Her Best Friend's Brother

Six Gems #1

by Yahrah St. John

Childhood friends become forbidden lovers in this sexy start to the Six Gems series from Yahrah St. John.

Their fiery affair fulfills her fantasies…And puts everything at risk.

When travel blogger Wynter Barrington’s wealthy, disapproving family cuts her off, she finds comfort in a passionate chance encounter with Riley Davis, her best friend's brother. He’s hot as hell…and totally off-limits. 

And when they meet again months later, they begin a sizzling affair. Wynter knows Riley doesn’t do love and marriage, but her youthful crush is feeling more and more like a real relationship. If she’s not careful, Wynter may put more than her relationship with her best friend on the line. Can she survive falling in love with the one man she was never supposed to touch?


Six Gems
Book 1: Her Best Friend’s Brother Book 2: Her Secret Billionaire Book 3: Her One Night Consequence Book 4: Frenemy Fix-Up Book 5: Going Toe to Toe Book 6: Break Point

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2022

About the author

Yahrah St. John is the International author of forty two books. When she’s not at home crafting one of her sexy romances with compelling heroes and feisty heroines with a dash of family drama, St. John can be found in the kitchen cooking one of her gourmet meals discovered on the Food Network for her husband. Or this thrill-seeking junky can be found traveling the globe seeking out her next adventure.

A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. St. John lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful.

For more information, please visit:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yahrahstjohn/.
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/yahrahstjohn/

Reviews

[Wobilba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh… this didn’t give me the harlequin romance feeling I was craving for. The chemistry between the MCs was a little lacking but overall not a bad story.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

6-25

5 stars

Her Best Friend’s Brother is the first book in Yahrah St. John’s Six Gems series. The series is about six best friends working towards fulfilling their career goals and finding love when they least expect it. This story was totally up my alley. As the title indicates, this is a best friend/sibling romance, which is one of my favorite tropes.

When Wynter Barrington became friends with Riley Davis’ younger sister Shay, she stood out from all her other friends because she was unable to hide that she was crushing on him. With a four-year age difference, Riley was able to steer clear of Wynter easily as he rarely came home from college and made sure to stay away from San Antonio and the whole state of Texas after he graduated. Not that he was actively hiding from Wynter, but more so his family.

After being looked at and treated as less than by her family, Wynter quits her job at the family business and starts working as a travel blogger. Wynter hopes that one day she can be influential enough to make money, especially since her parents view what she’s doing as a hobby and decide to stop giving her a monthly stipend.

Riley has made a name for himself as a successful divorce attorney in Manhattan. Using his success, he parlays that into becoming a sought-after attorney which lands him a partnership at a San Antonio firm. The death of Wynter’s Aunt Helaine brings her back to San Antonio and an unexpected chance encounter with Riley, where sparks ignite between them.

To everyone’s surprise, Helaine leaves money to Wynter’s five best friends to pursue their dreams of starting their own businesses. She leaves Wynter her house and almost her entire estate. This means Wynter’s older brother gets nothing and her mother is pretty much cut out of the will. Not that Melinda Barrington needs the money. This act puts Wynter and her family on a collision course years in the making, where things ultimately get very nasty.

Turning to Riley, Wynter finds strength and passion as the two start a secret relationship. While she knows Riley doesn’t do relationships, love, or marriage, Wynter can’t help but hope for once that she will be enough.

I loved the friendship between Wynter and her friends referred to as the Six Gems, as well as the friendship Wynter shared with Riley. Their time together showed how much they loved and cared for each other, without words being used. I loved watching Wynter grow and mature while finally standing up for herself.

Her Best Friend’s Brother was a really good start to the start of the Six Gems series.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“You’ve always cared much too much about what other people think.”

“Nothing is more amazing than you.”

“Marriage is about a choice. You have to choose that person every day, even when the going gets tough.”

“Love is the reward.”

“I’m an original.”

“I will no longer tolerate being ignored or accepting less than I deserve.”

“One day, your true love will come.”

“You are so deserving.”

“Love is not a weakness, it’s your greatest strength, but you have to allow it to happen.”

“You deserve all the love and happiness your heart and hands can hold.”

**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a paperback copy.**

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fabulous read. I really enjoyed Wynter and her journey. She shows so much growth and strength, it's truly amazing to watch. And Riley? Whew, what a man!! All in all, a wonderful beginning to the series and I can't wait to read more!!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an arc e-copy by the publisher Harlequin Desire and the author
Yahrah St. John So I can give a honest review thank you do much for sending me a copy.

Her Best Friend's Brother was a enjoyable read.. Wynter Barrington’s wealthy family cuts her off. Riley Davis is her brothers best friend so he's off limits bit that doesn't stop Wynter. I love these two together. 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Happy Reading
Lisa 📚

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Best Friend's Brother by Yahrah. St. John (2022)
Six Gems #1
209-page Kindle Ebook story pages 10-191

Genre: Contemporary Romance, African-American Romance

Featuring: Opening Excerpt from Story, Letter From Author - Shares Conception of Series and Plot of Story, Author's Links; Author's Bibliography, Forbidden Love Trope, Terrell Hills, San Antonio, Texas; Grief, Childhood Crush, January, Travel Blogger, Lawyer - Divorce Attorney, Family Dynamics, Affluent People, San Antonio Riverwalk, Homecoming Trope, Fitness Instructor, Mental Illness, Divorcée, Fertility Issues, Friendship, Realtor, Ballerina, Restaurateur, Jeweler, Friend Group, Manhattan, New York City, New York, Raleigh, North Carolina; Memphis, Tennessee; Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Tricenarians, Funeral, Inheritance Trope, Sex - Detailed, Drama, Travel, Self-Actualization, Aspen, Colorado; Legal Drama, Advertisement for Blame It on the Billionaire by Naima Simone and From Boardroom to Bedroom Jules Bennett, Excerpt from Rancher After Midnight by Karen Booth, Publisher's Links

Rating as a movie: XX

Songs for the soundtrack: "Forever My Lady" by Jodeci, "Feenin'" by Jodeci, "End Of The Road" by Boyz II Men, "I'll Make Love To You" by Boyz II Men

Memorable Quotes: “What’s going on between you and my brother?” Shay asked point-blank. Wynter turned to her. “I don’t understand.” “C’mon. Don’t act coy. There is definitely a vibe between the two of you.” “I’m not saying there isn’t,” Wynter replied honestly, “but if there were, would that bother you?” “You betcha!” Shay responded quickly. “Riley likes playing the field and isn’t interested in settling down with one woman. And you? Wynter, you wear your heart on your sleeve, and I would hate to see you get hurt by getting involved with my brother. Will you stay away from him?” Wynter received Shay’s message loud and clear: hands off!

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏿👭🏿👩🏿‍🤝‍👩🏾🇨🇱💕🧳🛫

My thoughts: 📘 I picked up Book 5 because it was pink and had a nice couple on the cover. I discovered it was Book 5 in the series so I had to get Book 1 for my own sanity and I wasn't sure if I was going to finish the series or just jump to Book 5 after reading Book 1. However, discovering this series is set in San Antonio has sold the entire series for me.
🔖Page 43 of 207 [11 pages into Chapter] Four [4 pages from Chapter] Four - I had to stop suddenly to drive. I saw this coming but I didn't imagine it was on this level. Love it!
🔖54 [Chapter] Five - Oh, this is so adorable! I love it. I'm going to give my other book a try since I'm going to be in this series for the next 5 books.
🔖102 [Chapter] Ten - Based on the cover I was not expecting this to be higher than X-rated. I will be up with this one. I'm taking a quick break for dinner and family time. I'm glad I have the other books because it seems like the ending may be tied throughout the series.

Wynter wasn't as strong as I wanted her to be but it was a good story. I think we met the LI for Book 2 but, I could be wrong. I was expecting Shay to be next, but it's Egypt. I'm excited to read the next installment.

Recommend to others: Yes. I'm going to be recommending this to everyone first thing in the morning.

Six Gems
1. Her Best Friend's Brother (2022)
2. Her Secret Billionaire (2023)
3. Her One Night Consequence (2023)
4. Frenemy Fix-Up (2024)
5. Going Toe to Toe (2024)
6. Break Point (2025)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to this series. Wynter and Riley had a bumpy road to navigate but they made it thru. Looking forward to the other Gems story. Great Job Yahrah.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great love story!

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the 1st book in Yahrah St. John’s new series “Six Gems”. As usual Yahrah does an awesome job with her characters and the plots are old so good. Wynter is travel blogger and her family is wealthy. Wynter returns home to attend her aunt’s funeral. Wynter is at her parent’s home when she is informed that she will be cutoff if she does get herself together and get a real job. Riley is a successful lawyer and has landed a job with a new firm. Wynter has had a crush on Riley her friend’s brother for some time. Wynter knows that Riley is a known playboy and is not commitment material; but that does not stop her from wanting him. Wynter is going thru some tiring times when her aunt leaves her everything in her will along with her six gems friends receiving a substantial amount of money to start their business ventures. Her mom fights her tooth and nail and holds up Wynter and her six gems from receiving anything from the will. Riley and Wynter have a sizzling hot night together. The two are very much attracted to each other and can’t seem to forget about their sizzling hot night together. Waiting patiently for the next book in this series.

Will Wynter convince her mom to stop the proceedings and left her have what her aunt left for her, can Wynter convince Riley that the two of them are perfect for each other, is there an HEA in store for Wynter and Riley?

I received an ARC via NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Desire and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Cheryl Jamai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wynter Barrington is a travel blogger who is in her hometown for her Aunts’
funeral. She was much closer to her aunt than her parents and was recently
cut off financially by her father. Riley Davis is Wynter’s best friend’s older
brother. He’s a successful Lawyer who recently moved back to his hometown of
San Antonio to became a partner in a successful law firm. Over the years he
has struggled to form lasting relationships after seeing the negative impact his
parents divorce had on his Mother.
One evening Riley took a stroll on the famous River Walk and one woman in
particular caught his eye; Wynter. Riley was lusting after his little sister’s best
friend before he knew what hit him. He could get lost in her light brown eyes
for hours. Wynter always had a crush on Riley. She thought he was a fine
specimen of a man with a commanding presence. She was infatuated with him
growing up, but he was forbidden fruit. Riley provided welcomed support as
Wynter mourned her aunt. They explored their attraction for each other, and a
steamy kiss had them both off kilter. Wynter found it hard to think straight
when they were alone. Going in, Wynter and Riley weren’t interested in a
relationship, but their chemistry was explosive.

I loved Wynter’s friend group; the “six gems”, and look forward to learning more
about them. This was an enjoyable start to a new series. See complete review at romanceincolor.com

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wynter is a travel blogger who returns home to San Antonio when her aunt dies. At that time, her father informs her that he will no longer subsidize her travel - it's time for her to get a "real job" and work for the family business. Wynter refuses to give in to the pressure and walks out, planning her next steps. After the funeral, her aunt's will is read, and Wynter is stunned to discover that she has inherited most of her aunt's assets. Her five best friends also received bequests. This doesn't sit well with the rest of Wynter's family, who plan to contest the will.

Wynter receives emotional support from her best friends. Wynter's aunt referred to the five women and Wynter as her "gems." She also reconnects with her friend Shay's older brother, Riley. Wynter had a crush on him as a teenager and is surprised to discover that her crush has evolved into an intense attraction.

Riley is a successful lawyer who recently returned to San Antonio to take a position as a partner in a local law firm. He has a reputation as a player who doesn't do relationships. After seeing how his father's cheating and ultimate divorce from Riley's mother sent her into a depression, he doesn't believe in love. The things he sees as a divorce attorney reinforces his belief that love isn't real. When he meets Wynter again, he's stunned by his instant attraction to his little sister's best friend.

I loved how Riley was there to support Wynter when she needed him and that he was sensitive enough not to hit on her at that time. But when they had dinner together to talk about the will, the sparks between them practically set them on fire. They gave in to those sparks with the understanding that it was a one-time thing, but neither expected the impact it would have. Two months later, they ran into each other in Aspen and gave in again to the irresistible attraction.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Wynter and Riley develop. The time they spent together in Colorado gave them time to get to know each other and for their connection to deepen. There were some terrific scenes of them together. I especially liked how Wynter helped Riley with one of his potential clients. By the end of the week, they realize they don't want to end their affair and decide to continue after their return home.

I loved seeing them together, and it was easy to see that they belonged together. But Riley still resists the reality of love, which runs up against Wynter's growing feelings for him. I liked seeing Wynter stand up for her needs and give Riley something to consider. Riley's fears have a tight hold on him, and it takes straight talk from his sister and his unhappiness without Wynter to open his eyes and heart. His big moment was emotional and well done. The epilogue was an excellent lead-in to the next book.

I liked the women of the "Six Gems" and their tight friendship. Seeing them all support Wynter at her aunt's funeral and again after the will reading was lovely. I liked getting to know them all a little bit which whet my appetite to read the rest of the series.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wynter had come back home because her Aunt had died. She is blindsided when the will is read and the Aunt gave Wynter lots of money and her house. Her Aunt considered her and her friends her Gems. She gave her friends money to help them with their dreams. She considered all of them her daughters. Unfortunately, Wynter's greedy mother did not take it well. Her mother and father had just told Wynter they were not going to support her anymore . They were not happy that they could no longer use money to try to get Wynter to do what they wanted Her mother told Wynter she was going to contest the will. Wynter asked her childhood friend Riley for help since he was a lawyer. Both had crushes on each other that they never acted on until that night. I enjoyed reading how they got to know one another and eventually admitted their feelings for each other. Looking forward to the books for each of her friends.

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When travel blogger Wynter Barrington’s wealthy, disapproving family cuts her off, she finds comfort in a passionate chance encounter with Riley Davis, her best friend's brother. And when they meet again months later, they begin a sizzling affair. Wynter knows Riley doesn’t do love and marriage, but her youthful crush is feeling more and more like a real relationship. If she’s not careful, Wynter may put more than her relationship with her best friend on the line. Can she survive falling in love with the one man she was never supposed to touch?
I really liked this sweet romance. The characters were well described and likeable. I loved the peek into their lives and their desires. But I wanted more in the story, I felt that more could've been written. I want to read the rest of the series to find out what happened next. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this advanced reader's copy.

[DOMINIQUE Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Best Friends Brother

Thank you to HARLEQUIN - Romance and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This story follows travel blogger Wynter Barrington. After the death of her aunt she goes through a lot and her family cuts her off. She is given an inheritance from her aunt which makes her family relationship even more strained. Insert Riley Davis, one of her best friends brother. He is anti commitment but finds himself wanting more with Wynter after several trysts.

I loved Wynter’s relationship with her friends. It’s very relatable and heartwarming. I liked the story progress and it made it a quick enjoyable read. I didn’t care for Wynter’s family and I don’t know if I could be as forgiving as her. It definitely would take some time.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I really enjoyed reading this story, I thought that the author had a really great writing style and the book had a lovely flow to it that kept me clicking over the pages.

The storyline was great and well developed and characters were really good – likeable and personable and I really enjoyed getting to know more about them as the story progressed.

This story is all about forgetting what has happened before and grabbing what is right in front of you - Love will always find a way – really positive and upbeat read – easy to read and enjoyable!

It is 4 stars from me for this one – highly recommended

[Turtleberry Turtleberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wynter and Riley were cute. Wynter had a crush on him when she was younger and when she sees him again, she realizes that it is still there. Riley sees her and realizes that she has grown into quite the woman, one he no longer needs to avoid because of the age difference. They do the whole "it's only one time" thing and of course that doesn't work. Riley doesn't believe in love and Wynter thinks she'll be fine with a fling.

We all know where this is going.

There was also the backdrop of the sudden loss of her aunt and having to deal with her family in the aftermath. That part of the storyline was handled pretty well.

This book was really good. I can't wait for the other stories. I liked meeting her friends and can't wait to hear more about them when they get their own books.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wynter knows that Riley, her best friend's brother, is a player. That doesn't stop her from entering into an affair with him. She's not looking for something permanent, any more than he is. But what happens when she falls in love?

The relationship between Wynter and Riley is deeply emotional. There's also a subplot involving her family, where they challenge her inheritance from her aunt's will. This subplot is introduced first, with the romance plot being a little slow to start. But once the romance gets underway, it's engaging and passionate.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Veronica Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one-night stand leads to more. Wynter and Riley have the hots for each other but even knowing that Riley is a player and her best friends' brother she still wants him. They give into those feelings after the reading of her aunt's will and family drama. Afterwards they decide it want happen again. Months later when they meet again, they decide to have a full-blown affair which leads to love. I love the struggle with Riley to finally let love in and admit he does indeed love Wynter. Great read! Steamy kickoff to the Six Gems series about six best girlfriends I can't wait to read Egypt's story!

[Jessica Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT

I loved this pretty much from beginning to end. Wynter was awesome. She stood up for herself, with her family and with Riley, but she wasn't a bitch about it. Riley might've been stubborn and jaded but strangely I liked him, too. And I adored the friendship between the Six Gems... loved that Shay didn't blow up over Wynter and Riley. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

[Maria T. Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Best Friends Brother

This was an amazing story about Winter Barrington and Riley Davis. They have been life long friends, she had crushed on him always. Now she is in town for the funeral of her beloved aunt. Accidentally they ran into each other and he wanted to offer support while attending the service. After the service they shared an outstanding night of passion later meeting up in Aspen. Later they pledged their love to each other in marriage.

[Theresa Kearns-Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gem indeed

Just like her six gems, Yahrah hit this one out of the park! The characters felt so real and so in touch with our daily needs, wants, aspirations. I couldn’t put this book down. Definitely happy that this is now part of my library as I can read this book all over again and get the same thrills just says if I read it for the first time.

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

What was his come to Jesus moment that has him change his mind all of a sudden. I didn’t like the ending, her family all of a sudden admitting they’ve treated her like an outside baby then suddenly their sorry. The Riley suddenly having a change of mind and proposing, nah bro do better. This story was ok. But they have nasty sex, the good kind.

[Barbara Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends brother

Great read. Friends always make good lovers, and pair well in long time partners. Men have a reason for being closed about love. As many will contest too, its quite possible you lose the best thing that comes your way.

[Victoria A. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

romantic read

I absolutely loved the friendships and sisterhood. The Aunt was a definite plus, as the relationship between her parents. Excellent novel, anxiously waiting for sequel.

[Selina Durio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

This was a wonderful read! It showed how divorce not only affects the couple but the long term consequences to any children involved. I can’t wait to read about the other Gems.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Wynter’s teenaged crush Riley reconnected with her in her time of need. Their chemistry and attraction was strong. This is their journey to love.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

High School Crush

Have you ever had a chance to actually date your high school crush? Wynter did and fell in love, but he doesn't do relationships. Reconnecting with one another is what they both needed to tear down the walls they erected.

[Mariann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good

Who knew that a childhood crush could become a bold ass reality! The way Wynter and Riley kept hooking up and finding each other it was obvious they were meant to be. What a cute story ❤️

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, though relatively predictable. I didn’t get swept into Wynter and Riley’s situation as I had hoped. The idea of the Six Gems is a good one, and I’ll be interested to see how things develop for the other besties.

[Harlequin Books]

Women's Fiction, Sagas, African American & Black Romance
Miniseries
Six Gems (Book #1)

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable romp from mills and boon. Lots of heat, mistrust, angst and then the predictable all good at the end.
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.