I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it.

I have listened to many of Bethany Turner’s audiobooks books and like the others this did not disappoint.

I was gifted a copy of Brynn and Sebastian and haven’t had a chance to read it but I definitely will now.

Thank you NetGalley & Thomas Nelson for this advanced audiobook in return for an honest review.

I thought this was a really good story. I liked the narration and the characters were funny and relatable. I gave this a 4 stars and I’d recommend the audiobook.

"Something tells me you and I are going to be very good friends."
Cole and Laila Are Just Friends is a fresh addition to the friends to more trope. I really enjoyed that the characters communicated strongly when that moment arrived where they teetered from friends to romance. It had its bumps, but it was so realistic which was refreshing; even their reasons for not waking up to those feelings before were super believable. I also appreciated that the characters were in their late 30s/early 40s and the maturity they had as well as the years of history this lent to their backstory. It was neat how the author presented the term "just friends" in the book and allowed that to play into the evolution of Cole and Laila's relationship.
I enjoyed the settings and overall small-town vibe and community. I felt invested in their romance, their friendship, and their town. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and found the narration to be easy to follow along with and differentiate who was talking or which character's voice the chapter was being told in. I'd listen to it again and I recommend it.
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Audio for the advance listening copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I enjoyed this story and the audiobook version, I recommend it.
This is a clean romance.

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Cole and Laila are Just Friends was a super cute friends to lovers book about two lifelong friends who have never been more. Cole is looking to leave his life in small town Colorado behind after his adopted grandfather passes and Cole finds out the restaurant he’d loved and expected his grandfather to leave to him had been sold to a corporation. Laila can’t imagine a life without her best friend in it and they both go to NYC to visit mutual friends and for Cole to interview for a job.
I adored this book! It was so sweet and cute and I firmly believe that friends to lovers is a totally underrated trope. This was friends to lovers done RIGHT. They really felt like best friends in the ways they spoke to each other and behaved around each other. We got intermittent peeks into their shared past, but not so much that it felt like the story was taking place on two timelines. I was kicking my feet and rooting for these two!
4⭐️

This book was an absolute joy from start to finish!

It’s as if the author picked through Amy Sherman-Palladino’s brain and wrote a book that encompassed all of the joy and quirkiness of the first few seasons of Gilmore Girls. All the quick wit, the pop culture references, the quirky small town, and bffs who speak their own shorthand. I haven’t laughed out loud this much while reading/listening to a book in a long time. I was thoroughly entertained and so completely engrossed that I didn’t want to leave this world and these characters when it was all said and done. This book will be getting a spot on my favorites shelf.

The narrators for the audiobook were utterly fantastic. The pacing, the delivery, the emotion, all of it came together seamlessly. I will definitely be listening to this book again.

Favorite Quotes:

"I don't like the expression 'just friends'," I whispered. "I don't like the implication that there's a hierarchy of relationships. And if there is a hierarchy, how dare anyone minimize friendship? Isn't friendship everything?"

There wasn't a singular moment when something had shifted and somewhere deep in his subconscious his soul had whispered, "She matters more than the rest." It had just always been. He'd always known.

"I think, in a way, I'm sort of hoping you realize it doesn't matter where we are, as long as we're together."

*Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the alc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cole and Laila have been best friends their entire lives: intimately familiar with Laila’s oversized, pink, plastic, Sophia Loren glasses, and trying every single new dish Cole creates in his family’s restaurant . . . even though she has the refined palate of a kindergartener.
When Cole decides to move to New York City from their small mountain town, Laila doesn’t want to lose her very favorite person. She goes to NYC with him for the first few days and not just for his killer chocolate chip pancakes. It’s because she loves him. As a friend. Just as a friend. Obviously.

Highlight I know people will drool over - it’s dual perspective!

This kind of reminded me of Happy Place, in the sense that there was a larger focus on future ambitions and the surrounding supportive friend group.
I have just looked it up and it turns out there I s a book one and that explains the immediate love I felt the author had for all her characters (namely their friends who are a couple). I think I was more invested in their relationship (lol), so will be looking up book one!

”What if we’re so afraid to mess up what we have that we’re actually messing up the best stuff? The stuff we haven’t even seen yet.”

I also enjoyed the peppering of plenty of pop culture and celebrity references. Imagine just being down the street from Taylor Swift’s apartment?! Laila is also a maaaajor Friends fan so expect a lot of episode allusions.
However, I have a feeling this book will become dated quickly with all the popular culture nods.

Major Cons:
The amount of times ‘I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding’ used was waaay too much.
I also found it unbelievable that Laila was such a ‘country bumpkin’ that she didn’t even know what Uber was? Or that restaurants and takeaways are open past 8pm?!

In the end, I just felt the plot extremely frustrating and the lacking communication for two people who say they share everything unbelievable and convoluted.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for providing the audiobook in exchange for a review.

Best fake dating story. I loved the character continuation from Brynn and Sebastian’s story. I was grinning while reading. Truly enjoyed the story.

First and foremost, a big thank you to Bethany Turner, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Netgalley for a free audiobook ARC of this book which allowed me to voluntarily provide an unbiased review. Book is available on June 4th, 2024.

This my first Bethany Turner book. I think I have a new favorite author to follow. Bethany did a great job creating that small town vibe and painting Laila and Cole as best friends. They were very cute together and sweet to each other. Laila and Cole were well developed characters. The plot was complicated but well laid out and thoroughly explained in the end. The romantic subplot was a slow burn friends to lovers. It took awhile to get romantically interesting (chapter 13 or about 34%) and didn’t crossover to lovers until about 75% (chapter 27) the way through. This was a clean romance, no spice and no fade to black.

This title was dual narrated by Talon David and Andrew Eiden. Their performance is very good. Both narrators utilize different voices for each character. The chemistry between Laila and Cole was portrayed perfectly despite not being recorded as a duet.

Overall, I would listen again.

This was such an easy listen. A friends to lovers story with quick witted humor and pop culture references sprinkled throughout. The character had small town charm that made you feel as if you knew them personally.
The narrators for this book were great. The multi-POV was well executed. They really brought the story to life.

I've only read one other book by Bethany Turner, Plot Twist, and loved it more than most. So, I was really excited to be approved for the audio on her newest novel. I'm also a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope (it's one of my favorites) AND I visited NYC for the first time back in December 2022 and immediately planned a second trip for October 2023. This book just seemed right up my alley - and it 100% was.

I adored Cole & Laila. They were both very solid and well-developed characters - I felt their chemistry very well - especially between the audio narrators! Their experience of visiting NYC for the first time, especially coming from a smaller town, really felt true to what I experienced. I loved the specific NYC call outs.

There was honestly nothing that I didn't like about this book and the narration. It was top-notch all the way around. It might not be for everyone, but it really hit its audience with me.

I absolutely love a best friends to lovers story and this one did not disappoint! It was my first book by Bethany Turner and I really enjoyed her writing. I was living for all of the 90s and 2000s pop culture references. And I adored the characters so much!! But let’s be honest, Cole and Laila have an unhealthy obsession with each other for two people who are not in a romantic relationship. Almost four decades is a long time to be best friends with a person you find attractive and able to keep it platonic. But when they are faced with the threat of separation, Cole starts looking at Laila differently. It makes for some amazing chemistry, anticipation, and build up.

I listened to the audiobook and I loved the narration by Talon David and Andrew Eiden (aka Teddy Hamilton) 👏🏼 I highly recommend!

Thank you Macmillan Audio for this ALC!

I thought this was a cute and sweet book. It's a strong friends to lovers with a couple that has been best friends for most of their lives with no slip-ups during that time. Yet, once the door is cracked open, you discover that Laila has thought "what ifs" in the past and always wondered if they might end up together. And now Cole is having "thoughts." But what if things don't work out and they lose everything and their special friendship vanishes?

Cole has lived in the small town where they grew up for most of his life. Yet when something unexpected and unwelcome happens and he is taken by surprise, staying there doesn't feel right anymore. Except, his best friend, Laila is there. And he cannot imagine living in a place where she isn't.

At the same time, Laila wants to support Cole and she knows he's stunned by the recent developments in his life. However, she can't imagine her life without him living and working next to her in Adelaide Springs, Colorado where they grew up together. She never thought he'd leave. What will this do to their friendship?

This was a Friends to Lovers story with a unique feeling to it. Cole and Laila truly are the sweetest of friends. Yet, they are touchy-feely and affectionate and don't think twice about it. The question is do they just take one another for granted? How do they not realize there is more to their relationship? Their journey to discovering the "more" is a fun little ride.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The narration in the audiobook was done quite well. I thought the voices fit the character's personalities. It definitely made it easier to connect with the characters and story. 4 1/2 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook.

Fans of friends to lovers and small towns will enjoy this.

For me this book was solidly 3 stars. Cute, light, and feel good but nothing life changing. This book is part of the Adelaide springs universe and while it can be read as a standalone reading Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other first will be helpful.

This book! I absolutely loved this next in the series! You really need to read Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other first! Although you don't have to, but you will want to. This is a brilliant follow-up! The writing is brilliant and absolutely flawless and I actually LOVED both characters. Cole was a gentleman and took all the things coming at him with such calm and sincerity, I fell in love with the man! Laila was delightful throughout the turmoil of her best friends' life. I was so pleased with the whole unfolding and will read this again! This author is an auto buy!

Thank you to Net Galley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing! All opinions are my own!

I love that some of the same characters from the book Brynn & Sebastian hate each other by Bethany Turner are in this book! This story is about two best friends that are in love with each other but don't want to cross the line to ruin everything. It takes place in Adelaide Springs, Co and New York City! After reading this, I really want to go to new York City and take the same tour they went on Lailia's bday.

I also love that Bethany Turner 's books are heartfelt but also romantic without the smut. I really need to read her other books!

Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

had the pleasure of receiving an Advanced Listener Copy (ALE) of this audiobook from NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

What would you do if your best friend was floundering because everything they ever knew was turned upside down?

This question lies at the heart of "Cole and Laila are Just Friends," a touching story about friendship, loyalty, and personal growth. The connection between Laila and Cole is the backbone of this story —they are each other’s rock. When Cole’s beloved grandfather passes away, he uncovers a heartbreaking betrayal that leaves him questioning everything. Amidst the turmoil, Cole needs time and distance to figure out his next steps, even though everyone around him wants to help.

The prospect of Cole moving across the country devastates Laila, highlighting the deep bond they share. They have always been there for each other through thick and thin. This story beautifully explores their journey as they grow into the people they aspire to be, holding onto hope that everything will work out as it’s meant to.

Bethany Turner crafts a fantastic story, elevated by the amazingly talented narrators Talon David and Andrew Eiden. Their performances bring all the emotions to life, making the novel even more compelling. I found myself completely immersed, unwilling to pause for any reason. It was that good.

Final Thoughts:

"Cole and Laila are Just Friends" is a captivating audiobook that blends heartfelt storytelling with exceptional narration. It’s a must-listen for anyone who appreciates stories about deep, enduring friendships and personal growth.

Thank you NetGalley and B Audio limited for the advanced copy of this book. The narrator does a great job and the cover just makes you want to pick up this fun read! Coke and Laila are just friends is a sweet, no surprises summer read! I connected with the characters all with their own personalities. The pop culture references to Gilmore Girls and Friends as well as New York tourist spots is what really hooked me. I’m sure my 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ will be lame for others but for me I loved it! It just released on Monday June 3! Go buy it!

🎧 3.5 ⭐️ Overall, I did enjoy this book and really grew to like Cole and Laila! However, there were a few details that I struggled to understand which ultimately dropped the stars for me.

Cole and Laila are almost 40. They are the quintessential example of a boy/girl best friend pair. I love their loyalty to each other and how well they take care of each other. A recurring theme for Cole was that he never saw Laila “like that.” Bro, what? You hug her, kiss her, emotionally care for each other in every way. After three decades of loving her well, romantic feelings have NEVER crossed your mind?? No way. I don’t buy it. Not to mention that when he does profess his love for her after one singular week he says something like, “I’ve been informed that I’ve been in love with you forever.” (His mom and townspeople who have known him his whole life told him this the day prior). WHAT?! No… just no.

Even after that rant, I truly did still enjoy it! I just wish the author gave their friendship a more realistic romantic history.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy of the book!

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the complimentary audio in exchange for an honest review.

This is a charming friends to lovers rom-com that would make a good summer beach read!

Cole and Laila grew up in a small town in Colorado where Cole runs a local restaurant and Layla is a server. They’ve been life long friends for nearly 4 decades.

When Cole’s grandfather passes away and the will is read everything begins to change, including an opportunity for Cole to move to NYC and be a Chef for a top restaurant. Laila offers to come to NYC with Cole for the week while he decides if he can move that far away and start over. NYC brings more than a career decision as Cole has a dream about Laila and begins to look at her differently.

What you’ll find:
Friends to lovers
An amazing Chef
A crafty seamstress
Slow burn
Dual POV Family drama
Celebrity friends!
Tons of NYC movie quotes and moments
The best birthday ever!

The dual audio readers were great and entertaining!

Romance content: Just Kissing!

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this one. I didn't hate it, but honestly, I didn't really like it either. As someone who is the same age as the main characters, I could not relate to them in the slightest when it came to the romance, and it made me roll my eyes a time or two. I just felt like they were immature and unrealistic in that area. How are you that close and lovey dovey with someone of the opposite sex for 27 years, but you never even visit the idea of liking them until one day out of the blue? I didn't buy it.
I did enjoy the friends to love troupe and loved that it was a clean read! I enjoyed the duel narration and POV and thought both actors did a great job.
I'm not sure this author is for me personally, but I can see how her books are gaining popularity. I would definitely recommend this to other readers who love friends to lovers or someone looking for a clean and sweet read.
Thank you, NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Tbomas Nelson, for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.