BOOK TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Friends & Lovers Trilogy by Bethany Lopez
Friends & Lovers Trilogy
by Bethany Lopez
New Adult Contemporary Romance
*This book is an omnibus of the three stories in this trilogy. I will be reviewing each novella separately below.
Friends & Lovers, Book One
Book Description
In a small town, it’s hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That’s just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she’s on the right path, he comes back to town.
Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever, and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the sidelines, he’s forced to return home. Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories, and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn’t take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.
MY THOUGHTS: 3 OUT OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS
Colin breaks Briana’s heart when he breaks up with her just before leaving for college. So when he comes back into town four years later, she’s not too excited at the prospect of having to see him in their tiny town. But since time has passed, they’ve both become different people. Is it worth exploring if their love was true?
This was a very fast moving novella, that introduced a pretty large group of friends. Briana and Colin are both nice enough, but I found nothing particularly compelling about either of them.
I did feel that Briana was very quick to give Colin another chance. I know this was a novella but I would have liked to see a little more development in the relationship. The chemistry between Briana and Colin was very hot, however. The sex scenes were nicely written without being too explicit.
I did see a couple of things coming, but the end of the story was cute and made you want to root for these characters.
Friends & Lovers Trilogy, Book Two
Book Description
Up until now, Nicole’s life has been mapped out for her. She’d go to college, marry Jake and become the upstanding minister’s wife. When she leaves that life to begin again in a small town in Texas, she finally has the freedom to live as she chooses. There, she meets Kent, a guy whose charm and passion make it hard to stick to her morals.
Dodging his father’s fists and protecting his twin sister made Kent into the man he is today. He learned by watching his mother stay by his father’s side that it’s better to keep relationships simple. Then he meets Nicole. Her sweet smile and genuine response to him land like punches to his resolve. After a lifetime of learning to protect his heart, can he finally let down his guard?
MY THOUGHTS: 3 OUT OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS
Nicole is the virginal preacher’s daughter who’s just moved into town from Dallas after disappointing her parents. Kent is the headstrong ladies’ man who moved from Detroit to escape the horrible childhood he and his twin sister had. Though the two seem to be opposites, there’s something about Nicole that sets Kent on fire, and he’s never wanted a girl this much before. Though they are different, is it worth pursuing to see if they can become something more?
This is another novella that revolves around a group of friends in a tiny Texas town. Nicole is rather dull as a character, but Kent is pretty cool. He’s been working hard since he was a child to pull himself and his twin out of poverty, and even tough he’s a young man, he’s accomplished a lot and still have big dreams to fulfill.
Though I did see one of the tropes I hate in this story, I thought it was good. I felt like the end was just the beginning of Kent and Nicole’s relationship, but it seems they are headed for happiness.
Friends & Lovers Trilogy, Book Three
Book Description
Roni’s dreams of becoming a contemporary dancer were smashed under the brutal rage of her ex-husband’s fists. Getting divorced and starting over at the age of twenty-two was never her plan, but maybe in Texas, she’ll find her path. When the town’s local player, Rich, opens a Rec Center, she sees a way to rekindle her dancing dreams…and maybe have a little fun with her sexy new boss.
Rich never expected to fulfill his dreams in the town he planned to leave behind, but that’s just what he’s doing. His reputation as a noncommittal ladies’ man might make it challenging to earn respect in the business world, but he’s willing to prove that he’s serious. In fact, when it comes to pursuing Roni, he’s more than willing. But she’s taking a page out of his book, not wanting to risk another relationship. Can he convince her that his playboy days are over and that she can trust him with her heart?
Rich is back in his hometown after graduating college, and between his trysts with girls is working on opening a rec center. Roni has recently come to town to meet her twin brother Kent, after escaping an abusive marriage, and just wants a fresh start. Roni understandably is trying to steer clear of all men, but Rich’s charms eventually begin to work on her. Can she open herself up for the possibility of love again?
The final installment in the Friends and Lovers trilogy, I liked this one the best. Roni has already been through a terrible childhood, an abusive marriage, and a divorce, and as such seems much more mature than the other girls we’ve met in the series. She’s damaged and wary of men in general, and it was refreshing that she didn’t fall in love instantly with Rich. Rich is a pretty playboy with a soft side, who loves his mama and wants to give back to the community. The main characters in this story definitely made it more enjoyable.
Rich and Roni and more sexually experienced, and it showed in the sex scenes. Their chemistry sizzled on the pages. But beyond that, they really connected as a couple and I feel they have the strength to last. The ending to this story was great, and I liked that it wasn’t sterotypical.
About the Author
Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult novel. She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream realized by independently publishing her contemporary Young Adult series, Stories About Melissa. Ta Ta for Now!, xoxoxo, and Ciao are available now. Bethany is currently working on a Contemporary Fantasy YA and a Contemporary New Adult Trilogy.
Bethany Lopez | Facebook| Twitter | Pinterest | IAN
You can win 1 of 3 signed copies of the Friends & Lovers Trilogy!
CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
Posted on May 17, 2013, in book tour, books, free, Giveaway, reading, review. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.
Sweet Southern Home 
Thanks for joining the tour. I’m glad you liked RIch and Roni’s story.