Best Friends to Lovers Books

Jun 26

Jun 26 Best Friends to Lovers Books You Need to Read Right Now

There’s just something about romance books that keeps us coming back for more. Whether it’s the dizzying butterflies of new love, the sizzling tension of a will-they-won’t-they dynamic, or the deep emotional payoff of a happy ending, there’s a romance story out there for every mood. From enemies to lovers, fake dating, second chances, and everything in between, the genre is filled with creative storylines that reflect the many ways we experience love in real life. Today, I’m dedicating this post to one of my all-time favorite tropes: friends to lovers books. There’s something so comforting—and electrifying—about watching two people with a solid foundation of friendship slowly transition from friends into something more. Whether they’re childhood friends, college roommates, or co-workers who become confidants, the friends to lovers trope delivers all the emotional depth and slow burn readers crave.

20 Best Friends to Lovers Books

Friends to lovers romance books have a massive fanbase, and it’s easy to see why. There’s often a long time shared between the two main characters, which means lots of inside jokes, shared memories, and deep trust. When these friends start to develop romantic feelings for each other, it adds a layer of emotional complexity to the story. They’re not just falling in love with someone new—they’re risking everything they’ve already built. The stakes feel higher, the tension more palpable, and the payoff incredibly satisfying. Many readers also find these stories relatable: who hasn’t wondered at some point if a close friendship could become something more? And for romance fans looking for books that go beyond surface-level chemistry, the friends to lovers trope delivers rich character development and heartwarming story arcs.

Why Friends To Lovers Is The Best Theme For Romance Books

The friends to lovers trope is beloved because it’s rooted in emotional intimacy. Before there’s a first kiss, there are years of support, shared experiences, and loyalty. These lovers books are about more than just passion—they’re about connection. The characters often know each other so well that the romantic transition feels natural, even inevitable. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. One of the biggest tensions in friends to lovers romance stories is the fear of ruining the friendship. That delicate dance between "Should we?" and "What if we do and it doesn’t work?" adds a compelling emotional layer that keeps readers turning the pages. Add in a little jealousy, a heart-to-heart conversation, and maybe even a sleepover with a charged moment, and you’ve got a recipe for a slow burn that’s unforgettable.

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What Are The Best Friends to Lovers Romance Books

Best Friends to Lovers Books You Need to Read Right Now

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

This beloved novel by the powerhouse duo Christina Lauren tells the story of childhood friends Macy and Elliot, who reconnect after years apart. Through alternating timelines, we see the bond they formed as teens and the slow unraveling of the reason they stopped speaking. As adults, they must navigate lingering feelings, old wounds, and the possibility of a second chance. With its moving prose and emotional depth, this book is a top pick for anyone who loves a friends to lovers romance steeped in nostalgia and redemption.

[The book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with is] Elliott Petropolous, Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren (for reasons that he's dreamy) - An excerpt from my author interview with Ashley Winstead

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

If you're looking for a sweet and charming love story with just the right amount of slow burn, Sarah Adams delivers in The Cheat Sheet. The book follows Bree and Nathan, longtime best friends—he's an NFL star, and she's a struggling dance instructor—who've secretly pined for each other for years. A fake dating arrangement (yes, another favorite trope!) sets off the perfect opportunity for their transition from friends into something so much more.

Ellie and the Harpmaker by Hazel Prior

In this gentle and quirky tale, Ellie, a housewife craving something more, meets Dan, a shy harp maker. As their friendship blossoms, it becomes clear that their connection runs deeper than either of them expected. Their love story is one of quiet discovery, emotional growth, and the joy of finding a kindred spirit. If you're in the mood for something slow and heartfelt, this is one of those friends to lovers books you won’t want to miss.

There are so many authors I admire and are inspired by! Lately I've been following Jasmine Guillory on social media, especially when she does writing Q&As. She gives such helpful, thoughtful advice! - An excerpt from my author interview with Melissa Croce

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

While this one leans more toward fake dating, there's a strong undercurrent of friendship that evolves into love. Alexa and Drew meet in an elevator and end up as each other’s wedding plus-ones. What starts as a spontaneous connection grows into a solid foundation built on shared values, long talks, and genuine care. Jasmine Guillory is one of the best romance authors out there today, and this book is a great entry point into her warm, inclusive love stories.

The Roommate Pact by Allison Ashley

This contemporary romance features two roommates who are truly best friends. When a pact is made to take their relationship to the next level if they’re both single by a certain age, things start to shift. As the deadline approaches, their long-standing friendship is tested by romantic tension, unexpected feelings, and the ever-present fear of ruining the friendship. It's witty, heartfelt, and the perfect blend of laughter and longing.

The Reunion by Meghan Quinn

Meghan Quinn, a standout among today’s most beloved romance authors, brings her signature humor and emotional resonance to The Reunion. This friends to lovers romance follows Cooper and his best friend, whose long-time bond is tested when they reunite for a family event. Expect banter, buried feelings, and a slow-burning romance that feels earned. Quinn knows how to write a transition from friendship that’s full of charm and chemistry.

[I’d be best friends with] Poppy from People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (I love a chaotic wild child) - An excerpt from my author interview with Ashley Winstead

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Authors Like Emily Henry

Emily Henry has mastered the modern rom-com, and People We Meet on Vacation is one of her best. Poppy and Alex are complete opposites who’ve been best friends since college. They’ve vacationed together for years, but a falling-out changed everything. Now they’re taking one last trip to try and mend things. The story unfolds with warmth, humor, and the ache of what-could-have-been. It’s the quintessential slow burn and a favorite among lovers books.

I draw inspiration from multiple authors for a variety of reasons. But in terms of pure writing style, my OG inspiration comes from the amazing duo Christina Lauren. Their style is accessible, simple, yet heartfelt and hilarious. They were my gateway into reading contemporary romance so I will always hold a special place in my heart for their books. - An excerpt from my author interview with Amy Lea

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Another friends to lovers gem from Christina Lauren, this book follows the quirky Hazel and the ever-practical Josh as they try to set each other up on dates—only to realize they might be perfect for each other. With plenty of laughs and sweet moments, it’s a feel-good romance story that explores how sometimes the best love stories come from the most unexpected friendships.

Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis

Author Interview with Jill Shalvis

Jill Shalvis nails the friends to lovers vibe in this heartfelt installment of the Heartbreaker Bay series. When hotshot baseball player and longtime friend, Caleb, finds himself caring for a young niece, his best friend Sadie steps in to help—and gets more than she bargained for.

To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise

Jason and Olive were childhood friends, but life pulled them apart until fate (and a Hollywood casting call) brought them back together. Their transition from friends to lovers unfolds with heartfelt moments and irresistible chemistry.

The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley

A childhood trauma brings Amber and her brother’s best friend, Liam, closer together as he literally sneaks into her bedroom window for years to comfort her. What starts as friendship evolves into a deeply emotional love story.

Wait for It by Mariana Zapata

Known for her signature slow burns, Mariana Zapata delivers another swoon-worthy story of friendship that turns romantic. When Diana meets her landlord—and eventual friend—Dallas, sparks begin to fly, but not without a serious slow burn.

Blurred Lines by Lauren Layne

Author Interview with Lauren Layne

Parker and Ben have been best friends for years, and their platonic dynamic works—until it doesn’t. When a steamy night complicates their relationship, they’re forced to confront how deep their feelings run.

Roomies by Christina Lauren

When Holland helps her best friend Calvin get a green card by marrying him, things naturally start to change. It’s a story about shared passions, roommates, and of course, the transition from friendship to love.

I would love to be stuck in an elevator with any of Ana Huang's Vallhalla billionaires. My plan would be to grill them about the stock market, investment strategies, and business advice because how the hell are they so young and so rich? - An excerpt from my author interview with Nisha Sharma

Twisted Love by Ana Huang

This one’s a little darker and sexier, with a friends-to-lovers transition that packs emotional intensity. Alex has always been fiercely protective of Ava, his best friend's sister, but what happens when that protection turns into something deeper?

I have a few [authors I draw inspiration from]! Nora Roberts is obviously one of the queens of romance to me, and another author who inspires me by her written word is Mia Sheridan. I find her to be so powerful. - An excerpt from my author interview with Brittainy Cherry

Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan

Although not traditional friends to lovers, the foundation between Bree and Archer is built on a deep friendship and mutual healing. Their relationship develops slowly, filled with trust and tender moments that lead to a powerful love story.

The Best Thing by Mariana Zapata

Another masterclass in slow burn, this story follows Lottie and her best friend—rugby star and surprise baby daddy—who returns to her life after years apart. There’s banter, unresolved tension, and so much heart.

Friend-Zoned by Belle Aurora

Valentina and Nikolai are instant friends—but he’s determined to stay in the friend zone. What follows is a heartfelt and humorous journey of two people who are clearly meant to be more than friends.

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

Knox and Naomi aren't exactly childhood friends, but their slow-burn friendship that builds amid chaos and family drama is electric. It's one of those lovers books that sneaks up on you with its emotional punch and satisfying payoff.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Author Interview with Abby Jimenez

This heartfelt romance centers around Dr. Briana Ortiz and Dr. Jacob Maddox, who start off on rocky terms but quickly become confidants through a series of heartfelt letters. As their friendship deepens, so do their feelings—proving that sometimes the best love stories are born out of vulnerability, shared challenges, and a slow, beautiful transition from friends to lovers.

Whether you're craving a nostalgic slow burn, an emotionally charged reunion, or a story about friends sharing the same apartment and slowly discovering their love for one another, the friends to lovers trope has something to offer. These lovers books are rich in emotional depth and built on the kind of solid foundation that makes the transition from friendship to romance feel utterly believable.

Bookmark this list of best friends to lovers books and come back as I continue to add more! And if you're looking to discover more about the authors who write these unforgettable love stories, don’t miss this post on the best romance authors you should know.

What are your favorite friends to lovers romance books? Let me know so I can add them to the list!

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