I was a bit disappointed. The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez [ALC Review]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a “take me home” look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker’s owner reaches out. He’s a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.

Well, Sloan’s not about to give up her dog without a fight. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can’t deny a connection. There’s no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?

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heat level: sensual

One of my most anticipated books of 2020 is The Happy Ever After Playlist. After reading The Friend Zone, I was already looking forward to Sloan getting her HEA!

The Happy Ever After Playlist starts a couple of years after Sloan’s fiancé passed away (this was a plot point in The Friend Zone) and we really get a glimpse of what her life is like after the tragedy. I really felt for Sloan here. We meet her at her worst until she almost runs over a dog!

This is the point where we see a glimpse of how Sloan is coping after the death of her fiancé. Through a few pages, we are told what she has been doing in the last couple of years – her withdrawal from society and her change in her inspiration, with her links to the outside world Kristen and Josh, who take turns helping her.

What I really love about this part of the book is that we see Sloan find happiness when she ended up taking care of the dog she almost ran over. I love hearing a few of the voicemails that she sent to the dog’s owner Jason.

What ultimately disappointed me was I guess I expected more? Keep in mind, I was listening to the audiobook and for some reason, I wasn’t emotionally invested in Sloan and Jason’s relationship. While I do love the way that their relationship developed, I just wasn’t wowed.

This can also be due to the fact that I really loved Sloan and Brandon and was really thrown a curveball with what happened to Brandon. One of my reader friends also told me that The Happy Ever After Playlist was written first before The Friend Zone so maybe this affected my view of the book.

As I mentioned in my review of The Friend Zone, I loved that this book is practically set in my backyard! I live in Canoga Park, and Sloan lives there! It was a bit surreal ad totally random. LOL

While I enjoyed this book well enough, I did not love it as much as I enjoyed The Friend Zone.

Even though The Happy Ever After Playlist did not wow me, I still recommend that you read this book. It is entertaining and emotional and Abby Jimenez’s writing is on point!

Thoughts on the Audiobook

I am very familiar with Zachary Webber and Erin Mallon and both of them are very good narrators. This audiobook was perfect in every way. The voices were perfect for both Sloan and Jason. The pacing and the tone were also perfect for me and I did not have to speed up the audiobook.

The Friend Zone Series by Abby Jimenez

Don’t you just hate it when a book you are anticipating ultimately disappoints you?

What is your most anticipated book for 2020?