A review by lollylovesbooks
Not Just Gal Pals by Elizabeth Luly

4.5

This book was exactly what it said it was - a cosy sapphic small-town romance.

Jenny is an influencer living in LA who's had some bad luck and been hit by cancel culture, so she goes back to stay with her parents in a small-town on the East Coast. There she is reunited with Blake, who seems to have everything Jenny doesn't in terms of a stable respected career. Just a shame the two don't get on, as they're both bridesmaids in their friend's wedding.

I had a great time reading this one. Does it do anything particularly new or groundbreaking? No. But it's a great example of a sapphic contemporary romance with the highs and lows of small-town life.

Jenny's relationship with social media as an influencer was portrayed really well. I appreciated topics that were discussed around cancel culture and the different types of career influencers.

It was great reading their relationship build, with neither one wanting to commit to anything long-term  (for different reasons) but also not wanting to have to let the other one go.

The side characters in this one are great, particularly George who runs the bookstore/coffee shop (which sounds amazing).

In terms of rep, Jenny is bi and Blake is a lesbian (explicitly stated on multiple occasions).
Read this one if you want a cosy autumn/fall romance to curl up with.

I received a free review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.