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Redemption Ridge #4
Friends Like Them
Owen Doyle’s rough beginnings taught him not to form attachments, yet he’s drawn to Tyler Booth like a magnet. Their relationship has blossomed from strangers to the best friends, with each twist in the journey weaving their connection tighter. But Owen has a six-year secret that’s become unbearably painful to keep. As the seams of his resistance fray, Owen will lean into a new mentoring opportunity to keep from ruining the best thing in his life.
Tyler will never regret going to jail and getting sober because meeting Owen saved his life and taught him how to trust again. Their inseparable bond has earned much teasing over the years, but Tyler doesn’t recognize himself without Owen. When he senses a yawning chasm between them, he’ll turn to mutual friends for help. Their well-meaning advice opens Tyler’s eyes to unexplored possibilities and will snap missing puzzle pieces into place.
Some hopes are too big to stifle, and some truths are too big to ignore. A photo booth, smoking-hot kisses, and honest revelations will take Owen and Tyler’s intimacy to a whole new level. But before they can achieve their happily ever after, they must unload the baggage from their pasts. Will the road to discovery guide them to the necessary healing, or are the guys destined for the highway to heartache?
Friends Like Them is book four in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Friends Like Them contains mature themes and is intended for adults.
Tyler will never regret going to jail and getting sober because meeting Owen saved his life and taught him how to trust again. Their inseparable bond has earned much teasing over the years, but Tyler doesn’t recognize himself without Owen. When he senses a yawning chasm between them, he’ll turn to mutual friends for help. Their well-meaning advice opens Tyler’s eyes to unexplored possibilities and will snap missing puzzle pieces into place.
Some hopes are too big to stifle, and some truths are too big to ignore. A photo booth, smoking-hot kisses, and honest revelations will take Owen and Tyler’s intimacy to a whole new level. But before they can achieve their happily ever after, they must unload the baggage from their pasts. Will the road to discovery guide them to the necessary healing, or are the guys destined for the highway to heartache?
Friends Like Them is book four in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Friends Like Them contains mature themes and is intended for adults.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2024
275 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Nicole Walker
86books1,955followersI'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
November 18, 2024
This is a sweet friends-to-lovers romance with two good friends finally sharing themselves with each other. Owen has locked his deepest secrets away so deep, he’s not sure if he could, or should unbury that particular box, but a chance encounter in a photo booth opens the floodgates.
Tyler’s never realized that when Owen interfered into his life, it was actually him showing his love and concern. When he finally understands, he’s eager to confess his own feelings. This story is entirely about Owen and Tyler revealing their personal histories and working on building a love with each other. There are very few appearances from the usual other characters. We get to experience Owen and Tyler as they form an unbreakable bond with one another and also make some strong connections with their families. Tyler has avoided his close-knit and loving family out of guilt and fear, and Owen’s love helps him find the courage to show who he actually has always been with them.
Not everyone is into cowboys and ranches, so I can assure you that this book in the Redemption Ridgeseries spends less time on the ranch life. A fair amount of the story takes place away from the ranch. Owen and Tyler visit with their families, introducing their partners as their boyfriends and telling their parents exactly what they mean to each other. Owen has a learning disorder that Tyler's mother...a language teacher, helps him learn ways to overcome and as a result opens up to him the world of reading and understanding what he's read...and Tyler learns to roller-skate...which was rather amusing.
The story is filled with tons of tenderness...the family dynamics were a pleasant experience. It's a series that you wish could go on forever.
Tyler’s never realized that when Owen interfered into his life, it was actually him showing his love and concern. When he finally understands, he’s eager to confess his own feelings. This story is entirely about Owen and Tyler revealing their personal histories and working on building a love with each other. There are very few appearances from the usual other characters. We get to experience Owen and Tyler as they form an unbreakable bond with one another and also make some strong connections with their families. Tyler has avoided his close-knit and loving family out of guilt and fear, and Owen’s love helps him find the courage to show who he actually has always been with them.
Not everyone is into cowboys and ranches, so I can assure you that this book in the Redemption Ridgeseries spends less time on the ranch life. A fair amount of the story takes place away from the ranch. Owen and Tyler visit with their families, introducing their partners as their boyfriends and telling their parents exactly what they mean to each other. Owen has a learning disorder that Tyler's mother...a language teacher, helps him learn ways to overcome and as a result opens up to him the world of reading and understanding what he's read...and Tyler learns to roller-skate...which was rather amusing.
The story is filled with tons of tenderness...the family dynamics were a pleasant experience. It's a series that you wish could go on forever.
March 21, 2024
I just love the way Aimee writes. It's like she has a perfect window into what I want to see in a narrative and then she crafts it beautifully for me!
This book is a friends to lovers story but it's so much more than just that. It's about learning to trust in yourself, it's about putting aside your assumptions and facing your fears.
It's about found family always being there for you, but it's also about realising your blood family will love you unconditionally too.
The heat is volcanic, but it's the emotionally charged connection between Owen and Tyler that makes this book special.
Since the moment they met in jail, Owen's not only had Tyler's back, he's been in love with him, keeping quiet because Ty's straight and not wanting to rock the boat by letting his feelings show.
Everyone else on the ranch knows, but Ty's blissfully unaware, happy in his friendship and knowing he's the most important person in Owen's life. Until the ranch takes in Keegan, who's battered and bruised by life and who takes to Owen like a baby duck imprinting.
Suddenly Ty's not the sole focus for Owen and there's a slow dawning awareness that maybe he might not like that one bit. A few insightful comments from both Hope and Nick, and a Photo Booth opportunity brings enlightenment.
What follows is joyous, but also still not an easy ride. Both men have traumas from their past which still haunt them and affect their decision making but you'll be pleased to know, there's no relationship drama.
Once Ty realises he's in love with Owen, as well as loving him as a friend, they're off exploring everything that sexual intimacy can bring!
All the tension in the narrative comes from internal fears about outside influences, they're solid as a rock as a couple, and it's lovely to see how talking about the other's situation helps each of them take small steps with their own worries.
I loved everything about this book, both Owen's mum and Ty's family are wonderfully brought to life and the ranch setting is as vibrant as it has been throughout this series.
There's just one more book to come in this and I shall be very sad to say goodbye to Redemption Ridge.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours. I am voluntarily leaving a review
This book is a friends to lovers story but it's so much more than just that. It's about learning to trust in yourself, it's about putting aside your assumptions and facing your fears.
It's about found family always being there for you, but it's also about realising your blood family will love you unconditionally too.
The heat is volcanic, but it's the emotionally charged connection between Owen and Tyler that makes this book special.
Since the moment they met in jail, Owen's not only had Tyler's back, he's been in love with him, keeping quiet because Ty's straight and not wanting to rock the boat by letting his feelings show.
Everyone else on the ranch knows, but Ty's blissfully unaware, happy in his friendship and knowing he's the most important person in Owen's life. Until the ranch takes in Keegan, who's battered and bruised by life and who takes to Owen like a baby duck imprinting.
Suddenly Ty's not the sole focus for Owen and there's a slow dawning awareness that maybe he might not like that one bit. A few insightful comments from both Hope and Nick, and a Photo Booth opportunity brings enlightenment.
What follows is joyous, but also still not an easy ride. Both men have traumas from their past which still haunt them and affect their decision making but you'll be pleased to know, there's no relationship drama.
Once Ty realises he's in love with Owen, as well as loving him as a friend, they're off exploring everything that sexual intimacy can bring!
All the tension in the narrative comes from internal fears about outside influences, they're solid as a rock as a couple, and it's lovely to see how talking about the other's situation helps each of them take small steps with their own worries.
I loved everything about this book, both Owen's mum and Ty's family are wonderfully brought to life and the ranch setting is as vibrant as it has been throughout this series.
There's just one more book to come in this and I shall be very sad to say goodbye to Redemption Ridge.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours. I am voluntarily leaving a review
March 20, 2024
"When did you know you were in love with your best friend?"
Finally getting to read best friends Tyler and Owen's story made my heart incredibly happy. It's been obvious for a few books now that these two were absolutely meant to be. I mean they've been practically attached at the hip since they met, which includes their time served in jail. Where one goes the other follows and all that.
Owen, being a gay man in love with his best friend, has pretty much come to terms with his feelings being unrequited. He's happy to have Tyler in his life any way he can get him. However, that doesn't mean he hasn't held onto that tiny sliver of hope in his heart. The little bit that wishes for Tyler to see what they could be if only he opened himself to the possibility.
"You make me believe something truly wonderful could be mine."
You would think after all the years spent by his best friends side that Tyler may have had an inkling of his true feelings hidden beneath the surface. You would be thinking wrong. However, it didn't take much more than a frank discussion with people he trusted for Tyler to get hit with his feelings like a jab to the solar plexus. I honestly think that due to his strict upbringing it just never entered Tyler's mind that his intense feelings for Owen could mean something more than friendship. But let me tell you that did not last long once he finally opened his eyes to everything he could be with his ride or die.
"Men in my family live well into their nineties, and I'm not spending a day on this Earth without you, so gear up for the long haul."
The two men did have some past struggles that needed to be dealt with before they could have their HEA, but never once did either of them believe that the other wasn't it for them. I loved how fiercely they both held onto their love for one another. Knowing they had their forever person in their corner helped immensely when their minds would try to convince them that happily ever afters didn't happen for people like them. And of course it also helped they had their ranch family to lean on for support if they ever needed it.
I've really enjoyed the Redemption Ridge series and am sad to hear that the next book is going to be the last. As excited as I am for Rueben to finally bag his hunky sheriff, I can't help but wonder about Keegan. After everything he's been through, that sweetheart deserves an HEA of his own.
Finally getting to read best friends Tyler and Owen's story made my heart incredibly happy. It's been obvious for a few books now that these two were absolutely meant to be. I mean they've been practically attached at the hip since they met, which includes their time served in jail. Where one goes the other follows and all that.
Owen, being a gay man in love with his best friend, has pretty much come to terms with his feelings being unrequited. He's happy to have Tyler in his life any way he can get him. However, that doesn't mean he hasn't held onto that tiny sliver of hope in his heart. The little bit that wishes for Tyler to see what they could be if only he opened himself to the possibility.
"You make me believe something truly wonderful could be mine."
You would think after all the years spent by his best friends side that Tyler may have had an inkling of his true feelings hidden beneath the surface. You would be thinking wrong. However, it didn't take much more than a frank discussion with people he trusted for Tyler to get hit with his feelings like a jab to the solar plexus. I honestly think that due to his strict upbringing it just never entered Tyler's mind that his intense feelings for Owen could mean something more than friendship. But let me tell you that did not last long once he finally opened his eyes to everything he could be with his ride or die.
"Men in my family live well into their nineties, and I'm not spending a day on this Earth without you, so gear up for the long haul."
The two men did have some past struggles that needed to be dealt with before they could have their HEA, but never once did either of them believe that the other wasn't it for them. I loved how fiercely they both held onto their love for one another. Knowing they had their forever person in their corner helped immensely when their minds would try to convince them that happily ever afters didn't happen for people like them. And of course it also helped they had their ranch family to lean on for support if they ever needed it.
I've really enjoyed the Redemption Ridge series and am sad to hear that the next book is going to be the last. As excited as I am for Rueben to finally bag his hunky sheriff, I can't help but wonder about Keegan. After everything he's been through, that sweetheart deserves an HEA of his own.
March 24, 2024
Ever since starting on this series I've been wanting to read Owen and Tyler's story.
It's a story about two people who start out as friends and as their feelings grow, their love also deepens. Owen and Tyler met in jail, and from the first moment Owen has felt a kinship with Tyler. He was always making sure he was safe, had his back and developped feelings that went beyond friendship. When he had the chance to go to the ranch, he was over the moon when Tyler decided to join him.
Both feel super happy in their friendship and although Owen would like it to be more, he keeps his feelings to himself, thinking Tyler is straight. But when Keegan, a young man who's suffered by the cult where he lived, arrives at the ranch, things change. Suddenly Tyler sees how Keegan klings to Owen, how he has to share his friend. And it opens his eyes. He confides in other members of the ranch and finds out that everybody seems to already know what he just found out: that his feelings for Owen run a lot deeper than he thought.
With the help of their friends and a chance at a party both men open up and start a journey to find their happy ending.
I loved that there was no drama between the MC's, they were open in everything, if there was a problem they talked about their fears, their sorrows and tried to find a solution. It was great to see how both men helped each other overcome their past and settle into a loving relationship.
I'll be sad to see an end coming to this series. There's only one book left and I'm already anxiously awaiting for it to come.
*I kindly received a copy of this book by Gay Romance Review and this is my honest opinion.*
It's a story about two people who start out as friends and as their feelings grow, their love also deepens. Owen and Tyler met in jail, and from the first moment Owen has felt a kinship with Tyler. He was always making sure he was safe, had his back and developped feelings that went beyond friendship. When he had the chance to go to the ranch, he was over the moon when Tyler decided to join him.
Both feel super happy in their friendship and although Owen would like it to be more, he keeps his feelings to himself, thinking Tyler is straight. But when Keegan, a young man who's suffered by the cult where he lived, arrives at the ranch, things change. Suddenly Tyler sees how Keegan klings to Owen, how he has to share his friend. And it opens his eyes. He confides in other members of the ranch and finds out that everybody seems to already know what he just found out: that his feelings for Owen run a lot deeper than he thought.
With the help of their friends and a chance at a party both men open up and start a journey to find their happy ending.
I loved that there was no drama between the MC's, they were open in everything, if there was a problem they talked about their fears, their sorrows and tried to find a solution. It was great to see how both men helped each other overcome their past and settle into a loving relationship.
I'll be sad to see an end coming to this series. There's only one book left and I'm already anxiously awaiting for it to come.
*I kindly received a copy of this book by Gay Romance Review and this is my honest opinion.*
September 23, 2024
3.5⭐️
Now this rating might be my own fault for starting a series in the middle but I love a friends to lovers trope so I said fuck it. Even though this gave me plenty of backstory on the couple I wonder if I would have gotten a better hold on their friendship during the other books (even if they were just random background characters.) I feel like their friendship and connection was mostly exposition and I didn’t get to actually see any relationship building since they have been friends for 6 years and just jumped right in to being lovers during the second chapter. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the book. It was mostly about sexual acceptance and coming out but the emotional connection I was craving wasn’t their but only explained since they have had this relationship a long time and we got no flashbacks or friendship moments beforehand. But either way it was a fast pace sexy time for Owen and Tyler.
Now this rating might be my own fault for starting a series in the middle but I love a friends to lovers trope so I said fuck it. Even though this gave me plenty of backstory on the couple I wonder if I would have gotten a better hold on their friendship during the other books (even if they were just random background characters.) I feel like their friendship and connection was mostly exposition and I didn’t get to actually see any relationship building since they have been friends for 6 years and just jumped right in to being lovers during the second chapter. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the book. It was mostly about sexual acceptance and coming out but the emotional connection I was craving wasn’t their but only explained since they have had this relationship a long time and we got no flashbacks or friendship moments beforehand. But either way it was a fast pace sexy time for Owen and Tyler.
June 14, 2024
3 ok stars!! I was a little bored by the low angst plot.. I felt that it was too sweet and simplistic. But did love the chemistry between the 2 MCs.
March 30, 2024
Tyler and Owen ❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Finally!!! This story was so touching, it is best friends to lovers done right. I have adored these two characters since the beginning of this series and they don't disappoint. After loving each other for so long their relationship turns to romantic love after Tyler feels threatened that he may be losing Owen and what that really means to him. It's like the lightbulb finally goes off and everything falls into place for these two as Owen confesses he's loved Tyler since the beginning ❤️. SWOON!!! The love these two feel for each other translates easily into the chemistry between the two 🔥. It's written beautifully with a touch of hurt/comfort and the bond of love and friendship that makes this couple truly shine bright. As always with this series the found family is ever present giving you the warm and fuzzy vibes through the fantastic characters we already have gotten to know. This story was everything and I can't wait for the next book, I will be sad to see this series go. I absolutely recommend this read.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Finally!!! This story was so touching, it is best friends to lovers done right. I have adored these two characters since the beginning of this series and they don't disappoint. After loving each other for so long their relationship turns to romantic love after Tyler feels threatened that he may be losing Owen and what that really means to him. It's like the lightbulb finally goes off and everything falls into place for these two as Owen confesses he's loved Tyler since the beginning ❤️. SWOON!!! The love these two feel for each other translates easily into the chemistry between the two 🔥. It's written beautifully with a touch of hurt/comfort and the bond of love and friendship that makes this couple truly shine bright. As always with this series the found family is ever present giving you the warm and fuzzy vibes through the fantastic characters we already have gotten to know. This story was everything and I can't wait for the next book, I will be sad to see this series go. I absolutely recommend this read.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Shelved as 'dnf'
April 23, 2024I hate that this isn’t working for me, but it’s� not 🫤 and I’m not really sure why. Other than maybe I’m just feeling like we kinda got thrown in the deep end with these two. It feels like I’m supposed to know and understand this deep history and love between them by the 3rd page but I don’t do great with tell-don’t-show�.
So.
No rating. Gonna dump it and move on I guess. Bummer.
So.
No rating. Gonna dump it and move on I guess. Bummer.
June 22, 2024
This friends-to-lovers story begins after a six-year slow burn. Owen and Tyler met in prison. They became best friends immediately and Owen made it his business to watch over Tyler while there. When they were released two weeks apart, they decided to follow the same path together and work at Redemption Ranch. From there, their friendship deepened with Owen keeping a secret that he didn't just love Tyler, but that he was in love, too.
Tyler probably could have gone through life in the friend zone, unaware of his own feelings, but Owen was spending more and more time with another co-worker. What was that burning feeling in his chest when he saw Owen dancing with the other man? What were these strong emotions hitting him like an avalanche? Fortunately, a few friends were there to make him aware of what he had denied for so long.
This low-angst book is the story of their journey of discovery and healing. This entire series has been enjoyable and this one brings back some of the favorite MCs from other books (plus a ranch wedding for another couple). This story is feel-good with a beautiful HEA.
Tyler probably could have gone through life in the friend zone, unaware of his own feelings, but Owen was spending more and more time with another co-worker. What was that burning feeling in his chest when he saw Owen dancing with the other man? What were these strong emotions hitting him like an avalanche? Fortunately, a few friends were there to make him aware of what he had denied for so long.
This low-angst book is the story of their journey of discovery and healing. This entire series has been enjoyable and this one brings back some of the favorite MCs from other books (plus a ranch wedding for another couple). This story is feel-good with a beautiful HEA.
April 9, 2024
This being book four of the series was very correct, because it would have flopped to fuck if it was book 1 or 2. These boys were actively making out by like page 15, and they were in it to win it from that moment on. Legitimately all the possible tension that was the blurb for this book was resolved in the first chapter.
The reason this book works is because we got enough of their background dynamic through the other books, that when they were ready to jump in and say nah we're just gonna be insta-married (not actually but like...... actually), I was more than happy to go along with it.
The real meat of the book were these two men with complicated relationships with their past being willing to lean on their partner enough to support them in healing it. Both Owen and Tyler had huge problems with the ways their parents, even with the best of intentions, let them down in raising them. And they both get their resolution for those moments through introducing each other to their families, and letting that be the thing that opens the door again to hash out the past. I really liked the depiction of both families, because there was always love there, and it still doesn't shy away from the ways that despite that love, there were massive flaws in how they were raised that carried into their adulthood.
I'm really sad this series is ending, Guys Like Him came out like right when I started reading Kindle Unlimited romances and was one of the first I'd discovered on my own that I really connected with (not that books I was recommended are worse, don't come for me Becca), so I feel a special connection to these idiots in Colorado. But I'm so hype for Rueben to finally get his sheriff 😍😍😍
The reason this book works is because we got enough of their background dynamic through the other books, that when they were ready to jump in and say nah we're just gonna be insta-married (not actually but like...... actually), I was more than happy to go along with it.
The real meat of the book were these two men with complicated relationships with their past being willing to lean on their partner enough to support them in healing it. Both Owen and Tyler had huge problems with the ways their parents, even with the best of intentions, let them down in raising them. And they both get their resolution for those moments through introducing each other to their families, and letting that be the thing that opens the door again to hash out the past. I really liked the depiction of both families, because there was always love there, and it still doesn't shy away from the ways that despite that love, there were massive flaws in how they were raised that carried into their adulthood.
I'm really sad this series is ending, Guys Like Him came out like right when I started reading Kindle Unlimited romances and was one of the first I'd discovered on my own that I really connected with (not that books I was recommended are worse, don't come for me Becca), so I feel a special connection to these idiots in Colorado. But I'm so hype for Rueben to finally get his sheriff 😍😍😍
March 27, 2024
A review.
4.5 stars
This book, more than the others in the Redemption Ridge series, really needs to be read in order. While I suggest that this whole series works best when reading them all, in this case, much of Tyler and Owen’s development happens in the background of the first three books. As readers, we’ve seen them interact and what the other MCs have observed, and it sets the stage for this love story.
I’m a big fan of this series and I adore the found family that Walker has created with this world. There’s hurt and pain, and a lot of love and healing. This book is on the softer side, and really is a tale of two men who have finally reached a place in their lives where they can have it all. And with the solid love between them, they can work on healing the hurts of the past and moving forward.
Read Kris� review in its entirety .
4.5 stars
This book, more than the others in the Redemption Ridge series, really needs to be read in order. While I suggest that this whole series works best when reading them all, in this case, much of Tyler and Owen’s development happens in the background of the first three books. As readers, we’ve seen them interact and what the other MCs have observed, and it sets the stage for this love story.
I’m a big fan of this series and I adore the found family that Walker has created with this world. There’s hurt and pain, and a lot of love and healing. This book is on the softer side, and really is a tale of two men who have finally reached a place in their lives where they can have it all. And with the solid love between them, they can work on healing the hurts of the past and moving forward.
Read Kris� review in its entirety .
March 28, 2024
Should Have Been A Novella
This book was sickeningly sweet. Beyond that literally nothing happened. The couple gets together on like page 10 and from then on it’s like a holiday novella wannabe.
I had such high expectations for this book, if you’ve read the other books you know this couple has been hinted at in every book. Best friends, attached at the hip, met in jail, inseparable for years. There is so much that could have been addressed or written about, and yet there is zero backstory beyond a few fleeting mentions of their time in jail and years as friends.
I don’t understand this at all. The other books at least attempted to have interesting character development and plots but this one had almost nothing. Even the “drama� was a joke. And the spice was a total snooze fest! This book could have been a 90 page novella. Cross your fingers the next one has some substance to it.
Tropes: Best Friends to Lovers, Pining, Sexual Awakening, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️ 1/5
Spice: 🌶� 1/5
Relationship: MM
This book was sickeningly sweet. Beyond that literally nothing happened. The couple gets together on like page 10 and from then on it’s like a holiday novella wannabe.
I had such high expectations for this book, if you’ve read the other books you know this couple has been hinted at in every book. Best friends, attached at the hip, met in jail, inseparable for years. There is so much that could have been addressed or written about, and yet there is zero backstory beyond a few fleeting mentions of their time in jail and years as friends.
I don’t understand this at all. The other books at least attempted to have interesting character development and plots but this one had almost nothing. Even the “drama� was a joke. And the spice was a total snooze fest! This book could have been a 90 page novella. Cross your fingers the next one has some substance to it.
Tropes: Best Friends to Lovers, Pining, Sexual Awakening, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️ 1/5
Spice: 🌶� 1/5
Relationship: MM
January 6, 2025
4 stars for book and audio vocal.
🎧📚Audio narration by Lance West
This is book 4 of the redemption ridge series with Tyler and Owen’s friends to lovers romance.
A great start as theirs is a celebration for Cash’s birthday.
Tyler was looking at Owen and Keegan connection as they danced as jealousy flares (without him knowing)
Both Tyler and Owen had first met in a correctional centre years ago.
Owen, having a secret crush on his best friend for years, gets a surprise in a booth.
Tyler had much to learn about getting very personal with Owen which went both ways for them.
Hot and heavey sexy scenes happen, apparently there will be another celebration. There’s more background on Keegan that would've been covered in the previous novel. The reality emotions sink in for Tyler and Owen that the relationship wasn't a dream. I loved the hunter sincerious at the bar to educate Keegan.
This was a great story to listen to. Recommended to be read in order of books. An HEA ending with both POVs included.
🎧📚Audio narration by Lance West
This is book 4 of the redemption ridge series with Tyler and Owen’s friends to lovers romance.
A great start as theirs is a celebration for Cash’s birthday.
Tyler was looking at Owen and Keegan connection as they danced as jealousy flares (without him knowing)
Both Tyler and Owen had first met in a correctional centre years ago.
Owen, having a secret crush on his best friend for years, gets a surprise in a booth.
Tyler had much to learn about getting very personal with Owen which went both ways for them.
Hot and heavey sexy scenes happen, apparently there will be another celebration. There’s more background on Keegan that would've been covered in the previous novel. The reality emotions sink in for Tyler and Owen that the relationship wasn't a dream. I loved the hunter sincerious at the bar to educate Keegan.
This was a great story to listen to. Recommended to be read in order of books. An HEA ending with both POVs included.
March 31, 2024
A sweet, low-angst friends-to-lovers book that hits you right in the feels.
May 3, 2024
This was such a joy to read. I do have to say, though, that I spent the whole beginning of the book wondering what the 75-85% point conflict was going to be. Super looking forward to the next book, though I'm sad to know it'll be the final in the series.
June 30, 2024
Sweet cowboy romance
Another solid chapter in the Redemption Ridge series with a friends-to-lovers, bi awakening romance that would make a lovely Hallmark-style movie.
Another solid chapter in the Redemption Ridge series with a friends-to-lovers, bi awakening romance that would make a lovely Hallmark-style movie.
April 1, 2024
we love a friends to lovers romance!
I’m an absolute sucker for a friends to lovers romance, and this one was no exception. After 3 books of waiting, Tyler and Owen *finally* figured it out! I’m so glad Hope helped him figure it out, which was absolutely hilarious. It threw me off that there wasn’t a bigger overarching plot beyond their issues with their family, but their growth together and their resolutions with their families were so sweet.
I’m an absolute sucker for a friends to lovers romance, and this one was no exception. After 3 books of waiting, Tyler and Owen *finally* figured it out! I’m so glad Hope helped him figure it out, which was absolutely hilarious. It threw me off that there wasn’t a bigger overarching plot beyond their issues with their family, but their growth together and their resolutions with their families were so sweet.
May 15, 2024
Bestiesss
April 15, 2024
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, third person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: friends to lovers, found family, hurt / comfort
I'd been eagerly waiting for Owen and Tyler's story! Even as side characters, it was easy to see how they might become more than best friends - all that chemistry and closeness... So good!
Owen had been in love with Tyler for years, and had pretty much accepted that his feelings were unrequited. They might have been basically attached at the hip, but Tyler was totally oblivious to how his best friend felt about him. However, with a little jealousy, a few comments from their friends, and some photo boot shenanigans, it didn't take Tyler long to catch on to the fact that he might feel more than friendly towards Owen...
I loved seeing them explore together, once Tyler caught up to his feelings, he was all in and they were clearly a couple that were meant to be together. So much sweetness and swoon! It wasn't all smooth sailing though, as both Owen and Tyler had things from their past that they needed to work through.
I really enjoyed seeing Owen and Tyler together, they had a lot of chemistry and a great connection after being friends for years. I liked how Owen had been pining, and the glimpses that were shown from that, it was a little bittersweet but definitely added another layer to their story.
Friends Like Them was a great low angst, sweet and swoony friends to lovers! Owen and Tyler made me smile a lot, they were so cute together and the trust and support they had for each other was fantastic. I'm so fond of this found family at Redemption Ridge, and I love seeing these men overcome their pasts and finding happiness!
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Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, third person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Main tropes: friends to lovers, found family, hurt / comfort
I'd been eagerly waiting for Owen and Tyler's story! Even as side characters, it was easy to see how they might become more than best friends - all that chemistry and closeness... So good!
Owen had been in love with Tyler for years, and had pretty much accepted that his feelings were unrequited. They might have been basically attached at the hip, but Tyler was totally oblivious to how his best friend felt about him. However, with a little jealousy, a few comments from their friends, and some photo boot shenanigans, it didn't take Tyler long to catch on to the fact that he might feel more than friendly towards Owen...
I loved seeing them explore together, once Tyler caught up to his feelings, he was all in and they were clearly a couple that were meant to be together. So much sweetness and swoon! It wasn't all smooth sailing though, as both Owen and Tyler had things from their past that they needed to work through.
I really enjoyed seeing Owen and Tyler together, they had a lot of chemistry and a great connection after being friends for years. I liked how Owen had been pining, and the glimpses that were shown from that, it was a little bittersweet but definitely added another layer to their story.
Friends Like Them was a great low angst, sweet and swoony friends to lovers! Owen and Tyler made me smile a lot, they were so cute together and the trust and support they had for each other was fantastic. I'm so fond of this found family at Redemption Ridge, and I love seeing these men overcome their pasts and finding happiness!
-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 10, 2024
Maybe spoilers?
This was the book that brought my attention to the series. Friends to lovers is my favourite. So I was really disappointed when we didn’t get any of the friends part of the story. Owen and Tyler were very minor characters in the previous books so this was something I was really looking forward to. Nothing really major happened in terms of the overarching plot line that made the author insist we read these books in order. But not that I really cared cause I thought that plot line was super convoluted and over the top and unrealistic. Long story short, I had much higher hopes for this one. I’ll still be reading the last book when it’s released just because it’s the last one and these weren’t all terrible one star reads for me. So�
This was the book that brought my attention to the series. Friends to lovers is my favourite. So I was really disappointed when we didn’t get any of the friends part of the story. Owen and Tyler were very minor characters in the previous books so this was something I was really looking forward to. Nothing really major happened in terms of the overarching plot line that made the author insist we read these books in order. But not that I really cared cause I thought that plot line was super convoluted and over the top and unrealistic. Long story short, I had much higher hopes for this one. I’ll still be reading the last book when it’s released just because it’s the last one and these weren’t all terrible one star reads for me. So�
April 1, 2024
Loved It!! I was so waiting for this book and I couldn’t be happier when it finally came out, so worth the wait! So good, I loved Tyler and Owen. Best friends to lovers is my favourite read and Tyler and Owen were the perfect couple and meant to be. I’m looking forward to next book! I hope we get another wedding( hint hint) ;)
March 27, 2024
sweet story
I enjoyed the story.
But I found how they started off was too quick for Tyler especially when he just realized he was in love with Owen.
How Owen just went for it in the Photo Booth, but overall the story was good no angst.
I enjoyed the story.
But I found how they started off was too quick for Tyler especially when he just realized he was in love with Owen.
How Owen just went for it in the Photo Booth, but overall the story was good no angst.
April 14, 2024
What was this
This was incredibly boring, i had a hard time getting through it, I'm really disappointed because the other books were so good, I mean if you enjoy about half of the first of a book all about sex, enjoy.
This was incredibly boring, i had a hard time getting through it, I'm really disappointed because the other books were so good, I mean if you enjoy about half of the first of a book all about sex, enjoy.
April 17, 2024
I actually dnf’d a ANW book for the first time ever b/c this was so boooring. The third book was boring too, but I just didn’t have the patience to even skim through this one. I’m sure it was sweet and I know it had a HEA but I just couldn’t do it.
March 26, 2024
Tyler and owen's story was beautiful aswell as emotional I loved every word
every word had so many feels and chemistry
there was also intense moments at times
Owen and Tyler stole my heart
every word had so many feels and chemistry
there was also intense moments at times
Owen and Tyler stole my heart
April 10, 2024
Check out our full post for on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan � ☆☆☆☆�
FRIENDS LIKE THEM is the fourth book in the Redemption Ridge series. It can be read as a standalone, but you miss so much of the relationship if you don't see it in the previous books. I feel it's best in the order the author intended.
Tyler and Owen have been best friends for close to seven years. They've been in prison together (where they met), and now are living and working on Redemption Ridge. Owen has harbored feelings for Tyler for all that time, but Tyler is straight, or so he thinks. When Tyler sees Owen dancing with the newest addition to the ranch, Keegan, Tyler doesn't know what to think. He's losing his best friend and he's jealous but he's not sure why. Everyone on the ranch knows how Owen feels but Tyler and after a quick conversation with Hope, he realizes he may be seeing Owen in a different way. Then when an innocent moment in the picture booth turns into something more everything changes for both Tyler and Owen.
I loved watching Tyler's awakening to feelings he didn't quite understand but knew he wanted Owen in ways he couldn't imagine until now. Owen was so patient and kind with Tyler, letting him go at the pace he felt comfortable with. Their chemistry was volcanic and adorable.
I love this world Walker created and the found family the people on the ranch turn out to be. It's a special place I will have a hard time giving up with only one book left in the series.
Ruthie � ☆☆☆☆�
This is the fourth book in this incredibly good series and I believe really must be read in order. A little unexpectedly, this is my favourite so far, for many reasons, but mostly for the decorating the Christmas tree scene � which was perfection.
Owen and Tyler have been the jokers and the best of friends in every book, and yet Tyler has no idea that Owen loves him and would love nothing more than to be in a relationship with him... even when Tyler finds himself jealous over Owen’s mentee, and realises that he has romantic feelings for him, he does not understand that Owen also feels that way. It is lovely that the log jam in his brain clears and he gets to experience an even closer friendship and imagine an even better future with his BFF.
As he opens his eyes to that possibility, he also has to navigate the other relationships he has been holding at a distance, with some wonderfully unexpected outcomes.
Delicious from beginning to end � I read this in one sitting, because I had to know how it all worked out � enjoy!
Angie � ☆☆☆☆�
This is the fourth book in the series and I think you should definitely read the series in order. Not only is it a great series but we see Owen and Tyler through the entire series, so it gives some backstory to them.
I will say I was pretty shocked how fast this book moved. Not a bad shock by any means, just shocked. I've wanted Owen and Tyler to get together for several books and finally we have their story!! These two are so perfect for each other. This book melted my heart. The love, commitment, communication, and friendship these two have together is undeniable.
I love the entire ranch and all the couples. There is only one book left and I'm so sad, but happy I've been on this journey with them all.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
August 22, 2024
Friends Like Them is the fourth book in the Redemption Ridge series by Aimee Nicole Walker
*please note, reading this series in order is essential*
Tropes:
🤍 friends-to-lovers
🤍 bi-awakening
🤍 low angst
�
🤍 Our Review 🤍
Aimee certainly has a way of diving right into the juicy bits of a story! We’ve been anticipating Owen and Tyler’s story for a while now and so glad we finally got to read it. We loved these two men when we met them in the previous books of the series but their story made us fall in love with them even more! The way that they were so sweet, caring, and protective of one another really pulled at our heartstrings.
We loved that these two men found each other when they were both feeling lost and they forged the most beautiful friendship that turned into more. Their love was unconditional and they supported each other in everything.
Needless to say, we just love this world Aimee has created!!
�
🤍 About The Story 🤍
Unbeknownst to Tyler (bless him), Owen had been pining for him since the first day they met in jail six years ago. When they were released, they headed straight to Redemption Ridge to work. It was Tyler’s idea, and Owen followed right along. Owen had zero ranch experience. He just wanted to be around Tyler.
Six years later, Tyler realizes, with the help of a few friends, that he’s in love with his best friend. He’s scared that if he says something, it’ll ruin what he has with Owen but the thought of Owen with anyone else makes him sick.
After a revelation from Tyler and a steamy make out session in a Photo Booth at a party, the men decide it’s time to talk about what’s actually happening between them. Their friendship means everything to them but they want to take a chance on something they both know could be really special and everlasting.
Both men had unresolved pasts but they were determined to make amends with the help of one another and be together for always.
*please note, reading this series in order is essential*
Tropes:
🤍 friends-to-lovers
🤍 bi-awakening
🤍 low angst
�
🤍 Our Review 🤍
Aimee certainly has a way of diving right into the juicy bits of a story! We’ve been anticipating Owen and Tyler’s story for a while now and so glad we finally got to read it. We loved these two men when we met them in the previous books of the series but their story made us fall in love with them even more! The way that they were so sweet, caring, and protective of one another really pulled at our heartstrings.
We loved that these two men found each other when they were both feeling lost and they forged the most beautiful friendship that turned into more. Their love was unconditional and they supported each other in everything.
Needless to say, we just love this world Aimee has created!!
�
🤍 About The Story 🤍
Unbeknownst to Tyler (bless him), Owen had been pining for him since the first day they met in jail six years ago. When they were released, they headed straight to Redemption Ridge to work. It was Tyler’s idea, and Owen followed right along. Owen had zero ranch experience. He just wanted to be around Tyler.
Six years later, Tyler realizes, with the help of a few friends, that he’s in love with his best friend. He’s scared that if he says something, it’ll ruin what he has with Owen but the thought of Owen with anyone else makes him sick.
After a revelation from Tyler and a steamy make out session in a Photo Booth at a party, the men decide it’s time to talk about what’s actually happening between them. Their friendship means everything to them but they want to take a chance on something they both know could be really special and everlasting.
Both men had unresolved pasts but they were determined to make amends with the help of one another and be together for always.
April 1, 2024
Tyler and Owen's romance was a delightfully sweet best friends to lovers journey. Their story opened on the night that Tyler realized his close bond with Owen may be a lot less platonic than he had realized and sailed straight into a steamy bisexual awakening that left me gasping it was so hot. I'll admit that a part of me was expecting Tyler to struggle a lot more with his new feelings for Owen, but he jumped in with both feet and never looked back. I think this book may be the steamiest of all the Redemption Ridge stories so far, because my god these two could not keep their hands off each other for anything. In between the copious amounts of steamy explorations, I learned more about Tyler and Owen's backstories and their complicated emotions surrounding their families and hometowns. Each man had deep seeded fears and insecurities that prevented them from being as present in their family's lives as they wanted, and I could tell how much it weighed on both of them throughout their journey. Most of their character development revolved around them overcoming their fears and insecurities and re-establishing a relationship with their loved ones back home, and it was genuinely so heartwarming to see them reconnect and rebuild those bonds. Throughout it all, the love between Owen and Tyler never wavered--if anything their connection grew impossibly stronger and more sure as they faced their fears together with their heads held high. To say that Tyler and Owen embraced the new facets of their relationship feels like an understatement, and I was so thrilled by the sugary sweet way their story ended. I never once doubted these two would make it work, but it was such a joy to watch it all play out.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 13, 2025
With the resolution of the threats to Redemption Ranch, Friends Like Them focused more on the sweet friends to lovers story between Tyler and Owen. Throughout the series, these two have been inseparable and have been joined at the hip since before they left prison. What was obvious to everyone else but not them is that Owen and Tyler were in love with each other. Owen has been out since he was a teen, but Tyler was clueless about his bisexuality. Having grown up in a very conservative and religious household, he never dreamed of the possibility that he was in love with his best friend. When Owen starts helping out with a newcomer to the ranch and ends up spending less time with Tyler, his jealousy and brokenheartedness bring his feelings to the surface. And once his feelings become obvious, he decides to embrace the possibilities.
I adored the friendship these two men had and how sweet and strong their bond was. I loved the glimpses of their shared past we got as their love story flourished and the sweet support each man gave the other as they revealed their relationship to their respective families. I appreciated how Aimee committed their story to the sweetness of falling in love with your one person. Lance West returns to give a powerful performance filled with emotion and passion. Without any high stakes drama, he admirably leaned into the passion and heat of giving into your feelings and falling head over heels in love with the person you know best in the world. I really enjoyed this departure from the light suspense plot that has been carried through the rest of the series, but also am looking forward to Reuben and Keegan’s stories as the Salvation Anew founders receive justice for their crimes.
I adored the friendship these two men had and how sweet and strong their bond was. I loved the glimpses of their shared past we got as their love story flourished and the sweet support each man gave the other as they revealed their relationship to their respective families. I appreciated how Aimee committed their story to the sweetness of falling in love with your one person. Lance West returns to give a powerful performance filled with emotion and passion. Without any high stakes drama, he admirably leaned into the passion and heat of giving into your feelings and falling head over heels in love with the person you know best in the world. I really enjoyed this departure from the light suspense plot that has been carried through the rest of the series, but also am looking forward to Reuben and Keegan’s stories as the Salvation Anew founders receive justice for their crimes.
January 12, 2025
Owen Doyle’s rough beginnings taught him not to form attachments, yet he’s drawn to Tyler Booth like a magnet. Their relationship has blossomed from strangers to the best friends, with each twist in the journey weaving their connection tighter. But Owen has a six-year secret that’s become unbearably painful to keep. As the seams of his resistance fray, Owen will lean into a new mentoring opportunity to keep from ruining the best thing in his life. Tyler will never regret going to jail and getting sober because meeting Owen saved his life and taught him how to trust again. Their inseparable bond has earned much teasing over the years, but Tyler doesn’t recognize himself without Owen. When he senses a yawning chasm between them, he’ll turn to mutual friends for help. Their well-meaning advice opens Tyler’s eyes to unexplored possibilities and will snap missing puzzle pieces into place. Some hopes are too big to stifle, and some truths are too big to ignore. A photo booth, smoking-hot kisses, and honest revelations will take Owen and Tyler’s intimacy to a whole new level. But before they can achieve their happily ever after, they must unload the baggage from their pasts. Will the road to discovery guide them to the necessary healing, or are the guys destined for the highway to heartache?
This was a very sweet story of two best friends who loved each other from afar and how they came to realise the truth. I loved how they supported each other as they unloaded their past baggage and gained more insight into each other. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was an MM story with mature content.
This was a very sweet story of two best friends who loved each other from afar and how they came to realise the truth. I loved how they supported each other as they unloaded their past baggage and gained more insight into each other. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was an MM story with mature content.
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