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In the Friend Zone: A friends to lovers football romance.
228 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2026
About the author
Christina Hovland
51 books1,321 followersChristina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale: an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, the sweetest dog around, and now Chloe, the wonder pup.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 4, 2026
ARC review**** Thanks to BookSirens. My opinions are my own.
My first Christina Hovland book, In the Friend Zone is book two in the Mile High Stallions series. I easily eased into book two as a stand-alone, but after finishing, I’ve purchased book one to experience as well. The side characters introduced, especially the couple from book one, are all very likable and brought the humor and camaraderie we expect from an ensemble cast of teammates. Told in alternating chapters, our MMC, Finn takes a low hit durning a football game, landing him in the ER, icing his nether region. There is a whole scene where the doctor is explaining how the cup was faulty, had me cackling out loud. Emily is a big time corporate lawyer who just finished the case of her life, but it’s left her reeling from the lows she had to do to win. Her brother’s best friend since childhood is Finn and when she sees the hit, she heads to the hospital right away. Emily has always had a crush on Finn growing up, but she was just an annoying little sister to Elliot. Due to Finns delicate condition, Emily moves in with him temporarily to help. They’ve always valued their friendship, which is why all the times of “almost” kisses neither of them let it happen. But with their forced proximity, Emily can’t hide Finn seeing her misery due to her job and his support for her new path really made him so much more endearing. The fact that type A Emily can let down all expectations of her and let Finn see her failures, it made them inseparable. Elliott finds out and throws a fit but it was short lived. Everyone could see the love and respect. I loved the ladies who followed Emily on her Jerry McGuire moment, Dallas my favorite needs a good man. The angst was low and the humor was in spades, I definitely recommend after an emotionally tough read where you just want to laugh and bask in their HEA.
My first Christina Hovland book, In the Friend Zone is book two in the Mile High Stallions series. I easily eased into book two as a stand-alone, but after finishing, I’ve purchased book one to experience as well. The side characters introduced, especially the couple from book one, are all very likable and brought the humor and camaraderie we expect from an ensemble cast of teammates. Told in alternating chapters, our MMC, Finn takes a low hit durning a football game, landing him in the ER, icing his nether region. There is a whole scene where the doctor is explaining how the cup was faulty, had me cackling out loud. Emily is a big time corporate lawyer who just finished the case of her life, but it’s left her reeling from the lows she had to do to win. Her brother’s best friend since childhood is Finn and when she sees the hit, she heads to the hospital right away. Emily has always had a crush on Finn growing up, but she was just an annoying little sister to Elliot. Due to Finns delicate condition, Emily moves in with him temporarily to help. They’ve always valued their friendship, which is why all the times of “almost” kisses neither of them let it happen. But with their forced proximity, Emily can’t hide Finn seeing her misery due to her job and his support for her new path really made him so much more endearing. The fact that type A Emily can let down all expectations of her and let Finn see her failures, it made them inseparable. Elliott finds out and throws a fit but it was short lived. Everyone could see the love and respect. I loved the ladies who followed Emily on her Jerry McGuire moment, Dallas my favorite needs a good man. The angst was low and the humor was in spades, I definitely recommend after an emotionally tough read where you just want to laugh and bask in their HEA.
April 26, 2026
even better than planned
Finn and Emily have been secretly pining for each other long enough, so the good in their bad situation is that they finally find the courage to follow their hearts and give their chance at a HEA a go.
Finn and Emily have been secretly pining for each other long enough, so the good in their bad situation is that they finally find the courage to follow their hearts and give their chance at a HEA a go.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews