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Just Friends
Lily took a deep breath. She wasn’t going to pass out from her now-galloping heart. She was thirty-three years old and way beyond having issues seeing an ex. Even the ex. She was going to just ignore Matt and enjoy her best friend’s wedding…
Lily is fine. Really, truly, she’s ok. She might have to attend her best friend’s wedding with the ex-boyfriend she never got over, on a gorgeous Greek island that’s so small it’s impossible to avoid him, but she is determined to be friendly.
And Matt, too, is completely and utterly fine. Lily may have broken his heart, but he moved on. And surely they can be amicable, as this week is about his best friend’s wedding too? So he will be civil, stay out of her way as much as he can, and get on with the celebrations.
But then the wedding comes under threat, and Matt and Lily are thrown together in the efforts to save the day and – yet again – sparks fly. What happens when you try to repeat the past though? Can a holiday romance turn into a lasting love, for the second time? Or are Lily and Matt destined to remain just friends, forever?
Lily is fine. Really, truly, she’s ok. She might have to attend her best friend’s wedding with the ex-boyfriend she never got over, on a gorgeous Greek island that’s so small it’s impossible to avoid him, but she is determined to be friendly.
And Matt, too, is completely and utterly fine. Lily may have broken his heart, but he moved on. And surely they can be amicable, as this week is about his best friend’s wedding too? So he will be civil, stay out of her way as much as he can, and get on with the celebrations.
But then the wedding comes under threat, and Matt and Lily are thrown together in the efforts to save the day and – yet again – sparks fly. What happens when you try to repeat the past though? Can a holiday romance turn into a lasting love, for the second time? Or are Lily and Matt destined to remain just friends, forever?
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Published March 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
March 17, 2022
3.5 Stars
Ever meet someone but the timing isn't right? Ever wonder what if? Ever push someone away and wonder why? Ever see someone again after years have passed to feel that same rush of adrenaline, the attraction, the increased heart rate?
Lily is on a beautiful picturesque Greek island for her friend's wedding. She wouldn't miss it, even while knowing that Matt will be here. She broke his heart eight years ago, but he moved on, got married less than a year later. True, he is divorced now but....
Matt is not going to let seeing the woman who broke his heart without a proper explanation get him down. He is attending the wedding as well. He is going to have a good time with his friends, he is going to be polite but....
Can they be just friends? Will they ever get passed the awkward meeting and conversation? Will they embrace this second chance???
Just Friends is a light fun book full of witty banter and tension. I enjoyed all the characters and they had some very real reactions to some real situations. Everyone in this book is likeable even bridezilla who is feeling the stress instead of deep breathing and going with the flow. Lily needed to learn some communication skills. We make things worse in our heads - learn to talk to each other people (I mean Lily)!
I say it all the time, with romance books, it's all about the journey and this was an enjoyable one. I have not read a book by Jo Lovett before and was pleasantly surprised. This book will have you dreaming of island adventures, second chances and hoping a new hair stylist/cutter is a good one!
If you are in the mood for something light and fun, this book may just be the right fit for you.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Ever meet someone but the timing isn't right? Ever wonder what if? Ever push someone away and wonder why? Ever see someone again after years have passed to feel that same rush of adrenaline, the attraction, the increased heart rate?
Lily is on a beautiful picturesque Greek island for her friend's wedding. She wouldn't miss it, even while knowing that Matt will be here. She broke his heart eight years ago, but he moved on, got married less than a year later. True, he is divorced now but....
Matt is not going to let seeing the woman who broke his heart without a proper explanation get him down. He is attending the wedding as well. He is going to have a good time with his friends, he is going to be polite but....
Can they be just friends? Will they ever get passed the awkward meeting and conversation? Will they embrace this second chance???
Just Friends is a light fun book full of witty banter and tension. I enjoyed all the characters and they had some very real reactions to some real situations. Everyone in this book is likeable even bridezilla who is feeling the stress instead of deep breathing and going with the flow. Lily needed to learn some communication skills. We make things worse in our heads - learn to talk to each other people (I mean Lily)!
I say it all the time, with romance books, it's all about the journey and this was an enjoyable one. I have not read a book by Jo Lovett before and was pleasantly surprised. This book will have you dreaming of island adventures, second chances and hoping a new hair stylist/cutter is a good one!
If you are in the mood for something light and fun, this book may just be the right fit for you.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 20, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the arc!
Despite my 3 stars rating, this was a sweet story? The setting was good for me.
I liked the romance and the pacing (tho sometimes was very slow and I had a hard time trying to go through some chapters), it was an interesting read and very quick read.
However, I did have some struggles when I read the book.
The dual POV chapters were okay, but my problem was how repetitive things become. Also, Lily and Matt's relationship ended 8 years ago, and in between these years, you could easily think that they changed a lot, they became mature, but sometimes it didn't seem so. They were like teenagers again and it was tiring.
I hate miscommunication, is the worst trope ever and my least favorite, so, I was constantly rolling my eyes whenever this happened.
Otherwise, the book was okay? Look, I still don't know how to describe this bittersweet sensation that the book left me. I did have high hopes and it gave me Mamma Mia vibes, but at some parts Lily and became exasperating and I was trying so fucking bad to not to dnf.
Idk why, but I was expecting a little bit more.
previous review:
it wasn't as good as i expected 😩😭
rtc
Despite my 3 stars rating, this was a sweet story? The setting was good for me.
I liked the romance and the pacing (tho sometimes was very slow and I had a hard time trying to go through some chapters), it was an interesting read and very quick read.
However, I did have some struggles when I read the book.
The dual POV chapters were okay, but my problem was how repetitive things become. Also, Lily and Matt's relationship ended 8 years ago, and in between these years, you could easily think that they changed a lot, they became mature, but sometimes it didn't seem so. They were like teenagers again and it was tiring.
I hate miscommunication, is the worst trope ever and my least favorite, so, I was constantly rolling my eyes whenever this happened.
Otherwise, the book was okay? Look, I still don't know how to describe this bittersweet sensation that the book left me. I did have high hopes and it gave me Mamma Mia vibes, but at some parts Lily and became exasperating and I was trying so fucking bad to not to dnf.
Idk why, but I was expecting a little bit more.
previous review:
it wasn't as good as i expected 😩😭
rtc
February 4, 2022
Just Friends is all about the right person but at the wrong time. Lily and Matt used to be together but have now been broken up for 8 years. Now, 8 years later, they are reunited at a wedding in Greece. Neither one of them really knew that the other was coming to this wedding. But as they spend some time in Greece before the wedding they are bound to bump into each other even if they’d rather ignore each other.
It was a really good read! Although, I didn’t like how the issues between them were drawn out and at times Lily not communicating with Matt made me mad.
*thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
It was a really good read! Although, I didn’t like how the issues between them were drawn out and at times Lily not communicating with Matt made me mad.
*thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
March 18, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Just Friends' by Jo Lovett.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jo Lovett, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 14th March 2022.
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The House Swap', 'The First Time We Met' and 'The Mistletoe Pact' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this books is 'A totally gorgeous, escapist holiday will-they-won’t-they romantic comedy for fans of One Day in December, This Time Next Year and Paige Toon.' I am a huge fan of 'This Time Next Year' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Jo and if this is half as good as 'The House Swap', 'The First Time We Met' and 'The Mistletoe Pact' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 23 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, UK 🇬🇧 and Greece 🇬🇷 . The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Lily and Matt. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! Absolutely LOVED this book. Yet another stunner by the very talented Jo!!!
Awww!!! Absolutely perfect!!! Another absolutely gorgeous book from the amazing Jo Lovett!!! Absolutely stunningly romcom heartwarmer!!!
This book is beautifully written and completely absorbs you in the stunning atmosphere of the Greece and really sucks you in with the vivid descriptions leaving you feeling the sand between your toes, the sun in your face and the live filling your heart. The synopsis and cover suits the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is authentic and realistic as well as easy to read and heartwarming. I loved it straight away and was hooked immediately!!! A true heart warning, addictive page turner!! It was fast paced with plenty of events going on throughout and it kept me hooked from start to end, I read it in one sitting. It really made me feel like I was with Lily and Matt throughout the storyline going through all the emotions with them The storyline was filled with a range of emotions and was heartwarming, devastating and had lost and new love, relationships, family, friendship and history all going on in this beautiful book. It felt like a lovely break away from a rainy Wales!! I loved going on the Greek adventure and then relaxing in the sun. It made me laugh, cry and filled me with a warm fuzzy feeling all at different times. I loved how the story ended!!! If you are planning to read this I would definitely recommend clearing your schedules. It is perfect to read curled up on the sofa in front of the fire with a nice hot chocolate or cup of tea. I was completely absorbed in the realistic storyline and although it was filled with love, romance and happiness there was definitely some suspense, tension but also loads of laughter in the air!! This would make an absolutely stunning movie which I would love to see come to the big screen!!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The characters were all unique with their own realistic traits, strengths and weaknesses. It was intriguing to watch Lily and Matts's friendship and relationship grow, develop and change throughout the the storyline. It was also intriguing to see how not only Lily and Matt's relationship change throughout the book but also Meg's relationship with Pythagoras and Carole and Norm's relationship. I enjoyed watching the relations between Lily and Matt's change from exes to lovers, back to friendship and much more. It wasn't just Lily and Matt that I enjoyed getting to know but also bridezilla Tina, Lovelorn Meg, say it as it is Aaliyah, wild Carole and the long suffering Norm. Each character had their own unique personalities and each left their own impressions on me. I became completely invested in Lily and Matt. All characters worked perfectly with the storyline and I would love to meet them again and hope to see this made into a series or even a movie!!!
Congratulations Jo on yet another absolutely fantastic rom com heart warmer. There's a good reason you are one of my favourite authors!!! Here's to yet another success 🥂!!!
Overall a heart warming page turner filled love, snow, comedy, friendship and everything you could want in an epic rom com.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Humorous Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of One Day in December, This Time Next Year, Paige Toon, Beth O’Leary, Bridget Jones, fans of Jo's previous books and just anyone who loves a good read!!
320 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#JustFriends #Bookouture #JoLovett #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JoLovett @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'Just Friends' by Jo Lovett.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jo Lovett, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 14th March 2022.
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The House Swap', 'The First Time We Met' and 'The Mistletoe Pact' which I highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this books is 'A totally gorgeous, escapist holiday will-they-won’t-they romantic comedy for fans of One Day in December, This Time Next Year and Paige Toon.' I am a huge fan of 'This Time Next Year' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Jo and if this is half as good as 'The House Swap', 'The First Time We Met' and 'The Mistletoe Pact' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 23 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in London, UK 🇬🇧 and Greece 🇬🇷 . The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Lily and Matt. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! Absolutely LOVED this book. Yet another stunner by the very talented Jo!!!
Awww!!! Absolutely perfect!!! Another absolutely gorgeous book from the amazing Jo Lovett!!! Absolutely stunningly romcom heartwarmer!!!
This book is beautifully written and completely absorbs you in the stunning atmosphere of the Greece and really sucks you in with the vivid descriptions leaving you feeling the sand between your toes, the sun in your face and the live filling your heart. The synopsis and cover suits the storyline perfectly.
The storyline is authentic and realistic as well as easy to read and heartwarming. I loved it straight away and was hooked immediately!!! A true heart warning, addictive page turner!! It was fast paced with plenty of events going on throughout and it kept me hooked from start to end, I read it in one sitting. It really made me feel like I was with Lily and Matt throughout the storyline going through all the emotions with them The storyline was filled with a range of emotions and was heartwarming, devastating and had lost and new love, relationships, family, friendship and history all going on in this beautiful book. It felt like a lovely break away from a rainy Wales!! I loved going on the Greek adventure and then relaxing in the sun. It made me laugh, cry and filled me with a warm fuzzy feeling all at different times. I loved how the story ended!!! If you are planning to read this I would definitely recommend clearing your schedules. It is perfect to read curled up on the sofa in front of the fire with a nice hot chocolate or cup of tea. I was completely absorbed in the realistic storyline and although it was filled with love, romance and happiness there was definitely some suspense, tension but also loads of laughter in the air!! This would make an absolutely stunning movie which I would love to see come to the big screen!!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The characters were all unique with their own realistic traits, strengths and weaknesses. It was intriguing to watch Lily and Matts's friendship and relationship grow, develop and change throughout the the storyline. It was also intriguing to see how not only Lily and Matt's relationship change throughout the book but also Meg's relationship with Pythagoras and Carole and Norm's relationship. I enjoyed watching the relations between Lily and Matt's change from exes to lovers, back to friendship and much more. It wasn't just Lily and Matt that I enjoyed getting to know but also bridezilla Tina, Lovelorn Meg, say it as it is Aaliyah, wild Carole and the long suffering Norm. Each character had their own unique personalities and each left their own impressions on me. I became completely invested in Lily and Matt. All characters worked perfectly with the storyline and I would love to meet them again and hope to see this made into a series or even a movie!!!
Congratulations Jo on yet another absolutely fantastic rom com heart warmer. There's a good reason you are one of my favourite authors!!! Here's to yet another success 🥂!!!
Overall a heart warming page turner filled love, snow, comedy, friendship and everything you could want in an epic rom com.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Humorous Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of One Day in December, This Time Next Year, Paige Toon, Beth O’Leary, Bridget Jones, fans of Jo's previous books and just anyone who loves a good read!!
320 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#JustFriends #Bookouture #JoLovett #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JoLovett @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
March 15, 2022
Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. Just friends is a book about the one that got away and how they were forced to meet and spend time together at a wedding in Greece.
I don't think I can name one thing I like about this book other than the setting and probably the main character's friend, Aaliyah. The dual POV didn't add anything relevant to the story, it just made everything repetitive, which ended up boring me and making the reading of this book a task instead of something enjoyable. Miscommunication is not my favorite thing to read about, specially when it isn't done right. It seemed like Lily just wanted to consciously sabotage the relationship for no reason and used her medical condition and time as an excuse. Not to mention that the problem solving portion of the book didn't actually solve any problems and the matters seemed to have been handled in a rush just for the sake of it. I just didn't see the appeal of Lily and Matt's relationship, if I'm being honest. Maybe Lily should have worked through her issues before asking Matt to commit and make life changing decisions for her; it was like she didn't need character growth and he was the only 'problematic' one, which is not true.
The premise was fun, but I was expecting something different.
I received an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley!
I don't think I can name one thing I like about this book other than the setting and probably the main character's friend, Aaliyah. The dual POV didn't add anything relevant to the story, it just made everything repetitive, which ended up boring me and making the reading of this book a task instead of something enjoyable. Miscommunication is not my favorite thing to read about, specially when it isn't done right. It seemed like Lily just wanted to consciously sabotage the relationship for no reason and used her medical condition and time as an excuse. Not to mention that the problem solving portion of the book didn't actually solve any problems and the matters seemed to have been handled in a rush just for the sake of it. I just didn't see the appeal of Lily and Matt's relationship, if I'm being honest. Maybe Lily should have worked through her issues before asking Matt to commit and make life changing decisions for her; it was like she didn't need character growth and he was the only 'problematic' one, which is not true.
The premise was fun, but I was expecting something different.
I received an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley!
February 10, 2022
Thank you to the author and the publisher, Bookouture, for letting me read an ARC of this great romantic book through NetGalley!!
“She was thirty-three years old and way beyond being pathetic about seeing an ex, even the ex”
“There was something about unfinished business, though. Hurtful unfinished business.”
“Remember, this grief will pass in its own way”
Such a sweet, fluffy romance between two people so commonly in love and so unable to communicate!!!
I’m not such a huge fan of the miscommunication trope but the dynamics of Lucy and Matt’s relationship was so good, I haven’t really been thinking about that one trope too much …
Plus there were some very good forced proximity trope and friends to lovers trope that definitely won over everything else.
A great reading that keeps you engaged in the plot and in the possible twist and turns of their romance.
One moment you’re cheering for the intimacy they’re sharing once again, and the next you’re trying to understand whether it’ll last enough to enjoy it completely !!!
Some of those side characters were so good, especially the bridesmaids !!!
Meg was so fun and all of them were such a demonstration of what real friendship can achieve, not matter how hard or impossible the situation may seem !!!
If I haven’t already convinced you to read it … then go and figure that out for yourself !!!
“She looked ridiculous. She looked gorgeous”
“‘Come on, Wonder Woman’
‘Coming, Mud Man’”
“Whereas the most heartbreaking thing about splitting with you was, and remains … losing you”
“She was thirty-three years old and way beyond being pathetic about seeing an ex, even the ex”
“There was something about unfinished business, though. Hurtful unfinished business.”
“Remember, this grief will pass in its own way”
Such a sweet, fluffy romance between two people so commonly in love and so unable to communicate!!!
I’m not such a huge fan of the miscommunication trope but the dynamics of Lucy and Matt’s relationship was so good, I haven’t really been thinking about that one trope too much …
Plus there were some very good forced proximity trope and friends to lovers trope that definitely won over everything else.
A great reading that keeps you engaged in the plot and in the possible twist and turns of their romance.
One moment you’re cheering for the intimacy they’re sharing once again, and the next you’re trying to understand whether it’ll last enough to enjoy it completely !!!
Some of those side characters were so good, especially the bridesmaids !!!
Meg was so fun and all of them were such a demonstration of what real friendship can achieve, not matter how hard or impossible the situation may seem !!!
If I haven’t already convinced you to read it … then go and figure that out for yourself !!!
“She looked ridiculous. She looked gorgeous”
“‘Come on, Wonder Woman’
‘Coming, Mud Man’”
“Whereas the most heartbreaking thing about splitting with you was, and remains … losing you”
March 11, 2022
Although this was very entertaining and fun to read - at times - I had much higher expectations for this. The character of Lily although lovely, also annoyed me. We get a sense of why she’s the way she is; and we get it, but also, I saw myself wanting to shake her, and slap some sense into her. She was giving up too easily for no reason at all. The character of Matt though? Amazing! It’s rare finding a guy as funny, cute, understanding and supportive as him. I felt for him and I felt with him!
Dialogue wise, lovely. Felt natural, and at times I thought I was right there talking to them all.
I wish I could give it more than 3 stars, but something was missing! Yes it was funny, romantic, eye catching but also, it really wasn’t and I felt bored.
Favorite scene tho - mud (that’s all I’m gonna say)
Dialogue wise, lovely. Felt natural, and at times I thought I was right there talking to them all.
I wish I could give it more than 3 stars, but something was missing! Yes it was funny, romantic, eye catching but also, it really wasn’t and I felt bored.
Favorite scene tho - mud (that’s all I’m gonna say)
February 13, 2022
*thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Everytime I think about Greece, especially a greek island, I am reminded of mamma mia (I absolutely love both movies), so, reading Just Friends made me think of a deep desire of mine, that includes goes to a beautiful island and meet, or in this case, fall in love again by the love of my life.
Matt and Lily are two great persons who genuinely love each other, but clearly had some things to work out. And it was so good to see that they had grow in those eight years apart! I found them very relatable! The friendships, especially Aaliyah, were something that I loved, but Tess and Meg bored me a little by being very self-centered. Even if I got that both were stressed about a lot of things. There were also some parts that were too descriptive and ended up becoming tiring (but that's my personal opinion), so, that's why I'm not giving it 5 stars.
Anyway, it was a really good history, with a lovely plot and such a lovely main couple. I loved Jo's writing (this is my first book from her) and I fell in love with Lily and Matt with Abba's songs being the soundtrack, so, I absolutely recommend this great, funny and light romance!
Everytime I think about Greece, especially a greek island, I am reminded of mamma mia (I absolutely love both movies), so, reading Just Friends made me think of a deep desire of mine, that includes goes to a beautiful island and meet, or in this case, fall in love again by the love of my life.
Matt and Lily are two great persons who genuinely love each other, but clearly had some things to work out. And it was so good to see that they had grow in those eight years apart! I found them very relatable! The friendships, especially Aaliyah, were something that I loved, but Tess and Meg bored me a little by being very self-centered. Even if I got that both were stressed about a lot of things. There were also some parts that were too descriptive and ended up becoming tiring (but that's my personal opinion), so, that's why I'm not giving it 5 stars.
Anyway, it was a really good history, with a lovely plot and such a lovely main couple. I loved Jo's writing (this is my first book from her) and I fell in love with Lily and Matt with Abba's songs being the soundtrack, so, I absolutely recommend this great, funny and light romance!
March 15, 2022
Another dose of much needed Greek sunshine
In which a wedding and past romances entwine.
Lily and Matt split up years ago
How will they react to seeing each other, they don't know.
They both admitted they loved each other,
But they still had things to discover.
Neither felt happy about being a part,
Their ending broke both their hearts.
Will this island wedding help them reconnect
Or force them further apart - that's what Lily suspects.
However the attraction between the is powerful so
Will they actually communicate and have another go?
This is truly a will-they-won’t-they romance
With a bridezilla, drama and a second, third and fourth chance!
Nothing goes smoothly for anyone there
But the ending has more than one bridal pair!
An idyllic setting, though there's troubles, too,
With difficult relationships for more than just two.
With secrets from the past impinging now
And families rifts needing to heal somehow.
A heartwarming read even in the rain
To discover if their love is strong enough to risk the pain.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
A delightful read, this is my honest review.
In which a wedding and past romances entwine.
Lily and Matt split up years ago
How will they react to seeing each other, they don't know.
They both admitted they loved each other,
But they still had things to discover.
Neither felt happy about being a part,
Their ending broke both their hearts.
Will this island wedding help them reconnect
Or force them further apart - that's what Lily suspects.
However the attraction between the is powerful so
Will they actually communicate and have another go?
This is truly a will-they-won’t-they romance
With a bridezilla, drama and a second, third and fourth chance!
Nothing goes smoothly for anyone there
But the ending has more than one bridal pair!
An idyllic setting, though there's troubles, too,
With difficult relationships for more than just two.
With secrets from the past impinging now
And families rifts needing to heal somehow.
A heartwarming read even in the rain
To discover if their love is strong enough to risk the pain.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
A delightful read, this is my honest review.
February 10, 2022
An honest review courtesy of an ARC from Netgalley.
Rating: 3.5 stars
A real right person wrong time trope.
Reunited after 8 years, this was a really sweet story set mostly in beautiful Greece with a lot of will they, won’t they between main characters Matt & Lily. The dual perspective kept things interesting, hearing both sides of the relationship throughout.
My only critique is that the narrative was quite repetitive and so the pacing felt quite slow, leaving me a little bored at times.
A good read though, if you’re in the mood for something summery and relaxed.
Rating: 3.5 stars
A real right person wrong time trope.
Reunited after 8 years, this was a really sweet story set mostly in beautiful Greece with a lot of will they, won’t they between main characters Matt & Lily. The dual perspective kept things interesting, hearing both sides of the relationship throughout.
My only critique is that the narrative was quite repetitive and so the pacing felt quite slow, leaving me a little bored at times.
A good read though, if you’re in the mood for something summery and relaxed.
April 1, 2022
I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this was a fun, light hearted take on the genre.
Lily and Matt ended eight years ago, yet IMO neither has genuinely let go. Regrets and feelings are definitely lurking. A wedding in Greece is definitely a fun location for them to explore if they can be just friends.
I received an arc of this book.
Lily and Matt ended eight years ago, yet IMO neither has genuinely let go. Regrets and feelings are definitely lurking. A wedding in Greece is definitely a fun location for them to explore if they can be just friends.
I received an arc of this book.
March 10, 2022
This really got me in the holiday mood and I wanted to jump on the next plane to Greece! A gorgeous setting with some humorous moments, solid friendships and a holiday romance that will have you hooked to the very last page to see how it all ends!
March 15, 2022
Lily and Matt used to be together but have now been broken up for 8 years. During that time Matt was married and divorced. Now, 8 years later, they are reunited at a wedding in Greece. Lily expected Matt to be at the wedding as he is the bride's cousin, but was surprised to see him there for the pre-wedding parties and celebrations. It seemed they kept running into each other on the small island they were all staying on. Lily was the one that broke off their relationship and even 8 years later Matt doesn't know why. As they have a few humorous situations they become closer and finally they talk. Matt begins to understand what happened as well as learning about Lily's vulnerabilities and they end up spending the night together. It seems they both still love each other. Once again Lily lets her issues almost destroy their second chance together.
Just Friends is all about the right person but at the wrong time. Lily and Matt had great chemistry but Lily kept putting up roadblocks. I'm not going to share what they are, but there were times I wanted to reach into the book and shake her. I loved all the secondary characters in this story from her BFFs to Carole and Norm, Tess and Matt's aunt and uncle, all their friends and of course Pythagoras. There was a lot of humor in the story and I did laugh out loud several times. One of the biggest messages to take from this book it the importance of communication. Things could have been sorted earlier in their relationship if Lily had talked to Matt, although with all the traveling he did with his job, it also seemed he was not around very often. I enjoyed the story for the most part, but did get frustrated with Lily quite often. I am glad she changed by the end of the book. I have to say that the setting was amazing. I loved the small Greek Island, the food and the beaches. It made me want to hop on a plane. This story deals with childhood illness, family relationships, guilt, workaholics, grief, friendship, second chances and of course romance. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Just Friends is all about the right person but at the wrong time. Lily and Matt had great chemistry but Lily kept putting up roadblocks. I'm not going to share what they are, but there were times I wanted to reach into the book and shake her. I loved all the secondary characters in this story from her BFFs to Carole and Norm, Tess and Matt's aunt and uncle, all their friends and of course Pythagoras. There was a lot of humor in the story and I did laugh out loud several times. One of the biggest messages to take from this book it the importance of communication. Things could have been sorted earlier in their relationship if Lily had talked to Matt, although with all the traveling he did with his job, it also seemed he was not around very often. I enjoyed the story for the most part, but did get frustrated with Lily quite often. I am glad she changed by the end of the book. I have to say that the setting was amazing. I loved the small Greek Island, the food and the beaches. It made me want to hop on a plane. This story deals with childhood illness, family relationships, guilt, workaholics, grief, friendship, second chances and of course romance. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
February 10, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥(kissing and closed door sex scenes
Trigger Warning: cancer, heart attack, childhood illness, cheating
Matt and Lily haven't seen each other since they broke up 8 years ago. Now they're on a small island in Greece for their friends' wedding. As mishaps threaten the upcoming nuptials, Matt and Lily find themselves working together to ensure everything runs smoothly and all this time together brings out the feelings of love that never went away. Will their past struggles to communicate keep them from reuniting or will they finally be able to make things work this time?
This book sounded really interesting when I read the blurb for it, but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. Matt and Lily were really sweet characters and very supportive of their friends. It was also clear from the beginning that they still cared about each other. My biggest issue was the plot of the book. There were so many things happening in the story and every conflict was resolved really fast and then suddenly there was a new problem to address. I never felt like I got to sit and enjoy the moment because suddenly something different was happening. There was also a flashback that seemed randomly thrown in for backstory purposes, and it just felt odd to me. Matt and Lily were broken records. At first it was sweet to hear Matt admiring Lily's beauty and having concerns about why they broke up, but then every POV from him included this exact same dialogue. Lily was also constantly saying that she couldn't confide in Matt and that they wouldn't be able to make things work. I found myself getting really bored with the story and kind of annoyed with the characters. I really wanted to like this second chance romance, but unfortunately it was a struggle for me to enjoy.
Steam Level: 🔥🔥(kissing and closed door sex scenes
Trigger Warning: cancer, heart attack, childhood illness, cheating
Matt and Lily haven't seen each other since they broke up 8 years ago. Now they're on a small island in Greece for their friends' wedding. As mishaps threaten the upcoming nuptials, Matt and Lily find themselves working together to ensure everything runs smoothly and all this time together brings out the feelings of love that never went away. Will their past struggles to communicate keep them from reuniting or will they finally be able to make things work this time?
This book sounded really interesting when I read the blurb for it, but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. Matt and Lily were really sweet characters and very supportive of their friends. It was also clear from the beginning that they still cared about each other. My biggest issue was the plot of the book. There were so many things happening in the story and every conflict was resolved really fast and then suddenly there was a new problem to address. I never felt like I got to sit and enjoy the moment because suddenly something different was happening. There was also a flashback that seemed randomly thrown in for backstory purposes, and it just felt odd to me. Matt and Lily were broken records. At first it was sweet to hear Matt admiring Lily's beauty and having concerns about why they broke up, but then every POV from him included this exact same dialogue. Lily was also constantly saying that she couldn't confide in Matt and that they wouldn't be able to make things work. I found myself getting really bored with the story and kind of annoyed with the characters. I really wanted to like this second chance romance, but unfortunately it was a struggle for me to enjoy.
February 5, 2022
The first half of the book is great, the flashbacks very well done, the tension is very palpable 5+ but then all that potential goes so down the hill as if someone else wrote the second half of the book or the author runs out of the ideas.
We read it from both points of view (heroine and hero) so there is no mystery about their feelings towards each other but the whole staring, not being able to take your eyes off from each other, the repetitive references of how sexy they find each other, how speechless they are, etc just drag on for far too long. The details of the wedding party becomes too excruciating, the incidents are unrealistic (trying to provide some comic relief?), the aftermath not going anywhere. The book reaches a certain point that the inner thoughts, dialogues and events stopped adding anything to the story. I think I started skipping that I even missed the subplot of the uncle leaving the aunt. Was that to fill the quota for the pages? Back in London it just drags on more: they are getting together... now they are not!.
You would think that the growth in person's life from age 25 to age 33 would be huge, and we are told that the heroine and hero have changed, matured over last 8 years since their break up but their behaviour and dialogues then and now show them quite static with very little changes.
The title does not seem to relate to anything. They are obviously not friends and never were.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange of an honest review.
We read it from both points of view (heroine and hero) so there is no mystery about their feelings towards each other but the whole staring, not being able to take your eyes off from each other, the repetitive references of how sexy they find each other, how speechless they are, etc just drag on for far too long. The details of the wedding party becomes too excruciating, the incidents are unrealistic (trying to provide some comic relief?), the aftermath not going anywhere. The book reaches a certain point that the inner thoughts, dialogues and events stopped adding anything to the story. I think I started skipping that I even missed the subplot of the uncle leaving the aunt. Was that to fill the quota for the pages? Back in London it just drags on more: they are getting together... now they are not!.
You would think that the growth in person's life from age 25 to age 33 would be huge, and we are told that the heroine and hero have changed, matured over last 8 years since their break up but their behaviour and dialogues then and now show them quite static with very little changes.
The title does not seem to relate to anything. They are obviously not friends and never were.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange of an honest review.
March 3, 2022
3.5
This was such a lovely read, very much right person wrong time, second chances vibes, I enjoyed the romance, the pacing was good (a bit slow in some chapters but nothing major, just a fun quick read. I’m not a fan of the ‘not being able to communicate’ trope it just annoys me hence the rating, because they definitely were in love just awful at talking to eachother!! I always enjoy the dual povs cause then you get the full picture. I also enjoyed the friendships in this book especially between the bridesmaids, I am always a huge fan of friendships in romance books they seem like the most wholesome ones. LASTLY HOW COULD ANYONE NOT LOVE A GREEK SETTING, something about it just makes everything better!’ Overall if you love a good fluffy romance then you’ll love this! P.s. how gorgeous is the cover!
Also thanks to NetGallery & Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a lovely read, very much right person wrong time, second chances vibes, I enjoyed the romance, the pacing was good (a bit slow in some chapters but nothing major, just a fun quick read. I’m not a fan of the ‘not being able to communicate’ trope it just annoys me hence the rating, because they definitely were in love just awful at talking to eachother!! I always enjoy the dual povs cause then you get the full picture. I also enjoyed the friendships in this book especially between the bridesmaids, I am always a huge fan of friendships in romance books they seem like the most wholesome ones. LASTLY HOW COULD ANYONE NOT LOVE A GREEK SETTING, something about it just makes everything better!’ Overall if you love a good fluffy romance then you’ll love this! P.s. how gorgeous is the cover!
Also thanks to NetGallery & Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 4, 2022
Just Friends by Jo Lovett is a cute, easy read that would be perfect for the beach. Lily and Matt are two exes brought back together by a wedding on a small Greek island. They have lived completely separate lives for 8 years but are brought back together due to proximity, a bridezilla and a ferry strike. This book shows the importance of honest communication and the long lasting impacts your childhood can have on you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2022
Ok, so I liked this one! I wanted to LOVE it but I'd say it missed the mark a bit for me.
Greece? Former lovers reunite? Crazy bridezilla friend and quirky supporting characters? Sign me up! Right? RIGHT?!
Well ... this book had so much potential but I felt like it kept spinning me in circles. The characters were quite repetitive in their thoughts and tendencies and the character development didn't follow very fluid path for me. Strength of characters' personalities is a huge element for me.
This book was fun, fairly light-hearted and kind of mindless. It would be a great beach read! Just don't expect it to tug at your heart strings too much ...
Greece? Former lovers reunite? Crazy bridezilla friend and quirky supporting characters? Sign me up! Right? RIGHT?!
Well ... this book had so much potential but I felt like it kept spinning me in circles. The characters were quite repetitive in their thoughts and tendencies and the character development didn't follow very fluid path for me. Strength of characters' personalities is a huge element for me.
This book was fun, fairly light-hearted and kind of mindless. It would be a great beach read! Just don't expect it to tug at your heart strings too much ...
April 20, 2022
DNF at 70%.
This book is just so long and repetitive, and I was just forcing myself to read without any real enjoyment.
This is about Lily and Matt, who dated for about a year... 8 years ago. They meet again at a wedding and both realize that they still have feelings for each other.
At first glance I would have thought this was perfect for me because of the second chance romance, the angst, the pining, etc. That wasn't the case, however.
The title is called Just Friends, and yet, at no point in the book are they even friends, just past lovers trying to solve wedding mishaps.
Other than that, the book also had so much going on, it was all over the place and I couldn't keep up. All the minor issues were probably resolved in a few pages or so, which didn't amount to any real or substantial conflict. I would have preferred seeing both characters talking to each other about their feelings and such or having genuine moments of development but we didn't have that.
The dual POV here also didn't work because we would see Lily's POV, and then Matt's POV with the exact same thing. The POVs were repetitive and didn't give real insight into the situation with the couple. Other than that, these characters didn't feel real to me, I read 70% of this book and barely remember their names.
Lily and Matt's main issue is complete miscommunication, and the fact that Lily seems to self-sabotage. You'd think that at the point I stopped reading, they would have started to change or realize this for themselves but it was the same thing. I did not want to continue.
All in all, I just don't think this book was for me. It should have had the elements for me to fall in love with it but I didn't enjoy it.
A review copy was provided by Netgalley.
This book is just so long and repetitive, and I was just forcing myself to read without any real enjoyment.
This is about Lily and Matt, who dated for about a year... 8 years ago. They meet again at a wedding and both realize that they still have feelings for each other.
At first glance I would have thought this was perfect for me because of the second chance romance, the angst, the pining, etc. That wasn't the case, however.
The title is called Just Friends, and yet, at no point in the book are they even friends, just past lovers trying to solve wedding mishaps.
Other than that, the book also had so much going on, it was all over the place and I couldn't keep up. All the minor issues were probably resolved in a few pages or so, which didn't amount to any real or substantial conflict. I would have preferred seeing both characters talking to each other about their feelings and such or having genuine moments of development but we didn't have that.
The dual POV here also didn't work because we would see Lily's POV, and then Matt's POV with the exact same thing. The POVs were repetitive and didn't give real insight into the situation with the couple. Other than that, these characters didn't feel real to me, I read 70% of this book and barely remember their names.
Lily and Matt's main issue is complete miscommunication, and the fact that Lily seems to self-sabotage. You'd think that at the point I stopped reading, they would have started to change or realize this for themselves but it was the same thing. I did not want to continue.
All in all, I just don't think this book was for me. It should have had the elements for me to fall in love with it but I didn't enjoy it.
A review copy was provided by Netgalley.
February 13, 2022
Just Friends starts off a few days before a wedding on a Greek island. Lily, our protagonist, is bridesmaid to the bridezilla and finds out that her ex, Matt, from eight years ago is also attending the wedding. Seeing as the island is small, it makes it impossible for them to ignore each other and they are forced to think about why they broke up all those years ago when they had been so in love. This is a second-chance love story with dual POV that was entertaining most of the way.
At the beginning of the book, I felt like it was a cross between the movies Bridesmaids and Mamma Mia. One disaster after the next kept happening with the days leading up to the wedding while Lily was impossibly trying to hide from her ex-boyfriend. I loved how even though they had been broken for eight years, their feelings for each other never completely went away. The tension throughout the first few days was amazing and had me rooting for them all the way through.
Now for what I didn't love. At several points in the story, Lily's friends were not just annoying but actually unsupportive and self-absorbed (except for Aaliyah). It was a minor thing so thankfully I forgot about it quickly. I was actually loving the story until after the wedding actually happened. (minor spoilers ahead) Once Matt and Lily sort of reconciled, I feel as if all the tension and chemistry sort of died down. Back in London, the story started moving slowly and they had the same miscommunication (my least favorite trope) that they had when they dated previously. It was all resolved in the end, but it did take me out of the story a bit and I didn't nearly love it as much as the first half of the book. I'm also not very fond of fiction books mentioning covid but that is my own personal preference. There was also a random mention of Donald Trump which felt laughably odd.
All that being said, I generally enjoyed this and I could see this being a Hallmark movie. If you're looking for a second-chance romance with a Greek vacation then this might be for you.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
At the beginning of the book, I felt like it was a cross between the movies Bridesmaids and Mamma Mia. One disaster after the next kept happening with the days leading up to the wedding while Lily was impossibly trying to hide from her ex-boyfriend. I loved how even though they had been broken for eight years, their feelings for each other never completely went away. The tension throughout the first few days was amazing and had me rooting for them all the way through.
Now for what I didn't love. At several points in the story, Lily's friends were not just annoying but actually unsupportive and self-absorbed (except for Aaliyah). It was a minor thing so thankfully I forgot about it quickly. I was actually loving the story until after the wedding actually happened. (minor spoilers ahead) Once Matt and Lily sort of reconciled, I feel as if all the tension and chemistry sort of died down. Back in London, the story started moving slowly and they had the same miscommunication (my least favorite trope) that they had when they dated previously. It was all resolved in the end, but it did take me out of the story a bit and I didn't nearly love it as much as the first half of the book. I'm also not very fond of fiction books mentioning covid but that is my own personal preference. There was also a random mention of Donald Trump which felt laughably odd.
All that being said, I generally enjoyed this and I could see this being a Hallmark movie. If you're looking for a second-chance romance with a Greek vacation then this might be for you.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
March 2, 2022
If you haven’t laid hands on the book yet, here’s your clue to stop reading. This review has spoilers.
The ‘they will-they won’t’ trope always gets to me. But this time, it was a hundred times the usual intensity. The book is actually brilliant and has made to few of my favorites.
Matt and Lily are such amazing characters. The dual POV actually gave me so many butterflies because this trope, the book, the plot, was brilliant. And seeing it from both POVs made me feel more connected to this book than anything else, really. I think Lily made a great decision when she broke up, not that it was the best decision, but that's what most of us would have done.
As for Matt, I feel pity for him more than anyone else. He was career-driven, yes, and he should’ve tried harder, yes, but after the breakup, he must’ve been in a really bad place to think he had to marry someone else so quickly and then to be cheated upon.
Till the very end, I kept wondering if they’d actually get together? Though a small part of me didn’t want them to, because Matt still worked the same career, and if he didn’t give enough time to Lily now, I’d have to kill him, not that I could. But to my satisfaction, they worked the issue out. It took another barrier, but they finally knew how to work things out, and I think that’s beautiful.
The spreadsheet part was a little crazy for me because it felt more like a business appointment than a relationship to me, but sometimes, that's how things work. And when you love someone enough, you’ll work through anything for them.
The ‘they will-they won’t’ trope always gets to me. But this time, it was a hundred times the usual intensity. The book is actually brilliant and has made to few of my favorites.
Matt and Lily are such amazing characters. The dual POV actually gave me so many butterflies because this trope, the book, the plot, was brilliant. And seeing it from both POVs made me feel more connected to this book than anything else, really. I think Lily made a great decision when she broke up, not that it was the best decision, but that's what most of us would have done.
As for Matt, I feel pity for him more than anyone else. He was career-driven, yes, and he should’ve tried harder, yes, but after the breakup, he must’ve been in a really bad place to think he had to marry someone else so quickly and then to be cheated upon.
Till the very end, I kept wondering if they’d actually get together? Though a small part of me didn’t want them to, because Matt still worked the same career, and if he didn’t give enough time to Lily now, I’d have to kill him, not that I could. But to my satisfaction, they worked the issue out. It took another barrier, but they finally knew how to work things out, and I think that’s beautiful.
The spreadsheet part was a little crazy for me because it felt more like a business appointment than a relationship to me, but sometimes, that's how things work. And when you love someone enough, you’ll work through anything for them.
February 25, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookoture for providing me with this ARC!
This novel is a cute romance story about two exes meeting again after 8 years in Greece. Most of the storyline revolves about the Wedding of the main charaters friend and bumping into her ex a lot which makes both of them think about what went wrong in their relationship.
(May contain spoilers)
I liked the friendship group of Lily a lot, probably because I‘m watching Dollface and they remind me a lot of these charaters. I also liked that they worked and talked through their problems and that their story went a bit beyond their time in Greek and back in their real lives.
There were a few things I did not like though like the duo perspectives not being first person which might just be a personal preference. I also think there were too many charaters with many introduced very late which made me not care about them. Most of the charaters felt a bit flat because of it. For a story playing in Greece I did not get to see a lot of the culture and surroundings, I wish there was more of it.
This story is sweet nonetheless and I liked the story in general.
This novel is a cute romance story about two exes meeting again after 8 years in Greece. Most of the storyline revolves about the Wedding of the main charaters friend and bumping into her ex a lot which makes both of them think about what went wrong in their relationship.
(May contain spoilers)
I liked the friendship group of Lily a lot, probably because I‘m watching Dollface and they remind me a lot of these charaters. I also liked that they worked and talked through their problems and that their story went a bit beyond their time in Greek and back in their real lives.
There were a few things I did not like though like the duo perspectives not being first person which might just be a personal preference. I also think there were too many charaters with many introduced very late which made me not care about them. Most of the charaters felt a bit flat because of it. For a story playing in Greece I did not get to see a lot of the culture and surroundings, I wish there was more of it.
This story is sweet nonetheless and I liked the story in general.
April 18, 2022
This was a good book and I liked it but I really wanted to love it so was abit disappointed. It was alot longer than what it needed to be and went off on a load of tangents that may not have been needed. Up until around 60% I loved it but then got bored. Tess annoyed me with the whole bridezilla thing because she seemed so nice in flashbacks so that just ruined her character abit. Aaliya was so funny I loved her. I understood Lily being annoyed at Matt for getting married so soon but also SHE dumped him. And it was also wrong of him to marry so soon because he knew it wasn't right when it happened. The whole Donald Trump thing although small had be abit confused 😂 However, on the whole this is a good slow burn romance and I love the whole holiday idea and it had a really sweet ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2022
Thankyou netgalley and Jo Lovett for this ARC
dnf @ 25%
This book was written well and definitely had the potential be great. Personally i dnf this because i’m a mood reader and couldn’t get through it. I’m not saying this is a bad book it just wasn’t for me. In the future when i’m less stressed (school was a big factor why i couldn’t finish it) i may pick it up again and leave a more positive review. Again it wasn’t a bad book just circumstances around me made me dnf.
dnf @ 25%
This book was written well and definitely had the potential be great. Personally i dnf this because i’m a mood reader and couldn’t get through it. I’m not saying this is a bad book it just wasn’t for me. In the future when i’m less stressed (school was a big factor why i couldn’t finish it) i may pick it up again and leave a more positive review. Again it wasn’t a bad book just circumstances around me made me dnf.
September 21, 2022
Nice easy read quite funny in parts
August 21, 2024
Unfortunately found this very boring, struggled to get through it.
March 20, 2022
DNF at 48%.
Lily and Matt dated for 15 months eight years ago (just let that sink in). One of Lily's BFFs, Tess, is also Matt's cousin and she is having a destination wedding in Greece which also includes hen nights and stag dos etc. Shortly after they broke up, Matt married someone else, although he is now divorced.
Obviously these two are still in love with each other, but Lily in particular has some issues, rooted in her severe asthma as a child which have left her paranoid about being pitied or treated as less than capable because her parents basically wrapped her in cotton wool. Now, even as an adult she can't/won't accept help, even when her beloved grandmother died, and broke up with Matt because he tried to talk to her about her grandmother's death! Even after dating (and living together) for 15 months Matt had absolutely no idea that Lily had severe asthma as a child, that spent most of her childhood in and out of hospitals, or even that she still has to use inhalers religiously twice a day.
Despite their mutual attraction, Lily continues to push Matt away and is irrationally angry that he got married just a year after she broke up with him. But fate, Lily's meddling friends, and a Carry On style series of wedding disasters contrives to throw these two together.
I have really enjoyed Jo Lovett books in the past but this is just dragging on and on and on. I am past the publication date and forcing myself to continue reading, because it's not awful, just slow and a bit slapstick (phallic water fountain features, a bridezilla, a man-mad friend who cops off with a local chef/waiter, the groom breaks his finger, etc). But then I looked and I'm still not even halfway through and I just lost the will to continue. I just don't like Lily very much TBH so I have given up.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Lily and Matt dated for 15 months eight years ago (just let that sink in). One of Lily's BFFs, Tess, is also Matt's cousin and she is having a destination wedding in Greece which also includes hen nights and stag dos etc. Shortly after they broke up, Matt married someone else, although he is now divorced.
Obviously these two are still in love with each other, but Lily in particular has some issues, rooted in her severe asthma as a child which have left her paranoid about being pitied or treated as less than capable because her parents basically wrapped her in cotton wool. Now, even as an adult she can't/won't accept help, even when her beloved grandmother died, and broke up with Matt because he tried to talk to her about her grandmother's death! Even after dating (and living together) for 15 months Matt had absolutely no idea that Lily had severe asthma as a child, that spent most of her childhood in and out of hospitals, or even that she still has to use inhalers religiously twice a day.
Despite their mutual attraction, Lily continues to push Matt away and is irrationally angry that he got married just a year after she broke up with him. But fate, Lily's meddling friends, and a Carry On style series of wedding disasters contrives to throw these two together.
I have really enjoyed Jo Lovett books in the past but this is just dragging on and on and on. I am past the publication date and forcing myself to continue reading, because it's not awful, just slow and a bit slapstick (phallic water fountain features, a bridezilla, a man-mad friend who cops off with a local chef/waiter, the groom breaks his finger, etc). But then I looked and I'm still not even halfway through and I just lost the will to continue. I just don't like Lily very much TBH so I have given up.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 14, 2022
Just Friends follows Lily and Matt, two exes who find themselves attending the same wedding on a small Greek island. This was a quick and easy read. I absolutely loved this book. It was right up my alley, a slow burn second chance romance with hilarious moments. And I loved the way the author handles a few sensitive topics.
I loved the whole sequence about the wedding in Greece, I mean who doesn’t like reading about a wedding in a beautiful location with hilarious moments and a mix of delicious tension with your ex, right? The writing is amazing. Overall, I loved the book but I think it got a bit too slow for a while there.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the whole sequence about the wedding in Greece, I mean who doesn’t like reading about a wedding in a beautiful location with hilarious moments and a mix of delicious tension with your ex, right? The writing is amazing. Overall, I loved the book but I think it got a bit too slow for a while there.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for an honest review :)
I really enjoyed reading this book as it was quick and easy to read, and the plot was very enjoyable.
The story is very will-they-won't-they and that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The main characters, Matt & Lily, had great chemistry and I loved Lily's personal development with accepting help from others and eventually opening up to Matt.
Overall, this was a very cute read and I really enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed reading this book as it was quick and easy to read, and the plot was very enjoyable.
The story is very will-they-won't-they and that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The main characters, Matt & Lily, had great chemistry and I loved Lily's personal development with accepting help from others and eventually opening up to Matt.
Overall, this was a very cute read and I really enjoyed it!
March 10, 2022
A heart melting meet-cute, mixed with a stirring of the past, it honestly made me believe in people being destined for each other. I appreciated how the tension was built up over the novel and the characters didn't have this immediate "it's always been you moment", seeing their feelings for each other and knowing how the other thinks in each interaction just made me swoon all the more when any later moment did happen.
Stolen glances, inner thoughts and pining is my jam! and this book certainly did not let me down, I loved the dual POV as it had me screaming at the two of them to just communicate but also loving the relatability of neither of them wanting to go there - who doesn't have at least one ex where its questionable if they ever got over it? I particularly loved Matt and Lily's raw admittance to their own flaws but their inability to let the other person know that. It made the idea of the meeting the right person at the wrong time seem possible, that love can carry over time and grow from afar.
It was also refreshing to see that time wasn't used as "wound healer" but instead time had simply made their love grow stronger over time, it had matured them to be able to provide each other with and to see better how to love one another. I appreciated that the novel explored the idea of a romance between a slightly more mature age bracket, as they quite often get left out of romance novels who tend to focus on young love or the very elderly who reminisce on what could have been or tell their own love story. It was refreshingly relatable to see a woman surrounded by friends who were getting married or having children and yet to be in a completely different stage in her life and to try and navigate this.
The highlight of the book would have to be the raw confessions between Lily and Matt, they might have been shy to start talking again but once they did they unpacked everything and there's something so intimate so romantic in openly admitting your not over a person, in being able to say you want to try again that you think you can work.
This books is an easy cheesy read but the perfect kind where you don't easily put it down because you can't help but smile!
I only have minor issues with the narrative, such that I will say I did not quite understand the Aunts love of Donald Trump, it seemed slightly out of left field for a romance book to so pointedly address politics - even if it was just his looks, the support it implied is sure to leave some readers unsettled. Similarly there were a couple little interesting terminologies such as the aunt of a man in his 30s (I am presuming this places the aunt in approx her 70s) using words like lol in her speech aloud to others - not even via text.
Stolen glances, inner thoughts and pining is my jam! and this book certainly did not let me down, I loved the dual POV as it had me screaming at the two of them to just communicate but also loving the relatability of neither of them wanting to go there - who doesn't have at least one ex where its questionable if they ever got over it? I particularly loved Matt and Lily's raw admittance to their own flaws but their inability to let the other person know that. It made the idea of the meeting the right person at the wrong time seem possible, that love can carry over time and grow from afar.
It was also refreshing to see that time wasn't used as "wound healer" but instead time had simply made their love grow stronger over time, it had matured them to be able to provide each other with and to see better how to love one another. I appreciated that the novel explored the idea of a romance between a slightly more mature age bracket, as they quite often get left out of romance novels who tend to focus on young love or the very elderly who reminisce on what could have been or tell their own love story. It was refreshingly relatable to see a woman surrounded by friends who were getting married or having children and yet to be in a completely different stage in her life and to try and navigate this.
The highlight of the book would have to be the raw confessions between Lily and Matt, they might have been shy to start talking again but once they did they unpacked everything and there's something so intimate so romantic in openly admitting your not over a person, in being able to say you want to try again that you think you can work.
This books is an easy cheesy read but the perfect kind where you don't easily put it down because you can't help but smile!
I only have minor issues with the narrative, such that I will say I did not quite understand the Aunts love of Donald Trump, it seemed slightly out of left field for a romance book to so pointedly address politics - even if it was just his looks, the support it implied is sure to leave some readers unsettled. Similarly there were a couple little interesting terminologies such as the aunt of a man in his 30s (I am presuming this places the aunt in approx her 70s) using words like lol in her speech aloud to others - not even via text.
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