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Lucy Lennox
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Thick as Thieves: An Aster Valley Novel Kindle Edition

by Lucy Lennox (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,252 ratings

Julian:
I've been in love with my best friend since forever. Okay, fine. Like, kindergarten. It started out platonic, obviously, but then became... nope. Still platonic. The problem is that Parker Ellis has been straight since forever. And that makes it difficult to convince him the two of us are meant to be together.

And now there's no point. All is lost. He's gone and gotten engaged to his high-school sweetheart which means I have to grin and bear it while pretending to be the happy, supportive best man while he prepares to commit his life to a woman I can't even fault. She's great. We've all been friends forever. I know he'll be happy with Erin, just not... just not as happy as he could be with me.

Parker:

I'll admit. Sometimes I press the easy button. Like when Julian Thick had offered me half his sandwich back in grade school after noticing I didn't have any food. Or when I'd needed a date to homecoming in tenth grade and Erin told me she was it. Or when I'd used the one thing that came easy to me, skiing, to get my college tuition paid for. Or when Erin had showed back up in my life six months ago and told it was time to marry and start a family...

But for the first time in my life I'm facing something that's not at all easy. It's my wedding weekend and I've just been left at the altar. Not only that, but when my best friend whisks me away to drown my sorrows in a snowy cabin in Aster Valley, I accidentally discover Julian's been keeping secrets. Big secrets.

The kind of secrets that lead to hot experimental kisses in front of a blazing fire, tentative physical exploration in a way I'd never imagined before, and the kind of intimate, true confessions I'd never even dreamed of between me and the one person who's always been my true home.

But after twenty-plus years of thinking of Jules as my friend without benefits, is it truly possible to change who we are to each other? There's no easy button this time, but I'm willing to do the work. I only wonder if Julian is ready to trust I really mean it.

Thick as Thieves can be read on its own or enjoyed as part of the Aster Valley series.

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  1. Book 4 of 4
    Aster Valley
  2. Print length
    256 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 1, 2022
  5. File size
    4.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “Not what she needed?” I demanded. “You, of all people? If intelligent, sexy, ginger Henry Cavill look-alikes with hearts made of pure gold don’t do it for her, what the fuck does she want?”
    Highlighted by 140 Kindle readers
  2. “I like staying with you,” Parker admitted softly a few minutes later. “Everything’s better when I’m with you.”
    Highlighted by 121 Kindle readers
  3. The canned beverage was something Julian liked and kept on hand at all times, but I thought it tasted like a faded fruit mirage pressed flat by bald tires.
    Highlighted by 85 Kindle readers
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B095NN1M7P
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (March 1, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 1, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,252 ratings

About the author

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Lucy Lennox

Lucy Lennox

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Lucy Lennox is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty gay romance titles including the GoodReads Hall of Fame winner Wilde Love. Born and raised in the southeast USA, she is finally putting good use to that English Lit degree she earned before the turn of the century.

Lucy enjoys naps, pizza, and procrastinating. She stays up way too late each night reading romance because it’s simply the best.

For more information and to stay updated about future releases, sales and audio news and to grab some free and bonus reads, please sign up for Lucy’s author newsletter on her website at Lucy Lennox dot com or to stay in the know, join her exciting reader group, Lucy's Lair on Facebook.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
3,252 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book's heartwarming story and charming characters. They found the plot engaging and the writing quality superb. The characters were described as well-developed and realistic. Readers appreciated the humor and spiced sex scenes. Overall, it was a delightful read with a sweet and loving romance.

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HeartwarmingStory qualitySweetnessWriting qualityCharacter developmentHumorWarmthSeries content
49 customers mention "Heartwarming"49 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heartwarming story about a soul-searing connection between Julian and Parker. They find the friendship sweet, loving, and funny. The book has a lot of emotion and a beautiful happy ending.

"...This story doesn't have villains and excessive angst. Side characters are quirky without being as outrageous as in some of the other books...." Read more

"...First off: The depth of feeling, the soul-searing connection between Julian and Parker--I too was a "warm puddle of affection and highly turned-on..." Read more

"...These two have been the best of friends since they were young kids, and Julian has probably been in love with Parker for just as long...." Read more

"...Its cute, sexy, funny and loving😘🤗..." Read more

41 customers mention "Story quality"41 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it a fun read with humor and love. The plot is good and engaging, taking readers on a journey. Readers appreciate the author's writing style and character development.

"...It's a lovely recap of the others. Some readers may get annoyed by Parker's indecisiveness about Erin before she jilts him...." Read more

"...Parker is so charismatic, I loved his journey from devoted bestie to his best man’s debauched woke lover...." Read more

"I love this one! I like the story, the characters everything!..." Read more

"Similar to her other books. Good plot and characters. Easy enjoyable read. Learning to trust. Can be read as part of the series or standalone...." Read more

34 customers mention "Sweetness"34 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's sweetness. They find the characters charming and funny, with complex relationships. The couple is described as sweet together and beautifully crafted by Lucy Lennox.

"...Its cute, sexy, funny and loving😘🤗..." Read more

"...It had a lot of emotion in it with a beautiful HEA...." Read more

"...worth a read, as this book is low angst and highly fluffy and sweet! Tropes include: MM Love Interests Dual POV..." Read more

"...But oh the journey to get to their HEA is so painfully beautiful and you will feel all the things along the way...." Read more

24 customers mention "Writing quality"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find it well-written with a well-developed story and characters. The author's writing style immerses them in the story. Overall, readers describe the book as a solid read with one of their favorite tropes.

"...Lennox doesn't disappoint, making Thick as Thieves a sweet and witty 4.5-starred read." Read more

"...pinpoint why exactly except for one thing I know for sure...the writing is seamless, mature and well thought out...." Read more

"Similar to her other books. Good plot and characters. Easy enjoyable read. Learning to trust. Can be read as part of the series or standalone...." Read more

"...This was so well done I’m eager for the audio to relive Parker and Julian’s story!" Read more

23 customers mention "Character development"23 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging characters and the realistic portrayal of real life. They find the story compelling and love both Julian and Parker. The book depicts the difference between love and friendship with a touch of quintessential Lucy Lennox charm.

"...This story doesn't have villains and excessive angst. Side characters are quirky without being as outrageous as in some of the other books...." Read more

"...Julian and Parker are such fully realized characters, I am thrilled to have read their story and I don't think I will ever get over Julian and..." Read more

"I love this one! I like the story, the characters everything!..." Read more

"...It was glorious!! As usual, the secondary characters are delightful as well. I was a happy mess...." Read more

16 customers mention "Humor"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it funny and relatable, with laugh-out-loud scenes and spicy sex scenes. Readers describe the book as a fun read about friendship and love.

"...This one is slightly different. There are laugh out loud scenes and spicy sex scenes, but with more depth to the characters...." Read more

"...Lucy’s writing wit and her men’s swoon worthy charm, the seemingly effortless humor fill every page...." Read more

"...Its cute, sexy, funny and loving😘🤗..." Read more

"...supportive and kind toward each other, not to mention the cute and funny banter they had throughout the book, absolutely here for it...." Read more

16 customers mention "Warmth"14 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the book's warmth. They find it comfortable, like a fluffy hug, and describe it as homey. The characters are supportive and kind to each other.

"...Lucy Lennox saved the best for last! First off: The depth of feeling, the soul-searing connection between Julian and Parker--I too was a "..." Read more

"...Epic Snuggling Hurt/Comfort Found Family (Parker) No Cheating Low Angst No Third Act Breakup Possessive/Protective MMCs" Read more

"...I loved the first times they shared together, which were both super hot, sexy and sweet at the same time...." Read more

"...The absolute love between these two is like a warm hug on a cold day. It just wraps you up in happiness...." Read more

10 customers mention "Series content"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series content. They find it a wonderful continuation of the Aster Valley series with intriguing characters. They also appreciate getting another chance to revisit the characters and the setting.

"What a beautiful addition to the Aster Valley series. Finally, we get Julian and Parkers' story...." Read more

"Thick As Thieves is a wonderful continuation of the Aster Valley Series...." Read more

"...and sexiness that is quintessential Lucy Lennox, and the tease of a new series with intriguing characters!!" Read more

"This series is awesome! I haven’t read a book in it that I didn’t love and that is including Julien and Parker! Their story is so special!..." Read more

I couldn't stop reading this book😍
5 out of 5 stars
I couldn't stop reading this book😍
I usually dislike romance storyline where the characters are involved since childhood but this one was very specially detailed without taking or overwhelming the rest of the story. Parker and Julian story is very romantic, funny and fresh, both being best friends are discovering deeply feelings beyond the close relationship between them for so many years. From this series, this one , is the most original for my taste and has become the favorite one😍
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Top reviews from the United States

  • StaceySa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet, funny but complex characters
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this story and these characters, Julian and Parker. I've read almost all the Lucy Lennox series and books. This one is slightly different. There are laugh out loud scenes and spicy sex scenes, but with more depth to the characters. They get feedback from others, but are more internally driven than by other characters. One of my favorite scenes is when other Aster Valley couples give Jules their own perspective on love and friendship that turns to romantic love. It's a lovely recap of the others. Some readers may get annoyed by Parker's indecisiveness about Erin before she jilts him. But his choices make sense for someone who was severely neglected by his parents. He was starved emotionally and physically; his well to do parents didn't even see that his basic needs were met. If not for Julian's parents, sister Hazel and Hazel's best friend Erin and her parents, Parker could have ended up in foster care. Both Julian's and Erin's families became his family. He and Julian bonded as young children by defending each other against bullies. This story doesn't have villains and excessive angst. Side characters are quirky without being as outrageous as in some of the other books. For the record, I love the outrageous characters in other Lennox worlds. In this book, BJ is flamboyant but kind. (I love his story which is a bonus for readers). But this was refreshing in that the angst that was there was mostly internal for both Parker and Julian. Erin isn't a villain; she's as BJ would say "a hot mess." Erin is annoying for her running to Parker whenever the going gets tough even after she jilts him. It's hard to be sympathetic given her loving, stable family. However, as Hazel puts it, Erin is risk averse and has FOMO as she sees other girlfriends settling down. In a non-MM romance, she'd deserve her own story of growth. And Parker and Jules could be her bridesmen.
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  • KC Caron
    5.0 out of 5 stars UNF!!! Sooo rereadable. All the Stars, She Saved the BEST for LAST Julian and Parker Always.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    You wanna read about true love? A gob-smacked bi-awakening with a healthy dose of intensely-written requited love?

    Lucy Lennox saved the best for last!

    First off: The depth of feeling, the soul-searing connection between Julian and Parker--I too was a "warm puddle of affection and highly turned-on goo," left rereading line after line. Julian and Parker are such fully realized characters, I am thrilled to have read their story and I don't think I will ever get over Julian and Parker.

    My book boo, Keri, and I read this together. And I admit, we both actually stopped reading almost simultaneously because we wanted this deep burning story to last longer. Thick as Thieves is soooo incredibly perfect, I didn’t want it to end. The funniest sexiest men in all of Aster Valley, and there’s some stiff competition.

    When I wasn’t wiping the drool off my kindle over the combustibly hot scenes, I was laughing out loud at the banter and original antics of all of my fave Aster Valley men. Lucy’s writing wit and her men’s swoon worthy charm, the seemingly effortless humor fill every page. Not to mention the heat between Jules and Parker could melt Aster Valley.

    Unrequited love is a tricky trope, cause it can get repetitive, but not for Lennox, who builds a fantastic amount of sexual tension that leverages Parker’s awakening and Julian’s longing into a ten-star kindle-melting romance.

    Parker is so charismatic, I loved his journey from devoted bestie to his best man’s debauched woke lover. Whew boy, and when he committed, he seriously committed! UNF!!!

    And that’s only the love story. From the flirty, bendy BJ to rescue Dallas to the verrrrry willing to help out ;) Grindr stud Rocco Valetine (I can’t forget enlightened dude Nolan lol), to our fave stars Mickey’s euphoric code red, Tiller’s chill sexiness, plus Sam and Truman and their well-timed and hilariously snarky “state the obvious” moments, I was in stitches the entire time. Literally laughing out loud. I kept checking my kindle to make sure there was more and more to read. I could read these men all year.

    The sweet moments slay too. These men are why we read romance. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ if I could give this perfect MM rom com 100 stars, I’d do it.

    To Parker and Julian. Always. 🥰
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jen Valencia
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Lucy Lennox takes readers back to the picturesque town of Aster Valley in Colorado with the fourth full-length Aster Valley novel, Thick as Thieves. This is the much awaited friends-to-lovers romance between Julian Thick and Parker Ellis, aka Jules and Parks. These two have been the best of friends since they were young kids, and Julian has probably been in love with Parker for just as long. But while Julian is gay, Parker is straight, and because Julian loves Parker beyond measure, being his best man at his wedding was a no-brainer. His heart, however, may never recover. So, he's decided it's time to move forward from his unrequited love, and time away from Parker will help. Then Parker ends up becoming a jilted groom, and Jules decides to take him to Aster Valley to help him get over being left at the altar. When certain truths come to light, how will things change for these two BFFs?

    It was difficult to not fall in love with Julian and Parker! I adored the friendship they shared because it was clear that they were, indeed, each other's person. My heart ached for Jules because he was so darn in love with Parker, but believed it was all for naught, what with Parks being straight and all. But sometimes, all you need is something life-changing to make you open your eyes to see your own truths--and yeah, I'm looking at you, Parker!!! And kudos to having an amazing circle of friends and supportive and loving family, and these two had all that and more. Lucy Lennox doesn't disappoint, making Thick as Thieves a sweet and witty 4.5-starred read.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • K.H.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Never apart
    Reviewed in Canada on May 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This seemed like a bit of a book of lack of communication, considering the two mains never really realize such a big thing and the pushes they've given each other since childhood that have changed their direction.

    Julian is in love with his best friend Parker, but Parker just so happens to be marrying his on and off girlfriend. Hearing the whole story of this girlfriend it seems pretty clear that Parker should not be getting married, but Julian instead takes it as a sign to finally move on, renting himself a cabin to wallow in after the wedding and get a fresh start. But instead Parker gets left at the alter and Julian finds himself bringing Parker to the cabin he rented, where perhaps things can finally come to light.

    Parker did seem to be a bit oblivious about his actions and feelings. He frequently said how Julian was his most important person, even seriously inviting him on his honeymoon......which should have been a big obvious sign. While you may have people you don't love romantically who are very important to you, generally they aren't prioritized over a romantic partner and kept from getting their own romantic partner. It seemed obvious from outside that Parker was far more serious and invested in Julian than he was saying, it just took a bit to get there.

    Julian was rather interesting himself. When he was a teen he had wanted to ask Parker out, but another girl beat him to it. After that it was always 'the wrong time', which felt more like an excuse. In fact, the way he would give up sometimes even had a bit of pushing Parker away. Julian appears to be his own worst enemy, and it takes his own self reflection and communication to acknowledge that.

    Two best friends who both seem to want each other but neither know it is a classic, and it all goes pretty well in a cabin, even with more than one bed. An interesting and sweet read of a lot of self reflection and discovery leading to new things that maybe happened at the right time. Great read!
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  • Lailita
    5.0 out of 5 stars OmiGod, Love it
    Reviewed in Brazil on October 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I fell for Julian since the very first time he appeared in AV series.

    He was always a mix of elegance and sweetness wrapped in a extremely handsome character. He always showed calmly and helped saving the situation.

    This book is all about his time to be happy. Finally with the most important person in his life: his best best friend Parker. Unfortunately, he is getting married and he is straight.

    Or so we thought 😜🤭

    Go ahead and indulge yourself with this beautiful plot about true love, deep friendship and about the “most adorable baby gay born in the whole world” - according to BJ.
    Report
  • Sam
    5.0 out of 5 stars friends to lovers, am i right?
    Reviewed in Germany on August 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Jesus, this couldn’t have been more perfect even if Ms. Lennox had tried. my heart can hardly take it. *sigh*
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  • Soulgal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Personal favorite of the entire series
    Reviewed in India on September 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I like that I got to read Julian & Parker towards the end. The town of Aster Valley had settled down, all the pieces were in place, so we got to read more about the relationship between the two MC. I like the way Lucy develops her world, it's refreshing and extends beyond the characters. I've read tons of best friends to lovers tropes, and they all somehow seem to miss that tender, affectionate, sweet charm as they transition to lovers. So glad that Lucy kept that consistent and I found these two guys so sweet & just sexy with each other. They're emotions were palpable. Thoroughly enjoyed this series. And I think I finally found my favorite pair in three two!
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  • Kerry Fletcher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Bloody loved every second of this book!

    Honestly my fave of this series so far and i'm close to saying my fave overall by this author joint with Wilde Love. It just got me hook line and sinker!

    This is my fave trope GFY and this is one of the very best! Its also best friends to lovers, win win!

    Jules and Parker stole my heart. I loved them both so very much. The best of friends, closer than traditional friends they always tried to put each other first. They were basically in a long term relationship without the bedroom stuff. I loved Parkers light bulb moment it made me smile so much. And when he realised what he had been blind to he went full steam ahead! It was like he'd always been waiting to realise it and then claim his man! He's such an amazing character. He's so funny and sweet and kind of innocent at times that you can't help love him.

    Poor Jules i loved him just as much. I felt his pain and anguish so much at the start it felt like it was my own. My heart absolutely broke for him. He'd spent decades loving Parker in the only capacity he thought he could while keeping his romantic feelings to himself. It must of tore him apart watching the love of his life be with other people while trying to find someone for himself knowing Parker was it for him but he had to carry on regardless.

    When Parker finally sees what he can have he embraces it fully but poor Jules goes into shock. He can't make himself believe that all his dreams can finally come true, have come true so he's scared to embrace it. The feels and the angst of it is superbly written. My chest tightened and i felt his absolute terror of losing his best friend, the most important person in his life if this went sideways.

    Thankfully Parkers lightbulb moment was best thing to ever happen to both of them! I felt such satisfaction, an overwhelming relief that it was perfect! It was meant to be! They burned up the sheets it was so electric when the final piece of their relationship slotted into place! I just absolutely adored this story. I loved it so much i'm immediately re-reading it because i don't want to let them go!

    I can't wait for more of this world. I loved seeing the previous characters happy and still in love. I'm also loving the new pairings coming up! Also a spin off character with a porn name who will be kicking off a new series! Can't wait!

    Can't rate this book high enough. Highly recommend! This gem is why Lucy Lennox is one of my fave authors!
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