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elexusluvs's review
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
5.0
Please listen to all the corresponding songs provided throughout the book, too! Fantastic 🙌🏽
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Car accident, Infidelity, Addiction, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
justinekorson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
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
4.5
POINTS DOCKED OFF FOR THE THIRD ACT BREAKUP!!!! JASON YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID.
Besides that though I love, love, LOVED this novel. The chemistry between Jason and Sloan right off the bat was incredible. They were so damn funny together and when they finally met up I about damn near cried. I did not expect the book to take the very emotional turn it does in the latter half. I did not like Lola throughout the whole novel and then ended up wanting to BURN THE WORLD DOWN FOR HER. She was a product of the situation she was put in and I don't blame her at all for what she did/said.
Anyways, I'm endlessly glad that my friend bought this for me to read!!!
Besides that though I love, love, LOVED this novel. The chemistry between Jason and Sloan right off the bat was incredible. They were so damn funny together and when they finally met up I about damn near cried. I did not expect the book to take the very emotional turn it does in the latter half. I did not like Lola throughout the whole novel and then ended up wanting to BURN THE WORLD DOWN FOR HER. She was a product of the situation she was put in and I don't blame her at all for what she did/said.
Anyways, I'm endlessly glad that my friend bought this for me to read!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Death, Alcoholism, Grief, Alcohol, Blood, Drug use, Addiction, Car accident, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Vomit
cathyo_113's review
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was on track to be a solid 4.5/5 ⭐️ read for me. But then we hit the 70-75% mark (in the paperback-specifically from about page 302 onward) write in what I think is an unnecessary - not to mention my most hated - trope in to the story. I don’t believe the way the FMC had been written in the previous 70% of the book would have made the choice to forgo seeing her BFF and just try to talk it out. Then the MMC “falling on his sword” to save the woman he loves? Nope.
The first 60-70% of the book, I’d been enjoying and could get on board with the Insta-love aspect of Jason & Sloan’s relationship. But the last 3rd of the book. No. Immediately no. Instant decrease to 3⭐️ because even the resolution of the conflict brought on at that 70-75% point of the book took so much of the remaining 25% of the book, the ending was rushed. I just was disappointed in the turn and the neat bow the epilogue was trying for just didn’t cut it for me.
The first 60-70% of the book, I’d been enjoying and could get on board with the Insta-love aspect of Jason & Sloan’s relationship. But the last 3rd of the book. No. Immediately no. Instant decrease to 3⭐️ because even the resolution of the conflict brought on at that 70-75% point of the book took so much of the remaining 25% of the book, the ending was rushed. I just was disappointed in the turn and the neat bow the epilogue was trying for just didn’t cut it for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Self harm
kelly_e's review against another edition
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 partnerang3lina_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Drug abuse, Infidelity, Alcoholism, and Self harm
Minor: Sexual harassment and Pregnancy
xwritingstoriesx's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Sexual content, and Grief
aleroness's review
4.5
One of the best romances I've read all year! Well-written and the plot kept me guessing until the end. At almost no point could I discern where the story could or should go next - there was no easy out any I appreciated that! Likeable characters with believable arcs that made me want their stories to continue even as it ended.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Death, Car accident, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Blood, Mental illness, Sexual harassment, and Vomit
atamano's review against another edition
emotional
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
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
Minor: Infertility, Pregnancy, Blood, Car accident, and Death
jillkaarlela's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Taylor Swift songs: “peace”!!!!!!!!
Age rating: 16+ (1 steamy scene, 0.5/5🌶️)
Ok, being famous sounds absolutely terrible. But this book was good! Please please please check trigger warnings (I listed them at the end).
Jason is absolutely down BAD for her!! And he is so good at flirting!! This was insta-love, but in a good way. Their chemistry was electric, and I love how they started to fall for each other before they even saw each other in person! The whole concept of the dog bringing them together was absolutely adorable! And Jason defined intentional pursuit of a partner!! He put her first from the beginning.
I did not realize how absolutely horrifying being famous was, because dang!! That sounds miserable!! It made for some really heartbreaking drama and conflict though!
I appreciate how this book and the last book in this series (“the Friend Zone”) were inspired by people that Jimenez knew and sought advice and expertise from (according to authors note). She really did the research when covering these very difficult topics (infertility and loss of partner). I also appreciated the focus on Sloan rediscovering her “spark” and identity in herself, apart from Jason. This book shows that the journey may be really rough, but it will get better.
Overall, I liked this better than “the Friend Zone”, however “part of your world” and “yours truly” are elite for me!
TW: sexual harassment, grief, death of past partner, self harm, depression, panic attacks, alcoholism and drug abuse (side character)
Age rating: 16+ (1 steamy scene, 0.5/5🌶️)
Ok, being famous sounds absolutely terrible. But this book was good! Please please please check trigger warnings (I listed them at the end).
Jason is absolutely down BAD for her!! And he is so good at flirting!! This was insta-love, but in a good way. Their chemistry was electric, and I love how they started to fall for each other before they even saw each other in person! The whole concept of the dog bringing them together was absolutely adorable! And Jason defined intentional pursuit of a partner!! He put her first from the beginning.
I did not realize how absolutely horrifying being famous was, because dang!! That sounds miserable!! It made for some really heartbreaking drama and conflict though!
I appreciate how this book and the last book in this series (“the Friend Zone”) were inspired by people that Jimenez knew and sought advice and expertise from (according to authors note). She really did the research when covering these very difficult topics (infertility and loss of partner). I also appreciated the focus on Sloan rediscovering her “spark” and identity in herself, apart from Jason. This book shows that the journey may be really rough, but it will get better.
Overall, I liked this better than “the Friend Zone”, however “part of your world” and “yours truly” are elite for me!
TW: sexual harassment, grief, death of past partner, self harm, depression, panic attacks, alcoholism and drug abuse (side character)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism, Self harm, Sexual harassment, and Drug use
xomandymoo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
Graphic: Death, Alcoholism, and Grief