Just Friends follows Cassandra and Lincoln, two detectives navigating a new friendship after a complicated history. As they work together at the Pinecrest Detective Agency, their unresolved feelings simmer beneath the surface, especially when a mysterious threat exposes hidden secrets and tests their bond. With each late night and shared laugh, they wonder if “just friends” is truly all they’re meant to be—or if they’re on the edge of something more.

The book is a good mix of friends-to-lovers romance and mystery. Although I didn’t read the first book, I felt I might have connected better with Cassandra and Lincoln’s dynamic if I had. Their friendship is fun to watch develop, with witty banter and undeniable chemistry that makes you root for them. The suspense adds a nice twist, though the mystery’s resolution felt a bit unclear at times.

The slow-burn romance was well done, but I wanted a bit more focus on their romantic connection since the chemistry between them is strong. The cliffhanger at the end is surprising and makes you eager for the next installment. Overall, Just Friends combines lighthearted romance with an intriguing mystery, making it a great read for fans of the friends-to-lovers trope.

Just Friends is the second book in the Investigating Love Series. I never got a chance to read Just Partners, but I believe the book can still stand on its own, if you don't mind a few flashbacks from the first book.

This story follows Cassandra and Lincoln on their journey as they navigate the twists and turns of their business, crime, and most or all their feelings for each other. They seem to have so much that they need to discuss and hash out between them, but in the midst of all that is happening, there never seems to be enough time. As mystery upon mystery is unfolding around them, they start to realize they are struggling with not just their partnership but friendship... so even if they are feeling stronger feelings, it's not time yet to announce them. But will they even get a chance to be more than partners? More than friends?!

I really appreciated the mix of mystery and action throughout the story; it kept me engaged and guessing. The romance was sweet and had its moments, but I found myself wanting a bit more depth and development in that area. I enjoyed getting to know Cassie, Link, Quinn, and Thomas, I look forward to reading more about them!

Overall, it was an enjoyable read that balanced mystery and suspense with romance. I’d give it a solid 3.5, rounded up to a 4.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my own opinion.

If you’re a sucker for a friends-to-lovers story laced with suspense (my absolute favorite), Just Friends has you covered! Lincoln and Cassandra are back and have leveled up from “Just Partners” to “Just Friends” — but it’s pretty clear they’re on the edge of something much deeper. The chemistry between them builds steadily, especially as they dive into a mystery threatening their little town.

The suspense element keeps you on your toes, but it’s those quieter moments — late nights, shared coffee, and playful banter — that make you root for them to finally take that next step. Sterling’s writing brings out Lincoln’s protective side and Cassandra’s wit and warmth, which makes for some swoon-worthy scenes. If you haven’t read the first book, definitely start there, as it sets up this dynamic perfectly.

This one’s a solid 4 stars for the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and the thrill of watching a friendship grow into something more. Can't wait for more in the Investigating Love series!

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-Op for the opportunity to receive the ARC.

4 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Evie Sterling's "Just Friends" is a captivating mix of mystery, small-town charm, and friends-to-lovers romance. Cassie and Link are private investigators whose partnership is packed with chemistry and banter. Sterling's choice to tell the story in Cassie and Link's first-person perspective pulls readers into the action and emotions both characters are feeling, making it easy to root for the two of them. The mystery plot lines are fun and unpredictable, with one memorable, high-stakes scene about 70% in that had me hooked and clicking quickly to see what would happen.

What I loved:
- The first-person POVs, which adds depth and relatability to both Cassie and Link
- Engaging mysteries that kept me guessing. I really didn't see where we were going with any of the mysteries and I liked how they all blended together.
- Banter between Cassie, Link, Quinn, and Phineas, who all bring different personalities and humor to the story. I really enjoyed seeing a different side to Link and Phineas in this book.

What could be improved:
- The romance is a slow burn that could use more development. I feel like they shared a kiss in book 1 and I was expecting a bit more in book 2. They still just decided to end as friends, with the possibility of more, but I wanted to see just a bit more development between the two of them.
- The main mystery could have benefitted from clearer explanation to feel more fleshed out. The ending seemed a little outrageous, even though I did still enjoy it.

Final thoughts:
"Just Friends" ends with Cassie and Link promising friendship, but with enough lingering tension to hint at more. I'm looking forward to seeing who has reached out to both Cassie and Link and what fun mystery will be investigated next. This is a great pick for readers who love small-town mysteries with a side of slow-burn romance. Looking forward to seeing where Cassie and Link's story goes next.

This book has a bit of everything, from romance to mystery so will appeal to a lot of readers. I did find the writing style a little difficult to engage with at times but that won’t be the same for everyone. Would recommend for a quick read

This was such a quick, enjoyable weekend read. I loved the closed door kisses only romance with a bit of mystery for the cases they are trying to solve. The slow burn that Lincoln and Cassie have is just right! I just loved how are working through their own dilemmas and thinking about how that will effect the other.

Just Friends is book 2 in the Investigating Love series, which follows Cassie and Lincoln and how they navigate through their business partnership to friendship and fighting the attraction they have for each other.

Releasing Nov 4, 2024

Just Friends but Evie Sterling is a quick and lighthearted read with a bit of everything mixed in. There is some romance, adventure and mystery along with an ending that leaves you wanting more. While it was a bit hard to follow at parts, it was fun and the characters endearing.

Thank you netgalley for an arc of Just Friends by Evie Sterling

I’m normally a fan of dual perspective writing, but in this instance, it just came out clunky and it was difficult for the reader to ever truly get inside the narrators head to understand their motives and feelings. I didn’t feel invested in any of the characters, which meant I really had to fight with myself to keep reading past the 20% point, and reading isn’t normally a hardship to me

Just Friends by Evie Sterling has friendship, a bit of romance, a bit of suspense, and a bit of mystery. I haven’t read the previous book in the series and still enjoyed this one. Link and Cassie are both interesting characters - as is wild card Phineas. I thought the plot was relatively engaging, though the stakes aren’t as high or exciting as they’re made out to be.

The writing was generally good, but occasionally made me cringe (for example, a character boasts that he’s “good at being bad”). There’s also a lot of telling rather than showing. But overall, the book was a quick, easy, enjoyable read.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, which makes me more intrigued about the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions. This review is also on Goodreads and will be posted to Amazon upon the book’s publication.

This book wasn't for me. Something about the writing style mad it difficult for me to engage with the book, and I also wasn't a fan of the shorter chapters.