A Guide to being just friends was great up until they first kissed. It was harder for me to read after that. I think Hailey just got a little too over the top and worried for me to feel sympathy for her when she was going through the phases of if she liked him or not. It rubbed me the wrong way. But like… i want to step into her salad shop and try every single one on the menu!! It all sounded so good!

This is my first book from this author so maybe i should’ve read the first one in the series to get a feel for the characters. But i don’t know. i tried so hard to love it.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Griffin for the early ARC.

“I knew I wanted these things but I didn’t know how much finding the right person, finding you, would fill all these spaces in my heart and my life.”

This story is a slow burn and friends to lovers. I thought the writing of the story was good but I had a hard time connecting with the story at times. Hailey is very hard headed, independent, and ready to work hard to create a successful business after a bad relationship. Wes is a successful business man with his brothers, cares so much for the ones he's closest to, and wants to make a difference. They had a very strong friendship. They had their own routine together, supported one another, and had a great bond. But I did feel like it dragged out too long. I love a slow burn but they spent so much time hiding their feelings from each other causing unnecessary problems. Hailey was very closed off a lot in the beginning understandably from her past but she pushed it off on Wes when he was only being genuine towards her which was frustrating at times. I did love the dynamic of all the characters together. There are no spicy scenes which is perfectly okay but I personally prefer some spice in a romance novel. Overall it was a good read, I did not know this was the third in the series so if you enjoyed the first two, I’m sure you would enjoy this one as well.

Oh those Jansen brothers! I can't get enough of them. A Guide to Being Just Friends is the third book in the series following each of the three Jansen brothers as they navigate finding happiness and love in a small coastal town in California. Although this can be read as a standalone, I definitely think there are a lot of references to the characters from the previous books, that it is more enjoyable to read those first. I will also say all of the books are delightful so you should definitely read them.

This installment follows the older and more reserved Jansen brother, Wes. He befriends a new local shop owner names Hailey and become good friends. But what happens when their friendship turns to more??? Especially since Wes fears marriage after seeing his parents unhappy splitting. Hailey has her own baggage as well from past relationships.

I really enjoyed this book! For the first two in the series, I listened to the audiobooks, which were great, but for this I read the actual book. Both experiences were good, but I think I might want to go back and listen to the audio for this one as well. The cute dialogue between the characters really comes to life in the audio and the narrator is great.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book. I would put it as my second favorite Jansen brothers book after Noah and Grace's story.

Absolutely loved this! This was just what I needed after reading some heavier books. Thank you netgalley & the publisher for the arc, in exchange for an honest review!

Most of this book is very enjoyable, the friendship between the main characters is beautiful but once they begin a relationship, their chemistry goes out the window.

Finishing this book was bittersweet! I enjoyed this book and this series but am sad that it's over. I love a friends to lovers story and Wes and Hailey's story was no different. I do wish the ending and resolution was a bit more fleshed out -- the final conflict and resolution happened so quickly and I wanted more there.

I also made the mistake of reading this ARC less than a month after reading book 2 of the series. My main issue there is that while that was enemies to lovers, I felt very similar. The trappings and external conflicts were different but the emotional conflicts and personalities felt reused.

I did love how each book we met and collected more characters. I really hope Sullivan writes more books in this world.

This had christina lauren vibes - highly recommend for lovers of romance and friends-to-lovers trope.

I really looked forward to reading this book, especially after reading Noah and Grace's story in book 2. I enjoyed Wes and Hailey alot, both had trust issues, and both had the ability to give to another person, they just needed to find it. Loved Fiona and Piper, and adored how Hailey built up her business and helped the community center. What I didn't really care for was the amount of time it took both characters to get a grip on their relationship, just seemed to drag on in parts and took away from the great story being told. All in all I loved this final book in the series. Am very much looking forward to what this author has in store next for her readers.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

I did not know this was part of a series but it read fine as a stand-alone. This book had such an easy flow and so many heartwarming moments.

Wes and Hailey’s story from friends to lovers was so enjoyable to see unfold. I loved how strong and determined Hailey was, I felt her character was relatable without being too cliche. Some dialogue between the brothers was just unbelievable, meaning, I don’t think men really talk about their emotions like that to one another.

Overall it was a quick, entertaining and gushy romance story I loved and would enjoy seeing made into a movie. Might have to check out the other Jansen brother’s stories….

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC!

this story is a slow burn, friends to lovers romance. I loved seeing their friendship grow. they love spending time together and genuinely care for each other, so it was only natural that it blossomed into something more. Wes and Hailey each know the risks of love, but together they help each other realize that the risks are worth it. it was also great seeing how the other couples from the previous books are doing! go read this when it comes out and the first two in the Jansen Brothers series!

This book was so cute! I have not read the other two books in the series but I’m excited to go back and read them now. I love Hailey and Wes friendship so much. It was so pure, sweet and just overall adorable. I was so glad when they finally realized they were meant to be! The classic problems get in the way but you know things will always work out! Perfect easy romance read!

What a cute read!! I found myself smiling, laughing, and feeling all the emotions during the story of Wes and Hailey. the book didn’t feel dragged on by any means and pulled me in pretty quickly!

Genre: Adult Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶/5

Topics
• Past relationship trauma
• Friends to lovers
• Very slow burn
• Slight found family

Notable quotes:
• "But she also knew that if she didn't learn ti open herself up again, trust in someone, she wasn't going to be truly happy again"
• "A friend who'd been hurt horribly but somehow still believed in love"
• "I don't want to fit with them. I want to fit with Wes"
• "I was stupid enough to believe that not saying the words meant I could stop myself from feeling them"

Quick note: I have never read anything from Sullivan before however, I don't think this book 100% needed to be read after reading the other two.

Sullivan has created such amazing characters and dynamics between not only the brothers but simple side characters as well that I never felt lost in characters having never read the past two books in this series. However after reading this I did put the first two books on a "need to read soon" list.

How Sullivan writes is captivating and everything I love in a good romance book. From the insight of both characters with the alternating of focus to the little thoughts they have about eachother. Fantastic writing and honestly something I look up to.

I have personally never been to the west coast but Sullivan really puts you into this setting perfectly. I loved Haley's little salad shop and every second spent on the beach too.

Overall, I felt this book was amazing but I will say the slow burn was so slow that once the pair did get together every conversation seemed to end in a fight and the constant issues that had in such a short time wasn't the best.


Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book

I liked this book, but I LOVED the other Jansen brothers. I haven't read their books yet, but basically, this series is about stupid, rich brothers in relationships with women who are better than them. For this one, Hailey starts a salad shop and becomes best friends with Wes, a rich dude with a heart of gold.
I love these characters. Top notch. Yes, Hailey loves salad, but she's also awesome and successful!! She isn't dependent on Wes at all, and she's great at what she does. With Wes, he's pragmatic and occasionally off-putting and we love him for it!! My only gripe is that I liked the side characters (aka the main characters from the first two books) much much more. I NEED to read the other books after this one.
This relationship started with friendship, which can be the best kind. This is VERY When Harry Met Sally, practically the same thing except once they meet the second time, they're fast friends. Both their friendship and romantic relationship seemed really healthy, Wes just needed to stop mentioning that he was rich and could help her. We know, man. I also had problems with the end. I simply would not have forgiven that man after what he said to her. RIP to Hailey, but I'm different. I'd let him suffer alone. <3
With the plot, this flowed really well! I've seen When Harry Met Sally, and you could see the influence, but it still felt pretty unique. Again, I think I would've preferred the other brothers' books, but this one was really good and I enjoyed it.
Obviously, this book is for fans of romance and When Harry Met Sally. I'd definitely recommend it to that audience!

The third book in the "Ten Rules for Faking It" series, this novel follows Hailey Sharp, a type A, driven and determined entrepreneur. Trying to get her salad restaurant off the ground after a messy breakup, she is completely focused on her business with no room for romance.
Wes Jansen is in the tech and investment business, jaded after his parents failed marriage and his many failed first dates. He believes true love isn't for everyone and is fine focusing on his work, being a stable business partner with his brothers, and forgetting about trying to find love.
After a not-so-cute meet-cute, Wes and Hailey part ways only to keep running into each other and forming a friendship.
This book has a fantastic cast of supporting characters, that some readers will be familiar with from Sophie Sullivan's past works! The story never feels dry or forced because Hailey and Wes have great interactions and relationships with characters other than each other and you are invested in the side characters' stories as well.
Written with heartwarming and witty prose, it's an easy read that kept me engaged and laughing. It was not as steamy as I was expecting and some of the foils to the romance felt a bit forced but still an enjoyable read.
I loved how Sullivan explored themes of success, friendship, family expectations, and learning to accept help.
Excited for the next book in this series!

I’ve had a very specific craving for salads since reading this book 😂

Hailey and Wes were an ADORABLE friends to lovers couple! From their accidental meet cute, they had great banter and a natural progression of their friendship, which made their falling in love so much more believable.

One of my favorite things about this book was the occasional small time jumps. From the time they met to when they actually got together, months had passed. The relationship didn’t feel spontaneous or too rushed. They developed a close friendship first in a realistic timeframe and grew from that! That’s the kind of slow burn I love 😂

My only gripe with this story is when they finally got together and had their first fight, the next BIG fight came too close after. I wish there was a little more of the “honeymoon” phase shown before having two back to back arguments. And also, that man did not grovel nearly enough to win her back!!!

Overall I had a lot of fun reading their story and will definitely go back and read the brothers’ books as well!

*This ARC was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I freakking LOVEEE a Sophie Sullivan book and this one did not disappoint. This book is a slower burn and I love the friends to lovers trope that Wes and Hailey had going on. I was so happy to be back in the world of the Jansen Brothers! Hailey and Wes are super cute and I truly loved seeing their friendship and romance blossom. I especially appreciated the Epilogue :')

I tried, for months, to read this book. I'd pick it up, give it a second/third/fourth shot, and almost immediately put it back down. The writing style isn't one that I particularly enjoy. I like description and imagery and feeling like I am being placed into the story and while I did not finish this book, the first several chapters did not give me those things. It felt more like I was just being told facts about the characters or the setting or the plot. Statements rather than picture-painting. Some may enjoy the directness! Just wasn't for me!

This has got to be my favorite book out of the Jansen Brothers series! I absolutely adored the growing tension between Wes and Hailey! I also enjoyed how their relationship was built up! I truly felt their friendship begin and grow and evolve into something more. I think Sophie Sullivan does a great job at building the tension between her main characters! Overall, this was a cute and fun read!

Please note, this was an ARC provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

3/5⭐️
2/5🌶

Series: Jansen Brothers no. 3 (I would recommend reading them in order)
Setting: Southern California
POV: dual, 3rd person, past tense
Tropes: friends to lovers

What I Liked: This was another very sweet romance to finish off this series of three brothers finding love. It continued the series themes of dysfunctional parents and fresh starts in adulthood. I thought the MCs friendship was so cute!

What I Disliked: My biggest complaint is that the FMC in this book felt too similar to the second book. The titular guide was also often referenced but we never actually saw it - I was craving what rules they were creating for themselves so we could see exactly when they broke them!

Memorable Quote: "You are the opposite of not enough. You're too fucking much. I can't breathe anymore when I'm with you.”