OKAY, FIRST THINGS FIRST: my perfect cast for this is - PHOEBE DYVENOR (Daphne from Bridgerton) with Mila Kunis' personality from Friends With Benefits, and James Franco with James Franco's personality (our main male character, Fraser, is a GOLDEN RETRIEVER!). This IS NOT UP FOR DISCUSSION! Sam Canning's writing is eloquent and SO funny, the book reads itself. I was sitting in a café when I came across the funniest scene and I kid you not, I had tears streaming down my face and I was cackling out loud. This didn't just happen once or twice, no... I laughed way too many times!!! The dialogue is 20/10 - the banter, the wit, the love, the sarcasm, the EVERYTHING! It just made me adore every single character. I also loved all the sayings in the book, and the setting - super atmopsheric! I found myself being excited, no matter what was happening on the page. Every character, every scene was just as captivating - I was interested in what was happening in Ada's job, in the "coffice", Fraser's "quests" (these were the funniest things ever - the erotic pottery had me CRYING with laughter), Ada's mom, her friends, etc. As funny as this book is, it does tug at your heartstrings - Sam Canning nailed it on the head describing trust, love, the difficulties of parenthood, friendship, honestly just LIFE in general. The feelings were described accurately and this made just it that much more relatable. Now onto the romance... I LOVE me a good slow-burn. Their connection/friendship/chemistry was so real, that sometimes it felt like I was INTRUDING, I'd be like "wait, should I look away and let them have their moment?" LOL! Gave me butterflies and honestly, I love how they bounced off of one another. If you like the banter in Friends with Benefits between Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, you will EAT this up. As things were evolving between them, my heart just grew bigger and my smile went from one ear to the other. My favourite trope is friends to lovers and this book dd it very well. Virtual Strangers is an ode to book lovers and nostalgia (the excitement of rushing home after school to hop online to talk to your friend (read: STRANGER) online hit different). It's a warm hug in book format. I absolutely loved it and it's definitely become an all time favourite. I am really looking forward to reading more books by Sam Canning. PS. I NEED TO VISIT EDINBURGH ASAP!!! I’m saving so many quotes from this book, it’s not even funny! LOVED IT ALL!!!

Really enjoyed this book. Very likeable characters and a lovely storyline. Nice to have a book based north of the border as well. Yes, it was a little predictable but that did not detract from the enjoyment of the story, nice when a rom com works out how you think it should. Recommended. I received an ARC for which I have given an independent review

Not my usual read, but I loved it. The descriptions of Edinburgh are spot-on and the narrator is smart and relatable, with the odd excellent turn of phrase. It feels really grounded in the city, so I'd recommend it if you have a soft spot for Edinburgh in your heart. I thought the online communications were handled very well, too. All in all a comfortable and heartwarming read.

Nothing but good things to say about this book! Loved the characters, the plot and the writing as a whole. I found the story to be very engaging as well as entertaining, and the romance was divine. Definitely a recommendation for those looking for a romantic comedy read that will leave them hungry for more!

I loved this book. It literally made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions. I couldn't put it down and did not want to reach the end as I enjoyed it so much. Excellently written by someone who clearly has an amazing sense of humour. I cannot wait to see what Sam Canning does next.