I chose to read this book because it was in the same vein as People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (long time friends that had been apart for about 2 years) and while I felt the similarity is 100% its own unique story and I loved it!

When I read a romance novel, I want to feel deeply. Love, Just in made me feel beautiful pain from the opening prologue. While the story is written from Josie's perspective, I quickly ascertained Zac's feelings even if Josie was irritatingly unaware. I found her to be difficult to like for the first third of the book, but after that, I really connected with her especially in regards to her health anxiety. I thought the topic was handled with care and respect.

Quick nitpick: Josie had a concussion, she should have been resting without tv or puzzles.

Overall, I feel in love with Josie and Zac. I felt their range of motions: longing, confusion, frustration and definitely love. Their chemistry is undeniable and absolute 🔥. I felt their connection throughout the flashbacks without feeling stuck in the past and their present drew me in. I cried big, ugly tears when they were apart and giant, joyful ones when they were reunited. Just an absolute delightful book! I look forward to seeing more from Natalie Murray!

So NetGalley told me I hadn't logged into my account in long enough that they were going to delete it, causing me to remember I had a NetGalley account and deciding to check out the books - I'm always looking for good new romance novels (I have a hugely long list of literary fiction and other books to read, but I read so much romance/women's literature that it sometimes feels like I run out) and they offered me options for a few!

Anyways, I REALLY liked this. It reminded me a fair amount of Words in Deep Blue (Cath Crowley), which is also about Australian teenagers who reunite as adults, and also of Love and Other Words (Christina Lauren). Some of the bad roommate scenarios seemed a little preposterous but also hilarious, and I liked that the people who were friends were friends, not waiting in the wings for betrayal. Definitely cried. Loved learning about Australian news broadcaster careers. 4.5 rounded up.

I received an early copy of this book on NetGalley with the hope I would provide a review.

Omg I freaking LOVED this book. It gave me real People We Meet on Vacation vibes. Josie was a great female main character. And Zac. He definitely is up there on list of top book boyfriends. Highly highly recommend!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

"Love, Just In" by Natalie Murray offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, promising readers a story filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters.

The story revolves around Josephine "Josie" Larsen, a TV news reporter approaching 30, who feels like she's lagging behind in life while everyone around her achieves major milestones. Josie's struggles with relationships, her career, and her own mental health make her a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her journey from feeling invisible to taking charge of her life is likely to resonate with many readers.

The addition of the regional bureau assignment in Newcastle and the rekindling of her friendship with Zac Jameson, her best friend since high school, adds depth to the narrative. The backdrop of grief and loss in Zac's life creates a layer of emotional complexity, offering a balance between humor and more poignant moments.

The promise of a hilarious, sexy, and heartwarming romantic comedy suggests a story that will provide readers with plenty of laughs, touching moments, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. The comparison to authors like Emily Henry, Sally Thorne, and Ali Hazelwood hints at a novel that excels in character-driven storytelling and authentic relationships.

Overall, "Love, Just In" seems like a delightful and emotionally resonant read that explores themes of friendship, love, career aspirations, and mental health in a relatable and entertaining manner. It's a romcom that promises to keep readers engaged from start to finish while leaving them with a warm and satisfied feeling.

I loved this book! It truly sucked me in from the beginning and I finished it in one day! I loved how it was a friends-to stranger-to lovers romance. This book included aspects of mental health, which were a nice addition to raise awareness about health related mental health and trauma. I loved the 2 main characters and their relationship, especially the flashbacks to the past throughout the book to understand how their friendship evolved before the current timeline. Super cute easy read romance, which was just what I needed when I was reading it.