hot country nights

When Lorelai Jones left country music—well, was shoved out of country music—she returned to her native Michigan, went back to teaching elementary school kids, and lived her best life. She never regretted her decision to make a public stand against guns, but she didn’t expect all the doors to slam in her face quite so loudly. Or for her fiancé Drake to go on social media to announce to the world the wedding was off before he spoke to her.

Drake was the half of a music partnership that was white hot when he’d been with Lorelai. Since then, the partnership had dissolved and while Drake was still out singing and touring, his partner had bought a recording studio in Nashville and started producing. Craig Boseman had made a name for himself as Drake’s partner, but the truth was that he had done all the songwriting that Drake took credit for, and when he got tired of seeing Drake use everyone around him (until they were of no use to him), Craig started a new career for himself.

So when five years had gone by since Lorelai had left Tennessee, some appearances on her friend’s home restoration show helped her remember what she had walked away from. And she was thinking about going back. So she saved up some of her teaching salary and headed back south to try out some new songs at Craig’s studio. He had always been a good friend to her, and one memorable drunken night, he had been an especially great friend. She’d kept that in mind all those years and wondered if they could have more than just that one night. But she didn’t want to risk ruining the friendship. And she didn’t want to put her producer in a difficult position.

And when her manager comes back into Lorelai’s life, offering up an apology tour to media outlets and suggesting a tour with Drake again, she’s not sure what to say. She wants back into country music, but does she want it that badly? And what about her feelings for Craig? Will she ever get up the courage to tell him that she loves him, or even tell him how much that night meant to her, and that she wants more? Lorelai is finding that she has a lot she wants to say—to her manager, to Drake, to her fans, and especially to Craig. But will Lorelai be able to find the words that go with the melodies of her heart?

Friends Don’t Fall in Love is the continuation of the story started in Built to Last. Where that novel tells the story of Shelby and her home restoration projects and love story, this novel picks up the story of Lorelai Jones finding her way back into the hearts and playlists of her country music fans. I loved Built to Last, but I felt like Lorelai stole every scene she was in, so when I found out that author Erin Hahn has expanded her story in this novel, I knew immediately I wanted to read it.

I loved Friends Don’t Fall in Love. It’s a fun, moving story of finding your voice and going after your dreams, but it’s also a steamy love story that does not mince any words at all. The love between Lorelai and Craig is so present that it’s hard to believe that there are any obstacles to them getting together, but Hahn manages to put some in their path anyway. Lorelai is a large, passionate, intelligent character, and she needs someone equally smart and big-hearted, and Craig is the perfect guy for that. This story is sexy as hell but also balanced, clever, and genuine. It’s a true page-turner. But you might not want to read it at work.

Egalleys for Friends Don’t Fall in Love were provided by St. Martin’s Griffin through NetGalley, with many thanks.