Reviewed for NetGalley:

Two childhood friends meet up for the summer after a couple years apart.

While spending the summer together in LA, while Liam is working the set of a teenage bachelorette reality show, Sloane becomes a contestant.

Cute, friends to lovers trope.

Friends-to-lovers meets The Bachelor?! Sign me up! This book was so adorable! I love dual POV and Sloane and Liam were the perfect best friends to carry this story! I loved how they didn’t already know their feelings for each other from the start, exploring those feelings as the story progressed.
This book was also just really funny, especially towards the end! Cue Karma by Taylor Swift?
Overall, this was an adorable and fast paced romance!

Taylor Swift Songs: “Glitch”

I think this was cute, just maybe not for me right now. This was a very fluffy/feel-good/sweet YA romcom about a girl who goes on the teen celebrity bachelor and falls in love with a PA, who happens to be her lifelong best guy friend. I think this was good for what it was, I just didn’t love it. It didn’t really stand out among the other romances I’ve read, in my opinion.

I think I just need to stop reading YA romances. YA romances for the most part tend to be far too fluffy for me. They just don’t have as much substance or character growth and development as a lot of the adult romcoms, like Emily Henry or Sarah Hogle. They just aren’t at all emotionally moving and just get really boring and sappy, bordering on hallmark-ish for me. But hey, if sappy/fluffy YA romcoms are your thing, you would like this.

If you want some great YA romcoms with interesting plot and substantial and complex character development and growth, check out “Better than the movies” by Lynn Painter and “we are never ever getting back together” by Sophie Gonzales. Again, this book wasn’t bad by any means, it just doesn’t compare to some of the others I’ve read.

Listen, I like friends-to-lovers as much as the next girl, but at some point you have to think: can people really be that clueless? I mean friends who are very obviously pining over each other really don’t know the other one likes them? They make it so blatantly obvious that it gets a little irritating at times. And especially when it is told in dual-perspectives so you are constantly told how much one likes the other and how they are somehow oblivious to the other’s obvious feelings. I think I would’ve liked it more if it was just told in Sloan’s POV.

Age rating: 12+ (again, with many YA romcoms, it is very much only PG, definitely NOT spicy)

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for approving me for this ARC. I was very excited to dive in and read about Sloane and Liam in this Rom-Com by Kaitlyn Hill.

If you're not familiar with my reviews, I share my thoughts while reading and then at the end I share my overall thoughts on the whole book. So feel free to skip to the bottom if you aren't interested in my play-by-play thought process while reading.

I love how she talks about thinking adult Simba is oddly attractive for a cartoon animal, because same..

Liam is nervous because I think he too feels unexpectedly attracted to her like she feels towards him.

I LOVE that one of her favorite shows is OTH even though it's before her time and she was probably an infant when it came out.. but then again, she did call it a "classic" which makes me feel old.

I cackled when Sloane talks about the birds being able to fly anywhere and some hangout in a fast food parking lot 😂

I don't like that Mr. Daniels is bribing Sloane to be part of the show. Feels a little icky to me.

I too have a love/hate relationship with rompers.

I love that they are both unsure of these new feelings they have towards each other.

I could *not* be a contestant on a dating show, I'm way to awkward and would probably stutter over my words. I'd be one of the first ones sent home.

Okay, I know that we are supposed to be rooting for Liam and Sloane, but I hope that she sparks a real little bit of something with Aspen.

I am secondhand embarrassed for her already. Her explaining that her lips work after she said she couldn't kiss him..

Okay, but she was absolutely right with telling Aspen off. I feel like he's only showing her as much attention because he heard her the first day say that "it wouldn't kill her" or words along those lines.

"My brows feel like they have to be somewhere in the vicinity of my hairline" 😂😂😂

Uh oh. Is Aspen really trying to get tips on how to be around Sloane from Liam?

Wait. What? Why does he want her to be last girl standing? Does he want someone who isn't interested in him? Or is he intrigued by her?

Ding ding ding - he finally realized he's into Sloane more than a friend.

Okay, I don't remember if it was mentioned how old Ty is, but in my mind he's some creepy older dude who is weirdly obsessed with catching Sloane doing something sketchy.

My heart is going to break because she's going to fall for Liam's version of Aspen and it's fake! - I bet he doesn't even like coke and that's why she saw the barely sipped from glass.

Peyton is making my eye twitch with how annoyingly nice she is to Liam. She is supposed to be there trying to woo Aspen.

Poor Liam listening to Sloane talk about kissing Aspen.

Awe, she wants to kiss him to kiss him but using the excuse to practice but he thinks she just wants to practice so she doesn't mess up kissing Aspen.

!!!! They're kissing!!!

I'm getting nervous about them being gone so long.. Peyton must notice they're missing..

I love books where the main characters love each other but are to much in their feelings to realize the feelings are reciprocated.

Of course he's calculating, he's been asking Liam for tips and tricks to get on Sloane's good side instead of getting to know her on his own.

Poor Sloane having an allergic reaction on this date!

Liam's dad is a whole lot of something... Not acknowledging that Liam was the best thing to come out of his marriage to his mom..

Ugh. Friends-to-Lovers is actually some of the best relationships ever MR. DANIELS! Go away with that negativity.

OMG, Sloane is going to hate her date with Aspen any facing her fears..

Wow, I can't believe he pushed her in the water!! What a dick.

Ty! A GROWN MAN told Aspen to push Sloane AN ADOLESCENT in the water? Knowing she's afraid of it??

They thought pushing her in the water was messing with her a little?? OMG.

Liam and Aspen hurt her. Liam should have told Aspen no from the start about helping with Sloane.

How does Liam not understand that she's hurt about what he did with Aspen because she likes him?

Ugh, Aspen is even sleazier than I thought after hearing from Riley.

The girls breaking up with him is perfect!

Wow, Sloane grew some balls to talk to Mr. Daniels that way.. he did deserve it though.

I love that he made her a desk, I assumed it was something for her, but I didn't put it together in my mind that it would be something for her writing. And I love that he was doing all the research for schools and things for her screenwriting dreams!

The ending!! So great!


** Overall thoughts **
Okay, I just need to say that I love that the was a rom-com that kept the teenagers innocent in terms of just kissing. It's refreshing to read a YA rom-com that doesn't have so much smut, especially because they are still technically children. I do understand that even high schoolers have sex, it was nice to read a book that kept it PG-13.

The Friends-to-Lovers trope is one of my favorites and the way Kaitlyn Hill wrote this book and the relationship between Liam and Sloane was incredible. The way they realized they had more than just platonic feelings for each other, which is exactly how it is when you fall for you friend. You don't want to mess things up and make things awkward so you try to not say anything, but then one of you decides to share your feelings. Very well written. I will 100% be reading other books by this author and recommending this book to everyone.

If you are looking for a book that has undeniable chemistry between two characters that are too adorable for words, tension that literally had my heart aching, and a story that feels reminiscent of the good teen shows of the late 90s then this book will be your jam. From the premise alone, I knew I would love this book and from the moment I read both Liam and Sloanes chapters I was hooked. Their story helps a sweetness of first love, while also having some of the best will-they-won’t-they angst that adult romance novels have.

This is the beauty of this book where the setting is complete fantasy, but the emotions that both Liam and Sloans feel are very real. Their insecurities and worries can resonate with any reader despite any age differences between themselves and the characters. This was a hard book to put down and when I did, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up. Though this was this author's second book, her writing felt new, refreshing, and unique. Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read this ARC

An adorable, will-make-you-smile, Bachelor meets teen romance with an incredible friends to lovers trope.

Sloane is thrilled to be spending her summer with her best friend, Liam. Little does she know that Liam is caught up with some last minute plans of her own: being a PA for a new TV show that holds the same feelings as the Bachelor. While she’s worried she won’t be spending much time with Liam, his dad recruits her for this new show giving her a chance at a relationship with THE Aspen Wood, teen heartthrob. As Sloane is continuing her journey of being a contestant and figuring out if she and Aspen could actually be together, she is slowly realizing that her feelings for Liam have always been there, and they’re continuing to grow. Plot twist: Liam is realizing the exact same thing.

These two are super sweet characters and I enjoyed the dual point of view going on here. There are emotional moments, betrayal, tension, and witty banter that is literally the entire package. This has healthy love written all over it and there is such joy and pure friendship with Sloane and the other contestants. I know I was screaming at Liam and Sloane to JUST tell each other already, BUT they are teenagers so it makes sense. Their bond is real and he cares so much for her as a friend that you can clearly tell he is in love with her. Well done to Kaitlyn Hill for this excellent novel.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

I was provided with an eARC in exchange for a fair review.

I love the best friends to lovers trope, but this one just fell a little short of the mark somehow. While the connection between Sloane and Liam was undeniable, it was the rest of the story that just didn't do it for me. We have the Bachelor-style dating show, and Sloane makes some great friends, but I would have liked Aspen, the "Bachelor" to have actually been likable instead of an entitled prick. It would have upped the stakes of Liam & Sloane's story a bit.
I think, overall, this one just felt like a story I've read a dozen times before. I still enjoyed it in the moment, but it isn't one I am likely to revisit. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

Sloane visits her long time (and suddenly very attractive) best friend for a summer of fun and, in a crazy turn of events, ends up on a reality dating show.
I enjoyed this friends to lovers story quite a bit. It’s quite
predictable but a sweet and solid young adult read.

3.75 stars

Friends to lovers

It's been a while since I read a YA romance, but if they were all like this I'd be all over them. Kaitlyn had a way of making this read engaging for all ages.

Sloane and Liam have been best friends since they were children, even after Liam moved to Hollywood they stayed close and this summer is the first summer they're seeing each other. What they don't expect upon seeing each other again is this unexpected attraction, they also don't expect Liam's dad to throw Sloane into a dating show with one of Hollywood's most eligible young bachelors (or so everyone thinks).

This read was quick, dramatic, and overall enjoyable. Overall a great read!

I’ve been trying to get through this book for weeks before I finally called it quits. I’m not sure what the issue is, and I swear I tried to finish it, but 20% in and I was still slogging through, forcing myself to read the book, which I hate doing and I wasn’t about to continue to do that to myself.

The concept is interesting enough and I’m sure Liam and Sloane’s relationship goes through some turbulent waters to end up on the crystal shores but I just can’t make myself get there. I don’t want to put myself into a slump. Friends to lovers is a favorite trope of mine so I’m not sure what the issue was with this book but I’m sorry.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun and sweet romance novel. It was a great read and was very entertaining.

I really liked this cute YA romance! I liked the plot/idea a lot. It's a cool nod to the craziness of reality TV, especially the stress of behind the scenes. I do think the pacing of the first few chapters was a little too slow as there was a lot of description and setting the scene but not much action. However the story definitely picked up as it went on and kept my attention all the way up until the end.
My favorite part was how realistic and well done the romance was! Would definitely recommend as a cute, clean YA romance.

Super fun and quick read for teens! The friendship between Sloane and Liam is endearing as they come of age and realize their friendship is at the cusp of becoming something more. Also, if you are a fan of reality TV and the bachelor, this is a fun play on that!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kaitlyn Hill, and Random House Children's for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kaitlyn Hill’s sophomore book is another triumph in the romance genre. Sloane and Liam are the cutest friends and so relatable to read about. Anyone with a close friend of the opposite gender can attest to how awkward it can be when people ship you. But what happens when feelings start to develop on their own? This friends-to-lovers romance answers that with the backdrop of a teen reality dating show to provide just enough conflict and space to keep our main characters guessing. I loved every second of reading this and can’t wait to hold a published copy in my hands!

This was a fun best friends to lovers romance! I really enjoyed Kaitlyn Hill's Love from Scratch when it released this year, so I was super excited to hear about her upcoming YA romance. I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I did Love From Scratch. The chemistry between Liam and Sloane did not feel incredibly strong to me (compared to Ben and Reese), but I still liked following their journey navigating the harsh reality of reality TV. In both of her books so far, Kaitlyn Hill provides really great social commentary about gender in television, video-based media, and online spaces. I think my favorite part of the novel was definitely the bonds between the contestants of Aspen Woods's Future Leading Lady and how they navigated the sexism that often comes with reality dating shows. I'd give this novel 3.75 stars rounded up, and I'm excited to see Kaitlyn Hill's future works!

Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I wasn't a huge fan of Love From Scratch but I throughly enjoyed Not Here to Stay Friends. I really liked Sloane and Liam's friends to lovers relationship and the people Sloane met on the show. The contestants were an interesting bunch and made for a fun read.

If you're interested in a clean, fun, and adorable young adult romance, then definitely check this one out!

4.5 stars

thank you so much delacorte and netgalley for the arc! i really enjoyed kaitlyn hill’s second book ‘not here to stay friends’ it was so good! i loved the way everything unfolded in the book! liam and sloane’s friendship was amazing, i love a good friends to lovers trope and this book delivered! seeing them grow individually and together was really well done, i loved how deeply they cared for one another! and protective liam had my heart! the plot twist at the end i loved! i did not expect it, i had a feeling something was going to happen but the way it unfolded took me by surprise in the best way! i liked how it was a unique and very real portrayal of reality tv, and i especially loved the strong female friendships that were showcased in the novel! i was worried that as the show continued the girls may become competitive or mean but was very happy that was not the case! i loved sloane’s friendship with bree and alicia! also queen kristi, i hope she gets the biggest raise ever because she deserves it! she single handedly kept the show together! hill does a phenomenal job writing YA romance and i am so excited to read any future books she comes out with!

I just got out of an extremely convoluted adult fantasy series and needed something light and easy. This hit the spot. It was fun and charming and the writing was sharp-witted.

From a pop culture standpoint, this book was written about teenagers as if they were teenagers 16 years ago. <i>I</i> was watching Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill and The OC when I was in middle and high school, and that was a WHILE ago. It seems unlikely that that’s what teens these days are watching. <i>I</i> was screaming Party in the USA at <i>my</i> junior prom, and idk that 17 year olds in 2022 have it top of mind as they land at LAX.

One other thing is that I was very much expecting a Selection vibe, where there’s a childhood friend/love that the reader is rooting for in the beginning and then some sort of famous dude that the protagonist is fake competing for but it turns out they’re actually quite lovely and a decent contender for said girl’s heart. That’s not what this book is. I was a smidge disappointed cause I think that would have made for a more compelling story.

Overall though, a very cute and enjoyable read that I think anyone would find entertaining, but especially readers who also like keeping tabs on Bachelor Nation tea cause there were a lot of parallels…

This book was somehow exactly and not at all what I was expecting all at once! I think this would be a darling read for teens especially. Our leading lady Sloane is visiting her best friend forever Liam out of state for the summer, and gets wrapped up in Liam's dad's show which is filming and is short a contestant. Sloane is in between her junior and senior years of high school, but I had to keep reminding myself that it was high school and not college. I kind of wish the plot had the characters skewed a little older, but I do think it was a cute, sweet read with them being a bit younger overall. Clean and fun overall!

Okay, I didn’t realize this was a YA book until I got approved for it. I haven’t read YA in a long time. But oh my goodness, it was great. I love reality TV, and if you do, too, this is going to be entertaining. A very cute friends to lovers arc made this the perfect YA rom com.