Wednesday 28 August 2024

Book ~ "The Happy Ever After Playlist" (2020) Abby Jimenez

From Goodreads ~ 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?


Sloan was out and about when a dog darts out in front of her car and jumps in through her sunroof. She takes Tucker, the dog, home and tries to contact the owner whose info in on Tucker's tag. Sloan's fiancé had been killed in a motorcycle accident two years ago and she is still grieving but having Tucker is helping her get back into her old life. 

Two weeks later Jason, Tucker's owner, finally contacts her and wants his dog back. He's been hiking in New Zealand and assumed a friend was taking good care of Tucker. He's going to be in Australia for another couple of weeks and Sloan offers to keep Tucker until he gets back. During that time, they text and talk on the phone and get to know each other. When Jason gets back home, they connect and can't deny there is an attraction and start to plan a life together.

I thought this story was just okay. It started off cute and light but then went downhill for me with so much drama. I found it hard to believe that Sloan has spent the last two years in mourning but snapped out of it pretty quickly when she meets Jason ... within a month or so they are in love, she has given up everything for him and they planning a future around him and his music. The dialog and actions was unrealistic and cheesy ... though they are almost thirty and have had life experiences, they talk and act like young teenage girls. The ending wrapped up way too cleanly ... everything and everyone was perfect.

It's written in first person perspective alternating in Sloan and Jason's voices (the chapters are labeled). As a head's up, there is swearing (I don't have an issue with swearing but there was an excessive amount) and adult activity.

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