Not Just Gal Pals by Elizabeth Luly

3.71 AVERAGE

judeinthestars's profile picture

judeinthestars's review

3.5
funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: Yes


Every step of her life, Jenny’s gone with the flow. If not for someone else’s mistake, she would still be enjoying her job as an influencer, a job that took off organically. As it is, her agent suggested she take a break, and visiting the hometown she couldn’t wait to escape after high school seems the way to go, especially since her best friend is getting married. Of course, it means she’ll have to at least pretend to get along with Blake. Blake, whose crush on Jenny leads her to act awkwardly when in her presence, and apparently adulthood didn’t change that fact.

Not Just Gal Pals is a deliciously tropey romance but like one of its main characters, it’s a bit bland. Jenny is a fun character to follow, she’s both very kind and too hard on herself. Blake’s shyness is sweet but I would have loved for her to be more than the shy butch doctor with a crush.

If you’re looking for a very light, very easy, Hallmark-y read, this is for you. It’s thoroughly enjoyable, even if you probably won’t remember much afterwards. Sometimes, feeling good for a while is enough. And if you want more, there’s a bonus epilogue when you subscribe to the author’s newsletter. 3.5⭐️

I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
mer_carson's profile picture

mer_carson's review

3.5
funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted

lena_3103's review against another edition

3.0
emotional fast-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: Yes

jamiezaccaria's review

4.5
hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Loveable characters: Yes
What a refreshingly lovely sapphic romance with all the fall feels. Fantastic read.
bethelizabethuk's profile picture

bethelizabethuk's review

4.0
lighthearted
This is a cute small town sapphic romance. It has Hallmark movie vibes and is a great cosy autumnal read perfect for this time of year. I love the small town setting and there are so many lovable characters. I will definitely be checking out George’s story when it’s out. I enjoyed the dual POV and I loved both Jenny and Blake’s characters. The way they both embarrassed themselves whilst trying to secretly impress each other made me laugh. I did find some of the canceled influencer storyline a bit cringey but it’s not really the main focus. I also loved that the 3rd act conflict was wrapped up pretty quickly. I wasn’t completely sold on their chemistry but it was still a fun easy read. If you are looking for a low stakes feel good romance definitely check this out. 

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
zagsreads's profile picture

zagsreads's review

3.5
emotional funny lighthearted 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: Yes
justsortofreading's profile picture

justsortofreading's review

DID NOT FINISH: 48%
 I DNFed this at around the 50% mark. I just couldn't drag myself through this. I got the book as an ARC and it had a lot of promises. I am sure many would love this book but it just wasn't for me. It felt like a cheap Hallmark movie without any substance to it. No chemistry between the characters and it's all just pretty autumn-vibes. The kind of movie you put on and then sit on your couch, mindlessly browsing your phone during it. I was just so bored. 

It doesn't help that the main character Jenny is also very unlikeable. 

Like I said, some might enjoy it but this was a DNF for me unfortunately. 
gkepps's profile picture

gkepps's review

3.75
funny hopeful 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
mtn_gal_jane_reads_books's profile picture

mtn_gal_jane_reads_books's review

5.0
hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

lovejasmine's review

3.0
lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
It was a super easy, fluff, enjoyable read that got me through COVID - I didn't have to think too hard and the cuteness got through to my cotton wool brain! I have to say, though, some of the fluffiest content happened right at the start and by the end, I was kind of over what was happening - and I very much skim read the last few chapters. Still, a nice, fluffy autumnal read.