Friend-Zoned Review

Friend-Zoned #1
by Belle Aurora

What they say: Nikolai Leokov never thought he'd fall in love with the only girl he's ever befriended. 

Valentina Tomic has issues with commitment after the ultimate betrayal. 

When Tina decides to make broody Nik's day better, she never thought she would end up friends with the hard man. 

Nik has never had a woman be so affectionate to him without expecting something in return. 

Nik and Tina cordially invite you to read Friend-zoned. 

A story of friendship, humour and love.

What I say: I loved the concept of Friend-Zoned and was pleasantly surprised about how funny the book was. 

Valentina 'Tina' Tomic owns a clothing shop opposite a trendy (not that she's ever been inside) club called The White Rabbit. Every day she see's a beautiful and moody looking guy come out of the club, but has no idea who he is or why he doesn't smile. The guy in question is club owner Nikolai 'Nik' Leokov. 

I loved what Tina does and how they ended up becoming friends! Tina is hilarious and her POV was my fav part of the book. Her backstory is really sad and it was really heartwarming seeing her trying to move on and always putting others first. I'd love to get my hands on Tina's cupcake recipes. 

Nik handles Tina barging into his life really well and his initial reaction to her was brilliant! I was torn between him and Max as to who I liked the most. Nik is hot, successful and rich. He also has an army of willing and ready women, and is justifiably confused when Tina offers to be his friend. "Wait, what? I stare at her, a frown forming at my mouth. Did I ... ? Did I just get Friend-zoned?"  Nik may have a lot of, er, experience with women, but Tina turned him from a suave guy into a bumbling idiot at times (in a good way).

I loved watching Tina and Nik trying to convince themselves they were happy with being friends. I also couldn't work out how Nik was so oblivious to Tina's feelings. I'm not always a fan of guys going into alpha, overprotective mode, but with Nik I found it a big plus. Nik is really family originated and it was great how Tina and her friends fit into his and the other guys' lives. I must admit this was a bit convenient at times, but it set up the next book nicely. It also confused me with Tina's ex being called Jace Weathers because it was so similar to Jake Wethers (Sam Towles rocker).

The banter, one-liners and snark were hilarious additions, and really helped lightened up some heavy moments. Friend-Zoned is pretty light hearted (mostly) but there's enough drama, intrigue and humour to keep things interesting!!

4 Stars in my Sky!

My fav non-spoilery quotes:

• "What is it with chicks and squealing?" Trick answers "It's their version of when a dog gets so excited it pees."
• Oh, dear god, what have I done? I'll tell you what... I just humped a sleeping person!
• I'd rather have three true friends than three hundred acquaintances.