friends to lovers by sally blakely — a review

I think the only other novelist who I can compare Blakely’s debut novel to is Emily Henry, and I mean that as the most sincere of compliments. I was shocked to find out that this was a debut novel, for so many reasons. The characters are all so realistic; the timeline organization builds suspense while not being confusing or frustrating; the problems feel realistic and reasonable; the conclusion makes sense and leaves the reader feeling content and pleased, while also being believable.

Second chance romances can be really hard to get right, but Blakely balances it phenomenally with a dash of ‘he falls first’ and forced proximity to boot. That being said, it didn’t feel tropey: you know when a book lists its tropes and it feels like the author is just checking them off a list? All the tropes in this book feel very genuine and smooth, and don’t feel fabricated or anything other than a genuine story point.

Blakely also does a phenomenal job of creating flawed, realistic, and lovable characters. Both of the main characters and the ensemble of their families and friends all have such realistic mannerisms, attitudes, and conflicts that come up, and this ‘world building’ makes for an exceptional story that feels genuine and tugs at your heartstrings, but also puts you back together by the end.

  Thank you to Sally Blakely, Netgalley, and HarperCollins for the chance to read this amazing novel in exchange for my honest review! Friends To Lovers is expected on July 22nd. I will absolutely be purchasing a physical copy for myself, and I can’t wait to have it in my hands!

This review was written by @tessajane_books on Instagram. You can follow her here — https://www.instagram.com/tessajane_books/ — for more bookish content!