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Kate O'Keeffe
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Never Fall for Your Back-Up Guy: A Sweet Friends to Lovers Rom Com (It's Complicated Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Kate O'Keeffe (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 3,004 ratings
Best friends don't dream about kissing each other. Right?

At twenty-nine, I thought I had it all figured out: a thriving interior design business, a cute London flat, and a foolproof marriage pact with my best friend, Asher. If neither of us finds The One by thirty-five, Asher and I will tie the knot. Simple, practical, and totally not romantic—just like us.

But when I land the job of transforming Asher's bachelor pad, I discover a side of him I never knew existed. Behind that easy American charm lies an adorably complex version of my best friend, and before long, my heart is skipping a beat every time he brings me my favorite tea.

There's just one problem: Asher still thinks I'm looking for my soulmate—and I'm starting to suspect he's been right in front of me all along.


Never Fall for Your Back-Up Guy is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a smart and sassy British heroine and a swoony American hero. It's got all the swoon but none of the spice. It’s the first book in the It’s Complicated seriesand can easily be read as a standalone novel.
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    It's Complicated
  2. Print length
    320 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    August 3, 2021
  5. File size
    950 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “I am so in love with you,” he murmurs in my ear, making my heart squeeze tightly.
    Highlighted by 68 Kindle readers
  2. “You let me in. And nice greeting, by the way. You sure know how to make your future husband feel loved, especially one who comes bearing coffee.”
    Highlighted by 52 Kindle readers
  3. “Zara,” he says, and there’s such emotion in his voice, such need, that I know. I just know.
    Highlighted by 46 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

romcom, rom com, Never Fall for Your Back-Up Guy

bright, humorous, perfect book boyfriend, romcom, rom com

romcom, humorous, all the feels, perfect, rom com, romcom

hilarious scenes

Editorial Reviews

Review

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Perfection." - Amazon reviewer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Love, Love, Love - This book has it all! Laughs, Tears, Friendship and Love!" - Goodreads Reviewer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "This was one of the sweetest, quirkiest, zaniest friends to lovers stories I've read in a long while." - Amazon reviewer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ " It's definitely a must have if you love friends to lovers romances and sweet, heart felt romances." - Amazon reviewer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "I have never laughed so much with a book." - Bookbub reviewer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Loved it !!! love this author... love Zara and Asher... this is their story... a fast paced laugh out loud rom/com... a very interesting 30th year... asking her BFF to be her back up plan guy... getting the dog of her dreams...the drama, the betrayal, the everything ... a must read !!! OMG !!!" - Bookbub reviewer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "This book had me from the first page. I laughed and cried throughout Zara's story of finding love with her back-up guy/best friend...I think Zara is my favorite so far. I loved cheering her on as she made her way through a very traumatic and eventful thirtieth year. I certainly hope this will be followed by Zara's Friends' stories! What a great read!." - Amazon reviewer

From the Author

This is the first book in the It's Complicated series. This is a spin-off from my Love Manor Romantic Comedy series, and starts with Zara Huntington Ross, Sebastian-slash-Mr.-Darcy's sister who appeared in Dating Mr. Darcy, Marrying Mr. Darcy, and Falling for Another Darcy.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B097H4ZNGH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Lime Books (August 3, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 3, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 950 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B09917QSJL
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 3,004 ratings

About the author

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Kate O'Keeffe

Kate O'Keeffe

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Kate O’Keeffe is a USA Today bestselling author known for her fun, feel-good romantic comedies brimming with humor, heart, and happily ever afters. A native of New Zealand, Kate has crafted numerous popular series, garnering a devoted international readership.

With a flair for witty banter and irresistible heroines navigating the ups and downs of modern dating, Kate’s novels showcase strong friendships, comedic entanglements, and the of course sometimes bumpy but always hopeful road to love.

When she’s not writing, Kate can often be found reading romcoms, binging her favourite shows, or spending time with her friends and family in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
3,004 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a delightful love story with warm-hearted elements of friendship, describing it as a must-read that's fun and easy to follow. The characters are well-developed, and customers appreciate the book's cleanliness. The pacing receives mixed reactions - while some find it fast-paced, others say the first half moves too slowly.

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45 customers mention "Romance"42 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, describing it as a delightful love story and warm-hearted tale of friendship that makes for a great feel-good read.

"...It's such a fun, cute, hilarious, sweet, swoony and wildly entertaining read from beginning til the end. There's no dull page in the entire book...." Read more

"This was a sweet and (for me) emotional love story. Looking for Mr. Right when really he is Mr. Right by your side...." Read more

"...It’s clean with a fair bit of “snogging”, as they say in London. No profanity or sex...." Read more

"I love how best friends are always there to give you support and cheer you on when you need it...." Read more

40 customers mention "Enjoyment"40 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as a wildly entertaining and fun easy read.

"...It's such a fun, cute, hilarious, sweet, swoony and wildly entertaining read from beginning til the end. There's no dull page in the entire book...." Read more

"...It’s also refreshing to read a book written in first person from only one character’s viewpoint...." Read more

"...Get a different angle. All in all, it was a worthwhile read, not as good as the next book and not one I'll read again...." Read more

"...Turning heartbreak into triumph. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one mentioning they are funny and comical, and another noting they are from the Love Manor series.

"...This book has tons of quirky, fun, and clever characters...." Read more

"...great details on the setting/location and characters that are easy to like and root for." Read more

"...This series has characters from the Love Manor series. I enjoyed seeing Zara again and watching her get her HEA with her back up guy...." Read more

"...Asher was so sweet. The girlfriends were great characters as well. Zara standing up for herself and doing what's best for her was very inspiring...." Read more

14 customers mention "Cute"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book cute, with one noting it's beautifully done, while another describes it as super cheesy and girly.

"...It's such a fun, cute, hilarious, sweet, swoony and wildly entertaining read from beginning til the end. There's no dull page in the entire book...." Read more

"...I read 'Never Fall for Your Enemy,' Kennedy's story, first. It was cute, so I decided to give this one a go. I am disappointed...." Read more

"...It's a clean best friends to lovers read that's cute but it does start off slow but if you can push through it ends up being a great read...." Read more

"...That is such a well written story and so beautifully done by the end I was crying and laughing at Stevie Go zaza!" Read more

5 customers mention "Cleanliness"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the cleanliness of the book.

"...It’s clean with a fair bit of “snogging”, as they say in London. No profanity or sex...." Read more

"...for that lustful, steamy read this isn't it although it is a sweet, clean, romantic read with a HFN and not really a HEA ending...." Read more

"...A clean and sweet read I really enjoyed:)" Read more

"...I did love that it was clean, no sex scenes and no cussing." Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced while others note that the first half moves too slowly.

"...This was a quick read and was a sweet romance of friends to lovers...." Read more

"...It's a clean best friends to lovers read that's cute but it does start off slow but if you can push through it ends up being a great read...." Read more

"Group of supportive friends. Nice pace, Easy read." Read more

"This book begins a bit slowly. I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue reading it. But I’m glad I did...." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability, with some finding it too boring to continue reading.

"The book is well written although there are some grammatical errors...." Read more

"It was a bit boring at times, a little annoying as well, and I just couldn't really get into...." Read more

"Group of supportive friends. Nice pace, Easy read." Read more

"...Not much character development. Way too much focus on the dog! So boring." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • @imfullybooked2
    5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing read!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I love this movie I mean story ...this book should turn into a movie I would definitely watch it!! It's such a fun, cute, hilarious, sweet, swoony and wildly entertaining read from beginning til the end.  There's no dull page in the entire book. Every line, banter, chapter made me laugh and highly entertained like I said it's like a movie.

    The pet shop scene was hilarious! I had to read this part and many parts over again because they were such fun scenes. I love every solo moments with just Asher and Zara….so adorable and so flirtatious even before Zara started to feel something for Asher.  The lines in this book are so clever, quirky and again fun! I enjoyed learning some British slangs and words like Knackered and snogging. The scene when they finally admitted their feelings for each was so heartmelting so lovely I felt all giddy and excited for the 2 love birds. 

    This book has tons of quirky, fun, and clever characters. Zara had such an amazing friends that were so supportive all throughout the book. The ending is amazing and heartmelting. It will leave you feeling all good and happy inside. This book is a must read. I need a part 2! 
    5 people found this helpful
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  • ThirstyReadingQueen
    4.0 out of 5 stars America vs England = Love
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This was a sweet and (for me) emotional love story. Looking for Mr. Right when really he is Mr. Right by your side. Sometimes love is already there waiting for you and you just have to open your eyes.

    Zara comes to find that the love she has been in search of has been right there with her for the last 2 years. The person she always saw as just her best friend, her back-up guy, is her meant to be.

    Asher, despite having a secret past has been all in with Zara from the start. He sat on the sidelines and watched her search for what he knew he could give her all along. He stays the course in hopes that soon she will see him as he see her: the love of his life.

    This was a quick read and was a sweet romance of friends to lovers. As my first book from this author, I can say I will definitely be reading many more. Fun storyline, great details on the setting/location and characters that are easy to like and root for.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • WestTexasReader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Funny!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I have laughed out loud more while reading Zara’s & Asher’s story than I have in a long time. And I don’t always laugh at books that are supposedly rom-coms. It’s also refreshing to read a book written in first person from only one character’s viewpoint. Zara & Asher are wonderful together, with Asher being such a romantic as the story goes on. Zara’s dog Stevie is good for a lot of laughs, and I don’t usually enjoy books with animals being so important to the plot. In other words, this book shouldn’t have worked for me, yet I found it hilarious!

    This is my first first time to read a book by this author, but I can’t wait to read more. It’s clean with a fair bit of “snogging”, as they say in London. No profanity or sex. I found a fair number of spelling errors, mostly homonyms used incorrectly. 1/2 a star off for that, but the laughs definitely round it up to 5 stars.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Melissa
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as the next book in the series
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is the second book I've read by this author. I read 'Never Fall for Your Enemy,' Kennedy's story, first. It was cute, so I decided to give this one a go. I am disappointed.

    Zara was really annoying and immature. Asher was self-centered. (*he gets mad at *her for finding out he has a secret wife?)

    The romance was drastically lacking. Zara doesn't realize she has feelings for Asher until the 60% point. The story is entirely from Zara's point of view, so it feels like we only get half the story. One of my favorite part of romances is getting the insight into the guy's heart and head.

    This author seems to have a thing for her heroines going on a date with a seemingly perfectly normal guy, only for him to turn into a total whack-job. While funny, it was kind of lame to see it happen in both books. Get a different angle.

    All in all, it was a worthwhile read, not as good as the next book and not one I'll read again. But I'm interested in reading the rest of the series as it comes out and I'm not sorry I read it.
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Crickie
    5.0 out of 5 stars awesome love story
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love how best friends are always there to give you support and cheer you on when you need it. Finding out that your best friend turns into the love of your life. Turning heartbreak into triumph. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
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  • SEpran
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4-stars for Never Fall for Your Back-Up Guy
    Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The book is well written although there are some grammatical errors. It's a clean best friends to lovers read that's cute but it does start off slow but if you can push through it ends up being a great read. But if your looking for that lustful, steamy read this isn't it although it is a sweet, clean, romantic read with a HFN and not really a HEA ending. All in all I did enjoy the book and would recommend diving in to Zara & Asher's story.
    Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book, I also purchased the book/read with Kindle Unlimited and am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited opinion with my voluntary review.
    21 people found this helpful
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  • LINDA
    5.0 out of 5 stars Never fall for your back up guy
    Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was such a sweet story! I enjoyed every bit of the way unfolded with fun, then heartache and finally the romantic ending. It was definitely a heart warming tale. I'm sure mist readers will love it also.
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  • Nathan J.
    4.0 out of 5 stars fun and flirty friends to lovers troupe
    Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This was a fun book. This author is new to me. I enjoyed it and am excited to read the next in the series which is an enemy to lovers story.
    Not to throw spoilers at you but I thought it was a little immature of Asher to be mad at Zara about her keeping a secret from him when he kept an even bigger secret. No, he kept two huge secrets from his friend and when he thinks she betrayed his privacy he gets upset. Granted his ex had betrayed him in the worst way. I suppose an initial reaction like he had was warranted. He was completely caught off guard. However, for him to wait for days to apologize seemed a little excessive.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • G.R.
    4.0 out of 5 stars better late than never
    Reviewed in Germany on September 28, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Do you know the feeling when you want to shake some sense into somebody? When everybody can see they are in love but the two of them? I just loved reading about Zara and Asher's struggle and the way they slowly but finally saw the light.
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  • Elizabeth
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it
    Reviewed in Australia on February 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Great cast of secondary characters, to support a relatable heroine and hero find their happily ever after. And atmospheric settings, too.
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  • Bethany S
    5.0 out of 5 stars New twist on a love story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A nice easy read with an interesting back story. Very likeable characters .... With the odd fly in the ointment ! Enjoyable read !
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  • KT Walsh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Great read like all of this author's books. Always cute and funny. I can't wait to read more from this author
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  • Marianne Knuth
    5.0 out of 5 stars never fall for your back up guy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 29, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I liked it. It was sweet and the kind of book that I personally would just curl up and read. I would recommend it it younger readers. But really enjoy it.
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