This was such a cute, cozy read. Elle and Oliver’s story brings all the feels while not shying away from more difficult topics. Don’t worry, these are all listed in the trigger warnings at the beginning.

Overall, if you’re looking for that feeling of falling in love with someone, this is definitely the book to pick up.

I really related to Elle and the feeling of being a hype girl in someone else’s main storyline while perhaps neglecting your own a little. I loved how Oliver made her feel truly cherished.

Thank you to Aria and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Overall rating: 3.5 stars

“For anyone who feels like the hype girl. You’re the main character of your own story.”

Honestly, that dedication alone had me. Before I’d even started the story, I already knew I was going to love this book.
The One Where They Fall in Love by Cristina Wolf is such a gorgeous, feel-good rom com with heart. From the very beginning, you can tell this is a story that understands people, especially when it comes to mental health. The way Cristina acknowledges that everyone experiences things differently felt so thoughtful and genuine, and it really set the tone for the rest of the book.

The characters are easy to fall for, with fantastic chemistry that feels completely natural. Their connection is so palpable that you find yourself rooting for them from the start. There’s a lovely balance between humour, friendship, and romance, and those friend dynamics really add to the warmth of the story.

I also loved the little moments where the book leans into its rom com roots, the awareness of tropes, the banter, and the overall vibe just made it such an enjoyable read. Plus that romance, the chemistry is definitely there. The spice is written in a way that feels both emotional and intense without being overdone, that final chapter especially had that perfect mix of angst and “hot under the collar” energy, but still felt delicate and true to the characters.

“Your dreams are like the stars. They might be in the distance, but if you can see them, you can reach them."

That quote really stayed with me, and honestly captures the heart of this story.

For me, the only thing that held it just shy of a full five stars was the miscommunication trope. I know a lot of readers love it, but it’s just not a personal favourite of mine, and there were moments where I found myself wanting the characters to just talk to each other. That said, it didn’t take away from how much I still genuinely enjoyed the story.

The epilogue was absolutely adorable and left me closing the book with such a happy feeling. I’m already looking forward to whatever Cristina Wolf writes next.
A warm, romantic, and genuinely uplifting read that reminds you you’re the main character in your own story.

Hopeless romantic Elle, who believes in happily ever after for everyone but herself, is thrown together with her routine-loving neighbour Oliver when they strike a dog-sitting deal. What begins as reluctant teamwork soon sparks late-night chats, growing chemistry, and the chance for two guarded hearts to find their own happily ever after.

I have to say, the meet-cute was perfect. It wasn’t the usual “catch each other’s eyes and fall in love” moment, it felt fresh and brilliant.

Both Elle and Oliver had great main-couple energy, and I really enjoyed the dual perspectives. It helped capture who they were and made it easier to connect with them.

I could relate to some of Elle’s moments, and it did bring a tear to my eye, not because it was sad, but because it felt realistic and human.

This is the first novel I’ve read by Cristina, and I loved it. The way she slowly built the connection between Elle and Oliver was brilliant. Overall, a great, uplifting romance read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the copy.

Who doesn’t love a good love story! And with a cute dog? You don’t get any better! I lived thus the chemistry and late night chats so good

This was such a sweet and uplifting romance. Elle completely stole the show with her chaotic, lovable “main character energy,” while Oliver’s quieter personality and struggles with pressure and OCD added so much heart to the story. Their unconventional meet-cute and supportive friendship made the romance feel natural, emotional, and impossible not to root for.

This story has everything that makes a good rom-com : it's funny, cozy, with endearing characters and the cutest dog ever.
The title is a Friends reference of course, as Elle is a fan of the show.
Elle is a people's pleaser and hype girl in search of a new purpose. Oliver a reluctant doctor. They both need to be cheer up and they find that in each other after the funniest meet cute. Their neighborly friendship evolves naturally to a relationship.
The author writes their dynamic very well, and the NYC setting made me think of the movie When Harry meets Sally.
If you need a feel good story with heart, this book is for you!

I loved this book. This is my second book by this author and i loved it as much as last years How to Write a Rom-Com. I loved the NYC setting it has such strong Friends vibes and being a big fan of the show it was just great. The OCD storyline resonated with me a lot because i am a severe sufferer of this and sometimes becomes a struggle to leave the house for months at a time. It was more thank right how it was covered in this book and only a person with this debilitating illness could understand us all.

I would love to see this made into a movie. It was so sweet and would make a perfect Hallmark movie. I fell in love with Elle and Oliver and Thor the dog. Can't wait to read another book by this author.

I really want to thank the publisher for getting in touch with me after writing a lovely review last year and to think of me and giving me an ARC copy of this.

I can't recommend this book highly enough once again it's a winner for me and I've already pre-ordered my copy on paperback.