*I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Erin’s previous (debut) novel ‘The Wedding Planners’ was the first ‘romance’ novel I’d ever read, and after loving it so much that I tore through it in 3 days, I couldn’t help but add myself to the ARC and Launch teams for her next novel. It was too exciting of an opportunity to waste!
I, like so many other readers, had hoped that Erin would create a ‘spin off’ for Chase and Mack, because they were such alluring characters. I was not disappointed when she delivered it! (Is anyone else now not so secretly hoping for a Harley spin off? I’m sure that would be wild!) Romance novels have never previously been an area of interest or enjoyment for me, but I really like Erin’s style of writing. Her novels are so easy to get into, that I often find myself losing myself in their pages and having no sense of time passing.
‘Five Dates Between Friends’ proved to be another ‘page turner’ for me. I, yet again, did the embarrassing/wrong thing by skipping ahead multiple times, because the anticipation was KILLING me! Unlike my previous experiences with ‘The Wedding Planners’, I tried to steady myself and draw the read out, both for sustained enjoyment, but also the fact that I couldn’t/shouldn’t be neglecting every other aspect of my life, even if I was on holidays. Reading this novel was a daily routine, and one I very much looked forward to.
Where ‘The Wedding Planners’ was steamy, sticky, spicy and the right amount of sweet, ‘Five Dates Between Friends’ yielded something equally as intriguing, but in a totally different way. Having formed two of my three relationships from friendships first, one could say I’m definitely a sucker for the ‘best friends to lovers’ trope. I really enjoyed the sweetness, sincerity and slow burn that was presented in Chase and Mack’s gradual progression towards partnership. [And there’s no denying the ‘hot and heavy’ passion that came after their hasty 5th date].
Yet again, I enjoyed the characters. Not just because we had the sideline plot of Nash and Jemma whom we had come to know and love. Nor that we also got to know other fun characters like Harley. It was the fact that Erin continued to deliver relatable characters – authentic, ultimately imperfect (despite their gorgeous outward appeal). I enjoyed exploring their previous experiences of relationships and the patterning passed down by their parents and their effects on Chase and Mack’s actions. It felt natural. Complications were borne out of real-life events, and very possible traumas (divorce, absent parents etc). The drama was believable, and rich, but not too contrived.
Similarly, I enjoyed the two perspectives of the main characters as I had done in ‘The Wedding Planners’ and the scarily accurate inner monologues. Whilst some people have commented on their dislike of the swearing, I’m someone who find profanity cathartic and felt that most (if not all) seemed appropriate/genuine as I read. The sprinkling of humour, fun and frivolity was also very much appreciated in her follow up novel too. ‘Five Dates Between Friends’ is an entertaining, light-hearted read.
I love that Erin writes such fabulous ‘holiday’/’Summer’ reads. Books that are easy to follow and enjoy. They’re convenient to pick up whenever and wherever you like. And just as easy to burn through if you want to settle in and escape everyday life (and who doesn’t want to do that every now and again?!)
Warning – you may develop an unhealthy obsession with pie (or dream of becoming a baker)
-you may contemplate your ability to open a pub, brewery or cocktail bar
-you may start dreaming up elaborate, ‘over the top’ romantic dates
-you may convert to coffee, bagels and cinnamon scrolls as daily breakfast staples
-you may experience a ‘reading hangover’ once you’ve churned through this book
If the best friends to lovers trope, cute, romantic dates, thoughtful gestures and knowing someone better than they know themselves take your fancy, then this book is for you!