a bit more provocation against each other, but I don't want to complain because the ending was just perfect.
It doesn't always happen that you get a marriage proposal through a crossword puzzle, since Liam knows full well that Ellie likes to solve such, or in general the fact that Liam is planning a trip for Ellie because he knows that she has never been there but would like to go.
All in all, they are clearly made for each other!!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Star Review of Had To Be You (The Bennett Family #2) by Lily Miller

Lily Miller is a relatively new author to me but what I have read I have really enjoyed. Had To Be You is the second book in The Bennett Family series and was an entertaining read.

Liam Bennett doesn’t believe in love or relationships. He is a self confessed workaholic attorney with no time for romance. He is focused, driven and determined to succeed. I loved how feisty and sassy Ellie Reeves is, she is not afraid to say what she means and stand up for what she believes in.

Despite himself there is something about Ellie that still appeals to Liam, even though he is determined not to give her another chance to to wreak havoc on his heart. However the chemistry between them is smoking hot, impossible to ignore, and their banter is witty. I enjoyed the push and pull dynamic of their relationship as it progressed.

This was a well written story that had me swooning and smiling whilst reading. Not only did I fall for Liam and Ellie but the secondary characters added an additional layer to my enjoyment.

[rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating

This one is a solid 4.5/5. I'm so proud of these two, they did an amazing job with this book!

Tropes

Enemies to lovers
Workaholic guy
Grumpy/sunshine
Dual pov

I enjoyed this so much. I can't even express it with words haha. I love how Bennett’s men know when to not give up on someone that deserves their love, affection, and trust. They grew up in this wonderful family, which automatically made them awesome. I met Liam and Parker, both great men with such strong determination to get what they want and what they need.

Ellie is the heart of a party, keeping it alive with her positivity and her love for everyone else but her. A great human, loving with her everything in her when she has someone to share that love to.

What I love the most about Lily and Miller’s books is that at the end, we see a glimpse of how the next relationship in the series will start. UGHHHHH IT’S THE GREATEST THING E.V.E.R

These two are doing such a great job, the second book was a total success, and LIAM UGH BABY GRUMPY. He was literally the cutest and grumpy just on the outside 😩 you will love him

Congrats you guys! I loved this and I hope this gets the hype that is well deserved 😍

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to Be You is book two in The Bennett Family and Liam Bennett and Ellie Reeves grumpy/sunshine romance s the perfect addition to the series.
Liam is a workaholic with no time for love or relationships, his work life dictates his social life and as a focused, driven attorney it’s going to take a very special woman to show him there’s move to life than work. Could one of his brothers bridesmaids be the woman to turn his world upside down.
Ellie is the complete opposite to Liam she lives life to the fullest, she is sassy, laidback and fun and she is about to knock Liam 0f his feet. Like oil and water this relationship starts of with sparks and as their friendship and relationship grows they make the perfect couple.
This book ticked all my boxes, I smiled, I giggled and I swooned as I fell in love with this couple, the chemistry is sizzling and intense, the banter is witty in this enemies to lovers romance but it was the added layer of secondary characters that took this book to another level. Looking forward to what’s next for The Bennett Family.

[Bailey Gann · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You are powerless to what your heart wants. The best thing about love is that you can fall into it with the most unexpected person in the most unexpected place, even when you aren’t looking for it.”

I LOVED this second installment of The Bennett Family series! I’ve fallen so in love with these characters.

Olivia and Parker’s story was so bittersweet but when Ellie and Liam go from enemies-to-lovers and there’s also some grump added in 🥵

Ellie works as a florist at her shop Bloom (which she owns with Olivia from book 1) and she’s perfectly content living her life on her own. The way she wants to. No one to tell her how to do anything. She’s okay with one-night stands and not having any relationships whatsoever. She’s got a secret though, that not even her best friend, Olivia, knows about her past. But as we all know, the past always comes back to haunt you.

Liam is the brother of Parker (also from book 1) and he is not a relationship guy at all. What so ever. He is a one night and done type of guy. He’s very career focused. As an attorney, he has spent his 20s getting a partnership at his firm and solely focusing on his career and being the best at what he does. He does not go out and have fun often. He’s very serious (which his brother’s often give him hell about). Until he meets Ellie at a barbecue.

Ellie quickly consumes all of Liam’s thoughts. It’s so unlike him. He doesn’t get stuck on one female. He definitely doesn’t chase after them.
Liam also consumes all of Ellie’s thoughts. It terrifies her. She doesn’t do this. She’s not a relationship kind of girl.

These two relationship-phobes definitely work through a lot but this story is so good seeing them struggle to actually realize their feelings and the new feelings that they aren’t so familiar with. ❤️

•Enemies to lovers
•LOTS of banter
•Great supporting characters
•Grumpy MMC
•Free-Spirited FMC
•Opposites-attract
•HEA

[HappyKT · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is the life of the party and owns her own floral business with her best friend. He is a workaholic lawyer that doesn't have time for a relationship. Despite all the reasons they should, they can't resist each other.

Ellie grew up with free spirit parents that she adores. This upbringing cultivated in her a fun, lively energy with an appreciation for spontaneity. After watching her best friend fall in love she wonders if that is even something she could have for her very own. Her secrets have secrets and as much as having a person sounds nice she isn't sure if she is ready.

Liam has worked hard to achieve success as a lawyer. His successful family is part of that equation but his hard work ethic is unmatched. Which is why he doesn't do relationships. He likes to work and doesn't think he could fairly give time to another person.

When Liam meets Ellie for the first time the attraction between them is electric but neither one knows what to do about it. After several months of trying to deny their connection the two cautiously begin to spend time together. Neither one can understand the pull they feel to each other but they know they need to explore it.

Dual POV, friends to lovers, sex scenes: yes

The set up for these two began in book one of the series. Once we read their POV, it explains a lot more of their interactions. These two fight the attraction between them with the excuse they do not want a relationship but really they are hiding from the fact they don't want to get hurt. There are moments of slow burn as well as insta-love but in all the right places. The 3rd quarter drama is shocking and doesn't match the level in resolution. Nice HEA. I absolutely loved the bonus content.

Bonus: Parker and Olivia from book one are featured prominently.

[Raven Bork · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the first chapter, Had to Be You had me hooked with its humor, tension, and chaotic chemistry. Ellie and Liam are fireworks waiting to explode. She's wild, loud, and unpredictable. He’s structured, moody, and a complete control freak. Put them together, and you get banter so sharp it could slice glass—and sexual tension that builds deliciously with every interaction.

What I loved most was Ellie’s energy—she’s bold, loyal, and knows how to have fun (even if her penis-themed bachelorette party plan went a little too far 😅). Liam is your typical grumpy-but-golden-heart hero, and his inner thoughts? Absolute chaos the moment Ellie enters the room. Watching him slowly lose control and start breaking his own rules was so satisfying.

Something about enemies-to-lovers works when it’s done with this much tension, sass, and genuine emotional pull. Their shared past, their shared bridal party responsibilities, and the constant push-and-pull made this book so entertaining. Every time they got close, I was screaming, “JUST KISS ALREADY!”

The writing is fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt. There were moments I laughed out loud and others that were surprisingly vulnerable. You feel the shift when things get serious, especially when Liam starts showing how deeply he cares beneath that lawyer-on-a-mission exterior.

If you love sharp banter, chaotic girl x controlled guy dynamics, and watching someone fight their feelings and fail gloriously, Had to Be You will be your kind of read.

[Lindsey Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Miller hinted at sparks between Liam and Ellie towards the end of book one in this series and here she is giving us their steamy journey to happily ever after.
Liam and Ellie are so different from each other – he is organised, focused on work and sticks to a rigid routine whereas Ellie is relaxed, carefree and spontaneous. In theory they shouldn’t work, yet once they get together they balance each other out so well. When you see below Liam’s ‘all business’ exterior he is the most attentive, thoughtful and generous hero.
Unfortunately though Ellie hasn’t had the best run at various relationships. And I struggled with her relationship with her parents, because even though they loved her and she them, they had been relatively absent from her life for many years. Maybe the loneliness contributed to some of the decisions she made in the past which then had a snowball effect; my heart really hurt for her. This leads to the fact that Ellie has a secret and when Liam finds out it definitely mucks up his ordered life.
I loved the banter between Liam and Ellie and the chemistry between them was steamy. It was also lovely to see a little more of Parker and Olivia’s HEA.

[Bonnie Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You two on a good day are like bottle rockets on the Fourth of July”

I think going from Livy in the first book, to her best friend and soul sister Ellie in this book, was the BEST DECISION EVER! And add in super disciplined and irresistible 6’2” Liam, FIRE!! The steamy banter and fireworks these two set off, electrifying!! Lily has this way with her writing that completely sucks you in, captivating you, making you devour and savor her books! So much drama packed into this one, but also a big fat secret that gives a sucker punch to the gut! I love that Liam and Ellie cannot resist each other, but even more where it all leads!!


🐱Enemies to lovers
🐱Grumpy sunshine
🐱Small town romance
🐱Steamy banter

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading Liam and Ellie's story. Both of them are total opposites so they kind of butt heads. And Liam is trying really hard to keep her away in order not to derail his career goals. But Ellie is one feisty and sassy woman, she stands up for herself and put herself out there. It's only time Liam gives into their attraction and chemistry. Their chemistry is off the charts and their banter is so entertaining.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wa my first book by Lily Miller and I really enjoyed it. Liam is a workaholic who likes to verbally spare with Ellie, his brother’s fiancé best friend. Ellie thinks Liam is stuffy and arrogant. Even though they try not to like each other, there are definitely major sparks between them. I enjoyed seeing them really get to know each other and find out their first impressions weren’t correct. This was a very good story and the audio was very good too.

[Shannon Fissel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

Two words - Chapter. Eight. 🔥❤️ The whole book is amazing but that chapter will have you melting and swooning so hard!
Liam is everything I didn't even know I wanted and more - I loved this one!! Cannot wait for the next in the series! If you haven't read anything by Lily Miller yet, go do it now.

[Tabitha Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Em Gee!

I literally couldn’t stop reading this one! Liam is just so yummy! :) I loved the banter between him and Ellie. They totally had me all hot with the way they were burning up for each other. This is definitely an opposites attract and it was perfectly written! I love this series! Off to read the next one. I suggest you pick up this series too.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart bleeds off the page and into your soul. Liam and Ellie turn a battle of feelings into a bundle of laughs that can be described as nothing but irresistible. Had to Be You is a breath of fresh air that chases the blues away with a lightness of spirit and an abundance of heart.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book… I loved the build up of Liam and Ellie in the previous book (a though you don’t need to read it I suggest it to get all the backstory) I knew their relationship would be a great journey to read about. Liam is the grumpy to Ellie’s sunshine and watching him soften and embrace everything was so fun to read about. The emotions were so real and pure. Their chemistry and fire between them was amazing and the spice was perfect.

I completely love this town and family. I am immediately starting Miles story.

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ellie in Always Been You and was so excited for her and Liam’s story! And it did not disappoint! It was so so so good!!! I couldn’t put it down and needed to know what happened! I’m so glad I found this new author!

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam.. I have no words for Liam Bennett. Broody, grumpy, overworking lawyer. Happy go lucky girl, also his sister-in-law's best friend. Their journey is one that will have you falling for Liam, Ellie, and all the things they do! ;)

[Michelle W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam and Ellie for the win

Liam and Ellie were great to read. The push and pull, the banter and the spice was all great. There were parts I skipped because they didn’t seem necessary, but overall a great story.

[Brianna Bachteler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering I read this book in one day, worth the read!