Hailey and Wes have a cute friends to lovers transition in this 3rd book of the Jansen Brother series. It works well as a stand alone and has a dual close 3rd POV, which is great because we get to see the way their minds go through doubts, fear, and even some excitement as they develop romantic feelings for each other.

I get that Hailey owns a salad shop, but everyone talks about salad waaay more than what is necessary and I often wondered what else their conversations consisted of.

The writing is okay, the dialogue isn’t strong, and sometimes events just happen and there’s no context until halfway through the chapter. The first few chapters were hard to get through and, but the rest of it was smooth sailing mainly because Wes and Hailey have a really sweet friendship and I was deeply invested.

I appreciate that while there was a happy ending, it was a very bumpy ride getting there BUT everything that Wes said in that breakup convo was wild and so out of nowhere. Honestly, these characters both need to go to therapy because they’ve both carried so much childhood trauma into their relationship–it’s almost too much at certain points.

An emotional rollercoaster for sure, with some tender moments and funny moments.

I can't remember the last time I read a book that was this boring. Almost nothing happens. There is a truly insane amount of talk about salads. Yes, salads.

A GUIDE TO BEING JUST FRIENDS started off really strong, but after the first quarter of the book is turned into a non-stop cycle of low-drama story.

Salad. Just friends. Mild sexual tension. Salad. I can grow this business on my own. Salad. My ex made me feel worthless. Just friends. Salad. Mild miscommunication. More than just friends. Salad. I can grow this business on my own. Mild miscommunication. More salad.

The female friendships were great. The brothers' dynamic was great. Everything else was incredibly boring. A GUIDE TO BEING JUST FRIENDS was filled with curse words and sexual innuendos, only to be very closed door. It felt very incongruent.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG / Kissing and awareness that characters sleep together. Closed Door.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: parent who cheated, awful ex
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.

I didn't realize this book was the third in a series when I requested it, but it ended up working out okay, it was fairly easy to follow.

I really did not enjoy reading about mostly salads and business, rather than character development or romance. Also, how is a salad restaurant groundbreaking, especially in CA? There are chain salad restaurants all over the country. Anyways, I also don't like reading about rich business man as love interests, it's so frustrating.

The dialogue was also a bit stilted and overall, it was pretty boring and forgettable.

Rating: Enjoyed It, 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3

This is the second book I've read by Sophie Sullivan, and ultimately I think I've decided that her books are fun, but not my favorite romance books. This is the third book in the Jansen Brothers companion series, and in this one we get the love story of Wes, the oldest Jansen brother, and Hailey, the new owner of a to-go salad company that just opened in town.

This is a slow burn misunderstanding-to-friends-to-lovers story. It was not just slow-burn, it was extremely slow-burn. It took a veeeerrry long time to get through the sparks and the pining, but it was overall a really fun story if not as memorable as I would like.

What I liked:
- I like friends to lovers, and this one was drawn out over time so it didn't seem to just happen all at once, which can be annoying. I thought it was an interesting premise of two broken people who are coming together as friends to heal.
- I liked Hailey and her boundless optimism. I love a good restaurant story
- I like the banter between Wes, his brothers, and their group of friends. I love a good found family and that's just what this is.
- It's a dual POV, so we get both Wes and Hailey's perspectives, which I appreciate

Things that didn't work as well for me:
- I don't love the writing style. I think that it's a lot more telling than I like. I feel like we get the characters thinking about their feelings and thinking the same types of things over and over again to really hammer home the same point, which got very repetitive and annoying
- I also really hated the third act conflict. I thought that the reason for the conflict felt really dumb, especially given how many times Hailey expressed her feelings to him. Overall, it made it all feel like the characters were really terrible at communication. And even though it was kind of a dumb conflict. Wes had such huge trauma from his parents divorce that was impacting him, and he just got over it all with one conversation with his brothers and it completely changed everything, which was so very unrealistic.

Overall, it was a fun story and I wanted to know what happened, but I doubt I will remember much about this in a few weeks. I recommend if the tropes sound good and you want an easy-breezy popcorn read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. A Guide to Being Just Friends releases on January 17, 2023.

A Guide to Being just Friends is a super cute friends-to-lovers (obviously) contemporary romance. I loved the characters and the variety of their personalities. Wes and Hailey had a group of friends that makes you want to be part of their circle.

What I probably appreciated most about this book is how Wes ACTUALLY COMMUNICATED his feelings and apologized when needed. He seemed more self-aware than many male MCs and I found it refreshing. That said however, there is a bit of not necessarily miscommunication, but withholding of information later in the book that seemed very out of character for him.

I loved how Hailey was all about being a strong independent woman. I loved her salad shop and the crew she eventually hires. While I appreciated how she didn't want anyone stepping in to rescue her and that she stubbornly resolved to make it 100% on her own, I felt it went a bit too far at times.

I did love the relationship between Hailey and Wes the whole way through, from the meet-cute, as a great pair of friends, and as a couple. They were kind of (endearingly) awkward for a while, but also had great chemistry.

My only complaint is the ending. I'll try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, but ***stop reading if you don't want to know what happens to Hailey and Wes in the epilogue!***
I was very disappointed that we didn't get to see the proposal, and the fact that the epilogue was taking place later on the day he proposed just seemed weird. Plus, the timing of the proposal with the other event happening the same day almost seemed to de-value it in my eyes. Dude, make your own special day!

Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to fans of strangers-to-friends-to-lovers, found family, MCs who own a restaurant, and male MCs who know how to communicate and don't act like petulant children.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was a super cute rom-com. It was a very easy read that went by really quickly. I loved how it was a true friends-to-lovers slow burn. The characters actually got to know each other, instead of instantly falling in love, and I really enjoyed experiencing the shift in their relationship. I think Hailey is a super fun, independent woman who would be an amazing friend to have in real life. I loved watching Wes thaw for her and open himself up more. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be going back to read the first two books in this series, I had no clue this was the 3rd book, and enjoying Chris and Noah’s stories.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I enjoyed ‘A Guide to Being Just Friends’ by Sophie Sullivan, which I read as a stand-alone—though I now have plans to go back and read the series.
The friends to lovers trope plays out with Hailey, an ambitious shop owner new to town, and Wes, the always serious eldest Jansen Brother. I enjoyed seeing their friendship build, truly feeling chemistry and sparks as they discovered little quirks about each other and of course a HEA ending. I do wish that Hailey had not been so closed off to the idea of Wes, someone she claims to love providing her with any help or support, but this does get resolved by book end. I also felt that the meet-cute was not all that cute.
Overall a quick, lighthearted read with a HEA to make your heart happy.

Thank you to St Martins Press & NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I didn’t realize this was book number three in a series when I requested it on NetGalley. If I had known that bit of information prior to requesting it, I don’t think I would have requested it. I felt a bit lost throughout the book and probably would have known the characters better had I read the first two books. This is a slow burn romance that didn’t capture my attention. Unfortunately it was a miss for me. Maybe I would have liked it better if I had read the first books in the series, or maybe not.

This book was cute. I was not blown away by it, it didn't stay with me days past finishing it, but I enjoyed it while it lasted. The characters were cute, the friends to lovers story is always a fun one. Their relationship was fun to read about. It was a quick, fun romance read. If you want a steamy, can't put down type of book, this one is not it. If you want a cute rom-com, definitely pick it up.

Hailey opened up a salad shop and is doing everything to make it a success, with no distractions. Wes doesn't understand relationships. He focuses on work and his family. When Wes and Hailey accidentally meet, they plan to go their separate ways. But of course, they run into each other again and strike up a friendship, since friendship is all either of them want.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

When Hailey and Wes find each other in a disastrous meet cute that wasn’t even intended for them, they embarrassingly go their separate ways. But when Wes finds Hailey to apologize for his behavior, they strike a friendship.”

Who doesn’t love a good Friends to Lovers trope?

Not this girl.

I liked a lot about this book, actually. I liked the friend set. I liked the family background depth. I liked the money weirdness.

I especially liked knowing that there were other stories before (and maybe after?) that I can track down, but that it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of Book #3.

I DON’T love Miscommunication as a trope – are romance writers contractually obligated to use it? – and so quickly got tired of the whole, “We like each other, but couldn’t possibly have a legit conversation about our feelings, so we’ll just continue to misunderstand each other’s motives.” thing.

Luckily that didn’t last long.

I can’t say this books was super action-packed (the girl sells salad, for goodness sake), but it delivered exactly what was promised.

6.5/10

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for this feel-good ARC.

I liked reading this continuation of the Jansen brothers, though it wasn't my favorite of the series. It was a sweet romance between Hailey and Wes, filled with a growing friendship, avoidance of feelings, building businesses, seeking dreams and supporting one another through it all. But I felt like there was potential for so much more depth that just fell flat.

If you are looking for a lighter romance book that has the strangers-to-friends-to-lovers trope, this would be a good one to pick up. I didn't realize it was one of a series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I wish the plot was a little less wordy/detailed. But overall a nice read.

Read this book if you like: Dual POV, friends to lovers, slow burn, nerdy MC

Hailey Sharp is in a new town starting over. She has just opened Get By the Cup, a salad shop. With a head full of entrepreneurial ideas and a bad ex in her rearview, her one and only focus is living life the way she wants to. No distractions.

Wes Jansen has also just moved to town. With a string of lackluster first dates and the pain from his parent's angry divorce following him around, he’d much rather find someone who he likes, but won’t love. Companionship, not passion, is the name of the game.

When Hailey and Wes find each other in a disastrous meet cute that wasn’t even intended for them, they embarrassingly go their separate ways. Wes finds Hailey to apologize for his behavior leading them to strike a friendship.

This was cute and sweet. Wes is smart, analytical, nerdy, very particular. Hailey is more carefree, sunshiney. She left an abusive relationship to start over. I loved the meet cute with Wes and Hailey. I like the friends to lovers trope but not that it takes so long for them to realize sometimes. I prefer to see the couple together longer. The story felt slow and uneventful at times leading me to mentally check out. I will likely read the previous two books. I liked the characters. I loved the salad recipes and parts with the salad shop. This was a good book and I do recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and St. Martin's Press for the gifted book! ❤️

A slow-burn romance with a bunch of characters I'd like to be friends with.
The best thing for me in this book was the friendships. There is a whole host of side characters in this book with different personalities and qualities in people you would enjoy knowing. Some have appeared in the previous books so it was nice to see them involved in this story. Hailey's friends are funny and supportive. I loved Fiona and her silly quizzes.
Wes and Hailey's friendship started awkwardly but they were the perfect complement to each other. It was obvious there were sparks between them but they made the conscious decision of being friends. Their bond and friendship blossomed as they spent time together just doing normal stuff. They could be themselves without any judgement or expectations. They were really sweet together. Wes was down to earth, kind and generous but a bit stuck in his ways. Hailey was strong and independent. I liked that she stood up for herself in her relationship with Wes but that she eventually learned to accept help and support from people who love her.
I enjoyed watching them fall in love while not realising it and how they handled it when the penny dropped.

A few characters were new. I liked Leo. He had an interesting story that wasn't fleshed out and I'm wondering if the author isn't completely finished with the Jansen universe.
I would have liked to have seen the Ana situation get resolved more satisfactorily. She got away too easily with her behaviour. I felt that the situation with the father was glossed over as well.
Wes's mother was mentioned but didn't appear in the book and it would be interesting to see how she settles into the neighbourhood.

A Guide to Being Just Friends is a cute slow burn romance, entertaining, angsty and fun.

This was a cute, strangers to friends to lovers Romcom. It was a bit too much of a slow burn for me though with more focus on the friends side than the actual romance side.

What a cute romance! This is technically the third book in the Jansen Brothers series, but having never read the previous two, I feel like this easily read as a stand-alone! I loved the relationship and dynamics of the Jansen brothers, as they were frequent supporting characters in this one, and now I’m definitely eager to read the previous two books in the series.

As for this one, I loved the female main character, Hailey! She’s funny, independent, smart, and I absolutely loved that she owned a salad shop! I found her extremely relatable, likable and would love to have a friend like her! I also enjoyed Wes, and think his and Hailey’s banter and chemistry worked so well! For this being a friends to lovers trope (one of my favorites) I think it was extremely well done! They had a solid reason for not wanting jeopardize the friendship but when they started to fall for each other the chemistry and tension was completely there!

Overall there was such an array of wonderful supporting characters, that I flew through this book and found myself completely immersed in their world! I am now a huge fan of Sullivan’s writing and highly recommend this one!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for this gifted eARC!

Loved this delightful read! I hadn’t realized that this book was the third in a series, and I liked it so much I want to go back and read the first two. I really enjoyed meeting all the characters and watching Hailey’s relationship with each one of them grow. And of course loved the blossoming romance between Hailey and Wes. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!!

A Guide to Being Just Friends is a cute friends to lovers romance that felt a little flat. I wish I had known it was the third book in a series before I read it. I felt like I was missing important background on the Jansen brothers and their girlfriends. I kept getting the side characters confused and I think I would have enjoyed their characters more if I had read the first two books. I had a lot of trouble getting into the book and didn’t feel invested in Hailey and Wes’s story. This book might be for you if you like friends to lovers, found family, or slow burn romances.

Firstly, thank you St. Martins Press for this e-ARC! 

I’ve been dying to read it since you sent it but have been building up the suspense until we got closer to the publishing date (Jan 17 for anyone wondering 🎉)

I was lucky to receive a copy of How to Love Your Neighbour last year and it was super cute. This one was pretty much on par. For a contemporary romance, this was somehow able to veer away from being cheesy … which I’ve found is pretty uncommon with similar books.

This story has all your favourite tropes: a meet cute, friends to lovers, well off guy/ financially struggling girl, “I don’t believe in love” … you name it. Although it was a closed door romance - Sullivan was able to build up the tension just fine with her kiss scenes that it didn’t feel like you were missing out on anything.

Overall the characters were well written, with each character being fine on their own and even better together. If you’ve been following the series then it’s easier to feel like you’re a part of their crew, instead of trying to keep track of multiple characters and their partners. While both Hailey and Wes had their faults, that wasn’t the main thing driving the plot. Did their faults lead to some hiccups along the way? Absolutely. But there is something about a story where adult couples handle their issues/fights like mature people that I will always be a fan of. I think the growth of Hailey and Wes’s relationship felt natural, and their friendship alone was *chefs kiss* 🤌🏻💋. It was hard not to route for them.

Where this fell short for me was a few plot lines that I think could have been left out entirely, or I wish they were tied back in a little bit. Wes’s video game design? Was Ana dropped? And where was the finished “Guide to being Just Friends”… which is like.. the main point of the story no??

Between that and the repetitiveness of certain phrases like Wes’s ‘ocean blue eyes’ or ‘arched brow’, this found itself happily in the middle at 3.5 ⭐️

Recommend if you enjoy Abby Jimenez, Helena Hunting, or Mazey Eddings. Highly recommend reading the first two books in the series first (Ten Rules for Faking it & How to Love Your Neighbour).

When Hailey moves to a new town in California, her only focus is on making her new salad restaurant a success and forgetting about her ex. Wes is new in town, too, and after witnessing the disaster of his parents’ relationship, he’s never believed in love. After an accidental and awkward first meeting, they assume they’ll never see each other again, but fate keeps bringing them back together. They decide to be friends—neither of them is looking for a romantic relationship after all, so what can go wrong?

I read this book without realizing that it’s the third in a series. It works well as a stand-alone, but fans might enjoy the previous two books about Wes’s brothers (who are also characters in this novel). This was a cute, feel-good story with uplifting themes about friendships, the family we choose, loyalty, and how we shouldn’t always trust first impressions.

It was a quick and pleasant read, but the characters were almost so sickly sweet as to be annoying. The town, the characters, the dialogue—all of it was just a little too cutesy to be at-all believable. I didn’t feel that there were ever any real obstacles keeping the two main characters from being together except for the obvious story trope they had to fit into which felt formulaic. It was a sweet story, but too cookie-cutter.

If you’re looking for a cute and PG-rated romance, you might enjoy this, but it just didn’t have enough depth for me to care much about the characters or (very obvious) outcome.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an early review.