The Island by Briar Prescott

The only thing worse that being trapped on a desert island ... is being stuck with your best friend, who doesn't know you're in love with him.

Tropes: friends to lovers, mm/gay romance, neighbors

Synopsis

Dylan’s whole life changed when he was ten and Adrian’s family moved in next door, and he felt like he was part of a family. And it changed again when he was fourteen and realized he had a devastating crush on Adrian, who was very straight. And it changed again when Adrian fell in love with the woman of his dreams, eventually proposing to the love of his life and asking Dylan to be his best man.

As a wedding gift, Dylan books a bachelor trip to Fiji … but the plane gets caught in a storm, and these best friends get stuck on a deserted island…for years.

Eventually they’re rescued and brought home, but that time on the island changed everything in their lives. And they both start to wonder … who are they without each other?

Why We Loved It

IF you love pining & yearning as much as Nikki does, or found fmaily as much as Meg does, then run out and grab this book. It’s emotionally devastating (it brought both of us to tears) but also deeply satisfying to see these two best friends grow together in such a beautiful way. Meg didn’t even mind the love triangle. And that’ ssaying something, because she usually can’t stand them.

It’s also a textbook example of The Friendship GAMBLE — Dylan is so deeply terrifying of ruining his friendship with Adrian that he won’t confess his feelings, even after years of the most intense forced proximity imaginable. If you’re looking for an emotionally repressed hero, look no further.

Where We've Discussed This

Originally shipped by Nikki in episode 108: our second podcast anniversary, then later shipped by Meg in 119: The Love Hypothesis movie. A rare double ship!

If you liked this, als check out our neighbours to lovers episode megalist and childhood friends to lovers recommendations.

And if you’re looking for more like this, check out Riley Hart’s Crossroads — another neighbors/friends to lovers/bi-awakening book.