This is part of a series which can be read alone as each book focuses on a different couple's relationship. The other books provide context as the characters cross over into each book since they are brothers.

The conclusion of the Jansen Brothers series covers the story of the oldest brother, Wesley Jansen. He was the last brother to break away from their controlling father in Boston. The brothers have been gradually building their own empire with the help of their mother. Wes finds he isn’t the only newcomer to San Verde, CA when he meets Hailey Sharpe, who opened By the Cup salad shop.

Hailey is laser focused on making her specialized salad shop a success but finding it difficult to market her salads next to the wonderful pastry shop owned by Tara. Over time, Hailey befriends the other shop owners in the area who meet to discuss cross marketing ideas. Hailey needs all the help she can get since the only other person she knows here is her cousin Piper. You can't live in this town without meeting the Jansen brothers who are slowly rebuilding their family empire away from their controlling father's influence.

Wes finally decides to leave Boston to join his brothers Chris and Noah in CA. Wes is the oldest Jansen and took on the burden of keeping the stress of their parent's divorce from them. It also jaded his view of marriage and commitment. His focus is primarily to develop a strategic plan for the company's future. When he meets Hailey there is an attraction that is unfamiliar to both of them. They eventually find themselves together where they learn more about each other and their future goals. Ultimately, they decide that they can be just friends as neither wants a relationship the career ambitions to distract them from career ambitions.

Of course, this sort of arrangement is bound to fail. The road of their friends to lovers story is bumpy and often frustrating. Both characters have annoying personalities which creates obstacles until they learn to communicate. Wes comes from a wealthy family and has no problem with wanting to "fix" Hailey's problems with money. Hailey who was raised to work hard to succeed is offended by Wes's gestures. He doesn't "get it" and feels she is pushing him away and she doesn't "get it" that it's okay to not take on the burden alone.

It is an amusing story which leaves all three Jansen brothers finding their happily ever after. ( )

adventurous, emotional, funny, hopeful, inspiring, lighthearted, reflective, sad, medium-paced

This story bothered me for many reasons. One, I didn't know it was a book three. Had I known, I would not have picked it up without reading the others first. Now let's add in all the body shaming! No, just no. You don't do that!

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Emotional abuse
Minor: Cursing ( )

Cute story with fun, likable, and relatable characters learning and growing together.

Hailey owns her own business and wants to prove she is enough and worthy of love. Wes doesn’t believe in love and never wants to marry or have a family. There story was sweet and gentle paced. There were some ups and downs in their relationship but all turned out right in the end.

Pepper scale ( )

Salad shop owner Hailey has an awkward first run-in with Mr. Wes Jansen. Hailey has committed to get her salad shop off the ground and successful – with no distractions from dating anyone after a bad breakup. The best solution is to being ‘just friends’ with Wes. As the two spend more and more time together, Wes realizes that he might like Hailey more than just friends. Does being ‘just friends’ ever really work? This has a very When Harry Met Sally feeling and a true slow burn. I didn’t know this was part of a series and can be read as a stand-alone, but I would like to read the previous books for insight into the other Jansen brothers.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I thought this was a cute little basic rom com. It made me hunger for salad, which is better than junk food at least lol ( )