The Happy Ever After Playlist By Abby Jimenez

Review by Veronica

Series Name: The Friend Zone, #2

There was something so tender in the way he touched me it made me forget to breathe. He looked at me like I was the most beautiful woman in the world. I was sick and gross, but he didn’t care. I was everything to him and he made me know it, every single day. 

Get ready to fall in love with the second book in The Friend Zone series. 

STOP before you read any further; I would HIGHLY recommend you read The Friend Zone (the first book in this series) before you start this book or read this review. There are some major spoilers in the second book, and the story is really a continuation of the first book.

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a “take me home” look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet 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. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can’t deny a connection. 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?

I did some major ugly crying while reading the last bit of The Friend Zone. It was utterly heartbreaking watching what Sloan went through in the aftermath of Brandon’s accident. I was not expecting that twist to happen (I had no clue what this book was about). And as much as I hated what happened to Sloan, I like that I wasn’t expecting that twist; being shocked doesn’t happen too often in a rom-com book.

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous when I started this book. I liked Sloan and Brandon as a couple, and I didn’t know if Abby would be able to create a new romantic relationship for Sloan that lived up to what Brandon and Sloan had. All I have to say, Abby knocked this one out of the park. This book was freaking AMAZING! It blew all of my expectations out of the water, and I couldn’t put it down. This rom-com book has it all: romance, witty fun banter, an adorable dog, depth, charm, and spice.

Jason and Sloan are by far one of my favourite rom-com couples. The chemistry between these two is just so damn good, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Every time these two were on the pages together, I got those wonderful butterfly feelings in my stomach. In my eyes, their relationship was perfect, not in that Hallmark perfect fashion rather in a real-life way. They had their ups and downs, but I could see that no matter what life threw at them, they would get through it together. I really loved how they started out as friends (long-distance texting friends); it helped create that solid foundation and gave their romantic relationship a lot of depth. There are so many sweet, entertaining, and swoon-worthy movements between these two. I ate up every single one of them.

Jason is like the diamond standard of book boyfriends. He is kind, sexy, patient, and treats Sloan like a queen. All I have to say is I want one, please. LOL, I really liked him, and I am hard-pressed to find anything that I didn’t like about his character. Yes, he makes mistakes and has to make some tough choices throughout this book, but his heart is always in the right place and is always trying to make sure that Sloan is happy and is able to follow her own dreams.   

Sloan is a character you can’t help but love. She is sweet, kind, and someone you can imagine being your best friend. It was hard watching her struggle through the grief of losing her fiance at the beginning of this book. All I wanted to do is give her a big hug and tell her that things will get better. One of the things that I loved most about this book was watching Sloan start to break free of the cycle of grief and start to live and love again. Her journey was funny, wonderful, and endearing. 

It was fascinating seeing the behind-the-scenes world of the music industry. As a fan of music and musicians, I often forget that behind all that glitz and glamour is a business and usually not a glamorous one. Jason’s life is not an easy one, and the amount of pressure he is under because of his label’s expectations is pretty crazy. Jason’s career and his label created a lot of challenges in Sloan and Jason’s relationship. 

I am a sucker for a book that has cameos in it. Kristin and Josh pop up frequently in this book, and it was great seeing them. I felt like I was catching up with old friends. I would be a terrible person if I didn’t talk about Tucker’s adorableness. That dog definitely stole the spotlight in this book at times. I loved how Abby used him to help Sloan take those first steps into getting out of that grief bubble she had trapped herself in. Really, is there anything better than a love of a pet to help give you that strength you need to get through life’s most challenging moments?

If you are looking for a book to rock your world, I highly recommend reading Happy Ever After Playlist.