Friend Zoned by Evelyn Sola Published by Self-Published
Publication Date: June 2, 2023
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Pages: 445
Source: Review Tour
Format: eARC
Goodreads
Buy Online: Amazon
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
They say the best things come when you least expect it.
Burned by her ex-husband and a messy divorce, Jeannie Dubois isn’t looking for anything more than a good friend. Besides, she’s still dealing with the ex-husband who can’t seem to let her go.
Insert NBA coach, Aiden Walsh. Sure, he wants so much more than friendship with the beautiful woman he met at a wedding, but he’s sure he can play the part and he’s good at biding his time. So, for now, he’ll fill any role she wants.
But when these two friends become lovers, things quickly turn complicated when Jeannie finds out Aiden is so much more than just Manhattan’s favorite coach. Can Aiden prove to Jeannie that they’re meant to be so much more, or will she send him back to the friend zone?
Review
FRIEND ZONE is one of my favorite books of the year so far because it has a perfect balance of everything that makes a book wonderful – romance, friendship, fun dialogue and enjoyable secondary characters, plus leaving the reader feeling bloodthirsty and ready to avenge wrongs.
Talk about leveling up in every way! After being betrayed by a cheating husband and disloyal best friends, Jeannie Dubois ditched them to start over. Her plan to focus on herself and give up on love is off to a rocky start when she meets Aiden Walsh at an event she attends under duress from her mom. But that meeting with Aiden becomes the catalyst for the unexpected second act of her life that brings her the fulfilment she never expected.
My favorite things about Aiden and Jeannie’s relationship is that:
- There were no games between them. They were friends and that friendship blossomed into love, even though Jeannie was understandably resistant at first.
- Aiden was at the point in his life where he wanted more than a career, he was very clear about what he wanted, and he was patient and careful with Jeannie’s emotions.
- Even though Aiden never led with his family’s wealth and influence, he was always ready to wield both in defense of Jeannie. What’s sexier than that?
- This was in my opinion, an honest look at how careers can impact a relationship and how partners have to put in the work to maintain their relationships.
There were a couple of cringey moments for me, like how Jeannie’s family and friends could not stop taking about her ex-husband and ex-friends and let her move forward, but for the most part I really enjoyed it and found time to read my favorite sections multiple times as well as the bonus epilogue.
I’m definitely going to be reading more of this author’s backlist as well as looking forward to more books from her.
Excerpt
Copyright 2023 @Evelyn Sola
“Jeannie,” Vickie, the bride, says. She’s so beautiful with the happy newly married glow. “Have you met Colt’s coach, Aiden?”
Shocked by the question, I look around the room and hope my mother will come save me, but she’s too busy talking and laughing to bother noticing me. I clear my throat and offer him my hand. His large palm practically envelops it. When he lifts my knuckles to his lips and kisses them, I almost combust into flames. It’s been almost two years since I felt a man’s lips on any part of me. That must be why my body is short circuiting right now. But if I have a few more drinks, I’m going to drag him into a dark corner and have my way with him. I clear my throat and yank my hand away.
“So, you ah, coach football?” I ask, unsure of what else I could possibly ask. I try to think of any information my mother has given me. She says Mr. Colt is a football player. Vickie giggles and Colt groans.
“Basketball,” Aiden corrects.
“Are you sure?” I ask. “My mom said you’re a football player,” I say to Colt.
Vickie tries to hide her laugh but fails.
“I’m going to have a talk with Myra,” Colt says, but he’s being playful, so I’m not completely mortified by my faux pas.
“Yeah, and I’m pretty sure I coach basketball, not football,” Aidan says.
“Oh.” I wave my hand. “I don’t watch either.” I turn back to my chair, certain that they think I’m an idiot and will leave me alone now.
“More of a reader, I see,” Aiden responds. “What book has you so engrossed?”
My eyes dart to the table in search of my book. I thank a higher power that it’s safely inside my purse. No need to let these newlyweds and the sexy one know that my life is a train wreck. “Nothing you would find particularly interesting.” I clear my throat, but when I turn to look at Aiden, he’s looking directly at me.
“Try me,” he says. I take a step toward the table, grab my purse and shove it under my chair. No way in hell he’ll see this book.
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