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End Zone
When a wide receiver falls in love with his best friend, does he have what it takes to get out of the friend zone?LeahI’ve always been in love with my best friend.
But he’s never seen me in a romantic light.
At least, not until he sees me on a date with another guy.
Heath Larson is sexy, athletic, and a nerd at heart.
When the truth comes out, will we risk our friendship for a chance at love?
Join the 'Curvy Catch' series for heart-racing tales where gridiron glory meets curvy romance, scoring touchdowns in love and life.
But he’s never seen me in a romantic light.
At least, not until he sees me on a date with another guy.
Heath Larson is sexy, athletic, and a nerd at heart.
When the truth comes out, will we risk our friendship for a chance at love?
Join the 'Curvy Catch' series for heart-racing tales where gridiron glory meets curvy romance, scoring touchdowns in love and life.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2021
32 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Cruz
126 books258 followersC.L. Cruz writes short, steamy romance with curvy girls and the men who love them. She is a single mom of two kids currently seeking her own happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 28, 2021
It is only befitting that, Heath is having his epiphany about, Leah at the game. Because, he had to deal with his feelings, of jealousy, how he is truly feeling about, Leah, and how he is taking her, for granted in their relationship. He is able to look, at Leah as a woman, and not only his wingman, and friend. As he starts to see her beauty, to notice how voluptuous she is, so very smart, and so much, more.
Of course, this is all after, the guys had been teasing him, before the game, about Leah being his one, and him, denying it. Then, during the game, he happens to look into the stands, and sees, Leah and they, wave to each other. The next thing he knows, some guy sits down next, to her. Now he’s wondering, “Is she on, a date?” His heckles are, now up. She never mentioned it, to him, and he feels like his territory has now, been invaded, or is that jealousy? He has no idea, he’s never had it before, but especially for, Leah, but she's never dated. That he’s, known of.
The very sexy-sweet story, of two very good best friends, of over twenty years, who are changing from the friend’s zone to, so much more. The transition is not going as well as, Heath had hoped. Time for that defining moment. To let, Leah know he, is serious. Does it help her, or scare her? Read and see.
Of course, this is all after, the guys had been teasing him, before the game, about Leah being his one, and him, denying it. Then, during the game, he happens to look into the stands, and sees, Leah and they, wave to each other. The next thing he knows, some guy sits down next, to her. Now he’s wondering, “Is she on, a date?” His heckles are, now up. She never mentioned it, to him, and he feels like his territory has now, been invaded, or is that jealousy? He has no idea, he’s never had it before, but especially for, Leah, but she's never dated. That he’s, known of.
The very sexy-sweet story, of two very good best friends, of over twenty years, who are changing from the friend’s zone to, so much more. The transition is not going as well as, Heath had hoped. Time for that defining moment. To let, Leah know he, is serious. Does it help her, or scare her? Read and see.
May 27, 2021
Heath and Leah have been best friends for years. They are opposite with playing football and her a computer nerd. They know each other's likes and dislikes.
Until one night they were doing their hanging when he noticed her more as a sexy woman instead of his best friend. He started making little jesters like to ing her a kiss on her forehead or making her her coffee the way she likes or making sure e has the snacks she likes he best. Then one day at a game Heath spots her with some guy. He sees the kiss cam, and he's not gonna lets some other guy kiss his girl. He leaves the bench runs to where she is and he kissed her. She's shocked but kisses back, however she is on a date with another guy.
She leaves with the guy but still is thinking about Heath. Neither one ever wanted to pursue each other because they didn't want to ruin their friendship. After that kiss things moved rather quickly since they already knew so much about each other. They both knew they already really loved each other. She moved in with him and couldn't be happier. Now their feelings are out there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Until one night they were doing their hanging when he noticed her more as a sexy woman instead of his best friend. He started making little jesters like to ing her a kiss on her forehead or making her her coffee the way she likes or making sure e has the snacks she likes he best. Then one day at a game Heath spots her with some guy. He sees the kiss cam, and he's not gonna lets some other guy kiss his girl. He leaves the bench runs to where she is and he kissed her. She's shocked but kisses back, however she is on a date with another guy.
She leaves with the guy but still is thinking about Heath. Neither one ever wanted to pursue each other because they didn't want to ruin their friendship. After that kiss things moved rather quickly since they already knew so much about each other. They both knew they already really loved each other. She moved in with him and couldn't be happier. Now their feelings are out there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2021
Leah and Heath have been best friends for twenty years. Leah is a video game developer and kind of an introvert. Heath is a star player for the Oakwood Devils football team. There has never been anything but friendship between them but when Heath sees Leah on a date with another guy, he decides he doesn't like it. He must figure out what he wants from his best friend, especially now that he sees her as more than just his best bud but as a beautiful interesting and intelligent woman.
I always enjoy a good best friends to lovers story and Cruz does not disappoint. This was such a fun and entertaining read. It's perfect for a quick read when you don't have time to jump into a long story. Leah is the perfect best friend and although Heath knows that, he doesn't really see her until he sees her through another man's eyes. She is easygoing and wicked smart. I like that Heath realizes that he has taken advantage of his relationship with Leah and decides right away to fix it.
I received a review copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I always enjoy a good best friends to lovers story and Cruz does not disappoint. This was such a fun and entertaining read. It's perfect for a quick read when you don't have time to jump into a long story. Leah is the perfect best friend and although Heath knows that, he doesn't really see her until he sees her through another man's eyes. She is easygoing and wicked smart. I like that Heath realizes that he has taken advantage of his relationship with Leah and decides right away to fix it.
I received a review copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2021
This is book number 4 in the Oakwood City Players series and focuses on Heath and Leah. Heath and Leah have been best friends for 20 years. Leah has been in love with Heath for years but hasn't wanted to risk their friendship if the feelings were one-sided. Heath hadn't seen their relationship as much more than a friendship until he sees Leah on a date at one of his games and he finally realizes that he sees her as more than just a friend. Leah has gotten used to Heath having no feels for her and came to terms with her being like a sister to him. She had long ago given up hope on anything happening with Heath. I loved seeing Heath finally come to the same conclusion about his feelings as Leah and the steps he took to make her his. This was such a good book! I love best friend to lovers books and this one definitely hit the mark! I 100% recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2021
Heath and Leah have been best friends since 6th grade and Heath now plays professional football. Leah is a gamer who is shy and awkward around men and has been attracted to Heath for years but never acted on her feelings because she didn’t want to lose her friend if he didn’t feel the same way. When Heath sees her in the stands with a date during one of his games he becomes aware of how sexy, cute, and funny she is and he becomes more interested in her. Will these 2 finally reveal their feelings to one another and find happiness together?
I enjoyed this short story where longtime friends become more than just friends. It took Heath seeing Leah having fun with another guy for him to realize how perfect she was for him. Leah has one co Vince that he is serious about wanting a relationship. The epilogue was a great ending for their story.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I enjoyed this short story where longtime friends become more than just friends. It took Heath seeing Leah having fun with another guy for him to realize how perfect she was for him. Leah has one co Vince that he is serious about wanting a relationship. The epilogue was a great ending for their story.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
May 30, 2021
The fourth book in C.L. Cruz's awesome Oakwood City Players series is an absolutely fun and sexy best friends-to-lovers romance. Professional football player Heath and video game developer Leah have been best friends since they were kids. Heath has never looked at Leah as anything other than his friend until he looks up from the sidelines one night to see her in the stands - with a date. Suddenly, his best friend is not just...his best friend, a cool gamer, a trusted ally, but a beautiful, sexy woman. Honestly, friends-to-lovers is not my favourite romance trope, but in the capable hands of C.L. Cruz, this is one of my favourites. Heath and Leah have awesome chemistry, and the friendship between them is the perfect foundation for something deeper and everlasting. I absolutely loved this and cannot recommend End Zone enough! (And if you haven't read the rest of the series, what are you waiting for?!)
I received an ARC of this book.
I received an ARC of this book.
June 3, 2021
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the fourth book in the Oakwood City Players series. In this book, Heath and Leah have been best friends since they were children and the team teases Heath about her. Heath insists she is only friends with him but when Leah shows up at a game with a date, Heath is confused about his feelings of jealousy. Leah has long since accepted Heath will never think of her as more than a friend, so when he starts to flirt with her, she is confused. Heath is trying to test the waters with Leah and find out how she feels about having more with him. I really liked this book, I think Heath was adorable with how he was insecure about how leah felt about him. I think he was trying to be cautious and slowly find out if she liked him too. Leah was scared he was not serious and that she would be hurt. I think they both loved each other, it just took them awhile to realize it. Another good one in this series.
August 4, 2021
First things first; I like the cover of this book!
End zone is the fourth book in the ‘’Oakwood city players’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Leah and Heath have been best friends for twenty years. Leah has been in love with Heath for just as long. Heath is a professional football player. He never saw Leah as anything but his best friend. When he realises his attraction to her will he get the girl before its too late?
The chemistry between Leah and Heath is clear to see and I liked them together.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.
End zone is the fourth book in the ‘’Oakwood city players’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Leah and Heath have been best friends for twenty years. Leah has been in love with Heath for just as long. Heath is a professional football player. He never saw Leah as anything but his best friend. When he realises his attraction to her will he get the girl before its too late?
The chemistry between Leah and Heath is clear to see and I liked them together.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.
May 24, 2021
This is a sweet friends to lovers story. Heath and Leah have grown up together and their friendship means everything to each of them not matter how they may feel. When Heath's team mate begin to tease him, it opens his eye to what is in front of him. When Leah brings a date to his games, Heath realize his time is up he needs to make a move, but how will Leah feel ?
Heath and Leah's story is a great read that you will find yourself getting lost in from the first line of the book. I love the connection between the character and how Heath does not let Leah alone with her thoughts for to long. Grab the book and enjoy the journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Heath and Leah's story is a great read that you will find yourself getting lost in from the first line of the book. I love the connection between the character and how Heath does not let Leah alone with her thoughts for to long. Grab the book and enjoy the journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2021
It seems like Leah has been in love with her best friend, Heath, forever. It seems he has her in the "friend zone" and that's where he plans to keep her. That is until he sees her on a date with another man, it's as if Heath does a one eighty. But is it because she is spending time with another male? Or, is he jealous because he wants to be more than a friend? The answers are right at your fingertips. Just grab this book to find out how it plays out. C. L. Cruz is an excellent author. Her books are packed with everything a reader could ask for and more. Just check it out and you'll see why readers are hooked on her books. And always remember, if you want to read a book you can't put down, you have to pick it up first.
May 30, 2021
Leah and Heath have been BFF’s forever. They hang out together. Love to play video games together. They are comfortable with each other. When Heath sees Leah on a date - he starts to question how he really feels about her. Does he have more than friend feelings? He is very jealous. He wants to stop it. Leah has been in love with Heath forever, but long ago she gave up on ever being more than a BFF. What is happening? Leah finds Heath being flirty, sexy. What is he doing? What is he saying? We’ll they lose each other as friends? This is a flirty, sexy, funny, steamy entertaining read. This series is not your typical football read. The author has made these football players “human, down to earth, regular guys”. It’s a fresh take. It is an enjoyable and sweet story!
June 8, 2021
This is the way friends to lovers should be done.
Leah and Heath have been friends since childhood. While Leah has been in love with Heath for years, he hasn't ever thought of Leah in a romantic way. Leah eventually realized that it just wasn't going to happen with Heath, and decides that their friendship means everything to her, so she's not going to ever tell him how she feels. Things change when Heath sees Leah on a date. He finally sees her as more than his childhood friend.
What I loved about this is that Leah didn't fall into that typical trap of the heroine who has pined for the hero forever, never dating. She did date. She wasn't a virgin. While Heath wasn't privy to her love life, she didn't just sit around and wait for him.
This is a novella, so there isn't a ton of build up. Still, I felt there was enough content to get a feel for the characters.
Really cute. Zero angst. I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a short, fun read.
Leah and Heath have been friends since childhood. While Leah has been in love with Heath for years, he hasn't ever thought of Leah in a romantic way. Leah eventually realized that it just wasn't going to happen with Heath, and decides that their friendship means everything to her, so she's not going to ever tell him how she feels. Things change when Heath sees Leah on a date. He finally sees her as more than his childhood friend.
What I loved about this is that Leah didn't fall into that typical trap of the heroine who has pined for the hero forever, never dating. She did date. She wasn't a virgin. While Heath wasn't privy to her love life, she didn't just sit around and wait for him.
This is a novella, so there isn't a ton of build up. Still, I felt there was enough content to get a feel for the characters.
Really cute. Zero angst. I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a short, fun read.
May 26, 2021
I thought that this was an awesome book. Leah and Heath were great together. I loved the connection and the chemistry between these two. Leah and Heath have been best friends for years but know Heath has started to see Leah in a new night. Leah has been in love with Heath for years but was not willing to risk their friendship for something that may not be returned. These two have to work things out but these two finally get a really sweet HEA. I really enjoyed this friends to lovers book and I would recommend it and Ms. C.L. as a must read author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2021
Book four in this series Oakwood City Players. I loved that the best friends to lovers happened in this one. Especially since she is a nerd and has always been there since she was just a tween with him. She was always there, as was he. I think that if the other players hadn't said stuff about her to him, he would have never seen it. Which I am glad that they did. These two are the sweetest couple by far. He swooped in and stole her right out from under the idiot she was considering dating. It was amazing. Grab this and check it out along with the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2021
This is book 4 in “The Oakwood City Players) series. Leah is a video developer of games and Heath is a football player for the Oakwood City Players. Leah and Heath are the best of friends and play the games Leah develops. Both want more in the relationship but neither act upon their feelings. One day Leah shows up to one of Heath’s games with a date and Heath is jealous and realizes that he wants more than just a friendship.
Will Heath and Leah take their relationship from friends to lovers, how will Leah react? Inquiring minds will have to read to find out. You will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
Will Heath and Leah take their relationship from friends to lovers, how will Leah react? Inquiring minds will have to read to find out. You will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
May 28, 2021
Heath and Leah have been best friends since elementary tary school. They have never passed the friend zone and have become complacent. Leah realized that he was not going g to see her as anything bit. Heath did not think anything of it until je saw her with another guy. Once that happened game on. Will he be able to convince her to take a chance on hi. As anything other than a friend? Great short story with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2021
Observatory.
Amazing story. Heath and Leah have been best friends for 20 years and neither wants to jeopardize that. But all that changes when Heath sees her out on a date he realizes that he wants more with Leah. She doesn’t know what to do about the feelings she had buried long ago. Can these two find a way out of the friend zone to be happy together? Go Devils!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amazing story. Heath and Leah have been best friends for 20 years and neither wants to jeopardize that. But all that changes when Heath sees her out on a date he realizes that he wants more with Leah. She doesn’t know what to do about the feelings she had buried long ago. Can these two find a way out of the friend zone to be happy together? Go Devils!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2021
friends vs lovers
Leah and Heath have been friends since they were children.
They know each other backwards and forwards.
Leah knows she loves Heath but will not risk loosing his friendship by telling him.
Heath does not realize he loves Leah until he sees her and her date on the big screen at the game for the "kiss" scene.
Wonderfully written and a great story.
I read an early review copy of this book for an honest review.
Leah and Heath have been friends since they were children.
They know each other backwards and forwards.
Leah knows she loves Heath but will not risk loosing his friendship by telling him.
Heath does not realize he loves Leah until he sees her and her date on the big screen at the game for the "kiss" scene.
Wonderfully written and a great story.
I read an early review copy of this book for an honest review.
May 25, 2021
This was a cute story about long time friends, Leah and Heath finally getting their act together and revealing their feelings to each other.
This story certainly was sweet and honest, as they come clean with each other. I liked the wonderful friendship they had, and could sympathise why they would hesitate to possibly ruin that. Such a great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story certainly was sweet and honest, as they come clean with each other. I liked the wonderful friendship they had, and could sympathise why they would hesitate to possibly ruin that. Such a great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2021
I received this as an arc for my honest review
This was a great short friends to lovers romance. Heath and Leah have been friends for 20 years and he has never seen her as anything else until he sees her on a date. Leah has loved Heath for years but has never acted on it out of fear of losing their friendship. I really enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship and the bit of steam at the end. I really loved this book.
This was a great short friends to lovers romance. Heath and Leah have been friends for 20 years and he has never seen her as anything else until he sees her on a date. Leah has loved Heath for years but has never acted on it out of fear of losing their friendship. I really enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship and the bit of steam at the end. I really loved this book.
May 26, 2021
Heath and Leah had been best friends since grade school, and they were both afraid to do anything that might change that situation. Everything was going along find until Heath saw Leah out on a date, there was no way he was going to stand for that. There was humor on the sidelines at the football game as Heath went after his girl. You are sure to enjoy this wonderfully romantic story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2021
Who wouldn’t want to fall in love with their best friend that they have had for the last 20 years? That’s what happens with Heath and Leah, It only took seeing her with another man on a date, that he actually realised that he was in love with his best friend. Now he needs to convince Leah that he loves her and that it is more than just friendship and then their friendship can only get better.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and review with my honest and fair opinion.
I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and review with my honest and fair opinion.
May 27, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Leah and Heath have been best friends since they were kids. Leah has given up on Heath noticing her as a woman. However when Heath sees her dating, it is the wake up call he needs. Heath makes his claim known during a game and once they talk, their relationship blooms in all new ways and both are off the market.
May 27, 2021
Leah and Heath have been friends for years and it’s never gone passed the friend zone until he sees her on a date at the football game. Not wanting to lose her he needs to decide what he wants to do and he makes a fool of the other guy but he needs to claim his love. These two characters are amazing to read about and the chemistry between the two is out of this world swoon worthy. It is a book you do not want to miss out on!
May 28, 2021
Leah and Heath have been friends for years but when he sees her on a date his feelings start to change.
Leah has been in love with Heath for years but now that his feelings have changed towards her can she hope that it will last or will they ruin their friendship.
A brilliant read full of emotion and some drama but also so much love.
Loved the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leah has been in love with Heath for years but now that his feelings have changed towards her can she hope that it will last or will they ruin their friendship.
A brilliant read full of emotion and some drama but also so much love.
Loved the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2021
This was a good short story. End Zone had a well written plot. Leah and Heath were two people that were meant for each other, their friendship was already strong but deep down there was stronger feelings. They completed each other, the connection was strong, their chemistry was sexy and sweet, Heath and Leah were just great together.
I enjoyed this story, it was good.
Thank you, C.L. Cruz. Good work :)
I enjoyed this story, it was good.
Thank you, C.L. Cruz. Good work :)
May 31, 2021
I loved reading End Zone. Leah and Heath have been best friends for almost 20 years and even though she knows she's also been in love with him he only realizes that he's also been in love with her when she dates another man and he sees. Besides the fact of their love this shirt story has a great storyline flow, we get a little bit if the previous books characters and a feel-good sensation at the end. This story is part of a very good series that I recommend.
I received a free advanced copy from the author through BookFunnel and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received a free advanced copy from the author through BookFunnel and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 30, 2021
I do enjoy a good friends-to-soulmates story and this one delivered. There was one scene that I really had to suspend belief for, but otherwise a well written, feel good book with well developed, sweet characters.
Standalone although did mention characters from previous books in the series. I would totally read more by the author and this one is available on Kindle Unlimited and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to read.
Standalone although did mention characters from previous books in the series. I would totally read more by the author and this one is available on Kindle Unlimited and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to read.
May 31, 2021
Great friends to lovers story. Leah has been friends with Heath for a long time but pushed any romantic feelings away since he never seemed interested. Heath has been oblivious to her romantically and it takes another man dating her before his eyes are opened. Overall this is a cute, fast paced (once Heath opens his eyes!) sweet story. Really liked it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2021
Heath and Leah have been best friends for years. Leah has a thing for him but she's never acted on it because she didn't want to lose his friendship. Heath only thinks of Leah as a friend until he sees her with another man and then he feels something for her that he's never felt before. This is a sweet friends to lovers romance with likable characters and a great happily ever after. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews