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3.41 AVERAGE
3.41 AVERAGE
Thank you for the advanced copy! I loved reading this slow build friends to lovers story. Seeing two people who don't want to fall in love, fall in love is the best kind of story. It's always the sweet silent types that fall the hardest. The only thing that this book is missing is the actual guide they keep saying they are going to write, but it all works out because building that guide helped them realize you can absolutely be in love with your best friend
the reason i rarely (and sometimes hesitantly) read friends-to-lovers is because it’s very difficult to get it just right, and i think this book is a good example of why i don’t read romcoms of a similar trope. the book, overall, wasn’t bad but it also lacked the component of a good romance. it was boring a lot of times, sort of stiff and just not very convincing to keep you hooked.
the characters also severely lacked characterization; there were a lot of mentions of their backstories, but nothing that genuinely developed or explored them. i only read one previous book of this series and i’m pretty sure i had thought the same thing, then, too.
this wasn’t a read i necessarily regretted, but i was just expecting so much that wasn’t delivered. i really struggled with liking hailey, and found wes very bland. the only thing i liked about them was their relationship with their friends, and family.
(however, if i could rate this book based only on the person who wrote it, this would get a lot more stars. i had the pleasure of briefly talking to sophie sullivan when i was reviewing her other book: how to love your neighbor, and she was incredibly sweet!)
the characters also severely lacked characterization; there were a lot of mentions of their backstories, but nothing that genuinely developed or explored them. i only read one previous book of this series and i’m pretty sure i had thought the same thing, then, too.
this wasn’t a read i necessarily regretted, but i was just expecting so much that wasn’t delivered. i really struggled with liking hailey, and found wes very bland. the only thing i liked about them was their relationship with their friends, and family.
(however, if i could rate this book based only on the person who wrote it, this would get a lot more stars. i had the pleasure of briefly talking to sophie sullivan when i was reviewing her other book: how to love your neighbor, and she was incredibly sweet!)
I loved the characters in this book. The brotherhood was awesome and the group of friends Hailey found were really great.
Overall though, the plot felt kind of forced. I feel like the part where they are trying not to like each other and forcing them towards other people goes on forever. Then when they finally get together there’s still more drama to come. Just felt like the book was dragging at points.
Overall though, the plot felt kind of forced. I feel like the part where they are trying not to like each other and forcing them towards other people goes on forever. Then when they finally get together there’s still more drama to come. Just felt like the book was dragging at points.
medium-paced
I almost wish they had been just friends, because the domestic grocery-shopping and similar small things made me smile--though that could've been the fact that I don't tend to gravitate towards friends to lovers. When they got together, it was cute enough (
I think perhaps I should've realized that this was the third book of a series before getting a good amount of headway through, but once I did the side characters made more sense.
If you're looking for something nice and non-absorbing to pick up and put down in-between tasks or when you're driving, I'd recommend this book. It doesn't really need all of your attention.
I wish Haileys store would be real because
I would love to visit!
THE BUILD UP tstekdudj
WTH is wrong with Wes???
I would love to visit!
THE BUILD UP tstekdudj
WTH is wrong with Wes???
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I always love a new author and Sophie Sullivan has made my favorite reads of 2023. When an unsociable computer geek prefers friendship over love, it takes lots of salad, a guide, romcoms, and his kind and funny friend to change his mind.
Hailey Sharp is a struggling business owner of a new salad shop in California. Sounds like an ideal spot, but the customers are scarce. Until one day at the bakery next door she is mistaken for a blind date by a grumpy guy who didn't believe she was just there for some chocolate. As fate has it, she meets the guy again after delivering a lunch order and he happens to be New York royalty and has a penchant to fix things, but Hailey does not take charity. She's not a project or investment. So favors are given and a friendship is formed. But things don't always go according to plan.
As the technology side of his family's successful investment business, Wes Jansen thrives on consistency and routine. This applied to his personal life as well. Love was not an option for him, though he really likes his new friend, Hailey. He can be himself with her and he can tell her things he's never revealed to anyone else. When their relationship becomes friends with benefits, life is good until her confession. It wasn't part of the plan. He has to back away. So why does his heart hurt so much?
Friendship to love is one of my favorite tropes and Ms. Sullivan nailed it. Hailey and Wes are made for each other. I love watching Wes slowly soften his shell around Hailey as she charms him with her wit and love for life. Hailey is a powerhouse of new beginnings as she picked herself up from a toxic relationship and gained back her self-confidence to become a successful businesswoman on her own. She's not only made friends with Wes and his family but with women, she's met in her shop and through her cousin Piper. Hailey's honesty and outspokenness are what I admire most about her. She's true to herself and puts herself out there. Wes, on the other hand, is an uptight, nerdy, analytical big brother who is used to being alone. He has no time for love because he saw the heartbreak and downfall love brought to his parents. Though he doesn't believe he can love, his actions show otherwise. He creates a video game just for Hailey. He helps a young boy at the local rec center find a job as a delivery boy for Hailey. He protects his brothers from his despicable father. When Wes realizes his mistake with Hailey, his grand gesture is memorable as he finally gives her what she deserves.
The family and friends in this book are phenomenal. The love is so strong and everyone has each other's backs. I especially like Wes's brothers Chris and Noah. Their playful rapport as brothers is endearing. When Wes messes up, they don't hold back and when Wes needs them most, they are there for him.
If you are looking for a feel-good read filled with romance, angst, laughter, family, and friends, pick up this book. I couldn't put it down. Though I started the series at the end, I can't wait to go back and read about Chris and Noah.
Hailey Sharp is a struggling business owner of a new salad shop in California. Sounds like an ideal spot, but the customers are scarce. Until one day at the bakery next door she is mistaken for a blind date by a grumpy guy who didn't believe she was just there for some chocolate. As fate has it, she meets the guy again after delivering a lunch order and he happens to be New York royalty and has a penchant to fix things, but Hailey does not take charity. She's not a project or investment. So favors are given and a friendship is formed. But things don't always go according to plan.
As the technology side of his family's successful investment business, Wes Jansen thrives on consistency and routine. This applied to his personal life as well. Love was not an option for him, though he really likes his new friend, Hailey. He can be himself with her and he can tell her things he's never revealed to anyone else. When their relationship becomes friends with benefits, life is good until her confession. It wasn't part of the plan. He has to back away. So why does his heart hurt so much?
Friendship to love is one of my favorite tropes and Ms. Sullivan nailed it. Hailey and Wes are made for each other. I love watching Wes slowly soften his shell around Hailey as she charms him with her wit and love for life. Hailey is a powerhouse of new beginnings as she picked herself up from a toxic relationship and gained back her self-confidence to become a successful businesswoman on her own. She's not only made friends with Wes and his family but with women, she's met in her shop and through her cousin Piper. Hailey's honesty and outspokenness are what I admire most about her. She's true to herself and puts herself out there. Wes, on the other hand, is an uptight, nerdy, analytical big brother who is used to being alone. He has no time for love because he saw the heartbreak and downfall love brought to his parents. Though he doesn't believe he can love, his actions show otherwise. He creates a video game just for Hailey. He helps a young boy at the local rec center find a job as a delivery boy for Hailey. He protects his brothers from his despicable father. When Wes realizes his mistake with Hailey, his grand gesture is memorable as he finally gives her what she deserves.
The family and friends in this book are phenomenal. The love is so strong and everyone has each other's backs. I especially like Wes's brothers Chris and Noah. Their playful rapport as brothers is endearing. When Wes messes up, they don't hold back and when Wes needs them most, they are there for him.
If you are looking for a feel-good read filled with romance, angst, laughter, family, and friends, pick up this book. I couldn't put it down. Though I started the series at the end, I can't wait to go back and read about Chris and Noah.
This is the story of Wes the third Jansen brother. Noah is the oldest and has taken on the brunt of their father's expectations. Wanting to get out from under his thumb they started their own company and can do some good in their community. A part of that community is Haley a local shop owner with a salad in a cup business. She is trying to start over after a toxic ex, and build her business.
Haley doesn't want help from anyone wanting to prove she can do it on her own. She doesn't trust her instincts when it comes to men, so when she meets Wes she can only agree to be friends. I really enjoyed their friendship and how they brought out the best parts of each other. Wes is just so endearing and I loved how he just really wanted to help and lighten the load for those he cares about the most.
I loved how Haley was really trying to establish herself but also trying to give chances to those who might not have otherwise been given opportunities. Making her own sense of community and family.
Low angst, sweet friendships and just such an endearing story of starting over, finding your people and proving to yourself that you can be successful by forging your own path.
I received an arc for review via NetGalley all opinions are my own and given freely.
Haley doesn't want help from anyone wanting to prove she can do it on her own. She doesn't trust her instincts when it comes to men, so when she meets Wes she can only agree to be friends. I really enjoyed their friendship and how they brought out the best parts of each other. Wes is just so endearing and I loved how he just really wanted to help and lighten the load for those he cares about the most.
I loved how Haley was really trying to establish herself but also trying to give chances to those who might not have otherwise been given opportunities. Making her own sense of community and family.
Low angst, sweet friendships and just such an endearing story of starting over, finding your people and proving to yourself that you can be successful by forging your own path.
I received an arc for review via NetGalley all opinions are my own and given freely.
Cute story with fun, likable, and relatable characters learning and growing together.
Hailey owns her own business and wants to prove she is enough and worthy of love. Wes doesn’t believe in love and never wants to marry or have a family. There story was sweet and gentle paced. There were some ups and downs in their relationship but all turned out right in the end.
Pepper scale
Hailey owns her own business and wants to prove she is enough and worthy of love. Wes doesn’t believe in love and never wants to marry or have a family. There story was sweet and gentle paced. There were some ups and downs in their relationship but all turned out right in the end.
Pepper scale