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raisinglebarre's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
zikeyag's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Aww what a magical island. This was cute until Ruby started to piss me off. It got better at the end once she stopped being so stubborn. Very PG though 😅
ndbeyer's review against another edition
3.0
Actually a 3.5. URGHHHH Sometimes you just want to shake a character or two and say QUIT ASSUMING and actually talk to each other. We all know it all--even when we don't. Good book easy to listen to.
danie_faye's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
whatnolareads's review against another edition
3.0
I found myself immersed in Ruby's journey as a single mother grappling with past wounds and seeking closure. Her struggles resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own battles with adversity and the importance of leaning on loved ones for support.
While I appreciated the overall storyline, I couldn't help but feel frustrated by certain aspects of the plot. The transition from best friends to lovers felt forced at times, and Ruby's sudden turn against Griffin seemed unwarranted given their history of unwavering support for each other.
Moreover, the slow burn romance between the main characters left me feeling impatient, especially as Ruby's actions towards the MMC became increasingly frustrating. Despite rooting for their relationship, I found myself questioning whether they were truly meant to be together.
Despite these flaws, I appreciated the novel's emphasis on family reconciliation and the exploration of complex relationships. The bond between Ruby and her son, Jake, was particularly heartwarming, and I found myself cheering for their happiness throughout the story.
However, I couldn't shake the feeling that the novel could have benefited from tighter pacing and fewer unnecessary subplots. While there were moments of genuine warmth and humor, the excessive details and meandering arcs detracted from the overall enjoyment of the book.
In the end, "Strictly Friends" left me with mixed feelings. While I admired its themes of resilience and forgiveness, I couldn't overlook its pacing issues and underdeveloped romantic plotline. Despite its flaws, Miss Ida's endearing presence earns it a modest rating of 3 stars in my book.
While I appreciated the overall storyline, I couldn't help but feel frustrated by certain aspects of the plot. The transition from best friends to lovers felt forced at times, and Ruby's sudden turn against Griffin seemed unwarranted given their history of unwavering support for each other.
Moreover, the slow burn romance between the main characters left me feeling impatient, especially as Ruby's actions towards the MMC became increasingly frustrating. Despite rooting for their relationship, I found myself questioning whether they were truly meant to be together.
Despite these flaws, I appreciated the novel's emphasis on family reconciliation and the exploration of complex relationships. The bond between Ruby and her son, Jake, was particularly heartwarming, and I found myself cheering for their happiness throughout the story.
However, I couldn't shake the feeling that the novel could have benefited from tighter pacing and fewer unnecessary subplots. While there were moments of genuine warmth and humor, the excessive details and meandering arcs detracted from the overall enjoyment of the book.
In the end, "Strictly Friends" left me with mixed feelings. While I admired its themes of resilience and forgiveness, I couldn't overlook its pacing issues and underdeveloped romantic plotline. Despite its flaws, Miss Ida's endearing presence earns it a modest rating of 3 stars in my book.
conquixote's review against another edition
I read this for an interview and it is the first romance book I’ve ever read. I was hooked. I was screaming at the characters and I felt incredibly uplifted by some of the characters in the book. Yeah I knew what was going to happen by page 5ish, but I enjoyed it a lot and I thought the writing was sweet. If you like romance, you should definitely read this book.
yochana27's review against another edition
5.0
IMO it wasn’t the sugary sweet, cheesy romance I was expecting. I loved it. It addressed childhood bullying and the trauma associated with it and the ramifications when left unchecked. The book resonated with me.
drweezy's review against another edition
4.0
Book # 27 of 2023: A cute love story set on a magical island in Jamaica that helps people fall in love (even though Ruby being so clueless and stubborn got on my nerves). It reminded me of my visit to St Elizabeth Island a few years ago. I discovered my love there too.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Soundtrack: Love’s Contagious x Tarrus Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Soundtrack: Love’s Contagious x Tarrus Riley
stf100020's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5