A review by whenimreading
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

I thought this would be a quick palate cleanser but I was wrong! It was sweet and fun, deep and gut wrenching at the same time.

Kristen is sassy, sarcastic and no nonsense, helping her best friend Sloan plan her wedding. Josh is the groom’s best friend, an EMT hunk that will walk her down the aisle as maid of honor. Their meet-cute was funny and silly and you could tell immediately that they would hit it off.

Josh helps Kristen as a carpenter for her doggy stair small business, Kristen and Josh had that ✨signature Abby Jimenez easygoing banter and humor✨ from the very first chapter. Kristen “friend zones” Josh but that makes their pining stronger and so worth it in the end.

I was not expecting the emotional toll this book would have on me 🥺 (I probably should have, this is my 4th Abby novel, I’m reading out of order, don’t judge). I loved the characters and was deeply invested in their struggles, especially Kristen’s health, it’s so relatable and real. I thought Abby did a good job of highlighting the issue but not making it overly morbid. In terms of Josh, he was very caring as a friend, always feeding Kristen and looking to help out. The jokes in this novel delivered and make me happy. And dog!!!! I love Stuntman Mike, he knows what’s up!🐶❤️

That said, that third act was brutal 😭- emotionally! I feel for Sloan and I’m starting her book ASAP to see her happy ever after. 💕