REVIEW: The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan
Dear Kristen Callihan,
The Hook Up was one of my favourite reads of 2014 and ever since, I’ve been looking forward to the next book in the series. At the end of The Hook Up, Gray Grayson (yes, that’s his real name – his mother read The Pelican Brief by John Grisham when she was pregnant with him), was borrowing his most-likely-agent-to-be’s daughter’s car – a small pink Fiat – having lent his automatic truck to Drew (because reasons). Ivy Mackenzie is the owner of said pink Fiat and, concerned about the safety of her precious vehicle while she is away in England, she texts Gray to tell him to be careful. Thus begins an SMS friendship and one of the most delightful starts to a book that I’ve read in ages. The first section is their texts to each other – which are funny and sweet and a little quite flirty but which also show the developing closeness of the pair.
The day Ivy is coming home, her dad, sports agent Sean Mackenzie, is stuck in New York with a client and Ivy’s sister, Fiona, is sick with the flu. Sean asks Gray to pick Ivy up from the airport. Both Ivy and Gray feels very protective of their friendship and there is a certain insularity to it. Neither had made any attempts to find out about the other via Google or anything else. Ivy doesn’t even know what Gray looks like before she comes face to face with him in the airport. Gray only knows what Ivy looked like when she was about 15, from a picture in Sean’s office – and of course, she’s changed a lot since then. Their relationship and connection hadn’t been based on anything physical and my strong sense was that they were most unlikely in any event to find each other unattractive, simply because they already cared about each other by then.
Gray is a tight end for his college football team. His team is in the post season playoffs and trying to come to grips with a new team dynamic due to the loss of their star quarterback. He’s 6’6″, blond and well built. He’s not a refrigerator – he’s more elegant than that but he can benchpress 430 pounds so he’s no lightweight either. Ivy is tall, like her former-NBA playing dad – at 6′ even, she often feels gawky and awkward. Gray appreciates he doesn’t have to hurt his back to make eye contact with her; she likes to be able to wear heels without any concerns. Physically too, they fit together.
But they are just friends okay? (Yeah, sure you are.)
Gray has a reputation as a bit of a manslut. After his mother died from breast cancer when he was 16, he fostered the persona of being footloose and carefree. Care about nothing and nothing can hurt you, right? He’s the hook up king and stories of his exploits with the many willing girls who flock to him are legendary. Ivy doesn’t want to be a notch on his bedpost. Gray wants more from Ivy but he’s reluctant to disturb their status quo – Ivy has come to mean so much to him and she knows him like no-0ne else does; if he makes a move and it all goes sour, what will he do without her in his life?
The sexual tension in the book builds and builds until, basically, it begins to “leak out”. They don’t talk about it, but there are signs, obvious to everyone around them, that whatever name they are calling it, they are definitely much more than friends.
Instantly, my heart kicks against my chest, my breath going light and quick as heat rushes up my thighs. He’s giving me that lopsided grin of his. The one that looks a little bit boyish and a little bit naughty, as if assuring that you’ll have fun while he does dirty things to you.
Little touches and casual hugs, a hand on the small of the back and, eventually, even sharing a bed (without any “shenanigans” – at first). Their first sexual encounter is also without words – consent is both implicit and overt but it is not verbal – as they wake up together and Gray starts to… explore. This may be a bit TMI but the progression of their relationship felt very believable to me. My husband was my friend first and there was no particular date where we became more than friends. We kind of morphed into it. I remember late nights falling asleep on his couch cuddling together – where neither of us (but mostly me) would admit there was more going on. It may be that other readers will feel a little incredulous about how well Grey and Ivy fool themselves and for how long, but actually, it fit pretty well with my own experience (though I hasten to add there were significant differences too!), so I had no trouble accepting it.
I loved the way Ivy and Gray were with each other. I enjoyed their banter and their honesty, their conversations and their jokes. I loved how Gray danced badly (on purpose) with Ivy so her own bad dancing wouldn’t look so obvious. I loved how Gray encouraged Ivy to find her passion and pursue it and how they were all in for one another. Their romance was fabulous and I just adored it.
He kisses me there against the tiles, my butt cupped in his big hands. My legs wrap around his waist, and he lifts me as if I weigh nothing. I can’t get over his insane strength. And how he never uses it against me but in only service of me. I don’t want to leave this spot. Ever.
I also enjoyed meeting Ivy’s sister, Fiona. I wonder whether Fiona will be a heroine in a future book? (*hint hint*). Fi is quite different from Ivy, even though they are very close. She’s petite and sexually confident to Ivy’s tall and kind of shy. I laughed out loud at Fi’s description of meeting Gray for the first time:
“I nearly wet myself when I saw him,” Fi prattles on. “Jay-sus, he’s hot. And freaking huge. A veritable mountain of sexy.” She fans her face with exaggerated movements. “Seriously, Iv… You could climb him like Everest, make base camp at his cock, and tackle the rest in the morning.”
There were a couple of things which didn’t work so well for me. Relatively late in the book, a story thread is introduced regarding Gray’s brothers and father. It came out of nowhere for me and I was surprised at the new plot point so late in the book. It felt… clunky; especially because most of the rest of the book was so smooth and seamless.
The other thing I queried (although this is a smaller issue) is Sean Mackenzie’s characterisation. I haven’t re-read The Hook Up so I could be wrong, but my memory of him from that book was that he had a reputation for honesty and looking after his clients fairly and well – he didn’t suck up to his clients and promise them things he couldn’t deliver and he didn’t tickle their ears. For a younger athlete, he stood in loco parentis in many ways. That is, after all, how Gray had come to be borrowing Ivy’s car. But in this book Sean seemed a little inconsistent. He was portrayed as a serial cheater and a guy who devoted more time to his clients and high of “the deal” than to his family. Given how “parental” he was with his clients, it surprised me that he could be so clueless and absent for his own children. Perhaps I’m being unfair or I just remembered wrong, but rather than it feeling that Sean’s character had been expanded in this book, it felt, to me, more like it had altered. These things do not, at all, detract from the wonderful romance between Gray and Ivy – and after all their romance is the heart of the book.
There is an author’s note at the back which acknowledges that artistic license was used for the timing of the post-season championship games. I know little about American College football but it did seem even to me, to be an inordinately long post-season in the book. Because it’s not near and dear to me, I was able to give it a pass but I wonder if other readers, ones very familiar with the sporting subject matter, will feel the same? There’s a Sarah Mayberry book which messes with the location of the AFL grand final and even though I know it’s only fiction, I still struggled to get past it when I read that book. I have the feeling that some ardent football fans might struggle with how the college post-season is portrayed in The Friend Zone.
I loved Gray and Ivy, separately and together and I loved watching their bond form and grow. I made the Good Book Noise (TM Smart Bitches) multiple times during this novel and definitely had a happy sigh at the end. And seriously? Those text messages at the start? A-dorable.
Grade: B+. Maybe that should be an A- because oh lordy, those text messages…
Regards,
Kaetrin
AmazonBNKoboAREBook DepositoryGoogle
You know, I’ve managed to avoid most of the NA subgenre (being in higher ed, it’s not been a natural draw for me), but I keep hearing Callihan’s name mentioned, and from a diverse group of readers, so I’m thinking her books might be a good place to dip in to this pool. Should I start with this one or not?
“There is an author’s note at the back which acknowledges that artistic license was used for the timing of the post-season championship games.”
I’m so glad I read this in advance. I don’t have a problem with writer’s taking creative license to make their story work. What I don’t understand is putting this warning in the back of the book. I can guarantee I would have been one of the long time college football fans reading along and asking what the hell? I might have gone as far as DNFing a book before ever seeing the disclaimer in the back.
IMO, writers should put this in the front.
He’s borrowing a car from an agent while he’s still playing for a college team? I know the NCAA rules are pretty stupid, but that seems like something that they wouldn’t allow.
I loved this book. I thought it was romantic and sweet and Gray is a fantastic hero.
I don’t believe I’ve ever been so happy to see an author knock it out of the park as I was to see Kristen Callihan do it with this book. I loved The Hook-Up *so* much, I was really worried I wouldn’t love this book, but I really did. Perhaps not with the all consuming passion with which I loved The Hook-Up, but almost as much.
Okay, I just bought The Hook Up. I’m home sick from work today, so it’s a good day for a good book.
Loved your review, Kaetrin and I loved this book too, maybe more than I loved The Hook Up and all because of Gray. While reading I felt like he filled up the pages, you know? That’s how big his charisma felt like to me. What you said about Ivy’s father is interesting, in The Hook Up he was portrayed totally differently.. maybe the author needed something to support Ivy’s resistance towards her career of choice and her relationship with Gray and that seemed an easy way to do it. But really, this is a minor thing, I enjoyed it immensely. And those texts? They mean LOVE! ;)
@Andrea D: It is a NCAA violation. And transportation specifically is listed in the bylaws because so many agents use that as a carrot. Maybe this story skirts the line because it’s the agent’s daughter’s vehicle and she isn’t an employee of her father, but I’d bet money the NCAA would ring him up for it.
Kaetrin your review of the hook up (& elle Kennedy’s the deal & Bowen’s Ivy Years) converted me to sports themed NA books, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the friend zone and Kennedy’s recent release of the mistake. Not sure if it’s fair to draw comparisons but I did think this book was great for all the reasons you describe, but felt the management of the “manslut” rationale & reform journey was more accessible in The Mistake. Partly because I felt more emotionally connected to Logan where as Gray was sweeter but a bit more opaque. Possibly for the reasons you highlight around Gray’s backstory and family conflict not being as fully fleshed out or connected in the way Logan’s were – although unlike you I was expecting this plot point about his brothers and father as this was alluded to by Drew in the hook up when it was Gray’s birthday.
The text messages were very cute and had me smiling a lot, but the humour in the Mistake had me out right belly laughing.
I really liked Ivy and found her character development to be a strong point of the book – if Anna from the hook up and Ivy are representative of Callihans writing it feels like she writes great heroines whose conflicts and journeys feel very believable for their age & social contex – plus they have cool taste in music ;)
I also wondered about Sean Mackenzie’s shift in characterisation, but decided that His contradictions and hypocrisy were actually believable for a paternalistic man of his generation and social status.
I was still up when this downloaded onto my kindle and I ended up staying up way too late readying it, but I couldn’t stop! I liked this one better than The Hook-Up, and I really enjoyed that one. It was my introduction into the NA genre. I had steered clear of NA books, and still do because I have no patience of all the angst and how often the females have physical/sexual abuse in their past.
My only little nitpicks with it have to do with the late plot point dealing with Gray’s father and brothers. It did seem to come out of nowhere. I wasn’t sure why it was thrown in and it really didn’t make sense to me even with the explanation given.
I do think the author’s note regarding her changing up the college football championship timeline should have been at the beginning because it did take me out of the story a bit since I do follow college football. I did wonder if Gray would be violating NCAA rules by driving a car provided by a potential agent. Teams in contention for a national title would be heavily scrutinzed. Also, all the references to how Gray could go No. 1 in the NFL draft were distracting. His position of tight end is not a position that goes No. 1. They’re lucky to be picked in the first round, even stand-out TEs. In fact, I would say Drew as QB with a broken leg could go higher than a healthy Gray at TE. Maybe I’ve just been listening to too much draft talk since the NFL draft just took place, though.
Even with all that, I just really enjoyed Gray and Ivy and their love story!
@Janet: I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well Robin. Hope you feel better soon! I would have suggested to start with The Hook Up first. I think The Friend Zone works well enough as a stand alone but The Hook Up is just so good, I think it’s worth starting there and then moving on to TFZ after.
@Cheryl: I think that’s a good idea – put that stuff in the front to the reader knows going in.
@Kati: Ditto!
@Gisele Pinheiro: Thanks :) And yes, those text messages were the bomb.
@Cheryl: I don’t really know anything about NCAA violations. If it’s relevant, it was a loaner, not an actual gift. In The Hook Up (where this actually takes place) Sean Mackenzie is presented at the agent who doesn’t offer sweeteners such as cars to potential clients and it is one of the reasons Gray wants to sign with him. Gray knows he could have tapped any number of potential agents on the shoulder and been given a car. It is only becuase of Drew’s broken leg and the circumstances that Gray even asked Sean for a car. I’m not sure if that makes any difference to you. Because I don’t know the rules, it’s pretty easy for me to skip past all that stuff.
@Lenice: Wow, I’m glad you liked the books then! :D I liked The Mistake too. Not *quite* as much as this one or The Deal but very much regardless. I think the issues in The Mistake re Logan’s father were introduced much earlier and were far more accessible yes, but I just adored Gray.
As for Gray’s change from manslut to model boyfriend, I think Gray had avoided close relationships because he was afraid of losing them, especially after he lost his mother. I think Gray’s feelings for Ivy snuck up on him because of the way they “met” and I totally bought that he was so into Ivy he just stopped seeing other girls in any romantic way. (Which is an awesome fantasy and is something that also happened in The Hook Up with Drew and Anna.)
It’s been a while since I read The Hook Up (note to self: find time for a re-read) and I didn’t remember the thing about Gray’s dad in that book. So, for me, the whole Gray’s dad/brothers thing came out of the blue.
@JennEllen: Yes, I thought the thing with Gray’s dad and brother did not fit in well with the rest of the book either.
I think this is a situation where my lack of knowledge about things like the college football draft (or whatever it’s called) is an advantage! :)
I loooooooved this book. Man, between this Kristen Callahan series, Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series and Sarina Bowen’s Ivy Years series, these 3 authors are really making me eat crow when 2 years ago I mocked the NA genre. I particularly loved the added shout out to Elle Kennedy’s The Mistake when Ivy and Gray are watching college ice hockey and mention Logan :P Also, the setup at the very end for the next book is very brief, but gave me ALL KINDS of excitement for the next book! It’s going to be soooooo goooooood.
@Spaz: I love all three series. The writing and the stories just appeal to me so much. Like any subgenre there are shitty NA books out there but there are also gems and this is definitely one of them IMO.
Well I’m not a fan of sports-themed books, but I am the owner of a Barbie-pink Fiat 500 so I will be buying this book. I can tell you that when you drive around in a pink car it garners you a LOT of attention. Mostly double takes, but quite a lot of pointing and starting from the under 10 set. And teenage girls.
@Alanis: I hope you enjoy it!
Just finished The Hook Up which I read because of this review, starting on this title next. Wow – if THIS is what NA is supposed to be, then I’m (finally) a fan and all that other crap needs to go away! Much more believably written than the other handful of NA titles I’ve read (that is, suffered through), and once again I’m shown that in the hands of a good author, any genre/trope/plot can work for me. Thanks Kaetrin!!
@Melinda: I’m glad you enjoyed The Hook Up. If you liked that, I think you’d probably enjoy the Elle Kennedy series and the Sarina Bowen series. They’re of similar calibre I think. I regard myself as fairly picky when it comes to what NA I read but I’ve read some excellent books in the category (subgenre?) and I’m always looking for more of them.
I, too, never wanted to read NA because the ones I tried were sooooo angsty and obvious and just not me cup of tea. I love romance but I don’t want to read a soap opera, especially one that is just dumb with whiny, annoying characters. I haven’t read this book – but think I might, now! – and have decided that Elle Kennedy can write all the NA books I can handle!! They have believable characters and set up and maturity and I love them. I’ve decided it doesn’t matter if it’s NA as long as it’s good writing.
@ashley: Ok, just went back and looked up The Hook Up and realized that I didn’t love it. Maybe I need to reread it to make sure. I remember thinking there was no way there was a student who won two national championships and the heisman and was still at college instead of the NFL. There were some other nagging things but I’m going to reread to refresh my memory!
@ashley: I’m not super familiar with college football in the US but I guess I always thought that Drew wanted to complete his college degree before playing for an NFL team. I mean, they can’t make him play for the NFL if he doesn’t want to, right? :)
I’m not a big fan of NA as a genre but I really liked The Hook Up… I loved this one even more. It was fantastic. I agree that the plot with Gray’s dad and brothers didn’t seem to fit right but that’s a minor quibble for me – it didn’t detract from the rest of the story, it was just extraneous. Between this and Taming the Legend, I’ve had a good reading week.
@KF: I have Taming the Legend on my TBR too and yay for good reading weeks!
Has anyone else reached a point where different NA universes are starting to collide and merge because you’ve binge read Kennedy, Callihan and Bowen and you can’t remember who wrote what any longer?
@Cath: YES! Althought I mainly get confused between the Callihan and Kennedy series. It doesn’t help that there is some crossover in the books and they share a world. I don’t mind it, but at the same time I feel less apologetic for getting mixed up!