Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Friend Zone

Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

59 reviews

sammymilfort's review against another edition

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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

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callistabanks's review against another edition

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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.

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cassiealexandra's review against another edition

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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

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inkandmuses's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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ang3lina_'s review against another edition

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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

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hannahbrixton's review against another edition

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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.

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