The Friend Zone series by Abby Jimenez blends love with real-life issues — and dogs! This trilogy includes her first three novels. You’ll learn what they’re about, how they’re connected, the reading order, romance tropes, and so much more. Fall in love with this romance book series!
The Friend Zone Series in Order
The Friend Zone begins a trilogy by Abby Jimenez:
- The Friend Zone (2019)
- The Happy Ever After Playlist (2020)
- Life’s Too Short (2021)
Read More: Abby Jimenez Books in Order | Part of Your World Series
Reading Order and Tips
You do not “have to” read The Friend Zone books in order, but you should. There is a major spoiler for Book 2 (The Happy Ever After Playlist) in Book 1 (The Friend Zone). Also, the leads of Books 2 and 3 are introduced in earlier books in the series:
- The Friend Zone: stars Kristen and Josh; Sloan and Adrian are introduced
- The Happy Ever After Playlist: stars Sloan and Jason; Adrian plays a minor role
- Life’s Too Short (2021): stars Adrian and Vanessa
Read More: Abby Jimenez Character Connections
Spice Level: Expect some spicy romance scenes in The Friend Zone book series, but know that they are not focal points.
Printable PDF Checklist
ABBY JIMENEZ BOOK LIST
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Reviews of The Friend Zone Books
The Friend Zone (2019; Book 1 of 3)
The Friend Zone trigger warnings
Infertility, accident, death, grief
Plot: In The Friend Zone, Kristen Peterson begins to fall for the best man at her best friend’s wedding, Josh Copeland. But, there are two problems. First, her relationship status is complicated, and second, she has a big secret. She’s about to undergo surgery that will leave her unable to have children.
Since Josh wants a large family, she keeps him at a distance by agreeing to remain “friends with benefits.” But, this becomes harder and harder the deeper she and her dog, Stuntman Mike, fall for him.
When tragedy strikes, they must cope with how they feel given their new reality.
My Review: While I liked that this novel explored “real-life” infertility issues, it may be triggering to some. Of note, many readers, myself included, also disliked the miscommunications and the ending. I’d recommend it only if you want to start with Jimenez’s debut and/or read the full series.
The Happy Ever After Playlist (2020; Book 2 of 3)
The Happy Ever After Playlist trigger warnings
Grief
Plot: In The Happy Ever After Playlist, Sloan Monroe finds an adorable dog named Tucker, who belongs to a musician named Jason. They speak via telephone about the dog while he’s on tour, and their calls become increasingly more flirty and romantic.
My Review: This popular love story is overflowing with song recommendations. Also, just when you think you know where the story is headed, it moves in a different direction.
It’s a “happy” read that puts a huge smile on your face. I recommend it especially as a great beach read and/or a “pick me up.” This book made Abby Jimenez a “must-read” author for me.
Life’s Too Short (2021; Book 3 of 3)
Life’s Too Short trigger warnings
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), terminal illness, grief
Plot: In Life’s Too Short, Vanessa Price is a YouTube star who has taken custody of her troubled half-sister’s baby daughter, Grace, when she meets the lawyer next door, Adrian Copeland. She’s also grieving the loss of her mother and sister, trying to support a difficult father, and worrying about her mortality.
On paper, she and Adrian seem different, but he seems up to the challenges she faces as their attraction grows. The question is whether her life will be too short for a real future together.
My Review: There’s a lot going on in this one, but it’s a solid ending to the series if you’re looking to read them all.
About Abby Jimenez
about
Abby Jimenez is a New York Times bestselling author and former Food Network champion who founded Nadia Cakes Bakery.
Her contemporary romance novels are known for the following characteristics:
- cute dogs
- recipes
- alternating male and female perspectives
- complex real-life issues standing in the way of the leading couple
Recap
The Friend Zone is a romance trilogy by Abby Jimenez best read in order of publication to avoid spoilers and expect some spice added to her usual blend of love with real-life issues:
- The Friend Zone (2019)
- The Happy Ever After Playlist (2020)
- Life’s Too Short (2021)
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
