I enjoyed this read and found it to be entertaining and humorous. I really liked the character of Sophie and it was a joy to get to know her and follow her as she rebuilds her life. The plot was well paced, my only dislike was the abrupt ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.

"Hallmark" meets "dear diary".
This is the best way I could describe this novel.

The idea was there but the plot was diluted with so many descriptive everyday moments that were not essential for the storyline.
A woman gets cheated and this is a story about her growing as a confident person and her journey to happiness, simple as that.
The story would read so much better if it were a novella. The balance of the plot is off, we get to see more of the man who cheated on her than the man that she ends up with. Sorry, but I don't want to repeatedly go through how much of a jerk her ex-husband is, I got it from the first moment he was caught in the act. Then, there was the problem with the guy she ended up with. I didn't care about him at all, he was uninteresting and I think that only happened because of the imbalance of the storyline I mentioned previously. There was just not enough time for him to shine, to develop some personality.

The writing was fine, and it was easy to read, but at one point it felt dragged out and the side characters didn't make the story better.
I would maybe call this a literary fiction, a novel of a woman finding her true self and happiness, but even for that it needs a bit more depth. This was not a romance novel, finding someone to share your days with - yes, romance - no. For this to be a romance we need much more romantic emotions from the love interest. Instead, she was the one giving him support to make some decisions in his life and all we saw was his insecurities, the only thing that connected them was that both of them were divorced.

By the end, I was happy for her but it all felt a bit dragged.

I received this novel as an dARC via NetGally. This is my honest opinion.

I wasn't able to read this book because life has been extremely busy, so I will rate this 5 stars to compensate. The blurb looked very promising though, and I will read this when I get the chance and I will edit my review

"Let's Not Be Friends" by Phoebe MacLeod is a refreshingly candid take on love, betrayal, and the pursuit of one's deserved happiness. Sophie's journey from a fairy-tale marriage to the shocking discovery of her husband's infidelity sets the stage for a story that is both heartwarming and empowering. MacLeod injects humor and resilience into the narrative, making Sophie a relatable and strong protagonist determined to find the life she truly deserves. This novel, perfect for fans of Jo Watson, Mhairi McFarlane, and Catherine Walsh, navigates the complexities of relationships with authenticity, offering a second chance at love that feels both satisfying and empowering.

I need to read more of MacLeod for the overlapping characters in the books, but this one was great! I laughed out loud and I love the fact that she is a strong woman who knows what she wants and won't give up.

"Let's Not Be Friends" by Phoebe MacLeod is a delightful rom-com that takes the familiar theme of love's twists and turns and infuses it with humor, resilience, and a refreshing dose of second chances. This engaging novel, perfect for fans of Jo Watson, Mhairi McFarlane, and Catherine Walsh, earns a solid four stars for its witty narrative and spirited protagonist.

The story revolves around Sophie, a city girl who, in a modern twist on fairy tales, marries her prince only to discover that happily ever after is far from guaranteed. When her husband's attention strays to the stable girl, Sophie faces the reality of infidelity and the expectations thrust upon her as part of the aristocracy. Unwilling to accept her role as a doormat, Sophie embarks on a journey to rediscover the life she truly deserves.

Phoebe MacLeod's writing style is a standout feature, blending humor and charm to create an entertaining narrative. Sophie's character is relatable and endearing, and readers will find themselves cheering for her resilience and determination. The novel navigates the complexities of relationships with a refreshing honesty, exploring the bumps in the road with a lighthearted touch.

The exploration of social expectations and the clash between old and new money adds depth to the narrative. Sophie's refusal to conform to societal norms and her determination to pursue her own happiness make her a compelling and empowering character. The supporting cast, including the humorous mother-in-law, adds layers to the story, creating a well-rounded ensemble.

While the novel excels in humor and character dynamics, certain plot elements could benefit from further exploration. The pacing, while generally engaging, occasionally feels rushed, especially in key moments of character development. Delving deeper into the emotional impact of Sophie's journey would enhance the overall resonance of the story.

In conclusion, "Let's Not Be Friends" is a spirited rom-com that brings a fresh perspective to the challenges of love, infidelity, and societal expectations. Phoebe MacLeod's witty writing and a determined protagonist make this novel an enjoyable and uplifting read. Fans of romantic comedies with a touch of modern fairy tale will appreciate the humor, resilience, and second chances that define this charming narrative.

To me, this was a fast read. I enjoyed a lot how light it felt and the funny moments. Very heartwarming story that lets you swoon a bit.

Another good read
Perfect book to curl up with and to get lost in
Will have you hooked from the first page
Thanks NetGalley

This author is impossible for me to read. I actually ended up not finishing this one because of her writing style.

This is an author I absolutely adore. MacLeod never fails to deliver. This book hasn’t disappointed. I have loved it!

This is contemporary and fun. The author writes in a way that transports you to the pages. Sophie is brilliant, the journey through this with her has been a joy. The self love is just a perfect addition to this gem.

This is a gem, lighthearted and with many laugh out loud moments. This has been the perfect book to lift my mood and really cheer me up.

This is every bit as entertaining as I hoped. I have devoured page after page in just one sitting. This is a must read author for the TBR.

I absolutely can’t wait for more books from this author

Readers looking for a laugh-out loud romantic comedy that will give them all the feels will love Phoebe Macleod’s latest, Let’s Not Be Friends.

City girl Sophie is leading a life most people would give their right arm for. She’s married a member of the aristocracy and is living in his country pile. She is head over heels in love with her new husband and is looking forward to a lifetime of marital bliss together – until she catches him in the stables in a compromising position with the stable girl! Sophie is shocked, devastated and disappointed in her husband, however, when her mother-in-law tells her to just ignore it and look the other way, she begins to wonder whether she’s been looking for happiness in all the wrong places.

With all her romantic fantasies smashed into a million tiny pieces, Sophie decides that she’s not going to merely turn a blind eye. She will find the life she deserves and the happiness that she has been searching for for so long – even if it means learning some hard lessons along the way. Can Sophie ever find everything she’s been looking for? Is there a Prince Charming out there for her? Or will she end up having to make do with the rat she married?

Phoebe Macleod writes hilarious, heartwarming and uplifting romantic comedies readers will just want to gobble up in one go. Fun, uproarious and breezy, Let’s Not be Friends is an enjoyable romp about finding your voice, fighting for your happiness and becoming in charge of your own destiny guaranteed to make readers everywhere roar with laughter.

Perfect for Sophie Kinsella and Portia Macintosh fans, Phoebe Macleod’s Let’s Not Be Friends ticks all the right boxes.

3.5 stars. I liked this more than I thought I would. Seeing a scorned woman pick herself up and flourish is always wonderful. The ending seemed a bit abrupt to me but could be interpreted as hopeful. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

I enjoyed this reading BUT i wish it had a different cover. I normally would read story similar to this one but the cover seems off in my opinion. Definitely recommend.

I absolutely adored this book! I loved the characters and the writing style. Our main character is so strong like in the beginning I did think she would stay with her cheating ex but I'm glad she dumped him! I genuinely felt I was more angry than she was! I enjoyed the romance and her new love interest, I just wish we had seen a bit more of that and I think the slight conflict at the end was not really needed but I guess it is realistic. I kind of wish this book was longer so we got more of our main love interests falling in love rather than the assumption of them falling in love over time because how quickly they became an item was off.

Definitely encourage reading if you want a light hearted, easy read!

When Sophie found her husband has been having affair with the groomer and she tries to find solace in her Mother in law only to discover how the family view her. However, Sophie willing to take a chance with James for him to redeem himself. After a series of events, Sophie decided enough is enough and left him. She went back to her previous life before she married James, found herself back to the job that she loves and the opportunity for her to discover about herself, family and relationship again.

This book is a story about empowerment mixed with second chance and Sophie’s journey of rediscovering and redemption. The characters were well developed with chemistry and interweave with each other. Love Sophie for her attitude who did not wallow in her sorrow but forges ahead to rebuild her life and the engaging storyline.

* review post scheduled to be posted on 27/3/23*

What's a girl to do when Prince Charming turns into a frog?
City girl Sophie has married the prince (or landed gentry - close enough), moved to his pile (which is more accurate a description than she’d anticipated) and is set to live happily ever after with the love of her life . . . until she finds the other half of her perfect life in the stables with the stable girl, and they’re definitely not grooming the horses.

Shocked and appalled, Sophie’s no happier to learn that she’s supposed to 'just get on with it'. After all, according to her mother-in-law, she got the title . . . they even overlooked her family’s ‘new money’ status.

But Sophie is no one's doormat and there's no way she's going to turn a blind eye to her husband's infidelity. There may be some bumps on the road, but Sophie is going to find the life she deserves
I was so intrigued by the premise of this book and it honestly was so much better than I expected it to be it is an incredible read.
There wasn't anything I disliked about this book. the writing style and format was good and engaged me the whole way along, the storyline was absolutely riveting and thought provoking.

Honestly, I had a wonderful time with this one!
Things started off simple enough...a few years of dating that led up to a wedding, a big move, and all the extra things life can throw your way. Flash forward to four years into the marriage, and when she needed the Aga fixed not only was it a no go, but she got a lot more than she bargained for when tracking down her husband. I'll let you discover that "splendid" moment on your own. I felt for Sophie and was outraged just as much as she....in fact, I shared Di's reactions to what happened because WHAT A PUTZ! Sophie deserved so much better than James, but that's the benefit of hindsight; it's quite often 20/20. Love can color the vision of anyone, but when the true colors come out, it's often less a Picasso and more a "how did I ever view this as art". I had to respect her though...she doesn't overreact, despite what he and his mother say/do, and finds her way through things on her own. Yes, she has a little help from friends, and family, but it's HELP UP, not a HAND OUT. They have faith in her and her decisions, and are willing to support her whatever she chooses. Does she choose well? I think so...certainly a "high road" situation, and I love how she always tries to see the good in people, and the situation, but she's not a pushover. It's a fine balancing act that many struggle with (self included)...but we can all learn a thing or two from Sophie, and hopefully we'll have many HEAs on our own terms too!

All in all, a great read to get lost between the epages of with characters you won't forget, moments you'll laugh or even shout about, and an ending that fits perfectly.

Sophie, a young event planner, left her busy life in London to follow her new husband and live a country life. But a few years down the road, she founds him and the stablewoman in the stables, she's rethinking her place in this life. Will she try to save her marriage or will she leave and start anew


I enjoyed this book but it wasn't a romance and shouldn't have been marketed as one.

The beginning of this book pissec me off but it pickefd up in the middle great book and dialogue.A book about second chances and love.

Let’s Not Be Friends by Phoebe MacLeod was an empowering read.

This is my second time reading a book by Phoebe MacLeod, and she only gets better. This is a book that champions women’s independence. The main character, Sophie is forced to start her life over when she discovers her husband is not who he claims to be.

I admired that MacLeod did not go the route of making her female protagonist a helpless woman. Sophie is no damsel in destress. While she is heartbroken and does rely on family and friends at the very beginning; she handles herself beautifully. It is with grace and class that she alone pulls herself up from her bootstraps.

I especially enjoyed that Sophie was not one to rush into any decisions. When she discovers that her husband has been cheating on her, she decides to give their marriage another shot. She does not allow the influence of others to sway her into making a rash decision. It is only when she feels no other options are available, that the marriage ultimately dissolves.

If you are looking for a book with a strong female protagonist, this is the book for you. Sophie is the hero of her own story. While there is a happily-ever-after, it is all thanks to her own doing. It makes for a perfect read for women everywhere, but especially those on a precipice of a new life.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.