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A review by whatnolareads
Strictly Friends by Frances Mensah Williams
3.0
I found myself immersed in Ruby's journey as a single mother grappling with past wounds and seeking closure. Her struggles resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own battles with adversity and the importance of leaning on loved ones for support.
While I appreciated the overall storyline, I couldn't help but feel frustrated by certain aspects of the plot. The transition from best friends to lovers felt forced at times, and Ruby's sudden turn against Griffin seemed unwarranted given their history of unwavering support for each other.
Moreover, the slow burn romance between the main characters left me feeling impatient, especially as Ruby's actions towards the MMC became increasingly frustrating. Despite rooting for their relationship, I found myself questioning whether they were truly meant to be together.
Despite these flaws, I appreciated the novel's emphasis on family reconciliation and the exploration of complex relationships. The bond between Ruby and her son, Jake, was particularly heartwarming, and I found myself cheering for their happiness throughout the story.
However, I couldn't shake the feeling that the novel could have benefited from tighter pacing and fewer unnecessary subplots. While there were moments of genuine warmth and humor, the excessive details and meandering arcs detracted from the overall enjoyment of the book.
In the end, "Strictly Friends" left me with mixed feelings. While I admired its themes of resilience and forgiveness, I couldn't overlook its pacing issues and underdeveloped romantic plotline. Despite its flaws, Miss Ida's endearing presence earns it a modest rating of 3 stars in my book.
While I appreciated the overall storyline, I couldn't help but feel frustrated by certain aspects of the plot. The transition from best friends to lovers felt forced at times, and Ruby's sudden turn against Griffin seemed unwarranted given their history of unwavering support for each other.
Moreover, the slow burn romance between the main characters left me feeling impatient, especially as Ruby's actions towards the MMC became increasingly frustrating. Despite rooting for their relationship, I found myself questioning whether they were truly meant to be together.
Despite these flaws, I appreciated the novel's emphasis on family reconciliation and the exploration of complex relationships. The bond between Ruby and her son, Jake, was particularly heartwarming, and I found myself cheering for their happiness throughout the story.
However, I couldn't shake the feeling that the novel could have benefited from tighter pacing and fewer unnecessary subplots. While there were moments of genuine warmth and humor, the excessive details and meandering arcs detracted from the overall enjoyment of the book.
In the end, "Strictly Friends" left me with mixed feelings. While I admired its themes of resilience and forgiveness, I couldn't overlook its pacing issues and underdeveloped romantic plotline. Despite its flaws, Miss Ida's endearing presence earns it a modest rating of 3 stars in my book.