This book deals with complicated grief and isn’t as much of a rom/com as I thought going in. After the Friendship Zone this one took me a very long time to pick up and I’m not sure I was quite ready for it.

Abby Jimenez is one of my go-to authors. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with anything she writes, and The Happy Ever After Playlist is no exception. "The Happy Ever After Playlist" by Abby Jimenez is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant contemporary romance novel that will sweep readers off their feet. The story follows Sloan Monroe, a woman still grieving the loss of her fiancé, as she unexpectedly finds herself connected to a stray dog named Tucker and his owner, musician Jason Larsen. Through a series of chance encounters and heartfelt exchanges, Sloan and Jason form a deep and meaningful bond that challenges them to confront their pasts and open their hearts to the possibility of love once again.

Jimenez crafts a captivating narrative filled with humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry between the protagonists. Sloan's journey of healing and self-discovery is both relatable and empowering, as she learns to navigate the complexities of love and loss while finding solace in unexpected places. Jason's character adds depth and nuance to the story, his passion for music and unwavering support for Sloan making him a swoon-worthy romantic lead.

Beyond the romance, "The Happy Ever After Playlist" also explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the importance of embracing second chances. Jimenez's writing is engaging and heartfelt, drawing readers in with its authentic portrayal of human emotions and relationships.

Overall, "The Happy Ever After Playlist" is a feel-good romance that will leave readers smiling and rooting for love. With its memorable characters, heartfelt storyline, and irresistible charm, it's a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedies.

I love Abby Jimenez books so much! These characters were great and I love the Minnesota references as well as the Stuntman Mike cameo.

No matter what mood I’m in, I can’t always count on Abby’s books to help me through my book funks. Abby didn’t disappoint. This book was just the kind of romance that I needed! From the beginning, I was immediately hooked to Sloan and Jason’s story. I loved the character development and the realness in these characters especially when dealing with issues like grief. It made the story even more relatable and heartfelt. Trust me when I say that this book is a definite must read!

Abby is an amazing writer! This book and her last made me have all the feelings. I laughed and cried with the characters. She has a way of making you feel like you're in the story. I have loved everything she's written!

I really liked the book ! The main character was liakable and I loved the plot ,I wish it was longer tho ,to enjoy it a little bit more

I'm still waiting for the day that I read an Abby Jimenez book without totally ugly sobbing... it hasn't happened yet. After The Friend Zone completely wrecked me, it was nice to revisit Sloan as she puts back the pieces of herself and evolves into her new life. This was another great read from Abby Jimenez - thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

Another great Abby Jimenez book that I loved when I read it. Read all her books whenever you can!! Great story line, character development, and overall feel.

Abby Jimenez’s second novel is swoon worthy. Jimenez has a way of incorporating real world issues into her novel. Salon’s complicated grief and movement forward is handled masterfully. The love story between Sloan and Jason is masterfully created and the ending is worth waiting for. 100% recommend this book.

Loved this! The chemistry was perfect,. Such a wonderful read that I really enjoyed! Can’t wait to read more of Abby’s books.

I have learned to place this author on my PRE-ORDER IMMEDIATELY list. This latest stand-alone novel is about the heart wrenching side character from the first of Jimenez's works, Sloane. As a side character Sloane's personal lost of her fiance upset me, but meeting her in this story left me feeling amazed. She starts off as everyone would expect after a deep loss; miserable and hating the world. I honestly didn't like her very much at the beginning of the story as her loss makes her all too human and she irritated me in her depressed state.
It is not until after she finds a lost dog that her outlook starts to change. Then the owner contacts her and wants his dog back, In typical rom-com fashion a back and forth entanglement ensues with witty/ flirty texting and phone calls commences. Can they learn to create something together as Sloane may be scared to start something new and Jason's music is making him a star on the rise.
I read Abby Jiminez's books for her raw characters, While we know romantic comedy in novels is one of fiction and often times fantasy, it is her characters that make her stories what they are! I love how it doesn't matter what walk of life her characters come from, they are relatable as fellow human beings. I cannot wait to dive into another of her stories!
4.5/5 stars

This book exceeded my expectations in every way. This is a 5 star book. The writing was amazing and the storyline was just perfect! I can’t wait to read more by her!

I love Abby's books and this was no exception! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to continue to read her books!

This story was so adorable and I loved it as much as I love the author! The romance was perfect and I can't wait to read more by this author.

I absolutely adored this book! I could have sworn I posted something on here when I finished but I guess I didn't. I seriously shove this book at everyone who asks me for a great romance.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Adorable! I love meet cute books such as this! Great book, quick read, loved every minute.

Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

This series has become one of my favs as I have gotten so invested in their stories. I was not prepared for handling the heartache and doubt in The Friend Zone and again was unprepared foe the weight of this story on my heart.

I love that moving through her grief Sloan talks about her life becoming a shrine and not her living in the moment. She was so young for so much tragedy. My heart soared for her finding that love again and this new family to belong to. I was devastated with her just boo hoo cried like a baby for her and Jason and what he was letting go.

Kristen is my girl and comes in with her shenanigan's and i went from crying over heart ache to these crazy happy tears. Like the ending of a story you want to tell someone about and hug your book tight. All the stars for this one!

This was not as good as the first one, but it was still really good! I'm so glad we got more of the story after everything that happened in the first book!

THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST has a permanent spot on my bookshelf. There isn't a way to share my love for this book without sharing how I connected to it personally after losing my husband, the love of my life, at the beginning of 2020. But first and most importantly, I want to thank Abby Jimenez for writing THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST and for helping and entertaining readers like me who are on our way to healing and happiness.

I've read THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST twice. The first time was during the week of my husband's birthday, just four months after his death. The second time was during the week of the anniversary of his death. This wasn't intentional, but the timing of wanting to read, and later, reread this book wasn't lost on me. This has happened before - a book calls to me to be read, and it's after I've read it that I realize it was the book that I needed at that moment.

What I need to say about starting to read this book:
I was nervous to read it. I was afraid I would get triggered and my grief would overwhelm me leaving me spiraling for days. So, like with any book, I gave myself permission to stop reading if it becomes too much for me. I cried early on, possibly from the anticipation of knowing part of Sloan's story from THE FRIEND ZONE. But when TUCKER arrived I just knew that it would be OK. Tucker, the name of the dog who jumped into Sloan's car and into her life, is also the same name that my husband would use for his Southern alter-ego. He used it when he mocked my accent and spoke like me to be silly or make me laugh. And in my mind, it felt like my husband was telling me "I'm here. I'm with you. It's OK. You're going to be OK."

I loved the romance between Sloan and Jason and the way that he wanted to love her, to take care of her, and the way he wanted to let her love him (at least until his career made it complicated). I continue to read romance because we had our own true-life romance. And sometimes when I read it in stories, it feels as though I can continue to live in that love. And while our love wasn't perfect, it was real and it was true. Books like THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST help me to remember that.

Sloan's story is heartbreaking and I saw too much of myself in her grief. Sloan had lost her love, she'd lost her passion, and didn't even recognize who she'd become. I thought the author shared an accurate portrayal of what it's like to lose your love, to lose the life you had with this person, and to lose the future you planned with them. It was difficult to read, but I also found comfort in the acknowledgment that this was her reality and she was struggling. The quote: "I missed myself. I missed being happy," really hit home for me. Yes Sloan, I know exactly what you mean.

THANK GOODNESS for the friendship between Kristen and Sloan - a best friend who remembers the anniversaries of important dates and anticipates her friend's needs. She's the friend to make Sloan laugh when she's not sure if she'll ever find anything funny ever again. I loved Kristen in THE FRIEND ZONE and she is a stellar BFF in THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST. I'm honored and beyond grateful to have a few Kristens of my own. 💜

This book did make me cry, but it made me laugh so much more. And it reminded me of what I'd already come to realize - sadness and joy can exist in the same space. And you can let it. THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST will go on that special shelf of "Books of my Heart" that let me know that I'm going to be OK. And one day I'll be better than OK.

I loved it!

Two years ago, Sloan lost her fiance and her desire to do anything. When a stray dog hops into her car, she finally has a reason to put on pants and leave the house. After two weeks of searching for the owner (and leaving messages on the number on the dog's collar), she's ready to just keep Tucker. But then his frantic owner calls--Jason, a musician who's been off the grid in Australia. Sloan reluctantly agrees to meet him for a dog handover, and sparks fly. But is she ready for something new? And does Jason have time for anything but his music?

This was so much better than The Friend Zone. In the author's note, Jimenez says she's been working on this book for years, and wrote it before TFZ. I could tell. I'm glad that I gave her another chance, because The Happy Ever After Playlist was a hopeful read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.