15 Tempting Brother’s Best Friend Romance Books

Last Updated on November 12, 2023 by Louisa

If you’re looking for a forbidden romance story that’s all about crossing the unspoken line, then you might want to consider a brother’s best friend romance book.

Modern-day romances take an exciting and gratifying turn when they feature the main character falling for someone they shouldn’t.

What I love about this trope is that although the romantic situation is the same, the storylines can be so diverse. If you’re thinking they all end with a brother’s blessing, think again.

And of course, the idea of crossing that line. Tempting.

If you enjoy stories about a romance that seems wrong but feels right, you might want to keep reading my list of the best brother’s best friend romance books that will have you swooning!

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What To Expect From Brother’s Best Friend Romance Books?

Brother’s best friend romance books are all about forbidden love. Usually, these stories revolve around a protagonist who is in love with their brother’s best friend and may have been for some time.

However, due to societal norms and the fear of breaking friendships between brother and friend, they usually restrain their feelings.

These books tend to be filled with emotional intensity, with a focus on the complexities of relationships and the power of love.

You can expect to find budding romances, steamy encounters, and heart-wrenching conflicts.

With themes of loyalty, trust, and the fear of rejection, these books take readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotion.

Best Brother’s Best Friend Romance Books

Are you looking for books that fall under the brother’s best friend trope? Then you won’t find anything more enticing than these following forbidden romance novels! 

1. Twisted Love – Ana Huang

Twisted Love by Ana Huang is an exciting brother’s friend romance about a man protecting a woman.

It has themes of opposites attracting, and if you enjoy suspenseful bodyguard romance novels that don’t follow the rules of a traditional romance, this is an excellent pick for you.

This story is about the unexpected connection between Alex and his best friend’s sister Ava.

While haunted by her past, Ava still finds a way to see the light in the world. She’s even able to see a softer side of her brother’s devious best friend. 

When Alex finds himself taking care of Ava when his best friend Josh travels abroad.

While keeping an eye on her, he feels something he’s never felt. However, a secret from their past comes forwards, threatening to ruin both of their lives.

2. The Crush – Penelope Ward

The Crush by Penelope Ward is a brother’s friend romance about a woman who falls for a guy from the wrong side of the tracks. After all, romances that are wrong always feel so right to read.

Farrah has had a crush on Jace (her brother’s best friend) since she was a kid. Jace is a playboy who’s broken many hearts along the way. Nathan refuses to let Farrah be one of them.

Many years later, Farrah moves into an apartment with Nathan and Jace. She’s not a little girl anymore and Jace can’t deny his attraction to her.

But, if Nathan’s always been protective of her and would kill Jace if he found out.

The story is filled with heart-wrenching conflicts and emotional moments but ultimately leaves readers feeling satisfied and emotionally fulfilled. 

3. Never Date Your Brother’s Best Friend – Jules Barnard

One of the best brother’s best friend romance books I’ve read for its believable character dynamics was Never Date Your Brother’s Best Friend by Jules Barnard, which is a short and sweet book with a happily ever after.

Cali thought she was playing matchmaker. Her best friend is single and she heard through the grapevine that her brother’s friend Jaeger was single too.

This seemed like the perfect match until Cali saw Jaegar in person.

It had been a long time since she had seen Jaeger, and he had grown up a lot. There’s something irresistible about him, but Cali knows she shouldn’t cross that line.

After all, she has a boyfriend and is starting law school in a few months. Jaeger shouldn’t even be on her mind. Yet, she can’t get him out of her head.

The author does an excellent job of creating realistic characters and settings, making this story a true page-turner.

4. The Marriage Mistake – Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Mistake by Jennifer Probst is a topsy turvy brother’s friend romance story that will have readers hooked until the very end.

Carina Conte comes from a traditional Italian family. She’s always been considered the ugly duckling among her beautiful siblings.

That’s why she figured her brother’s best friend (and her crush) Max didn’t know she existed.

Once Carina earned her MBA, she began working for a baking empire, of which Max is the CEO.

It turns out he’s noticed her too. The two give in to temptation with the expectations of having a one-night stand only.

However, Mrs. Conte busts them, and now they’re forced to take the traditional marriage route. 

Max isn’t happy about this situation, but he has a lot to learn ahead of him.

If you enjoy CEO romance books with power dynamics and chemistry between two characters that are sizzling from the beginning. This book makes for some truly steamy encounters.

5. Playing For Keeps – Kendall Ryan

Playing For Keeps by Kendall Ryan is a steamy brother’s friend romance with a hockey player MC that I would love to make my new book boyfriend. 

Justin has always been close with his hockey teammates. He treated them like family, which meant their sisters were off-limits.

Keeping away from his teammates’ sisters was never a problem until he met Elise.

Flirting with Elise eventually turns into a night of passion. While she’s quick to leave, Justin can’t get her out of his head.

He knows that it won’t be easy, but Justin is determined to take his shot and convince Elise that he’s the one.

This hockey romance book captures the intense emotions of first love, and the power of risk-taking and stepping out of your comfort zone.

6. Next In Line – Amy Daws

Next In Line by Amy Daws is one of the best brother’s friend romance books if you want to read something steamy.

Maggie met a hot stranger at the ice fishing shack. It was obvious that she and Sam had chemistry from the moment they met.

She didn’t think anything of it when she gave in and made out with him. After all, he was a stranger she never planned on seeing again.

However, it turns out that Sam is closer to her than she realized. He’s a good friend of her brother Miles.

To make it worse, Maggie plans to be with someone else. Yet, she can’t deny her chemistry with Sam.

Readers who enjoy the thrill of taking risks and the power of young love will definitely want to add this book to their TBR list. If you own Kindle Unlimited, you’ll be pleased to know this romance book is on Kindle Unlimited.

7. Falling For My Brother’s Best Friend – Piper Rayne

Falling For My Brother’s Best Friend by Piper Rayne will melt readers’ hearts. This book had me rooting for both characters to have a happy ending.

Savannah has always put her work first. She’s an independent woman in charge of her family’s company.

All around, Savannah is a strong woman. Yet, there’s one thing that makes her weak, her younger brother’s friend Liam.

She can think of a long list of reasons why Liam is wrong for her. That’s why she tries so hard not to catch feelings. But, some things are worth taking a risk for.

The book is a perfect escape from reality, taking readers on a journey full of romance, passion, and intense desire.

8. Bad For You – Charity Ferrell

Bad For You by Charity Ferrell is a sensual brother’s friend romance where the girl next door falls for the bad boy.

Nautica knows all about her brother’s best friend Bracken. He’s a playboy who’s been with more than his fair share of women.

He never settles down or commits to anyone. Bracken is trouble and Nautica thought she knew better.

One drunken night of fun completely changes Nautica’s opinion of Bracken. Now, the two can’t keep their hands off of each other. Could the wrong guy actually be right for Nautica?

The characters are well-developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for the couple’s happy ending.

9. Beautiful Player – Christina Lauren

One of the best brother’s friend romance books on my recommendation list for those who love a spicey book, is Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren. Readers won’t be able to put this steamy book down.

Hanna is a grad school student who has no social life. Her brother’s concerned that all she does is work and doesn’t give herself a break. He tries to encourage her to make some friends and start dating. 

However, Hanna’s lack of experience leads her to Will, her brother’s best friend. Will is a playboy who accepts Hanna’s offer to turn her into a sexy siren.

However, Will and Hanna have more chemistry than they ever realized. This is a swoon-worthy college romance novel with a brother’s best friend romance twist.

The romance is both passionate and forbidden, creating a thrilling and evocative love story.

10. Until Fountain Bridge – Samantha Young

Until Fountain Bridge by Samantha Young is a complicated brother’s friend romance that also had me rooting for both characters and their blossoming romance.

Adam has always been loyal to his best friend Braden. He’s known that Braden’s younger sister Ellie has had a crush on him since she was a kid.

Adam never saw her as anything but a kid, until she turned 18. 

Even as an adult, he can’t deny his attraction to her. But it’s one line he doesn’t want to cross because if the romance doesn’t work out, it would make things uncomfortable with Braden.

However, one night Ellie and Adam’s attraction is tested and there’s no going back afterward. 

The book’s emotional intensity is sure to leave readers breathless. The characters are well-developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for the couple’s happy ending.

11. Ugly Love – Colleen Hoover

Some of the best love stories start with hate. For an exciting romance read with hints of enemies to lovers themes, I suggest picking up a copy of Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover.

When Tate meets her brother’s friend Miles, there is no love at first site. They really don’t like each other’s personalities. Yet, they somehow find themselves attracted to one another. 

Knowing the attraction is mutual, they decide to put an offer out there. They could fool around without any romantic strings attached.

However, it’s harder than expected to follow the rules of their agreement. When rules are involved, love can become ugly.

With its steamy and erotic scenes, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves romance with a bit of spice. If you’ve already read Ugly Love, here are some great similar books.

12. My Brother’s Billionaire Best Friend – Max Monroe

My Brother’s Billionaire Best Friend by Max Monroe is a quirky story that’s a lot of fun to read.

Mabel Willis has always kept to herself. She works at her parent’s flower shop, has a Kindle with more books than the local library, and is still a virgin. 

One day at work, her brother’s friend Milo enters to place an order. She’s had a crush on him since she was 11. Yet, he doesn’t seem to remember her at all. Mabel decides to take a risk and texts Milo.

Could this be the most embarrassing moment of her life? Or will she finally open the door to letting passion into her life?

The author’s writing style is vivid and evocative, making the story come alive in readers’ minds. This is one for those who love billionaire romance books!

13. Come To Me Quietly – A.L. Jackson

Come To Me Quietly by A.L. Jackson is a passionate, slow burn romance book with a brother’s best friend theme that I highly recommend to readers who want a book to restore their faith in love.

Jared is tormented when it comes to love. He believes he doesn’t deserve to feel it, and he will destroy anyone who loves him.

Something brings Jared back to his childhood hometown, where his best friend Christopher offers him a place to stay.

Avoiding love turns out to be harder than Jared can imagine. When he sees Christopher’s younger sister Aleena, she’s a lot more grown-up than he remembers.

She’s beautiful, determined, and everything Jared has ever desired. But he doesn’t want to get close because he knows he’ll destroy her.

The author does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of relationships and the fear of rejection.

14. Off Limits – Jerica MacMillan

Off Limits by Jerica MacMillan tests the limits of loyalty when temptation is on the line in this sizzling football romance book. 

Simon lives with his best friend Cal. They’ve always had each other’s back, on and off the football field. When it comes to brocade, sisters are always off-limits. 

One night when Cal is away, his younger sister Ellie comes knocking on their door. She needs a place to stay after a fight with her roommate. This is when Simon realizes there’s more to Ellie than meets the eye. 

While he can’t deny his feelings towards Ellie, he also doesn’t want to put his loyalty to Cal at risk. However, some romances only come around once in a lifetime.

This book is a perfect example of brother’s best friend romance done right, with a gripping plot and well-developed characters.

15. Reason To Believe – Rebecca Yarros

One of the best brother’s friend romance books that will have you falling in love with the characters is Reason To Believe by Rebecca Yarros. 

The story follows Harper who just agreed to take in an emergency foster situation with two kids.

However, her place has flood damage and isn’t suitable for kids (or herself) at the moment. Her brother’s best friend Knox is out of town and not supposed to be back for a month, so he offers his place to Harper.

This couldn’t be more perfect. Except, there’s one problem. Knox comes home early and he’s just as sexy as she remembered.

When a problem arises from social services, Knox agrees to start a fake relationship with Harper so they can keep the kids out of the foster system. 

With its themes of love, loyalty, and risk-taking, this brother’s best friend romance book is a must-read for anyone looking for an emotionally powerful read.

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Final Word on Best Brother’s Best Friend Romance Books

So there you have it, those are my favorite brother’s best friend romances and as you can see, there are a lot of diverse titles on my list.

Whether you’re looking for a story full of tension and forbidden desires, with a focus on taking risks and following your heart, or something tender and sweet, there’s something for everyone on this list.

If you’ve read a good brother’s best friend romance book that isn’t featured on my list, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.