My Scorned Best Friend

The Greene Family #7

by Piper Rayne, Aaron Shedlock (Narrator), Holly Warren (Narrator)

Xavier and Clara kissing in a tree…

When your best friend growing up is a girl, that’s the song your classmates taunt you with over and over again. But it was never like that… until now.

It’s always been Clara and me. She’s the only one who truly knows me. After I was drafted into the NFL and ended up the starting quarterback for the San Francisco Kingsmen, I begged her to come with me. But she had her own life and responsibilities back in our small Alaskan town, so I didn’t fault her for staying.

We remained the best of friends despite the distance. I’d hang with her in Alaska during the off season, and she’d visit me in California while I was playing. Then, one night the lines blurred for the briefest of moments and set in motion a series of events that changed everything.

I’m not proud of the decisions I made after that fateful night, and I plan on making amends, because I need Clara back in my life. But not as my best friend—as my everything.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Audiobook, Sports Romance, Small Town Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary

7 pages, Audible Audio

First published July 12, 2022

About the author

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling author duo. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.

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Our Books: We do things in 3’s. Three best friends. Three hot heroes. Three HEA’s.

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Reviews

[✩ layla ✩ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Regretful read

They slept together 2 years ago. Then he ran away. She stays in their home town pining away for him (and facing the humiliation that everyone knows he wanted to be with someone else after her) while he is out there living his best life with another woman. And the doormat heroine takes him back when he’s ready to settle down 🙄 She couldn’t possibly have dated because that would mean the heroine would have found some self respect and realised she deserved better than that POS hero.

It’s books and authors like this that turn my off romance.

Time for a new genre.

[Alex E. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't work for me. Writing is good but it's one of the same stereotypes.
Best friends have one night of passion, where the guy sweet talks his friend but when the morning comes he changes his mind and is afraid to have a relationship and let's the girl leave. He then makes a scene because she is flirting with one of his teammates and to top the worst in this list with stereotypes, he has a new relationship with a complete opposite woman and shows her off in front of everyone.
Clara being left behind is pinning for X. And then miraculously after 2 years he realizes he can't live without her and eventually they have their HEA.....
Can we just for once have the girl move on? Let her enjoy life without the jack@ss? And let him struggle with the rejection??
That is why I don't like friends to lovers and second chances because 95% of the time the girl is left behind pinning for her love and the guy is moving on and when he realizes what he lost, he goes back and everything is pink...

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐💫
2½ stars.


Overall an OK read…..
But the chemistry was lukewarm and their love for each other was not really there… (They flipped from bad to good and back to bad etc. …. too many times and everything was resolved too quickly and easily and there were so much miscommunication…. And Xavier never truly apologized or seemed like he was actually sorry for being a jerk for those two years they were separated….. and there was not really any groveling from him)

Also the characters are rather stereotyped.
Both in professions and in appearance/looks…. But also somewhat in personalities etc.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧🎧 AUDIO REVIEW 🎧🎧

PERFORMANCE REVIEW & RATING: 4 STARS

I haven’t listened to a whole lot of narration by Holly Warren but what I have listened to has always been enjoyable. She animates the story when she narrates which is always a #win for me! Aaron Shedlock is a bit slower with his narration and can sometimes be grating for me, but they both did a very good job playing off each other and their different characters.

STORY REVIEW & RATING: 3 STARS

Okay, so here’s the thing about this story … for me (and I emphasize the me part), the entire time I was reading this story I felt like I should know things. Like maybe I missed a vital piece of the puzzle that is Xavier & Clara and it just put my entire listening experience off kilter. I couldn’t connect with their story or them as individuals. This is such a hard thing to convey in a review because it’s a feeling that I had while listening and I just don’t know how to translate the feeling to words. But alas, it happened, so moving on to another point.

I don’t believe in Xavier & Clara’s ever lasting love for one another. There, I said it! They were in turmoil and not together for over 85% of their journey so I’m not sure how I’m supposed to believe that they will live happily ever after. If anything, they’re a poster child for a divorce statistic. Harsh? Maybe, but it holds a whole bunch of truth. They flipped from bad to good and back to bad to finally good way too quickly for my taste and the entire time I had that nagging feeling I was missing something about them that was crucial.

Lastly, on the negative front, what the what was Clara thinking with Ben?! That’s all I’m saying on this particular plot point because I’m all kinds of #twichy about it and I don’t want to rant LOL

On the plus side, since I hadn’t read any of the books in the Greene Family series, I’ve gone back to download the first 4 for now because I DO enjoy Piper Rayne’s style and voice. I have loved their work for many years (on and off), so this is probably a one-off and it happens! Not every story hits every person the right way. This one happened to hit me the not so right way *shrug* I’ll still read their work whenever possible!

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

My Scorned Best Friend by Piper Rayne is such a good read, loved everything about it.

The storyline is entertaining from start to end, I enjoyed watching Xavier and Clara's relationship unfold and I loved all the supporting characters and seeing them again in this book.

Xavier and Clara are perfect for each other, I was happy they were able to put their fears behind them and to trust their hearts.

My Scorned Best Friend is a heartwarming read and a great addition to the Greene Family series.

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*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to visiting my favorite Sunrise Bay residences and catching up with the lively and lovable Greene family. And, at last, we have Xavier and Clara’s love story! Piper Rayne gives us a friends-to-lovers, second chance story that is so very heartfelt and swoony. My Scorned Best Friend is tenderly told, effortlessly engaging, and adorably sweet. Yet another charming, funny, feel-good story with one of the most entertaining family ensembles in romance!

Of all the Greenes, I was most excited for this one, since we’ve gotten to see peeks of their story throughout the series thus far. I have such a soft spot for friends to lovers stories, and this one pairs nicely with the second chance dynamic. Xavier and Clara go way back- all the way to playing in the sandbox, learning to read days. And there is something just so special about a relationship that spans that many years- because they grow up together. And growing up means changing feelings, evolving dynamics, crystalilized needs and desires. And naturally, feelings start to change. But these two never wanted to ruin a friendship so special, one so stable and long lasting. But pent up longing, a little alcohol, and a freaked out Xavier result in not only them crossing a line but a friendship has been broken. Sweet librarian Clara is broken hearted, scorned by the man she loved, as a friend and then as more. Time passes, and Xavier is determined to right his wrong, to own up to the beat of his heart, but can Clara see past her heartbreak?

I really adored Clara- she’s one of my favorites in the Piper Rayne Green world. She’s deely relatable- a sweet bookworm with a tender heart and a love of her community. I loved how she’s equal parts gentleness and strength. She’s compassionate and loving, but she’s also unwilling to so easily forgive something that hurt her so deeply. Not only was her heartbroken, but she lost a friend, and even more so, she lost part of herself, with her self-confidence shattered. I loved how this story isn’t just her opportunity to find a path forward with Xavier but to also refind her own self-assurance. Her character journey was so lovingly told. Xavier, on the other hand, had to win me over a bit. On the surface, he’s a confident, lauded football star. But unresolved insecurity and fear has him being both stubborn and emotionally opaque. Like us, he’s frustrated with his own decisions- he never wanted to close Clara by threatening their relationship with more, but, of course, that happened anyways. It took time for me to get through to his true heart, but Clara opened him up, and we get to see all the sincerity, charm, and swoony Greene hero romanticism that I’ve come to expect from this dynamic brood. And I loved his sweet and intimate chemistry with Clara- Piper Rayne really helped establish the depths of their relationship with the glimmers we get to see of their friendship over time.

As usual the Greene crew play a pivotal role in the story- especially in helping Xavier get over his blocks and trying to win back Clara. And my favorite octogenarian residents of the Sunrise Bay Retirement crew make hysterical and scene stealing appearances. There’s nothing quite like a Piper Rayne small town- so many colorful characters in this ensemble.

The Greenes are chock full of charm and charisma, and I’m so excited for the story that’s next!

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier and Clara's story is probably the most anticipated one in the Greene family series and Piper Rayne just knocked it out of the park. Dreamy and swoony. Steamy and emotional. This story has everything that will make you fall in love. My Scorned Best Friend brings the best of a friends to lovers second chance small town romance.

Xavier and Clara have been best friends from kindergarten. Over the years their feelings changes from friends to something else but they both kept their friendship above everything. Xavier is now a famous highly paid quarterback and Clara is still their sweet small town as city librarian. Till one drunken night of celebration they cross the line and Xavier panicks next morning and breaks Clara's heart. Their friendship is lost and they are both missing each other. Will Xavier finally admit his feels and win Clara over?

I have been reading bits and pieces about Xavier and Clara over different books of this series. And I was so excited to read their story. There is something heartaching and swoony about childhood friends becoming lovers. And that heartbreak just amplified the appeal. I absolutely loved Clara. She is sweet and kind and her heart is gold but she can be really strong and fierce when it is needed. Her passion for her library and her town is admirable. And she also didnt let Xavier in so easily again. She made our boy tremble and brought to knees and I totally loved every moment of it. Now xavier may be a hotshot football player but somewhere inside he is still the lost and insecure boy scared to love and lose. The reason he pushed Clara away is because he didnt want to lose her but he broke his own heart anyway. But with guidance of his wise and loving and supportive family, he got back on track. When a Greene man is determined to win a woman, no one can resist. They have a beautiful connection. Some guilt and regret and pain did not make it fade. It was whole lot of swoonworthy and heartaching. And once I enter this small town, I never want to leave.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[christyheartsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

X and Clara have been friends since kindergarten. They have been through all of the ups and downs for each other their entire lives but one night changed everything for them. Now two years later X is ready to fight for his best friend back. I don't think I am alone in saying that I have been very eager for Xavier and Clara's story. And let me just say that it did not disappoint. I loved everything about this book. I loved that we got flash backs from when X and Clara were younger - loved that we got to see those glimpses of their past. I loved that they were truly best friends but that we got to see their relationship grow and develop into more. The chemistry between these two was undeniable even if they were both trying to fight it. I was also blindsided by how emotional this one was. I was an absolute mess while reading this one. These two hit me with all the feels.

[Maria (semi hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars.

Surprisingly a friends to lovers book I actually liked, despite all the cliches. They were friends since kindergarten, were each others first kiss and very close. They were with others over the years. Both didn’t seem to care because they were just friends, nothing more. I’m okay with that. I hate storylines where the heroine is pining for her best friend hero, while he’s with a revolving door of other women. Not what happened here, they were both okay with being friends. They may have felt some butterflies now and then, but just in passing and nothing both sticked to remember.

Until one night they crossed the line and slept together. This opened Clara’s eyes and it meant everything to her. But for Xavier it was a mistake, not about to happen again. She felt tossed aside and when they’re at a party the next night where another woman comes on to him and he shoos away a team mate who’s interested in her, she packs up and leaves. They’re not on speaking terms for a while, but when Xavier comes back to Alaska she’s ready to make amends with their friendship. Only for him to come back home with his model girlfriend on his arm being all cocky and the whole town pities Clara. It was heartbreaking to read and I felt for Clara.

Xavier made some huge mistakes and lost himself on all the fame and glory. It took him 2 years to get his head straight and it takes a lot of groveling to win Clara back. He does some great grovel and is really remorseful. He really redeemed himself in my opinion. Xavier and Clara are just meant to be. I’m not sure I would have forgiven him for the things he did. If they weren’t best friends, I might. But how he treated his best friend was not okay with me. I liked the fact Clara made him work for it, and she didn’t make it easy on him. But he really was a douchebag and that huge grovel was very necessary. I liked that Clara spoke from her heart and told Xavier how much he hurt her. The douche deserved that!

The grandma’s are still the best. They had a lot more scenes in this book and they were funny as ever.

I cried at chapter 28, so beautiful! It made up for all doubts I had prior to reading this book.

Safe read. Xavier not really a manwhore I think… but no monk either. After the night they slept together and the 2 year separation of being friends, he wasn’t celibate and she was. Xavier had a girlfriend who he took back home and it broke Clara’s heart. OM drama: Xavier’s team mate Ben (I liked him!) started dating Clara and this made Xavier jealous. They went on a double date with Xavier and another model, but nothing happens with both couples. Ben and Clara never even kiss. No cheating or sex with OP in this book. Too bad Clara didn’t move on, like Xavier did. But Ben was such a cutie and I would’ve felt so sad if he got his heart broken by Clara. Fortunately that didn’t happen then, lol.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was definately a second chance romance. Even from the beginning of the story, the reader can see that Clara was in love with Xavier. I even think that she was in love since they grew up. She is a nice, sweet girl who doesn't take attitude for people. And that goes for Xavier too.

After a night they spent together 2 years ago, she stopped being his friend. Because ha've done some stupid stuff after they night together and in my opinion he definately deserves the cold shoulder. But even with that he was still insecure when it comes to relationships, more importantly relationship with Clara.

I was really pleased that he realized that all this time he was in love with her. He just didn't accepted it. From this moment on, he decided to fight for her and get her back where she belongs...with him. I loved how he wasn't giving up and he was determined to win her heart again.

P. S. I still think that he should crawl more for Clara's forgiveness 😂.

***Special thanks to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for providing me with this ARC copy. All opinions are my own.***

[sarah.booksanddreams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Band 7 der GREENE FAMILY lüftet endlich das Geheimnis, was zwischen Xavier und seiner besten Freundin Clara geschah, und ob es für ihre Freundschaft noch eine Chance geben kann.

Die Anspielungen und Andeutungen, sowie die schmerzhaft mit anzusehende Distanz zwischen Clara und Xavier in den vorangegangenen Bänden, haben mich neugierig auf ihre Geschichte gemacht.

Clara ist mir stets sympathisch gewesen.
Sie ist so ungemein warmherzig, freundlich und gütig.
Und eigentlich viel zu gut für Xavier, der sich zuletzt, einfach nur unverschämt, abgestumpft und erhaben, selbst seiner Familie gegenüber verhielt.

Im Großen und Ganzen hat mich ihre Story gut unterhalten.
Obwohl ich zwischendrin ein paar Probleme mit der zu schnellen und einfachen Versöhnung und dem damit einhergehendem „Wir schweben auf Wolke 7“-Feeling hatte.
Ich hatte da wohl einfach auf ein paar mehr „Frenemies-to-Lovers“-Vibes gehofft.

Stattdessen gibt es aber einen tollen Einblick in die wirklich schöne Freundschaft von Xavier und Clara, über die Jahre bis heute hinweg, ihre innige Bindung und Claras Zugehörigkeit zur Greene-Familie.
Diese ist natürlich auch wieder mit einigen Szenen mit dabei, mal in geballter, chaotischer Form, mal durch vertraute Gespräche.

Das alles wieder locker und leicht erzählt, mit dem üblichen Wohlgefühl,
und der ein und anderen hinterhältigen und witzig in Szene gesetzten Aktion von 3 älteren Damen. ;)

Zum Ende hin, nimmt der Kitsch meiner Meinung nach ein wenig Überhand,
war es doch aber typisch Piper Rayne.

Mein Fazit:
Meine großen Erwartungen an die Geschichte von Clara und Xavier wurden zwar nicht zur Gänze erfüllt,
letztendlich habe ich die Story aber mit angemessener Zufriedenheit abgeschlossen.

4 Sterne

Ich danke dem FOREVER Verlag für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionsexemplars via NetGalley!

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Xavier and Clara's story is one that I have been waiting for since the beginning of the series, yes that is a long time to be waiting but luckily we didn't have to wait any longer because there are still more books in the series to come.

X and Clara have been best friends since kindergarten well, that was until two years ago when something happened and they stopped talking to one another. We all have been speculating on what happened, including his siblings, but now we get the full story of what happened then and we get to watch how they work through things in order to get the HEA that they both want now.

Read my FULL Review here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewMSBF




**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**I also pre-ordered a kindle copy
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I think My Scorned Best Friend is a book many fans of Piper Rayne’s Green Family series has been waiting for and it did not disappoint. Best friends since kindergarten, Xavier Green and Clara Harrison had a special relationship until one night where they crossed the line and the fallout was massive. This best friends to lovers second chance romance was sweet and sexy, but also an emotional journey for both the main characters. I’ll be real honest here and say that Xavier was such a “man” in this book, he made some huge missteps throughout it with his overbearing ways and not thinking things through before he opened his mouth, but he also showed that he could be sweet and vulnerable which melted my heart just a tad. I always liked Xavier even though he wasn’t a huge part of many of the books due to him being a NFL quarterback in San Francisco, but I always loved his friendship with Clara and they way everyone thought they were more than friends. Clara has always been a favorite character of mine, sweet and kind she is a small town girl who loves helping the community and her work as a librarian suits her perfectly. I was a bit surprised she tried a relationship with Ben, one of Xavier’s teammates, but on the other hand I understood why and while it became obvious her heart wasn’t in it the fact she felt bad for Ben proves she’s just a kind hearted person. I felt bad that Xavier and Clara could not catch a break and work things out without family or the town meddling in their lives but they pretty much took it in stride. In some ways I was disappointed in Xavier’s reason for messing up their friendship mainly because if anyone understood his fears it was Clara, but thankfully his dad, Hank, and his siblings were there to help him see the light. Thoroughly entertaining and highly satisfying, My Scorned Best Friend was the perfect story for this couple and their lifetime friendship that turned into more.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Scorned Best Friend was the seventh book in the authors Piper Rayne’s Greene Family series.

I’m taking a break from formal reviews for a while, but following are a few quick thoughts: I’ve been waiting for Clara and Xavier’s book for awhile and the authors did a great job setting up the anticipation. I loved them as a couple but I wanted more from Xavier. I wanted more connection, decisiveness and groveling. Otherwise, as a whole, it was an enjoyable read and another fun addition to the series.

[Bela]

Never mind.. h was celibate and waites for H. H had OW....

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Clara and Xavier's story is one of the stories that I've been anticipating from this series and was it worth the read! I loved their story, and how it goes and ends. There are so many ups and downs to them trying to repair their friendship after what happened between them two years ago and trying not to make it awkward. But also trying to move on when they both have feelings for each other. It's hard to give up on what they have. I loved that particular moment when Clara realised she's had enough and wanted to move on completely. And the only way to do that is to break their friendship altogether. Because they just can't go back and forth, especially Xavier.

These two gave me all the feels! Xavier definitely needs to work on winning Clara back but he knows just what to do. Though I don't agree with his reasoning why he pushed her away, still he redeemed himself in the end.

[Lissete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara and Xavier have been best friends since kindergarten, they grew up in a little town in Alaska and Xavier left to go to college and ended up being the quarterback for the San Francisco Kingsmen. Clara decided to stay in Alaska and their friendship remain the same until one night when the friendship line got crossed and everything went sideways.
In true Greene Family fashion there’re so many laughs, the grandma’s are the best matchmakers out there and I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
Xavier knew how to win Clara’s heart and I was so happy to finally seeing them working through their differences to get to their HEA. It was a highly anticipated book for me and it didn’t disappoint!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do if your very best friend is of the opposite sex and you want more but he doesn't? That's the pickle that Clara finds herself in with Xavier. He is her everything, but his life in professional sports is something Xavier doesn't want to dump on her. He's experienced the negative press, the ugly comments from fans, the haters before and there's no way he wants that dumped on her. He might have those feelings for her too, but as far as he's concerned it's not gonna happen. The problem is that he's losing his best friend because of it.

I love Piper Rayne books. The duo writes stories that stir your heart. There's longing, conflict, heat and lots of romance. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope. Yea, My Scorned Best Friend!

I listened to the audio version of this book narrated by Aaron Shedlock and Holly Warren. It was fantastic!

Thanks to Valentine PR for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Tammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this book since the beginning of the series and it did not disappoint!
So good! So perfect!
Everything I wanted and more.
I loved the past scenes of their childhood and teenage years.
There present story had the perfect amount of angst to keep it from being boring.
We knew where their relationship was leading but making them and us work for was fantastic writing.
Best friends to lovers with some bumps in the road along the way.
Happy touching tears rolled down my face when our couple received a gift from the past.
And always loved the meddling grandma scenes.
And the next one? What? How? Why?
I can't wait!!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

From heartbreaking to heartwarming, there is no in between. My Scorned Best Friend was hands down worth the wait. Xavier and Clara turn emotions inside out. With humor and heart, Rayne turns frustrating into a fabulous, MUST READ romance.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been on a bit of a binge with the last three books of the Greene series, desperate to read about the final three siblings’ story to finding love. My Scorned Best Friend has been one of my most hotly anticipated in the series, because ever since the beginning, I’ve needed to know why Xavier and Clara, childhood best friends, are on the outs.

Xavier is a famous football player, and he’s got the glamourous lifestyle that comes with the status, which is far from the town of Sunrise Bay he left behind, which includes his best friend, Clara. Clara and Xavier have been best friends since children, but something changed between them since Xavier became a star player. One night changed their friendship forever, altering how they saw each other, and it was clear that feelings were changing between them, and one of them is ready to face that more than the other. Months go by with minimal contact, but when one of Xavier’s teammates wants to date Clara, Xavier must decide if it’s worth facing his fears and admitting what he wants, or watching Clara have a happily ever after with another man.

Xavier and Clara were so clearly meant to be, they were each other’s better half, but past trauma, as it always does, gets in the way of their own happiness. Self-sabotage was a heavy feature in this book, but I liked how no one overcame it instantly, which is usually the way in romance books, and also very unlikely. It takes time and patience, and just because someone says they are ready, it doesn’t mean they are until they’ve done the work for themselves. Sometimes the hurt they’ve caused before facing their demons takes time to heal too, and you have to rebuild the relationships you’ve damaged before you can build something new. Piper’s writing was as good as always, kept me hooked and engaged all the way through, rooting for Xavier and Clara to find their happiness together.

Xavier was a hard character to read, he was very guarded with most people other than his close circle, and even then, when faced with the opportunity of happiness, his past got in the way, and it was easier to play the part of the football playboy over the broken man who could actually let down his guard and open his heart to the woman who’s held it forever. Clara was very much ready whenever Xavier was, but after he treated her badly, she realised that she couldn’t put her life on hold for him, because who knew if he ever would be ready for her. I loved reading about her strength and how she stood up to Xavier, telling him about how he needed to sort himself out before they could be anything, as that wasn’t fair on either of them. Their growth from a friendship to a couple was a rocky one, but they were end game from children, so there was no doubt they would get there in the end.

This Alaskan small-town romance series keeps getting better. Anything small-town by Piper Rayne is a must read for me, the Bailey’s are going to have to make room for the Greene Family in my heart. The continuation of including Dori and Ethel, the meddling matchmaking Grandma’s makes me feel like I am going home to my own extended family, and I adored how Piper continues to give hints to each of the Greene’s siblings’ personalities. The hints at to what they are like and who they may end up with just keep you guessing but also invested in the whole family. Mandi’s book is the second to last, but we’ve had very little indication over who her man might be, so I can’t wait to read her book next!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Xavi's a runner. Well, technically, he's a quarterback, but in his personal life, he runs. Runs from emotions and feelings, when he's scared and can't cope. He ran the night things changed between him and his best friend. But now he knows he has to get her back, even if just as his best friend, because he can't fathom his life any longer without Clara in it. He knows it'll take a lot of work to gain her trust again, and her forgiveness, but he's in it for the long haul.



Clara should have known back when she and Xavi stepped over the line of friendship, that it would spell the end of things, end of their friendship, because Xavi had never been able to cope with his emotions. But she didn't foresee he'd hightail it out of town, and only come back with a new girl on his arm. She's never been able to forgive him, but now that he's back home being persistent and determined to have a second chance, she'll need to decide if she can let him back in, even if it means the possibility of getting her heart broken again.



Second chance romances can be tricky to write, tricky to navigate, but with the longtime feelings Clara and Xavi had, there's no way they wouldn't eventually end up together, especially with a family and a small town like they had supporting them the whole way. I have been looking forward to Xavi's backstory this whole series, and I was definitely not disappointed in any way. So much heart, more than its fair share of delicious chemistry, and the best supporting cast made this second chance small town romance one that I'll remember for a long time.



ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.

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[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t take it anymore. Xavier is a jerk. Clara is an idiot. I’m glad Ben got away. DNF

[Nightbird Novels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier Greene and Clara Harrison have been inseparable since they met on their first day of kindergarten. Best friends who were always there for each other, no matter what... until the one night that changed it all...

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My Scorned Best Friend was an emotional and sexy, second chance romance! This long awaited, friends to lovers story in the fabulous Greene Family series finally reunited ex-best friends, Clara and Xavier, the small town librarian and the hotshot NFL superstar.   

I am so happy that we finally got to see more of Clara! She was her own woman and never let Xavier's fame change how she saw him, and she never let him change what she wanted in her own life. I also loved how she was always welcomed in the Greene family, especially since she had previously lost everyone in her own family. But lastly, I loved to see how her relationship has grown with her previously unknown sister!!

Xavier was a good guy who had a brief moment of letting his success and fame get to his head. Living in San Francisco, away from his loved ones and the simplicity of small town life changed him for the worst, but once he and Clara finally reunite, Xavier finds the touchstone that he couldn't live without. 

This book provided the second chance that Clara and Xavier truly deserved! I enjoyed the work they did to get back to being friends and in each others lives again, but most of all, I loved when they finally accepted that they were truly meant to be together!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

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[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the best friend vibes, all the best friend awkward then all the swoons

I am happy we finally got Clara and Xavier’s story since it’s been a tease throughout the series. This is the book 7 in the Greene Family series and it includes witty dialogue, characters with some depth, and an fairly engaging storyline. Xavier and Clara have been best friends since kindergarten and when the book begins, they have been estranged for two years. On the journey to reconciliation and their HEA we get the story of what happened to cause the rift while we watch them attempt to repair it. They both have to work through their past issues to find a HEA together especially Xavier. The book was fairly low angst. As usual, all the rest of the members of the Greene family are sprinkled throughout the book and they add to the story without being a distraction. As always, the scenes with Ethel, Nikki’s grandmother and her sidekick Dori, along with the rest of the retirement village residents are hilarious. Overall I really enjoyed the story though it felt a bit superficial and I would have liked the characters to have had more depth. I am looking forward to reading what happens next for the Greene family.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The friendship that Xavier and Clara had began when they were children and transcended through to them becoming adults even if their dreams for the future and Clara supported his dream of playing football professionally while she stayed in their hometown and managed the town library. One night threw their relationship off kilter and Clara believed the only way to protect herself was by distancing herself from him.

Xavier is scared to lose one of the most important people in his life so he has never wanted to pursue anything beyond friendship with Clara. He believes that in the end he will only hurt her but with the help of friends and family he realizes that is already happening and the only way to fix it is to trust in her and the feelings they have for each other.

Xavier and Clara have always belonged together, and Clara proves that she is his equal in every way and can handle the challenges that comes with dating a celebrity. The narrators do a wonderful at bringing out all the humorous banter, hot chemistry and emotional pull of this story as we not only get to experience the relationship between Xavier and Clara unfold but catch up with the other characters we know and love.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier & Clara were best friends from the moment they came face to face in kindergarten until one night messed it all up. See, they actually lit the sheets on fire, and man did he mess it up right afterwards to point that I was livid. To add fuel to the fire, he made matters even worse with serious selfish missteps that hurt Clara even more so it was really hard to warm up to him because he waited too long in my eyes to fix the mess he made (obviously I have a hard time forgiving men LOL). Luckily he's a Greene with a fantastic, nosey family, who weren't going to let him keep going like he was but he had some work to do. I loved Clara despite the fact that she forgave him too easily in my eyes but luckily her sister let him really have it, but will Clara ever trust him with her heart again?! One of my favorite things about this dynamic duo is the fact that the supporting cast always makes sure the book 5 stars for me, especially Grandma Ethel & Dori who always keep me laughing so hard throughout with all their scheming & craziness LOL! So yeah, I LOVED this story at the end of the day & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Sarah (lou_reads_romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! We get to know what caused the huge rift between long term best friends Clara and Xavier…..I have to say if I were Clara I too would not be impressed!!
Xavier is all over the place emotionally…can he get himself together long enough to see what’s right in front of him and what he is denying himself. I wasn’t that keen on his character to begin with, it took a while but he did win me round, eventually!

Clara, what a beautifully grounded young lady she is. With a heart of gold and a determination to be true to herself and only settle for what she is worth and nothing less!

My chest ached for this pair, I’m so pleased Clara stuck to her guns and made her point…Oh and go Presley!! We all need a sister like her!

The outcome of this won’t be a surprise but there are some twists and turns in their story that kept me intrigued and of course the usual breadcrumbs for the next Piper Rayne fun packed story.

Love this extended family and all their trials. I’m looking forward to Mandi next…

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

XAVIER AND CLARA……..I have been waiting for these two since the start of this series and they did not disappoint one bit. I LOVE the two of them so much.

Xavier and Clara have been best friends since they were kids, up until two years ago when everything changed between them, but no one knew why. There was so much tension between them, yet beneath all that tension you could feel how much they still care about each other and miss each other.

Xavier is one Greene where there hasn’t been a whole lot about so going in he is kind of a mystery. As the as the story continues the layers of Xavier slowly start to peel back. I have adored Clara from the start of the series. She is sweet, kind, but she can also handle herself very well.

Their story is emotional, sweet, and full of plenty of laughs and shenanigans from our two favorite Grandmas.

If you’re looking for a small town, friends to lovers check this one out.

[Lana-White Hot Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier and Clara are hands down the best friend couple of all times. Lana~White Hot Reads

I have been waiting for these two since the start of the Greene series. Clara and Xavier have been best friends since kindergarten and then one night the lines blur. Not sure how to handle it, Xavier does the like any male would do and freaks out. Clara on the other hand catches feelings. Since neither are ready to figure it out, their friendship takes a hit. It's not until these two are forced together by the grandmas that they get their act together.