I had read good things about The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez on Instagram and jumped at the opportunity to read this novel with others. I dug into it quickly when I need some lighthearted reading.
Genre: Contemporary. Romance
Blurb:
Kristen Petersen doesn’t do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don’t get her. She’s also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.
Planning her best friend’s wedding is bittersweet for Kristen—especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He’s funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he’d be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it’s harder and harder to keep him at arm’s length.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed this story so much more than I thought I would – and it was a relief to see that the many women on Instagram who had recommended it to me had got it right! A bonus for me is that The Friend Zone is more than just a romance. The story explores the experience of a woman who is struggling with a uterine disease that impacts her life and her ability to have children.
Having said that, Kristen’s story is more than her inability to have children. Her story is about her accepting herself for who she is, inadequacies included. In the novel, we see her starting to believe that she does deserve to be happy – and that someone can love her for who she is despite her sterility. I enjoyed reading the story of her self-acceptance, and the acceptance by others of who she truly is.
I read the debut novel by Abby Jimenez in one sitting – which tells you how invested I was in the story. I could not put the novel down and needed to know whether Kristen would find the happiness she deserves. I enjoyed this romance with a thread of seriousness running through it and will certainly pick up the author’s next novel.
I give this novel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2020
(This novel was the 35th novel in my book pledge for 2020)
I’m glad you enjoyed the book. This is one of those issues that really attract some and really don’t resonate with others. I was unable to have children due to illnesses and injury, and that suited me fine, to the point of not being able to relate to those who desperately wanted children–I could and can abstractly wish them well with it, but just am not able to want ‘that’ to happen to my body. Everyone’s mileage varies!
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I agree. It does depend on how much you want to have your own children – and how far you are willing to go to have them. I like that you were able to accept your inability to have children – there is a certain peace in that.
Thank you for sharing your story Donnalee.
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Praise indeed. I’ll pick it up if I get chance, Colline. 🙂 🙂
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It is an enjoyable read if you enjoy romance Jo.
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Great review! I did the same picking this one up when I wanted something lighthearted but was surprised (pleasantly) to find it packed more of a punch!
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This is what I enjoy about the modern romance – that there is so much more in the stories.
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I’ve added this to my list. I’m looking for a light book to read! 🙂
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This one definitely fits the bill!
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I finished this book in a day!! It was a very nice read although I have mixed feelings about it. I kinda wish the story didn’t turn out the way it did. I want an alternate ending where they get married, Kirsten didn’t get pregnant and Brandon didn’t die. It was a very nice read though. I really liked it. 🙂
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Unfortunately a different ending would have meant a different book 🙂
I need to read the sequel now!
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Great review! This sounds like one I’ll have to pick up!
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It is definitely worth picking up – and is the perfect read when self isolating.
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