Let's get two things out of the way up front: One, I liked The Friend Zone, but I didn't get why it was hyped SO BIG. (I loved The Happy Ever After Playlist, if that redeems me?) Two, I do not remember Adrian Copeland from THEAP at all, in any way. But now I love him.

Ok, now that we've sorted that.

This was a book with some really heavy topics, and a lot of them hit hard - but it was all done so unbelievably well. I believed in every aspect of these characters lives, in every one of their interactions, and in every one of their motivations. There is a romance trope that is used (that's not always my favorite, the dreaded miscommunication), but it was done in a way that WORKED, that felt real and valid.

(Also, I'm old as all get out. Half of the time the blogging/celeb stuff came up I could feel myself start to zone out because I just have absolutely zero concept of this stuff! But not to worry if you're in the same boat - Abby writes it in a way that keeps you connected even if you start to zone or feel lost.)

Honestly, I just freaking loved it. I read the entire thing in less than 24 hours and I've been gabbing about it non-stop. I really think that Abby Jiminez just gets stronger with every book and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!