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Friends Like This #2

Falling Like This

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It’s been a week since I kissed Rae after the State Championship game. And we haven’t said a word about it.

Tonight is the first big party of the summer, and I’m going to steal her away, kiss the hell out of her, make her mine.

At least that’s the plan. Until everything comes crashing down.

What happens at the party changes everything for both of us.

Now I’m broken physically, and Rae is broken emotionally. She’s hiding behind fake smiles and the walls she’s so good at putting up—walls I’m determined to tear down. But she makes it clear that won’t be easy.

After a summer from hell, the school year begins with everything up in the air. When we’re forced to face our feelings for each other, will we finally give in? Is she ready for this? Can we find our way to each other after everything that’s happened? Or will we fall apart before we even get started?

Will Rae and Aaron finally cross the line and become the something more they've always had the possibility to be? Find out in the second book of their love story.

Falling Like This is the second book in a mature YA/new adult drama series featuring teens in realistic and complicated situations. Recommended for readers aged 16+

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2022

315 people are currently reading
579 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
254 (34%)
4 stars
236 (32%)
3 stars
178 (24%)
2 stars
53 (7%)
1 star
16 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Tanya.
849 reviews16 followers
August 11, 2022
The book is the second part of Rae and Aaron's story. The story is based in high school with a group of friends and some lovers; it has a new adult fiction vibe with a coming of age story intertwined in the pages; the story also gets a little steamy, a lot tragic, and a bunch of emotional moments as we go along on the journey with Rae and Aaron. I am enthralled by the plot, frustration, emotion, and complexity of the friends-to-lovers storyline. There is a lot of drama in the pages, but there are also so many surreal moments of what growing up looks like. The author did a fabulous job on this book, and I can't wait to see what she writes next. This is a must-read. The playlist at the end of the story was just so perfect.

This book is full of ups and down as they learn how to communicate, navigate their love for each other, and of course, all the teenage angst and drama. There are many moments when I catch myself teary-eyed or frustrated with the characters as they do stupid, short-sighted things. I can't wait for the happily ever after.

This book wrecked me, frustrated me, and made me swoon. The author caught all the feelings in this story, teenage angst, and emotions. Just as I think it is over, there is more to come. I can't even believe it. I'm not sure how I feel about another book with a title like that, but I sure did love the ending of this one.
Profile Image for Kaitie.
1,130 reviews34 followers
August 14, 2022
I tend to read more stand alone series these days. But when I find a series that continues around the same characters it warms my heart. I like to get to know the characters more. The main ones and any in between. I’ve loved being on this journey with Aaron, Rae, and company.
Profile Image for Annie Brown.
Author 6 books10 followers
August 10, 2022
This brings back so many high school memories. I was swooning the entire time reading it. Assault is a topic that not everyone can write well but Bethany did such a good job of covering ever aspect and feeling of the situation and i applaud her for taking the steps to bring awareness to situations like these.
Profile Image for Allie  Koval.
469 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2022
Loved reading more of Aaron and Rae's story. Having Aaron's POV made the story even better. I definitely had moments where I wanted to knock some sense into both of them. Their journey in this story was sweet, emotional, heart warming and so worth all they went through. Looking forward to the next book in this series! ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Alyssa Skaggs.
Author 2 books13 followers
August 11, 2022
Bethany loves playing with your emotions and heart in her books!! She rights amazingly and you fall in love with her characters and you get transported back to when you were that age. Her books and writing are truly amazing I can’t wait for the third book in this series
Profile Image for Stephanie Hutchison.
537 reviews8 followers
November 3, 2023
Disclosure - this is Book 2 of a 4 book series about the same couple. There are cliffhanger elements in this book.

Eek. I'm not even sure where to begin. Bethany Monaco Smith is back with book 2 of the Friends Like This series and I couldn't put it down.

Aaron and Rae are finally giving in and listening to their hearts. Or are they. Although they both know what their hearts want and have wanted for years, their brains are a little behind in the program. And with that, I wanted to scream at them so many times. Both of them.

I can't imagine what Bethany is going to put us through in the next book because it can't just be happy times through the next two books.

"You can't tell your heart not to love someone. Just like you can't tell heart to love someone. It doesn't work that way."
Profile Image for Nicole (all_bookedup).
487 reviews22 followers
August 12, 2022
I want to say thank you, to Bethany for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

5 big ole' shiny gold stars for this one! And a chili pepper or two because this one had more spice than the first.

Please check trigger warnings.

I know it is usually Aaron freaking Cooper, but I need to say this... Rae Freaking McKinley. She is strong, sassy, and holds her own, but there were times when I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and scream "stop jumping to conclusions and let Aaron talk". But there were also times when I wanted to do the same to Aaron. They definitely had issues when it came to communication.

But once again, Bethany blew me away with this one. Her writing is so good and detailed. She also loves playing with my emotions. I'll admit, I cried at the end of this one. I laughed, I swooned, and I was jealous that Rae has someone like Aaron as her "Person". That's right, I am 35 and am jealous of the main character in a book. The way Aaron takes care of her, talks to her, is always there for her, and calls her beautiful is, I mean, it's simply amazing. Isn't that what every girl wants?

I saw a lot of growth with both Rae and Aaron, even with the side characters. Though I hate to call them that because they all play such a big part in these books. This group of friends truly is something special. I cannot wait for book 3. I just hope she doesn't make me cry again lol. I definitely recommend this book. It is something special.
Profile Image for Melissa.
326 reviews10 followers
August 12, 2022
This book. This freaking book! And I know the next one is bound to destroy me after reading this one. The world that Bethany has created with these characters is just beyond words. The story is believable, and made me reminisce about my own Junior and Senior year of high school. Summers filled with having fun, friends, possibly some drama…and figuring out where life might be headed while you’re still finishing high school? This book has all of that.

Aaron and Rae both had me wanting to shake them from time to time. Communication is their biggest issue throughout this book. Add in dating other people, making each other jealous, not owning up to their own feelings - and you have the combination for the perfect storm.

This book is honestly impossible for me to further review without leaving spoilers completely, but know that it is emotional in essentially every possible way. I’ve never wanted to shake sense into a character more, only to turn around and want to wrap them in love than I have with this book!
Profile Image for Jacqueline Fromm.
355 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2022
You would think that they got all their issues resolved with the way the first book ended. Nope they have a whole new set of issues to work through. The plot twists and turn and the turmoil to get where they get to fully be together is great. The story guts you at the same time pulls you in and makes you keep reading. I absolutely can not wait for the 3 book.
Profile Image for AddictedToReadingRomance.
763 reviews30 followers
August 9, 2022
Aaron Fr3@king Cooper is the most swooniest boy ever! Rae is so strong and definitely an amazing girl. Rae and Aaron are falling for each other in a deep deep way. Falling for them again is so easy. I love all the twist and turns. My hear broke so many times reading this book. The tears in each character makes my eyes watery too. This six friends are the best for each other, the most amazing support system. Rae and Aaron gosh, that chemistry that connection is pretty amazing. Seeing Vince Nick Braden Leigh and Maia was so cool. I literally can’t wait for Book 3!!!
Profile Image for Bethany Palmer.
49 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2022
Where do I begin!!! Once again Bethany did it! This is book 2 in the series…. Read TW. Aaron and Rae have developed so much my heart melts for them💜I love Aaron’s having POV throughout the book… After Rae goes through a traumatic part in her life( don’t wanna spoil!) Aaron and all of her friends is there for her but that’s not enough. The heartbreak and happiness evens out I may of cried a couple times reading!! I’m ready for book 3
Profile Image for Book.ishbabygirl .
10 reviews
August 12, 2022
OMG there was so much emotion in this book. They way the author talk about what a woman goes through/encounter about sexual assault. The heart acne between Rae and Aaron after the sexual assault is just wow. I love the happy ending with Rae and Aaron. I can’t wait for book three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley Sharpe.
121 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2022
Oofta. This book hit me right in the feels. What an emotional rollercoaster! *phew* Rae and Aaron are perfect for each other, but man...they can be really dense sometimes. Can they figure out their issues and admit their feelings for each other?

Can't wait to read the next book! ❤
Profile Image for Sherry.
1,920 reviews108 followers
August 14, 2022
I am forever starting in the middle of the series and telling you it is OK and it stands alone, but that is not true here. This is the continuation of Rae and Aaron’s story and you will miss a lot if you did not read Friends Like This.

We continue to follow the six friends and watch as Rae and Aaron start to take a chance to be more than friends. It reminded me a little of 80s TV with the will they or won’t they challenges they face and create. There is headache and emotion as they navigate what’s best for their hearts. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone, but there are also trigger warnings on Bethany’s webpage if you are concerned about the challenges. Just remember that no love story is complete without its ups and downs and book three will be here before you know it.
Profile Image for Kristy Finto.
917 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2022
This book had so much drama, angst, and friendship in it...I freaking loved it. Rae and Aaron are so amazing together and I'm so glad they got their shit together. There were times I could beat them both, but I'm glad they finally got their love story. I know Bethany will make me cry in the next book, which always happens, but I'm excited to see where the two of them and all their amazing friends go from here.
Profile Image for Debbie Ohrem.
196 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2022
This is a tough review to write without spoilers. But this book is the perfect sequel. Rae and Aaron navigate through some huge issues both together and on their own while their feelings are tested at every turn. A truly great sequel! I can’t wait for book 3!!
Profile Image for Read By Cassie.
445 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2022
Bethany always manages to blow me away with the books that she puts out.

Aaron and Rae's story means so much to me and this book gave me so many feels. I found myself rooting for them, wanting to smack some sense into them and wanting to yell at them to get their crap together. As I read this book, I felt like I was on this journey with them.

This book was incredibly well written and Bethany did an amazing job at capturing how both of the main characters feel. Having Aaron's POV definitely helped and made me fall in love with him even more.

If you haven't checked out this series, then you definitely need to.
Profile Image for Book Nerdy 2020.
680 reviews7 followers
August 19, 2022
FALLING LIKE THIS By Bethany Monaco Smith

This book is a continuation of Friends like this. Rae and Aaron are ready to take the next step in their relationship. Will they , Won't they?

😊What i liked -

✔ Friends to Lovers.
✔ As I said for the first book too, I absolutely love the support these guys have in each other and in each of their Friends.
✔ I absolutely loved the way the story continued in this book.
✔ Even though Rae and Aaron both want to be more than just friends , I liked how they still stood with each other as friends when needed.
✔ This book had me swooning, swearing , frustrated , swooning again.
✔ The book is full of drama, anger, love, laughter, ups and downs and friendship.

🤔What could have been better -

✔ I know it's part of a story, but I really did want to go inside the book and slap Rae and say listen to the dude. And as Sarah says "you're both being idiots".


📚Who Should read :
👶 Beginner's
💞Romance Lover's
💕Friends to Lovers


📈My Rating : 5/5

P.s - Please check the trigger warnings. And I hope the next book in this series comes out soon.

Thank you Bethany Monaco Smith for a copy
Profile Image for Cassie Deaton.
149 reviews51 followers
August 18, 2022
Overall opinion: loved this story!

Brief storyline summary: second book! Soooo good!
Not really a cliffhanger ending. But I gotta know what ends up happening in the third book!!

POV: duel. My favorite!!

Overall pace of the story: it’s sorta slow. But in a good way. Good details!

Tropes:

Character Rating: miscommunication. Will they won’t they. Fated love

Sadness level: a little sadness Rae has to overcome trauma. Aaron has to overcome his future being pulled from him.

Spice level:🌶🌶

Descriptive spice scenes: steamy


Triggers: almost rape.

Closure: Rae overcomes her trauma

Overall Rating: 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jeannie Soto.
21 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2022
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC for Falling Like This which was the perfect closure after reading Friends Like This. Rae and Aaron take the cake for friends to lovers. Watching their love blossom was so sweet and endearing, even though I wanted to grab the both of them by the shoulders and shake them violently while yelling, "JUST LOVE EACH OTHER ALREADY!!!!!"
Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews22 followers
August 26, 2022
Aaron & Rae’s story continues from Book 1 of this intense, real-life story about 2 Best friends trying to figure out life and their feelings for each other. It’s set in high school so there are stupid mistakes made by all parties and it seems to be another long road of miscommunication and frustrating for both Aaron & Rae!

They both want each other and have shared intimate moments but then they keep backing away afraid of what will happen to their friendship. Rae goes through something traumatic in Book 2 and it’s hard to watch her struggle at times but Aaron is right there every step of the way to be there for her. You may definitely get frustrated with these two because if they only communicated and stopped being afraid they may have saved each other a lot of heartache along the way.

The secondary characters are amazing and you will continue to love their dynamic group of friends. They do an amazing job supporting Aaron & Rae but they will also call them on their BS to which is hilarious! This is a 4 Book Series so there unresolved issues presented which will lead to Book 3! However, it is worth the journey to see how they make it or break it together!! Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Lauren Loubert.
87 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2022
Ok. Bethany does it again! Looking for a YA series that gets you in all the feels? This is the one for you!

Book 2 pics up right where Friends Like This left off. We get to see how Rae and Aaron FINALLY realize their true feelings for each other. Sure, there are some bumps and obstacles that get in tbe way, but eventually we get there. Thus book gets you in all the feels! I can't wait to see what's in store for Rae & Aaron and their friends as the series continues.
Profile Image for Lauren L. Moon.
Author 7 books26 followers
August 18, 2022
I'm gonna start this off by saying I don't think I'm ever gonna rate a book by Bethany lower than 5 stars 😂😭

I want to say thank you, to Bethany for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

5 stars as usual because she knows how to own my heart 😭

Please check trigger warnings!

Hot mama I love strong and sassy women, who can communicate 💋

Aaron still owns my heart 😮‍💨🥹 My baby, can I just hold him please? I just wanna love him because he's absolutely adorable 🥹

I cried at the end of this one 😭 can I be the main character in this book please and thank you 👏🏻

We stan character growth throughout a series and I can't wait to read more about this characters (I mean more Aaron 🤤 SIGN ME UP!)

I giggled, I swooned, and I fell madly in love with Aaron myself. I want a love like that in my life 😮‍💨 MEN take notes!

This WHOLE BOOK series is simply amazing and I am obsessed 😂😭 I can't wait to get a signed copy if I can!

I 1000% RECOMMEND! Be prepared for tears 🥹
Profile Image for -♥ Keppy ♥-.
110 reviews4 followers
August 18, 2022
Bethany did it again in book 2! The story of Rae & Aaron continue is this friends to lovers story. I love how the friends to lovers trope is portrayed in this book. Having Aarons POV was a great touch. Reading this brought back more memories from my time in high school and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
65 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2022
Wow,so much happened...A great read,yet again. This story is so heartwarmingly beautiful and raw emotions Beautifully written. Loved it. Can not wait for the 3rd book. Love this book and writer.
Profile Image for amberebooksandmore.
467 reviews
August 27, 2022
I cannot tell you how much I am in love with these characters. This book talks about real issues teenagers go through in a way that makes you feel it all. The duel point of view that was added for this book was just what the story and my Aaron loving heart needed! sometimes I might feel the need to shake the characters but I call that an extra win because of how invested this series has me! Add in the friendship between the six of them and I am a goner!
Profile Image for Christina Mason.
180 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2024
Repetitive and annoying amount of miscommunication. Rae and Aaron spend the whole book pretending they don’t know they’re meant for each other.

If you’re looking for smut for teenagers this is it. I didn’t even know that was a thing but this book is all about the hookups and being oblivious to what’s in front of your face. They’re not 12 any more….they shouldn’t be this stupid. I’m sorry if that’s harsh but seriously. I skipped over large chunks
Profile Image for Tara.
329 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2023
Trigger warning. I think a lot of the drama that happened in this book was pointless. Like the whole Caity/Jesse situation. Why did they hook up with other people. Ugh.
Profile Image for Ellie English.
101 reviews9 followers
September 10, 2022
This is part 2 of the Friends like this series and my goodness - it was everything!

Summary:
Rae and Aaron have been best friends since birth - well as good as. Throughout their lives they find their connection growing. Now in their senior year of High School are things looking up for these two sweethearts?

Review:
Her safe place, best friend, everything - Rae and Aaron are the most dreamy high school Sweethearts! I love their playfulness, inside jokes, cute little weekly rituals and of course, their chemistry - that just flows off the pages!!

This was quite a heart-breaking read - following on from P1 (Friends like this), but I love how despite their emotions, they managed to break down each other's walls and communicate with each other!!

Their support system - parents and friends are just so wholesome to read about and I love living in their cutesy little world! I've mentioned it in my previous reviews - but with Bethany's books prepare to be a part of the story, a part of the family and a part of the friend group! You will be live, laugh, loving through all the highs and sobbing your heart out through all the lows and struggles!

So excited to see the nest chapter for Rae and Aarons relationship! Hoping it will flourishes in P3 (Broken Like This), knowing the title I know I'm in for some heartbreak but Bethany's beautiful Storytelling is so worth every high and low!

Always rooting for the high school sweethearts!

Stay safe and keep on reading,

Ellie

Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,616 reviews92 followers
September 27, 2022
Rae McKinley and Aaron Cooper have always been best friends, but now that they’re getting older, the lines are beginning to blur. They’ll always be each other’s person, but with so many challenges in their way, is their newly blossoming love worth losing the most important friendship they’ve ever had?

Oh. My. Gosh. Rae and Aaron’s relationship has always been different from the rest of the group; it’s obvious they have their own special bond that is slowly turning into more. What I loved about this book was that it dealt with some very real issues that happen to real life teenagers as well. This book had all the laugh out loud moments, but there was also some agonizingly angsty times where I wanted to throw my kindle at the wall. These characters have become so special to me.

Rae. Oh, this poor, sweet girl. In this book, she goes through something that no one should ever have to go through. I loved how real her journey of “finding herself again” is. I think Rae is so very strong, and I was so proud of her when she put herself first. Aaron. Okay, so I don’t agree with everything he did here, but he’s still our beloved swoonworthy Aaron freaking Cooper. He’s also struggling with a loss, and while the way he deals with things isn’t always healthy, it’s exactly the way a lot of teenagers would deal with it, which adds a realistic touch to this story. I completely recommend, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in book three!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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