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?
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he Friend Zone is a sweet college sports romance with endearing characters and a healthy dose of humor. Coach Oakley is all about respect and has a list of strict rules that his team must follow – no swearing, no alcohol, no drugs, and no girls. Of course, this is something that most college students would have great difficulty with and so Jess and Logan attempt to ignore their growing romantic feelings and attraction and friend zone each other.
I loved Logan as a hero. He is a strong, caring, resilient character and would make the perfect book boyfriend. One cannot help, but love Logan’s humor, how he treats Jess, and how he tries to honor the coach’s rules. Jess is a survivor in that she experienced something terrible while attending another college, but she is ready to spread her wings. Like Logan, Jess is a very likable character. The two of them make a great couple and some of the banter between them was hilarious! While this book is a bit predictable, I enjoyed watching the two of these characters together. They were perfect for each other – truly understanding one another. The secondary characters were all entertaining as well – especially Bash’s creative way to get around cursing and then Ben. This book has likable, well-developed characters; is told from a dual POV; and moves at a good pace. If you have liked any of this author’s other books, then you will definitely enjoy The Friend Zone.
What an awesome start to this series!! I’m already a huge ELO fan!
This is my first book by this author and I definitely enjoyed it. I did think the book was a little longer than it needed to be and I definitely started skipping in the middle. I get it… Logan and Jess aren’t allowed to be together. The angst and buildup here went on way longer than it needed to.
Even though I skimmed some parts, I really loved these characters and was completely invested in them making it. I hated Danielle something fierce and her conversation with Jess toward the end made me hate her even more. If that convo was supposed to garner sympathy, it didn’t work. She’s awful. Logan was funnier than I was expecting him to be and I loved the interactions he had with Jess and Bash.
I’m really looking forward to more in this series! I’m rooting so hard for this team!
Sariah Wilson is a new to me author and I know that I will be reading more of her books in the future. The blurb really got my attention when it came to this story. I love a friends to lovers romance and this one is definitely a MUST READ for anyone who loves that trope.
I loved Logan and Jess’s relationship. They knew they couldn’t date and that being friends was their only option. They set rules that they wouldn’t cross, but sometimes life doesn’t always work out how you plan.
Jess’s father also happens to be Logan’s new football coach and he has some strict rules when it comes to his team, such as no drinking, no drugs, no dating, no swearing. Logan knows he is on his last chance to make a better life for himself so he makes sure he follows those rules to a T.
I loved seeing Logan and Jess’s friend grow through their “non-dates” and watching their feelings develop for each other as they got to know each other better. Their chemistry is off the charts and when they finally give into each other it is explosive! This story is fun, steamy, sweet and emotional at times. Grab yourself a glass of emotional support milk, because you will need it and enjoy this fun take on a friends to lovers romance.
This sweet new adult sport romance has a lot of rules for NFL players and the biggest rule is broken. Because NFL player Logan falls in love in the coach daughter Jess. A story that is so much deeper than just ordinary collage romance. Both Logan and Jess had very trouble past full of pain. Somehow, they heal each other and offer support with which they have feeling that they can accomplish more and to fight for what they want. Their story is amazing and to see how they developed and become wiser.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
The Friend Zone is the first book I have read by this author and this friends to lovers, sports romance has me pleasantly surprised!
The storyline was great and keep me hooked throughout. Both Logan and Jess have difficult a past but didn’t let it ruin who they want to be or what they want in the future and I loved how strong they were. Their story was sweet and hilarious at times and a couple of times it was a bit heartbreaking. Plus the sacrifices they made for what they want are swoon worthy!
This book will definitely have me reading more from this author and I will definitely recommend it to others!
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/2019/05/26/the-friend-zone-sariah-wilson/
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.
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.
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.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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?
Read and reviewed for Reviews From The Heart.
Happy reading!
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.
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.
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.
Logan Hunt was on the perfect path to having his dreams come true, playing his best football, on route to gaining a bid to the NFL… then it was all gone. One little bar fight, and he was kicked off the team, lost his scholarship, and was well on his way to becoming a blue collar worker. But someone saw his potential and decided to offer him the second chance of a lifetime, but this new opportunity came with lots of rules.
And he was determined to follow everyone of his new coaches rules…. that is until he met and fell for the coaches daughter!
The Friend Zone is a sweet and swoony story of second chances and young love. I really enjoyed this one, it’s feisty heroine and smooth operating alpha captured my attention from the very first page, and held it tightly until the last. As much as these two tried to pretend that they were just friends, the harder their underlying feelings fought to get them to open their eyes and see what was in front of them. Nothing squeezes the heart quite like first loves, and this story had many moments that had my heart feeling like it was in a vise. There was tenderness, passion, humor, pain, and lots of love between the pages of this one, and two perfectly drawn characters to make you believe every word of it. And I can’t wholeheartedly say that they did their job, I walked away with a happy, full heart. If you are a fan of new adult romances, with a sports twist, then I have a feeling you will really enjoy this one. Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Friend Zone by Sariah Wilson a five-star read that you will want to win all of the zones of. This was a great story filled with characters that you will adore, it will make you chuckle, and it will make you want to punch some people as well, mainly a football team, but a girl can have dreams can’t she. Logan Hunt starts as one man and ends as another, I’m not saying I would kick either out of bed for eating crisps, but I would definitely prefer the second version. Jess is sublime and I can honestly say I would even take math again just so she could tutor me (I may have a girl crush as she was so well written and such a great woman). Being just friends sucks, but sometimes you need to try and do what’s for the best for everyone, but what happens when that doesn’t agree with what you need. This story will show you in the best possible way.
The friend zone is a clean sports romance that takes place in college. Meet the new Quarterback, Logan Hunt and the Coach’s daughter Jess. The irresistible Logan Hunt came from a poor background and just trying to make something of himself. Jess has a secret of her past and this causes a no dating rule for anyone on the team. What they didn’t expect was the game changer!
When Logan gets a second chance at playing college football, he decides that no matter what, he won’t mess up this time. He was playing quarterback at a major Texas university and messed up by getting into a bar fight, but since that time he’s gone through counseling and dealt with his anger management issues. Not that anyone would blame him, his life has been rough — a drug addicted mom in prison and a stepfather who abused him physically and mentally.
The offer to play comes from a community college, with a well-respected coach who gives young football players another chance to play when they’ve messed up at the bigger schools. But it comes with a catch–Coach Oakley has some very strict rules and a zero tolerance policy if the men mess up even once. The rules include no drinking, drugs, keeping their grades high, and no women (no dating, girlfriends, etc.)
Most of the other teammates don’t take the rules very seriously, especially the no-women rule. But Logan decides that he will follow every rule to the “t” — he really wants the opportunity to play football, and he’s hoping for an eventual NFL contract.
The problem is his math tutor — Jess — who is also the coach’s daughter. From the moment Logan meets her, he feels a strong attraction. But he fights it, trying to keep her in the “Friend Zone.” Then, one evening at a costume party, her dressed as Catwoman and Logan as Batman, they unknowingly kiss each other, and its explosive. But it’s a case of mistaken identity — Jess thinks she’s kissing another guy that she’s been crushing on for months, who was supposed to wear a Batman costume.
Now they both realize they have very strong feelings for each other. They fight the attraction and try to just hang out as friends. Jess doesn’t want to risk Logan’s chance at a second chance, especially since one of the NFL scouts will be watching the team.
But the more they hang out together, the more they both realize that they are soulmates and meant to be together. But how can that ever be, without ruining Logan’s chances at a career that will take him away from the poverty he grew up in? They will need to make a choice — to be together (and forgo Logan’s chance to play NFL football), or to be apart.
I especially liked the hero in this book. Logan strives to be honorable, despite his attraction to Jess. He has to make many hard choices and he’s choice near the end shows how unselfish he is and how much he’s willing to give up for the love of his life. But does he need to?
If you like romances where the underdog hero rises above his past issues and problems, and finds happiness, I think you will really like this story! Especially good if you’re a football fan, too. And Sariah Wilson does a wonderful job with dialogue–especially “puny” dialogue and jokes between the characters!
Aww, Sariah Wilson always delivers great stories! While I know nothing about football and I’m not in the YA age range, I can always appreciate a well-written story, and this certainly was one. The characters were great and she incorporated her signature humorous touch to keep things light, even when there were some heavy moments in the book. It was first a story, then came the romance. I always prefer those slow-burn storylines as I get bored when the romance comes too early. There were brief mentions of characters and hints from previous stories, a nod to her loyal fans, which I found fun. I always look forward with anticipation to her new releases and I was thrilled to receive this complimentary copy from NetGalley. As always, I was not obligated to leave a positive review and these are my own thoughts and opinions. I certainly recommend it highly.
I decided to read this book because I already have the ARC of book 2. I’m so brilliant that I haven’t noticed it until it was on my tablet.
Usually for books in English, I need at most five pages to enter the story and adapt to the style of the author. Here it took me almost fifteen percent of the story to get there.
The only negative point is the summary which I find very long and a little too spoiler.
We dive into the university world and the sports part revolves around American football. It changes me from the usual football which I must tell you, does not fascinate me at all. The sportsman with the smart girl is well known but here, she is the daughter of the coach and she knows a lot about American football. This gives them more common points and easy communication.
We discover Logan and Jess in depth. Their pasts are different but painful. I don’t wish that to anyone. To make matters worse, in addition to the rules to follow, we have Ben. I think it was done on purpose but I found him tasteless and self-centered.
I enjoyed following the characters. I managed to put myself in place of Jess and Logan. It’s not so common. Congrats to Sariah Wilson
There is zero sex scene and … it doesn’t matter. So you know it’s not necessary to have one to make a good story.
Bash didn’t go unnoticed and I’m glad that the second book is dedicated to him. I will read it very soon but first a little reading in French.
Although the start was a bit laborious, I had a great time with this story. It was only the epilogue that surprised me a little because I did not expect this so quick
This was a fun NA book with not much substance but a lot of fluff. Logan Hunt is a quarterback who was first string at a Texas college until he was cut because of a bar fight and now he has landed in Seattle at EOL or as it is also refered to End Of the Line. This is all good until he and the other players find out the coach has unreal rules, no parties, no swearing, no drinking, and no girls. This does not go over good for some but since Logan needs the scholarship he is going to do what he needs to do to fulfill the coaches rules. Standing in his way is the coaches daughter, Jess. She is assigned as his math tutor and the chemistry is instant and combustible. Try as they might to keep it friends, feelings develop and when feelings get involved everything else falls into place. As I said, this was a fun read and now I’m looking forward to the next in the series and seeing what Bash gets into.
The Friend Zone (End of the Line Book 1) by Sariah Wilson –
This is my first book by this author and to be honest I’m struggling with what to write. I usually finish a book in a few hours and this one took two days. I liked the book but didn’t love the book. It dragged on in some parts and when it should of had more story line it just ended. I however enjoyed Logan’s Ben-isms for “Ben I Am” that did have me laughing a few times.
Overall it was a good “G” rated, sweet, innocent romance.
There was a sweet quote at the end of the book that if you read the book it will make sense. Jess is telling Logan……
“This is how much I love you. I would go see a million French movies with you.” “That is true love,”
3.5 stars