Just Friends

The Investigating LOVE Series #2

by Evie Sterling

"What if the secrets of your past could change how you see your future?
Lincoln Suco and I have come a long way since being 'Just Partners.'

Now we're 'Just Friends.'

We navigate our new dynamic at the Pinecrest Detective Agency with a mix of caution and unspoken attraction. But our carefully built friendship faces its biggest challenge when a mysterious caller threatens to reveal long-buried truths.

As we work to protect our small town from a potential economic disaster, I see new sides of Lincoln. His dedication, humor, and deep loyalty make it harder each day to remember why we're supposed to be 'Just Friends.'

With each clue we uncover, the careful distance we've maintained starts to melt away. Late nights at the office, shared laughter over coffee, and moments of unexpected tenderness have me is being 'Just Friends' enough, or are we on the verge of something beautiful?

This case might solve more than just a mystery—it could be the key to unlocking our hearts. Will uncovering the truth finally give us the courage to explore what we could be together?

'Just Friends' is the second book in the heartwarming Investigating Love Series. It follows Cassandra and Lincoln's journey as they discover that, sometimes, love is the greatest mystery of all.

Genres: Romance

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2024

About the author

Through her fiction works, Evie Sterling seeks to provide readers with an escape into a world of genuine emotions and heartfelt experiences. Evie hopes to connect with readers who share her passion of clean romance and those who seek to be moved by stories that touch heart and soul.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Investigating Love series, which can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading book 1 first though so that you can already get to know the characters 👉

This is a sweet contemporary romance that follows Cassie and Lincoln, partners at an investigation agency in Pinecrest. They have established they are “Just Friends” but the attraction and feelings lurk beneath the surface 👀💕 I didn’t read book 1 but I was able to fall into their story seamlessly. I love the found family trope and their little investigation agency gives all the heartwarming vibes. Perfect for fans of workplace romance that also want mystery and banter-filled dialogues 💜

What you can expect:
💜Found Family
💜workplace romance
💜forced proximity
💜slow burn romance
💜mystery & thriller elements
💜small town romance

[Ashlie Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buckle up for a ride with Lincoln Suco and our lovably stubborn protagonist, who are trying (and mostly failing) to stick to the “Just Friends” plan! After navigating a rocky “Just Partners” era, they’ve downgraded to “Just Friends” status. Yep, nothing says platonic like lingering eye contact and suspiciously frequent coffee dates, right?

Working side-by-side at Pinecrest Detective Agency, they’re keeping things “strictly professional”—except for those late nights, flirtatious banter, and that teensy-weensy spark that just won’t die. But when a mystery caller drops a bombshell that could threaten the whole town, the stakes are higher than ever. Now, it’s not just the town’s economy on the line; it’s their sanity as they fight their feelings.

Lincoln’s loyalty, laugh, and all-around adorableness aren’t helping matters, either. As they dive deeper into the case, that carefully constructed friend-zone line becomes as shaky as a game of Jenga on a wobbly table. The question is: will solving this mystery help them finally admit that Just Friends might be the biggest mystery of all?

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 (rounded up)

Another great book by Evie!

I loved the continuation of Link & Cassie's story and as much I really hoped for them to finally get together, I am super excited that we are going to get another book that will get us there.

There was a great mystery in this one again, with lots of suspense and had the don't trust anyone vibes.

You get:
• Sweet Romance
• Friends To Lovers
• Slow Burn
• Mystery/Suspense
• Small Town
• Age Gap
• One Room

Make sure you read book one first! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Friends is the second book in the Investigating Love series, and while it can be read as a standalone, the situationship between the main characters spans throughout the entire trilogy. For this reason, I think the series will be better enjoyed read in order, if only to let yourself cook in blissful SLOW BURN for a while longer!

In JUST FRIENDS, Cassie and Lincoln are investigators in a private investigation agency. They're friends, but both of them are pining HARD for one another. An investigation to keep their small town safe from an economic disaster, however, puts a strain on their relationship as secrets are unveiled, and Cassie questions whether or not she can keep trusting Lincoln. Will their friendship-maybe-more survive?

I really enjoyed this one, and was able to follow the story and get attached to the characters even without reading the first book. Lincoln and Cassie have great chemistry, but I also adored the dynamic they have with their co-worker at the agency. The found family vibes were immaculate! Another thing I really enjoyed was how the mystery was starting from the very first page--and there wasn't just one! While Cassie is focused on the investigation to save the town, Lincoln is being a bad boy and getting involved in a solo investigation with a "reformed" criminal, giving life to one of the funnest unlikely duos/friendships I've read in a while. The two cases blend together more and more as the book progresses, and the author did a great job at handling this union and the drama that unfolds because of it. It was so well done, in fact, that I wish we'd gotten even more in-depth scenes of the investigations.

Overall, a super enjoyable read with a heartwarming found family and literal SLOW BURN, which adds so much tension to the romance.

What you can expect:
💞 sweet romance with HEA
💼 workplace romance
❤️ friends to lovers
✨ age gap
✨ dad's best friend
🔍 mystery in a small town

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review. Opinions are my own.

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, let me say that this is book 2 in a series and you DO need to read the first book to know what’s going on. And trust me, after reading this one, you’ll want to read book 3 as well (although its not out yet). Cliffhanger anyone?

I will do my best to avoid any spoilers, which is always hard when it’s part of a series. Anyway, we are thick in the action of Cassie and Lincoln’s story here. Cassie’s late father and Lincoln were business partners, running a PI firm in the little town of Pinecrest. Cassie left home to be an actress and had a starring role in a cop show until she was blacklisted for reasons unknown and returned home to help run the PI firm she has inherited.

Cassie and Lincoln butt heads from the start but there is definitely a simmering attraction bubbling below their bickering. Both admit it to themselves but both also agree that the other is off limits. Cassie is sweet, but she is naive when it comes to PI work, all her experience was scripted and studio-controlled, but she has a great ability to talk to people, getting them to open up to her and answer her questions. Link is ruff and rugged, he has a great read on people but he has a hard time trusting people and he has secrets he’s hiding from Cassie, another reason for her not to admit to her feelings for him, she can’t trust him.

I loved Quinn, she’s the perfect foil for both of them. She’s loyal to LInk as he’s her employer but she’s also loyal to Cassie, having struck up an instant friendship with her when Cassie returned to town.

I can’t wait for the next installment.

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s

Thank you to the author Evie Sterling @eviesterling.sweetromance and @NetGalley for the electronic copy of the book.

Evie Sterling has done it again with Just Friends, the second book in The Investigating Love Series! This romance-mystery packs in all the elements that make her books so irresistible—laugh-out-loud humor, sharp banter, and tension that crackles on every page.

Just Friends follows an unlikely duo navigating a complicated web of blackmail, mystery, and suspense, and Sterling keeps readers invested from start to finish. The romantic chemistry is electric, and every twist and turn in the plot only makes it more satisfying. Sterling’s characters are witty and complex, and their interactions bring a perfect balance of humor and drama, keeping the story lively and utterly entertaining.

With no dull moments and a story that’s full of surprises, Just Friends is an engrossing read that fans of romance and mystery won’t want to miss. Sterling’s storytelling shines, delivering yet another gem for readers looking for a fast-paced, feel-good escape that’s as captivating as it is clever.

Tropes:
❤️ Friends To Lovers
🤍 Sweet Romance
🖤 Suspense/Mystery
💛 Age Gap
💙 Co-Workers
🧡 Dad's Best Friend
💜 Small Town

Quote: "Can we start somewhere, though? Somewhere more than partners? Friends? Maybe we can start there and see where it takes us."

[WorkingMomBookshelf Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Investigating Love Stories series was a cozy, fun mix of romance and mystery—and totally works as a standalone (I haven’t read book one yet!). I really enjoyed the investigation backdrop, which added some pace and intrigue to the slow-burn romance. The author’s writing is smooth and engaging, and the dual POV was a definite plus.

The side characters, especially Quinn, were great additions, and I loved the found family vibe of the agency. While I didn’t give it a full five stars—there was just a little something missing to make it truly unforgettable—I still really enjoyed it and plan to check out the rest of the series. That cliffhanger definitely left me wanting more!

Thank you again NetGalley and Evie Sterling for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Darla Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. It’s part of a series and since I’ve gotten into reading it’s the only series I’ve read that has cliff hangers! Most of the series I read can be read as standalones. I’m ready for the next one!

Lincoln is so dreamy to me. He’s got that bad boy air to him and him and Cassie are definitely a great pair. Great in business and I hope it turns to more for them!

I received and eARC for my honest review

[Krystal (KindlyKReads) A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book was such a wonderful, and sexy little romance that really kept me wanting more just as the first novel had. I love Lincoln the main MC so much in these books and the MC’s whole struggle to stay in the just friends zone. A path that’s becoming most difficult for them. I do recommend reading this story as well as the first book.

Thank You to the author for allowing me the ARC opportunity. I truly enjoyed it.

All thoughts and opinion’s are my own.

[Ve (ve_xo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Friends is an engaging mix of mystery, small-town charm, and slow-burn romance that had me hooked from start to finish. The relatable characters and the satisfying balance of mystery and romance make this a must-read for fans of slow-burn love stories.

Cassandra and Lincoln’s journey is a beautifully layered exploration of trust, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry. The dynamic between these two is electric, with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages. The mystery element adds an intriguing twist, with a high-stakes case that kept me guessing and revealed deeper layers to their characters.

Lincoln’s humor and steadfast loyalty stole my heart, and Cassandra’s strength and determination make her an inspiring lead. Watching their friendship evolve into something more felt authentic and deeply rewarding.

I can’t wait to see where the Investigating Love Series takes us next! All opinions are my own.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

The second book in the L and S Investigation series gave us more of Cassie and Lincoln. Readers get to enjoy seeing them grow closer, but still fighting their growing feelings every step of the way. I really enjoyed how we got to know each of them more as individuals, yet this allows us to dive deeper into their feelings for each other. Both characters have grown a lot since book 1, but neither has admitted to the other truly how they feel. Doesn’t stop the lingering eye contact, frequent coffee dates, or obvious to everyone but them the feelings they have towards one another.

When a call comes into their investigation, they realize their whole town is in danger. The need to solve this mystery and unmask the voice behind the receiver. Cassie is still new to the PI world, although did inherit her father’s sense for the job. She is smart, resilient, and persistent. There are areas where she definitely shows naivety, but she is determined to carry on her father’s legacy.

Link is loveable as ever. Stubborn as all heck, ruggedly handsome, and determined to not do his now passed partner dirty and act on the feelings he has for his daughter. There are still layers to be discovered, first made known in book one. He is reluctant to share these secrets with anyone, but knowing Evie, when they are finally made known, it is going to rock everything that has been built.

In order to understand their feelings for each other, you need to read book 1 before this one. Although you can follow the storyline, a lot will be missed if you don’t read book one.

Evie’s writing delivers clean romance, with all the sizzle. Also side characters who add so much to the story. Quinn is a great anchor for both of them, while Tommy…I don’t know how I fully feel about him yet. I am excited for the next book to be released and watch Cassie and Link get closer and closer to finally opening up to each other fully.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
💜Sweet Romance
💜Friends To Lovers
💜Slow Burn
💜Mystery/Suspense
💜Small Town
💜Age Gap
💜One Room

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this blend of sleuth story and budding romance, which is well written, fast-paced and full of emotion, intrigue, danger and suspense. The characters are very likable and their longing for each other and their struggles with their pasts palpable.
The story picks up where it left off in the last installment and ends with another cliffhanger, so I recommend starting with the first book in the series.

Cassie Love is an actress who has recently been blacklisted from Hollywood for no apparent reason. That's why she has returned to Pinecrest to start afresh in her late father's private detective agency. Her partner is the enigmatic Lincoln Suco, with whom she had a teenage crush years ago.
Years ago, Lincoln was involved in illegal activities until Cassie's father took him in and saved his life.
New partners Cassie and Lincoln are attracted to each other, but decide it would be better to maintain a purely professional relationship as partners, which nevertheless slowly develops into a friendship.
Lincoln's past catches up with him when his former partner-in-crime Phineas blackmails him into doing him a favor or he will blow the whistle and Lincoln is forced to keep his activities a secret from Cassie.
When the detective agency is hired by a member of the city's most influential family to track down a missing journalist, they have no idea what they're getting themselves into. Lincoln soon realises that his own secret mission and the case of the missing journalist are connected, but he can't tell Cassie the truth without losing her trust and friendship.
During their investigation, they uncover more and more dirty secrets that could ruin the whole town and put their lives in danger...

If you like riveting stories with interesting characters, suspense and a slow-burn romance, you are sure to enjoy this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Book Obsessed Goddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited I was sent the ARC for book 2 in Evie's investgating series. This is not a standalone and needs to be read in order. This is an age-gap story.

It does give a quick summary recap of book 1 though if you just want to jump in at book 2 but I feel like you miss out on the buildup.

Cassie has truly turned into her PI self and no longer thinks of herself as an actress. She is organized, thoughtful and observant. She doubts herself and realizes the real thing is a lot harder than the character she played in a show.

Linc has changed the most between the two books. He went from a playboy flirt to someone you can rely on (maybe not trust fully though). We learned a lot more about him in this book and I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be OK.

Cassie and Lincoln are working together to revive the PI office her Dad started. Both of them get pulled in by different people to deal with one family. This one family could change everything they knew was right.

I loved how you honestly couldn't tell who would be the good guy and who would be the bad. Their intense chemistry and perfect teamwork made me so happy. All of the questions from the first book being answered made me feel so much relief. My brain struggles when questions aren't answered haha it demands I find out.

I'm still hesitant to trust a new character but I absolutely was happy for an old one. This one focused way more on the investigating part and it was done so well.

One bed situation. That's truly all I need to say right??

Evie is a talented author and I always enjoy her stories. I cannot wait to read book 3 when it releases. Just Partners, to Just Friends to hopefully Just Lovers haha if they don't end up together I may just cry lol

That setup for book 3 was insane though. I'm so curious as to what our group will have to deal with next!

[Sara King · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨3.75 stars, rounded up!

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC of Just Friends in exchange for my honest review.

Evie Sterling’s Just Friends follows private investigators Cassie and Link as they juggle solving crimes and navigating a complicated friendship with undeniable chemistry. With intriguing mysteries, relatable characters, and banter that keeps things lively, this second book in the Investigating Love series builds on the slow-burn romance in fresh ways.

One scene about 70% in, where Cassie and Link have to think fast to escape a high-stakes situation, stands out as a highlight—it’s the kind of moment that shows off their teamwork and tension perfectly.

Pros & Cons:
Pros:
•👀 First-person narration adds intimacy, drawing you deeper into Cassie’s world.
•🔍 Fun, unpredictable mysteries that keep you guessing.
•🤣 Banter and interactions between the whole cast are engaging and lively.
•🌟 New layers to Phineas’ character and his dynamic with Link make the story richer.
Cons:
•🐢 Still a slow burn—could use a bit more romantic development.
•🤨 The main mystery felt slightly unrealistic without a clearer explanation.

Final Thoughts: While Cassie and Link end this book as “just friends,” there’s a tantalizing hint of what could be. Perfect for fans of small-town mysteries with a romantic twist, this series is shaping up to be an addictive blend of suspense and slow-burn romance. I’ll definitely be grabbing book three to see what happens next!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra Love rising Hollywood Star ….until six months ago when she went and got herself blacklisted that is. Lincoln Suco and she have gone from Just Partners to Just Friends. The business that once was half her dad’s is now hers and they’ve come quite a way in the time to turn things around ,her and partner …They both work to protect their small town from their offices at Pinecrest Detective Agency.Navigating long buried truths about the town to stop them being revealed by a hellhound of a mysterious caller . She’s so far flung from Hollywood and all that she now considers herself a detective first and foremost and doesn’t think of herself as an actress at all. Seeing Linc in this light causes her to forget the just good friends,premise with promise. Linc has gone from the player to a team player and pound to a penny he’d lay his heart on the line for her, for Cassie is mighty fine. I for one am rooting for them to become more , in fact I implore them to explore their feelings ! Now please put us out of our reelings , our miseries if you please. Love - Suco , it’s a perfect match , and we’re not saying tennis ….pray tell us they’re now attached! Wonderful prose and excellent work by Evie Sterling , well of course the master of discourse and happy ever after. Laughter and mayhem and love , is a grafter. Her pen and her mind in purest symphonic harmony of verse put out in the universe for our enjoyment…Too much? Nah can never get too much of a good thing and today it’s Evie Sterling.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Friends is the second book in the Investigating Love series. While there is recap given at the start, this is definitely a series that you're going to want to read in order! While each book has its own primary mystery at the center, there are definitely some questions that carry through... and the relationship between Link and Cassie is slowly progressing throughout too. While I do love a quick romance too, I have to say, it's been nice seeing the natural progression of their romance so far... and I know when they do finally get that happily ever after it will be that much sweeter! (That said, if you're one who wants the immediate HEA and/or to have all questions answered right away, you might want to wait until the series is complete to read this one!) I enjoyed the mystery in this story and getting answers that I had wondered about in the previous book. There are many great side characters, but Phineas was definitely one that kept me guessing as to what he was going to do next... he made things very interesting and I'm curious to see if we'll see or hear more from him in the future. This has been a really fun story so far and I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next.

Just Friends is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Friends is the second book in the Investigating Love Series. I never got a chance to read Just Partners, but I believe the book can still stand on its own, if you don't mind a few flashbacks from the first book.

This story follows Cassandra and Lincoln on their journey as they navigate the twists and turns of their business, crime, and most or all their feelings for each other. They seem to have so much that they need to discuss and hash out between them, but in the midst of all that is happening, there never seems to be enough time. As mystery upon mystery is unfolding around them, they start to realize they are struggling with not just their partnership but friendship... so even if they are feeling stronger feelings, it's not time yet to announce them. But will they even get a chance to be more than partners? More than friends?!

I really appreciated the mix of mystery and action throughout the story; it kept me engaged and guessing. The romance was sweet and had its moments, but I found myself wanting a bit more depth and development in that area. I enjoyed getting to know Cassie, Link, Quinn, and Thomas, I look forward to reading more about them!

Overall, it was an enjoyable read that balanced mystery and suspense with romance. I’d give it a solid 3.5, rounded up to a 4.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my own opinion.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second Investigating Love novel, readers follow Cassandra and Lincoln at the Pinecrest Detective Agency on a new and high-stakes case that could impact the entire town. When a mysterious caller threatens to reveal some dangerous truths, their work on this new economic investigation forces Lincoln and Cassandra to spend time together and break the tension between them. With two different resolutions at stake in this new release, readers will have to solve the case with Cassandra and Lincoln and wait to see if Cassandra and Lincoln solve their relationship. With a host of new characters making things more complicated as friends and enemies, readers have to uncover the truths behind Pinecrest Detective Agency and this looming economic disaster. The characters and their relationship are the star in this novel, particularly since co-detectives is a new kind of coworkers/friends to lovers trope that readers will love. The investigation and mystery itself are well-crafted and complex, and the large-scale threat increases the intensity and tension in this latest instalment. Cassandra and Lincoln are excellent and flawed narrators, and their evolving dynamic is really enjoyable to read and deeply relatable, so readers will love this new piece to their story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the advance copy.

[Juliana Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Friends follows Cassandra and Lincoln, two detectives navigating a new friendship after a complicated history. As they work together at the Pinecrest Detective Agency, their unresolved feelings simmer beneath the surface, especially when a mysterious threat exposes hidden secrets and tests their bond. With each late night and shared laugh, they wonder if “just friends” is truly all they’re meant to be—or if they’re on the edge of something more.

The book is a good mix of friends-to-lovers romance and mystery. Although I didn’t read the first book, I felt I might have connected better with Cassandra and Lincoln’s dynamic if I had. Their friendship is fun to watch develop, with witty banter and undeniable chemistry that makes you root for them. The suspense adds a nice twist, though the mystery’s resolution felt a bit unclear at times.

The slow-burn romance was well done, but I wanted a bit more focus on their romantic connection since the chemistry between them is strong. The cliffhanger at the end is surprising and makes you eager for the next installment. Overall, Just Friends combines lighthearted romance with an intriguing mystery, making it a great read for fans of the friends-to-lovers trope.

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book managed to unite my love for both romance and mystery. Just Friends is a sweet workplace romance set in an investigation agency and starring former actress Cassandra, who is now working at her father’s agency alongside Lincoln in small town Pinecrest.

The banter between the characters is fantastic and makes the pages fly, and I loved the found family aspect of the book. And as I mentioned above, I also love mystery, so I truly enjoyed the two mystery storylines that seemed to be connected almost immediately. I like to figure these things out alongside the characters, and I had fun investigating in this one, especially given that it helped keep me patient for the super slow burn romance that appears to be spanning multiple books.

Just Friends is also the second book in a series but they can be read as standalones. I haven’t read the first book so I can attest to that, but I do think I will go back and catch up on the first so I have the full picture and be with the characters some more.

Here are some tropes and elements:
💕 sweet romance with HEA
🔍 workplace romance
💛 friends to lovers
🏘️ mystery in a small town
🗓️ age gap

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series and it shows!

Would 100% recommend reading the first book before reading the second one.

I didn’t and as a result I missed parts of the plot. The book does start with a brief overview of the first book, which did help a little, but during the book the characters sometimes refer back to the first book. Without having read that you miss part of it.

Overall, I liked the book, but I didn’t love it. The whole premises is about Cassie and Link, who partner as PI’s. Apparently, in the first book some romance happened, but they decided not to give into it and only continue as business partners.

You could quite quick figure out what was going to happen. Link was keeping a lot of secrets from Cassie which caused tension and eventually blew up in his face.

The end of the book gave you the plot of the next book and it seems as if it is going to be about keeping secrets from each other again, though this time it will be Cassie even though they have just decided to start with being friends after all the secrets Link kept.

Three stars for me, it was a fun and quick read, but probably won’t read the next book.

[Kristy Chown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Evie Sterling and Haylingbookstormpr for this book!
I have not read the first in the series but still consider this book a standalone. I liked the book because I sometimes find tropes and storylines can be too similar to books I've read before, but I haven't read many mysteries/ books set against a PI sort of background. I found the characters in this book to be enjoyable - reliable, steady friend and partner Quinn, as well as the dynamic between Lincoln and Cassie. I enjoyed that there wasn't an obviously burgeoning romance to begin with from the get-go, but rather that the book focused on the complex dynamics in their lives.. finding out what happened to her dream job, the guilt she has for not being around when her dad passed... being back in her hometown in general, the need to keep it as professional friendship with Lincoln, the different cases and missing people they need to help find....
I enjoyed this book and wanted to get to the bottom of the supposedly shady family in town, in the connections Lincoln had with people, in the missing people... I would definitely recommend this book. It felt very natural, very human, but still very entertaining.

[ReadIntoWonderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I have a bit of mixed feelings about this series still. I was hoping to have more concrete feelings about it after this one but I honestly really don’t. My favorite character in the series by far is Phineas (the antagonist). I still have love-hate feelings about Cassie and Link. I really hope he still has a role in book 3 as he is definitely the reason I plan on continuing to finish this series.

This story is still very set apart from her other works. The writing style is very different from the Evie style I’ve come to know and love. This difference doesn’t quite align with my preferences when I sit down to read something from her. That said, the last quarter of this one is what really sucked me in and I flew right through it.

I almost wanted more from this story. There were a number of times that conversations and scenes were simply summarized after the fact. I would’ve loved to be there to witness them as a reader. I’ll be interested to see how this plays out as the series concludes.

I received this book as part of a Haylingbookstorm PR arc and street team. My review is honest and voluntary

[Dawn Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a sucker for a friends-to-lovers story laced with suspense (my absolute favorite), Just Friends has you covered! Lincoln and Cassandra are back and have leveled up from “Just Partners” to “Just Friends” — but it’s pretty clear they’re on the edge of something much deeper. The chemistry between them builds steadily, especially as they dive into a mystery threatening their little town.

The suspense element keeps you on your toes, but it’s those quieter moments — late nights, shared coffee, and playful banter — that make you root for them to finally take that next step. Sterling’s writing brings out Lincoln’s protective side and Cassandra’s wit and warmth, which makes for some swoon-worthy scenes. If you haven’t read the first book, definitely start there, as it sets up this dynamic perfectly.

This one’s a solid 4 stars for the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and the thrill of watching a friendship grow into something more. Can't wait for more in the Investigating Love series!

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-Op for the opportunity to receive the ARC.

[Kell X · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts where Just Partners left us, so it would be better to read the first book in the series to better understand all the history between them. After they solved the previous case and Link got out of the hospital, and after they have decided to be Just Friends.
They still don't know why Cassie's career got bulldozed and are starting to get some new cases. One in particular has Link kind of unconfortable, since he has some shady secrets of his own and this one case has a little conflict of interest with his secrets.
We see both character being torn by how attracted they are with each other and at the same time being torn appart by those secrets and some lack of trust.
How can they evolve in their relationship without fully trusting one another?
Just as the previous book the romance is just in the backgrownd and is not the main theme in the story. The solving problems and mystery is the main goal. But we have some hints here and there.
I wish the next one brings them more together and gives us a little bit more about their relationship.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Friends by Evie Sterling is utterly charming, from start to finish! It has just the right amount of humor, romance, and genuine emotion, capturing the magic and chaos of a love story between two people who start out as, well, just friends. This is book two Investigating love series.

The main characters are lovable and relatable, with a chemistry that leaps off the page. Sterling's writing is witty and sharp, making it easy to get lost in the banter and shared moments that build a connection deeper than friendship. Evie Sterling has a knack for capturing those small, intimate details that make a relationship feel real and genuine. The two main characters Cassie and Lincoln started out as just partners and have graduated to just friends.

This book will make you laugh out loud and will hit you right in the feels without you even knowing it is happening. This is a book is the perfect rom com with the friends to lovers trope. I definitely recommend this book.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Let’s get into the second book in this series. Cassie Love and Lincoln Suco are back on the job. Lincoln is slowly coming back to 100%. They are still trying to navigate their feelings with Quinn in the mix. Lincoln is still being secretive and Cassie cannot think about more with someone she doesn’t trust.

L & S Investigations got a big job from Meredith Thornton. The Thorntons practically own the town. This will be a big win for the agency. Lincoln decides to wrap his secret investigations around the Thornton case. A few lies here and there only make Cassie distrust him more.

This book has a lot going on. The Thorntons are a big fish and taking them down could ruin the town. Can Cassie trust Lincoln to help? Lincoln’s loyalty should be with Cassie and the business, right? Once this is cleared up all secrets will be out in the open. This is not the end. More secrets are coming. Can Cassie and Lincoln be just friends? Tensions are high. No one knows what’s up next for our team.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, close proximity, co-workers romance with a touch of mystery and suspense.
Some of the lines I really like ---- "Any friendship is built on little acts of kindness.” ---- “Not all of us are so consumed with their work that we have no time for our real lives." ---- “No secret jobs today. Criminals sleep in late; haven’t you heard?” ---- "What do you do for work?" Work can say a lot about a person. ---- They say when a rumor starts about a family, it’s over. ---- "Friendship means sacrificing for others, even when it's not necessarily a benefit to yourself." ---- “The trick to a clean kitchen is tidying as you go,” ----
What's Phineas up to? Why does Phineas want Nathan found? What's Meredith up to? What happened to Anita? Who's Corey? These and other questions will be answered, There are a few loose ends which will hopefully be answered in Book 3.
I loved Cassie and Lincoln's story and I'm sure you will too. I can't wait to read her next book.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Super slow burn
- Workplace romance
- Friends to more?
- Age gap

This series has all of the 80's PI vibes and I love it! This is the second book in a series and I recommend reading the first book to get to know the characters.

Cassie is settled into life in her late father's PI business, along with his partner Link. Although the two feel attraction for each other, in the first book they decided to keep their relationship professional. Not that they don't think of each other from time to time as more than partners or friends, but this series is a super slow burn.

Link has gotten himself mixed up with a shady character and is trying to extricate himself from the situation. But for now, he is doing what he can to keep the blackmailer content. Little does he know that the "favor" he's doing is directly related to a case Cassie has picked up.

The twists kept my interest and the slow, slow burn will be so worth it as the series progresses.