Sloan is a 26-year-old woman who lost her fiancé, Brandon, in an accident two years ago. She has become immersed in grief, losing motivation to paint, cook, or even go outside. That all changes when Tucker, a lovable Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, dives into Sloan’s car and gives her life a wag of joy again. Tucker's owner is Jason, a musician on the road, who quickly falls for Sloan as he attempts to win his dog back.
I like that a good portion of The Happy Ever After Playlist actually focuses on a romantic relationship. There's no unnecessarily lengthy build up only for the book to run out of pages. Funnily, the first 50% of the book is actually my favourite part and I was sure from early on it was going to be a 5-star read. It's really well-timed, which keeps the chapters and developments exciting. I pick up romance novels to read about people falling in love, and this is exactly what happens in this book. It has its clichés and predictability, but is so charming that it doesn’t take away from the plot.
Abby Jimenez’s writing is full of vivacity. And that alluring quality is displayed in her characters, both human and pedigree. I wasn’t overly fond of Kristen in The Friend Zone but loved her in this book, her persona was truly redeemed. Fortunately, I have always adored Sloan and she continued to be a favourite in The Happy Ever After Playlist. Jimenez handled this character’s grief with care, depicting realistic anxieties and insecurities surrounding the loss of a loved one. And like many of the other voices in the book, Sloan is easy to get to know and sympathise with.
Sadly, for me, the profanity was way overused. Some phrases were too brash and harsh, even in the book’s most emotional moments. It felt unnecessary and occasionally distracted me from the plot. Still, I really enjoyed getting lost in the ups and downs. There are plenty! Jimenez has the perfect tone for light-hearted fiction mixed with dramatic angst. There was a slight shift in tone in the second half which I wasn't as enamoured by, but doesn’t dampen my restored love for this series. Not when there’s an awesome playlist to match each scene.
This swoon-worthy, fairy-tale, rock star love story is ideal for hopeless romantic readers. It has humour, tenderness, and enjoyable character development. Bring on the third book!
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Anika May
The ideal contemporary romance to put you in a good mood.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2021Verified Purchase
Mrs Ellie B
Romance at its best
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 June 2021Verified Purchase
Jojo
A must read!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 April 2020Verified Purchase
A. M. Collins
Excellent follow up!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 April 2020Verified Purchase
Marie Wollstadt
Couldn’t put it down
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 August 2021Verified Purchase