Romance Books by Trope: Friends to Lovers
I feel like the Friends to Lovers trope is one that doesn’t get a ton of love. Or at the very least, people are really hard on it. I think it’s because it might be the one we all can relate to the most, so we’re particularly critical of the believability. My own love story falls into the Friends to Lovers trope! I’ve rounded up some of the best that I’ve read plus some that are on my TBR.
Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
A CLASSIC. I remember reading this on a sunny February day taking the train home from spending the day with one of my friends. It was about two weeks before the world shut down in 2020 and I thought I had all the time in the world. It was a book that filled me with shut joy. A classic Christina Lauren!
Hook Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
If you thought It Happened One Summer was a little too cheesy, I think you’ll really like Hook Line and Sinker. It takes place in the same world, with Piper’s sister Hannah at the forefront. She and Fox become friends and vow not to cross the line because he’s a bit of a player, but he quickly falls for her and it’s such a satisfying read.
Take a Hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Quite possibly the blueprint for friends to lovers. I adore Talia Hibbert and this book is set in the world of academia.
Funny Feelings by Tarah Dewitt
Oh gosh, this book is stuck to my heart forever. It’s so quotable and wonderful. It’s about a stand up comedienne and her best friend/manager. It has the single dad trope as well and it’s one that will make you laugh and cry.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
I know I know I know, who hasn’t read this yet? But it’s so good. I really felt like I could connect to Poppy and her journey, especially at the end of this book. And I loved her and Alex’s friendship; watching it blossom made my heart warm.
When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting
On my TBR but I love Helena Hunting’s writing. It’s very accessible.
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron
Another one I haven’t read yet, but that comes very highly recommended.
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
If you’re looking for a dreamy love story that’s low spice but still satisfying, Sarah Adams is the way to go! This is a football romance and it is * chef’s kiss * good.
Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson
This has been on my TBR for YEARS and I need to get to it.
Always Mine by Laura Pavlov
I am dying to read Laura Pavlov’s small town romances. I think they will be right up my ally and this kicks off the Honey Mountain Series! The covers are all so dreamy.
Amazon | Bookshop.org
A Long Time Coming by Meghan Quinn
I shockingly haven’t read any Meghan Quinn but she is a fan favorite when it comes to indie romance.
Next to You by Hannah Bonam Young
A little HGTV moment for their friends to lovers romance as two friends renovate a school bus into a home!
Everything I Always Wanted by Stephanie Nicole Norris
This book sounds deliciously complicated, with two friends sharing a kiss that completely sets their world ablaze as they try to figure out in they both feel the same way.
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Powerless by Elsie Silver
Elsie Silver is another small town romance writer whose backlist I need to dive into! This is the third in a series but I believe you can read it as a stand alone!
