A review by niffler_for_words
Barely Even Friends: A Novel by Mae Bennett

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

“I wish I could say that was the first time I’d heard something like that. My youth, weight and gender they all worked against me in these types of situations (...). I’d stand in front of a group of old white men, and they would always prefer another man. They’d never consider that a woman might be in charge, especially one that looked like me.”

Barely Even Friends is a very easy read, steamy, fast paced and with very lovable characters. The first thing that jumps to the eyes is the Beauty and Beast retelling. I enjoyed how it was done, with obvious references, especially in the beginning, but with a story that –of course– also works completely on its own too. 

The book appealed to me for many reasons. Bellamy, the plus-size MFC, was one of them, and I’m thrilled to say that she is a great one. The character isn’t all self-pity or super empowered, but something in between that feels real –and made me feel seen– and the judgments she endures (now or in the past) felt real and familiar. Too young. Not a man. Not fitting the “beauty standards”. These prejudices are real and I loved that they are one of the core problems for Bellamy, one of the reasons why it first became so difficult for her to balance her personal and professional life. 

Oliver’s character, even if the whole book is told from Bellamy’s POV, is also very developed and interesting. His arc around grief is more classic, and sometimes the load of guilt is a bit much, but again he is really well crafted and feels real. 

I adored both Oliver and Bellamy, how the reciprocated irritation moved into sexual tension and gradually turned into a real relationship. In the end, they revealed to each other, and their wounds echoed one another, eventually helping them grow. The renovation metaphor really worked here, for them both. 

I only regret that sometimes changes feel a bit rushed, especially regarding Oliver. Maybe it’s where the dual POV sometimes helps, because the pivoting in the car and library felt a bit rushed or “out-of-nowhere” (or were some pages missing in the ARC?), and the same sentiment lingered over the last part, even if here Bellamy’s POV explained everything as we see the whole situation through her eyes. 

I truly enjoyed that read, thank you NetGalley, Mae Bennett and Alcove Press for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

Rate 4.5/5