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More than Best Friends #.5

More Than His Best Friend

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Fans of small Midwestern towns, best-friend romances, and country music will fall in love for the first time all over again.

If love is the meaning of life: small town, country girl Regan wants nothing to do with it.

Instead, she would rather take advanced placement classes and stick to the rules her group of high school friends live by, the most important of which being, “no dating within the group."

But when Regan’s best friend Lane kisses her, she finds herself torn between angsty passion and her big dreams of leaving her small town behind.

Sweet, country boy Lane, on the other hand, has been trying to break out of the best friend zone all summer.

But with time running out before he leaves for college, he’ll have to navigate the ensuing drama from friends and family if there’s any hope of convincing Regan to forego her rules and give the two of them the chance he knows they deserve.

More Than His Best Friend is the first book in a passionate and heartwarming young adult romance saga about first loves, close friends, small towns, and big dreams. Fans of friends-to-lovers romances will swoon for Regan and Lane to get together, but just like in real life: happiness can be elusive if you aren’t willing to take a risk.

5 Friends. 3 Rules. 1 kiss that changes everything.


Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2022

About the author

Sally Henson

16 books90 followers
Sally Henson is the author of YA/Teen Romance and the Regan Stone Series. She grew up in rural Midwest wandering through the woods and creeks. That experience has been a tremendous influence on her writing, which lends credibility to the voice of her characters. She combines ingredients of reality with a dreamer’s imagination to create sweet and delectable fiction. You can find Sally working and writing in the Heartland with her husband and two children.

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5 stars
91 (32%)
4 stars
85 (30%)
3 stars
74 (26%)
2 stars
23 (8%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 7, 2019
Ok

****There's just a few spoilers***

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...

I was going through book two and three and found out her parents done found out about them in book three by rumors come on now. I was going to see if I can make the pain go away by reading book two and three, but I don’t think I’ll make it because if book one feels like a freaking drag no way I’m a sit through another 60+ chapters I bet that book two and three have. Just for Reagan to be whiny every chapter I wish Stacey take pictures as she did with Cameron and Reagan just so my headache would be gone with this chick. Like gah; I hate books like this when the author drags the story on forever especially with so many unnecessary chapters ugh could’ve stopped at 20 something then made the rest into the next two books.

But the thing is this book is good omg! But I cannot take it. I just wanted Lane to stop giving in to her for once, like sheesh like hiding the crap from people.... but get mad when they spread rumors, I’m like if she doesn’t give them something to talk about. Like half the guys and her friends know that Lane liked her and their friend Tobi and both their mom sees it too. But nooooo stupid little sixteen years Reagan want to drag it, I’m like lordt Lane is eighteen he should’ve told Reagan I’ll wait for you once you turn eighteen because lord this girl whine throughout the rest of the book once Lane told her how he felt and when he kissed her. I wanted Lane to tell her father when he was talking about Paul wanting to take her out, but no she didn’t want to tell her father... I’m not going to waste my brain cells on the next books at all though I want to know what happens next if I do decide on reading them I pray it’s less than 40 chapters,..... I’m not going to lie the last few chapters I was scheming through them. Plus there's the 4th book about their friend Cameron I more than likely will read that one, curious since he had a thing for whiny Reagan too.
Profile Image for Angelina Singer.
Author 6 books31 followers
December 30, 2018
Super sweet teenage love story, I did enjoy it although it could use some more editing. The swoon-worthy moments are well-written and articulate without it being too cheesy, which I'd say is an impressive feat, even if the protagonist suffers from some frustrating circular thinking and anxiety over it all.
Profile Image for Brandi Collins.
Author 5 books23 followers
November 15, 2018
This rewrite of "Summer's End" was more in-depth than the first story, bringing my rating from 4 stars to 5. I loved the characters of Regan and her best friend, Lane. Getting to read his POV in the rewrite helped the story grab deeper at my heartstrings. This was a delightfully quick and clean YA read by a wonderful author. I highly recommend to fans of YA romance.
Profile Image for Maya Monroe.
502 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2018
When I started reading his book I thought it was crazy how Regan had a rule of not dating to not end up like her cousin. I understand what happened to her cousin but it just seems a little too much. I loved seeing Regan accept that she had feelings for her best friend. Lane is a total gentleman and I love his character! He planted the seed of doubt that Regan needed! The cliffhanger at the end has me wanting more!! What will happen between Regan and Lane now that Regan has finally accepted that she likes Lane!
Profile Image for Lindsy.
645 reviews13 followers
December 13, 2018
I gave this book 4 stars but part of me wants to give it more like a 3.5. I liked this book but I was a little bored at times also. The characters are great and the chemistry between everyone worked with the story. My problem was I was getting a little bored and then I was getting frustrated with some of the characters. I did not like Stacey at all but what high school story doesn't involve a mean girl?
This whole book is pretty much just about a girl who has a tight group of friends but they have rules about dating in the group. The main girl, Regan, has her own rules on dating and relationships. Her cousin got pregnant and screwed over by her boyfriend so she lost her chance at college and her future. Now Regan is worried that's going to happen to her so she doesn't even date. This whole book though is about Lane chasing after Regan because he finally wants to tell her how he feels even though he's leaving for college in a month and Regan still has two years of high school because she's only 16. I thought it was interesting that the roles were reversed and an 18 year old is actually wanting to date and stay with his 16 year old best friend before he goes off to college. This book has a really slow burn romance so I feel like Regan was freaking out too much about nothing considering they barely even kiss. I thought the friendships were great though and more people probably wish they had friends like Tobi, Haylee, Cameron and Lane while they were in high school.
I didn't really like the fact that Regan's dad seemed to all of a sudden not support Regan in her choice of a career and she's telling everyone that her parents support her decisions and everything but then later her dad pretty much tells her she should find a better career choice and one that is hiring more or more reliable. Also I get you should look at colleges and try to decide what you want to do kind of early but she still has two years of high school to get through before she really needs to make a decision. I felt like it was only a big deal because Lane was going off to college so she needed to know what she was going to do right away.
I did read this book fast and enjoyed some of it. I am looking forward to the second one considering the first one ended on a cliffhanger. Like a big one so that kinda disappointed me also. Hopefully things work out in the end.
Profile Image for Loyalhistorian.
599 reviews7 followers
April 9, 2019
It was alright...only 3 stars at the most. The main female character, Regan, drove me crazy. I didn't care for her. I get that your cousin threw caution to the wind and wound up pregnant. That doesn't mean that you will. Good grief, she acts like looking at each other in the right (or wrong) way will impregnate her or something. The cousin's story doesn't mean a relationship is going to completely derail your plan for your life. If you're a strong enough person, and driven enough, you'll do what you set out to do. I liked certain aspects of what the book was trying to get across.
I agree there's nothing wrong with being abstinent until marriage...I did it that way. But this character drove me nuts. There wasn't much to this book, really. So much of it felt like it went around in circles: he's my friend, I can't like him; oh my gosh, he's so hot; if I date him, I'll never get out of this town; if I date him, I won't be able to control myself and I'll get pregnant and never do anything with my life; no one is going to keep me from my dreams; I'm super private and don't want anyone to know about us even though I don't agree that we're dating. Over and over on repeat. Ugh. I liked the main male character, Lane, a lot better. He was a lot more sensible and mature. I think Regan's character came off as much more immature maybe because of how logical Lane was in comparison. Of course, compared to Regan, most anyone seems more mature and logical. Be forewarned, this book ends on a cliffhanger. I was not happy about that. It irritates me when books leave on a cliffhanger. I don't like feeling as though the author is forcing me into the next book. The book's writing and story should be sufficent enough to warrant me wanting to continue with your series, not out of blackmail or obligation. It's a little different when a book later in a series leaves off on a cliffhanger because you're already committed to that story. It's okay at that point...it's like y'all are old friends by then so they get a pass. With this book though? Honestly, I'm not sure if I'll even bother with the second addition. At this point, I'm pretty sure I'm not reading the rest of the series. A random whim would have to strike me before I would.
41 reviews
December 17, 2018
What would you do if your best friend suddenly said he had romantic feelings for you only weeks before he's about to head off to college? That's what sixteen-year-old Regan Stone faces when her friend, eighteen-year-old Lane Cary, drops the news.

More Than His Best Friend follows Regan as she struggles to come to terms with what dating her best friend would be like. She's never had a boyfriend before and her only insight into the dating world is from her cousin Susanna, who had an awful breakup and encourages Regan to swear off boys until marriage. But having the pending deadline of Lane leaving for college soon forces the indecisive Regan to make up her mind quickly, which teaches her to stand up for what she believes in and follow her own path.

The most interesting character in my opinion is Regan's friend Tobi Bridlow, a country girl who faces challenges head-on and isn't afraid of being in a relationship. She's the opposite of Regan, who worries about everything, and she helps Regan move past her fears throughout the story. I would love to see a Tobi book one day.

While I was reading, I had some guesses about how the story might end, but I was surprised to see it actually finishes in a mid-scene cliffhanger. If you're invested in Regan and Lane's relationship, you'll be racing to read the next book!
Profile Image for Anissa.
270 reviews
February 13, 2019
I won this book and am glad I did. I have to say I am 50 years old and read a lot. A lot about 3 books a week. Most are historical, regency romance some paranormal too. This book is very sweet and perfect for a young adult even pre-teen. The characters are genuine it brought back a feeling of HS pre college time for me.
Regan is a 16 year old who has a great group of honest friends. She is a Christian and wants to leave her town and live on the Gulf coast! Her dreams consist of going away to college and becoming a Marine Scientist. Her parents have other ideas.. The summer has been great and she doesn't want it to end. Her best friend Lane is leaving for college and she is going to miss him. Lane has developed feelings for Regan and want her to know they can still be best friends and be girlfriend/boyfriend. Can they? Regan is not so sure...compound that with everything else going on and you have quite the storm brewing. Regan has to figure out what she is going to do, she wants Lane but if she chooses him will she have to give up her other dream? This book end with a cliffhanger and the book series seems to be a continuation of Regan's life. Stay tuned for book 2!
Profile Image for Cathy.
629 reviews11 followers
April 1, 2021
This was a really sweet wholesome book and a great start to a series. It takes place in a small town with main characters who either can't wait to get out of there, are starting their journey out of there or are either going to be stuck staying there. The story is very chaste and innocent which is great because sometimes you just need a break from all the hot and heavy.

I really enjoyed Regan and Lane's friendship and their budding romance. They seem like some great kids with a great head on their shoulders. Regan is very much into her rules of no dating and focusing on getting out of this gossipy town but then realizes Lane may be okay to take a chance on.

It's great to watch their soft exploration into more than just friends, and see the realizations of new feelings and how to deal with them. Just brings a smile to my face the innocence in this book. I can't wait to see what happens next because that ending was a jaw dropping oh no what happens next kind of reaction.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,355 reviews40 followers
December 18, 2018
My favorite characters of the book were Lane and Tobi. They are the main reason I liked the book. Story line was good but I did not like Regan at all. She was so rigid in all her thinking except when it came to her college education. Her feelings regarding boyfriend/girlfriend relationships were based on one incident that happened to her cousin. Are you telling me no one else in the whole town had a good relationship for her to see? Did she really think that it would automatically lead to pregnancy? That her only relationship experience will come from getting ready to be married. This and her father's treatment of her is why the book was a 3 star. Her one comment of "Dad can't tell me what to do anymore if I'm married, though". OMG. I actually ground my teeth. The scenes describing what they group do during summer break were great. I loved those. I just couldn't get past Regan.
Profile Image for NaDell.
1,179 reviews13 followers
May 19, 2020
The 5G's who are five teenagers who have been buddies for years with special rules to keep their group together are in the last summer together before the first one of them heads off to college. One of the rules is that they can't date within the group, but a few of them are starting to change their minds about keeping those rules...
It was hard to keep track of the timeline in this book. Sometimes it felt like they had months and other times, days stretched into so many chapters I wasn't sure how far from the final day together would be. When school started in the fall, I was surprised because it felt like weeks had been skipped, but then they hadn't (based on conversations). There were also several spelling errors.
It was a nice book, but not my favorite. I just didn't LOVE the characters.
Profile Image for Siobhan Yilmaz.
148 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2019
This is a sweet story about a group of friends just as their lives are changing. The main focus is on Regan and her relationship with best friend Lane. Do they feel more than friendship, or more? It's written perfectly and isn't your usual friends falling in love story.
It's full of turmoil, emotion and fun.
We'd all love to have had a Lane growing up - he's a good all-round swoonfest!
The only issue I had was how the book ended and as I neared the 100% mark, I was wondering how it would finish. It seemed like there was still so much to happen, and then I realised why. It cuts off to give a sort of cliffhanger to lead into the next book - boo! Some of us like a little cliffhanger, but this one felt too abrupt and not satisfying. I'd still like to see how the story unfolds though :-)
Profile Image for Andrea.
29 reviews
April 12, 2021
This book was so cute!! I loved how it showed that there are guys who are willing to wait and respect you. Lane was so dreamy. Ugh. My standards are way too high because of books! The only thing that kinda bugged me was how Reagan didn't let Lane tell anyone about their relationship because she was afraid of how people would react. Like seriously, I'm pretty sure it was already obvious to most people that they liked each other, but I understand why she was skeptical and I know if she was perfect it would feel unrealistic. Overall tho I loved it! Also talk about a cliff-hanger!!!! I am so upset because now I have to wait until I get the next book to see what happens. (I'm legit scared for them.)
2,336 reviews19 followers
November 14, 2018
This is a nice, young, adult story of a group of friends who maintain a set of rules including not dating anyone in their group. Most of them are in high school and experience the trials and tribulations of that age. One is getting ready to go off to college and has developed feelings for another member. There is even a mean girl in the story who is not part of the group. Regan Stone, one of the main characters is very stubborn and strong willed. She knows what she wants and that is to get a good education and get as far away as she can from her hometown and its gossip. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,080 reviews7 followers
November 14, 2018
I really enjoyed "More Than His Best Friend" by Sally Henson. This is a refreshing story - perfect for the young adult genre. I received a complementary copy of this in exchange for an honest review but I would gladly pay full price for this one. These characters were engaging and fun to read and the story hooked me right away and left me wanting to read more and more when I hit the last page. I can't wait to jump to the next book to see how the story continues. If you are a fan of wholesome contemporary romance, this is a great addition to your collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
Profile Image for Mary A.
83 reviews
June 7, 2019
Sorry to say, I just couldn't stand the main character, Regan. Obnoxious and totally clueless about other people, i.e, no empathy at all. Too bad too, since Lane was quickly established as totally adorable.

Another reviewer (or 10) has commented on the absurdity of Regan's decision not to date--all bc her cousin got pregnant? Um, yeah. So, between that and her very unrelatable personality, (need to also throw in Lane's undying devotion & love for her--what?), and I just couldn't anymore.

Bummer, man.
Profile Image for Bree.
540 reviews
May 26, 2019
I have been in a romance novel mood lately so FB has been posting sippets on my page to entice me to read. This was one of them it was hard to tell from the sippet that this is a YA romance book. I would feel comfortable letting my 8th grader read it. The most they share are 2 kisses and a lot of hand holding. The lead, Regan even has lots of rules to not move any faster so it is very Christian based as well. This is NOT a steamy adult romance novel!
Profile Image for Shh... One More Chapter .
357 reviews32 followers
April 20, 2020
I couldn't get through this book. For starters, the 1st chapter feels like I've been dropped in the middle of the book. There's a bunch of drama about her cousin that's just brought up with no real explanation. That's pretty much how the whole book feels. Like I missed something before even starting.

And to top it off, there is no chemistry or push and pull with the characters. They both like each other and that's made clear by the 35% mark and still...needless whining and drama.
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,290 reviews
October 19, 2020
Very good!

This novel had a lot of good moments, a lot of sweet moments; BUT it also had lot of just okay moments that really didn't bring the same warm smile to my face as the other moments had. However, even though there were times when it would lull and I would begin to ponder about choosing another novel,  something would grab my attention again- just enough to reel me back in to stick by the side of this author. In the end, though, I'm glad I finished reading this novel.
14.7k reviews82 followers
November 14, 2018
She has a best friend and she may just have him as her boyfriend. She is very picky and was unsure what to do. Will they become more than best friends? Follow them to see
I received an advanced copy and I enjoyed it so much that I want to review
18 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2021
Decent story

I enjoyed the story. The writing wasn’t great and editing was very much needed. There are sentences that are missing words. There are sentences with extra words. I’m interested in what happens next, but not enough to buy the next book.
11.7k reviews172 followers
November 13, 2018
What an adorable story. Regan might be only sixteen, but she already has strict rules for dating. Do they apply to her best friend. Really enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Kelsie Stelting.
Author 40 books1,340 followers
November 22, 2018
This book by Sally Henson is amazing. If you're a fan of swoony best friends and dirt roads, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Shannon.
17 reviews
December 7, 2018
I truly enjoyed this book! It was such a sweet, fun, wholesome romance that kept me wanting to keep reading! It was so easy to like both Lane and Regan and I can’t wait to continue their story!
Profile Image for Michaela H.
3,256 reviews33 followers
July 21, 2021
A lovely start to the Reagan and Lane saga. Get ready for some heart tugging moments and those pesky cliffhangers! A great series to binge.
Profile Image for Kristina Brownell.
703 reviews9 followers
July 9, 2022
Sweet, teenage romance. Unfortunately the story didn’t have a complete ending and there were many spelling/grammar errors throughout.
Profile Image for Kenia.
221 reviews
January 12, 2019
This was a cute contemporary story and I was all for it. Though I thought Regan’s friends were right in thinking that she should abandon the rules they set for themselves. Her reason’s though had me thinking she had a point but then again, she wasn’t her cousin and she was smart enough not to ruin her future for herself but still be able to date.

Anyway, I loved her relationship with Lane. Lane was sweet, protective, and so in love with her. It’s that kind of romance you wish you had and hoped you would always have. I’m excited to see where the story goes from here because that was some cliff hanger!
Profile Image for Marie.
275 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2019
Cute YA, needs some editing

Enjoyed the story. But the editing... oh, it hurt!
Missing words, transposed words or phrases, extra words.
It was a good story, but would be so much better with some more editing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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