Friends Like This Series by Bethany Monaco Smith

"I'm not sure it's a good idea to fall for your best friend."No one told me that junior year is when everything would get complicated. At the heart of the complexities? My best friend, Aaron freaking Cooper—more specifically, my relationship with him. Whether I should have a relationship with him that's more than friendship. Whether I already do... more"I'm not sure it's a good idea to fall for your best friend."No one told me that junior year is when everything would get complicated. At the heart of the complexities? My best friend, Aaron freaking Cooper—more specifically, my relationship with him. Whether I should have a relationship with him that's more than friendship. Whether I already do.Everyone else in our lives seems to think there's something between Aaron and me—that we're denying it and lying to ourselves—even my boyfriend and his girlfriend.No matter what we tell them or our friends, it doesn't change what they see.But as the lines start to blur between friendship and more, I find myself thinking that everyone else might be right.Then again, maybe it doesn't matter. Because I'm not sure it's a good idea to fall for your best friend. But I'm not sure it's a choice, either. Which leaves me wondering if Aaron and I have ever been just friends, or if we've always been something more. And if we are, is it finally time to risk everything and do something about it?I have no idea.And that's the problem. less

It’s been a week since I kissed Rae after the State Championship game. And we haven’t said a word about it.Tonight is the first big party of the summer, and I’m going to steal her away, kiss the hell out of her, make her mine.At least that’s the plan. Until everything comes crashing down.What happens at the party changes everything for both of us.Now I’m broken physically, and Rae is broken emotionally... moreIt’s been a week since I kissed Rae after the State Championship game. And we haven’t said a word about it.Tonight is the first big party of the summer, and I’m going to steal her away, kiss the hell out of her, make her mine.At least that’s the plan. Until everything comes crashing down.What happens at the party changes everything for both of us.Now I’m broken physically, and Rae is broken emotionally. She’s hiding behind fake smiles and the walls she’s so good at putting up—walls I’m determined to tear down. But she makes it clear that won’t be easy.After a summer from hell, the school year begins with everything up in the air. When we’re forced to face our feelings for each other, will we finally give in? Is she ready for this? Can we find our way to each other after everything that’s happened? Or will we fall apart before we even get started?Will Rae and Aaron finally cross the line and become the something more they've always had the possibility to be? Find out in the second book of their love story.Falling Like This is the second book in a mature YA/new adult drama series featuring teens in realistic and complicated situations. Recommended for readers aged 16+ less

I promised her forever.But I’m not sure I can keep that promise. At least, not the way I’m supposed to.I’ll always want forever with her, but not like this.I’m broken. Falling apart. And I’m taking it all out on her.I’m too much of a mess for this, and she deserves more than that. More than the way I’ve been. More than me.I don’t want to do this without her, but I don’t know how to do it with her. There’s so much I have to figure out about myself and my future, and I have to do that on my own... moreI promised her forever.But I’m not sure I can keep that promise. At least, not the way I’m supposed to.I’ll always want forever with her, but not like this.I’m broken. Falling apart. And I’m taking it all out on her.I’m too much of a mess for this, and she deserves more than that. More than the way I’ve been. More than me.I don’t want to do this without her, but I don’t know how to do it with her. There’s so much I have to figure out about myself and my future, and I have to do that on my own.I have to let her go.She might hate me, but it’s best for both of us.I just have to hope by the time I figure things out and am ready for us again, she’ll still want me—want us.I have to trust that she won’t give up on us, and we can still have the forever we were always meant to have.Will Rae and Aaron be able to fight through the hard things they face individually so they can build a beautiful relationship together? Follow all the love, heartache, drama, and angst in the third book of their love story.Broken Like This is the third book in a mature YA/new adult drama series. Be sure to start reading with book one, Friends Like This. The series features teens in realistic and complicated situations. Recommended for readers aged 16+ less

Finally.We had feelings for each other and denied it. We fell for each other and we messed it up.We’ve grown and changed, but through it all—even the hardest moments—we never gave up on each other. We never gave up on us.Now I know we never will.After everything, we have our chance to get it right.I have no doubt it will be hard. It’ll push our limits and test our love. We both have plenty more learning and growing to do... moreFinally.We had feelings for each other and denied it. We fell for each other and we messed it up.We’ve grown and changed, but through it all—even the hardest moments—we never gave up on each other. We never gave up on us.Now I know we never will.After everything, we have our chance to get it right.I have no doubt it will be hard. It’ll push our limits and test our love. We both have plenty more learning and growing to do.But this time, we’re in it together, and no matter what, we’re going to keep building our life together, stronger every day.This is just the beginning, and I love knowing that wherever the road leads us, his hand will be wrapped around mine for the entire journey.Because it’s always been us, and it always will be.Follow Rae and Aaron as they embark on the journey to their happily ever after filled with plenty more twists and turns, emotional & swoony moments, and so much love.This is the fourth book in a continuous series, please make sure you start with book one, Friends Like This. This series features teens/college students in realistic and complicated situations. Recommended for readers aged 16+ less

This might be a slippery slope.Joel Wilkinson is many things. Funny, charming, charismatic, the best snuggler in the world. The boy who I share a bed with every single night… even though we’re not dating.Did I mention we also kiss sometimes?Yeah, it’s definitely a slippery slope, but it’s one I want to slide down—just slowly.Because here’s the thing, I’m messy at best. And Joel… isn’t.One more thing about him? He’s the most loving, patient guy in existence... moreThis might be a slippery slope.Joel Wilkinson is many things. Funny, charming, charismatic, the best snuggler in the world. The boy who I share a bed with every single night… even though we’re not dating.Did I mention we also kiss sometimes?Yeah, it’s definitely a slippery slope, but it’s one I want to slide down—just slowly.Because here’s the thing, I’m messy at best. And Joel… isn’t.One more thing about him? He’s the most loving, patient guy in existence. He gives me everything I need, often before I realize I need it.But I know I’m not in a place to give him the same. Joel has been my friend since I was five. He’s been my safe place in hard moments, never giving up on me no matter what I do. I can’t lose that.No matter how strong I seem right now, knowing me, if I rush into this, I will mess it up.So I’m taking it slow, blurring lines I refuse to cross, and praying that I don’t push him too far and make him walk away before we ever truly get started.Together Like This is the fifth book in the Friends Like This series and the first book featuring Sarah and Joel's love story. Though it is a new love story, book five is a direct continuation of the first four books. If you haven’t read them yet, head back to the beginning and jump on the roller coaster in Friends Like This. less