Nothing But Friends

by Jolie Day

My best friend Holly wants my baby.
Not a relationship, not romance.
Just a baby.
Apparently, I’m the best candidate before she moves back to the UK.
Reliable. Healthy. And, according to her, I have “good DNA.”
If I say no?
She’ll use an anonymous donor.
Which is absolutely not happening.
So I agree.
Then she suggests we do it the old-fashioned way.
We’ve been best friends since we were kids.
We’ve never kissed.
Never cuddled.
Hardly even hugged.
Now we can’t seem to stop.
We do and say things we never would have under normal circumstances.
I thought I could handle it.
I was wrong.
Because there is no universe where I let her leave.

Genres: Audiobook, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, He Falls First, Steamy, Contemporary Romance

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2026

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Jolie Day is a romance author with a knack for steam. She invites readers to abandon inhibitions and melt into the pages. Alpha men, boyish charms, rugged good looks – her books take you on a thrill ride of suspense and seduction.
Do you want to read about the knight in shining armor willing to do anything to protect his woman? Then her books are for you.

Sign up for updates and free books at:
https://www.subscribepage.com/jolie

Reviews

[Kealyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing But Friends by Jolie Day

5/5 stars

Nothing But Friends is another stunning, addictive and all-consuming book by Jolie Day. It doesn't matter which book I pick up by Jolie, I just seem to love them all. I obsess over them. Jolie has a really easy-going writing style. What you see is what you get and I mean that in the best way possible. Her books are character driven and I love how she approaches love stories and how she makes me feel like I am standing next to the characters in every single chapter. It is easy to connect with them and I loved all characters right from the get go. This will definitely not be my last book by Jolie! I just want to devour them all.

NBF is the story of Holly and Dexter. They have been best friends for decades and they have a bond, a camaraderie that is unmatched with any other person in their lives.

Holly's sister Shelby moved to the UK to follow the love of her life. She got three kids and then the man decided it was too much and he left his family behind. Holly and Shelby have always dreamt about opening up their own child care centre and they wanna chase that dream in the UK. They want to raise their own children together with the children who will attend their child care centre and they are doing everything in their power to make that dream a reality.

But Holly is 36 and is single. And she really wants to become a mother. It's her biggest wish and she only trusts Dexter with the question that is burning through her mind. She asks him to be her sperm donor and help her make her wish become a reality. She wants to conceive naturally and Dexter is shocked that she asks this of him. But he also instantly knows that he doesn't want any other man to touch her and become the father of her children. So he agrees.

Holly has a clean cut plan in mind. Only remove the necessary clothes, no kissing, do the deed and be done within a minute. But the second she voices those thoughts Dexter instantly disagrees. He wants to make it a memorable memory and he wants to enjoy every single second they spend together. She reluctantly agrees and that is exactly what kicks off this stunning story. What kicks all this beautiful, all-consuming and passionate story.

They both went into it with different expectations and everything changes the second they touch and look each other truly in the eye. The feelings that rush up are familiar and new at the same time. And I just love how differently they react and how they deal with their raging feelings.

I love how cheeky they get and how they push their boundaries again and again...

Is she not wearing panties?
Nah. Can't be."And now would be a really good time to..." She pauses, giving me a pointed look.
I halt with the coffee halfway to my lips. "F*ck?"
"Make a baby," she corrects, all prim and proper.
I take a sip, watching her, and put the coffee down. "You brought me lunch to ask for a quickie in my office?"
"Obviously."

The secondary characters are well rounded as well and I instantly like them as well. Shelby is funny, cheeky and I love how fearless she is. How she dealt with her man leaving her had me in awe. And I love Keith, Dexter's co-worker and friend, who just pushes his buttons and enjoys it to the fullest.

I was grinning multiple times while reading and this book just healed something in me. I love how funny it was, how heartfelt, how sexy and how it warmed my heart to its core! 

5 huge stars from me for this brilliant story that made me happy, giggly and delighted all the way through. ♥

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟, 3🌶️

I am still reeling from how lovely this was.

Watching Holly and Dexter, who have been best friends for decades, stumble into a messy, passionate, and life-changing romance was just beautiful. I felt so connected to them, and seeing their long-standing trust turn into something so intense felt like witnessing pure magic. It was the perfect blend of emotional depth and that slow-burn chemistry that keeps you glued to the pages from start to finish.

What I loved most was how authentic and human it all felt. The writing style is so easy-going and heartfelt that it makes you feel like you are right there with them, navigating the chaos of their pact and everything that comes after. It is funny, it is spicy, and it is just incredibly warm. The supporting characters were such a blast as well, and they added so much genuine heart and humor to the whole experience.

This book truly healed my soul and left me grinning from ear to ear long after I turned the final page. It is rare to find a story that balances such raw vulnerability with such addictive, flirty energy, but this one hit every single mark perfectly. It was an absolute joy to read, and I know I will be thinking about these characters for a long time.

I am already itching to see what this writer comes up with next.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Jolie Day & Grey’s Promotions for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Wioletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

She wants a baby, but no man. Only one person, who can help her is her best friend, hopefully he agrees.
Love the storyline. Enjoyed from the beginning to the end.

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Holly and Dexter, two best friends who have been connected since their teenage years. Now in their 30s, Dexter has an established career in architecture, while Holly dreams of becoming a kindergarten teacher in Europe alongside her sister. The only thing missing in her life is having children of her own but the only person she trusts to help her with that is her best friend, Dexter. How will he react and is this something he can help her with?

This was such a fantastic story. I’m obsessed with characters who have a deep rooted connection, and this delivered. I also really appreciated that the characters are in their 30s it added a sense of maturity to their decisions and relationships. They have open, healthy conversations about the baby pact, and their chemistry is undeniable, especially when it comes to the spice.

Holly is stubborn and fiercely independent, but also such a beautiful human who light up the room. She’s convinced they could never be more, which adds a lot unknowns. Dexter, on the other hand, thrives on control and certainty, but he falls hard for her. When it comes to the pregnancy, everything he does for her had me melting. Sure there were things he did to get her to stay which I swooned over.

This is very much a character driven story, though it still includes a few challenging moments that test them along the way. I went into this blind, and while I love the pregnancy trope, this felt different from what I’ve read before, which made it stand out.
I will say the beginning jumped straight to the point and had me unsure how it would go, but as the story progressed and their connection deepened, I became fully invested.

Lastly, I highly recommend the audiobook. I’ve listened to a few Jolie Day books now, and they’re always such an enjoyable experience. Im looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 10hrs 21mins
Narrators: Anthony Palmini and Vanessa Edwin Featuring Sean Masters, James Cassidy and Zara Hampton Brown - Duet Multicast
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️.5
Spicy Chapters: 14, 15, 21, 23, 28, 33, 35 and 48
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Tropes or Themes: Best Friends To Lovers, Billionaire, Pregnancy Pact, She Falls First But He Falls Harder, Chemistry, Tension, Soulmates, Protective and Controlling MMC, Past and Present, Its Always Been You, When He Throws Her Over His Shoulder, Grand Guestures, Secrets, Sexual Content, Praise, Dirty Talk, Oral Play, Taken Bare, Eyes On Me, Begging, Impact Play, Office Scene, Bath Scene,
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Margins | Pagebound | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[Christabel Hazel Ashring · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! The storyline follows two best friends who are very much platonically involved. Holly has a bit of some trauma from an abusive ex husband. But Dexter has stood by her since childhood and knows her inside and out. Fast forward years down the road when Holly wants to have a baby and figures Dexter is the best candidate for the deed. And I do mean deed because she wanted it done the old fashioned way!

I do have to say that I especially appreciated there was no miscommunication trope going on here. This storyline was perfectly set up to introduce that with Dexter hiding how he was falling for Holly or living in denial to himself. But I greatly appreciated that they were both expert communicators throughout and he was upfront about his feelings as they happened in real time.

[Stephanie Mayhem.and.MoodReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️
♥️Best Friends to Lovers
♥️Baby Contract
♥️He Falls First
♥️Protective MMC
♥️Strong FMC
♥️It’s Always Been You

-ARC received from Grey’s Promotions, all opinions are my own-

I loved this story! Dexter and Holly have been best friends since they were children. Now in their mid 30’s, Holly wants to be a mother. But after an awful marriage, Holly was a guarded heart and is not looking for love. I really enjoyed the character dynamics between these two. Holly is strong and successful all while still being a little bit of a hot mess 🤣 and Dexter just wants Holly to be safe and happy.
If you love a good friends to lovers story, with real feeling, well placed spice and grand gestures this is a great book to choose!

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Breathtaking, Unforgettable Friends-to-Lovers Romance and Audiobook Experience

I absolutely devoured Nothing But Friends. Author Jolie Day delivers the perfect blend of emotion, tension, spice, humour and unconditional love in this astoundingly beautiful friends-to-lovers romance that hooks you instantly and refuses to let go.

Dexter and Holly’s chemistry is completely addictive…a slow-burning tension, emotional vulnerability, lingering looks and years of buried feelings that make every moment feel intimate, intense and unforgettable.
The spice is passionate, emotional and perfectly written… the kind of chemistry that burns straight through your headphones and off the pages.

What truly grounds this story is the love: that safe, unwavering, all-consuming bond built over years of friendship. Holly and Dexter feel real, messy, comforting and beautifully authentic, and watching them cross the line from “just friends” to something life changing is everything.

I also loved the strong family and friendship layers…Holly’s bond with her sister Shelby and Dexter’s loyalty with Reed and Keith, adding warmth, humour and heart that deepen every emotional beat.

There’s also such a fun, flirty energy throughout…teasing, banter, stolen glances and near confessions that make the tension absolutely addictive.
And that “baby-making contract”?
What starts as logical and no strings quickly becomes emotionally consuming, intimate and impossible to separate from real feelings.
Dexter’s need for control adds another layer of fire, undeniably sexy in the bedroom, but also the very thing that almost threatens everything he and Holly are building.

And Shelby + Reed at the hospital?
Pure electric tension without words. Shelby was instantly unimpressed, deciding Reed is rude and in need of lessons in how to speak to people 😂—but even with that clash, there’s still something undeniably intriguing brewing underneath. I need their story next, especially with James Cassidy and Zara Hampton-Brown bringing them to life. 👀

🎧Now the audiobook… THIS is the second heartbeat of the entire experience.

This is not just narration…it’s a full emotional, engaging performance👏🏻
Vanessa Edwin and Anthony Palmini become Holly and Dexter.
Every pause, every breath, every shift in tone carries emotion so real it feels like you’re inside the scenes with them.
The tension is palpable, the longing is audible and the spice lands with emotional precision that makes every moment hit harder.

Their chemistry is ELECTRIC…tender, playful, scorching and heartbreakingly real when everything starts to shift. It never feels performed… it feels lived.

And the multi-cast elevates it even further. Sean Masters and Zara Hampton-Brown bring so much charm and personality to every scene they touch, while James Cassidy is absolutely magnetic…stealing every moment with a presence that demands your attention.
Together, they turn this audiobook into something immersive, addictive and impossible to pause.

Nothing But Friends is fun, flirty, emotional, sexy and completely unforgettable…an absolute must listen or must read!!!

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and entertaining rom-com with lots of spicy romance scenes.

[Alaine McDaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing but Friends- Jolie Day
Narrated by Vanessa Edwin, Anthony Palmini, Sean Masters, James Cassidy, Zara Hampton-Brown

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

There were times when I found myself irritated with both main characters for their own respective reasons. I’m glad I stayed til the end because I think the groveling and reasoning made up for the actual actions done prior. I thought she was a little naive and he was a little controlling but controlling in a helpful not hindering way, and because of her prior emotional abuse, she couldn’t see the difference. She’s making this HUGE decision for herself, him, and their shared child but seemingly only considering her own feelings about it. The book was okay, the beginning was kind of almost cringy, the middle was when I almost DNF’d, and the end was much better.

The narration was fantastic. Full cast narration in duet. Vanessa and Anthony did a great job as always. Sean, James, and Zara coming in as side characters really rounded out this narration.

[kreadsoften · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers with a baby pact is such a fun trope.

Dexter and Holly had been friends for years, and he’d always been so protective of her. Her ex-husband was awful, but Dexter watched out for her.

Holly wanted a baby the “natural way” and asked Dexter for help, and he didn’t even hesitate to say yes.

I loved their friendship and seeing it turn to more once they started trying for a baby. Dexter was actually down so bad. And he made some not so bright decisions…but he made up for it.

This was my first book by Jolie Day, but it won’t be the last.

Narrated by: Vanessa Edwin and Anthony Palmini feat. Sean Masters, Zara Hampton-Brown, and James Cassidy
Narration Style: Multicast Duet

Vanessa Edwin and Anthony Palmini were perfect for their characters. Sean Masters, Zara Hampton-Brown, and James Cassidy as the side characters were amazing as well, and they all made this a fun read.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends + baby
I absolutely loved this!
Holly and Dexter were such wonderful characters, with engaging personalities, brilliant chemistry and entertaining banter.
Holly wants a baby but not a relationship, so either her best friend, Dexter helps her with one night, or she finds another donor. Something Dex finds unacceptable.
These two have been friends since childhood and I loved how their friendship evolved, how deeper feelings were hiding, just waiting to be acknowledged.
It’s emotional and realistic, it’s swoony and steamy, it’s fun but heartfelt, it’s opposites finding their balance and full of romance. But it’s not all fun and sparkly, there’s conflict, angst and tension too and that’s what makes it such a great story, compromise and change is the key to happiness.

[Kim Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! I’m getting around to reading this on my now longer list of books I want to read that have been out for quite some time. The more the list grows, the less sure I am that I’ll actually read them. There’s too many out and it’s hard to keep up. Then there’s the series I’ve started but haven’t continued. At this point, I’m pretty much screwed so we’ll see what I get to. Anyway, this has been on my list to read ever since it was announced all that time ago. I knew going into this that it would mainly be about sex because the point of this story is for Holly to get pregnant. I just didn’t expect to like the in between stuff too. In fact, the only reason this didn’t end up being a 5 star book is because the architect stuff that Dexter was doing, his plan to grab a big company as a client, mixed with his tasks he does on the job didn’t interest me. It’s crazy because this is Dexter’s job, his company, his baby but yet I found it to be boring and confusing when he would be in work mode or discussing with his colleagues. I was more into the relationship he had with Holly. Each time it would go to his work, my mind would wander and he would say stuff that would go over my head and I didn’t bother to re-read it to understand. Maybe I missed a lot, maybe I didn’t but I just didn’t find this part of his life to be interesting. Then once Holly came into the picture it’s like I was immediately drawn back in. It was strange, normally the work stuff I find interesting and like to know more about, but this time I didn’t feel that way. In fact, I wish it wasn’t as present as it was. Then Holly’s attitude about love and her relationship with Dexter bothered me too. I wanted her to wake up and realize that he’s had something for her all along and that leading him on, encouraging the sex later in the book just made him fall in more deeply with her. I didn’t think it was fair to him to be honest, though it was interesting to read about just how much he would do for her and what he actually did in the past was shocking. I couldn’t believe Jolie took it that far, even other books I’ve read in the past never did that. Dexter doesn’t come out and say it but the cryptic hints and recounting of the past in his monologue part later on in the book was clue enough. I was surprised by this but didn’t exactly hate it. When Holly finally wakes up and realizes that she wants to try for real this time with Dexter and she gets news that could change the course of the whole story, I could see what would happen next. This probably was one of the more obvious predictions I had with the book and sure enough what follows wasn’t surprising. Without giving anything away, I could see why Holly would be upset but at the same time if you are in love with someone as much as Dexter is, why wouldn’t you try to move mountains to make it so that the person stays close to you? I can’t fault him for doing what he did, but at the same time he should have talked to her about it and explain why he did it in the first place, then we can avoid this whole betrayal feeling and thought about it being done to have control. It would have saved anger and shown Holly just how invested he is in them for a relationship. Then at the end there is a tease where you think it will turn into a series but come to find out that isn’t the case. It’s just an add on to the current story and I wish it didn’t do that because I could have done with two more books at least but I guess Jolie has other ideas. Overall, it gets a 4 because I couldn’t find an interest in Dexter’s work and Holly’s attitude.

[Holly Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing But Friends
By: Jolie Day

I’ve never read anything by this author before, so I’m looking forward to reading her work. I always take notes, then my review follows.

1. The blurb caught my attention, but the characters name did too since I share a name with the female main character.

2. I like a book with a playlist. It helps set the mood somehow.

3. The dedication is really sweet and heartwarming.

4. It seems to go right into the “let’s have a baby” convo without giving me the impression of how close Holly and Dexter are. Besties that have never hugged? That’s odd to me.

5. Earlier in the book Holly is seventeen during the prom issue and she’s also seventeen in this memory. Maybe the latter should be a year older or something. “I met him at seventeen,…(pg. 62)

6. I’ve never heard of “limerence” before. After looking it up, I can definitely understand the true meaning. “Shelby didn’t, she said there’s a word for it, one that started with an L, too: limerence.” (pg. 62)

7. You mean Patrick Swayze? 🤔 “In case he goes full Ryan Gosling and pulls the Dirty Dancing lift,…” (pg. 92)

8. lol nope it will take at least three weeks. “…it could read positive after ten days.” (pg. 111)

9. Ooh I’m liking the dirty talk!

10. This would work if the fire is in a skillet. But it’s in the oven, curtains, and such. A lid couldn’t smother it. An extinguisher would make more sense. “…a pan lid, one of the few I actually own—and uses it to smother the fire,…” (pg. 148)

11. Is it a kindergarten or daycare?

12. Guinness is a beer, so why not say three Guinness or three beers? ““Two ice-cold beers and a Guinness to our booth.”” (pg. 194)

13. Dexter?! Please don’t be what I think it is. He wouldn’t do that. Right? “”…I have news. Not great news.”” (pg. 231)

14. I knew it!! 🤦🏻‍♀️ “And just like that, the warmth in my chest is replaced by ice.” (pg. 243)

15. Oh yesss!! I loved being pregnant, all four times. Buuut those last few weeks smh 🤦🏻‍♀️ “”As much as I’ve loved being pregnant, I’m over it.”” (pg. 352)

16. Why is she sitting if she’s moh? She should be standing at the alter. “Shelby, already seated beside Holly’s mom after walking the aisle as maid of honor,…” (pg. 375)

🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

It’s always risky when best friends fall in love, but it’s so worth it in the end! My husband is my best friend so, I love a really good best friends fall in love kind of story. Jolie Day tells her best friends in love story so well. It flows like it’s a convo with a friend telling you what happened in her life. I like the casual, diary like verbiage of the book.

The characters are wonderful! Holly (love the name btw lol it’s also my name) is do down to earth and loving. Dexter is that strong willed, protective, providing type of male mc that I love! The side characters were also interesting. I’m definitely ready for Shelby’s (which also is the name of my bff/nephew’s mom lol) book!

I love that Dexter will do absolutely anything for Holly! How she doesn’t see that he loves her from the beginning is crazy! Any woman (or man) would be blessed to have someone as dedicated as Dexter.

I had never read anything by Jolie Day but I’m so glad that I did! I really enjoyed her writing, characters, and this book made me fall in love with these two. I truly hope there is a book two so their story may continue! It’s absolutely worth reading!

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Breathtaking, Unforgettable Friends-to-Lovers Romance and Audiobook Experience

I absolutely devoured Nothing But Friends. Author Jolie Day delivers the perfect blend of emotion, tension, spice, humour and unconditional love in this astoundingly beautiful friends-to-lovers romance that hooks you instantly and refuses to let go.

Dexter and Holly’s chemistry is completely addictive…a slow-burning tension, emotional vulnerability, lingering looks and years of buried feelings that make every moment feel intimate, intense and unforgettable.
The spice is passionate, emotional and perfectly written… the kind of chemistry that burns straight through your headphones and off the pages.

What truly grounds this story is the love: that safe, unwavering, all-consuming bond built over years of friendship. Holly and Dexter feel real, messy, comforting and beautifully authentic, and watching them cross the line from “just friends” to something life changing is everything.

I also loved the strong family and friendship layers…Holly’s bond with her sister Shelby and Dexter’s loyalty with Reed and Keith, adding warmth, humour and heart that deepen every emotional beat.

There’s also such a fun, flirty energy throughout…teasing, banter, stolen glances and near confessions that make the tension absolutely addictive.
And that “baby-making contract”?
What starts as logical and no strings quickly becomes emotionally consuming, intimate and impossible to separate from real feelings.
Dexter’s need for control adds another layer of fire, undeniably sexy in the bedroom, but also the very thing that almost threatens everything he and Holly are building.

And Shelby + Reed at the hospital?
Pure electric tension without words. Shelby was instantly unimpressed, deciding Reed is rude and in need of lessons in how to speak to people 😂—but even with that clash, there’s still something undeniably intriguing brewing underneath. I need their story next, especially with James Cassidy and Zara Hampton-Brown bringing them to life. 👀

🎧Now the audiobook… THIS is the second heartbeat of the entire experience.

This is not just narration…it’s a full emotional, engaging performance👏🏻
Vanessa Edwin and Anthony Palmini become Holly and Dexter.
Every pause, every breath, every shift in tone carries emotion so real it feels like you’re inside the scenes with them.
The tension is palpable, the longing is audible and the spice lands with emotional precision that makes every moment hit harder.

Their chemistry is ELECTRIC…tender, playful, scorching and heartbreakingly real when everything starts to shift. It never feels performed… it feels lived.

And the multi-cast elevates it even further. Sean Masters and Zara Hampton-Brown bring so much charm and personality to every scene they touch, while James Cassidy is absolutely magnetic…stealing every moment with a presence that demands your attention.
Together, they turn this audiobook into something immersive, addictive and impossible to pause.

Nothing But Friends is fun, flirty, emotional, sexy and completely unforgettable…an absolute must listen or must read!!!

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary romance by an author new to me that had me hooked from the start. The plot is well written, well paced, filled with past trauma, heartfelt emotions, funny moments, and plenty of spice, and features the following tropes:

- Friends to Lovers
- Neighbors to Lovers
- Opposites Attract
- Baby Pact
- He Falls First
- It‘s Always Been You

I loved the characters. Holly is a jaded but strong and determined heroine who wants to make a fresh start, and Dexter is a reliable, caring, and structured swoon-worthy hero whose life is turned upside down by Holly’s request. Their deep affection and mutual respect were palpable from the start, and their easy friendship and bond felt completely natural. Once their chemistry and attraction to each other had fully unfolded, it was simply sizzling. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, and I’m already looking forward to their stories.

Holly Bishop, in her mid-thirties, is determined to start a new chapter in her life after ending her toxic marriage and to fulfill her and her sister’s shared dream of opening their own private kindergarten in London. With her biological clock ticking, she wants to get pregnant before leaving New York, and her choice for a sperm donor falls on her childhood best friend Dexter Thorne, a successful architect and her reliable rock.
At first, Dexter, a successful architect, is taken aback by Holly’s request, since he had never considered having children, and especially by her desire to get pregnant the old-fashioned way—a one-night stand with the sole purpose of conceiving a baby, without any strings attached, and keeping their relationship strictly platonic afterward.
Dexter agrees and is actually looking forward to being a co-parent, even though he knows Holly will move away and raise the child in England. But after their night together, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Holly, however, doesn’t want anything serious after her traumatic experiences and refuses to let another man into her life. When the pregnancy test comes back positive, Dexter realizes that his happiness has an expiration date, because Holly is still determined to leave and won’t be talked out of it…

If you like heartwarming friends to lovers romance novels, baby pacts, emotional rollercoasters, endearing protagonists, very likable supporting characters, banter and heat, you’re sure to enjoy this book.

Thank you Jolie Day and Grey Promotion for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

#ContemporaryRomance #FriendstoLovers #ProtectiveHero #HeFallsFirst #ChildhoodFriendstoLovers @greyspromo  
@JolieDayAuthor

[Lindsey Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Trust is paramount in any relationship. When a woman without a romantic partner decides she wants to have a baby, who better to have one with than the man she trusts the most, her male best friend? That’s what Holly wants from Dexter. They’ve been best friends since childhood. She’s seen him through all his ups and downs, and he’s seen her through her disastrous marriage and beyond. The two live in apartments in the same building, on the same floor. They have open access to each other’s lives, but Holly is looking for a big change. She wants Dexter’s baby and to move to the UK to live with her newly divorced sister to help with her kids and open a kindergarten together. Dexter is an architect with a thriving firm, and relocating to another country isn’t exactly realistic for him. Holly sees it as the perfect plan. Dexter can visit, but Holly would be the primary parent with all the responsibilities that entails. One thing Dexter and Holly didn’t expect was the feelings that surfaced when they tried to make a baby the old fashioned way.

As the novel opens, I thought of Dexter as a guy who would never go for the arrangement Holly proposes. He never wanted children, he’s extremely happy with his career, and he loves having his best friend across the hall. I loved that Dexter agreed, but wanted to be a father to his child. He makes that clear before they even attempt to conceive. That right there got me. Dexter immediately earned a spot on my swoon-worthy book boyfriend list because he refuses to be a passive parent, even in an unconventional situation.

Holly is so incredibly strong. She’s had Dexter by her side for so many seasons of her life, but she wants to attempt motherhood on her own. I have children. I had difficult pregnancies. I could never attempt pregnancy or raising a child without my husband by my side. Every decision she makes, every burdening feeling, shows how resilient she is. All the steps she takes, she plans to do on her own. For that alone, I admire her.

This book could have been so predictable and still been a good novel. It’s one that feels so good while reading that you don’t even care if you can guess the ending. Jolie Day didn’t follow that script. When I thought I knew where she was leading the dynamic duo, she switched things up and surprised me. That happened more than once, and I love Day for that.

If you’re looking for an unexpected read with an unconventional road to the happily ever after, definitely give Nothing But Friends a try.

I received Nothing But Friends for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ Overall Rating: 6/5
🔥 Burn Level: 5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4.5/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 5/5

Nothing But Friends was everything I want in a friends-to-lovers romance and more. This was my first book by Jolie Day, and now I’m left wondering how I’ve gone this long without reading her books.

Holly and Dexter have been best friends for decades. Their friendship is built on trust, loyalty, and a bond that neither of them has ever found with anyone else. They know each other better than anyone, which made every emotional moment hit even harder.

Holly is 36 and ready to become a mother. With her sister Shelby moving to the UK to pursue both love and their shared dream of opening a childcare center, Holly is ready to take the next step toward building the future she wants. Her solution? Ask Dexter to be her sperm donor.

Simple, right?

Not exactly.

When Holly suggests they conceive naturally, Dexter is completely caught off guard. But while the idea surprises him, one thing becomes crystal clear—he doesn’t want anyone else to be the father of Holly’s child. The thought of another man being part of her future is something he simply can’t accept.

What I loved most was how differently Holly and Dexter approached the arrangement. Holly had a carefully organized plan, complete with rules and boundaries. Dexter immediately rejected most of them. No emotionless arrangement. No treating it like a transaction. No pretending they weren’t sharing something meaningful.

Instead, Dexter wanted every moment to matter.

And honestly? That was where this book completely won me over.

Watching years of friendship transform into something deeper was beautiful. The chemistry felt natural because it was built on decades of knowing each other, caring for each other, and being each other’s safe place long before romance entered the picture.

The tension, the emotions, the vulnerability, and the way Dexter slowly realizes exactly what Holly means to him made this impossible to put down.

This was funny, heartfelt, emotional, romantic, and everything I love about friends-to-lovers romance.

If you enjoy:
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Best Friends Since Childhood
✨ He Falls Hard
✨ Pregnancy Plot
✨ Long-Term Friendship
✨ Emotional Romance
✨ Protective MMC
✨ Found Family Feelings

then I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR.

This was an easy 6-star read for me and one of my favorite friends-to-lovers romances I’ve read in a long time.

Thank you to Greys Promo for the opportunity to read and review this book. 🤍

[Hayley 〰 Hayley's Next Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5

- best friends to lovers
- neighbors
- platonic pregnancy trope 😂
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
- dual pov
- multi-cast, duet narration audiobook

Nothing But Friends is a spicy friends-to-lovers romance starring Holly and Dexter that I binge-listened to in just over a day.

Holly and Dexter have been best friends since childhood, and now, in their mid-30s, recently divorced Holly asks him to help her become a mother. But trying to make a baby the traditional way? Unsurprisingly, that comes with a whole lot of feelings.

There’s plenty of baby-making involved since Holly doesn’t get pregnant straight away 🤭. If you love an alpha, dirty-talking, overprotective hero, Dexter is for you. He definitely pushes boundaries at times, but everything he does comes from a place of love and wanting to take care of Holly.

Speaking of, Holly is rebuilding herself after an emotionally abusive marriage, and Dexter understands her in a way nobody else does. He's exactly the safe space she needs, which makes their transition from friendship to something more feel both effortless and rewarding.

The supporting cast adds so much to the story. Between Dexter’s work colleagues and Holly’s sister, I definitely see some future couples 👀. I also love the settings, with the story moving between London and New York City.

Now, the audiobook! The incomparable Anthony Palmini and Vanessa Edwin lead the narration, with Sean Masters mastering his Irish accent, alongside Zara Hampton-Brown (Holly's British sister) and James Cassidy. The multi-cast format makes it such an immersive listen, and I highly recommend the audio for this one.

Thank you to Must Love Audio for the early copy.

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dexter and Holly!! Holy fckk!!! I am completely in love with them 🥹 Their banter and chemistry 🔥 Thank you so much, Jolie, for this ARC 🥹❤️ Your writing is incredible and I adore your work so much 🥹🫂❤️

The audiobook had me giggling and kicking my feet! Every! Chapter! The entire cast is everything I imagined 😩 Vanessa, Anthony, Zara, Sean, and James 🧎‍♀️🔥

Holly Bishop voiced by Vanessa Edwin 🫦 This feisty, sassy, independent, beautiful woman 🥹❤️ She is chaos, but a gorgeous and perfect one. She's everything Dexter and I adore 😏 Holly's on a mission and knows exactly what she wants 😈 I wanted to cuddle her so much 🥹 The one man she feels safe with, is the one she thinks she can't have 😩 If only she knew 🥹 Vanessa brings Holly to life beautifully and lives her 😍 She portrays every emotion beautifully and makes us fall in love with her in every chapter ❤️

Dexter Thorne voiced by Anthony Palmini 🫦 This MAN is the definition of obsession 🧎‍♀️ He yearned and earned🧎‍♀️ This man will do anything for his woman, no matter how morally grey 😈 Holly is not only his best friend but the love of his life 😍 Dexter's a billionaire, so frickin hawt, handsome, filthy mouthed, talented, intense, a golden retriever only with her, incredibly protective and morally grey 😈😏 Anthony is literally everything I imagine Dexter to be! He brings him to life so beautifully in every chapter 🥹

The spice!!! HOLYFKK!!! Every single scene had me absolutely red, giggling and blushing 🧎‍♀️🔥 Dexter has such a dirty mouth that both Holly and I appreciated and loved 😏 Their chemistry shone so much more in eveey scene 😏 Now that teaser for Shelby 😏 Give it to me 🥹

[Christie Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 plus stars
Spice 2.5 / 5

This is my first book by Jolie Day and it did not disappoint. I loved everything about Dexter and Holly’s story.

Holly (36)
born in the UK, mother relocated her and her sister to the US when her father walked out
Her childhood best friend is Dexter
Divorced, ex husband was a douche canoe that left her with a negative view of relationships
Successful Interior designer in NYC
She's chaos to Dexter's structure

Dexter (40)
only child, was very close to his dad (mom passed when he was very young)
Holly's best friend
Single / never married
Successful Architect / business owner in NYC
Renovated the upper floor of a building he owns that is split into two apartments (his and Holly's)

Holly has decided that time is running out on her having a baby so she's devised a plan. She's going to ask Dexter to be the father. She wants to conceive the natural way. She wants to keep it as impersonal as possible (keep on most of their clothes, no kissing, 1 minute transaction) and she's certain that she will conceive on the first try. Once her pregnancy is confirmed, she plans to relocate to the UK to open a daycare with her sister Shelby (Shelby is recently divorced and has 3 children).

Dexter agrees to be the father but the impersonal part is a no go. And conception takes way more than the first go. That move to the UK is also a point of contention.

These two are absolute fire together.

I loved the all the side characters too.

This book is romance at it's finest. Fingers crossed there is a book for Reed and Keith.

Do not skip out on the deleted scenes / bonus epilogue.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing But Friends by Jolie Day is a contemporary romance that was built for readers like me. What kind of reader is that, do you ask? I’ll gladly tell you. I love the emotionally intense stories that include a best friends to lovers type of trope. It’s funny, I fell out of love with this trope a long time ago and then I read Julia Quinn’s Romancing Mister Bridgerton, and it reminded me of how much I loved this trope. Nothing But Friends has the full energy of this trope, and I am here for it.

Holly asks her friend Dexter to ahem, assist her in having a baby before she moves away. She isn’t looking for a commitment from Dexter - just a baby. She trusts him, so it only seems natural to ask him, right? But indeciding to conceive in the most natural way, they have unintentionally (maybe?) created chaos for themselves.

What is most refreshing about this book is that the characters are not in their early 20s. Holly is in her late 30s and has reached a point in her life where she wants to be a mother and is not so interested in finding the love story that people think you need to get there.

Although romance stories with a pregnancy at the center of it is not my favorite thing, I truly did enjoy reading about these friends and how they try to work through the intense emotions that arise from what they think will be a logical and easy milestone.

This story contains explicit scenes and is very emotional. Proceed with caution of any of this causes discomfort.

[Nickie Sale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing But Friends by Jolie Day is a Best Friends to Lovers who come to an agreement to have a baby together. After a disaster of a childless marriage and now in her 30’s, Holly wants a child. Dexter has been her best friend since childhood, now Holly wants him to father her baby, no romance, no relationship, just genetics.

Holly is moving back to the UK soon, but she wants a child before she goes. Dexter is someone who is reliable, healthy and she trusts completely, Dexter is stunned when she asks him to be the father, but she makes it clear that if Dexter declines her request, she will find an anonymous donor, something Dexter can’t accept.

Holly suggests they conceive naturally “Old Fashioned Way”, which floors Dexter, but he agrees anyway, because he can’t imagine her doing this with a stranger. This is the moment the friendship begins to shift. Boundaries are crossed, everything changes, Dexter realizes he’s falling for her hard, Holly tries to stay detached, but she’s clearly struggling. Dexter thought he could handle being “just the donor”, he was wrong. Holly’s hesitation isn’t about Dexter, its fear of ruining their lifelong friendship.

Holly and Dexter’s journey is emotional, it’s clear from early on that the feelings they have for each other go beyond friendship, but both are scared to act on them. There are a few times you think at last they are going to confess what they feel, only to left hanging that bit longer.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a best friends to lovers story where Holly and Dexter are best friends since they were kids. Dexter cherishes his friendship with Holly and doesn’t want to lose it. These opposites have blended their lives together being there for one another no matter what comes up. Dexter is a sexy controlling man and Holly is carefree woman looking for the next adventure. After a horribly failed marriage Holly has lost trust in all men and doesn’t believe in love so she makes a plan to have a baby and move back to England to be with her sister and opening a kids private school. The decision to ask Dexter to be the father and creating the baby the old fashioned way has Dexter’s head spinning! Dexter is the 1st one to admit falling in love and he knows Holly had a crush on him when they were younger but one bad controlling decision throughly breaks Holly’s heart shutting her down and treating them as a transaction and not friends or lovers a week before she decides to leave with being pregnant. Their ending is something dry special and boy does Dexter make a grand move laying his heart out and what Holly does will surprise you! This is one sweet fun loving friends and lovers who discover what life really means for them…

[ljamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me but I loved the idea of best friends into lovers than parents. Holly is thirty six years old, she has survived a bad marriage with a controlling jerk. Her sister has moved to London with her three kids and the man she was with, dumped her. Holly and her sister had always agreed to be together and raise their children together and possibly start a nursery school. So Holly makes a plea to her best friend Dexter to help her get pregnant. Now Dexter has never thought about kids or even considered having kids and him and Holly haven’t shared any intimate moments they are just friends. Now after contemplating this Dexter agrees knowing that Holly will have his baby and move to London. However, although they try to be clinical about the baby making after the first time, all systems are set to on. These two may have been in a dry spell but suddenly they are hot and heavy. As the reality of this baby starts to take shape and form Dexter is starting to realize he wants more and he wants a day to day interaction with his child. This really is a slow burn in terms of the emotional romance between these characters. Some parts were very slow but the story was certainly interesting and different.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing But Friends is one of the best friends to lover’s books I have read/listen to in a long time. Holly and Dexter will capture your heart from page one. They have always been best friends even when Holly married another man. When Holly divorced Dean Dexter was there for her but Dean burnt her very bad and she swore that she’d never love again. Dexter is her best friend but Holly has a dream of opening a kindergarten overseas with her sister and she wants to have a baby but really doesn’t just want to go to a sperm bank. When she asks Dexter to help her out, he gladly accepts the task.

I absolutely loved this story. The love that Dexter has for Holly is so beautiful. Their relationship grows stronger when they start trying to have kids. The banter between these two is so funny but the chemistry will melt the pages. I really enjoyed the audible version the narrators did an excellent job delivering Dexter and Holly’s story so both the book/audible versions are worth adding to your library. Jolie you are one of my goes to author’s and you never disappoint. I love your writing style and can’t wait for the next story.

I was honored to receive and ARC and an ALC copy of this story and I am honestly leaving my review.

[shanelle maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝚊𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚌 & 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠

🌟:5 🌶️:3 🎧:5

I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did! Like you know those books that sneak up on you and take you by complete surprise? That was this book for me. So incredibly good, and so perfectly written. 🫶🏼

This is my second book by Jolie now, and it’s safe to say.. I’ll be exploring her backlist. 😍

I don’t want to spoil the book with this review because it’s so easy to do, so I’m just going to say that it’s best friends to lovers with a really fun twist. 😍

I adored Dexter and Holly’s relationship. They’re the kind of friends that poke fun at each other, but they’re always there for one another at the drop of a hat. Their banter was so much fun and it was such a smooth transition to lovers. I was hooked from the first chapter and I essentially devoured this.

The audio is in multicast duet narration with Vanessa Edwin and Anthony Palmini as our main characters, and James Cassidy, Sean Masters and Zara Hampton-Brown as supporting roles. I love this style of narration so much. It makes the whole experience feel so well rounded. Vanessa and Anthony were so good together and I loved hearing the supporting VA’s pop in with their side characters. It was a ton of fun to listen to and I really really enjoyed it.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! 💖💖

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can friends ever really stay friends when they cross that line?

Holly wants a baby, and knowing that she's planning on leaving for the UK to live with her sister, niece and nephews, she asks her best friend, Dexter, to be the father. Thinking it will be a one-and-done, it shouldn't affect their relationship at all. Only, it doesn't take, and then all bets are off. Things heat up quickly, and it seems like things are going well for the two of them, so much so that Holly almost decides to stay. That is, until Holly learns what Dexter's pulled behind the scenes and ruins all her trust.

Dexter and Holly get their happy ending in this standalone book.

I loved their friendship and how long it's lasted without either of them acting on anything. I loved the looks into the past where they could have acted on feelings, but never did, but the tension was there. I do wonder if the two of them had more children, or if they were happy with the two they had. I do love how both of them still got to live their best lives and keep their dreams while still hopping between the two continents. It would be interesting to know if Dexter promoted someone at his New York office to help as he had at his London office, or if he was still the head there.

I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Awilda Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

best friends since childhood. mid-30s. and holly finally asking dexter for the one thing she never thought she’d need from him 🥺

holly survived a bad marriage, rebuilt herself, and decided love could stay gone — but a baby? that she still wanted. so she did the most logical, most chaotic, most holly thing possible and turned to the only man she’s ever truly trusted 😮‍💨

i loved everything about these two — the history, the longing looks, the flashbacks to every almost-moment they let pass. the tension that lived quietly between them for decades. dexter the driven, devoted architect. holly the successful, slightly chaotic, absolutely iconic disaster girl 🤣 two adults who’ve been dancing around each other their whole lives and i was fully, completely invested.

vanessa edwin, anthony palmini, sean masters, zara hampton-brown & james cassidy in a full multicast duet — they gave this story every bit of its heartbeat and then some ✨😮‍💨

Things to know
Duet narration, dual pov, friends to lovers, protective hero, no kissing rule, strong fmc, it’s always been you, baby pact, she falls first, he falls harder, mcs in late 30s

[Carys Elaine Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to greys promotions for this chance to be a arc reader.

This is book is not something id normally go for but i am so glad I signed up to read it because I really enjoyed it. I struggled to get in to it at first but then I was hooked.


Holly has always wanted to be mum but shes also sworn off love after a horrible marriage. She propersitions her best friend to be her baby dad.


Dexter hes always been single married to the job and secretly been in love with his best friend for years not that hed admit it. When Holly comes to him and asks him to help her get pregnant he agrees.

You get to see the journey these two take from being friends to lovers and trying to figure out there feelings for one another but also scared to act on them outside of trying for baby.


When Holly plans to move to the uk to be with her sister and kids dexter trys to find a way to keep Holly in the us and get shelby over to the us but when Holly finds out they have a massive argument because Holly's feels like dexter has broken her trust.

Id rate the spice in this book 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5 you get to see them start to fall for each other you also get to read about them trying for a baby with some really good scenes 😉

I cant wait to see who gets the next book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing But Friends by Jolie Day is the story of Holly and Dexter and it's so good! I have read many books by Jolie Day and this on is definitely a favorite. Holly and Dexter are best friends. They are complete opposites and have both decided relationships are not for them.
Holly wants a baby and asks Dexter to help her have one (the "old-fashioned" way - wink, wink). She's planning on returning to England to open up a school with her recently-divorced sister, so this will be nothing more than a single night, a transaction - no strings, no feelings, no romance. Dexter agrees to help her.
Little do they both know (or maybe, deep down, they do) that one night is more than either imagined and it leads to so much more.
I really enjoyed this book. Holly is more of a free spirit to Dexter's "control freak" nature but it works. Mostly. There are bumps in the road and they both need to realize their feelings for each other are much more than friendly. They eventually get there and it's such a fun read as they work through all their feelings as well as dealing with the baggage they are both still carrying from past relationships and experiences. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!