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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
This book has everything! If you like suits and regency dresses, a loveable pooch, Jane Austin parties, and a cafe called Novel Gossip, then this book is for you. Not Just Gal Pals by Elizabeth Luly is a small town fall romance, and totally gives me Beth O’Leary meets Gilmore Girls vibes. I’ll wait while you go add this to your Goodreads, TBR, etc… You’re back? Ok, let’s continue.
Meet Blake. She has her own medical practice in her hometown, Sapphire Springs. She loves her community and is happy being on her own, as relationships haven’t worked out in her favour. She does have one weakness, however, and that’s her high school crush. Meet Jenny. She’s a social media influencer who gets cancelled due to a bad sponsorship deal. She decides to head back home until this blows over, and her best friend is getting married so it’s perfect timing. The only downside is she will be forced to work with Blake, the one girl who hated her in high school. Will these two women be able to overcome their miscommunications, and will it lead to something more?
I really think this book would make an amazing romantic comedy movie. Someone should really get the rights to turn this into a screenplay ASAP. Luly had me laughing out loud, and wrote a really intriguing romance. I was here for the change of pace! An alternating POV and you will find yourself yelling at the book, but in all the good ways. The characters were well developed, and I enjoyed the cast of side characters immensely. I highly recommend this cozy read but do warn you that you’re going to want a slice of pie while reading!
Meet Blake. She has her own medical practice in her hometown, Sapphire Springs. She loves her community and is happy being on her own, as relationships haven’t worked out in her favour. She does have one weakness, however, and that’s her high school crush. Meet Jenny. She’s a social media influencer who gets cancelled due to a bad sponsorship deal. She decides to head back home until this blows over, and her best friend is getting married so it’s perfect timing. The only downside is she will be forced to work with Blake, the one girl who hated her in high school. Will these two women be able to overcome their miscommunications, and will it lead to something more?
I really think this book would make an amazing romantic comedy movie. Someone should really get the rights to turn this into a screenplay ASAP. Luly had me laughing out loud, and wrote a really intriguing romance. I was here for the change of pace! An alternating POV and you will find yourself yelling at the book, but in all the good ways. The characters were well developed, and I enjoyed the cast of side characters immensely. I highly recommend this cozy read but do warn you that you’re going to want a slice of pie while reading!
Not Just Gal Pals by Elizabeth Luly was a welcome change of pace compared to most rom-com novels. It doesn't follow the typical "get together - breakup due to argument/miscommunication - get back together" plot line that most romances seem to stick to. I enjoyed the characters, the small-town feel, and the holiday setting.
That being said, I have one major complaint: Jenny's career. Her career sometimes leads her to be superficial, and her rant about "cancel culture" annoyed me. It's not a huge deal, and the story is okay enough with that involved, but I think her career could've been changed and this aspect removed from the story without it having too much of an impact.
Jenny and Blake were so cute together, and I can't wait for book 2!
Thank you to the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That being said, I have one major complaint: Jenny's career. Her career sometimes leads her to be superficial, and her rant about "cancel culture" annoyed me. It's not a huge deal, and the story is okay enough with that involved, but I think her career could've been changed and this aspect removed from the story without it having too much of an impact.
Jenny and Blake were so cute together, and I can't wait for book 2!
Thank you to the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really liked this book. The characters were loveable and relatable. While some of the dialogue was a bit unnatural, it wasn’t off putting. I loved that the third act breakup felt natural and not overly dramatic. A very cozy read.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This makes me want to live in a queer small town 😭😭 wanderlust for a place that doesn’t even exist
lighthearted
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A cute enough romance but if I hadn't been trapped on a train for reading most of it, I probably wouldn't have finished it.