Cole and Laila Are Just Friends

5 stars! What a cute and sweet book!

The first thing to say is that I really, really enjoyed this book. The book is a sequel, but works well as a standalone.

The main characters Cole and Laila have been best friends since childhood. However, life changes seem to be taking Cole away from their hometown Adelaide Springs. Cole and Laila decide to spend a week together in New York, Cole's future hometown, and during that week they realize that they not only have a deep friendship, but also feel romantic love for each other. Laila loves her hometown, but Cole wants to leave, which complicates their thoughts about the future.

I liked the main characters. They felt real people. The friendship between them was wonderful, strong and so very warm. It was nice when the main characters were a bit older, closer to forty. I liked that the book had a lot of references to, for example, Friends and the movie Home Alone II!

This was a real feel-good book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes sweet, romantic books.

What to expect:
Friends to lovers
Dual POV
HEA
Small town
Sweet, clean romance, just kissing
Third act: crisis, no break up

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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

COLE AND LAILA ARE JUST FRIENDS by BETHANY TURNER is a fun read, a romcom with lovable characters, witty dialogue and an interesting romance.
The story starts in the small town of Adelaide Springs p, Colorado where Cole runs his grandfather’s bar and restaurant, with his best friend Laila working as waitress. The two have known each other since they were in diapers. Now that they are nearing forty their comfortable life is threatened by the death of Cole’s grandfather and his selling of Cassidy’s to someone else, instead of leaving it to Cole in his will. This leads to a trip to New York with their newly married friends, Seb and Brynn, with Cole about to accept a job in the city……
I found the book to be a real breath of fresh air, even though I did not catch all the references to the rich and famous!
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed reading Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other so I was already excited for this one and I ended up loving it just as much!

Cole and Laila are Just Friends is a guaranteed book love! Turner writes with such emotion and humor. Cole and Laila are two halves of the same coin. They know it, and yet they don’t understand it. Until they start to realize it. Then the chaos ensues. Watching them go from friends to more was perfect. The uncertainty, the questions, the tension all built up to some of the best conversations and dialogue. These two humans LOVE each other and watching them discover it was so much fun. I had a hard time putting this one down. I loved seeing other characters from previous books and how they support them (not required to enjoy this one, but certainly brings a lot of enjoyment if you have read about Brynn and Sebastian). I absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a fantastic, clean, rom-com.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

An amazing story . Laila and Cole have been best friends from the time they were babies and now that they both are 39 is the first time in their lives that they must live apart . When Cole grandfather died the dinner he owned and Cole was the chef has already sold it to a company and now he is lost . He has an offer to work with a famous chef in New York and he consider it . Laila is heart broken with the news . Cole asks her to spent the next 10 days in NY without him asking her to come with him and her asking him to stay in Adelaide Springs . What happens when he starts seeings her like a woman for the first time in his life ? Will they risk their friendship for something greater ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

You know that feeling you get when after a somewhat stressful day, you get to eat a small cone of icecream? The cold, extremely satisfying feeling sending a thrill down your form?
That is how I felt when reading this book. Though I must admit, that the beginning of the story dragged on quite a bit, I am glad that I read it to the end. 
I definitely recommend this if you are looking for a cozy novel with little to no drama, and clean romance.

Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson for giving me a early copy to this book! This is just only my opinion, Things I am going say/Write are only mine opinions after I finished this book!.
I fucking LOVED this book. I literally enjoyed the story and the writing! Every page I read of this book it was amazing!
Some of the references that are in the book make the story even more better! I would recommend this one if you need a sweet not to long book to read! you can really enjoy this one!

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Thomas Nelson is a heartwarming and humorous story about two best friends who are forced to confront their feelings for each other when one of them decides to move away. Cole and Laila have been best friends since childhood, and they have always been there for each other through thick and thin. However, when Cole discovers a betrayal from his recently deceased grandfather, he decides to leave Adelaide Springs, Colorado, and move to New York City. Laila is heartbroken at the thought of losing her best friend, but she decides to support his decision. The two friends make a deal to spend one week in New York City together before Cole moves away. They agree to enjoy their time together and pretend that none of this is happening. However, it's tough to ignore the very inconvenient feelings that are blooming out of nowhere. In both of them. Cole and Laila Are Just Friends is a well-written and engaging story that will appeal to readers of all ages. Nelson does a great job of developing the characters and their relationships, and the story is full of humor and heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming and feel-good read.

All. The. Feels. Once again, Bethany Turner has written a love story that sucked me from the first chapter and I couldn't put it down. I loved the chemistry between the two characters and the way they loved each other and put each other first. The only negative I would say is how can they not see that they were meant for each other? Loved this book and can't wait to read the next one by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Cole and Laila are Just Friends by Bethany Turner, it was so nice to read about older characters who are confident in who they are as individuals and are see how that plays into changes in their relationship. This was such a heartfelt read and I found myself laughing and tearing up along with the characters. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, and while it can definitely be read stand alone, I will be reading Brynn and Sebastian’s book so I can fully understand what I assume are nods to their story that are dotted throughout this book. Overall, I definitely recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#ColeandLailaAreJustFriends #NetGalley

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends is a quick read because you'll fall head over heels for these two friends turned lovers within the first few pages of the book. Bethany Turner has done it once again, weaving hilarity, pop culture references and swoon worthy moments together for an undeniably delightful read! Whether you get every reference or not, you'll love the authentic care and adoration between main characters Cole and Laila. Plus if you've read Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other, you'll enjoy learning more about Adelaide Springs, Colorado and the friends group at the centre of it all.

I have found THE friends-to-lovers romance for me.

I can’t even begin to describe how much I adored this book. From the superb, well-fleshed out backstories of each character to a long-drawn out, slow burn of a romance, this just had everything I needed in my life 😭

Most of the friends to lovers tropes I’ve read feature a counterparty who’s been in love with the other forever (and hasn’t done anything about it), and while I love that, it was so refreshing to read about one where the feelings sort of happen semi-overnight!! There’s also such a big focus here on friendships AND close knit friend groups, with self-discovery at the forefront. This read so much like an adult coming-of-age novel, and I just loved how sensitive and sweet and WHOLESOME it was. I honestly cannot get enough of this book and can’t wait to grab a physical copy in June 😭 Very easily a 5🌙 for me, and not just because I’m downing every friends to lovers book I can find!!! can’t wait for this to be available to everyone so I can scream with all of you!!!

Definitely checking out the Thomas Nelson imprint after this because wtf!!! This was so so good 😭

Oh this was an absolute delight!!

Cole and Laila are friends. Best friends. Always have been. When Cole’s grandfather passed leaving a messy will and throwing Cole’s future into a tailspin, he decides he has to be anywhere but Adelaide Springs where he and Laila grew up. He’s got a job lead in New York and he has to go. Laila heads east with him to scope it out and after one magical day, can he really stay there? Will Laila really go back to Adelaide Springs? Are Cole and Laila really just friends?

Romance readers, you probably know that answer. This delightful story had my heart all warm and fuzzy and bursting. I hope you love it as much as I do!

I was provided a complimentary e-galley on NetGalley by Thomas Nelson Fiction in exchange for an honest review.

I am very excited to be reading this book! My full review to follow.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Fans of clean romance and rom-coms will adore this friends-to-lovers story that features Laila and Cole as they navigate some tricky life changes. Things always happen in threes, right? The two have been best friends their entire lives, growing up in a small town in Colorado, but when Cole's grandfather dies, it sets into motion an unexpected train of events, including a potential move, a cross-country trip, a celebrity date, lots of rom-com experiences, and an entirely new future for each of them, possibly together as more than friends. Unlike some fiction, this story felt like something that could actually happen...or maybe that actually did happen...with characters that were completely believeable, relatable, and flawed. I also liked that they were closer to their forties than the typical early twenties we see in these situations.

If you enjoy/enjoyed:
🤗Friends to More trope
🗽New York
📺Pop culture references
📖Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other

This. Book.
Well, you guys, Bethany Turner did it. This is my favorite friends-to-more story. Honestly, I think it’s in my top five books.

Cole and Laila are beautiful friends. On multiple occasions I thought I would be fine if they decided to be, “just friends.”😉

They have their own special orbit. They love each other so well. From Cole taking videos and pictures of Laila, letting her shine— to Laila being patient with Cole when he’s a bit of a jerk (he admits to it, I’m not naming names).

You absolutely have to put this book on your TBR. Do what you got to do, this is THE sweetest story. I cried happy tears multiple times, and then a little bit after I was finished with it, it would pop into my head and I would tear up again. That is NOT normal for me. That’s actually why I wanted to record my review, I have so much to say about this one.

It was hilarious, honestly, just laugh out loud funny.

CW-TW: This book is closed door. Kisses only on page. I would like to label it as, “clean” however Cole has a dream 😉😉 about Laila (it’s important to the story and isn’t detailed on the page). The kisses are not very detailed apart from hand placement. Loss of parental figure (current) and parental abandonment (past).

What a fantastic plot! I could not put the book down once I began reading it. I hope everyone else enjoys it as well.

Cole and Laila might be "just friends," but I just loved this book. I would definitely recommend it to my patrons at the library and I definitely think they will love it like I did!

What a delightful surprise this book turned out to be! Initially, when I spotted the cover on NetGalley, I had reservations, fearing it might disappoint. However, I was pleasantly proven wrong. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the banter, the slow burn romance (which felt like it lasted at least two decades), and the abundance of witty jokes and cultural references. Admittedly, there were moments where I felt a tad lost due to my unfamiliarity with some of the movies mentioned, but it didn't detract significantly from my enjoyment.

Laila and Cole's dynamic is incredibly amusing, and their chemistry is off the charts—I was eagerly rooting for them to finally come together. Moreover, the narrative imparts valuable lessons, particularly in the portrayal of Cole's grandfather, whose struggles with communication struck a personal chord with me.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a charming tale of friends-to-lovers romance with a slow burn, sprinkled with themes of found family and punctuated by nods to pop culture (especially Gilmore Girls!) and the vibrant backdrop of New York City. Additionally, I appreciated the author's innovative use of both first and third-person perspectives, which added an intriguing dimension to the storytelling.

Cole and Laila are Just Friends by Bethany Turner doesn’t come out for 2 months but I can’t wait that long to talk about how much I loved it!! We first met these characters in Turner’s previous Adelaide Springs novel, where they firmly and repeatedly proclaim they are “just best friends” (mhm ok no one believes you including the reader!) When Cole’s grandfather passes away and does NOT leave Cole the restaurant he’s dedicated his life to, he decides to consider a job far away in New York City. Disheartened at the thought that she may no longer live in town with her oldest and best friend, Laila decides to go with Cole to stay with their friends Brynn and Sebastian and explore/learn more about the city before Cole makes his final decision. This story is a sloooOOOoow burn with an incredibly worthwhile payoff; it was physically impossible for me to put this book down. Cole and Laila go on a “blind first date” that is undoubtedly the highlight of the book and probably one of my favorite scenes I’ve read in any book this year! Bethany Turner clearly loves New York City like 90’s and early 2000s romcom scripts loved New York City (I mean, she even got Nora Ephron’s sister to blurb the cover!!). I really wasn’t sure how the story would resolve and was completely surprised by the ending. Cole and Laila’s book is my favorite book of Turner’s since Plot Twist (which is saying something because Plot Twist is one of my favorite books I’ve ever read).
I honestly really struggled to read Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other but I only say that because if you felt the same way, absolutely take another chance and try Cole and Laila’s book because this story knocks it out of the park. Also, there’s a Milo Ventimiglia cameo, so there’s that.
Last week I read Wooing Cadie McCaffrey for the third time and this week I read The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck in a day and I think Cole and Laila Are Just Friends still ranks up there at the top of my favorite Bethany Turner books!! Out June 4 from Thomas Nelson.

*I received a copy of this book from #netgalley. I was not required to give a review and all opinions expressed above are my own.

This has been one of my favourite cosy romance reads for the year so far, it's perfect for when you want a book with small town charm and big city adventures. I loved Cole and Laila so much! They are both such loveable characters with a special friendship full of trust, love and laughter. I couldn't stop hoping that everything would turn out perfectly for them and they would get to live happily ever after, whether that meant individually or together. I recommend reading 'Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other' first as it will give this book even more meaning as you'll know some of the characters backstories and existing relationships. I really enjoyed both books in this series and can't wait to read Bethany Turner's next book! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a rollercoaster ride! The plot had me on the edge of my seat, the characters were a riot, and I breezed through it in no time. This one's a must-read for some serious fun!

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner is a sequel to Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other and brings readers back to the small town of Adelaide Springs, Colorado. Cole runs a highly successful restaurant, but his world crumbles when his grandfather dies and sells Cole's restaurant out from under him. Reeling from grief and anger, Cole heads to New York to interview for a chef's job and brings his best friend, Laila, along for support. This trip forces their relationship to examine whether they are just friends or something more than friends. Turner brings multi-dimensional characters who engage in snappy dialogue and end up in humorous situations.

I realllly liked this! Cole and Laila are childhood friends and I loved them both from the very beginning. The plot was really interesting and kept me engaged the whole time. I like them as individuals and as a couple! This book is very much a slow burn, almost too slow for me, but I really loved the book when it picked up. I really enjoyed the side characters as well. Overall, really enjoyed! Will probably go on my physical TBR as well so I can read it as a physical book too.

I was thrilled to get a copy of this book, as I had heard good things about it. It was pretty much just what I was expecting: a light, fun, friends-to-lovers story (with occasional heavier moments). Yes, it's predictable and occasionally requires some suspension of disbelief/cynicism. However, the characters are so winsome, it's basically impossible not to like. Anyone who likes pop culture references or small towns OR New York City, or just loves love, will enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I will post this review on Goodreads and Amazon closer to the book's publication.

What a delightful, emotional read!!! Friends to lovers is not normally a trope I get hooked on but this book was something else. The love and devotion Cole and Laila have for each other from page one is so obvious. It is like these two characters are living their happy ending but no-body told them. I loved this story so much I did not want it to end. I wanted to keep reading about their life and their love. I also loved all the 90s pop culture references. Thank you for an amazing read 😍

5 ⭐️

the moment i set eyes into this book i knew it would be amazing... and i wasn't wrong!!!

this is the very first book of bethany's that i've read and i'm already in love with her writing. the way the events are tied in to each other and how the characters have full built stories... i simply loved it ❤️

the amount of references though... i almost collapse every time taylor was mentioned (i love that i'm not the only one who refers to her as tay tay as if we're best friends 🤣), and don't get me started on the movies/series references... i had a total blast reading this book 👌

thank you netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I read this as a stand-alone and only recently discovered it's a sequel. It works well on its own, IMO.
What a lovely couple! Loved their chemistry, and going from decades-long friends to lovers. Just wow! The writing was so heartwarming, it's now one of my favourite books.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends is such a wonderful rom com book and a great follow up to Bethany Turner's Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each other. I loved seeing these two, who we met in the first book in the series wake up to reality. It was also great seeing them travel to NYC to see Brynn and Sebastian and have those two pop up in this book.

This book includes great pop culture references like the movie You've Got Mail, Taylor Swift song references (and mentions of Taylor herself) and discussion of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds living quarters as well. It has everything you need in a rom com book from parts where you shred a few tears to laugh out loud moments. It is a clean read and could be enjoyed for anyone late high school on up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A pair of small-town best friends take on New York; what could go wrong?

In Cole and Laila Are Just Friends, Cole Kimball and Laila Olivet have been friends their whole life, the only two in their friend group who didn't move away from their small town of Adelaide Springs, Colorado. Cole is the owner/chef of Cassidy's, the only bar and grill in Adelaide Springs, and Laila is a spunky, outgoing waitress. Cole's grandfather passes away and leaves him feeling betrayed and with so many questions about his future. Cole hops on the first plane to New York to investigate a job opportunity that would get him away from Adelaide Springs, and Laila tags along to help him process everything that has happened. Laila fights to remain cheerful and supportive as she struggles with changes that could turn Cole and her comfortable friendship upside down. In the Big Apple, while exploring New York's greatest movies and TV shows sights and spending time together away from their small town, they both start to wonder if their friendship is enough and if it can withstand them being apart.

Bethany Turner's witty, pop culture-filled rom-com about two closer-than-close friends, Cole and Laila, is a delightful read. It is filled with poignant moments between two lifelong friends who start to wonder, What if we were more?

While you can read this book as a stand-alone book, it is most rewarding to read it after reading Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Cole and Laila Are Just Friends" is an absolute gem of a book! Turner's writing is a beautiful blend of emotion and humor that keeps you hooked from page one. Cole and Laila are like two sides of the same coin, oblivious to their deep connection until they begin to unravel the truth. The journey from friendship to something more is pure perfection, filled with uncertainty, tension, and some of the most engaging dialogue I've come across. Witnessing their realization of love amidst the chaos was an absolute delight—I found it impossible to tear myself away from their story. I enjoyed the appearances of characters from a previous book even though I had not read that one. It made me want to go back and read their story. The friendship angle was very well done with both couples.
The trips around New York seeing their favorite sights were delightful as well. For anyone in search of a fantastic, clean romantic comedy, I recommend diving into the world of Cole and Laila.

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends, or so they’ve always told themselves and others, until Cole experiences some life changing news that leads both Cole and Laila on a trip to NY that ultimately starts to change things for the both of them. I thoroughly enjoyed this friends to lovers romance, which was filled with all the pop culture references and diddies that filled my little millennial heart with so much joy (Friends, When Harry Met Sally, Serendipity, Ghostbusters, you name it!) Cole and Laila were just absolutely adorable and the whole time I was reading this book all I could think about was how “You are In Love (Taylor’s Version)” has to be their song, it just took them a little bit of time to figure that out, and we got to read about it all playing out.

This was the perfect rom com. This was my first book by Bethany Turner, but it won’t be my last – this book was a sequel but worked well as a standalone (I will be going back to read about Sebastian and Brynn).

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Bethany Turner and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

This book gets all the hearts and stars from me!

I fell in love with the first book, Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other and this one was no different. From the first page, I fell in love with Cole and Laila...It's a cute, silly, and sweet romantic comedy.

When Cole uncovers a betrayal from his recently deceased grandfather that shatters his world, staying in Colorado becomes unimaginable. However, Laila loves her life in their small mountain town and can't envision living anywhere else. Despite this, when Cole considers moving to New York City, she decides to support her best friend. They have one week in New York before their lives change forever, and all they have to do is enjoy their time together and pretend none of this is happening. But it's tough to ignore the very inconvenient feelings blooming out of nowhere.

Cole and Laila have been best friends their whole lives...the friends-to-lovers is my least favorite trope, but I think Bethany did a wonderful job with this story. It didn't feel awkward or forced by the transitioning of Cole and Laila from longtime friends to being in love. I think they always saw themselves together and had so much respect for each other. They were very intuitive about one another, and the feeling that they had always been in love was easy to believe, even before they understood the dynamics of love.

"She matters more than the rest." It had always been. He'd always known."

This sweet and clean romance is full of funny, emotional, and heartwarming moments. I loved seeing Brynn and Sebastian. There were a lot of scenes featuring these two in the story, and like the first book, there were also plenty of pop culture and celebrity mentions. It was delightful and refreshing to read about two people who cared about each other and would do anything for each other.

A great read, Exceptionally Sweet and entertaining, and I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Nearly 40 years of friendship and a dream from Cole with Layla has him questioning being more than friends with Layla. This was a really cute sweet friends to lovers romance. The best part is their own realization that there might be more than friends feelings towards each other.

I loved this so much! I was a fan of Brynn and Sebastian so when I saw this new book, one that has that couple in it as supporting characters, I knew I had to read it! The cover is so beautiful by the way! That is what first peaked my interest. I read this in one sitting. I am such a friends to lovers fan and this was great. I love the town of Adelaide Springs and was so happy to be back there again.

Thank you for the ARC for my honest review!

Everyone knows that Cole and Laila are friends. Not everyone is convinced that they're JUST friends. But they themselves know that's how things are. Until Cole's grandfather dies and it's discovered that he'd sold the restaurant Cole has put his heart and soul into. After such proof that Cole had never measured up to his grandfather's standards, he can't stay in Adelaide Springs and starts seriously considering a job in New York. Laila can't fathom the idea of her best friend leaving, and agrees to join him on a scouting trip to New York, hoping to change his mind. But somehow, being together in such a different environment starts messing with all they've ever known, making the idea of 'more' a real possibility. But he's eager to leave and she needs to stay. Are they doomed to stay 'just friends' or less, even when the door opens to more?

I wasn't as keen on the author's previous book and nearly didn't try this one, but I'm so very glad I did - because I loved it. This is one couple that just works perfectly. They really are more than the sum of their parts - but the road to being a true couple is a rocky one. With fears of destroying the friendship they've built up over so many years, plenty of self-doubt, geographical troubles and family issues, they have a lot to overcome, but the journey is so worthwhile, and makes for a very satisfying ending when they finally get there. Add in the humour that's spread throughout, and it's a book well worth reading. I appreciate that it has plenty of 'in jokes' and bits that are hilarious, but also serious parts where they really do have meaningful, inspiring discussions - it's far from a fluffy read. And they're also nice people to get to know! All in all, a great read and I look forward to the author's next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this! Cole & Laila's friendship was the best. I liked how they tried not to avoid the hard conversations. It was the perfect balance of very serious at times and very funny at other times. Their amazing almost kisses built up the anticipation so that when they finally did kiss, it was perfect. I enjoyed seeing Brynn & Sebastian again, as well as a few citizens of Adelaide Springs. All the pop culture references were so fun, especially the You've Got Mail ones. I wouldn't say that I've seen that movie as many times as Laila has, but it's definitely one of my favorites. This sweet story gave me the best feelings. 😁

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Well, Bethany Turner has done it again! She just keeps writing my very favorite kind of romcoms and I love her for it!
🫶🏻
If you’re familiar with this author, then you already know Cole and Laila from the previous book set in Adelaide Springs, Colorado - Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other. While I loved - I mean LOVED - Brynn & Seb’s enemies to lovers story, I am absolutely obsessed with the friends to lovers trope we get to delve into with Cole & Laila!
🥰
I loved EVERYTHING about these two best friends and their relationship. I don’t want to give y’all any major spoilers, but Bethany Turner’s take on the inevitable miscommunication trope was so refreshing. These two characters actually make a strong effort to communicate ALL THE TIME! But their respective struggle to successfully interpret those subtle things left unsaid between lifelong besties is what causes their wires to cross. Actually, it’s more like the wires never fully cross, they run parallel to each other on different floors of the same building.
🤷🏻‍♀️
As someone who makes a living helping couples develop healthy communication and conflict resolution skills (yes, I am a marriage counselor) this is the most realistic representation of miscommunication between two people who genuinely love and want the best for each other. And that’s all I’ll say about it until you read the book - then slide into my DMs and let’s talk about how IRL it’s possible to be communicating our butts off and still misunderstand the situation.
🥴
I simply loved that about Cole Kimball & Laila Olivet and it made them the realest couple I’ve read in a very long time. Speaking of real people - let’s talk about Bethany Turner for just a second.
😍
She is my kind of nerdy and I think we should be best friends. Like, not exclusive best friends as in she has to make me her number one - come on, that would be ridiculous! I mean “best friends” in the sense that I can call her my bestie and chat her up on Instagram and she doesn’t get a restraining order or anything.
🙃
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for a free copy of this digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

Bethany Turner never disappoints!
Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner is an adorable rom-com I found to be so entertaining.
This adorable best-friend, fake dating story is so addicting.
The characters are realistic, funny and so witty.
The quirky relationship between Cole and Laila kept me invested until the very last page.
Cole and Laila Are Just Friends is a charming and heartwarming read that will leave readers smiling and rooting for their happily ever after.
If you enjoyed Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other like I did…. You’ll freaking love her newest title.

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I have a bad habit of wanting to give Bethany Turner’s books 10 stars all the time, but this one absolutely earns it! Laila and Cole’s history, effortless flow, and off the charts chemistry makes this a friends-to-more you will ADORE! I’ve come to love little Adelaide Springs, and the pillars of the town’s hierarchy—and it’s always fun getting the skinny on all of the drama in the group of 5 friends (which will happen, I promise). But Cole and Laila have been in a comfortable place their whole lives, and just one day wake up to discover that the world has suddenly shifted on its axis. Their raw emotions, their tenderness, the gentleness they care for and support each other is so beautiful it nearly made me cry (even though the book itself is flat out hilarious). I’ve always heard the saying that Love is just friendship set on fire, and CoLai exemplifies that so spectacularly. Grab it. Grab the book now. Grab the audio book too because it’s wonderful. Now please excuse me while I slip back into Adelaide Spriings again just for funsies. I received an advanced copy of this book/audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Cole and Laila were just friends but what amazing friends they were! The author of this wonderful friends-to-more romance story took a familiar trope and gave it a twist to make it fresh and, at times, unpredictable. It was a real pageturner! I was very moved by the predicament that Cole and Laila faced and it took me through all the emotions; I even shed some tears at one point but mostly I was enchanted over the beauty of the wonderful relationship the two friends had created. This book is part of a series and it was fun to get updates on other beloved characters but it is easily read as a standalone. Highest recommendation! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Really enjoyed this one. It was not too heavy, although emotional situations did happen. The perfect happy ending, even if somewhat expected. Definitely a closed door romance but the way the author wrote the romantic scenes had me in my feels for sure. Highly recommend for a feel good, not too spicy romance.

Funny, relatable, and a great storyline. If you love friends to lovers, but are looking for sweet/clean reads, this is it!

What a fun “fake-date” romp through New York City! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this entertaining romance! The situation: Cole Kimball and Laila Olivet have been small town friends forever. The change: Cole is driven to leave his hometown for the big city. The perfect scene: Experiencing a fake-date through the streets and pop-culture icons of New York City. The perfect line: “Hey there. Did somebody call for a Lyft?” (This line, at exactly the right time, made me smile with delight.)

Cole and Laila are good people, treating each other and everyone they know with compassion. The fascinating relationship between Cole and Laila, held my interest as they reevaluated their connection. Even though I wasn’t sure how their experiment would end, I admired the trust, selflessness and love they gave each other. What would be best for each of them? Great ending, great humor, great small town vibes and great examples of friendship.

I’ve read many of Bethany Turner’s books and enjoyed them all. If you’re a rom-com devotee or like friends-to-more themes, I highly recommend this story! (Chocolate-chip pancakes, anyone?)

Favorite quotes:

“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.”

“And if there is a hierarchy, how dare anyone minimize friendship? Isn’t friendship everything?”

“Well, I guess my grandmother was my first teacher. And she taught me that food is love….She used to tell me that when you didn’t know what else to do for someone, you should feed them….And sometimes you just needed to feed them so they knew they weren’t alone.”

*I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I was not required to write a positive review.

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
Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this eARC!

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.

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 arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My first experience of a Bethany Turner masterpiece!

I had not heard of Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other until Chapter 1 one of CALAJF, however I worked out everything I needed to know after some quick research. It can definitely be read as a standalone, but I will be reading BASHEO now because of how much I loved this book!

Laila and Cole are two of the most emotionally intelligent characters I have read and it came across in every interaction they had, which was a real delight for me. I often struggle to stay engaged with miscommunication tropes as I just want the characters to TALK, however Bethany has written a truly superb and believable relationship. My usual impatience and frustration was pure empathy the whole way through! Once I started, I couldn't put it down because of how invested I became.

I can't wait to read the rest of Bethany Turner's books, and anything else* she ever writes!

*Which I will politely beg to be for A & W, thank you Bethany!

Cole and Laila have been friends since before they could remember, but after Cole's grandfather's death, his world gets turned upside down. Cole believes that his grandfather sold his restaurant, Cassidy's, out from under Cole, who had been the sole chef and running the restaurant for years. This means that Laila, Cole's most faithful employee, may also be out of a job. Cole and Laila decide to go to New York City with their friends Brynn & Sebastian in order to celebrate Laila's birthday and figure out next steps as Cole is debating on taking a job in NYC. After being alone in Brynn & Sebastian's fancy NYC penthouse, Cole and Laila begin to realize that they may have feelings for each other besides being "just friends". Will Cole & Laila ever be able to admit these feelings to each other? Will Cole take the job in NYC or will he find a job back in Adelaide Springs? I absolutely loved the banter between the characters and all of the nods to NYC rom-coms. Highly recommend this book for lovers of rom-coms and contemporary romance.

BRYNN AND SEBASTIAN HATE EACH OTHER was one of my top 23 books of 2023, and I have been eagerly awaiting the sequel. I am happy to say that COLE AND LAILA ARE JUST FRIENDS is every bit as wonderful as the first book.

As those who have read any portion of my Fern & Dave WIP know, I love a long slow-burn, and this book delivers. These characters have known each other their entire lives, and have taken forty years to sort out their feelings.

I also love that these characters do communicate with each other. Their reluctance to admit to their feelings is out of genuine concern for their friendship and individual well being, not a result of any kind of major miscommunication. Everything about their relationship was believable, and it made me so invested in how things would turn out.

I loved the parts of the story set in New York. It felt very Nora Ephron, and I love Nora Ephron movies (as do the characters in this book). I also just love any romance set in New York City.

The pop culture references in this book are also so enjoyable. If you're an elder millennial right on the border with GenX (like I am, born in 1982), you will love the references these characters make to TV, music, and movies from our era. It was also just really fun to spend time with some romance characters who felt like my peers instead of my children. This book made me feel young.

I was lucky enough to be approved for both the ebook and the audiobook on Netgalley. The audiobook narrators, Talon David and Andrew Eiden, were excellent. They really became the characters for me, and I will seek out other books with their voices.

Thank you to @netgalley and @thomasnelson for the review copy! I have a feeling this book will make my 2024 favorites list.