Lorelai Jones was living the Nashville dream- her superstar career had taken off and she had a handsome country-singing fiance- until a 4 minute performance of a controversial song ended it all.

The only person who stood by her side while she tried to pick up the pieces of her life was her long-time friend (and bandmate to her now ex-fiance) Craig Boseman. As years pass, Craig holds a torch for Lorelai Jones but can't let her know- friends don't fall in love, right?

Don't let Hahn's previously published YA books fool you- Friends Don't Fall in Love is SPICY!!! As a big fan of open-door romances, this was an awesome discovery. There were a few areas of the story where a lot was brought in that felt a bit 'distracting' from the main story line (Lorelai Jones' dietary restrictions) and a definite trigger warning as school shootings and gun control in the US is mentioned multiple times throughout. However- the undeniable chemistry between Lorelai and Craig kept me reading until the very end.

Here are some things I loved about the story:
- friends to lovers
- country music scene
- song lyrics (Jonesin' would be an epic song!)
- jumps back and forth between memories and the present (although this was sometimes not made clear, and it took a few paragraphs into the chapter to realize the timeline had shifted)
- the chapter titles are popular country music songs

If you're a fan of comeback story, country music, or a strong female main character, Friends Don't Fall in Love is for you! Check it out on pub day- June 16 2023!

Lorelai and Craig are two best friends that surprise fall in love. Lorelai is having to restart her music career after playing a political song at a concert. During her restart Craig her best friend music producer is there to help her along the way.

Now while I like a good friends to lovers, I could not get into these two. I don't know what it was about them that I couldn't love them. I appreciated their growth. I also appreciated the Celiac and LGBTQ representation. Something that I did appreciate is the mentions of school shootings. It was subtle, but still made an impact.

This is a really cute romance that hits all the right notes. Seriously, I loved the relationship between Lorelai and Craig. The progression seemed so natural, Their story was exactly what I needed. Please don't skip this lazy afternoon or beach read.

I received an e-arc from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press,/St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Lorelai enjoy singing and her career was starting to take off. When it stopped she didn't know what to day. Several years later she reconnected with an old friend. I enjoyed the chemistry between Lorelai and Craig.

Friends Don't Fall in Love is a must-read for fans of Erin Hahn's writing and for anyone who loves a good steamy romance novel. This book is a perfect blend of comed, passion, and emotional ups and downs of music. In this case country which always brings the best drama. Erin has a talent for crafting relatable characters. Friends Don't Fall in Love is no exception. The book talks about Lorelai, a fallen country star, and Craig, a musician who is trying to make it big. Both characters have different struggles and experiences in life and music industry. One of the things that I loved about this book was the relationship with both characters, they understand each other in the best ways, and that transfers to all areas of their lives. The big moments between them are what i could dream of, but it's the small moments that really make this book special. This story does an excellent job of showing how two people can be so perfect for each other but still struggle to make things work. Another thing that I loved about this book was the use of lyrics, poems, and words. The lyrics and poems in this book are perfection, and they add an extra layer of emotion to an already emotional story. Another book dirty letters used this and that is why it's my first 5 star of the year. Overall, Friends Don't Fall in Love is an excellent book that lives up to the hype. It's a well-written romance novel. I just loved it!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
REVIEW IS SPOILER FREE

Themes: Political issues in the country industry
Representation: Celiac, LGBT side characters
Content Warnings: Sex, mentions of gun violence
Spice Level: 4/5

Premise: After playing a song in a concert, Lorelai‘s superstar career crashes and she must learn to rebuild it. However, with the help of Craig (her friend and maybe more) she is able to get it back on track, the way she wants it.


Characters


I loved both Lorelai and Greg and thought they complimented each other pretty well. You can literally see their chemistry rippling off their page from their thoughts about each other and their interactions.

For Lorelai, I loved how she maintains that fire in her even if circumstances and other people try to drag her down. She stands for what she stands for and fights for rights in her music in an industry that isn’t forgiving and I love that for her.

For Craig, I love how he takes a stand and builds a life for himself the way that he wants it to be. And I especially love how kindly he treats everyone, Lorelai, his friends, and his family.

And for their chemistry, if what they think about each other isn’t obvious, you should see it in the songs they write about each other (this is a country book after all)!

Now Drake, I do hate him. I do hate how he treats Lorelai and Craig. I do hate what he does. However, I feel like I wanted a bit more say in his hate rather than him just being greedy and narcissistic. I know this occurs to a lot of people. But I want to know what changed and how he gradually changed. I wanted a bit more depth into his character too.

Finally, the side characters. While I love what they each added to the story, friendship, support, community, and a listening ear, I felt like some of the side characters were unnecessary as certain characters share similar roles. And I feel like by having too many side characters, it takes away from the story’s message.

Rating: 3.7/5


Plot


Since this book is more character-based, it isn’t plot-heavy so you can expect the plot to be a bit weaker.

However, although I loved both the prologue and epilogue, the pacing of most of the middle of the book felt kind of slow.

Let’s talk about the prologue and epilogue first. First, I am a sucker for a prologue and epilogue. A prologue allows a glimpse at the past events that occurred to the character, which can add more depth and understanding to the story. And this prologue does just that! And the epilogue can be used as a way to tie off loose ends and give that satisfying ending, giving a view of what happens after the “happily ever after” and I have to say, the epilogue is fairly satisfying.

However, the rising action of the book was slow and fairly flat. I mean, it was okay. And I guess considering this story was meant to feel more realistic, it hits the realism pretty accurately. It just felt like things weren’t really happening in the story.

And the climax? It had its dramatic aspects for sure, and I appreciate the author trying to deviate from some of the traditional romance writing norms by having a less dramatic climax. However, I cannot fully feel the energy that I usually feel with a normal climax.

But overall, a decently solid plot.

Rating: 3.2/5


Style


Now… the style, formatting, and diction of the book is my favourite part of it!

Let’s talk about style and formatting first. It’s written in first-person present tense with dual POVs. I especially love romance novels that are written in first-person with dual-POVs. It makes you feel more connected to both characters, it makes you appreciate their love story even more since you can see it from both sides, and it furthers the chemistry that they both have.

This book is also sprinkled with the perfect amount of pop culture references as well. And as a fan of country music, I approve! If you don’t listen to country or are only vaguely familiar with it, then this might turn you off as you don't understand the references. But for me, it makes me love the book more because it makes the character more human and it helps me better visualize what is going on in the book.

Speaking of country music, each chapter is titled as well! And each of the titles corresponds to a specific country song. I can’t say exactly what songs are featured as it will spoil the book. However, I can say that you get a mix of old and new roots, more mainstream country and hidden gems, Miranda Lambert, The Chicks, and Luke Combs.

Finally, in terms of style and formatting, I loved the mix of media featured in this book: texts, social media, and flashbacks as well as the good ol’ story. It not only helps to break up the flow of the book but also shines a new light on the character, helping to connect them to us as well as see how they text and interact with others on Instagram.

Now, for the themes of the book, I loved how the author didn’t shy away from speaking about sexism and conservatism in country music. Lorelai herself is a character that is affected by that. And I loved how the author didn’t make her ignore these problems, but speak up for them. Because it’s true, most songs on country radio are played by male artists. Most country singers are White. And most of them are straight and cisgender. But that does not mean that Black or Asian or gay or nonbinary country singers don’t exist. It’s just… they don’t get the same recognition and I love the author for recognizing that. However, it would be wonderful if it was explored just a bit more.

Finally, the diction of the book is… I don’t know how to describe it, interesting? You can definitely tell Lorelai’s part from Craig’s part just by the way the author writes it which is great. However, some of the lines felt awkwardly phrased and I had to reread them a few times.

But overall, solid themes and stylistic choices.

Rating: 4.8/5


Final Rating


Characters: 3.7/5
Plot: 3.2/5
Formatting: 4.8/5
Final Rating: 3.9/5 (round to 4 stars)
Personal Rating: 3.2/5

Date Read: June 9th, 2023
Date Reviewed: June 9th, 2023

such a sweet story, i can’t wait for the world to read this one!! trigger warnings: talks about gun violence and spicy!!

This was super sweet and I loved the songwriting and poetry part of the story. I, of course, loved seeing Summer and Cameron. I don't like miscommunication trope, but at least it was resolved and the ending was exactly what I wanted!

Erin Hahn sure know hows to write a good romance <3 I loved this book so much and even though I knew very little about the country music world she does a great job of immersing the reader into the world in a way that doesn't feel jarring or confusing. I could see this book being a lot of people's favorite!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC.

I was a big fan of Erin Hahn's Built to Last last year, but I felt a bit let down by Friends Don't Fall in Love. I enjoyed Lorelai and Craig as characters, but it felt to me like the story was oddly gappy in places and just didn't totally make sense sometimes. It's the kind of stuff I'd hope to be fixed after an original draft, but I doubt much will change here. There was tons of potential, but I thought it fell flat.

Friends Don't Fall in Love was one of my most anticipated book releases for the fall of 2023. I have been waiting for it ever since I finished Built to Last. Fallen country star Lorelai was a side character who intrigued me, and I couldn't wait to get her story. Plus, I love Erin Hahn's writing and want to read everything she releases. Anyways. What I'm trying to say here is that I was excited for this release, and it did not disappoint me. I loved it. 

Friends Don't Fall in Love is like if You'd Be Mine and Built to Last had a baby. It's got the adult characters, humor, and steam of Built to Last and the emotional ups and downs of the country music scene of You'd Be Mine. That being said, it's a well written and crafted story all of its own. Lorelai and Craig have new and different struggles and experiences in life and country music. 

Don't let the illustrated cover fool you. A closed-door romance this is not. It's probably the steamiest book Hahn has written yet. Lorelai and Craig have a passionate and emotional connection. They get each other in the best of ways and that transfers to all areas of their lives. I loved the big moments with them, but also the small moments. Neither wanted to rock the friendship boat with a romance. It was frustratingly fun for them to work through it all, and I loved where their journeys took them solo and together. The lyrics, poems, and words Hahn used for them were perfection. Lorelai and Craig were a swoon worthy couple I could have read a hundred more chapters about.

This is also Hahn's most provocative book when it comes to speaking her mind or including some of her own experiences. She made her thoughts on religion known in Never Saw You Coming and she's gone a step further with this release. Hahn doesn't shy away from giving Lorelai a voice when it comes to social or political issues. If you can't handle reading about a character wanting stronger gun control laws, etc. this book probably isn't for you. There are topics sprinkled throughout. It's not preachy, but it's there and it is timely.  

Oh! Earlier I mentioned that this book was like two books having a baby... I should mention there are some big cameos from those two previous books that fans won't want to miss out on. These characters show up to help out our MCs and I loved every minute of that. 

There is so much to say about Friends Don't Fall in Love and I don't know that I'm capable of getting it all out in this review. I had a wonderful time reading this book. I was in a hurry to get to the end of Lorelai and Craig's romance, while at the same time wishing it would go on longer. Hahn's writing shines brightest when it is set in the country music world, and I wouldn't be sad if Hahn wrote every book within it. I'm super excited to read whatever she releases next.

Lorelai Jones was once the reigning queen of country, until she was canceled. Now, five years later, she's ready to reenter the music world, with the help of the one person who stood by her, Craig "Huck" Boseman. I loved this follow-up to last year's Built to Last. Erin Hahn deftly made the transition from YA to adult romance and I love how she brought back two of her YA characters as side characters in this one (Annie Mathers and Clay Coolidge from You'd Be Mine). I absolutely loved the storyline and the characters. Erin Hahn is a favorite of mine for a reason. I highly recommend this romance!

I really loved this one. Lorelai and Huck were *chef's kiss* in their banter and chemistry. There was a little too much miscommunication for my liking BUT it did make sense in the context of their friendship. There's a good amount of spice sprinkled through the novel. I loved the Nashville setting and the music industry background. It's a perfect beach read for summer with a HEA.

Friends absolutely do fall in love and I fell in love with this book. Erin writes such cute and light romances and I loved this book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Summary plot:
Lorelai Jones and Craig Boseman are best friends. Lorelai used to be engaged to Craig's (asshole) bandmate, but after she played a progressively political song at a concert, she lost her fiance and music career. Now Lorelai is starting her career again with Craig by her side. They toe the lies between friends and lovers as they participate in sexual activities with each other while never defining what could be more.

Thoughts about the book:
Overall, I thought it was a decent book. Nothing particularly wow-ed me, unfortunately. I wish I liked it more. I thought the first few chapters were written a little weird as it provided background on what happened before the plot takes place. But it seemed very info-dumpy to me. The romance wasn't bad by any means, but I didn't really get the connection between Lorelai and Craig. (But clearly I'm in the minority since most people seemed to really have enjoyed this book!)

One thing I will say that I liked was the author's subtle-not-really-subtle way of talking about gun violence in this country. It didn't impact the book at all, but it was a nice way to get a message across.

Would I recommend this book? Sure.

Easily my most favourite adult romance written by Erin Hahn (her debut YA very closely nicks it to that top spot - which is why I was delighted to see my favourite characters from that book return to play significant supporting roles here). Friends to lovers can be a tricky trope and there were a few times I just wanted the two to sit down and talk about their feelings, but there were very understandable emotional hang-ups, fears, insecurities, and a lot of history between Lorelai and Craig so it felt ultimately fulfilling to see them work through these issues and find their way to each other as romantic partners from best friends. As with You'd Be Mine, Hahn's YA debut, there's a lot of music content (country music, in specific) and this Nashville-based story only reminds you how the author's already skilled ability at writing about music and the industry has been honed since YBM. Because Lore has moved back to Nashville from Michigan, Maren and Shelby don't get as much in=person page time with her (though Maren gets significantly more than Shelby - I can't wait for the former's book; there were a few allusions in this one as to what it could be about), but there is enough other found family in the supporting cast of characters here, including Craig's business partner at the studio, who shine and make this a very compelling world to be a part of.

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed the friends to lovers theme. On the other hand, I felt like the language was pretty strong and wasn’t the right fit for everyone. It definitely had a “Dixie Chicks” vibes going. I did like the different POV chapters from Craig and Lorelei.

Built to Last was my first Erin Hahn and I've been eager to read this one ever since. This book brought back some characters that were first introduced in Built to Last, though it can definitely be read as a stand alone. Lorelai and Craig are wonderful characters and I so enjoyed reading their story!!

My first Erin Hahn book was Built To Last, and I loved its sensibilities, humor, and swoon. Friends Don't Fall In Love was a great extension of the world the author is building. Hahn answers the question: what would have happened if The (Dixie) Chicks had been an individual instead of a trio, and what if that person had to claw her way back into the limelight while also dealing with an asshole ex. Lore and Huck are lovable and hilarious, if just a tad clueless, which further adds to their misadventures. Overall, a really fun, heartfelt story from a talented writer. ❤️

Thank you to NetGalley for approving this ARC in return of an honest review!

It is odd to convey my true feeling for this book.

On one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought there were some lighthearted moments with just the right amount of angst. On the other, I don’t know if this book will be for everyone.

The pace, specially in the beginning, is an unnecessary back and forth. I wanted a deeper dive into the character’s love for one another, considering they have been longtime friends. It kept me interested, but I do not think it will be on my radar until it’s release.

But there is something about it that just pulls the right strings (no pun intended.) It was sweet and hot and wholesome and fearless and honest.

So, I do not know if I feel indifferent or comforted by it. Just give it a try if you are really into country music and like the friends-to-lovers trope with HEA!