Two years ago, I created a post recommending my stories to readers who were new to me. That post—which is long overdue for an update—was my way of helping readers find the right book based on the kind of mood or reading experience they were looking for.
Not all my books are the same, and neither are my characters. My stories focus on building a book world filled with people from diverse backgrounds and personalities. No two characters are alike, and that’s exactly how I love it.
With my catalog growing and my worlds becoming more connected than ever, I wanted to bring back book recommendations based on vibe, mood, and the kind of story you’re in the mood for.
And what better way to start than with my favorite trope to read and write… friends-to-lovers.
Let’s start with one of my faves 🥰.
📚 Girl Code (Friends to Lovers… but make it your best friend’s ex)
Melodee set her friend, Amir, up with her best friend, Sheena, years ago to protect her friendship with Amir, but it backfired. Now, he’s an R&B superstar, she’s newly divorced, and their connection is undeniable. The only problem? Dating your best friend’s ex breaks all the rules.
You’ll love this if you love…
✔ Angsty, tension-filled moments that make every scene hit deeper
✔ An MMC who never stopped wanting her (yes, we love to see it)
✔ Emotional conflict that makes you ask, “Would I break girl code for love?”
📚 Meant to Be (Friends to Lovers… but add grief)
Friends Genesis and August lost their spouses—and their trust—in one devastating night. But grief brings them closer, and unexpected feelings surface. Maybe what they lost was never meant to last… and maybe this is.
You’ll love this if you love…
✔ A love story born from heartbreak (and somehow, it’s beautiful)
✔ Emotional, raw, and healing… because love finds us when we least expect it
✔ A couple that was meant to be… even when they didn’t see it coming
📚 So This is Love (Friends to Lovers… but include a revenge gone right)
Ayanna wanted revenge, so she did the unthinkable… she slept with her boyfriend’s brother. But Dallas isn’t just any guy; he’s her friend, and he’s been waiting for this moment. It was supposed to be one night… now he’s not letting go.
You’ll love this if you love…
✔ A little scandal, a little drama, a whole lot of chemistry
✔ An MMC who has always wanted her (and finally gets his shot)
✔ A revenge plot that backfires… in the best way possible
📚 Second Serving (Friends to Lovers… but add a failed hookup in Vegas)
Alexis and Keith have been best friends for years… until one reckless night in Vegas changes everything. Now, with Thanksgiving bringing them back together, Keith is set on proving their mistake was anything but.
You’ll love this if you love…
✔ High stakes & high emotions… because avoiding each other isn’t an option
✔ An MMC who’s not giving up without a fight (we love a man on a mission)
✔ A friends-to-lovers romance set during the holidays… because nothing brings emotions to the surface like Thanksgiving dinner
📚 Last Comes Love (Friends to Lovers… but make it bittersweet)
Rylee and Lennox have been best friends forever, but love was never part of the plan… at least, not for them. Ten years after a life-changing pact, they’re starting to wonder if love was waiting on them all along.
You’ll love this if you love…
✔ A deep, emotional love story with years of history that will make you shed many tears at the end (because sometimes, love is just waiting to be realized)
✔ A retired basketball star & a career-driven FMC (she was chasing success, he was chasing something real)
✔ A slow-burning, heart-tugging romance that proves love happens… even when it’s not on your timeline
📚 My First, My Last (Friends to Lovers… but make it angsty)
Ayla and Hassani became best friends at fourteen, but fear and bad timing kept them from crossing the line. Now, looking back, they have to wonder… was it always meant to be, or did they let love slip away?
You’ll love this if you love…
✔ The ultimate slow burn… love that grows over years
✔ Unspoken love, missed moments, and undeniable tension (aka pain)
✔ A romance that proves hindsight is 20/20… but is it too late?
This list of recs by me was inspired by My First, My Last and I’ll tell you why 🥰. I’m currently working on its spinoff, and Ayla and Hassani have recaptured my heart as a married couple who used to be just friends. I can’t wait for you to see what they’ve been up to.
In the meantime, let me know what story you plan to start with (or reread) and expect more recs like this very soon!