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Friends #2
Just Friends
Friends do nice things for each other, right?
That’s what Polly Bowman tells herself when she agrees to be her friend Bailey’s ‘fake girlfriend’ to help him keep a promise to his family. After all, Bailey has always supported her through difficult times – he even knows about her secret singing sessions at the local speakeasy bar.
But maintaining a fake relationship isn’t easy, and when Polly’s meddling but well-meaning group of friends throw her and Bailey together as best man and maid-of-honour for an upcoming wedding, Polly soon realises she’s going to have to confront a few long-kept secrets head on ...
That’s what Polly Bowman tells herself when she agrees to be her friend Bailey’s ‘fake girlfriend’ to help him keep a promise to his family. After all, Bailey has always supported her through difficult times – he even knows about her secret singing sessions at the local speakeasy bar.
But maintaining a fake relationship isn’t easy, and when Polly’s meddling but well-meaning group of friends throw her and Bailey together as best man and maid-of-honour for an upcoming wedding, Polly soon realises she’s going to have to confront a few long-kept secrets head on ...
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
162 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 26, 2020
Another fabulous read from Lucy Keeling! I adored the 'will they, won't they' thread of Polly and Bailey as life kept throwing curveballs their way, and throwing them together in often compromising positions!!! It is a follow up to 'Make It Up To You' but can easily be read as a standalone!
Bailey sounds like the kind of man we'd all be queuing up to be his 'fake girlfriend' - supportive, flirty, close to his family and a gardener (clincher for me!!) - so when Polly volunteers to help stop his family asking too many questions about his love life what could possibly go wrong??!! A lot it seems! They've always got on well and confided in one another about things they don't share with others, but the more time they start spending together then the more time they can't stop thinking about one another! Not so good if you're with someone else like Polly is!
The characters of Polly and Bailey are so sweet! She has a secret passion and lacks confidence to share with those around her, but has a good group of friends who are all brought together in the run up to a wedding so maybe it's time she started opening up more. And Bailey is worried sick when there's illness in his family so he's been relying on work and flirting to distract himself He seems to be one of the good guys of the world.
This was one of those books that you find yourself racing through and I was unable to put it down once I started reading, and it was the perfect mix of romance and humour and I hope we get to hear more from the characters in these books in the very near future!
Bailey sounds like the kind of man we'd all be queuing up to be his 'fake girlfriend' - supportive, flirty, close to his family and a gardener (clincher for me!!) - so when Polly volunteers to help stop his family asking too many questions about his love life what could possibly go wrong??!! A lot it seems! They've always got on well and confided in one another about things they don't share with others, but the more time they start spending together then the more time they can't stop thinking about one another! Not so good if you're with someone else like Polly is!
The characters of Polly and Bailey are so sweet! She has a secret passion and lacks confidence to share with those around her, but has a good group of friends who are all brought together in the run up to a wedding so maybe it's time she started opening up more. And Bailey is worried sick when there's illness in his family so he's been relying on work and flirting to distract himself He seems to be one of the good guys of the world.
This was one of those books that you find yourself racing through and I was unable to put it down once I started reading, and it was the perfect mix of romance and humour and I hope we get to hear more from the characters in these books in the very near future!
August 10, 2024
Not my cup of tea but made a good change. Some of the lines were a bit corny, and the paragraphs about "vines" twisting up as a metaphor for feelings of discomfort/nervousness didn't sit with me for some reason. But, the bit I struggled with most was did Bailey expect Denise to die?! Why else set up a fake relationship for someone who is dying - surely they would find out eventually?!
April 30, 2022
i’m never one to pass up the fake dating or brothers bestfriend tropes, so when i saw this book had both - i knew i had to read it !!
i loved bailey and how he has had feelings for polly for over two years which in some cases appears as unrequited love. there’s lots of will they won’t they moments, and i felt the pace was spot on
i fell in love with all of the books characters. such as polly’s passions that she keeps secret and lacks the confidence to fully share them with others. it was such a cute and easy read, with both romance and excellent humour !! plus i finished it very quickly aha :)
i loved bailey and how he has had feelings for polly for over two years which in some cases appears as unrequited love. there’s lots of will they won’t they moments, and i felt the pace was spot on
i fell in love with all of the books characters. such as polly’s passions that she keeps secret and lacks the confidence to fully share them with others. it was such a cute and easy read, with both romance and excellent humour !! plus i finished it very quickly aha :)
April 10, 2021
Just Friends centres on a different one of the group of friends we met in Just A Boyfriend, Lucy Keeling's debut novel.
This time we become more intimate with Polly, sister of Marcus, who was the hero du jour in book one.
Polly's got some unprocessed feelings for a certain gardener, who also happens to be her brother's best friend, but the player that he is, she can't trust herself to get too close, so she settles for an office romance that seems to be safe. Oh, and she's got another secret passion that no one knows about.
Bailey's got issues. He's harbouring a huge crush, bordering on unrequited love, for his best mate's sister. But she hasn't a clue, and she's also in a new relationship. And, to add icing to his issue cake, his mum is ill. Really ill. And all she wants is to see him happy and settled.
What ensues is a brilliant story, filled with will they, won't they moments, amidst the planning of a huge wedding, (not theirs!) and a ton of sexual chemistry!
I love Bailey, he's giving out Jason Momoa vibes... Polly, I just wanted to scream at her to TELL HIM HOW SHE FEELS!
Eager to get into book two, I pretty much devoured this in a day!
Oh, Lucy, you have created such a great cast of characters, here. I loved each moment. And with that ending, now I HAVE to read the next one as soon as it is out!
Good thing I only have two days to wait!
This time we become more intimate with Polly, sister of Marcus, who was the hero du jour in book one.
Polly's got some unprocessed feelings for a certain gardener, who also happens to be her brother's best friend, but the player that he is, she can't trust herself to get too close, so she settles for an office romance that seems to be safe. Oh, and she's got another secret passion that no one knows about.
Bailey's got issues. He's harbouring a huge crush, bordering on unrequited love, for his best mate's sister. But she hasn't a clue, and she's also in a new relationship. And, to add icing to his issue cake, his mum is ill. Really ill. And all she wants is to see him happy and settled.
What ensues is a brilliant story, filled with will they, won't they moments, amidst the planning of a huge wedding, (not theirs!) and a ton of sexual chemistry!
I love Bailey, he's giving out Jason Momoa vibes... Polly, I just wanted to scream at her to TELL HIM HOW SHE FEELS!
Eager to get into book two, I pretty much devoured this in a day!
Oh, Lucy, you have created such a great cast of characters, here. I loved each moment. And with that ending, now I HAVE to read the next one as soon as it is out!
Good thing I only have two days to wait!
September 7, 2020
Generally sweet characters but truthfully? A bit tedious.
A frustrating read. There's so much potential with the characters the author has created, but this just felt like wading through treacle. Polly is definitely an improvement on Sophie, who I honestly could not stand, but the author and editor really needs to look closer at grammar and increase their vocabulary. Having read this straight after it's predecessor, I was tired of seeing the same descriptives used over and over again. Please, calm it with the gorgeous gorgeousness. I'm a fellow Manc. We have SO many other authentic descriptives to choose from! If you're going to base your story in a city as vibrant and unique as Manchester, and continually reference it, you can afford to add a few colloquialisms without alienating your readers. Sadly, the dialogue just feels forced at times. Please sprinkle in some contractions. They sound much more authentic in dialogue, especially amongst friends who are also northerners. I hope the author understands that I'm trying to offer some constructive feedback as I do feel this series has a lot of potential. I just don't think I can read the same story again. Speaking of which:
*potential spoiler*
Would also appreciate there being a different subplot than *a parent gets sick* That's just plain lazy, sorry.
A frustrating read. There's so much potential with the characters the author has created, but this just felt like wading through treacle. Polly is definitely an improvement on Sophie, who I honestly could not stand, but the author and editor really needs to look closer at grammar and increase their vocabulary. Having read this straight after it's predecessor, I was tired of seeing the same descriptives used over and over again. Please, calm it with the gorgeous gorgeousness. I'm a fellow Manc. We have SO many other authentic descriptives to choose from! If you're going to base your story in a city as vibrant and unique as Manchester, and continually reference it, you can afford to add a few colloquialisms without alienating your readers. Sadly, the dialogue just feels forced at times. Please sprinkle in some contractions. They sound much more authentic in dialogue, especially amongst friends who are also northerners. I hope the author understands that I'm trying to offer some constructive feedback as I do feel this series has a lot of potential. I just don't think I can read the same story again. Speaking of which:
*potential spoiler*
Would also appreciate there being a different subplot than *a parent gets sick* That's just plain lazy, sorry.
November 22, 2021
Well I got bookfished
Based on the blurb, I was expecting WAY more of the fake dating, it played the most minute role in this whole tale... The story itself felt badly written, it felt like the fanfiction I used to read in 2010, just all round meh...
Some stuff was really strong, some was extremely weak, the spicy scene was, okay, it didn't get me super hot under the collar... I've read better books, book I was thoroughly bookfished
Based on the blurb, I was expecting WAY more of the fake dating, it played the most minute role in this whole tale... The story itself felt badly written, it felt like the fanfiction I used to read in 2010, just all round meh...
Some stuff was really strong, some was extremely weak, the spicy scene was, okay, it didn't get me super hot under the collar... I've read better books, book I was thoroughly bookfished
Read
May 11, 2021Absolutely loved this book! It was such a joy to come across the gang from Make it up to You.
The book was just fantastic from start to finish and I loved getting to know Polly and Bailey a little better. Their chemistry was to die for and it was just loads of fun to read!
The book was just fantastic from start to finish and I loved getting to know Polly and Bailey a little better. Their chemistry was to die for and it was just loads of fun to read!
July 7, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I hadn’t realized just how much I needed to laugh again. And over the past few days, stories from Choc Lit/Ruby Fiction have given me chuckles, smiles, a few snort-giggles (yes, they are a thing), and moments when I did indeed laugh out loud at what was happening on the pages of ‘Just Friends‘. For that experience, I need to give a heartfelt thank you to Lucy Keeling and this amazing publishing house for delivering exactly what I needed right now.
Back in the first story, ‘Make It Up To You‘ where Marcus and Sophie fell in love, we began to get to know the friends, the people who make up this little world. And I’ll confess that I really wanted to know more about Bailey, especially when he sorta rescued Polly in that book. Oh, that was just a hint of Bailey’s deliciousness, and I cannot wait for you to meet him for yourself. ‘Just Friends‘ could stand on its own if you haven’t yet read the first book, but I would still strongly recommend going back to Sophie and Marcus’ romance when you can, it’s well worth the time.
Without giving much of the whole plot away, Bailey has feelings for Polly that he hasn’t acted on soon enough and now he’s in a bit of a bind with his mother’s illness and her worry for his future happiness. Who better to ask to be a temporary pretend girlfriend than his friend Polly? Well, this crew of friends thinks it’s a fantastic idea for they know that while Bailey and Polly have feelings for each other for some reason they aren’t acting on them… what’s a better idea than the best man and the maid of honor for Marcus and Sophie to find some happiness themselves as well. The rest, as they say, will soon be a history of the romantic kind (and if “they” don’t say that “they” should!) for this couple that obviously should be together but might need a gentle push from well-meaning friends.
Most of this delightful Rom-Com tale is the “will they or won’t they” fence every single reader will be sitting on throughout ‘Just Friends‘. Well, maybe the answer is obvious but getting there… oh, that was so much fun. I love this crew of friends, each as unique in personality as you will ever find, yet they blend together to form their own circle of devoted friends. Yes, there were laugh out loud moments, lots of flirting, bits and pieces of information that I hope will become future stories… but most of all you’ll find a heartwarming love story of two people who really do belong together they simply need to take the risk to try. I had such fun, and I’ll definitely be looking for more from this crew of adorable friends in the future. So, a bit long-winded perhaps but this is a story that will give you the chance to smile, get emotional, and laugh out loud once again… and we all need that right now.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher ChocLit/Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I hadn’t realized just how much I needed to laugh again. And over the past few days, stories from Choc Lit/Ruby Fiction have given me chuckles, smiles, a few snort-giggles (yes, they are a thing), and moments when I did indeed laugh out loud at what was happening on the pages of ‘Just Friends‘. For that experience, I need to give a heartfelt thank you to Lucy Keeling and this amazing publishing house for delivering exactly what I needed right now.
Back in the first story, ‘Make It Up To You‘ where Marcus and Sophie fell in love, we began to get to know the friends, the people who make up this little world. And I’ll confess that I really wanted to know more about Bailey, especially when he sorta rescued Polly in that book. Oh, that was just a hint of Bailey’s deliciousness, and I cannot wait for you to meet him for yourself. ‘Just Friends‘ could stand on its own if you haven’t yet read the first book, but I would still strongly recommend going back to Sophie and Marcus’ romance when you can, it’s well worth the time.
Without giving much of the whole plot away, Bailey has feelings for Polly that he hasn’t acted on soon enough and now he’s in a bit of a bind with his mother’s illness and her worry for his future happiness. Who better to ask to be a temporary pretend girlfriend than his friend Polly? Well, this crew of friends thinks it’s a fantastic idea for they know that while Bailey and Polly have feelings for each other for some reason they aren’t acting on them… what’s a better idea than the best man and the maid of honor for Marcus and Sophie to find some happiness themselves as well. The rest, as they say, will soon be a history of the romantic kind (and if “they” don’t say that “they” should!) for this couple that obviously should be together but might need a gentle push from well-meaning friends.
Most of this delightful Rom-Com tale is the “will they or won’t they” fence every single reader will be sitting on throughout ‘Just Friends‘. Well, maybe the answer is obvious but getting there… oh, that was so much fun. I love this crew of friends, each as unique in personality as you will ever find, yet they blend together to form their own circle of devoted friends. Yes, there were laugh out loud moments, lots of flirting, bits and pieces of information that I hope will become future stories… but most of all you’ll find a heartwarming love story of two people who really do belong together they simply need to take the risk to try. I had such fun, and I’ll definitely be looking for more from this crew of adorable friends in the future. So, a bit long-winded perhaps but this is a story that will give you the chance to smile, get emotional, and laugh out loud once again… and we all need that right now.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher ChocLit/Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
May 31, 2020
I can’t be the only bookworm, nay, bookdragon who makes lists for their lists when it comes to books, surely?
*looks up*
What was that?
Oh, you’re confused...
*shakes head*
Welcome to the club, pal. Welcome to the club *snorts*.
Just trust me a sec, will you? All will become clear in a mo. (Now there’s a phrase I use a lot *smirks*.)
So, I’m not just talking TBR lists – I’m talking re-read lists, fav author lists, and most anticipated reads lists... *nods* Now the penny is dropping *laughs*.
Well, as you’ve just guessed, Just Friends was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020 (I’ll admit to having a few on there *smirks*). That in and of itself causes me anxiety *frowns*.
“How so?”, you ask. It’s all the ‘what ifs?’. What if it’s not as good as I was expecting? What if I can’t connect to the story? What if Bailey isn’t really the god I thought he was (hehe!)?
Overthinker in Aisle 1!!
And then, poof! All of those worries evaporate in an instant... because let me tell you, Polly and Bailey’s story was every bit epically amazing as I’d hoped it would be!
I laughed, I cried. I also have to admit to wanting to slap myself on occasion *rolls eyes*. It’s entirely Bailey’s fault *shrugs*. Every time he smiled, wore his heart on his sleeve or gave Polly ‘the look’, I swooned *palms face*. I flatly refuse to be held responsible. I’m blaming the hair action and the beard - there, I said it!!
(*whispers* I’ll let you all into a secret – Bailey has been my favourite since Make It Up To You but that’s just between us, right?)
JF is way more than a romcom. It’s a story about family, friendships, being there when needed (no questions asked) and empowerment. I confess to joining in with my own chants of, “Go Polly! Go Polly!” (dance moves and all *blushes*.) It symbolises what I’ve come to love about Lucy’s storytelling.
Can we also have a ‘hold the phone’ moment please? How is this only Lucy’s second release?!! *shrugs* Right, I’ve no clue either!!
I loved it and didn’t want it to end. My one saving grace is I know Book 3 is on the horizon and my spidey senses are tingling when it comes to Mya’s job (I could give Paige a run for her money). Talking of Paige, I wonder if she’s getting a book? *taps chin*
*sigh*
Right, I’m off to make a brew. I need it!!
*looks up*
What was that?
Oh, you’re confused...
*shakes head*
Welcome to the club, pal. Welcome to the club *snorts*.
Just trust me a sec, will you? All will become clear in a mo. (Now there’s a phrase I use a lot *smirks*.)
So, I’m not just talking TBR lists – I’m talking re-read lists, fav author lists, and most anticipated reads lists... *nods* Now the penny is dropping *laughs*.
Well, as you’ve just guessed, Just Friends was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020 (I’ll admit to having a few on there *smirks*). That in and of itself causes me anxiety *frowns*.
“How so?”, you ask. It’s all the ‘what ifs?’. What if it’s not as good as I was expecting? What if I can’t connect to the story? What if Bailey isn’t really the god I thought he was (hehe!)?
Overthinker in Aisle 1!!
And then, poof! All of those worries evaporate in an instant... because let me tell you, Polly and Bailey’s story was every bit epically amazing as I’d hoped it would be!
I laughed, I cried. I also have to admit to wanting to slap myself on occasion *rolls eyes*. It’s entirely Bailey’s fault *shrugs*. Every time he smiled, wore his heart on his sleeve or gave Polly ‘the look’, I swooned *palms face*. I flatly refuse to be held responsible. I’m blaming the hair action and the beard - there, I said it!!
(*whispers* I’ll let you all into a secret – Bailey has been my favourite since Make It Up To You but that’s just between us, right?)
JF is way more than a romcom. It’s a story about family, friendships, being there when needed (no questions asked) and empowerment. I confess to joining in with my own chants of, “Go Polly! Go Polly!” (dance moves and all *blushes*.) It symbolises what I’ve come to love about Lucy’s storytelling.
Can we also have a ‘hold the phone’ moment please? How is this only Lucy’s second release?!! *shrugs* Right, I’ve no clue either!!
I loved it and didn’t want it to end. My one saving grace is I know Book 3 is on the horizon and my spidey senses are tingling when it comes to Mya’s job (I could give Paige a run for her money). Talking of Paige, I wonder if she’s getting a book? *taps chin*
*sigh*
Right, I’m off to make a brew. I need it!!
May 27, 2020
Firstly I would like to say this book is unputdownable as it has humour, family relationships, work troubles, friendships and a hot man called Bailey!
This is a follow on book from Make It Up To You and although I haven’t read the first book I didn’t feel that I needed to, to understand what was going on and what had happened previously (that’s not to say I won’t be now reading it though!).
Polly and Bailey, her Brother’s best friend, have known each other for years and have shared a kiss in the first book, which was to get Polly out of a bad date situation. Bailey however has feelings for Polly, feelings that he feels he must act on but then Polly has a new boyfriend so how can he tell her? Bailey’s Mum then becomes unwell and they decide to fake date to stop his Mum worrying about him being lonely.
Friendships are explored in this book and I really felt I knew all the characters, described perfectly throughout the book, learning a bit more about them as the book went along.
There is one pretty raunchy part in the book but it wasn’t just thrown in for the sake of it, it showed a relationship coming together for two people who loved each other.
I loved this book and all the characters in it including the clever way it involved parents of some of the characters too which brought an added dimension, super organised social influencer Sophie, her Husband to Be Marcus who adores her, Mya who has a secret job (I laughed out loud when she said 'he'll be safe for people with nut allergies, he'll be nut free!'), Paige the bar owner who has a sixth sense for stuff, Polly, Marcus’ Sister who works in HR but secretly sings and writes songs and Bailey, who I fell a little in love with myself, handsome, sensitive, kind, hard-working – we could all do with a Bailey in our life!!
I would recommend this book very highly, a real pager that I found myself staying up half the night to finish and hope there will be more in the series.
Thank you to Choc-Lit for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own.
This is a follow on book from Make It Up To You and although I haven’t read the first book I didn’t feel that I needed to, to understand what was going on and what had happened previously (that’s not to say I won’t be now reading it though!).
Polly and Bailey, her Brother’s best friend, have known each other for years and have shared a kiss in the first book, which was to get Polly out of a bad date situation. Bailey however has feelings for Polly, feelings that he feels he must act on but then Polly has a new boyfriend so how can he tell her? Bailey’s Mum then becomes unwell and they decide to fake date to stop his Mum worrying about him being lonely.
Friendships are explored in this book and I really felt I knew all the characters, described perfectly throughout the book, learning a bit more about them as the book went along.
There is one pretty raunchy part in the book but it wasn’t just thrown in for the sake of it, it showed a relationship coming together for two people who loved each other.
I loved this book and all the characters in it including the clever way it involved parents of some of the characters too which brought an added dimension, super organised social influencer Sophie, her Husband to Be Marcus who adores her, Mya who has a secret job (I laughed out loud when she said 'he'll be safe for people with nut allergies, he'll be nut free!'), Paige the bar owner who has a sixth sense for stuff, Polly, Marcus’ Sister who works in HR but secretly sings and writes songs and Bailey, who I fell a little in love with myself, handsome, sensitive, kind, hard-working – we could all do with a Bailey in our life!!
I would recommend this book very highly, a real pager that I found myself staying up half the night to finish and hope there will be more in the series.
Thank you to Choc-Lit for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own.
May 7, 2020
This is a book I've been looking forward to reading since the moment I finished Make It Up To You. That first book was about Sophie and Marcus, while this one is about Polly and Bailey, that I already liked in book 1. If you haven't read that one, I don't think starting with this one would be a problem, even if I'm sure you would then want to know how Sophie and Marcus got together too.
The humour in this new story made it as fun to read as I remembered the first was, and seeing all the familiar characters prepare for the wedding of the previous book's heroes was a big treat. Also, I like the "fake relationship" trope in general so I enjoyed that too. If only Bailey's reason to pretend he's dating Polly wasn't linked to one of the things I least want to read about... But we don't get too much detail on Bailey's mother's health problem so I was able to keep reading without dreading the next time it would be mentioned.
Now waiting for book 3, that should be about Mya (of the very mysterious job).
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The humour in this new story made it as fun to read as I remembered the first was, and seeing all the familiar characters prepare for the wedding of the previous book's heroes was a big treat. Also, I like the "fake relationship" trope in general so I enjoyed that too. If only Bailey's reason to pretend he's dating Polly wasn't linked to one of the things I least want to read about... But we don't get too much detail on Bailey's mother's health problem so I was able to keep reading without dreading the next time it would be mentioned.
Now waiting for book 3, that should be about Mya (of the very mysterious job).
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2021
Lucy Keeling throws us straight back into the fun and flirty word of Sophie, Mya, Paige and Polly!
It was great seeing these girls back on the page together and to also see Marcus and Sophie’s relationship further down the road with the buzzing business of wedding planning. It can certainly bring out the worst in people and dare I say it, the Bridezilla! 👰🏻🤣 But the joy of a tight bond means that this becomes something to laugh at along with the girls, and seeing the relationship between Bailey and Polly change while all this is happening in the background is just magical.
Bailey and Polly certainly bring out the best in each other, especially Polly who goes from caterpillar to butterfly by the end with the gentle encouragement of Bailey (helped along by his mum and her friends too).
Won’t say no more as don’t want to spoil it for you, dear reader, but what I will say is that it’s an entertaining read that has me looking forward to Mya’s tale 🥰 Reckon I have a much better inkling as to her job now! Especially since Smithy gives more away...
Vegas is gonna be a fun ride for sure! Bring it on!
It was great seeing these girls back on the page together and to also see Marcus and Sophie’s relationship further down the road with the buzzing business of wedding planning. It can certainly bring out the worst in people and dare I say it, the Bridezilla! 👰🏻🤣 But the joy of a tight bond means that this becomes something to laugh at along with the girls, and seeing the relationship between Bailey and Polly change while all this is happening in the background is just magical.
Bailey and Polly certainly bring out the best in each other, especially Polly who goes from caterpillar to butterfly by the end with the gentle encouragement of Bailey (helped along by his mum and her friends too).
Won’t say no more as don’t want to spoil it for you, dear reader, but what I will say is that it’s an entertaining read that has me looking forward to Mya’s tale 🥰 Reckon I have a much better inkling as to her job now! Especially since Smithy gives more away...
Vegas is gonna be a fun ride for sure! Bring it on!
January 17, 2021
Friends do nice things for each other, right?
That’s what Polly Bowman tells herself when she agrees to be her friend Bailey’s ‘fake girlfriend’ to help him keep a promise to his family.
This is the first book from Lucy Keeling that I have read ( won’t be the last ! ). Just friends is the 2nd in the series, I haven’t read the first ( yet ) but this definitely works as a stand alone.
I loved everything about this, the friendship, the love, the togetherness of always standing by your friends. Polly and Bailey are a match made in heaven. I knew they would get together, but it’s the in between bits which were just amazing. A chic lit at its finest moment.
There is one bit where I was like ‘ oh, wow, I didn’t know it was going to be like THIS’! When you read it, you’ll know which bit I mean!!
Now I can’t wait for the 3rd book!
That’s what Polly Bowman tells herself when she agrees to be her friend Bailey’s ‘fake girlfriend’ to help him keep a promise to his family.
This is the first book from Lucy Keeling that I have read ( won’t be the last ! ). Just friends is the 2nd in the series, I haven’t read the first ( yet ) but this definitely works as a stand alone.
I loved everything about this, the friendship, the love, the togetherness of always standing by your friends. Polly and Bailey are a match made in heaven. I knew they would get together, but it’s the in between bits which were just amazing. A chic lit at its finest moment.
There is one bit where I was like ‘ oh, wow, I didn’t know it was going to be like THIS’! When you read it, you’ll know which bit I mean!!
Now I can’t wait for the 3rd book!
July 6, 2025
I will admit, I didn't realise this was book 2 of a series, I'm fairly sure it's interconnected because the story made sense without reading book 1.
This is a third person contemporary romance following Polly, fresh into a relationship and Bailey, madly in love with Polly.
While the story is good, i did read this at the same time as my previous review, they're very similar in concept, it actually got difficult at one point as there's a character in each book with the same name and both the MMCs are going through a similar personal situation.
But for me I felt like the ending was VERY rushed, and a big chunk of the story that in my mind was going to have some drama just didn't, it was set up to be a fireworks show but it ended up being a sparkler.
The book seems to end on a cliffhanger, but it's not quite enough to drag me in for it...
This is a third person contemporary romance following Polly, fresh into a relationship and Bailey, madly in love with Polly.
While the story is good, i did read this at the same time as my previous review, they're very similar in concept, it actually got difficult at one point as there's a character in each book with the same name and both the MMCs are going through a similar personal situation.
But for me I felt like the ending was VERY rushed, and a big chunk of the story that in my mind was going to have some drama just didn't, it was set up to be a fireworks show but it ended up being a sparkler.
The book seems to end on a cliffhanger, but it's not quite enough to drag me in for it...
May 29, 2020
A few months ago the author introduced us to four close friends: Sophie, Paige, Mya and Polly.
In the first book she focuses on Sophie. Now we pick up where we left off to see what happens next and zoom in on Polly too.
Is she really ‘just friends’ with Bailey or is there something else going on? Will Polly remain a shy flower bud or will she blossom into a beautiful flower?
In this story we are treated to wedding bells, lovers still going strong and sizzling old/new love that finally surfaces.
A great sequel where both happy and sad tears take turns and complement each other.
Will Paige or Mya be up next? I can’t wait. 4 stars.
Thank you, Lucy Keeling and Choc Lit
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
In the first book she focuses on Sophie. Now we pick up where we left off to see what happens next and zoom in on Polly too.
Is she really ‘just friends’ with Bailey or is there something else going on? Will Polly remain a shy flower bud or will she blossom into a beautiful flower?
In this story we are treated to wedding bells, lovers still going strong and sizzling old/new love that finally surfaces.
A great sequel where both happy and sad tears take turns and complement each other.
Will Paige or Mya be up next? I can’t wait. 4 stars.
Thank you, Lucy Keeling and Choc Lit
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
December 1, 2022
Wow another wonderful book Lucy. This book is all about Marcus’ sister Polly and Bailey his best friend and also work partner. It just reminds me of how myself and my partner where for ages until we were together it brought tears of joy to my eyes as how Bailey was feeling was how I felt about my partner and then one day I found the guts to tell him that I had liked him more than a friend for years. I am so happy that they both ended up together in the end and that horrible ex of Polly’s got what was coming to him. I am also shocked with everything that had happened with Polly she refused to go back to the HR job and follow her lifelong dreams of singing and songwriting as she was definitely wasted stuck behind a desk. I cannot wait to see what happens next in “Just friends in Vegas”
May 26, 2020
Prepare to Laugh out loud with this superbly written and unputdownable rom com.
I devoured this brilliant fun read in record time as I wanted to know the outcome, every page had me wanting to read just that little bit more, I needed to find out what Polly or Bailey was going to do.
Will they? Or will they talk themselves out of it ?
Is it real ? Or is it all in their heads?
Could they ? Or will it all fall apart at the first hurdle ?
Then there is the kiss, and what exactly does the kiss reveal?
I loved this book and would recommend it to all rom com lovers out there, you won’t be disappointed.
I devoured this brilliant fun read in record time as I wanted to know the outcome, every page had me wanting to read just that little bit more, I needed to find out what Polly or Bailey was going to do.
Will they? Or will they talk themselves out of it ?
Is it real ? Or is it all in their heads?
Could they ? Or will it all fall apart at the first hurdle ?
Then there is the kiss, and what exactly does the kiss reveal?
I loved this book and would recommend it to all rom com lovers out there, you won’t be disappointed.
January 5, 2021
Absolutely brilliant. I couldn't put this down. This is the second book in the series about a group of friends, but can easily be read separately. The characters are totally relatable and it is so easy to feel like part of the story ! It was great to read about the same characters again and I loved this story. Polly and Bailey - even as friends are brilliant, the chemistry is there, but neither will make the first move. Paige is running the bar with her fur babies, and Mya is still as elusive about her job .... can't wait for the next installment - there just has to be one. Lucy left this on such a cliffhanger :) I did not want this to end.
May 26, 2020
This follow on book stands alone. Sophie and Marcus are getting married, Sophie needs a chief bridesmaid and Marcus a best man. To get their friends together a plot is hatched. To everyone else Polly and Bailey are an ideal match, but they are fighting against it. This sweet romance is the plot of the book but there are twists and turns aplenty to keep you interested. I enjoyed it, finding it an easy, comfortable read whilst I was in lock down, but it will be equally good just as a happy holiday book.
July 17, 2021
It was such a long build up which made me so excited for Bailey and Polly to finally confess their feelings and get together, but when they finally did, it felt like a complete let down.
I wish Keeling had got them together a bit sooner and then spent the last few chapters focusing on the start of their (real) relationship together etc. And it felt like the two characters barely even discussed how they’d been feeling the whole time which was so frustrating.
Overall, I did mostly like the book despite its disappointing and abrupt ending.
I wish Keeling had got them together a bit sooner and then spent the last few chapters focusing on the start of their (real) relationship together etc. And it felt like the two characters barely even discussed how they’d been feeling the whole time which was so frustrating.
Overall, I did mostly like the book despite its disappointing and abrupt ending.
February 11, 2022
It's official, I'm in love with a fictional man!
This is the second Lucy Keeling book I've read in 24 hours! I'm now officially obsessed!
So, Bailey and Polly had me hooked in book 1 which I finished earlier today. I just couldn't not dive right into book 2 to find out what happened.
This was just adorable and warm and fuzzy and I loved it.
I loved seeing the existing characters we already met and loved from book 1 but we also got to meet Bailey's lush family too which just added so many more funny and heart warming scenes.
This is the second Lucy Keeling book I've read in 24 hours! I'm now officially obsessed!
So, Bailey and Polly had me hooked in book 1 which I finished earlier today. I just couldn't not dive right into book 2 to find out what happened.
This was just adorable and warm and fuzzy and I loved it.
I loved seeing the existing characters we already met and loved from book 1 but we also got to meet Bailey's lush family too which just added so many more funny and heart warming scenes.
May 26, 2020
Loved this story. Such a happy read. Bailey and Polly are friends who might perhaps fancy each other, but there are many issues separately them. Will they or won’t they overcome those issues? Will one tell the other how they feel? They are such lovely people with great friends and family that you are really rooting for them! Didn’t want the story to end as I enjoyed it so much. So just had to buy the first book in this series next!
May 26, 2020
Lucy has done it again, Just Friends is another cracking read. A great book that I can’t recommend highly enough. I loved Bailey when we met in in Making it Up, so I was so excited to read his story. There was nothing I didn’t like about this book The characters and story, both written with a beautifully light contemporary touch. It felt like spending time in the company of old friends that I so didn’t want to end. Thank you Lucy and I look forward to catching up with them all again soon.
June 23, 2020
The chemistry between the two characters is AMAZING!
This book put me in a very amorous and flirty mood after I’d finished it. The chemistry between Polly and Bailey is AMAZING and all credit to the author. I felt like everything for Bailey and would have happily volunteered to be his fake ‘older’ girlfriend myself. Love love the premise of this book. For a second book in a series this is really good. I think this is my favourite so far!!
This book put me in a very amorous and flirty mood after I’d finished it. The chemistry between Polly and Bailey is AMAZING and all credit to the author. I felt like everything for Bailey and would have happily volunteered to be his fake ‘older’ girlfriend myself. Love love the premise of this book. For a second book in a series this is really good. I think this is my favourite so far!!
August 25, 2020
A sexy story with as many giggles as they were sighs
I really enjoyed reading this quirky, heartfelt romance. It was full of character and comedy and watching the story unfold in a happy way was really satisfying. Aside from the fantastic romance element, I loved the themes of female friendship and solidarity - overall it really was a warm and witty read. Plus I love a good cliff-hanger so I'll definitely be back for the next one!
I really enjoyed reading this quirky, heartfelt romance. It was full of character and comedy and watching the story unfold in a happy way was really satisfying. Aside from the fantastic romance element, I loved the themes of female friendship and solidarity - overall it really was a warm and witty read. Plus I love a good cliff-hanger so I'll definitely be back for the next one!
December 23, 2023
I'm glad I stuck with this book but it took me until about halfway through to really get into it. By the end I did love Polly and Bailey's relationship but I did think the fake relationship thing was a bit strange purely because Polly didn't seem to think all the kissing was an issue even though she had a boyfriend?? So that frustrated me a bit but I enjoyed the book much more once she'd made up her mind to dump Darren. A decent read overall
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2024
A long, rather silly narrative.
I haven't been so young for so long now, I barely remember what we went on about.
But the inability of so many youngsters to actually say how they feel seems almost unbelievable to me; maybe that's how it was, though I think I was also pretty hopeless now I think of it.
I certainly married the wrong girl, but then there's no doubt she married the wrong fella: moi!
So we worked it out during the ensuing decade or more, finally ending up with a relatively peaceful divorce. We didn't belabour the process, thus saving our two kids (aged 12 and 13) much heartache...
I haven't been so young for so long now, I barely remember what we went on about.
But the inability of so many youngsters to actually say how they feel seems almost unbelievable to me; maybe that's how it was, though I think I was also pretty hopeless now I think of it.
I certainly married the wrong girl, but then there's no doubt she married the wrong fella: moi!
So we worked it out during the ensuing decade or more, finally ending up with a relatively peaceful divorce. We didn't belabour the process, thus saving our two kids (aged 12 and 13) much heartache...
May 26, 2020
Loved this book which is the follow up to Make It Up To You. Sophie is getting married to Marcus. Marcus' sister Polly has a new boyfriend called Darren but she is still attracted to Bailey. Paige is still running Barbarella bar. Mya is as elusive as ever about what she does for a living.
I found it hard to put this book down & I especially liked the interaction between Polly and Bailey.
I found it hard to put this book down & I especially liked the interaction between Polly and Bailey.
February 2, 2021
Polly e Bailey são amigos e o casamento de seus amigos em comum Sophie e Marcus faz eles se aproximarem ainda mais. Com a mãe doente e preocupada, Bailey aceita o convite de Polly de ser sua namorada de mentira e tudo se desenrola naturalmente. Quando o namorado de Polly sai de cena, eles podem ficar finalmente juntos e é uma delícia acompanhar a evolução deles como casal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2021
Enjoyable light read
I flew through this book. I rarely give a five star review, I save it for truly earth shattering reads, but let this not diminish this book.
A wonderful little read that I sped through with ease it has a smart storyline from both perspectives that leaves you yelling at both parties to realise what we all can see.
I flew through this book. I rarely give a five star review, I save it for truly earth shattering reads, but let this not diminish this book.
A wonderful little read that I sped through with ease it has a smart storyline from both perspectives that leaves you yelling at both parties to realise what we all can see.
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