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Her City #1
The End in Friends
From frenemies to fake fiancés, what could possibly go wrong?
Jae is a control freak with an ego bigger than Manhattan and a smirk that makes me want to slap it off his absurdly handsome face.
Once my best friend, now my overbearing boss, Jae pushed me to the brink. So, I quit.
Or at least I tried to.
Jae, the devil in designer suits, digs up a contract clause that chains me to him for another six months. Just when I think things can’t get worse, he drops his latest he wants me to be his fake fiancé.
Now, I’m stuck playing house with the man who tops my nemesis list.
Each staged kiss and faux embrace blurs the lines, making me question what’s real and what’s just part of the act.
And to make things even more confusing, Jae might be an arrogant boss at work, but as my fake fiancé, he’s turning into something else entirely. Something dangerously close to the man I once loved.
The End in Friends is a standalone frenemies-to-lovers fake engagement romantic comedy packed with electric tension, laugh-out-loud scenes, and heartfelt moments. Uncover themes of second chances, self-discovery, and the delicate dance between love and loathing. Perfect for those who crave clever banter, unexpected sparks, and a romance that keeps you hooked.
Jae is a control freak with an ego bigger than Manhattan and a smirk that makes me want to slap it off his absurdly handsome face.
Once my best friend, now my overbearing boss, Jae pushed me to the brink. So, I quit.
Or at least I tried to.
Jae, the devil in designer suits, digs up a contract clause that chains me to him for another six months. Just when I think things can’t get worse, he drops his latest he wants me to be his fake fiancé.
Now, I’m stuck playing house with the man who tops my nemesis list.
Each staged kiss and faux embrace blurs the lines, making me question what’s real and what’s just part of the act.
And to make things even more confusing, Jae might be an arrogant boss at work, but as my fake fiancé, he’s turning into something else entirely. Something dangerously close to the man I once loved.
The End in Friends is a standalone frenemies-to-lovers fake engagement romantic comedy packed with electric tension, laugh-out-loud scenes, and heartfelt moments. Uncover themes of second chances, self-discovery, and the delicate dance between love and loathing. Perfect for those who crave clever banter, unexpected sparks, and a romance that keeps you hooked.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2024
43 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Coralee June
76 books2,996 followersAuthor Coralee June has always been passionate about storytelling and impressed by the influence it has on people and the decisions they make in life. She loves engaging with the projects she works on, diving headfirst into developing real, raw, and relatable characters that are equally flawed and beautiful. Coralee lives in Dallas, Tx with her husband and two daughters. She's been known to frequently indulge in boxed red wine and day-old pizza. When she's not writing, June is reading or substitute teaching at the local middle school.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 25, 2024
******possible spoilers because idk what would be a spoiler, i’m just so excited for a 5 star read*******
i loved this SO freaking much. like i’ve been in such a bad slump and im such a sucker for fake ANYTHING especially boss/assistant where the boss is a total dick and this delivered on everything.
i will say that friends to lovers is one of my least favorite tropes because i hate the pining yet sleeping around but this was SO GOOD.
there are some chapters from the past, starting at 10 years ago when they are established in their friendship during college and their working relationship is starting out, and then up until three years before the start of the book.
they have always kind of had feelings for each other, Jae more so than Verena at some points, but there is no mention of whoring around. there is a little mention of how Jae would make Verena pick up suits for his dates and how Jae would ruin EVERY relationship she tried to have, but nothing on anything else. there was also no safety talk, condoms were mentioned once and she said he can finish wherever and that was kind of it. i would have liked at least one sentence on how long it’s been for either of them, but based on their first encounter, it’s probably been a LONG time for Jae 😂😂😂😂😂 and i didn’t get any manwhore vibes from him…..what i did get was that he’s a FUCKING IDIOT.
Jae doesn’t know how to express his feelings properly and what he thinks is him showing he cares, actually makes Verena hate him, but the reasonings made me so sad. i love a sad boy and he was the saddest of them all 😭😭😭😭
AND AUNTIE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 i loved her so much and how she really saved them from doing irreparable damage to their relationship (them meaning Jae because he’s so mean)
there is some wannabe ow drama with a new assistant that annoyed me because he should have fired her way earlier than he did but he had no interest in her.
and i wish there was a longer epilogue 😭 i wanna see them married and settled into their life so bad.
but i also can’t wait for who i think the next two couples are 🫣🫣🫣🫣 i need them in my hands like right now *makes grabby hands*
July 14, 2024
DNF 40%
It’s sooo boring and the MCs lacked chemistry
— The h was stupid and she let the H used her for 10 years
— The H is a workaholic and so boring and annoying. For ten years his priority was work and the h came second
__________
About safety in the first 40% of the book:
— Trigger Warning: cancer
— None virgins or manho.
— The MCs have known each other for 14 yrs and worked together for 10 years (friends to frenemies to fake fiancé).
— They both have feelings for each other but never act on their feelings.
— Their friendship was ruined after the h became the H's assistant (their relationship became more practical).
— both dated op during this years (no scenes with op)
— The H was make the h pick out suits for his dates.
— The H was ruining all of the h’s relationships.
— OWD (The H’s new assistant)
— Not really OM , the h’s childhood friend likes her but she only sees him as a friend.
It’s sooo boring and the MCs lacked chemistry
— The h was stupid and she let the H used her for 10 years
— The H is a workaholic and so boring and annoying. For ten years his priority was work and the h came second
__________
About safety in the first 40% of the book:
— Trigger Warning: cancer
— None virgins or manho.
— The MCs have known each other for 14 yrs and worked together for 10 years (friends to frenemies to fake fiancé).
— They both have feelings for each other but never act on their feelings.
— Their friendship was ruined after the h became the H's assistant (their relationship became more practical).
— both dated op during this years (no scenes with op)
— The H was make the h pick out suits for his dates.
— The H was ruining all of the h’s relationships.
— OWD (The H’s new assistant)
— Not really OM , the h’s childhood friend likes her but she only sees him as a friend.
July 3, 2024
Your honor, how am I to resist a man that begs?
Things to know:
Boss x Assistant
Billionaire
He falls first
Friends to Frenemies to Lovers
Fake fiancée
Banter & tension
My first time to read a book by Coralee but won’t be my last!
Things to know:
Boss x Assistant
Billionaire
He falls first
Friends to Frenemies to Lovers
Fake fiancée
Banter & tension
My first time to read a book by Coralee but won’t be my last!
June 29, 2024
GIf you love K Drama, this book is for you. But if you don't know what K Drama is..you will still love this book. Coralee June delivers her unique brand of sharp wit and banter but this book stands loud and proud because of the emotional depth. So one moment I was like, " damn it Mrs Coralee June, I just peed my pants because I couldn't stop laughing"...and the next moment I was cussing her for making cry from the angst. This story has some absolute gem of tropes like frenemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, boss employee, fake fiance. So you can imagine the level of tension and slow burn. But the unexpected emotional torture is the crowning gem
JAEL OH JAEL. This man is absolutely infuriating. The only way he can live his life is by controlling every little aspect. He loathes facing emotions so he hides behind his brooding and aggressive personality. Verana is his ride and die from college and he pushed her to join him as assistant when he started his journey to the all powerful CEO King. But as he got lost in the corporate battle and his personal life got messy because his only family member and friend and philosopher and guide Auntie's cancer..he slowly pushed her and put her behind a wall. For him, being hurt is worse than being loved. The fake marriage idea was a desperate attempt to keep Verana with him. Typical alpha asshole move.I cannot tell I actually love you and need you to keep my pieces together as aunty is dying but hey I will manipulate you emotionally to become my fake fiance! But wait..it's Verana we are talking about.
She is a beautiful balance of sweet and strong. She didn't let Jael push her because she was naive or too weak. It's because she loves so deeply and loyally. Her feelings for Jael kept her around even when the business created a barrier. They went from college friends to friends with secret feelings to just coworkers hiding their feels. But even saints have breaking point. She did agree to the marriage proposal for Aunty but she also made Jael's life difficult on purpose. Like oh you wanna manipulate me?take this ahole. She forced Jael to face the difficult feelings even when it broke her heart. And Jael's.
I feel this review is getting a bit out of hand but gosh this book gave me so much feelings. I loved the banter between Jael and Verana. It was hilarious and at times..sexually charged. Once you get to see Jael's vulnerability and his real reasons of being so aloof..you will fall for him. His pain is going to break you too. They had a lot of issues to work through and the author will make you work for it too. When I started the book I never expected it to hit me so hard at the end.
JAEL OH JAEL. This man is absolutely infuriating. The only way he can live his life is by controlling every little aspect. He loathes facing emotions so he hides behind his brooding and aggressive personality. Verana is his ride and die from college and he pushed her to join him as assistant when he started his journey to the all powerful CEO King. But as he got lost in the corporate battle and his personal life got messy because his only family member and friend and philosopher and guide Auntie's cancer..he slowly pushed her and put her behind a wall. For him, being hurt is worse than being loved. The fake marriage idea was a desperate attempt to keep Verana with him. Typical alpha asshole move.I cannot tell I actually love you and need you to keep my pieces together as aunty is dying but hey I will manipulate you emotionally to become my fake fiance! But wait..it's Verana we are talking about.
She is a beautiful balance of sweet and strong. She didn't let Jael push her because she was naive or too weak. It's because she loves so deeply and loyally. Her feelings for Jael kept her around even when the business created a barrier. They went from college friends to friends with secret feelings to just coworkers hiding their feels. But even saints have breaking point. She did agree to the marriage proposal for Aunty but she also made Jael's life difficult on purpose. Like oh you wanna manipulate me?take this ahole. She forced Jael to face the difficult feelings even when it broke her heart. And Jael's.
I feel this review is getting a bit out of hand but gosh this book gave me so much feelings. I loved the banter between Jael and Verana. It was hilarious and at times..sexually charged. Once you get to see Jael's vulnerability and his real reasons of being so aloof..you will fall for him. His pain is going to break you too. They had a lot of issues to work through and the author will make you work for it too. When I started the book I never expected it to hit me so hard at the end.
July 30, 2024
The End with Friends is my first read my Coralee June, but after finishing it, i'm a fan. Not only is this book rom-com gold, but it's an emotional roller coaster definitely worth your time. Verena and Jae friends since their college days. Jae fights his trye feelings and love for Verena for years until they are forced into each other proximity at work, Verena as Jae's assistant. Unfortunately, this work situation did not bring them closer (smh @ Jae🙄😒) but further apart. Jae's aunt enters the picture with devastating news and a last wish which Jae thinks a fake engagement will be the perfect solution to appease his aunt.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review
June 24, 2024
This was my first book by CoraLee June and it was a great one to start with. I knew I would have lots of laughs, but I didn’t expect the emotions that accompanied them. The story follows Jae and Verena, best friends from college turned boss/assistant. While they once were tackling business as friends and partners, over the last ten years their dynamic has changed and Verena has had the last straw. Tired of only being seen as an assistant and employee, Verena finally takes a stand a quits. After Jae learns that his Auntie is dying, he’s desperate to keep Verena in his life any way he can - by faking their engagement.
I absolutely loved this story. I loved the tension between Jae and Verena and the flashbacks looking into their relationship and how they got to such a broken state. The banter between the two was top-tier, and the angst was fabulous. But what was most moving was how CoraLee portrayed grief - both coming to terms with a loved one approaching death and living without them after they have passed. I thought it was done beautifully. I also loved that the redemption wasn’t immediate and there was a bit of work that went in to getting to the HEA. Plus….the begging?!?! Top-Tier. I ate this book up and definitely recommend if you’re looking for something with both giggles and emotional depth.
I absolutely loved this story. I loved the tension between Jae and Verena and the flashbacks looking into their relationship and how they got to such a broken state. The banter between the two was top-tier, and the angst was fabulous. But what was most moving was how CoraLee portrayed grief - both coming to terms with a loved one approaching death and living without them after they have passed. I thought it was done beautifully. I also loved that the redemption wasn’t immediate and there was a bit of work that went in to getting to the HEA. Plus….the begging?!?! Top-Tier. I ate this book up and definitely recommend if you’re looking for something with both giggles and emotional depth.
July 22, 2024
RATING: 4.5/5
“The End in Friends” is one of those stories that started slowly, but once I discovered the direction it was headed, then I was fully engaged. Jae’s love for Verena is drawn out for several years, as he has her tied to him as his assistant. Instead of getting closer and evolving their friendship, it further pushed them away until Verena couldn’t deal with him anymore. But when Jae’s Auntie shares with him that her cancer has returned and shares that she would love to see him make some changes in his life before she passes—primarily in a relationship. Jae then plans to have a fake engagement with Verena.
Of course, drama ensues, and there is a tiny bit of spice. Though Jae portrays a rigid corporate type, he likes it when Verena tells him what to do.
“End in Friends” was more than a romance story; I didn’t expect that. Losing someone so close and from something incurable sounds depressing, but Coralee’s message and how she writes the characters provide a different way of thinking. I loved the humor Auntie had despite getting close to her end. Her hopes for her nephew Jae, the time she spent with him, and ultimately her influence on him reflected the type of person Auntie was—her true character. And that is what she wanted for him as well. Overall, I loved the message of this story and enjoyed the book.
“The End in Friends” is one of those stories that started slowly, but once I discovered the direction it was headed, then I was fully engaged. Jae’s love for Verena is drawn out for several years, as he has her tied to him as his assistant. Instead of getting closer and evolving their friendship, it further pushed them away until Verena couldn’t deal with him anymore. But when Jae’s Auntie shares with him that her cancer has returned and shares that she would love to see him make some changes in his life before she passes—primarily in a relationship. Jae then plans to have a fake engagement with Verena.
Of course, drama ensues, and there is a tiny bit of spice. Though Jae portrays a rigid corporate type, he likes it when Verena tells him what to do.
“End in Friends” was more than a romance story; I didn’t expect that. Losing someone so close and from something incurable sounds depressing, but Coralee’s message and how she writes the characters provide a different way of thinking. I loved the humor Auntie had despite getting close to her end. Her hopes for her nephew Jae, the time she spent with him, and ultimately her influence on him reflected the type of person Auntie was—her true character. And that is what she wanted for him as well. Overall, I loved the message of this story and enjoyed the book.
December 30, 2024
Auntie was so wise and made me actually cry
June 25, 2024
3.5⭐
It was best friends to frenemies to lovers romance. The story follows Jae and Verena, best friends from college turned boss/assistant. Over the years their relationships strained because he didn't care about anything but work, Verana decided to resign. Jae didn't want to let go Verana at any cost because he knew that he would be lost without her.
The book was cute, sexy and heartbreakingly beautiful. Also the scenes where Jae was begging to touch her, kiss her or do anything to be near her so hot and cute at the same time.
‼️no cheating, lil ow and om drama ‼️
It was best friends to frenemies to lovers romance. The story follows Jae and Verena, best friends from college turned boss/assistant. Over the years their relationships strained because he didn't care about anything but work, Verana decided to resign. Jae didn't want to let go Verana at any cost because he knew that he would be lost without her.
The book was cute, sexy and heartbreakingly beautiful. Also the scenes where Jae was begging to touch her, kiss her or do anything to be near her so hot and cute at the same time.
‼️no cheating, lil ow and om drama ‼️
July 2, 2024
This book caught me off guard. I expected a friends to frenemies to lovers story. And yes while that is what you got it was also much much more.
It dived down into the emotions and tugged on all the heart strings. Found family. Parental loss as a child. Battling cancer and dealing with grief. All while trying to find yourself and remember what makes you happy.
It was a lot! And I cried so much. But I also laughed and smiled and smirked and blushed. This book really brings it all.
The love story takes a lot to get there. And I was happy to be there for every step of the way. So if you need a good cry and feel good story. With really deep emotions. This is it!
I received this as an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
It dived down into the emotions and tugged on all the heart strings. Found family. Parental loss as a child. Battling cancer and dealing with grief. All while trying to find yourself and remember what makes you happy.
It was a lot! And I cried so much. But I also laughed and smiled and smirked and blushed. This book really brings it all.
The love story takes a lot to get there. And I was happy to be there for every step of the way. So if you need a good cry and feel good story. With really deep emotions. This is it!
I received this as an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 25, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Favorite Quote: “I’d be more than happy to beg. And being on my knees just puts me that much closer to what I want."
• Fake Engagement
• He fall first
• Frenemies to Fiancés
• Dual POV
Every time this man begged I swear my eyes rolled back into my head! I reallyyyy enjoyed this book so much.
This is the first Coralee June book I've ever read and I will definitely be checking out her other work.
Verena is frustrated and at her wits end. And for good reason! I really liked seeing her stand up for herself and finally pursue her dream.
Auntie is a strong, passionate, loving woman. Loveddddd her so much.
Now, Jae. Usually I don't like constant flashbacks in books but for this book I'll make a special exception. Without it Jae would for sure come off as a sexy jackass. 😂 They showed how much he loved her, how much he tried not to be alone but in doing that he dug himself a deeper hole with Verena. I love really love Jae. I loved seeing the emotions and his development throughout the book. Would definitely recommend this book!
Spice: 🌶🌶
Favorite Quote: “I’d be more than happy to beg. And being on my knees just puts me that much closer to what I want."
• Fake Engagement
• He fall first
• Frenemies to Fiancés
• Dual POV
Every time this man begged I swear my eyes rolled back into my head! I reallyyyy enjoyed this book so much.
This is the first Coralee June book I've ever read and I will definitely be checking out her other work.
Verena is frustrated and at her wits end. And for good reason! I really liked seeing her stand up for herself and finally pursue her dream.
Auntie is a strong, passionate, loving woman. Loveddddd her so much.
Now, Jae. Usually I don't like constant flashbacks in books but for this book I'll make a special exception. Without it Jae would for sure come off as a sexy jackass. 😂 They showed how much he loved her, how much he tried not to be alone but in doing that he dug himself a deeper hole with Verena. I love really love Jae. I loved seeing the emotions and his development throughout the book. Would definitely recommend this book!
June 25, 2024
❤️ fake dating/fiance
❤️ workplace romance
❤️ grumpy X Sunshine
3 🌶
I was laughing out loud one minute and sad the next. I loved the FMC and MMC and most of the side characters. I loved how the author captured what many people get caught up in and unfortunately lose sight of what is truly important. Such a good rom-com! Definitely recommend
❤️ workplace romance
❤️ grumpy X Sunshine
3 🌶
I was laughing out loud one minute and sad the next. I loved the FMC and MMC and most of the side characters. I loved how the author captured what many people get caught up in and unfortunately lose sight of what is truly important. Such a good rom-com! Definitely recommend
July 3, 2024
Absolutely loved this story! The tension between Jae and Verena had me hooked until the early hours of the morning. The flashbacks revealing their journey from friends to frenemies were brilliantly crafted. The banter, angst, and pining were so palpable; you could feel every emotion. CoraLee's portrayal of grief and the profound impact of losing someone so important was beautifully written. Despite moments of doubt, CoraLee skillfully guides you towards the HEA you're craving, making Verena's journey truly admirable. And oh, the begging! Highly recommend this emotional rollercoaster!
dnf
July 16, 2024Stopping for now... I'm a mood reader and this one wasn't working for me around the time she got a cat and brought it to his apartment. I felt like I was missing something. I normally LOVE CoraLee June books so I am putting this to the side and hope to try again another time.
July 25, 2024
This book isn’t really a lighthearted fun frenemies to lovers. There are heavy themes throughout it, just as a warning if you weren’t aware like I wasn’t going into this book.
I enjoyed the overall story, it was cute and Auntie was a breath of fresh fun air throughout the book. I did feel like she pushed a little too much but then again with Jae I think it was needed. But poor Verena got pushed around out of guilt the whole book. A lot of this frenemy theme is mainly from miscommunication and ego, not wanting to actually express feelings and not wanting to ruin a friendship.
I think I would have disliked this book more if I didn’t get to see Jae’s POV to see why he reacts the way he does. He has a bad temper and he doesn’t listen. Thankfully you get to see what he was thinking throughout so it made it more bareable.
I think Verena deserved so much better throughout the book. She is essentially just bullied for like 10 years and then is expected to go back to being friends and steamroll over all the inexcusable behavior of Jae. He explains some of it like the tulip thing but it felt weak. Especially when he doesn’t even say ‘oh you love tulips so I am sending you there’ no it’s ‘Auntie loves tulips so hurry along and get those quickly or else.’
He does get better towards the end and I understand he doesn’t want to deal with loss but it doesn’t excuse him using Verena as his punching bag, especially since he was like this for years before the loss. I wasn’t really enjoying their love story until the ending. I just felt like there wasn’t much ‘spark’ or common ground. sometimes relationship are just toxic and you can’t romanticize all your horrible behavior as love. Verena spent so much of the book trying to explain her feelings and Jae not listening and then getting angry and yelling and guilting her instead of listening to her.
I enjoyed seeing the culture throughout this book and enjoyed that they got their HEA and that Jae saw the errors in his ways and spent time fixing them and putting in effort, but man, was it a journey of like 350 pages until you get there.
I love a morally grey character and villain but this just felt like a bully romance to me. Maybe it was one and I just didn’t see that in the description but I just wanted to hold Verena’s hand and to tell Jae to fuck off and have her go live her life.
I enjoyed the overall story, it was cute and Auntie was a breath of fresh fun air throughout the book. I did feel like she pushed a little too much but then again with Jae I think it was needed. But poor Verena got pushed around out of guilt the whole book. A lot of this frenemy theme is mainly from miscommunication and ego, not wanting to actually express feelings and not wanting to ruin a friendship.
I think I would have disliked this book more if I didn’t get to see Jae’s POV to see why he reacts the way he does. He has a bad temper and he doesn’t listen. Thankfully you get to see what he was thinking throughout so it made it more bareable.
I think Verena deserved so much better throughout the book. She is essentially just bullied for like 10 years and then is expected to go back to being friends and steamroll over all the inexcusable behavior of Jae. He explains some of it like the tulip thing but it felt weak. Especially when he doesn’t even say ‘oh you love tulips so I am sending you there’ no it’s ‘Auntie loves tulips so hurry along and get those quickly or else.’
He does get better towards the end and I understand he doesn’t want to deal with loss but it doesn’t excuse him using Verena as his punching bag, especially since he was like this for years before the loss. I wasn’t really enjoying their love story until the ending. I just felt like there wasn’t much ‘spark’ or common ground. sometimes relationship are just toxic and you can’t romanticize all your horrible behavior as love. Verena spent so much of the book trying to explain her feelings and Jae not listening and then getting angry and yelling and guilting her instead of listening to her.
I enjoyed seeing the culture throughout this book and enjoyed that they got their HEA and that Jae saw the errors in his ways and spent time fixing them and putting in effort, but man, was it a journey of like 350 pages until you get there.
I love a morally grey character and villain but this just felt like a bully romance to me. Maybe it was one and I just didn’t see that in the description but I just wanted to hold Verena’s hand and to tell Jae to fuck off and have her go live her life.
June 26, 2024
We love a begging man.
It may seem impossible to find a book that will have you both cackling and also awkwardly crying in public, and yet here we are! Two things that CoraLee does better than anyone else are hilarious banter and angst and with this one she manages to weave those together impeccably! Plus the way she jumps into tropes like boss/assistant, fake fiance, frenemies to lovers, and workplace romance is a freaking delight!
The book will definitely give you vibes like the movie Two Weeks Notice as we first meet Verena and share the palpable annoyance she has for her boss and former close friend, Jae. And I’m not gonna sugarcoat it, you’ll want to strangle that man consistently in this book. Jae has become Verena’s worst nightmare, an arrogant and selfish CEO stereotype that doesn’t see her worth, but luckily his Auntie’s illness gives him cause to propose a fake fiance arrangement, giving him the opportunity to prove to Verena that he’s not really that person. I mean, not completely, because I don’t think Jae can ever lose his cocky persona completely. (And we’d never want him to!) CoraLee puts this man through his paces and luckily makes him prove that he is deserving of Verena. You know the best way she does that? Through some light whimpering and a bit of begging of course, because she’s out here doing the lord’s work!
Auntie is one of the best secondary characters I’ve ever read and she truly saved Verena and Jae from a life of regret. If you follow CoraLee, you know she’s dealt with her share of grief over the years and that’s clear in the way she handles Auntie’s illness and the way Jae and Verena have to process her loss. This part of the book was so poignant and felt truly authentic to my own personal experience with grief.
This book will have everything you’re looking for and will have you laughing until you cry and then crying just because, but don’t worry, Cora will always leave you with a smile by the end of it!
It may seem impossible to find a book that will have you both cackling and also awkwardly crying in public, and yet here we are! Two things that CoraLee does better than anyone else are hilarious banter and angst and with this one she manages to weave those together impeccably! Plus the way she jumps into tropes like boss/assistant, fake fiance, frenemies to lovers, and workplace romance is a freaking delight!
The book will definitely give you vibes like the movie Two Weeks Notice as we first meet Verena and share the palpable annoyance she has for her boss and former close friend, Jae. And I’m not gonna sugarcoat it, you’ll want to strangle that man consistently in this book. Jae has become Verena’s worst nightmare, an arrogant and selfish CEO stereotype that doesn’t see her worth, but luckily his Auntie’s illness gives him cause to propose a fake fiance arrangement, giving him the opportunity to prove to Verena that he’s not really that person. I mean, not completely, because I don’t think Jae can ever lose his cocky persona completely. (And we’d never want him to!) CoraLee puts this man through his paces and luckily makes him prove that he is deserving of Verena. You know the best way she does that? Through some light whimpering and a bit of begging of course, because she’s out here doing the lord’s work!
Auntie is one of the best secondary characters I’ve ever read and she truly saved Verena and Jae from a life of regret. If you follow CoraLee, you know she’s dealt with her share of grief over the years and that’s clear in the way she handles Auntie’s illness and the way Jae and Verena have to process her loss. This part of the book was so poignant and felt truly authentic to my own personal experience with grief.
This book will have everything you’re looking for and will have you laughing until you cry and then crying just because, but don’t worry, Cora will always leave you with a smile by the end of it!
June 28, 2024
The End In Friends is the all new standalone by CoraLee. I was so excited when she switched gears and started writing RomComs. Her books are laugh out loud funny and so freaking steamy. I picked up The End In Friends with expectations of a light hearted read full of banter, laughter and dirty smexy times. Well I got that and so much more! When I tell you this book made me ugly cry, I mean reading in public, and strangers asking me if I was ok. The depth and complexity of Jae and Verena’s relationship is such a roller coaster of emotions. Yes, this book has so many amazing tropes, but it truly is much more than just a workplace romance, so much more than a fake relationship, so much more than friends to frenemies to lovers. Jae and Verena’s relationship spans 10 years of ups and downs, their lives are woven so tightly together, that it breaks your heart to see them falling apart. I love how we begin by looking in on the relationship as just an outside perspective, that does not paint Jae in a great light. As the plot progresses and we see both POV’s and flashbacks, we begin to see where they started and how it came to be in present time. Verena is so sassy and so relatable you can’t help but fall for her and want all the good things. Jae is definitely an arrogant and overbearing guy, and he definitely has to work for book boyfriend status, but when you get into his reasoning your perspective changes. Jae’s aunt and Verena’s mom truly take this book to the next level. The found family aspect of this book and the love and loyalty is so heartwarming. The character growth from everyone is insane - you will laugh, you will swoon, you will definitely cry. This is such a hard earned HEA and one heck of an emotional journey. I couldn’t put this one down it is a must read!
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July 15, 2024An entertaining and emotional read, I was hooked from start to finish! There were times I wanted to shake Jae until his teeth rattled when it came to how he treated Verena. I liked how we got to see the evolution of their friendship from their college days, through the early days when Jae founded his company, even the dissolution of their friendship to nothing more than boss/employee.
Not gonna lie, Jae definitely comes across as a major AH, and I want to say I understand to an extent, but man, some of his actions and comments are downright awful, it seemed like he didn’t take the time to make rational decisions, he definitely reacts without stopping to hear any other thoughts or ideas, he makes it seem like if you disagree with him he’ll seek some type of retribution against you. I loved the secondary characters, especially Auntie, she’s fantastic, and her wisdom and insights even had me reflecting on choices I’ve made in my life. Now, there’s one second addy character who got a lot more time in the story than I would have liked, and I do wish there would have been more fallout from their actions and behavior, especially in regards to their interactions with Jae.
I was really in Verena’s corner when she took charge at that point in time, with how she organized Jae’s immediate future and made it possible that he’d have to live in the moment. My heart broke at the appropriate moment of the story, because it kind of reminded me of a loss I experienced when I was younger, but seeing how Jae handled it all was surprising because I loved that he finally began to live instead of existing. I do hope there’s going to be a story about Luke and Laura (who remembers those names from General Hospital) lol.
Not gonna lie, Jae definitely comes across as a major AH, and I want to say I understand to an extent, but man, some of his actions and comments are downright awful, it seemed like he didn’t take the time to make rational decisions, he definitely reacts without stopping to hear any other thoughts or ideas, he makes it seem like if you disagree with him he’ll seek some type of retribution against you. I loved the secondary characters, especially Auntie, she’s fantastic, and her wisdom and insights even had me reflecting on choices I’ve made in my life. Now, there’s one second addy character who got a lot more time in the story than I would have liked, and I do wish there would have been more fallout from their actions and behavior, especially in regards to their interactions with Jae.
I was really in Verena’s corner when she took charge at that point in time, with how she organized Jae’s immediate future and made it possible that he’d have to live in the moment. My heart broke at the appropriate moment of the story, because it kind of reminded me of a loss I experienced when I was younger, but seeing how Jae handled it all was surprising because I loved that he finally began to live instead of existing. I do hope there’s going to be a story about Luke and Laura (who remembers those names from General Hospital) lol.
July 7, 2024
Format: 📱 eBook 📱
This was a surprisingly emotional read. I went into it based on the tropes - frenemies to lovers, fake engagement, and a man who is not afraid to beg (and holy smokes, did June deliver on that front) rom-com - but what ended up being delivered was this fantastically emotional, deep story that had me reaching for the tissues a few times, but also giggling and swooning, too. It really was a rollercoaster ride of emotions with a hidden message.
Initially I felt the book started on the slower side, but once we hit the crux of the narrative, it just flowed, and I then could not put the book down; I was actually kind of mad at my body for demanding sleep because I just needed to get to the end of the book to see how it all worked out.
The characters were great, and I loved not only the amazing Asian heritage June wrote for Jae, but also how he heavily played on the aspect of family. I felt that the family aspect of the book was almost more important than the romantic element - but that was not a deterrent in any way at all. If anything, it's what kept me reading.
This book deals with some heavy topics, but June writes it in such a way that you truly empathise with, but also have you smiling at the same time; and when the happily ever after does come, you can't help but smile a cheesy smile and be excited for the characters, despite all they've gone through in the book. (I won't lie, Jae's begging now lives rent free in my head, so props to June for that aspect, too).
Thank you to the author and @chaoticcreativeservices for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
This was a surprisingly emotional read. I went into it based on the tropes - frenemies to lovers, fake engagement, and a man who is not afraid to beg (and holy smokes, did June deliver on that front) rom-com - but what ended up being delivered was this fantastically emotional, deep story that had me reaching for the tissues a few times, but also giggling and swooning, too. It really was a rollercoaster ride of emotions with a hidden message.
Initially I felt the book started on the slower side, but once we hit the crux of the narrative, it just flowed, and I then could not put the book down; I was actually kind of mad at my body for demanding sleep because I just needed to get to the end of the book to see how it all worked out.
The characters were great, and I loved not only the amazing Asian heritage June wrote for Jae, but also how he heavily played on the aspect of family. I felt that the family aspect of the book was almost more important than the romantic element - but that was not a deterrent in any way at all. If anything, it's what kept me reading.
This book deals with some heavy topics, but June writes it in such a way that you truly empathise with, but also have you smiling at the same time; and when the happily ever after does come, you can't help but smile a cheesy smile and be excited for the characters, despite all they've gone through in the book. (I won't lie, Jae's begging now lives rent free in my head, so props to June for that aspect, too).
Thank you to the author and @chaoticcreativeservices for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
July 22, 2024
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙗𝙮 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯'
📖𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥
I was lucky enough to beta read this! I absolutely hated Jae in the beginning and wanted to punch him, but as the story went on I feel in love with him. Jae is so misunderstood and hides behind a mask of indifference. Verena aka Vee I loved! I was clapping when she finally stood up for herself!
My favorite character has to be Auntie though! Auntie added so much laughter throughout the entire story! Absolutely recommend
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
- Romcom
- Friends to enemies to friends to lovers
- Fake dating
- Workplace romance
- Boss/employee
- Billionaire
- He falls first
- Dual pov
- Spicy
- HEA
𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗕:
From frenemies to fake fiancés, what could possibly go wrong?
Jae is a control freak with an ego bigger than Manhattan and a smirk that makes me want to slap it off his absurdly handsome face.
Once my best friend, now my overbearing boss, Jae pushed me to the brink. So, I quit.
Or at least I tried to.
Jae, the devil in designer suits, digs up a contract clause that chains me to him for another six months. Just when I think things can't get worse, he drops his latest bombshell: he wants me to be his fake fiancé.
Now, I'm stuck playing house with the man who tops my nemesis list.
Each staged kiss and faux embrace blurs the lines, making me question what's real and what's just part of the act.
And to make things even more confusing, Jae might be an arrogant boss at work, but as my fake fiancé, he's turning into something else entirely. Something dangerously close to the man I once loved.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯'
📖𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥
I was lucky enough to beta read this! I absolutely hated Jae in the beginning and wanted to punch him, but as the story went on I feel in love with him. Jae is so misunderstood and hides behind a mask of indifference. Verena aka Vee I loved! I was clapping when she finally stood up for herself!
My favorite character has to be Auntie though! Auntie added so much laughter throughout the entire story! Absolutely recommend
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
- Romcom
- Friends to enemies to friends to lovers
- Fake dating
- Workplace romance
- Boss/employee
- Billionaire
- He falls first
- Dual pov
- Spicy
- HEA
𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗕:
From frenemies to fake fiancés, what could possibly go wrong?
Jae is a control freak with an ego bigger than Manhattan and a smirk that makes me want to slap it off his absurdly handsome face.
Once my best friend, now my overbearing boss, Jae pushed me to the brink. So, I quit.
Or at least I tried to.
Jae, the devil in designer suits, digs up a contract clause that chains me to him for another six months. Just when I think things can't get worse, he drops his latest bombshell: he wants me to be his fake fiancé.
Now, I'm stuck playing house with the man who tops my nemesis list.
Each staged kiss and faux embrace blurs the lines, making me question what's real and what's just part of the act.
And to make things even more confusing, Jae might be an arrogant boss at work, but as my fake fiancé, he's turning into something else entirely. Something dangerously close to the man I once loved.
November 5, 2024
That was cute. I don't usually enjoy friends to lovers because you spend so much of the book with one (or both) of them refusing to admit their feelings. So friends, to frenimeies, to lovers was a nice change. There are some flashbacks that I think are mostly there to show us that Jae has always had feelings for Verena, but I wasn't a huge fan, because it's the whole, him not wanting to ruin their friendship, then he overhears a conversation and overreacts like 5 years prior.
Verena is also to blame here though, she never really came out and told Jae about how their relationship didn't seem like a friendship any more and how that bothered her. She just continued to keep sucking it up to support him.
Now, Jae is a man willing to beg though, and hot damn did that work for him!
For what I didn't like:
A lot of the conversations felt forced and unnatural in their cadence.
The side characters of her high school friends Luke and Laura was just off. Luke was still living in the glory days, even those they're all like 32-33 now. And their whole thing kinda felt like they only stayed friends because they live by her mom still and not because the friendship was serving anyone. I couldn't tell if this was an attempt to set up another story. Same with the two men that show up at that bachelor/bachelorette party - they add zero value to the story other than stirring the pot, unless Danny and Sin are gunna get their own story later?
Verena is also to blame here though, she never really came out and told Jae about how their relationship didn't seem like a friendship any more and how that bothered her. She just continued to keep sucking it up to support him.
Now, Jae is a man willing to beg though, and hot damn did that work for him!
For what I didn't like:
A lot of the conversations felt forced and unnatural in their cadence.
The side characters of her high school friends Luke and Laura was just off. Luke was still living in the glory days, even those they're all like 32-33 now. And their whole thing kinda felt like they only stayed friends because they live by her mom still and not because the friendship was serving anyone. I couldn't tell if this was an attempt to set up another story. Same with the two men that show up at that bachelor/bachelorette party - they add zero value to the story other than stirring the pot, unless Danny and Sin are gunna get their own story later?
June 29, 2024
Jae and Verena were best friends in college, both too afraid to make the first move. After college, Jae offers Verena a job so she can have a steady paycheck while she writes her book. Over the course of ten years, Verena hasn't written her book because her job has taken over her life. Jae's company grew and he forgot how to be her friend, not just her boss.
When he forgets her birthday, its the proverbial straw. Verena quits and Jae immediately panics because he can't function without her. Jae's Auntie returns from Korea with news that her cancer is back, and she wants Jae to find happiness before she dies. Thus the fake fiance. Verena loves Auntie and would do anything to bring her happiness, even pretend she doesn't hate her former best friend and now former boss.
I laughed, I cried. And then I cried some more. You will love Auntie, as every character loves her. She is a vibrant life that ends too soon, forcing Jae to reevaulate his life.
Jae is a character you will love, you will hate, you're heart will break for. But the man can grovel, he can beg, he can right his wrongs to win over the only woman he's ever loved. And finally fit some life into a work-life balance.
Jae and Verena each have someone who tries to sabotage their "relationship" but it doesn't cross the line of OM/OW, in my opinion, because neither gives any indication of wanting that attention.
When he forgets her birthday, its the proverbial straw. Verena quits and Jae immediately panics because he can't function without her. Jae's Auntie returns from Korea with news that her cancer is back, and she wants Jae to find happiness before she dies. Thus the fake fiance. Verena loves Auntie and would do anything to bring her happiness, even pretend she doesn't hate her former best friend and now former boss.
I laughed, I cried. And then I cried some more. You will love Auntie, as every character loves her. She is a vibrant life that ends too soon, forcing Jae to reevaulate his life.
Jae is a character you will love, you will hate, you're heart will break for. But the man can grovel, he can beg, he can right his wrongs to win over the only woman he's ever loved. And finally fit some life into a work-life balance.
Jae and Verena each have someone who tries to sabotage their "relationship" but it doesn't cross the line of OM/OW, in my opinion, because neither gives any indication of wanting that attention.
July 1, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Jae and Verena. These two have been best friends since college. Once out of college he became her boss and she was his assistant. However, things really begin to change and he is turning into a bossy, rude, inconsiderate boss and she is not taking it anymore. She has gone from his best friend to now being treated just like she is an employee only and she finally gets brave and quits. I know this decision was super hard for her in some way and in others a no brainier. I wouldn't like either if my best friend forgot that we were friends and only focused on work and was so bossy toward me. This is a situation where you have to be able to take working with your bestie on the chin, but this is beyond just taking in on the chin a time or two. It's like he totally forgets about anything but business. Now, though he needs her and come up with a six month plan to keep her in his life. Fake fiance's is the plan he comes up with. What follows makes this story really great. I loved the flashbacks. I loved that these two were such good friends and have to fight for that friendship and ever the more of it all. I can't leave out Auntie. She is such a great characters. Without her this s Tory wouldn't have happened. This was a great little book. I really loved reading it.
This is the story of Jae and Verena. These two have been best friends since college. Once out of college he became her boss and she was his assistant. However, things really begin to change and he is turning into a bossy, rude, inconsiderate boss and she is not taking it anymore. She has gone from his best friend to now being treated just like she is an employee only and she finally gets brave and quits. I know this decision was super hard for her in some way and in others a no brainier. I wouldn't like either if my best friend forgot that we were friends and only focused on work and was so bossy toward me. This is a situation where you have to be able to take working with your bestie on the chin, but this is beyond just taking in on the chin a time or two. It's like he totally forgets about anything but business. Now, though he needs her and come up with a six month plan to keep her in his life. Fake fiance's is the plan he comes up with. What follows makes this story really great. I loved the flashbacks. I loved that these two were such good friends and have to fight for that friendship and ever the more of it all. I can't leave out Auntie. She is such a great characters. Without her this s Tory wouldn't have happened. This was a great little book. I really loved reading it.
August 1, 2024
Jae and Verena are the cutest.
Verena is a person who is level-headed, organized, a planner, caring and such a good friend. I love how she always thinks everything through, how she has everything planned, how she actually finds the guts to quit her job, how she cares so deeply for auntie, her mom and her friends. I love how she puts others before her, but for once puts herself before. I love her relationship with her mom and auntie, it's carefree, filled with love, laughter and everything. I love how she writes her book, how she listens to auntie and focuses on finding herself before she gets in the mess again with Jae, how even though she may be hurting, she won't let others see it.
Jae is a workaholic who has forgotten that Verena used to be his best friend before she became his assistant. He cares so deeply for her, but somewhere along the way forgets to show it. He works himself to the bone and finds so many different excuses to keep Verena with him. I love how he finally realised the importance of family, how he started to not work all day. The moment where he confesses that on holidays, he used to find work excuses to meet Verena just because he felt so lonely and wanted to be with her, was really the most beautiful of them all.
The End in Friends is such a cute, wholesome romance book which I completely love and adore. It had everything from the fights, to the emotional moments, to the confessions, to the humorous scenes, to the romantic ones.
For anyone wanting a cute, cozy romance filled with sarcasm and beautiful flashbacks and a MMC trying everything to win over the FMC in his way....this is for you.
xoxo
Verena is a person who is level-headed, organized, a planner, caring and such a good friend. I love how she always thinks everything through, how she has everything planned, how she actually finds the guts to quit her job, how she cares so deeply for auntie, her mom and her friends. I love how she puts others before her, but for once puts herself before. I love her relationship with her mom and auntie, it's carefree, filled with love, laughter and everything. I love how she writes her book, how she listens to auntie and focuses on finding herself before she gets in the mess again with Jae, how even though she may be hurting, she won't let others see it.
Jae is a workaholic who has forgotten that Verena used to be his best friend before she became his assistant. He cares so deeply for her, but somewhere along the way forgets to show it. He works himself to the bone and finds so many different excuses to keep Verena with him. I love how he finally realised the importance of family, how he started to not work all day. The moment where he confesses that on holidays, he used to find work excuses to meet Verena just because he felt so lonely and wanted to be with her, was really the most beautiful of them all.
The End in Friends is such a cute, wholesome romance book which I completely love and adore. It had everything from the fights, to the emotional moments, to the confessions, to the humorous scenes, to the romantic ones.
For anyone wanting a cute, cozy romance filled with sarcasm and beautiful flashbacks and a MMC trying everything to win over the FMC in his way....this is for you.
xoxo
June 24, 2024
🩷Fake Fiancé
🌸 Friends to enemies to lovers
💘Work Place / Office
🌼Interracial Relationship
🌷Grumpy / Sunshine
Me: Oh this will be a funny yet swoony rom com
Coralee: hold the phone, I’m going to make you an emotional mess in the process.
Girly literally had me tearing up by chapter 5. What did she put in this book? Crack, obviously. Rarely does a book had me laughing and smiling one moment, but also so emotionally connected that I’m crying the next. I found aspects of this book so relatable personally… the feelings I got when Verena realizes how much their friendship has changed… the hurt to felt when they became more frenemies the friends. I felt everything along with her.
Jae our MMC is so scared of losing Verena the person who keeps his chaotic. Work driven life in check… propositions Verena as a way to not lose her. Jae definitely struggles with how emotions, and is our grumpy to Verena’s sunshine. She is strong and resilient, and even when she goes along with Jae’s plan… does not make it easy on him.
The banter, the growth… and coming back together, the love, the loss… mixed with some found family dynamics and I just was so hooked and in love with this story.
🌸 Friends to enemies to lovers
💘Work Place / Office
🌼Interracial Relationship
🌷Grumpy / Sunshine
Me: Oh this will be a funny yet swoony rom com
Coralee: hold the phone, I’m going to make you an emotional mess in the process.
Girly literally had me tearing up by chapter 5. What did she put in this book? Crack, obviously. Rarely does a book had me laughing and smiling one moment, but also so emotionally connected that I’m crying the next. I found aspects of this book so relatable personally… the feelings I got when Verena realizes how much their friendship has changed… the hurt to felt when they became more frenemies the friends. I felt everything along with her.
Jae our MMC is so scared of losing Verena the person who keeps his chaotic. Work driven life in check… propositions Verena as a way to not lose her. Jae definitely struggles with how emotions, and is our grumpy to Verena’s sunshine. She is strong and resilient, and even when she goes along with Jae’s plan… does not make it easy on him.
The banter, the growth… and coming back together, the love, the loss… mixed with some found family dynamics and I just was so hooked and in love with this story.
June 28, 2024
4.5 stars of absolute enjoyment.
I was so engrossed with this book. It was beautifully written and elicited so many emotions within me. This plot was so unique, it addressed such a delicate and relatable issue with so much heart and grace, which I loved. Coralee wrote a heatwarming perspective of handling grief and a difficult situation. She is such a talented writer, the way the story unfolded made me go from not being Jae's biggest fan to absolutely loving him especially after I got insight into his past actions and attitude and realised just how deep rooted his love for Verena was.
I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between these two from the rediscovery of their friendship to the development of their relationship into something more.The chemistry between them was electrifying. They always had this underlying attraction which they refused to acknowledged but when they finally did...damn was it hawwtt.
I loved all the side characters, Auntie was sweet and funny, Verena's mom was a mom everyone wants and her friends were amazing.
This book was totally captivating and I couldn't put it down, it had me laughing,crying, and swooning. This is a must read that will be pulling at your heart strings.
I was so engrossed with this book. It was beautifully written and elicited so many emotions within me. This plot was so unique, it addressed such a delicate and relatable issue with so much heart and grace, which I loved. Coralee wrote a heatwarming perspective of handling grief and a difficult situation. She is such a talented writer, the way the story unfolded made me go from not being Jae's biggest fan to absolutely loving him especially after I got insight into his past actions and attitude and realised just how deep rooted his love for Verena was.
I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between these two from the rediscovery of their friendship to the development of their relationship into something more.The chemistry between them was electrifying. They always had this underlying attraction which they refused to acknowledged but when they finally did...damn was it hawwtt.
I loved all the side characters, Auntie was sweet and funny, Verena's mom was a mom everyone wants and her friends were amazing.
This book was totally captivating and I couldn't put it down, it had me laughing,crying, and swooning. This is a must read that will be pulling at your heart strings.
July 6, 2024
This is my first Coralee June book but will not be my last!
Verena is a typical assistant to a high paced, self-absorbed, forgetful CEO, with one major difference, Jae, aforementioned CEO, is her best friend. Since college Jae and Verena have been inseparable. What is not seen is that Verena is at Jae's beck and call for work. He has called her in on holidays, taken her away on business trips last minute, but the final straw was when Jae told Verena that she should not waste time on things so trivial, like her birthday.
Verena decides that she has had enough and hands in her resignation, trying to end their business relationship, however their personal relationship is about to go through a MAJOR change. When Jae's auntie visits and discloses a life changing decision, Jae has no choice but to claim Serena is his fiancé, and how can Serena deny her Auntie's last wish.
In this hilarious romantic comedy, you'll find two characters who have been hiding their feelings for each other for the better part of a decade. Add a whole lot of spice and you have all the makings for a happy ending. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, but also don't make plans so you can loose yourself in a story about love, loss, and friendship.
Verena is a typical assistant to a high paced, self-absorbed, forgetful CEO, with one major difference, Jae, aforementioned CEO, is her best friend. Since college Jae and Verena have been inseparable. What is not seen is that Verena is at Jae's beck and call for work. He has called her in on holidays, taken her away on business trips last minute, but the final straw was when Jae told Verena that she should not waste time on things so trivial, like her birthday.
Verena decides that she has had enough and hands in her resignation, trying to end their business relationship, however their personal relationship is about to go through a MAJOR change. When Jae's auntie visits and discloses a life changing decision, Jae has no choice but to claim Serena is his fiancé, and how can Serena deny her Auntie's last wish.
In this hilarious romantic comedy, you'll find two characters who have been hiding their feelings for each other for the better part of a decade. Add a whole lot of spice and you have all the makings for a happy ending. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, but also don't make plans so you can loose yourself in a story about love, loss, and friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
A roller coaster of emotions
I have been in a slump and extremely selective over the past few months and this hooked me from page 1. I read this overnight after driving 12 hours and no sleep in over 24 hours. I thought I was dead on my feet and had some time while I tried to go to sleep so figured I'd download some light reading for my trip. Wow! Light reading? Sure.. to an extent. But the emotional roller coaster this book gave me was needed on such a deep level. The deep connections I was able to build with the characters was fantastic and kept me on edge all night. From tears, to understanding, to chills and goosebumps, to butterflies and multiple times where I found I wasn't breathing.
The character development is excellent. They grew from every single little experience and situation they were put in, making a beautiful masterpiece in the end. They are so relatable in every way, their motives, their love language, how they deal with stressful situations, their loyalty and work ethic. Every aspect was relatable in some way. I learned a lot about myself and how I can try to be better too.
5/5 would recommend.
I have been in a slump and extremely selective over the past few months and this hooked me from page 1. I read this overnight after driving 12 hours and no sleep in over 24 hours. I thought I was dead on my feet and had some time while I tried to go to sleep so figured I'd download some light reading for my trip. Wow! Light reading? Sure.. to an extent. But the emotional roller coaster this book gave me was needed on such a deep level. The deep connections I was able to build with the characters was fantastic and kept me on edge all night. From tears, to understanding, to chills and goosebumps, to butterflies and multiple times where I found I wasn't breathing.
The character development is excellent. They grew from every single little experience and situation they were put in, making a beautiful masterpiece in the end. They are so relatable in every way, their motives, their love language, how they deal with stressful situations, their loyalty and work ethic. Every aspect was relatable in some way. I learned a lot about myself and how I can try to be better too.
5/5 would recommend.
June 23, 2024
I don't think I've ever laughed and cried at the same time.
This book has it all, it was heartbreakingly beautiful.
Verena and Jae had been friends for years, now she's just his assistant and he's a huge jackass. Somewhere along the way he started caring more about work than he did her, he's that self centred that when she gave in her resignation he had no idea why. He wasn't prepared to let her go and thats how the fake engagement started. There's alot more to it but I won't spoil it.
It took me a while to warm up to Jae but I ended up absolutely loving him, I loved Verena from the start, she's so sassy and feisty. There chemistry and raw heat was on point! I read it in one sitting because i could not put it down, from cover to cover it completely consumed me. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions but I would not have had it any other way.
Auntie was by far my favourite side character EVER , I loved her so much!!
Ends in friends is an amazing read, filled with life, love, laughter and heartbreak, it's a must read.
This book has it all, it was heartbreakingly beautiful.
Verena and Jae had been friends for years, now she's just his assistant and he's a huge jackass. Somewhere along the way he started caring more about work than he did her, he's that self centred that when she gave in her resignation he had no idea why. He wasn't prepared to let her go and thats how the fake engagement started. There's alot more to it but I won't spoil it.
It took me a while to warm up to Jae but I ended up absolutely loving him, I loved Verena from the start, she's so sassy and feisty. There chemistry and raw heat was on point! I read it in one sitting because i could not put it down, from cover to cover it completely consumed me. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions but I would not have had it any other way.
Auntie was by far my favourite side character EVER , I loved her so much!!
Ends in friends is an amazing read, filled with life, love, laughter and heartbreak, it's a must read.
June 26, 2024
The End in Friends tells the story of Verena and Jae who became best friends in college and transitioned to Verena becoming Jae's assistant for his company once they graduated. Over the next ten years, their relationship suffers as Jae is unable to leave the work at work and expects Verena to be at his beck and call 24/7. When Verena has finally had enough and decides to hand in her resignation, Jae is able to dig up a contract clause to keep her around for another 6 months and to make things more frustrating by also insisting that she become his fake fiancé!
The story deals with some pretty heavy topics but manages to slide in the comedic scenes at just the right time. It went beyond the usual missed chances you get with friends to lovers and dived deep into lots of miscommunication (or lack of communication). With the way the story plays out, it was probably for the best that they never acted on their feelings as both had a lot of growing up to do and lots of self-discovery to work out.
The story deals with some pretty heavy topics but manages to slide in the comedic scenes at just the right time. It went beyond the usual missed chances you get with friends to lovers and dived deep into lots of miscommunication (or lack of communication). With the way the story plays out, it was probably for the best that they never acted on their feelings as both had a lot of growing up to do and lots of self-discovery to work out.
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