Friend Zone Hell

2022-read could-not-put-down friends-to-lovers

Cricket and Callen have been friends since Kindergarten... and when she gets ill and doesn't want to move back home with her parents .... Callen offers to let her live with him and he will help her out. Little does she know that he has been in love with her since they were seniors in high school.... so LET THE FUN BEGIN!!! Then decided to try being a couple after a few awkward ALMOSTS happened. And there were some things that they obviously had to work through.... the thing about F2L is that people think you already know all about them so there shouldn't be a lot of issues.... but this is where the insecurities come into play that weren't there when they we just best friends.

Callan is SWOONY AF! Like I think top 10 Swoony book boyfriends of 2022.

Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔💔

Lori R.

1,409 reviews71 followers

contemporary friends-to-lovers praise-kink

There’s never a dull moment in HeII, and that’s perfectly fine with me. Friend Zone Hell was another charming and fun and sexy story set in one of my favorite fictional towns. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

This friends to lovers romcom was done so perfectly with exactly the right amount of everything. It was written with so much love, humor, passion, I wish I had a dollar for every time I smiled while reading this. I’d have lots of money.

Christine “Cricket” and Callan have been best friends since they were very young. Callan fell a little sooner than Cricket, but when she finally did, it was a sexy and entertaining ride.

This book gave me plenty of laughs, satisfied all of those…needs, and had me loving this town and its characters even more. But most of all it gave me all the warm fuzzies, tons of smiles, and pure happiness.

Marika Ray has the ability to make me fall for her heroes. Hard. And with each new book, I swear it becomes my favorite. I really loved Ace, and Blaze was sexy AF, but Callan… yes SIR, I do believe he has moved into first place among the Hellman brothers.

You wouldn’t know it from his appearances in the other books. I had no idea the kind of man he’d be in the bedroom. But…

He’s.
SO.
BOSSY.
*BIG HEART EYES*

Growly where he needs to be and loving and caring and protective where he should be. Pure delicious Hellman perfection.

I want a Hellman brother!!! Seeing all of the brothers together always makes me giddy and smile big and has my heart fluttering like crazy.

This well-written story was adorably charming, delightfully cute and fun and sexy, and full of so much heart. LOVED IT.

P.S. What a nice little tease of Daxon at the end of this story!! Bring. Him. On.

$Profile Image for Julia\Glyneth.$

Julia\Glyneth

160 reviews

dnf

December 6, 2022

DNF @ 64%. It’s like the author can’t make up her mind if she wants to be fade to black or open door. Sometimes we get told a sex act happened, or is happening, and other times she goes into some detail, but not enough for me. It’s frustrating, especially as there supposed to be some praise kink and daddy-dom going on.

Didn’t like it enough to want to read any more.

Marika Ray

Author 87 books1,425 followers

Want to read

Friend Zone Hell is LIVE!!!

Cricket's my best friend, but I'm keeping a huge secret from her. I'm head over heels, insanely in love with her and have been since senior year of high school. Now that we're adults and she's had to move in with me, can I escape the friend zone?

👉🏼 Grab Friend Zone Hell in KU! - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFNVFYQ9

🧡 Best friends…but one of them has always wanted more
🧡 Hero is the town’s Mr. Nice Guy… golden retriever + daddy dom energy
🧡 Heroine has an illness which forces them to live together
🧡 small town RomCom hilarity

"I wish I had a dollar for every time I smiled while reading this.”
“Callen is everything all rolled into one. Caring, sensitive, take charge…and dirty behind closed doors.”
“I hereby declare that Callan is the sweetest cinnamon roll book boyfriend ever!”
“I just found my new book boyfriend!”
“I adore this series”
“Friends to Lovers done well! Mercy!”

Mick C

1,662 reviews

Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf

Loved this story about 2 life long BFF's who finally decide that there is more to their relationship than being friends. So when a medical emergency throws them together, they decide to cave to their wants and become more than BFF's. But what happens when needing to take care of someone blows up in your face? Read this book to find out how it ends. Fun characters and we learn so much more about family members, the good and the bad.

author-arc

5,974 reviews134 followers

October 31, 2022

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

04-stars-great kindle-unlimited

Karen

368 reviews

Friend Zone Hell is the third book in the Hellman Brothers Series by author Marika Ray. Each book focuses on a different Hellman brother, and this is Callan's story. Anyone would be lucky to be in a relationship with any one of these Hellman brothers, but Callan is the one every woman wishes she had in real life. Just when you think Marika Ray has written the perfect man in a previous book, along comes Friend Zone Hell to immediately change that opinion! Callan Hellman has taken over the number one spot for being the man that every woman secretly dreams about!

Callan Hellman and Christine (Cricket) VanHunting have been best friends since kindergarten. The bond between them has only grown stronger through the years, which is great except for one thing. Callan has been in love with Cricket since their senior year of high school, and she has no clue how he truly feels about her. Staying in that friend zone is going to be put to the test when Cricket has a medical emergency and temporarily moves in with Callan. Will Callan be able to keep his love hidden, or will he finally tell Cricket his true feelings?

Friend Zone Hell has completely won me over and then some! Callan and Cricket are amazing lead characters, and the strong bond between them is evident in every scene. I find it funny that Cricket was so oblivious to Callan's feelings about her when everyone else could clearly see Callan has been in love with her for years. As the story progresses, you truly respect Callan for being so devoted and caring, all while putting his own happiness on the backburner. Then again, that's what makes this story so great...the slow progression from friends to lovers, and the care in which Callan took that next step. Everything Callan does is carefully thought out by taking Cricket's feelings into consideration before his own. This is literally the perfect friends to lover story, with some added twists.

In closing, there is so much more I would like to say about this story, but I don't want to reveal too much. I cannot stress enough just how amazing Friend Zone Hell truly is. It has everything you could possibly ask for...family, friendships, love, unexpected twists, and of course, that Marika Ray brand of humor us fans have all come to know and love. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series...Grumpy As Hell and Bro Code Hell.

I would like to thank Marika Ray for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of Friend Zone Hell. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

Jenn

745 reviews15 followers

I swear I say this after almost every book- but I think I just found my new book boyfriend!

I love the friends to lovers trope- it is always my favorite. Bonus points to the ones that are childhood/lifelong friends- which is exactly what Callan and Christine aka Cricket are. Most friends to lovers stories tend to have the heroine as the one that has had a secret crush for years and it finally dawns on hero to look at them in a different way- but here it is Callan that has held a torch for Cricket and it just gave me all the swoony vibes.

Friend Zone Hell is the third book in Marika Ray's Hellman Brothers series- which is another fun and fabulous rom-com series of hers set in the small quirky town of Auburn Hills aka Hell. Callan and Cricket's story holds well as a complete stand alone but personally I'm a fan of reading interconnected books together.

Callan Hellman is just *sigh* pretty freaking perfect. He's an EMT, easygoing and all around nice guy who would do anything for or to protect his best friend- including punching her wandering hands boyfriend in the face during the middle of his brother's wedding reception. Cricket is one of those small but fiesty women. She is sweet albeit a little spoiled and naive. A medical emergency with a following life altering diagnosis was just the shove that Callan needed to finally stop pretending he wasn't in love with his best friend and go for it.

I'm low key obsessed with Callan in this book. How Cricket was best friends with him and didn't have the slightest inkling that he had more than friendly feelings toward her when his nickname for her was "Angel" I don't think I'll ever understand. But each time he called her that name and caressed her cheek I fell a little more in love with him. The deep rooted friendship and connection these two had translated perfectly into this relationship with amazing chemistry. I loved all their cute, fun banter and how sweet and thoughtful Callan was just as much as I loved when Callan would lose all control and go into "daddy dom" mode.

The Hellman brothers never cease to disappoint me with their ridiculous texting threads and ribbing of each other- but it's also those vulnerable moments when they come together to support one another that really hits me in the feels. I don't know if Marika can make me love any of the remaining Hellman triplets more than I do Callan- but I can't wait to see what she comes up with for Daxon and Ethan!

Cheryl

1,909 reviews18 followers

Callan Hellman is a unicorn among romance male characters. Well, maybe not that rare, but definitely in the minority. Because Caallan is in love with his best friend and has been since senior year of high school. Often, it's the FMC who has unrequited...or at least hidden...feelings. But Marika Ray turned that trope on its head, and I'm all in!
Cricket (great name for a character, btw) doesn't have the best luck with men. In fact, her picker is busted, as evidenced by the jackwad she brings to a Hellman brother's wedding. Poor Cricket is both embarrassed and upset when Callen sets the jerk straight, but maybe Callan is ready to reveal his feelings?
Even before this couple becomes, well, a couple, I love their friendship vibe. Callan is everything any woman would want a partner, or even a friend, to be. But when Cricket needs help because of a medical issue, the gloves come off and Callan shows her he's not only all in on helping her, but he's all in on exposing how he really feels about her. And funny enough, that's okay with her. Sounds like insta-love, but it's really, oh, I have had the same feelings for you, my eyes are just opened.
Add in a little too controlling and pushy dad, the hilarious messaging between the Hellman brothers, a town that saw this relationship coming and a hero who is so marshmallow smooshy that I found it hard not to swoon. Plus, he's definitely the boss in the bedroom...or, you know, wherever else they get busy!
Just a bit of drama towards the end of the book, but hey, it's a romance. It's dealt with quickly and make the couple even stronger. That's a win in my book!
So far, Callan is my very favorite Hellman brother and I adored Cricket from the start. With two uncoupled guys to go, that may change. But either way, Friend Zone Hell will always remain one of my very favorite Marika Ray books.

Booklover Judy Lynn

1,644 reviews30 followers

Book three in the Hellman Brothers Series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. There are overlapping characters from other books set in Auburn Hill, AKA Hell, and readers may get the most enjoyment from at least reading this series in its completion. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Callan is now my favorite Hellman brother. He is a cinnamon roll hero and an all-around nice guy. When doors close, he is bossy and dominant. I absolutely loved him. I adored how he has loved Cricket from the friend zone for several years while being her best friend. He has some issues from his father’s abandonment of the family that he must work through. I loved the vulnerability of his character that was mixed perfectly with his strength. His protective and sometimes bossy nature with Cricket was a joy to read.
Cricket is a sweetheart with a backbone of steel. She has a new medical diagnosis that she needs to learn to live with early in their story. As a young woman turning 24, and an only child to doting parents, she is learning to stand on her own at the same time she falls in love with Callan. I love how strong she is when she decides to stand up for herself. I love the support she has through her girlfriends. I really love how adventurous she is with Callan once their relationship changes to become more than friends.
Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I also love a nice guy, and Callan is perfect. The small town is full of quirky characters that I adored seeing again. This steamy rom-com was the perfect read. I loved it.

Booked on Lattes

537 reviews22 followers

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶

You know how in a romance novel, even in a romcom, it’s almost guaranteed that someone is going to get their heart broke a bit, and from the first few pages of getting to know Callan I was already dreading any hurt coming to this sweet in the streets and kind of rough in the sheets man! The way he took care of everyone, especially Cricket, was just so swoony. Cricket is great as well and matured a lot over the course of this book. She has a medical problem and I always appreciate seeing the main characters deal with real life issues.

This book is an amazing lifelong friends to lover romance, but one of my favorite parts about this series is actually the relationship between the five Hellman brothers and this book especially showed how much they have each others backs and aren’t ashamed to get emotional. I also love that the conflict in this book isn’t the typical conflict for friends to lovers, and anytime I come across that I always feel especially relieved!

Friend Zone Hell includes all the laugh out loud moments I’ve come to love from any book that comes from this crazy town, but also some emotional moments and some great lessons learned about family!

Lisa Hemming

1,008 reviews18 followers

Confessions of a Bookaholic

I love all of Marika Ray’s books, but the Hellman brothers, with their swoon-worthy good looks and charismatic personalities, have jumped to the top of my list!! Callan is the next brother to find love with and I found him to be a good listener, compassionate and of course the perfect friend, and hopefully boyfriend, for Cricket.

I love the tight bond Callan has with his brothers and how they were always giving him free romance advice. Their group texts were hilarious and even though they loved to interfere, Callan would lay down his life for all of them. Cricket is the typical only child whose father lavished her with expensive gifts. His ultimate goal was to set her up on dates with appropriate men, which made Callan’s blood boil. He had no idea why her father looked at him funny and treated him like he wasn’t good enough for his daughter. Callan had always been courteous and polite to Cricket’s parents because he would never disrespect the woman that he loved.

Callan and Cricket have been best friends since childhood and had a special friendship that would last forever. Callan has always been her protector and her happiness was very important to him. Cricket was aware of all the women who lusted after Callan and he was jealous of any man who gave her a second look. Callan wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to Cricket but she was oblivious to his feelings until they were thrown together by a health scare that sent Callan to Cricket’s rescue once again.

830 reviews39 followers

arcs friends-to-lovers marika-ray

Callan and Cricket have been besties almost their entire lives. It was his senior year of high school that he realizes he is in love with her, because who wouldn't be....she is absolutely adorable. Choosing to keep his feelings to himself Callan and Cricket continue into their 20s as two people extremely close in every way but intimate. Soon Cricket is diagnosed with Epilepsy and Callan is there for her every step of the way....almost literally because he moves her into his house so she is not by herself. He soon realizes what a bad idea that was and can only restrain his feelings towards her for so long.

I love a good long time friends to lovers story but this one hit me in the feels so much more. Callan is a selfless person when it comes to those he loves. He wants to take care of everything for Cricket and what he doesn't realize is it quickly becomes a downfall for him. Cricket and Callan are perfect for each other and I loved seeing her take a stand with how her life had been going so far and where she wanted it to go. They both have huge hearts and lots of love to give to those around them. Ms. Ray has definitely set the bar high as far as Daxon and Ethan's stories but I am here for them all the same!

Sonja Ton

260 reviews3 followers

I’m swooning and hereby declare that Callan is the sweetest cinnamon roll book boyfriend ever. I’m really starting to enjoy friends to lovers and this one is amazing.
Unrequited love is hard to endure and when you love your best friend in the world it’s impossible to get a little reprieve.

Fortunately as it turns out it’s not difficult to get the girl. You just need to save her and let her move in with you. It’s not a love story without a few complications and a little growing up but it’s a great story with both hilarious moments, a lot of familiar characters in this crazy town called Hell and a perfect happy ending.

Cricket is an angel and thoroughly spoiled by both her parents and her best friend but she still is the sweetest girl imaginable. No wonder Callan is head over heels.

I’m not sure the next one is going to top this but I’m sure Marika is down for the challenge. The Hellman brothers are nothing more than amazing and their girls deserve all the love they get.

Gale

1,964 reviews22 followers

It was such a delight to read a story where the hero, especially, is a sweetheart. I don’t think there has been a better “nice guy” than Callan. He may be a Hellman brother but to me, he doesn’t have any rough edges that need smoothing. His downfall, for him, is that he is in love with his best friend (Cricket) but doesn’t think telling her will work. As a matter of fact, he thinks it will destroy the very close, life-long friendship that they have.

And Cricket. She can be a bit clueless about her feelings but she, too, is a really good person. These two have much heart and I enjoyed reading their story. There are some rough patches, and clueless side characters (imho), but it is a great read. The Hellman brothers take great pride in annoying Callan but I love how close they all are.

Funny, touching, drive-you-crazy story! I really enjoyed.

Laura

441 reviews

Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog)

I adore this series and always love visiting Auburn Hill. This time it's Callan's turn and I have just found my new favourite Hellman!

Callan and Cricket really are BFF's! Nothing will come between them which is why Callan has never revealed his true feelings for Cricket. Callan is always trying to look after and protect Cricket, not that she needs it. Though the minute Cricket has a health scare Callan goes all alpha and his protectiveness kicks into overdrive!

This story had everything, a little family drama, swoony hero and a heroine that takes no nonsense. Callan and Cricket will steam up your kindles!

Looking forward to seeing the next Hellman Brother get his happily ever after.

2,291 reviews20 followers

October 7, 2022

This is an author who is new to me and I totally loved her writing and this story. Sometimes being the best friend suck big time, but sometimes it's that friend that you will always need in your life. Cricket and Callan have been best friends since they were kids. He's always made sure that she has been protected no matter what. As they grew so did his feelings, but he knows he can never act on them. Cricket is adorable in this story and her struggles are truly real. When she is diagnosed with a medical issue, Callan will be there to ensure she is taken care of. However, he has an uphill battle to protect his heart will he be able to do it? Or will they throw caution to the wind and take a chance on a once-in-a-lifetime love? Fall in love with this author and her stories.

Gladys

13.9k reviews163 followers

September 30, 2022

I thought Callan and Cricket's romance was an absolute delight. The sweetness, swoon, feels and humor are ample and flow freely throughout this wonderful story. I absolutely adored these two. I love the chemistry and thought they were incredibly cute together. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and this one was excellent. The brilliant combination of angst, rich emotion, heart and drama gave me so many feels and had me firmly invested. This is another can't miss entry in this fun series that always has me falling hard and loving every minute of it. This is my freely posted frank review.

Stephenie McNeil

366 reviews3 followers

Well...He**, this was hard not to make my favorite in this series of Auburn Hill stories. I love a good besties to lovers story when written right, and this one definitely was!! These 2 had such great chemistry, their banter was off the charts (in a good way), there was a good dash of angst, and the realness of Cricket's diagnosis was a cherry on top. This was such a fantastic mix of everything that makes Marika's books so hard to put down. I devoured this in a day.
And that sneak peek... I can't wait!!

I received an advanced copy of this gem, and am leaving a review of my very own opinion.

Mary Brannian

1,068 reviews19 followers

"Cricket had walked into kindergarten with a backpack that nearly eclipsed her. I’d taken one look at her blonde hair and slight frame and decided she was mine to protect. That moment was etched into my long-term memory. I ran over and hung her backpack on the hook on the back wall of the classroom. Introductions were made and we became fast friends." - Callan

What's a guy to do when he realizes that his childhood friend has become oh so much more... But she doesn't feel the same way? Callan is about to get... Inventive...

A sweet yet spicy rom-com; the path to true love never runs smooth and oh baby, does it swirl and sway in this latest tale of Auburn Hill by Marika Ray!

Adrianna Lamm

661 reviews13 followers

This was my frist read by Marika Ray and I loved it. It’s a sweet yet spicy rom-com. The character build was so well developed that it felt like they were real. This was a charming story with a few ups and downs and a lot of heat and laughs. I love this small town and this family. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Daxon. Callen having a huge heart and would do anything to make Crickets life better. Cricket had to learn how to stand on her own two feet and be completely independent before she could fully be present in a relationship and Callan was so supportive of her journey. It’s well written and I can’t wait to read more.

Kari

4,013 reviews96 followers

October 8, 2022

3.5 stars
Friend Zone Hell is the third book in the Hellman Brothers series. This one is Cricket and Callan's book. I haven't read the first two books in the series. However, this one work fine as a stand alone. I didn't feel like I was missing anything from the previous books. This is a sweet best friends to lovers story with not a lot of angst.

I did enjoy this one. I loved that Cricket and Callan knew each other so well. The only thing I wasn't a fan of as the story progressed was the soft dom/sub stuff. It just seemed out of place to me. I liked that even though they have been friends since kindergarten, there was still room for both of them to grow. It made their relationship stronger. The relationships that Callan has with his brothers as well as Cricket with her friend group added a lot of flavor and humor to the story. I do recommend this one.

2022 for-review kindle

Amanda

1,007 reviews9 followers

October 5, 2022

I’ve read all of the books set in Auburn Hill/Hell and it was nice to see appearances by prior characters in this book. The story itself stands alone (no cliffhangers), but the characters do overlap between books/series so I like to read them in order.

I really appreciated that while this book was definitely friends to lovers, jt did NOT have the overdone friends to lovers I’m-not-good-enough theme. There was a more creative approach to conflict. I’m looking forward to continue the series.

I received a copy of this book at my request, and the opinions here are my own.

Shebb

773 reviews

October 1, 2022

Cricket and Callan's story was a steamy, best-friends-to-lovers story filled with health issues, daddy issues, the usual crazy Hell characters, and several "coming-of-age" themes despite Cricket being almost mid 20s.

There were many sweet moments between Cricket and Callan, and I enjoyed glimpses of characters I had read about in past books (it's always nice catching up!).

Another great Hellman brother. Looking forward to Daxon's book.

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

Jaime Reynolds

1,943 reviews23 followers

October 1, 2022

One click this for another exciting and unpredictable visit to Hell…I mean Auburn Hill. I love coming back to visit favorites and watching love blossom. Friends to lovers are never without complications, but my money is on Cricket and Callan to figure it out. These two will make you want to scream one minute and catch a cold shower the next with their chemistry. I cannot wait for more Hellman brothers.

Sandi Hatt

258 reviews4 followers

📚📖 I was honoured to be given an advanced copy as I was honoured to give advice with regards to the Epilepsy side of things. This book has been written with such insight into many Taboo subjects - Epilepsy being one of these. This still has everything we all love from the place Auburn Hills aka Hell & all the characters. This book EXCEEDS A 5 STAR 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 RATING IT IS INCREDIBLE 📚📖 Thank you Marika Ray for your beautiful words. 💖

Cindy Fong

2,039 reviews

Oh my goodness. Callen and Cricket might be my favorite couple to come out of Auburn Hill. They have had the longest slow burn known to man but whoa (fans oneself). Once they decide to put a label and do the deed, young Callen surprises us with some strong bedroom behavior. The way that Callen treats Cricket is swoon worthy and couples relationship "goals". Of course since it is He[], there are shenanigans and foul sightings. Grab this story, you won't be disappointed.

Mindy

494 reviews

October 1, 2022

Callan has been in love with his best friend Cricket since high school. But he’s never told her. But with his brothers starting to find love and settling down, he wants that too. When a medical emergency, has him asking her to move in with him, he knows he won’t be able to resist her. Cricket never really saw Callan as boyfriend material for her, but she starting to see it and imagine all kinds of things. She chalks it up to her illness, until she can’t deny it anymore.

Lori

559 reviews5 followers