When I read a rom-com, I want something light-hearted, fast-paced, and easy to read. I want dialogue that doesn't make me cringe and characters that I can relate to (but not too much, it is fiction after all!) This book definitely fit that bill, for the most part - I liked the pacing and short chapters, I enjoyed the almost stream-of-consciousness writing style, and the dialogue was crisp. I liked the character development, and I found myself rooting for the main character, Page - but dangit if she didn't annoy me sometimes! I understand that light romances like this have to have some contrived situations, but Page sure did some shady stuff and never once suffered a consequence! I found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop and when it didn't, I kind of found it wishing that it would!

I will say, if you love dogs, this book is for you! I loved the insight into the "dog world." And as a former DC resident, I absolutely loved the setting of this book - it was so wonderful and nostalgic.

If you are looking for a dynamic read, if you love big cities and big dogs, and if you're not afraid to be a bit exasperated with a character or two, you should give this book a try.

Page arrives at her brothers’ apartment in Washington exhausted, broke, newly dumped by her boyfriend of 4 years and newly fired from her art gallery job.

Single, somewhere in her mid-thirties and unemployed is not how Page envisioned her life. She spends most of her time at the local dog park even though she doesn’t have a dog. But, this is where she meets a plethora of colourful characters, each bringing a little light back into her life. With their help and the assistance of her beloved big brother, Page slowly starts to rebuild.

Some of the sassy humour in this book is brilliant. The way Page handles questions from elitist women about her job, romantic life, etc is fantastically funny.

The story is almost like a Rom-Com, but rather than the focus being on a romantic relationship with a man (although there is a good bit of that), it’s more of a ‘learning to love yourself’ type of journey. However, it also reads a bit like a patronising self-help book at times. We can’t all wander into a dog park, randomly make friends with the weirdly rich and friendly strangers within and have life just magically sort itself out for us. It was all just a bit too perfect at times. Although, I could also argue that because Page decides to say ‘why not’ to any opportunity that comes her way, she opens herself up to new experiences and chances in her life.

I spent the whole book swinging between the two opinions. One minute I’m loving the self-empowerment, step outside your normal routine and see what new and exciting opportunities present themselves – vs the next minute where I’m feeling ire because it doesn’t just magically work that way for normal, real-life people.

Does it???

Then, when reflecting back I wondered if my mixed feelings were due to a culture clash. What I mean by that is, this is a book about Americans set in America where a lot of the characters are endlessly, exhaustively optimistic.

If people in shops and cafes started smiling and genuinely wishing you a “great day” in England, the way TV, cinema and books, suggest that they do in America, I for one would be thinking “you too, you sarcastic shit”. I wouldn’t for one minute believe that they were being sincere.

So perhaps this is the reason why I struggled at times to find this book authentic.

What I found really impressive, is the fact that this book is written from a woman’s perspective, and I completely forgot that this book was written by a man while I was reading. Normally I find it quite obvious when someone is writing from the perspective of the opposite sex.

By and by I did enjoy the story. I liked the characters and it’s a feel-good, happy story. Which with the current climate is a little of what we all need.

I found this book quick and easy to read through, however did not get the emotional attachment to the main character that I was hoping for.

This one was a quick read, but I struggled to connect with Page, I felt she was a little bit all over the place and it made it hard for me to want to keep reading. She held me back a little from loving the book, although I did like the writing style & premise of the title but I just wanted something MORE.

This was an enjoyable witty romantic comedy. The characters were fun and I especially enjoyed Page’s journey. If you like romantic comedies, I recommend you read this!
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have given this book 3⭐️.
The writing (language) of the book was good, and it was quick and easy to read, I was just completely confused for at least half of the book.
I really liked Brady, and most of the people Page met at the dog park. Page didn't peak my interest right away. It actually took me quite some chapters to understand her character.
When I got further in the book, I started to understand her better. I was really bored in the beginning and at least halfway through the book, and then it got more interesting, when things started to heat up and fall in to place a bit more.
The second half of the book was good, and Page actually started getting somewhere.
I gave it 3⭐️ as the building of the story was so slow, but I did enjoy the second half a lot, so I would reccomend, just beware of the beginning.
This is my own opinion though, so you might think something completely different :)

Thanks so much for reading xx

Bookinspiration23

DNF (Did Not Finish) @20%. I tried many times to read this but I just didn't like the writing style and couldn't get into the story.

Page thought her life was going fine, that is until her lawyer boyfriend dumps her after she supported him financially through law school. Page is now forced to move to live with her brother Brady in Washington, DC. With no job and nothing to do, Page begins going to the dog park even though she doesn’t have a dog. It’s here that she meets many interesting people and she has no clue how many of them are going to help her change her life.

This book was such a pleasant surprise! I really connected with Page’s character and loved the relationship she had with her brother Brady. This one had me laughing, crying, and smiling throughout! Definitely worth a read and gets 4 stars!

This story was easy to read and sweet. A bit predictable, though I didn't mind that. I did mind, however, that I simply could not empathize with the main character, Page. I wanted to connect to her through her story, but I just didn't feel it. I'm not sure if I would recommend this book to others.

This book surprised me in many ways! A funny premise, the dog park being a saving grace. It was a bit slow at first but then picked up really quickly! I loved the addition of quirky characters and a lighthearted storyline. Good read!

Prior to reading Happily Whatever After, I had never read anything written by Stewart Lewis and I’m even more embarrassed to say, had never heard of Stewart either. It was great to pick up a new author and instantly fall in love with their writing style and tone, through a light-hearted and fun read.

I liked the idea of the book as it combines my love of romance, comedy and dogs into one book. Perfect. Page was, what I feel a typical, yet ideal main character for the book and her growth throughout was nice to follow. The mix of Page’s emotional story masked with humour was something I enjoyed and found to be quite relatable. I’m sure we’ve all had something negative happen and tried to see the funny side, even if it was difficult to. The positive attitude of Page was something that resonated with me and has had a lasting impression, something I feel was needed this year.

I especially liked all the different (and sometimes eccentric) characters Page met at the dog park and the friendships she began to form with them, showing that you can meet new/different people and find friendship in the most unusual of places. I would have maybe expected to have a little more romance, as it did feel a little lacking at times. However, it was a nice and unexpected change from the usual romantic comedy storylines that allowed Page’s personal growth to really stand out, rather than be overshadowed by the romance aspect.

I already have included more books by Stewart onto my TBR list and can’t wait to read them!

Thank you to NetGalley, Stewart Lewis and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.

3.5 star!

This cute and a little predictable book was a light and fluffy read! I enjoyed Page and her second chance story!

After being dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her job, she decides to move in with her brother who lives in Washington DC! In her new home, she kinda refuge in a dog park. She meets many people at this park and her life starts to turn around.

There were a few laugh out loud moments that I enjoyed, so if you’re looking for something fun and not too long, pick this up!

I enjoyed this book! This was a new author for me and I enjoyed it. I thought that book was fast paced and witty. Very cute story.

Happily Whatever After offers a wonderful mix of eccentric, funny and authentic characters that immediately drag you into their world. We follow Page on a mid-life journey after she loses her job and her boyfriend in the same week. She decides she needs a fresh starts and moves to live with her brother Brady. Both share an unbreakable bond and their relationship is both fun and heartwarming to read. A touching, romantic, witty read that is perfect for any romcom lover!

Surprisingly emotional in a story that moves from lighthearted missteps and situations to quite life-altering options and growth highlight this story all brought to us in the character of Page who after a series of life changes finds herself yearning for family and familiar, and heads to her brother’s place in D.C. Hoping to lick her wounds and perhaps find the wherewithal to get her own dreams started with her own business, Page soon learns that sometimes life hands you something you never dreamed of, and you just might find it suits.

Page’s brother is adorable, successful and supportive: but even he hasn’t time to help her to form a new ‘friendship group’ - instead suggesting she take some time, think, regroup and wander about. What Page is thinking she needs is friends, a man and a job – not necessarily in that order, but the local dog part seems to be a good place to watch the dogs (even if she doesn’t yet have one) and maybe meet some people as she’s ‘sorting out’ her life.

What emerges is a group of characters that are clever, friendly, well-drawn and challenge Page’s thoughts about her life, her new direction and exactly what she wants. Soon she’s a regular at the park, people and dogs know her, and she’s starting to think that her feet are underneath her enough to start walking on her newly found path. It’s not always smooth sailing, but the lessons learned, confidence gained and new outlook after having really spent time on herself, and what she wants is a clever read and allows readers to understand her, if not her exact situation – the emotions involved, and leave everyone with a bit of hope and some new ideas for what next.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aM0/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.

This was a fast paced, funny and delightful read. It was a refreshing break from life, and I enjoyed myself.

Happily Whatever After was such a sweet read! I didn't expect to be so emotionally invested in the book, but oh well. Books always know how to surprise a reader, right?

Reading about Page was so enjoyable. I loved her positive approach towards life, and how she didn't let failures define herself. Her character development throughout the book was so wonderful to read about. The author didn't sugar-coat Page's honest attitude while keeping the story line realistic at the same time, and I think that made the book so much better for me.

I love a book which features strong friendships - so, I was really happy to read about Preston and Barkley, the friends that Page made while visiting the dog park. This added such a sweet and charming touch to the plot! The comedic timings and hilarious content in the book were spot on as well. I laughed my heart out while going through some scenes :')

Page and Brady's relationship was so heart-warming. It has been a while since I read a book with a close sibling relationship, and I appreciated the family theme of the book!
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If you need an inspirational and uplifting read, definitely pick Happily Whatever After up. :D

I have never cried while reading a book but this book made me teary eyed.
It is a warm, witty ,giggly ,fast paced read. I thought it will be like any 3 star rom-com read but boy I was wrong! It took me by surprise and I absolutely loved reading it, its the first book that made me cry, chuckle, ponder and feel good all at the same time.

This book is about our damsel in distress, "Page" and her life changing through the incredible and mystical phenomena of "SERENDIPITY". I myself am a firm believer in the concept and loved how it was singing its tune all through the story. The story is somewhat cheesy and corny at times but then thats all "fiction" is about right? We all need to dream about the kind of life we want, (almost fairytale -ish) even if it is for a few seconds.

I found Page relatable on some levels and loved the fact that she did not dwell or play victim to her past. For Page, its dogs before people (same for me) and loved her quirky act of visiting a dog park ( though she did not own a dig herself) even when she got a few suspicious stares it did not deter her.

This book teaches us about :
SERENDIPITY
LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
BELIEVE IN YOUR DREAMS
POWER OF MANIFESTATION
"One needs a good laugh even in the darkest of times."

"WE LIVED ABOVE A BAKERY SO OUR APARTMENT SMELT LIKE BUTTER AND HOPE."
Loved. Stewart Lewis's easy and warm writing style and I am glad to have come across his book. I will definitely read the other books by him.

Thankyou NetGalley and the publisher for an e ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Our main character, Page, is going through a rough patch. She lost her job and her boyfriend....in the same week! She decides she needs a change of scenery, and goes from New York to DC to live with her brother, Brady.

This book follows her path to figuring out who she is in her mid thirties, her family/friend/lover relationships (new and old), and the cast of characters she meets along the way. And dogs. Always here for the dogs!

If you like stories where everything wraps up nicely in the end, this is the read for you.


Thank you to NetGalley, Stewart Lewis, and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was fab. It’s funny uplifting & sad in parts. But I couldn’t put it down. It flows so smoothly and so light hearted. A must read.