Love Is In The Air: Friends to Lovers Book Review
I was so in the mood for a love story like Friends to Lovers. It even happened to me in real life so I was keen to experience a fictionalized relationship that had its roots in that mutually satisfying respect, admiration, and trust that turns to the “can’t live without you” enduring love.
I wanted to embrace the justified slow arc of commonality and history that forges a bond that time cannot erase or melt; only experiencing it becoming stronger and more resilient.
I thank Net Galley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Canary Street Press for the advanced digital copy.
The promised slow-burn tension was there, for sure. But it was too much for me. The author, Sally Blakely, does a masterful job of showing the reader the delicate, smoldering romance between the two “lovers” Joni and Ren. But soulmates?? It didn’t seem logical to me that they could be such good friends who shared so much yet couldn’t share nor articulate what was keeping them from being a couple. I wanted Joni to get over herself and value and respect what she and Ren had together and indeed become the Lovers.
As an avid reader (and writer) I also recognize that a good story needs good tension; obstacles to overcome. Yet I just didn’t feel that the demands of her career or moving to New York City posed a big enough hurdle to their relationship ~ especially when Ren moved across the country to be with her!
I loved Ren ~ and at times felt like telling him that I wouldn’t treat him the way Joni did. Ha. He is thoughtful, loyal, sexy, and kind… His emotional support appeared to me much more than she deserved.
There was a kind of missing connection. And that helped fuel interest to keep reading and learn why Joni couldn’t embrace his devotion.
That said, Blakely does a wonderful job of describing her characters and the settings.
While I know Gotham like the back of my hand, she captured the Joni-as-transplant/hungry- to-succeed archetype; become a New Yorker to live out her dream career. And while I’ve never been to a Portland beach, I could feel the sand and hear the porch’s screen door slam while the family gathers for Joni’s sister’s wedding weekend…
I also enjoyed the couple’s ritual of always reuniting for friends’ and family weddings. Their reconnections gave the love story renewed sparks and kept me interested to see if this was gonna’ be the time that it all clicked.
It feels like an onerous, rocky road that Joni and Ren traverse before realization and acceptance gives way to manifest their love ~ That she doesn’t have to “fight” for Ren so much as honoring his love for her… That is the most noble element of love..
I did appreciate Blakely’s love descriptions ~ her words are touching in an almost Hallmark card or their movie channel kind of way.
If you can navigate the Friends to Lovers slow burn, you’ll enjoy this love story. It’s a cozy “blanket” read ~ whether it’s a beach blanket or curling up with a warm autum blanket.
Love is in the air…
