Just Friends Was Just Fine by Haley Phame: Why This Book Felt Different Than Expected

Estimated Reading Time: 3min

The ‘friend zone’ is something that is often seen as less than ideal, especially when you might have broken up due to a misunderstanding, like being on a break…

Just Friends is a second chance romance and childhood friends to lovers story, which looks at two young adults who had been together in school, and are reconnecting when the FMC (Female Main Character) returns to the small town full of rich people, including her ill great aunt.

This book has the added challenge of being written by someone quite well known in the online book space, Haley Pham. This meant that she was going to be facing extra support, but also extra scrutiny from the bookish community. Boy, did she ever.

Just Friends

Blair and Declan were inseparable growing up—best friends who knew each other better than anyone else. But when an impulsive kiss took them from friends to something more, everything changed. Just as quickly as their romance started, one moment shattered it all, leaving them with nothing but heartbreak and silence.

Now, four years later, Blair is back in their coastal hometown of Seabrook to support her mom and care for her great-aunt Lottie as her health declines. To make ends meet, Blair applies to work at a coffee shop—only to discover it’s managed by none other than Declan. The boy she loved. The boy she lost. The boy who still makes her heart race.

As Blair’s path keeps crossing with Declan’s, old wounds resurface, secrets are revealed, and sparks reignite. But could their future ever be free of their past?

Told in dual timelines that unravel the magic and pain of first love, Just Friends is a moving, romantic story about second chances, the weight of dreams, and finding your way back to the people who feel like home.

Content Warnings

There is a heavy dose of grief and death in this one. Quite a substantial death for one of our characters occurs. There is also discussions of a traumatic car accident discussed.

My Review

Aside from a few words or sentences that felt unusual or out of place, I thought this book was well written and pretty good.
There wasn’t anything that felt particularly original, but it was still an enjoyable read overall.
The characters were pretty Meh, but I understood their motives and decisions for the most part. I liked the ending as well.

Would I Recommend This Book?

While this book was readable, it was also pretty bland. If you’re looking for something interesting, with a high engagement and depth in plot… this isn’t it.

BUT, if you want something that is easy to read (but pay attention to the content warnings if things like grief trigger you), was perfectly acceptable as a story.. this would be it.

So, would I recommend it? Sure. Depending on your expectations and desires.

Similar Books You Might Like

If you are thinking what kind of books would have similar feel, themes or content, here is a list that you can consider:

• Better Than The Movies (Lynn Painter)
• The Summer I Turned Pretty (Jenny Han)
• Tweet Cute (Emma Lord)
• People We Meet On Vacation (Emily Henry)

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See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace