The No-Judgment Zone (2024)

** One of my Top 20 of 2023 Picks on www.JeevesReads.com! **

Now that's what I call a HOT slow burn! This was delicious, every minute of it. After loving Wilde's debut, I was so excited to check out the followup, featuring a couple we were teased about in the series starter. While I've read (and loved) plenty of playboy-tamed romances in the past, I've never read a book about two players who meet their match in each other. The way they understood each other made this feel so rich, and the cat-and-mouse game ratcheted the sexual tension up to new levels. Just like in The Sixty/Forty Rule, there are some scenes that will have me fanning myself while thinking about them months later. And I'm not complaining one bit. This was light and playful one minute, serious and sizzling the next, with just enough heartache to keep things interesting. It also shows that Wilde isn't a one-hit wonder, so I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

The story follows Finn and Jenna, two people who are not interested in relationships. Their friends tried to set them up a year ago, but their first attempt at a hookup did not go as planned. A year later, they've both been thinking about that failed hookup more than they should, and Jenna is convinced that they need to finally hit the sheets so she can move on. Except, once Finn comes face-to-face with Jenna again, he realizes that a hookup with her would be anything but. Desperately trying to keep things platonic, Finn suggests that Jenna stay with him while she's in town... and Finn is not sure what he was thinking. Spending time with a woman who wants nothing more than to hook up with him - while he is trying to avoid that at all costs - is not a recipe for success, and it certainly creates some unwelcome tension with his new roommate. But as the two get to know each other better, it just becomes more difficult to stay away.

We met both Finn and Jenna in The Sixty/Forty Rule, which is not required reading by any means, but does provide some insight into both characters. It's also equally excellent, so not sure why you'd skip it, lol. So I was already emotionally invested in this relationship before it even got started, and I loved the way it progressed. Finn is such an upbeat, golden retriever of a man, and I loved digging a little deeper into his backstory. Jenna is also a complex character who hides behind her pink hair and brazen personality, so they're both more than they seem on the surface. Having them understand that about each other added another layer of depth to the story, and made this more interesting from the start. I also adored that they got to know each other on a deeper level before jumping in, though this is definitely not a traditional slow burn. It is SCORCHING hot during several scenes, and that tension made it even more devourable. And devour I did.

I really enjoyed this!! Maybe even a litttttle bit more than the first one in the series (although they were both so good)

This was so fun! I loved the banter and the obvious tension between Jenna and Finn.

Mostly the entire book was fun and lighthearted but there were some serious topics as well. legit CRIED at Chapter 18. Finn deals with a lot of emotions with his family and Jenna truly was the biggest gift to him to help him get through everything. I love how perfect they were for each other.

The only reason why I took off 1 star was because it drove me insane how long it took for Finn to realize they should just be together. I feel like at times he was fighting the romance for no reason.

This entire series is sooo good! Totally recommend it to anyone. You can read them as a stand-alone too!

Roommates to lovers
A+ Banter
Wedding date trope
Forced proximity
Golden retriever MMC
Reformed players

i didn't think i would like this better than the first but finn and jenna just did something to me!!

this is a slow burn, roommates, friends to lovers, reformed playboy and playgirl romance. sometimes playboy or playgirl is hit or miss for me because they use it as an excuse to be an asshole just in general? but i loved both MCs so much. they were so caring and a little insecure/broken and their development was perfect.

FINN IS SO CUTE I COULD DIE. if you're giving me reformed playboy, he needs to turn into the simpiest simp of all and that was finn. he was there for jenna 100% and we love to see it.

Finn was so cute. He was absolutely sweet and playful and I loved that he wasn't possessive. I found it refreshing that he was happy just to be around her even when other men were giving her attention.
Jenna was surprisingly confident in spite of her toxic family dynamics. I think there could've been a little more to her, she fell into the rich girl plot I don't like where she doesn't really /do/ anything, she's just there. It was still really cute and fun.
3.5/5⭐️ 2/5🌶

3/5⭐️ ¡Qué libro tan bonito! Las bromas, el slow burn, el spicy… todo fue *chef’s kiss*

Finn y Jenna eran personajes encantadores y bien pensados que tenían defectos muy identificables y comprensibles. Se complementaban bien. Su historia de amor fue realmente un placer de leer♥️

I was a bit unsure in the beginning but it definitely got better as I read and I turned out to really like it

If you like desperate women, than this book is for you! The fmc is desperate as hell. The first chapters you can enjoy her whining to the mmc why he doesn’t want to have s.. with her and read about her “sensually” licking off her fingers, showering without the doors locked and more things to get his attention and his dick. Her being desperate and insecure about every female name she hears out of his mouth (even his sisters name) made me so irritated that I stopped reading.

I love when both the heroine and hero are secure in their sexuality and their ... how do you say "player-ness" or "sexual prowess"? Because... that.

Finn and Jenna were set up by mutual friends a year ago, but things got in the way before they could have a hot fling. Now Jenna's back in town and ready for one, but Finn just isn't feeling... anything. He's tired of everyone looking at him like a piece of meat or just a hook up. So, they're FRIENDS. And ROOMMATES. What could possibly happen?!

This was fun. I enjoyed the friends aspect, the forced proximity, the way it combatted toxic masculinity / hook up culture. That piece felt a bit like That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert where the hero becomes celibate because he's tired of being "just a hook up."

Thanks to Ellie K. Wilde for accepting me into her ARC team. I'm happy to read this story and provide an honest review.
Also, English is my second language.

I first heard about this new author when someone gushed about The Sixty/Forty Rule on Reddit last year and I HAD TO read it and I'm so glad I did because it was such a nice surprise and it ended up being one of my favorite books of the year.

Jenna and Finn—self-proclaimed bimbo and himbo— went from commitment-phobes strangers to roommates who banter while trying to stay away from each other to cuddling and being an emotional support that turns into real friendship even if they're still guarding themselves and playing it safe.
Both of them playing a character for other people but ultimately learning to truly be themselves was one of the highlights of the story.

I'm so grateful for the build up of the story, that strenght they get through their friendship, being each other safe places, and feeling at home with someone was such a beautiful thing to read. So cute, so wholesome.

One of the first things that made me fall in love with this story and the characters was how human and flawed they were while never loosing that hopefulness.

Ellie k. Wilde made me feel so many things with her writing; from Jenna trying to live her life despite her awful family expectations and behavior and Finn, sweet, adorable Finn trying to stay away from emotions because he's still broken after losing a loved one.

Thank you Ellie for writing a story where there's a time and place for holding people accountable for their mistreatment. It's one of my pet peeves when writers forget one of the most important things in wrapping up a story.

And this story touches so many important and meaningful themes like mourning, self-discovering, attention-starved and friendless characters, how society make us believe in weaponizing our bodies, about self-shame, minimizing ourselves and finding worth in ourselves.

It's not often that I feel this much while reading. For me, binge reading romance it's not just a way to pass the time but it really helps me deal with stressful times and I'm always happy and pleased when a story surprises me.

And last but not least, I need to say: this book deserves 5⭐ just for Chapter 9. How could just a chapter bring so many things and emotions out of me?

*I highlighted so many funny and swoony quotes from Finn but some of my fav are:*

"Tonight, she feels like my first breath out of the womb"

"I don't like watching scary movies alone. Stay and hold my hand a little.
- Scary movies?
You don't find the systematic destruction of the earth's bodies of water scary?"

"Give in. Succumb to the cuddle, Jenna Bear. It's one of my specialties"

"Jenna, don't ever not call me. Ever. Do you hear me? Day or night, no matter—no matter where we are twenty years from now. No matter what you need. Call"

[He reaches for his chest, curling his fingers as though to reach inside] "You're in here and I don't know what to do with it"

"She feels more like home than the house we're standing in."

"I'm crazy about your smile. I'd make a fool of myself ten times over just to see that dimple once."

And then Jenna said:
"It's funny. I've never met a person more attuned to my moods. My feelings. While being so willing to skate over their own "

I don’t know why, but I found this book so boring. Don’t get me wrong, I can see why some people like it. I was surprised myself because I usually like romcoms, but something about it just had me bored the whole time. I gave it two stars though because it wasn’t horrible, I think it might just be me for some reason, I don’t know.

2.5 ⭐️ — the book started off strong! however i got bored, like so bored. i love a good friends to lovers but i feel like this could’ve been executed better. also, it was literally SO dramatic. the depth the author tried to provide for the characters was weak & not well written. i would not recommend this book based on my own personal taste.. however, it was a quick and short read with fairly cute characters.

Def not my fav romance book, but I really enjoyed the author bringing in some of the more real-life aspects about being in-love with someone. It wasn’t all rainbows and happiness and I appreciated how this romance really touched on hard sh*t people go through in life and how it affects their ability to love and let themselves be vulnerable.

wholesome book. Terrible epilogue

I really really loved this book!!
I love roommate romances and this one might be one of my favorites!
The reformed playboy aspect was amazing, I loved how hard he fell for Jenna, it was so cute!!
The slow burn was well worth the wait and the build up between these two was HOT!
I just absolutely loved their banter & connection that they had. They quite literally completed each other!
I didn’t want to put this book down, it had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time
I wish this book never ended, I loved it so much!!!

This was another pleasant surprise when it comes to romance novels. It started off a bit over the top and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the characters, but I soon saw another side to them that added more depth and I became invested in the relationship. It’s a slow burn in some ways, and very hot and steamy in others, which was a fun blend that avoided too much frustration. Just the right amount. 😉 I’m curious to go back and read about Jude and Theo now. There’s enough info that you can easily read this as a stand-alone and not feel lost. I hope the author continues to write more books like this.

I received a review copy for free. My review is my own and voluntary.

This had me gripped from the beginning. Every part made me want to turn the page and see what happened next. It was the perfect Romcom just like the prequel to this. I loved seeing how the characters developed, and loved them trying to resist each other at first. I loved how their friendship developed first. Finn is just the perfect book boyfriend. Such a sweet, sexy story with all the feels! Perfect amount of spice and HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

5-

i forgot i read this last time i had kindle unlimited! ong i lowkey don’t really remember much about it but i DO remember i had a good time while reading it. cheers!

This is the slow burn I needed. I usually don’t pick up books like this but I was so impressed. The main characters banter and everything was perfect. I would read this again and it will be one I think of often.

4.5/5 stars

I want to thank Ellie for allowing me to beta her work. I loved every minute of it and can't wait for it to be published so I can get a real copy! The main characters, and even the side characters are very well written. One of my favorite side characters is Nina. The best main...who am I kidding they are both so good I can't choose.

Each of the characters had their own motivations. I loved that they also each had a unique voice.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did

Happy Reading :)

Ellie, I know I told you before but I can't wait to read more of your works in the future. You are truly and amazing author.

Happy Writing :)

This was a cute follow-up to 60/40, following Jude and Theo’s two best friends in their very slow burn. It felt a lot more polished than 60/40, too. However, I took off one star because the ending (external) conflict gave me whiplash and I’m not sure was necessary to that extreme, but I understood why the author chose it. Overall still a cute story and loved how Finn was always consistently there for Jenna.

4.75 Stars

I didn’t think that anything would beat the sixty-forty rule, but this was so good!!

I absolutely LOVED the dynamic between Finn and Jenna. Their chemistry, banter, and storyline was really great. The tropes used weren’t anything crazy different, but their characters felt unique and I love that.

Also, lately I’ve been bored with the smut in books (it’s been feeling all the same) but Ellie did a fantastic job with these two! Their first interaction at 30% was 🥵

no third act breakup ❤️

that is all.

The No-Judgment Zone by Ellie K. Wilde

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

The chemistry that Finn and Jenna have is one the most spiciest, intriguing and amazing developments I have ever read. The No-Judgement Zone follows the romance of Finn and Jenna who become platonic roommates whilst, Jenna stays in her hometown for her sisters’s wedding. Jenna—a pink haired, long legged queen—finds solace in Finn and his home, having experienced a family who treat her little absolute sh*te. Finn—a turtle, documentary loving chef—finds solace in Jenna as someone who he can be himself with and is not weighed down by family troubles.

The romance between the two is established pretty early in the book, and I was bit scared that it would eventually die out as the story progresses. HOWEVER, I don’t know how—but Ellie K. Wilde, just kept me entertained throughout the whole thing. The chemistry just seemed to increase and get more angst(y?). Finn’s possessiveness over Jenna just kept getting better, I was never bored of seeing them together, it was just so good!!! Finn was the perfect book boyfriend.

Besides the amazing intimacy, the sub plots were excellently executed. If Ellie K. Wilde’s goal was to make me hate Jenna’s sister, Ronnie, then she did a good job because the hatred that filled my stomach every time I had to read Jenna get bullied by her own sister was immense. I hated Ronnie. Like leaving Jenna at the Bachelorette party, was absolutely crazy. But luckily, possessive and endearing Finn swoops in to save the day.

Both characters had amazing depth. Jenn is objectively seen as a woman who had everything served on a silver platter. However, as you continue to read she suffers from lack of family empathy and exclusion. Parented by her maids and butlers, the relationship Jenn has with her family is fragile. I think that’s why I found her relationship with Finn so amazing, he was honestly a break from the judgement of her family and provided her a shoulder that I don’t even think she realised she needed. After the death of Finn’s mother, Finn felt the need to heal himself and his father back to how it was before. Yet, his father may be more difficult than he thought. With no honest effort from either sides, their personal relationship is left to pieces and it seems Finn bears the weight of attempting to put it back together. This book was so heartwarming, it deals with grief so well and provided so much clarity to the characters.

I am so excited to read Jude’s book (the first book in the series). I love the way this author writes, how she develops characters and the plots she creates. Amazing read, WOULD HIGHLY DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.

Just also want to say again how AMAZING Finn was.
——

“They’re the ones who should be embarrassed.” He kisses my forehead and tucks me against him. “The whole thing explains so much.”
“About why I’m so messed up?”
“About why you’re so goddamn perfect. All that wrong eventually has to make a right. It’s the law of nature.”

Excerpt from
The No-Judgment Zone
Ellie K. Wilde
This material may be protected by copyright.

i loved this more than the last - 2.7 !

finn. ong finn i love him so much
the chemistry between these two was palpable from the first book, i adored them sm
this book honestly summed them up pretty perfectly - it was the best mix of friends to lovers with a twinkle of forced proximity ong chefs kiss
it was kind of a slow burn bc finn couldnt get his head out of his ass but it was still really well handled and much better written than the first book.
things were wrapped up better in this too, regarding ronnie and the parents at least

cute fluffy read (:

this book was super cute. i didn’t think it could top the first but it totally did. i fell in love with the characters, their chemistry, and most importantly their tension. I love how obsessed Finn is with Jenna and all the little things he does. all the forehead kisses would definitely go to my head (pun intended). the story was cute and not too overdone. the flow was good and there were no frustrating moments. i teared up a couple of times but it was all worth it.

3.5⭐️s

I like The 60/40 Rule better in terms of the story but I liked Jenna and Finn better as characters. I enjoyed this enough but Finn repressed his feelings way too long - to the point of overkill. The sexual tension was great but it was too much. That being said, they’re two of the sweetest protagonists I’ve read all year. Despite being players, they both have big hearts. And that made this a worthwhile read.

Not the most riveting read but certainly a sweet one.

loved this one a million times more than 60/40 rule. jenna and finn’s chemistry was insane and i loved the teasing back and forth between them. finn, like theo, is a lovesick puppy which is adorable. also really glad there wasn’t any miscommunication in this, everything that happened in the book made sense!

Every page in this book needs to be bookmarked. Every word needs to be highlighted. Every scene needs to be annotated.

It's such an awesome book with wholesome characters all over and a swoony love story that is so rare nowadays (in real life AND in fiction worlds).

Some mid range qualms with a couple parts of the ending but overall I enjoyed the ride. This was a slight mis/no-communication trope which can drive me wild but it wasn’t nearly as bad as others (cough happy place cough)