Manhattan is a stand-alone, small town, country romance in the Becker Brothers Series. Everyone knows not to fall in love with your best friend.But when your best friend is Michael Becker, it’s impossible not to.He’s everything our town knows a Becker brother to be: devastatingly handsome, charming as a thief, and the icing on the cake — a sentimental musician who’s never without his guitar.And … who’s never without his guitar.
And he was mine. At least, that’s what I’d convinced myself.
Our bond was born in elementary school, strengthened by circumstance and the promise to always be there for each other, no matter what. And the best thing about my life was being friends with Michael Becker.
Until it was the worst.
I watched him fall in love with someone else, and helped patch him back up when she left him behind. But when he drops the bomb that he’s moving to New York, I realize it’s my last chance to tell him how I feel. And I ask him to make one more promise.
One summer. One list of adventures to remind him that our small town has more to offer than memories of the girl who left him behind.
One last chance to tell him I’m in love with him.
And I’m just dumb enough to believe that maybe he could love me, too.
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NEW RELEASE from Kandi Steiner! This friends-to-lovers small town romance cannot be missed. Read now in Kindle Unlimited!
Page turner with an HEA that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
You guys know I want ALL THE ANGST in my romance, and damn, Kandi nailed it with all the feels that I crave!!
Mikeyyyy! Oh how I love this kid, from the very beginning I could not wait to read his story, I knew it would be a captivating one, but just like his brothers he was a little stubborn and a lot frustrating.
The Becker’s are a one of a kind family, especially when it comes to the pain they still feel, and will always feel from their fathers unexpected death.
Kylie and Mikey have this epic friends to lovers relationship and I love it, not just because it’s one of my favorite genres to read, but they’ve both been through something similar with the loss of a parent and they’re both always there for the other.
But as always with a Kandi Steiner book, it’s not all sunshine and rainbow, but I wouldn’t wish it any other way. She makes us hurt, gives us a lot of feelings and maybe you’ll cry, but we also laugh and scream too. This is definitely one of my top favorites of hers and I can not wait for the conclusion of the Becker’s.
Okay, I really have loved all the books in this series so far and was excited to read Mikey’s story. I have to say where the others were a little more angsty this one was a little more on the sweet side. I’m not sure if it was because they were so young or what. I mean, yes, there was a ton of emotion and angst but still the younger Becker showed more of a sweet side and I loved it. I truly loved Kylie and how she just loved Mikey with her whole heart. I was hoping her plans for the summer turned out the way she always dreamed and that Mikey would finally see what was in front of him all along. I loved that when these two loved, they loved hard and all in. There was some drama as well as old flames showing up. There’s still a lot of mystery surrounding the death of the Becker brothers’ Dad that I am hoping we get some more answers to soon. It definitely wasn’t easy for these two but I loved how the author wrapped this book up. It’s just how it was meant to be and it was a great read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Kandi Steiner at her best. I AM OBSESSED WITH KANDI and the way she’s able to conjure all the feels from me.
I really enjoyed this one! The writing flowed well from start to finish, and I loved Mikey and Kiley together. I was a little leery going in, because they were so young. But, honestly, there aren’t a lot of immature moments like I was expecting. Mikey was a little annoying, mainly because he refused to get over Bailey. I understand heart break sucks, but he chose to wallow in it, instead of getting over it. I liked Kailey, and I thought she was a good match for Mikey, when he finally pulled his head out of his butt. I loved the ending, and thought it was perfect for them. I like getting updates on the other brothers, and I CAN’T wait for Jordan’s story. I’m looking forward to FINALLY getting the closure with everything with their dad, as much as I am to see Jordan get his HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
5 What’s Right In Front Of You Crowns
I am so in love with this family that Kandi has created, the Becker boys own my heart and soul and Mickey just took the lead. She has brought to life a beautifully written friends to lover’s romance that will tug at your heartstrings and bring unbinding tears to your eyes. Mickey and Kylie will take a piece of you with them that you won’t want back.
**When she left, I realized that she didn’t just take part of me with her – she took all of me.**
Michael Becker took hold of my heart from the beginning and I never really got it back. You can’t help but fall in love with this boy who’s been broken and is just going through the motions. He wears his heart on his sleeve and you can’t help your own heart from physically aching when his get’s shattered. But, seeing him slowly come back to life once Kylie steps in makes you so unbelievably happy. You can feel their connection through the pages. And it warms you knowing that he has someone like her in his life.
But he does have his stupid streak and makes some poor decisions that make you want to punch him. Then in the next token he does the most remarkable things that have you swooning all over the place. I tell you with the way he apologizes it would be hard to stay mad at him.
**He hadn’t even talked to her and a wave of possession had swept in on me like a surprise summer storm.**
Kylie is the girl next door. She’s sweet and caring always looking out for those around her. She is unflappably loyal even when it isn’t deserved, she’s the whole package. This girl is goodness wrapped in rainbows, but she doesn’t take anyone’s crap either. She knows when she must make a stand and she doesn’t waver in her decisions. I love this girl’s tenacity and spark of life that she brings to the world. And watching the way she is with Mickey bringing him slowly but surely back to life is exhilarating to see unfold.
**He kissed me like a punishment, and I took it like a sadist.**
Kandi has woven a truly heartfelt tale of first loves lost, and unrequited loves found. Watching Mickey and Kylie grow in their relationship and heal from their shared tragedies makes your heartbeat a little faster and the tears flow quiet but steady. These two are connected on a level that not many are or ever will be. Mickey and Kylie are the epitome of friends to lovers that you can’t get enough of. I loved everything about this story and this family will continue to own a part of me. I can’t wait to see where she takes us with Logan’s story.
The emotions are soaring through my veins! Kandi Steiner always delivers the best stories. She will make you heart cry, then burst with joy. I have been following this series. Mikey’s story has exceeded my expectations. I love the beginning, the middle, and the end. There were a few parts that made it hard to breathe. You wanted the main characters to move forward, but they would take three steps back.
Kylie is my hero. Her love is unconditional. From her dad, to her friends, to Mikey. This love story is not perfect. You do not get hearts and flowers. But it has a backbone. We just need Ky and Mikey to figure things out. With most of Kandi’s books, there is a lot of heartache. This series has a sadness that looms because we still have a mystery to figure out. There is so much that goes on in this story, but yet it is not too much. It’s the right mix to a broken and beautiful story. I unconditionally love this story and recommend it far and wide. Wow is what I said when I reached the end. Now its Jordan who is next and I cannot wait for more!
Manhattan is a book that jumped out of nowhere and grabbed me by the heart and wouldn’t let go.
I have read Kandi Steiner in the past, but I haven’t read any of this series. When I read the summary, something spoke to me and I knew I needed to read it. I didn’t even notice that is was part of a series until I started looking closer at emails and such. At no time while reading the book did I feel like I had missed anything by not reading the other books in the series.
Kylie and Michael are childhood best friends. Mikey has had a rough time of it lately and abruptly announces his plan to move to NYC at the end of the summer. Kylie, who is in love with Mikey, takes it upon herself to remind him of all the things he loves about their home town in an attempt to get him to stick around. What follows is a bit of a bucket list/set of activities that challenge more than just Michael’s determination to leave the past behind. All the fun and shared memories have Michael questioning whether his feelingsfor Kylie are as “friendly” as he has always thought.
Michael and Kylie really do have a special friendship and it is highlighted expertly by the author. You can feel Mikey’s depression in the beginning and how his world gets brighter, the more time he spends with Kylie.
As we know, the path of love is never smooth, and Kylie and Michael are tested by their past, their future, and by a friendship neither of them want to lose. Kylie’s mom left her a legacy that seems to lead her on a journey across the country, while Michael feels that his future will be found in New York. They have a lot to overcome, choices to make, and separate paths they each need to follow.
This was a captivating friends-to-lovers story that I could not put down. The characters, though young, were completely relatable, their stories intriguing, and their love indisputable.
P.S. I am now running out to get my hands on the previous 2 books in the series
Best friends make the best lovers
It’s such a personal thing, having a best friend. Someone who knows everything about you. Someone who can feel your feelings, who knows your moods, someone to hold you up. A best friend is a sounding board, a co-conspirator, and a second to all your hair brained ideas. They can also be the light in your life, the guide in the darkness.
Manhatten has a very special best friend known as Ky. She is the girl next door to most people. She kind, caring, and supportive. She’s loving, strong, and knows when he needs help. She is also running out of time and trying to fess up to her feelings.
He, however, is clueless Mickey. Michael Becker has been the man of her dreams forever and he never even realized she had boobs.
Manhattan is going to give you all the angst, the warm fuzzies, and the tension. It will break your heart, tape it together, and then light it on fire. But in the end, you will be left smiling with big hearts in your eyes!
…the one who’s everything, and yet somehow, not quite anything at all…
Oh how I was waiting for Michael’s story! This poor boy’s heart has been broken for a while now and the only person who truly sees his heartbreak is his best friend Kylie.
Ms. Steiner, I have said it before and I will say it again, you are the queen of angst! This story took my heart and squeezed it painfully in your hands until the very end!
My heart wept for Kylie!! I could so empathize with her plight. She was the emotional punching bag, the best friend, the ride or die and being Michael’s best friend she did die a little each day. She wasn’t strong enough to declare her feelings and she had to suffer in silence. Until she realized maybe it was her turn. I admired her strength when she needed it and her perseverance and determination when it was warranted. She is truly the heroine in this story.
Oh, Michael, a false love blinds you, your broken heart cripples you and when a true friendship and love comes into your life do you truly see. But mistakes are made and the way to happiness is littered with a past that refuses to die! I wanted to shake him sometimes!!
This story ends brilliantly and so perfect for them! I also am dying slowly over the mystery of what has happened to the Becker patriarch! Every story in this series shines a bit of light but when will the mystery be revealed!! I cannot wait for Jordan’s story next!
This book, gah!!! I loved it!
Kandi paints a picture of Stratford, TN like it’s real. I would totally do a weekend road trip to tour the Scooter Whiskey distillery, take an art class at Mallory’s store, eat ice cream at Blondie’s, have a picnic and swim down at the lake…the list goes on because she has created a fictional world that I’ve fallen in love with…including the Becker Boys who reside in that world, their momma, Betty, and the women who have stolen and captured their hearts.
With Michael Becker’s story we get a little more of a new adult, friends to lovers plotline and I will be the first to tell you friends to lovers is not my favorite genre to read. I guess that one person mooning over the other without them seeing it drives me crazy to the point where I just want to slap the one and either say “make a move” or slap the other and say “wake up and see them!” Hahaha.
I felt none of that with this story! I was invested in Mikey’s story already from having read the first two standalones and Kylie is sweet as pie, I could never dislike her, because at her core she is a 100% absolutely good person, she just radiates good. Mikey’s heart has been broken and he’s looking to flee in order to mend and Kylie has made it her mission to get him to see and remember all he loves about his hometown and hopefully in the process “see” her. As Michael finally starts to see what’s always been in front of him, the ghost of Bailey, the one who broke his heart, continues to lurk, keeping him from completely letting go.
“I’ve been waiting my whole life for you to kiss me, Michael Becker,” I said, my voice trembling and hoarse. One lone tear slipped from my left eye, and I swiped it away before it would fall past my cheek bone. “How dare you do it when you’re thinking about her.”
Cue the tears streaming down my face, which completely caught me by surprise! The raw emotion between these two reminded me of why I love NA romance sooooo much and Kandi nails it!
I was taken by surprise how much angst this friends to lovers romance could pack, but I loved every second of it. Hands down one of my favorite series this year, this is a train you need to be hopping on!
The queen of angst has struck again! Kandi Steiner I bow down to you and your ability to tear my heart to bits only to build it back up stronger than before. Case in point, Manhattan, the youngest Becker brother’s book. I thought I was ready…I wasn’t.
I connected with Mikey so much. I got his pain. His suffering. How he just wasn’t himself after his breakup. How the loss of his first love felt like his heart wouldn’t beat in rhythm again. Thank goodness he had Kylie. A ray of sunshine in his darkness. I adored this girl so much. Her kindness. Her positivity. How she took care of her dad. How she loved Mikey. Deeply. Fully. Unconditionally. If only he would see her as more than his best friend…
My heart is just so full after finishing this book. While it took a few harsh turns and got stuck in the mud a time or two, the angst was so dang worth the chest ache. Manhattan was the sweetest friends-to-lovers romance. Kylie and Mikey are everything. Their slow-burning journey was heartfelt and painful at times. But it was so pure and full of love that it will make you swoon for days.
The blissful optimism of youth, the rosy eyed dreams of naive young’uns and the bonds of pinky promises stronger than steel…it’s all explored with tender details by Kandi in this slow burn romance about the youngest Becker Brother. He’s a fledgeling birdie ready to dive off into the real world from his love cushioned nest home. None of his family or friends are too happy about it but Michael Becker sees the horizon from his tiny hamlet of hometown- Stratford, and he wants to soar and touch it. His aspirational success awaits for him in NYC.
And there’s his waifish childhood bestie- “Smiley” Kylie Nelson whose mission now is to top him from leaving HER!!
“I fell in love with Michael Becker at the ripe old age of eight years old. I’ve been in the proverbial land known as “The Friend Zone.” But, it was true. I fell for that kid like a penny off the Empire State Building—fast and silently and unbeknownst to anyone other than the poor concrete that I hit and dented when I crashed to the ground.
She feels helpless in her endeavor cause all she has is her unrequited love, her aching heart and immense stars for their hopeful future in her eyes.
Relentless Love believes they can wrestle the world by merely heart power, surmount mountains on sheer love adrenaline and that’s what makes Ky go mudding, lake diving, Line dancing, water towers climbing, all to show him what matters the most. she wants to nurse his broken heart with her soft healing hands
“You’re letting that girl drive you out of this town, out of the places you love most, away from the people who you love most. And I’m trying to show you why that’s a mistake.”
But her endeavor to win his heart is filled with moats of tears, thorns of agony and rivers of anguish
It’s such a thoughtful, subtle story. It’s almost like touching a petal, smelling a flower, watching the full moon, hearing distant muted music.
Nuanced and heavenly, Kandi manages to touch my heart as soft as one touches the strings of a guitar and plays a Melancholic, pining melody.
4.5 cheers for Intoxicating love
A brand new friends-to-lovers small town country romance from Kandi Steiner!
You’ll love this book if you love:
small town romance
country romance
summer romance
romantic mystery
friends-to-lovers
slow burn
angst
A brand new friends-to-lovers small town country romance from Kandi Steiner!
You’ll love this book if you love:
small town romance
country romance
summer romance
romantic mystery
friends-to-lovers
slow burn
angst
Not my type of story, but I could’t miss it.
Mikey and Kylie have been best friends for 10 years. Mikey just got his heart crush by Bailey and 8 months later he is still angry. He decides he’s going to New York after the summer. Kylie figures it’s her last chance for her to tell him how she feels. Can friends be more than lovers. Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Awesome book.
Kylie Nelson and Michael Becker have been best friends since they were eight years old. When an unfortunate circumstance brought them together, they became inseparable; spending all their time together, sharing all their secrets and promising to always be there for each other. The only thing she’s kept from Mikey is that she is in love with him… then she watches him fall in love with another girl.
Mickey and his girlfriend of two years had plans to move to Nashville together once they graduated so she could pursue a career in music. Then, last year, she broke things off and left on her own. After brooding for months, on the day of his high school graduation he announces to his family that he’s moving to Manhattan, New York at the end of the summer for a fresh start and away from the town and every reminder of the girl who broke his heart.
After his announcement of moving to the Big Apple, Kylie comes up with a plan to try and keep him in the town she knows he still loves, hoping that he feels the same way about her.
This friends-to-lovers, slow burn summertime romance has joined my list of favorites. So far, I’m torn between this book and Neat as my favorite Becker Brother’s story… Mikey and Kylie are so adorable, their friendship envious and I love the innocence in their relationship. Kyle is beautiful, sweet, caring, giving, and has the biggest heart that she puts on the line multiple times. It hurt to see that almost everytime Kylie took Mikey out to do something fun on her list, they backfired in some way. But she’s strong and holds onto hope that she’ll be able to get through to him at some point. I loved her character! When Mikey finally opened his eyes to Kylie, it was the sweetest thing. There were definitely some I want to slap him moments with Mikey, but in the end, he made a really sweet, albeit a little cheesy, yet totally adorable gesture asking her for forgiveness and showing her how much he loves her.