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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
This was a great read! I was worried at first about this being a Gen-X couple, but I think that made it better. There isn’t any immature behavior, petty drama, or that dang miscommunication trope. Although, Madigan did seem to have trouble really hearing/understanding Ashley, but it is obviously due to the demons he struggles with. It was great to see a mature relationship blossom and see how both MCs overcame their hang ups on relationships and accepting themselves. The side characters were all so great! I hope there are future books where we get to hear more about them. The setting was fun, but I do wish there was a bit more descriptions. I couldn’t fully form an image in my head, but that may be my fault. The spice was a great level, not too smutty but not vanilla, either. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I almost DNF'd this 😩. I did not like how it started and I struggled with the writing but I'm sooo glad I stuck through it. I picked it up not knowing what it was about but was told it had 'older' characters (46 & 52). I loved that this book had good communication. If something was said or done there was a talk through it scene. I love that. The MMC (Madigan) seemed emotionally mature ❤️. The FMC (Ashley) struggled but was actively trying to be a better version of herself.
"...so swallow all your tears, my love
And put on your new face
You can never win or lose, if you don't run the race."
- Love My Way, The Psychedelic Furs
What an absolute wonderful romance and a deep cleansing breath of fresh air. This book was exactly what I needed right now, and I am so thankful I picked it up.
I don't do reviews anymore but when the mood hits, I try to hash out something and this book made me want to write.
I like to believe the romance reader reads to experience the human condition, you know as in “the characteristics and key events of human life, including birth, learning, emotion, aspiration, morality, conflict, and death.” The events and emotions of life which draw the reader into a story about individuals we’ll never meet in real life but individuals who are real to us anyway and who draw us into their lives through printed words on paper and turn us into voyeurs as we watch them manage the highs and lows of living. Individuals who have meet cutes included massive dogs, sorted pasts, shitty ex-husbands, complicated parental relationships, addictive personalities and resilient recoveries and individuals who have an instant connection that’s so palpable you cannot stop reading. I was so damn happy to meet Madigan and Ashley, who certainly have their share of issues, and the amazing cast who supports them.
As a romance reader who just turned 47 I absolutely adored this book. Romance for me is about connecting to the characters and for once we get a mature couple (46/53) who are working through this other half of life where our age may match our experience, but we're still “young at heart” with all the pitfalls of youth tossed into a shaker cup with maturity never knowing if the outcome will be sweet or sour. We're not dried up, we've just been at the party longer and figured out it's not all about lust and orgasms, it’s about connection and what comes next. Though lust and orgasms will always be important and there’s plenty of both in this book.
I loved every bit of this book and respect the steps Madigan and Ashley take throughout their relationship. Going through what Madigan has and running Little Timber I expected to get the type of talk one would with recovering addicts. It would be dismissive of the author to gloss over that and not show how recovery is including what some might say is self help talk. I think at times when a story includes addicts in any shape or form, if you’ve lived a privileged life, it’s really hard to put on your empathy hat and understand even if you consider yourself a non-judgmental reader. I applaud the author for including the bits of real life in this romance that make it so grounding and a safe place to be
See this is why I don’t review anymore, I am saying nothing when all I want to do is put on a mix tape of fantastic music I listened to while growing up and turn back to page one to start this all over again.
I’m in love with a small community of Bluebird Basin and all that it has to offer. Ashley and Madigan absolutely stole my heart and I cannot wait to get more of Cole and meet Mira in the next book.
And put on your new face
You can never win or lose, if you don't run the race."
- Love My Way, The Psychedelic Furs
What an absolute wonderful romance and a deep cleansing breath of fresh air. This book was exactly what I needed right now, and I am so thankful I picked it up.
I don't do reviews anymore but when the mood hits, I try to hash out something and this book made me want to write.
I like to believe the romance reader reads to experience the human condition, you know as in “the characteristics and key events of human life, including birth, learning, emotion, aspiration, morality, conflict, and death.” The events and emotions of life which draw the reader into a story about individuals we’ll never meet in real life but individuals who are real to us anyway and who draw us into their lives through printed words on paper and turn us into voyeurs as we watch them manage the highs and lows of living. Individuals who have meet cutes included massive dogs, sorted pasts, shitty ex-husbands, complicated parental relationships, addictive personalities and resilient recoveries and individuals who have an instant connection that’s so palpable you cannot stop reading. I was so damn happy to meet Madigan and Ashley, who certainly have their share of issues, and the amazing cast who supports them.
As a romance reader who just turned 47 I absolutely adored this book. Romance for me is about connecting to the characters and for once we get a mature couple (46/53) who are working through this other half of life where our age may match our experience, but we're still “young at heart” with all the pitfalls of youth tossed into a shaker cup with maturity never knowing if the outcome will be sweet or sour. We're not dried up, we've just been at the party longer and figured out it's not all about lust and orgasms, it’s about connection and what comes next. Though lust and orgasms will always be important and there’s plenty of both in this book.
I loved every bit of this book and respect the steps Madigan and Ashley take throughout their relationship. Going through what Madigan has and running Little Timber I expected to get the type of talk one would with recovering addicts. It would be dismissive of the author to gloss over that and not show how recovery is including what some might say is self help talk. I think at times when a story includes addicts in any shape or form, if you’ve lived a privileged life, it’s really hard to put on your empathy hat and understand even if you consider yourself a non-judgmental reader. I applaud the author for including the bits of real life in this romance that make it so grounding and a safe place to be
See this is why I don’t review anymore, I am saying nothing when all I want to do is put on a mix tape of fantastic music I listened to while growing up and turn back to page one to start this all over again.
I’m in love with a small community of Bluebird Basin and all that it has to offer. Ashley and Madigan absolutely stole my heart and I cannot wait to get more of Cole and meet Mira in the next book.
emotional
hopeful
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
This was a wonderful read! I loved the relatable characters, the interesting storylines, and the writing style was lovely. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
COME AS YOU ARE by @jesskhardy_author is a must read. Simple as that. Huge thank you to Jess for my signed copy!!
Madigan & Ashley are the best. I want to live and work at Bluebird. I fell in love with all the guys at the sober living house and championed them. Maude Alice (Ashley’s mom) was a trip.
Like the cover says, this is a Gen-X Romance. Madigan is a former grunge rocker in his fifties and Ashley is a divorced single mom in her mid-late 40’s trying to save her family business.
I truly loved everything about this book. It was like a warm hug with sexy interludes filled with hot open door scenes. I loved it and I hope you read it ASAP!
Long live the window scene. It lives rent free in my head.
Madigan & Ashley are the best. I want to live and work at Bluebird. I fell in love with all the guys at the sober living house and championed them. Maude Alice (Ashley’s mom) was a trip.
Like the cover says, this is a Gen-X Romance. Madigan is a former grunge rocker in his fifties and Ashley is a divorced single mom in her mid-late 40’s trying to save her family business.
I truly loved everything about this book. It was like a warm hug with sexy interludes filled with hot open door scenes. I loved it and I hope you read it ASAP!
Long live the window scene. It lives rent free in my head.
emotional
lighthearted
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
No
Oh my god, this book was so sweet, cozy and overall just what i needed. I laughed out loud several times, and cried, sometimes, at the same time, lol.
And btw fuck off chuck
And btw fuck off chuck
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes