The first thing I’m going to say is that I really enjoy this book.
Lily has to attend her best friend’s wedding with Max, the ex-boyfriend she never got over, on a gorgeous Greek island that’s so small it’s impossible to avoid him, but she is determined to be friendly. But when the wedding comes under threat, and Matt and Lily are thrown together in the efforts to save the day and – yet again – sparks fly. What happens when you try to repeat the past though? Can a holiday romance turn into a lasting love, for the second time? Or are Lily and Matt destined to remain just friends, forever?
This story is full of sweet and funny moments. I loved the girl-friends dynamics. Matt is adorable. I like a lot that we get to see the past too. The book is well written, easy to read and entertaining. The setting is beautiful and Bridezilla is quite funny! This is a new author and one I absolutely enjoyed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Just Friends' by Jo Lovett.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jo Lovett, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 14th March 2022.

This is the fourth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The House Swap', 'The First Time We Met' and 'The Mistletoe Pact' which I highly recommend.


I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this books is 'A totally gorgeous, escapist holiday will-they-won’t-they romantic comedy for fans of One Day in December, This Time Next Year and Paige Toon.' I am a huge fan of 'This Time Next Year' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Jo and if this is half as good as 'The House Swap', 'The First Time We Met' and 'The Mistletoe Pact' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of 23 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in London, UK 🇬🇧 and Greece 🇬🇷 . The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.


This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Lily and Matt. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! Absolutely LOVED this book. Yet another stunner by the very talented Jo!!!

Awww!!! Absolutely perfect!!! Another absolutely gorgeous book from the amazing Jo Lovett!!! Absolutely stunningly romcom heartwarmer!!!

This book is beautifully written and completely absorbs you in the stunning atmosphere of the Greece and really sucks you in with the vivid descriptions leaving you feeling the sand between your toes, the sun in your face and the live filling your heart. The synopsis and cover suits the storyline perfectly.

The storyline is authentic and realistic as well as easy to read and heartwarming. I loved it straight away and was hooked immediately!!! A true heart warning, addictive page turner!! It was fast paced with plenty of events going on throughout and it kept me hooked from start to end, I read it in one sitting. It really made me feel like I was with Lily and Matt throughout the storyline going through all the emotions with them The storyline was filled with a range of emotions and was heartwarming, devastating and had lost and new love, relationships, family, friendship and history all going on in this beautiful book. It felt like a lovely break away from a rainy Wales!! I loved going on the Greek adventure and then relaxing in the sun. It made me laugh, cry and filled me with a warm fuzzy feeling all at different times. I loved how the story ended!!! If you are planning to read this I would definitely recommend clearing your schedules. It is perfect to read curled up on the sofa in front of the fire with a nice hot chocolate or cup of tea. I was completely absorbed in the realistic storyline and although it was filled with love, romance and happiness there was definitely some suspense, tension but also loads of laughter in the air!! This would make an absolutely stunning movie which I would love to see come to the big screen!!!

It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.


The characters were all unique with their own realistic traits, strengths and weaknesses. It was intriguing to watch Lily and Matts's friendship and relationship grow, develop and change throughout the the storyline. It was also intriguing to see how not only Lily and Matt's relationship change throughout the book but also Meg's relationship with Pythagoras and Carole and Norm's relationship. I enjoyed watching the relations between Lily and Matt's change from exes to lovers, back to friendship and much more. It wasn't just Lily and Matt that I enjoyed getting to know but also bridezilla Tina, Lovelorn Meg, say it as it is Aaliyah, wild Carole and the long suffering Norm. Each character had their own unique personalities and each left their own impressions on me. I became completely invested in Lily and Matt. All characters worked perfectly with the storyline and I would love to meet them again and hope to see this made into a series or even a movie!!!

Congratulations Jo on yet another absolutely fantastic rom com heart warmer. There's a good reason you are one of my favourite authors!!! Here's to yet another success 🥂!!!

Overall a heart warming page turner filled love, snow, comedy, friendship and everything you could want in an epic rom com.


Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Humorous Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of One Day in December, This Time Next Year, Paige Toon, Beth O’Leary, Bridget Jones, fans of Jo's previous books and just anyone who loves a good read!!


320 pages.

This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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This book did not hit the mark for me, and I was disappointed because I loved another of Jo's books, "The First Time We Met" so much. "Just Friends", and I question whether this was the right title because Lily and Matt were never just friends, was repetitive in parts. I did enjoy hearing from Matt as well as Lily, and I was really rooting for Matt (he was lovely). I felt that Lily was immature and I found her irritating.
The build up to the wedding went on too long for me, as did the wedding day itself, plus I couldn't believe that Lily and Matt had all those set backs happening to them on the morning of the wedding. And why were they the only ones trying to find a solution? Shouldn't some more of the bridegroom's friends have been helping too?
The subplot of the aunt and her husband was unnecessary I feel. And I also found it unbelievable how one of Lily's friends, met, fell in love, then moved in with a man in the space of a few days. This same man got an interview for a job in a matter of days too and in the UK, when he lived in Greece. Implausible for this to happen that quickly I think.
This probably sounds like I didn't like this book, but there was enough there to keep me reading, and as I really felt for Matt, I wanted him to get his happy ending.
With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good will they won’t they trope so I was really looking forward to this. Being honest I did struggle at the start with the characters. Lily I found annoying and Tess, well let’s just say bridezilla was an understatement. I wanted to shake the pair of them and give up. Then there was a shop scene with Matt and a scarf display and all previous thoughts were forgotten. In a complete turn around I found myself suddenly wanting to read on as Lily became more likeable and dare I say it relatable.

I have never been to Greece or any of the Greek islands so it was nice to discover them in book form and made for a very beautiful and idyllic setting.

The chemistry between the main characters simmered in the heat of the island sun and this was an enjoyable light read that took me away from the British drizzle and cold. It has drama, misunderstandings, friendship and above all the possibility of a second chance.

Ever meet someone but the timing isn't right? Ever wonder what if? Ever push someone away and wonder why? Ever see someone again after years have passed to feel that same rush of adrenaline, the attraction, the increased heart rate?

Lily is on a beautiful picturesque Greek island for her friend's wedding. She wouldn't miss it, even while knowing that Matt will be here. She broke his heart eight years ago, but he moved on, got married less than a year later. True, he is divorced now but....

Matt is not going to let seeing the woman who broke his heart without a proper explanation get him down. He is attending the wedding as well. He is going to have a good time with his friends, he is going to be polite but....


Can they be just friends? Will they ever get passed the awkward meeting and conversation? Will they embrace this second chance???

Just Friends is a light fun book full of witty banter and tension. I enjoyed all the characters and they had some very real reactions to some real situations. Everyone in this book is likeable even bridezilla who is feeling the stress instead of deep breathing and going with the flow. Lily needed to learn some communication skills. We make things worse in our heads - learn to talk to each other people (I mean Lily)!

I say it all the time, with romance books, it's all about the journey and this was an enjoyable one. I have not read a book by Jo Lovett before and was pleasantly surprised. This book will have you dreaming of island adventures, second chances and hoping a new hair stylist/cutter is a good one!

If you are in the mood for something light and fun, this book may just be the right fit for you.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

A sweet book, with lovely characters and an unknown ending, is the kind of book I love to relax.

I love the plot and characters in this book, especially because of how things were finally handled and solved. Talking is easier than we think, but the secret is not just talking things out, is also the way we say things that matters. Wouldn't want to waste 10 years of your life without "the One" just because of not knowing how to express yourself properly, would you?

This ARC was granted to me through NetGalley and approved by Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. Just friends is a book about the one that got away and how they were forced to meet and spend time together at a wedding in Greece.

I don't think I can name one thing I like about this book other than the setting and probably the main character's friend, Aaliyah. The dual POV didn't add anything relevant to the story, it just made everything repetitive, which ended up boring me and making the reading of this book a task instead of something enjoyable. Miscommunication is not my favorite thing to read about, specially when it isn't done right. It seemed like Lily just wanted to consciously sabotage the relationship for no reason and used her medical condition and time as an excuse. Not to mention that the problem solving portion of the book didn't actually solve any problems and the matters seemed to have been handled in a rush just for the sake of it. I just didn't see the appeal of Lily and Matt's relationship, if I'm being honest. Maybe Lily should have worked through her issues before asking Matt to commit and make life changing decisions for her; it was like she didn't need character growth and he was the only 'problematic' one, which is not true.

The premise was fun, but I was expecting something different.

Thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley. for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this book is sweet, love deferred, and the characters are likeable. The story is told in alternating POVs between Lily and Matt, who broke up 8 years ago and are thrown back together at a friend's destination wedding. However - 8 years ago, and neither of them have moved on, gotten over it, learned to better their communication? That is sad, and the story unfortunately becomes very repetitive and boring, in between rather funny bits about OTT bride-zilla moments. All in all, I was expecting a bit more - this was okay, but not more than that.

8 years after they break up Lily and Matt find themselves in Greece for their best friends wedding. Neither knew the other would be there for the wedding and since they've both arrived early to spend time in Greece prior to the wedding they bump into each other.

This book is an example of the right couple at the wrong time. When their relationship ended 8 years ago it wasn't the right time for them but I found myself hoping throughout the entire book that they would be able to make it work this time.

This couple could have benefited from better communication between them which was a little frustrating but there were a lot of laugh out loud moments that were great throughout this book.

I love a good rom-com, and this was definitely a good one!

Lily and Matt loved each other 8 years ago and broke up and now their paths cross at a wedding in Greece. Will they or won't they and if they do --can they make it work? Also will they all survive Bridezilla ? This was a quick fun read and I enjoyed the setting and the characters and will look for other work by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you @netgalley and @bookouture for the arc. The opinions are my own.
🏝🌅
Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ

Matt & Lily broke up eight years ago and now as circumstances would have it, bump into each other on a beautiful Greek Island.

The premise gave me a lot of Mamma Mia vibes and I was excited to dive in.
There's a wedding to attend, Lily is doing her best to be the perfect bridesmaid and the bride is a proper bridezilla. I could relate to a few of Lily's attributes like always being there for everyone, never saying no and never expressing her true feelings.

The first half of the book moves at a good pace, the flashbacks are well knit and the story told from both perspectives(Matt & Lily)
The will-they, won't they tension was good but after a while things got repetitive. Both of them still weren't over eachother but were really bad at communicating.
The he's so sexy and she's so gorgeous thoughts were ok till they got overwhelming and I skipped a few bits. It was interesting to read about the wedding panning details and the as fate would have it incidents, like sudden weather changes. There were a few humourous bits that induced a laugh or two, like Matt's aunt's penchant for erotic sculptures.

Even though Matt & Lily are in their thirties, they clearly have some air to clear out between them. It felt like reading about two hormonal teenagers at one point, clearly there's a difference between being a petulant teen and a mature thirty something. I was a bit upset at Lily being so guarded about opening up, she needed a massive push.

The title was a misleading because Matt & Lilly clearly weren't friends and would never be.

It is still a good read and I would recommend it if you are looking for a relaxing beach read.
🌻🍾🏝
🌟🌟🌟💫/5

Just Friends by Jo Lovett

Published: March 14, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 335
Genre: Romantic Comedy
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Jo Lovett lives in London with her family. She started writing romantic comedy when she realised that she was regularly begging her oldest son to let her do his English homework. Still, she wasn't that interested in haunted houses or Macbeth. When she can escape her laundry mountain, she enjoys reading, tennis, and wine.

“Love probably wasn’t enough on its own if you couldn’t communicate the way your partner wanted you to.”

Lily is in Greece for one of her best friend's weddings. The last thing she expected was to see her ex. But always calm and in control, Lily freaks out internally. When the two come face to face, Matt is polite but short. It doesn’t take long for past chemistry to reignite.

This was a sweet story. I enjoyed that it took place mainly on a Greek island; the descriptions were beautiful.

I loved all the characters and their personalities. Aaliyah was my favorite; her no-nonsense style and the naturally maternal way were charming.

Lily was a complicated character for me. I tried to be empathetic toward her and understand her reasoning for why she was how she was. But I was also frustrated with her for allowing something to impact her life and her relationships completely.

There were several funny moments throughout this novel; Carole and Norm were hilarious. I loved the balance between sweet, serious, funny, and tense.

Overall this was a sweet love story that felt authentic, and the chemistry was palpable. The dynamic between all of the characters was so well done. This was a heartwarming read that will make you swoon, giggle, and say, aww.

This is my first encounter with the author and as soon as I saw it, the plot definitely called my attention. If there is something I absolutely loved about this book is the Greek island setting. Although it's quite a cliché couple destination in real life, I haven't really encounter that many stories based there.

• Second chance romance
• Quick read
• Double pov

I would have enjoyed a bit more of a dramatic aspect so the characters could be more structured but I'm sure many would enjoy such a cute story. I won't lie, the characters frustrated me at times since her behavior tends to be rather repetitive but overall, it was a nice quick read.

I received this arc through Netgally in exchange of an honest review. All opinions and commentary are based on my own opinion only. Thank you to the Netgalley and the publisher for the chance.

This was a cute and quick read. Two ex's are stuck on a Greek island for their friends weeding and since both of them are in the wedding party, they have to interact a lot. Both of them thought they each moved on since it had been years since they had broken up but disaster after disaster at the wedding, draws them closer together.

What a fabulous feel-good, funny novel. Will they or won't they? Lily and Matt were in a relationship 8 years ago when Lily felt that they weren't compatible and broke it off. Fast forward, to Greece for one of Lily's best friends wedding who also happened to be Matt's cousin so it was inevitable that they would send up speaking. Matt wants to know why Lily broke it off before while Lily wants Matt to tell her how he could love her so much that he got married to another woman within a year of them splitting up!!! Will they or won't they get back together again?

This was an enjoyable novel, with a cute premise. Lily is a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding on a Greek Island. Matt is a groomsman at the same wedding. Lily and Matt were a serious item about ten years earlier, but inexplicably broke up, with Matt not being sure of the circumstances. The novel follows them as they navigate through the wedding weekend and beyond in each other’s company. It is a light enjoyable read and I’m sure fans of Jo Lovett will enjoy it. Thanks to Bookotoure and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel.

I really enjoyed the characters and the setting of this book. There were some moments and situations that made me chuckle. Jo Lovett’s writing style really keeps me engaged. At times the problems in this book got repetitive and the miscommunication (or lack of communication) on Lily’s part annoyed me. Overall I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a nice, light read.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

A fabulous book from Jo Lovet.

It’s setting is a Greek Island and is a funny, but romantic read. I loved it.

The story is told through the viewpoint of Lily and Matt. I also loved Tess, one of the supporting characters in the book. It’s a story of whether they ‘will they won’t.

Misunderstandings, as well as making you laugh and sad.

Recommend this book.

Despite everything thankyou for the opportunity to read this ARC.
dnf @ 25%
This book was written well and definitely had the potential be great. Personally i dnf this because i’m a mood reader and couldn’t get through it. I’m not saying this is a bad book it just wasn’t for me. In the future when i’m less stressed (school was a big factor why i couldn’t finish it) i may pick it up again and leave a more positive review. Again it wasn’t a bad book just circumstances around me made me dnf.

3.5 stars
Just friends is a light and easy romance read about meeting the right person at the wrong time. Lily and Matt meeting again at Tess and Tom’s wedding seemed like fate - but their history was one of the reasons they needed to talk and be honest with eachother. The will they, won’t they story was well covered and I loved the relationships Lily had with her friends.