A Guide to Being Just Friends by Sophie Sullivan ~ a Review

by MK French

Hailey Sharp is focused on her salad shop By the Cup, and doesn't want any distractions. Wes Jansen had a bad dating history and the memory of his parents' bitter divorce, so romance isn't on his radar. The two have a disaster of a meet-cute intended for other people, but Wes finding Hailey to apologize sparks up a friendship. It's all they want from each other, but not what they actually need.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

January 2023; Griffin; 978-1250624208
audio, ebook, print (336 pages); romantic comedy

What could possibly go wrong in a romance novel where two people who don't want to be in a relationship are actually perfect for each other? Everything, of course. Sophie Sullivan has a fun way of writing novels like these, to the point that I don't even feel any secondhand embarrassment from the meet-cute. It was so natural to read, no embarrassment at all for me, and from there the friends they had in common as well as the businesses kept them in each other's orbit. They have great relationships with their families and friends, letting us see those sides of them. Time passes and the friendship grows deeper, as both Hailey and Wes make bonds in their new community. We also see glimpses of characters from her prior books, which is a nice touch if you read them.

Of course, over time, the two of them realize what they have is more than just friendship. It's slower than our realization because we know full well what kind of book this is. They fit each other well, care about each other and find each other hot. Of course, eventually, they'll realize there's love as well as friendship. Fears raise concerns before the grand gesture proving that love is worthwhile, and I really loved how that sequence played out. It's a really great romance and worth the read.

Buy A Guide to Being Just Friends at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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