The rules of love and second chances are due for a major-league shake-up in a warm, witty, and unpredictable romance by the bestselling author of The Friend Zone.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? … 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?
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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.
Bash has to figure himself out first!
Ember Carlson had fallen in love with Ian “Bash” Sebastian in high school and they kept it very quiet from everyone. Things changed when their parents met at Bash’s parent-teacher conference and their parents started dating and three weeks later during a trip to Las Vegas, they got married and moved in together and Bash couldn’t handle not being able to date Ember so he moved in with his grandparents.
Bash had been kicked off his football team and he knew that Edwin O’Leary College (EOL) was his chance to salvage his career and hopefully play professional football but when he realized that Ember went to the same school and he would possibly see her all the time, he knew he had to figure himself out before trying to date Ember again.
Bash and Ember knew that their family probably wouldn’t be happy for them but they would have to convince them they were in it forever.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars rounded up.
When I saw this latest book by Sariah Wilson was available on NetGalley I immediately requested to read it, as I loved the previous book in this series. If you read The Friend Zone you may remember Logan’s roommate Bash. Well this is his story.
Bash and Ember have so much chemistry, even when they’re trying to avoid to being around each other people think they’re a couple. One way Bash and Ember try to deal with not dating each other is to find dates for each other, then go a double date together. I don’t know why they thought that was a good idea, but the experiment was a giant crash and burn with their respective dates hitting it off and becoming a couple, which lead to a hilarious idea from Bash “Maybe we can hire ourselves out as reverse matchmakers. Can’t find Love? Come on a double date with us and find the man of your dreams? Hint, it won’t be me.”
The hurts and doubts caused when Bash left home to live with his grandparents are still there and need to be dealt with. It’s one of several discussions Ember and Bash would probably rather not have, but can’t avoid if they want to be together. Bash didn’t hurt Ember on purpose, he was only 16 or 17 at the time and thought he was doing the right thing. I had a feeling Bash and Ember’s parents and siblings would find out about their relationship before they had a chance to tell them. In a weird way it was a good thing because it forced Ember to talk with her mother.
Speaking of Ember and her mother–Ember was definitely a mom pleaser, but there’s no way I would’ve gone skydiving just because it was on my mom’s bucket-list. The talk Ember and her mother had after her family discovered she and Bash were dating was much needed, and Ember and her mom’s relationship will be more balanced in the future.
I loved Ember and Bash. They were so alike–both played sports and loved food, and had a great sense of humor. I liked that we got to see Logan and Jess in this book and they had great advice for Bash and Ember. I love the humor the author puts in her books and I had several laugh a loud moments while reading this one.
Sariah Wilson made another touchdown with this step-sibling romance. There’s a little twist to this story, however, they were dating well before their parents started dating, then up and married. Then Bash left home to go to college and they have not been in contact for close to 4 years. I loved this story. Sariah has a way of keeping you engaged with great characters and bantering between the main characters. It is great to see Bash have his own story!
I was provided an advanced reader cop by the publisher and NetGalley. I have voluntarily provided an honest review.
Bash and Ember have a problem. They haven’t seen each other in almost 4 years – when Bash moved across the country, to get as far away from Ember as possible. Why? Because they were secretly dating and their parents met – and got married!
Just a Boy Friend is a second chance romance of the epic kind. When Bash moves back home he didn’t think he would see Ember that much. But when he finds out she’s going to his school and in some of his class no less, well things get a little sticky.
Ember thinks he moved across the country because he didn’t like her. But the thing is he was actually in love with her. And hasn’t been able to shake it, even by moving across the United States. Now that Bash is back, Ember’s old feelings are making a comeback. But can the two of them be just friends, especially when they both still have feelings for each other?
I loved Bash and Ember together. They had a LOT of emotions and secrets that were kept. The only thing that kept me from giving this a 5 star was that it took FOREVER for them to finally get back together. I thought that part of the story could have moved along a little faster. But it was a good book, with characters that were fun, witty and full of emotion. This was my first book by Sariah Wilson and I will definitely be going back to check out the rest of the series.
Just a Boyfriend is seriously underestimating. Lol. Here at End of the Line college we pride our selves on being more than JUST anything.
Sariah wilson did it again. She made me a believer of romance, all things wonderful, and that real people can eat whatever the hell they want to, even if Woodby says otherwise.
Just a Boyfriend checks off more of my boxes than I realized. Probably because I didnt even read the blurb…You see I read The Friend Zone a d knew I needed more EOL experience. This junior college is all about second chances and subsequently romance- just don’t tell Coach!
Bash and Ember fall into my absolute favorite no shame trope, stepbrother romance. I will have your pitchforks down in a second- they fell in love first. No judging these kids when their parents sabotaged their happily ever after before. Now it’s up to Bash and Ember to decide if they will let anyone sabotage their future.
Swoon with me over cake, bacon, and buffets while these two figure it all out. Being just friends certainly has its advantages…
Sariah Wilson has done it again! This book has all the elements of a truly wonderful romance.
Bash and Ember began dating in high school. Then Bash’s dad married Ember’s mom, making them step-brother and -sister. Neither parent knew that they had been dating and Bash’s dad warned him about getting involved with his step-sister. Thus, the plot has set the stage for heartbreak. Jump forward 2 years and Bash and Ember are attending the same college. Feelings are reawakened causing a dilemma regarding their blended family.
This is a great coming-of-age story. There is angst that goes with young love; there is the matter of not wanting to disappoint one’s parents; lessons involved in learning to forgive; and above all, being true to one’s self. Just A Boyfriend is a fully developed story with fabulous characters and the HEA ending. This is a book that I will enjoy reading again! 5 stars.
This is the second book in the series so if you hate spoilers read them in order otherwise it can be read as a stand alone
My best description of this book would be sweet chaste with a touch of heat Things are hinted art more than actually written about it is the characters that make the story not the bedroom action. Ian ‘Bash’ Sebastian may be a big tough footy player but he has a heart of gold inside an that heart is all Ember Carlson yes she came across a little bitchy at first but as you get to know her better and learn her back story she grows on you. There is plenty of banter and Laugh out moments to keep you engaged throughout A wonderful fun summer read
I loved The Friend Zone, so when I saw Bash was getting a story I jumped all over this story. I LOVED and DEVOURED this book. Bash and Ember were truly fantastic and I was completely hooked on their story.
Ember is amazing. She is loyal, smart, talented, lover of food. She cares about her family and her friends and will truly do anything for them, even if it means she has to face her fears. She is real and relatable. She is the girl you will want to be best friends with. Bash is a character that you can’t help but love. Like Ember, he is a loyal and will do anything for his family, even if he means giving up his own happiness.
The two of them had so much chemistry. They have a history, however, events occurred that completely shattered their young lives. They have a chance to make things better in the future, but will they take it? This was such a slow burn and there were so many times where I was yelling at them to just give in to what they both feel and to admit their true feelings.
Just a Boyfriend is a second chance romance, with a twist of step sibling mixed in. I loved this story and these characters. I can’t wait to see what is in store of the EOL crew!
I always enjoy reading Sariah Wilson. Its a nice departure to have a good, clean romance. Bash and Ember wound up in quite a predicament. I kind of got why they did not disclose their past, but at the same time, it would have alleviated some drama. Also, I felt like Bash was missing that spark of humor he had in Logan and Jesse’s book. He was my favorite part and this felt like a different character. All in all thought, a nice read.
Just a Boyfriend is a sweet and funny story. Ember and Bash secretly are dating, until their single parents surprisingly elope. Bash moves to the other side of the country and they don’t see each other for nearly four years until Bash ends up playing football at Ember’s college.
Bash and Ember were great protagonists to read about. They both were loyal, funny, and showed greater depth than I had expected from the blurb. Both were
It was a little obvious how the story would flow, but I can’t complain because I wanted it to end the way it did. I did get frustrated with the characters a couple times – why does no one communicate? That would solve most of the world’s problems!
Just a Boyfriend was an adorable and easy read; perfect for a cold winter’s afternoon.
Just a Boyfriend by Sariah Wilson a five-star read that’s not just another story, but the one. This is number two in the End of the Line series, but could be read as stand-alone, there are characters popping up so if you hate spoilers do read them in order, but of you don’t mind then you don’t have to worry. Sariah Wilson has become a go to author for me, she writes a lovely clean romance with enough heat and strength to it that you don’t need anything extra. Ian ‘Bash’ Sebastian will wow you, with his journey, he will show you his softness that hides beneath the big burley football player who could probably eat my body weight as a starter, a man who could wrap me in his arms and make me forget the world. (I may have an even bigger crush on him as the description of him is so similar to my Sunday delivery driver, I plan them so I get to see him over anyone else) Ember Carlson surprised me, the more we got to know her and the more we got to see why she is the woman she is made my heart break for her. As the story went on, I fell more in love with Ember, she just blew me away and in the end. This is a great romance, but even more it’s a great story.
When these two were first together they were high school sweethearts but then their live turned to a forbidden live since their parents got married. Things had to change between the two and it wasn’t easy for either of them. These two have to navigate their lives differently with each other and boy do they go through hell. This book is entertaining. A low level of heat romance with a great story.
I would recommend to any romance reader.
*I was given a free advanced copy of this book by Net Galley in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.*
This was a sweet romance read. Very low heat level but very cute story.
The characters were believable, the dialogue was fantastic and the banter between Bash and Ember had me smiling a lot. The story also touched on some tough subjects in a realistic way. Easy, enjoyable read.
This is a good second chance forbidden/taboo YA romance. A young high school couple get a rude awakening one day when they find out their parents got married. Now that their relationship is off limits, he decided it was best to leave town… leaving her brokenhearted. Now, several years later, he has returned. That spark is still there between them, but she is determined to keep him in the Friend Zone despite her true feelings. Part of the book is them trying to get back to the friendship they had without any intimacy, and part is her trying to get over her past hurt. Then there is the whole family situation and what everyone would think if they do get back to what they had before. There are some other outside influences that have/had an affect on their emotional well-being and why they feel or act the way they do. Her character is sarcastic and has that whole ‘Daria’ vibe (remember from MTV?) often bringing the laughs. Despite his leaving previously, he is loyal and kind-hearted. While the book is fairly light-hearted, there are some heavier elements throughout. This is a sex-free book and safe for teens and up. It’s well written and alternates between POV’s. It is part of a series, but each can be read as a stand alone. (Each features a different couple.) You see some returning characters from the previous book if you are familiar.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley.
I don’t know why but this book was easier to understand than the previous one. I went inside the story easier too.
The only thing that remains negative is the length of the summary which spoils the story too much.
Although Bash is part of the American football team, it is less present than with Jess and Logan. We are more focused on the family unit.
I noticed that it is a bit trendy stepbrother and stepsister but it’s the first that I read. In fact it’s a little different because they know each other before their parents. In French, the term is less precise than in English.
Ember and Bash have injuries that you don’t necessarily notice but that make them react in a certain way.
I enjoyed following the characters and meeting Jess and Logan. We are also entitled to an explanation of Ford’s behavior with Keilani.
Some parts made me laugh. Mainly the double date which does not end as expected.
It seems to me that this second volume is the last in the series. I will be watching for future releases from Sariah Wilson.
I really enjoyed the first book In the End of Line series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Just a Boyfriend. Sariah Wilson did it again with this book and gave a different take on step brother romance.
Ember and Bash were secretly dating in high school. Prom was right around the corner and they were all set to go together. Only it didn’t happen when their patents meet and fall in love and get married months later. To make things easier Bash decides to move away.
Bash and Ember see each other years later at college. To make matters worse they have classes together. They both still have feelings for each other but know it would be difficult.
These two have amazing chemistry and the whole time I was hoping they could find a way to make it work. I really enjoyed this book.
Just a Boyfriend is book 2 in the End of the Line Series but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone.
Ember and Bash fell in love many years ago in fact they were getting ready for their high school prom when their life fell apart, their parents fell in love, had a whirl wind romance and ended up getting married….suddenly the love of your life is now a step sibling …..
Years later and still strictly off limits Bash and Ember end up at the same college only to find the attraction and chemistry is still there. Struggling with feelings can only go on for so long and evening though it’s going to get complicated this couple know they need to be together, they need each other…
This may sound like a romance that should be taboo but in fact it’s a sweet enjoyable read and you can’t help feeling the love and guilt this couple share as the fight the enviable. Looking forward to more in this series.
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.**
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?