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Tough Love #4
They're Strictly Friends
Though France and England have long since buried the hatchet, for Lucas Edwards and Elodie Bertrand, the battle of wits across the Channel is alive and well. Their friendship is equal parts intellectual duel and undeniable tension—sharp banter, stolen glances, and a simmering chemistry they both pretend not to notice.
Lucas, the picture of British charm with a strict tie routine and a fondness for Shakespeare, keeps things tidy—both in his office and in his personal life. But when a devastating diagnosis shakes the foundation of his future, he decides to keep Elodie, the brilliant and vivacious French mathematician, firmly in the “just friends” column. He can't afford for love to become another variable in his already unpredictable equation.
Elodie, with her perfect Parisian sass and tendency to hilariously mangle British idioms, isn't convinced. The way Lucas looks at her, the tension in every conversation, and his not-so-subtle protectiveness—none of it adds up. And when fate forces them into close quarters, she begins to see the Lucas isn’t pushing her away because he doesn’t care—he’s doing it because he cares too much.
A heartfelt standalone friends-to-lovers romance bursting with cross-cultural charm, sizzling tension, laugh-out-loud moments, Harry Potter nods, and a swoon-worthy happily-ever-after. The first book in the Tough Love spinoff series.
Lucas, the picture of British charm with a strict tie routine and a fondness for Shakespeare, keeps things tidy—both in his office and in his personal life. But when a devastating diagnosis shakes the foundation of his future, he decides to keep Elodie, the brilliant and vivacious French mathematician, firmly in the “just friends” column. He can't afford for love to become another variable in his already unpredictable equation.
Elodie, with her perfect Parisian sass and tendency to hilariously mangle British idioms, isn't convinced. The way Lucas looks at her, the tension in every conversation, and his not-so-subtle protectiveness—none of it adds up. And when fate forces them into close quarters, she begins to see the Lucas isn’t pushing her away because he doesn’t care—he’s doing it because he cares too much.
A heartfelt standalone friends-to-lovers romance bursting with cross-cultural charm, sizzling tension, laugh-out-loud moments, Harry Potter nods, and a swoon-worthy happily-ever-after. The first book in the Tough Love spinoff series.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2019
166 people are currently reading
2811 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Liese
21 books10.2k followersChloe is a USA Today bestselling author who writes romantic fiction reflecting her belief that everyone deserves a love story. When not dreaming up her next novel, you'll find her reading, trying new recipes, savoring nature, and soaking up time with her big, beautiful family.
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December 9, 2019
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They're Strictly Friends was an absolutely dreamy followup to the Tough Love trilogy! I fell in love with Zed and Nairne's hard-fought happily ever after and found myself quite smitten with a bloke by the name of Lucas. I knew he and Elodie shared a strong connection, but for some strange reason they were fighting it. I wanted to know what was preventing them from pursuing their own happiness. Chloe Liese wrote a beautiful story that answered every one of my questions.
I fell in love with Lucas hook, line and sinker. There's something about a British man with his stoicism, high-handedness, drinking tea during a crisis, and stiff upper lip that really gets my motor going. Lucas was a Viking-like Adonis with charm, personality and wit to spare. He was sweet and kind and generous and intelligent... and he was terrified out of his mind about what was to become of his future. Facing such uncertainty, he couldn't imagine giving into his feelings for the woman he loves, bringing her down when she deserves to constantly be lifted up. How could he condemn her to the same sentence he faces? And yet, how can he deny himself the love of a lifetime he knows that they can share? This story was oftentimes sappy and sanguine, while also being painful and poignant. It touched my heart in ways that I didn't expect and I'm a little sad to see it end.
Liese has really cornered the market on depicting people who face some of life's hardest challenges and how they maneuver their way through these obstacles with courage, anger, bitterness, practicality and hope. Whether these characters have lost the use of their legs, their eyes, come whatever what may, they eventually come to realize their own strength and that their loss doesn't take away their value or their significance. Their disability doesn't ultimately define them. With their families and friends around them, with so much love supporting and bolstering and guiding them, they cannot lose! I'm more than a little eager to read Teo's story. He's Zed's little brother, MMA fighter and med school student, and he sounds super duper HOT!!
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FREE to read with KU
They're Strictly Friends was an absolutely dreamy followup to the Tough Love trilogy! I fell in love with Zed and Nairne's hard-fought happily ever after and found myself quite smitten with a bloke by the name of Lucas. I knew he and Elodie shared a strong connection, but for some strange reason they were fighting it. I wanted to know what was preventing them from pursuing their own happiness. Chloe Liese wrote a beautiful story that answered every one of my questions.
I fell in love with Lucas hook, line and sinker. There's something about a British man with his stoicism, high-handedness, drinking tea during a crisis, and stiff upper lip that really gets my motor going. Lucas was a Viking-like Adonis with charm, personality and wit to spare. He was sweet and kind and generous and intelligent... and he was terrified out of his mind about what was to become of his future. Facing such uncertainty, he couldn't imagine giving into his feelings for the woman he loves, bringing her down when she deserves to constantly be lifted up. How could he condemn her to the same sentence he faces? And yet, how can he deny himself the love of a lifetime he knows that they can share? This story was oftentimes sappy and sanguine, while also being painful and poignant. It touched my heart in ways that I didn't expect and I'm a little sad to see it end.
Liese has really cornered the market on depicting people who face some of life's hardest challenges and how they maneuver their way through these obstacles with courage, anger, bitterness, practicality and hope. Whether these characters have lost the use of their legs, their eyes, come whatever what may, they eventually come to realize their own strength and that their loss doesn't take away their value or their significance. Their disability doesn't ultimately define them. With their families and friends around them, with so much love supporting and bolstering and guiding them, they cannot lose! I'm more than a little eager to read Teo's story. He's Zed's little brother, MMA fighter and med school student, and he sounds super duper HOT!!
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November 27, 2019
3.5 Star Review
A genre-bending exploration of love amidst the chaos of grief and anxiety. Chloe Liese transcends the fluffy (and more times than not, shallow) rom-com archetype to delivery a story with wisdom and gravitas. Our main characters bear heavy burdens - Lucas has been diagnosed with a chronic disease that will leave him completely blind in a matter of years, while Elodie has been shunned emotionally and financially by her parents for not accepting an arranged marriage proposal. These friends to lovers seek refuge in eachother and the promise of a brighter future, though haunting memories and fears for the future seem to keep them always at a distance.
They're Strictly Friends is my first read from author, Chloe Liese, and I was not disappointed. The book explored dark, heavier themes that made the romantic elements anything but shallow. Lucas and Elodie are British and French, so the multicultural spin to their interaction (which was sometimes lost in translation) was cute and refreshing. Though the blossoming of their romance catapulted fast into a relationship, I didn't feel shortchanged on the sexual tension. Quite the opposite - their chemistry was electric and their intimate scenes were simply smoldering.
I will say, however, that there were many scenes I felt were obvious exposition traps, simply there to get us to learn something about the two main characters and which were otherwise completely unnecessary page fillers. The trope of the girlfriend getting a job with the rich CEO boyfriend's company was also jarring and had me reliving the trauma that is 50 Shades of Grey. And on occasion, I felt the dialogue itself was less realistic than I would prefer, and there were some cringey scenes where I had to put the book down and take a break (Elodie telling Lucas talking about her period in graphic detail, having paragraph long conversations during oral sex, Lucas looking at Elodie's butt 50 times a chapter, Lucas fantasizing about Elodie being "big with his baby" and "watching her breasts swell" when pregnant. Things like that made me need to stop and ponder on what I was getting myself into.
But all in all, a solid read.
I received a copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A genre-bending exploration of love amidst the chaos of grief and anxiety. Chloe Liese transcends the fluffy (and more times than not, shallow) rom-com archetype to delivery a story with wisdom and gravitas. Our main characters bear heavy burdens - Lucas has been diagnosed with a chronic disease that will leave him completely blind in a matter of years, while Elodie has been shunned emotionally and financially by her parents for not accepting an arranged marriage proposal. These friends to lovers seek refuge in eachother and the promise of a brighter future, though haunting memories and fears for the future seem to keep them always at a distance.
They're Strictly Friends is my first read from author, Chloe Liese, and I was not disappointed. The book explored dark, heavier themes that made the romantic elements anything but shallow. Lucas and Elodie are British and French, so the multicultural spin to their interaction (which was sometimes lost in translation) was cute and refreshing. Though the blossoming of their romance catapulted fast into a relationship, I didn't feel shortchanged on the sexual tension. Quite the opposite - their chemistry was electric and their intimate scenes were simply smoldering.
I will say, however, that there were many scenes I felt were obvious exposition traps, simply there to get us to learn something about the two main characters and which were otherwise completely unnecessary page fillers. The trope of the girlfriend getting a job with the rich CEO boyfriend's company was also jarring and had me reliving the trauma that is 50 Shades of Grey. And on occasion, I felt the dialogue itself was less realistic than I would prefer, and there were some cringey scenes where I had to put the book down and take a break (Elodie telling Lucas talking about her period in graphic detail, having paragraph long conversations during oral sex, Lucas looking at Elodie's butt 50 times a chapter, Lucas fantasizing about Elodie being "big with his baby" and "watching her breasts swell" when pregnant. Things like that made me need to stop and ponder on what I was getting myself into.
But all in all, a solid read.
I received a copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 10, 2019
Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this story of Lucas and Elodie drew me in right away! I loved how relatable the characters felt, and it’s such a heartwarming, emotional story with plenty of sexual tension and steam.
There’s even a Spotify playlist that Chloe created to nurture the reading experience.
*Thank you to Chloe Liese for providing an advanced copy for review! All opinions are my own.
There’s even a Spotify playlist that Chloe created to nurture the reading experience.
*Thank you to Chloe Liese for providing an advanced copy for review! All opinions are my own.
November 26, 2019
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
2.5 stars.
A romantic story featuring two almost perfect people who go from friends to torrid lovers. The wounded hero first avoids, than much later on accepts his impending disability and prepares himself for it, a dimension I liked. The romantic couple is fiercely in love and devoted to each other – another aspect I enjoyed.
I didn’t enjoy the author’s writing style, with lots of descriptions of the character’s external and internal beauty/perfection and mutual praises. I found the talk about emotions and feelings repetitious and boring, the story dragged a lot and could have been written in much less pages. There’s a melodramatic tone which really isn’t my favorite.
The take on the corporate world seemed a bit off, but I really didn’t care about it.
There’s a disabled character in the story that tends to be super-efficient, but her disability felt sometimes a bit vague.
2.5 stars.
A romantic story featuring two almost perfect people who go from friends to torrid lovers. The wounded hero first avoids, than much later on accepts his impending disability and prepares himself for it, a dimension I liked. The romantic couple is fiercely in love and devoted to each other – another aspect I enjoyed.
I didn’t enjoy the author’s writing style, with lots of descriptions of the character’s external and internal beauty/perfection and mutual praises. I found the talk about emotions and feelings repetitious and boring, the story dragged a lot and could have been written in much less pages. There’s a melodramatic tone which really isn’t my favorite.
The take on the corporate world seemed a bit off, but I really didn’t care about it.
There’s a disabled character in the story that tends to be super-efficient, but her disability felt sometimes a bit vague.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2019
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Spoilers ahead.
TW: Miscarriage, pregnancy loss, PCOS
I'm going to start by saying that I have not read the other books in this series. If I had, maybe I would have a different opinion of this book. Overall, I did not enjoy it. I find it very hard to suspend my disbelief while reading stories that are billed as contemporaries. The circumstance of Elodie's pregnancy and miscarriage were too much and, honestly, a bit insensitive. Hopping off birth control and getting pregnant is not the norm. More and more women (real women, not women in novels), are sharing their stories of infertility and pregnancy loss. This book totally disrespected that. The way Lucas treated her after the miscarriage was also disappointing, and again, insensitive. Overall, it left me with a bad feeling.
Spoilers ahead.
TW: Miscarriage, pregnancy loss, PCOS
I'm going to start by saying that I have not read the other books in this series. If I had, maybe I would have a different opinion of this book. Overall, I did not enjoy it. I find it very hard to suspend my disbelief while reading stories that are billed as contemporaries. The circumstance of Elodie's pregnancy and miscarriage were too much and, honestly, a bit insensitive. Hopping off birth control and getting pregnant is not the norm. More and more women (real women, not women in novels), are sharing their stories of infertility and pregnancy loss. This book totally disrespected that. The way Lucas treated her after the miscarriage was also disappointing, and again, insensitive. Overall, it left me with a bad feeling.
November 30, 2019
I am going to start out this review by saying that I know a lot of other people who have read this book and loved it. I am in the minority so please go and read other reviews before you decide to read this book or not. Reading is a subjective thing so some books work for some people while the same book does not work for others. That is the case for me and They're Strictly Friends. Do not continue reading if you do not want minor spoilers. Nothing that will ruin the plot but still. Trigger Warning for miscarriage and infertility.
I truly enjoyed this book for the first 40% but then things fell apart for me. Early on were are told the main character Elodie has PCOS and the other character Lucas had a vasectomy. Apparently Lucas's vasectomy does not work because Elodie ends up pregnant literally a week after stopping her birth control that she has been on for years. Even if Elodie didn't have PCOS this would have been a stretch but women who are affected by PCOS have an extremely difficult time conceiving after years of trying. But not Elodie she literally takes a week. Then literally three pages later she miscarries not from the PCOS but from a freak accident. We are told she is catatonic for three days but then is snapped out of it by Lucas's mother talking to her about her own experiences. Lucas literally tells her she needs to eat more because "you have spent the last three days starving yourself". No she was depressed after losing her baby which is completely normal. In no time Elodie is back to work, slowly getting back to being herself and the miscarriage is mentioned one time in passing the rest of the book. From the start of the book to this point is FOUR MONTHS. After watching my best friend struggle through two miscarriages, this side plot point seems completely irrelevant. My friend struggled for months to deal with the pain of losing a child and Elodie literally just bounces right back. Maybe she dealt with is privately because of Lucas's diagnosis but that should have been shown to pay tribute to all those women out there struggling with PCOS and miscarriages. After this and the way Lucas handled it (which I know he has a lot of his own to deal with) I could not get back into the story. I know coming from a medical background I pick up on certain things, so I definitely brought my own life experiences into the book.
Please take my review with a grain of salt and know that the vast majority loved it! I am looking forward to the next book in the series about Teo. Thank you Netgalley and the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I truly enjoyed this book for the first 40% but then things fell apart for me. Early on were are told the main character Elodie has PCOS and the other character Lucas had a vasectomy. Apparently Lucas's vasectomy does not work because Elodie ends up pregnant literally a week after stopping her birth control that she has been on for years. Even if Elodie didn't have PCOS this would have been a stretch but women who are affected by PCOS have an extremely difficult time conceiving after years of trying. But not Elodie she literally takes a week. Then literally three pages later she miscarries not from the PCOS but from a freak accident. We are told she is catatonic for three days but then is snapped out of it by Lucas's mother talking to her about her own experiences. Lucas literally tells her she needs to eat more because "you have spent the last three days starving yourself". No she was depressed after losing her baby which is completely normal. In no time Elodie is back to work, slowly getting back to being herself and the miscarriage is mentioned one time in passing the rest of the book. From the start of the book to this point is FOUR MONTHS. After watching my best friend struggle through two miscarriages, this side plot point seems completely irrelevant. My friend struggled for months to deal with the pain of losing a child and Elodie literally just bounces right back. Maybe she dealt with is privately because of Lucas's diagnosis but that should have been shown to pay tribute to all those women out there struggling with PCOS and miscarriages. After this and the way Lucas handled it (which I know he has a lot of his own to deal with) I could not get back into the story. I know coming from a medical background I pick up on certain things, so I definitely brought my own life experiences into the book.
Please take my review with a grain of salt and know that the vast majority loved it! I am looking forward to the next book in the series about Teo. Thank you Netgalley and the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2019
I felt misled by the blurb for this book (and the title) which made it seem as though the book would all be about the dance between an uptight Englishman and a fiery Frenchwoman as they flirted but never quite got together. Instead, Elodie and Lucas get together quite early on in the novel.
Lucas is about to take over his family business when he receives some bad news from his doctor, news which puts his career and his life plans in jeopardy. Irritatingly, we don't know exactly what this news is for quite a long time. Through mutual friends he has met and flirted with Elodie for some time, but with his diagnosis hanging over him he knows he can never act on the attraction.
When Elodie's career-driven mother gives her a draconian command to marry the son of a rival in order to consolidate a merger between their two businesses Elodie flees Paris to London for her best friend's wedding. When she breaks down in tears Lucas comforts her and offers her a place to stay in London while she gets back on her feet without the support of her parents' money.
Living together and working together Lucas and Elodie become even closer, but will Lucas' diagnosis break them apart forever?
As I say, I thought this book would be all about the unresolved romantic tension between Elodie and Lucas, instead it was all about Lucas suffering from his undisclosed medical condition and pushing Elodie away. Oh, and lots and lots of sex. And more sex. And pushing Elodie away, and refusing to tell anyone what the problem was, and more sex.
I wanted to DNF this book at about 14%, but I recently got a comment from someone who read one of my reviews which queried how I could possibly judge a book after only 16%, Although I stand by that decision I decided to press on with this book right to the bitter end, but having put the book down at about 90% and having to force myself to finish it I 've come to the conclusion that I know quite early on whether I want to read about the characters and whether I like the writing style. In this case, I thought early on that Lucas was a pretentious ass who nevertheless also spoke quite coarsely, and I didn't change my opinion.
I would definitely classify this as women's fiction (which rightly or wrongly I consider to be long-winded and a lot of talk about not very much).
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Lucas is about to take over his family business when he receives some bad news from his doctor, news which puts his career and his life plans in jeopardy. Irritatingly, we don't know exactly what this news is for quite a long time. Through mutual friends he has met and flirted with Elodie for some time, but with his diagnosis hanging over him he knows he can never act on the attraction.
When Elodie's career-driven mother gives her a draconian command to marry the son of a rival in order to consolidate a merger between their two businesses Elodie flees Paris to London for her best friend's wedding. When she breaks down in tears Lucas comforts her and offers her a place to stay in London while she gets back on her feet without the support of her parents' money.
Living together and working together Lucas and Elodie become even closer, but will Lucas' diagnosis break them apart forever?
As I say, I thought this book would be all about the unresolved romantic tension between Elodie and Lucas, instead it was all about Lucas suffering from his undisclosed medical condition and pushing Elodie away. Oh, and lots and lots of sex. And more sex. And pushing Elodie away, and refusing to tell anyone what the problem was, and more sex.
I wanted to DNF this book at about 14%, but I recently got a comment from someone who read one of my reviews which queried how I could possibly judge a book after only 16%, Although I stand by that decision I decided to press on with this book right to the bitter end, but having put the book down at about 90% and having to force myself to finish it I 've come to the conclusion that I know quite early on whether I want to read about the characters and whether I like the writing style. In this case, I thought early on that Lucas was a pretentious ass who nevertheless also spoke quite coarsely, and I didn't change my opinion.
I would definitely classify this as women's fiction (which rightly or wrongly I consider to be long-winded and a lot of talk about not very much).
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 22, 2019
[Thank you Chloe Liese for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review]
Sometimes I read a book that doesn’t entirely work for me, and I opt not to read anymore of that authors work. This was not one of those times. I read He’s a Brute a few months ago, and it wasn’t one that I loved (I’m very much in the minority, most people I know adored it). I learned I don’t know if mafia storylines (or BDSM) are really my thing. But when Chloe announced her new book They’re Strictly Friends, you bet your ass I signed up immediately. Friends to lovers, forced proximity, and Harry Potter Easter eggs throughout the book? Yes, please.
I’ll admit, I was a little apprehensive to try this one, I was in the minority and didn’t love He’s a Brute. But holy shit, I absolutely adored They’re Strictly Friends. Like read it in two sittings, stayed up way too late, couldn’t put it down adored. I loved this story so dang much!
The storyline and characters are a spin-off from her Tough Love series. You could definitely read it as a stand-alone, but I was glad I did read the first book and knew some of Nairne and Zed’s storyline. They’re both very prevalent in this one as it focuses on their best friends, Lucas and Elodie.
The story opens with Lucas receiving a life changing diagnosis, I won’t spoil what it is, but the first page is pretty intense and I had to flip to the last page to make sure no one died. There’s a lot of discussion of learning to live with things you can’t control, and letting people love you as you are. As someone living with Cystic Fibrosis, Nairne talking about learning to live with her disability and life in a wheelchair made me cry.
The chemistry between Elodie and Lucas is so good, I want to go back and read the two books that I skipped so I can see more of their interactions that lead up to this book. I’m a sucker for friends to lovers and this one is so well done. And the lost in translation banter between English Lucas and French Elodie was everything! There is a good amount of steam in this one, but it was less steamy than Brute.
They’re Strictly Friends has so much depth and heart, her characters deal with some real tough issues and handle them like actual people would. I just loved this one, I loved the characters, the storyline, everything! They’re Strictly Friends was a five star read for me.
Sometimes I read a book that doesn’t entirely work for me, and I opt not to read anymore of that authors work. This was not one of those times. I read He’s a Brute a few months ago, and it wasn’t one that I loved (I’m very much in the minority, most people I know adored it). I learned I don’t know if mafia storylines (or BDSM) are really my thing. But when Chloe announced her new book They’re Strictly Friends, you bet your ass I signed up immediately. Friends to lovers, forced proximity, and Harry Potter Easter eggs throughout the book? Yes, please.
I’ll admit, I was a little apprehensive to try this one, I was in the minority and didn’t love He’s a Brute. But holy shit, I absolutely adored They’re Strictly Friends. Like read it in two sittings, stayed up way too late, couldn’t put it down adored. I loved this story so dang much!
The storyline and characters are a spin-off from her Tough Love series. You could definitely read it as a stand-alone, but I was glad I did read the first book and knew some of Nairne and Zed’s storyline. They’re both very prevalent in this one as it focuses on their best friends, Lucas and Elodie.
The story opens with Lucas receiving a life changing diagnosis, I won’t spoil what it is, but the first page is pretty intense and I had to flip to the last page to make sure no one died. There’s a lot of discussion of learning to live with things you can’t control, and letting people love you as you are. As someone living with Cystic Fibrosis, Nairne talking about learning to live with her disability and life in a wheelchair made me cry.
The chemistry between Elodie and Lucas is so good, I want to go back and read the two books that I skipped so I can see more of their interactions that lead up to this book. I’m a sucker for friends to lovers and this one is so well done. And the lost in translation banter between English Lucas and French Elodie was everything! There is a good amount of steam in this one, but it was less steamy than Brute.
They’re Strictly Friends has so much depth and heart, her characters deal with some real tough issues and handle them like actual people would. I just loved this one, I loved the characters, the storyline, everything! They’re Strictly Friends was a five star read for me.
October 2, 2023
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ They’re Strictly Friends by Chloe Liese
🐝
Lucas and Elodie could have it all, but a grim diagnosis makes Lucas unable to cope with dragging the only women he has eyes for down with him. Elodie has wanted Lucas for as long as she has known him, but a few months back it became clear their only future was to remain strictly friends. While navigating her new world far from her French homeland, she accepts Lucas generous offer of staying at his apartment. As circumstance keep bringing them together, their feelings for each other keep growing evermore powerful.
🐝
This is the first spinoff novel out of the Tough Love series, and it was an incredible read. I loved that we got to see not only the falling in love, but their fighting to make it work as they navigate the challenges they face. But also how Lucas took matter in his own hand and became the man he wanted to be, and went to get help. I loved how Chloe showed that love can't fix everything, and that in certain situation it is essential that each of them work separately to come together better in the end. There was only one very little detail that bothered me during my reading. The French. I have to say the author made a way better job at it, than other books I've read with French MCs, however a French's native eye would have been really helpful in this case.
🐝
Steam Level | 4 | More than two sex scenes, strong language, and some very light kink.
🐝
Lucas and Elodie could have it all, but a grim diagnosis makes Lucas unable to cope with dragging the only women he has eyes for down with him. Elodie has wanted Lucas for as long as she has known him, but a few months back it became clear their only future was to remain strictly friends. While navigating her new world far from her French homeland, she accepts Lucas generous offer of staying at his apartment. As circumstance keep bringing them together, their feelings for each other keep growing evermore powerful.
🐝
This is the first spinoff novel out of the Tough Love series, and it was an incredible read. I loved that we got to see not only the falling in love, but their fighting to make it work as they navigate the challenges they face. But also how Lucas took matter in his own hand and became the man he wanted to be, and went to get help. I loved how Chloe showed that love can't fix everything, and that in certain situation it is essential that each of them work separately to come together better in the end. There was only one very little detail that bothered me during my reading. The French. I have to say the author made a way better job at it, than other books I've read with French MCs, however a French's native eye would have been really helpful in this case.
🐝
Steam Level | 4 | More than two sex scenes, strong language, and some very light kink.
May 18, 2021
Don't think I've ever complained about a romance novel with too many erotic scenes, but there's a first for everything... This book is so overrun with sex and no build up and I literally just did not care. I don't know why this author was so keen to make these characters have sex 24/7. Literally a day after the main character gives vaginal birth they have sex... calm down please...
December 10, 2019
Smart, sexy, and heartwarming. Chloe is a new author to me, but I am in love with her writing. It’s authentic, alluring, and completely romantic! This book is a delight to read. Elodie and Lucas is an amazing dynamic. They have intense chemistry together and well-matched in a very proportionate way. I am beyond curious about their history and can’t think of any other way to phrase how I felt about this book, but a job well done. If you’re looking to read something to warm up your Christmas days, this book is definitely up in your alley.
Lucas and Elodie had long known each other. Their animosity covered a subdued attraction and tension none were brave enough to admit. Faced with a dire situation, Lucas sworn off any relationship for good. But he cared for Elodie too much, until one faithful event when Elodie was forced to leave her hometown and traveled to England that Lucas found a chance to finally confessed his feelings to her.
I love the depth of this story. The things that the characters went through are not ideal and not something anyone would want to experience. The author manages to depict a raw truth in adversity through these stories, such as hope, disappointment, anguish, and the life-like dynamic between the two characters who are well invested in a romantic relationship. The writing style is a highlight of this book. I love how it refers back to the old romantic classics. The only problem I have with this book is that it was a bit longer than what I was expected. The resolution was slightly stretched to accommodate this length, but all still within reasonable reasons. I don't see why not to enjoy this story otherwise.
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Lucas and Elodie had long known each other. Their animosity covered a subdued attraction and tension none were brave enough to admit. Faced with a dire situation, Lucas sworn off any relationship for good. But he cared for Elodie too much, until one faithful event when Elodie was forced to leave her hometown and traveled to England that Lucas found a chance to finally confessed his feelings to her.
I love the depth of this story. The things that the characters went through are not ideal and not something anyone would want to experience. The author manages to depict a raw truth in adversity through these stories, such as hope, disappointment, anguish, and the life-like dynamic between the two characters who are well invested in a romantic relationship. The writing style is a highlight of this book. I love how it refers back to the old romantic classics. The only problem I have with this book is that it was a bit longer than what I was expected. The resolution was slightly stretched to accommodate this length, but all still within reasonable reasons. I don't see why not to enjoy this story otherwise.
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
November 26, 2019
3.5 Stars
Strictly Friends is Witty and Sexy Contemporary Book by Chloe Liese. It's a stand alone spin off book of Tough Love trilogy. Even though I haven't read Tough Love Trilogy but I got a glimpse what might had happened in the first three book. The story revolve around Lucas and Elodie, the supporting characters of Tough Love Trilogy.
Coming to the Characters and the Plot. I like Elodie and Lucas. They both are smart and sexy at same time. I love the way they support each other. Even when Lucas was diagnosed with a genetic illness Elodie didn't stepped back and encouraged Lucas wherever she can. I love Nairne and Zed, even though I haven't read their story but I can tell they are amazing couple. About the plot, I felt some chapters were stretched. I would have preferred single POV. I felt there are some scene which wasn't necessary like Lucas mentioning about Elodie's physical appearance again and again, I get that he's deeply in love with her but that doesn't mean he will mention it all the time. Overall I like the book, mostly the characters in the book.
If you are love reading Friends turned lover, contemporary romance books then I would recommend you this book.
Strictly Friends is Witty and Sexy Contemporary Book by Chloe Liese. It's a stand alone spin off book of Tough Love trilogy. Even though I haven't read Tough Love Trilogy but I got a glimpse what might had happened in the first three book. The story revolve around Lucas and Elodie, the supporting characters of Tough Love Trilogy.
Coming to the Characters and the Plot. I like Elodie and Lucas. They both are smart and sexy at same time. I love the way they support each other. Even when Lucas was diagnosed with a genetic illness Elodie didn't stepped back and encouraged Lucas wherever she can. I love Nairne and Zed, even though I haven't read their story but I can tell they are amazing couple. About the plot, I felt some chapters were stretched. I would have preferred single POV. I felt there are some scene which wasn't necessary like Lucas mentioning about Elodie's physical appearance again and again, I get that he's deeply in love with her but that doesn't mean he will mention it all the time. Overall I like the book, mostly the characters in the book.
If you are love reading Friends turned lover, contemporary romance books then I would recommend you this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2019
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥☄
What's not to love about an inclusive book that talks about disability accurately and also has more Harry Potter references than you can count? I loved everything about this book and I found so many quotes resonated deep in my soul. Of course Chloe Liese is a literary genius and I neeeeed her next book asap. She has quickly moved onto my top author list and has also found herself on my auto buy author list. If you haven't read one of her books, what are you waiting for?
Strictly friends is one of those emotional, but steamy romances that will immediately draw you in. I made the mistake of starting this one at bedtime and I don't regret staying up until 3am to finish it. I had to keep reading to find out what happened to both Lucas and Elodie because I wasn't going to be able to sleep without knowing how their story ended.
While I always go into Chloe's books knowing they pack an emotional punch, I wasn't ready for how emotional and heartwarming this one was. While Lucas gets some devastating news at the beginning (you won't find out until a ways in), you'll still keep rooting for them to find their way to each other. The sexual tension drips of the pages as they try to remain strictly friends, but the heart wants what the heart wants. As they try to navigate a new relationship while adapting to a new disability you will fall for them both a bit more. This was such an exceptional read that you should head over to Amazon to preorder your own copy now. You definitely won't want to wait a second longer to get this one.
Three things I loved about this book:
1. This love story is told from both POVs. So often we get the POV of the female and seldom get the male perspective, so this was such a welcomed change of pace.
2. I LOVED how this book was mindful of both partners and didn't negate either person's feelings. Both characters had personal growth and it was nice to see a couple do the work required to grow together instead of growing apart.
3. This book acknowledges the fact that toxic people are toxic people and you are better off without them regardless of their relationship to you. I personally found this very relatable and this part may have caused me to shed a tear or two.
I can't wait for the second spinoff! Such a great epilogue that made all my dreams come true (well dreams pertaining to her next book 😂). Thank you Chloe for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥☄
What's not to love about an inclusive book that talks about disability accurately and also has more Harry Potter references than you can count? I loved everything about this book and I found so many quotes resonated deep in my soul. Of course Chloe Liese is a literary genius and I neeeeed her next book asap. She has quickly moved onto my top author list and has also found herself on my auto buy author list. If you haven't read one of her books, what are you waiting for?
Strictly friends is one of those emotional, but steamy romances that will immediately draw you in. I made the mistake of starting this one at bedtime and I don't regret staying up until 3am to finish it. I had to keep reading to find out what happened to both Lucas and Elodie because I wasn't going to be able to sleep without knowing how their story ended.
While I always go into Chloe's books knowing they pack an emotional punch, I wasn't ready for how emotional and heartwarming this one was. While Lucas gets some devastating news at the beginning (you won't find out until a ways in), you'll still keep rooting for them to find their way to each other. The sexual tension drips of the pages as they try to remain strictly friends, but the heart wants what the heart wants. As they try to navigate a new relationship while adapting to a new disability you will fall for them both a bit more. This was such an exceptional read that you should head over to Amazon to preorder your own copy now. You definitely won't want to wait a second longer to get this one.
Three things I loved about this book:
1. This love story is told from both POVs. So often we get the POV of the female and seldom get the male perspective, so this was such a welcomed change of pace.
2. I LOVED how this book was mindful of both partners and didn't negate either person's feelings. Both characters had personal growth and it was nice to see a couple do the work required to grow together instead of growing apart.
3. This book acknowledges the fact that toxic people are toxic people and you are better off without them regardless of their relationship to you. I personally found this very relatable and this part may have caused me to shed a tear or two.
I can't wait for the second spinoff! Such a great epilogue that made all my dreams come true (well dreams pertaining to her next book 😂). Thank you Chloe for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.
December 18, 2019
Thank you Chloe for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
*PLEASE NOTE: I put a trigger warning at the end of my review that contains spoilers!
If you're a fan of The Flatshare, you'd totally love this book - it just addresses (in my opinion) more sensitive topics.
LOVE(s): the fact that Elodie is a sexy, full figured woman - who deals with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome...which MANY women are affected by) - who is ALSO A BADASS BUSINESS WOMAN WHO TAKES NO SHIT. Sign me up please!!!!
In this novel we meet the adorable Lucas and Elodie, who met through mutual friends...and they both have been pining after each other since the beginning. Lucas, however, is brash and avoidant in terms of his feelings towards Elodie due to a diagnosis of a life changing disability. Throughout the novel, Leise paints a picture of learning to not only cope with disability, but the struggles that not only Lucas deals with but with Elodie, family, and friends as well. This book is very supportive of inter-abled coupledom, as Lucas and Elodie's married best friends Zed and Nairne (disabled) are as well. I loved how the author was able to really bring out the emotional turmoil that someone with an illness/disability goes through. The grief, anger, and depression that was dealt with in this book really resonated with me - as I have also gone through a life threatening illness in my late teens. At times I wanted to scream at Lucas because he was being such a dick, but I had to put myself in the perspective that not everyone deals with change easily. I couldn't put the book down. One of my favorite quotes that I highlighted was, "You said you'd rather be a fool for my love than a wise man without me." I thought this quote resonated with Lucas and Elodie throughout the entire novel.
I'm giving this book 4 stars because I felt like Lucas was almost "too proper" is that makes sense? As I was reading his dialogue, I just kept slightly cringing with the use of "darling" among other kind of words/phrases. It gave me historical romance male character vibes rather than contemporary.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TW: character deals with miscarriage (detailed)
*PLEASE NOTE: I put a trigger warning at the end of my review that contains spoilers!
If you're a fan of The Flatshare, you'd totally love this book - it just addresses (in my opinion) more sensitive topics.
LOVE(s): the fact that Elodie is a sexy, full figured woman - who deals with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome...which MANY women are affected by) - who is ALSO A BADASS BUSINESS WOMAN WHO TAKES NO SHIT. Sign me up please!!!!
In this novel we meet the adorable Lucas and Elodie, who met through mutual friends...and they both have been pining after each other since the beginning. Lucas, however, is brash and avoidant in terms of his feelings towards Elodie due to a diagnosis of a life changing disability. Throughout the novel, Leise paints a picture of learning to not only cope with disability, but the struggles that not only Lucas deals with but with Elodie, family, and friends as well. This book is very supportive of inter-abled coupledom, as Lucas and Elodie's married best friends Zed and Nairne (disabled) are as well. I loved how the author was able to really bring out the emotional turmoil that someone with an illness/disability goes through. The grief, anger, and depression that was dealt with in this book really resonated with me - as I have also gone through a life threatening illness in my late teens. At times I wanted to scream at Lucas because he was being such a dick, but I had to put myself in the perspective that not everyone deals with change easily. I couldn't put the book down. One of my favorite quotes that I highlighted was, "You said you'd rather be a fool for my love than a wise man without me." I thought this quote resonated with Lucas and Elodie throughout the entire novel.
I'm giving this book 4 stars because I felt like Lucas was almost "too proper" is that makes sense? As I was reading his dialogue, I just kept slightly cringing with the use of "darling" among other kind of words/phrases. It gave me historical romance male character vibes rather than contemporary.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TW: character deals with miscarriage (detailed)
December 11, 2019
Elodie and Lucas... I think you broke me!
How do I even start this? What I went in knowing about this book was that it's a spinoff of a series of Liese's. I had not read the series but knew that this could be read as a standalone. What I didnt know was how emotionally invested I would become. I have read quite a few books this year and frequently confuse those stories with others. I feel that this one will not have the same effect.
Lucas and Elodie are just magnificent. Liese uses perfect descriptors to paint the picture easily for us. As a reader, I super appreciate that. She wasnt overly detail driven, but there weren't any large gaps in the profiles or plot either. I appreciate that writing style.
Lucas has been given news that will greatly impact his future. He is bitter and not looking to confuse his capabilities.
Elodie has made a huge decision to move from her comfortable life and learning to navigate that may not be as easy as she thinks.
Elodie and Lucas find themselves in a beautiful friendship that simply works for their new lifestyles. Although, neither want it to remain a simply friends situation, its complicated.
We do find that they manage a life together that is comfortable, and at times quite steamy. Troubled times ensue and they constantly are trying to find ways to make things work out for all involved.
This sounds vague. It's meant to be. I cant in good conscious give you spoilers. However, there are quite a few triggers to be made aware of... fertility loss and life altering medical conditions play a large part.
Chloe Liese does a beautiful job of navigating these hardships that she has created. I loved the complexities of both the French and English language.
I read this as an advanced readers copy directly from the author. All thoughts are my own. My thoughts encourage you to read this book!
How do I even start this? What I went in knowing about this book was that it's a spinoff of a series of Liese's. I had not read the series but knew that this could be read as a standalone. What I didnt know was how emotionally invested I would become. I have read quite a few books this year and frequently confuse those stories with others. I feel that this one will not have the same effect.
Lucas and Elodie are just magnificent. Liese uses perfect descriptors to paint the picture easily for us. As a reader, I super appreciate that. She wasnt overly detail driven, but there weren't any large gaps in the profiles or plot either. I appreciate that writing style.
Lucas has been given news that will greatly impact his future. He is bitter and not looking to confuse his capabilities.
Elodie has made a huge decision to move from her comfortable life and learning to navigate that may not be as easy as she thinks.
Elodie and Lucas find themselves in a beautiful friendship that simply works for their new lifestyles. Although, neither want it to remain a simply friends situation, its complicated.
We do find that they manage a life together that is comfortable, and at times quite steamy. Troubled times ensue and they constantly are trying to find ways to make things work out for all involved.
This sounds vague. It's meant to be. I cant in good conscious give you spoilers. However, there are quite a few triggers to be made aware of... fertility loss and life altering medical conditions play a large part.
Chloe Liese does a beautiful job of navigating these hardships that she has created. I loved the complexities of both the French and English language.
I read this as an advanced readers copy directly from the author. All thoughts are my own. My thoughts encourage you to read this book!
December 11, 2020
Gahhhh I loved this book. Enjoyed Elodie and Lucas’ love. I was trying to wait to read the tough love series before this one but glad I didn’t. Excited to go back and read the trilogy. Chloe can do no wrong for me.
January 11, 2021
1 star
*****spoiler alert but also sort of a rant review. Opps!!*****
The beginning of this was enjoyable. I thought I was on the projection of a high-rated romance however by 60% I was about to DNF.
The health twist I was so sure it was cancer and death in five years, despite the conversations of his doctor and family saying he still has the option of a wife and kids which seemed weird to me if he was dying. Eventually, we find out that death is not the diagnosis. Which I was happily surprised with. It was unique. Though I wish the sight would have completely disappeared by the end or a time jump to him being fully blind as well. Though it’s giving a voice to those rarely given one in fiction not having the message and plot go to full blindness still feels like ableism to me.
My biggest problem though was the health condition of the female protagonists Elodie. She suffers from PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome. When I first got there I was gleeful. I have had been diagnosed with this for three years now and I have never seen it in a book. Then as the story continued it became clear that it wasn’t researched well or thought out at all. It felt like the author asked what can I give the other half so they both have a medical condition.
Specific problems with the PCOS representation:
1. To a doctor, she says the menstrual cycle is irregular then later in the book she says she is very regular like clockwork she just deals with SEVERE pain. Which one is it? It can’t be both.
2. Weight gain is SUPER FUCKING easy. It no joke. Yet here is the main character with no concern about her weight besides the mom's vain and mean jabs which I’m pretty sure is just for materialistic society rules than concerns of the health condition of her daughter. She eats fucking pasta in heaps and I think she exercises once. Then I’m here in the corner on a strict diet. I note that depending on the symptoms people with PCOS can have different diets but ALL of us watch our carb intake because of the weight gain and insulin resistance.
3. Pregnancy: people with PCOS have a bitch of a time getting pregnant. Getting pregnant with PCOS is knowing you want kids and going to the doctor. It is changing your medications and supplements to allow for the best chance of fertility. It’s having a fertility cycle calendar and in the extremes actual fertility shots. Pregnancy with PCOS is a science and that chance is a low outcome as well. It is not magically getting pregnant because you thought your boyfriend was infertile and didn’t use protection. I could have overlooked this because she ends up losing the baby and that is a big factor with these pregnancies as well but she lost it because she got hit with a car not health complications from the condition. But to further push my dislike a miracle baby happens AGAIN. They have sex once but then she doesn’t take the pill the next day and a month letter guess fucking what she’s pregnant AGAIN! By the end again she has another baby in the oven. This pregnancy timeline is anything but realistic to chronic disorders like this.
Even though it was an attempt I don’t feel seen. I don’t feel understood. My condition was a joke in this book and I wish it wasn’t included. This book would have flourished more if it was just trying to be a romance with a guy going blind. Though I wanted to see more of him learning and training with Noli or therapy for his grief and anger of his circumstances. Both were heavily muted and ignored. Because of not showing the process the book was not hard-hitting.
Also, both characters have a soccer background but this is a business story romance.
This isn't a slow burn there together by 30%
Favorite Quote:
"Disorder is inevitable. Pain and hardship are human. They’re ours to brave, regardless of conditions or diseases or accidents. Why must you insist on demanding this perfect life as the only possible place for our love?”
*****spoiler alert but also sort of a rant review. Opps!!*****
The beginning of this was enjoyable. I thought I was on the projection of a high-rated romance however by 60% I was about to DNF.
The health twist I was so sure it was cancer and death in five years, despite the conversations of his doctor and family saying he still has the option of a wife and kids which seemed weird to me if he was dying. Eventually, we find out that death is not the diagnosis. Which I was happily surprised with. It was unique. Though I wish the sight would have completely disappeared by the end or a time jump to him being fully blind as well. Though it’s giving a voice to those rarely given one in fiction not having the message and plot go to full blindness still feels like ableism to me.
My biggest problem though was the health condition of the female protagonists Elodie. She suffers from PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome. When I first got there I was gleeful. I have had been diagnosed with this for three years now and I have never seen it in a book. Then as the story continued it became clear that it wasn’t researched well or thought out at all. It felt like the author asked what can I give the other half so they both have a medical condition.
Specific problems with the PCOS representation:
1. To a doctor, she says the menstrual cycle is irregular then later in the book she says she is very regular like clockwork she just deals with SEVERE pain. Which one is it? It can’t be both.
2. Weight gain is SUPER FUCKING easy. It no joke. Yet here is the main character with no concern about her weight besides the mom's vain and mean jabs which I’m pretty sure is just for materialistic society rules than concerns of the health condition of her daughter. She eats fucking pasta in heaps and I think she exercises once. Then I’m here in the corner on a strict diet. I note that depending on the symptoms people with PCOS can have different diets but ALL of us watch our carb intake because of the weight gain and insulin resistance.
3. Pregnancy: people with PCOS have a bitch of a time getting pregnant. Getting pregnant with PCOS is knowing you want kids and going to the doctor. It is changing your medications and supplements to allow for the best chance of fertility. It’s having a fertility cycle calendar and in the extremes actual fertility shots. Pregnancy with PCOS is a science and that chance is a low outcome as well. It is not magically getting pregnant because you thought your boyfriend was infertile and didn’t use protection. I could have overlooked this because she ends up losing the baby and that is a big factor with these pregnancies as well but she lost it because she got hit with a car not health complications from the condition. But to further push my dislike a miracle baby happens AGAIN. They have sex once but then she doesn’t take the pill the next day and a month letter guess fucking what she’s pregnant AGAIN! By the end again she has another baby in the oven. This pregnancy timeline is anything but realistic to chronic disorders like this.
Even though it was an attempt I don’t feel seen. I don’t feel understood. My condition was a joke in this book and I wish it wasn’t included. This book would have flourished more if it was just trying to be a romance with a guy going blind. Though I wanted to see more of him learning and training with Noli or therapy for his grief and anger of his circumstances. Both were heavily muted and ignored. Because of not showing the process the book was not hard-hitting.
Also, both characters have a soccer background but this is a business story romance.
This isn't a slow burn there together by 30%
Favorite Quote:
"Disorder is inevitable. Pain and hardship are human. They’re ours to brave, regardless of conditions or diseases or accidents. Why must you insist on demanding this perfect life as the only possible place for our love?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
First off I want to say I loved the representation that happened in this book. Lucas going blind is something we don't ever see happening in most books. The way he denied it and avoided it for so long is a very real thing for a lot of people in the disabled community because like it was mentioned in the book your angry and grieving all at the same time that it's progressively getting worse. It's hard to explain that to the people you love while it's happening and the way the author showed that was very real.
Lucas and Elodie's relationship is a friend to lover's story which is something that really helps them as their relationship progresses along with his loss of sight.
They're Strictly Friends is a spin-off to the tough love books so we do see Zed and Nairne as they are Lucas and Elodie's best friends. This friendship is one that I love and the conversations they had were important. Nairne's way of helping Lucas coming to terms with things while also showing Elodie how to help or not help in some situations.
Overall I did enjoy this book and how it showed disability in a real and positive light all while being a romance.
I could have done without all of the sex scenes that happened as it was there a way of dealing with things instead of communicating.
See reviews first on my blog
First off I want to say I loved the representation that happened in this book. Lucas going blind is something we don't ever see happening in most books. The way he denied it and avoided it for so long is a very real thing for a lot of people in the disabled community because like it was mentioned in the book your angry and grieving all at the same time that it's progressively getting worse. It's hard to explain that to the people you love while it's happening and the way the author showed that was very real.
Lucas and Elodie's relationship is a friend to lover's story which is something that really helps them as their relationship progresses along with his loss of sight.
They're Strictly Friends is a spin-off to the tough love books so we do see Zed and Nairne as they are Lucas and Elodie's best friends. This friendship is one that I love and the conversations they had were important. Nairne's way of helping Lucas coming to terms with things while also showing Elodie how to help or not help in some situations.
Overall I did enjoy this book and how it showed disability in a real and positive light all while being a romance.
I could have done without all of the sex scenes that happened as it was there a way of dealing with things instead of communicating.
See reviews first on my blog
March 1, 2025
it was....okay, ig. nothing to write home about.
rtc (maybe)
rtc (maybe)
September 30, 2020
“You said you’d rather be a fool for my love than a wise man without me.”
“Because, that’s love for you, Though I amend my statement. Love works both ways, not exclusively. It humbles and elevates us. It makes both fools and wise men of us, doesn’t it?”
💕
my first book by Chloe Liese and I loved it 😍, this spinoff book about Lucas and elodie was a well written Heartwarming, sweet, emotional and sexy story. ✨I need to read the first series by this author because I was in love with the Characters of Zed & Nairne.
I gave this book ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
💕
Lucas and Elodie have been friends for a while, they have undeniable chemistry and they’re perfect for each other, so what is stopping them from being together ?
Lucas got a tragic news that will change his life forever, he doesn’t want to burden anyone & he believes he could never get a happy family life because of that, but circumstances put him an Elodie living and working together.
Even with Elodie and everyone around him making sure Lucas feels loved during this change, he needs to go on a journey of self acceptance and believe that he could be happy and thrive even with a life changing situation 💕💕.
“Because, that’s love for you, Though I amend my statement. Love works both ways, not exclusively. It humbles and elevates us. It makes both fools and wise men of us, doesn’t it?”
💕
my first book by Chloe Liese and I loved it 😍, this spinoff book about Lucas and elodie was a well written Heartwarming, sweet, emotional and sexy story. ✨I need to read the first series by this author because I was in love with the Characters of Zed & Nairne.
I gave this book ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
💕
Lucas and Elodie have been friends for a while, they have undeniable chemistry and they’re perfect for each other, so what is stopping them from being together ?
Lucas got a tragic news that will change his life forever, he doesn’t want to burden anyone & he believes he could never get a happy family life because of that, but circumstances put him an Elodie living and working together.
Even with Elodie and everyone around him making sure Lucas feels loved during this change, he needs to go on a journey of self acceptance and believe that he could be happy and thrive even with a life changing situation 💕💕.
November 21, 2019
I really like when a romance book isn't just fluffy but also contains more serious issues, like disability in this story. The author did a good job writing about the anxiety and the hurdles that comes with a disability.
If it weren't for all the repetitive description about Lucas and Elodies physical appearance and how everybody just fell in love with them for their good looks, the rating would have been much higher.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If it weren't for all the repetitive description about Lucas and Elodies physical appearance and how everybody just fell in love with them for their good looks, the rating would have been much higher.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2019
This is my first time reading Chloe Liese thanks to Netgalley for giving me this ARC!
The tittle ' They're Strictly Friend' doesn't sound relevant because Elodie and Lucas end up together.Even their relationship progress too fast lol
This book deals with grief, anger, loss and etc.
Btw Elodie has PCOS and she got pregnant easily like what?? Then miscarriage and moved on after a few days asdfghjkl 🤣 If that happen to me, I don't think I can do that. Andddddd she got pregnant again hahaahaaa
I love Zed and Nairne more than the main characters lol Oh Kai too!!
3.5 🌟
The tittle ' They're Strictly Friend' doesn't sound relevant because Elodie and Lucas end up together.Even their relationship progress too fast lol
This book deals with grief, anger, loss and etc.
Btw Elodie has PCOS and she got pregnant easily like what?? Then miscarriage and moved on after a few days asdfghjkl 🤣 If that happen to me, I don't think I can do that. Andddddd she got pregnant again hahaahaaa
I love Zed and Nairne more than the main characters lol Oh Kai too!!
3.5 🌟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2019
** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
I love a romance that can tackle tough subjects and still keep me interested and rooting for the couple. However, this book really got bogged down in internal musings and conversations that went nowhere or took place during really inappropriate times.
Neither of the characters caught my attention and I felt like I was peering into their story instead Of being in their story.
I love a romance that can tackle tough subjects and still keep me interested and rooting for the couple. However, this book really got bogged down in internal musings and conversations that went nowhere or took place during really inappropriate times.
Neither of the characters caught my attention and I felt like I was peering into their story instead Of being in their story.
December 10, 2019
3.5 stars
Elodie Bertrand likes Lucas Edwards and she feels he likes her back. So when he suddenly stops pursuing her and ignores all her attempts at flirtation, she’s left confused and slightly hurt. Lucas sees what his actions are doing to Elodie, but after a grim diagnosis, he’s determined to not draw her into his life only to condemn with him. They must remain ‘strictly friends’. But when fate throws them together and Lucas finds his resolve slipping, will he able to protect Elodie? Or can Elodie convince Lucas he could trust and rely on her?
This book deals with loss, grief, and acceptance, but most importantly how to move forward from it. I felt Lucas’s diagnosis was well handled. His reactions as he learns to cope and adjust were quite believable. I wish I could say the same for Elodie’s loss.
I loved how British Lucas was, with his stiff upper lip and love of drinking drink during a crisis. I loved how he cared for the people he loved and understood his apprehensions for what his future held. His denial felt very realistic and not frustrating at all. I liked how he learnt to handle what will come, and admired how he longed to still be independent despite it.
Elodie is French, so there’s a clash of opinion at times, which was cute and funny. Her failed attempts at English idioms left me grinning into my kindle. I loved how caring, supportive, and patient she was with Lucas. Despite being a trust fund baby, she’s hard worker determined to stand on her two feet without relying on her parents’ help, which really made me admire her.
While I loved how devoted to and in love with each other Lucas and Elodie were, I wish I got to read more of a buildup to them falling in love. Since this book is a spin-off from Liese’s other series, maybe there was buildup there. But still, this book could have benefited some here too. I felt like their relationship progressed way too quickly, that I couldn’t feel their chemistry. For this reason, I felt their intimate scenes also lacked sexual tension.
While the plot intrigued me, I did struggled with the author’s writing style, which is why this isn’t a four star read for me. The lack of buildup, made the sexually explicit scenes jarring to me. And while I understood the focus the emphasis on physical beauty , I was annoyed by Lucas mentioning Elodie’s butt in every chapter, over and over again. I found it odd that Lucas kept track of Elodie’s menstrual cycles before they were even in a relationship. It was also odd that every character freely talked about their sex lives with others, which is to an extent okay, maybe even healthy. But parents talking about it to their own kids? No thanks. I also felt the ending dragged on too long.
I did enjoy the Harry Potter references sprinkled about, and the various friendships throughout the novel.
All in all, this was an okay read.
Please note: I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley from NetGalley Connect and Chloe Liese in exchange for a honest review. This does not influence my opinions in any way.
Elodie Bertrand likes Lucas Edwards and she feels he likes her back. So when he suddenly stops pursuing her and ignores all her attempts at flirtation, she’s left confused and slightly hurt. Lucas sees what his actions are doing to Elodie, but after a grim diagnosis, he’s determined to not draw her into his life only to condemn with him. They must remain ‘strictly friends’. But when fate throws them together and Lucas finds his resolve slipping, will he able to protect Elodie? Or can Elodie convince Lucas he could trust and rely on her?
This book deals with loss, grief, and acceptance, but most importantly how to move forward from it. I felt Lucas’s diagnosis was well handled. His reactions as he learns to cope and adjust were quite believable. I wish I could say the same for Elodie’s loss.
I loved how British Lucas was, with his stiff upper lip and love of drinking drink during a crisis. I loved how he cared for the people he loved and understood his apprehensions for what his future held. His denial felt very realistic and not frustrating at all. I liked how he learnt to handle what will come, and admired how he longed to still be independent despite it.
Elodie is French, so there’s a clash of opinion at times, which was cute and funny. Her failed attempts at English idioms left me grinning into my kindle. I loved how caring, supportive, and patient she was with Lucas. Despite being a trust fund baby, she’s hard worker determined to stand on her two feet without relying on her parents’ help, which really made me admire her.
While I loved how devoted to and in love with each other Lucas and Elodie were, I wish I got to read more of a buildup to them falling in love. Since this book is a spin-off from Liese’s other series, maybe there was buildup there. But still, this book could have benefited some here too. I felt like their relationship progressed way too quickly, that I couldn’t feel their chemistry. For this reason, I felt their intimate scenes also lacked sexual tension.
While the plot intrigued me, I did struggled with the author’s writing style, which is why this isn’t a four star read for me. The lack of buildup, made the sexually explicit scenes jarring to me. And while I understood the focus the emphasis on physical beauty , I was annoyed by Lucas mentioning Elodie’s butt in every chapter, over and over again. I found it odd that Lucas kept track of Elodie’s menstrual cycles before they were even in a relationship. It was also odd that every character freely talked about their sex lives with others, which is to an extent okay, maybe even healthy. But parents talking about it to their own kids? No thanks. I also felt the ending dragged on too long.
I did enjoy the Harry Potter references sprinkled about, and the various friendships throughout the novel.
All in all, this was an okay read.
Please note: I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley from NetGalley Connect and Chloe Liese in exchange for a honest review. This does not influence my opinions in any way.
November 23, 2019
This is probably a 3.5 stars book, but I bumped it to 4 because I really loved the first half.
This is my first book in the Tough Love Series, so I wasn't too aware of the other characters and their stories. However, I don't think this was an issue when reading this book.
We start with Lucas receiving some bad news, he has a threatening condition that purposely stays hidden at the beginning of the book, and because of it, he has sworn off love. But Lucas has been having strong feelings for his friend Elodie for a while. Their mutual connection is deep and he needs a strong resolve to remain strictly friends.
Elodie is a beautiful woman that is smart, funny and an all-time badass. She comes from a very powerful french family, but when her family asks her to marry someone to complete a business deal Elodie rebels and decides to forge her life on her own. She has a serious crush on Lucas, but can't understand why he always keeps her at bay.
The first half of the book is interesting and captivating. Lucas and Elodie's chemistry is off the charts and the mystery of Lucas' condition makes the plot addictive. Even the revelation is a nice surprise that was nothing I was expecting.
Unfortunately, after that, the book takes a bit of a turn and things get somewhat repetitive or unnecessary. The issue with Elodie added an extra layer of drama that didn't service the story, and what could have been a plot about both overcoming struggles together became cold and and unattached. And, in other parts just way too sweet and overbearing. I wasn't a fan of Loulou as a nickname for Lucas...
I really wish the story could have maintained the same level of energy from beginning to end, but I still enjoyed getting to know Lucas and Elodie's story. I like romance novels that focus on independent and smart characters and Strictly Friends is a great example of that.
Thank you Chloe Liese for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book in the Tough Love Series, so I wasn't too aware of the other characters and their stories. However, I don't think this was an issue when reading this book.
We start with Lucas receiving some bad news, he has a threatening condition that purposely stays hidden at the beginning of the book, and because of it, he has sworn off love. But Lucas has been having strong feelings for his friend Elodie for a while. Their mutual connection is deep and he needs a strong resolve to remain strictly friends.
Elodie is a beautiful woman that is smart, funny and an all-time badass. She comes from a very powerful french family, but when her family asks her to marry someone to complete a business deal Elodie rebels and decides to forge her life on her own. She has a serious crush on Lucas, but can't understand why he always keeps her at bay.
The first half of the book is interesting and captivating. Lucas and Elodie's chemistry is off the charts and the mystery of Lucas' condition makes the plot addictive. Even the revelation is a nice surprise that was nothing I was expecting.
Unfortunately, after that, the book takes a bit of a turn and things get somewhat repetitive or unnecessary. The issue with Elodie added an extra layer of drama that didn't service the story, and what could have been a plot about both overcoming struggles together became cold and and unattached. And, in other parts just way too sweet and overbearing. I wasn't a fan of Loulou as a nickname for Lucas...
I really wish the story could have maintained the same level of energy from beginning to end, but I still enjoyed getting to know Lucas and Elodie's story. I like romance novels that focus on independent and smart characters and Strictly Friends is a great example of that.
Thank you Chloe Liese for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2020
I am a big fan of Chloe Liese's writing. I read her first three books, the Tough Love series, last year and loved Zed, Nairne, and the whole cast of characters that Chloe created. Chloe's books are smart, witty, and intellectual and even when you're tempted to fly through the text because you're just dying to find out what happens next, the depth of her writing makes you want to slow down and take in the little details.
I savored the relationship between Lucas and Elodie in this spinoff book. We met these two in the Tough Love series and while the reader does get to see their friendship develop, the real heart of their relationship evolves in this novel. As the book opens Lucas has received a stifling medical diagnosis and Elodie has been renounced by her parents -- yet out of this vulnerability an unbreakable bond begins to form.
I am really loving contemporary romances that show more than just the blissfully-in-love moments. Chloe is a master at crafting realistic, authentic, and challenging relationships that her characters have to work to sustain. She also writes some of the most beautiful love scenes. Lucus and Elodie's are passionate and sensual but nestle within the flow of the story perfectly.
There was so much beauty in They're Strictly Friends. Elodie is stunningly gorgeous and both her inner and outer beauty is described throughout the book. The love scenes are beautiful. Many of the settings are depicted beautifully. There is plenty of hardship and sadness and grief in this story as well but learning to see and appreciate the unique, often hidden beauty in those times was a major theme as well. I loved this book, these characters, and this story so much. Five beautiful stars for this one!!
3/5 steam rating for multiple open door love scenes
Thank you @chloe_liese for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I savored the relationship between Lucas and Elodie in this spinoff book. We met these two in the Tough Love series and while the reader does get to see their friendship develop, the real heart of their relationship evolves in this novel. As the book opens Lucas has received a stifling medical diagnosis and Elodie has been renounced by her parents -- yet out of this vulnerability an unbreakable bond begins to form.
I am really loving contemporary romances that show more than just the blissfully-in-love moments. Chloe is a master at crafting realistic, authentic, and challenging relationships that her characters have to work to sustain. She also writes some of the most beautiful love scenes. Lucus and Elodie's are passionate and sensual but nestle within the flow of the story perfectly.
There was so much beauty in They're Strictly Friends. Elodie is stunningly gorgeous and both her inner and outer beauty is described throughout the book. The love scenes are beautiful. Many of the settings are depicted beautifully. There is plenty of hardship and sadness and grief in this story as well but learning to see and appreciate the unique, often hidden beauty in those times was a major theme as well. I loved this book, these characters, and this story so much. Five beautiful stars for this one!!
3/5 steam rating for multiple open door love scenes
Thank you @chloe_liese for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2020
ARC generously provided by the author, all thoughts are my own.
Where do I start? Firstly, I have been anticipating reading Lucas & Elodie's story since finishing the Tough Love series where I first met them. I fell so hard for Lucas nearly immediately and Elodie barged right in easily. Elodie is one of the strongest heroines I have read, highly intelligent and headstrong but also vulnerable and caring.
As the story begins, Lucas has learned of a life altering diagnosis. He already cares deeply for Elodie but holds her at an arms length convinced she will resent him over time. Elodie, ever committed to pursuing what she wants, doesn't allow Lucas to make grand decisions without her. Doesn't she get a say? she asks. Lucas and Elodie clearly had amazing chemistry.
As the story continues, you get a glimpse into love and life with all its hardships along with happiness. There was absolute swoonworthy love and kindhearted moments mixed realistic obstacles that completely wrenched my heart. I felt literally everything for these characters, their losses were my losses, their victories were my victories. When a book can make feel so much, it is a true gem.
Other reasons this book gets all the stars:
-Extraordinary friendships. True platonic love between Nairne, Zed, Lucas, and Elodie. They all shared experiences with each other, helping one another overcome devastation and heartache.
-Representation. Learning to live with a disability, learning to be the partner to someone with a disability. Going through the pain of a miscarriage and the grieving process it involves.
-Beautifully written sexy times. This book didn't feel overtly sexual and I think it's because Chloe wrote with stunning eroticism that blended easily into the story and felt so real and beautiful.
I cannot wait to see what else Chloe has in store for us. Each of her books get better and better.
Where do I start? Firstly, I have been anticipating reading Lucas & Elodie's story since finishing the Tough Love series where I first met them. I fell so hard for Lucas nearly immediately and Elodie barged right in easily. Elodie is one of the strongest heroines I have read, highly intelligent and headstrong but also vulnerable and caring.
As the story begins, Lucas has learned of a life altering diagnosis. He already cares deeply for Elodie but holds her at an arms length convinced she will resent him over time. Elodie, ever committed to pursuing what she wants, doesn't allow Lucas to make grand decisions without her. Doesn't she get a say? she asks. Lucas and Elodie clearly had amazing chemistry.
As the story continues, you get a glimpse into love and life with all its hardships along with happiness. There was absolute swoonworthy love and kindhearted moments mixed realistic obstacles that completely wrenched my heart. I felt literally everything for these characters, their losses were my losses, their victories were my victories. When a book can make feel so much, it is a true gem.
Other reasons this book gets all the stars:
-Extraordinary friendships. True platonic love between Nairne, Zed, Lucas, and Elodie. They all shared experiences with each other, helping one another overcome devastation and heartache.
-Representation. Learning to live with a disability, learning to be the partner to someone with a disability. Going through the pain of a miscarriage and the grieving process it involves.
-Beautifully written sexy times. This book didn't feel overtly sexual and I think it's because Chloe wrote with stunning eroticism that blended easily into the story and felt so real and beautiful.
I cannot wait to see what else Chloe has in store for us. Each of her books get better and better.
November 19, 2019
I first met Elodie and Lucas by reading the Tough Love series from this author. Elodie and Lucas flirted then and you could definitely sense there was real chemistry. Fast forward to this book and wow! Elodie moves to London after a fall out with her parents over the future of her life. She immediately wants to fall into Lucas's arms but he's dealing with some health issues that he's not quite ready to share. Once the issue is revealed, Lucas struggles with his health and trying to be the perfect man for Elodie. Also complicating things is the fact that Elodie begins working with Lucas and his father at their company. This book was full of steamy love scenes throughout but what I loved the most was the rawness of the book. This couple struggled with real issues that face couples all the time. They had to navigate dealing with loss in numerous aspects while trying to navigate falling in love and dealing with issues. I won't spoil it but I really enjoyed seeing a powerful couple get through some real life issues. Trigger warnings: miscarriage. I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, Chloe Liese and NetGalley Connect for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was pleasantly surprising in that there was a fair amount of romance, sex scenes that could make you blush and an actual real life problem that needed real life solution that causes relationship problems that I feel like we can all sort of relate too. I adored the characters in this novel and the problems that they had throughout their lives were things that we could all connect to in one way or another. I did have a hard time with this one because of the losses they experience and even though they have a happy ending, I really struggled with the rest of the novel because we don’t all get our happy endings and it crushed me a little to know that I may never have that same happy ending. I would definitely recommend it anyway, the writing is beautiful and if you haven’t experienced this type of loss, the book will be that much better for you!
Out December 9th!
This novel was pleasantly surprising in that there was a fair amount of romance, sex scenes that could make you blush and an actual real life problem that needed real life solution that causes relationship problems that I feel like we can all sort of relate too. I adored the characters in this novel and the problems that they had throughout their lives were things that we could all connect to in one way or another. I did have a hard time with this one because of the losses they experience and even though they have a happy ending, I really struggled with the rest of the novel because we don’t all get our happy endings and it crushed me a little to know that I may never have that same happy ending. I would definitely recommend it anyway, the writing is beautiful and if you haven’t experienced this type of loss, the book will be that much better for you!
Out December 9th!
December 13, 2019
This was such a beautiful and endearing read! I loved the diversity of the characters and how Liese portrayed people, their problems , and love in such a realistic and dynamic fashion. Very cool!
Blurb: Lucas and Elodie have been friends for awhile, but when things start to heat up Lucas backs off big time. He’s hiding a big secret that will soon affect the rest of his life.
Lucas doesn’t want to complicate anyone else’s life, so he tries to push Elodie away, even though life has other plans.
This was beautiful, heartwarming, and terribly cute! Chloe Liese combined grief and humor in such an authentic and real way. There were elements of tragedy and sorrow that were dealt with flawlessly and the steam is out of this world. Lucas and Elodie definitely have off the charts chemistry!
I really enjoyed the friends to lovers trope and the authentic banter between these two tough cookies. I can’t wait to see who the next book is about!
Blurb: Lucas and Elodie have been friends for awhile, but when things start to heat up Lucas backs off big time. He’s hiding a big secret that will soon affect the rest of his life.
Lucas doesn’t want to complicate anyone else’s life, so he tries to push Elodie away, even though life has other plans.
This was beautiful, heartwarming, and terribly cute! Chloe Liese combined grief and humor in such an authentic and real way. There were elements of tragedy and sorrow that were dealt with flawlessly and the steam is out of this world. Lucas and Elodie definitely have off the charts chemistry!
I really enjoyed the friends to lovers trope and the authentic banter between these two tough cookies. I can’t wait to see who the next book is about!
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