“Not Just Gal Pals” by Elizabeth Luly – A Review
⭐ Rating: 3.75/5
Year Published: 2023
Genre: Rom-Com, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+
Page Count: 292
Quick Summary
After a social media scandal puts her influencer career on pause, Jenny Lynton heads back to her hometown of Sapphire Springs to lay low. But instead of the peace and quiet she expects, she finds herself roped into planning a bachelorette party… with none other than Blake Mitchell, the town’s reserved doctor (who, surprise surprise, has had a secret crush on Jenny since high school). As they spend more time together, their awkwardness turns into undeniable chemistry—but can Jenny slow down enough to appreciate what’s right in front of her?
What I Loved
Small-Town Vibes Were On Point: This book felt like the sapphic, ultra-sweet version of Schitt’s Creek—where everyone knows everyone, and they’re almost unrealistically nice to each other. It was a cozy setting, perfect for a lighthearted romance.
Blake Was EVERYTHING: I adored her. She’s shy, a little awkward, and completely clueless about texting etiquette (seriously, using just the thumbs-up emoji? Criminal). But her love for Jenny is so obvious, and I found myself rooting for her immediately.
The Pets Needing to Be Friends? Hilariously Realistic: If you’ve ever had a pet, you know how important it is that they approve of your new partner’s animal. This was such a cute, subtle detail that made the story feel even more authentic.
Jenny’s Character Growth: She started off a little frustrating, but by the end, you could really see how much she had changed. Watching her make better decisions for herself was really satisfying.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
The Ending Felt Rushed: Everything happened so fast in the last part of the book, and it kind of took me out of it. A little more time to wrap things up naturally would’ve made it feel more satisfying.
Blake’s Sudden Personality Shift: She goes from completely silent and awkward to dropping pet names like “babe” overnight. I love a slow burn, but I wish the transition into their relationship felt a little more natural.
The Dialogue Felt… Weirdly Formal? Some conversations—especially post-spicy scenes—just felt way too stiff and unrealistic. People don’t talk like that, especially not in those moments.
Who Should Read This?
If you love Hallmark-style romcoms, small-town romance, and sapphic slow burns, this is a perfect cozy read. It’s light, sweet, and low on angst, making it a great pick for when you want something fun and comforting.
Final Thoughts
This was such a cute, feel-good book! It had strong autumn vibes, a fun small-town setting, and a really lovable romance. Sure, the pacing could’ve been better, and some parts felt a little too polished, but overall, Not Just Gal Pals was a sweet and satisfying read. If you need a fluffy sapphic romance to escape into, this one is definitely worth picking up!
