This book ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me! I really struggled with the writing and timeline in the beginning - so much so that I almost DNF'd before 20%. I'm ultimately glad I stuck with it even though I still had some issues with the book itself.

In general, I think friends to lovers is one of the hardest tropes to write and write well with believable chemistry that doesn't just rely on "oh they're friends and he's been in love with her forever". So hats off to Erin Hahn because I do think that eventually I was able to see the chemistry between the two characters. However I do think that there was quite a bit of telling and not showing throughout the book that would have ramped up that chemistry/tension even more.

The biggest fallback of this book for me personally was that Craig breaks off their "FWB" relationship because he can't be casual about Lorelai. Which of course, fine, protect yourself. But MY GOD have a conversation about feelings with her!!! The whole reason he doesn't think that she loves him is because she's never told him. BUT HE'S NEVER TOLD HER EITHER!! And the fact that this revelation comes to him through a 12 year old was just a bit much for me.

I did really like both Craig and Lorelai as characters and am so glad that we got dual POV. I love how strong Lorelei was and she felt super authentic. The ending was the strongest part of the book and definitely feels like a set up for a future book!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I can’t believe this is only Erin’s second adult romance - it reads as if she’s been writing them for much longer. Lorelai Jones is one strong woman, working her way back into country music after some time away working as an elementary school teacher after being shunned by the industry as a whole. Craig Boseman aka Huck, Nashville through-and-through and ex-bandmate of Lorelai’s ex-fiance, is producing her new record… as well as her landlord, renting out half of his duplex to her while she’s in town. They had one steamy night six years ago during an emotional time, but now they are friends. Friends who are very attracted to each other. Friends who both want more but are scared to lose their friendship along the way.
Friends Don’t Fall in Love follows these two along a sweet and spicy path that is hard to put down. If you read last fall’s Built to Last, Erin’s debut adult romance, Friends.. will give you the opportunity to revisit Shelby and Cam for their wedding, and, even better in my opinion, readers get to see what’s become of Annie and Clay from Erin’s YA debut You’d Be Mine. If you haven’t read either of those books, you have a few more weeks before publication day to tackle those. If you don’t read them, however, Friends Don’t Fall in Love can be read as a standalone, but why not fully immerse yourself in Erin’s excellent writing?!
Thanks to St Martin's Press, St Martin's Griffin for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I preordered this way back in February when B&N was having a promotion, and I can’t wait for that copy to arrive and be added to my favorites shelf 😍 You can get your copy starting 10/17/23 - but you can check out Erin’s Spotify playlist with the song choices that title each chapter to preview the vibes .

A quick, super cute romance that will have you laughing from the beginning. The author does a great job of making the characters real and relatable. I was definitely pulling for the couple from the start!

It does, unfortunately, have the miscommunication trope - which we all know is the worst! Hence the loss of a star. I just find it so overdone & unrelatable. They can just talk to eachother!!

Overall, a nice and easy rom com. Perfect for a cozy Sunday afternoon.

Loved the friends to lovers trope! In the beginning it felt a big slow but overall it was a good read.

**Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own.

Erin Hahn is so underrated! I loved Friends Don't Fall in Love, a sort-of-joint follow-up to Hahn's YA debut You'd Be Mine and her adult debut Built to Last. I loved revisiting both worlds, but as a lifelong country fan with complicated feelings about the genre and industry, I especially valued Hahn's take on the conservative, sexist atmosphere of Nashville and Music Row with a Chicks-inspired lead in Lorelai Jones. I also hadn't expected to see so much of Annie and Coolidge, but was thrilled they were more than mentions.

Lorelai returns to Nashville after being run out of town for her activism years before, tentatively ready to make her comeback. She partners with longtime friend and new producer Craig "Huck" Boseman, the two working together while avoiding their mutual feelings. They have a strong friendship as the foundation for their romance, which is full of tension and longing and really makes you root for them to figure it out. Friends Don't Fall in Love also has a strong and spunky voice, inflected with the South and idioms and humor. Like in her first music-focused novel, Hahn uses music - both real-life reference and original lyrics - well to develop their relationship, personalities, and careers.

4.75 stars
I received this advanced copy of Erin Hahn's book. and I love books about lyrics and music. I always find that it is truely talented to make music and songs. To share that with the world and connect with other people whom may have a simiar story they can connect with. I digress, I also loved that this story is about true connection and finding that person that understands you and supports your craft.
Highly recommend.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I want to start by saying what a big Erin Hahn fan I am. I have adored her young adult books, and Built to Last was a rock-solid hit for me. I was very excited to revisit the Built to Last world in this book, but I have mixed feelings about this book.

Lorelai was a country music darling until she wasn't. Following a political protest, she was shunned by all of country music. I would have been ok with this aspect of the story had it not kept creeping up over and over again. I would be fully immersed in the romance just to have this pop back up again. It took me out of why I came here. I adored the comeback story part of it, but I think some of the stereotyping bothered me, and I am not a gun owner or a country music fan. I know this is a me-thing, and that many readers love this sort of thing.

That said, there were many aspects of this story I loved. One that was the biggest delight for me was Hahn not only including the characters from Built to Last but also from You'd Be Mine. This is the way to my heart. Getting the opportunity to attend a wedding AND catch up with Jefferson and Annie put a huge smile on my face.

And could the hero be any better? Craig was fantastic and so easy to root for. He was a total cinnamon roll with a solid gold heart. I have seen a lot of readers commenting on the miscommunication-trope at play here, but one of the best scene was when Craig's nephew challenges him on that very thing. Nothing like a 12-year old laying it out for you. It had to be one of my favorite scenes.

This book also had a really strong ending. At first, I thought Hahn was setting the stage for Maren's book, but then we did a little time jump. My heart burst with joy for all the characters and how their stories played out. I always just want the best for everyone involved, and Craig, Lorelai, Shelby, and Cam really hit the jackpot.

this book was so so good. i wish i could pick up and just plant myself inside of the book because it was everything!!!!

I just love Erin. In this follow up to Built to Last it's exactly the story I needed and wanted.

Loreali is a crushed down country star who doesn't follow the typical persona set forth. She's rebellious and independent.

Huck is the MMC that every woman needs in her life! Loyal, supportive and not even together.

The story follows their friendship through many tribulations.

I can't wait for Maren's story!!!!!

Friends to lovers is a favorite of mine but this one was exceptional. Lorelei and Craig (aka Huckleberry) had a one night stand years ago but then went their separate ways. After years apart the friends reunite as Lorelei, a once disgraced country star, tries to get her career off the ground again.

I have to admit some of the music industry parts were a little confusing for me but I really enjoyed the dual pov. Not to mention this had some of the best secondary characters I’ve seen in awhile (Arlo, Maren, Annie). I seriously couldn’t put this book down. SO good!!

This books is follows Lorelai and Craig, and their forays in the music industry. We first met Lorelai in Hahn's book Built to last, and I love the scene where she attends the wedding for the main characters from that book. It makes my heart happy when books connect like this.

I really like Lorelai and Craig's friendship and budding relationship and I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at recording studios etc.

The only thing I didn't like is that I thought the "world's" reaction to Lorelai's "protest" song was a bit over the top. She is not the first person to sing out about gun violence and she won't be the last, but as it was the premise of the story I went with it.

Overall, I thought the story was well done and I am crossing my fingers that the third female in the group gets her out story too!!

4 stars
3 spice

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Friends Don't fall in love

I'm really torn on how to rate this one, because I really enjoyed the music aspects of the story but I just couldn't get into their romance. I kept feeling like I had missed so much of their story that got them to this stage in their relationship, and maybe they feature more prominently than I thought in the previous book about Lorelai's best friend, so maybe we got a little more background between these two and that book? I'm not sure. But either way it felt a little underdeveloped by the time we joined them in this story. I was looking for more flashbacks where we see their friendship/acquaintanceship turning into more and there are only a couple of times where we got much of that. Because of that, I just didn't feel a whole lot either way between them and their romantic relationship and I found myself much more focused on the musical aspect of their relationship and rooting for Lorelei to get back into the music industry. That part of the story was fascinating and I was turning the pages more to find out about her recording and her journey back into the music industry rather than anything else. I also found the drama with Drake and the lyrical rights etc a little dramatic and unnecessary and I found myself bored during those points of the plot.
I'm sure this one is better if you've read previous books with these characters but as it's not clearly labeled as a book within a standalone series I didn't realize until after I'd finished the book that there were other ones I probably should have read first. If you read them in the proper order I'm sure you'll have a more memorable experience than I did.

A friends to lovers romance with a country music and Nashville background? Sign me up! I adored the story and characters, and I absolutely adore Craig. This story had good pacing, plenty of spice, and I honestly I love stories that involve music and lyrics. Truly a cozy read and I think it's perfect it's releasing in the fall!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I have been reading a lot of fantasy recently, and getting into a romance book really brought me back and reminded me why I love them. This was really good! I was pulled in from the very beginning. I couldn't put this down. I love the development of the story and characters. Erin has such a way with words and every time I read (or re-read) her books, I find new, cute things that make my heart swell even more. She just does such a great job with pulling you into the story, and Never wanting to let it go. If you enjoy YA contemporary or romance, definitely grab this one!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I really liked this one. It felt different from your typical romance and I liked the country music backdrop. Lorelai and Huck had great chemistry throughout and I enjoyed the heck out of following their story. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Read if you like:
🎶 Singers
😘 Friends to Lovers
😆 Great Banter
🔥 Tension
🗣️ Miscommunication Trope

How would you handle a huge falling out as a country music star that decided to be vocal about politics in a way that doesn’t align with your consumer base?

Well for Lorelai she hooks up with the only person that was there for her, then falls off the face of the earth only to run into her hookup 5 years later when she decides to try to revive her singing career.

When they come back together it’s so angsty and full of tension and it made for such a great read! I absolutely loved the HEA and the he falls first as it truly was the icing on the cake for this sweet romance!

Thank you so much to SMP for my ARC of this one!

"Friends Don't Fall in Love" by Erin Hahn is a delightful exploration of friendship, love, and pursuing dreams against all odds.

Lorelai Jones, a talented country musician, once had it all—a thriving career and a superstar fiancé. However, a momentous decision to sing a protest song altered the course of her life, shattering her future, including the impending celebrity marriage. Despite this setback, she remains determined to chase her dreams. In her pursuit, she turns to Craig Boseman, a cherished friend and her former fiancé's co-writer and bandmate.

Craig harbors deep feelings for Lorelai, yet he is aware of the cliché where the backup bass player never gets the girl. Circumstances have changed for Craig; he now owns an indie record label, and his songwriting career is flourishing. As they come together to rebuild Lorelai's career, the chemistry and unspoken desires between them become impossible to ignore.

Hahn weaves a story that is both fun and endearing, inviting readers to navigate the complex transition from friends to lovers. The narrative employs jumps in time to shed light on the intricate dynamics between Lorelai and Craig, although the transitions could be slightly disorienting. The pacing at times feels uneven, yet the story is a quick and enjoyable read, leaving readers with a cozy warm feeling.

The interactions between Lorelai and Craig, including the playful song game they engage in, are a highlight of the book. The author does a remarkable job capturing the chemistry between them, making their evolving relationship truly captivating. The cover is enticing and aptly sets the tone for the tale within.

However, the transition from friendship to a romantic relationship might not feel entirely believable to some readers. Additionally, the plot introduces the third-act breakup trope, which could be anticipated, raising questions about its necessity and impact on the overall plot.

In conclusion, "Friends Don't Fall in Love" is a charming read that underscores the power of friendship, the pursuit of dreams, and the unexpected turns of the heart. Erin Hahn successfully crafts a story that will leave readers both smiling and pondering the magic of love and companionship.

4.4 rounded down to 4/5

*Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of Friends Don't Fall in Love in exchange for an unbiased review*
Erin Hahn has done it again. She has succeeded in writing yet another sweet, endearing, heartfelt, beautiful love story. I have read a few other books by Hahn and they have all left me with such big emotions, this one wasn't much different. I am used to reading more YA versions of Hahn's books and this was definitely NOT YA and I'm here for it! It was nice getting to read a more 'grown-up' version of her books. As per her usual style, this was a breath of fresh air. A great plot without being too awfully heavy. There were several comical moments that made me laugh out loud. One of my favorites:
**Potential spoiler alert**
"To paraphrase the late, great, ethically iffy Dr. Seuss, my uterus grew three sizes that day.
Or my heart. Whatever. I'm convinced they sprinkle crack cocaine pixie dust in baby hair so everyone who sniffs them will want their own.
Not to self: Make an appointment to have IUD double-checked"
The only reason, and I mean only reason, this book is not getting the coveted 5 stars (that I will confess to giving all of her other books I have read) is because of the strong overuse of the country music scene. I'll admit, I am not a country music fan. Even a little. I just presumed I would insert rock references whenever country music was mentioned, but that was impossible after the first chapter. It is referenced so very much. It is almost like the primary focus of the book was country music and the characters and story were subplots. That is my only critique of this book. I loved the characters. I loved the story. I loved reading about their journey. I loved the roundabout way they came together. I love Hahn's easy, breezy, fresh take on romance.
This book made me laugh. It made me cry. I smiled a lot. 4.5 stars out of 5 for sure.

First time reading Erin's books, but it won't be the last! There's something enchanting about the characters that drew me in from the beginning. I actually liked them and would want to be friends IRL. Experts say that music has a way of impacting our memories & invoking feelings we didn't realize we have. This is what Erin's book did for me. Growing up on country music, seeing the titles again brought back so many moments I'd forgotten in the business of life. This one is a feel good, charming read. I can't wait to get to the next one!

Thanks for the ARC, #NetGalley

The premise of Erin Hahn's "Friends Don't Fall In Love" shows promise, focusing on the complex dynamics between ex-pop star Lorelai Jones and her ex-fiance's former partner, her close friend Craig (Huck). The narrative employs time jumps, aiming to provide insights into their relationship, but unfortunately, these transitions can be slightly confusing for readers.

As the story progresses, the reader anticipates a reunion between Lorelai and Huck, adding a layer of excitement to the plot. However, upon reaching the present day, this expectation is not met, and instead, the focus shifts abruptly to a wedding involving other characters. This deviation can be disappointing for those invested in the central relationship and may leave them wanting more of an immediate progression.

In terms of editing, it appears that the developmental stage might have benefitted from an additional pass. A more cohesive and smoother structure, especially regarding the time jumps and the narrative arc, could have enhanced the reading experience. The pacing and placement of pivotal events could have been reconsidered to ensure a more satisfying and emotionally resonant payoff for the readers.

While the concept and potential of the story are commendable, a more polished execution in terms of narrative structure and development could have elevated "Friends Don't Fall In Love" to a more engaging and fulfilling read.

2.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy - this is my honest review.