Theater geeks and second chances...

Noel left Emerald Grove for Hollywood and never look back (side note, as someone who actually works BTS, an actor would never, ever go off script like that, esp on a big budget feature). He finally returns ten years later. He harbors some major bitterness at Parker, his ex best friend and fellow theater geek who he calls Peter., as in Peter Parker.

Parker has serious abandonment issues. First her father ghosted her and then after high school, Noel ghosted her. She stayed in that small town and is the one restoring the theater that is being named for Noel. They both harbor ambivalent feelings toward each other and its is awkward with them back in town. But proximity brings back memories and familiar feelings.

OMG I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!
Noel and Parker were such a beautiful heartwarming couple and I love that they got their second chance.
I felt emotional reading this one as I could feel how much they both wished things could have worked out between them when they were younger. Parker was only doing what she felt was right at the time by telling him no.
I loved both Parker's mom and Noel's gran. Such a homey small town romance you don't want to miss,
Also I loved Noel's nickname Peter for Parker!! Loved the meaning behind it too!
A million stars from me!!

3.5 Stars 🌟

Such a sweet sorry of best friends Noel and Parker.
When Noel heads off to seek fame in LA at the age of eighteen, his best friend Parker is meant to follow him but cold feet and apprehension prevent her from taking the risk.
Ten years later and Noel is back in their small town.. can they get back what they had before or has too much time passed?

I enjoyed this small town, lots of quirky characters and small town antics. The relationship between Parker and Noel was fun to read.
There’s no major drama, some parts I struggled to keep my interest, it’s just a nice romance with a well deserved happy ending!

Oh, I just loved Noel and Parker’s story.
This was a beautifully written story of second chances. You know you have a good book when you fall in love not only with main characters but also the side characters.
And yes, Teagan gave us the spice.

Absolutely loved this book!!!

j'ai beaucoup aimé les relations entre les personnages et cette histoire de seconde chance mais il m'aura manqué une étincelle en plus pour totalement adhérer. Noel et Parker sont tous les deux touchants et attachants, j'ai aimé leur questionnement et la manière dont ils vont tous les deux agir et réagir face à l'autre. Leurs sentiments sont forts et profonds et j'ai aimé la manière dont ils sont entourés par familles et amis et j'étais curieuse de la fin qui a su me surprendre un peu sur un certain point. Je les ai quitté le sourire aux lèvres et le cœur un peu plus léger.

This book was such a warm hug! This book is set in a small town where our characters are childhood best friends and see each other for the first time in ten years. Parker and Noel are absolutely meant to be! Teagan does such an incredible job of seamlessly bringing our characters back together and reuniting them. The banter was amazing. I really loved seeing the dynamics in this book. Such an amazing book I would recommend to all my small town book lovers.

I have read most of Teagan Hunter's hockey romance series so was excited to see what she did with a small town romance. It was very well done! Good plot, excellent writing and enjoyable characters. Overall a great, clean romance.

This book follows Noel and Parker who were best friends since they were 8 years old. When Noel wants to leave their small Washington town at 18 to pursue his dream of acting, he asks Parker to go with him...the night before he leaves. Parker isn't ready to make that kind of decision at that age especially when it is so sudden. Their relationship went from best friends to more in the span of minutes. They decide to wait a few months and then reconsider. Fast forward 10 years and Noel is back in town for the first time in honor of the soon to be renovated theater that is being named after him. As much as Parker and Noel have been hurt by the other and lack of communication over the years, they easily gravitate towards one another again. For 6 weeks, they live in their own little bubble and reconnect. But when it's time for Noel to leave again, both are afraid of a repeat but neither is ready to compromise either. This will be the biggest test of their relationship.

Great small town romance and excellent characters. Loved the humor and plot.

Second chance (kinda). It's more like a second chance to start the first time.

Parker Pruitt's dream is to renovate the towns theater. Growing up, it was a safe place for her, and she spent a lot of time there with Noal Carter. Noah, who's now a famous actor, hasn't come back to their small town. Until an anonymous donation was given for the theaters' reconstruction... with it being renamed after Noal.

There was a lot of heartbreak when Noel left. They weren't together, but they broke each other's hearts. It's very angsty. Which I enjoyed.

They might be a little different than they were ten years ago, but the connection is still there. They're really living different lives, tho. Parker might not be world famous, but she's made a great life for herself.

The cast of secondary characters are really great. Noel's grandmother is very funny, and I loved the jealousy Noel exhibited when he found out who's in Parkers life.

I spent a lot of time wondering, how in the world would they be able to work this out?

Teagan's stand alones has proven to be just as good as her series!

The story follows a famous actor, who returns to his hometown for the opening of an old theater named after him, which is currently being restored. Upon his return, he unexpectedly encounters his childhood friend, someone he has loved since their school days. Despite ten years apart, he has never been able to forget her, and now he realizes that he doesn't want to miss his chance with her any longer.

I enjoyed this book! The setting is a small town where everyone knows each other, creating a cozy atmosphere that radiates positive vibes. The main characters are endearing, and I appreciated how, despite being a famous actor, Noel remained humble and always supportive of Parker. I also loved the secondary characters—especially Astrid, Parker's grandmother, and Axel! Their dynamic brought me joy, and I found myself smiling at the moments shared between Parker and Axel. He is the true friend she deserves.

Suppose you enjoy small-town romances, second chances, childhood friends turning into lovers, or stories about celebrities returning to their roots, all with good banter between characters. In that case, this book is perfect for you! Teagan's writing is always engaging and easy to read; her books are entertaining and often quite steamy.

Best Friends For Never by Teagan Hunter is a small-town second chance romance and the story of Parker and Noel.
 
Parker and Noel both grew up in the small-town Emerald Grove, Washington, and this setting was so cozy and you immediately felt welcome there. And while Parker stayed there and became the co-owner of a bakery, Noel left and became a hotshot actor. Parker and Noel were like yin and yang in a lot of ways and very different, but they worked so well together, and I loved seeing their love for theater and acting.
 
Noel is so busy with work that he needs a break and therefore returns to his hometown. He could never forget Parker even though he broke her heart, and he has some serious groveling to do. Their first meeting when he was back was just iconic and I knew they’re meant for each other. But so many unsaid things and feelings stand between them, and I loved seeing how their love for each other reignites again and the tension between them only adds to it. This story is very sweet and such a comfort read that feels like a hug with a Hollywood ending.
 
All small-town lovers need to check out this book. 4 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

Ahh this second chance story had me addicted to it right from the start, this author really knows how to write great characters

“Just say how you feel” is advice that’s a lot easier to give than it is to take. Noel and Parker are both afraid to destroy the tenuous link they’ve created in their forced reunion, so scared they will say or do the wrong thing and there will be another ten years of silence, so uncertain of whether the other wants to stay or go, and so determined not to hold each other back, halt their dreams, take away what they’ve achieved that they are frozen. Agonizing over every word, worried that it will be misunderstood or be hurtful. Zipping their lips until they can’t take it anymore and someone says something so heartfelt and raw, or someone can’t help themselves and reaches out in a way that is so touching and sweet.

Noel and Parker were best friends from the day they met at age 8. They were inseparable, had fun together, knew what the other was thinking, comfortable, always there for each other. Until they weren’t. Noel’s dream was to leave Emerald Grove, Washington and take Hollywood by storm as soon as they graduated from high school. He had talked about it for years. But somehow in Parker’s mind it was just talk, he’d never really do it, he wouldn’t leave. But he did. And even though he asked Parker to come with him, she didn’t know how she would fit it. She worried he would get tired of her, see her as the ordinary Washington girl and be sorry she’d come with. Emerald Grove was her comfort zone. She loved that little town, had no plans to ever leave. They had each begun to develop stronger-than-friendship feelings but neither had spoken up because they couldn’t imagine the other shared those feelings and they didn’t want to ruin the friendship. How could such best friends be so far apart in this way?

So off to Hollywood Noel went, and yes, he did take it by storm. Handsome, tall, fit, sexy – he’s a star. He loves it. His dream came true. No serious relationships, but oh well. He thinks of Parker but still doesn’t understand what went so wrong, why she cut off all communication, why she didn’t at least come to him and give it a try, like she promised.

Parker’s dreams have come true, too. She’s a star in her own right in Emerald Grove. She’s co-owner of a renovation business with her new best friend. She’s creative and they’ve remodeled half of the town. She doesn’t think of Noel. Not at all and everyone knows not to mention him. He left her and she’s going to stay angry forever. Nope, thinking of him is not allowed.

See why just talking out your feelings might be a good thing? So many misunderstandings, so much left unsaid, and guessing never helps. Parker’s father walked out on her and her mother when she was 8; that’s why they moved to Emerald Grove. She’s afraid to shake things up, to get out of that comfort zone – and more afraid of anything than to be left alone, discarded, not worth it. Which both her father and Noel did. Even if it’s not really the same, it feels like it. Noel’s parents were killed in an accident when he was just a child and he was raised by his grandmother. He knows loss just like Parker does, but while her way to handle it is to hunker down where she’s safe, his way to deal with it is to try and honor their memory, to go places and do things and make something of himself, so they would be proud. Expressing some of that might have helped them stay together, but the fear of ruining what they already had and be left with nothing kept them silent. And now they do have nothing.

Until Noel comes back to town, briefly, to be at the groundbreaking ceremony for the theater Parker is renovating, has almost single-handedly made happen, and that for some unknown reason an anonymous donor has insisted be named after Noel. When they first meet again, she’s angry and flustered. Then she’s just flustered. And then that heartache she boxed up starts pounding to get out and feelings, even more intense than when they were teenagers, escape. Noel is angry and bewildered, then just bewildered. What happened to them? And why does she have a new best friend. And why does his box of heartache also burst open and let those feelings out?

Best Friends for Never is so enjoyable; it’s the perfect read. Touching and sweet, full of warmth and fun and tenderness, looking back at good memories, cringing through bad, taking one step forward and two back, still afraid to mess up the wonderful thing that might be happening again. But, still, how can this ever work? How can he travel around the country or world making movies and expect her to wait? Or to follow him when he sees how she fits Emerald Grove, how loved she is, how she loves her work. How can she ask him to stay when she sees how talented he is, how his work satisfies him, how he’s achieved his dream, and how can she go when she is so certain she won’t fit in and he won’t want her again? Author Teagan Hunter has filled this book with laugh-out-loud moments, scenes that will bring tears to your eyes, times together that will have you swooning, and some pretty darn spicy bits that will make you smile and look for a fan or some ice cubes to cool down.

I received an advance copy of Best Friends for Never and I am so happy that I did. I always had author Teagan Hunter on my TBR list but this was the first book of hers I have ever read. It will definitely not be my last. Well-written, wonderful characters, totally satisfying. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Second Chance to get it Right

Noel left his small town to become a famous actor but left the one woman he loved behind. Ten years later, he has returned and reunited with Parker, but can they make a relationship work? This story had so many emotions and an added layer of anxiety and uncertainty from these characters that you want to slap some sense into them. I definitely loved the side characters and how they nudged Parker and Noel into doing more about their feelings.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.

Sweet and heartfelt, Best Friends For Never was a heartwarming read.

With quick wit, fun banter and great chemistry and connection even after a decade, Noel and Parker were everything you need from a second chance romance. Add in the fun supporting characters: the ex bully turned new bestie, the cool mom and the sneaky grandma and this is a quintessential small town romance with it's kinks, quirks, and all the love.

4 stars and a theater

***ARC Review***
Best Friends For Never by Teagan Hunter

Childhood best friends Parker Pruitt and Noel Carter had a falling out when Noel left their small Washington town of Emerald Grove at 18 to follow his acting dreams in Hollywood. It's been ten years of no contact, but Noel, now a Hollywood star, is back in Emerald Grove thanks to a request from an anonymous donor funding the renovation and reopening of their town's old theater. He's surprised to find out that his former best friend Parker is heading up the project with her renovation company. This has them working closely together, opening up old wounds and reawakening old feelings.

Their gradual transition from scorned ex-friends to allies to friends to finally giving in and becoming more made for a good romantic comedy story. I was rooting for them from the start. But, in the end, there's still the problem of Noel's Hollywood career and Parker's career and life in Emerald Grove. They're right back where they started at 18 with this dilemma. Can they find a way to have the best of both worlds?

I loved the small town shenanigans and meddling friends, family, and neighbors. What we learn about Parker and Noel's past friendship was so sweet, and it's a classic case of right person, wrong time. The somewhat unconventional family relationships were fun, and I loved Axel, the ex-bully turned Parker's new best friend and business partner.

It was a fun and steamy read!

4.5⭐ 2🌶️

I read an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review. Thank you to author Teagan Hunter and NetGalley for the ARC!

A heartwarming second chance!

A delightful second-chance romance between childhood best friends, reunited after ten years thanks to meddling loved ones. The entire cast shines with feel-good Hallmark vibes, and Noel's dirty talk adds all the heat.

If you love a slow burn, found family, and best friends-to-lovers in a charming small town filled with hilarious moments, this book is for you. Parker and Axel's genuine, sweet friendship was a standout--especially since it drives Noel crazy!

I especially enjoyed the audiobook with dual narration, bringing this crazy cast of characters to life. I listened to it in one sitting!

Parker and Noel were best friends growing up and on their way to something more when Noel left for LA to pursue his acting career. Ten years have passed and Noel is now a successful actor and Parker is running a successful restoration business in their small town of Emerald Grove. They haven’t talked since Noel left, but now that he’s coming back to town for the dedication ceremony as the town renames the theater after him they will be forced to face the past. Will they pick up where they left off ten years ago and reconnect or will the distance of the last ten years stay between them?

The second chance romance, small town girl and Hollywood star tropes drew me into this book and I’m glad they did. It ended up being a fun ride and I fell in love with Parker and Noel. They were so cute together and I loved seeing their relationship unfold. The story did start out a little slow, but a third of the way in it picked up and I was invested in their story. I loved the ending and how everything tied together nicely. This was a fun, sweet romance read that was the perfect escape. If you are a second chance romance fan this is a good book to check out!

Super cute second chance friends to lovers. Teagan’s books are such a joy. They are comfort reads. This book has great banter. Wonderful humor. Even some angst. Loved the chemistry between Noel and Parker. Loved the secondary characters. Loved getting glimpses of characters from other books.

I love a good second-chance romance, and I was rooting for Noel and Parker from the start. They are both carrying around hurt and regret over the end of their friendship, and have been mourning the loss of the other for the past decade. When Noel comes back home to their small Pacific Northwest town for the groundbreaking ceremony on a theater being named in his honor, both he and Parker are forced to confront their past.

The banter between these two characters was spot-on, and I loved the quirky side characters like her mom Astrid and his Gran. And Axel was my favorite! I wanted more of Axel and Noel's snarky exchanges!

But... 10 years? Neither one of them reached out in 10 years? I don't know, I wish it hadn't been that long. I loved Astrid, and found it hard to believe that she never nudged her daughter to reach out to Noel? I also wanted to slap them both upside the head for putting off having any kind of serious discussion about their future for so long.

Overall, Best Friends For Never is a quick, lighthearted, low-angst read. I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and Montlake and voluntarily left a review.

Noel and Parker were best friends. Their relationship becomes estranged after Noel leaves. They are now facing the past in order to build something in the present and future. It is beautifully written and gives all the feels. I loved the way the secondary characters brought something more into the story. Great read.