Brilliant audiobook.
I love small town romances and this takes place in the small town of Emerald Grove,that is were Noel and Parker grew up together.They are best friends until Noel leaves town to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor.
Leaving his best friend behind Parker is heartbroken,they never even had a chance to start something..Parker loves living in Emerald Grove but Noel couldn't wait to leave.
Its 10 years until their paths cross again..
Parker has a renovation buisness with her friend Axel and her next project is to renovate the rundown theatre in town.It has been closed down for years and now the go ahead to renovate it has the greenlight to go.The only thing making Parker anxious is that the theatre will be named after the boy who broke her heart...Who is now the man who has just arrived back in town,ready for the theatres opening.
They actually try to rebuild their friendship,but the past keeps getting in the way as there is more to the story than you initially think.
They would have to talk it out and put those ghosts to bed...They are still attracted to eachother and it can't be denied.
But Noel only has 6 weeks in town before he has to go back to L.A and it looks like history will repeat itself..Can Love conquer Parker's fears,and conquer all.
This is a lovely romance between two best friends who are both scared but perfect together if only they would take a chance.
Narrated by Lee Samuels and Emma Wilder who are Excellent a telling this story and acting out the characters roles.I really enjoyed listening to them their voices fit the characters perfectly.
Best Friends For never is a fabulous second chance small town romance.
I loved it.
5 stars

Teagan Hunter delivers a heartfelt and charming second-chance romance with Best Friends for Never. Parker and Noel’s story is filled with nostalgia, unresolved emotions, and a slow-burning chemistry that keeps you hooked from the start.

Parker is determined to bring her small town’s theater back to life, but she never expected the return of Noel—her childhood best friend and first love turned Hollywood heartthrob. Their reunion is filled with tension, old wounds, and undeniable attraction, making for a compelling push-and-pull dynamic. Noel is swoon-worthy yet vulnerable, and Parker’s strength and determination make her an easy character to root for. Their banter is fun, their emotional moments hit just right, and the small-town setting adds a cozy touch.

While the pacing slows in a few places, and the conflict feels a bit predictable at times, the story’s heart and the couple’s chemistry make up for it. If you love second-chance romances with a mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and a touch of Hollywood glamour, this one is definitely worth picking up!

Best friends For never

Noel is a big time celebrity but before he became big, he was from a small town in Washington. He was best friends with Parker and they both really loved one another. He broke that when he left and she stayed. Now he’s getting honored in the small town and getting recognized for his time in the theater as a student who turned pro.

Parker is a total badass who works as a home flipper and is hired to redo the theater and design it to special again. Once Noel shows up, she knows she’s going to fail at keeping distance. The chemistry and banter between these two was fire.

This story started slow but made up for it at the end. I really liked the audio narrators that did this book. Lee Samuels really gave Noel that masculine but also sensitive voice and Emma Wilder definitely gave that spunky independent voice.

Tropes:
Small Town
Second Chance
It’s always Been You
Banter
Best friends to strangers to friend lovers
Celebrity MMC

Second chance
Small town
Celebrity
Friends to Lovers
Romcom

Main characters
Parker Pruitt
Noel Carter

Noel hasn’t been back to his small home town since in 10 years. Now, a famous movie star, he has returned. His welcome is less than warm. It’s especially chilly from his ex best friend. Parker.

They both have regrets about the past and uncertainty about the future. They forge ahead with some help and some hindrance from their small town neighbors,

Great dialogue and wonderful characters with chemistry. Granny and Astrid added more fun to the story. HEA with a nice long epilogue.

If you like spicy romcoms with best friends to lovers, celebrity, estrangement tropes this one is for you. It is a nice read, I listened to the audiobook and it was really good. If you want to engage in a light-hearted read this is it. Lovely characters that make you believe in love even though the cause for their estrangement was a bit weak but that’s romance for you. Overall an enjoyable book.

Parker and Noel were best friends growing up and hadn't talked in 10 years. When these two are finally face to face again they have a lot to sort. I personally really enjoyed it, and but not so much that they were trying to do what they thought was right without having a conversation that would have saved them a little heartache. I completely understand the rationale behind this, but it definitely had me yelling at them! Luckily, they didn't let it go on too long and they could get on to HEA! I enjoyed these characters and felt like there was still room if the author chose to write more about them!

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

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁: TH is always an auto buy author for me as I love her PNW based romances. I was so excited to see a second chance celebrity romance and this book hit all the spots! I loved the MCs history, the nicknames, the teasing, some spice and all the small town vibes. Highly recommend this AB, as the dual narration was superb.

Parker is a small town girl, she’s happy where she lives and she’s built a life for herself. She runs a Reno/Design company with her hs nemesis turned bestie. Parker’s dream is to restore the Emerald Groves Theatre. After years she finally has the chance, the only catch is the anonymous donor wants the theatre named after the movie star Noel Carter.

Noel hasn’t been home to WA in over ten years, he left when he turned 18 to make a name in Hollywood. At the time he asked the girl he loved to go with him and she said no. Returning home and running into her again is not going to be easy but it’s a small town so it can’t be avoided. Too that off with having a theatre named after you is also kind of embarrassing.

Parker knew Noel was coming come but she thought she could avoid him at-least for a bit but that was quickly proven wrong when she crashes into him at the grocery store. He broke her heart when he left and now she doesn’t know if she wants to be friends again. Follow these two as they get their second chance, it’s a cute story you don’t want to miss.

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨:

“Cause I was your best friend once Peter, and I assure you the feelings I have for you were not in the same realm as sibling like.”

“You, I want You!” Those four words have been playing on a loop for the last week.

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Ex Childhood BFFs to Lovers
* Second Chance - He’s Been Gone 10 Years
* She Stayed & He Left
* Movie Star MMC
* Reno & Designer FMC
* Restoring Local Theatre
* Steamy Waterfall Scene
* Small Town - Emerald Grove, WA
* Dual POV w/ Spice

⭐️📽️💕⭐️📽️💕⭐️📽️💕⭐️📽️💕⭐️📽️💕⭐️

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!

5 Star Review Best Friends For Never (Everhope Road #3) by Teagan Hunter

Audio:
Best Friends For Never is an entertaining, well written, small town, second chance at love story that ticked the boxes for me.

The narration by Lee Samuels and Emma Wilder was spot on for these characters in my opinion. Not only are their voices easy to listen to but their performances brought all the passion, humour and drama that Ms. Hunter created.

This is Parker Pruitt and Noel Carter’s story set in Emerald Grove, Washington.

However for Parker, movie star Noel is the man who broke her heart. Now she has to pretend all is well which is difficult. When Noel’s brief stay is extended, they reconnect and it is obvious that the feelings they had are still as strong.

Will they come to terms with the past and in doing so create a future together?

You’ll have to one click to find out.

This is such a fun read! You all know how much I love a Friends to Lovers story and we throw in a movie star and a quirky small town of lovable side characters and you’ve hooked me! While a little long in the beginning it’s worth it for the cuteness once they get together and you know the full story of their past. Go check this out!!

Parker and Noel were best friends, attached at the hip until Noel left for bigger dreams of Hollywood and Parker chose not to go with him. Now, it's been 10 years since they saw each other and Noel is back in town. An anonymous donor gave a hefty sum to help kickstart Parker's beloved project - renovating the town's dilapidated theater. Their only request is that the new theater be named after Noel. 

When Noel returns to his hometown, he thinks he'll do a "drive by" visit. See his grandma, show up for the ceremony and the fundraiser and leave, but soon he sees he can't just leave Parker again. They'll have a decade of catching up, making up and Noel will have to reclaim his best friend status as he has been replaced by a surprising new person!

Narrated dual style by Emma Wilder and Lee Samuels, this second chance, childhood friends to lovers, "it's always been you" story was a delight to listen to. Emma is amazing as ever (I have listened to her forever and I still do a double take when I hear her  incredible "male voice"). She's lovely as the passionate, determined Parker. Lee does a wonderful job too. He does incredible voice work, making every character sound very unique and distinct. 

Overall, this was a fun, lighthearted rom com with no big conflicts or drama but very engaging. You just have to root for Parker and Noel.

Thanks, Brilliance Audio, for the advanced listen.

Content notes: (historical, off page) mentions of death of parents, child abandonment, bullying

This was a great small town, second chance romance. Parker and Noel were best friend in high school but he broke her heart when he left to go to Hollywood to pursue his acting career. A decade later he comes back into town. With the help of meddling grandmas, moms and friends they get their chance at HEA. One of my favorite things about this book was that we didn’t have too much miscommunication. The characters were more than willing to talk about things going on in the story and that made it feel more realistic.

This was a great easy listen. I would definitely recommend it. But would really push this book over the top was a narration. And I really enjoyed this dual audio. Lee Samuels And Emma Wilder were amazing as always.

Thank you to @netgalley, @brilliancepublishing & Teagan Hunter for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review. And to Lee Samuels And Emma Wilder.

This book had me in a complete vice. The only thing that kept me from listening to it on my netgalley app was actually working like an adult! I loved it from the start as a second chance romance but the fact that there was so much angst and heat? It had me sweating and it was NSFW (ifkyk)! I loved it so much and I wish I could listen to it for the first time again! I loved the emotions shown both from the FMC and the MMC and I just kept thinking they needed to just talk to each other you both feel the same!! Don’t wait, run to listen to this or even read it for yourself! This was so worth the wait and I can’t even describe how much I loved it because there are no real words!

This was such a cute audiobook! I loved every second of it! Parker and Noel were so adult, having solid conversations about their feelings and not running from each other, which was very refreshing.

Noel was great. He really cares about Parker and listening to the audiobook brought that out more, I think, which I enjoyed a lot. I really related to Parker! She's headstrong and has this "I can do whatever I put my mind to" attitude. She's confident and funny. As two main characters, their chemistry was off the page and I enjoyed getting to know them together too. This book never had me questioning whether or not they made each other better.

The side characters really weren't side characters, but characters in their own right. They truly felt like family to Parker and Noel. Again, the narrators were great here and really helped the story come to life. These narrators addded some depth that you can only get from really good narration.
Such a great book!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

🩷small town
🩷childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🩷Hollywood star x small town girls
🩷banter
🩷meddling family (good kind)

When Noel left for Hollywood to chase his acting dreams after graduating hugh school, he never expected to go 10 years before returning. He left behind family and his best friend Parker after a broken promise. Noel returns for the town theater that is being renamed in his honor. His former best friend Parker led the remodel, and they reconnected upon his return.

Thanks to VPR for ALC

It’s been 10 years since Noel and Parker have seen each other and a lot has changed during that time. Including the fact that these two best friends are no longer friends.

Noel is now a big Hollywood star who left his small town. Parker stayed in the small town she grew up, but she has become a major pillar in the community. Despite not seeing each other for a decade these two still have a ton of chemistry, however, there is also a lot of pain and hurt from how things ended between the two of them.

I enjoyed the secondary characters in this story, especially Grams, Parker’s mom, and Axel. Emerald Grove brings all the PNW small town vibes and I absolutely love that.

I went between reading the ebook and listening to the audio for this one. The audio was great and both narrators did a great job at bringing Noel and Parker to life. Definitely worth the listen.

If you’re looking for a small town, second chance, childhood friends to lovers romance check this one out.

My heart is so full after reading this book!! It’s filled with swoon worthy moments, a hollywood heartthrob actor, a meddling grandma, and two childhood best friends longing for a second chance. I really loved the small town charm in this story. Noel and Parker were best friends in highschool both active in the theater program and just really were perfect for one another. He broke her heart though when he left to chase his dream to Hollywood. Parker has really accomplished a lot in the years since high school. She has remodeled and updated several businesses in the local town and she is starting a project on the local theater after an anonymous donor gave money for the project. Noel coming back brought back all those feelings he felt for Parker ten years ago.

The audiobook is dual narrated by Lee Samuels and Emma Wilder. These two were great voices for Parker and Noel. They brought the angst and emotions throughout the story.

Audiobook review: narrated by Lee Samuels and Emma Wilder
3.5 stars for story / 4.5 stars for performance

If you like small town, low angst tropes, this one will be a good one. Noel is a movie star that comes home to support a theater revamp led by his former best friend / childhood crush, Parker. I love how the town treats Noel with reverence but also like the school kid he was before making it big. I didn’t feel a whole lot of romantic chemistry between the characters and for the first half, my hope was that they just became friends again. I really enjoyed the storyline with the reconstruction and the “will-they-won’t-they” aspect was well done because I wasn’t able to predict the outcome. Overall it’s a sweet, light-hearted, second-chance romance.

Both narrators did an amazing job in this dual narrated style. They gave every character such a unique voice full of personality. Emma Wilder really blew me away with her masculine tone and at times I forgot it was just one person behind the mic.

I really enjoyed this dual audio! This was such a sweet second chance romance between high school best friends and sweethearts.
Both narrators did a great job with the opposite POV and I felt like the voices matched the characters really well!