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ju_harue's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Perto dos outros livros da autora, esse não me pegou tanto, achei que muitas partes foram repetitivas (mas por ter sido o primeiro de fato que ela escreveu, segundo a nota da autora no Goodreads, até faz sentido a evolução da escrita), quase beirando a motonia, com acontecimentos similares.
O que gosto muito escrita da Abby, é que são experiências bem pessoais, colocadas na ficção, isso me pega, fazendo ler todo os agradecimentos para não perder nada.
De resumo, estava com expectativas de ser arrebatada pelo casal, mas não fui, isso prejudicou o ritmo da leitura. Entendo que Sloan está a sua forma, se "re-adaptando" ao que quer viver, como, novas formas, novas relações, mas ainda assim, não me apeguei. O instalove não é uma trope literária que gosto, e nessa história em especial, parece bem impulsivo e até com sinais de dependência afetiva, que me deixam menos "coração quentinho".
Uma coisa que achei importante, que faltou no livro anterior, foi a questão da adoção, que Abby resolveu bem por cima no epílogo deste livro, mas ainda assim, achei importante ela retornar a isso.
Vou seguir lendo os demais livros, para concluir esse Abbyverso criado. Mas reforço que os outros livros, em especial a segunda série, me arrebataram.
O que gosto muito escrita da Abby, é que são experiências bem pessoais, colocadas na ficção, isso me pega, fazendo ler todo os agradecimentos para não perder nada.
De resumo, estava com expectativas de ser arrebatada pelo casal, mas não fui, isso prejudicou o ritmo da leitura. Entendo que Sloan está a sua forma, se "re-adaptando" ao que quer viver, como, novas formas, novas relações, mas ainda assim, não me apeguei. O instalove não é uma trope literária que gosto, e nessa história em especial, parece bem impulsivo e até com sinais de dependência afetiva, que me deixam menos "coração quentinho".
Uma coisa que achei importante, que faltou no livro anterior, foi a questão da adoção, que Abby resolveu bem por cima no epílogo deste livro, mas ainda assim, achei importante ela retornar a isso.
Vou seguir lendo os demais livros, para concluir esse Abbyverso criado. Mas reforço que os outros livros, em especial a segunda série, me arrebataram.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Grief
Moderate: Alcohol, Death, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Pregnancy, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, and Blood
readwithria's review against another edition
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
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
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
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 partneraleroness's review against another edition
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
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
pagesfromhome's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
3.5
I really enjoyed the relationship between Sloane and Jason, but I found myself really bothered by the Lola storyline throughout. She was clearly exploited by her manager and record label while also being under the influence most of the time, but I just feel like it took a really long time to get an apology and I would have liked to see that situation wrapped up earlier than it was so the forgiveness could have felt less rushed. . I love a story about second chances and I loved the respect that Jason had for Sloane throughout her movement through grief. All in all, it was all-around fine. I didn't love, didn't hate - firmly liked it and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an exploration of what it can look like for grief to become a part of your life, but not your whole life. I also freely admit that I'm a sucker for anything that comes with a playlist built in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault, Blood, and Self harm
Minor: Stalking
mybookishlife2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
5.0
I loved the love. The friendship between Kirsten and Sloan even Josh and Sloan and the support they show. They are true friends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism
Minor: Eating disorder, Vomit, Self harm, and Blood