This is a cute rom-com. I was very hung up on this slow burn and couldn't wait for these 2 to come to their senses.

Zero spice but still a nice story.

(I didn't realize it was the 3rd of a 'series' so I'll go back and read the other 2 now.)

This is the third book in a rom-com, friends to lovers series. I have not read the first two, but I do not think that you need the other ones to get the context of the book. It may have helped to get to know the other brothers and characters better - but I think it worked as a standalone.

Wes does not believe in love ever since watching his parents relationship fail. He is a computer savvy, real estate/business investor with his brothers living in California. Hailey has moved to this part of California to open up a salad shop after a failed relationship with a semi-famous actor. She is jaded after that relationship.

Wes mistakes Hailey for an online date he was supposed to meet up with and they end up meeting again at a dinner. They decide to be best friends, doing the mundane tasks of shopping together, etc. Wes’s family adores Hailey and the two grow closer together. Hailey is hesitant about how much money Wes is willing to spend on her and wants to make it on her own. Wes wants to help make Hailey’s life easier.

Their relationship is slow to build, but fireworks when they finally get together. Hailey’s character was very closed off to help and only making it on her own. Wes’s character was frustrating with how against love he was when it was obvious he was very into his best friend.

This was a cute rom com book. My favorite characters were not the main ones - I liked Hailey’s cousin and friend Fiona as well as Wes’s brothers and their girlfriends more than I liked the main characters… Although I do love an independent woman that wants to make it on her own.. I think it was a little too overplayed.

I knew I’d love this book as soon as I read the title! It is funny, sweet, quick (in a good way) and delightful!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Selling Pitch:
Do you want an easy, brainless, clean romance read about a salad shop owner and a rich tech investor? Can you tolerate cliche rom-com cheesiness? Can you handle a book that ends with a moral conflict that should lead to incompatibility but ignores it?

Pre-reading:
Still don’t particularly want to read this because the other two books in this series are not good, but I was sent it. The last book improved so hopefully this one will too. It's the shortest of the bunch, thank god.

Thick of it:
That opening line is a new one.

Does that mean chocolate on lettuce because huge pass.

I don’t think he was being jerky at all. Also, you could’ve shown him your ID, bestie.

Really didn’t expect to read whale penis this early in the morning, but here we are.

I too am a fixer, Wes.

Remember women are only allowed to be pretty if they don’t realize that they are.

Does this author think making salads is hard or something?

So all 3 heroines in this series are onlys. I mean write what you know, but c’mon.

It might be easy to do, but it’s messy and takes time that most people don’t have.

Red dead ponies.

Listen, wear what you want, but maybe don’t wear brat on your ass at 30.

No, I completely feel that though. Please give me an unbreakable cup. Do not make me drink from something expensive; I will accidentally break it.

The favor is his penis. No? I’ll see myself out.

Oh fuck, I say that to people, haha. The relax. I am relaxed. Not your shoulders.

Personality quizzes v important.

This book is better.

The correct response is let’s experiment and find out. God, I love Cosmo.

How do you go from New York Christmas to California Christmas without commenting on the fact that it doesn’t feel like Christmas because it’s palm trees instead of snow?

Why did we just skip over his birthday?

Punch him, punch him. (No punching. Sad.)

I’m sure I’m reading too much into it, but I’m also like Cinderella and Dorian? Is someone maybe, perhaps a Sara J. Maas fan?

Goddamnit, I don’t like clean romances. This is the spiciest of the three books, and the best of the three books. I like how this author improves every time she writes. I respect that. It’s still not good. She’s basically writing about a Panera shop owner and a billionaire, and it’s fucking stupid, but also I don’t hate this one.

Isn’t that line from Twilight?

Call me toxic, but I love a fixer. I’m a fixer. People who don’t like fixers are lazy and want to complain and be a victim.

I think I mentioned in the first book that the author has a foot fetish, and I still believe that from this book.

That is so heavy for Valentine’s Day. How are you gonna fuck with lasagna in your system?

Will we get a fourth book with the sister because, lord, I hope she’s gay.

Wild, that this book (about salad!) has the most mature and reasonable conflicts in it.

Oh yeah, you've got to break up. You can’t be together. Please don’t let him change his mind on the kids. Like, just let people who don’t want kids be okay not having kids.

Goddamnit book I was so on board.

Sorry, if someone calls me naïve like an insult, we’re done.

Can’t they just not want kids?

Yeah, so cool, they’re like back together, but they have not addressed the elephant in the room of one wants kids and one does not. That’s not compatible.

Isn’t Leo a minor? I don’t think he can have a food truck by himself.

Oh that’s so nasty. You cannot get engaged on your brother’s wedding day. What the fuck? Don’t upstage them. What’s wrong with you?

A reverse V-neck? So a halter?

Oh cool, so they just never address the kids thing. Way to sour the book and the couple.

The author‘s note says the series is over, so no gay sister. The sister exists only in the abstract in this series.

Post-reading:
Listen, it’s still not a good book. It’s a bucket rom-com. They’re all so similar. This is easily the best of the three though. It’s a dumb premise. She’s essentially a Panera shop owner and he’s a billionaire tech guy. That’s dumb. It’s fine for smooth brain reading material. I personally get bored with clean romances. I want the tension to lead to something spicy. This book will not do that. None of the books in the series will do that, but you probably know that going in when they’re described as clean romances. Some of us don’t read the book jackets or descriptions; we just blindly read. I think this book has the most realistic and relevant fights to young adults, so good on it for that. Dialogue still isn’t what I would like it to be. It’s better. It’s just not good. This book cut down on a lot of the filler that the other books have suffered from. It still has filler. Maybe it’s satisfying if you’re super invested in the other two books that you keep getting cameos, but as someone who was not invested in the others and didn’t give a shit and thought the series was just bad and way too long to begin with, it was exhausting to have cameo after cameo. I don’t know, it’s not a book I hate which is impressive because I fully expected to just hate it. I’m still not going to genuinely recommend it to anyone. You can read better.

Who should read this:
People into cheesy, clean from-coms

Do I want to reread this:
No

Similar books:
* A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee-cliche, cooking adjacent romance where his career impacts hers
* Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec-cliche foodie rom-com
* For Butter or Worse by Erin La Rosa-easy read cooking show romance

Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!

Hailey meets Wes when he mistakes her for the date he's waiting for. They soon discover overlapping areas of interest and decide to be just friends. In the slowest of slow burns, they realize their feelings for each other and live HEA.

This was a sweet, closed door romance. I have read many of these types of books without reading the preceding books and still loved the story. This one was harder to follow all the side characters without having read the previous books. The side characters were more present in this story than they typically are in these types are series. I'd recommend reading these in publication order for maximum enjoyment.

I actually enjoyed this way more than How to Love Your Neighbor. With the exception of the jump from strangers to friends, the pacing felt smooth, and for the most part, the characters felt fleshed out.

I wasn't a huge fan of the 3rd act conflict I do think there could have been a bit more development to Wes's backstory. His reluctance to date was a bit confusing (especially considering his brother's books), and his ability to get over his past hurt happened a bit too quickly.

Overall, would recommend for a quick, light-hearted read.

Content: language, fade-to-black

3.5

Totally adorable conclusion to the Jansen brothers trilogy. Loved the addition of stubbornly independent Hailey and the friendship she developed with awkward and protective Wes. Toss in the rest of the cast of characters and it was a delightful romcom.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy slow-burn and find themself fond of the strangers to friends to lovers trope (heavy on the FRIENDS). Unlike most book who skim past the friend part this one was dedicated to building and showing their friendship. this was a fast and enjoyable read. i am only giving it three stars though because towards the end I did get a bit bored and found myself skimming.

Review will be posted on Instagram & goodreads
The review will be posted january 10 2023 a week before publication

⭐⭐⭐.75/5 Rounded up to 4. (3.5 was too low, but 4 was too generous IMO) BUT SEE BELOW.

Let me preface this by saying I requested this ARC without knowing it was #3 of a series (boo). BUT, can definitely be read as a standalone. I do think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the previous ones to better understand character development? But can't be positive...because...you guessed it, I didn't read them first 😂.

Not the typical type of romcom I read - slow burner for sure, but 🔥. I honestly really loved the attraction here, was different for me from the normal romance.

Hailey moved to San Verde from LA to start fresh. She opens a salad shop, as opposed to a food truck (salad on wheels..I mean, good choice girl). Wes, the oldest of the Jansen brothers, mistakes her for his *no show* date, Hayden at the coffee shop nearby. After profusely apologizing and helping her with her website, he is forgiven. Hailey, not wanting to get involved with *friends* or a relationship for that matter, and wanting to focus on her new business, hesitates when she gets invited to a party with the other Jansen brothers, their girlfriends, and Wes 😉. I mean...you can guess how this story goes. Don't want to say more due to spoilers.

My opinions - super cute and fun friends to lovers book. I love the character development, the emphasis on sibling closeness, the fact that the main character started off as a successful, new to town, single, female entrepreneur. I mean come on. What more can you want?!

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's for an ARC of this book. It has been a pleasure! This was my first ARC and I am so grateful! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is my first book by Sophie Sullivan and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I couldn't put the book down. I loved the way Hailey and Wes's relationship started and evolved from friendship to more. Loved Wes's brothers and can't wait to go back and read their stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

A bit too slow paced for me, but I did enjoy the characters, especially Hailey, who was really likeable. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

Thank you to Sophie Sullivan, St.Martin's Press and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. A Guide to Being Just Friends comes out January 17, 2023!!

This book is a wonderful slow burn, friends-to-lovers novel that is the third book in the Jansen Brothers series even though it can be read as a stand alone. I am not always the biggest fan of slow burn romance, but I absolutely loved the friendship that developed between Hailey and Wes. Their friendship was full of laughter, support and laid the ground work for the romantic relationship they turned into. I think that there was the perfect amount of angst not only leading up to them being in a relationship but also when they hit a couple of snags. I have previously read the other books so it was amazing to see the other couples and get little insights into their relationship developments. I felt like both characters had their flaws and by the end they were able to communicate working on said flaws. Overall I completely enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a slow burn closed door romance.

I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect romcom that reminded me of the ones from Hallmark and Netflix. A Guide to Being Just Friends is incredibly cheesy in the way that puts a smile on your face the entire time. It was light and fun and made me truly happy while reading.

My favorite part was how the characters had their own goals and plots that weren’t necessarily tied to the romantic interest, of course the personal goals get intertwined with their love interest but aren’t reliant on the other person. I found myself rooting for not only Hailey and Wes as a couple, but also each of them individually which is a breath of fresh air for me.

The first quarter of the book had difficult parts to get through with the writing, it seemed like there was an eagerness to show the character’s backstory that translated to info dumping. This is really my only critique I have for the fun romance.

I would absolutely recommend this book to people who want a lighthearted and fun read!

A guide to being just friends by Sophie Sullivan is a funny, cute novel about a guy and a girl who struggle to remain just friends. For chick flick lovers, yes this book will remind you of When Harry Met Sally. The main protagonist is a huge fan of the film as well. If you have not seen the film before, I recommend watching it.

Hailey starts a new salad shop in a new town. She does not know anyone and is hurt from a failed relationship. Business is very slow. She visits the next door coffee shop where she meets Wes. Wes mistakes her for a date who never shows up to meet him. But from that first encounter, they both feel a sizzling chemistry. Hailey denies her feelings and tells herself that he is not her type and that she is done with relationships.

Wes cannot forget about her. He has had his share of disappointments in love and dating. He thinks that relationships are sentimental nonsense for other people, like his brothers. Yet he goes out of his way to help Hailey with her website. He feels like he needs to help her even though she has not asked and she tries to discourage him at first. He is able to persuade her to accept his help.

Through a twist of fate, Wes and Hailey meet up again when Hailey drops off an order to a radio station where his friends work. After that, Hailey's business picks up and both characters are drawn together for family and community events. And soon, Hailey cannot deny her feelings for Wes. To not say those three words would be the biggest mistake of her life.

I really enjoyed the character development of Hailey and Wes. Wes's brothers and girlfriends are so lovable and supportive of Wes. It is nice to see family sticking together. I also love how they adopt Hailey as one of the family so it is inevitable that Hailey and Wes end up together as a couple.

The plot may be predictable. However, I highly recommend this book if you like romances and engaging characters. Plus, Sophie Sullivan has two other previous books about how Wes's brothers fall in love after leaving New York.

This book was a joy to read. I loved the spin on the usual coffee shop romance turned in to a salad shop. Such a California thing to do. If you're a friends to lovers fan this is a great book for you. I've always believed the best relationships start out as friendships and Hailey and Wes proved that here.

I adore Sophie’s books and this one is no different! The Jansen brothers have had my heart since book one, and I loved getting to read Wes’s story. And a “By the Cup” salad shop?! Is this a real thing anywhere?? If not, it should be! I was craving salads 🥗 the whole time 😂. Genius. I do think Hailey was a little too sensitive at times and kept thinking “Why won’t this girl just let Wes do his thing?!” Haha, but she definitely showed some growth! 👏🏻 Another great one Sophie!

Ugh I loooove this book! Seriously I was in a super dry spell when it came to love stories after reading Abby Jimenez’s latest book, and then this popped up on my NetgGally recommendations. Thank god. I am in Love with Hailey and Wes (and everyone else) and the amazing way this story brings them to life! Hailey’s life, running her new business and trying to succeed on her own with a new start rung so close to home. It’s the story of so many amazing indépendant women who have been brave enough to go start something of their own. Expecting nothing from anyone but being given small but gracious gifts as she started out, Hailey and her business develop in such a fun way through this book. And at the same time, we get to watch Wes finally live his true dreams, with his brothers away from their father. It’s such a great story. I can’t wait to read more on this amazing group! I’ll be going back to read Wes’s brothers stories for sure!

Hailey, new in town and owner of a salad to go restaurant has a not so meet cute with Wes who has confused her as his no show date blowing him off. After meeting again Wes apologizes and end up connecting as two people totally against love. Together they put together a guide to be friends but the closer they get the more they realize the best way to find love again is starting with friendship!

I adored this book! It had so many funny and charming moments not only between Hailey and Wes but all the other characters as well. I have not read the other two books in the series but I definitely want to now!

A Guide to Being Just Friends by Sophie Sullivan was a super cute fun read. It was the third book in the series but it can be read as a stand alone (I did not read the first two). The premise - two people meet both wary and/or turned off “love” by past betrayals. Then they decide why not just be friends. They can have a fun time together (totally platonic) without any of the heartache that allows follows relationships.
This book was really predictable and did repeat “we are just friends” a lot but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story. I mean you know that they are going to fall in love - the ride is when will they know.

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.