When I saw an extended preview for The Happy Ever After Playlist was available, I knew I HAD to read it. Not only did I finish the preview in one sitting, but now I cannot wait to read the rest of the story. I devoured The Friend Zone, also by Abby Jimenez, this past summer in a similar fashion. Knowing I could visit with Sloan, Kristen, and Josh again in Jimenez's new story was nothing short of exciting.

First of all, the story bounces between two different perspectives - Sloan's, and Jason's. I love comparing how characters can create much different context from shared experiences - it definitely adds a layer of interest to the story. I also appreciate the way Jimenez balances her Rom-com genre books with realistic topics and The Happy Ever After Playlist appears to be no exception. Although we are immediately introduced to an interesting "meet cute" (although the meeting has yet to actually happen), we also know Sloan is still recovering from a pretty traumatic experience. Will Sloan be able to work through her feelings and move forward in her life? Will Jason be a serious romantic interest, or a way for Sloan to realize life can go on for her? I have so many questions and can't wait to have the answers!

I am ready for the rest of Sloan's story! This preview sets the stage for what promises to be a fast-paced, emotional, witty, funny, lovely story. Sloan's fiancé died two years ago, and Sloan has been grieving. In fact, she's on her way to the cemetery when she, instead, ends up rescuing a lost dog. This dog leads her to the dog's owner, Jason, who is on an extended trip. Jason wants his dog back; Sloan's not so sure she wants to give the dog back... Sparks definitely fly as they get to know each there. A bonus of this book is that we get to see how Kristen and Josh are doing (from The Friend Zone). Can't wait to read the rest!

I just finished reading the extended preview provided by Forever Publishing via NetGalley and all I can say is... OMG!! Is it April yet?

I loved this excerpt, though, it was such a tease because I so badly want to read the rest of the book. I enjoyed how they were slowly building on H/h relationship especially with Sloane's past.

Oh these few chapters just made me absolutely on edge to get my hands on this book. Thankfully I have it preordered to arrive on pub day. I think it will surpass The Friend Zone by leaps and bounds.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely LOVED the preview of 'The Happy Ever After Playlist' and was so sad when I realized I would have to wait until April to read the rest of the book! The chemistry between Sloan and Jason was incredible, especially since their interactions so far had only been through the phone - and I know it's only going to get hotter when they finally meet. I like how Jason was an up-and-coming musician, it was a great surprise that the story, and the budding romance between him and Sloan, feel more real. Sloan seems to be a loveable, caring person of many talents (a formerly famous artist AND food blogger?! What a dream), and I could already feel my heart hurting for her and the tragedy she went through. She's definitely a heroine I instantly felt endeared to.

As a whole, 'The Happy Ever After Playlist' preview was amazing and I am super excited to see how the rest of the story unfolds once it's published. I have a feeling it's going to be the perfect rom-com book filled that ticks all the boxes (meet cute, a gorgeous couple, and a dog - check, check, check).

I knew when I made the decision to read the initial chapters available in this preview that I might just be torturing myself.... and it turns out I was right. April 14th is still way too far away!! I already love the interaction with the characters in this book and can't wait to see how the story unfolds. Although I definitely wasn't happy about the circumstances in The Friend Zone that led to Sloane's current mental state, I understand that it was necessary to provide the back story leading into HEAP. I'm excited to see how the story continues to unfold and how Sloane begins to break out of her heartbreak and despair.

This preview did exactly what I knew it would, make me long for the book in its entirety! Even though this was just a preview, an excellent job is done setting the stage for the characters and giving us a glimpse on what's to come. I cannot wait until April so I can settle in and get back on the emotional rollercoaster that is this series!

Thank you to @netgalley and @grandcentralpub imprint Forever for sharing an ARC with me. All opinions are my own!
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My Thoughts: Now I can't give a full review as this copy that was shared was just an extended preview which was only about 6 chapters long. They were a wonderful 6 chapters though. I look forward to reading the rest of Sloan and Jason's story! I never grew up with animals so when this story began, I thought it was going to be one of those all about the dog stories, but it's not. Yes, Tucker is the sweetest, a super energetic pup that brings Sloan back to life. Yes the story will revolve around him a lot, I'm sure, but it's much more than that. One of my favorite parts of a story is the comical sarcastic banter between characters that certain authors do so well! Abby has that for me. Sloan and Jason begin to exchange the flirtiest texts, which turns into a game of Truth or Picture. Something tells me this will be a definite 4 🌟. I can't offer more than that at this time since I only had access to part of the story, but I loved the part I did get to read. I look forward to finishing this story as soon as I can get my hands on a full copy!

I LOVED the Friend Zone and am regretting reading this preview of the Happily Ever After Playlist because now I need this book ASAP. April is way too far away. I felt so bad for Sloane in the Friend Zone and am excited to see her get her happily ever after. This preview did a great job catching us up with Sloane and Kristen while introducing us to Jason and Tucker. This is a smart and witty romance that I can’t wait to delve into.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance excerpt in exchange for an honest review.

It was good and I'm mad that I don't have the book to finish right now! Guess I gotta go read "The Friend Zone" (which I already owned).

The first six chapters reel you right back into the world she created. When we last saw sloan, she was a shell of her past self devastated by the death of her fiancé. This is the story of reemergence to life. I can’t wait to read the rest of her journey!

This was only a preview, and I'm left craving so much more. The Happy Ever After Playlist seems like it will be a delightful read. Sloan's adoration for a dog she just met is relatable and her friendship with Kristin is a realistic portrayal of an adult female friendship. The text exchanges between Sloan and Jason are humorous and give the book a fast pace.

Sloan is grieving the loss of her fiance, who died two years ago, and the question posed about how long is an appropriate amount of time to grieve is one I believe most of us have grappled with. How long will you put your life on hold, intentionally or unintentionally? When do you start to move forward? Is it too soon to feel happy? Will there come a day when your life returns to some semblance of normal? I think that the remainder of the book, as Sloan and Jason continue to talk, will address these questions.

This was such a good read, and I only wish I could've read the whole book! I can't wait to see the rest of it!

Well, that was dumb. I should not have read this preview because now I am dying for the rest!!!!! April is so far away. I love this, I don't want to say goodbye to Tucker and Sloan and Jason.
This started off with Sloan, I could just feel her pain. Losing someone you love is a big fear of mine. Her pain is still pretty raw, even after 2 years. Tucker dropping into her lap, he was just what she needed! I love seeing her slowly come back to life with Tucker by her side. And then in comes Jason. *sigh* He is a good guy, loves his dog AND is bearded and attractive, come on!! Can it be April now?

Favorite line so far:
"Sometimes the hardest place to live is the one in-between"

close second :
"And that guy? You should climb him like a tree. Or at the very least shake his branches. See what kind of nuts fall out."

ugh. they're so sweet and cute and funny together. I need more. This is an unacceptable wait time.

Just saying. I love it.

Great little preview for this book. Funny start for poor Sloane, but so far I really like the relationship that she is developing with Tucker. Can't wait to see where the book goes from here.

So far so good! The story kept me interested while being immensely entertaining. Looking forward to reading the rest of the book!

I loved this preview and can't wait to read the entire book! The characters are relatable and I can tell the book will be a great read!

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So far, it's great. I read and really liked the Friend Zone, so I was already familiar with both the protagonist Sloan and her best friend Kristen. I also had vivid memories of the motorcycle accident that killed Sloan's fiancee in book 1. When the Happy Ever After Playlist opens it's two years later, and Sloan is still, understandably mired in grief. The preview did a great job reintroducing the characters without too much backstory and establishing the new love interest, Jason. The preview is tantalizing. It definitely made me want to read the book, which I expect to be even stronger than Jimenez's debut.

Abby does it again! She makes you LOVE these characters. Then she makes you cry with them. Sloan is like the girl you've known all your life. You can't help but get sucked in to the book. I don't know if I can wait until April for the rest of it!

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez is about Sloan and her struggles of having to deal with her husband's death two years ago. That is... Until she almost ran over a dog (crazy right?) and then decides to take care of it since the dog owner, Jason, was nowhere to be seen or heard of.

I love how witty Sloan is and how bold Jason is. This book also has more dialogue than the description which makes this book more unique than the rest of the romances. I will say that this book was killing me with cuteness from start to finish.

I recommend this to anyone who loves dogs and romance.