What do you think?
Rate this book
Falling for Franklin #2
The Make Up
Thou shalt not lie, steal, cheat, or…fall in love with your best friend.
When my best friend, Hunter Ward, offers me the opportunity to star alongside him as the lead love interest in a music video he’s directing, I’m torn between taking the gig and risking my heart. My job? To look and act like I’m in love with Hunter…without revealing my true feelings for him.
I’ve seen the man in action and watched him work the room. I’ve witnessed countless women fawn over him and practically swoon in his presence. And now that the full force of his charm is being worked on me, I’m supposed to drudge up the grit to resist him? Impossible, I tell you.
He’s breaking down the fences of friendship we’ve kept in place for so long, both on and off camera. How am I supposed to make it out with all of the pieces of my heart still intact?
A laugh-out-loud, friends to lovers, closed-door romance with heart, humor and sizzling chemistry. Books in the Falling for Franklin series are full length stand-alone novels and can be read in any order.
When my best friend, Hunter Ward, offers me the opportunity to star alongside him as the lead love interest in a music video he’s directing, I’m torn between taking the gig and risking my heart. My job? To look and act like I’m in love with Hunter…without revealing my true feelings for him.
I’ve seen the man in action and watched him work the room. I’ve witnessed countless women fawn over him and practically swoon in his presence. And now that the full force of his charm is being worked on me, I’m supposed to drudge up the grit to resist him? Impossible, I tell you.
He’s breaking down the fences of friendship we’ve kept in place for so long, both on and off camera. How am I supposed to make it out with all of the pieces of my heart still intact?
A laugh-out-loud, friends to lovers, closed-door romance with heart, humor and sizzling chemistry. Books in the Falling for Franklin series are full length stand-alone novels and can be read in any order.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2022
171 people are currently reading
3199 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Gardiner
8 books398 followersHailey Gardiner writes cheeky, sweet romantic comedies in an effort to finally put her wildly active imagination to good use. Hailey is a master at quoting movies, will eat any dessert that’s salted, and loves raising two book-loving boys with her husband.
www.haileygardiner.com
@authorhaileygardiner
www.haileygardiner.com
@authorhaileygardiner
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
September 29, 2022
Hailey Gardiner is a hidden treasure in the romance genre! Her combination of humour, banter, and swoon-worthy kisses is topnotch.
I often say I don't enjoy friends-to-lovers, but stories like these remind me it's all about the delivery. The slow burn quality paired with the open communication between Chloe and Hunter was so satisfying. All set within the cozy vibes of the fall season, I must add.
Friends since high school, Chloe and Hunter are now working alongside each other for a music video—Chloe being the makeup artist and Hunter being the director. When the two land themselves as leading actors of a project, the subtle touches and playful dialogue will have your heart melting. I loved seeing their own relationship forced to shine through their acting.
Told through past and present chapters, you get both the origin of their friendship and also how living with Scoliosis has impacted Chloe. From their very first interaction, Hunter proves how wonderful he truly is. And the continued emotional and physical comfort he provides throughout was just so lovely. All the heart-eyes and stars for this one!
(heat level: kissing only)
I often say I don't enjoy friends-to-lovers, but stories like these remind me it's all about the delivery. The slow burn quality paired with the open communication between Chloe and Hunter was so satisfying. All set within the cozy vibes of the fall season, I must add.
Friends since high school, Chloe and Hunter are now working alongside each other for a music video—Chloe being the makeup artist and Hunter being the director. When the two land themselves as leading actors of a project, the subtle touches and playful dialogue will have your heart melting. I loved seeing their own relationship forced to shine through their acting.
Told through past and present chapters, you get both the origin of their friendship and also how living with Scoliosis has impacted Chloe. From their very first interaction, Hunter proves how wonderful he truly is. And the continued emotional and physical comfort he provides throughout was just so lovely. All the heart-eyes and stars for this one!
(heat level: kissing only)
October 2, 2022
Действието се развива в края на септември при променящата се природа в града и в природен парк при езерото Раднор, извън Нешвил, Тенеси . Хладни утрини, оцветени различно корони на дърветата и килим от топлите багри на падналите листа. И сред всичко това двама добри приятели, за които сякаш най - топлите отношения на разбирателство вече не са достатъчни. Есенния месец носи усещането, че нещо топло и ярко иска да обърне емоциите и да извика любовна близост.
Много уютна и мила книга! Толкова деликатно приближаване към признанието, че Хънтър и Клои са означавали много повече от приятели един за друг през всички години до тук.
Когато есеените вечери могат да се използват за гледане на филм с пуканки и бонбони в импровизирана палатка в средата на апартамент. Когато търпението да се изслушат един друг и честността да признаят промяната , се чувстват естествени като съботна закуска с канелени кифлички и есенно лате - то тогава героите сякаш живеят в моята представа за приятелство и за есенно настроение.
* " Да преодолееш болката е благородно, но не винаги е необходимо. Не получаваш награда за това, че си силен.“
* " Обичам прехода от топлината и дивата енергия на лятото към уюта на есента. "
Много уютна и мила книга! Толкова деликатно приближаване към признанието, че Хънтър и Клои са означавали много повече от приятели един за друг през всички години до тук.
Когато есеените вечери могат да се използват за гледане на филм с пуканки и бонбони в импровизирана палатка в средата на апартамент. Когато търпението да се изслушат един друг и честността да признаят промяната , се чувстват естествени като съботна закуска с канелени кифлички и есенно лате - то тогава героите сякаш живеят в моята представа за приятелство и за есенно настроение.
* " Да преодолееш болката е благородно, но не винаги е необходимо. Не получаваш награда за това, че си силен.“
* " Обичам прехода от топлината и дивата енергия на лятото към уюта на есента. "
September 29, 2022
OMG, how have I not heard more about how amazing this new to me indie author is??
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was like the perfect dose of all things fall with a sweet best friends to lovers, dual POV, kissing only love story. Hunter and Chloe are high school best friends who still work together (he's a music video producer, she's a make up artist) but they've never taken the chance on something more. It takes Hunter's dad dying for him to realize he needs to change the way he's been living life and go after the girl he's always loved.
Highlights:
-Mutual pining
-Great banter
-Flashbacks
-#OwnVoices disability rep (scoliosis)
-Lingering touches and tingle inducing gestures
-Great secondary cast of characters
-Fun plot (falling in love making a music video)
I can't say enough good things about this book other than you need to read it immediately! I loved everything about it and will be going right into the first book in this series that features Hunter's twin brother Luke. This can be read as a standalone though. My not reading the first book didn't detract from my enjoyment in any shape or form.
Highly recommended for fans of Sarah Adams or BK Borison.
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was like the perfect dose of all things fall with a sweet best friends to lovers, dual POV, kissing only love story. Hunter and Chloe are high school best friends who still work together (he's a music video producer, she's a make up artist) but they've never taken the chance on something more. It takes Hunter's dad dying for him to realize he needs to change the way he's been living life and go after the girl he's always loved.
Highlights:
-Mutual pining
-Great banter
-Flashbacks
-#OwnVoices disability rep (scoliosis)
-Lingering touches and tingle inducing gestures
-Great secondary cast of characters
-Fun plot (falling in love making a music video)
I can't say enough good things about this book other than you need to read it immediately! I loved everything about it and will be going right into the first book in this series that features Hunter's twin brother Luke. This can be read as a standalone though. My not reading the first book didn't detract from my enjoyment in any shape or form.
Highly recommended for fans of Sarah Adams or BK Borison.
March 13, 2023
This is truly a sweet sweet love story of two friends who love each other through life as friends and then as true lovers. Their relationship grows through the years and makes them strong.
October 9, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: brief mentions of divorce, panic attacks, and death of a parent
Chloe and Hunter have been friends ever since they were paired up in high school chemistry class. While Hunter was a bit of an immature player, he was always there for Chloe as she struggled with her parents' divorce and the pain of living with scoliosis. As they grew up and eventually started working together, their friendship only grew stronger. The only problem is it also made it harder for them to leave the friend zone and become more. Now, as they prepare to work on a country music video, Hunter suggests that he and Chloe star as the love interests. Not only will this earn Chloe enough money to hire an assistant and rest more, but it might finally allow them to test out their potential as a real couple. But can Hunter break down Chloe's walls and prove that his intentions are true or will his grand plans backfire?
I love that Hailey Gardiner's books are ones that I can just binge read when I want something sweet and swoony! Hunter and Chloe had great chemistry in this book, and I loved that we got to see flashbacks to the early days of their friendship. Hunter took such great care of Chloe and never judged her for her scoliosis which made him such a top notch book boyfriend. He definitely made some mistakes with her- like when they tried to go to the Preference Dance together- but he more than made up for those moments over time. My only real complaint is that I thought the music video they shot would be like a fake dating situation that led to them confessing their feelings for one another. Instead we kind of had the confessions first, which took away some of the tension when they shot the romantic scenes. But I still enjoyed the story despite the fact that it played out differently than I was expecting. It seemed like there were some hints at who might be the leads in book 3, and I'll be looking forward to seeing if my predictions are correct when that comes out in the future!
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: brief mentions of divorce, panic attacks, and death of a parent
Chloe and Hunter have been friends ever since they were paired up in high school chemistry class. While Hunter was a bit of an immature player, he was always there for Chloe as she struggled with her parents' divorce and the pain of living with scoliosis. As they grew up and eventually started working together, their friendship only grew stronger. The only problem is it also made it harder for them to leave the friend zone and become more. Now, as they prepare to work on a country music video, Hunter suggests that he and Chloe star as the love interests. Not only will this earn Chloe enough money to hire an assistant and rest more, but it might finally allow them to test out their potential as a real couple. But can Hunter break down Chloe's walls and prove that his intentions are true or will his grand plans backfire?
I love that Hailey Gardiner's books are ones that I can just binge read when I want something sweet and swoony! Hunter and Chloe had great chemistry in this book, and I loved that we got to see flashbacks to the early days of their friendship. Hunter took such great care of Chloe and never judged her for her scoliosis which made him such a top notch book boyfriend. He definitely made some mistakes with her- like when they tried to go to the Preference Dance together- but he more than made up for those moments over time. My only real complaint is that I thought the music video they shot would be like a fake dating situation that led to them confessing their feelings for one another. Instead we kind of had the confessions first, which took away some of the tension when they shot the romantic scenes. But I still enjoyed the story despite the fact that it played out differently than I was expecting. It seemed like there were some hints at who might be the leads in book 3, and I'll be looking forward to seeing if my predictions are correct when that comes out in the future!
November 12, 2024
I am a Hailey Gardiner fan for life! I have loved every book of hers I have read so far and this one is no different. I loved the friends to more trope in this one so much! It was funny, sweet, and romantic!
Hunter and Chloe are so sweet together and have some great banter. Such a great dynamic together. And I loved that Hunter was honest and upfront with his feelings early on in the story. They had the best chemistry and I think that comes with years of trust and friendship. Hunter was flirty and kind and Chloe was determined and sassy. I loved seeing their relationship progress.
Absolutely loved this one! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! The writing, romance, wit, swoon, character depth... all done brilliantly.
Hunter and Chloe are so sweet together and have some great banter. Such a great dynamic together. And I loved that Hunter was honest and upfront with his feelings early on in the story. They had the best chemistry and I think that comes with years of trust and friendship. Hunter was flirty and kind and Chloe was determined and sassy. I loved seeing their relationship progress.
Absolutely loved this one! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! The writing, romance, wit, swoon, character depth... all done brilliantly.
October 8, 2025
I don’t even know how to express how much this book meant to me in a Goodreads review
Idk why it touched my heart so much, but when I finished the epilogue, I teared up! The tenderness and genuine, authentic love shared between Chloe and Hunter was just so beautiful, and so real that I was just so moved - I think I related so much to Chloe and her fear of feeling so much for someone and yet not feeling worthy of being loved. The transformation she has throughout the story was inspiring, and the way that Hunter SHOWS his unconditional love for her just did me in. It was so beautiful and made ME feel like a love like that could be real; a love written so well that I felt like a love like this was POSSIBLE🥹
Honestly? This is one of my new favorite books❤️🩹
Idk why it touched my heart so much, but when I finished the epilogue, I teared up! The tenderness and genuine, authentic love shared between Chloe and Hunter was just so beautiful, and so real that I was just so moved - I think I related so much to Chloe and her fear of feeling so much for someone and yet not feeling worthy of being loved. The transformation she has throughout the story was inspiring, and the way that Hunter SHOWS his unconditional love for her just did me in. It was so beautiful and made ME feel like a love like that could be real; a love written so well that I felt like a love like this was POSSIBLE🥹
Honestly? This is one of my new favorite books❤️🩹
September 29, 2022
If you’ve been following along in my stories, you know how much I absolutely LOVED this book!!!
It was just the most perfect, cozy, romantic, Fall read!
Ever since I read The Retreat, I needed this book! I had to see Hunter and Chloe get together! Their story did not disappoint!
Chloe was so funny and genuine. I could see myself being best friends with her! And not only because I would love to borrow everything in her closet! 😂 She was also very inspiring to me.
Hunter was a complete cinnamon roll! I loved him so much! When he decided to FINALLY go for Chloe… WOW. Swoon! Sigh! Collapse! Pass away! 😍😍😍
And the kisses were super swoony! 😜😘
Also, the communication in this book was just refreshing. I loved it. It’s how it should be! 👏🏻
While this book was light and sweet, It also had surprising depth, dealing with scoliosis and anxiety. It really touched my heart. I don’t have scoliosis. But, I deal with extreme anxiety and self esteem issues. I could totally understand Chloe’s inner thoughts and feelings. Seeing Hunter love and treasure her despite her insecurities and “problems” was absolutely heartwarming.
I especially loved Hailey’s Author Note at the end about drawing from her own experiences. It was beautiful.
…My only thing was I wish I could hear, The Make Up by Connor Cane! 😩
Please please please read this book!
You might as well, because I’m not going to shut up about it until you do… 😉😂
My next order of business? Getting some physical copies on my shelves! 🥰
Extra Parts I Loved:
The flashbacks!!! (Side Note: There is no way a 14 year old boy like Hunter has ever existed.. There’s just no way! What High School is this?? 😂)
There’s a “Who did this to you?” type of trope, except you are the one that did it to yourself and he doesn’t like it! 😏
Luke & Lainey!!!
PowerPoint 😂
Tetherball kiss! 😘
The entire video shoot! 😍
Lipstick marks 💋
Movie night
The pumpkin patch outing with Darlene and pumpkin pie!
The Preference Dance!
The adorable ending 🥹
A PREQUEL!!???!!!??? 😱
It was just the most perfect, cozy, romantic, Fall read!
Ever since I read The Retreat, I needed this book! I had to see Hunter and Chloe get together! Their story did not disappoint!
Chloe was so funny and genuine. I could see myself being best friends with her! And not only because I would love to borrow everything in her closet! 😂 She was also very inspiring to me.
Hunter was a complete cinnamon roll! I loved him so much! When he decided to FINALLY go for Chloe… WOW. Swoon! Sigh! Collapse! Pass away! 😍😍😍
And the kisses were super swoony! 😜😘
Also, the communication in this book was just refreshing. I loved it. It’s how it should be! 👏🏻
While this book was light and sweet, It also had surprising depth, dealing with scoliosis and anxiety. It really touched my heart. I don’t have scoliosis. But, I deal with extreme anxiety and self esteem issues. I could totally understand Chloe’s inner thoughts and feelings. Seeing Hunter love and treasure her despite her insecurities and “problems” was absolutely heartwarming.
I especially loved Hailey’s Author Note at the end about drawing from her own experiences. It was beautiful.
…My only thing was I wish I could hear, The Make Up by Connor Cane! 😩
Please please please read this book!
You might as well, because I’m not going to shut up about it until you do… 😉😂
My next order of business? Getting some physical copies on my shelves! 🥰
Extra Parts I Loved:
The flashbacks!!! (Side Note: There is no way a 14 year old boy like Hunter has ever existed.. There’s just no way! What High School is this?? 😂)
There’s a “Who did this to you?” type of trope, except you are the one that did it to yourself and he doesn’t like it! 😏
Luke & Lainey!!!
PowerPoint 😂
Tetherball kiss! 😘
The entire video shoot! 😍
Lipstick marks 💋
Movie night
The pumpkin patch outing with Darlene and pumpkin pie!
The Preference Dance!
The adorable ending 🥹
A PREQUEL!!???!!!??? 😱
October 23, 2022
4⭐️
This is a great childhood friends to lovers book with a cozy and sweet story. I'm a little disappointed that the end was somewhat forced and fast but still it's a great storyline.
This is a great childhood friends to lovers book with a cozy and sweet story. I'm a little disappointed that the end was somewhat forced and fast but still it's a great storyline.
October 17, 2023
ADORBS.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I needed something light, fun and endearing enough to keep my interest. This hit those marks for me.
The writing style was entertaining and filled with amusing anecdotes that caused multiple smiles. A well set-up friends to lovers romance with a country music video at its center. Hunter and Chloe had clear chemistry from the get-go and the handful of flashback chapters added more depth to their overall story.
I loved how swoony Hunter was and how he continually endeared himself to Chloe. Actions really do speak louder than words and he showed off those actions with flair.
The scoliosis rep was amazing and I appreciated seeing that and learning more about a condition I only understood the bare minimum of. It was beautiful and I loved the support Hunter continually gave Chloe.
This was super cozy and perfect for fall. I look forward to reading more of Gardiner’s books!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: brief mentions of divorce, panic attacks, and death of a parent
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I needed something light, fun and endearing enough to keep my interest. This hit those marks for me.
The writing style was entertaining and filled with amusing anecdotes that caused multiple smiles. A well set-up friends to lovers romance with a country music video at its center. Hunter and Chloe had clear chemistry from the get-go and the handful of flashback chapters added more depth to their overall story.
I loved how swoony Hunter was and how he continually endeared himself to Chloe. Actions really do speak louder than words and he showed off those actions with flair.
The scoliosis rep was amazing and I appreciated seeing that and learning more about a condition I only understood the bare minimum of. It was beautiful and I loved the support Hunter continually gave Chloe.
This was super cozy and perfect for fall. I look forward to reading more of Gardiner’s books!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: brief mentions of divorce, panic attacks, and death of a parent
September 16, 2022
Hailey Gardiner does it again!! She has reeled my heart in once more with this adorable friends to lovers book. After absolutely adoringggg The Retreat, I knew I wanted to get my hands on this one ASAP and let me just say, I lovedddd it!! I might have swooned over this book in a big way. Friends to lovers is always a top tier trope for me, but childhood best friends always makes it that extra special. The complete honesty and vulnerability of the two main characters made it so wholesome and uplifting and just perfect. The chemistry? The pining? The tension? The bonding? It was all impeccable. The Make Up is a fun and chemistry-filled, slow burning friends to lovers romance that completely swept me away.
Eek! I loved these characters so much, and the chemistry between them was fantastic. They tease, play and banter, and I loved the playfulness between them. Hunter and Chloe’s friendship and their relationship was so pure and so genuine it tugged on all my heart strings. Their love for each other was beautiful and their struggles and insecurities felt very real. Having them simultaneously fight their connection, but also suppress their true feelings was a really solid plot. It was such a swoon-worthy, yet mature friends-to-lovers romance. I loved the constant subtle moments of the quiet, yet earnest mutual pining. It was genuinely touching. It’s not an easy road for them, but watching them work through it all openly and honestly and find the strength to claim what they want was absolutely gorgeous.
This book had me smiling, laughing and swooning the entire time. A feel good, friends to lovers story that had heart, humour, and loveable characters. It’s a really sweet story that was funny and surprisingly emotional. The slow burn had me bursting with anticipation, and I adored Hunter and Chloe, and loved watching their relationship shift and change as their feelings for each other deepened. It’s a beautiful romance, and I finished this one with a big smile on my face.
Eek! I loved these characters so much, and the chemistry between them was fantastic. They tease, play and banter, and I loved the playfulness between them. Hunter and Chloe’s friendship and their relationship was so pure and so genuine it tugged on all my heart strings. Their love for each other was beautiful and their struggles and insecurities felt very real. Having them simultaneously fight their connection, but also suppress their true feelings was a really solid plot. It was such a swoon-worthy, yet mature friends-to-lovers romance. I loved the constant subtle moments of the quiet, yet earnest mutual pining. It was genuinely touching. It’s not an easy road for them, but watching them work through it all openly and honestly and find the strength to claim what they want was absolutely gorgeous.
This book had me smiling, laughing and swooning the entire time. A feel good, friends to lovers story that had heart, humour, and loveable characters. It’s a really sweet story that was funny and surprisingly emotional. The slow burn had me bursting with anticipation, and I adored Hunter and Chloe, and loved watching their relationship shift and change as their feelings for each other deepened. It’s a beautiful romance, and I finished this one with a big smile on my face.
September 12, 2023
3.75 estrellas.
Puro romance.
Muy ligero, muy tierno y una historia muy bien cuidada.
Lo que me gustó:
- La autora se asegura de narrar sobre la temporada, el vestuario y el ambiente dándole ese toque levemente acogedor.
- La relación entre los protagonistas fue construida muy bien mostrándonos el pasado sin abusar.
- Es muy dulce y con momentos muy románticos.
- La conversación ligera entre los personajes.
No me gustó:
- En el último 40% la actitud de la protagonista me pareció dramática.
- A veces la voz narrativa del protagonista masculino sonaba muy femenina con diálogos mentales poco probables y más dados a una mujer.
Me pudo haber gustado más pero es que a mí no me gusta la premisa de mejores amigos ni lo de trabajo en la industria del espectáculo, así que ya le veía puntos en contra. Pero eso es yo siendo necia, en general es un buen romance y me gusta el estilo así que voy a probar más de la autora.
Puro romance.
Muy ligero, muy tierno y una historia muy bien cuidada.
Lo que me gustó:
- La autora se asegura de narrar sobre la temporada, el vestuario y el ambiente dándole ese toque levemente acogedor.
- La relación entre los protagonistas fue construida muy bien mostrándonos el pasado sin abusar.
- Es muy dulce y con momentos muy románticos.
- La conversación ligera entre los personajes.
No me gustó:
- En el último 40% la actitud de la protagonista me pareció dramática.
- A veces la voz narrativa del protagonista masculino sonaba muy femenina con diálogos mentales poco probables y más dados a una mujer.
Me pudo haber gustado más pero es que a mí no me gusta la premisa de mejores amigos ni lo de trabajo en la industria del espectáculo, así que ya le veía puntos en contra. Pero eso es yo siendo necia, en general es un buen romance y me gusta el estilo así que voy a probar más de la autora.
October 31, 2025
Such a cute read. Best friends to lovers romcom with all the cozy Autumn vibes and loveable characters.
February 22, 2025
• 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦, 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧. 𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞? 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐨, 𝐈'𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 •
So I’m not generally a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but this book didn’t bother me too much. I liked that the main characters didn’t get together super quickly, even though that also normally bothers me if they don’t when it’s friends-to-lovers 🤭
Chloe and Hunter have been best of friends since high school, but have never confessed their growing feelings for each another. Fast forward fifteen years and now they’re working together, but still living in denial. Hunter films music videos while Chloe does the makeup for the actors, until in a turn of events, they find themselves in front of the camera for one of the music videos. Will they still be able to deny their long-felt feelings while acting as a couple in love or will they finally break through the walls of friendship and become a real couple?
Reasons to read this book:
🍁 Scoliosis awareness
🍁 Anxiety awareness
🍁 Friends-to-lovers trope
🍁 Gentlemanly behavior
🍁 Running partners
🍁 Strong family dynamic
🍁 Swoony moments
I was not a fan of all the almost curses in this book, and also in book one. I would prefer my sweet, clean reads not have any sort of bad language in them, even if it’s not the complete word because you still end up saying the word in your head.
My one other complaint is about the gluttony. It’s passed off as super harmless in this book, but anyone who has eating struggles will immediately pick up on it. Eating an entire pizza by yourself, gorging on a ton of ice cream in order to get it free, stress eating a ton of cookies…Yeah, I’m not a fan of that at all.
So I’m not generally a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but this book didn’t bother me too much. I liked that the main characters didn’t get together super quickly, even though that also normally bothers me if they don’t when it’s friends-to-lovers 🤭
Chloe and Hunter have been best of friends since high school, but have never confessed their growing feelings for each another. Fast forward fifteen years and now they’re working together, but still living in denial. Hunter films music videos while Chloe does the makeup for the actors, until in a turn of events, they find themselves in front of the camera for one of the music videos. Will they still be able to deny their long-felt feelings while acting as a couple in love or will they finally break through the walls of friendship and become a real couple?
Reasons to read this book:
🍁 Scoliosis awareness
🍁 Anxiety awareness
🍁 Friends-to-lovers trope
🍁 Gentlemanly behavior
🍁 Running partners
🍁 Strong family dynamic
🍁 Swoony moments
I was not a fan of all the almost curses in this book, and also in book one. I would prefer my sweet, clean reads not have any sort of bad language in them, even if it’s not the complete word because you still end up saying the word in your head.
My one other complaint is about the gluttony. It’s passed off as super harmless in this book, but anyone who has eating struggles will immediately pick up on it. Eating an entire pizza by yourself, gorging on a ton of ice cream in order to get it free, stress eating a ton of cookies…Yeah, I’m not a fan of that at all.
February 20, 2025
The Make Up is probably my favorite book of Haileys. The storyline, the chemistry and character depth is top notch. But I especially loved it after reading her author’s note at the end. She really put herself in her books, which then makes them more real for her readers. I loved it.
Chloe and Hunter have been friends since they were young. The best support through the years as life hits. While working together, he is a music video producer and she is the make-up artist, Hunter asks Chloe if she would be willing to play his love interest in an upcoming music video. She desperately needs the money to hire an assistant. The only problem is how is she going to protect her heart?
Chloe and Hunter’s story is one of my favorite friend to lovers books out there. Their relationship was refreshing, open and real. I found myself smiling, laughing and getting emotional as I read this amazing book.
Chloe and Hunter have been friends since they were young. The best support through the years as life hits. While working together, he is a music video producer and she is the make-up artist, Hunter asks Chloe if she would be willing to play his love interest in an upcoming music video. She desperately needs the money to hire an assistant. The only problem is how is she going to protect her heart?
Chloe and Hunter’s story is one of my favorite friend to lovers books out there. Their relationship was refreshing, open and real. I found myself smiling, laughing and getting emotional as I read this amazing book.
February 23, 2025
THE MAKEUP
(Book Two in the Falling for Franklin Series)
by: Hailey Gardiner
@authorhaileygardiner
-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Thou shalt not lie, steal, cheat, or...fall in love with your best friend…When my best friend, Hunter Ward, offers me the opportunity to star alongside him as the lead love interest in a music video he’s directing, I’m torn between taking the gig and risking my heart…
'I’Il call you whatever you want, of long af I get to call you mine.”
-Sixth book read to honor Hailey: The Makeup, is a dear laugh-out-loud, friends to lovers, closed-door romance story that is filled wonderfully with heart, humor and sizzling chemistry. This unique story is actually told through past and present chapters, where you will get both the origin of the main characters’ friendship and also how living with Scoliosis and anxiety has impacted Chloe, which added to an extra depth to this lighthearted and heartwarming story personally. I loved how much Hailey drew upon her own experiences to make this story shine and gave extra feels to this story and in honoring Hailey for the light, goodness, and kindness she had, that she has infused into her writing with such dear characters. I loved seeing watching them work through the struggles and fears openly and honestly. Then watching them find the strength to claim what they wanted was fantastic. Love shines bright amid the struggles and insecurities along the way with this dear story that is worth the read!
🤍✨💙
“What did you just call me?” I ask coyly, toying with one of the buttons on his shirt. “Lover,” he says softly, his lips slanting into a smile. I’m full on burning now, set alight from the inside out. “To be honest,” I counter, “T’d prefer you to refer to me as your highness, or perhaps goddess divine.” “I’ll call you whatever you want, as long as I get to call you mine.”
-Content: brief mentions of divorce, panic attacks, and death of a parent, only kisses.
“You’re about as subtle as a sledgehammer.”
#themakeup
#authorhaileygardiner
#worththedearread
#rememberinghaileygardiner
#allaboutthebestreads
(Book Two in the Falling for Franklin Series)
by: Hailey Gardiner
@authorhaileygardiner
-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Thou shalt not lie, steal, cheat, or...fall in love with your best friend…When my best friend, Hunter Ward, offers me the opportunity to star alongside him as the lead love interest in a music video he’s directing, I’m torn between taking the gig and risking my heart…
'I’Il call you whatever you want, of long af I get to call you mine.”
-Sixth book read to honor Hailey: The Makeup, is a dear laugh-out-loud, friends to lovers, closed-door romance story that is filled wonderfully with heart, humor and sizzling chemistry. This unique story is actually told through past and present chapters, where you will get both the origin of the main characters’ friendship and also how living with Scoliosis and anxiety has impacted Chloe, which added to an extra depth to this lighthearted and heartwarming story personally. I loved how much Hailey drew upon her own experiences to make this story shine and gave extra feels to this story and in honoring Hailey for the light, goodness, and kindness she had, that she has infused into her writing with such dear characters. I loved seeing watching them work through the struggles and fears openly and honestly. Then watching them find the strength to claim what they wanted was fantastic. Love shines bright amid the struggles and insecurities along the way with this dear story that is worth the read!
🤍✨💙
“What did you just call me?” I ask coyly, toying with one of the buttons on his shirt. “Lover,” he says softly, his lips slanting into a smile. I’m full on burning now, set alight from the inside out. “To be honest,” I counter, “T’d prefer you to refer to me as your highness, or perhaps goddess divine.” “I’ll call you whatever you want, as long as I get to call you mine.”
-Content: brief mentions of divorce, panic attacks, and death of a parent, only kisses.
“You’re about as subtle as a sledgehammer.”
#themakeup
#authorhaileygardiner
#worththedearread
#rememberinghaileygardiner
#allaboutthebestreads
August 21, 2024
I absolutely LOVED The Make Up by Hailey Gardiner! This book is a sweet best friends-to-lovers story told from both Chloe and Hunter’s perspectives, which makes it even more enjoyable. It’s the perfect cozy, romantic read, especially for Fall.
The story follows Chloe, a makeup artist, and her best friend, Hunter, who’s a director. When Hunter asks Chloe to star in a music video he’s directing, playing his love interest, Chloe is torn. She has to act like she’s in love with him without revealing her real feelings.
Throughout the book, you get to see how wonderful Hunter truly is. He’s charming, and it’s clear why so many women fall for him. But now, Chloe has to resist his charm while pretending to be in love with him on camera. The chemistry between them is sizzling, and their friendship slowly turns into something more.
This book is light, sweet, and filled with heart, humor, and romance. It’s a laugh-out-loud, closed-door romance that will leave you smiling. If you love best friends-to-lovers stories, this one is a must-read!
The story follows Chloe, a makeup artist, and her best friend, Hunter, who’s a director. When Hunter asks Chloe to star in a music video he’s directing, playing his love interest, Chloe is torn. She has to act like she’s in love with him without revealing her real feelings.
Throughout the book, you get to see how wonderful Hunter truly is. He’s charming, and it’s clear why so many women fall for him. But now, Chloe has to resist his charm while pretending to be in love with him on camera. The chemistry between them is sizzling, and their friendship slowly turns into something more.
This book is light, sweet, and filled with heart, humor, and romance. It’s a laugh-out-loud, closed-door romance that will leave you smiling. If you love best friends-to-lovers stories, this one is a must-read!
September 23, 2022
This book was the perfect book to start off the fall season! It was so sweet with elements of important themes of loving yourself! I loved the relationship between Chloe and Hunter as well as switching the POVs each chapter. Filled with tropes of newfound family, HEAs and it’s always been you this is a book sure to tug on your heart! You can’t help but root for Chloe & Hunter! I also liked how every now and then there was a flashback to their high school time so we could see the full extent of how their friendship developed. Sometimes some parts were too cheesy in my opinion. I was like “did he really say that??” Other than that I liked the plot, and it’s unlike anything I had ever read before. It reminds me of a hallmark movie!! If this sounds like your cup of tea go and check it out!!!
September 16, 2022
Binge read The Make Up in a day! Chloe and Hunter have such history and Hailey wrote their friends-to-lovers story beautifully. The dual perspectives and flashbacks provide nuance and depth to each character, and the extent to which Hunter fights for their romantic relationship and the extent of their feelings for each other is very endearing. I appreciate the verbalisation of Chloe’s guarded nature and the connection of her initial apprehension to her self-doubt and sense of self-worth, and how she ultimately comes to terms with the love that she deserves. Also loved the autumnal vibes (my favorite season) and enjoyed the jokes here and there, i.e. book nerd fantasies and Hermione & Draco haha. Thank you Hailey for the ARC!
September 20, 2022
4.5
This is a best friends to more book but, now this is important, it is NOT your typical best friends to more. All the angst and secrecy and confusion- we don't have a lot of that. And it is lovely.
Hunter and Chloe are so worth rooting for. I love them, I thoroughly the plan that Luke helps come up with. I love the history we get. It is just a super fun read and I definitely recommend it!
This is a best friends to more book but, now this is important, it is NOT your typical best friends to more. All the angst and secrecy and confusion- we don't have a lot of that. And it is lovely.
Hunter and Chloe are so worth rooting for. I love them, I thoroughly the plan that Luke helps come up with. I love the history we get. It is just a super fun read and I definitely recommend it!
November 15, 2022
*3.5
It’s so cute and sweet but the major conflict of the story felt a little forced and exaggerated at times and there were a few places where the dialogue didn’t feel natural, but over all I really enjoyed this!
It’s so cute and sweet but the major conflict of the story felt a little forced and exaggerated at times and there were a few places where the dialogue didn’t feel natural, but over all I really enjoyed this!
October 9, 2025
dnf at 25%… the dialogue between the main characters reads like they’re teenagers instead of adults. the jokes that the mmc make aren’t funny at all. we get it girl, you’re in love with your best friend but you don’t need to be snorting every two seconds
November 11, 2025
Friends-to-lovers, intressant plot. Gillade språket, men själva berättelsen blev dock aningen platt, ”för snäll”. Lite höstiga element men skulle inte påstå att det är en typisk ”höstig bok”.
Gulliga karaktärer, och fint att författaren fick med sina egna erfarenheter om skolios☺️
Gulliga karaktärer, och fint att författaren fick med sina egna erfarenheter om skolios☺️
October 29, 2023
Cute story but I couldn't relate to the main character
March 30, 2025
Love the banter between the two MCs! Very cute friends-to-lovers storyline!
June 5, 2025
Kinda cute, pretty cringy, and I didn’t love the main characters.
October 28, 2022
I absolutely loved Hailey Gardiner’s debut novel, The Retreat, so I was super excited to receive an eARC of her newest book!
This was a delightful friends to more story. Chloe and Hunter have been best friends since high school. Over the years, Chloe has watched Hunter date so many beautiful women knowing she’ll never be more than just his best friend. Hunter, on the other hand, keeps dating women knowing that no one can ever compare to Chloe.
I loved Chloe. She is so relatable with real insecurities. The flash back scenes from high school really help you understand her character more and why she is so guarded with her heart.
Hunter has definitely earned a “player” reputation. I loved that he didn’t spend the whole book pining for Chloe. He tells her how he feels and is determined to prove to her that his feelings are real.
Hands down my favorite part of the book was the music video. I loved it. I could totally visualize it in my head. And all the kisses… 🥰!!! They were both swoony and sweet. And Darlene, definitely one of my top favorite side characters!! She was so great. This book has plenty of romantic moments, but it’s also funny and had me smiling throughout!
Big thanks to the Hailey Gardiner for the Advance copy. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This was a delightful friends to more story. Chloe and Hunter have been best friends since high school. Over the years, Chloe has watched Hunter date so many beautiful women knowing she’ll never be more than just his best friend. Hunter, on the other hand, keeps dating women knowing that no one can ever compare to Chloe.
I loved Chloe. She is so relatable with real insecurities. The flash back scenes from high school really help you understand her character more and why she is so guarded with her heart.
Hunter has definitely earned a “player” reputation. I loved that he didn’t spend the whole book pining for Chloe. He tells her how he feels and is determined to prove to her that his feelings are real.
Hands down my favorite part of the book was the music video. I loved it. I could totally visualize it in my head. And all the kisses… 🥰!!! They were both swoony and sweet. And Darlene, definitely one of my top favorite side characters!! She was so great. This book has plenty of romantic moments, but it’s also funny and had me smiling throughout!
Big thanks to the Hailey Gardiner for the Advance copy. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 12, 2022
Read it for the:
-Wholesome Friend to Lovers
-Scoliosis representation
-Flashbacks
-Mutual Pinning
-Cute Dates!
This book is your first sip of hot cocoa on a chilly day.
Wholesome, unproblematic, romantic, and absolutely no unnecessary drama to meet the word
count - a comfort read nestled in the middle of your chaotic TBR headspace.
I’ve said it before but friends to lovers is a trope that is difficult for me to get into. I find some to be the same plot on repeat and it's exhausting. Not with this one.
Hunter and Chole were well-rounded characters with complex reasons why neither wanted to try and take the first step towards a real relationship. I loved the representation shown of Chole’s struggles with scoliosis (a condition with affects many but is often not taken seriously or outright ignored), overcoming a difficult relationship with her parents, and trusting in others. Hunter also grew from a playboy into a determined and loyal man. They felt like genuine people with real problems - and this made their shift from friends to lovers believable and romantic.
Although given a chance to explore their relationship via an awesome music video (Such an interesting setting!), I also liked that their relationship was developed away from the cameras, making for so special moments in addition to the years of friendship shared between them. The flashbacks shown in between chapters allowed readers to see the beginning and experience all the feelings Hunter and Chole had for each. All that build-up leads to some serious chemistry-packed kisses and I may or may not have cheered.
The make-up is the friends to lovers you didn't know you wanted. Book 2 of the Falling for Franklin series can be read as a stand-alone. I cannot wait to see what comes next (Hoping for a certain country singer and songwriter’s story *wink, wink, nudge*).
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
-Wholesome Friend to Lovers
-Scoliosis representation
-Flashbacks
-Mutual Pinning
-Cute Dates!
This book is your first sip of hot cocoa on a chilly day.
Wholesome, unproblematic, romantic, and absolutely no unnecessary drama to meet the word
count - a comfort read nestled in the middle of your chaotic TBR headspace.
I’ve said it before but friends to lovers is a trope that is difficult for me to get into. I find some to be the same plot on repeat and it's exhausting. Not with this one.
Hunter and Chole were well-rounded characters with complex reasons why neither wanted to try and take the first step towards a real relationship. I loved the representation shown of Chole’s struggles with scoliosis (a condition with affects many but is often not taken seriously or outright ignored), overcoming a difficult relationship with her parents, and trusting in others. Hunter also grew from a playboy into a determined and loyal man. They felt like genuine people with real problems - and this made their shift from friends to lovers believable and romantic.
Although given a chance to explore their relationship via an awesome music video (Such an interesting setting!), I also liked that their relationship was developed away from the cameras, making for so special moments in addition to the years of friendship shared between them. The flashbacks shown in between chapters allowed readers to see the beginning and experience all the feelings Hunter and Chole had for each. All that build-up leads to some serious chemistry-packed kisses and I may or may not have cheered.
The make-up is the friends to lovers you didn't know you wanted. Book 2 of the Falling for Franklin series can be read as a stand-alone. I cannot wait to see what comes next (Hoping for a certain country singer and songwriter’s story *wink, wink, nudge*).
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
April 28, 2024
i LOVED this book so much. this was such a sweet and swoony fall read that felt like a big warm hug. Chloe and Hunters relationship was so special and i loved watching it blossom. 🍁🍂📖🌻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews