"Will best friends turned lovers survive the pitfalls of a modern relationship?"

Painter Lauren Spencer has it bad for her best friend and next-door neighbor Dale Stoner. Ever since she first met him five years ago, she's been head over heels in love, but Dale only sees her as a friend. Dale has a bad case of unrequited love himself, for a happily married woman from his hometown. He goes out with women who are physically similar, never letting them get emotionally close to him.

Lauren has finally decided that maybe she can't be friends with Dale anymore. It hurts too much to see him move from woman to woman. Plus, Dale seems determined to fix her up with friends of his. Why can't he see that she doesn't want or need other men? Will he ever open his eyes and see her -- the real Lauren?

Children's writer and illustrator Dale is devastated when he finds out that his obsession is pregnant -- again. He consoles himself by drinking to deaden the pain. When Lauren stops by his house, Dale is drunk enough to make a pass at her. But he ruins their moment together when he calls out the wrong name in the heat of passion. Then Dale passes out, not realizing what he's just done. And the next morning, Dale has no recollection of the events that transpired.

Lauren is heartbroken. Lauren knows that Dale is only in love with the idea of being in love, but it doesn't ease the pain. She resumes her friendship with Dale, pretending that nothing happened. Dale finds himself seeing Lauren as a woman for the first time. Does he dare risk their friendship by asking for more? But Lauren has a little secret that she can't hide forever. Will Dale be able to forgive her for her lies of omission? Will Lauren ever be loved? Or is she doomed to always be left by those she loves?

Dale and Lauren traverse the rocky road from friendship to lovers. There are many potholes along the way, but they persevere. They communicate well sexually, but they both hide their emotions to the detriment of the relationship. Both Dale and Lauren have some growing to do before they can live happily ever after. The pitfalls of a modern relationship will strike a chord with those seeking realistic romances. Neither Lauren nor Dale are perfect, each having flaws they must strive to overcome. HER BEST FRIEND'S LOVER is Ms. Walker's debut novel and I look forward to reading more of her stories in the future.

Sensuality: Rated NC-17 by the publisher. Explicit sex, light bondage, anal play; sexually explicit scenes: 13.

Reviewed by Denise Powers
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted July 23, 2003

Summary

Dale loves women, and they love him. His love life is a revolving door. No one special, no one stays, except Lauren, his best friend. She's a sweet beautiful, talented woman. His rock, the steadying influence in his life. So why is he starting to see her differently, where are these lustful thoughts coming from? Guys don't sleep with their best friends.

Lauren has loved Dale for five years, from the moment she saw him. She loves his smile, his walk, his deep, sexy voice. But he isn't in love with her. She's his pal, his confidant. Until one hot, steamy night...

Sexual Content: NC-17. Genre: contemporary.