Happy Ending by Chloe Liese @chloe_liese @jsvilinsky @jsvilinsky.bsky.social @simon.audio @simonaudio.bsky.social @librofm @librofm.com #HappyEnding

the setup…
Thea manages a bookstore in Pittsburgh and Alex is a chef who once had his own restaurant but now works at his family’s place. She’s been divorced from husband Ethan for a week; his divorce from wife Jen is still fresh. When Thea and Alex find themselves on the steps of Ethan’s house (the one he took from her), they discover their exes are involved. She’s there to get her dog Argos; he’s there to get his 4-year old daughter, Mia. Thea suddenly decides to let them believe that she and Alex are long time friends. Worst “meet cute” ever but it begins the best friendship these two could ever imagine…could there be more?

the heart of the story…
Present day is two years later and the friendship between Thea and Alex couldn’t be more special. I loved the dual timelines that reflected on the strength of the relationship and how they got there. Of course Thea wants it to be more as she’s in love with him. But is it worth the risk to lose her best person (in addition to bestie Lauren who moved away)?

the narration…
Jesse Vilinsky was so great at managing all the key voices with wonderful distinctions. And, I love the fragility she gave Thea. Excellent storytelling.

the bottom line…
I enjoy slow burn romances but this one taxed my patience. However, as it progressed, I fell in love with their friendship and felt it viscerally, almost wanting to maintain the status quo! Thea’s divorce was painful, as was Alex’s, both unwilling to push for more. Be sure to listen to the author’s notes before and after. Context is everything.

Book Info

• Release Date: April 14, 2026
• Narrator: Jesse Vilinsky & Chloe Liese
• Audio Length: 13 hours, 6 minutes
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

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(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)