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Friends Like This #1

Friends Like This

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"I'm not sure it's a good idea to fall for your best friend."
No one told me that junior year is when everything would get complicated. At the heart of the complexities? My best friend, Aaron freaking Cooper—more specifically, my relationship with him. Whether I should have a relationship with him that's more than friendship. Whether I already do.

Everyone else in our lives seems to think there's something between Aaron and me—that we're denying it and lying to ourselves—even my boyfriend and his girlfriend.

No matter what we tell them or our friends, it doesn't change what they see.

But as the lines start to blur between friendship and more, I find myself thinking that everyone else might be right.

Then again, maybe it doesn't matter. Because I'm not sure it's a good idea to fall for your best friend. But I'm not sure it's a choice, either. Which leaves me wondering if Aaron and I have ever been just friends, or if we've always been something more. And if we are, is it finally time to risk everything and do something about it?

I have no idea.

And that's the problem.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2022

658 people are currently reading
2772 people want to read

About the author

Bethany Monaco Smith

46 books190 followers
Bethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith

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5 stars
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382 (31%)
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257 (21%)
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77 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
Profile Image for Jessa.
491 reviews54 followers
July 24, 2022
"Your smile from a perfect cup of coffee makes me almost as happy as the coffee makes you."

Best friends since six years of age, Rae and Aaron have had each other’s backs through everything they have faced up to high school. Their group of mutual friends keeps things exciting and helps them remember the real world, but they accept the connection that Rae and Aaron have. No one understands how Rae and Aaron can be so close and share “friendly kisses” and remain ‘just friends, but they do until the time comes when they realize that their feelings may be more than ‘just friends.

"He furrows his brow. "Don't you know I'd do anything for you?"

This book takes place in high school, but the first few chapters travel from the beginning of their friendship at six years old up to high school. I loved reading about the characters in high school and how they dealt with the drama of that age. Rae and Aaron and their crew of friends were precisely the types of people I would have wanted to be friends with in school. The support they give each other is impressive. They both think they feel something, but the dynamic changes when they both start seeing other people. It's hard for their respective significant others to see how close they are to each other, and it's something that Rae and Aaron don't understand. Reading how they worked through the issues was enjoyable, even if it was a little saddening or frustrating at times. After all, they are just high schoolers!

"It's gentle and sweet, but I feel that underlying spark we always have. It's a kiss that continues to blur the lines between friendship and something more."

Bethany wrote such strong characters that I was invested from the very beginning. The connection between the friends wasn’t without issues, but they were able to work through them. They showed growth and maturity that I could follow and appreciate, especially high school students. This book was so emotional. I’m not sure if it’s because I felt nostalgic for the high school drama and loved and wished I would have had a similar experience, or it was also because the moments were so well written that I felt like I was in the moment with Rae and Aaron.

"This is the truth of our friendship. Two people who are always there for each other, no matter what."

The slow burn between Aaron and Rae was perfectly constructed. They shared innocent moments, staring at the stars and supporting each other. The spice level was on a young adult level, with some steamy kisses and intimate moments between characters. They were leading up to the second book. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait for the second book and I can't wait to read it again.
18 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2022
Friends like this follow a group of teenagers: Rae, Aaron, Miles, Sarah, Joel and Mackie, and is set in the same universe as the Freaking Love series with some crossover characters. This book focuses on Rae and Aaron and their friendship through the years. But is it actually more than a friendship? All their family and friends seem to think so. Do Rae and Aaron even want to cross that line? If they do what will it mean for their friendship?


I couldn't put this book down and actually had to process it for a couple of days before writing this review. Bethany writes teenagers very well and when I think they seem very grown up it's probably because I wasn't at that age 😂


I love how you're privy to the small changes in the group dynamic over time both in the family and the friend unit.A bit to grown up teenagers. The focus on issues with bullying and name calling in school is so relevant and super important and the exchange between the parents and the school personnel is really how all of these situations should be handled!

In spite of the level of spice in Friends like I still consider this book young adult since the subject is handled in a realistic manner by depicting some teenagers have sex at an early age and some waiting for various reasons.


Now give me the next book!! 
Profile Image for Sherry.
1,920 reviews108 followers
July 23, 2022
Friends Like This introduced Aaron and Rae in a previous series, but I haven’t read it and enjoyed this one.

We start out meeting Aaron, Rae and their friends in elementary school, where we learn about their friendship before moving forward to high school. They are best friends and growing up quickly, figuring out life. Are they destined to be together? All their friends think so but they haven’t figured it out yet.

I don’t read a lot of YA novels anymore, but I was drawn in and became quite fond of the group and can’t wait for book two to see what happens with the group.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,040 reviews67 followers
July 25, 2022
Ms. Monaco Smith gives us a book of six friends, three girls and three boys, that grow up together and takes on life head-on. She had me unable to put this book down right from the start. Their story is one that had me thinking back to the group of friends I had and the things that we went through. Their friends, Miles, Sarah, Joel and Mackie were easy to love and relate to as their characters were strong and loyal. The six of them handle what life throws at them with maturity. Friends Like This is beautifully written and full of emotions.

Friends Like This is told from the POV of Rae, one of the girls in the group. No matter what happens they are there for one another. Her best friend is Aaron and they tell each other everything and anything. Their closeness and friendship are one that their friends have a hard time understanding that there is no stronger feeling for one another. Their friends see something more that Rae and Aaron either do not see it or refuse to believe it. Rae struggles and has a number of internal discussions about her feelings towards him as well as the words said and the actions that Aaron takes. When they cross that friendship line it is just a stunt to keep a certain person away, but is it really? Is the kissing just that or is something more being felt inside? They have always said that they love each other but is that love changing into something different? They both date and it does seem to get serious for high school but are they relationships that will last? Can the people they both date handle the closeness of the group as well as Rae and Aaron? When her parents and grandparents tell her that they see something between her and Aaron, she starts to have more thoughts about their relationship? Could there be something there that is more than what they are both admitting to? The worry is that if she takes that leap of love, could it hurt the closeness and the friendship that they share? Would it be worth it to love and a loss than never to have loved at all?

I cannot wait for Falling For Friends to see what Ms. Monaco Smith has in store for us, WIll other friends get together? What happens with Rae and Aaron? Will the six of them find love? So many questions and hopefully I will get the answers.
Profile Image for Carissa Riggs.
392 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2022
Y’all my whole review could be summed up in three words…Aaron Freaking Cooper! He is so beyond swoon worthy! I literally wanted to melt with his compassion, his protectiveness, his friendship, not just with Rae but their whole group. Rae is equally amazing. She’s the friend I always wish I had and the friend I always hoped to be for someone else. Seriously if you love friends to lovers and are into YA/NA, you need to pick up this book. I so cannot wait for book 2 (and more)! Bethany got me again, and I will read all the things she writes because she knows how to suck you in and get right to the heart.
69 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2022
My heart is still fluttering from reading Bethany Monaco Smith’s, Friends Like This.

Bethany definitely knows how to leave the reader craving more... more romance, more swoon, more perfect moments, more dialogue, more secret touches, more special moments, etc.

This was such a beautiful story. At times I found myself feeling jealous of Aaron and Rae’s childhood friendship. They’re so comfortable and in sync with each other. The star gazing, pretend dating, “friendly” kisses and flirting will have you swooning until the end of the week! I’m ready for book 2!!!

PS: I also loved how characters from Freaking Love were incorporated.
Profile Image for Kristy Finto.
917 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2022
Where do I even begin with this? I LOVED this book! I've wanted Aaron and Rae's story since reading the Freaking Love series. I love their friendship in here so much and am desperate for the next book after that ending. Yes, I did screech at the end because I wanted more of them. I can't wait to see where this goes from here.
Profile Image for Allie  Koval.
469 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2022
My goodness this was a sweet story!🥰 Rae & Aaron have this amazing chemistry that every can see but them. As a reader it is obvious these two are meant to be but reading them fight it and date other people & deal with the same issues in their respective relationships is interesting. I can't wait for the next book to see how everything plays out.
Profile Image for Vicki Simonsen.
44 reviews
July 22, 2022
Friends like this follow a group of teenagers: Rae, Aaron, Miles, Sarah, Joel and Mackie, and is set in the same universe as the Freaking Love series with some crossover characters. This book focuses on Rae and Aaron and their friendship through the years. But is it actually more than a friendship? All their family and friends seem to think so. Do Rae and Aaron even want to cross that line? If they do what will it mean for their friendship?

I couldn't put this book down and actually had to process it for a couple of days before writing this review. Bethany writes teenagers very well and when I think they seem very grown up it's probably because I wasn't at that age 😂

I love how you're privy to the small changes in the group dynamic over time both in the family and the friend unit. The focus on issues with bullying and name calling in school is so relevant and super important and the exchange between the parents and the school personnel is really how all of these situations should be handled!

In spite of the level of spice in Friends Like This I still consider this book YA since the subject is handled in a realistic manner by depicting some teenagers have sex at an early age and some waiting for various reasons.

Now give me the next book!!
Profile Image for LC.
773 reviews8 followers
July 22, 2022
I ❤️ Ace & Beautiful!

Welcome back to Ida! I was waiting for Aaron and Rae and their merry little band of friends. They were side characters in the Freaking Love series but as with some characters they just stuck out to me as needing their own story. I’m so glad they got it!

Our first look at Rae and Aaron is as little 3rd graders hiding under the slide carving their initials into the wood and sharing a cute little kiss. Fast forward to middle school and drama. Poor Rae! Why do kids have to be so cruel?! Now on to high school, where everyone sees something that Rae isn’t sure she sees or feels. When the book ends, we’re left on tenterhooks wondering what will happen next between Ace and Beautiful as they call each other.

Y’all. I didn’t read YA when I was a YA. Yet, I LOVE these books. I love Ida, I love these characters, and I just want to know what happens next. Do they get their happily ever after? What trials will they go through before they find happiness? Oh man, August seems like such a long wait!
Profile Image for Nicole (all_bookedup).
487 reviews22 followers
July 22, 2022
Thank you to Bethany for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down. This is a single POV from the main character Rae. I laughed more than once reading this. Especially in the first chapter when Rae was talking about being a "kickball legend". That is what I love in a book, one that will make me feel all the emotions.

I loved all of the characters. Rae was strong and sassy. One thing I didn't like, was that she was so strong with everyone else. She didn't take anyone else's crap, but when it came to Davey, she was a pushover. I'm sorry if no one else agrees with me, but it's how I feel. Aaron was the guy every girl wants. The best friend every girl wants. He calls her beautiful on a daily basis, I mean come on!

I liked that we got some background on Sarah. Miles, Mackie, and Joel were great side characters. I hope that we get more of a look at Mackie's revelation from book one. I cannot wait until book 2 comes out!
Profile Image for Kimberly Ann.
Author 14 books147 followers
July 22, 2022
Once again, I’m completely pulled into a YA world Bethany has created. I devoured this book. Best friends that are like family, supporting each other through anything and everything. I especially loved the glimpses into the characters from the Freaking Love series and seeing how they are wound in together.

Bethany has such an incredible way of writing the emotions of the characters to make it feel like you are experiencing everything along side them. You’re along for the ride for every joy and heartbreak.

I can’t wait to read what comes next!
65 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2022
This is a beautifully written book by a wonderful author. To go on the adventure of being back in high-school and having to navigate your feelings on the edge of becoming a adult makes for a wonderful, emotional and gripping book. Young love and learing whatbthat means...hits you in the feels. Great read. Can not wait for the next release from the author.
Profile Image for Grace Maute.
23 reviews
July 25, 2022
I got the pleasure of reading the arc to this amazing book. I don't want to spoil anything but definitely check this book out. I'm so excited to add this to my shelf.
Profile Image for Melissa.
326 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2022
Rae!!!! Aaron!!! Aaron freaking Cooper!!! Ok now that that’s out of the way…

This book was so like many of Bethany’s - in depth without being over the top while exploring friendships, relationships, and one’s self. It’s an amazing thing when an author can take characters they wrote from another series, and spin it off into their own without feeling like it was just a grab. I loved getting to see bits and pieces of these characters pasts. I feel like Aaron is so confident and sure of himself, until it comes to Rae. Then Rae is much the same until she starts realizing who she is further and further.

The friendships that these two have with others is one that anyone would be lucky to have. Each person in the story has their own thing that they understand about Rae and about Aaron. It’s so hard to put all of this book into words without absolutely spoiling the heck out of it! I just know that I can’t wait for more Aaron and Rae!
Profile Image for Debbie Ohrem.
196 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2022
I love that Rae and Aaron’s story started when they were kids and continued throughout High School. What happens when childhood sweethearts develop feelings when they’re with others? This story goes through this and so much more. We also see some favorites from previous series in the book. This book will leave you waiting for the sequel! A wonderful book and amazing characters!
Profile Image for Bethany Palmer.
49 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2022
Y’all this book 🔥such a great change of pace from what I normally read!! This book keep me wanting more and more I couldn’t stop!
Since they was little kids Aaron and Rae have been best friends did everything together, now in high school is this friendship becoming something more they can’t see?
Are they missing what’s right in front of them??
Read this book to find out I promise it won’t let you down!
Profile Image for Annie Brown.
Author 6 books10 followers
July 19, 2022
Just finished this story and let me tell ya 😅 @bethanymonacosmith knows how to write em! This is the second book by her that I’ve read and both have been 🔥 🔥🔥 This story shows the struggles that every kid goes through going up, heart break to friendships, and love. I can’t wait for the sequel!!
Profile Image for Ashley Alexander.
Author 6 books60 followers
July 14, 2022
Loved this start of a coming-of-age series! These friends are adorable, they love being around each other so much and makes me wish I could repeat high school just to find a tribe such as them. Aaron and Rae… what can I say except that Aaron is the perfect book boyfriend and I’m excited for their journey! So ready for book two!
Profile Image for Book.ishbabygirl .
10 reviews
July 14, 2022
I love the main characters, that way the author made real life issues come to life. Aaron and Rae was made for each other. It’s reminder of my husband and I when we were younger. If you love Friends to Lover Romance this book is for you. I can’t wait to read the second book of the series.
Profile Image for Lacey Braziel.
43 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2022
Another amazing book from BMS! This is the beginning of a series and already Aaron Cooper is solid book boyfriend material. I cannot wait to read how this love story unfolds and implodes and heals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alyssa Skaggs.
Author 2 books13 followers
July 12, 2022
Bethany did it yet again wrote a fantastic real life issue book that grabbed my heart from start to finish. The characters deal with real life issues and situations, they grew up together and experienced almost everything at the same time. Rae and Aaron I think are my new favorite characters right now and I can’t wait to see what happens with them.
Profile Image for Cassie Deaton.
149 reviews51 followers
July 30, 2022
Holy meatballs.

This is an exquisite book.

If you want a love story like Alfalfa and Darla growing up. This is your book.

The perfect build up.

I’m ready for book two!!

The characters were good.

The story was believable.
It was a sweet blooming romance.

Enjoyed the amount of spice for the teenagers.

The writing did my favorite thing, put the gold nuggets of life wisdom in there 🖤 I loved this!
Profile Image for Jacqueline Fromm.
355 reviews8 followers
July 9, 2022
It’s has been a long time since I have read a YA romance. You were pulled in from the beginning. You could tell throughout the whole story that Rae and Ace have amazing chemistry. I love that they were life long friends that were always more then friends but were the only ones that could not see it. I love how after they both dated others they seem to slowly be figuring it out. I absolutely can not wait to see how their story progresses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AddictedToReadingRomance.
762 reviews30 followers
July 21, 2022
Friends Like This, I definitely would love to have friends like them in High School. The six of them are so great and wonderful to each other, I love them all. Aaron and Rae are perfection!!! Aaron is definitely swoon-worthy, melting my heart and making me falling in love with him. Rae, gosh she’s totally amazing, her sass and honesty, everything in her is so beautiful. Reading this book is everything you need to have a spectacular day falling in love, having you heart a little bit broken but getting all their feelings and experiences in you. Can’t wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Jeannie Soto.
21 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2022
I'm a total sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope. With that being said, this one was one of the sweetest ones I've read in a while. From the best friend group to best friends are literally meant for each other, I enjoyed all of it so much! I can't wait to see how Rae and Aaron's story ends in the next book because ya' girl needs to know that they have a happily ever after!!
Profile Image for Lauren L. Moon.
Author 7 books26 followers
July 24, 2022
"I think I'm falling in love with my best friend."

Let me just start out by saying LOVE LOVE LOVE Aaron and Rae to but like come on AARON he's the loml swear Let's talk about the absolute adorable story of Aaron and Rae, in real life never recommend falling in love with your best friend it's messy.

But this story read it as fast as could! loved experiences that they got to have, I love the friendships in the book!

And I'm going to be impatiently waiting for book 2 because that ENDING (I won't spoil it, you HAVE to read it to find out what I'm talking about)

Aaron and Rae both deserve to get everything they could ever want and might cry a little when book 2 comes out The romantic feelings are gonna be a 10/10 just KNOW it
Profile Image for Shannon Courtney-Moore.
139 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2022
Okay I'm obsessed! This book was absolutely amazing. I adored Rae and watching her friendship with Aaron. I loved their little moments with each other and watching them both come to their senses!!! I want an Aaron in my life! I cannot wait for the rest of the books! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this arc!!!
Profile Image for cosette.
154 reviews39 followers
September 29, 2024
this had so much potential.
but all of rae’s decisions and her actions??? she made me mad

also, it felt like everyone was pressuring them and in some parts it felt like her doubts were because of what people were telling her and not her actual feelings.

i don’t think i will be reading the second book 😐
Profile Image for amberebooksandmore.
467 reviews
July 24, 2022
When I tell y’all these two are my favorites I am not lying! They are the perfect best friends. This book goes through them coming into themselves with all the bumps that come from being a boy and girl best friend. The friendship with everyone is what family truly is. I cannot wait to see where this series goes! I have a feeling with a real as this one was written the rest will not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews

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