Friend Zoned

by Samantha Hastings

224 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 17, 2026

About the author

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going on my bookshelf as one of my favorites. I love these characters.
Dan and Trina are so loveable. Dan is sweet, kind, athletic, and outgoing. He has also been best friends with Trina since birth, basically. Trina is smart, determined and has loved Dan for a very long time.

I love how their relationship continues to evolve and change, sometimes for good, sometimes not. But like the book says, "Friends can be a great start to a relationship."

Thank you to Samantha Hastings for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own and this is a voluntary review.

[Amanda Fristrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the realistically flawed characters and realistic timeline in this cute, sweet story. I am glad every time I read a book with a healthy relationship, and this one was full of green flags between the main characters, but also their families. I also enjoyed the references to books throughout; they were a subtle and fun way to bring in avid readers.

[Laramee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy friends to more with second chance romance you will love this sweet story!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I read a book in one sitting. This one kept til the end.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fun! I loved the characters and their journey of getting reacquainted! It was delightful! And yummy!

Thanks to the author for this story, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute romcom.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!