Best Friends Don't Kiss by Max Monroe

A Romantic Comedy written the way they are meant to be written

I love Max Monroe, the dynamic writing duo that have, in recent years become a mainstay in the world of contemporary romantic comedies.  They write funny, quirky characters who often get themselves into ridiculous situations that the reader can’t help but laugh at.  Their writing is relatable and down to earth. I mean, they include references to Gilmore Girls and Titanic and all those girly things that make me want to be their best friends in real life.  (Seriously MM, message me…) Their books are definitely my go-tos for when I need a pick-me-up.  So I was definitely excited to read their newest book, Best Friends Don’t Kiss, which releases today!  Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint - or that intro would have been awkward.  

Best Friends Don’t Kiss is a mixture of the movies When Harry Met Sally, The Wedding Date and it also reminded me of Maid of Honor - all really fun Rom-Coms that I love.  It is so nice to find authors that can take the best of those funny, sappy movies and put their own spin on it.  And I am not saying sappy in a disparaging way. I love those types of movies - in fact, I feel the need for a binge watch coming on.  In Best Friends Don’t Kiss (hereafter known as BFDK), we meet Ava and Luke, who had an adorable meet-cute in college and have been best friends ever since.  But that’s all they are - Best Friends.  That’s it, just friends. Right…of course we can see through that a mile away. But the question is, can they?

It all comes to a head when Ava, a people-pleaser to the nth degree, gets roped into helping to plan her high school reunion with her high school nemesis, a girl who made her life hell once upon a time.  Not only does she have this reunion to look forward to, but she also has her little sister’s wedding - all within a couple of weeks.  And, to save face, Ava kind of, sort of, lies about having a kind of, sort of serious boyfriend.  So, she has just a few weeks to find this perfect guy so that she can hold her head up high at her reunion and keep her meddling family off her back.  Can she find that special someone, or will Luke have to jump in and save the day as always? And if he does, how will they make sure not to blur the lines between couple and best friend?

What I loved about this book is that within a few pages, I was immediately invested in these characters and their futures.  I found them charming and I loved their shared history.  I saw a bit of myself in Ava, but I often found myself on Luke’s side.  And speaking of Luke - all I can say is yum.  I mean, he’s a pilot on his way to becoming an astronaut. That’s hot.  But aside from the physical, he's such a great guy - definitely book boyfriend material.  And for fans of Max Monroe, you’ll be happy to know that there are some fun cameos from their previous books - but you can definitely read this as a standalone.  You may not get some of the inside jokes, but that’s okay, because after reading BFDK, you’re going to go pick up their entire catalogue - I’m sure.  It was funny, sweet, charming, and exactly what is needed to finish off this disastrous year.  

BFDK releases today and I know you’re on your way to download it as we speak.  Thanks so much to Max Monroe and to @socialbutterflypr for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really, truly loved it!