Just Friends

Summary: Blair and Declan were best friends growing up. They knew each other better than anyone else. An impulsive kiss drives them into non-friendship territory, but their fledging romance is shattered by a single moment, leaving heartbreak and silence.

When Blair returns to her hometown of Seabrook four years later to support her mom and declining aunt, she applies to a coffee shop to try to make ends meet. The only problem: Declan is the manager. The boy she once loved, and might still deep down. As their paths continue to cross, secrets and old wounds that never fully healed resurface. But will their past always haunt them? Or could they have a future together?

My Takeaway: This is a sweet summer read with a fairytale setting, however, it does deal with deeper themes of grief.

My Review: I personally enjoyed this book a lot! I started it while at the beach, which was PERFECT! The town of Seabrook sounds like the most picturesque little seaside town ever! It’s full of beautiful gardens, tiny cottages, and hidden beaches. I liked Blair and Declan, and I thought their relationship was really sweet and wholesome. The chapters showing their relationship in highschool were probably my favorites, maybe because it was easier to relate to as a sixteen-year-old. This book has gotten a lot of flak for a lot of reasons, most of which I don’t agree with. However, the biggest critique I do agree with. Her writing can be a little awkward and unclear, which is to be expected from a new writer. But those are things an editor should catch and shouldn’t have made it into the final draft. Overall, a fun read, perfect for any summer day!

Romance: Heavy, it is a romance after all. This book is clean, and the couple never goes beyond kissing, which can be a little descriptive and passionate.

Nudity: None.

Language: None.

Alcohol/ drugs/ smoking: One instance of underage drinking, but it is a struggle a side character is working through.

Violence: None.

Darkness: Mild, her aunt is dying from cancer, Blair must work through grief and loss.

Bad Messages: None.

Good Messages: healing, forgiveness, and familial love.

Stars: 4.25