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The Relationship Quo #2
The Friend Zone
Chloe: Moses has been my best friend since kindergarten. We met when I shoved him face first in the dirt and took his action figures. Ever since, we’ve been tighter than blood, but we’re not blood, and my body knows that. My heart has known that for years.
The fact that being a pole dancer has interfered with my relationship status is an understatement. Moses is literally the longest I’ve been with a man, except I’m not really
‘with’ him.
Now I’m approaching a place where I’m curious enough to tell him about my feelings. I’ve gotten close, but a man as hot as my bestie has had really small gaps between girlfriends. I know it could be a big mistake, and he’s never seen me that way, but I won’t know for sure unless I act right? Only problem is, I might be too late again.
Moses: I’m not blind to the fact that my best friend is dangerously hot. She’s basically every man’s dream but she’s not mine. I’m the one that protects her, councils her, and encourages her, knowing she will do the same for me. She’s my girl.
But now something is different, and I can’t put a name to it. Something feels changed, but I’m putting all that on the back burner because I think I found my perfect girlfriend.
Still, Chloe is in my head; I’m not sure she would handle knowing that. After all, I’m in the friend zone…
The fact that being a pole dancer has interfered with my relationship status is an understatement. Moses is literally the longest I’ve been with a man, except I’m not really
‘with’ him.
Now I’m approaching a place where I’m curious enough to tell him about my feelings. I’ve gotten close, but a man as hot as my bestie has had really small gaps between girlfriends. I know it could be a big mistake, and he’s never seen me that way, but I won’t know for sure unless I act right? Only problem is, I might be too late again.
Moses: I’m not blind to the fact that my best friend is dangerously hot. She’s basically every man’s dream but she’s not mine. I’m the one that protects her, councils her, and encourages her, knowing she will do the same for me. She’s my girl.
But now something is different, and I can’t put a name to it. Something feels changed, but I’m putting all that on the back burner because I think I found my perfect girlfriend.
Still, Chloe is in my head; I’m not sure she would handle knowing that. After all, I’m in the friend zone…
374 pages, ebook
Published October 28, 2016
About the author
Nicole Strycharz
28 books411 followersNicole is a multi-genre author of over a dozen books.
"The Divorce" was nominated in the 2016 Indie Book Awards and won second place in the 2016 Best Cover Design in 'Urban Literature Magazine.'
She was featured on the cover of Words + Magazine for her book "The Affair."
She’s known for delving into sensitive and real topics such as in her title “The Love That Hurts” which explored domestic violence with the hopes of giving victims a voice while exposing the red flags of an abusive relationship. Most of her lead female characters are depicted as survivors or evolving overcomers of trauma. Sending a message to readers that every moment and every day they fight for is a victory.
Being of mixed ethnicity, she keeps her cast of characters diverse and tries to highlight the different cultures around the world.
Aside from writing, she runs a tarot and rune reading business called, Nikki The Solitary Witch. Interpreting the cards and stones for others, she offers a little clarity to her clients so they can face their path with a little extra confidence.
Nicole lives in Virginia with her family and one pretty Pocket-Pittie. She is always reading or working on the next book between mommyhood adventures.
"The Divorce" was nominated in the 2016 Indie Book Awards and won second place in the 2016 Best Cover Design in 'Urban Literature Magazine.'
She was featured on the cover of Words + Magazine for her book "The Affair."
She’s known for delving into sensitive and real topics such as in her title “The Love That Hurts” which explored domestic violence with the hopes of giving victims a voice while exposing the red flags of an abusive relationship. Most of her lead female characters are depicted as survivors or evolving overcomers of trauma. Sending a message to readers that every moment and every day they fight for is a victory.
Being of mixed ethnicity, she keeps her cast of characters diverse and tries to highlight the different cultures around the world.
Aside from writing, she runs a tarot and rune reading business called, Nikki The Solitary Witch. Interpreting the cards and stones for others, she offers a little clarity to her clients so they can face their path with a little extra confidence.
Nicole lives in Virginia with her family and one pretty Pocket-Pittie. She is always reading or working on the next book between mommyhood adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 8, 2016
Welp, this one was such a disappointment after reading The Divorce by the same author. This is Moses' story and after him losing out in love to Chris in The Divorce, I was desperate for him to get his happy. And whilst he did eventually get it I didn't like him at all in this book. He was such an insensitive idiot, there were times I wanted to slap him upside the head. Both him and Chloe irritated the shit out of me behaving like kindergartners the entire way through, and at times I wondered if I was reading YA.
When I read a romance I need the romance, not to get to 95% through and find they are still sniffing around each other and pretending they are just friends and don't have feelings for each other. Gah, that really irritated the shit out of me. There was little to no character growth shown by Moses, in fact I think he regressed from the person he was in The Divorce and he was such a transformation it was as if a different person had written The Divorce. I got none of the feels, angst, humour - nada. I was bored and ended up skimming.
The editing was BAD, it really was and sadly let the book down. This is not the authors first rodeo so I would have expected an improvement from the editing issues in The Divorce, instead this one was way, way worse. The word "of" is used over 500 times! Seriously! "I'd of" instead of "I would have" or just plain old "I'd have" was used so many times it ended up being like nails on chalkboard. Add to that sentences that made so sense, words that don't even exist, punctuation aaaaaaand one ruined book. A damn good edit would not only have (see, I didn't use of) avoided this but would also have tightened the story and weeded out a lot of unnecessary filler, which caused me to skim a fair bit.
I'm not sure if Brianna is going to get a story, but after this one unless the reviews say there has been an improvement in the editing I think I'll give it a miss.
A generous 2 stars, which is one hell of a come down after 5 starring The divorce.
When I read a romance I need the romance, not to get to 95% through and find they are still sniffing around each other and pretending they are just friends and don't have feelings for each other. Gah, that really irritated the shit out of me. There was little to no character growth shown by Moses, in fact I think he regressed from the person he was in The Divorce and he was such a transformation it was as if a different person had written The Divorce. I got none of the feels, angst, humour - nada. I was bored and ended up skimming.
The editing was BAD, it really was and sadly let the book down. This is not the authors first rodeo so I would have expected an improvement from the editing issues in The Divorce, instead this one was way, way worse. The word "of" is used over 500 times! Seriously! "I'd of" instead of "I would have" or just plain old "I'd have" was used so many times it ended up being like nails on chalkboard. Add to that sentences that made so sense, words that don't even exist, punctuation aaaaaaand one ruined book. A damn good edit would not only have (see, I didn't use of) avoided this but would also have tightened the story and weeded out a lot of unnecessary filler, which caused me to skim a fair bit.
I'm not sure if Brianna is going to get a story, but after this one unless the reviews say there has been an improvement in the editing I think I'll give it a miss.
A generous 2 stars, which is one hell of a come down after 5 starring The divorce.
December 20, 2016
***TWO STARS***
I’m really not a fan of reading the exact same story again (from the other person’s POV) in a sequel. That’s what happened in this story. The first 60% was pretty much a rehash of Moses and Jenzy’s story. Yes, Chloe was in there too, but she felt like a minor character until that 60% of the story, instead of the leading lady.
I was probably as big of a fan of Moses in The Divorce, as Jenzy’s father was of him in this story (NOT AT ALL). Moses felt like a slimy homewrecker in that story. He didn’t do anything to redeem that label in this version of their story either. In fact, he was probably worse. And so was Jenzy. She annoyed the hell out of me in this story, and came off as slimy as Moses did.
I loved this author’s story telling in The Divorce though, and I just knew she could bring me around to loving Moses by the end of this one. But that didn't happen. Not sure if it was the hippy vibe Moses had, or the beads and jewelry or what, but he didn’t feel very manly at all, and he acted like a little bitch through most of the story.
I felt nothing for him and really couldn’t care less if he ever got together with Chloe romantically or not. All the jokes by too many characters in this story about Moses being the “Gay Best Friend” got really old too, and if anything, emasculated him even more. And the sex (when they finally got around to it towards the end of the story) was very lacking and skimworthy.
I did like Chloe’s character and actually felt sorry for her through most of this story. She kind of got taken for granted by Moses, and she just took it. Over and over again, like a doormat.
The only redeeming thing about this story was Chris’s small cameos. He was just as awesome as he was in The Divorce. Wish we had gotten to see even more of him here.
I’m really not a fan of reading the exact same story again (from the other person’s POV) in a sequel. That’s what happened in this story. The first 60% was pretty much a rehash of Moses and Jenzy’s story. Yes, Chloe was in there too, but she felt like a minor character until that 60% of the story, instead of the leading lady.
I was probably as big of a fan of Moses in The Divorce, as Jenzy’s father was of him in this story (NOT AT ALL). Moses felt like a slimy homewrecker in that story. He didn’t do anything to redeem that label in this version of their story either. In fact, he was probably worse. And so was Jenzy. She annoyed the hell out of me in this story, and came off as slimy as Moses did.
I loved this author’s story telling in The Divorce though, and I just knew she could bring me around to loving Moses by the end of this one. But that didn't happen. Not sure if it was the hippy vibe Moses had, or the beads and jewelry or what, but he didn’t feel very manly at all, and he acted like a little bitch through most of the story.
I felt nothing for him and really couldn’t care less if he ever got together with Chloe romantically or not. All the jokes by too many characters in this story about Moses being the “Gay Best Friend” got really old too, and if anything, emasculated him even more. And the sex (when they finally got around to it towards the end of the story) was very lacking and skimworthy.
I did like Chloe’s character and actually felt sorry for her through most of this story. She kind of got taken for granted by Moses, and she just took it. Over and over again, like a doormat.
The only redeeming thing about this story was Chris’s small cameos. He was just as awesome as he was in The Divorce. Wish we had gotten to see even more of him here.
November 29, 2020
Re-read 2020. Changed rating from 3 to 2 stars. Thought it might have been my frame of mind back in 2016...but discovered that was probably why I rated it higher than now. Not a fan of second best heroines. He’s only with her because he can’t be with the woman he really wanted. I’m thinking she dumps his arse after this book ends and finds herself a real man!
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After loving the hell out of the first book in this series (The Divorce), I dove straight into this one without even reading the blurb. Don't read this if you intend to read The Divorce because I don't want to ruin the ending for others...
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After loving the hell out of the first book in this series (The Divorce), I dove straight into this one without even reading the blurb. Don't read this if you intend to read The Divorce because I don't want to ruin the ending for others...
Shelved as 'not-interested'
December 13, 2016Well, it was too good to be true. I found a new author I thought I could keep, annddd..... this happens.
I didn't like this character in THE DIVORCE, too passive for my taste. And now he's a jerk and insensitive. Have a feeling of "second best" here.
This review says it all.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I didn't like this character in THE DIVORCE, too passive for my taste. And now he's a jerk and insensitive. Have a feeling of "second best" here.
This review says it all.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2016
65% of the book - Hero is obsessed with OW. Yes, he keeps having thoughts and feelings for h, but the OW in a sexy dress overcomes them.
Remaining 35% of the book -- H and h are bumbling around refusing to admit that they're in love.
Wheee. Fun.
Not only is the basic story annoying, but whole segments of dialogue are repeated from the first book. Yes -it's the same time period, but you don't have to repeat the same conversations.
And the typos and grammatical errors are out of control. Please GET AN EDITOR!
Remaining 35% of the book -- H and h are bumbling around refusing to admit that they're in love.
Wheee. Fun.
Not only is the basic story annoying, but whole segments of dialogue are repeated from the first book. Yes -it's the same time period, but you don't have to repeat the same conversations.
And the typos and grammatical errors are out of control. Please GET AN EDITOR!
May 10, 2018
Gotta be honest... I read this for cameos of Chris.
The rest of the book is crap.
The rest of the book is crap.
February 3, 2017
Nice but....
1) The H was still all about the OW up until 75% (?) of the book. WTH? Why should I read about him pinning for another woman?
2) The h is stupid. Sorry, but she is . She is whining about why she can't keep a man for over 6 monts yet she is breaking up with the good potential ones.
3) The h felt like the 3rd wheel for more than half of the story. Also, moses was a huge @ss for what he did in her competition. I still haven't forgoten him
4) My pet peeve.
Dear writer : If you want to write about a Greek character, please make a research first.
Titos isn't a name used. I've never heard of it. Oh well, maybe as a gay/flamboyant character in a 60's Greek TV film, but never, ever, ever again. If you are to chose a name, stick to a classical one. Kostas, Yannis, Giorgos, Dimitris, Alexandros, etc.
Sincerely, a Greek reader.
1) The H was still all about the OW up until 75% (?) of the book. WTH? Why should I read about him pinning for another woman?
2) The h is stupid. Sorry, but she is . She is whining about why she can't keep a man for over 6 monts yet she is breaking up with the good potential ones.
3) The h felt like the 3rd wheel for more than half of the story. Also, moses was a huge @ss for what he did in her competition. I still haven't forgoten him
4) My pet peeve.
Dear writer : If you want to write about a Greek character, please make a research first.
Titos isn't a name used. I've never heard of it. Oh well, maybe as a gay/flamboyant character in a 60's Greek TV film, but never, ever, ever again. If you are to chose a name, stick to a classical one. Kostas, Yannis, Giorgos, Dimitris, Alexandros, etc.
Sincerely, a Greek reader.
October 28, 2016
Another emotional ride with Nicole Strycharz.
I loved Chloe's rawness. The ever-strong female who barely breaks down on the outside and still clings to hope and positivity on the inside. Like any woman, she has her levels of insecurity, but she shines through them rather than complaining about it all.
The way the relationship played out with Chloe and Moses seemed to be very natural, like two people you would meet off the streets. It was great to see Moses' perspective with regards to his "dating" Jenzy from The Divorce. The man was way too patient with regards to physical "intimacy" with Jenzy (just my opinion-6months and nothing!). Plus, I saw Jenzy in a whole new light-total dick tease, but I understood who she was from The Divorce. LOL
Will Chloe's and Moses' love as friends stay that way or blossom into more? You have to read the book to find out!
I loved Chloe's rawness. The ever-strong female who barely breaks down on the outside and still clings to hope and positivity on the inside. Like any woman, she has her levels of insecurity, but she shines through them rather than complaining about it all.
The way the relationship played out with Chloe and Moses seemed to be very natural, like two people you would meet off the streets. It was great to see Moses' perspective with regards to his "dating" Jenzy from The Divorce. The man was way too patient with regards to physical "intimacy" with Jenzy (just my opinion-6months and nothing!). Plus, I saw Jenzy in a whole new light-total dick tease, but I understood who she was from The Divorce. LOL
Will Chloe's and Moses' love as friends stay that way or blossom into more? You have to read the book to find out!
December 16, 2016
At first I was not fan of moses at all. I'm team Chris lol m with that being said, I got to know moses so much and you can't help but like him. I freaken love Chloe tho she's just awesome. Being friend zone is never easy, and I saw what Chole went through and I hurt for her. But once you cross those lines of just friends you could risk that friendship, and sometimes it is just not worth it. And sometimes it is. You want to live with little regrets as possible.
June 23, 2020
3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really loved Chloe’s character. Being friend-zoned is rough! These books really need to be edited! So many typos and grammatical errors. Many times the wrong homophones were used. I get those aren’t always caught by spellcheck, but come on!
Like other reviewers, I agree that the story basically retelling the 1st book in the series (The Divorce) was unnecessary. The book should have picked up near the end. Jenzy was sooooooo obnoxious and selfish. It was so stupid that she pursued Moses in the first place. She really was the one after him—coming into the store and stringing him along when she had that handsome hunk of Chris trying to win her back! Crazy town! This book made me dislike her even more!
Moses.... I really thought he was trash in the first book and had absolutely no compassion for the position he found himself in. All along he had perfect Chloe who he just took for granted. Why don’t people talk to each other!? Moses abandoned Chloe repeatedly when she really needed him and he was such a coward about their friendship. His hippy vibe was a bit of a cliche I thought, but oh well.
The ending when they finally come together was great. The slow burn let me feel a lot of chemistry between the MC’s. I actually thought the sexy scenes were better in this book than the first one. Glad Moses FINALLY pulled his head out of his ass.
I really loved Chloe’s character. Being friend-zoned is rough! These books really need to be edited! So many typos and grammatical errors. Many times the wrong homophones were used. I get those aren’t always caught by spellcheck, but come on!
Like other reviewers, I agree that the story basically retelling the 1st book in the series (The Divorce) was unnecessary. The book should have picked up near the end. Jenzy was sooooooo obnoxious and selfish. It was so stupid that she pursued Moses in the first place. She really was the one after him—coming into the store and stringing him along when she had that handsome hunk of Chris trying to win her back! Crazy town! This book made me dislike her even more!
Moses.... I really thought he was trash in the first book and had absolutely no compassion for the position he found himself in. All along he had perfect Chloe who he just took for granted. Why don’t people talk to each other!? Moses abandoned Chloe repeatedly when she really needed him and he was such a coward about their friendship. His hippy vibe was a bit of a cliche I thought, but oh well.
The ending when they finally come together was great. The slow burn let me feel a lot of chemistry between the MC’s. I actually thought the sexy scenes were better in this book than the first one. Glad Moses FINALLY pulled his head out of his ass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2016
OMG, what can I say about this book?? I LOVED IT!!! BRILLIANT!!! FANTASTIC!!! Nicole has done it again with this incredible read The Friend Zone. Chloe & Moses are my new favorite book characters.
ღ Emotional rollercoaster? YES! ღ Cried? Yes! ღ Felt the love? YES! "It had it all."
What didn't I like? There was absolutely nothing that I didn't like. I loved it all. There was nothing bad about this book in any way. Another book I would love to see in a movie.
Thanks for the fantastic read Nicole. I look forward to more of your books. I can't wait actually! Definitely worth the buy/credit. What are you waiting for? GET IT NOW!
ღ Emotional rollercoaster? YES! ღ Cried? Yes! ღ Felt the love? YES! "It had it all."
What didn't I like? There was absolutely nothing that I didn't like. I loved it all. There was nothing bad about this book in any way. Another book I would love to see in a movie.
Thanks for the fantastic read Nicole. I look forward to more of your books. I can't wait actually! Definitely worth the buy/credit. What are you waiting for? GET IT NOW!
May 4, 2017
3.5-4 star
I loved "The Divorce" but this one :| I didn't like it as much. I was expecting more from this book.
the huge part of this book was about the story line of last book from the beginning till the end, it was a little boring. Ya it was good to read about Moses and Chloe in the middle of it but seriously, it was boring.
A part that, I like Moses and Chloe friend zone story, and it was good to know more about Moses after "The Divorce" and his side of view about the story.
I loved "The Divorce" but this one :| I didn't like it as much. I was expecting more from this book.
the huge part of this book was about the story line of last book from the beginning till the end, it was a little boring. Ya it was good to read about Moses and Chloe in the middle of it but seriously, it was boring.
A part that, I like Moses and Chloe friend zone story, and it was good to know more about Moses after "The Divorce" and his side of view about the story.
February 15, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️THREE STARS.
HEADLINE: Distracted by too many heterographs and malaprops.
REVIEW: I was excited about this follow-up book because I absolutely loved the one prior to it; THE DIVORCE. However, I just couldn’t get into the angsty backstory. I also don’t have high tolerance for people like Chloe who don’t cultivate friends and are too dependent upon one or two humans for their interpersonal relationship needs. I can see why she would be that way based on her orphan trope but I don’t want to invest my time to a book with a main character who reverts to a victim mentality in so many ways. I kept reading because I wanted to like both the characters and the story but I just wasn’t ever feeling engaged. The wrong spelling of words (i.e. heterographs such as “heals” instead of “heels,” “bazaar” instead of “bizarre,” “your” instead of “you’re”, “scolded” instead of “scalded,” “four”/“for,” “devout”/“devoted,”) the misapplication of apostrophes for plural words, the incorrect subject/verb tense was majorly distracting-into-irritating. There comes a point where I just get fed up when it’s so recurrent. Such grammar issues happened in THE DIVORCE but it was so much more prolific in THE FRIEND ZONE.
This story is quite bountiful in sex scenes. The readers who aspire for steamy details should be satisfied with THE FRIEND ZONE. I’m neither offended nor enticed. What appeals most to me is a good rom-com that never veers off into slapstick.
These passages struck me as engaging writing:
(Chloe) “She pointed at me. ‘Shut up. Don’t say a word. Just sit there in your wrongness and be wrong.”
(Chloe) “I’m not just a third wheel; I’m more like a third nipple.”
(Moses) “ There were so many stairs, it felt like we were climbing Mount Mordor from Lord of the Rings.”
(Chloe) “ I stood with my candles and wondered if they had a candle scent for this specific problem. Like a Jealousy Rain, or a Meadows of a Friend Zone.”
I bought this e-book but I definitely won’t re-read it. I think I’m giving up on the Quo series at this point. The other Quo books don’t sound like they are up my alley. I may try this author’s other books in the future. There’s definitely some strong, raw talent to this writer. It almost feels like she just needs to be matched up with a stronger presence in the book publishing industry who can hone her obvious story-telling skills.
HEADLINE: Distracted by too many heterographs and malaprops.
REVIEW: I was excited about this follow-up book because I absolutely loved the one prior to it; THE DIVORCE. However, I just couldn’t get into the angsty backstory. I also don’t have high tolerance for people like Chloe who don’t cultivate friends and are too dependent upon one or two humans for their interpersonal relationship needs. I can see why she would be that way based on her orphan trope but I don’t want to invest my time to a book with a main character who reverts to a victim mentality in so many ways. I kept reading because I wanted to like both the characters and the story but I just wasn’t ever feeling engaged. The wrong spelling of words (i.e. heterographs such as “heals” instead of “heels,” “bazaar” instead of “bizarre,” “your” instead of “you’re”, “scolded” instead of “scalded,” “four”/“for,” “devout”/“devoted,”) the misapplication of apostrophes for plural words, the incorrect subject/verb tense was majorly distracting-into-irritating. There comes a point where I just get fed up when it’s so recurrent. Such grammar issues happened in THE DIVORCE but it was so much more prolific in THE FRIEND ZONE.
This story is quite bountiful in sex scenes. The readers who aspire for steamy details should be satisfied with THE FRIEND ZONE. I’m neither offended nor enticed. What appeals most to me is a good rom-com that never veers off into slapstick.
These passages struck me as engaging writing:
(Chloe) “She pointed at me. ‘Shut up. Don’t say a word. Just sit there in your wrongness and be wrong.”
(Chloe) “I’m not just a third wheel; I’m more like a third nipple.”
(Moses) “ There were so many stairs, it felt like we were climbing Mount Mordor from Lord of the Rings.”
(Chloe) “ I stood with my candles and wondered if they had a candle scent for this specific problem. Like a Jealousy Rain, or a Meadows of a Friend Zone.”
I bought this e-book but I definitely won’t re-read it. I think I’m giving up on the Quo series at this point. The other Quo books don’t sound like they are up my alley. I may try this author’s other books in the future. There’s definitely some strong, raw talent to this writer. It almost feels like she just needs to be matched up with a stronger presence in the book publishing industry who can hone her obvious story-telling skills.
June 13, 2017
For me it's 5 stars. I loved it. It's one of my favorite books. I love stories where best friends fall in love with each other so this story really hooked me.
Yeah, it only sucks that more than half of the story revolves around Moses' love for Jenzy. But it's okay, because in the end you know who he'll end up with. I actually read it before The Divorce so I ended up rereading it again after reading The Divorce (because, you know, I feel sorry for Moses).
About the characters, I think Chloe's a real idiot, ending relationships whether it's bad or good. I actually liked Rex for her, so I was really mad at her when she dumped him. Moses? He's so slow and dumb. Annoying, right? He said he wants a girl who's hot, funny, sweet, and stays in shape. Well guess what? Chloe's all that, you dummy! And Brianna, I love her. She's so fun, she's blind but she doesn't mind it. I can't wait for her story. Looking forward to reading The Co-Parent.
Even though Chloe and Moses are annoying, the plot made up for that. And I really love the ending, I think it's cute and cheesy. So good job Nicole Strycharz.
Yeah, it only sucks that more than half of the story revolves around Moses' love for Jenzy. But it's okay, because in the end you know who he'll end up with. I actually read it before The Divorce so I ended up rereading it again after reading The Divorce (because, you know, I feel sorry for Moses).
About the characters, I think Chloe's a real idiot, ending relationships whether it's bad or good. I actually liked Rex for her, so I was really mad at her when she dumped him. Moses? He's so slow and dumb. Annoying, right? He said he wants a girl who's hot, funny, sweet, and stays in shape. Well guess what? Chloe's all that, you dummy! And Brianna, I love her. She's so fun, she's blind but she doesn't mind it. I can't wait for her story. Looking forward to reading The Co-Parent.
Even though Chloe and Moses are annoying, the plot made up for that. And I really love the ending, I think it's cute and cheesy. So good job Nicole Strycharz.
March 31, 2017
Wow!! What another captivating read by the lovely Nicole. Being friend zoned is such an awful thing for someone who falls in love but can't share it. This really brought light to those situations and how it effects you. I'm so glad I have the opportunity to continue this series because it's getting me in all the feels. I laughed and cried and had anxiety from two SOMEONES who were stubborn as hell. I'm so satisfied the way it turned out, though, and I can't wait to continue being a part of these character's lives in The Co-Parent. Another must read!!
April 28, 2019
If I thought I loved The Divorce, then I freaking ADORED The Friend Zone. Chloe is such a strong, independent woman that has a beautiful friendship with Moses, a protective, sensitive man who will do anything for his best friend. I loved their story and wish I had more of these two!
April 11, 2023
Wow.
So I came across this book 2 years after reading The Divorce, and ironically, not because I remembered it was a continuation of a series I had started. Rather, I asked a book group for a recommendation with this exact trope and when someone suggested this, I realised, crap, I’ve read book 1.
Now a lot of what I write will seem like I don’t like this book, so just bare with me, remember I’ve given the book 5 stars, and make it to the end of my review.
The one thing that became crystal clear to me in this book, that I didn’t really see THAT much in The Divorce was that wow; Jenzy really REALLY dragged her almost-relationship with Moses out. I kinda hate her for it. Also, this book made her relationship with Moses so much more real to me than it was in the last book…which is weird right? In the last book, I never felt like she stopped loving Chris, but this book made me second guess that.
As for Moses; I hated that he liked Jenzy so much. I hated that he loved her. But I felt all this because I knew how Chloe felt. My heart was breaking for her the entire book. Especially when she went for that bike ride with Moses and then saw him kissing Jenzy…I really REALLY hated that girl in that moment. Then when Moses walked out of her big gig…I really wished he would suffer the same fate as Regina George *enter school bus*
I can’t say I loved Moses’s character. His reaction to poor Chloe’s proclamation of feelings was so unfeeling and selfish. I wish he suffered watching Chloe in more serious relationships the way she had to witness him.
Chloe…I honestly read this book mainly from her POV… so for 5 hours…I was her. And I felt EVERYTHING. There was moments where I honestly wanted to WAIL. Her pain was just so real. Imagine having to watch someone you’ve loved, forever, constantly fall for everyone but you.
Overall though? I loved this book. The angst is just other worldly. Even my dislike for Moses adds to my overall like for the book.
If you’re after something angsty with unrequited love; this is your jam folks.
P.S. if this book was a song, it would be “I Hate You, I Love You” by Gnash.
“Yeah, all alone, I watch you watch her
She is the only thing you ever see
How is it you never notice that you are slowly killing me…”
So I came across this book 2 years after reading The Divorce, and ironically, not because I remembered it was a continuation of a series I had started. Rather, I asked a book group for a recommendation with this exact trope and when someone suggested this, I realised, crap, I’ve read book 1.
Now a lot of what I write will seem like I don’t like this book, so just bare with me, remember I’ve given the book 5 stars, and make it to the end of my review.
The one thing that became crystal clear to me in this book, that I didn’t really see THAT much in The Divorce was that wow; Jenzy really REALLY dragged her almost-relationship with Moses out. I kinda hate her for it. Also, this book made her relationship with Moses so much more real to me than it was in the last book…which is weird right? In the last book, I never felt like she stopped loving Chris, but this book made me second guess that.
As for Moses; I hated that he liked Jenzy so much. I hated that he loved her. But I felt all this because I knew how Chloe felt. My heart was breaking for her the entire book. Especially when she went for that bike ride with Moses and then saw him kissing Jenzy…I really REALLY hated that girl in that moment. Then when Moses walked out of her big gig…I really wished he would suffer the same fate as Regina George *enter school bus*
I can’t say I loved Moses’s character. His reaction to poor Chloe’s proclamation of feelings was so unfeeling and selfish. I wish he suffered watching Chloe in more serious relationships the way she had to witness him.
Chloe…I honestly read this book mainly from her POV… so for 5 hours…I was her. And I felt EVERYTHING. There was moments where I honestly wanted to WAIL. Her pain was just so real. Imagine having to watch someone you’ve loved, forever, constantly fall for everyone but you.
Overall though? I loved this book. The angst is just other worldly. Even my dislike for Moses adds to my overall like for the book.
If you’re after something angsty with unrequited love; this is your jam folks.
P.S. if this book was a song, it would be “I Hate You, I Love You” by Gnash.
“Yeah, all alone, I watch you watch her
She is the only thing you ever see
How is it you never notice that you are slowly killing me…”
April 17, 2017
Another great read from Nicole Strycharz. This story runs parallel to The Divorce and like the previous books is not an easy read, but so worth it. Moses (who fell in love with Jenzy in The Divorce) and, his best friend, Chloe share everything and have for years; their ups, their downs, their loves, their losses, they are always there for each other - strong, supportive and loyal. One thing they have never been is attracted to each other...at least this is what they keep telling themselves. After all, they're in the Friend Zone - once there, the chance of any kind of intimate relationship with said friend is off the table.
This has been working perfectly well until unexpected emotions start to cloud their friendship and they enter a whole new and very complicated zone. Mired in pain and angst, it seems bound to tear them apart but one, which - if they just believed in themselves - might just be the best thing that ever happened to them. Of course nothing comes easy - love is a tricky path and, despite eventually recognising what is happening - to step out of the comfortable zone they have been in for so long take a whole lot of courage.
Nicole's ability to capture the rawness of a situation is astonishing. Her characters leap off the page and demand your attention. Neither Chloe nor Moses is perfect - far from it, they are fighting what is obvious for fear they will lose what they already share in order to embrace what has been staring them in the face for longer than they care to admit. They fight, they behave badly, they forget what is important - don't we all? That's the essence of this book - shit happens, life isn't a sunny day but love in all its guises usually finds a way to bang our heads together, forcing us to see the truth, if we are prepared to take the risk.
This book is funny, poignant, harsh, honest, gritty and full of love, all kinds of love from platonic to sexual and everything in between - it weaves a tantalising thread throughout the novel, daring you to chase it through its many knots in search of that elusive HEA.
Thank you Nicole, I loved this story - an easy 5 stars!
This has been working perfectly well until unexpected emotions start to cloud their friendship and they enter a whole new and very complicated zone. Mired in pain and angst, it seems bound to tear them apart but one, which - if they just believed in themselves - might just be the best thing that ever happened to them. Of course nothing comes easy - love is a tricky path and, despite eventually recognising what is happening - to step out of the comfortable zone they have been in for so long take a whole lot of courage.
Nicole's ability to capture the rawness of a situation is astonishing. Her characters leap off the page and demand your attention. Neither Chloe nor Moses is perfect - far from it, they are fighting what is obvious for fear they will lose what they already share in order to embrace what has been staring them in the face for longer than they care to admit. They fight, they behave badly, they forget what is important - don't we all? That's the essence of this book - shit happens, life isn't a sunny day but love in all its guises usually finds a way to bang our heads together, forcing us to see the truth, if we are prepared to take the risk.
This book is funny, poignant, harsh, honest, gritty and full of love, all kinds of love from platonic to sexual and everything in between - it weaves a tantalising thread throughout the novel, daring you to chase it through its many knots in search of that elusive HEA.
Thank you Nicole, I loved this story - an easy 5 stars!
February 14, 2017
Have you ever had a friend from the opposite sex? Did you at any point find them attractive? Well, The Friend Zone by Nicole Strycharz talks about just that.
If you've read the divorce, you have met Moses. He is a great guy that falls for the wrong girl and behind the scenes he has a best friend Chloe.
Chloe is a girl without a family. She and Moses met in grade school and had been attached at the hip until a foster family separated them. Fate reunited them and the rest is history.
Everyone except these two think they are perfect for each other.
I loved this book. I thought it was great getting Moses' point of view in relation to the divorcewithout retelling the entire story. That being said, read the divorce first!
My favorite part of this book is how relatable it is. It's raw, and full of emotions that people in this situation would feel.
If you've read the divorce, you have met Moses. He is a great guy that falls for the wrong girl and behind the scenes he has a best friend Chloe.
Chloe is a girl without a family. She and Moses met in grade school and had been attached at the hip until a foster family separated them. Fate reunited them and the rest is history.
Everyone except these two think they are perfect for each other.
I loved this book. I thought it was great getting Moses' point of view in relation to the divorcewithout retelling the entire story. That being said, read the divorce first!
My favorite part of this book is how relatable it is. It's raw, and full of emotions that people in this situation would feel.
December 8, 2016
I'm not really sure where to start with this review. I've finished hours ago, but Chloe is still embedded into my mind. I've never felt this close to a character I've read, to the point I make snarky remarks to my husband now and catch myself turning into a Chloe.
She's fierce, she has class, and wit, and so much love. And Moses, he was/is so hot I just wanted him for myself.
Nicole Strycharz has a way of pulling you in, to see the story for the way it's intended and at the end of the book, you always seem to take something away from it. It's pretty spectacular! She has a way with words, that not only allows the words to flow, but to be understood. You're imagining the things they're doing, eating, using, and even wearing down to the nitty gritty. It's pretty magical.
I took my time reading this book because I honestly didn't want it to end. I felt close to these characters, as silly as it may sound, and the build up to the end was maddening.
I cursed at the characters, after I'd cried of course, and then cursed some more at both of them, because how could we all see it and they didn't? They were meant to be, it was clear from the first word. But until the bitter end, us the readers, floated along just waiting for the big boom! The hot, sexy, and wildly crazy big boom!!!!
On to read more by this top of the charts author! She's one to look out for! She's in the left lane passing some of the most talented authors because she's one talented author! <3
She's fierce, she has class, and wit, and so much love. And Moses, he was/is so hot I just wanted him for myself.
Nicole Strycharz has a way of pulling you in, to see the story for the way it's intended and at the end of the book, you always seem to take something away from it. It's pretty spectacular! She has a way with words, that not only allows the words to flow, but to be understood. You're imagining the things they're doing, eating, using, and even wearing down to the nitty gritty. It's pretty magical.
I took my time reading this book because I honestly didn't want it to end. I felt close to these characters, as silly as it may sound, and the build up to the end was maddening.
I cursed at the characters, after I'd cried of course, and then cursed some more at both of them, because how could we all see it and they didn't? They were meant to be, it was clear from the first word. But until the bitter end, us the readers, floated along just waiting for the big boom! The hot, sexy, and wildly crazy big boom!!!!
On to read more by this top of the charts author! She's one to look out for! She's in the left lane passing some of the most talented authors because she's one talented author! <3
December 28, 2020
Again, I cannot say enough about this talented author and I would have given this book 5 stars but I am not a fan of a story that continues with characters I have read in a previous novel. Moses and Jenzy were in The Divorce. Because I read it previously, I know what will happen with this relationship...so I was a little disappointed in the plot line only of The Friend Zone - not the execution - of the author's story telling ability. Perhaps, if I had read this one before The Divorce...but then The Divorce would have been a let-down. See...that's why I prefer complete stand-alones with new characters.
July 15, 2021
Not good. I don’t want to read about Moses and Jenzy a second time. Already read it once and don’t need Moses’ POV on it. I want to read about Moses and Chloe. There’s nothing really significant happening. It’s flat and repetitive. Just as something was about to erupt, then it was flushed out just like that without really solving the problem.
I’m annoyed. Just as a part was getting good, bam. I really wanted to enjoy this book. Moses was fucking blind it’s stupid.
I don’t enjoy it like I did the first book. Very disappointing :(
I’m annoyed. Just as a part was getting good, bam. I really wanted to enjoy this book. Moses was fucking blind it’s stupid.
I don’t enjoy it like I did the first book. Very disappointing :(
July 2, 2019
Everyone in this book is stupid, boring, gross, whiny, repetitive and unmemorable. Moses (what a fucking stupid name) was pathetic in the first book and he's even worse in this one.
I ended up skimming through most of it just to get it out of the way.
Never cared for Jenzy in this book. The author is obsessive over looks and the need to make her female leads (and male) mary-sue-ishly gorgeous. It gets nauseating.
Why did I give this book 2 stars? Chris' amazing cameos.
I ended up skimming through most of it just to get it out of the way.
Never cared for Jenzy in this book. The author is obsessive over looks and the need to make her female leads (and male) mary-sue-ishly gorgeous. It gets nauseating.
Why did I give this book 2 stars? Chris' amazing cameos.
December 13, 2016
I didn't really like the first 60% of book. The hero was dating another girl and although they didn't have sex it was still a little too focused on a girl that wasn't the heroine. After that though I really enjoyed the book, the H/h were super cute together.
April 28, 2017
2.5 stars
Editing issues aside, it was okay.
Editing issues aside, it was okay.
May 14, 2018
Moses & Chloe
I’m so happy that Moses and Chloe finally realized they’re made for each other. This book is very well written.
I’m so happy that Moses and Chloe finally realized they’re made for each other. This book is very well written.
Read
April 11, 2020Oh dear god ..... this was .... something else .... it was like a train wreck ..... you can’t look away or stop reading in this case
I only wanted my Chris and Jenzy crumbs and I got a train wreck
I only wanted my Chris and Jenzy crumbs and I got a train wreck
October 27, 2016
Omg, Omg, OMG!! This book, THIS BOOK!! The Friend Zone pulls you in like gravity, but let's you float off into heaven with it's swoony words, it's real and raw characters and all the love throughout its pages. I always wondered what happened to that Moses guy that Jenzy dated in The Divorce?! He was pretty sexy and sweet, I hope he got a happily ever after. Well, this is that book!! I know, right?!
Nicole builds the best characters. Seriously, she does, and I expected nothing less and got so much more. Chloe is a little firecracker who is all woman. With her dancing and sexiness, she's a roar of fierceness, but still has that vulnerable side that softens out her edges. And Moses, Ah, Moses!! He may be a hippy loving, yoga instructor, but don't let that fool you into thinking he's not all man. Let me tell you, this man, he knows what to do!! And together, with a layer of friendship and another of love, you have a perfect little sandwich which is The Friend Zone.
Her secondary characters are to die for! Brianna, I hope we get her story because she's a hoot! Aw, and Moses dad, I have such a sweet spot for him.
I think what intrigued me the most about this book is all the love that's in it. I'm not just talking about the romantic kind either. I'm talking about the friend kind, the familial kind and the understanding kind. Nicole shows that love needs no labels and there are no limits. She shows a deep connection between her characters that feels like it's a natural progression, like it's as easy as breathing to love someone like that. Without thought, you just do.
Buy this book, read it's pages, let it touch your heart. You won't regret it, I swear!!
Nicole builds the best characters. Seriously, she does, and I expected nothing less and got so much more. Chloe is a little firecracker who is all woman. With her dancing and sexiness, she's a roar of fierceness, but still has that vulnerable side that softens out her edges. And Moses, Ah, Moses!! He may be a hippy loving, yoga instructor, but don't let that fool you into thinking he's not all man. Let me tell you, this man, he knows what to do!! And together, with a layer of friendship and another of love, you have a perfect little sandwich which is The Friend Zone.
Her secondary characters are to die for! Brianna, I hope we get her story because she's a hoot! Aw, and Moses dad, I have such a sweet spot for him.
I think what intrigued me the most about this book is all the love that's in it. I'm not just talking about the romantic kind either. I'm talking about the friend kind, the familial kind and the understanding kind. Nicole shows that love needs no labels and there are no limits. She shows a deep connection between her characters that feels like it's a natural progression, like it's as easy as breathing to love someone like that. Without thought, you just do.
Buy this book, read it's pages, let it touch your heart. You won't regret it, I swear!!
August 14, 2018
These two are soo complicated it's crazy but I get it. Chloe battles her own insecurities based on her past. A past that includes being made to feel she's not enough. The only person who has ever been there for her is Moses. Moses is the good guy. He is sweet and loving and caring but he's also afraid to loos what they have. These two have a connection. One that everyone but them sees . . . until they do. The thing I really love about this book is the truth about that mindset that is developed from the past. The beauty of the characters is they are real. I found this author by happenstance but I am very happy I did. I love the way she builds her story, never revealing too much at a time, just enough to keep you turning the pages. It's the unique way of telling the story and sharing the emotions that make it special and that's what keeps you coming back for more.
January 18, 2020
I am so glad that bought the series all at once as I got to see what happened to Moses. This book does cover the events in The Divorce and I do suggest reading that one first, but I enjoyed the parallel timeline and getting more of Moses' pov. I liked Chloe and understood her, I think my 4 star rating had more to do with Moses and the abruptness of his decision, although after giving it some thought it does make sense, which brings me to why I am really loving this Author. She brings multiple scenarios to relationships that may not be popular, but can truly happen and with a sense of humor, a dash of angst and a whole lot of wanting to tape the mouth shut of her main male characters, another winner getting me out of my book funk.
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