Jolie Louis is a smart girl. She knows that her best friend, Sage Poirier, is a bad idea. He’s a walking, talking cliché. The Adonis quarterback with the bulging biceps and harem of fangirls trailing behind him on campus like a stench you can’t get rid of. Sadly, that’s also the reason she can’t stay away from him. Well, that and the fact that they’re roommates. Jolie is already straddling the … already straddling the line between friendship and more when Sage comes to her with an offer she cannot refuse: be his fake girlfriend and live for free for the rest of the semester.
She tells herself that she can handle it.
He’s just the boy she saved ten years ago, right?
Wrong. So very wrong.
He is a man now, and she is his captive Heart, body, and soul…
The End Zone is a novella, originally published as part of the Team Player anthology. The End Zone now includes an extended epilogue, and a bonus, ORIGINAL epilogue for the book Vicious (Sinners of Saint #1), for your enjoyment.
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What an great novella, love reading friends to lovers the errs and conflicts they endure, makes their story all the sweeter.
The End Zone by L.J Shen
Fantastic sexy friends to lovers story with just the right amount of twists and heat, but with ample slapstick humour
Jolie finds Sage Poirier , up in the tree, in the rain. She runs to him and holds his hand , never to let go of, for ever. She’s his best friend through thick and thin.Sage is a typical boy who is a great footballer and when he finally sees her, he falls for her
This is how great love stories start
I loved and devoured the short story.
4 “Magical Eight” stars
Final Score – 5 Athletic Goodness Stars!
The End Zone by LJ Shen is a friends to lovers romance. I was quickly engrossed by this story, especially with the fake relationship twist that the hero tries to perform. Ms. Shen – oh how I love her brand of hot, conceited, cocky heroes. Sage is ALL that and a bag of chips!
Sage and Jolie are childhood friends from long ago. I adore Jolie. She really put herself out there in a way I don’t think I could of. Their story spans years of hardship, father & abuse issues and pulls at the emotions – so much so, I teared up many times during my read.
I loved the depth of these characters and the layers that were peeled back and exposed. I felt like I’ve known several Jolie’s and Sage’s in my life. This was a wonderful read and I’m eager to get to the other stories in this anthology, because if they are anything like this one – I won’t be disappointed!
The special content had my heart palpitating in anticipation! I cannot wait for what’s to come 🙂
The End Zone is better than the friend zone. Jolie knows all about being stuck in the friend zone. Years of pining and lusting after her bestie have made her adept at navigating it. But now things seem to be changing…
Sage is King of “Douche Ho Bags” everywhere. He wears many titles but boyfriend isn’t one. Until one crazy day…
I have to say that I enjoyed The End Zone both times I read it. But I definitely appreciated the extended epilogue!!!
Let me explain something. Authors use words to create feelings, tell a story, and take you on a journey. Some incredibly talented authors have magic powers. LJ Shen can make you feel everything in a novella. The first time I read it I gave the End Zone 5 stars because I felt it all. But truly gifted is turning and extended epilogue out that is just as easy to connect to, to feel, and to experience has the novella itself. So like I said…LJ Shen is magic.
reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Fabulous read LJ Shen. Short, sweet, steamy and had me longing for so much more. Jolie is the sweet girl next door and Sage is the perfect broody alpha who has been given everything he wanted as the star quarterback. This is a really sweet childhood friends into lovers story that has all the feels and my only complaint is that it is so short. This book has everything in it and once again LJ Shen has a way of capturing your attention from the first few pages and keeps it through until the end.
If you read this novella in the Team Player: A Sports Romance Anthology back in December 2017, then it is pretty much the same story, but let me just say that that extended epilogue is AMAZING and I fell in love with these characters even more!
The End Zone by LJ Shen is a hot and sexy friends to lovers romance with just a splash of fake relationship tossed in for good measure. This novella features two childhood best friends who couldn’t be more perfect for one another. Seriously these two have that undeniable chemistry that leaps right off the pages!
Jolie is the sweet gal who has admired her best friend from afar since she climbed out of her bedroom window that fateful night and Sage is the kind of man that puts the ‘ho’ in manwhore. If you’re on the search for a sexy romantic comedy with a little bit of sass that’ll leave you laughing and swooning all at the same time then this is the book for you!
I finally decided to dip my toes into the scintillating pool that is L.J. Shen’s books. And let me just say, the water is nice and toasty. *smirk*
I know, I know – you’re probably thinking, Now Kelly…why has it taken THIS long to read Leigh’s books? What is wrong with you?
Put away your pitchforks and set down the stones, and I’ll give you my answer.
*cough* You see….well….honestly? I. HAVE. NO. FREAKING. CLUE.
But man, am I ever thankful that I finally did. The End Zone was the perfect, sexy, friends-to-lovers novella that I needed to finally pop my Shen cherry. ← Yes, I went there.
Sage and Jolie were an absolute delight to read! Their close friendship was quirky and fun, overflowing with so much sexual tension I’m surprised they lasted 10 years before taking the next step. But it was that same friendship that made it seem effortless to transition their relationship, further making me SWOON and fall in love with them all over again.
LOVED this novella! And soon, you’ll be seeing me FINALLY read the author’s other books. Because if they’re anywhere close to how great The End Zone was, then I’ll punish myself for the ungodly time that I allowed to pass while not reading them. But I would require Sage’s help with said punishment. Let’s make it happen….so chop-chop, times a-wastin’. (Sorry, not sorry JoJo! *wink*)
5 Stars!
Jolie Louis and Sage Poirier – Friends to Lovers Novella – Absolutely Loved it!!!
This sexy little novella will rock your world and put a permanent smile on your face. The chemistry between these two lovers is priceless!! I really enjoyed their banter, so natural together. Leigh’s character’s are a;ways so well developed, they jump right out of her books. Her books have never let me down. Jolie and Sage have been friends for over 10 years, now roommates who each secretly have a more than friends feeling for each other. Sage wants Jolie to be his fake girlfriend for the rest of the semester, but can they just remain friends? Sage has other ideas!!!! I strongly recommend this novella.
I know that if I pick up an LJ Shen book that I’ll love it. This is no exception. Sage and Jolie are such a cute couple. Novellas aren’t always my favorite, I feel like there isn’t enough time to fully flesh out a relationship, but LJ Shen did a fantastic job of showing us a bit of Sage and JoJo’s past and how that has defined their present. She shows how that past has defined their future–together.
So, Sage is a dirty talker. I should just know that if I’ve grabbed a Shen book, that’ll I’ll have one dirty talking alpha, but for some reason, I didn’t expect it. Maybe I’m used to her men being older, but holy shit. That was a stupid thought of mine.
Yes. Dirty talking alpha. Check. Check, check, check, check. Check.
This is quick and dirty and even has some angst. It’s all in here. You should read it. I think you’ll like Sage and Jolie’s story.
Sensual, Sexy & Charming little sports romance by the mighty LJ Shen! The End Zone plays on the perfect trope of best friends to lovers and this little read is one not to be missed. Once apart of the Team Player Anthology, now re-edited and fresh for more swoony moments that I believe all will enjoy.
Jolie Louis & Sage Poirier have been best friends since age 10. Now, roommates in college they are thick as thieves but Jolie lusts for more. However, Jolie knows all the ways Sage gets girls in and out of bed… he’s astute in the sack! She doesn’t want to ruin their sound friendship nor be a tick on a bedpost so she keeps quiet, but she learns real fast that Sage’s views are changing and she is in his path. Can their friendship withstand moments of flirtation and sexual escapades?
You can’t go wrong with LJ Shen. Her writing is impeccable, on the spot addictive and her books are ones to never forget! The End Zone is sweet & sexy with a hint of angst to keep the plot thick and round out the friendship to lovers sexy moments. Not to mention, these two characters are the perfect friends for one another and I felt that Jolie could really have been a friend of mine. I liked how Sage became very possessive of Jolie, how things ‘clicked’ for him and how his emotions ran for her. Even though this story could have been longer, you still felt you knew their past, who they were and where their friendship began. A brilliant author, like LJ can encapture you in such a short period of time.
The End Zone is a perfect little 4 Star afternoon read.
L.J. Shen gives us a sweet and funny story, just right on time for the holiday.
While there’s nothing new with Jolie &Sage’s story, L.J manage to write an entertaining and captivating novella. Sage is your traditional manwhore realising his best friend Jolie is the one for him.
Within a few pages I connected with both characters. They could have been my friends and it was and a delight seeing them fall.
Sweet, light and sexy, perfect in every way, the End Zone is a treat I highly recommend
Best extended epilogues EVER !
If you already read The End Zone while it was part of the Team Player Anthology, you still need to pick this one because the extra for Jolie &Sage’s story is absolutely hilarious!
In a matter of pages, I’ve swoon, combusted and laughed so hard!
The other extra epilogue is gonna drive you batshit crazy!! In a good way!
I want to tell more but I can’t, I don’t want to give anything away, just know that it’s one of the thing we were all waiting for!
L.J., only you could make our dream comes true! Thank you
4.5 stars
Can I sign up too be Sage’s fake girlfriend? Seriously, when he was with Jolie and talking all dirty to her, good heavens…..that was so hot. I wish we could get more of them…..Mark and Chelsea’s story (another novella maybe??). Overall, this had everything that I’ve come to expect from an LJ Shen story – amazing dialogue and hot, sexy, steamy scenes that leave you breathless.
And that extended epilogue – I don’t even know what to say about it except that it was absolutely amazing!! It’s going to be hard waiting until next year for it, but knowing the author, it will definitely be worth the wait!
I don’t think she is capable of writing a “bad book”, it’s just not possible.
Each book I read leaves me fucking mind-blown. They are all beyond a meager five star rating.
The End Zone is no different but so very different from the rest of her books. It was sweet. Oh, don’t get me wrong, Sage was an alpha asshole. But, his and Jolie’s story was heartwarming, addictive, sensual, hot!
Her characters were developed, complex, had depth. Not something that many achieve to do with a novella but Shen excelled at it.
And oooooohmaaaaaagaaaaaaaad the surprise she has left at the end of this novella just made this entire thing so much fucking better, if that’s even possible.
I can’t divulge said surprise, just know YOU ARE GOING TO WANT IN ON IT!
The snippet we are given is just so good, so satisfying, it’s just EVERYTHING. I can’t wait for more.
Sweet childhood friends to lovers story with some steam to keep you reading. Ashley @White Hot Reads
This story of the HEA of Sage the all-star college football star and his childhood friend and roommate Jolie. These two meet as next door neighbors and have been best of friends ever since they were 10. Now in college Sage has found that Jolie is the women he wants, There is an attraction that neither one of the can push away. This story was an easy read and could be finished in one sitting.
A super sexy and alluring friends to lovers romance that’ll leave you begging for more…
This isn’t a newbie for me. I actually first read The End Zone as part of The Team Player Anthology that hosted ten other bestselling authors such as Sara Ney (a favourite of mine), Kennedy Ryan (another favourite), Meghan Quinn (oh look, another favourite), basically it’s a sports romance bible. I’m not sure whether it’s still available anywhere, but if it is—snag that baby!
So, yeah, this review has been a long time coming and when I heard that this release came with an extended epilogue and bonus goodies, I couldn’t resist. It had to happen! I’m just gutted that as of yet there is no paperback for it. I know that Sara Ney’s Switch Hitter is available in PB and I’m actually so chuffed that I received a signed copy with my monthly Romance Reveal box. Call me a weirdo, but I just like to make sure my babies have their buddies around…and I like to horde them too, so…
Anyway, The End Zone is a short story—a novella. Can I say that I am loving novellas at the minute. Life can get so busy and make it so tricky to read full length books, but at the minute novellas are giving me my fix. And this beaut did not disappoint. This is a sports romance but it still has that deep and dangerously devastating pull that L.J. Shen is so renowned for. Her writing just has that umph that gets you all riled up and into the story. Vicious is still my favourite book and hero of hers, but I have to say that I really loved Sage. He’s not your typical bad boy, he has this inexplicable thing about him that goes beyond his broodiness and sex. I say broodiness, but I also want to point out that there were times this guy made me laugh with his off hand comments. Maybe i’m just a little loose in the head, but there was just something about football player that had me all sorts of unraveled and tied up…all at the same time!
I really loved this story as part of the anthology. It was one of my top two favourites, but the extra content ma have just made it my favourite. This is one that I never wanted to finish. I loved the dynamic between Sage and Jolie. Their push and pull just did it for me and their story itself was just so sweet. Yes, sweet. That’s the thing about Ms. Shen, she can deliver a sweet story amidst all the angst and rancor. You know what I mean? It’s like there’s all this dark intensity and yet in the middle of it all there’s this bright shinning romantic spark that becomes brighter and brighter and although the characters never lose their depth and edge to it, it brings out a sweetness that completely beguiles you.
This is a friends to fake lovers romance, but in all honesty, there was nothing fake about the actual romance. It’s very clear that there is more to the characters’ wants and needs than just sex and deceit. For me it is really just a friends to lovers story. Like, the best friends to lovers romance. I just love it so much and I’m still kicking myself for finishing it just a quick the second time around. I just want more. Man, at this point if L.J. decided to flesh it out and make it full length I’d read it all over again without a second thought. That’s how much I love it!
So, yeah, I can see myself reaching for this gorgeous, sexy baby a lot. I almost want to reread it again now. Scratch the almost, I want to reread it now!
Oh, also…there’s a little something something bonus from Vicious and Emilia which completely left me reaching out for that bad boy too. For me, The End Zone is just great and Sage is definitely a winner!
This short steamy read captures everything that we all love in a LJ Shen book. Sage is an alpha, cocky, arrogant male that at times you are not sure whether to love or hate and Jolie is the sweet girl next door that you will instantly fall in love with. This is a story about risking a friendship all in the hope that you can finally give your heart to the one that has always owned it. The End Zone will make you apprehensive, frustrated and have you biting your nails as these two must ultimately face up to the truth of their feelings. This novella is fast paced but in no way lacking depth as we ride the journey of enlightenment for this couple. The bonus epilogues for both the End Zone and Vicious are just the icing on a very delicious cake.
The calm in the chaos
I first read L.J. Shen’s The End Zone as a part of the Team Player anthology (released last year) and it was my first experience of L.J.’s writing and from it she scored a new, die-hard fan.
A friends to lovers romance, Sage and Jolie have a beautiful history together which makes their romance all the more sweeter. Yes the story takes place in a sport context but this is a romance that’s so much more than that. It’s about two best friends coming together as a couple couple and boy do they fit together … in steamy, sweet and swoon worthy ways.
As an added bonus, we get an extra long epilogue and this is pure perfection. I’m always a fan of updates on my favourite couples so I absolutely loved this peek into Sage and Jolie’s future. Couple that with the fact L.J. also includes an extended epilogue for one of her Sinners of Saints novels (Vicious – which I’m yet to read but will be doing so ASAP!) and it’s worth picking up this novella because all of it is THAT GOOD!!!!
nicandbooks rating
Amazon/Goodreads rating
I love a good friends to lover romance and this novella didn’t disappoint me at all. Sage and Jolie have been friends for the last 10 years and she’s been there for him at his worse. One day that all changes and Sage needs her to see how good they can be together. Normally I’m not a huge fan of novellas but this one was done right! You could feel the connection between the couple plus they had smoking chemistry! After reading I was left satisfied and job well done LJ Shen.
4.5 STARS
I actually didn’t realise this was the novella I had already read in The Team Player Anthology. I didn’t mind reading it a second time though as it’s such a short and sexy little read.
Awwww this is such a sweet short story of best friends to lovers. Sage and Jolie have been best friends since childhood. Now they are all grown up and in college and Sage wants Jolie in more than a best friend way but she is resistant because she doesn’t want to lose the friendship they have. Sage decides to proposition Jolie with a lets pretend we are dating pact because he knows there are other men interested and he wants her all to himself because he needs more time to persuade her they are good for each other.
The only thing I can add to my review from first time round is that there’s an extended epilogue for End Zone that will have you ohhhing and ahhing then sighing with relief. Totally well worth the read.
This is a sweet and sexy little read and has a beginning a middle and an end. Fans of LJ Shen will love it as much as I did. It’s quite different to what we are used to from this author but it’s just as good as anything she has ever written. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable coffee time read.
4.5 Stars
What a full-size story packed into a novella!
Jolie Louis and Sage Poirier have been best friends since that day long ago when Jolie saved Sage. Now the best friends are in college. Jolie working on her degree to become a teacher. Sage living the dream of a Hot Jock getting all the girls as the quarterback on the football team.
Being best friends is one thing…
Being roommates is one thing…
Can these two play the role of a ‘fake’ couple and remain the same?
It’s a very well written story of friends to lovers!
The additional bonus epilogue and content available only in this newly released edition, is the perfect 2 point run in after reading The End Zone.
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