From the bestselling author of the #Lovestruck novels comes a rousing romance about following your dreams, second chances, and playing the game of love.Disgraced college quarterback Logan Hunt was on his way to NFL stardom when he messed up big-time. Now the Texas star player with a bad temper has a new option: Seattle’s EOL College—as in End of the Line, to his fellow misfit recruits. It’s … misfit recruits. It’s Logan’s last chance. If he can follow the rules. No parties, no fighting, no swearing, and oh, no dating the coach’s daughter, Jess. Simple. Yeah, right. For Logan, there has never been a rule he’s more tempted to break.
The deal is “just friends.” The pretty, confident, and fiercely smart math whiz is fine with pizza, tutoring, and keeping Logan in line. But the closer Jess gets, the more receptive she is to his warm heart and spirit—not to mention his irresistible off-field passes. With defenses down, they’re both heading into the danger zone.
It’s more than thrilling. It’s love. It’s also a game changer that could sideline Logan’s NFL goals—and more important, a future with Jess. But dreams are worth fighting for, right?
more
Holy crap! This was one awesome read! This is my very first Sariah Wilson novel, and I will tell you this much right now. It will absolutely NOT be my last! This book had the perfect blend of amazingly chiseled characters, wit and sass, and an epic plot line!
I absolutely fell in love with Jess and Logan. Hands down, no doubt about it, head over heels. That sorta thing. Their characters were awesome. I loved the way they fought their attraction for each other. It really made those sparks fly off the pages! The banter that they share had me smiling so much! And, when they finally accept certain things…..well let’s just say it’s an unforgettable moment!
If you want a book that will have you turning the pages long into the night, and laughing your butt off throughout, then this 4 star novel is for you. It’s the first in Wilson’s End Of The Line series and I am looking forward to reading book 2! I am now a fan for life of Wilson’s and can’t wait to go back and read her other works. Great job!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* Sariah Wilson
I absolutely loved this book! I was so addicted to it and couldn’t put it down. I listened to the audiobook version so it was super fun to hear the Texas accent.
Sariah Wilson is quickly becoming one of my most favorite storytellers. I have been devouring her books lately and The Friend Zone is one of my latest favorites. This book is so GOOD and so unputdownable. I read it in its entirety in one sitting. It is more than just a fast-paced, highly engaging Contemporary Romance though. This book has substance!
The premise: “bad” boy meets the Coach’s Daughter. Bad Boy and Coach’s Daughter have instant chemistry BUT cannot act on that chemistry because Coach says “NO!!!” So boy and girl decide to become friends. They do everything, and I do mean everything, in their power to remain friends and nothing more. BUT seriously great kissing ensues, no matter how hard they try to stay away from a romantic relationship, and it is super obvious they have both fallen in love with one another. Now, what are they to do? Because both want to respect the Coach’s wishes. So, how do you respectfully obey the wishes of a father, and get the girl of your dreams? Well, the boy has to sacrifice something.
The romantic tension between Logan and Jess is seriously well written. I could cut it with a knife. While the tension is great and makes for some STEAMY moments, what I really love the best is how good of friends Logan and Jess become. They really grow to care deeply for each other. I found their friendship to be genuine. And, it’s the friendship that allows for the sacrifice that comes later in the story to be so believable. If there were only sexy, romantic feelings between the two, I don’t think the end of the story would have felt as gripping and believable as it is.
There’s actually a lot of good that can be said about this book, but I would accidentally spoil this story if I continue this review. I don’t want to do that. Instead, I’ll end by saying The Friend Zone is a must-read. If you are a fan of well-written, engaging, tension-filled Contemporary Romance then this is the book for you!
I borrowed this novel from Amazon via my Kindle Unlimited subscription on September 19, 2021, in order to read and review. In no way did this influence my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“Trust me when I say we will never, ever date. Ever.”
I can always count on Sariah Wilson to deliver a swoony romance with humor and this one didn’t disappoint. This is Logan’s last chance to play football and his new coach has sooo many rules. Break one? You’re out! No second chances. Jess, the coach’s daughter is so tempted and as his math tutor, they both agree to stay friends–just friends.
Jess hasn’t ever been as tempted by a man as she is by Logan, but friends it is. She will not be the reason he’s kicked out of school and the football program. But try as they might, the sparks ignite and threaten to rage like an out-of-control forest fire.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt such an underlying passion, much like an impending volcanic eruption, with a “just friends” story. The chemistry is sizzling and had me yearning for that first kiss to happen already. But what I loved the most is that Logan and Jess build a strong and unbreakable friendship, as they strive to keep the rules. I loved the way they put each other first and tried to help each other accomplish their goals, and I especially loved the swoon. This one is definitely another winner!
And just for the record, these characters are the best and I’m hoping that Bash gets a story (hint, hint).
Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo, implied/attempted rape, kissing)
The Friend Zone is an adorable college romance featuring one reformed player who is at his last chance college and one football coach’s daughter that has turned her life upside down after a trauma. I adored Logan and Jess! First, Jess is a math nerd. I love depictions of women in Science and Math. Logan is incredibly sweet. He isn’t a jerk football player who is an ego manic.
This is a friends to lovers story too! Logan isn’t allowed to date anyone and certainly not the coach’s daughter, Jess. But he decides to be her friend and help her gain the attention of a guy she is crushing on. Logan has some hilarious nick names for Ben (the crush) and I was laughing out loud multiple times. Both Logan and Jess are attracted to each other, but they know that absolutely nothing can happen. Logan can’t lose his (literal) last chance and Jess wouldn’t put him in that position. The string of “non dates” that occur between Logan and Jess allow them to really learn about one another and build a great friendship. Logan is so funny with his quippy nicknames and funny one liners. Bash, his roommate is hilarious as well with his creative ways to swear without swearing (since cussing is against the team rules).
The Friend Zone had me laughing and swooning in equal measure and I fell in love with the characters! This isn’t a typically college sports romance with a jerk jock and a nerd girl. Its not a fake romance trope. Wilson didn’t go for any of the “obvious” tropes in The Friend Zone and the story is all the better for it. This was my first Sariah Wilson book but it will NOT be my last!
Oooooh friends, this book was so yummy. I know that when I love a book it comes out mostly in the adjective “yummy” but I just cannot help myself. That’s because this book is so good I figuratively ate it up. And I would literally eat it up if it were actually food. Which it isn’t. But, it did have pizza and gelato in it.
This book was so much fun to read. The dialogue was witty and flirty, the attraction and chemistry had an amazing build that became combustible. Oh man, did it ever. The explosions were worth waiting for.
There was depth and struggle for the characters and I love how they took the place in life they were in very seriously. They trying to make good choices and live up to their potential. Logan and Jess were easy to like and easy to root for. I am really hoping that this is the start of a series that will include Bash! He needs his own story! I need more of him.
So yeah, my yummy siren is singing out loud and constantly with this book. I would love to sit down and read it again right now because it made it me happy. Sariah Wilson is so good at writing books that I love. This one might be my favorite. (do I say that every time?!) This book will be released on June 11th so pre-order it now! I do believe it will also be on KU if you have that.
Content: kissing, a couple make-out scenes, mention of child neglect and abuse, mention of date rape drug and almost rape with no details.
The Friend Zone is everything you want out of a friend’s to lovers romance. Not just because he is a big, gorgeous jock. Not just because she’s a beautiful math nerd. They both have a hidden side. Both are not entirely what they seem to be but it’s impossible to stop the fall. Honestly, he could have killed a cat on a “not date” and I still would swoon.
Fun, sexy, and rife with tension, The Friend Zone has me wanting to start all over again. Friends make falling so much easier…
Sariah Wilson is one of my one-click authors, she always deliver a story I fall in love with. The Friend Zone was all of that and more. Logan, a football player meets Jess, the coach’s daughter and math tutor, they both agree to be just friends. Famous last words right? Jess will try her hardest to help Logan on the school and on the field. Logan finds himself facing a chemistry with Jess that is off the charts and is not one he can ignore.
This book was SO good! The perfect friends to more sports romance, this book is full of swoony moments and fantastic characters. I really enjoyed the dual POV and the flirting between Logan and Jess, seriously, Logan melted me!
This book is a clean read with some fabulously swoony kisses. There is brief mention of a sexual assault that occurred in the past, but it was handled very sensitively.
This is a fun, angsty, chemistry-filled college romp! Logan and Jess have both been through some rough things in their pasts, and have both changed in fundamental ways. I liked the depth to their characters and the great banter. There were also things I didn’t really get about them, but it made the story interesting even if it prevented me from fully connecting with the characters. There’s tons of romantic tension as Logan helps Jess get Ben while falling for her himself, and Jess is slow on the uptake to figure out what she really wants and needs. I love the idea of a valued coach working at a junior college and recruiting players who need a second chance, sending them back into the big leagues more prepared for life.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
The Friend Zone is a sweet college sports romance, featuring a reformed football player whom falls for his math tutor who is also his coach’s daughter. Logan and Jess have amazing chemistry. Their friendship begins while Logan tries to help Jess date another guy she thinks she has a crush on. Even though he knows he is quickly falling for her he continues to try helping her just to spend time with her. Through the time they spend together the more they learn and fall for the other and develop a deep emotional connection. The romance was very clean and I would have preferred a bit more steam which is the reason for my 4 star rating, otherwise I loved it and look forward to Logan’s best friend and roommate Bash’s book in Just a Boyfriend.
Audio review:
Logan and Jess were so amazing.
I absolutely LOVED their friendship, banter and the way they grew into their relationships.
Flirty, fun, beautifully romantic, and hilarious – I was absolutely hooked on this audio.
Whitney and Scott did a wonderful job with narration.
A sweet romance that had my heart racing for an HEA!
I really do love Sariah Wilson’s writing! She brings characters to life and keeps my captivated from the very first page. The stories and romances are memorable and make you feel good from the moment you start reading until you finish binge-reading hours later. Another fantastic book from this author!
My first book by this author & I really enjoyed it!!
Love Sariah Wilson’s books and this one doesn’t disappoint. Engaging characters and a sweet romance.
This book is a keeper! The story was well written and captivated me from the start! I laughed out loud so many times my family came to check on me to see what I was up to!! Definitely recommending to all my friends! Cute and fun read!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book by Sariah Wilson. I was expecting it to be good, but somehow it was so much more than I thought I would get out of the story. The characters were well developed, there was plenty of humor to lighten the mood, and I never tired of the obstacles they had to overcome or how they dealt with it. Great, easy read!
What a refreshing and sweet friends to lovers romance!!! The Friend Zone follows Logan, a college football player who has fallen from grace and finds himself at EOL – or End of the Line as it is not so affectionately called. This community college’s football team is filled with great athletes who have done something to get them kicked out of their old schools, so the coach has some strict rules that they must follow if they want to keep their spot on the team. No drinking, no drugs, no swearing, no girls, etc. Logan is committed to doing what he needs to do to graduate with a degree and remain on the team. Unfortunately for Logan, he starts to develop very real feelings for his math tutor, Jess, who just so happens to be the coach’s daughter. They both know that they absolutely cannot date, so they develop a friendship instead. What follows is the sweet and endearing story of how these two strangers with great chemistry develop a solid foundation for their relationship by focusing on being friends.
While I love a steamy romance, I also loved that this book really keeps Logan true to his word to the coach – it’s a clean romance with no sex or swearing, but there is plenty of heat between the two characters and sexual tension throughout the book. Thank you, NetGalley, for introducing me to what I hope is the start of a New Adult series by providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. There are plenty of great supporting characters in this book and I would love to read more of their stories. These college athletes have been taken down a notch, so it’s everything I love in a great sports romance with heroes who understand just what’s at stake for them.
I really enjoyed this one. Jess and Logan had chemistry, but a relationship was forbidden. So, they did everything but “officially” date. I loved the way they got to know each other as friends. I loved Logan’s Ben one-liners. I laughed way too much. Bash’s psuedo-cursing made me giggle too. I could use some of his tips. This book was sweet and hilarious, and I loved it!