abinthebooks's review against another edition
1.0
This book is so bad I won't even put myself through reviewing it
lauroberge's review against another edition
3.0
This book is short and sweet, but it’s also filled with clichés. I’m not even talking about the obvious “are we more than friends?” cliché, which I actually kind of like. I just think that many characters seemed very stereotypical, which made it hard for me to relate to them. The narration is a bit weird, too, because it’s not quite omniscient but it also gives insight on a few of the characters’ thoughts. I would have preferred a more typical type of narration. Overall, this isn’t a bad novel, but it wasn’t my favourite.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
auburnedge's review against another edition
3.0
Just friends focuses on what happens when you have so much self doubt and feel invisible. Josh doesn't really believe in himself and knows he isn't good enough for new girl Jena. When they become friends and she relys on him his situation becomes more screwed up. A should he/shouldn't he starts. Add in an old friendship that takes a backseat and it's a lot to read.
For me the inner monologue was just a tad annoying. I felt the ending was suitable but the way it comes around just doesn't feel complete.
For me the inner monologue was just a tad annoying. I felt the ending was suitable but the way it comes around just doesn't feel complete.
singerji's review against another edition
1.0
I received an ARC of this book by Dyan Sheldon, who also wrote the popular novel (and hit movie) "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen." Unfortunately I really could not get into it at all and dropped it halfway through. Josh's obsessive pursuit of Jenna is more annoying than cute, and Jenna treats him like dirt most of the time. It's obvious where things will end up with Ramona, who really likes Josh for the quirky guy he his, and Josh's real friends are entirely too forgiving of Josh's absurd behavior.
Last, the book was written in the present tense, which sometimes can work, but in this case made it awkward and stilted to read. DNF.
Last, the book was written in the present tense, which sometimes can work, but in this case made it awkward and stilted to read. DNF.
foreveryoungadult's review
Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: Whatever
Drinking Buddy: No
Testosterone Level: None
Talky Talk: No Plot
Bonus Factor: Friend Zone
Bromance Status: Awkward Date
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Whatever
Drinking Buddy: No
Testosterone Level: None
Talky Talk: No Plot
Bonus Factor: Friend Zone
Bromance Status: Awkward Date
Read the full book report here.
kitkatscanread's review against another edition
1.0
DNF at page 50.
I couldn't get into this book. I think because of how it was written didn't suit the book for me really. Feel like if it was written in 1st person I may have liked it more. It also felt like it was written a bit childishly for a YA novel.
I couldn't get into this book. I think because of how it was written didn't suit the book for me really. Feel like if it was written in 1st person I may have liked it more. It also felt like it was written a bit childishly for a YA novel.
minli's review against another edition
3.0
3.5.
Not sure if it was because I'm finally getting over my reading slump, or if I was thoroughly enjoying the book, but I brought it with me to read in the car whenever we stopped at traffic lights.
This story pretty much covers the crush cycle, although I disapprove Josh blowing off his friends so many times just to do the smallest things with/for Jena. The ending reminded me a bit of Our Chemical Hearts - that things don't always work out, and sometimes that's fine. Life goes on, and the person you were really looking for has been beside you through it all.
I'm not usually one for a happy ending quickly shoved in at the end, but this one worked for me.
Not sure if it was because I'm finally getting over my reading slump, or if I was thoroughly enjoying the book, but I brought it with me to read in the car whenever we stopped at traffic lights.
This story pretty much covers the crush cycle, although I disapprove Josh blowing off his friends so many times just to do the smallest things with/for Jena. The ending reminded me a bit of Our Chemical Hearts - that things don't always work out, and sometimes that's fine. Life goes on, and the person you were really looking for has been beside you through it all.
I'm not usually one for a happy ending quickly shoved in at the end, but this one worked for me.
jessicacwrites's review against another edition
1.0
Oh boy. Where do I start? This book was just so...meaningless? The entire book is basically a cycle of popular girl coming to the nerdy boy for help, but no one really knows they are friends, he has a crush on her, but they aren't in the same league and she only sees him as a friend.
It was so repetitive and the plot was basically nonexistent. There was absolutely no character development, and the ending was wrapped up so quickly that it didn't even make any sense.
I also just didn't care for the writing style in any way. It was really poorly done and overall just not for me in the slightest.
I also had issues with some of the demeaning comments that were made, and there were lines that didn't sit well with me.
Luckily it was a short read and I think I finished it in under 4 hours. Otherwise I would have DNF'd.
It was so repetitive and the plot was basically nonexistent. There was absolutely no character development, and the ending was wrapped up so quickly that it didn't even make any sense.
I also just didn't care for the writing style in any way. It was really poorly done and overall just not for me in the slightest.
I also had issues with some of the demeaning comments that were made, and there were lines that didn't sit well with me.
Luckily it was a short read and I think I finished it in under 4 hours. Otherwise I would have DNF'd.
amdame1's review against another edition
2.0
Josh is definitely not one of the popular crowd. He has a crush on Jena who definitely is. However, when he meets her outside of school, they develop an unlikely friendship. While Josh *likes* Jena, it is unrequited and they remain just friends and Josh is oblivious to how poorly Jena treats him and how he, in turn treats his other friends.
I hated the pandering tone of the author in talking to the reader. I hated how Jena refused to be friends with Josh at school. Ok, maybe this should have been a 1 star...
I hated the pandering tone of the author in talking to the reader. I hated how Jena refused to be friends with Josh at school. Ok, maybe this should have been a 1 star...
fafabookcorner's review against another edition
Mini review:
DNF
I received this E-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I saw this book on Netgalley and decided to request it. I liked the synopsis. Unfortunately it wasn't for me.
I really didn't like the writing style. How the main character described everything (including people). It seriously turned me off.
As this was a personal thing I still recommend.
DNF
I received this E-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I saw this book on Netgalley and decided to request it. I liked the synopsis. Unfortunately it wasn't for me.
I really didn't like the writing style. How the main character described everything (including people). It seriously turned me off.
As this was a personal thing I still recommend.