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1943tre's review against another edition
2.0
Such a strange romance haha. While Katie Shepard is a good writer on a prose level, and I'd consider reading her second book when it comes out, this one didn't hit for me unfortunately.
Firstly, I found both characters to be pretty unrelatable and unlikeable. Darcy is brash and makes quick assumptions and doesn't seem to be the best listener. Teagan (the guy) seems really nice and genuine, but he's a bit of a doormat. He's dealing with severe panic disorder that left him in rehab, but for some reason, he can't even admit this IN A REHAB setting. Like I truly understand feeling ashamed and not wanting colleagues or even family to know, but when you're already AT the rehab center...you just pretend you don't have it? And worse, he lets Darcy (the girl) think he has alcoholism instead.
This leads me to my biggest complaint of the book. To his credit, he tells Darcy at least 3 times he isn't an alcoholic, but he also refuses to provide any other excuse for why he's in rehab, so I guess I understand why Darcy doesn't believe him. And then he CONTINUES to let her believe this when she moves to NYC with him as his "sober companion." And like, I love a secret in romance, it keeps the plot moving and is fun. But "fake dating" is a FUN secret. "I secretly have panic disorder, NOT alcoholism" isn't a fun secret, and it was honestly exhausting to hear how she constantly tried to help him with this alcoholism he never had. Especially since she has ZERO training within mental health/addiction at all. She's like the HANDYWOMAN at the rehab lmao. It was just all so weird.
I liked the parts at the rehab better and I wished the novel had stayed in that setting. Once they got to NYC, all of the foundation politics were really boring to me and I found myself skimming. I didn't really get the sibling stuff. Like I didn't like his sister Sloane and I never ended up liking her either.
I liked the steam for the most part even if it wasn't my cup of tea. I liked how they dealt with the sexual side effects of his antidepressants, which felt refreshing for the genre. It also felt fresh in that Darcy was sort of the more dominant person sexually, definitely the initiator, and while I'm glad that there's diversity in romances, once again it wasn't my thing. Teagan even did a bit of dirty talk (I think he did a good job, tbh!) and Darcy, like, laughed at him lol. I was annoyed with her.
So yeah, like, the writing was good and there were some funny lines and some of the dynamics felt fresh, I overall wouldn't recommend this unless you're specifically looking for more dominant woman dynamic, a romance with mental health at the forefront, or like a special interest in outdoors stuff--in which case maybe this could scratch an itch.
Firstly, I found both characters to be pretty unrelatable and unlikeable. Darcy is brash and makes quick assumptions and doesn't seem to be the best listener. Teagan (the guy) seems really nice and genuine, but he's a bit of a doormat. He's dealing with severe panic disorder that left him in rehab, but for some reason, he can't even admit this IN A REHAB setting. Like I truly understand feeling ashamed and not wanting colleagues or even family to know, but when you're already AT the rehab center...you just pretend you don't have it? And worse, he lets Darcy (the girl) think he has alcoholism instead.
This leads me to my biggest complaint of the book. To his credit, he tells Darcy at least 3 times he isn't an alcoholic, but he also refuses to provide any other excuse for why he's in rehab, so I guess I understand why Darcy doesn't believe him. And then he CONTINUES to let her believe this when she moves to NYC with him as his "sober companion." And like, I love a secret in romance, it keeps the plot moving and is fun. But "fake dating" is a FUN secret. "I secretly have panic disorder, NOT alcoholism" isn't a fun secret, and it was honestly exhausting to hear how she constantly tried to help him with this alcoholism he never had. Especially since she has ZERO training within mental health/addiction at all. She's like the HANDYWOMAN at the rehab lmao. It was just all so weird.
I liked the parts at the rehab better and I wished the novel had stayed in that setting. Once they got to NYC, all of the foundation politics were really boring to me and I found myself skimming. I didn't really get the sibling stuff. Like I didn't like his sister Sloane and I never ended up liking her either.
I liked the steam for the most part even if it wasn't my cup of tea. I liked how they dealt with the sexual side effects of his antidepressants, which felt refreshing for the genre. It also felt fresh in that Darcy was sort of the more dominant person sexually, definitely the initiator, and while I'm glad that there's diversity in romances, once again it wasn't my thing. Teagan even did a bit of dirty talk (I think he did a good job, tbh!) and Darcy, like, laughed at him lol. I was annoyed with her.
So yeah, like, the writing was good and there were some funny lines and some of the dynamics felt fresh, I overall wouldn't recommend this unless you're specifically looking for more dominant woman dynamic, a romance with mental health at the forefront, or like a special interest in outdoors stuff--in which case maybe this could scratch an itch.
mahz's review against another edition
3.0
"That was her. That was the one. That was the only woman for him.
Tropes:
• Friends-to-lovers
• Opposites Attract
• Mental Health
• Generational Trauma
• Inherited Addiction
• Neurodivergent Leads
• Shy MMC x Bold FMC
*Covering up some stuff just to be on the safe side in case they might be considered spoilers.
The premise alone was a novel concept and I was ready to dive into the wilderness, experience wildlife (bc no way would I ever in real life), watch these characters grow past their obstacles, and fall in love. The story begins with Teagan being checked into a wellness resort with his younger sister Sloane, after a week-long stay at the hospital for a severe case of panic attack. The resort is predominately geared toward individuals struggling with substance abuse which we learn Sloane suffers from while Teagan suffers a different kind of mental health condition. However, when the resort’s maintenance gal, ex-military and wildlife lover Darcy, meets Teagan, she naturally assumes he’s like everyone else there and suffers from alcoholism. Despite their polarizing personalities, they grow close and develop a deep bond that when Teagan attempts to check himself out early, Darcy readily agrees to be Teagan’s sober companion while he re-acclimates to his life as a sober person. Essentially she is asked to babysit him by his well-meaning and matchmaking sister.
Overall, while the plot was clunky and I definitely had to suspend disbelief for certain things to work, I did like both of the leads as individuals and it was clear how they complement one another. I wouldn’t say that this is a traditional rom-com relationship where everyone’s issues are tied up neatly, I do think it ends on a more realistic note where both individuals are very aware they have a long road ahead of them but the important thing is that they want to work on it together as a team. I did have my reservations about certain aspects (3 main ones) like how the dynamic between Darcy and Teagan was a bit inappropriate when she became his sober companion, especially given she was under the impression that she was helping him through his alcoholism. But again, I think this was something we are meant to overlook because Darcy is inexperienced and she doesn’t have the means to do proper research due to her undiagnosed dyslexia. I do appreciate that this aspect of antidepressant was acknowledged but I also think his use of them were brushed over too casually. It’s a vital component to his well-being which is Darcy’s objective.
But that being said, I don’t know, this book felt different from other rom-coms I’ve read. And not in a bad way either. I’ve read rom-coms featuring neurodivergent characters and sensitive themes like mental health and alcoholism, but I will say Katie Shepard adds her own style and flair to these tropes and I can appreciate that. Plus there were so many moments that were just absolutely sweet between Darcy and Teagan. Just so wholesome and lovely. While I did have issues with certain aspects, I’m still open to reading more of her books. I think my disappointment primarily stems from the fact that the concept of this story was great and could have been a fantastic exploration into the trials and tribulations of recovery, and the concept had a lot of potential but the execution was rickety. I don’t know if this was independently published but at times like these, I would love to work with the author and offer to be a soundboard.
I’m also tickled to learn that Adrian, a quirky character with an eccentric life, is going to have his own book. Bear With Me Now does give us a peek into his life enough that I’d be interested to see where his story goes. It was just so bizarre and amusing lol. All-in-all, despite my frustrations, I think it’s worth giving this book a chance and I’m optimistic that Katie Shepard will continue to hone her craft.
Tropes:
• Friends-to-lovers
• Opposites Attract
• Mental Health
• Generational Trauma
• Inherited Addiction
• Neurodivergent Leads
• Shy MMC x Bold FMC
*Covering up some stuff just to be on the safe side in case they might be considered spoilers.
The premise alone was a novel concept and I was ready to dive into the wilderness, experience wildlife (bc no way would I ever in real life), watch these characters grow past their obstacles, and fall in love. The story begins with Teagan being checked into a wellness resort with his younger sister Sloane, after a week-long stay at the hospital for a severe case of panic attack. The resort is predominately geared toward individuals struggling with substance abuse which we learn Sloane suffers from while Teagan suffers a different kind of mental health condition. However, when the resort’s maintenance gal, ex-military and wildlife lover Darcy, meets Teagan, she naturally assumes he’s like everyone else there and suffers from alcoholism. Despite their polarizing personalities, they grow close and develop a deep bond that when Teagan attempts to check himself out early, Darcy readily agrees to be Teagan’s sober companion while he re-acclimates to his life as a sober person. Essentially she is asked to babysit him by his well-meaning and matchmaking sister.
Overall, while the plot was clunky and I definitely had to suspend disbelief for certain things to work, I did like both of the leads as individuals and it was clear how they complement one another. I wouldn’t say that this is a traditional rom-com relationship where everyone’s issues are tied up neatly, I do think it ends on a more realistic note where both individuals are very aware they have a long road ahead of them but the important thing is that they want to work on it together as a team. I did have my reservations about certain aspects (3 main ones) like how the dynamic between Darcy and Teagan was a bit inappropriate when she became his sober companion, especially given she was under the impression that she was helping him through his alcoholism. But again, I think this was something we are meant to overlook because Darcy is inexperienced and she doesn’t have the means to do proper research due to her undiagnosed dyslexia.
Spoiler
Another aspect that rubbed me the wrong way was how Darcy was disproportionately blase about Teagan’s use of antidepressants just as Teagan was disproportionately blase about his sister’s substance abuse. I would think that once Darcy learned that he was prescribed them upon his discharge, she would investigate further and try to gather as much intel about the antidepressants if only to tie it back to his sobriety journey. But the only role that knowledge has is that she now becomes aware that Teagan has trouble performing sexually while on the medicationsSpoiler
And then there was the glaring issue of Sloane’s neglect, the person who actually did suffer from substance abuse. It might not have been so severe that she ended up at rock bottom, but it was still worth addressing especially because she was the one who took the initiative to check her and her brother into the rehab facility. Yes, she was predominately motivated due to fear for her brother’s health and safety but I think there were ways to include Sloane in Darcy’s new job as a sober companion while keeping the focus on Teagan and the Darcy/Teagan relationship. Certain things just felt like plot devices without being fully developed and as a result, it felt like there were deep holes and gaps in the story. Darcy’s inexperience and reading troubles didn’t feel like adequate enough excuses for the way certain things panned out.But that being said, I don’t know, this book felt different from other rom-coms I’ve read. And not in a bad way either. I’ve read rom-coms featuring neurodivergent characters and sensitive themes like mental health and alcoholism, but I will say Katie Shepard adds her own style and flair to these tropes and I can appreciate that. Plus there were so many moments that were just absolutely sweet between Darcy and Teagan. Just so wholesome and lovely. While I did have issues with certain aspects, I’m still open to reading more of her books. I think my disappointment primarily stems from the fact that the concept of this story was great and could have been a fantastic exploration into the trials and tribulations of recovery, and the concept had a lot of potential but the execution was rickety. I don’t know if this was independently published but at times like these, I would love to work with the author and offer to be a soundboard.
I’m also tickled to learn that Adrian, a quirky character with an eccentric life, is going to have his own book. Bear With Me Now does give us a peek into his life enough that I’d be interested to see where his story goes. It was just so bizarre and amusing lol. All-in-all, despite my frustrations, I think it’s worth giving this book a chance and I’m optimistic that Katie Shepard will continue to hone her craft.
leniece94's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really liked this book! I picked it up because of the punny title, and immediately fell in love with the characters! Teagan is so sweet,and it’s clear from the beginning that he and Darcy really care for each other. It’s a really good read, i just wish the romance parts were more romancy.
evelyn_mosby's review against another edition
Started strong and then it got dumb. A woman in her 30s thinking she can just listen to a podcast about the 12 steps and that's enough for her to treat an alcoholic? Grow up. Also not into a guy who won't address or confront his problems. I'm sure he does in the end but I couldn't wait that long. Not enough spice.
flowees's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
theclassicsareboring's review against another edition
3.0
“I’m like a raccoon in the garage…” - Darcy
thindbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good read about a woman who saves a guy from a bear and then becomes each other's companion. I enjoyed the storyline and the concept of the book. There were many conflicts and I loved the wilderness aspect of the story. I do have to say that the writing style was kind of not for me. I did enjoy the setting, pacing, and the story but I have to say that I didn't feel for the characters, and in some parts, I was bored with. This book says it's a rom-com but sadly I didn't get much of either. I have read many where it's a rom-com or they just got either or but for this I felt the story lacked both. I did enjoy each of the character's missions with how they had to figure out what to do with themselves and how they should grow. This book if written in dual povs which was great for the story.
Our main characters in this book are Teagan and Darcy. I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters though they weren't considered poorly written. Teagan is a cinnamon roll and is a mission to be sober. I enjoyed his development in the book and how he fought to start loving himself. Darcy is a rude, loud person and she was a great character but sometimes I couldn't handle her. I was confused with her character at times but she too did have a character development. There were many side characters in the book but not the main ones or those who have stuck out to me. The spiciness of the book was low and the tropes are angst (not the dark romance type) and kind of enemies to friends to lovers. The romance was bland as I didn't feel the build-up of the chemistry.
The ending wasn't so bad but at the end I was kind of over the book. It wasn't truly a bad read but I just didn't feel the main part of the book which was romance and comedy. I did read this book in a day so it was a quick, easy read for me. I think there are some who would love a light type of story though I recommend reading the tw as one of the mc lost his mother and is an alcoholic. There are many who had enjoyed this book so don't let my review discourage you.
*this e-arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
Our main characters in this book are Teagan and Darcy. I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters though they weren't considered poorly written. Teagan is a cinnamon roll and is a mission to be sober. I enjoyed his development in the book and how he fought to start loving himself. Darcy is a rude, loud person and she was a great character but sometimes I couldn't handle her. I was confused with her character at times but she too did have a character development. There were many side characters in the book but not the main ones or those who have stuck out to me. The spiciness of the book was low and the tropes are angst (not the dark romance type) and kind of enemies to friends to lovers. The romance was bland as I didn't feel the build-up of the chemistry.
The ending wasn't so bad but at the end I was kind of over the book. It wasn't truly a bad read but I just didn't feel the main part of the book which was romance and comedy. I did read this book in a day so it was a quick, easy read for me. I think there are some who would love a light type of story though I recommend reading the tw as one of the mc lost his mother and is an alcoholic. There are many who had enjoyed this book so don't let my review discourage you.
*this e-arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
n1kk1's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25