Sophie Sullivan Follow

This book gives you all the warm fuzzy feelings that signify Fall and happy reading. Presley Ayers is a City Girl and she know knows it, but who also knows that a relationship means more than just what she knows she likes. In her attempt to bring more to their relationship, Presley plans a vacation to the Get Lost Lodge that will show how.much she is will to learn and share to her boyfriend. But what she finds is a great new world of romantic love, family and understanding. This well written romantic comedy that is perfect for any Lifetime movie fan. If snuggling up to watch a well plotted Netflix original is A great night in, this is a hit for you

If you’re looking for a heartfelt romance, A Guide to Being Just Friends is sure to enchant you. Sullivan’s latest offering in the Jansen Brothers standalone series got me smiling until my jaw hurt and rooting for two outstanding characters who think or perhaps aren’t on the same wavelength. I’m a glutton for embarrassing first encounters that slowly lead to a friendship, and although the third-person narrative isn’t my cuppa, playful banter and emotional dialogue enriched their story.

Hailey is a newbie in town, trying to make a success of her salad bar. Excuse the pun, but she has a lot on her plate. Overcoming business challenges, getting to know her customers’ likes and dislikes, and picking up the pieces left behind, her enthusiasm to make it work is catching. I liked that she avoided being distracted, but if there were anyone who deserved to make new friends, it was her.

Love me a somewhat serious-minded entrepreneur, especially when he’s wary of taking the next step. But I was totally into his idea of having a friend of the opposite sex—in Wes’ case, no romantic strings attached which baffled me well into the read. Slowly, I would learn why he felt as he did. Even so, I appreciated his and Hailey’s effort to keep things in perspective but was eager to see if they’d eventually acknowledge their true feelings. And I enjoyed observing them support each other; however, it wasn’t plain sailing since former and current personal issues required addressing.

Frankly, Hailey and Wes annoyed me to such a degree it brought to mind how easy it is to look for an easy way out; having what makes life complete means trust. Would they be able to reach such a compromise? Okay, I love it when the author throws this kind of dilemma into a story, but as they say, it takes two to tango!

Being a gourmet lover, I relished what Hailey whipped up with what looked like the easiest finesse and the running of a similar firm I’ve had experience in felt genuine. Also, the importance Sullivan gave to the community was, for me, an added plus. The siblings’ dynamics play an essential part, but if you haven’t read each one’s previous books, don’t fret. The author will keep you in the loop. Yeap, anything family oriented is my thing, and the author drives home the brothers’ connection to a tee.

So, the best of the book. Sullivan takes her readers on Hailey and Wes’ journey of finding happiness with its ups and downs, coming to terms with bare truths and opening one’s heart with laughter, sorrow, and so much more. I’ll most certainly be keeping my eye on Sullivan’s new releases. Bravo!

My gratitude to St. Martin Griffin and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.