This one’s a bit of a mixed bag for me. I usually love a friends-to-lovers story, especially when it includes wedding shenanigans and long-simmering tension—but I’m not quite connecting with the characters the way I hoped.

Joanie returns home from Portland for her sister’s wedding, freshly unemployed and emotionally off-balance. She’s reunited with Ren, her longtime friend and go-to wedding plus-one. There’s tension between them right away, and it’s clear something happened in the past to create a rift—but the book is really slow to reveal why they stopped being close, and that’s been frustrating.

The audiobook is solid with one narrator, and Ren’s steady, quiet vibe contrasts with Joanie’s more chaotic energy, which should have worked well… but I just wanted more. More spark, more emotion, more clarity.

I’m sticking with it because I need to know what went wrong between them, but overall it hasn’t completely swept me off my feet—yet.

Friends to lovers is heartbreaking. When one of the friends feelings become more, it just is so sad that the other is oblivious. This book made me cry

In Friends to Lovers by Sally Blakely, childhood best friends Joni and Ren have long been each other’s wedding season plus-ones, until one romantic misstep breaks their bond. Back home for her sister’s wedding, Joni is determined to fake their friendship and keep the peace. But as old feelings resurface, she must decide whether to protect her heart or finally fight for the love that’s always been right in front of her.

This was such a sweet and funny summer romance. It felt like a bright breath of fresh air, and I barreled through it on audio in one joyful, marathon weekend session. The story beautifully captures what it’s like to build a lifetime of memories with someone who knows you inside and out. I especially loved seeing how much comfort Ren brought Joni through the years, and watching her finally accept that their bond was always more than just a plus-one arrangement.

It wasn’t like it was some big secret. Ren and Joni both knew the truth, deep down. They just needed the right moment to finally embrace it. The book also offers gentle, meaningful messages about knowing what really matters and not letting perfectionism or career pressures steer you away from what you truly want. Add to that the personal soundtrack woven throughout their story (including a playlist!) and it just felt extra special.

Best of all, the author gives readers a lovely epilogue so we’re not left wondering what comes next. Patti Murin's narration was absolutely perfect. She brought all the emotions to life and is quickly becoming one of my favorite audiobook narrators. I’m giving this a fun 4 stars. I truly enjoyed every minute.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.

An easy read for summer or relaxing. Joni and Ren have been best friends since childhood. When Joni moves cross country, the two make a pact to be each others plus one to every wedding they are invited. When lines become blurred and their friendship takes a hit, it will take a summer reunion for her sister’s wedding to finally force them to confront what went wrong. The story has some fun misunderstandings and work arounds but it is interesting to read through. This is a sweet second chance, friends to lovers romance that will have you rooting for the main characters. It has a great summer and beach vibe. thought it was a sweet and lighthearted read. If you like contemporary romance with classic tropes and a second-chance vibe, it’s definitely worth picking up. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Sally Blakely

This is an amazing friends-to-lovers book that immediately earned a spot on my favorites shelf. I found only one downside, and it has nothing to do with the story—whenever I had time to read, I was already too sleepy 🥲 So it took me almost two weeks to finish it 😅

I loved the characters, their story, their emotions, and the warmth they shared. And, of course, the sensual spicy scenes that offer just a glimpse behind the door.

The book gives off vibes of The Summer I Turned Pretty, People We Meet on Vacation, Love, Rosie, Plus One, and Anyone but You. It’s not a copy of any of these, but it beautifully blends their best elements. So if you love any of them, be sure to add this book to your TBR!

Tropes:
— childhood bestfriends to lovers
— second chance romance
— reunion romances
— forced proximity
— dual narratives
— single POV

I also want to say that I really liked the narrator, Patti Murin.

Thank you to Canary Street Press, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for providing this eARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Harlequin Audio for the audio arc.

If you loved Happy Place and low key (I’m talking LOW KEY) One Golden Summer or The Ex Vows I really think you’d enjoy Friends to Lovers.

This follows two childhood best friends, Joni and Ren who face a falling out but fake their long standing friendship to keep face in front of Joni’s sister’s wedding.

Friends to Lovers features a dual timeline where you see them make a pact to be each other’s wedding plus ones and be the best of friends to present where they have not seen each other for a while and have to fake it till they make it in front of family and friends.

All of which, takes place at a really beautiful scenic setting which makes this such a good beach/summery read!

I liked the audio narration by Patti Murin but I honestly think I would’ve enjoyed this story more as an eye ball read.

Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes, if not my favorite trope, and I love a dual timeline romance. However< this book fell prey to the wrong type of friends to lovers, where the characters simply don't communicate and if they had, the book's conflict would have been wrapped up on chapter one.

I really enjoyed the audiobook narration, though, and I would definitely pursue other audiobooks performed by the same narrator.

A wonderful beach or summer read. I enjoyed it, however I didn't feel as connected with the characters as I would've liked. I loved the summer vibes and that it was a quick read. Fast paced and easy to digest.

As for narration: Patti Murin did fabulous. I enjoyed the audiobook a lot.

I’m not always a fan of the friends to lovers trope because it can be portrayed almost as insta-love sometimes but honestly.. this was done so so well.

I saw a lot of myself and my own life struggles and inner-monologue in the FMC so I really resonated with her! There was some miscommunication in this book but not so much that it completely threw off the story for me. About 60-75% felt a little slow until towards the end!

I actually loved these characters so much and am a sucker for dual POV but this is all from the FMC POV.

Great summer romance, light spice, lots of tense moments between the two main characters! It’s very Emily Henry adjacent

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the dual timelines and seeing how Joni and Ren’s relationship change over the years. Their chemistry and slow burn was really good. I loved their family and friend group too. There was a lot of emotions in this one and it really helped you understand what Joni was going through. This did give People We Meet on Vacation vibes and I happen to love that book! I think this book just has the classic issue of the two main characters not always communicating very well. There were even times when they would say out loud to each other that they needed to talk and still never did. I devoured this book though. I can’t wait to read more work from this author!
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I listened to the audiobook. Patti Murin really helped the emotions of Joni come to life. I believe the narration is a big reason I devoured this book so fast. It was a good time!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC of Friends to Lovers by Sally Blakely!

This is her debut novel, and I thought it was a great, heartfelt read. I really enjoyed how the story alternated between the present and the past—we got to see Joni and Ren’s relationship unfold over time, which added so much emotional depth and context to their connection.

The friends-to-lovers trope was done so well here. Their chemistry felt natural, and the lingering tension between them kept me hooked. I appreciated how Blakely explored the vulnerability and risks that come with taking that next step in a friendship.

Overall, this was a sweet and sincere debut. I’m excited to see what Sally Blakely writes next!

I adored this audiobook! It had everything I was looking for in a friends-to-lovers romance. The fact that it was also second-chance elevated it even more! I know I have said this several times in the last year, but debut novel who?!?! Because this read like a seasoned author. The idea that they had been so close throughout their entire lives while secretly crushing on each other was pulling at my heartstrings. It pained me so much listening to the heartbreaking parts of the story. The only thing that took me out of the story was a couple of spots where the audio engineer didn't catch duplicate phrasing and there were a few times where it seemed like the narrator did pickups and they didn't cut down the dead time in-between. Overall, it did not take away from the story or how much I enjoyed the story. I just wanted to mention it since this was an ALC. I cannot wait to see what this author does next!

Joni and Ren have been best friends since childhood. Then Joni moves away and they vow to be each others plus one for weddings to stay in touch. Along the way the friendship line blures and now they are back together for a summer wedding. They have become estranged and not sure what is going on in each others lives. They are trying to pretend for their families that they are still close. I liked the forced proximity as they had to share space.

Joni has lost her job and is questioning the decisions she has made. Your heart really aches for her. I liked the dual time lines and watching Joni and Ren change. The meddling families trying to stay in their business was comical. They have so much history together and finally find their way back to each other.

It is a fun friends to lovers, summer romance read. A perfect escape to the Pacific Northwest that is a great summer read.

This was a pleasant surprise. I wasn't going to take this title because I'm unfamiliar with the author's work and friends to lovers is one of my least favorite tropes. (Plus didn't enjoy the comp titles in the blurb 🫣) Luckily I had a break in my schedule and picked this up to fill the gap.

This is one of the best second chance/friends to lovers/childhood love interest stories I've read. This has such a natural progression in relationship and "real.life" struggles. I really loved their story.

Highly recommend as a summertime read.

Thank you to Sally, HTP and Netgalley for this ALC. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Canary Street Press for the free eARC and ALC of this book.

As a debut, Sally Blakely’s Friends to Lovers is beautifully executed. While there is some room for growth in the areas of character development and description (a lot of internal dialogue in this one), this is a strong and promising first novel!

The story blends the slow burn charm of People We Meet on Vacation with the emotional tension of Ex Vows, featuring a friends to lovers dynamic, a nearly ruined friendship, a wedding backdrop, and a thoughtful arc of personal growth. The dual timeline adds depth, following Joni and Ren’s relationship from its early days to the present. Their chemistry is natural and well-paced, and Joni’s personal journey navigating a career setback and complex family relationships adds emotional resonance.

At times I would have appreciated a dual POV to offer more insight into Ren’s perspective, Friends to Lovers delivers a sweet and satisfying romance, that makes it a perfect beach read.

I tandem read the audiobook with the physical and it was an enjoyable experience! Patti Murin did an excellent job and brought so much emotion to the story!