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Just Friends
Kirsten had a plan. Spend a couple years running her hometown library, get job experience, then get the hell out of Small Town, USA. The last thing she expected was to meet someone like Savannah.
Savannah loved life in the small town slow lane, even if it meant hiding who she really was. She was content until she met Kirsten and remembered what was missing in her life.
Girl meets girl and everything is perfect. Almost. Sort of. Except for the part where they have to keep their budding relationship secret because Kirsten is worried about getting fired and Savannah never told her mother that she was into girls.
Oops.
To the world they might be just friends, but they'll have to stand up to prejudice and their own fears if they want their girl meets girl story to have a happy ending!
Savannah loved life in the small town slow lane, even if it meant hiding who she really was. She was content until she met Kirsten and remembered what was missing in her life.
Girl meets girl and everything is perfect. Almost. Sort of. Except for the part where they have to keep their budding relationship secret because Kirsten is worried about getting fired and Savannah never told her mother that she was into girls.
Oops.
To the world they might be just friends, but they'll have to stand up to prejudice and their own fears if they want their girl meets girl story to have a happy ending!
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2016
31 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 9, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I love this writer's style; her books are well-written and easy to consume. This one had a couple of serious issues in the plot that made the tone of the book a little unexpected, but no less heartwarming. I figure the biggest issue most people would see is the bigotry and hate that Kirsten and Savannah face from Pastor Dan. And that seems to be self-evident, because the confrontations with Pastor Dan affect Savannah deeply. The thing for me that was more impactful was the small-town living. I've never lived in a small town, but everything I've read about them emphasizes the pressure to conform, the fact that everybody knows everything that's going on, and it can be a horrible environment for a gay or lesbian to be out. This type of environment is the number one reason for those who don't feel that they fit to get out and not come back. This book conveys that clearly in almost every scene. In fact, the thing I thought was the most unbelievable part of the story was the response of everybody at Ethel's party. At the same time, it was an extremely hopeful part of the story. I would love that to be a more common response. In the end, this was a great love story, but even better was the heartwarming sense of community that suffused the end of the book.
I love this writer's style; her books are well-written and easy to consume. This one had a couple of serious issues in the plot that made the tone of the book a little unexpected, but no less heartwarming. I figure the biggest issue most people would see is the bigotry and hate that Kirsten and Savannah face from Pastor Dan. And that seems to be self-evident, because the confrontations with Pastor Dan affect Savannah deeply. The thing for me that was more impactful was the small-town living. I've never lived in a small town, but everything I've read about them emphasizes the pressure to conform, the fact that everybody knows everything that's going on, and it can be a horrible environment for a gay or lesbian to be out. This type of environment is the number one reason for those who don't feel that they fit to get out and not come back. This book conveys that clearly in almost every scene. In fact, the thing I thought was the most unbelievable part of the story was the response of everybody at Ethel's party. At the same time, it was an extremely hopeful part of the story. I would love that to be a more common response. In the end, this was a great love story, but even better was the heartwarming sense of community that suffused the end of the book.
September 12, 2017
A very sweet story
It may be strange for a man to be reading these types of stories, especially one as old as me. Oh, I suppose I could be thought of as a 'dirty old man. Well,things are different. I am an old man of 73 and have been married to the Same lady for 53 years. A woman I love more than life itself. I love woman as a whole. I respect them no matter their sexual persuasion. I mean their sex lives and who they love is just none of my business. Now that that is said many of my close friends do not feel that way at all. When we are talking statements are said that raise my hackles but I am woefully ignorant on the subject. Soooooo... I decided to learn a bit on the subject. Thus, my reason of reading these stories. I also have to own up to the fact that there is some hormonal reaction. I guess that is normal,at least I hope it is.
Now about this novel by Mia Archer. I found it to be much akin to her other fare, sweet,loving,with characters that step out of the page and take the page walk with your journey into her fertile imagination. It was a pleasure to read and I did learn the psychological context of what I am using as possible ammunition the next time I am with my bigoted friends.
I too am a writer. I just started and have published only one novel so far. It is, however, a much larger novel (850 pages) but it is a science fiction (no sex,lol). But any way this review is not about me. I just said the that part about my being an author to let review readers that I have a critical eye for the way a book is written. Mia Archer excels at the craft.
It may be strange for a man to be reading these types of stories, especially one as old as me. Oh, I suppose I could be thought of as a 'dirty old man. Well,things are different. I am an old man of 73 and have been married to the Same lady for 53 years. A woman I love more than life itself. I love woman as a whole. I respect them no matter their sexual persuasion. I mean their sex lives and who they love is just none of my business. Now that that is said many of my close friends do not feel that way at all. When we are talking statements are said that raise my hackles but I am woefully ignorant on the subject. Soooooo... I decided to learn a bit on the subject. Thus, my reason of reading these stories. I also have to own up to the fact that there is some hormonal reaction. I guess that is normal,at least I hope it is.
Now about this novel by Mia Archer. I found it to be much akin to her other fare, sweet,loving,with characters that step out of the page and take the page walk with your journey into her fertile imagination. It was a pleasure to read and I did learn the psychological context of what I am using as possible ammunition the next time I am with my bigoted friends.
I too am a writer. I just started and have published only one novel so far. It is, however, a much larger novel (850 pages) but it is a science fiction (no sex,lol). But any way this review is not about me. I just said the that part about my being an author to let review readers that I have a critical eye for the way a book is written. Mia Archer excels at the craft.
September 22, 2018
Excellent!
This is a very well written book that explores the darker side of small town America, especially as it relates to LGBTQ people. From narrow minded community individuals and institutions to religious persecution to gossip, this book accurately describes just how much negativity can be and is directed at perceived, suspected, and admitted members of the larger LGBTQ community. Often times, the individual finds themselves totally alone and seemingly isolated in and by their small town. Here, Kirsten returns home after her doctorate to gain much needed experience in order to land her dream job, and Savannah has returned home after nursing school to care for her sick mother. The characters are well developed and the storyline is one many people should be able to relate to. Put this book on your must read list!
This is a very well written book that explores the darker side of small town America, especially as it relates to LGBTQ people. From narrow minded community individuals and institutions to religious persecution to gossip, this book accurately describes just how much negativity can be and is directed at perceived, suspected, and admitted members of the larger LGBTQ community. Often times, the individual finds themselves totally alone and seemingly isolated in and by their small town. Here, Kirsten returns home after her doctorate to gain much needed experience in order to land her dream job, and Savannah has returned home after nursing school to care for her sick mother. The characters are well developed and the storyline is one many people should be able to relate to. Put this book on your must read list!
December 19, 2017
A cozy little Mia Archer story. With this author you get what you pay for - she doesn't disappoint.
July 7, 2019
Good entertaining book
A good, entertaining story with interesting characters. It was a very enjoyable & easy to read.
I recommend this book.
A good, entertaining story with interesting characters. It was a very enjoyable & easy to read.
I recommend this book.
April 21, 2016
Just Friends is a romance book that primarily focuses on the worries many people face about "coming out." It follows two lesbian women who begin their relationship in secret for fear of what revealing their sexual preferences might mean. The author described these feelings in a truly beautiful way and I honestly felt like I gained a better understanding of just how awful life is / was for some people (and I'm not someone who is particularly new to the LGBTQ scene).
Unlike most romance books in this genre, those core emotions were where the primary "conflict" lied. The story was very much a "two women vs. the world" type of book - which I actually appreciated. It's just really nice to read about two women who don't have some crazy dramatic break up and get together at the 70-90% mark and who are able to act like reasonable adults even when they disagree on a topic.
That being said, there were a few things that weren't so great about this book. One thing, in particular, that stood out to me, was the poor editing (at least in the Kindle version). Like, literally, within the first two pages, the author uses the phrase, "... mama bird pushing the baby out of the next" (next instead of nest). These spelling and grammar mistakes throughout the book weren't a deal breaker - but I definitely felt like I got jolted out of the story at times.
Another thing that really bugged me, that's sort of similar in nature, is that the Kindle version of this book ends at the 75% mark. Like I kept waiting for something upsetting to happen to spur the book on (as is the theme with many books in this genre) but it just sort of ended. There's this author's note that appears right after the story finishes and I did a double take being like, "wait what? Why is there an author's note in the middle of the story?" Even when I went back and re-read the last page I was still just confused as to why the author ended it like that. It truly felt like the author was in the middle of a thought and just put "the end" as the way to finish it.
Other than those things, and a somewhat cheesy resolution to the core conflicts, the book was a decent read. It doesn't break any ground and it didn't make me happy by any means - but it did have some solid elements to it.
If you're wanting a non-fluffy romance book with realistic emotions and an accurate depiction of the fears of being gay in small town America - this story could be for you.
Unlike most romance books in this genre, those core emotions were where the primary "conflict" lied. The story was very much a "two women vs. the world" type of book - which I actually appreciated. It's just really nice to read about two women who don't have some crazy dramatic break up and get together at the 70-90% mark and who are able to act like reasonable adults even when they disagree on a topic.
That being said, there were a few things that weren't so great about this book. One thing, in particular, that stood out to me, was the poor editing (at least in the Kindle version). Like, literally, within the first two pages, the author uses the phrase, "... mama bird pushing the baby out of the next" (next instead of nest). These spelling and grammar mistakes throughout the book weren't a deal breaker - but I definitely felt like I got jolted out of the story at times.
Another thing that really bugged me, that's sort of similar in nature, is that the Kindle version of this book ends at the 75% mark. Like I kept waiting for something upsetting to happen to spur the book on (as is the theme with many books in this genre) but it just sort of ended. There's this author's note that appears right after the story finishes and I did a double take being like, "wait what? Why is there an author's note in the middle of the story?" Even when I went back and re-read the last page I was still just confused as to why the author ended it like that. It truly felt like the author was in the middle of a thought and just put "the end" as the way to finish it.
Other than those things, and a somewhat cheesy resolution to the core conflicts, the book was a decent read. It doesn't break any ground and it didn't make me happy by any means - but it did have some solid elements to it.
If you're wanting a non-fluffy romance book with realistic emotions and an accurate depiction of the fears of being gay in small town America - this story could be for you.
April 17, 2016
Quick light read
This was a quick like read with humor. The characters were loveable especially Ethel who is my favorite. Her witty humor makes it fun to read. I love how the author showcase small town hospitality with fears of being something others may not accept. That in itself touched a chapter in my life. It shows that despite what we go through with others, people can and will always surprise you if you only give them a chance to know you. This book touched on the subject of how one person perception of good vs evil can torment others which is the case of pastor Dan. His idea of doing good was to demean and bully others who he felt were not in the ideal image. I liked how Kristen cursed him out and how Savannah finally did what she thought was impossible and knock him down a peg. That was so funny. Great book as usually Mia. Keep them coming. I received an ARC
This was a quick like read with humor. The characters were loveable especially Ethel who is my favorite. Her witty humor makes it fun to read. I love how the author showcase small town hospitality with fears of being something others may not accept. That in itself touched a chapter in my life. It shows that despite what we go through with others, people can and will always surprise you if you only give them a chance to know you. This book touched on the subject of how one person perception of good vs evil can torment others which is the case of pastor Dan. His idea of doing good was to demean and bully others who he felt were not in the ideal image. I liked how Kristen cursed him out and how Savannah finally did what she thought was impossible and knock him down a peg. That was so funny. Great book as usually Mia. Keep them coming. I received an ARC
April 8, 2016
Another good story by Mia
I like Mia's stories because they are always well though out, well written, well edited, and always entertaining.
This book is no different and describes the trials and tribulations of living in a small town. Having grown up in a small town myself I thought Kia described it perfectly.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable read.
I like Mia's stories because they are always well though out, well written, well edited, and always entertaining.
This book is no different and describes the trials and tribulations of living in a small town. Having grown up in a small town myself I thought Kia described it perfectly.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable read.
September 9, 2016
This was nice
I really enjoyed this story. A bit of a deeper, more serious story but still maintaining the joy an happiness of all the others I've read by Mia Archer. As always the characters were believable and fascinating and the story kept you reading just to see what came next.
I really enjoyed this story. A bit of a deeper, more serious story but still maintaining the joy an happiness of all the others I've read by Mia Archer. As always the characters were believable and fascinating and the story kept you reading just to see what came next.
October 17, 2016
Everyone who'd ever make me doubt myself could go fuck themselves.
There's just something with the way the story was written that doesn't sit very with me. I just felt like I've read this before and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. Sweet at parts but there really isn't that spark.
There's just something with the way the story was written that doesn't sit very with me. I just felt like I've read this before and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. Sweet at parts but there really isn't that spark.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews