Cole and Laila Are Just Friends
by Bethany Turner
Summary
Cole Kimball and Laila Olivet have been best friends their entire lives. Cole is the only person (apart from blood relatives) who’s seen Laila in her oversized, pink, plastic, Sophia Loren glasses. Laila is always the first person to taste test any new dish Cole creates in his family’s restaurant . . . even though she has the refined palate of a kindergartener. Most importantly, Cole and Laila are always talking. About everything.
When Cole discovers a betrayal from his recently deceased grandfather that shatters his world, staying in Adelaide Springs, Colorado, is suddenly unfathomable. But Laila loves her life in their small mountain town and can’t imagine ever living anywhere else. She loves serving customers who tip her with a dozen fresh eggs. She loves living within walking distance of all her favorite people. And she’s very much not okay with the idea of not being able to walk to her very favorite person.
Still, when Cole toys with moving across the country to New York City, she decides to support her best friend–even as she secretly hopes she can convince him to stay home. And not just for his killer chocolate chip pancakes. Because she loves him. As a friend. Just as a friend. Right?
They make a deal: Laila won’t beg him to stay, and Cole won’t try to convince her to come with him. They have one week in New York before their lives change forever, and all they have to do is enjoy their time together and pretend none of this is happening. But it’s tough to ignore the very inconvenient feelings blooming out of nowhere. In both of them. And these potentially friendship-destroying feelings, once out in the open, have absolutely no take-backs.
If When Harry Met Sally had a quippy literary love child with Gilmore Girls’ Luke and Lorelai, you’d get Cole and Laila. Just . . . don’t tell them that.
My Review
This was my first read from this author, and I really enjoyed this gentle, slow-burn romance between Cole and Laila. I listened to the dual POV audiobook and loved how both narrators portrayed the characters. Since the story leans more on character growth than plot twists, their performances helped every emotion feel vivid and real.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes, so watching Cole and Laila move from lifelong friendship to something deeper was such a treat. The pacing is very slow, and I understand why some readers might find that frustrating since they remain firmly in the friend zone for most of the book. For me, the gradual build allowed plenty of time to appreciate how well they understood each other and why their bond mattered so much.
This is a cozy and sweet romance with closed-door content (no spicy scenes), which I always appreciate. The chemistry between Cole and Laila still feels genuine and tender, highlighted by their playful banter and the delightful side characters around them. I laughed out loud many times and smiled through most of the audiobook. It is simply a charming, heartwarming love story.
The book also reads like a love letter to New York City. I have never visited in person, but through this story, I felt like I was strolling through the neighborhoods and seeing the sights alongside the characters. The pop culture references are plentiful, from Friends to You’ve Got Mail to When Harry Met Sally. I enjoyed them, although I can see how they may date the book or not appeal to everyone.
If you want a sweet and fluffy fall romance about lifelong friends from a small town finding their way to each other, this one is a great pick. It could have used a stronger autumn atmosphere, and it leans into cheesy moments, but I still had a wonderful time reading it. I finished it in just a few days and will definitely be exploring more books from this author. Definitely recommend!