My best friend’s a former quarterback, and I’m a nerdy math teacher.
He has no idea how badly I want him.
Back in high school, Mitch protected me from bullies and was at my side through tragedy. It didn’t matter that he was a football star and I was a mathlete, or that I was gay and he was straight. We stuck together like glue–until he married a girl and ran away.
Now Mitch is back home, and … back home, and he’s a divorced single dad. His son is in my math class, and I collide with Mitch everywhere in this small town. When he starts bartending at the only local gay bar, I’m screwed. Red’s Tavern is my haven, but how can I fake it for other guys when I’m in love with the big jock behind the bar?
Then Mitch invites me into his bed, saying it’s just for fun. But I’m addicted to him the second his body is on mine.
I’ve done the math a million times. I know the odds are bad, but I know I want him.
And now that he’s given me a taste, I can’t stop begging for more.
more
This was a fun book. I liked Evan and Mitch, and it was fun to watch them figure things out. I enjoyed that they always said, “I love you,” even as friends. I thought Zach was adorable with his crush for Sophia. If you enjoy a nice friends to lovers or gay (or maybe bi) for you story, especially one that includes kids (teens) and animals, this is a good one. I loved Red’s Tavern and look forward to more stories in this series.
Evan’s been in love with his best friend Mitch, forever it seems now. And now Mitch is a divorced single dad and is finally moving back home after being in Chicago for 15 years. But Evan also knows he needs to get over his straight friend and move on. Unfortunately for him, Mitch has returned home with a slightly different mindset than he left. He’s always loved Evan but it seems that love might be different than just the love for a friend. He just isn’t sure and doesn’t want to face his changing feelings. His refusal to face those feelings, though, might hurt the one person he has never wanted to hurt.
This is a sweet, hot friends to lovers tale. It’s lighthearted and easy with little angst and both Mitch and Evan are sweethearts, as is Mitch’s adorable teenage son. I’d say this is a great start to what should be a wonderful series.
4 ½ Stars
I enjoyed The Best Friend. It is one of my favorite tropes.
There isn’t a lot of extraneous conflict and turmoil in this offering—just the how and wherefores of these guys moving beyond what they had in the past. There are issues and thoughts that they have to get past, but nothing too heavy.
The secondary characters support the storyline and give it a bit of punch, and I can see the possibilities for future books in a couple of those characters. The tavern’s owner and patrons are colorful and fun. Zach is a realistic, teenage character, and I like the author’s portrayal of him.
Mitch’s character is likable, and his confusion over his new feelings is believable if somewhat aggravating. I wanted to pop him a couple of times to speed him up on some things.
I love Evan’s character. He is patient, kind, engaging, and someone I would like to spend time with.
This story has a good flow, the sexy times are well done, and the HEA is satisfying.
I look forward to more from this author.
I absolutely love a super sweet love story, and again Raleigh Ruebins provides. A gorgeous friends to lovers story, this romance has something for most. Its not just friends to lovers, it’s first time gay, gay for you, happy ever after, second chance, jock / nerd, small town romance,etc, etc.
When Mitch’s marriage ends in divorce after 15 years he head back to his home town and his best friend Evan.They have known each other most of their lives, one has loved the other more than he should, or shouldn’t he. Someone has been holding back with how he really feels. I love the chemistry between Mitch and Evan, and how it smolders until it ignites into something so much more.
I try to never start a series until all the books come out but this one sounded so good, I went ahead and read it. And got sucked completely in. I loved the backstory between Mitch and Evan but loved seeing their relationship as adults develop. Not a lot of conflict in this story, which I appreciated. It was nice getting to see their HEA workout without having to sacrifice who they were as individuals. Excited for the rest of this series!
Evan and Mitch were true soul mates and it came across in the story. These guys were so sweet and cute. I loved their story.
Best friends, Mitch and Evan had a lot to overcome before moving pass friendship. Mitch had a lot to learn about himself before he was ready to accept Evan as a long term boyfriend and Evan patiently waited him out. I love how this author provides the breakup scene at around 70% and then allows the rest of the book for the make up and happily ever after. Nothing is rushed and the rest of the story plays out beautifully.
DNF 15%…amateurish writing, dialog painful, in love with straight best friend trope though straight best friend is clearly gay and too stupid to know it. Just a ridiculous and completely unengaging storyline and I could not bring myself to care about the characters.
This is a well written small town romance between opposites,Evan and Mitch. The author brings a friends to lovers story and does a great job building their relationship. He brings out all the emotions and weaves a sweet love story with a bit of drama and a lot of love. He brings in a few supporting characters who help to bring the story around. It moves at a steady pace and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
4.5 stars for this lovely story! The nerd and the jock, one of my favorite troupes, just like best friends to lovers. Evan and Mitch were best friends in school and living in a small town they were thick as thieves. But Evan kept a secret hidden from his best friend. I enjoyed how Mitch was just so drawn to Evan. He was straight but his feelings were very strong. The journey he takes to understanding those feelings was a little angsty specially for Evan. His son was more perceptive though… I liked all the characters, this small town series has an awesome first book.