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turquoiseavenue's review
3.0
How to Kiss Your Best Friend is my first book by this author. The main characters, Kate and Brody, were adorable together! This story had a great small-town, mountain home feel which I adored since I'm from the area this book is set in. It was fun reading about some of my favorite places and activities.
With a lifelong friends-to-lovers trope, Proctor captivated me with her pacing, internal dialogue from both main characters' POV, and the wide range of emotions they experienced. Brody's personality, genius and gentlehearted nature was incredibly sweet and he won me over immediately. Kate took some time to grow on me but as the story went on, I did begin to understand her better and liked her just as much as Brody by the end. The secondary characters were only so-so in my opinion, with the exception of Brody's mama. There was one hilarious laugh-out-loud moment that I chuckled a good bit over, but only a few "smile crackers" strewn throughout. As a result, the comedy was on the mild side for me. There was a heavy focus on Kate's physical attraction to Brody's now adult physique and it became repetitive so I grew a little tired of her attraction being the catalyst for sarcasm and wit.
I didn't feel a particular pull to read any more of this series after meeting all four of the Hawthorne brothers in this story as none of them really interested me as much as Brody (well, perhaps Perry and his brooding nature), but I am willing to revisit the series in the future and see if the other brothers can measure up.
Overall, a clean read. As a Christian reader, I felt this rom/com leaned heavily toward secular readers with a bit of lust and focus on the outward appearance, one scene that some may find unnecessary and a handful of words/actions that some Christian readers may prefer to avoid.
Content Notes For This Book (Not the entire series):
Main Character Age: Mid-Upper twenties
Romance: Clean, Steamy - detailed kissing, touches and embraces, a nude scene (no details), a strong physical attraction, one instance of "wanting her in his bed (in the context of marriage).
Profanity: No profane language, a couple of uses of "pissed"
Violence: None
Negative: None
Spiritual: None
Alcohol: Mention of drinking which appears to be a normal, accepted behavior, drinking underage, mention of being drunk, using alcohol as a means of self-soothing.
Potential Triggers: Death of loved one, divorce, infidelity.
Was my review helpful? Find more of my recommendations at www.turquoiseave.com/books
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
With a lifelong friends-to-lovers trope, Proctor captivated me with her pacing, internal dialogue from both main characters' POV, and the wide range of emotions they experienced. Brody's personality, genius and gentlehearted nature was incredibly sweet and he won me over immediately. Kate took some time to grow on me but as the story went on, I did begin to understand her better and liked her just as much as Brody by the end. The secondary characters were only so-so in my opinion, with the exception of Brody's mama. There was one hilarious laugh-out-loud moment that I chuckled a good bit over, but only a few "smile crackers" strewn throughout. As a result, the comedy was on the mild side for me. There was a heavy focus on Kate's physical attraction to Brody's now adult physique and it became repetitive so I grew a little tired of her attraction being the catalyst for sarcasm and wit.
I didn't feel a particular pull to read any more of this series after meeting all four of the Hawthorne brothers in this story as none of them really interested me as much as Brody (well, perhaps Perry and his brooding nature), but I am willing to revisit the series in the future and see if the other brothers can measure up.
Overall, a clean read. As a Christian reader, I felt this rom/com leaned heavily toward secular readers with a bit of lust and focus on the outward appearance, one scene that some may find unnecessary and a handful of words/actions that some Christian readers may prefer to avoid.
Content Notes For This Book (Not the entire series):
Main Character Age: Mid-Upper twenties
Romance: Clean, Steamy - detailed kissing, touches and embraces, a nude scene (no details), a strong physical attraction, one instance of "wanting her in his bed (in the context of marriage).
Profanity: No profane language, a couple of uses of "pissed"
Violence: None
Negative: None
Spiritual: None
Alcohol: Mention of drinking which appears to be a normal, accepted behavior, drinking underage, mention of being drunk, using alcohol as a means of self-soothing.
Potential Triggers: Death of loved one, divorce, infidelity.
Was my review helpful? Find more of my recommendations at www.turquoiseave.com/books
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
kebreads's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this story.
Content: clean - brief nudity, passionate kissing, innuendo
Content: clean - brief nudity, passionate kissing, innuendo
nyquillll's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Honestly, I thought this book was going to be a fluffy easy read, but it was kind of boring. I think I'm not really made for slow burns, and this book was a burn right up until the last 1-2 chapters. I did like how the book tried to portray a genuine friendship that developed into a love story (first one-sided), and from both POVs. It wasn't a standout, but it wasn't horrible.
I did like reading about the water rafting and seeing how passionate the MMC was about his job, his family, and about what he wanted from his future. It's tough to have an unrequited love, and I'm glad things worked out (as we knew they would, a romance novel, duh haha), but the ending felt kind of anticlimactic when they finally confessed their feelings to one another. Also, there were multiple points in the story where the FMC couldn't get her life together and was having the same round of internal monologue with no real growth or challenge to look inward, and I was frustrated with her a lot.
That said, I did like when the book touched on strained relationships between a parent and a child, being a child of divorce and the impact of how it can show up in romantic relationships, working through how platonic versus romantic love might feel, the dynamic of wanting to travel/explore and wanting to set down roots somewhere, avoidant communicative tendencies, the support of brotherhood, and finding a sense of self lest you lose yourself in someone else.
All this to say, I'm curious about the other books in the series that focus on the other Hawthorne kids, and I'll be checking them out to see if I like those stories a bit more.
I did like reading about the water rafting and seeing how passionate the MMC was about his job, his family, and about what he wanted from his future. It's tough to have an unrequited love, and I'm glad things worked out (as we knew they would, a romance novel, duh haha), but the ending felt kind of anticlimactic when they finally confessed their feelings to one another. Also, there were multiple points in the story where the FMC couldn't get her life together and was having the same round of internal monologue with no real growth or challenge to look inward, and I was frustrated with her a lot.
That said, I did like when the book touched on strained relationships between a parent and a child, being a child of divorce and the impact of how it can show up in romantic relationships, working through how platonic versus romantic love might feel, the dynamic of wanting to travel/explore and wanting to set down roots somewhere, avoidant communicative tendencies, the support of brotherhood, and finding a sense of self lest you lose yourself in someone else.
All this to say, I'm curious about the other books in the series that focus on the other Hawthorne kids, and I'll be checking them out to see if I like those stories a bit more.
Content Warnings
Quotes I highlighted:
"Sometimes I think Brody stayed a little more chill because he felt like he had to balance them out."
"'I'm just seeing you, Kate,' he would always say."
"Feeling attracted to a really attractive man who is also a great guy? I know. It's so surprising."
"This man and his tenderness are going to end my life this very moment."
"It's the strangest thing to look at her and simultaneously see the little girl she was - the one who quizzed me with math problems on the school bus - and the woman she is now."
"You aren't a mess. You're here now. We move forward from here."
"It's a game I always got tired of playing with everyone else, but never with Kate."
"You're going to make me do hard things." "Only because of how much I love you."
"Brody might not be here in person, but he is in every memory, imprinted on my soul in a way that makes coming back feel like I'm coming home to him."
"Home isn't just a place. A concrete thing with walls and a roof. It's a whole passel of people who love and visit and eat casseroles together every weekend."
"'Oh, is that how you want to play it?' Hannah says, cutting Olivia off. She leans forward in her chair. 'Fine. The first time me and your father-'"
"They're like a grove of trees. On the surface, it looks like they're all their own tree, but underneath the ground, their roots are entwined and connected, lending strength and support to whoever needs it most."
"There are never any guarantees, Kate. Not in life, certainly not in love. But that doesn't mean you can't believe a love like that is possible, even hope for it. I'm willing to bet the people who do find it are the ones who always believed they would."
"But Brody has only ever wanted the truth from me. And he's always held whatever that truth is with the same quiet confidence he's done everything in life."
"Maybe if I sit still for once, what I'm looking for will find me." "Maybe you're looking for a home, Kate. A family."
"You are worth staying for. You deserve someone who sees that."
"It feels like our relationship is a constant push and pull of her luring me closer only to knock me upside the head with one of her snide remarks, then soothe the wound with more kindness. It feels like whiplash."
"There's a vulnerability to the way he's holding himself, his eyes focused on our feet."
"(Is he also sparking? Is the sparseness only happening inside of me?)"
"I loved her. But I'm not sure I saw her. Not like I should have."
"Nah. No more running. You can do hard things. We'll do this together."
"I don't need her - or any woman I date - to love whitewater kayaking like I do. That doesn't mean it wouldn't be fun if she did."
"Yep. I'm totally done for. This woman has me."
"A wave of weariness washes over me. I am so tired of telling this story."
"Spend time with Kate. Fall more in love with Kate. Remember that Kate isn't mine to love. And repeat it all again the next day."
"If there's nothing to hold me steady, and nothing to show me where I need to go, how am I supposed to feel anything but lost?"
"I nod my agreement. I would stroll the grocery store aisles with Brody if he asked me to."
"She's asking me a thousand questions with those three words."
"I...do not have the bandwidth to figure this out."
"But I'm glad Aislynn is here to represent women doing something other than spectating."
"And I need you to not ask me for more."
"A fresh wave of shame washes over me. I am not very good at loving people."
"Five minutes ago, I thought I would fix her breakfast, tell her I'm in love with her, and ask her to stay."
"You were already planning this?" "How else would I know there's a fence that needs repairing? I don't pay attention not that kind of crap."
"He might look like he belonged in that fancy life - and maybe he did. But he belongs here too."
"You did. But don't lie to yourself about it. You know you need us, or you wouldn't have come over."
"Then again, he can wake up on his own time, because right now, we're supposed to be talking about me."
"That text message doesn't say she doesn't care about you, Brody. It says she's scared."
"She's got choices to make, and you can't make them for her."
"It feels like she's giving up on something I would fight for no matter what."
"Never stop talking to the normal people in your life - the people who aren't famous. They're the only ones who will keep you grounded."
"I'm serious. I hate it when you guys are together without me."
"Dad takes a deep breath. 'Why don't we start at the beginning?'"
"Anger, hot and thick, coils in my gut, but it is dampened by a profound sadness for my mom. She gave up so much. And for what?"
"She's been putting other people before herself her whole life, Kate. It's what she does. She put your relationship with me - your feelings about me - above everything else."
"She couldn't stop herself from being bitter about it though, and that's what leaked over onto me. Her disappointment. Her hurt."
"I want a home. A family. A life with someone beside me. And I want that someone to be Brody."
"'Hey,' she says gently. 'We don't have to do this anymore. Your mind is clearly somewhere else.' She cocks her head. 'Maybe on someone else?'"
"Plus, I'm done running. I will have this hard conversation. I won't let fear keep me from being vulnerable anymore."
"But it's more than the question. It's everything. It's how well he knows me. It's how much we've been through together and how completely I trust him to take care of me. To love me."
"Or maybe...we'll figure something out? Honestly, I'm kinda tired of figuring stuff out on my own."
"I don't want you to choose me at the expense of all your other dreams."
"'Is my girlfriend jealous?' Ohhhh. That felt good. I need him to call me his girlfriend again."
"'Oh my gosh. I made you listen to all the gritty details of my first kiss!' Brody nods, his expression solemn. 'Worst hour of my life.'"
"I want to marry you. And then I want us to live here so we can make this house our home."
"But it hasn't been nineteen years for you. I was trying to give you some time to, I don't know. Make sure you really want this."
"I love a woman who has her priorities in order. Tacos first, then diamonds."
"These ordinary moments with her, they are all I have ever wanted."
ashleybashleyboo's review
5.0
Oh goodness- what a sweet book! I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the rest of the series! Highly recommended!
a_reader_obsessed's review
4.0
4 Stars!!!
Soooo…. How do I do this book justice when really in the grand scheme of things this brought nothing new to the world of contemporary MF romance and it’s sadly so very tame?
First of all this is a friends to lovers trope with an absolute to die for male MC. Brody and Kate haven’t seen each other in 4 years due to Kate avoiding family issues, but that hasn’t stopped Brody from caring and wanting only the best for his bestie. Always supportive, always kind, leading with a quiet confidence that was sexy as hell, it was nigh impossible to not fall hard for this man.
Second, Kate didn’t drive me bonkers, and that is a very difficult thing to do. Kate for sure has some baggage to work through and yes, she has been avoiding any and all confrontation, but her eyes are opened to all things Brody finally, and she has to reevaluate her life goals.
The setting and supporting cast were pretty darn great. Brody’s family owns a farm/event center with plenty of festivals, cute animals, and 3 meddling brothers, a nosy sister, and parents who support any and all in both their inner and outer circle.
I bought this on a whim, and I’m not sorry I did. I obviously immensely enjoyed this. Simply put, I found a new book boyfriend to add to my collection, and I suspect that the rest of Brody’s brothers will soon join him there!
Hawthorne Brothers Series
1. How to Kiss Your Best Friend - 4 Stars
2. How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss - 4 Stars
3. How to Kiss Your Enemy - 4. 5 Stars
4. How to Kiss a Movie Star - 4 Stars
Love Off Limits (sister Olivia’s story) - 3.5 Stars
Soooo…. How do I do this book justice when really in the grand scheme of things this brought nothing new to the world of contemporary MF romance and it’s sadly so very tame?
First of all this is a friends to lovers trope with an absolute to die for male MC. Brody and Kate haven’t seen each other in 4 years due to Kate avoiding family issues, but that hasn’t stopped Brody from caring and wanting only the best for his bestie. Always supportive, always kind, leading with a quiet confidence that was sexy as hell, it was nigh impossible to not fall hard for this man.
Second, Kate didn’t drive me bonkers, and that is a very difficult thing to do. Kate for sure has some baggage to work through and yes, she has been avoiding any and all confrontation, but her eyes are opened to all things Brody finally, and she has to reevaluate her life goals.
The setting and supporting cast were pretty darn great. Brody’s family owns a farm/event center with plenty of festivals, cute animals, and 3 meddling brothers, a nosy sister, and parents who support any and all in both their inner and outer circle.
I bought this on a whim, and I’m not sorry I did. I obviously immensely enjoyed this. Simply put, I found a new book boyfriend to add to my collection, and I suspect that the rest of Brody’s brothers will soon join him there!
Hawthorne Brothers Series
1. How to Kiss Your Best Friend - 4 Stars
2. How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss - 4 Stars
3. How to Kiss Your Enemy - 4. 5 Stars
4. How to Kiss a Movie Star - 4 Stars
Love Off Limits (sister Olivia’s story) - 3.5 Stars
melmo2610's review against another edition
5.0
This book was hilarious! I laughed out loud I don’t even know how many times. A fun friends to more romance between Brody and Kate put a smile on my face and kept me smiling. Loved this one!
maferb96's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0