3.5 stars

Sariah Wilson’s 'Just a Boyfriend' is a wholesome romance with simmering chemistry that doesn’t quite come to a boil.

Ember and Bash fell in love in high school. Just before they planned to take their relationship public, they discover that their single parents have eloped. Now expected to be the perfect step-siblings, Bash takes off, only to find himself reunited with Ember three years later. This time, will they able to be friends? Or will they succumb to the irresistible pull that keeps drawing them back together?

'Just a Boyfriend' is the epitome of a slow burn, and I am here for it. The only reason this isn’t a four star read for me is because I felt that there was a lot of sexual tension that built up between Ember and Bash that never fully got released. I appreciate that Wilson is going for more of a clean romance vibe without explicit scenes, but I still feel like there could have been something more that happened (even if it was off-book) between Ember and Bash as a payoff to the reader. That aside, it’s an entertaining story, with a lot of witty moments. I particularly loved Ember’s sister, Lauren, and thought she had a lot of hilarious lines throughout.

In all, this is the perfect novel for those who love all the romance, but appreciate a swear-free, explicit scene-free story. I could totally see this being made into a movie.

**Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake Romance for sending me a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

Oh my! I think that's a great way to sum up this book. If you're a Sariah Wilson fan you'll understand. If you read the first book in this series, then you're in for a treat because it's Bash's turn for his story! Woohoo! I was so excited for this one. And really soon the third book will be coming out with the other couple that I loved seeing in the first two books.

The opening set the stage and hooked my completely. Bash and Ember...they haven't seen each other in several years. There's a somewhat good reason for that. And neither one of them have been able to forget the other or move on. They try to act like everything is great on the surface, especially to keep up appearances for their families, but underneath the emotions and struggles and heartache and yearning and love is all still there. Now that they're back in each other's lives they have to figure this all out or left skirting around the issue and just pretending to live.

You can read the synopsis and read the book to get more info. Lol! I just don't want to spoil anything in this one. These two characters were great! There's family struggles in both of their lives from before they ever met. They're still healing from those pains. But add into everything the dynamics of their families and pressure from parents...it keeps building but, the center cannot hold, things fall apart. In a very delicious way, I might say!

The scene where everything is discovered. Oh my heart! But oh my heart throughout the whole book with the aching and pain from these two characters. Then when everything comes out into the open, it's an Oh my heart in a good way. Painful but oh so good and freeing for Bash and Ember.

Some scenes I really enjoyed (All of it-ok, I'll just list a couple)...skydiving, dance lessons, math lessons, Thanksgiving, the family football game, the gala, the dress, visiting mom, and any scene with Bash and Ember in it *shrugs-I can't help myself*.

Thanks Sariah Wilson for another heart melting (in a sad and happy way) read that had me feeling all the emotions and had me cheering on these two characters!

Content: Cleanish (maybe I should say steamy clean)- there was no sex but the kisses were a little steamier. Some mild innuendos.

I received a copy from the publisher, Montlake Romance, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Just a Boyfriendis the second book in Sariah Wilson's NA series 'End of the Line'. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to get to this one. I didn't love it quite as much as the first, but it was still really enjoyable read.

Ember and Bash fell in love in high school and were getting ready to go to prom together. That is, until their parents had a whirl wind romance and married only months after meeting. Neither parent knew Bash and Ember were dating, and Bash thought it would be easier to leave.

Now, after years apart, they're at the same college. Ember and Bash are totally off limits, but they have so much chemistry and truly care for one another. It's quite the conundrum. They struggle with their feelings, that won't go away even though both of them know being together would be complicated.

This is not your typical step brother romance. It's a sweet, easy read that I would call a clean romance, much like the first. I liked Bash and Ember both and I'm hoping there are more books in this series to come!

Things that bummed me out: there is no current mention of a third book... and the relationship I sort of expected to see a book about was instead mashed into one or two chapters. It almost detracted from the book rather than add the “insight” it was meant to add.

Warnings: there is no actual sex. That being said, some have issues with “step fantasy” relationship. It’s sort of a key feature in this book. Other light topics include: terminally ill parents, codependency issues between parents and children, addiction.

Things I liked: Ember’s snarky attitude and her healthy love of food. The dedication both Ember and Bash showed their family unit as a whole. Bash’s ridiculous alternative swear words.

Overall, both books in the series should probably be read with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and a box of tissues. Or Jessica and Ember would probably say pizza and cake are more fitting. But it’s the “kind of crying to purge and end up in a great spot” type thing.

I just finished reading just a boyfriend. I have enjoyed other books by this author, and this one didn’t disappoint. This is the story of a boy and a girl who were dating them become part of a blended family. There are years between the blending of the family and when this book takes place although we do have flashbacks to the past. I’ve read other books with this plot,And this one does a very good job of it. I have the first book in the series, but I haven’t read it yet. This book really makes me look forward to reading the first one. There is a little bit about the couple from the first book in this book, but this one doesn’t spoil the plot of the first one. This book is well written with likable H an h. 4.5 stars.

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure at first if I was going to love this book as much as the others from Sariah Wilson because of the step-siblings element. It's a plot line that could lean way too far into cringey or even downright dirty territory, and Sariah writes such sweet romances that it felt like an odd choice for her. That being said, as soon as the way Bash and Ember got together was explained I was on board. The fact that they were a couple before their parents even met and that they didn't spend any of their growing up years, or even any time at all, living together as siblings took away the uneasiness of the step-sibling issue and made it into just another set of star crossed lovers who have the perfect relationship until a major wrench gets thrown in their path.

Bash and Ember's story was bittersweet and tender, as well as hilarious and heartfelt. It was so adorable that she already liked him and secretly called him her boyfriend with her friends and that he liked her all along, too. Their high school relationship was incredibly sweet, which made the fact that their parents sudden marriage tore them apart even more heartbreaking. Years later, their feelings for each other were just as strong. And not only were they physically drawn to each other, but they understood each other and really knew one another's quirks, hopes, dreams and insecurities. I loved how Bash supported and encouraged Ember to stand up for herself and Ember pushed Bash towards forgiving his mother and letting go of his anger. They brought out the best in each other and were each other's cheerleaders, and that best friends element is what really makes a great romantic connection even better.

I shouldn't be surprised that I loved this book- I love everything Sariah has ever written. But she did surprise me in the way she was able to take a trope that I don't care for and make it into something I could not only get behind, but I could root incredibly hard for. Her character development from the high school back story through to the end proved that Bash and Ember were soul mates, and no matter how messy the family situation got, nothing could keep them apart. I can't wait to read more in this End of the Line series, as well as absolutely ANYTHING else Sariah decides to put out there. She will always be a one-click buy author for me.

This is the second in The End of the Line series. You don’t have to read The Friend Zone first but Logan and Jess have cameos so it’s nice if you know who everyone else is.
I loved Bash and Ember’s story. They had a rocky start and quite a few obstacles to overcome but they might just make it.
5 stars!!!

Just a Boyfriend by Sariah Wilson was such a delight to read. The first person perspective from each of the main characters was enjoyable and refreshing. I would definitely recommend this book

There was something missing in this one, in particular with Bash. His personality was changed from what he was in the first book and he was very one dimensional. Anyway, he is now back in his home town to go to college, more as punishment after getting caught failing a drug test and getting kicked off the football team and now going to E.O.L. This thrills his family, just not his "step" sister Ember who used to be his high school girlfriend until his dad married her mom. They never disclosed this relationship to their family, he just moved to live with extended family instead. Now he is back and the chemistry is still just as potent. Will they survive their family finding out?

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

Holy cow. Every time I read a book by Sariah Wilson, I think it can’t possibly be better than the last. And then I quickly learn how wrong I was. This book was amazing! The perfect amount of swoon, friendship, and problems to be fixed. All work together to make one incredible story!

Her sixteen year old younger sister was telling $Ember Bash was coming to their house for dinner. Somehow Ember thought she’d never have to see him again. Her head filled with a howling , rushing wind that made it impossible to think. Or process what was going on. Her stepfather had gone to get bash. Her mother had lured her home from college under false pretenses. She’d offered Ember a home cooked meal and she had something to tell her. Although she’d delayed it for a long time apparently today was the day of reckoning . How could How could anyone be ready for the love of their life to walk through the door. And after three and a half years of absolute radio silence. Not a text, not an email, not a like on an insta post. Nothing. Maybe seeing Bash would be good for her. It would be the closure she’d never gotten. She’d see him, say hello, and suffer through dinner with him, than move on with her life. Than she heard men voices. Her heart dropped to the floor . How was she going to do this ? She wasn’t strong enough>Yes you are, a voice inside Ember said. You believed in the tooth fairy for the first nine years of your life. You can believe in yourself for the next two hours.” Than she came down the stairs and he walked toward her and great butterflies formed in her stomach. Her heart felt like she had strolled into a time machine warped back to her seventeen year old self, who loved Bash enthusiastically and wholeheartedly. A girl who couldn't imagine heartache waiting for her. He said “ Hi Ember” , she couldn’t help but close her eyes, just for a second. His voice. How had she forgotten how much she loved the deep timbre of his voice? She had all those feelings again. When he’d run away because he’d been so repulsed by her or by the idea of having a relationship with her, she had decided bash was not the holder of her confidence and self worth. That she was totally fine without him. Now all those things were being exposed for the lies that they so obviously been. All her defenses were being stripped away and all he had said was hi. She ran up to her room but than Bash knocked on the door and she knew she had to listen to what he had to say. His dad was married to her mom and they would see each other on special occasions. He asked if she remembered the last time they’d been in her room. She would never forget . He said there’s something I want to get off his chest.She hissed at her heart to be quiet. “What” He said” I’m sure you hate ne after what happened. I shouldn’t have just left like that, without any explanation.” Ember told Bash she had never hated him. Maybe what she blamed him for not being there when she needed him most. She needed him to go away. Go back to Pennsylvania and out of her life. She felt the old electrical surge spark between them. She had hoped when they seen each other again, she’d be immune enough to him. Not so much. Dash though of how #Ember had been the one he was afraid to see. The one way Bash had tried to move on from Ember was cold turkey. He had suffered some emotional and mental withdrawals that had lead to several bad decisions- smoking pot. He’d done it successfully sworn her off until he seen her again. When he saw Ember at the stairs he was stunned. He still wanted her with a fierceness that shocked him. Than at dinner Ember found out Bash was going to college at EOL where she went. She played volleyball, he would be playing football. Both times he tried to fix things between them he’d somehow made it worse. Six months later-Staying away from Bash turned out to be easier than Ember expected it to be.
I loved this story and didn’t want to put it down. It was an easy fun read with a lot of emotional moments. I loved Bash and Ember together. My heart broke for all the misunderstanding and pain Bash and Ember had suffered. This was a beautiful second chance romance. I loved the ending- it was great! I loved the pace and plot. I loved how close Ember was to her family and bash to his. Just an all around good book. But it also showed the effects alcoholism and a serious illness can affect a family. The author put this in the story so beautifully . I loved it. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.

I've read a few of Sariah Wilson's books before (most recently the first book in this series) and typically enjoy them. I love how she writes her characters with such palpable chemistry, with love stories that are truly believable. Just a Boyfriend was no exception; Bash and Ember had chemistry from the very first page, and their love story seemed believable, if a little bit outside the norm. I did find the step-siblings aspect of their relationship weird, and it made me a little uncomfortable for them to fall in love - BUT they had already met and dated prior to becoming step-siblings (which is made very clear in the early pages of the book), which to me made it seem more acceptable. All in all, another quick, enjoyable read from Sariah Wilson!

It's always a happy day with a happy dance when I get to read a new Sariah Wilson book! And that's what this book made me- happy, happy, happy. It was flirty and fun but not without it's more serious issues. The characters do struggle a bit with outside issues and they also struggle between themselves but it never became greater or more oppressive than the love and attractions swirling around them from the very beginning. Have I ever mentioned how much I love swirling love and attractions? Yum. Sariah Wilson does this sort of thing very well.

I first met Bash in the previous book in this series. I knew he was going to be a fun character to delve into. Ember and Bash have a very interesting relationship and history. It makes for some equally awkward and heart warming situations. I really enjoyed reading this one- it was just what I needed. I smiled and I swooned. See? Happy.

This is the second book in this series but can stand alone. You might be happier if you read the first book (The Friend Zone) though. The characters from that book do appear in this book.

Content: kissing, making out. Some light innuendo.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Romance, clean although PG-13 for some intense kissing and situations; Second in a series but stand alone read.
Another fun romantic sports novel with a perfect romance for two step siblings. EOL, End of the Line brings back 'Bash' into his family home that includes step parent and siblings, including Ember, a high school crush who became off limits as a new step sibling 4 years prior. As these two both fight their feelings, disappointments, worries, and combustible attraction for each other and Bash trying to succeed in college and football, the story is told from alternating points of view. S.W. does a beautiful job creating tension, getting the feelings, wants, hurts, heartaches, and of course attraction from both points of view. Cute continuation of the EOL football team setting and revisiting one of the characters mentioned in the first book of this series. Another fun, clean romantic read from S.W.

3.5 stars

Second chance romance, step brother romance, and a smidgeon sports romance all rolled into one. This book was a decent enough read, I just found myself skimming some of the internal dialogue at times, mostly because if they would just communicate with each other better there wouldn't be a need for this much internal dialogue, LOL! I enjoyed both characters individually and enjoyed how easy the chemistry and dialogue between them flowed. Ember was actually quite witty with Bash and their conversations made me smile and giggle. There were many misunderstandings and assumptions and they were both pretty bad at avoiding their big issue which kept adding to the misunderstandings which got frustrating after a while...I wanted things to progress! It was also light on the physical romance, which is fine, but they did A LOT of making out for college kids, LOL. I will try this author again, just maybe not this particular series.

Ember and Bash's story is another great book in Sariah Wilson's new End of the Line sports romance series. The two's sweet high school romance comes to a screeching halt when their parents marry and Bash's dad tells him he needs to keep his distance from his new step sister. Bash does what he thinks is best and moves away, leaving Ember heart broken and feeling abandoned.

As our story picks up at the beginning of the book, Bash comes crashing back into her life when he finds himself at her college as a last ditch effort to rescue his football career. Not only does he seem to be lurking around campus, but he's also at family dinners. How can the two survive in the same space and deal with the flames of attraction that are now blazing again?

This book is definitely worth the read! You'll enjoy the chemistry between the main characters as they overcome their past and their obstacles to discover their love is meant to last the test of time.

Just A Boyfriend is the second book in the ‘End Of The Line’ series by Sariah Wilson. It’s a sweet story with a very slow-burning time-line.
Bash and Ember have a complicated and delicate relationship. They were once very much in love (while senior students at the same high school) but then Bash’s dad, met Ember’s mom and a new connection was made when these two single parents got married. Now Bash and Ember are stepsiblings and that’s all they are. Nearly four years later, Bash moves to Ember’s college and that’s when the lines start to get muddied. Neither has given up on the love they had felt for the other, but at the same time, they feel chained by familial and societal restrictions.
Through the following weeks, they are forced to breach the walls and answer some hard questions.
It all came together in the end, but I was slightly disappointed by the ‘fade to black’ method that Ms. Wilson employed. It came at the end however so didn’t detract from the story other than in building it up with some steamy foreplay which just never came to fruition.

Book one in this series was an EASY 5-star rating for me, so you can imagine how disappointed I was when I loaded this one up on my Kindle and... just wasn't feeling it. There's nothing explicitly wrong with the story, but I couldn't connect to our heroine. She comes across as pretty juvenile, and I found myself wishing these two would just have a real conversation and figure things out.

The story follows Bash, a college football player whose personal issues have led him to play for a school that's considered the last chance for athletes. He's excited to be closer to his family, but unfortunately that family now includes his ex-girlfriend and current stepsister, Ember. The two dated in high school but never made their parents aware, which made things complicated when they suddenly found themselves step-siblings. Bash broke things off without explanation, and now they are trying to navigate college together as just friends, when that's not what either one of them really wants.

Second chance romances can be tricky, but work best when you're rooting for the characters. My dislike of Ember started things on the wrong foot, and things went downhill when Ember and Bash set each other up with other people while still refusing to have a conversation. If you like a lot of teenage angst (as well as some serious family issues), this might work better for you because Sariah Wilson's writing style is as solid as ever and there are plenty of good things about the book. I'm still excited about the series as a whole - there's the potential for some great stories - but this one definitely wasn't my favorite. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Sariah Wilson once again inserts her trademark wit and snark in this delightful story of second chances. And boy can she write a steamy kissing scene (keeping it clean)! The plot reminded me of Jennifer Peel’s My Not-So-Wicked Stepbrother, a clandestine relationship and at times it reminded me of some of Kitty Bucholtz’ work too. I found this book to be engaging and hard to put down.

Just a Boyfriend is the second book in the End of the Line series of new adult romances by Sariah Wilson. It is currently scheduled for release on January 7 2020. Each book can stand on its own, but there is character crossover than make the read more satisfying for returning readers.

Ian “Bash” Sebastian and Ember Carlson were high school sweethearts, until their single parents got married. With one thorny twist of fate, a secret young crush went from on fire to off-limits. What could a new stepbrother do but bail? Now, after almost four years, Bash has returned to Seattle, and he’s back in Ember’s orbit at End of the Line. EOL is the go-to college for second-chance scholarships. But what about love? Sure, the old hurts are there. So is the attraction—and it’s more magnetic than ever. Still, they’re adults now, levelheaded and just fine with the friend thing. If only to make family dinners less awkward. But when they agree to start dating other people, moving on threatens to bring them closer together than ever. Is it time to admit their past to their parents? Even trickier, their hope for the future? Because Ember and Bash deserve a love story of their own. With all their defenses down, can they make it a happy ever after?

Just a Boyfriend is a solid second chance romance with plenty of issues that must be dealt with by the major players. Ember is still not sure how she drove Bash away, but is sure it must be something wrong with her. Both Bash and Ember are so busy trying to be perfect and please other people that they alway seem to put their own happiness last. I loved seeing this two face their problems and find their way back together. I think the family and friends that make up their support systems play such an awesome role in this book, and even though that circle does not always say or do the 'right' thing- that love and support hit me right in the feels. If everyone had type of support system then issues that people have could be handled much more effectively. I think the personal problems like depression were handled well, with an honesty that is so often missing. I do generally like my romance with more heat, but I think that for the characters and the obstacles they faced the book might have hit the right level for realism's sake.

Just a Boyfriend is a good new adult romance that will appeal to many readers.