My Like Lovers Do Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
I picked up Like Lovers Do by Tracey Livesay because I wanted a friends-to-lovers romance that felt honest and grown-up, with character depth and just the right amount of smart banter. This is the second book in the Girls Trip series, but it easily stands on its own. The story follows Dr. Nicole “Nic” Allen, a driven orthopedic surgeon who’s spent her whole life overcoming obstacles and reaching for more. After disciplining an intern—whose wealthy family funds her hospital—her coveted fellowship is suddenly at risk.
Her longtime close friend Ben, who’s also fighting off the advances of a recently returned ex, needs a buffer for a weeklong vacation at his family's home on Martha’s Vineyard. Ben and Nic strike a deal: Nic will pretend to be Ben’s girlfriend to help him fend off his ex, and in return, Ben's family will pull strings to help Nic’s career. But as they settle into the charade—surrounded by sun, sand, and old friends—the line between their “pretend” relationship and the very real feelings they’ve always ignored starts to blur. With shifting career dreams, family expectations, and an inevitable reckoning, both have to decide what and who they’re willing to risk for love.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Like Lovers Do treats its characters as full, complicated adults. Nic is hardworking and fiercely independent; Ben is charming, supportive, and impossible not to crush on. The fake dating set-up is classic, but what stands out for me is how much history Ben and Nic share—and how much room the story gives for real friendship as well as heat.
The chemistry sizzles, but the gradual, sometimes hesitant shift from friends to lovers had me way more invested because I genuinely felt the stakes in risking a true friendship. I admired Nic’s determination, the subtle vulnerability underneath her toughness, and Ben’s sweet, patient persistence. The banter is sharp, the group vacation vibes are authentic, and the moments of “one bed” awkwardness are balanced with open communication that feels rare in romance novels. Most important for me, the conflict is never about cheap drama—these are real, grown-up people facing hard choices and old wounds.
The book is full of heart. The friend group made me laugh, the romantic tension made me root for them, and the honest exploration of career ambition versus love hit home. If you need a romance that’s sexy, supportive, and full of actual life challenges, this is it.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love friends-to-lovers, fake dating, “one bed” tropes, and stories with real emotional intimacy, you’ll enjoy this book. It’s perfect for readers who want Black heroines with agency, cinnamon roll heroes, and contemporary romance that balances humor, sexiness, and life’s tougher questions. If you crave authenticity in how friendships and ambition are portrayed, you’ll click with Nic and Ben. There are a few cringy, embarrassing moments—mostly funny and harmless—but no dark triggers or major angst here, just layered, believable relationship struggles.
Tagged As
contemporary romance, friends to lovers, fake dating, one bed, vacation romance, career woman, cinnamon roll hero, interracial romance, Black heroine, strong heroine, group vacation, dual pov, emotional intimacy, open-door romance, humor, series, standalone, indie romance, kindle unlimited
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️Moderate
