Cole and Laila, two 30-year olds, are thrown for a loop as they discover that the restaurant Cole's grandpa owns and where they both work at, might close. As Cole wants to explore his options in New York City, Leila follows him begrudgingly. With the change in scenery, they both start to consider if there could be more between them.

For me it was a 3 star read. Even though the main characters were in their late 30s, they seemed rather childish to me. Also the way the characters started considering a relationship after decades of friendship seemed a bit unbelievable and very out of the blue.

Did not finish at 15%.

At this point in the story, not only do I doubt them as lovers, they don't even seem like best friends. We're told that Laila understands Cole perfectly; however, she cannot stop asking him "you okay" as he mourns for his grandpa. Who does that!? Good friends know you don't ask. You just hang around and provide comfort and laughter.

Okay... but maybe that's just me.

But then, around 15%, Cole hears some pretty horrible news and takes some time to be by himself. When he returns Laila sees his face and KNOWS he's okay cause apparently Cole knew to mask his feelings and not show his true self to her. But, in her mind, she knows him and can tell that everything is alright now.

Ya, this just makes me think they don't share their deepest selves with each other. If they're not even vulnerable with each other as friends, how is this going to happen for them to be more? I just don't have any interest in them as a couple.

I received this for free as an advanced reader audiobook copy. But, it's not for me. I don't like the way the characters are written. Since this is the second book I've DNF'd by this author, I'm thinking this isn't the author for me.

This book really enchants the reader. A perfectly sweet, friends to lovers, dual POV romcom, a couple of friends realizing maybe they're years' long friendship could be something more. Cole and Laila, now in their late 30s, have been inseparable and best friends since they were children. However, certain events in Cole’s life seem to be taking him away their hometown, Adelaide Springs, to New York. Before making any decisions, Cole and Laila decide to spend a week together in New York. She wants to convince him to stay in Adelaide Springs, and he wants to convince her to come with him. The week gets increasingly complicated for the two of them as romance comes to the forefront of their minds after decades of friendship, and many questions arise. Cole and Laila as characters were loveable, their quirks, humour and pop-culture references endearing, and their small moments of affection incredibly heartwarming and beautiful. The author spent several pages talking about a hug between Cole and Laila and it still wasn’t enough for me. I needed even more - the writing was lovely. I really enjoyed the writing and this author as this author was a new one for me and I will be looking up additional books. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.

Cole and Laila are Just Friends was a tough slog for me. I enjoyed the sister book/prequel to this novel well enough. But, nothing prepared me for the juvenile bewilderment displayed in this book.

First, the banter was not banter. The characters just said annoying things very quickly with stream of consciousness. It was not amusing or endearing to this reader.

Second, and most importantly, the main characters were approaching forty, have been best friends and confidants for thirty years, and have the emotional capacity of a paperclip. It is entirely unbelievable that in a small town, neither party has engaged in a romantic relationship with each other or anyone else? Was I the only one baffled by this? And, for characters with this much life under their belt, no richness or layer of character was encountered while speaking about heavy topics such as Cole's adoption.

The audiobook narration was dual POV, easy to interpret. Thank you NetGalley and HaperCollins for a review copy.

Two late 30-something long-time childhood best friends’ lives get turned upside down when the family restaurant they both work at could potentially close. With this upcoming change, they discover what could be beyond their normal friendship. A feel-good, closed door (i.e. locked) romance that was a bit slow going at first…the plot picked up in the last quarter of the book for me. Although childhood friends to lovers isn’t a favorite trope of mine, (the bright, fun cover drew me in and said “pick me!”) I am learning to appreciate it more as it is interesting to see how an author discloses the backstories of the main characters and their shift to “something more”. The novel is written in a dual point-of-view, I liked that there was both a male and female narrator for the audiobook to portray Cole and Laila’s voices.
3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook.
This was an enjoyable friends to lovers romance which was cute and funny. I loved the dual perspective as it allowed us to see both Cole & Laila’s reaction and internal thoughts to events & I loved their playful nature and friendship.

For me this was a 3 star read as even though I loved the playful nature of the two main characters they did both come across as a lot younger than the age they were meant to portray ( almost 40) which made imagining the characters hard. However overall this didn’t impact my enjoyment of the book and if you are looking for a good friends to lovers romance then I would definitely recommend.

I really enjoy the friends to lovers trope so I was pumped for this book. I was approved for both the audiobook and the ebook so I was lucky enough to read along as I listened. Both Cole and Laila never thought of themselves as anything more than friends - until they did. When Cole has the opportunity to move away, Laila has to analyze their friendship and exactly how much Cole means to her. This book cruised along at a steady pace. I feel like when the two finally got together, the sparks weren't enough. My romantic side wanted more! The ending was simple and I wonder if maybe having an epilogue might have been beneficial to showing the readers how the two were doing later in life.

This was a super sweet friends-to-lovers story. Cute banter, the main characters were oblivious of their love for one another after thirty plus years. Light and fluffy generally. One of the motivating drivers is a bit sad but, given that this is a romance, it all works out in the end.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher.

So...this story is about two friends in their midlife who are now experiencing the changes that life brings, and deciding how that will change their relationship. I found both the main characters likable. There was some banter but I felt it was flat at times, and I felt very little tension between the characters. The book was more like exploring the comfort of friendship and almost had like a platonic romance if that makes sense. I found the characters to be well developed. I did find something missing from this for me...and I think it was that it needed more romance development and absolutely more tension/attraction. If you are looking for spice...this is not your book. They only kiss a few times.

I love the male narrator. The female narrator's male voice wasn't deep enough for me but I though both their inflections were great.

This was really cute! I absolutely loved all the Friends, Gilmore Girls and When Harry Met Sally references!

I struggled with the fact that these almost 40 year olds were best friends and had never once considered dating. Or that they apparently hadn't had any serious relationships along the way to be jealous of. But all in all, this was a light, cute romance that made me smile.

Bethany Turner’s Cole and Laila are Just Friends is a delightful and heartwarming exploration of lifelong friendship teetering on the edge of something more. Set in the charming mountain town of Adelaide Springs, Colorado, this novel is a quintessential friends-to-lovers story that resonates with humor, warmth, and emotional depth.

Cole Kimball and Laila Olivet have been inseparable since childhood. Their bond, built on years of shared experiences, mutual support, and unwavering loyalty, is beautifully portrayed. Turner captures the essence of their friendship with authenticity, making their dynamic relatable and endearing. Cole, a talented chef working in his family’s restaurant, and Laila, a contented small-town girl with a quirky palate, share a rapport that is both comforting and genuine.

The narrative takes a poignant turn when Cole uncovers a family betrayal following his grandfather’s death, prompting him to consider moving to New York City. This revelation disrupts the stability of their relationship, introducing a sense of urgency and uncertainty. Laila’s love for her small-town life and her reluctance to see Cole leave create a compelling internal conflict. Her struggle to support Cole’s potential move while grappling with her own feelings adds emotional depth to the story.

Turner’s writing shines in her depiction of the week Cole and Laila spend in New York City. Their agreement to not influence each other’s decisions and simply enjoy their time together leads to moments of introspection, humor, and undeniable chemistry. The city, with its vibrant energy and endless possibilities, serves as the perfect backdrop for their evolving relationship. As they navigate the bustling streets and iconic landmarks, the sparks between them become impossible to ignore.

The gradual realization of their feelings for each other is handled with a deft touch. Turner avoids cliches, instead opting for a realistic portrayal of how deep-seated emotions can surface unexpectedly. The tension between wanting to preserve their friendship and acknowledging their romantic feelings is palpable, making their journey all the more compelling.

The supporting characters, including the quirky residents of Adelaide Springs and the colorful New Yorkers they encounter, add richness to the narrative. These characters provide humorous and heartfelt moments that enhance the main storyline without overshadowing it.

Cole and Laila are Just Friends excels in its witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, reminiscent of When Harry Met Sally and the beloved dynamic of Luke and Lorelai from Gilmore Girls. Turner’s ability to blend humor with poignant reflections on love and friendship makes this novel a standout in the contemporary romance genre.

In conclusion, Cole and Laila are Just Friends is a charming and emotionally satisfying read. Bethany Turner crafts a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply moving, exploring the complexities of transitioning from friendship to romance. With its well-drawn characters, engaging plot, and heartfelt message, this novel is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies and character-driven stories. The four-star rating reflects its ability to capture the reader’s heart and imagination, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

Cole and Laila have been friends for their entire lives - almost 40 years - and they take a trip to New York together, things start to shift, they both start to wonder what it would be like to be more than friends. I thought this was a really cute love story and a cute take on the friends-to-lovers trope. I'm not a huge fan of this setup usually but there were some aspects of this book that made it a little special and different like their blind date. I think maybe because I'm from the tri-state area and have lived in New York City for 10 years that the special New York things and movie and television filming locations they go to and obsess over are a little much for me. All the rom-com and movie and Friends references were a little over the top and a little too specific. I feel like they could've gone a little lighter on this theme but I get that Cole was trying to take Laila to all these special places to make her happy and excited. I definitely understand the joy and wonder of the first visit to New York when you're not from this area of the country. I have seen that look on my friend's face when they see things in Central Park for the first time. I totally get it. I just thought this was a little heavy handed. I wish there was a little less of the miscommunication trope in this book but overall I did like how upfront they were when they did decide to have the hard conversations and confront things. I just felt like they kept going a little back and forth and it didn't make much sense to me. But I loved their blind date day that was very cute. Cole was a very cute MMC and I love Andrew Eiden as a narrator. Laila just felt a little childish? to me I don't know she didn't seem like a 38 year old to me most of the time. Overall I give it 3 stars. It was a cute fun rom-com!

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for the ARC! This is a sweet romance about friends to lovers with characters that are relatable and lovable. Some of the scenes were laugh out loud funny but the novel also addressed real life problems. A fun summer read for sure

I absolutely loved Bethany Turner's Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other, and I am so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to get back to the world of Adelaide Springs! This was just as lovely as the first in the series, but even more exciting for me as someone who used to live in Manhattan. Bethany Turner gives just the amount of tension, and it's honestly kind of refreshing to read a romance without a ton of "spice," as they say. This is a sweet love story, and I can't wait to go back to Adelaide Springs again someday. If I'm honest, I hope the next book has more Doc in it!

Cole and Laila is a worthy successor to Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other and is a tender love letter to the joys and beauties of New York City from the eyes of a tourist and rom com enjoyer. A friends to lovers romance that readers were salivating to read from the moment we met Cole and Laila in the first book, this book had every great trait of the trope - one party gently and realistically pining over the other for years? Check. A major change that made the other party realize their love? Check. Bethany Turner never fails to write a sweet and gentle love story filled with pop culture references and earnestness and this one is my favorite so far.

This was a very cute story. I loved the “first date” these characters took, pretending not to know each other. Even though the storyline was predictable it was an easy listen with great narrators. I liked all the pop culture references from the 80’s as an 80’s baby myself. It was nice to see people close to my age still figuring it out and not feeling like they had to have all the answers to all the things by a certain age. It brought home the idea that’s it’s never too late to find your happily ever after.

Oh, this was really sweet! I adored Cole and Laila’s friendship. Their constant support of each other no matter the circumstances was lovely. I tend to be more of an enemies-to-lovers kind of girlie, but friends-to-lovers was done so beautifully in this one that it has me craving more! The move from friends to romantic partners was just done so perfectly. It was convincing and butterfly-inducing! The only part I struggled to believe was that they hadn’t realized just how perfect they were for each other before their late thirties.

I loved all the pop culture references, and I honestly wish Laila were real because I want to be her friend! There was very little spice which, if you’ve read another recent review of mine, you’ll know I liked that. I don’t mind some spice on occasion, but I’ve been missing books that are heavier on the sweet aspects of the romance!

Apparently, this is a companion novel to another book by the author, ‘Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other’. You can definitely read this one without having read it, but Brynn and Sebastian make several appearances in this one, so it might be fun to read that first. I’m going to go back and read it myself, just because Brynn’s sunshiny personality and Sebastian’s adoration of her was so adorable in their appearances.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book was so good.
Slow burn? Yes.
Dual POV? Check.
Friends to lovers? Sign me up.
Multiple LOL moments? Thank god.
A cover with people I actually love? Who knew that could happen?
Andrew Eiden????? Any time I unknowingly hear him narrating a book I just started is the equivalent to waking up on Christmas morning. And I love Christmas. I audibly gasp when he begins to speak. I have a problem. He just makes the story so much better with his performances.

“Cole and Laila Are Just Friends” is everything you should want in a friends-to-lovers book. The cheesiness was tasteful and believable because they’ve been friends for so long that all the potentially cringey moments felt natural for a friendship like theirs. The slow burn was primo. Not too short which just made everything so worth the wait and kept you fully invested in the characters for the entire of the story.

My only critique is that their ages seemed off. Sure, anyone can act any certain way at any age and to each their own. But if you’re going to make the main characters 39 going on 40, have a reason to do so? All in all, it didn’t affect the story for me whatsoever but I just kept reminding myself that they weren’t 25 or 30 but actually 40, yet that didn’t ever seem to fit the story.

10/10 story and would recommend to everyone!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the arc! 💌💌
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Loved that the audio was both a female and male voice.

This was a gem of a book. It made me laugh hard, it made me cry, it was beautifully written.

Dual POV
Best Friends to lovers
Forced Proximity
Miscommunication (but with a breath of relief, always cleared up quickly)
Spice: .5

This book was really sweet. I so enjoyed the development of these characters and the immense insight into a true best friendship. I loved that we also got to revisit with Brynn and Seb. All the back story with them and Cole and Laila really added to the small town "we know everything about everyone" feel. The only part I felt was a little hard to imagine was that they were 40 years old when they got together after being best friends for all 40 years. I was also sad there wasn't more spice beyond kissing because the tension and chemistry was UNMATCHED, but that is just personal preference.

I will also say, the pop culture references were top notch. As a millennial I appreciated every single one and there were so so many!!

This was a cute rom-com story with about a million rom-com movie references and I was here for all of it. It will be checking out the other works by this author. This was just a cute love story and a lot of fun.