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Jansen Brothers #3
A Guide to Being Just Friends
A playful and emotional romantic comedy from the author of Ten Rules for Faking It
Hailey Sharp has a one-track mind. Get By the Cup salad shop off the ground. Do literally everything possible to make it a success. Repeat. 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 never did understand the fuss about relationships. With a string of lackluster first dates and the pain from his parents’ 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. But when Wes finds Hailey to apologize for his behavior, they strike a friendship. Because that’s all this can be. Hailey doesn’t want any distractions. Wes doesn’t want to fall in love.
What could possibly go wrong?
Hailey Sharp has a one-track mind. Get By the Cup salad shop off the ground. Do literally everything possible to make it a success. Repeat. 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 never did understand the fuss about relationships. With a string of lackluster first dates and the pain from his parents’ 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. But when Wes finds Hailey to apologize for his behavior, they strike a friendship. Because that’s all this can be. Hailey doesn’t want any distractions. Wes doesn’t want to fall in love.
What could possibly go wrong?
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2023
About the author
Sophie Sullivan
9 books1,129 followersSOPHIE SULLIVAN is a Canadian author as well as a cookie-eating, Diet Pepsi-drinking, Disney enthusiast who loves reading and writing romance in almost equal measure. She writes around her day job as a teacher and spends her spare time with her sweet family watching reruns of Friends. Ten Rules For Faking It is her romcom debut novel, but she's had plenty of practice writing happily ever after as her alter ego, Jody Holford.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,334 reviews
October 17, 2022
Yay! Jansen Brothers are back in town! This time Wes Jansen: uptight, analytical, nerdy, business oriented, perfectionist big brother takes the spotlight! Don’t get fooled by his serious, introvert, geeky manners! He’s gold hearted, caring man who takes the verbal abuse of their father for years to protect his brothers! But now he left New York to strategize a new business plan, giving more to public, being partner with his baby brothers!
And lovely, chatty, sunshiny salad shop owner Hailey Sharp confuses the hell of him. They met under funny and humiliating circumstances but they decide to be friends to prove the opposite to the famous theory of When Harry met Sally: the man and woman cannot be friends, even though attraction is undeniably palpable!
Hailey moved from LA to form a brand new life, hanging out with book club members of her cousin Piper, instead of talking about book, they focus on gossiping and filling her glasses to the brim with wine just like my own book club members do!
Her self esteem is bulldozed by her ex who was an aspiring actor and full time asshole! She has her own trust issues! So being friends with Wes is safe solution to keep her emotional barriers intact.
Wes is also looking for something intense and hopeful just like his brothers Chris and Noah ( we know them from previous books I highly recommend you to read them) He just wants to tick all the boxes to find best compatible woman for her! If he has chance like the geeks of “ Weird Science” movie, he can create his dreamy woman by writing the right code combination.
But as he spends more time with Hailey, he realizes his dreamy woman is standing in front of him. He just has to be bold enough to make a move, taking risk to be broken hearted as like Hailey decides to give a chance to their happiness. Will they write their own happy ending? Nope, brilliant Sophie Sullivan is right here to do that for them.
This was sweet, a little angsty, enjoyable, swoon read I highly recommended to romance fans like me!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
And lovely, chatty, sunshiny salad shop owner Hailey Sharp confuses the hell of him. They met under funny and humiliating circumstances but they decide to be friends to prove the opposite to the famous theory of When Harry met Sally: the man and woman cannot be friends, even though attraction is undeniably palpable!
Hailey moved from LA to form a brand new life, hanging out with book club members of her cousin Piper, instead of talking about book, they focus on gossiping and filling her glasses to the brim with wine just like my own book club members do!
Her self esteem is bulldozed by her ex who was an aspiring actor and full time asshole! She has her own trust issues! So being friends with Wes is safe solution to keep her emotional barriers intact.
Wes is also looking for something intense and hopeful just like his brothers Chris and Noah ( we know them from previous books I highly recommend you to read them) He just wants to tick all the boxes to find best compatible woman for her! If he has chance like the geeks of “ Weird Science” movie, he can create his dreamy woman by writing the right code combination.
But as he spends more time with Hailey, he realizes his dreamy woman is standing in front of him. He just has to be bold enough to make a move, taking risk to be broken hearted as like Hailey decides to give a chance to their happiness. Will they write their own happy ending? Nope, brilliant Sophie Sullivan is right here to do that for them.
This was sweet, a little angsty, enjoyable, swoon read I highly recommended to romance fans like me!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
February 27, 2023
this was pretty cute, but it took me much longer to finish than it should have. i'm going to chalk that up to the fact that the heroine's passion is her build your own salad restaurant.
silliness aside, i did appreciate the relationship development here. it was sweet seeing these two fall for each other even though they were determined to stay friends. it's pretty rare to read a friends to lovers story that isn't a pre-established friendship so i appreciate the change of pace.
third act breakup kindaaaa pissed me off but that seems to be par for the course from traditionally published romances. not something that would discourage me from recommending this. also the audiobook is pretty good.
silliness aside, i did appreciate the relationship development here. it was sweet seeing these two fall for each other even though they were determined to stay friends. it's pretty rare to read a friends to lovers story that isn't a pre-established friendship so i appreciate the change of pace.
third act breakup kindaaaa pissed me off but that seems to be par for the course from traditionally published romances. not something that would discourage me from recommending this. also the audiobook is pretty good.
June 20, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4! A Guide to Being Just Friends is sweet and charming. Wes and Hailey’s banter was very enjoyable and their dynamic and chemistry made for an entertaining read. This was a friends to lovers troupe which I always throughly enjoy. Highly recommend this one for someone looking for a light, fun romance!
Thank you St. Martin’s Press, and Net Galley, for a copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press, and Net Galley, for a copy in return for my honest review.
February 12, 2023
3.25⭐ for the audiobook.
Book 3 in the Jansen Brothers series ~ fine as a standalone, but our characters from book 1 and 2 make quite a few appearances, so it's nice to know their background ~ not essential to the story though.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, small business owner, slow burn, friends to lovers, no steamage
Hailey & Wes
I do prefer friends to lovers over enemies to lovers, but this was a super slow burn. I think maybe it was because their friendship only spanned a few months and wasn't from childhood, which I guess I prefer. Even though that makes me mad too cuz it's a time waster ~ and now I'm totally off topic of this one.
So anyway, I didn't like their meet cute and how he was sure she was lying to him. I loved that Hailey had her own small business that she built on her own. Some of the salad combinations sounded lovely and now I've gotta head to the store for some salad fixings ~ my family will be thrilled 🤣
They were both really bugging me at times. Hailey was a little much with not wanting to accept help from Wes. I get that she wanted to do everything on her own and I commend that, but sometimes a small bit of help won't hurt your pride. Although, he was a little much too with wanting to throw his money around to fix everything. I was mostly liking Wes (meet cute aside) until the whole conflict ~ what a dope he was, but he rectified it in an adorable manner.
All in all, cute-ish, but not my favorite in the series.
Narrated by Stephanie Willing and Timothy Andrés Pabon for 9 hours and 54 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. Hallelujah for 2 narrators! Took me a minute to be able to listen to Timothy at 2.5x as he was more of a fast talker then Stephanie. Overall, both did a fine job.
*Thanks to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Book 3 in the Jansen Brothers series ~ fine as a standalone, but our characters from book 1 and 2 make quite a few appearances, so it's nice to know their background ~ not essential to the story though.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, small business owner, slow burn, friends to lovers, no steamage
Hailey & Wes
I do prefer friends to lovers over enemies to lovers, but this was a super slow burn. I think maybe it was because their friendship only spanned a few months and wasn't from childhood, which I guess I prefer. Even though that makes me mad too cuz it's a time waster ~ and now I'm totally off topic of this one.
So anyway, I didn't like their meet cute and how he was sure she was lying to him. I loved that Hailey had her own small business that she built on her own. Some of the salad combinations sounded lovely and now I've gotta head to the store for some salad fixings ~ my family will be thrilled 🤣
They were both really bugging me at times. Hailey was a little much with not wanting to accept help from Wes. I get that she wanted to do everything on her own and I commend that, but sometimes a small bit of help won't hurt your pride. Although, he was a little much too with wanting to throw his money around to fix everything. I was mostly liking Wes (meet cute aside) until the whole conflict ~ what a dope he was, but he rectified it in an adorable manner.
All in all, cute-ish, but not my favorite in the series.
Narrated by Stephanie Willing and Timothy Andrés Pabon for 9 hours and 54 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. Hallelujah for 2 narrators! Took me a minute to be able to listen to Timothy at 2.5x as he was more of a fast talker then Stephanie. Overall, both did a fine job.
*Thanks to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
January 20, 2023
This was amazing and now I can't wait for the next book Sophie writes.
I guess it won't be a part of this series but I bet it will be good.
Full review to come today, I promise.
I guess it won't be a part of this series but I bet it will be good.
Full review to come today, I promise.
January 17, 2023
A Guide to Being Just Friends by Sophie Sullivan
Jansen Brothers #3. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but the couples from the previous two books have a lot of interaction in this story.
Hailey moved away from Los Angeles to San Verde and opened a small restaurant making salads. It’s the perfect solution for the small strip of businesses and her knowledge of the industry. But she doesn’t have any money for marketing yet, so she’s counting on repeat business and locals finding her. She makes friends with the owner of dessert place next door and other business owners. Wes and Hailey meet and ultimately decide to be friends. The relationship might go deeper but neither is ready.
Sweet and yet emotional as they learn to love and both work through their past heartbreak. Friendships also grow from his brothers and their girlfriends (the previous two books), yet both Wes and Hailey are skittish and unprepared for the impact of the other on their lives.
Wes disappointed me more than once with his decisions. Hailey needed a wake up call too.
Ultimately they make things right but it’s a bumpy road in the last third of the book.
I did find the sister’s book club amusing. No books. Just wine.
Wes:
“Their gazes locked and a strange zap—like he’d stuck his finger in a socket—whipped up his arms, over his back.”
“She laughed and it surprised Wes to his very core that he thought the sound was pretty. Art was pretty. Not laughter.”
Hailey:
“Life without cookies is just dumb.”
🎧 I alternated between an ebook copy and an audiobook and did the last 10 chapters simultaneously. To me the ebook felt sweeter and kind of adorable. More friends to lovers feel. The audiobook gave the text a bit more of a hard edge to the storyline. Maybe I heard more of Wes’s hesitation and stand-back attitude in the performance though he’s clearly smitten right away.
The narration is a dual POV with performances by Stephanie Willing and Timothy Andres Pabon. Both did a fantastic job with telling the story from their characters perspective. I think Stephanie did a better job with voice variances.
I listened to this audiobook at 1.5 which is about my standard at the moment. And slower and it would sound like a stilted conversation.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the audiobook from Macmillan Audio.
4.25
Jansen Brothers #3. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but the couples from the previous two books have a lot of interaction in this story.
Hailey moved away from Los Angeles to San Verde and opened a small restaurant making salads. It’s the perfect solution for the small strip of businesses and her knowledge of the industry. But she doesn’t have any money for marketing yet, so she’s counting on repeat business and locals finding her. She makes friends with the owner of dessert place next door and other business owners. Wes and Hailey meet and ultimately decide to be friends. The relationship might go deeper but neither is ready.
Sweet and yet emotional as they learn to love and both work through their past heartbreak. Friendships also grow from his brothers and their girlfriends (the previous two books), yet both Wes and Hailey are skittish and unprepared for the impact of the other on their lives.
Wes disappointed me more than once with his decisions. Hailey needed a wake up call too.
Ultimately they make things right but it’s a bumpy road in the last third of the book.
I did find the sister’s book club amusing. No books. Just wine.
Wes:
“Their gazes locked and a strange zap—like he’d stuck his finger in a socket—whipped up his arms, over his back.”
“She laughed and it surprised Wes to his very core that he thought the sound was pretty. Art was pretty. Not laughter.”
Hailey:
“Life without cookies is just dumb.”
🎧 I alternated between an ebook copy and an audiobook and did the last 10 chapters simultaneously. To me the ebook felt sweeter and kind of adorable. More friends to lovers feel. The audiobook gave the text a bit more of a hard edge to the storyline. Maybe I heard more of Wes’s hesitation and stand-back attitude in the performance though he’s clearly smitten right away.
The narration is a dual POV with performances by Stephanie Willing and Timothy Andres Pabon. Both did a fantastic job with telling the story from their characters perspective. I think Stephanie did a better job with voice variances.
I listened to this audiobook at 1.5 which is about my standard at the moment. And slower and it would sound like a stilted conversation.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the audiobook from Macmillan Audio.
4.25
September 19, 2022
As a lover of rom coms, especially those where our MCs go from friends to lovers, I was super excited for A Guide to Being Just Friends. I mean, the blurb freaking references When Harry Met Sally AND 500 Days of Summer. How could that not be my jam???
Well, I’ll tell you…
What I liked about the book:
1. Of course, the idea was cute to me.
2. My favorite characters were the side characters who worked in Hailey’s shop. They probably had the most personality in my opinion and I wanted more for them. The only way I would read another book in this series is if it was about Leo…
What could have been better:
1. This whole story just felt really stiff and I didn’t really feel a connection to anyone. There were hints to backstories, but no real depth to the characters, which was a big miss in my mind.
When I requested this book, I had no clue this was book 3 in the series (though can be read as a standalone). So perhaps I’m missing a lot of the background for Wes in books 1 and 2, but I know I’m not missing anything for Hailey, so there is no excuse there for poor characterization.
2. These characters were too boring to have this much drama! I was legit pissed how many times the “big fight” happened between our MCs. It was like as soon as it was solved, there was something else. Between Hailey never being able to accept help and Wes being a total idiot when it came to wanting her for the rest of his life, but not, like, loving her (what the fuck was that shit?!?), this whole story was a test of my patience.
3. This was too suggestive to be clean, but too clean to be anything other than YA-level dirty. Just pick a lane, don’t tease us.
4. This “guide” was mentioned, but never really flushed out. I wanted a freaking contract like in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Not a passing nod reference to the goddamn title of the book….
Final Thoughts:
I’m sure this would be great for some, but just wasn’t for me. It was too cookie-cutter, clean romance with characters that just didn’t appeal to me.
Final Rating: 2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Sophie Sullivan for this book in exchange for my honest review!
Well, I’ll tell you…
What I liked about the book:
1. Of course, the idea was cute to me.
2. My favorite characters were the side characters who worked in Hailey’s shop. They probably had the most personality in my opinion and I wanted more for them. The only way I would read another book in this series is if it was about Leo…
What could have been better:
1. This whole story just felt really stiff and I didn’t really feel a connection to anyone. There were hints to backstories, but no real depth to the characters, which was a big miss in my mind.
When I requested this book, I had no clue this was book 3 in the series (though can be read as a standalone). So perhaps I’m missing a lot of the background for Wes in books 1 and 2, but I know I’m not missing anything for Hailey, so there is no excuse there for poor characterization.
2. These characters were too boring to have this much drama! I was legit pissed how many times the “big fight” happened between our MCs. It was like as soon as it was solved, there was something else. Between Hailey never being able to accept help and Wes being a total idiot when it came to wanting her for the rest of his life, but not, like, loving her (what the fuck was that shit?!?), this whole story was a test of my patience.
3. This was too suggestive to be clean, but too clean to be anything other than YA-level dirty. Just pick a lane, don’t tease us.
4. This “guide” was mentioned, but never really flushed out. I wanted a freaking contract like in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Not a passing nod reference to the goddamn title of the book….
Final Thoughts:
I’m sure this would be great for some, but just wasn’t for me. It was too cookie-cutter, clean romance with characters that just didn’t appeal to me.
Final Rating: 2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Sophie Sullivan for this book in exchange for my honest review!
August 3, 2023
4 Stars
I adore this series, not gonna lie. I’ve spent many a moment this past year or so stealthily recruiting fellow romance readers to the Sophie Sullivan experience and I feel like I’ve done pretty damn well on that front.
This third and final book of Sullivan’s Jansen Brothers series was the best of the trilogy. The friends-to-lovers trope was executed to perfection, with the creation of two (more) very flush and tangible characters who made it all too easy for me to fall in love with them, as they were falling in love with each other.
Hailey and Wes had some individual baggage that made their new friendship more desirable (at first) than diving headfirst into a new romantic relationship, but where this sort of thing would usually tire me out, leaving me desperate for when the MCs would finally get together, I actually found myself relishing the quieter, getting-to-know-you moments—some of which were my favourite scenes of the book—making this one hell of a delicious slow-burn as their relationship grew and shifted naturally and without force.
I worried early on that the impending last quarter drama would irk me something fierce, but I was pleasantly surprised—but also not surprised at all, considering the author at hand—that even with the (annoyingly perquisite) last-act breakup, these two used their words and communicated like absolute champs, Wes needing perhaps a little shake and shove from his younger brothers who had been there, done that, and learned from it enough to pass on some much-needed relationship wisdom that he was quick to implement.
I harboured a bit of a crush on Wes, no doubt, but it was Hailey that really shined here. Probably my favourite character of the entire series, I found her so relatable and down-to-earth; it was refreshing how drama free she was determined to live her life, which, by the way, she worked damn hard for. She was definitely the kind of woman I would want to be friends with in real life, and that’s always the highest compliment I can give a book heroine.
As always, the larger cast of characters added nicely to the larger story, making this final story feel like returning home to spend time with dear friends and family. It was great to see Wes's two brothers more settled in their HEA's and it was nice meeting some fresh, welcomed faces to the growing group of friends, too.
My only complaint, if we can even really call it that, is that Sullivan’s romances (so far) remain frustratingly closed-door in the sexual intimacy department. For a lot of readers this would be a non-issue when reading romance, and honestly, a lot of the time, with a lot of stories, I’m one of those readers. But something about this series—maybe the way the characters feel so real and their feelings for each other so intense—makes me feel like the absence of sex scenes is actually a great (very noticeable) loss. This won’t be the reaction had by many readers, but I’m sure I won’t be completely alone in this regard.
Overall, this was a very welcomed addition to an already truly heart-warming and smile-inducing romance trilogy. So far, Sullivan is three-for-three with me and I won’t even hesitant to read whatever she writes next… not for one damn second.
I adore this series, not gonna lie. I’ve spent many a moment this past year or so stealthily recruiting fellow romance readers to the Sophie Sullivan experience and I feel like I’ve done pretty damn well on that front.
This third and final book of Sullivan’s Jansen Brothers series was the best of the trilogy. The friends-to-lovers trope was executed to perfection, with the creation of two (more) very flush and tangible characters who made it all too easy for me to fall in love with them, as they were falling in love with each other.
Hailey and Wes had some individual baggage that made their new friendship more desirable (at first) than diving headfirst into a new romantic relationship, but where this sort of thing would usually tire me out, leaving me desperate for when the MCs would finally get together, I actually found myself relishing the quieter, getting-to-know-you moments—some of which were my favourite scenes of the book—making this one hell of a delicious slow-burn as their relationship grew and shifted naturally and without force.
I worried early on that the impending last quarter drama would irk me something fierce, but I was pleasantly surprised—but also not surprised at all, considering the author at hand—that even with the (annoyingly perquisite) last-act breakup, these two used their words and communicated like absolute champs, Wes needing perhaps a little shake and shove from his younger brothers who had been there, done that, and learned from it enough to pass on some much-needed relationship wisdom that he was quick to implement.
I harboured a bit of a crush on Wes, no doubt, but it was Hailey that really shined here. Probably my favourite character of the entire series, I found her so relatable and down-to-earth; it was refreshing how drama free she was determined to live her life, which, by the way, she worked damn hard for. She was definitely the kind of woman I would want to be friends with in real life, and that’s always the highest compliment I can give a book heroine.
As always, the larger cast of characters added nicely to the larger story, making this final story feel like returning home to spend time with dear friends and family. It was great to see Wes's two brothers more settled in their HEA's and it was nice meeting some fresh, welcomed faces to the growing group of friends, too.
My only complaint, if we can even really call it that, is that Sullivan’s romances (so far) remain frustratingly closed-door in the sexual intimacy department. For a lot of readers this would be a non-issue when reading romance, and honestly, a lot of the time, with a lot of stories, I’m one of those readers. But something about this series—maybe the way the characters feel so real and their feelings for each other so intense—makes me feel like the absence of sex scenes is actually a great (very noticeable) loss. This won’t be the reaction had by many readers, but I’m sure I won’t be completely alone in this regard.
Overall, this was a very welcomed addition to an already truly heart-warming and smile-inducing romance trilogy. So far, Sullivan is three-for-three with me and I won’t even hesitant to read whatever she writes next… not for one damn second.
September 3, 2022
Good but mixed feelings about Her… 3.5 stars.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For those that love a slow-burn romance, this sweet story is a gimme. Friends to lovers is a tried and true trope that makes for a good story. The story is well developed and I had high hopes for the two main characters.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time with parts of the story. You see, I love love. I love when the characters spark off of each other. This was such a slow burn that I really felt almost no connection between them through most of the story. Plus, Hailey was so closed off to anything other than what she wanted, that she did not see the other side until it was almost too late.
The other characters added fun and levity. Wes was great although he did have his own issues to deal with as well. At least he was all in for quite a bit of the book, just scared to lose her friendship.
Overall, A Guide to Being Just Friends is a sweet romance that gives you the warm and fuzzies once they figure it out. Sullivan knows how to write with a warm-hearted feeling and sucks you into the story.
* Copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-guide-to-b...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For those that love a slow-burn romance, this sweet story is a gimme. Friends to lovers is a tried and true trope that makes for a good story. The story is well developed and I had high hopes for the two main characters.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time with parts of the story. You see, I love love. I love when the characters spark off of each other. This was such a slow burn that I really felt almost no connection between them through most of the story. Plus, Hailey was so closed off to anything other than what she wanted, that she did not see the other side until it was almost too late.
The other characters added fun and levity. Wes was great although he did have his own issues to deal with as well. At least he was all in for quite a bit of the book, just scared to lose her friendship.
Overall, A Guide to Being Just Friends is a sweet romance that gives you the warm and fuzzies once they figure it out. Sullivan knows how to write with a warm-hearted feeling and sucks you into the story.
* Copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-guide-to-b...
December 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much! I had a lot of fun getting to know Wes and Hailey but sadly I didn’t know that it is part of a series.
I guess it‘s okay to read them as standalone, but I usually try to read them in order.
Anyways, Wes and Hailey are amazing friends and I loved following them while they were slowly realizing their feelings. Usually I don‘t like slow burns that much but since they were friends we still got a lot of content of these two together.
I have slightly mixed feelings about Hailey. I understand that she wants to make it on her own, but it‘s never wrong to ask for and accept help from others especially people that care about you!
However, I personally really felt their feelings and got so excited whenever they got closer.
The side characters also were amazingly written and I will definitely checking out the other books!
Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I guess it‘s okay to read them as standalone, but I usually try to read them in order.
Anyways, Wes and Hailey are amazing friends and I loved following them while they were slowly realizing their feelings. Usually I don‘t like slow burns that much but since they were friends we still got a lot of content of these two together.
I have slightly mixed feelings about Hailey. I understand that she wants to make it on her own, but it‘s never wrong to ask for and accept help from others especially people that care about you!
However, I personally really felt their feelings and got so excited whenever they got closer.
The side characters also were amazingly written and I will definitely checking out the other books!
Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2023
friends to lovers / dual POV. It’s the 3rd book in the Jansen Brothers series. I haven’t read the first 2 but this can be read as a standalone. I loved Hailey being a business owner & and the salad shop idea was so cute. Wes was so likable along with his brothers - I can’t wait to read the first 2 books in this series. This was a fun light hearted read. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 13, 2022
I love this friends to lovers story. Wes and Hailey's characters are so well written, they compliment each other. To read how great they are as friends and slowly they become more was fascinating, it was not rushed and the chemistry was there from the beginning. It was very sweet and I'm obsessed with Hailey's salad, i definitely tried to make one with ideas from her description of her salads.
December 18, 2022
3.5-4⭐️
When I started reading this book, I was completely unaware it was the third book in a series involving three brothers. As a result, there were times I felt at a bit of a disadvantage in not know the backstory between the brothers and their estranged father. It is still possible to read this as a standalone, but keep in mind, you’ll struggle a bit with who’s who and what their history is.
That being said, I think this was a cute friends to lovers, closed door romance with major When Harry Met Sally vibes. As a huge fan of that movie, I loved seeing this fun twist on it. I enjoyed Halley and Wes’ creation of their guide to being just friends and how they navigated through some very complex emotions throughout the book, finally finding resolution and huge emotional growth. And of course, the found family trope, like the one presented in this novel, will always have my heart. The group of brothers, their significant others and friends made for quite a fun and boisterous gang and I loved seeing Hailey connect with them as someone who felt so alone and disconnected.
All in all, this is a pretty standard romance but with a fun twist on a classic and one I think a lot of people will enjoy, especially those who prefer closed door/kissing only romance. I plan to continue reading this series, starting with book one and am excited to see what Sullivan writes next.
Read if you like:
•friends to lovers
•slow burn
•closed door romance
•found family
•when harry met sally
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.
When I started reading this book, I was completely unaware it was the third book in a series involving three brothers. As a result, there were times I felt at a bit of a disadvantage in not know the backstory between the brothers and their estranged father. It is still possible to read this as a standalone, but keep in mind, you’ll struggle a bit with who’s who and what their history is.
That being said, I think this was a cute friends to lovers, closed door romance with major When Harry Met Sally vibes. As a huge fan of that movie, I loved seeing this fun twist on it. I enjoyed Halley and Wes’ creation of their guide to being just friends and how they navigated through some very complex emotions throughout the book, finally finding resolution and huge emotional growth. And of course, the found family trope, like the one presented in this novel, will always have my heart. The group of brothers, their significant others and friends made for quite a fun and boisterous gang and I loved seeing Hailey connect with them as someone who felt so alone and disconnected.
All in all, this is a pretty standard romance but with a fun twist on a classic and one I think a lot of people will enjoy, especially those who prefer closed door/kissing only romance. I plan to continue reading this series, starting with book one and am excited to see what Sullivan writes next.
Read if you like:
•friends to lovers
•slow burn
•closed door romance
•found family
•when harry met sally
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2023
I actually picked this book before I realized it was book three in a series where I enjoyed the first two books and the world created. I was beyond excited when I realized that this would be a continuation of that world and I wasn’t disappointed (well until the very very end where the author said it’s bittersweet to be done with this series, that made me sad). This is a book if you like opposites attract/friends to loves/Harry Met Sally- ish romantic comedy than the this the book for you. You don’t need to read the prior books (each of three brothers stars in a book with their own romantic comedy) but you’ll appreciate some of the little things more if you’ve read them all. Wes is a bit out of sorts now that he’s moved to California and truly left his father’s clutches in New York. He loves his brothers but doesn’t seem to have the same passion for what their business is doing as they do. Hailey has fled LA after her jerk of a boyfriend dumped her after she’d supported him while he cheated on her. She has started up her own salad shop. She’s determined that she will be successful at building her business. Throw in a slightly embarrassing but super cute meet and Wes and Hailey’s fates are doomed. That being said neither of them are looking for love or even to date. So they decide to just be friends. Which of course is easier said than done. This is a light, fun romantic comedy. I’ll miss these characters and their lack of communication shenanigans.
December 1, 2022
Do you all think men and women can truly be 'just friends'? Both straight/heterosexual beings.. is it even possible?
Idk. I've never accomplished it successfully - but then I also dislike most of humanity so it's harder for me when I can usually only stand less than 10 people at a time?
THE REVIEW: 🌶/5 & ⭐⭐⭐.5/5 -- A cute rom-com palette cleanser!
If you've followed me on Goodreads for a bit, you've probably noticed that I read a wide variety of literature. I get bored and burnout VERY fast. The antidote to readers' burnout is reading something different from your last read! As in a whole new genre. I am ALL about slipping these sweet little romance novels in under the radar between my more serious reads.
A SHORT PREVIEW:
Hailey is starting over in a hip little California town bordering the beach. She's left behind a mean ex and flighty parents to create a new life that is all her own. Starting a trendy and unique salad shop, she bumps into Wes in what I can only describe as a 'meet-awkward', and shortly after, seeing each other again through mutual acquaintances. Neither Wes nor Hailey is looking to date right now so they settle on being friends... but can they really stay just friends? **P.S. I shall be referring to this book by its acronym, AGTBJF, throughout the rest of my review!)
MUSINGS:
- Sophie Sullivan's writing very much reminds me of Christina Lauren (in a good way.) Successful career-driven women who treat their friends and family right are at the center of these novels and I love those types of female characters. Easily relatable!
- AGTBJF is also a great exploration of familial trauma's impact on our future relationships and how to move into handling those past hurts in a healthy way. Love that!
- Wes's character was also great because we learn a lot about the ability to listen and learn from our mistakes - while simultaneously not viewing Hailey as a problem to solve. It's REALLY hard to be friends with people who won't help themselves, and you can encourage in a loving way - but people do what they wanna do, and if you really love someone, whether a friend, romantic partner, or family --> it's your job to show up and be as supportive as possible. Great reminders!
- The characters weren't overly annoying with the miscommunication trope. BRAVO Sophie Sullivan! Sometimes authors can overdo that, and it makes me want to chuck my iPad.
NOTES:
- Alternating POV
- HEA ending
- Highlights the abject horror of dating apps. I met my husband on one, and while I don't regret that or find it shameful.. it was a cluster for like 2 years whilst using. Do not recommend.
- Story is a little predictable - but I actually kind of like that it was. It was calming and I kind of needed that after my last read!
- No heavy smut, which was a nice reprieve. A lot of verbal under-the-surface foreplay but no graphic descriptions of body parts touching other body parts if ya know what I mean?
**I received this book as an advanced reader copy, but all reviews are my own. - SLR
Idk. I've never accomplished it successfully - but then I also dislike most of humanity so it's harder for me when I can usually only stand less than 10 people at a time?
THE REVIEW: 🌶/5 & ⭐⭐⭐.5/5 -- A cute rom-com palette cleanser!
If you've followed me on Goodreads for a bit, you've probably noticed that I read a wide variety of literature. I get bored and burnout VERY fast. The antidote to readers' burnout is reading something different from your last read! As in a whole new genre. I am ALL about slipping these sweet little romance novels in under the radar between my more serious reads.
A SHORT PREVIEW:
Hailey is starting over in a hip little California town bordering the beach. She's left behind a mean ex and flighty parents to create a new life that is all her own. Starting a trendy and unique salad shop, she bumps into Wes in what I can only describe as a 'meet-awkward', and shortly after, seeing each other again through mutual acquaintances. Neither Wes nor Hailey is looking to date right now so they settle on being friends... but can they really stay just friends? **P.S. I shall be referring to this book by its acronym, AGTBJF, throughout the rest of my review!)
MUSINGS:
- Sophie Sullivan's writing very much reminds me of Christina Lauren (in a good way.) Successful career-driven women who treat their friends and family right are at the center of these novels and I love those types of female characters. Easily relatable!
- AGTBJF is also a great exploration of familial trauma's impact on our future relationships and how to move into handling those past hurts in a healthy way. Love that!
- Wes's character was also great because we learn a lot about the ability to listen and learn from our mistakes - while simultaneously not viewing Hailey as a problem to solve. It's REALLY hard to be friends with people who won't help themselves, and you can encourage in a loving way - but people do what they wanna do, and if you really love someone, whether a friend, romantic partner, or family --> it's your job to show up and be as supportive as possible. Great reminders!
- The characters weren't overly annoying with the miscommunication trope. BRAVO Sophie Sullivan! Sometimes authors can overdo that, and it makes me want to chuck my iPad.
NOTES:
- Alternating POV
- HEA ending
- Highlights the abject horror of dating apps. I met my husband on one, and while I don't regret that or find it shameful.. it was a cluster for like 2 years whilst using. Do not recommend.
- Story is a little predictable - but I actually kind of like that it was. It was calming and I kind of needed that after my last read!
- No heavy smut, which was a nice reprieve. A lot of verbal under-the-surface foreplay but no graphic descriptions of body parts touching other body parts if ya know what I mean?
**I received this book as an advanced reader copy, but all reviews are my own. - SLR
January 9, 2023
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.
- 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.
February 4, 2023
I adore seeing two strangers foster a friendship with one another before taking it to the next level.
While the banter is fun and I enjoyed most of this, this didn't grip me because there wasn't any tension. I was frustrated with both the main characters throughout the story and their spats felt unnecessary.
Overall, I thought this was cute and sweet but also lukewarm and kind of boring.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While the banter is fun and I enjoyed most of this, this didn't grip me because there wasn't any tension. I was frustrated with both the main characters throughout the story and their spats felt unnecessary.
Overall, I thought this was cute and sweet but also lukewarm and kind of boring.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2023
I just loved everything about this book! This has been a great series, but just know you don't need to read the prior books to enjoy this one. RTC
January 18, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 ⭐
Update: Happy Publication Day!
I had no idea that this was the third book of a trilogy when I first came across it and read it.
After my enjoyable experience with this one, I am planning on picking up the other two books. Although I hadn't read the first two books, it was completely fine. This book stands strong on its own and does a great job incorporating the previous characters into the narrative.
This story follows the oldest Jansen brother Wes Jansen and a new shop owner Hailey Sharp. Hailey is just starting to her store open and its been a slow start up. Wes and Hailey have a meet cute moment in a coffee shop after a misidentification by Wes. They both thought this was a one off moment, but they run into eachother again after Hailey's company is hired to provide salads for a meeting that Wes is at. Things progress and the two fall in to a comfortable friendship, neither wanting more due to experiences from past relationships. With all books like this that never lasts and things progress into more.
I really enjoyed both Hailey and Wes' characters. I thought they were both cute. It was sort of grumpy sunshine, but Wes overrall was a really good nice guy and not really that grumpy. just a cynic to love. Hailey though was bubbly and overall happy character. Wanting to stand on her own and didn't want to take handouts.
This was definitely a slow burn romance, but Sophie Sullivan did a nice job building their friendship and including the side characters/interaction. My one criticism was their friendship to best friends was pretty instantaneous to me. It didn't really seem to build up why they were friends to begin with.
The side characters, the two brothers/girlfriends (which I now realize are main characters in the other two books) were really fun to read. I loved the brothers relationship and how they interacted with eachother. I loved how they called Wes out on his S&*t and were fair to call him an idiot at times. However it never felt mean or cruel, they did it out of love to try to get Wes to open his eyes.
One thing I didn't love was Wes' whole outlook on love and marriage. I didn't seem like a strong case to create the conflict needed for this story. It had its cute moments and progressed the story, but I was kind of meh to it. Hailey also was a bit annoying at times when she was so hard set on not accepting help. I get it, she doesn't want hand outs from a rich friend, but there was some smaller things he wanted to help with that she was so stubborn to not let him do.
Overall I thought this was a cute story and I will be reading more stories from Sophie Sullivan. I felt like she did a great job writing a cute friends to lovers story. I look forward to reading the other two Jansen Brother books.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this advance reader copy. My review of this story is voluntarily my own.
Update: Happy Publication Day!
I had no idea that this was the third book of a trilogy when I first came across it and read it.
After my enjoyable experience with this one, I am planning on picking up the other two books. Although I hadn't read the first two books, it was completely fine. This book stands strong on its own and does a great job incorporating the previous characters into the narrative.
This story follows the oldest Jansen brother Wes Jansen and a new shop owner Hailey Sharp. Hailey is just starting to her store open and its been a slow start up. Wes and Hailey have a meet cute moment in a coffee shop after a misidentification by Wes. They both thought this was a one off moment, but they run into eachother again after Hailey's company is hired to provide salads for a meeting that Wes is at. Things progress and the two fall in to a comfortable friendship, neither wanting more due to experiences from past relationships. With all books like this that never lasts and things progress into more.
I really enjoyed both Hailey and Wes' characters. I thought they were both cute. It was sort of grumpy sunshine, but Wes overrall was a really good nice guy and not really that grumpy. just a cynic to love. Hailey though was bubbly and overall happy character. Wanting to stand on her own and didn't want to take handouts.
This was definitely a slow burn romance, but Sophie Sullivan did a nice job building their friendship and including the side characters/interaction. My one criticism was their friendship to best friends was pretty instantaneous to me. It didn't really seem to build up why they were friends to begin with.
The side characters, the two brothers/girlfriends (which I now realize are main characters in the other two books) were really fun to read. I loved the brothers relationship and how they interacted with eachother. I loved how they called Wes out on his S&*t and were fair to call him an idiot at times. However it never felt mean or cruel, they did it out of love to try to get Wes to open his eyes.
One thing I didn't love was Wes' whole outlook on love and marriage. I didn't seem like a strong case to create the conflict needed for this story. It had its cute moments and progressed the story, but I was kind of meh to it. Hailey also was a bit annoying at times when she was so hard set on not accepting help. I get it, she doesn't want hand outs from a rich friend, but there was some smaller things he wanted to help with that she was so stubborn to not let him do.
Overall I thought this was a cute story and I will be reading more stories from Sophie Sullivan. I felt like she did a great job writing a cute friends to lovers story. I look forward to reading the other two Jansen Brother books.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this advance reader copy. My review of this story is voluntarily my own.
December 23, 2022
I don’t know if my opinion on this book was impacted from listening to it versus reading it, but I thought it was better than most of the ratings it’s getting.
Definitely deserving a four stars!
Hailey is sweet and optimistic. This is in spite of past traumas and terrible relationships. Wes is a sweet and likable character, however, it is because of past relationships in his life that he is more of a cynic.
They both learn from each other and develop a strong friendship. Haley hast to learn it’s OK to lean on other people and Wes needs to learn how to have faith in other people.
Absolutely adorable, and listening to it was even better! Fantastic narrators!!!
Thank you NetGalley play the amazing ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Definitely deserving a four stars!
Hailey is sweet and optimistic. This is in spite of past traumas and terrible relationships. Wes is a sweet and likable character, however, it is because of past relationships in his life that he is more of a cynic.
They both learn from each other and develop a strong friendship. Haley hast to learn it’s OK to lean on other people and Wes needs to learn how to have faith in other people.
Absolutely adorable, and listening to it was even better! Fantastic narrators!!!
Thank you NetGalley play the amazing ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 31, 2022
I want to start off by saying thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book through net galley! Second of all there was no information listed on net galley (or goodreads at the time i requested the book) about this book being the third in the series. I believe not reading the other two books has effected my review.
The start of the book felt a little awkward for me to read and took me a couple chapters to get used to the writing style. As characters are introduced it feels a little like you should know who they are already and know their vibes which if you havent read the rest of the series you dont.
This is a slow burn romance of two people becoming friends and trying to stay just friends. This felt like the slowest burn that barely led to a burn. I enjoyed their friendship but didnt enjoy how their relationship evolved. Instead of feeling the spark between the two it was more so each of them getting jealous and not communicating their feelings about the other dating other people. I didnt enjoy their conflicts and the major conflict felt very rushed along with the resolution feeling rushed as well.
Aside from romance i felt like there was a lot of filler about the businesses and the side characters. Overall I did not get attached to any of the characters including Hailey and Wes.
I really wanted to enjoy this book because the concept seemed but in the end it was enjoyable. One thing i did enjoy about the story was that Wes started creating an actual guide to being just friends. I think maybe if they were more forthcoming about their feelings for each other and throughout that continued to try and stay just friends it could of added more to the book.
The start of the book felt a little awkward for me to read and took me a couple chapters to get used to the writing style. As characters are introduced it feels a little like you should know who they are already and know their vibes which if you havent read the rest of the series you dont.
This is a slow burn romance of two people becoming friends and trying to stay just friends. This felt like the slowest burn that barely led to a burn. I enjoyed their friendship but didnt enjoy how their relationship evolved. Instead of feeling the spark between the two it was more so each of them getting jealous and not communicating their feelings about the other dating other people. I didnt enjoy their conflicts and the major conflict felt very rushed along with the resolution feeling rushed as well.
Aside from romance i felt like there was a lot of filler about the businesses and the side characters. Overall I did not get attached to any of the characters including Hailey and Wes.
I really wanted to enjoy this book because the concept seemed but in the end it was enjoyable. One thing i did enjoy about the story was that Wes started creating an actual guide to being just friends. I think maybe if they were more forthcoming about their feelings for each other and throughout that continued to try and stay just friends it could of added more to the book.
July 25, 2022
So I should start this review with a disclaimer. I requested this from NetGalley and was unware that it is the third book in a series (it can be read as a standalone though). But I think had I read the first two books and got to know all the characters better I probably would have enjoyed this book more.
Hailey has recently moved to a new town to start over after a messy break up and opens her dream store, a to go salad shop. She has a chance meeting with Wes, who thinks she is the date that stood him up. The two end up hitting it off and become friends. Neither of them are looking for anything more than that, so they fall into an easy platonic friendship. Things begin to change as they become aware that they are both starting to develop feelings for the other.
Now I liked Hailey and Wes' characters overall. But I did find Hailey's inability to let anyone be nice and help her frustrating. If I had a rich best friend you bet I would be okay if they were trying to buy me nice things and help my business succeed :) but that's just me haha. And Wes also drove me crazy with his ridiculous take on love and relationships.
Overall this is a cute read. There's no steamy scenes (which I think all romance books need) and it did feel slow through a lot of it. But the writing is good and I think if you have enjoyed the two previous novels in the series, you will like this one too.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Hailey has recently moved to a new town to start over after a messy break up and opens her dream store, a to go salad shop. She has a chance meeting with Wes, who thinks she is the date that stood him up. The two end up hitting it off and become friends. Neither of them are looking for anything more than that, so they fall into an easy platonic friendship. Things begin to change as they become aware that they are both starting to develop feelings for the other.
Now I liked Hailey and Wes' characters overall. But I did find Hailey's inability to let anyone be nice and help her frustrating. If I had a rich best friend you bet I would be okay if they were trying to buy me nice things and help my business succeed :) but that's just me haha. And Wes also drove me crazy with his ridiculous take on love and relationships.
Overall this is a cute read. There's no steamy scenes (which I think all romance books need) and it did feel slow through a lot of it. But the writing is good and I think if you have enjoyed the two previous novels in the series, you will like this one too.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 10, 2022
A Guide to Being Just Friends is a sweet, easy read, however I didn't find much substance to it. I liked both the main characters and their meet cute, however, I don't think they spent enough time together for their relationship to develop. I also just found the story, from dialogue, to character details, to setting, to be fairly basic, so I was never really immersed in this story. Lastly, the end fight between Hailey and Wes felt unnecessary and a bit forced. All that being said, although this wasn't the book for me, I think there are definitely readers for it out there!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2023
As per usual, I started this book without realizing it was part of a series, but it totally worked as a standalone novel, which I thought was great, and has made me want to go back to visit the other couples which I am assuming the first two books were centered around!
This was an adorable story that had really great moments. I’m usually not a fan of the slow burn, but I thought it was successful here because you really got to see the progression of them becoming real friends first and how that transitioned into dating instead of becoming an instant couple in love with each other. The realistic aspect to this relationship really drew me in more than I was expecting. Each character had their flaws but they found a way to make it work together.
My 2023 goal was to start listening to more audiobooks, as I usually stick more to physical reads, so this was my first audiobook of 2023 and it did not disappoint. One of my biggest pet peeves for audiobooks is when the story told from different POVs and you have the same narrator, or even the same narrator who tries to do two different voices. I was so thankful for the 2 different narrators here and how their voices really suited each character.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review! The publish date for this book is January 17th, 2023, so make sure to look out for it!
This was an adorable story that had really great moments. I’m usually not a fan of the slow burn, but I thought it was successful here because you really got to see the progression of them becoming real friends first and how that transitioned into dating instead of becoming an instant couple in love with each other. The realistic aspect to this relationship really drew me in more than I was expecting. Each character had their flaws but they found a way to make it work together.
My 2023 goal was to start listening to more audiobooks, as I usually stick more to physical reads, so this was my first audiobook of 2023 and it did not disappoint. One of my biggest pet peeves for audiobooks is when the story told from different POVs and you have the same narrator, or even the same narrator who tries to do two different voices. I was so thankful for the 2 different narrators here and how their voices really suited each character.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review! The publish date for this book is January 17th, 2023, so make sure to look out for it!
December 18, 2022
“He wasn’t into her. She was Hailey. Just his Hailey…His friend, Hailey. That’s all. Yeah. That was his story.“
Wes and Hailey. They’re lone wolves. But together. Romance readers are going to want to watch this OTP fall flat on their butts in love! New adventures, new friends, and new beginnings. The conclusion to the Jansen brothers series. Bittersweet! Read them all!
“Right now, I want to learn how to keep that smile on your face.” “That’s easy. Kiss me.“
✨THINGS AND STUFF ✨
-friends to lovers
-when Harry met Sally
-business management
-salad in a cup
-groceries, video games, movie nights
-gingerbread BTS members
-california setting
-cute banter
-making up acronyms. IAY.
-mystery LBD
-arguing over which version of overboard is better
-#IsThisAKissingBook: closed door. “Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingered for a second longer than he should have before pulling back.”
Thank you Sophie Sullivan for an annotated copy! Adore you!
🎶Song: More by BETWEEN FRIENDS 🎶
Wes and Hailey. They’re lone wolves. But together. Romance readers are going to want to watch this OTP fall flat on their butts in love! New adventures, new friends, and new beginnings. The conclusion to the Jansen brothers series. Bittersweet! Read them all!
“Right now, I want to learn how to keep that smile on your face.” “That’s easy. Kiss me.“
✨THINGS AND STUFF ✨
-friends to lovers
-when Harry met Sally
-business management
-salad in a cup
-groceries, video games, movie nights
-gingerbread BTS members
-california setting
-cute banter
-making up acronyms. IAY.
-mystery LBD
-arguing over which version of overboard is better
-#IsThisAKissingBook: closed door. “Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingered for a second longer than he should have before pulling back.”
Thank you Sophie Sullivan for an annotated copy! Adore you!
🎶Song: More by BETWEEN FRIENDS 🎶
March 5, 2023
I thought this was a cute little basic rom com. It made me hunger for salad, which is better than junk food at least lol
April 29, 2023
Hailey is starting over. A new business, a new town, and a new chance at a happy life. Coincidentally so is Wes. Even though their first meeting is less than friendly, Hailey and Wes have an undeniable click 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.
It’s no surprise for me that I loved A Guide to Being Just Friends.
A) Sophie Sullivan is an INCREDIBLY talented writer. She excels at creating amazing, deep characters with plenty of growth. As well as immersive stories with plenty of background. (Take By the Cup as an example, she could open a real salad shop with all the background we have here)
B) FRIENDS TO LOVERS. FRIENDS TO LOVERS. THE SUPREME TROPE. Made even better by the fact that it’s dual perspective so we get both Hailey and Wes’s POVs (which I LOVE to see)
If you love friends to lovers, a good slow burn, and big happy chosen family vibes, A Guide to Being Just Friends is sure to impress.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sophie Sullivan for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s no surprise for me that I loved A Guide to Being Just Friends.
A) Sophie Sullivan is an INCREDIBLY talented writer. She excels at creating amazing, deep characters with plenty of growth. As well as immersive stories with plenty of background. (Take By the Cup as an example, she could open a real salad shop with all the background we have here)
B) FRIENDS TO LOVERS. FRIENDS TO LOVERS. THE SUPREME TROPE. Made even better by the fact that it’s dual perspective so we get both Hailey and Wes’s POVs (which I LOVE to see)
If you love friends to lovers, a good slow burn, and big happy chosen family vibes, A Guide to Being Just Friends is sure to impress.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sophie Sullivan for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2023
"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.
- Paige
°•*⁀➷
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.
- Paige
April 20, 2024
Wes finally gets his own story. This contemporary rom-com is heartwarming, sweet, and please note this continues to be a low-no spice series without profanity so if those are your preferred reads this series is great for you. I definitely recommend reading the series in order. I enjoyed the characters and the work/life balance along with those awkward moments and banter that make rom-coms so great.
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