Yes, it’s a predictable story but it’s also fun to see it play out as the main characters form a relationship which moves from friendship to love. I don’t think that counts as a spoiler as it is pretty obvious from the moment you read the dust jacket. The author uses language quite cleverly and the way she presents the different perspectives is fun to follow. Readers of Beth O’Leary willlikely enjoy this author’s work.

After a break up, Minnie's therapist suggests she gets back to the basics of life, including making friends and experiencing joy. She is given that opportunity when she helps Jesse, a stranger, end an uncomfortable situation in a coffee shop. Somewhat a la "Serendipity," they agree to meet up, but don't share any contact information, and start taking adventures and forming a friendship. I found Minnie somewhat desperate and Jesse abusive. Despite their being adamant that they don't want a romance, of course one blossoms, and it probably won't end well in the future because of their personalities. The writing style is difficult to get into and can be hard to follow at times...and it's just boring. This is probably the right read for someone, but it certainly wasn't for me.

DNF 10%

Nothing personal but the writing style is very difficult to get into. The third person writing style and switching from one character to another within the same paragraph is very jarring and takes me out of the story more often then I would like it to.

I cannot say enough how much I loved this book. The story was perfect, characters felt real. I could not put it down

Five Days by Zoe Folbigg, still trying to get over her last heartbreak her therapist tells her to make new friends and this is why she intervenes and introduces her self to Jesse lightning. They both agree neither want nor have time for a romance and when mini ask Jesse if they could get together and be friends he awkwardly hesitates and then finally consents in a yeah, but not really type away. They both have baggage and claim to not want romance but of course that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Let me start by saying I didn’t like many at all and I found Jesse quite boring not to mention verbally abusive to the little boy in the book/record/coffee shop where they met and despite this mini wants to be his friend anyway but what really irked me about that whole introduction to the characters was when she kept saying “want to get together and play?” And then after their trip to the zoo when they met in front of the bingo hall she tells Jesse it’s nice to meet him despite the fact of already met hung out and they pre-arrange this bingo hall trip. I usually love Zoe Folbiggs romances because she is extremely edgy and always seems to be on the cusp of what’s new and trendy this is the next trend I think I will pass. I am still going to read her books as everyone can have a bad day or a bad book so I’m still a fan I just did not like this one. I mean cursing out a little boy is a lot to come back from and although I felt bad for Jesse in this whole situation with his daughter I just found that part holy unbelievable because if I saw a grown man cursing out a little boy for any reason the last thing I would want to do is be his partner. Not to mention I really didn’t like many at all. I’m so sorry I usually love the authors books but not this time.

I expected a lot more from this book based on the synopsis. It is okay at best- definitely not at the top of my must read stack.

I really enjoyed this story. The concept was fantastic. Minnie and Jessie meet in a coffee shop / book store. Minnie is seeing a therapist after a heartbreak and he gave her some suggestions on what to do to help herself. She needs to make a friend, a friend who she does not fall in love with. So deal is made, no last names, no phones, just good old fashion meet ups. I could not put this book down, I did think after the 1st chapter that I may not continue the books as there was so many f bombs I that chapter, but the story was solid and very addictive.

A really good book which I read very quickly as I couldn't put it down. I enjoy Zoe's books along and the characters are always interesting. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Oh dear. 67% through and I just cannot keep going. It’s so twee it is painful. The writing is fine but just fine. I’m too bored. I don’t care.

Can you imagine going back to basics when developing a friendship? You don’t swap numbers or surnames, so there’s no googling each other, and you can’t just text to change plans you make. No false personas hiding behind a keyboard, it’s just face to face contact and being ‘IRL’. Sometimes going back to basics is what you need to remember who you are, especially after losing yourself. I’m a little bit Jealous of Minnie and Jesse. This was a one-dayer that I thoroughly loved devouring.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Minnie and Jesse meet in a cafe by chance and as Minnie's therapist has just told her to make new friends, she suggests some platonic friendship dates, which is an intriguing if a little far-fetched premise. I think she actually calls them play dates, as if they were both five years old - just without any sleepovers! There are rules like no last names and Googling each other, and no exchange of phone numbers, which of course turns out to be troublesome.

The therapist also recommended running through a field as fun activity which made me immediately think of Theresa May who apparently likes to run through fields of wheat, and later they actually mention her! Made me snort in amusement.

Both of them have hangups - hers is a recent breakup and trying to get her acting career going, his is a dead dad and an unfaithful wife. Jesse, a font designer, has a 7 year old daughter who he tries to see as often as he can, and at the same time he is trying to illustrate a children's book he started with his Dad who was a popular thriller author.

There are flashbacks for both Minnie and Jesse that in my opinion could have been left out because we knew the facts already.

Their dates are fun and imaginative - they make it as far as Paris and Provence where Jesse's Mum lives. The description of the landscape including the lavender fields is very evocative and made me wish I was there.

There is lots of talk about the apparently not well-known enough Bechdel test, and also a lot of swearing. The third-act breakup is annoying but then most of the time they are.

But all in all this is an eminently heartwarming and charming story with (on the whole) likeable characters, and you can't help rooting for them to get their second chance.

Just a warning: Maybe don't read this book while you're on a plane or about to get on one. You can thank me later.

"I want my time with you."

3.75 stars

I absolutely loved this story – I was fully engrossed in the characters Jesse and Minne – and I didn’t want to put the book down. Such a heartwarming story about finding friendship and never giving up on love. The scenes set in Provence were just magical and so beautifully written, I felt like I was transported there myself.

The only reason I haven't given 4 stars is due to the story finishing so abruptly – so much more could have been written about Minnie’s outcome and how life unfolded for her and her back story. However, I would highly recommend and look forward to reading more by this talented author.

Perfect for readers of Jojo Moyes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc in return for an honest, unbiased review.

I enjoyed the unique premise of this novel and I enjoyed the storyline enough to keep reading to see how it all panned out. However, I was not completely captivated or emotionally attuned to either of the main characters or any of the side characters. I wish there was more dialogue and action, and less narration.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book; it had me hooked from the start with the very relatable coffee shop scene. This book had me smiling throughout and felt that it was a breath of fresh and exactly what I wanted to read at the time.

This book reminded me of Beth O'Leary's work having recently rewatched the flatshare and I loved it.
Minnie meets Jesse in a bookshop/cafe when she intercepts a confrontation between him and a disgruntled parent. Minnie, acting on advice of her therapist pursues him for a friendship of sorts and stipulates a set of rules; first name only, no contact via phone or social media and definitely no falling in love...
Thanks to netgalley and boldwood books for the advance copy.

Minnie has been through a bad break up and her therapist advised action, making new friends and remembering child like joy.
She meets Jesse in a coffee shop and asks to be friends. They don't share second names or phone numbers but agree to meet and there the relationship begins, as they both start to mend in their own way.
I really enjoyed this book.

I was looking for a light love story and this one sounded very promising, so I grabbed it. And what can I say: it was worth it, the story is beautiful and touching. Funny, relaxed, with some serious undertones and lovable protagonists.
This is what it's about: We are in London. Jesse Lightning, over 30, currently going through a divorce, designer and new children's book author, has an important business appointment. Shortly before, he involuntarily bathes in coffee - the day is rapidly getting worse. Minnie, an aspiring actress and current waitress, is at his side, and has also experienced much happier times - she is currently recovering from a nasty ex with the help of her therapist. He recommends that she find new friends and create new, beautiful experiences, and so Jesse and Minnie dare to experiment: every 14 days they meet up for friendly dates. No one is to know the other's last name, no phone numbers are exchanged, no one googles the other. Just a nice time together like in childhood. That's the idea - but can it work? Spoiler: of course it doesn't work, this is a romance, and if the title says that it should go from Friends to Lovers in 5 days (aka 5 dates), we as interested readers know where the journey is going to. But this journey is told in a super charming and entertaining way, and it was fun to accompany Minnie and Jesse through the highs, lows and unexpected plot twists. To reveal too much more about the content would really be too much of a spoiler, so I'll keep this review short and just give a big reading recommendation. Well written, it grabbed me. The locations, the setting, were, I repeat, charming. We were in the north of London, in the lavender fields of Provence, in Paris and in Los Angeles - it had everything 😊. As the saying goes, a feel-good book, in the best sense of the word.
I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!

The characters were not engaging to me! I wish I had been more invested in their story! It felt contrived and done, which made me care less about these characters specifically and I found myself flipping through pages without really taking in anything. Perhaps it will be the right read for someone else!

I could not put this book down, I absolutely loved every part of it. The main characters were so wonderful aligned. I felt transported to Provence- the writing was incredibly descriptive. Read it- you’ll love it

I was hooked from the first page of this book. I loved the characters of Jesse and Minnie and the way their stories were slowly fed into the narrative. I loved the fact that the plot wasn't just focused on the romance but showed how looking after yourself before rushing into a relationship is more important.

I would highly recommend for anyone who likes romance and women's issues.