Two ambitious graduates, Jon and Kate, navigate their careers and an emerging romance in the bustling city of Sydney in a story that will have you cheering them until the very end. Fresh out of university, Jon Williams moves from the country to Sydney for a coveted graduate sales role with a large company. A new city, housemates and a new job with a big company combine for a steep learning curve. When he attends a graduate orientation day, he meets Kate, a girl he can't stop thinking about. Ambitious and focused, Catherine (Kate) Pieterson is an HR graduate in the same company, happy with Jacques, her boyfriend of more than three years. Despite Kate's boyfriend, Jon decides he can't be her friend if he ever wants to have a chance with her. Eighteen months later, Kate and Jon are working together. Kate is now single and is interested in Jon. A night of dancing proves they have chemistry, but will either be brave enough to overcome their previous relationship mistakes and make a move? Will avoiding the friend zone work for Jon? Will he have a chance with Kate? Or will he end up losing her forever? A sweet workplace romance set at the turn of the century, join Jon and Kate as they navigate work, friendships, family and relationships alongside the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the changing world of technology. Avoiding The Friend Zone is a tender, joyful novel about confusion, longing and love. Avoiding The Friend Zone is a sweet workplace romance with a HEA (happy ever after). It's the first book in the interconnected Single in Sydney series and can be read as a stand-alone. Tropes: Fish out of water Sworn off relationships Work colleagues Slow burn Friends to Lovers Soul mates