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beate251's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Okay, so this is better than The Friend Zone, but that's not hard. This is Kristen's friend Sloan's story, whose fiancée Brandon had to die in the first book so she could have her story with Jason. If you ask me, she was better off without all that drama.
She'd mourned Brandon for two years, but once she meets Jason she is in totally over the top insta-love, and so is he. Yippee, no "I can't have kids therefore we can't be together" nonsense. But there has to be a problem or the book would be pointless. We have to wait a bit but then there it is: Jason is a musician on the way to stardom and a 14 months international tour. Yeah, not ideal. But they love each other so much, it will be ok, right? Wrong.
The rest of the book is basically misunderstandings, tears and heartbreak. Hearts constantly splinter into a million pieces, or something like that. It's a wonder there is anything of them left to shatter again! My eyes nearly broke from the eye rolling. It's a shame because it had started well. I loved Tucker the dog but I'm not sure I even liked Jason - he came across as selfish and controlling.
Remind me not to fall in love with a famous musician, it doesn't seem worth it. Also, what was the playlist about? I have to admit I completely didn't get why there was one.
It's kind of funny how the author manages one or two mentions of Nadia Cakes (her own business) in every book, LOL.
She'd mourned Brandon for two years, but once she meets Jason she is in totally over the top insta-love, and so is he. Yippee, no "I can't have kids therefore we can't be together" nonsense. But there has to be a problem or the book would be pointless. We have to wait a bit but then there it is: Jason is a musician on the way to stardom and a 14 months international tour. Yeah, not ideal. But they love each other so much, it will be ok, right? Wrong.
The rest of the book is basically misunderstandings, tears and heartbreak. Hearts constantly splinter into a million pieces, or something like that. It's a wonder there is anything of them left to shatter again! My eyes nearly broke from the eye rolling. It's a shame because it had started well. I loved Tucker the dog but I'm not sure I even liked Jason - he came across as selfish and controlling.
Remind me not to fall in love with a famous musician, it doesn't seem worth it. Also, what was the playlist about? I have to admit I completely didn't get why there was one.
It's kind of funny how the author manages one or two mentions of Nadia Cakes (her own business) in every book, LOL.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, Drug use, Mental illness, Grief, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, and Injury/Injury detail
readwithria's review
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Happy Ever After Playlist was exactly what I expect from an Abby Jimenez book - funny, emotional, and full of chemistry.
I loved Sloan in The Friend Zone, so returning to her story and seeing her get the happy ending she deserves made me so happy! She and Jason have amazing chemistry, and I loved reading about them and their relationship. I also loved seeing Kristen through Sloan’s eyes, and their friendship was one of my favorite aspects of the book.
This book did a great job of showing Sloan’s grief and depression, and it also did a great job of showing her growth and rediscovery of her self after loss. This was my third Abby Jimenez book, so I knew what kind of emotional turmoil I was going to be in for, and as usual it all felt grounded in reality.
There are a couple reasons this wasn’t a five star book for me. I think that Jason and Sloan had a bit of an unhealthy communication style, and while it improved throughout the book I still think that a lot of their earlier issues could have been solved with a better timed conversation. I also didn’t love the final conflict of the book, but I think it was all resolved well.
I will definitely be reading more of Abby’s backlist, and her future releases! 4 stars.
I loved Sloan in The Friend Zone, so returning to her story and seeing her get the happy ending she deserves made me so happy! She and Jason have amazing chemistry, and I loved reading about them and their relationship. I also loved seeing Kristen through Sloan’s eyes, and their friendship was one of my favorite aspects of the book.
This book did a great job of showing Sloan’s grief and depression, and it also did a great job of showing her growth and rediscovery of her self after loss. This was my third Abby Jimenez book, so I knew what kind of emotional turmoil I was going to be in for, and as usual it all felt grounded in reality.
There are a couple reasons this wasn’t a five star book for me. I think that Jason and Sloan had a bit of an unhealthy communication style, and while it improved throughout the book I still think that a lot of their earlier issues could have been solved with a better timed conversation. I also didn’t love the final conflict of the book, but I think it was all resolved well.
I will definitely be reading more of Abby’s backlist, and her future releases! 4 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Cursing
Moderate: Vomit, Sexual content, Self harm, Alcoholism, and Drug abuse
Minor: Gaslighting, Stalking, Car accident, Pregnancy, Blood, Eating disorder, Death, and Panic attacks/disorders
amybartoli29's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Infidelity
Minor: Drug use
caties_books's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the best book I've read in a long time 😍😍
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Medical content, Blood, Death, Mental illness, Stalking, Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, Vomit, Pregnancy, Grief, Infidelity, Alcohol, Self harm, and Sexual content
amateur_bookworm's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Genre: Contemporary romance, fiction
My summary: Sloan is still grieving two years after a motorcycle accident that killed her fiancé, Brandon. When a dog, Tucker, jumps into her car, she tries to reach Jason, the owner on his tags, and after two weeks of no luck decides that maybe Brandon sent her Tucker on the anniversary of his accident. Jason, who had been on a two week backpacking trip with no cell service, is both devastated and relieved to get Sloan’s messages that she has Tucker. Still at work in Australia for two more weeks, they start talking and texting about Tucker and it turns into more. When Jason finally returns to Los Angeles and reunites with Tucker and meets Sloan, they fall hard and fast for each other. But Jason is also Jaxon Waters, rising to blockbuster stardom as a singer, and life on the road touring may break them.
My thoughts: Sloan’s story in The Friend Zone was absolutely crushing. So seeing her get a happy ever after with a famous rock star was a fun ride. Although there was a point where I was pretty sure Abby Jimenez shoved my heart through a meat grinder, I really enjoyed the rest of the story. This book made me feel all the feels and I enjoyed it a lot more than The Friend Zone and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Sexual content and Cursing
Minor: Stalking, Drug abuse, Pregnancy, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, and Addiction
sarahflanders's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Grief, Alcohol, Car accident, Death, and Pregnancy
kelly_e's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Title: The Happy Ever After Playlist
Author: Abby Jimenez
Series: The Friend Zone #2
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: April 14, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Entertaining • Enchanting • Heartwearming
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Artist Sloan Monroe just can't seem to get her life on track. But one trouble-making pup who randomly jumps into her car with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With Tucker by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.
Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. But what if this Jason guy really loves Tucker? As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. Jason is hot and nice and funny. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?
💭 T H O U G H T S
My heart ached for Sloan in The Friend Zone, so I was excited to learn I'd be getting to read her story in The Happy Ever After Playlist. With such a personal connection to this book, I was anticipating another deeply emotional reading experience. Unfortunately, this one didn't have the same emotional punch, which left me slightly disappointed.
The beginning was so good! I absolutely adored the meet-cute (despite being on the dramatic side); the banter between Sloan and Jason was top notch; and getting to know Jason was delightful. And of course, there is Tucker (and I'm not even a dog person)! Yet everything I loved so much through the first third, slowly faded. For instance, Tucker played such a big part role, yet he kind of got left by the wayside as it went on. Their story somehow got bogged down through the middle, making in longer than necessary. Additionally, the fun, light hearted banter, which made their connection so believable, slowly dissipated.
A few other positives. I couldn't help me be entertained by Kristen's entertaining cameos. She was hilarious and I am so glad Sloan had her in her court. Everyone needs a Kristen in their lives. I also adored Sloan's relationship with her MIL. It was all heart-warming.
One last thing, while I typically like when author's include notes on their inspiration, in this case, I have issues with the concept of 'making people better' or 'fixing people' in the face of life-alternating death. It's a reminder of western society's inability to sit with grief and uncomfortableness, even though I know the importance of continuing to live. Grief is a lifelong journey and there is no getting over it, rather moving forward with it.
For me, 2023 has certainly been the year of Abby Jimenez (this was my fourth), and while The Happy Ever After Playlist is my least favourite, I still love how she writes banters and creates realistic romance with depth. I will continue to read everything she writes, and I'm looking forward to continuing with Life's Too Short, while I await her upcoming 2024 release.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Abby Jimenez devotees
• readers who like dogs
• fans of the second chance romance trope
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Sometimes the hardest place to live is the one in-between. And sometimes in-between is all you'll ever get."
"This was just a season, and there's beauty in all seasons."
Author: Abby Jimenez
Series: The Friend Zone #2
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: April 14, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Entertaining • Enchanting • Heartwearming
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Artist Sloan Monroe just can't seem to get her life on track. But one trouble-making pup who randomly jumps into her car with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With Tucker by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.
Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. But what if this Jason guy really loves Tucker? As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. Jason is hot and nice and funny. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?
💭 T H O U G H T S
My heart ached for Sloan in The Friend Zone, so I was excited to learn I'd be getting to read her story in The Happy Ever After Playlist. With such a personal connection to this book, I was anticipating another deeply emotional reading experience. Unfortunately, this one didn't have the same emotional punch, which left me slightly disappointed.
The beginning was so good! I absolutely adored the meet-cute (despite being on the dramatic side); the banter between Sloan and Jason was top notch; and getting to know Jason was delightful. And of course, there is Tucker (and I'm not even a dog person)! Yet everything I loved so much through the first third, slowly faded. For instance, Tucker played such a big part role, yet he kind of got left by the wayside as it went on. Their story somehow got bogged down through the middle, making in longer than necessary. Additionally, the fun, light hearted banter, which made their connection so believable, slowly dissipated.
A few other positives. I couldn't help me be entertained by Kristen's entertaining cameos. She was hilarious and I am so glad Sloan had her in her court. Everyone needs a Kristen in their lives. I also adored Sloan's relationship with her MIL. It was all heart-warming.
One last thing, while I typically like when author's include notes on their inspiration, in this case, I have issues with the concept of 'making people better' or 'fixing people' in the face of life-alternating death. It's a reminder of western society's inability to sit with grief and uncomfortableness, even though I know the importance of continuing to live. Grief is a lifelong journey and there is no getting over it, rather moving forward with it.
For me, 2023 has certainly been the year of Abby Jimenez (this was my fourth), and while The Happy Ever After Playlist is my least favourite, I still love how she writes banters and creates realistic romance with depth. I will continue to read everything she writes, and I'm looking forward to continuing with Life's Too Short, while I await her upcoming 2024 release.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Abby Jimenez devotees
• readers who like dogs
• fans of the second chance romance trope
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Sometimes the hardest place to live is the one in-between. And sometimes in-between is all you'll ever get."
"This was just a season, and there's beauty in all seasons."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Alcohol, Car accident, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Stalking
Minor: Cursing, Drug abuse, Pregnancy, Self harm, Vomit, Drug use, Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, and Mental illness
death of partnercady_sass's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Will Abby Jimenez ever write a book that doesn’t make me cry like a baby? All signs point to no!
Side note: you do not have to read the friend zone in order to enjoy this, it reads fine as a stand alone. HOWEVER the love and appreciation for Sloane is amplified x100000 if you do.
Side note 2: it really, really bothers me that they chose to name him “Jackson Waters” when there’s already a band by that name, it did mess me up at the beginning but I cannot detract a star for it.
Side note: you do not have to read the friend zone in order to enjoy this, it reads fine as a stand alone. HOWEVER the love and appreciation for Sloane is amplified x100000 if you do.
Side note 2: it really, really bothers me that they chose to name him “Jackson Waters” when there’s already a band by that name, it did mess me up at the beginning but I cannot detract a star for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Vomit, Gaslighting, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Car accident, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Medical content, and Mental illness
kenrosecar's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t know what it is about this book-maybe I just haven’t read a cheesy love story in a while-but I couldn’t put it down! I loved the storyline of the dog bringing them together and tying them together throughout the story. I feel like I also have a new perspective about the crazy lives of celebrities. It was a little bit of an emotional roller coaster there at the end. My heart felt the depth of the love they had for each other when they were together and the heart-wrenching heartbreak they experienced when they were apart. Shamelessly, tears were cried at the end. One of my favorite reads!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm and Cursing
annahamburger's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Another poignant story! This one balances the light the and heavy that comes with life. A hopeful story that unfolds about our FMC finding love after loss.
In this book we get to see Sloan's character be fleshed out as well as meet Jason. Kristen continues to be a central character and I was happy to see her and peak into her life after her "happily ever after". Josh unfortunately sort of faded to a side character, I was hoping to get to know him better from the outside since their book really focused on Kristen.
I enjoyed Sloan and Jason's character development and complicated and nuanced reactions to real relationship barriers (not everyone is a rockstar but jobs have been known to transfer people or require travel).
This book got emotional reactions out of me such as- smiling, laughing, and crying.
In this book we get to see Sloan's character be fleshed out as well as meet Jason. Kristen continues to be a central character and I was happy to see her and peak into her life after her "happily ever after". Josh unfortunately sort of faded to a side character, I was hoping to get to know him better from the outside since their book really focused on Kristen.
I enjoyed Sloan and Jason's character development and complicated and nuanced reactions to real relationship barriers (not everyone is a rockstar but jobs have been known to transfer people or require travel).
This book got emotional reactions out of me such as- smiling, laughing, and crying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Mental illness, Abandonment, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Cursing, and Self harm
Minor: Addiction, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Drug use, Pregnancy, Car accident, Drug abuse, and Sexual assault