The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Kristen Petersen doesn't do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don't get her. She's also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children. Planning her best friend's wedding is bittersweet for Kristen—especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He's funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he'd be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it's harder and harder to keep him at arm's length.
The story of a blunt and fun woman, struggling with painful periods, trying to navigate her dating life when she knows her future isn't going to be filled with children.So I actually got this book from the publisher at least a month ago. I never wait that long to read books from a publisher because I get so excited when I get them. But around that point everyone was putting out five star reviews of this book and I just got too nervous that I would not agree with the rating! Does that ever happen to you? An overhyped book? Well let me tell you this book was not overhyped I really really enjoyed it!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🔥🔥🔥 out of 5 steam level 
Spoiler alert: (not really) I have endometriosis which can create huge fertility issues and non-stop debilitating pain. It's basically living with a chronic condition where your pain level is heightened all the time. It forces you to cancel plans, rearrange your calendar, miss events that you were looking forward to and completely change your lifestyle... and there's nothing you can do about it. This book features a heroine who has awful menstrual cycles. As I write this I'm thinking about that scene in the movie 20th Century Women... Say the word menstruation. I have never read a fiction book that tackles period issues before! It was speaking to me! Fun fact- the author based the main character's fertility issues off of her irl best friend! For the amazing depiction of the suffering that we go through with periods from hell - this book made my REQUIRED READING LIST FOR PEOPLE WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS.There are things in this book I didn't think I would like. A love triangle? Since when do I like love triangles?! I know there's a few exceptions to the rule - but I swear the last couple of books with love triangles I've somehow liked! What is happening to me?! There was also a communication issue in the book - which is my least favorite plot topic. And somehow it just didn't bother me enough to take away the 5 star rating!A couple of fun facts about this book... The author owns the bakery Nadia Cakes which I've heard has been featured on the food Network! Nadia Cakes makes a cameo in the book so that was kind of fun. Also the heroines dog in the book, Stuntman Mike, is the author's real life dog! I thought these were fun facts that made me enjoy the novel even more!Okay last rants of appreciation, I promise. The love story and friendship stories were both so strong. I loved how close her and her best friend, Sloan, were. At times this book gave me vibes of My Oxford Year, sometimes Christina Lauren vibes. This book was so enjoyable to read- it was quick, I flew through it in less than a day! Ready for the kicker? It also made the list of my REQUIRED READING FOR ROMANCE LOVERS.
Eat: cupcakes, you deserve it!Wear: your "boyfriend" t-shirt? Actual boyfriend not required - all you need is a quick trip to goodwill and an oversized men's shirt! Goodwill to the rescue!Listen to: Don't Stop Believing by Journey
