Hi there! It’s been a while but I’m here to talk about one of my most anticipated romance releases on 2023. **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
Ever since I read her sophomore novel back in 2020, Erin Hahn has slowly but surely become one of my favorite authors. I started with her second YA novel, More Than Maybe (which I reviewed here) which is now one of my most re-read and tabbed contemporary books. I then went back and read her debut, You’d Be Mine, which I enjoyed even though it broke my heart to read what these two country-song-singing teens had to go through. Her most recent YA, Never Saw You Coming (which I reviewed here) truly resonated with me as a former Catholic school kid, and her 2022 release, a debut adult romance Built to Last (which I reviewed here) was truly everything I love in a romance novel. We met Lorelai and Craig (briefly) in Built to Last, but from what was revealed I couldn’t wait for this badass jaded country star to have her happily ever after. I can’t wait to share my thoughts.
Five years ago, country singer Lorelai Jones played one protest song at a concert and lost everything (her music career, her superstar fiancé, and almost all of her supporters) before the end of the night. But now she’s rebuilding [almost] from scratch because she refuses to give up on her dreams or soften her beliefs for those too scared to hear them. So she calls up the only person in the industry she can trust – Craig Boseman, who’s held a torch to Lorelai for years but knows all too well that backup bass and songwriters never get the girl. Now he owns his own indie recording label supporting artists looked down upon by mainstream artists, and he might have just the thing to help Lorelai have the comeback she deserves. But five years ago, these two spent the night together, and when their paths collide once again Lorelai and Craig start to discover a lot of things that friends just don’t do… and one of them might just be fall in love.
I received a physical arc of Friends Don’t Fall in Love back in April, after winning it in a giveaway Erin Hahn had conducted through raising donations for Donorschoose.org, and it’s been so incredibly difficult holding off on reading it because I knew I’d have to wait so long for Maren’s book and didn’t want to give myself too big of a gap. From Built to Last, we know Lorelai had lost her country singing career after performing a song protesting gun violence at a concert, and I immediately had so much respect for her as a character. As a former and current teacher, she sees just how much this violence is heartbreaking and unfathomable, and used her platform to try and fight back against an institution that perpetuates it. I mentally high-fived her every time she refused to turn her back on her beliefs even if it would make for an easier return to the music sphere. And in turn, I loved how Craig never once asked Lorelai to be anyone but her true authentic self. He knows her personality shines and people are drawn to it, and he fought against her doing an “apology tour” because, well first he knew someone would ask a stupid question or make an ignorant remark and Lorelai would not be able to restrain herself from aggressively educating them, but also because he felt like doing so wouldn’t make her feel good in the end. I love characters who are so incredibly in sync and know each other so well that everyone else just assumes they’re dating, and doesn’t believe it when they’re told otherwise, because that’s exactly what Craig and Lorelai are – they’re people who understand what the other needs so clearly, and it physically hurts when they aren’t able to take away any pain and suffering that may occur. But sometimes being so in sync can lead to a lack of communication, particularly when they both assume they know what’s best for the other and don’t want to begin a romantic (and sexual) relationship because it will negatively affect their friendship. You’re both on the same page, just talk it out (and then make out on Craig’s counter or something like that).I loved seeing Craig and Lorelai come together to both make an amazing comeback for Lorelai (and a little someone known as Jefferson Coolidge), but to show the world just how talented they are, and have been for a long time.
In conclusion, this was yet another strong adult romance novel from Erin Hahn. I can’t wait for this trio of books to come to an end with Maren’s book sometime next year, and to read her [perhaps final] YA novel Even If it Breaks Your Heart, which I already know will emotionally destroy me whenever I choose to pick up the NetGalley arc I have of it. I can’t wait for readers to experience Lorelai’s story, and appreciate just how much of a badass she is, and swoon over just how much Craig has fallen for his best friend. Friends Don’t Fall in Love is set to release on October 17th, 2023, which is the day this post goes live, so please join me in wishing it a happy book birthday, and consider picking up a copy for yourself if you’re interested! *Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press/Griffin, for the e-copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Where to find Friends Don’t Fall in Love:
Bookshop
Amazon
Goodreads
Storygraph
Macmillan
Erin Hahn’s site
Thoughts About Things 