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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
sgjohnson2001's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Sexual content
Minor: Addiction, Alcohol, and Drug use
amandaevans's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
I loved this book. It was cute, sweet, lighthearted, while still being heartbreaking and profound. Jason and Sloan are the perfect main characters. Their journey together is one worth the read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Addiction, Alcohol, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Drug use
elexusluvs's review against another edition
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
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
miahenry's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Sloan and Jason had great banter and chemistry were good. I really enjoyed witnessing them fall in love (although it was ridiculously fast). She was a little bit girly for me and he was a bit man of the woods in my opinion, but they grew on me.
I thought the circumstances around the inevitable tension were unique for a romance novel. Also, after reading the All Roads Leads to Here bonus chapter, I liked getting Lola’s back story.
And the playlist addition was cool.
However…
Everything just happened so fast, their romance, his rise to fame, her connection with his family. I had a feeling moments of disbelief that kept me from being totally swept up.
All the baby having stuff was annoying. (Jimenez tends to like babies and pregnancies.)
Jason said and did a couple of questionable things that made me picture him as a bit of a man-boy. A lot of how it panned out felt a bit old-fashioned with the guy definitely getting his dream, but positioning it as hers.
3.5 for me maybe? I was officially an Abby Jimenez fan after Yours Truly and this novel keeps me in the club. She is a master of the dual point of view and her side characters are strong and really fill out the stories. These characters just weren’t my favorite. Maybe a bit too white. :/
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Mental illness, Drug use, and Sexual harassment
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
annieshelley's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was fun and since I had the time to listen to it at 1.4x I finished it in about 48 hrs.
More swearing than I expected/hoped for.
More swearing than I expected/hoped for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Minor: Drug use
plueschi77's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Mental illness
Moderate: Medical content, Drug use, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, and Panic attacks/disorders
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 partner