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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
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