I liked Jimenez’s first book, The Friend Zone, and was really interested in reading Sloan’s story. The book opens with Sloan still struggling to get over her fiancée’s death and get back to herself, which felt realistic and relatable. I liked the setup of the romance here, I liked both Sloan and Jason as main characters, and I especially liked Tucker the dog. Side note: I found Sloan’s bff and the main character from the first book to be super annoying here. The music industry elements in this were interesting and I thought they made for a fairly convincing conflict between Sloan and Jason. My usual complaint with rom coms is that the conflict that keeps the main characters apart is minor and/or could be easily handled with a conversation. In this case, the conflict truly did seem like something that could feel insurmountable.

I will start this off by stating that I had no intention of reading this book. The Friend Zone really messed me up, and I did not want to read a story about the girl who broke my heart in that book. I love a rom com. And the ending of the Friend Zone was really missing the Com, even though it delivered on the Rom.

That being said, I really liked this book. Abby Jimenez did right by Sloan, and gave her the happy ending she deserved. I felt that grief and finding love again were handled very respectfully, and I liked that it was never as if Brandon was getting replaced. All in all, this book makes up for the absolute devastation I felt at the end of The Friend Zone. I would recommend reading the two books back to back so that you aren't left on a sad clifhanger.

Two years after losing her fiance in a motorcycle accident, Sloan finds a dog running around in the street. She ends up bringing him home and calling the number on his id tag to locate his owner, who does not respond. After several days, she is in love with the dog and finally the owner, Jason, calls and explains his situation. He and Sloan end up texting and talking and when he gets back into town, she agrees to go on a date with him.

This was a really cute, light, happy story. Jason is a semi-famous musician and I usually avoid books about the rich and famous, it’s just not my thing. But I loved @authorabbyjimenez’s first book, The Friend Zone, and so many of my friends loved this one, so I gave it a shot. With a semi-famous musician as a lead, I expected a story of excess and extravagance, two things I am not interested in reading about, but this story could not have been further away from that. Jason was a very down-to-earth, family oriented guy. I loved how Abby Jimenez explored the demands of a record label, the demands of a music career and touring with a band. I thought it was really well done and added a lot of depth and dimension to this unique rom com. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes romance and rom coms.

Really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read more from the author. The characters were wonderful and I liked the plot. It was a book that kept me engaged and I could not put the book down,

I absolutely loved reading the story of Sloane and how she found her way back to living after going through an extremely difficult loss.
I loved there were songs actually tied to each chapter as well

Yes, yes, yes! I absolutely adored this sequel to The Friend Zone and learning more about Sloan's story. And as with TFZ, the author's note at the end of this book added an additional layer of depth to the entire storyline which I loved. Can't wait to see what Abby Jimenez has in store for us next!

Thank you Netgalley and Forever Romance for the advance copy of this book!

I'm having a difficult time giving this story a star rating because something about Jimenez's writing grabs me by the throat, tosses me into a tornado, and doesn't let me go until I've reached the end surrounded by the destruction of my feelings. So, if that's what you are looking for, hold on for the ride Dorothy.

I gobbled up The Happy Ever After Playlist, happy to see Sloan recovering from her grief over the events in The Friend Zone (a book which filled me with similar feelings), and being wooed by the deliciously sexy musician's dog leaps through her sunroof and into her life. Sloan deserves the best in life and I'll cape for her till the end.

The first portion of the book with the texts and flirting between Sloan and Jason is delightful and super fun, full of Jimenez's wit and perfection with dialogue.

I wasn't always quite as enchanted with Sloan's friends (the couple from TFZ) or Jason after he reveals his stardom to Sloan. He's immediately entranced by Sloan because she is physically beautiful and funny, and makes some comments about needing to lock her down before anyone else can realize she's ready to date again which made me cringe a little and I was glad Sloan wasn't privy to those thoughts. Sloan's friends also seem to be on #TeamJason a few more times than I felt like he deserved, but to each their own. I'm just firmly #TeamSloan and wanted to punch Jason in the teeth a few times.

There was also a subplot involving Jason and a pop star ex with mental health issues that thankfully wrapped up in a respectful way but also made me grit my teeth a few times. See behind spoiler for more thoughts (view spoiler)

So, overall there were a lot of things that worked for me and other things that didn't BUT I devoured the entire story in about a day because that's how much I wanted to know what happened. A perfect follow-up for fans of the first book and who want to take on this angst filled romance with a cute as heck dog.

Thank you to Forever for the advance copy!

OMG I loved this book so much. I didn't think I could love it as much as the first book but this book blew the Friend Zone out of the water in my opinion. Right from the beginning I fell in love with how the main characters accidentally started talked. I loved both of them so much and there was so much pain for Sloan to work through. Her transformation and their love story was just amazing. I've been in a huuuge bookhole since I finished the book. I can't wait to read more from this author!

I ate this right up. Abby Jimenez successfully delivers another home run with this release and I can't say I'm surprised. I LOVED The Friend Zone so much. It was a random pick up and I was excited about a new romance title and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. Then I got this one in my hands and WOW. WOW WOW WOW. I loved it. I went into this blind - as I tend to do lately, and it just made it all the more enjoyable. Highly recommend. Please read and recommend this.

This book will give you ALL of the feels. I was fortunate to have found Abby Jimenez's first book, The Friend Zone, on a whim while searching through NetGalley. Ever since, I have been patiently waiting for book 2. And I was thrilled to once again be able to read it long before others thanks to NetGalley. It was definitely worth the wait. I immediately fell for Jason. He and Sloan were such a cute couple as Sloan worked to rebuild her life and learn to not only love again but to love herself. The only downfall here is having to wait for the third book from Abby Jimenez!

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was not expecting this book to be what it was-- in a good way. There is a lot more plot to this book then is hinted at in the summary. The summary covers about the first third of the book and that is it. There really isn't much of a fight for Tucker (the Dog) at all, and it resolved fairly quickly. Going into this novel, I fully expected for the two main characters to not even meet until halfway through.

Our two main characters are Sloan and Jason. Jason is a musician about to make it big. Sloan is an artist who is struggling after the death of her fiance. The story follows the progression of their relationship as Sloan slowly moves on from the person she was going to spend the rest of her life with and Jason has to fulfill contractual obligations to his label. There are ups and downs along the way, particularly as Jason becomes famous.

The writing style is easy to fall into. The writing is not clunky and the chemistry between Sloan and Jason is not only believable, but it is refreshing. I do think that their relationship develops too quickly though, but hey, it's fiction. I sympathized with the "villain" of the novel and was pleased with how her story line was treated. The real villain does not get it's just desserts though.

My only criticism of this book is that, while Sloan spends a lot of time mourning her deceased fiance, we don't really get any sense of him as a character. We see the physical remnants of his life in her home, but never see his relationship with Sloan. No memories or dreams where we actually see him. There is only really once instance where Sloan speaks of his character in the whole book. Much of the novel revolves around this one characters death, but we don't... get a sense of him. Sloan's best friends husband was her deceased fiances best friend and likewise, nothing was actually shown of their relationship. I would have liked at least one scene that showed a memory of Brandon.

All in all a good read if you like contemporary romance novels and something to look forward to for your 2020 reading list.

I devoured it in just one sitting and I absolutely enjoyed reading this one. When I previously read Friend zone, my concern was why they had to kill off Sloan’s fiance, Brandon in such tragic way but after reading Sloan’s future in this one, it all seems well-connected. Sloan’s future definitely needed a book and we have this one for that. I loved this book so much more than The Friend zone.

Jason is absolutely dreamy, rockstar, musician hero who comes into Sloan’s life when she is grieving the death of her fiance. Absolutely difficult to not fall in love with this character. There is a cute dog, Tucker in the plot who helps in getting Sloan out from grief into the world after a long time. The banter between the two was absolutely to die for and enjoyable. It gives quite a few interesting moments and you will end up falling in love with the two characters. The celebrity status of Jason also brings in some life changing moments for their relationship.

Abby Jimenez is definitely on auto-buy author list without a doubt.

Thanks to Forever Pub and NetGalley for the advanced copy to review!

The Happy Ever After Playlist by @authorabbyjimenez 🎶 9/10

This story was so sweet!! It was such a funny and easy read, Abby’s characters are always so charming and relatable. Abby’s writing is like reading texts from a best friend, her stories are always laugh out loud funny but can also touch on emotional topics without going overboard. After reading the Friend Zone, Sloan’s story of losing her fiancé really stuck with me, and I immediately felt like she deserves a happy ending. So when I found out the next book was giving Sloan her shot at love I was all in. In the Happy Ever After Playlist we get to know Sloan and see her finally get back out there, finding herself again. After a chance encounter rescuing a doggo named Tucker and eventually meeting his handsome owner Jason, who seems to be a notorious flirt.

Now the question is will Jason (a famous musician) stick around for good or will Sloan have to deal with losing another love?

I loved all the flirty banter from Jason, their sexy chemistry was fun to read right from the beginning. FYI some absolute gem out there created the playlist (each chapter has a song) on Spotify so you can listen to the songs as you read! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1tsC0rNPk4Q4lymo4ek83S?si=TFq3F28NQyKv3OhK3vjfhg

Thank you to @netgalley and @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub

After reading and LOVING “The Friend Zone” earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. My heart broke for Sloan in the last book and while I read this book I wanted to reach in and give her a big hug.

“It was hard to come to terms with something that didn’t make sense, like a tragic untimely death or a breakup that came out of nowhere. How could anyone be at peace when they don’t know what they did to deserve it or what they could have done to make things different?’’

Ugh.


Jason was EVERYTHING in this story and I need me one of him in real life as well. He was SO patient, caring and understanding and I loved how he stayed with Sloan through the good and the bad. Throughout this story we slowly start to see a transformation from Sloan and I love that it wasn’t because of a guy. Sloan got better because SHE wanted to get better and it was such a beautiful and heartwarming thing to see.

I also loved how Kristen and Josh did everything they could to make sure Sloan was okay. #SquadGoals Kristen was a hoot in this story and it was so nice to catch up with her and Josh.


It’s hard to believe that this is only Abby Jiminez second novel. The writing and storytelling always suck me in while I’m reading. It felt like I was with old friends. I smiled, laughed, cried and hurt right along with them these last two books and I am going to miss these characters so much. And as usual I am suffering from the only book hangover. Jiminez has blown me away twice in one year which is NO easy feat. P.S. Make sure to read the author’s note.

Abby did it again. For her first book, which was written 'as a hobby', she crafted an engaging story of healing and new love. I can see why and appreciate that she saved Sloan's story for her second book.

I originally received one of the travelling arcs from Abby. I was on the fence about this one considering it's a sequel, not a lot of sequels hold a candle to the first book. But I was blown away! I could not put it down. It had me hooked from the first chapter. I felt every emotions and when Sloan felt something, I felt it with her. This book is beyond amazing.

Abby Jimenez, author of "The Friend Zone," is back with another hilarious, emotional romance that is a must-read for 2020! The Happy Ever After Playlist follows Sloane, the best friend of the main characters from TFZ, and though I seriously thought that nothing could top the first book in the series, Sloane's story exceeded my expectations.
Sloane's fiance died in a car accident two years ago, and it's not until she meets Jason and his dog Tucker that she finally begins to feel like herself again. Jason is attentive and flirtatious, and he helps Sloane overcome her grief at her own pace. But his career as a rising musician threatens their budding relationship, and their feelings for each other are put to the test as his fame skyrockets.
This book will have you racing to finish to figure out what will happen between these two vulnerable characters, and there's plenty of appearances from our favorite couple, Kristen and Josh!

I loved Sloan in THE FRIEND ZONE and couldn't wait to see where her story would go. THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST does not disappoint in this regard. It also features the best meet-cute I've ever read in a contemporary romance -- if you love dogs, you won't be able to resist the opening chapters of this book! Like in her previous book, Jimenez does not shy away from difficult topics; in this case, Sloan is still processing her grief over the tragedy that took place in THE FRIEND ZONE. Sloan's new love interest is a musician who invites her to join his tour, so if you devoured the tour scenes in DAISY JONES & THE SIX you'll probably love this book, too. A great follow-up to THE FRIEND ZONE; I hope this isn't the last time we see Kristen, Josh, Sloan, and Jason! (less)

After reading and loving The Friend Zone, I absolutely had to read Sloan's story. I'm so grateful for the chance to read it early.

It was completely amazing. Totally unputdownable. The sweetness and the heartbreak combined for the perfect story. It was so heartfelt and emotional but also brought the laughs with the witty banter. Getting to know Sloan again gave me smiles and tears. I absolutely love Jason. Maybe more than Josh. Either way, Abby Jiminez, please keep those book boyfriends coming because you are the queen at writing them! I love the doggies too, Tucker stole the show! I have absolutely no doubt that everyone will love this book as much as they loved The Friend Zone.

A brilliant follow up to the Friend Zone! Abby Jimenez keeps her readers on the edge of their seats with a fast paced romance filled with heart and soul. I ran the entire gamut of emotions reading this book: happy, sad, angry, scared. Jimenez's writing is so vividly realistic and really brings you into the mindset of the characters. Sloane's story arc is absolutely beautiful, and her journey to finding herself through finding love is one that many people who have dealt with grief can identify with. Jason is the consummate gentleman, almost to a fault, and the decisions he makes throughout the book will often make you hit your head in frustration. Is this your average fluffy feel good romance novel? No. And nothing against fluffy feel good romance novels but I would read 100 books of this quality.