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Friend-Zoned

(Friend-Zoned #1)

Belle Aurora (Goodreads Author)

3.97 · Rating details · 25,030 ratings · 2,123 reviews

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 Tin ...more

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Nook, Second, 315 pages

Published April 12th 2013

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3.97 ·

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· 25,030 ratings · 2,123 reviews

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Jan 29, 2014 Rachel rated it did not like it

Shelves: just-crap, kindle-lending-shelf

I GIVE! I SURRENDER! I can't take it anymore!

UGH! Okay here's a list:

1. The writing is juvenile. Seriously.

2. The MC cries over everything, slut shames, and acts ridiculous. She feels like a teenager and is supposed to be 28. Also, she's supposed to have lost her daughter, and I just don't feel that at all. It feels like a plot device, which is all it is.

3. Nik is a woman with a penis. Enough said.

4. This quote: "When Mimi told me she was bi-sexual I was shocked. She didn't look the type. Don't ...more

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Jul 23, 2013 Christy rated it really liked it

4.5 Lets Be Friends stars!!!!

photo cad5d151-a524-415b-bffe-d33d7eeed505_zpsc557c664.jpg

After all the intense, emotional books I’ve read lately, I needed a pick me up- a feel good read... this had some touching and emotional moments, but overall it was hilarious, charming, sweet, sexy and EXACTLY what I needed!

Tina is a store owner in NYC. After a heartbreaking few years in California, she wanted a fresh start. Tina is funny, sweet, loving and kind. A fabulous heroine.

Nik owns the club across the street from Tina’s store. He is oh so sexy! Tina notic ...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Belle Aurora rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, humour, funny, adult, humor, series, friendship, love, friends-to-lovers, friends-turned-lovers

Hey there,
I won't be reviewing my own work but ask that you take a minute after you read Friend-zoned to leave an honest review.
Thanks so much for your support.
Love,

Belle x

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Jun 02, 2013 Jill rated it liked it

Recommended to Jill by: Jen

Shelves: contemporary-romance

3.5 stars

"So we can be friends, right?"
Wait, what?
I stare at her, a frown forming at my mouth.
Did I...? Did I just get Friend-zoned?

description

Funny, cute, well-written.

Here's my friend, Jen's wonderful review with actual words, and she says everything that I think of this one.

Thanks Jen!

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Apr 29, 2013 • Lisa • rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: addicted-to-this-author

4 STARS.

description

"Did I ... ? Did I just get friend - zoned?"

There was plenty to love about 'Friend zoned' in fact for the first 55% I had that feeling of 'best book of 2013', but unfortunately this went a little south around the 60% mark and I felt a little conflicted about my initial love for the book, I think my main issue was the differing story lines, was I reading a light weight romance, or action suspense story? Nevertheless I would definitely recommend 'Friend -Zoned' to those that love chick l ...more

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Aug 21, 2014 Pearl Angeli rated it liked it

Shelves: 2015-reads, new-adult-contemporary

(Buddyread with Allie. Check out her full review. :))

Friend-Zoned is one of those books you would gladly read for pleasure. It's hilarious and practically delightful. Belle Aurora laced this book with humor and pure entertainment that readers will surely laugh out loud.

This book is actually a decent NA read. But while I didn't hate it or anything, it left quite me unsatisfied because I was expecting something different. I loved the story. The plot was simple and interesting but I wasn't convince ...more

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May 26, 2013 Didi rated it it was ok

Shelves: alpha-male, romance, more-than-friends, second-chances

I tend to love friends to lovers stories. They're so honest and relatable if ever you found yourself in a similar situation from times past.

But, I didn't love this one.

To be honest, I actually contemplated shelving it about 65% in. Why?

Tina. It was all Tina's fault, hehe!

The plot was cool. The secondary characters were cool, especially Ghost. There was just something about him. I found myself wanting to know his story and luckily book #2 will be about him and Natalie--if I decide to read it-- Bu I tend to love friends to lovers stories. They're so honest and relatable if ever you found yourself in a similar situation from times past.

But, I didn't love this one.

To be honest, I actually contemplated shelving it about 65% in. Why?

Tina. It was all Tina's fault, hehe!

The plot was cool. The secondary characters were cool, especially Ghost. There was just something about him. I found myself wanting to know his story and luckily book #2 will be about him and Natalie--if I decide to read it-- But back to Tina.

She irritated THE HELL out of me, no joke! She was a little too sacharrine, a little too sweet, a little too play-the-deer-in-headlights-type with her widened eyes, and *GASP!* reactions. Just as an example, no spoiler here: She sees a weapon--not in use but described as for safety reasons-- and when asked to hold it, she tucks her arms under her armpits and exclaims in a feirce whisper, " I don't want my prints on it!!" REALLY??!! is that supposed to be funny? cute? I'm thinking RIDICULOUS.

This is one of an endless number of examples why she bugged me. I kept trying to figure out if her characterization was meant to be goofy-cute or naive but smart. But, to me it came across as trying too hard and failing miserably. She often spoke in EXCLAMATIONS!!!!! all the time!!! And she made comments that were annoying at best.

There were also many scenes that I thought if happened in real life, there would be a very different reaction to them. Again for examples sake, no spoiler: Deciding to scope out someones house without asking and then entering a room and helping yourself to whatever's in there. REALLY?? do normal people do that? As a host I would find that rude and pretentious. But this is just me.

Like I said, the story itself wasn't bad neither were the secondary characters but if the h is dragging down the book then I can't look past that and give more stars. I know a lot of people liked it very much and I can see why. It had it's funny moments and scenarios and Nik was yummy...so Yes, I can see why it was well recieved. But you can't love em' all and this unfortunately fell in the don't like category for me. ...more

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Aug 20, 2013 Catarina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cotton-candy-romance, funny-as-hell, cat-heart-these-books, the-alpha-syndrome

5 Friend-Zoned Stars!

Tina is a broken girl who tries to see the good in everything. So when trough the glass of her store she can see her handsome but broody neighbor that never smiles, she knows that she has to do something. So she sends him candy and a note. Eventually he finds out who she is and they form some kind of friendship. Being a broken girl who refused to give her heart again she only wants friendship with him. But one his past gets in the way and they get closer, maybe friendship i ...more

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Feb 09, 2015 Tink Magoo is bad at reviews rated it did not like it

Shelves: bloody-awful, contains-idiots, step-away-from-the-author

Yes I did finish this, because clearly miracles actually happen!

description

What the fuck did I just read, someone please explain to me how the fuck so many people gave this book 5 stars. The only reasoning I can come to is that they were drunk and on some really trippy drugs because this was just a whole load of stupid.

This heroine is supposed to be 28?! Really? I mean REALLY? I thought she was 12 because this bitch was the most immature character I have ever read about. I wanted to slap her so hard her w ...more

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Feb 20, 2014 Stephanie rated it did not like it

Shelves: proofreading-is-your-friend, don-t-believe-the-hype, dnf

The amount of great reviews for this book is mind-boggling. Is this the first book all these 4 and 5-star reviewers have ever read and, thus, they don't know any better? Are all of these 4 and 5-star reviewers naive 11-year olds?

DNF at page 61 and here are the reasons why:
1. Simplistic and juvenile writing (and that's me being kind because it was pretty crappy) that read like bad fanfiction. The constant switching between POVs didn't help with this either and I usually love dual POVs;
2. Horribl ...more

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Jul 08, 2018 Beatrice ~ Confessions of a Pinay Bookaholic rated it really liked it

Shelves: new-adult

How ridiculous I am to think Friend-Zoned is a mafia book? I picked it up without reading the blurb just to set my mood for a romantic suspense and after several chapters, I was laughing out loud. Never would I've thought it's a romantic comedy and I actually had a good time reading this.

Valentina Tomic is the owner of a clothing boutique called Safira. She's sassy, bold, bubbly and hilarious. Despite being immature, I can't help laughing on her shenanigans. I think it's her way of coping after ...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Tough Critic Book Reviews rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: april-2013

Clap your hands, plastic lips and penis Tetris...

None of which will make sense until you read Friend-Zoned, but I'm giddy. Slap your ass giddy! Hallelujah, amen a book that finally killed insta-love with sexual tension. A book that knows how to make us wait, tease us, draw it out, tickle our fancy. By the way "Fancy" is the name of my....never mind.

Sexual tension is the elixir of life, the nectar of the gods...a smooth shot of tequila!! My thirst has been quenched. Nik and Tina's sexually charg ...more

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Apr 16, 2013 Jen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, made-me-laugh

"Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

A funny, not to mention SEXY, friends to lovers story gets me every damned time. Tina and Nik were so perfect together, from the moment she meets him by sending him candy wax lips in the hopes she'd finally see him smile until their eventual HEA. Luckily there's a large and entertaining set of supporting characters that managed to add to the story rather than convoluting it.

"Ceecee, we are ladies and princesses, and we do not say b i t c ...more

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Jul 03, 2017 Clumsy Storyteller rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-reading-assignment, the-power-of-love, chick-lit, falling-in-love

Cute story.

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Apr 28, 2013 Jennifer Kyle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Friend Zoned brought out so many emotions in me. This book was quirky and funny, sad and tragic, action packed and exciting.

Tina Tomic is the owner of Safira clothing store. She left her life in California for a new start two years ago. While looking out her store window, she notices the gorgeous owner of The White Rabbit night club across the street Nikolai Leokov taking smoke breaks.

Tina works with two great girls, Lola and Meems. Her best friend, Nan is expected to move in with her and star ...more

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Jan 31, 2016 Monty Cupcake ☠ Queen of Bloodshed ☠ rated it did not like it

Shelves: modern, books-they-make-you-read-in-hell, 2016

I think I may have encephalitis, because I can't think of any other reason for reading this and not DNF-ing it. It sucked Donkey Kong's pixelated balls.

Let's go over how this sucked:
1. The writing style.
A)It is one of the most annoying and disjointed. Instead of the usual block paragraphs, it's a collection of one or two sentence paragraphs. It's written like a text message conversation most of the time.
B) Beyond overly descriptive and not in a purple prose way. It tells step by step what the I think I may have encephalitis, because I can't think of any other reason for reading this and not DNF-ing it. It sucked Donkey Kong's pixelated balls.

Let's go over how this sucked:
1. The writing style.
A)It is one of the most annoying and disjointed. Instead of the usual block paragraphs, it's a collection of one or two sentence paragraphs. It's written like a text message conversation most of the time.
B) Beyond overly descriptive and not in a purple prose way. It tells step by step what the character does and what everyone is wearing. If that junk was cut out it would've been 150 pages shorter.
2. POV. It's all first person POV, which I don't expressly hate, but it's not my preferred choice. Why it's horrible in this book is due to the inner monologue of Tina that is all a diarrhea of the brain. Most things she thinks she then says, but why do I need to read what she's going to say twice? It's a weird running stream of thought that only stops to tell you in minute detail her every action and that of everyone around her. The other POV is from Nik, but his is much less than Tina's.
3. Tina. This chick is TSTL and she's obscenely annoying. It's like a Furbie that snorted lines of sugary cocaine and has been set loose on the world to cause destruction. She's a very hyper character, which I detest, and the author makes her disgustingly nice to everyone...no one is that nice, it's just not realistic. She also oozes endearments to everyone, honey, darling, sweetie, with every sentence. Now between being uncontrollably saccharine, she cries, a lot. She should buy stock in Kleenex with how many boxes she must go through to sop up all her sobbing. She doesn't just cry at sad things, she cries at everything. And I've just realized I've described a two year old toddler going through the "terrible two's." Ugh.
4. Nik's back story. Nope, doesn't compute. It's too ridiculous. I didn't hate Nik, but his dad's connections were portrayed through rose tinted glasses.
5. Length and editing. Was there any? Did anyone beta read this? It needed to be severely cropped of excessiveness. It dragged down the whole book having to slog through.
6. Plot. The bad guy plot was pretty PG. I think I've seen better villains in Tom & Jerry cartoons, at least more menacing ones.

My only excuses for reading this are that I really like the friend zone plot lines, the synopsis sounded good and I kept waiting for it to get better, and I felt too lazy to change books. I wanted to finish this book so I could stomp it into the ground and say "HAH. That'll show you to try to annoy me into DNF-ing, I will end you." The lack of murders in this book was really disappointing. I'm going to need to read something gory now. I need dead bodies!!!!

Alright, well, fuck this book, I'm off to eat a bag of chocolate. ...more

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Jan 07, 2014 * Meli Mel * rated it really liked it

Recommended to * Meli Mel * by: Melissa *Pervy Girly*

Shelves: uber-sweet, yummy-tattoos-and-piercings, smuttastic, heart-breaking, super-steamy, sexy-suit-and-ties, lol-funny, dual-pov, hells-yeah-alphas, friends-to-lovers

♥♥♥ 4 Stars ♥♥♥

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

“So we can be friends, right?”

Wait, what?
I stare at her, a frown forming at my mouth.
Did I…? Did I just get Friend-zoned?
I look over again to see Tina nodding vigorously and smiling brightly.
Wow, this has never happened to me before.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

This book was so awesome! It had a little bit of everything. I think it's the perfect book if you don't want a read that has over the top angst. I ...more

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Jun 28, 2013 Farah *Professor Dean's Beauty* rated it really liked it

3.5-4 stars

So...

This book started off totally awesome!
I was ecstatic! It reminded me so much of Wallbanger because it was just so funny.

Valentina (Tina) and Nikolai (Nik) are neighbours.
Not literally but Tina their businesses are opposite each other.

Tina owns a clothing store and Nik owns a club across the road.
Tina sees Nik outside smoking but never smiling or happy so she sends him candy with a note saying he should smile though.
When Tina does something sweet and selfless for Nik he is shocked ...more

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Nov 21, 2014 Srikari rated it liked it

Shelves: kick-ass-protag, favorites, sunshine-and-rainbows, yummy-guys

EDIT[4/2/15] well I didn't like this as much as my first time. It was too too suger coated!! But I am not going to change my main review, just the rating..

4.5 Stars!
Ahh, the power of candy. Who knew it could be the beginning of something this beautiful?
I actually find this really surprising, I have been reading NA books one after another and each of them ended up disappointing me more and more, but this book! Oh sweet Jesus this book! Its done something to me! It twisted my heart , playe gam ...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog by: LipSmackin' GoodBooks Bloggin' Bitches

Shelves: lead-character-player, favorites, lead-character-tattooed-and-sexy, must-re-read-again, hot-and-heavy, highly-emotional, lead-character-bad-boy, 2013

4.5 Stars

I want to protect her from everything that’s bad in the world. I want her to need me. But we’re friends. And friends don’t do shit like that.

I love, Love, LOVE friends to lover type stories, and this story is as awesome as it gets. This was so freaking cute! I had such a toothache from smiling so much. OMG, this story has everything: Strong Alpha Hero, a loveable-non-annoying heroine, a wonderful cast of supporting characters (whom I can easily see myself being friends with, too), ton ...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Jamie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow!!! What A Sexy Sweet Story! LOVED IT

I got exactly what I was looking for with this book.. a sweet steamy romance with very little angst, a whole lot of chemistry and steam, a little suspense, and an HEA!! The chemistry between Nik and Tina was amazing and I loved how they started out as friends--even though they were both extreamly attracted to each other from the beginning. Throw in his friends and family and her friends and this book was so much fun! I started this book late Thursday a ...more

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Sep 30, 2013 Shay rated it it was ok

Shelves: never-read-again

First, I don't think I've ever disagreed more strongly with my book friends than I do about this book!! I also feel that if anyone gives a 1 or 2 star rating, it deserves an explanation. Especially since I've read some of Belle's other work and really loved it!! And I will continue to read her books, I just really didn't like this one and there are several reasons.

1. Too many grammatical errors. This reads like unedited fan fiction. ("date rate drug", "we're" instead of "were", there were others ...more

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Jul 22, 2013 .Lili. rated it really liked it

Friend-Zoned is the very cute story of Tina and Nik. Tina has been in been in New York for the past couple of years. She's moved there to have a fresh start after having gone through some very painful experiences. While there she has opened her own clothing store and it is while working that she first sees a very sullen Nik take his smoke breaks. Since she hates to see anyone sad, one day she writes him an anonymous note with a piece of candy and that is where our story begins.

Tina and Nik alon ...more

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May 24, 2013 Duchess Nicole rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-star-read, read-in-2013, genre-contemp-romance, e-pcs

3.5 Stars

The Good:
I loved the author's voice. She has that casual writing style (a la Kristen Ashley) that makes you feel like you're a part of the action, best friends with the girls, and either lusting after the men or wanting them to just be in your vicinity to protect you. The women are quirky as hell, each of them with their own set of wacky one liners and silly idiosyncrasies. It's easy to relate to them, because they actually seem like real people.

Tina owns a clothing boutique and love 3.5 Stars

The Good:
I loved the author's voice. She has that casual writing style (a la Kristen Ashley) that makes you feel like you're a part of the action, best friends with the girls, and either lusting after the men or wanting them to just be in your vicinity to protect you. The women are quirky as hell, each of them with their own set of wacky one liners and silly idiosyncrasies. It's easy to relate to them, because they actually seem like real people.

Tina owns a clothing boutique and loves to dress pretty, but she's not over the top annoying, and she realizes and expresses that two hundred dollars for a jacket is outrageous. I hate it when a book talks about spending money like a rich person when their lead female is an obvious middle class American. Tina is down to earth and extremely loyal. Nik lives a life that seems great to him...a string of gorgeous women to sleep with but never stay with and a hip club that keeps him rich. He's also loyal to his family and friends and feels responsible for those around him. His reaction to Tina at first is confusion...this bubbly, cute chick sends him candy kisses and tells him to smile?! What is that all about? When she Friend Zones him, he's even more confused at his reaction to her. It's as if she threw down the gauntlet and suddenly, he feels challenged.

"Tina must be a fairy or some shit. I've never been affectionate. In fact, the thought of being affectionate used to make me sneer. But it's different with her. Most women who hug or rub up against me in public want to be seen with me or want something from me. Tina, though, you can see it in her face when she hugs you, it's genuine. It's her emotions bieng put out there on display and she doesn't care who sees."

The Bad:

Sometime after the 60% mark, Tina turns all girlie and giggly and cries an awful lot. I get tired of the word "giggle" fairly quickly. And even though the thing that I originally loved about Tina was her cute-ness, the cute wore off after awhile and she started to seem airheaded and weepy. The girl cried buckets!!!

Overall, this was a fun, sexy little romance that mostly engaged me throughout the entire story. I'm very much looking forward to Ghost and Natalie's story. ...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Sali rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I FREAKIN LOVED THIS BOOK !!!!

I don't even know how to explain this to u all !!

IT MADE ME FEEL GOOD !!!
No !!! It made me feel GREAT !!!

This book had EVERYTHING I needed right now :)

It was soooooo freaking cute that I wanted to pinch it's cheeks & blow raspberry's on its tummy !!!!

The cast of characters were refreshing & wonderful !!! Each were unique & individual . The girls were funny & sassy .... They were like a mix between watching a friends tv show & kristen Ashley's ro ...more

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Jul 02, 2018 ✨Skye✨ rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-star-was-okay

Awww. This was just the light-hearted, fun, feel good read I wanted. It's entirely unrealistic and a little juvenile, but it was just such a joy to read!
Friend-Zoned, much as the title suggests, follows two people who have defined each other as friends. Tina is the manager of a clothing store and has a tragic past. Nik owns a successful nightclub across the street from Tina's clothing store and has his own baggage to carry. This was one of the cutest romances I've read for a long time and I just Awww. This was just the light-hearted, fun, feel good read I wanted. It's entirely unrealistic and a little juvenile, but it was just such a joy to read!
Friend-Zoned, much as the title suggests, follows two people who have defined each other as friends. Tina is the manager of a clothing store and has a tragic past. Nik owns a successful nightclub across the street from Tina's clothing store and has his own baggage to carry. This was one of the cutest romances I've read for a long time and I just rooted for these two so much! Their relationship was sexy and sweet and I just loved them together.
The characters in this were fantastic. I loved the little family they created and how everyone got along so well. Ghost and Nat are my new power ship and I can't wait to read the sequel to this that I believe is focussed around them! CeeCee was so adorable, Max is such a doting father and I just loved the dynamics of this group together.
The plot itself was great, or at least for the vast majority. I really enjoyed the scenarios that Tina and Nik found themself in as they fell in love, how they met, how they gradually began seeing each other more and more. One of my main issues with the book was the inclusion of some plot lines that id din't feel were necessary or fit into the story very well-(view spoiler)
Aside from that plot issue, I do have another negative, and that is the treatment of an ex-lover of Nik's. Is she a nice person? No, and she does her best to split Nik and Tina up, but nobody deserves to be slut shamed and there was one incident which I thought was VERY out of character ((view spoiler)) ...more

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May 23, 2013 Zakirrah BookBlogger rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

5 Amazing Stars!!

"Oh. My. God.
Angels must have broken out in song when this man was born. I feel like breaking out in song.
He is so handsome"

This book had a little bit of everything in it.I was hooked on it the moment i started reading and yes i stayed up late to finish this book and it was soooo worth it!

It is a story about Tina who has moved from California to New York a few years back to get away from the past that still haunts her she owns a boutique opposite a club called The White Rabbit. ...more

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Jul 01, 2013 Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: hero-hot-male-in-my-harem, heroines-i-love, hero-i-wanna-hug, hero-perfect-man-syndrome, genre-contemporary-romance, funny-funny-har-har, friends-to-lovers, sweeter-than-honey, best-of-the-best-2013

Review @ Under the Covers

Valentina Tomic, Tina to her friends, has watched the unbelievably hunky man who works across the street from her shop come out for his break three times a day, not once has he cracked a smile. She decides to try and brighten up his day. She never knew that some sweets and a note would lead to her actually becoming friends with him, even if what she starts to feel for him does starts to bat him out the friend zone.

I got this book on the off chance, I felt like taking a Review @ Under the Covers

Valentina Tomic, Tina to her friends, has watched the unbelievably hunky man who works across the street from her shop come out for his break three times a day, not once has he cracked a smile. She decides to try and brighten up his day. She never knew that some sweets and a note would lead to her actually becoming friends with him, even if what she starts to feel for him does starts to bat him out the friend zone.

I got this book on the off chance, I felt like taking a gamble and trying out an author I hadn't read before. And I really liked the cover. I am immensely pleased with myself that I took that chance! I loved this book, it was funny, sexy and incredible sweet without being nauseating. Friend-zoned is essentially about two unlikely people meeting and becoming friends but then trying to get the transition from friends to much more, maybe not an original story line but that didn't stop me from enjoying the hell out of this book.

The relationship between Nik and Tina was incredibly sweet, I loved how close they became, the connection between them really shone out the pages and the sexual tension seemed to build up naturally till I was dying for them to just rip each others clothes off and get their freak on. But, as well as a lovable central couple Friend-zoned also built up a great group of secondary characters, Nik and Tina's friends, and the whole group meshed really well together and I can't wait to read more about each of one them.

The humour in this book also stood out for me, if you are a Tara Sivec or R.L. Mathewson fan, then I reckon you will love this, they all have sarcastic bantering humour that I certainly know I love. The only part of the book that felt odd to me was some random gangster stuff that gets thrown in in the middle of the book. It was either completely unrealistic or mobsters are a lot friendlier than the modern age gives them credit for. But even a few random mob guys couldn't dampen my enjoyment of this book.

This was a fantastic read, light, funny but with an emotional punch and characters that connected not just with their HEA but displayed a whole host of different types of relationships. I have now found a new author for me to follow, as I definitely plan on getting whatever Ms Aurora brings out next. ...more

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Jan 15, 2017 Ivana Azap Feješ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, steamy-21st-century-romance, romantic-comedy

Tina Tomic is the owner of Safira clothing store in NYC. She left her life in California for a new start two years ago. Tina has been in been in New York for the past couple of years. After a heartbreaking few years in California, she wanted a fresh start. She's moved there to have a fresh start after having gone through some very painful experiences. While there she has opened her own clothing store and it is while working that she first sees a very sullen Nik take his smoke breaks. Tina is fun Tina Tomic is the owner of Safira clothing store in NYC. She left her life in California for a new start two years ago. Tina has been in been in New York for the past couple of years. After a heartbreaking few years in California, she wanted a fresh start. She's moved there to have a fresh start after having gone through some very painful experiences. While there she has opened her own clothing store and it is while working that she first sees a very sullen Nik take his smoke breaks. Tina is funny, sweet, loving and kind. Nikolai 'Nik' Leokov is the owner of popular club the white rabbit, nik is a typical 'man about town' with his life in order and a booming business. Tina and Nik were so perfect together, from the moment she meets him by sending him candy wax lips in the hopes she'd finally see him smile until their eventual HEA.

Friend-Zoned is the very cute story of Tina and Nik. After all the intense, emotional books I’ve read lately, I needed a pick me up- a feel good read... this had some touching and emotional moments, but overall it was hilarious, charming, sweet, sexy and EXACTLY what I needed! There was plenty to love about 'Friend zoned' in fact for the first 55% I had that feeling of 'best book of 2013', but unfortunately this went a little south around the 60% mark and I felt a little conflicted about my initial love for the book, I think my main issue was the differing story lines, was I reading a light weight romance, or action suspense story? Nevertheless I would definitely recommend 'Friend -Zoned' to those that love chick lit and a dose of funny humour. What's its all about? A funny, not to mention SEXY, friends to lovers story gets me every damned time. Clap your hands, plastic lips and penis Tetris... None of which will make sense until you read Friend-Zoned, but I'm giddy. Slap your ass giddy! Hallelujah, amen a book that finally killed insta-love with sexual tension. This book was so awesome! It had a little bit of everything. I think it's the perfect book if you don't want a read that has over the top angst. It was humourous with such entertaining and lovable characters. Friend Zoned brought out so many emotions in me. This book was quirky and funny, sad and tragic, action packed and exciting. So... This book started off totally awesome! I was ecstatic! It reminded me so much of Wallbanger because it was just so funny. I loved the author's voice. She has that casual writing style that makes you feel like you're a part of the action, best friends with the girls, and either lusting after the men or wanting them to just be in your vicinity to protect you. The women are quirky as hell, each of them with their own set of wacky one liners and silly idiosyncrasies. It's easy to relate to them, because they actually seem like real people.

“So we can be friends, right?”
Wait, what?
I stare at her, a frown forming at my mouth.
Did I…? Did I just get Friend-zoned?
I look over again to see Tina nodding vigorously and smiling brightly.
Wow, this has never happened to me before.

Never met anyone like her in my life. So giving with her heart. I’ll do anything to protect that heart. I want it to be mine to protect.

"Smile sometime, handsome.”

I want to do a good job and make sure she’s hugged out so she doesn’t need to get ‘em from anyone else. I want to be the only one who gets her affection.
God, I’m turning into a pussy.

“You and me, Tina. It’s gonna happen.” I gasp softly. He smiles and continues on a whisper, “Mark my words, baby.”

“I thought I needed a woman like you. Turns out I just needed you.”

She whispers, “I need you.”
I lift my head and flash her the dimple. I say, “You got me, baby. You’re my heart.”

“I’d rather shit on my hands and clap.”

“You’re it. The one. The start. The finish. You are how my story ends.”

“Tina, the best thing you ever did was Friend-zone me.”

“I don’t do relationships. I’m twenty-eight years old and have only been in one relationship. It was good in the beginning. It totally sucked at the end. Never again.”

“I don’t have relationships or girlfriends. I have fuck buddies. Because I fuck. Often. I most definitely don’t make love. I might not screw all the time but even slow screwing is just screwing.”

I want to kiss her and taste every inch of her gorgeous body. I want to hold her while she sleeps. I want to protect her from everything thats bad in the world. I want her to need me. But we’re friends. And friends don’t do shit like that.

“You’re pussy whipped.”
I claim, “I can’t be pussy whipped. I haven’t even had the pussy to be whipped!”
Take that, Ghost! Oh, wait…
He chuckles, “That’s even worse, bro.”
Fuck me, it totally is.

“Can everyone shut the fuck up?”
My dad gasps and says,
“Valentina, you no be rude you friends like that!” I nod my head in agreement and try again,
“Can everyone please shut the fuck up?”

"Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

"Ceecee, we are ladies and princesses, and we do not say b i t c h." I end on a whisper and have no idea why I felt the need to spell the word when I just said it. Ceecee becomes thoughtful then looks back to me and says, "But Britney said bitch and she's a lady." Damn it, Britney. Now look what you've done! My eye twitches as I try to think of an acceptable answer...

I like that Tina is in my bed with me and we haven't had sex. It's more than that with her. I want to be her protector and the one who she comes to with her problems. She feels good against me. So soft and lush. I could get use to this. Contentment washes over me.

I love this man. Actually love him. With all my heart. There's no denying it anymore. I feel safe with him. Whatever sadness I feel living my life is gone as soon as I see Nik. He makes the days' worth getting up for in the morning. My heart swells every time I see him shoot that dimple my way.

But this,” I point to the donuts, “is all me. And when I bake for someone, I give them a little part of myself. It’s like giving someone a part of my heart every time.” I look up thoughtfully and shrug, “I don’t know if I like the idea of people buying pieces of me. They’re mine to give away when I feel like it. And that makes them special.”

"I don’t need a perfect relationship. I just need someone who won’t give up on me.”

"You make life better"

"Tina must be a fairy or some shit. I've never been affectionate. In fact, the thought of being affectionate used to make me sneer. But it's different with her. Most women who hug or rub up against me in public want to be seen with me or want something from me. Tina, though, you can see it in her face when she hugs you, it's genuine. It's her emotions being put out there on display and she doesn't care who sees." ...more

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Oct 16, 2013 AJ rated it liked it

Shelves: romantic, friends-to-lovers, series-book-1, series-standalone, steamy

I love a good friends-to-lovers story, but I suspect I may be too cynical for such a sweet book. While I really liked the premise, and the way that the story played out, I found the heroine irritatingly sweet and thought parts of it were really corny.

Tina sees the best in everybody, she wants to help everybody, she’s affectionate, and loving, and sees the bright side of every situation. Yeah, these are good qualities to have, but it was just a bit much for me. She was so annoyingly perfect, and ...more

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About Belle Aurora

Belle Aurora

11,266 followers

Belle Aurora is thirty-something year old and was born in the land down under.
At an early age she fell in love with reading. Boredom one summer had her scouring the bookshelves at home. She stumbled across Sandra Brown’s Breath of Scandal and fell in love with romance.
Having been brought up in a loud and boisterous family of Croatian descent, she developed a natural love for dramatics and laughte ...more