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!

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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!