I love a good friends to lovers dual POV book. This was cute. It took me a minute to get into the story, but around 60% I was loving the history and all of the characters roll in bringing these two together. Sometimes we all need an outsiders perspective.

The scrutiny that the FMC received seems a little harsh and far fetched for 2023, but I guess the author believes people who listen to country music are more reluctant to accept some political issues, so I can see her perspective.

Overall I felt like I was reading a country music real housewives- crazy ex who wants you back, the friend whose always been there and all the drama in between. It was a good one.

Thank you to NETGALLEY for this ARC

3.75 stars rounded up. I really loved Lorelai and Craig/Huck as independent characters and together. I appreciated Lorelai using her voice to stand up for her beliefs, and I was a big fan of every time she shut Drake down as he tried to weasel his way back into her life. I loved Huck’s integrity, talent, and support for his clients and friends. I loved the friendship between the two of them and the growth into more. They really shined together, and I wanted more time spent there. I got super frustrated with their inability to be straightforward with each other about how they felt, but maybe outside of poetry and songwriting they just suck at talking about their feelings. Can relate. But damn, people aren’t mind readers and they don’t know how you feel if you don’t tell them.

Now we come to my issue that lessened my enjoyment. If you’re going to be bring very real world issues into the plot of a novel in an escapist genre, the environment should be realistic as well. I don’t buy that Lorelai’s outspokenness would tank her career. Six years ago with the original event here? *Maybe*. Current, present day while she’s trying to revive her career? I struggle to believe it as long as she’s got as strong of a fan base as has been implied. Yes, the “good ol’ boys” club in country radio might unofficially blacklist her, but radio play no longer makes or breaks a career, not with streaming being what it is. Celebrities are more and more outspoken every day and continue to thrive. I really don’t think the fallout and persistent rejection throughout the book matches the ‘scandal’ in this case. It just felt too prolonged and dragged out for me.

Overall, I did really like this book and it was a good follow-up, but I feel like I should change my 4-star rating for Built to Last to a 5-star because I enjoyed it quite a bit more than this one.

I was in desperate need of a light-hearted rom-com. The kind of book that would help me slip away into a story with humorous banter, friendly flirting and a happily-ever-after. As soon as I started 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 (PUB 10.17) I knew I was in good hands.
Lorelai and Craig have been friends for ages and had one night together five years ago that neither of them speaks about. They reconnect to resurrect her music career with the help of his record label while also resurrecting an underlying attraction. This dual POV slow-burn is filled with the best kind of tension. I appreciated the emotional complexity of the characters as well as the way they had candid, genuine communication. That is such a treat.

I feel a wee bit guilty recommending a book that doesn't come out until October. This novel is a standalone, yet also follow-up to last year's 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵. Consider picking that up while you're waiting.

First, I will say that this kind of drove me a little batty because I kept trying to place this story in the timeline of the linked book about Annie and Clay. I couldn't figure out how to connect them. Shelby and Cam were so easy for me to figure out, but I spent a good chunk of this book trying to remember You'd Be Mine. Once I stepped away from that and just accepted that it worked and was a follow up, I got better.

The characters in this book, despite having fame and fortune or at least enough money to not be struggling, were enjoyable and relatable. There was a lot of fun banter, and I appreciated not only the main characters but those around them. Even the villain(s) were more likeable than in Built to Last where I felt that they weren't needed and certainly not as the horrible people they were portrayed as in the book.

The one nit picking thing is that Lorelai and Craig kind of got together too early for me in some ways. I get it, and I appreciated that they had a history so it was easy to fall back together. But it made the romance part of the story kind of fizzle. And then throw in the complication towards the end, and it started to feel repetitive and not in a good way.

So, thankfully, the supporting cast of characters were there to help move things along and to make this book more than a 3 star. And I am looking forward to what I think will be the next one in this "series."

Friends Don't Fall in Love, by Erin Hahn, brought back some beloved characters from her YA novel, You'd Be Mine (which if you haven't read yet, go read it NOW) and introduced some new favorites. I loved Lorelai Jones when I met her back in Hahn's Built to Last (which I also recommend!), but it was Craig Boseman who stole my heart, especially when Lorelai called him "Huck" or "Huckleberry." He's just a sexy cinnamon roll. Swoon.

Friends-to-lovers is not my favorite trope, but Hahn writes such real and genuine characters that I needed to find out what was going to happen. (Even though sometimes I just wanted to shake them both and say "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!") Lorelai is a badass who lost her way, and she remembers who she is through the help and support from her friends, including Huck.

This is a spicy romance, and Hahn lets you all the way into the bedroom. (Or motorcycle, just saying.)

Can I also say that I am not a country music fan, but Erin Hahn is pushing me one step closer with each book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc.

Erin Hahn is an easy auto-read for me, no matter if it's YA or adult. There is something so wonderful about how she crafts her stories. They're sweet and romantic and whimsical but also deal with real problems and real feelings. Having followed her books since the first, it's SO cool to see her come into her own as an adult romance author with a very real stance on very real issues.

Friends Don't has all the Hahn charm. The base idea is very similar to Built to Last - once upon a time best friends who always were kind of more reuniting as adults to do something cool in entertainment - but the nuances and details are different enough that it doesn't feel at all like a repeat. It *is* one of those romances where if the characters had an honest conversation with each other and their feelings then the book would be way shorter, but, that's the nature of the friends-to-lovers slow-burn trope and Hahn handles it really well. The building tension is sooo strong and both characters have things to work through before they can have that conversation. Plus, both Lorelai and Craig are full humans with stories that are interesting on their own. I have no idea if this is an accurate portrayal of country music, but I'm here for it!

Also I will never say no to a Jefferson Coolidge or Annie Mathers cameo. Or Trina. Give me all of the Trina content.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC!

This was more of a 3.5 star read for me. It was a sweet (and spicy) friends to lovers book, but the lack of communication was frustrating at times. It felt like all the cards were thrown on the table at the very beginning and then it was just more of the same until the very end. I wish things had been dragged out a little more. Like, for example, I wish that the poetry account played a bigger role. As soon as it was introduced, you found out that Lorelai already knew about it and then she confronted him about it pretty early on and then it didn't really matter the rest of the book. I'm not really a country fan, but still enjoyed the music aspects of this one! Overall, this was an enjoyable and quick read.

LOVED this book about friends finding they're way too reach other with a little archive chance romance thrown in. Friends to lovers can be tricky but I love the way hick supported her through everything. I want my own Huckleberry!

This is my first time reading a book by this author. My favorite type of books to read are romance, and this one did not disappoint. I loved the story of Lorelai and Craig. This was an easy, cute, enjoyable read. I will definitely check out other books by this author.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Definite read. I’ll be back with a better review but for now just trust me and read it.

Is there anything that Erin Hahn CAN'T do? I don't think so. This book was so cute! I didn't want it to end. I loved the country music feel and the friends to lovers trope in this one. The dual POV really added a lot to the story as well. Overall, I would definitely recommend it!

Friends Don’t Fall in Love Review
5/5 stars

Erin Hahn does it again! Man, I loved this book. Built to Last was one of my favorites from last year, so when I saw this was Lorelai’s book, I KNEW I had to read it!

Friends Don’t Fall in Love follows Lorelai Jones, a once country music star and woman scorned hoping to find her way back. Back to country music, back to herself, and maybe even back to love. After moving back to Nashville, Lorelai joins forces with Craig Boseman, former song writing partner and musician for Lorelai’s ex-fiancée (Drake Colter) and long-time friend. As the two work together on Lorelai’s music in Craig’s studio, they realize that the feelings and spark from years ago may still be there. Surely friends don’t fall in love, right?

Erin’s books are quickly becoming my comfort reads. There’s something so real and honest about the characters she writes that make you feel so invested in their happiness. I could not tell you the number of times I laughed and swooned and teared up. I was rooting for Lorelai through every single page. Arlo was the absolute best. And Craig? Book Boyfriend Award winner for sure.

The depiction of artists using their platform for protesting and then having to deal with the backlash felt very real (and so relevant to our society currently). Also, Erin actually depicts Celiac so accurately and as someone with a sibling that has Celiac, that representation was very much appreciated.

I cannot wait to read this again when it comes out officially in October!

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the advanced reader copy.

One performance of a song protesting gun violence left country superstar Lorelai Jones’ career up in smoke and her engagement to fellow singer Drake Colter in flames. After spending a night in the arms of her close friend and band mate of her ex, Craig “Huck” Boseman, Lorelai leaves Nashville for Michigan and a teaching career. Now, years later, Lorelai is ready to give her singing career a second chance and she’s asked her old friend Huck for his help. Huck now owns a music studio and has a successful career writing and producing music and jumps at the chance to help. But spending so much time together, working on music and living in the same duplex, has them questioning whether what the have is just a friendship or something more. Lorelai and Huck must navigate idiot exes, media hatred, and complicated histories to turn what they have into a real relationship.

Hahn’s writing style is so comfortable, clear and concise. The story she tells is fast-paced, fun and full of characters and callbacks to previous books. Which is great for long time readers, but also doesn’t hamper those who haven’t read earlier works. The characters are real and well -written. Lorelai is a firecracker, vivacious, outgoing and outspoken. Huck is easygoing, thoughtful, and kind. Their personalities weave together perfectly and give them a strong foundation for their friendship. Their commitment to and support of each other was wonderful to see and gave a depth and realism to their relationship as they go from friends to lovers. A truly sweet, swoony read.

What a fun read! Lorelai and Craig are adorable friends who make eachother stronger in their creative world of music-making. While they have been stable friends, it isn’t until Craig’s feelings get revealed that looks change and feelings forever alter. This unexpected relationship twist keeps readers turning pages and rooting for Lorelai and her huckleberry! But can friendship really survive the media and fame?!?

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

I was going to rate this one 4 stars but, lowered it because of the beginning and the miscommunication. Lorelai and Craig (Huckleberry) are long-time friends who slowly realize that they may be in love. There were quite a few humorous lines that made me laugh out loud. And I will say I LOVED the epilogue as it had humor, heart, and steam.

*ARC courtesy of the author, NetGalley, SMP Romance, and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy.*

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

After some confusing stumbles early on in the book, Friends Don't Fall in Love turned into a sweet, if insubstantial, romance.

After appearing in Built to Last, it was a lot of fun to see Lorelai again and watch her make her way back into the music business. I have less to say about Craig, as his character almost exclusively consisted of being infatuated with Lorelai. His interactions with his family members were the best part of his arc, and they were far too short-lived.

It would be difficult for me to overstate how confused I was at the beginning of the book. Time skips and the context actually had me checking to make sure I hadn't somehow missed one of Erin Hahn's books (I would never!).

Overall, Friends Don't Fall in Love was sweet, cute, and had enough of an appeal to make me look past its shortcomings. 3/5.

I was so excited for an ARC of this book! Erin Hahn has been such a favorite author for me. This is my third title from her and I have loved them all. Its the perfect friends to lovers trope and was done so beautifully. I was hooked from the very beginning. Cant wait to order the paperback when this releases!

I think I say this every time I read a new Erin Hahn book but this one is truly my favorite.

Lorelei is a likable character with strong beliefs against gun violence that has caused her music career to halt. And in comes Craig to help, whose always liked her and is just the most charming and humble male lead.

This is the perfect friends to lovers story about rewriting the narrative about yourself.

Friends Don't Fall in Love by Erin Hahn is a cute story that spans multiple years. It follows Lorelei and Craig over the years as they explore the country music industry and their feelings for each other (n.b - the title confuses me...they DO fall in love, LOL).

This novel is a dual POV with a time jump. Both are sweet characters with great side characters. Also, I wanted to note that there is a lot of swearing in this novel, which I'm not used to seeing in books THAT often and it was oddly distracting.

Erin Hahn's Friends Don't Fall in Love is a second chance romance (not that there was much of a first chance) and was a cute, quick read! If you're interested in country music and secret, hidden love letters, then this is the book for you! ⭐️⭐️⭐️