Review: Friends Don't Fall in Love by Erin Hahn
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I will not lie to you. I was all about this cover when I saw it and requested it before I even had a chance to read the synopsis. And I’m so glad I did because this was a perfect early Fall read! I loved the setting, I loved the chemistry between the characters, I loved the dialogue. I thought it was a highly enjoyable read that had all the delicious aspects of Romance we love, with the complexities that make it feel like you sink your teeth into.
Synopsis:
“Lorelai Jones had it all: a thriving country music career and a superstar fiancé. Then she played one teenie tiny protest song at a concert and ruined her entire future, including her impending celebrity marriage. But five years later, she refuses to be done with her dreams and calls up the one person who stuck by her, her dear friend and her former fiancé’s co-writer and bandmate, Craig.
Craig Boseman’s held a torch for Lorelai for years, but even he knows the backup bass player never gets the girl. Things are different now, though. Craig owns his own indie record label and his songwriting career is taking off. If he can confront his past and embrace his gifts, he might just be able to help Lorelai earn the comeback she deserves—and maybe win her heart in the process.
But when the two reunite to rebuild her career and finally scratch that itch that’s been building between them for years, Lorelai realizes a lot about what friends don’t do. For one, friends don’t have scratch-that-itch sex. They also don’t almost-kiss on street corners, publish secret erotic poetry about each other, have counter-top sex, write songs for each other, have no-strings motorcycle sex, or go on dates. And they sure as heck don't fall in love... right? “ —StoryGraph
What I Liked:
The Setting—Loved being in Nashville and the lakeside wedding in Michigan too!
The “Bigger” Message—I’ve always had a very hard time with country music because of some of the messaging in it. I loved that this was about a country singer who loves the style but loves using her platform for good more. Also, I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book with an MC who is Celiac!
The Chemistry—Just insert fire emoji here.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The 3rd Act Break Up—Look, I am not one of those readers that is opposed to the 3rd act break up. I don’t stop reading because I know it’s coming. But, I needs to be good. And I just felt a little disconnect at this point in the reasoning!
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 3/5 Overall Rating: 4/5
Content Warnings:
mentions of gun violence (protesting), mention of school schooting