This is the third book in this series. Wes is the oldest brother and has felt the need to protect his family and solve any problems since he was a kid trying to distract his siblings from their parent’s tumultuous divorce. Hailey grew up with parents who were more interested in their relationship than the child they didn’t really want. As a result, she has had to make her own way and finds it difficult to accept support of any kind.

Hailey had recently opened a salad based business and was next door at the bakery getting chocolate to calm her nerves when they have a not meet cute moment. Fortunately, they meet again under better circumstances and end up becoming friends. I love how their friendship grows and they both learn valuable life lessons.

I received a free copy of this book to review through NetGalley and thoroughly enjoyed it!

A Guide to Being Just Friends
by Sophie Sullivan

Pub date: January 17, 2023 (today!)

This was a cute book, adorable FMC and a sweet group of friends. Hailey and Wes meet purely by accident when he mistakes her for his Tinder date at a local coffee shop. They wind up running into each other a couple of days later through some friend connections and… you’d think the rest is history. But it isn’t, because they both want to be “just friends.” Hailey and Wes have the sweetest friendship and I loved watching that grow. When their feelings develop into something more, is it worth risking the friendship they’ve built?!

I thought this plot was so fun and was immediately invested in it, but honestly I just kind of got lost for a good chunk of the book. There were a lot of side characters to keep up with, and their activities. Not to mention a shady landlord, a community center, several new-ish relationships to keep up with… just a lot going on. I loved the tightness of their big friend group, but the details about what everyone was doing was super distracting for me. All of that to say, it was slow going through the middle of the book. But the story really picks up around 60%, so it was worth sticking it out.

This was the third book in the series, and while it could be read as a stand-alone, I think it would have been a lot easier to keep the other characters straight if I had read the previous books.

All around a cute read and one that I’m sure many people will enjoy!

I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn't speak to me. I did realize that this was the third book in a series (where each story is also a standalone) about a quarter of the way into it, so maybe my experience reading it would've been different if I had known that going in? However, I also have a big issue with grown adult characters who are emotionally stunted to an extreme that feels unrealistic, so I'm not 100% sure that context would've fixed everything.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I will read anything that Sophie Sullivan writes and this one just may be a favorite of mine. I loved the characters in it. Hailey and Wes both had me hooked from the start of this one. I am so glad I got a chance to read it and I highly recommend it.

3.5 stars for this one from Sophie Sullivan. I received this one from St. Martin's Griffin via netgalley, so I'd like to thank the publisher for my review copy.

I liked this book just fine and it was a sweet romantic comedy. It was cute but very much a slow burn. The story was entertaining but this was my reasoning for a bit of a lower rating. It started off really strong. Loved the cute little salad shop vibes and I liked Hailey. But it dragged a little in the middle and the slow burn will they, won't they lasted a bit too long in my opinion. It was also very mild in terms of steam. I don't always need steam in my romance books but I felt like this one could have used a little heat. There were also a lot of secondary characters who didn't bring much to the story.

Unknown to me, this is actually the third book in a series. I don't think you need to read the first two at all - I was never confused or lacking context. I do feel that it works as a stand alone. But apparently the first two books are about two of the other brothers. Perhaps knowing their backgrounds could have added an extra layer of enjoyment. Overall, not bad at all if you're in the mood for something quick and sweet.

Hailey Sharp’s goal is to get her new salad shop By the Cup up and running. She put all her money into this shop and is stressing so much she heads over to the shop next to hers for some chocolate. That is when she meets Wes Jansen who mistook her for an online date he was to meet. They both were insecure as he had a domineering father and she had just broken up with a boyfriend that constantly put her down. With them both having trust issues, the story will show venerability, humor, love, compassion for others, and starting out as friends could turn into much more.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.

Rounded up from a 3.5

If there's one thing I love about the Jansen Brother's series, its that they're fun and quick reads.

I was looking forward to reading about Wes's story after following along with the two previous books. I was intrigued by Wes mostly because he was the quiet older brother who wasn't talked about all too much.

This follows Hailey who just opened a salad shop after moving to California. She has a not so meet cute with Wes, who is waiting for a date at the dessert shop next door. Wes accuses Hailey of lying about her identity that she wasn't his date who was standing him up. Feeling bad about the mix up and after having one of her salads, Wes offers web and business advice to Hailey to make up for it.

I loved seeing these two form an actual friendship before jumping into any type of relationship. They were building a good foundation of wit and banter. I loved the slow build between them, though I did get a little frustrated that Hailey was a bit too quick to throw away any feelings and was solely focused on her self. That being said, they were really able to push through in the end.

This was a sweet book with just enough conflict. Also, don't read this book hungry, for once in my life I was constantly craving a salad.

Thank You NetGalley and St Martin's Publishing Group for the ARC

Summary
Hailey is just got out of a bad relationship in Hollywood and is trading the life of the rich and famous to start her own salad shop in San Verde, CA. Wes is determined to avoid love and all feelings like it as he has just moved from NYC to CA to focus on his business ventures with his brothers. When these two accidentally meet in a blind-date confusion, they decide they can each benefit from a new friend, not knowing what deeper feelings lie just around the corner.

Why did I pick up this book?
This was my first Advanced Reader Copy granted to me by NetGalley. I thought the premise sounded cute, as I'm usually up for a good friends-to-lovers story.

What did I enjoy about it?
The relationship that the three brothers had was hilarious. I did not realize until I read the Acknowledgments that this was the third book in the series, and felt it read so well as a standalone novel! The pacing was pretty fast and of course, we all know I love a dual point-of-view so that we get to hear from both main characters. Last, I loved that Hailey and Wes both pushed each other to be successful and follow their hearts when it came to their aspirations and passions.

What did I not enjoy about it?
There were so many cliches and repetitive internal monologue that I was bored throughout. The choices in time jumps or scenes left out were really confusing. The ending was not believable enough for me. So often, one of the main characters screws up, the couple breaks up, a friend/family member stages an intervention, and they get back together. In this book, Wes suffered some real childhood trauma that he should have sought therapy for, not just a little brotherly pep talk. There was a lot that went unsaid and unresolved.

This story had all of the makings of something to enjoy, and it was a good read! I love oldest brothers and friends to lovers, so Wes was set up to be a great LI for me!
I think where I struggled with this story was the connection and the comps. I wanted more friendship and bickering and chaos between Hailey and Wes. A big draw for me was the comp to When Harry Met Sally, but I didn’t feel the love and connection I feel with that movie.
Overall this was a good story but I just felt like I needed more.

We finally get the third of the Jansen brothers, Wes! I have been so interested to read his book. He's the cybersecurity, computer nerd of the three. And he's always been so protective of his brothers. I loved seeing how that played out in his romance.

And Hailey was an excellent match for him. She's a new small business owner with a great salad shop, By the Cup. After a hilarious meet cute, the book quickly shifts to a friends-to-lovers tale, as both tried to insist they weren't into each other. It made for a super slow burn and great storytelling. I loved seeing both characters grow over the long time period of the book.

I always enjoy reading about the brothers work with the rec center and helping their community, and this book was no exception. I think this series works best read in order to understand Wes and his brothers' relationship with their father. And I wish there was more of a resolution to that aspect of the series. I'm hoping the lack means there will be a book four with their little sister.

I enjoyed this book so much and thought it was cute as hell!! I’m often not a fan of slow burn, simply because I’m impatient 😅 but I thought this was done so well. I loved the progression from friends to more. It felt really authentic. The slow burning tension mixed in with the flirty banter between Hailey and Wes was so good! Wes and Hailey were so lovable but there were times when I got frustrated with them both. I just wanted to shake them and tell them how good they’d be together!!! I thought Hailey was too proud at time, but I guess it’s understandable due to her past relationship. She wanted to do things on her own, but didn’t realize that it was okay to accept help along the way. I loved the friends in this book too! It was nice to see Hailey found her own little family in her new town.

Overall this was a quick, fun read. I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for a cute romcom or something fairly low angst.

Thank you NetGalley and Sophie Sullivan for the sea ark! I really enjoyed it

This was your standard rom com. I giggled often and there were some definite swoon worthy moments. I wish there was something more to make this series stand out though. I was about 100 pages in before realizing that it was likely part of a series and then realizing I had already read books 1 and 2!

A Guide to Being Just Friends by Sophie Sullivan
Publication Day: Today!
Contemporary Romance

Hailey is content in life simply by getting her new business off the ground. Wes has had a series of lackluster first dates and has sworn off dating for the time being. He isn’t interested in love anyways. After his childhood, he wants companionship at best. After an awkward first encounter, Hailey and Wes strike up a friendship but eventually feelings get involved….

This one did absolutely nothing for me. It was both predictable in plot and text. It did not charm me nor did the romance woo me. I felt nothing while reading it. I did find the characters to be relatable and their outlooks to be realistic given their past experiences but there was nothing particularly exciting about either of them. Their friendship base was cute though and those characters appear in previous novels in the series. You do not have to have read the previous novels (I didn’t) to understand the characters and story.

The romance felt forced. There wasn’t any flirtation, passion or interesting dialogue. It was a slow burn romance which would have been tolerable for me if it hadn’t also been closed door.

This just didn’t work for me personally but I'm sure there are many who find that it does.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Title: A Guide to Being Just Friends
Author: Sophie Sullivan
Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review:

Two individuals who are very independent, closed off to love, don't trust easy and ready to fix others problems but never want help come together in A Guide to Being Friends by Sophie Sullivan.

I had the opportunity to read Noah and Grace's story last year and was delighted to read the last story in the Jansen brothers series. Lot of characters reappear so though this book can be read as a standalone, reading it as a series would be better. I love when the supporting characters play a part in the main characters story and this book definitely delivers on that score.

Wes and Hailey have their quirks, they are not perfect but the way they try to work out things between themselves with the help of their friends and family is wonderful to read. They both learn how to trust and let each other into their lives. I loved this book and I am sorry to see this series end. But hopefully I can get Fiona's story! A wonderful, light hearted, cute and friendly romance overall.

a guide to being just friends is a friends-to-lovers story AND a dual pov?! immediately sign me up.

the main characters, wes jensen and hailey sharp, have opinions that compliment each other. while the two seem like complete opposites, they compromise for the importance of having a friend. through their friendship, they ultimately realize their true emotions and long-term goals. “what could possibly go wrong?”

overall, AGTBJF was an amusing but longer than expected read. my first impression was that wes and hailey felt very insta-love, but at least their relationship expanded later on. as for the other characters, i did find them predictably one-dimensional. maybe this AGTBJF wasn’t for me! this could be a favorite read for others that are searching for more of the jensen brothers or a slowburn friends-to-lovers story.

thanks to st. martin’s press and netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest thoughts!

Happy Release Day to @authorsophiesullivan 👏✨️🎉

Book Review Time!
Courtesy to @netgalley for accepting me as an ARC reviewer for this novel.

A Guide To Just Being Friends by Sullivan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

A Guide To Just Being Friends is Book 3 of the Jansen Brothers Series by Sophie Sullivan.

Although I have not read of the previous novels or any other books from this author, I think anyone can enjoy this as a standalone rom-com.

Leading female character, Hailey Sharpe, is a new salad shop business owner with less than great past with relationships, meets Wes Jansen at the Cafe next door, who doesn't believe in true love.

They eventually form a friendship with the mutual understanding that this could never turn into anything romantic.

I enjoyed experiencing their friendship slowly develop as their lives become more and more entangled through business and social networks.

The ending was super sweet and heart-warming. I would definitely read the other books in this series!

Synopsis:
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 is trying to rebuild her life in another city after a bad breakup with her ex. Hailey decides to open up a salad shop named By the Cup which creates fun a unique salads to go. Next door to Hailey's shop is a bakery store. One day when Hailey goes to the bakery for her needed chocolate fix, she is approached by a cute guy accusing her of standing him up. Hailey explains to him that it is a case of mistaken identity and leaves. Imagine Hailey's surprise when a week later she makes a delivery of salads and who is sitting there, but the guy who accused her of standing him up. Now that Hailey is officially introduced to Wes Jansen, he realizes that he was wrong about her and wants to make it up to her. Wes offers his technical services to help promote her company and the two of them start to spend more time together. They agree to "just be friends" and even go as far as creating a guide that will help them. Of course the more time they spend together, the more the sparks begin to fly until they finally cross that line. Everything is going wonderful until one of them takes things too far and emotions of the past come crashing back. It will take a lot of deep soul searching but then these two get back together in a beautiful way.

I really enjoyed this fun, entertaining love story. Wes was so afraid to love because of his parents that he was missing out on life. Hailey just wanted love but couldn't find anyone to make her happy. These two were each other's missing piece of the puzzle. Enjoyable characters and a fun story line.

A Guide to Being Just Friends - Sophie Sullivan
Synopsis:
"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?"

Thoughts
This was a sweet friends to lovers story! I really enjoyed Hailey and Wes's relationship, although I didn't like their meet cute. I actually really loved the first 2/3 of the book.
I didn't vibe well with Hailey, she was very independent to a fault. I understand her characters backstory on why she didn't like to receive help, but it was just a bit
"much".
Wes was mostly adorable, except for the "big fight" moment.
Even though the ending felt a little thrown together, I did still like how it played out.
I received this #gifted via audiobook AND ebook. I did prefer the audiobook version, I liked the narrators a lot!
Thank you @netgalley @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for these copies in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

If Friends To Lovers, circling around each other is Your type of fave romance , this book is for You!!! It was my first book by this author and I enjoyed every single moment of this adventure. Author created sweet, heartwarming story about evolution of friendship into something more in a totally amazing way. It wasn't too steamy, which I really liked this time. Wes and Hailey needed to grow up thru this relationship and I love that author showed them like that. Knowing the whole story line right now, I cannot imagine if their emotions could develop in any other way. Author had her plan for them , and made it happen since the first pages, until the end. They were perfect as friends, seeing how they slowly realized that they are much more was amazing and captivating. I loved also the side characters around them, they all made made this book complete.

How do you like your romance - slow burn or hot and heavy right away?

If you like a slow burn, then A Guide to Being Just Friends is for you. This is the third book in the Jansen brothers series - this one about Wes and his new “just a friend” Hailey. Obviously these two try to just be friends and you know how that will turn out. Hailey gets entangled in the Jansen world when she is just launching her new salad shop and it made me so hungry for her salads. I really liked seeing a woman succeed on her own, with hard work and dedication. And I liked being back with this family of supportive and caring brothers. It was a sweet romcom about having that base of friendship before falling in love.