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theespressoedition's review
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Gun violence
aromanticreadsromance's review against another edition
emotional
slow-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? Yes
3.0
Don't let the cute cover fool you; this book is surprisingly SPICY. Of course a guy with the name "Craig" has an anonymous erotic poetry Instagram account. It's always the most unsuspecting ones who are the kinkiest. And don't let the title fool you, either, because these friends most certainly DO fall in love. Craig (or "Huck" short for Huckleberry, his middle name) is a 36-year-old music producer in Nashville, and Lorelai is a 33-year-old disgraced country music star turned school teacher wanting to return to music. Once upon a time, Craig was in a band with Lorelai's now-ex-fiancΓ©, who unceremoniously dumped her through an Instagram post after she protested gun violence at one of her concerts (he was an abusive prick, so she's better off). Craig is a talented songwriter wrote all of the band's songs (including one clearly about Lorelai) but was never credited, not even as a co-writer. After her "scandal," Lorelai moved from Nashville to Michigan, and now, five years later, she has returned to Nashville, living in one part of Craig's duplex and hiring Craig's record label to produce her comeback album. This book is perfect for he falls first (and harder) lovers, because Craig has been in love with Lorelai forever, but it's been a right person, wrong time kind of thing. Seriously, they're the epitome of "it's been a long time coming, but / it's you and me, that's my whole world / They whisper in the hallway, 'She's a bad, bad girl.'" I could write an entire essay about how Lorelai is the poster child for Miss Americana.
This book started off pretty choppy, with several consecutive time jumps that left me both confused and wanting more. With all the history behind their relationship, I constantly felt like I was missing some context. For this reason, I struggle with books where one of the main characters is (secretly or not so secretly) already in love with the other. I don't get to witness the process of them both falling in love with each other. There is also some lasting miscommunication and uncorrected misunderstanding regarding what each person wants from the other (i.e., casual or serious). And yes, this leads to a third act breakup. Even though this book is a standalone, it heavily connects with You'd Be Mine (Annie and Clay) and Built to Last (Lorelai is best friends with Shelby and Maren), neither of which I have read. Craig and Lorelai are both great main characters (though Craig has some major side character energy, lol). They're likable but flawed. With a name like Craig, his personality needs to do all the work (haha), so I'm glad he is a cinnamon roll (I guess you could call him a beta, though he def takes charge in the bedroom! Beta on the streets, alpha in the sheets?).
At times, I felt so frustrated for and with Lorelai. For her because of how she has to resign herself to such disgusting and crude sexism to gain back her career. With her because she couldn't see an alternative to the "apology tour" and hiding her true thoughts and beliefs. I don't doubt that country music, especially the industry (and labels) as a whole, is still ultra conservative, but the tides have been changing over the last few years. And then there are progressive icons who have long carved out a space in country music (take Dolly fucking Parton, for one). So the fact that Lorelai couldn't see this as an opportunity to embrace rather than stuff down her values was hard for me to relate to or understand. She eventually gets to the point of being unapologetic, and I was rooting for that growth.
As a Swiftie, Lorelai's situation totally reminded me of Taylor Swift, specifically the frustrations she expresses in Miss Americana. While Lorelai is nowhere near as famous as Taylor (it's hard to reach THAT level of fame), she has to deal with the repercussions from her label and the country music industry after speaking out about injustice (though Taylor no longer writes country music). In Miss Americana, Taylor and her dad argue over what she should do: speak out and potentially lose fans or keep quiet. I definitely see more spunk and an activist inclination in Lorelai than I do in Taylor (as much as I love Tay, her feminism is very white/performative and she doesn't speak out nearly as much as she should), and I could really relate to Lorelai's inner turmoil over her return to country music. When I requested this book on Netgalley, I wasn't expecting the overtly political messaging in it, but I really appreciated it. I could feel how near and dear the subject is to Erin Hahn. And despite my hang-ups, I did enjoy this book, and I liked Craig and Lorelai together.
Do yourself a favor and read this book if you like:
π©π»βπ€ Taylor Swift-coded FMCs (and your fav Taylor song is Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince)
π©π»βπ€ he falls faster AND harder
π©π»βπ€ she upgrades from her ex to a much better model
π©π»βπ€ friends to lovers, SLIGHT celebrity romance (they're not UBER famous)
π©π»βπ€ country music (but like, make it progressive)!
π©π»βπ€ he falls faster AND harder
π©π»βπ€ she upgrades from her ex to a much better model
π©π»βπ€ friends to lovers, SLIGHT celebrity romance (they're not UBER famous)
π©π»βπ€ country music (but like, make it progressive)!
Thank you SO much to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Gun violence and Mass/school shootings
anovelglimpse's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
Friends Don't Fall in Love was one of my most anticipated book releases for the fall of 2023. I have been waiting for it ever since I finished Built to Last. Fallen country star Lorelai was a side character who intrigued me, and I couldn't wait to get her story. Plus, I love Erin Hahn's writing and want to read everything she releases. Anyways. What I'm trying to say here is that I was excited for this release, and it did not disappoint me. I loved it.
Friends Don't Fall in Love is like if You'd Be Mine and Built to Last had a baby. It's got the adult characters, humor, and steam of Built to Last and the emotional ups and downs of the country music scene of You'd Be Mine. That being said, it's a well written and crafted story all of its own. Lorelai and Craig have new and different struggles and experiences in life and country music.
Don't let the illustrated cover fool you. A closed-door romance this is not. It's probably the steamiest book Hahn has written yet. Lorelai and Craig have a passionate and emotional connection. They get each other in the best of ways and that transfers to all areas of their lives. I loved the big moments with them, but also the small moments. Neither wanted to rock the friendship boat with a romance. It was frustratingly fun for them to work through it all, and I loved where their journeys took them solo and together. The lyrics, poems, and words Hahn used for them were perfection. Lorelai and Craig were a swoon worthy couple I could have read a hundred more chapters about.
This is also Hahn's most provocative book when it comes to speaking her mind or including some of her own experiences. She made her thoughts on religion known in Never Saw You Coming and she's gone a step further with this release. Hahn doesn't shy away from giving Lorelai a voice when it comes to social or political issues. If you can't handle reading about a character wanting stronger gun control laws, etc. this book probably isn't for you. There are topics sprinkled throughout. It's not preachy, but it's there and it is timely.
Oh! Earlier I mentioned that this book was like two books having a baby... I should mention there are some big cameos from those two previous books that fans won't want to miss out on. These characters show up to help out our MCs and I loved every minute of that.
There is so much to say about Friends Don't Fall in Love and I don't know that I'm capable of getting it all out in this review. I had a wonderful time reading this book. I was in a hurry to get to the end of Lorelai and Craig's romance, while at the same time wishing it would go on longer. Hahn's writing shines brightest when it is set in the country music world, and I wouldn't be sad if Hahn wrote every book within it. I'm super excited to read whatever she releases next.
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
Friends Don't Fall in Love was one of my most anticipated book releases for the fall of 2023. I have been waiting for it ever since I finished Built to Last. Fallen country star Lorelai was a side character who intrigued me, and I couldn't wait to get her story. Plus, I love Erin Hahn's writing and want to read everything she releases. Anyways. What I'm trying to say here is that I was excited for this release, and it did not disappoint me. I loved it.
Friends Don't Fall in Love is like if You'd Be Mine and Built to Last had a baby. It's got the adult characters, humor, and steam of Built to Last and the emotional ups and downs of the country music scene of You'd Be Mine. That being said, it's a well written and crafted story all of its own. Lorelai and Craig have new and different struggles and experiences in life and country music.
Don't let the illustrated cover fool you. A closed-door romance this is not. It's probably the steamiest book Hahn has written yet. Lorelai and Craig have a passionate and emotional connection. They get each other in the best of ways and that transfers to all areas of their lives. I loved the big moments with them, but also the small moments. Neither wanted to rock the friendship boat with a romance. It was frustratingly fun for them to work through it all, and I loved where their journeys took them solo and together. The lyrics, poems, and words Hahn used for them were perfection. Lorelai and Craig were a swoon worthy couple I could have read a hundred more chapters about.
This is also Hahn's most provocative book when it comes to speaking her mind or including some of her own experiences. She made her thoughts on religion known in Never Saw You Coming and she's gone a step further with this release. Hahn doesn't shy away from giving Lorelai a voice when it comes to social or political issues. If you can't handle reading about a character wanting stronger gun control laws, etc. this book probably isn't for you. There are topics sprinkled throughout. It's not preachy, but it's there and it is timely.
Oh! Earlier I mentioned that this book was like two books having a baby... I should mention there are some big cameos from those two previous books that fans won't want to miss out on. These characters show up to help out our MCs and I loved every minute of that.
There is so much to say about Friends Don't Fall in Love and I don't know that I'm capable of getting it all out in this review. I had a wonderful time reading this book. I was in a hurry to get to the end of Lorelai and Craig's romance, while at the same time wishing it would go on longer. Hahn's writing shines brightest when it is set in the country music world, and I wouldn't be sad if Hahn wrote every book within it. I'm super excited to read whatever she releases next.
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Mass/school shootings, Toxic relationship, and Gun violence
tarabeyer's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence and Mass/school shootings
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