Reviews

Friends Like Them by Aimee Nicole Walker

wonderingjay's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

letstalkaboutpaiges's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I’m an absolute sucker for a friends to lovers romance, and this one was no exception. After 3 books of waiting, Tyler and Owen *finally* figured it out! I’m so glad Hope helped him figure it out, which was absolutely hilarious. It threw me off that there wasn’t a bigger overarching plot beyond their issues with their family, but their growth together and their resolutions with their families were so sweet. 

inevitable82217's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring

3.5

10111111111's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

[I received an ARC for an honest review.]
Rating: 5 stars (10/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: codependent BF2L, sexual awakening, farm, ex-criminals, mummy issues, hurt/comfort, dyslexia
Review:
Friend Like Them is the fourth book in the Redemption Ridge series. It should be read in order as a lot of plot and character interactions happen earlier in the series, so the start of this story might seem rather prompt. In this story we finally get to see Tyler and Owen  get together, and I think it is an understatement to say I've been desperate for this book for a while now. These two are the definition of codependent BF2L, and I just adore them both. They met in prison and Owen really helped and protected Tyler as he was going through opioid withdrawals, and Tyler's interest in horses is what got both of them the job at redemption Ridge after release. 

I just loved the entire first chapter - it was so angsty and tense, and I just ached for Tyler the whole time. I loved seeing Cash and Nick having their little wedding ceremony on the ranch, it was so adorable and I love them both so much. The photobooth moment was perfect 👌 and I just love that they got their first kiss memorialised in photos. Their sexual experimentation was so fun, and I really appreciated how much time we spent with them, with their feelings and thoughts and giving that part of the story the proper weight it deserved.

I also appreciated a less stressful plot this time 😅 the third book really got me, and I was glad we got to see such beautiful times with both of Tyler's and Owen's families, seeing them talk to both of their mothers (mummy issues, hello), and the declarations that Tyler so casually makes all the time are so swoony. One little tiny thing that wasn't followed up, which I noticed because I love that kind of stuff, was Owen telling Tyler he was going to smell and taste every part of him 👀 and I just wanted my armpit appreciation, but we never got it 🥺 but oh well, it was a tiny thing. I was a little concerned near the end how it was all going to be wrapped up in time, but I appreciate the way that the story ended with not everything fully resolved as such, because I know we will see more of them, their relationship, and personal developments in the next and final story. The overlap of characters' lives and goals from each individual book make this series such a fun read, but also make it necessary to read in order. I'm am so not looking forward to this series being over, but Rueben and Seth are going to be such a hoot, and I can't wait for the wooing to commence. I am very encouraged by a side series after this, as I neeeeeeeed more of all of these men in some capacity.

notguilty's review

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5.0

Best Friends to Lovers is my absolute favourite trope. The history and inside knowledge always make them great to watch, but as things start to change between them they learn new things about each other, and themselves, which makes their relationship even more special.

Aimee’s writing is wonderful. She gives us a low-angst story that has the perfect amount of emotion and depth to make it beautiful. There’s also plenty of soul-searching and growth to draw you into the journey.

Prison isn’t exactly a meet-cute, but you can understand how a bond and friendship would be forged there. One that is strong enough to withstand their change of status. Even though some self-doubts and worries of familial reactions.

Ultimately their story gave me warmth and hope.

And of course, we also get to hang out with the rest of the Redemption Ridge family, which always gives me the warm fuzzies, and some giggles.

 

diya13's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

isalaur's review

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fast-paced

5.0

I absolutely adored this friends to lovers story, the fourth book in the Redemption Ridge series. Owen and Tyler’s story is just so wonderful and so well written. You fall in love with these guys and keep falling in love with each new emotional revelation. I can’t say a lot without spoilers so suffice to say that you will feel hopeful and joyful throughout and end the book with your faith in human nature restored or reinforced. 

beck22's review

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emotional funny hopeful 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? No

3.75

stephreviewsbooks's review

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4.0

Such a sweet story of two best friends. Owen has been in love with Tyler since they met in jail but was scared to say anything in case it ruined their friendship. Tyler didn't know he had romantic feelings for Owen until he thought he was getting close to someone else. This book is refreshingly honest and this is why the story works. No more hiding what they feel or want to say, everything between them in the open and special. Together they work through their fears and pasts that cause them grief. This is a low simmering story, more about trust and heartfelt feelings than hot spicy scenes. The ending was gorgeous and I can't wait for the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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