When the friend you have a crush on gets dumped, you step up to help. Even if that means pretending to date her to make her ex jealous enough to come back.

Bo’s best friend is suddenly single. He’s happy about that – her ex-boyfriend was a jerk. And now that she’s gotten rid of that dead weight, maybe he’ll have a chance. He’s had feelings for her too long to say.

Gabrielle is broken-hearted. She thought the guy who just walked away from their three-year relationship was the one she’d marry. As embarrassing as it was, she’d take him back right this minute if he walked in the door and wanted to try again.

When Bo sees how down Gabby is, he suggests that they become a fake couple. Maybe her ex will realize what he’s lost and come back. But Bo secretly hopes Gabby will realize that they’re better together than she ever was with her ex.

As their fake relationship unfolds, Bo loves her more. And just when it looks like Gabby may be falling for him, too, their plan works, and her ex decides he wants her back.

Bo never expected his plan to work so well or that success would break his heart.

Titles in the Sagebrush Ranch series include — When You’re Friends —♥— When You’re Waiting —♥—

This adult romance does not contain graphic violence, swearing, or sexual situations beyond kisses.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  When You’re Friends
Series:  Sagebrush Ranch #1
Author:  April Murdock
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  August 15, 2023
Publisher:
My Rating:  4.5

When You’re Friends begins the Sagebrush Ranch series with a romance that will touch your heart and, perhaps, have you wanting to have a stern conversation with some people along the way.  I love starting a new series, and this one starts off with a winner.

Bo and Gabby have known each other forever, it seems, and have been true friends for almost as long.  While Bo has had serious feelings for Gabby beyond a crush for some time now, Gabby has always seen him as her bestie.  Now, the man she’s invested three years of her life (and expected to marry someday) has dumped her.  Life is about to get interesting and, perhaps, eye-opening for these best friends when Bo offers to pretend to be her new boyfriend in order to make the ex realize his mistake in letting Gabby go.  Sure, his heart is at risk, but he’d do anything for Gabby.

I loved watching this couple begin to really see each other beyond friendship.  Oh, it’s not going to be easy by any means. Gabby is still holding onto fears and doubts, but somewhere between pretend and a returning ex, she begins to see another possibility.  There were moments when I really wanted to sit these two down for a seriously stern conversation or at least shake some sense into them.  Best friends make the greatest life partners, but that’s a lesson Bo and Gabby had to learn through some rough moments.

Loved the Turner family so much, and I’m definitely waiting to learn more about them, their ranch, and the romances to come.  If you love a romance that offers some complications, a stubborn couple, and discovering love has been right in front of you for years, then you’ll enjoy this story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available for the Kindle as this title is currently in KU