Just Friends
Just Friends
By Holly McCulloch
Funny, Romantic, Realistic, I f**king loved this book!
Book Review no spoilers I swear!!
Published by Transworld Digital (ebook June 2020) Due to be published in paperback (Feb 2021)
Just Friends is the debut novel from Holly McCulloch and not the 2005 film staring Ryan Reynolds (its a good film) However, this book is so good. Scratch that. It's fantastic. Its fresh, funny, lovable and Bea is such a real character. If you need a reason as to why I love romcoms so much then this book is a perfect example. But before I tell you how much I love this book I guess I should give you an idea of what's about.
The Blurb:
Its easy to put someone in the friend zone. But what happens if you change your mind?
Bea isn’t happy. Desperate for a change, she looks to her friends for inspiration. Every single one of them is paired off, perhaps that’s what she needs too.
So, she starts dating again. But everywhere she goes – amid the hilarious and scarring dates – there’s Peter. Good old, oddball Peter, her closest friend from university. He’s always been firmly in the friend zone but something’s happened lately – he seems taller, more handsome and suddenly making him smile is Bea’s favourite thing.
But how can Bea possibly risk their friendship? And how do you even go about taking someone out of the friend zone? What if Bea and Peter were only ever meant to be just friends…
Thoughts:
If there is one thing I love, it's friends to lovers romance and this book did not disappoint!
Bea is everything! She's funny, kind, honest and real, all making her a strong, likeable heroine. Bea is a woman who is at that point in her life that doesn't actually know what to do with her life. We meet Bea when she is at her best-friends wedding and fed up with being alone she decides to start dating again.
Something she hates- which I can relate.
I loved the dates. Not only were they realistic in how modern dating goes but I found myself laughing. Without giving anything away, the second date with 'you know who' was so funny, I don't think I've laughed so hard, nor do I think I'll be able to look at coconut milk again. Bea's nervousness and overthinking when going through these dates only adds to her character.
Peter on the other hand is such a sweet-heart. He reminded me a lot like Reid from Criminal Minds. I mean whats not to like? Peter is attentive and is the supportive driving force that gives Bea courage and is something that makes there friendship special. As Bea begins to see Peter as more than a friend but unable to quite say the words, the inner worries that it won't work out is all too real. Loving a friend with the question, "what if" is a relatable situation, I know I've been there and just like Bea, leaving things unsaid is sometimes easier than facing up to your feelings.
This book is about friendship and love, it's a special book that will be hard to forget. I loved reading this and found it easy to follow and will leave you with a smile on your face wanting more. I know I want more! The ending! Oh that ending! It's just so beautiful!
I'll stop talking because I don't want to spoil it, I need you to read it so I can talk about it!
McCulloch's writing is full of British wit and well written. If you're a fan of Mhairi McFarlane then you should really read this book, especially if you're a fan of British romcoms. You won't regret it and I can't wait to see what's in store for this author as this is one hell of a strong debut.
Rating: 4* out of 5. I chuffin loved this book, definitely one of my favourites of the year.
After all tomorrow is another day spent reading,
Till next time,
Phoebe x
Just Friends is available to buy now in ebook from Amazon.