Just Read: “The Happy Ever After Playlist” by Abby Jimenez

Read June 21, 2020 – June 22, 2020

Abby Jimenez has published two novels and owns a successful bakery in Minnesota. This is her second novel and it should be noted that it’s sort of a sequel to The Friend Zone. If you plan on reading that, DO NOT read what this book is about. This particular book’s synopsis contains a spoiler of something major that happens in her first novel. It looks like there will be a third in this series coming out next year so you better back up, read my review for The Friend Zone, then read the actual book, and THEN come back here to read this review and decide if you want to continue the series. Jimenez’s third book in the series comes out next year so you have a little time.

What is it about? 

Now I swear if you haven’t read The Friend Zone you don’t want to read this…final warning. Sloan, Kristen’s best friend, is alone and super depressed – her fiancé Brandon died and her life isn’t anything like she thought it might be. Kristen’s married with child and Sloan is barely getting by. The meet-cute in this story happens between Sloan and a dog! The hunting dog, Tucker, has a handsome and famous daddy but Sloan has no idea. She takes Tucker in and ends up super flirty with his owner via text while she waits for him to return from his tour.

Tucker’s Daddy, Jason, experiences love at first…chat?… and has to lure Sloan in because she is still mourning the loss of Brandon. There’s drama that comes with potentially dating someone famous and the book lays it all out for you – imagine TMZ reporting on your romantic prospects! That’s not the only drama, though… Sloan doesn’t want to give Tucker back to Jason. Can you imagine your dog escaping while you’re out of town and then the rescuer doesn’t want to give him back? I’d go full Liam Neeson on them. The narrative is similar to that of Jimenez’s first novel, as it goes between two characters – one chapter by Sloan, another by Jason, etc. for the entirely of the book. 

What does it have?

• Moving On After Loss
• Best Female Friendships
• Famous People Drama
• MUSIC!

Each chapter is titled with a song! Surprisingly there are a lot of songs, or at least bands, that I recognized and like. Bring Me the Horizon, anyone? The songs are suppose to be listened to prior to reading each chapter but I didn’t want to put the book down and do that. I’m checking the playlist out now while I write. This novel helps you think about how to move on after loss and what to do while you’re still grieving.  Bad things happen to everyone and it’s acknowledged through the narrative when it says, “You can’t control the bad things that happen to you. All you can do is decide how much of you you’re going to let them take” (The Happy Ever After Playlist). While reading we get to see what’s left of Sloan after her big loss with Brandon. 

Is it worth reading?

Yup – I’d say if you liked Jimenez’s first book, you’ll definitely like this one. It’s another rom-com and you get to revisit the same main players while being introduced to a couple more. There’s charm and wit. I laughed and cried and laughed some more. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Let me know in the comments below if you found this review helpful! Feedback gives me an idea of what info you want to see in This Just Read posts 🙂