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I ended up listening to this on audio after I couldn't get into the ebook. It was slow and just so so for me. The storyline didn't feel like original and it felt like a safe, small town, friends to lovers read.

Sophie Sullivan back at it again with the Jansen Brothers, #3 in the series for Wes & Hailey. Wes & Hailey are not ready for a relationship for different but also similar reasons so they strike up a “we can only be friends” sort of relationship. Now, this may be a typical & sweet romance story but I loved every second. I admired Hailey’s determination and work ethic, so dedicated to her salad shop business - inspiration to pursue my own goals. I’m sad to see this series come to a close as I thoroughly enjoyed each book - I look forward to future Sophia Sullivan books!

Thank you to NetGalley, St Martins Press, & Sophie Sullivan for this opportunity to review!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick. Our library purchased and our patrons have been checking out and and enjoying the book. I see it is a popular book club choice as well we hope to have more oppurtinies to support authors like them

This book uhhh 😍😍😍 it was just what I needed in that moment! I’ve never read any books by this author but I will definitely be on the lookout for more!
Plus a pink cover always draws me in!

I am a new Sophie Sullivan fan! The Jansen brothers series was my first set of books to read by Sophie. I fell in love with each brother and following along as they found the loves of their lives. Wes' story was a great one. I enjoyed watching both Wes and Hailey discover more about themselves and learning to love each other.

Not my cup of tea in a book. I found it very cliche and the two main characters weren't my favorite. It took me months to finish cause it couldn't keep my attention for longer than 5 minutes at a time.

A Guide to Just Being Friends, 3 stars

I had high expectations for this book and was devastated when I got through it. As I was reading, I felt like it was rushed, like there was no basis of plot, and word dumping.

We meet out MMC, Wes, who is a very wealthy businessman who owns the plaza in which Hailey has started a business in. However so many of the shops are struggling in exchange she offers some help for the businesses and overnight she ends up getting so much interest in her small restaurant.

The problem with this book though wasn't any of that, it truly felt like a struggle the majority of the book because of everything, and I mean everything being described. It made me loose interest because I went in with so much hope on the story and series, that the writing really tired me out.

I did enjoy the premise of the book however, it just tired me out on the writing. Thank you to Sophie Sullivan, Griffin Books, and NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much @SMPRomance for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 17 January 2023)

SYNOPSIS | Hailey moves to San Verde for a fresh start and opens up a salad shop. After an initially awkward encounter with Wes (he incorrectly assumes she is his blind date), they start up a friendship and agree to only be friends as neither of them have the time, energy or inclination to start a new relationship.

WHAT I LIKED:
- I want to eat at Hailey's salad shop & Tara's bakery

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- that Wes basically changes what he wants out of life after the third act break up (I really don't like characters that don't stay true to themselves)
- the speed at which the romance developed, then fell apart, then rekindled (whiplash much?!)
- the HEA was just too far into cringe territory for me
- the "guide" was mentioned but never really flushed out so I don't really understand the point other than to tie into the title
- I didn't feel the friendship vibes or the spark for them to become more

Rating: 3.5

Read if you enjoy:
- Slow Burn Romance
- Strangers to Lovers
- HEA ending
- Dual POV
- Closed Door Romance

Things I Liked:
- Female character self star business and perseverance.
- Friendship development throughout the beginning of the book.
- Wes’ character was very pleasant for a MMC.

Things I did not enjoy:
- The pacing was too slow for my enjoyment which led to me taking slightly longer to finish the book. I usually binge them.
- Hailey’s inability to accept help sometimes put me off as a reader.
- The romance connection was too little for me to fall for their story.
- The big breakup scene
- Miscommunication trope

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this cute friends-to-lovers, slow-burn romance. I loved watching them fall in love even when they wanted to stay friends. Also, I learned later it was a series and I got really invested in the characters so I'm off to read the other books in the series.

This was a sweet read! I think I would have enjoyed it with more depth to the characters and some more time watching the relationship development. The argument at the end felt a little forced to me for the sake of needing some sort of conflict at the end for the plot! Overall, I think this will be a good book for readers who enjoy closed door romances with found family.

"You're never really lonely if you have a book."

Thank you NetGalley for granting me access to a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While I didn't love this one, the third act break-up and especially the grand gesture at the end, I enjoyed sitting with it and giving it a chance. There was just so much more to be expanded on, and while a base level book can be interesting for a time, it doesn't always hit the spot when you're searching for something else.

The only thing that really kept me going in this one was how supportive Hailey and Wes were of each other's goals and dreams. They never really gave up on either thing and really worked together to be better. It was a nice dynamic!

It probably didn't help that this is the third book in a series and I haven't read the first two.

This was the second book I have read of Sophie Sullivan and I have to say I am a fan. This story is great as a stand alone as well as in the series. Hailey is determined to make her salad business work. Wes is happy just being friends after his parents traumatic divorce. Neither one of them can stay that far from the other though.

My mistake for thinking this was a standalone. It was a cute friends to lovers, but I think I prefer friends to lovers when the MC's have known each other for longer than just a quick meet cute. I most likely will not be reading the other books in this series.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC

Sophie Sullivan's "A Guide to Being Just Friends" presents a charming and heartfelt exploration of relationships, friendship, and the blurred lines that often separate the two. Through relatable characters and witty storytelling, Sullivan crafts a delightful romantic comedy that resonates with readers.

The story centers on two best friends, who, after a failed attempt at romance, strive to navigate the complexities of their evolving relationship. Sullivan expertly captures the intricacies of friendships turning into something more, showcasing the chemistry, tension, and vulnerability that come with such transitions.

The narrative is infused with Sullivan's signature blend of humor and emotion. Readers are treated to moments of laughter as well as introspection, as the characters grapple with their feelings and navigate the uncharted territory of redefining their connection. The book's pacing keeps the reader engaged, offering a balance between heartwarming scenes and the ups and downs of the characters' journey.

One of the strengths of the book lies in Sullivan's ability to create characters that feel authentic and relatable. The protagonists' individual quirks and personal struggles add depth to their personalities, making them more than just archetypes. As they navigate their way through misunderstandings and emotional hurdles, readers are invited to invest in their growth and eventual happiness.

Sullivan also adeptly explores themes of self-discovery and the importance of open communication in relationships. The characters' internal dialogues and external interactions highlight the challenges of admitting one's true feelings and confronting the fear of risking a valued friendship.

While the storyline follows familiar romantic comedy conventions, Sullivan infuses it with unique touches that make it stand out. The inclusion of the guidebook concept adds an amusing and insightful layer to the narrative, enhancing the character development and adding depth to the story's central theme.

In "A Guide to Being Just Friends," Sophie Sullivan crafts a heartfelt and entertaining tale that captures the essence of friendship, romance, and the journey of discovering what truly matters. With its endearing characters, engaging narrative, and genuine emotional resonance, this novel is a delightful addition to the romantic comedy genre, perfect for those seeking a heartwarming and relatable read.

"A Guide to Being Just Friends" by Sophie Sullivan is a heartfelt and engaging novel that beautifully explores the complexities of friendship and the blurred lines of romance. This book is a delightful journey that navigates the fine balance between friendship and something more.

Sullivan's writing style is warm and relatable, making it easy to connect with the characters and their experiences. The main characters' interactions are filled with authenticity and humor, creating a dynamic that is both endearing and engaging.

At the core of the narrative is a beautifully portrayed friendship that evolves into something deeper. The author skillfully captures the nuances of emotions and the gradual shift from platonic connection to romantic attraction.

"A Guide to Being Just Friends" delves into themes of vulnerability, communication, and the joys and challenges of navigating the transition from friends to something more. The novel's exploration of these themes adds depth to the story, making it resonate on a personal level.

In conclusion, "A Guide to Being Just Friends" is a charming and heartwarming read that captures the essence of friendship and romance. If you're looking for a book that examines the complexities of relationships with heart and humor, this novel offers a delightful and relatable narrative that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Hailey currently has only one S word on her mind… no not s*x dummy, SALADS! After starting her own salad shop, it is her biggest entrepreneurial dream to get it off the ground and make it a success!
After a disastrous meet-cute with Wes, they become friends… because that’s all they can be… or so Hailey says ha!

You know, sometimes it’s actually really nice to read a rom-com with minimal spice, and you can just focus on the LOVE! Hailey and Wes’ love story was very sweet, and watching them open themselves up to love was very fun to experience. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a cute love story with no smut!

I thought the author Sophie Sullivan did an excellent job giving us a cute rom com. Will this be one I recommend? Most likely. Does it make me want to read it over and over again? Not currently.

A Guide to Just Being Friends: 4 stars
Spice level: 🌶️

I enjoyed everything about this cute romance. The main character Hailey is building her dream business and determined to make it on her own. Although she absolutely doesn't want help, she is open to friendship and she expresses herself so well. I really liked her friends too, especially Fiona who writes quirky magazine quizzes. Wes doesn't want any sort of romantic relationship and is a lot more closed off. Watching their friendship develop is delightful and it makes a believable foundation for their romance.

A Guide to Being Best Friends was something I thought I would love, but ended up just being extremely disappointing. Our main characters, Hailey and Wes each have their own growth in the book as well as a romance. These are aspects I generally like, but I was not emotionally invested in any of it.

Wes has commitments issues after his parent’s messy divorce and doesn’t let any relationship get close to serious. Hailey has her own trust issues after getting away from a horrid ex. The two meet in a bit of an embarrassing way and strike up a friendship after Wes’s apology and some other circumstances. So for the most part this is a friends to lovers romance.

I am a bit hit and miss with friends to lovers, so if you love that you may really like this. I also didn’t really connect with our character’s business journeys, which play a decent role in the story. Really I think the tone and writing just wasn’t for me, but I do think others will really like it. I will warn that the 3rd act breakup was pretty meh and brought this down quite a lot for me, so pick it up if the blurb really speaks to you.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.