When Wes and Hailey meet (their meet-cute is adorable, by the way), they are both struggling personally and professionally. Hailey has just gotten out of a bad relationship and is starting a new business; Wes is a successful businessman but it’s hard for him to let anyone see inside his heart. They become friends, each of them bringing something unique to their friendship, as they bantered and laughed, and I enjoyed watching their relationship flourish! Of course, everything gets messy when their hearts, which each of them have been protecting, become involved. I was there for it all, for the bumps in the road, for the smooth-sailing, and for when they finally allow themselves to be vulnerable, no matter how scared they are. I’ve loved all three books about the Jansen brothers and the women they love, and who love them in return, and I’m sad to say goodbye. Is it too much to hope that we will get a book featuring Ari, the Jansen sister?

Rating this with 4 cups of vegetable salads out of 5.

I like the book, but these are the reasons why I'm not giving it a 5:

>>> Wes met Hailey in an embarrassing way. After the apology, they instantly became friends who had each other's back. Like, really?
>>> Hailey was a little annoying with accepting gifts and help from Wes all the time. Like we get it, you aren't that kind of girl, but I think, we can accept and still be called independent.
>>> I think I missed the part where Wes mentioned that he isn't the marrying type and doesn't want to have kids. Might have accidentally skipped that part, but I really don't remember and I felt that it just suddenly turned up to be a problem.
>>> Okay, so he is not the marrying type. He said it. He was so into "not falling in love", but just one talk with his brothers and he was ready. Then the apology was so quickly accepted.
>>> I didn't feel the connection between Wes and Hailey. No sexual tension or connection to make me sit at the edge of my chair and crave for more chapters. Well, a girl can dream. Hahaha.
>>> Too many characters, talk of salads etc.

Friends to lovers. Totally wholesome. Slow burn. Totally slow burn.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for providing me an eARC in exchange of an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

When Hailey catches her actor boyfriend cheating on her, she packs up and sells her LA home and moves to San Verde to start anew. Hailey is determined to stay away from love, but then she meets Wes.

Wes is a Type-A successful man with daddy issues, looking to get into an emotionless relationship to avoid feelings and heartbreak. After his rocky introduction to Hailey, they clear things up and agree to become friends. Things get complicated as they begin to spend more time together and they must then choose how they want to proceed with their interpersonal relationship.

Overall, the story was solid and wholesome. There are parts of the story where I got so annoyed with Hailey, but then I was like ✨let’s show some empathy to this fictional character✨ because if you’d been emotionally abused the way she was in her past life, you’d prob feel the same way. If that sounds like a fun time, I def recommend it. If not, then I think it’s ok to pass on.

Thanks to St. Martin’s and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you st martins press and netgalley for allowing me to read this book. I just did not connect with the characters. I wanted to feel the tension and chemistry between the characters but I just didn’t. I enjoyed the beginning and end but felt like it lacked in the middle.

First off, I had zero clue that this was the third book in a series. I even went back after finding that out and from the description it isn’t clear.
That aside, it seemed like it would be a cute story but boy was I wrong. I kept waiting for it to get to the cute part but I was more interested in Hailey’s business than anything else. I was so checked out that I actually checked out at 58%.
Sweet story but it’s just not me.

There’s a slow burn and then there’s a sloooooow matchstick that barely lights. Perhaps it’s because the main male character is rather off putting and so set in his “I’m never falling in love” ways. The female main character is slightly more appealing, but this is made less true by the constant repetition of how she has to do everything all on her own. Also, her constant irritation at the fact that he had money was annoying at best.
Also this is a closed door romance, which may appeal to some readers but didn’t quite do it for me in this setting. It felt like we were led right to the edge and then the chapter would close. Honestly, if I have to sit through the characters at least a little steam would be nice.
This is the third book in a series, but I won’t be seeking out the other two. Maybe those are more appealing because those characters seemed to be a lot more fun than the two wet blankets of this book. Also, the end where he is so mean and dismissive to her and then she takes him back because he needs her under some twinkle lights seems… problematic. Overall, while the writing was enjoyable, the pace was slow and the characters unappealing.

My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read A Guide to Being Just Friends by Sophie Sullivan and give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.

A Guide to Being Just Friends is a friends to lovers romance between Hailey and Wes. It is the third book in a series, but you do not need to have read the first two books to enjoy this one, and I truly did enjoy it.

This book begins with a fun meet cute where Wes mistakes Hailey for a blind date from an app he is using. They run into each other again and they really click and decide to be friends - just friends. Wes doesn't believe in love and Hailey has been burned in a relationship. Obviously, we know where this story is headed. Being just friends becomes harder and harder as they learn more about each other and become almost inseparable. How is this going to work out? Is there a time limit on their relationship? Can they get real about how they feel?

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes because I like that the two characters get to truly know one another before things become romantic. They love each other as friends first and I think that strengthens the relationship. I like the little bit of tension that comes with the apprehension about taking it to the next level as well as the big release of breath when they finally take the leap into being more. I thought the progression of Wes and Hailey's relationship was believable and enjoyed the side characters that were supporting them. Both characters were imperfect, but by the end they were willing to work on their relationship and find a balance that belonged to them alone. 4 stars

3.5 stars rounded up.

Hailey Sharp has no time for anything but making her new salad shop a success. She’s focusing on nothing but her work and living her own life out of her ex’s shadow and has no time for distractions.

Wes Jansen has no interest in relationships after a few lousy first dates since he’s moved to California. As the oldest of four siblings, he remembers every detail of his parents’ nasty divorce and would much rather just find someone he likes and can enjoy spending time with but won’t love.

When Hailey and Wes meet in the oddest of ways, they strike up an awkward-at-first friendship that soon becomes very important to both of them. They just have to remember all the reasons why they can only ever be friends and nothing more.

This was a really cute romcom, but I definitely think it benefited from the fact that I mostly listened to it on audio. There was a bit of a tendency to get bogged down in mundane routine and some of the friend-zoning these two did to each other did get a bit repetitive at times. Hailey’s need to do absolutely everything for herself with zero help got annoying for me and it was quickly apparent that she had no idea how to be a friend. For me, she came off as incredibly judgmental and despite becoming good friends with Wes over a period of time, still didn’t seem to really know him on a very deep level. The just friends aspect of this story was definitely repeated a bit much, but I still couldn’t help but root for these two, despite my impatience for them to get together already. Beyond that, I was pretty disappointed by the way Wes was treated by Hailey and by his brothers. He’s always there for them and supporting their dreams and they don’t really do the same for him. I was glad to see him call them out on this, and I was likewise glad to see them call him out for being afraid of his feelings. There was quite a bit of emotional growth packed into the last few chapters of this book, but I think they made it worth the read as I liked seeing things work out with Wes and Hailey once they both learned to give a little.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ah! Hailey and Wes are so stinking adorable!!! Their friendship, their care for each other, their communication… I loved this story!!

This is part of a series, apparently, and Wes is the last of the Jensen brothers to get a book. I didn’t read the other books (yet!) but it didn’t take away from the story.

Things I loved:

🥗 dual POV! Always loved this.
🥗 friends and family. I loved the friends and brothers in this book! They’re likeable, supportive, kind characters with all different personalities.
🥗 grumpy sunshine trope. Wes is a great grump, and she softens him so well.
🥗 guy learning to do smaller grand gestures. Love how he’s trying to learn her way of receiving love, even if he messes up.
🥗 closed door, 🧼 no spice, just kisses and closed door scenes.

📚 I’ll be picking up the other books in this series, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style.

Wes and Hailey are well-developed and engaging characters. They captured my attention from the start and kept it until the end. I enjoyed going on this journey with them. I don’t know how to explain it, but there is something special about this story and these characters that is special and enduring.

The writing is easy to read and the grand gesture – is awesome and fits the characters. Wes is my new book boyfriend.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Hailey loves chocolate, she loves rom-coms, and she's OVER trying to find love. After her ex, she just wants to rebuild her self-esteem, and rebuild her life. Opening a salad shop in California seemed like a good start. She was close to her cousin and her family, and it was the fresh start she needed. When she bumps into Wes at the bakery next to her shop, and he mistakes her for his blind date and thinks she's standing him up, it somehow becomes the beginning of a beautiful friendship. One where neither of them wants to find love, but they don't mind having someone to shop with, or have a movie/game night. A friendship based off of comfort, and lacking all passion and attraction.... right? RIGHT?

I fully enjoyed this book. When Harry met Sally is one of my favorites, so I was excited to read a book with some major WHMS vibes. The characters were adorable and felt real. They weren't perfect, they both had baggage that affected their relationship, and there was a great group of people that surrounded them in the book. The story was slow paced, slow burn, friends to lovers, closed door romance that made you want to curl up on the sofa with your bestie with some wine and chocolate.

It is the third book in a connected series, but it stood alone well. I had not read the other two books and I am interested in doing so after seeing the characters show up in this book with hints of their love stories. There was one thread regarding their father that I didn't feel got closed up completely, but maybe the author will write a story from the sister's POV?

*Book Publishing date is 1/17/23

A Guide to Being Just Friends by Sophie Sullivan, book three in her Jansen Brothers series, is a sweet, slow burn, heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance with characters that feel real; people you'd like to know. From the meet cute of a mistaken identity, to Wes wanting to help Hailey grow her business, there are sparks, connections, and humorous situations that bring them together.

Hailey Sharp left the glitter of LA after breaking up with her ex and moving to a town near her cousin, Piper, to start her own salad shop. Wes Jansen is looking for something intense and hopeful just like his brothers Chris and Noah, and decided to join them on the west coast; away from their abusive and manipulative father. He wants to find a compatible woman to date, using dating apps, which was the cause of the mistaken identity meet-up with Hailey. She sort of looked liked the blurry picture on his phone. Despite their first meeting being less than friendly, Hailey and Wes have an undeniable connection and the two become fast friends. Friends because that’s what they both need, friends because that’s what works, and friends because that’s all that they can be. Both Hailey and Wes have their own baggage to work through. While both seem to think they are handling their fresh starts in California well, it turns out that when friendship turns to love, some of that baggage can resurface. They learn from each other and develop a strong friendship. Haley has to learn it is okay to accept help from other people and Wes needs to learn how to have faith in other people.

Ms. Sullivan wrote a hilarious rom-com with magnetic attraction and strong chemistry between Hailey and Wes, as they try to just be friends. This story does touch on some deeper subjects: toxic relationships, friendship of multiple types, giving back to the community, asking for help, and having faith in other people. The secondary characters, especially the brothers, their partners, and friends contributed another layer to the story without detracting from it. This is a story that should not be missed and I recommend A Guide to Being Just Friends to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Thanks NetGalley for sending me this eArc, all opinions are my own.

Likes:
Wes has a somewhat realistic personality. Nothing too over the top for Tech bros i have known personally.
Hailey is a strong MC, with the kind of confidence in herself.
Ensemble cast helps to humanize the characters more.
Friends to Lovers Trope

Dislikes:
The Community Center thing just kinda felt forced, it didn't really add anything to the plot other than showing that the Rich Jensen brothers were good people.
Story was not super original, Cute street in a bigger city outside of LA.


This is a third in the series, but it can be read on its own. Wes and Haileys Banter is great, the slow burn, "we are just friends" is fun to read and their personalities are both distinct.

It is exactly what i look for in a Friends to lover rom com.
3.5 stars

3.5 Star read for me
This was a a cute, fun read. I have not read the first two in the series but you can jump right in to this one and not miss too much. I love the friendship between Hailey and Wes. And then the friendship between the brothers 👌 just perfect! You add in their loves and just wow.

Wes doesn’t believe in love and Hailey is fresh off a bad breakup. Neither is looking for a serious relationship and yet they are very attracted to one another. The friends and secondary characters here all built in layers of depth. I truly enjoyed reading their journey and appreciate the HEA for all.

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. All opinions here are my own.

👥 Dual POV
😆 Witty banter
🥗 Salad store entrepreneur
🌴 California setting
💰 Billionaire boyfriend
💕 sweet clean romance

I absolutely loved this book! I am a sucker for friends to lovers and this book checked off all the boxes for me. Sullivan did an excellent job is slowly building their romance. The pace was perfect and the plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged.

This book was not my favorite, but it was still light and fun. It wasn't necessarily bad, but it just didn't stand out to me. That being said, it is for sure worth reading if it piques your interest.

The good:
- Slow burn romance. I know this isn't for everyone, but I love a slow burn, and I especially love it in a friends to lovers context.
- This is the third in a series, but it totally works as a standalone - I actually didn't realize that there were two predecessors until I had already finished the book.
- We love a woman entrepreneur!

The bad:
- Wes and Hailey were kind of annoying. I know, humans are annoying, and it was realistic, but I found myself rolling my eyes at them often
- I hate the name of the salad shop. By The Cup sounds like a coffee shop, or a sustainable dry goods store, but not salad. The branding professional in me was dying inside.

I’ve been waiting for Wes to have his own book for what feels like forever, and I was not disappointed. Wes is probably my favorite brother by far, and I loved him and Hailey’s friendship turned romance (and I hate slow burn lol).

I received a ARC copy of A Guide to Being Just Friends via NetGalley to read and review.

This is part of a series and while I haven’t read the other books I was able to read this with no issue.

Last year I read and loved Book Lovers and When in Rome and I feel that A Guide to Being Just Friends fits in perfectly. I loved Wes and Hailey’s story, even if it started out rocky. The opening chapter will give you the details of that exchange. Theirs paths cross again and Wes apologizes and that’s where the friendship begins. I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll end with this: I loved reading A Guide to Being Just Friends. It’s on my list of books I plan to read again in the future.

This book physically angered me. Let me explain why:

- The main characters are just wow. Hailey just left her Hollywood boyfriend and decided with zero business experience to go and open a salad shop. What the hell. Also she has sworn off men. Wes is a tech millionaire and wants to fix all of Hailey’s problems and be friends but wants to have zero commitment or relationship long term, aka marriage.

- There was miscommunication or misunderstanding galore in this book and honestly if you’re gonna be in a relationship learn to communicate.

This wasn’t fake dating and it wasn’t friends to lovers because they met at the beginning of the book and the book spanned one year. So I honestly don’t know what to label it as.

Someone will like this but it’s not for me. Also stop calling the last chapter an epilogue. That is all.

Two people meet in a chance encounter - but make it embarrassing. They meet yet again in a chance encounter but a little less embarrassing. Agreeing to be friends and put the embarrassing moments behind them, Hailey and Wes embark on a journey of friendship when they think they need that the most. <spoiler>Until they kiss</spoiler>.

I thought that this book was really cute when I started getting into it. I didn’t realize it was part of a series, but I would say it doesn’t necessarily need to be read in publication order.

Sullivan has crafted a fun story of two people becoming friends while trying to ignore the fact that they kind of like each other. The characters are likable, the setting is amazing, and the banter is perfect. I think that the last few chapters fell short for me and left me feeling a little frustrated, but maybe that’s just me. I enjoyed the story and I think that it was a pretty decent rom-com with good banter.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in order to provide an honest review.