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Saxon James
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Just Friends (Never Just Friends Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Saxon James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,110 ratings
Roo

Five years ago, I walked away from Sunbury, Oregon, and left my best friend behind.

The move was supposed to get my life on track. I even had a list.

Life changing epilepsy surgery. Check.

See the world. Check.

Get over my straight best friend … Not exactly.

No matter where I go or who I meet, I can’t let Tanner go.

I’m back to tell him how I feel. To get the closure I need once and for all.

Only now I’m here and falling for him all over again, it’s getting harder to say the words.

Because once I have my closure, I’ll be gone.

And this time it will be for good.


Tanner

When my best friend, Roo, left for Australia, it was the worst day of my life.

I thought we’d have each other always.

But Roo needed the surgery so I let him go, thinking he’d come straight back.

Five years is a long time.

Now he’s here, all I want is to hold on tight.

I need to show him what he means to me.

The problem is, I’m not exactly sure what that is.

My draw to him has always been confusing and different—everyone in town says so. But I struggle to understand it.

All I know is I won’t survive him leaving again.

And I’ll do anything to make him stay.


Just Friends is a best friends-to-lovers romance with an oblivious MC, only one bed, and terrible kangaroo jokes.
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Never Just Friends
  2. Print length
    293 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    August 27, 2020
  6. File size
    3.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 4 books in this series.

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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. “I keep wanting to forget. Because I love you. I’m in love with you. And I have been since we first met.”
    Highlighted by 447 Kindle readers
  2. It doesn’t matter to me that Roo’s a guy, only that he’s him. And I think I’ve been in love since we first met, too.
    Highlighted by 389 Kindle readers
  3. “It’s part of you. If it wasn’t for that scar, you literally wouldn’t be who you are right now. It gave you your life back. So where you see something twisted and ugly, all I see is hope.”
    Highlighted by 326 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kirt Graves is an audiobook narrator best known for his work in the MM romance genre. His first audiobook (TJ Klune's Wolfsong) was featured as one of Audible's Five-Star Faves in 2016. A tenor by training, Kirt easily moves between characters of any age, genre, gender, or ethnic background. In addition to his work as an audiobook narrator, Kirt is a graphic artist, a podcast host, and an award-winning speech coach.



Alexander Cendese is a New York-based actor and narrator whose credits include roles on and off Broadway, in films, and on popular television shows, including Law & Order: SVU and All My Children. He holds a BFA from the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama.



Saxon James is the author of Just Friends and, with Eden Finley, the CU Hockey series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08FR4KJXQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ May Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 27, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 293 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Never Just Friends
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 4,110 ratings

About the author

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Saxon James

Saxon James

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4,110 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a super sweet read with a best friends-to-lovers romance that's not too angsty, featuring awkward and snarky humor that makes them laugh out loud. The characters are wonderful, and customers describe the book as heartwarming, adorable, and easy to get into. They appreciate the steamy content, with one customer noting it's a great combination of heat and wit.

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ReadabilityRomanceAngst levelCharacter developmentSweetnessCutenessEase of readingHeat content
65 customers mention "Readability"65 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a super sweet and enjoyable story with heart.

"...I’m glad I finally got the chance to start it. Love this story and the representation of dyslexia and seizure disorder...." Read more

"It was a cute story, and I loved the whole epilepsy aspect because I'm an epileptic and I could totally relate to his character on that level...." Read more

"...The way the story is told in both perspectives is amazing and the story is absolutely incredible...." Read more

"...It was a rom com. And it was good. I really like the author's writing style, especially when it comes to small town romances...." Read more

41 customers mention "Romance"41 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this romance book, particularly appreciating its best friends to lovers storyline.

"...Hands down this is the best MM romance book I have read in so long. Sad when this book ended to quickly. This needs to happen please." Read more

"...This story was very very sweet with some serious talk and lots of love. Roo's been in love with his best friend since he realized he was into guys...." Read more

"I've read this author before. This is a MM contemporary romance set in the USA. Great start to this series...." Read more

"This was a very sweet story. Two great friends with a beautiful friendship. One is more oblivious than the other but they find their way...." Read more

29 customers mention "Angst level"25 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's balance of sweet moments and awkward, snarky humor that makes them laugh out loud.

"...into a nosy small town, a great group of friends and lots and lots of fun and laughter. It was a rom com. And it was good...." Read more

"...There is no angst to this story. Some good romantic scenes. I adore this author and love reading her books...." Read more

"...author gave me a sweet friends to Lovers story that had me in tears laughing over kangaroo jokes, and falling in love with Roo's sweet, grumpy..." Read more

"...This story is so sweet & was well written. It wasn’t overly dramatic or angsty and didn’t have the typical blow-up/breakup drama or anything either,..." Read more

29 customers mention "Character development"29 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting how the characters evolve throughout the story.

"...gotten out of hand except for two wonderfully messed up and deeply loving characters...." Read more

"...On the bright side, the characters are endearing...." Read more

"...Steamy, sexy times and an awesome set of side characters that would meld nicely into a new book focusing on Circus, and their love interest!..." Read more

"...It’s always fun to start a new series and discover things about all the new characters. These two had a long and rough road to get to where they are." Read more

27 customers mention "Sweetness"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet and heartwarming, with one customer noting it made them smile a lot.

"...They are sickeningly close and happy, even with Roo's epilepsy and Tanners dyslexia posing challanges to both of them...." Read more

"...I like the characters in a sort of warm gooey way. There is something sweet about the MC’s obviousness over his BFF Roo, and Roo’s medical situation..." Read more

"This is just such a sweet feel good read. It's best friends to lovers and I had a smile on my face pretty much the whole book...." Read more

"...It was a super sweet low angst friends to lovers second chance romance" Read more

18 customers mention "Cuteness"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book adorable, with one customer particularly noting how Tanner acts over Roo in a sweet way.

"...long and they were able to talblike adults all in all It was such a cute book and good start to the series." Read more

"Very cute and low angst bffs to lover...bi-awakening. Lots of sweet moments and I loved the unconditional acceptance Roo and Tanner have...." Read more

"...There is angst and miscommunication. There is also cuteness and an in your face small town. I enjoyed this read. My first read by this author...." Read more

"I absolutely loved this book. Tanner and Roo are so sweet and the struggles they face are so real...." Read more

16 customers mention "Ease of reading"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one mentioning how smoothly the years-long history is woven into the story.

"...It's handled beautifully and I can't wait for the next one in the series." Read more

"...This story was very very sweet with some serious talk and lots of love. Roo's been in love with his best friend since he realized he was into guys...." Read more

"Its all about perspectives - Roo memories are on hate the small town. Tanner goes down memory lane and the memories are not all bad...." Read more

"This book was so easy to get into! I love stories of best friends finding love together and this one did not disappoint!..." Read more

8 customers mention "Heat content"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heat content of the book, describing it as super hot and full of warmth, with one customer noting it's a great combination of heat and wit.

"...Steamy, sexy times and an awesome set of side characters that would meld nicely into a new book focusing on Circus, and their love interest!..." Read more

"...I like the characters in a sort of warm gooey way...." Read more

"...Super hot is all I can say. I don't regret reading this book for a second and I'll most likely read it again." Read more

"This was a super enjoyable story that was light, fun, sweet, hot, and full of warmth...." Read more

Where do kangaroos eat?
5 out of 5 stars
Where do kangaroos eat?
Roo and Tanner are just so adorable from start to finish. I totally stayed up all night to read more than 50% and couldn't put my kindle down. What I loved most was how affectionate Tanner is toward Roo, even before he wanted to test waters. The kangaroo jokes had me grinning. Marking as the second M/M book I've read, I'm hooked. **iHop
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Michelle Strachan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Roo and Tanner
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’ve had this book/series on my tbr for a long time. I’m glad I finally got the chance to start it. Love this story and the representation of dyslexia and seizure disorder. I needed a low angst love story and this book delivers just that.
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  • Jecca Reads-a-Lot
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cute old friends-to-lovers story
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It was a cute story, and I loved the whole epilepsy aspect because I'm an epileptic and I could totally relate to his character on that level. I don't think there's enough epilepsy awareness out there, and I rarely see it used in books. I really appreciate the author being so authentic with it.

    Tanner and Roo were so sweet together it was almost toothache-inducing, but I loved it. It was a nice change to have neither character try to be macho or overbearing in the relationship, and the way they'd always been touchy-feely made my heart squishy.

    My only complaint is that I didn't like one of the narrators (I won't say which one because that's just mean.), and his portrayal of the character brought down my feelings a bit. Maybe that's how the author wanted his pov to feel, but it kinda turned me off. I liked the times I read without narration better than listening to the book. However, it was still a good story, and I enjoyed the book overall.
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  • Bo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Smoothly Done
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is one of those best-friends-to-lovers things that could have completely gotten out of hand except for two wonderfully messed up and deeply loving characters.

    Here you have Royce (a.k.a Roo), an Australian native geek (on the cover) who moved to Oregon when a teenager and fell instantly in love with Tanner, the local high school hero, who instantly felt some kind of attraction to his new buddy.

    Then after high school graduation Roo went back to Australia for an operation to subdue his epilepsy and Tanner moved into the blue collar handyman role that disguised the fact that he has a learning disability.

    Then Roo graduates from college, goes on a tour of Europe, and decides to go back to Oregon to see whether he can put an end, or beginning. to his feelings for Tanner.

    After that you have a sweetly moving, and almost logical, path to Tanner coming to grips with his real feelings for Roo and Roo coming to grips with not wanting to go back to Australia.

    It's handled beautifully and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • KarenHe
    3.0 out of 5 stars Best Friends to Lovers
    Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Bi-awakening
    Reunion
    Book: ★★★☆
    Audio: ★★★★

    The reconnection of long-separated best friends Roo and Tanner, following Roo's epilepsy treatment, evolves into a journey of self-discovery and love. While the storyline feels a bit thin, the prolonged circling around unspoken feelings becomes tiresome. It takes ages for the two to reach a point of openly acknowledging their love. Even after they do, they still drag their feet about discussing their future plans. It's hard to believe it takes nearly 300 pages to unfold this tale. On the bright side, the characters are endearing. Roo's name finally makes sense to me, stemming from Kangaroo jokes, and Tanner is a truly heartwarming character.
    患癲癇症的Roo因為出國接受治療的關係與直男BFF Tanner分開了。5年後Roo重回故地，打算砍斷對Tanner的情思，然後重新出發。但Tanner對留住失而復得的好友很是執著。久別重逢的兩人糾結許久終於認定了對方就是love of life。故事線簡單得不得了，半點狗血都沒有，8成時間兩人都在繞圈子不著重點，就這樣水到了近300頁，但我把它的audio當故事來聽其實也還好。還有就是，憨憨的Tanner實在太癡情可愛了，我為他加了半星。
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  • Nano
    4.0 out of 5 stars sooooo sweet!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Nothing super special about the story, best friends to lovers but you just melt when Roo talks about Tanner, the emotions, the connection you just fall in love with the MCs, giving credit to the author. I felt it dragged a bit for Tanner to figure out his feelings, but it was okay
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  • veeee
    5.0 out of 5 stars love love love
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved Roo and tanner to much, I also absolutely loved and thought I’d was so funny how almost no one was surprised about their relationship. I also loved how their arguments didn’t last long and they were able to talblike adults all in all It was such a cute book and good start to the series.
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  • Thor
    5.0 out of 5 stars NEED a Tanner and Roo story by itself please
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    OMG is this book wonderful and thrilling to read. I read it in a day if that says anything. The way the story is told in both perspectives is amazing and the story is absolutely incredible. I just wish I could have a continuation of their story to read and wish it was continued on more. The way they have share this connection I need more of them. Hands down this is the best MM romance book I have read in so long. Sad when this book ended to quickly. This needs to happen please.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Nadja
    5.0 out of 5 stars Some people are just meant to be
    Reviewed in Germany on August 31, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Roo needed to leave to get better, both knew that. But it wasn't the only thing he tried to change.

    Are five years enough to forget about a person? Sometimes yes, but certainly not in Roo's case.
    Saxon wrote such a beautiful book and I'm in love. I love Roo and Tanner so much and how unapotically they both are about their connection. They were never afraid to show their love to each other, even when both didn't know what love was.

    Tanner has a special place in my heart and I'm so proud of him.

    This book is for anyone who loves a cute friends to lovers story. <3
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best friends again
    Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Two high school friends find each other once again. One has reading problem and the other a medical professionals problem. After graduation moves to Australia, while the ďeslict one remain in Oregon. His career is stalled as he cannot read to study and pass entrance exams. The second pass through university with a degree , but no work.

    While they remained best friends this feeling grows to full love. Love and good feelings win.
    Report
  • Aarym
    5.0 out of 5 stars Squeeeee
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 28, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    O M G!!!
    I couldn't put this book down. Literally. I've been reading the entire day. This book is SO good. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope to read and this is my new favorite friends to lovers book. I guess I don't need to say anything else. Five stars are not enough.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Get on the Saxon James train
    Reviewed in Australia on May 29, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book has been hanging around my rec list for months and I'm honestly kicking myself for not getting into it sooner. Like a lot of other reviewers on here I only knew Saxon James from the collab series with Eden Finley (which are excellent, fyi) and for some reason I was hesitant to try her solo books. The blurb for this book honestly doesn't do it justice because it sounds like a very average friends to lovers trope with a bit of GFY thrown in. And it is that, yeah. But it's honestly SO much more. The dialogue is beautiful, weaving through emotional moments and snark effortlessly and the character development is excellent as well. The side characters are EXTREMELY well developed and I'm so damn excited to see what Circus gets up to in the next book. In short, get yourself into this world because it's definitely worth exploring.
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  • book.lover.so_fantastic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and beautiful
    Reviewed in France on July 12, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    4,5/5
    Such a sweet love story, there is something truly beautiful regarding the friends to lovers trope, it is really well portrayed.

    Roo left Sunbury five years ago to have epilepsy surgery, leaving his best friend to his own life. After going to uni and touring Europe, it’s time for him to go back there but only to visit and to get over his straight friend. Tanner has been waiting for Roo since the day he left, his life wasn’t the same without him and he can’t wait to see him again and have everything back to normal. But even if their relationship is still strong, there is something different in Roo’s attitude toward him.

    Roo has been in love with Tanner since their first meeting, even being five years apart and on a different continent didn’t erase those feelings. He despises his health situation, and the regard from the people regarding his seizures and what they cause. Many people think that Tanner is dumb, but he’s just a little slow to understand certain things and it’s the case for his feelings regarding Roo. However, Tanner is ready to do anything to ensure that Roo stays with him and never leaves again.

    That story was really touching, it was also interesting to learn more about epilepsy and the impact it can have on people having it but also on friends and family. I love meeting the other characters and I can’t wait to read what’s coming next, Circus seems to be quite the character.
    Report

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