Love love loved this book! Sariah Wilson is becoming of my go to authors. I loved the banter & drama! I couldn’t put it down.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

I really liked this story, it had likeable characters and I read it in one sitting because it was that good

Sariah Wilson tells an intriguing tale of a couple of high school sweethearts and their bumpy ride to their happily ever after. When Ian's dad and Ember's mom get married their relations comes to an abrupt end. Forward to a few years later and now things are trickier than ever.

Just a Boyfriend is a young adult romance that has that feel good effect.

** I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review**
Bash & Ember fall in love in high school. It’s a new relationship and so families are not yet involved. Until their single parents announce they have met, fallen in love, and eloped. Once Ember and her family move in with Bash and his, things become very complicated. He decides to go live with his grandparents to finish school because his father tells him to stay away for ember.
Fast forward 3 years, of hey find themselves at the same college and once again in one another’s orbit.
This is a slow burn romance. These two try very hard to stay away from one another but it doesn’t work. There is a lot of drama in both their lives but nothing unrealistic. I enjoyed the banter and the discussion of feelings.
It was a good story with an interesting twist.

This was short and a lot of fun!! Also I want to take a second to appreciate how hot that cover model is! *fans self* Anyways, this was a really fun second chance, new adult romance with a dash a sports thrown in! The step-sibling twist added just the right amount of angst to Bash and Embers romance. I loved Bash!!! He was super charming and very sweet. It was really refreshing to read about a male athlete who isn’t a playboy and just genuinely loves the sport itself. And Ember was a great match for him! These two made me want to pull my hair out because I just wanted them to get together!! It was understandable why they were trying to stay away but it drove me crazy! But when it finally does happen, I was left with a huge grin on my face and I hugged my kindle. It was so cute! I really liked Sariah Wilson’s writing and I’ll definitely be circling back to read the first in the series because I really enjoyed the world and all the side characters! Thank you to the publishers for sending this to me!

Sariah Wilson's books are a fairly recent discovery for me and while this is only the second one I've read I will definitely be checking out her others as I very much enjoyed it.

This probably falls under the category of stepbrother romance although if you're uncomfortable with that type of story I'd argue that it's more of a second chance at love story as the main characters were in a relationship before their parents even met each other let alone got married. It was only as a result of their parent's whirlwind romance that Bash and Ember went their separate ways, not seeing or speaking to each other for over three years until they're reunited at EOL college.

Ember and Bash are very likeable characters and I love how the story (including the flashbacks to when they first met) are told from both points of view. It really gives you a chance to get to know them and how they feel. It is a little frustrating at times knowing how crazy they are about each other and how one honest conversation about how they feel could solve a whole lot of confusion and angst but given their family situation they're doing the best they can with what they know.

It is quite a sweet and funny read and I did love the relationship between Bash and Ember. There is lots of funny banter and teasing (they're both very competitive) but what I loved most is how well they know each other and how they're there when the other needs them and neither of them has it easy. As well as the light and the fun there are also some heavier themes running through the story including drug addiction, abandonment, depression and cancer. I'm not entirely convinced the author covers them the way she should (and I would argue not all are necessary) but it does give the story a little more depth.

Given the characters are in college this probably fits into the new adult category but it reads a little on the young side. There is plenty of chemistry between Ember and Bash, and more than one heavy make out session but there's no actual sex or for that matter bad language (I'll leave it up to you to decide if that's a good or bad thing). I also felt the character sometimes acted younger (and more inexperienced) than their age particularly when you consider everything they've gone through.

As far as secondary characters go, these were a bit of a mixed bag. Some of them were central to the story and I thought were very well rounded and believable, others I thought we could have done without as their role seemed to be to make a very obvious point. My biggest gripe however was probably with the parents. I'm not sure if it's what the author intended but wow they really annoyed me with how selfish and controlling they were. Ember's mother uses the cancer card to guilt trip Ember into doing whatever she wants and she's completely oblivious to how she really feels. Bash's father puts way too much responsibility on Bash and seems to completely completely reverse his opinion on Bash's mother at one point. It did not make sense to me although I think I was mostly just annoyed that they put a stop to Bash and Ember's relationship by running off and getting married after three weeks of dating and deciding they wanted everyone to be a big happy family.

Overall therefore I'd rate this as an enjoyable read but I'm not sure I'd consider it to be a memorable one. If you're looking for a cute contemporary romance without an R Rating this may be right up your street.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

Just A Boyfriend is book two in the series, but I was able to follow along just fine.
Ian and Ember were high school sweethearts... until their parents got married... that changes things. Their romance had to end, so Ian took off.. Four years later, he's back... and their romance? Back on.

Steamy, interesting, and easy to read.

Just a Boyfriend by Sariah Wilson is the 2nd book in the End of the Line series, and a delightful story. Ian “Bash” Sebastian and Ember Carson were high school sweethearts until their parents got married, and that ended their romance. Four years later they meet again. I love second chance romances, and rooting for the couple to rekindle their romance. If your looking for a great escape, I highly recommend this book. I plan on reading the 1st book, The End Zone, next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Didn’t reach the level of enjoyability that the first book did. I liked the characters but the slow burn was TOO slow. It felt like this book could have been summed up in a few chapters. Basically nothing happened the entire middle of the story. I liked the ending, it was sweet and insightful. I’m glad the characters for their HEA.

I did enjoy the author’s venture into addiction, mental health and caring for someone with a terminal illness. Some of the content was too heavy for the light hearted rom-com nature of the book.

Bash and Ember (where do they come up with these names?) are attracted to each other in high school. Then their parents get married and a relationship is off limits. A few years later things change. A cute story overall, but would be best for a younger audience. Struggled to really care, especially about angst. Would still recommend.

Just a boyfriend? More like secret-ex/best-friend-she-can't-get-over.

“You believed in the tooth fairy for the first nine years of your life. You can believe in yourself for the next two hours. Right. I totally could.”

I have not read the first book in this series, nor much else in the genre, and this was an oddly revelatory experience. From her Pride-and-Prejudice-loving mother, to a fancy for limericks, and friends who would of course end a game of monopoly with a communist revolt - reading about Ember is eerily like watching a reel of personal memories. And of course, she loves cake. I guess it’s be hard not to relate.

“Now that I have my own personal and very handsome food fairy, I need to know if I can make requests.”

One thing I think I might be missing from starting with the second book is a sense of conflict. This story is mostly fluff, and I suspect it pairs nicely with the angsty ending of the first book.

As a note, in each other’s eyes, Ember and Bash are Perfect. Not a character flaw in sight. It got repetitive... but I liked them enough to get over it.

“And I am officially shipping you guys harder than FedEx.”

**Received eARC from Netgalley**

It truly takes talent to weave an unforgettable swoony romance filled with humor and mix it with an impossible family situation, that could be icky, but definitely isn't in this case, and this author has it.

Bash and Ember have some very tricky hurdles to tackle, especially as they each realize that the sizzle and fire is still alive and well after several years apart, which makes it impossible to be friends, let alone stay apart any longer. I loved watching the characters struggle through their growing attraction, while attempted to appease their families. A lot of growth occurs, mainly as both Bash and Ember recognize that they're both adults and can jump after their respective hopes and dreams.

There were so many things that I loved about this book--from skydiving to math lessons to rekindling a fading ember--and getting caught! Sariah Wilson's books are amazing and entertaining, and I can always count on her to supply an amusing story, with lots of butterfly-inducing romance, that manages to stay on the clean side of the line. I can't wait for more of this deliciously swoony series!

Content: mild+ romance (steamy clean, some innuendo)

*I received a complimentary copy from Montake Publishing, through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Sariah Wilson has done it again! This book has all the elements of a truly wonderful romance.

Bash and Ember began dating in high school. Then Bash's dad married Ember's mom, making them step-brother and -sister. Neither parent knew that they had been dating and Bash's dad warned him about getting involved with his step-sister. Thus, the plot has set the stage for heartbreak. Jump forward 2 years and Bash and Ember are attending the same college. Feelings are reawakened causing a dilemma regarding their blended family.

This is a great coming-of-age story. There is angst that goes with young love; there is the matter of not wanting to disappoint one's parents; lessons involved in learning to forgive; and above all, being true to one's self. Just A Boyfriend is a fully developed story with fabulous characters and the HEA ending. This is a book that I will enjoy reading again! 5 stars.

This was a cute book. I enjoyed reading this one. Even though some of the characters from the first book were featured, it can be read by itself. It's a really cute romance book.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Just a Boyfriend is Book 2 in the End of the Line series by Sariah Wilson. Characters from Book 1 do make small appearances throughout but it is not necessary to have read the first story in order to follow along here.

Bash and Ember are dating in high school when they learn that their parents eloped. An unfair comment by Bash's father leads to their break up and he moves away. Fast forward a few years and they are now adults and attending the same college. They start to become reacquainted and the feelings they once had for another resurface.

There was good chemistry between both characters and it was nice to see a storyline from Ms. Wilson that was a tad bit spicier, although certainly far from being too racey. The disappointing part of the story was their parents, especially Ember's mother, who seemed to like to railroad Ember. I felt that Ember and Bash should have firmly stood up for themselves earlier on in the story.

Unputdownable!

The second book in the End of the Line series, this book can be read independently, but why would your really want to miss The Friend Zone? There are a few cameo appearances from Logan and Jess. I especially love Jess and how she reams Bash about what he did wrong with Ember. I love seeing friends who have each other's backs!

So, Ember and Bash were dating in high school, when their single parents met and eloped in a short number of weeks. All of a sudden they're step-brother and sister and Bash's dad is warning him away. He moves out without explaining anything to Ember and they have little contact for four years. Flash forward four years, they're now at the same college in Seattle. Can their relationship move past misunderstandings, insecurities, and family dynamics?

I loved Ember and Bash together. I was rooting for them all the way! The chemistry was almost too hot for me, but I knew I could trust Sariah Wilson not to cross that line. She also did a great job forging a emotional connection along with the strong physical one.
I can't wait for more in this series!

Content: steamy clean (lots of making out, innuendo, no language)

Although this is part of a series, I believe you can read this as a stand a lone. You do learn about characters in the previous novels so I felt like I was so called caught up in their stories. Here we learn about Bash and Ember and their complicated love story. And I mean it is complicated with all the family dynamics. I really love Sariah Wilson as an author and loved her previous novels, this one I had a hard time connecting with. Not sure due to the YA theme which I have read before, I guess I don't know how I really feel about it. Will I still read her novels? Yes. This one was not for me.

Just a Boyfriend is the second book in Sariah Wilson's End of Line series. Like the first book, I loved this one! Ember and Bash have quite the history and find themselves reunited three years later. Will they be able to hold off the chemistry and stay just friends, or will they finally succumb to what they have always wanted? This was a quick, sweet romance that is perfect for sports romance lovers and those that prefer their romances sweet rather than sexy. I definitely recommend it!

I came across an advertisement for the first book of this series by happenstance, and it caught my eye. I've been a football fan since I was a little girl, BUT I wasn't a big fan of romance novels. They were corny, and I was never in the mood to deal with their ridiculous unrealistic portrayal of relationships. But I absolutely LOVED "The Friend Zone." It made me laugh aloud, and that's a hard thing for a book to do.

This second book continued that tradition. I received a copy from NetGalley, and my word, I loved it. I absorbed every word. It wasn't quite as humorous as "The Friend Zone," but it wasn't any less entertaining. The people and relationships were believable. Bash and Ember were forced to face some tough choices and circumstances, but they never gave up. What I loved was that neither of them was perfect. They'd both had hard lives, sure, but they persevered. Maybe they had lives that were a little TOO hard and a little TOO awkward to be realistic (have you ever noticed that romance characters seem to have the WORST histories?!). They didn't just lean on each other; they also had friends and family who at times supported them BUT also stood in their ways...just like in real life.

I'll mention, though, that this one seemed to be drawn out a bit. Plus, there were times I felt like hormones reigned over the characters' better judgment. Maybe it's hard for me to relate completely to the characters because I've never felt that type of love, but it seemed a bit...I don't know, OUT THERE, that the characters couldn't get over each other after three years. And it's not just a spark that exists between them even after all the time; it's a wildfire. I feel like after an extended period of times, if you don't fan the flames, they eventually die. That doesn't happen here.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I'd definitely read it again. I enjoyed the humor. Everything was SO clever, and it made me chuckle. I liked that it was a CLEAN romance (to be honest, I skip all the bedroom scenes in the "regular" romance novels). Now, if you excuse me, I need to go request more books by Sariah Wilson from my library.

3.5 stars

Sariah Wilson’s 'Just a Boyfriend' is a wholesome romance with simmering chemistry that doesn’t quite come to a boil.

Ember and Bash fell in love in high school. Just before they planned to take their relationship public, they discover that their single parents have eloped. Now expected to be the perfect step-siblings, Bash takes off, only to find himself reunited with Ember three years later. This time, will they able to be friends? Or will they succumb to the irresistible pull that keeps drawing them back together?

'Just a Boyfriend' is the epitome of a slow burn, and I am here for it. The only reason this isn’t a four star read for me is because I felt that there was a lot of sexual tension that built up between Ember and Bash that never fully got released. I appreciate that Wilson is going for more of a clean romance vibe without explicit scenes, but I still feel like there could have been something more that happened (even if it was off-book) between Ember and Bash as a payoff to the reader. That aside, it’s an entertaining story, with a lot of witty moments. I particularly loved Ember’s sister, Lauren, and thought she had a lot of hilarious lines throughout.

In all, this is the perfect novel for those who love all the romance, but appreciate a swear-free, explicit scene-free story. I could totally see this being made into a movie.

**Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake Romance for sending me a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.**