Friends Don’t by Jordan Riley: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

Wesley and Addison grew up together.

They’ve been next-door neighbors and best friends their whole life.

Everyone sees they’re more than that—Except Addison.

Wesley’s been in love with her for years.

But he won’t tell her. He won’t ruin their friendship.

And he won’t be the reason she has to choose.

Because she’s with someone else.

Someone who doesn’t know her like he does.

And Wesley can hardly stand watching from a distance anymore.

One road trip across state lines changes everything.

Because friends don’t look at each other like they do.

Book Review

There is just something about Jordan Riley's books that are super relatable to me. I love that while her characters are Christian who strive to live out their faith, they also fall short and don't always get it right... but still keep going just the same. Rather than feeling like characters that I could never live up to... they instead feel like people I actually know. (Seriously, I grew up in the country, and I feel like I know so many people who would fit into this family perfectly!) While these flawed characters might not be what everyone wants in a Christian read, personally, I think we need more stories just like this! And there is no character I've related more to than Addison! As someone who struggles with severe anxiety myself, Addison's struggles- while not entirely the same as my own- still felt so familiar to me! Her struggles in that are a huge part of the story, and as was stated in the author's note, that's absolutely what life with anxiety can be like! And the way Wesley shows up for her, sees her needs and doesn't make her feel bad for her struggles!? I just absolutely love it! These two have a really sweet friendship and I loved seeing them make that transition into even more. I'm a sucker for a MMC who falls first, and well... Wesley certainly has that covered. If you enjoy a tender romance with country vibes, this is one to check out! 

Friends Don't is a faith-filled closed-door romance with kisses only on page, though there are mentions of sex (from a Biblical perspective). There is some minor language throughout as well. This is part of the Jennings Family series, but I do believe it could be enjoyed as a standalone as well. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Jsg9xq