This was such a sweet and enjoyable read! It had just the right balance—light on the drama and angst, with a steady pace that kept the story moving. It’s the kind of book I’d happily revisit when I’m in the mood for something relaxing and feel-good.

Noel was absolutely endearing. I have such a soft spot for the He Falls First trope, and Noel embodied it perfectly. His crush on Parker started when they were just teenagers, and even after a decade of no contact, his feelings for her hadn’t wavered. Watching him try to win her over was heart-melting.

Parker made for a strong and layered female lead. She was independent and capable but wasn’t afraid to let someone she cared about step in and support her. The way she and Noel complemented each other was lovely to see—there was such a natural chemistry between them.

The small-town setting gave the book a cozy, Gilmore Girls-esque charm. The abundance of side characters added a lot of personality to the story, though it did feel a bit overwhelming at times. Still, they helped build the world and brought even more depth to Noel and Parker’s journey.

The only thing I wished for was more flashbacks to their teenage years. While we got a glimpse of their first kiss, a few more moments from their past would’ve made their long-lasting connection feel even more believable. It didn’t need to be overdone—just enough to reinforce the strength of their bond.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

This isn’t my first novel by Teagan Hunter and it won’t be my last!

I thought this was a cute read. It wasn’t too stressful (full of drama or angst) and it had a decent movement to the plot. I could see myself picking this one up again when I wanted a laidback kind of book.

I thought Noel was just adorable. I’m such a sucker for He Falls First tropes. His attraction to Parker started when they were teenagers and when though they hadn’t spoken in 10 years, he still loved her and wanted to win her over.

Parker was complex b it a great female lead. She was strong, independent, but not afraid to let the man she loves take care of her. I really liked how she blended with Noel’s character.

I loved the small town vibe. It totally screamed Gilmore Girls in a sense. There were many side characters (it got a little crazy for a hot minute), but it added to the story and the characterization of Noel and Parker.

The only thing I wish was different would be more flashbacks. They don’t have to be long, but I think the believability of their long lasting love would have been better if we saw some of that when they were kids. Yes, we got a flashback of their first kiss, but I wanted a bit more.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

I love everything Teagan writes and this book was no different! I’m a sucker for childhood friends to somewhat enemies to lovers. Parker wants the best for her hometown but when Noel comes back for the theater groundbreaking that’s being named after him, Noel decides to extend his trip and help Parker raise money for the restoration. I loved seeing them work through their problems and realize they both still loved each other even though it had been 10 years. The side characters were so funny, loved LuLu and Parker’s mom. Axel sticking up for Parker throughout the book was great! I loved seeing how their friendship formed and how to evolved to them having their business. Noel realizing that he can have the career he wants and Parker, while Parker realizes the same, was so refreshing to see. Neither one of them had to give something up to be together. They were able to have the best of both worlds!
I absolutely adored this book!

Noel is a movie star returning home to see the theater renamed after him. Parker is his former best friend who he hasn't seen in over a decade. Noel tries to use this second chance to rebuild their relationship....

Love a movie star book. Noel is a terrific character. Love the humour and the fun in the book.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I have been a huge fan of teegan hunter for a while now. Best friends for never was great standalone read. Noel is a famous actor who left home ten years ago and never looked back. Parker, his former best friend/love interest is in the process of fixing up the old town theater, which is being renamed to honor noel. Noel and parker have not seen or spoken to each other in ten years and have a lot of unfinished business. Best friends for never was quick and easy read. I do wish the epilogue was a little longer and showed the characters a few years into the future.

Small town second chance romance with likeable characters and enough angst and emotions to keep things moving. You will root for them to get together, even though you know there will be a HEA eventually, a fun read.

I already know I’m going to obsess over this.

11/25/24 FUCK YES I GOT THE ARC 😭 immediately starting this gem.

Updates: Axel is the BEST best friend ever, he’s the best.
I’m so sad I had to sleep last night, I just wanted to stay up and read 😭
58% in and I’m just 😭🫶🏻🖤🥹
I love Teagan’s writing so much.

Officially finished! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

I feel incredibly fucking invested into that small town and I love the entire vibe of it all, coming from a small towner myself. I hope and pray to the book Gods that Teagan will turn this into a series, I AM DESPERATE FOR MORE AXEL. I need him and his wife’s story, I need more with their sweet babies and damn it I need a good enemies to lovers about Cliff and Astrid.


If I could give this more than five stars, I absolutely would.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this book!!

What a great book! I enjoyed this one a lot!!! I had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters. Great writing style!! This was a first by this author for me but will not be my last!