Cover Image: The Friend Zone

The Friend Zone

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

One of these days I will finally understand what makes a New Adult book be classified as such. I would have said this book would be on that genre, but every source I have checked considers this book just Contemporary Romance. In the end, it’s not that important; except for tidy shelves. In any case, here we go with The Friend Zone!!

This book follows the adventures of Logan Hunt, a college student and football player who has been kicked off his former team for bad behaviour. He ends in en EOL College, where he will be given a second and last chance. There he meets Jess, the witty and fun daughter of his current coach. They become almost insta-friends and it could develop much more further if it wasn’t for a tiny detail: the coach doesn’t allow his players to have dates under penalty of expulsion…

If you told me a couple of years ago that I would enjoy so much the several Sport Romance books I have read lately, I would have thinked you were crazy or talking with the wrong person. I’m not a sports guy. Like, not at all. But I guess I enjoy the healthy banter these books usually have. The Friend Zone is no exception. The most remarkable characteristic of this story is the dynamic between Logan and Jess. It is beautifully written. A slow dance that takes us through all the stages from funny flirtation to mindblowing friendship and an equally sweet and hot romance. No rush. No crazy displays of love. Every step has the utmost respect for the characters and their situations, which makes everything much more realistic.

In case it is not clear, I’m in love with the characters of this book. Jess is the usual woman you find in this kind of books: independent, smart and not an easy prey. What makes her more special is the fact that she remains like that way longer than other female characters in similar books. And Logan… *sigh*. When I started the book the first thing that came to my mind was: I smell a book boyfriend. My first impression was spot on! I’m not going to say he is perfect, because there are a couple of situations that made me frown; but he is pretty close: good humored, funny, honest, loyal, hard-working and, surprie, surprise, a full package hottie. in the previous book I read, I met the worst kind of cocky. Logan, on the other hand, is the perfect kind. So with these two, I really enjoyed the romance between them. Playful, charismatic, sweet… And man… those kisses… they were really hot. The undeniable power of keeping it simple. No need of sex to sell the readers their connection.

Not everything shines under the sun, though. The book has also a couple of things that I don’t like that much. The most obvious one are the coach’s rules. More precisely, the one against dating. Why? I know there is an explanation, but it’s crazy. It’s putting all the young men of this world in the same box and listening to no reason. It’s the same rule used to introduce a bit of drama in the story and in my opinion it is a bit weak. But, I must also admit that the author does a superb job to apply this rule to Logan’s situation. The problem is that Logan is not the only one in the team… With such crazy regulations it is a wonder there is a team at all!!

The other big issue for me is Ben. If this guy were a real contender for Jess’ heart, the story would have been even better. I mean, since the first time we meet the The Bentastic Poet, we know there is zero chemistry. I have a hard time believing that Jess doesn’t realize that way sooner. I also don’t like how quickly the poor guy is belittle by Logan. I admit that Ben is a self-centered jerk, but we don’t get to know that after much later in the book. So, all that mockery about his looks and choices in life feels too much like bullying for my taste.

By the way, I should have skipped the epilogue. The aftertaste of the book would have been much better.

Was this review helpful?

A sweet, clean read for all ages. I liked this book. It’s far different from what I’ve been reading lately, which is nice to get a break from the angst but I’m definitely ready to dive back into my norm after reading this. A great palate cleanse, if you will. Enjoyable characters and an overall good book.

Was this review helpful?

The Friend Zone introduced me to a new author, and for that, thank you.

This friends to lovers story is so beautiful. Of course it is filled with anxieties, pressure and fear of losing it all but through it all, Jess and Logan's friendship survives and flourishes.

Before this couple find their HEA, the author convinces the reader that they have such a strong foundation in friendship that will survive almost anything, that there is no risk!

And isn't that what it's all about? The reader 'believing' what they are reading?

A lovely start to what I hope is a long and happy relationship with a new author.

Was this review helpful?

I am new to Sariah Wilson’s writing and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this sweet and heartfelt story. The Friend Zone is such an apt title too, with so many “rules” put in place to ensure that Logan achieves his goals and that Jess` virtue remains intact while she tutors Logan along the way.

It was endearing to witness their genuine attraction, while they got to know each other on a level that is often glossed over by the complications of a physical relationship. I also loved the easy banter and the humour that was always there as they moved forward from the traumas of the past. I’m can’t wait to read what comes next, as I’m very impressed with this authors style.

Was this review helpful?

Now this sounded like a sweet cozy read, lighthearted and essentially a sweet romance. Something I personally adore. Unfortunately while in parts it showed potential it was extremely difficult to stay engaged. It’s feels a little stagnant, no easy flow to the story or natural character growth. Jess’ back story of being assault doesn’t feel right with the way she interacts or with how the story plot was developed around that key element.

Was this review helpful?

Very much enjoyed The Friend Zone. Much like her previous books, these are great love stories -- minus the sex. I think they are great reads for any age, but especially nice for young women.

Logan and Jess appear to be a mis-match from the start, but things aren't always what they seem. The two decide upon friendship, because it's the safest bet for both parties. Logan probably hasn't ever had a female who is "just" a friend, so it's something new for him. Jess is still recovering from a major trauma and is learning to trust men again. Logan is the perfect choice because they're just friends.

This was a fun, sweet, and entertaining romance. Characters were likable and interesting.

I've read many of Sariah Wilson's books, and The Friend Zone is a win for me!

Was this review helpful?

I had a hard time getting into this book. I couldn't connect with the characters but I'm considering it an "it;s not you, it's me" situation because I have been having trouble getting into any book lately. I hope to give this another chance at some point when my mind is better able to focus.

Was this review helpful?

All about second chances and making the most of them!

Football player Logan Hunt was out of options after being kicked out of Texas F&T for fighting and working construction until football coach Stan Oakley gave him a scholarship to Edwin O’Leary College (AKA EOL or End Of the Line) to play football but with many rules and first one was no dating of any kind included the coach’s daughter. Jess (Jessica) Oakley had followed her father to EOL after he was fired after his offensive line at UT Amarillo had spiked her drink at a party and it was easier to fire him than charge the football players.

Logan was very interested in Jess but he was all about following rules because he wanted to get his degree and become a teacher because he knew that playing professional football wasn’t in his future. So he decided to help Jess date her dream man which didn’t turn out so well.

The Friend Zone is all about second chances, first about Logan being able to finish his degree and play football at college and Jess reclaiming her identity other than someone who has been a victim. The Friend Zone is a stand-alone but maybe Bash will get a book?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This story is a redemption guy gets girl story. Logan’s history hasn’t been good and his journey into college ball isn’t much better. Now he has a second chance or last chance if you will to make something of himself. He will have to follow the rules, get good grades, and number one no women especially Jess.

Jess has made great choices and now here in EOL she is making her life. Logan though is changing everything she thought she wanted. When they embark on a mission to get her crush’s attention she realizes that maybe he’s not quite what she wanted to begin with and what she has with Logan is so much better..... even if it is just being friends. When lines are crossed and rules broken these two will have to face those consequences.

It was good made me invested in the story although sometimes I felt like it went on a little too long. The friend ship wasn’t the problem. But it ended well and I enjoyed it.

Was this review helpful?

This was a good friends to romance book, enjoyed Logan and Jess. Just didn't get the whole Ben thing even though she says why she likes him I just didn't make sense since Jess was a strong character. If your looking for a quick clean read this may be for you.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve been sitting on this book for days, maybe weeks because I didn’ know what to write in the review. There’s nothing much to say. I loved it until the end.

Logan was such a fun, sweet, caring character. He knew what was on the line when their feelings started to be much more than just friends. They both did.

It was one of the things I loved about this book. That they didn’t start a relationship even though it could destroy his career but that they tried to fight against those feelings.

I always love when one character wants to get some boy/girl and then the other character helps him/her get what they want. In this case, Jess wanted a guy named Ben, a guy who is completely different than Logan. Of course, Logan helps her trying to get Ben but in the process, they both fell for each other.

4.5 stars because there may be some things left to improve.

Was this review helpful?

Sariah Wilson always has a sports story with strong athletic figures along with the women who are rooting for them to win. Great length to this story that keeps the reader turning pages to see how it turns out. On his last chance; football talent Logan Hunt is not going to fail to achieve his goal even though the girl he loves could stand in his way. Jess is not only the love of his life but also the coach's daughter. Woops! Rules of the game could cost Logan from achieving his happily ever after. "A copy of this book was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." SARIAH WILSON IS A MUST READ!!

Was this review helpful?

The Friend Zone by Sariah Wilson was such cute sport romance. When the unthinkable happens, Logan Hunt feels his life is over. No more football and no more NFL. Then he gets a very unexpected second chance. But this time there will be rules he has to follow and if he breaks one rule, he is out. Jess, the coach’s daughter, is a part of those rules and definitely off limits. But as they spend time together and get to know each other, things may not be so simple.

So, Logan and Jess try to remain in the friend zone, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. But each was determined to follow the rules. Logan was resolute to not lose this second chance. Jess was his tutor and was sweet and caring. Will these two be able to deny what they feel, or will they risk it all?

Was this review helpful?

I loved every minute of this book!! From Logan and Jess's first meeting to the very last sentence, I was engrossed in their story. I loved that Logan and Jess really got to know each other because of the "rules". Since they are not able to have a romantic entanglement or physical relationship but they want to be around each other, they really get to know each other on a deeper level. Despite both of their past traumas, they haven't lost their sense of humor and the banter is fantastic. I especially loved Logan's little nicknames for Ben! This has such a great cast of characters (I'm looking at you, Bash, and your creative swearing), a slow simmer romance and fantastic writing.
I didn't want this story to end. Hands down my favorite Sariah Wilson by far.

Was this review helpful?

The Friend Zone by Sariah Wilson is a sweet, swoony sports romance. I've read a lot of her other books and enjoyed them, and I was excited to read her latest. The Friend Zone did not disappoint.

Like many of her other stories, the characters are likable and relatable. I was rooting for Logan and Jess from the very beginning. They both had histories that held them back, but I love how they learned to love and trust each other despite the obstacles. And their HEA was wonderfully satisfying.

Even though I don't love sports (and know almost nothing about football), I was completely charmed by this story about second chances.

Disclaimer: I received a complementary e-ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I'm not sure what to write about this book, to be honest. It just could not keep my interest at all, and I found it difficult to finish. There were some parts of the book that did make me laugh- especially all of Logan's puns- but the hero and heroine were likeable, not lovable, and the secondary characters were just 'okay' to me. As for the plot, I feel like it was the same thing over and over again.
That being said, I wouldn't be opposed to reading another of the author's books.

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC, provided in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
It was a fun and easy read which doesn't drag on. The main characters are in college so they're still maturing in terms of dating and physical experience (well, one of them anyway).
The relationship Jess has with her father is lovely, and her talk with him at the end was well written. It's a shame Logan didn't get the same closure, however he handled it well. They're a good match and have a lot of moments that are pleasant to witness.
3.5 stars

Was this review helpful?

This was my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it.

A lot sweeter than the books I usually read it still had me hooked. Logan and Jess had great chemistry and their banter was fantastic. Well paced, easy to read with plenty of sweet and LOL moments. Recommend if you’re looking for a light hearted college read.

Was this review helpful?

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this book because I have read several other books by this author and loved them.
I love the concept of this story is fun and lovable - but there’s a sad part too! I enjoyed the good, clean story with a great moral compass. Logan is an upstanding guy that totally deserves the respect that he gets at his new school. Jess couldn’t have met a better match!
The story itself had some issues that I’m hoping get fixed before it is officially published.

Was this review helpful?

I LOVEEEEED this story. Logan and Jess were sexy, funny and irresistible together. Their banter and connection was amazing. I hope we get more from them in the future!

Was this review helpful?