There are few tropes that I like better than a brother’s best friend / best friend’s little sister / best friend’s brother romance (well, that’s a mouthful!). You wanna know why? Because they usually have all of the history that I love about a second chance romance without all of the drama that I hate, and the depth of a friends to lovers romance with a fresher feel and better “getting to know you” phase. While there’s a touch of the forbidden, these often stay light and sexy, with a build in intimacy that works for me.
The books on this list all feature these kinds of relationships. Some of these couples have known each other their whole lives and just need a push in the right direction. Others are just getting acquainted, knowing each other only through what they’ve heard. Either way, there’s a catalyst that sparks the chemistry and there’s no turning back after that. This list also has a nice mix of books – some I’ve read recently, a few I can’t seem to stop recommending, and others I read before I began blogging. No matter what you choose, these are all solid reads.
I’ve included the blurbs as well as links to Amazon for easy addition to your Kindle. Happy reading!
The Bookworm’s Guide to Dating by Emma Hart
What I wanted for my birthday: Books.
What I got for my birthday: my brother’s best friend playing matchmaker.
Let it be known that I, Kinsley Lane, am one hundred percent against being set up with somebody.
And I’m one thousand percent sure that Josh Carter is not the man to find me a boyfriend.
I mean, if I’m so great, why isn’t he the one dating me? (For the record, I don’t know the answer. That’s just what the guy on the internet asked.)
Still, I’ll humor him. If I go on his little dates, he’ll teach my bookish, introverted self how not to be totally, completely, utterly, unforgivably awkward on every single one of them.
And all I have to do is fall in love with one of the lovely gentlemen he’s serving up for me on a silver platter–all of whom fit my very specific guidelines.
Simple, right?
It would be.
If only I could stop falling for Josh.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/34CNMVo
When the Time is Right by M. Mabie & Aly Martinez
Fate doesn’t always happen overnight.
Hudson Bradley is the cockiest, most stubborn, hard-headed man I’ve ever known. And for fifteen years, he’s been my brother’s best friend.
But lately, what I’m feeling for him isn’t friendship at all.
Why is my heart racing every time his blue eyes lock on mine?
Why does every word he rumbles in my ear make my body come alive?
And worst of all, why did I bet him that I could find a woman he and his son would both love?
If I hadn’t given up on love altogether, Hudson would have been perfect for me. After all, he was there the day my world fell apart. He’s spent the last six years piecing me back together.
There are a million reasons why we could never work, but after a single kiss, I can’t remember any of them.
Now that the time is right, I have to make him mine—before I lose him forever.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2SH3Kbx
The Day I Stopped Falling for Jerks by Max Monroe
Rule number one: don’t fall for jerks.
Rule number two: don’t fall for your best friend’s brother.
Oops. Too late.
I’m Luciana Wright.
Everyone calls me Lucky, but when it comes to love, I’m anything but.
I have a long history of dating the wrong men.
You know the ones I’m talking about.
The beautiful, charming guys who are quite literally too good to be true.
The ones who are impulsive in love and prefer short flings over long-term relationships.
I’m talking about the jerks.
The guys who taste so good, but are so very bad.
After going through the most ridiculous breakup in the history of breakups, I thought I’d learned my lesson. I officially put myself into jerk rehab and committed to changing my ways.
But, let’s be real here, love is never that easy.
Especially when an arrogant, charming, he-devil of a sexy alpha man gets involved.
Aussie accent.
Tanned skin.
Muscular, surfer bod.
Gorgeous brown eyes.
And the kind of sexy smile that brings women to their knees.
Oh, did I mention that he’s also my best friend’s brother?
Yeah. This story, my story, it’s a real doozy you guys.
The day I stopped falling for jerks, I met Oliver Arsen—the biggest jerk of all.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/36RlgSv
Not Just Friends by T. Gephart
A little harmless flirting never hurt anyone. Unless you cross the line and have a one-night stand with your best friend’s sister. And if that didn’t complicate things enough her crazy ex-boyfriend is stalking her as well. Should have stayed just friends, but it’s probably a little late for that now.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nxxBBj
The Secret to Dating Your Best Friend’s Sister by Meghan Quinn
From USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a deliciously delightful romantic comedy centered in New York City about falling in love with your best friend’s sister.
How do you date your best friend’s sister? Easy.
Step one: Pretend you want her to set you up with someone else. That will bring the two of you closer.
Step two: Go on date with lots of random women, proceed to get stupid drunk and talk about your best friend’s sister, thus gaining the courage to finally make a move.
Step three: Randomly show up at her apartment and confess your love. Women love that, right?
It all seemed so simple. A fool-proof three step process that will guarantee the love of your life to fall madly in love with you.
At least–that’s what I thought was going to happen. But my attempts to win over Julia Westin backfired in more ways than I can count. The thing about Julia? She’s smart–really smart–and her wicked gaze cuts through all the charm I’ve tried slinging her way. She’s not interested in games, my gifts, or my stories. She might want me too; but she’s not giving in that easy…
Amazon: https://amzn.to/30Sjvkh
The Boyfriend Effect by Kendall Ryan
I’m not boyfriend material.
If a trail of broken hearts and a piss-poor record of failed relationships have taught me anything, it’s this. My buddies are happy to give me shit about my latest breakup from here to next Sunday. Thanks, but I’d rather have a root canal.
And a vasectomy.
At the same time.
Relief comes in an unlikely package—the gorgeous and feisty Maren. She just so happens to be my best friend’s sister, so that’s not awkward at all.
But I’m a man on a mission, and Maren is down to teach me all the ways I’ve been failing as a boyfriend. Apparently, there are many. And it’s all very informative—until I start to catch feelings.
Now it’s not just my reputation on the line, but my heart too.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ltWtbo
Break the Rules by Roxie Noir
She’s my best friend’s kid sister.
Now she’s not a kid any more.
As a forest ranger, I believe in the simple life. I prefer cabins to apartments, trails over freeways, and trees to people. My life is orderly, predictable, and quiet.
Until it’s hit by a woman I never saw coming — Hurricane June.
She’s fierce. She’s feisty. She has a laugh like the first day of spring, and she’s so pretty that I can’t breathe when I look at her. June will only be in town for a few months—just while job-hunting. She won’t last until winter, but how can I resist?
Except I have to. She’s my best, oldest, and most loyal friend’s baby sister.
Betraying him would be the worst thing I’ve ever done. Not betraying him might be the hardest.
Especially once we start working together on a secret project. All this spending time together, sneaking around at night, and lying to her brother about what we’re doing sure feels like more than friendship.
June might break my heart.
Her brother might break my nose.
But I guess some things were made to be broken.
Break the Rules is a steamy, standalone romantic comedy.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lAq6Yr
The Breakup Bet by Cat Carmine
Never make a bet with a man who plays to win…
Especially not a man like handsome, arrogant Connor Pratt.
AKA the huge PITA who’s currently crashing in my spare room.
AKA my brother’s best friend since they were about six.
AKA the one guy who still makes me feel like an awkward tongue-tied loser.
But when Connor moved in, I got a glimpse of another side of him. Because, like me, Connor’s going through a nasty break-up. And, like me, he’s just doing whatever he can to get through it.
Unfortunately, his method involves drinking alarming amounts of whiskey and watching a lot of, um … movies … that make every inch of my skin flush.
I’m just trying to be helpful when I tell him that he should try my method: copious amounts of baked goods, sappy romantic comedies, and late nights spent whining with girlfriends.
But I should have known Connor would take that as a challenge.
Now, he says he’ll try my way of dealing with a break-up … but only if I agree to try his. Six month’s rent to the person whose method works best.
We call it the break-up bet. And I’m going to win. Except right now, it feels like there’s a whole lot more at stake than just rent money…
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ltVFDo
Rush by Deborah Bladon
Rush, a new standalone novel from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Deborah Bladon.
I flew from my home in California to Manhattan to clean the slate.
I’m determined to bury my past once and for all.
There’s no way in hell I could have predicted what I would find in my Madison Avenue apartment.
I haven’t lived there in seven years. I handed the keys to the place to my best friend the day I left town.
Apparently, he gave an extra set to a gorgeous woman. I find her soaking wet and covered in a towel in my guest bathroom.
When I order her to leave, she threatens me with a hairbrush.
It turns out that the intruder is my best friend’s younger sister.
I’m still tempted to toss her out, but since her brother is in Ireland and she doesn’t know a soul in the city, I let her stay with me.
Then I want more.
How could I not?
Emma Owens is everything I want wrapped up in a petite, brunette, sweet-as-hell package.
She’s completely off-limits, but I’m willing to risk everything for just one taste of her lips.
Author’s Note: You don’t have to read any of my previous books to enjoy Rush. This is a complete standalone with no cliffhanger.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/30Tnzkl
My Big, Fat, Fake Engagement by Lauren Landish
Boss babe. Ice Queen.
That’s what they call me at the office.
But there’s one man who has secretly melted me for years.
Kaede McWarren.
The only problem? He’s my big brother’s best friend.
But when he asks me to play his fiancée to seal a business deal?
Oh, I’m taking this gift horse and riding it while I can.
He’s got the whole tall, handsome, and intense thing down pat… with a side of quiet mystery and sexy brains to boot.
He’s everything I want. Everything I need.
It should be easy—a business arrangement between two Type-A workaholics. A few dinner dates here, a few kisses there, and none will be the wiser.
But if his business partner finds out it’s fake, he’s screwed. And if my brother finds out it’s real, he might be dead.
There are a hundred ways to lose, but when I’m in his arms, I feel like I’ve already won.
My Big Fat Fake Engagement is a full-length romance with a happily ever after and no cliffhanger.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3deYGV5
Flirting with the Frenemy by Pippa Grant
He’s a hot single dad. A military man with abs of steel. My brother’s best friend. My biggest enemy. And now my fake date to my best friend’s wedding. Disasterville, here we come…
Mission: Survive my best friend’s wedding, where I must play nice with my ex and his perfect new girlfriend.
Strategy: Bring the hottest fake boyfriend on the planet.
Target: Grady Rock. Master Baker. Dimples. Muscles. The unicorn of fake boyfriends.
Complication: Wyatt Morgan. My brother’s best friend. My sworn enemy. Military man. Sexy as hell single dad. The man I let into my panties for one night of hot hate sex after my ex dumped me.
And the man who just scared off that perfect fake boyfriend.
By pretending to be my real boyfriend.
I can roll with this though. What’s the harm in Flirting with the Frenemy if it helps me get the job done?
Complete my mission and move on.
Or so I thought.
Until Wyatt kisses me again and I start feeling things I shouldn’t.
The thing about weddings…nothing ever goes as planned.
Flirting with the Frenemy is a rollicking fun romantic comedy featuring a single dad military man, an irritatingly attractive blast from his past, pirates, cursing parrots, and a wedding gone wild. It stands alone with no cheating or cliffhangers.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jNL2uy
Catching Carly by Emma Hart
From New York Times bestselling author, Emma Hart, comes another hilariously wild romantic comedy about being the third wheel in your friendship and, um, accidentally having sex with your best friend’s brother…
My name is Carly Porter… And I’m really good at bad decisions.
How do I know this, exactly? Well, not including the time I accidentally bleached my eyebrows or sprained my ankle changing a lightbulb…
I had s-x with my best friend’s brother.
Zeke Elliott has been a thorn in my side for eleven years. A very sexy, very tempting, very freaking annoying one. With big…hands.
And now my cl-toris has a crush on the guy.
Seriously. I can’t look at him without my v-gina performing accidental kegels. Which would be fine, but he’s Cain’s brother. I hate him. He’s off limits, right?
Right.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GHTkGe
Sleeper by Kayley Loring
SHANE MILLER SLEEP DIARY:
Went to bed at:Late.
How long it took to fall asleep:Forever. I have insomnia. Duh.
Number of caffeinated beverages you had consumed:Zero. Thanks for advising me to quit!
My stress level is off the charts.
I can’t sleep right on a normal day, and lately my days are filled with the best kind of chaos.
My ex-wife and husband number two are filming in Poland for three months,
so I’m turning down movie parts to focus on the most important role of my life—
impossibly charming and somewhat capable young single dad.
My son won’t stop asking questions.
My daughter won’t brush her teeth unless I sing her showtunes.
Our regular nanny quit.
The only person I could trust to hire as a temp nanny is my best friend’s sister.
If Mary Poppins and Bill Murray had a baby it would be Willa.
Fresh out of grad school and beautifully weird.
She hates my movies, and my kids adore her.
I couldn’t sleep last night because she wasn’t here.
Turns out I can’t sleep unless she’s in my house now.
Turns out she’s what’s been missing from my life all along.
If my friend had any idea what I want to do to his gorgeous troublemaker of a sister,
he would smother me with a pillow.
The chances of us succeeding as a couple are about as good as that little indie movie
that I made being a huge hit.
But it’s a chance I’m going to take.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lz1ijw
To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise
Jason Thorn… My brother’s childhood friend.
Oh, how stupidly in love with that boy I was. He was the first boy that made me blush, my first official crush. Sounds beautiful so far, right? That excitement that bubbles up inside you, those famous butterflies you feel for the very first time–he was the reason for them all. But, you only get to live in that fairytale world until they crush your hopes and dreams and then stomp on your heart for good measure. And boy did he crush my little heart into pieces.
After the stomping part he became the boy I did my best to stay away from–and let me tell you, it was pretty hard to do when he slept in the room right across from mine.
When tragedy struck his family and they moved away, I was ready to forget he ever existed.
Now he is a movie star, the one who makes women of all ages go into a screaming frenzy, the one who makes everyone swoon with that dimpled smile of his. Do you think that’s dreamy? I certainly don’t think so. How about me coming face to face with him? Nope still not dreamy. Not when I can’t even manage to look him in the eye.
Me? I’m Olive, a new writer. Actually, I’m THE writer of the book that inspired the movie he is about to star in on the big screen. As of late, I am also referred to as the oh-so-very-lucky girl who is about to become the wife of Jason Thorn.
Maybe you’re thinking yet again that this is all so dreamy? Nope, nothing dreamy going on here. Not even close.
To Love Jason Thorn is a full-length standalone, which also contains some pretty hot and descriptive sex scenes. *winks*
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lvpJhV
Hangry by Lily Kate
A new, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from USA TODAY bestselling author Lily Kate!
Ladies & Gents,
I sold my soul for a hamburger.
And I have no regrets. When a girl is trapped indefinitely in an elevator with a smoking hot burger and an empty stomach, even the strongest of women will crumble.
The story goes like this: Bradley Hamilton, former professional hockey player and the most frustrating human alive, offered me half of his hamburger in exchange for a date. I took him up on the offer—while under duress—and now I’m stuck with the consequences. Specifically, the scorching kiss that has me drooling for more.
However, there’s one whopper of a problem. This man has been a thorn in my side for the last twenty years—ever since he moved next door and became my older brother’s best friend. We’ve gone head to head for years, and now, he’s trying to buy out my restaurant in order to plop one of his big fat gyms there instead.
I refuse to let him ruin my business. Unfortunately, Bradley Hamilton is like an order of fries: you just can’t have one. It appears our lips are addicted to kissing. He’s alarmingly handsome. Deliciously confident. And worst of all? Underneath that salty exterior he’s starting to show signs of sweet.
Brad Hamilton is my guilty pleasure, my cheat meal, my greatest craving.
Which is why he’ll be one habit that’s hard to kick.
han·gry
/haNGɡrē/
adjective informal
bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger.
“I get very hangry if I miss a meal”
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
This is a full-length, standalone romantic comedy with an HEA. It is intended for audiences 18+ due to mature content including romance, language, and ridiculously fun times.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jLQnm9
Jeeves Reads Romance 