20 best books on childhood friends to lovers – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you a sucker for a heartwarming romance that starts with childhood friends and blossoms into something more? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about childhood friends to lovers that will make you believe in the power of long-lasting connections and true love. From heart-wrenching dramas to swoon-worthy rom-coms, these books will take you on a journey of friendship, love, and everything in between. So grab a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and dive into these captivating tales of childhood friends turned soulmates.


The Friend Zone

by Abby Jimenez

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez is a delightful tale that explores the complexities of relationships between two people who have been friends since childhood. This heartwarming and humorous book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as it delves into the journey of transitioning from friends to something more.

The Gravity of Us

by Phil Stamper

The Gravity of Us: A Captivating Tale of Childhood Friends Turned Lovers

Embark on a heartwarming journey with “The Gravity of Us,” a mesmerizing novel that explores the enchanting world of childhood friends turned lovers. This sensational book will sweep you off your feet as it delves into the captivating story of two souls destined to find each other amidst the chaos of life.

Immerse yourself in the tale of Cal and Leon, two childhood companions who find solace in each other’s company. As they navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence, their bond deepens, and a love that defies all odds begins to blossom.

Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes mission to colonize Mars, this extraordinary novel weaves together themes of friendship, love, and the pursuit of dreams. In the face of adversity, Cal and Leon must fight to defy the gravitational pull of their past and embrace the irresistible force that draws them together.

With its spellbinding narrative, “The Gravity of Us” is a testament to the power of connection and the resilience of the human spirit. Phil Stamper skillfully crafts a tale that will leave you breathless, capturing the essence of young love and the transformative nature of personal growth.

Prepare to be captivated by this remarkable story of childhood friends turned lovers, as Stamper’s words effortlessly transport you into a world where the bonds of friendship can withstand the weight of the universe. “The Gravity of Us” is a must-read for anyone seeking a poignant and unforgettable tale of love that defies the boundaries of time and space.

The Unhoneymooners

by Christina Lauren

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren is a delightful book about childhood friends turned lovers. Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas have known each other since they were kids, growing up in the same neighborhood. But their relationship has always been a mix of love and hate, filled with teasing and playful banter.

When Olive’s sister, Ami, gets married, disaster strikes during the wedding reception. Everyone falls ill from food poisoning, except for Olive and Ethan. Suddenly, they find themselves with a golden opportunity – a free honeymoon trip to paradise. The catch? They have to pretend to be newlyweds, despite their rocky history.

As they navigate the beautiful beaches of Maui, Olive and Ethan must confront their unresolved feelings and the undeniable chemistry that has always simmered between them. With each passing day, they discover that maybe their childhood friendship was just the foundation for a deep and passionate love.

With its witty dialogue, swoon-worthy romance, and tropical backdrop, The Unhoneymooners is the perfect read for anyone craving a heartwarming childhood friends to lovers story. Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible charm of Olive and Ethan as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and find love in the most unexpected place.

The Flatshare

by Beth O’Leary

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is an enchanting tale of two individuals who find themselves sharing more than just an apartment. This heartwarming novel explores the unconventional arrangement of a flatshare between two strangers who communicate solely through notes, all while navigating their own personal challenges and past traumas.

With a unique premise and a delightful mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth, this book is a captivating read for fans of the childhood friends to lovers trope. The characters, Tiffy and Leon, are wonderfully developed and their growing connection is portrayed with authenticity and tenderness.

As the story unfolds, readers will find themselves rooting for Tiffy and Leon, hoping for their happily ever after. The Flatshare is a perfect choice for those in search of a heartwarming and uplifting tale about two people who discover love in the most unexpected of circumstances.

The Bromance Book Club

by Lyssa Kay Adams

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams is a heartwarming and hilarious book about two childhood pals navigating the complexities of love and relationships. This delightful novel takes the concept of childhood friends to lovers and spins it into a fresh and captivating tale.

The Kiss Quotient

by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang is an enchanting tale of love and self-discovery that will sweep you off your feet. This delightful novel takes the timeless trope of childhood friends to lovers and adds a unique twist that will leave you wanting more.

The Wedding Party

by Jasmine Guillory

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory is an enchanting tale of two childhood best friends who unexpectedly find love amidst the chaos of a wedding celebration. This delightful book explores the journey from friendship to romance, immersing readers in a world of laughter, joy, and undeniable chemistry.

The Hating Game

by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is an enchanting novel that portrays an electric rivalry turned fiery romance between two childhood adversaries. This book delves into the captivating journey of childhood friends turned lovers, as they navigate the thin line between love and hate.

The Simple Wild

by K.A. Tucker

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker is an enchanting tale of second chances and unexpected love. This heartwarming book about childhood friends to lovers will take you on a journey to the beautiful wilderness of Alaska.

The Rosie Project

by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is a delightful novel that explores the journey of two childhood buddies who find themselves falling in love in the most unexpected way. This heartwarming story follows the tale of two individuals who have known each other since they were kids and who, as they grow older, realize that their friendship has blossomed into something more.

The Boy Next Door

by Meg Cabot

The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot is a captivating tale of two individuals who embark on a journey from childhood friends to lovers. Set in a small town, this book delves into the magical bond that forms between the boy next door and the girl next door.

The Best of Me

by Nicholas Sparks

The Best of Me, written by Nicholas Sparks, is a heartwarming tale that explores the deep connection between two people who were childhood companions and later became lovers. This captivating novel takes readers on a nostalgic journey as it delves into the lives of Dawson Cole and Amanda Collier, who reunite after many years apart.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a heartwarming book on childhood friends to lovers that will sweep you off your feet. Jenny Han takes us on a nostalgic journey as we follow the story of Belly, a young girl spending her summers at the beach house with her family and their close family friends, Conrad and Jeremiah.

The book about childhood friends to lovers beautifully captures the innocence and complexities of growing up, as we witness Belly’s transition from a young girl to a young woman. With each passing summer, Belly’s feelings for Conrad and Jeremiah start to evolve, and the three friends find themselves entangled in a web of emotions.

Jenny Han’s writing effortlessly transports us back to those carefree summer days of our youth, where the sun was warm on our skin, and every moment felt magical. As Belly navigates her way through first loves, heartbreaks, and self-discovery, we can’t help but root for her to find happiness and the love she deserves.

This childhood friends to lovers book is a bittersweet tale that explores not only the complexities of love but also the importance of friendship, family, and the lasting memories we create during those unforgettable summers. So grab a copy, settle in, and let The Summer I Turned Pretty whisk you away to a world of sun-soaked memories and young love.

The Upside of Falling

by Alex Light

Are you ready for a heartwarming journey that will take you back to the magic of childhood friendships blossoming into something more? Look no further than The Upside of Falling by Alex Light. This enchanting tale is the perfect book about friends-turned-lovers, capturing all the sweetness, nostalgia, and undeniable chemistry of a classic childhood friends to lovers story.

The Start of Me and You

by Emery Lord

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord is a heartwarming book about childhood friends turned lovers. Set in a small town, it follows the story of Paige Hancock, a high school student who is trying to rebuild her life after a tragedy.

Paige’s life takes an unexpected turn when she decides to make a list of goals for her sophomore year. One of her goals is to finally move on from the loss of her boyfriend, Aaron, who tragically drowned the previous year. Determined to start anew, Paige finds solace and support in her childhood friend, Max, who has always been there for her.

As Paige and Max spend more time together, their friendship begins to evolve into something more. They rediscover their shared interests, inside jokes, and the deep connection they have always had. With every passing day, Paige finds herself falling deeper in love with Max, and she wonders if he feels the same way.

The Start of Me and You is a charming and nostalgic story that beautifully captures the magic of childhood friends growing into something more. Emery Lord’s heartfelt writing and relatable characters will make you believe in the power of friendship and love. Get ready to be swept away by this enchanting childhood friends to lovers book.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith is a heartwarming book about the enchanting journey of childhood friends turned lovers. Set against the backdrop of a bustling airport, this tale explores the magical, unexpected connection that can form between two people in the most unlikely of circumstances.

The Sun Is Also a Star

by Nicola Yoon

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon is an exquisite tale of fate, love, and the undeniable power of connection. This enchanting novel sweeps readers into the lives of Natasha, a pragmatic girl with a passion for science, and Daniel, a dreamer who yearns to defy his parents’ expectations. Set in New York City, the story unfolds over the course of a single day, as these two strangers unexpectedly cross paths.

This captivating book explores the intricate complexities of life and the serendipitous encounters that shape our destinies. Natasha and Daniel, both children of immigrants, find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another, despite their vastly different perspectives on the world. As they navigate the bustling city streets, they share their hopes, dreams, and fears, forging a connection that transcends time and space.

The Sun Is Also a Star is a poignant exploration of young love, highlighting the transformative power of human connection. With its beautifully crafted prose and relatable characters, this book will transport you back to the exhilarating and bittersweet moments of first love. Prepare to be swept away by this heartwarming tale of two childhood friends turned lovers, as they navigate the complexities of life and discover the magic that can be found in unexpected places.

The Unexpected Everything

by Morgan Matson

The Unexpected Everything is a delightful journey of two childhood pals blossoming into something more. This heartwarming tale by Morgan Matson explores the unpredictable path of love between longtime friends. Prepare to be enchanted by the undeniable chemistry and deep connection that develops between the characters as they navigate the twists and turns of their relationship. With Matson’s signature blend of wit, charm, and relatability, this captivating book about childhood friends turned lovers will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling long after you’ve turned the last page.

The Sky Is Everywhere

by Jandy Nelson

The Sky Is Everywhere is a breathtaking book about two childhood friends on an enchanting journey from friendship to love. This heartwarming tale explores the deep bond between two individuals who have grown up together, facing life’s ups and downs side by side.

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars is a heart-wrenching tale of two souls, brought together by fate and bonded by their shared struggles. This mesmerizing novel, penned by John Green, explores the profound connection that can be formed between two childhood companions who transform into something more than just friends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about childhood friends to lovers perfectly capture the magic and complexity of growing up together and falling in love. Through heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching stories, these books explore the deep bonds that can form between childhood friends and how they can evolve into something even more beautiful. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or simply enjoy tales of friendship and love, these books are sure to captivate and leave you feeling nostalgic for the innocence and intensity of young love. Dive into these enchanting stories and let yourself be swept away by the timeless allure of childhood friends turned lovers.