Friendly Skies (Blue Skies Book 2) by Marie Sinclair

Ever had a friendship where you love them and only want the best for them even as your heart yearns to hold them only close to you? Darius and Luis have never doubted that they should be together, but taking that last tumble to the romantic side of a relationship holds them back for years.


From the Friendly Skies blurb:

Luis and Darius have been each other’s almas gemelas—soul twin—since childhood. They’re ride-or-die besties who have shared every coming-of-age experience, platonic kisses, cuddles, careers as flight attendants, even the occasional hook-up with a third. But they’ve never admitted to each other just how deep their feelings for each other run.

By the time Darius, who’s always known he’s gay, realized Luis was too, it was too late; his place in Luis’s friend zone was set in stone. Rather than pushing for what he really wants, he’s settled for being the safe place for Luis whenever his unexplained anxieties stalk him at night.

Luis has spent the years since he was drugged by a family friend at his sister’s quinceañera party hiding secrets. He doesn’t regret the kisses he shared with Darius in the shadows of his bedroom that night. It’s what happened later—at someone else’s hands—that he’s never told anyone. Not even his soul twin. He’s stayed silent rather than risk losing the one man he can’t survive without.

Luis’s trauma is pushed into the light when an incident on one of Darius’ flights makes him finally admit how he really feels. But when false accusations surrounding the incident surface, Luis’s anxiety and memories could derail his and Darius’ new-found relationship. Working their way past this rocky stretch on the road to forever will take every ounce of love they have for each other—and then some.

Tropes: best friends to lovers, pining, one bed, hurt/comfort, trauma recovery

Please check the copyright page for trigger warnings.


SNik's review:

Second in series (Blue Skies), but can be read as a standalone. Best friends to lovers. Hurt/comfort. POC representation. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. 

Neighbors, best friends, then roommates and dedicated wingmen, Darius and Luis even share a bed, their friendship and love spanning years. But both men have been in love with the other and never said anything, past trauma and fear of losing the best relationship they have ever had leaves them both yearning but never crossing the line. 

This story has a friendship that is beyond close and it was admirable to see both men really be positive and supportive for the other as they secretly loved each other putting the other’s happiness first and foremost. The problems outside the relationship were angsty, but never caused any kind of hiccup between Darius and Luis. Flight attendants that finally get their special person and plan a future together, with some cameos and a ton of supportive secondary characters.


Friendly Skies is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.