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readwithria's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Friend Zone was a charming book written about complex characters, and while I loved them and the writing, the actual plot wasn’t exactly my usual preference for a romance novel.
Don’t get me wrong, I really liked this book. I did. But I didn’t realize how much of it would be because of a lack of communication. They keep having the same argument over and over, and never ask the questions they think or share the information that’s informing their choices. It got a little annoying, and while it payed off in the end I don’t think I would reread this book.
The banter hit so hard, the steam was steaming, and the tears were streaming. I love Abby Jimenez’s writing style. I also love all the characters in this book, and seeing them grow and heal together was lovely.
I’d definitely recommend this book, but if you’re sensitive to stories surrounding infertility or emotional cheating you may want to skip it. 4 stars.
Don’t get me wrong, I really liked this book. I did. But I didn’t realize how much of it would be because of a lack of communication. They keep having the same argument over and over, and never ask the questions they think or share the information that’s informing their choices. It got a little annoying, and while it payed off in the end I don’t think I would reread this book.
The banter hit so hard, the steam was steaming, and the tears were streaming. I love Abby Jimenez’s writing style. I also love all the characters in this book, and seeing them grow and heal together was lovely.
I’d definitely recommend this book, but if you’re sensitive to stories surrounding infertility or emotional cheating you may want to skip it. 4 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Infertility, and Car accident
Moderate: Sexual content, Medical content, Cursing, Medical trauma, Blood, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Infidelity, and Pregnancy
lolitalamb's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Second read didn't live up to what I'd remembered but still above average for a romance novel
I listened to The Friend Zone for the second time in November 2023. I first listened to the audiobook a few years ago, and I remember generally liking it and finding it more irreverent and sexier than I had anticipated. My memory gave me semi-high expectations and then this time it fell a tad flat.
Like most romance novels, the protagonist is a young woman named Kristen who is emotionally unavailable in some way. And then there's a guy, in this case, Josh, who's like, really into her and wants more than anything to commit to her fully. Because that's what we fantasize about, right? Emotional girl porn.
Anyway, Josh wants Kristen but it can't happen as there are obstacles ofc. There's a lot of drama because they refuse to communicate with each other. Their utter commitment to NOT communicating is astounding, but this is what drives the plot. I'm a therapist, and I was like, "I need to get these people into my office. I just...need a word with them. We can fix all this mess with only a few conversations."
The above description, though sarcastic, is not really meant to be a criticism. Those are just the elements of the genre. I was still invested enough in the drama to purchase the next book The Happy Ever After Playlist and I am on the waitlists at my library for her other three novels.
Main Strengths:
Like most romance novels, the protagonist is a young woman named Kristen who is emotionally unavailable in some way. And then there's a guy, in this case, Josh, who's like, really into her and wants more than anything to commit to her fully. Because that's what we fantasize about, right? Emotional girl porn.
Anyway, Josh wants Kristen but it can't happen as there are obstacles ofc. There's a lot of drama because they refuse to communicate with each other. Their utter commitment to NOT communicating is astounding, but this is what drives the plot. I'm a therapist, and I was like, "I need to get these people into my office. I just...need a word with them. We can fix all this mess with only a few conversations."
The above description, though sarcastic, is not really meant to be a criticism. Those are just the elements of the genre. I was still invested enough in the drama to purchase the next book The Happy Ever After Playlist and I am on the waitlists at my library for her other three novels.
Main Strengths:
- Jimenez writes amusing banter, and gets even better in her next book The Happy Ever After Playlist.
- She excels in her ability to write about sex and attraction. We'll just leave it at that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Infertility
Moderate: Cursing
sammymilfort's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Grief, Sexual content, Car accident, Emotional abuse, Cursing, Death, Body horror, Medical content, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pregnancy, Vomit, War, Miscarriage, and Misogyny
callistabanks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was definitely expecting a cute cheesy romcom but this book was a lot more than that. It had me sobbing over so many different things, it was a really beautiful story. I loved all of the characters, this story made ma laugh, and cry and feel all the feels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Medical content, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Cancer, Car accident, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Infertility, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Miscarriage, Blood, and Body horror
cassiealexandra's review against another edition
3.25
There was a lot that I liked about this one. I enjoyed the banter and friendship between Kristen and Josh. Their immediate connection, commonality, and chemistry was obvious. I liked their extended group of friends. I thought the inclusion of specific breweries, street names, and LA neighborhoods helped to transport me into the setting. And as with other titles by Abby Jimenez, I appreciated that she tends to bring sensitive topics to the forefront and handle them delicately (see upside down text in content notes below).
Even though I enjoyed this, it was not my favorite Jimenez book and here’s why. The strong language and innuendo hit fast and often in this one. Kristen’s “cool girl/guy’s girl” personality wasn’t relatable for me personally, but I can see that being a major plus for others.
My biggest issue was the fact that there was what I would consider emotional cheating in this one. Having married fairly young, I realize I’m very conservative with this, and I have little experience with what might be considered “normal” in the dating scene these days. Still, the bond that Kristen and Josh create before Tyler is out of the picture is, well, a lot.
In addition to this, there is a lot of unnecessary lack of communication. A conversation could have been had at about the 35% mark in the book and it would have ended with an HEA right there.
My other big issue was a huge plot point toward the end that felt a little bit convenient and cheap knowing that a second book in this “standalone” but connected series was already in the works. Suggestion, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT read the description of The Happily Ever After Playlist before finishing this one. I did, and it was a mistake.
The bottom line: Expect a fun read with some laughter, warm fuzzies, and emotional depth, but be warned about particular romance tropes in advance.
— NOTES —
Genres: romantic comedy
POV: 1st-person, dual
Content: explicit language, ʎʇı̣ןı̣ʇɹǝɟuı̣
Romance: two open door scenes in chapters 14 and 28
Audio Narration: this was decent, but not my favorite
— MY RATING CONSIDERATIONS —
(all out of 5)
Pace: 3
Enjoyment: 4
Craft: 3
My Gut Feeling: 3
Total Stars: 3.25
Even though I enjoyed this, it was not my favorite Jimenez book and here’s why. The strong language and innuendo hit fast and often in this one. Kristen’s “cool girl/guy’s girl” personality wasn’t relatable for me personally, but I can see that being a major plus for others.
My biggest issue was the fact that there was what I would consider emotional cheating in this one. Having married fairly young, I realize I’m very conservative with this, and I have little experience with what might be considered “normal” in the dating scene these days. Still, the bond that Kristen and Josh create before Tyler is out of the picture is, well, a lot.
In addition to this, there is a lot of unnecessary lack of communication. A conversation could have been had at about the 35% mark in the book and it would have ended with an HEA right there.
My other big issue was a huge plot point toward the end that felt a little bit convenient and cheap knowing that a second book in this “standalone” but connected series was already in the works. Suggestion, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT read the description of The Happily Ever After Playlist before finishing this one. I did, and it was a mistake.
The bottom line: Expect a fun read with some laughter, warm fuzzies, and emotional depth, but be warned about particular romance tropes in advance.
— NOTES —
Genres: romantic comedy
POV: 1st-person, dual
Content: explicit language, ʎʇı̣ןı̣ʇɹǝɟuı̣
Romance: two open door scenes in chapters 14 and 28
Audio Narration: this was decent, but not my favorite
— MY RATING CONSIDERATIONS —
(all out of 5)
Pace: 3
Enjoyment: 4
Craft: 3
My Gut Feeling: 3
Total Stars: 3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Infertility
inkandmuses's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Chronic illness, Medical trauma, Medical content, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Infertility, and Car accident
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy
ang3lina_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death, Infertility, Medical trauma, and Medical content
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Pregnancy
hannahbrixton's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was intense in a way I didn't see coming. I won't spoiler it but if you have medical trauma, consider that there's quite a lot of detail given in this book about a serious medical event and it was unfortunately quite close to something I experienced... so while I'm not triggered, it was pretty difficult to listen to and emotionally intense.
I loved the connection between Josh and Kristen but I felt like her steadfast refusal to be with him went on a little longer than necessary... even after they endured a traumatic event that should have been eye-opening, she stuck to her guns and it got a little frustrating.
The HEA ending was lovely for them and yet I would have liked to see it handled differently because it felt like the rug was pulled out from under the entire premise... I'm being vague on purpose so as to avoid spoilers here :)
The characters felt real, natural, and genuine and I loved the banter between the MCs. The writing was good, sometimes intense or suspenseful and emotionally evocative, which kept me listening and made it overall an enjoyable listen.
I loved the connection between Josh and Kristen but I felt like her steadfast refusal to be with him went on a little longer than necessary... even after they endured a traumatic event that should have been eye-opening, she stuck to her guns and it got a little frustrating.
The HEA ending was lovely for them and yet I would have liked to see it handled differently because it felt like the rug was pulled out from under the entire premise... I'm being vague on purpose so as to avoid spoilers here :)
The characters felt real, natural, and genuine and I loved the banter between the MCs. The writing was good, sometimes intense or suspenseful and emotionally evocative, which kept me listening and made it overall an enjoyable listen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Pregnancy, Medical trauma, Cursing, Gore, Grief, Infertility, Body shaming, Body horror, Car accident, Chronic illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Mental illness, and Vomit
Minor: Miscarriage, War, Infidelity, Violence, and Blood
sarahflanders's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Medical content, Car accident, Gore, Miscarriage, Mental illness, Blood, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual content, Death, and Infertility
lovetlr's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Exhausting
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Infertility, and Death
Such unnecessary death