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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
I needed this book so much. It was on my TBR forever, because it’s a Gen X romance with a title of an iconic grunge song? I finally read it, needing a spicy romcom after a string of mafia books. It was absolutely perfect and what I needed.
The title, after finishing the book and upon reflection, is more than a wink to Nirvana. Madigan and Ashley - both “come as they are”. Meaning no false pretenses, they both have past struggles to overcome and do it openly in front of each other. They comfort each other and provide strength. Ashley is a divorcee with a total douchecanoe of an ex, trying to keep her small ski hill open. Her ex did a number on her, she’s trying to make difficult business decisions for the good of her ski hill, and her relationship with her mom isn’t the best.
Madigan is an ex con recovering heroin addict and former 90s Seattle grunge band rock star. He’s been clean over 20 years and runs a sober living home. He is just so…..swoony and perfect. He cares deeply about the men he guides back in to society. Is is possible the most self aware character I’ve ever read. He allows himself to feel his feelings and does a pretty decent job of communicating. He knows he can’t keep things bottled up. He openly cries more than once and I love that for me…..errrr him.
Ashley is the one more closed off with her emotions who has the largest emotional journey. But - back to Madigan- I had never before contemplated that recovering addicts might have intimacy issues since sex and drugs are so closely linked and the fear of losing control. So watching Ashley understand why HE was the one who needed to go slow was amazing.
This book was funny, with lovely references to my generation - yes, a mixtape from your boyfriend is one of the most amazing gifts ever! - and a heroine who is EXACTLY my age finding love with a slightly older but hot sexy burly bearded pirate. It was just exactly what I needed when I needed it.
The title, after finishing the book and upon reflection, is more than a wink to Nirvana. Madigan and Ashley - both “come as they are”. Meaning no false pretenses, they both have past struggles to overcome and do it openly in front of each other. They comfort each other and provide strength. Ashley is a divorcee with a total douchecanoe of an ex, trying to keep her small ski hill open. Her ex did a number on her, she’s trying to make difficult business decisions for the good of her ski hill, and her relationship with her mom isn’t the best.
Madigan is an ex con recovering heroin addict and former 90s Seattle grunge band rock star. He’s been clean over 20 years and runs a sober living home. He is just so…..swoony and perfect. He cares deeply about the men he guides back in to society. Is is possible the most self aware character I’ve ever read. He allows himself to feel his feelings and does a pretty decent job of communicating. He knows he can’t keep things bottled up. He openly cries more than once and I love that for me…..errrr him.
Ashley is the one more closed off with her emotions who has the largest emotional journey. But - back to Madigan- I had never before contemplated that recovering addicts might have intimacy issues since sex and drugs are so closely linked and the fear of losing control. So watching Ashley understand why HE was the one who needed to go slow was amazing.
This book was funny, with lovely references to my generation - yes, a mixtape from your boyfriend is one of the most amazing gifts ever! - and a heroine who is EXACTLY my age finding love with a slightly older but hot sexy burly bearded pirate. It was just exactly what I needed when I needed it.
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.5 stars. More. GenX. MCs. In. Romance. Thanks! Blew through this on the stationary bike at the gym.
Loved how the MCs communicated with each other. And such a great depiction of people coming out of rehab to put their lives back together, contrasted with a character who is many years into their sober journey who still has some of the same fears.
Loved how the MCs communicated with each other. And such a great depiction of people coming out of rehab to put their lives back together, contrasted with a character who is many years into their sober journey who still has some of the same fears.
Ashley runs her family’s ski mountain, Bluebird. Shes fielding calls from her ex husband who works for the corporate ski mountain nearby, because he wants to buy her out. She wishes she could just say no, but she’s barely staying afloat for this season, and it might be their last.
When her mother, ModAlice, comes in with her latest scheme, Ashley is horrified to hear she wants to hire a sober men’s living community. Specifically Ex-cons. But they’d accept minimum wage. Plus, when their manager, Maddigan, walks in, she can’t deny he’s attractive. A whole season with him living on the property… well, let’s just say sparks can fly even in the dead of winter.
It was cute. I felt like this book did a good job of showing the messiness of addiction for addicts, their families, and the people around them. For a romance book, it dove deep into a few side characters and their struggles as well. I’m glad it was a book club pick.
When her mother, ModAlice, comes in with her latest scheme, Ashley is horrified to hear she wants to hire a sober men’s living community. Specifically Ex-cons. But they’d accept minimum wage. Plus, when their manager, Maddigan, walks in, she can’t deny he’s attractive. A whole season with him living on the property… well, let’s just say sparks can fly even in the dead of winter.
It was cute. I felt like this book did a good job of showing the messiness of addiction for addicts, their families, and the people around them. For a romance book, it dove deep into a few side characters and their struggles as well. I’m glad it was a book club pick.
My sister recommended this book to me, and I’m glad she did! I love stories centered around adults who have really seen and done some life, and know how to talk about their emotions with each other (plus have great sex).
This was one of those stories that makes you hope you get spin-offs or novellas about some of the supporting characters, so I hope we see more coming down the line from this author.
This was one of those stories that makes you hope you get spin-offs or novellas about some of the supporting characters, so I hope we see more coming down the line from this author.
I would have liked this better if there were about three hundred and forty two fewer mentions of dicks. I'm just saying.
(note: I'm not a prude, but there's spicy and then there's porn, and this is about half way between them both. Some people like that kind of thing; I'm not one of those people.)
That said, I think I also subconsciously docked it about half a star because OMFG GRUNGE MUSIC IS NOW FODDER FOR OLD FOLKS ROMANCE. This realization made me spontaneously spout three perfectly grey chin hairs.
And even with dicks and the elderly, I really liked this story. Other than the one we're not supposed to like, I liked all the characters, and it's nice to read a romance without the whole misunderstanding trope for a change. I'll definitely pick up the next in the series when it releases later this year, even.
3.5*/5
(note: I'm not a prude, but there's spicy and then there's porn, and this is about half way between them both. Some people like that kind of thing; I'm not one of those people.)
That said, I think I also subconsciously docked it about half a star because OMFG GRUNGE MUSIC IS NOW FODDER FOR OLD FOLKS ROMANCE. This realization made me spontaneously spout three perfectly grey chin hairs.
And even with dicks and the elderly, I really liked this story. Other than the one we're not supposed to like, I liked all the characters, and it's nice to read a romance without the whole misunderstanding trope for a change. I'll definitely pick up the next in the series when it releases later this year, even.
3.5*/5
Come As You Are is beautifully written, emotional, and honest, and I loved every second of of! Add this to your tbr ASAP!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
TW: addiction
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
TW: addiction
Review originally posted at https://smexybooks.com/2023/09/review-come-as-you-are-by-jess-k-hardy.html
Even though I’d been eyeing this author’s backlist- after reading and loving her science fiction romances earlier in the year- I hesitated to take the plunge, mainly because my ARC spreadsheet was out of control. But while compiling a deals post I noticed this book was on sale and decided it was a sign. So I hit that buy now button and finally sat down to read.
I wish I hadn’t waited for so long.
Come As You Are is labeled as a Gen X romance and that was one of the things that appealed to me the most. The FMC is 46, divorced, and desperately trying to save her family’s ski resort. The MMC is a 53-year-old former famous 90’s grunge musician and addict, currently managing Little Timber, a sober living home, and needs to find work for the men under his care. She reluctantly agrees to a contract that will enable them to work for her, while being drug tested regularly and taught new job skills.
I’m a sucker for main characters that have a wealth of life experiences under their belts- both good and bad- and have come through to the other side. Maybe battered and bruised, but trying hard to pick themselves back up and find a new normal. Ashley has been through hell with her ex-husband, mainly cheating, gaslighting, and emotional abuse. But now 8 years later she is on her own and fighting hard to keep her father’s dream alive by keeping Bluebird Basin Ski Lodge afloat and out of the hands of the corporation that her ex works for. Matthew “Mad” Madigan was once a hard-partying guitarist caught up in the wild world of grunge rock. His drug use ruined his life and sent him to prison, but thanks to his parent’s unwavering support, he’s now a sober man who wants to help other men with addictions find a way to fight their demons and reclaim their lives.
The chemistry between these two is straight-up fire, palpable from the moment they first meet. He finds her beautiful and strong and she can’t stop staring at his beautiful eyes, tattoos, and muscles. As you can imagine, with so much pain in their histories they are full of doubt and lacking in trust and confidence. Neither thinks that romance is in their future, or even a good idea with the responsibilities they both have, but they are drawn together nonetheless. And wooo boy but did I enjoy the coming together. Their journey is full of steamy moments, deep conversations, and connecting on a fundamental level.
I think the thing I appreciated most about this romance was the care given to sensitive topics such as addiction, divorce, fear, and grief. Each of the secondary characters adds important moments to the story. As much as I was rooting for the main characters, I was also rooting for the men from Little Timber to succeed.
WE NEED MORE GEN X ROMANCE BOOKS! Give me all the older protagonists with messy lives and lived experiences, and bodies that don’t quite work the way they did in their younger years. I want adult children butting into their budding romances and honest conversations about mistakes and traumas and how much hard work it takes to forgive yourself and trust others. Gimme, gimme, gimme.
Grade- B+
Content notes- frank talk about addiction and recovery, gaslighting, mentions of death of a parent, grief
Even though I’d been eyeing this author’s backlist- after reading and loving her science fiction romances earlier in the year- I hesitated to take the plunge, mainly because my ARC spreadsheet was out of control. But while compiling a deals post I noticed this book was on sale and decided it was a sign. So I hit that buy now button and finally sat down to read.
I wish I hadn’t waited for so long.
Come As You Are is labeled as a Gen X romance and that was one of the things that appealed to me the most. The FMC is 46, divorced, and desperately trying to save her family’s ski resort. The MMC is a 53-year-old former famous 90’s grunge musician and addict, currently managing Little Timber, a sober living home, and needs to find work for the men under his care. She reluctantly agrees to a contract that will enable them to work for her, while being drug tested regularly and taught new job skills.
I’m a sucker for main characters that have a wealth of life experiences under their belts- both good and bad- and have come through to the other side. Maybe battered and bruised, but trying hard to pick themselves back up and find a new normal. Ashley has been through hell with her ex-husband, mainly cheating, gaslighting, and emotional abuse. But now 8 years later she is on her own and fighting hard to keep her father’s dream alive by keeping Bluebird Basin Ski Lodge afloat and out of the hands of the corporation that her ex works for. Matthew “Mad” Madigan was once a hard-partying guitarist caught up in the wild world of grunge rock. His drug use ruined his life and sent him to prison, but thanks to his parent’s unwavering support, he’s now a sober man who wants to help other men with addictions find a way to fight their demons and reclaim their lives.
The chemistry between these two is straight-up fire, palpable from the moment they first meet. He finds her beautiful and strong and she can’t stop staring at his beautiful eyes, tattoos, and muscles. As you can imagine, with so much pain in their histories they are full of doubt and lacking in trust and confidence. Neither thinks that romance is in their future, or even a good idea with the responsibilities they both have, but they are drawn together nonetheless. And wooo boy but did I enjoy the coming together. Their journey is full of steamy moments, deep conversations, and connecting on a fundamental level.
I think the thing I appreciated most about this romance was the care given to sensitive topics such as addiction, divorce, fear, and grief. Each of the secondary characters adds important moments to the story. As much as I was rooting for the main characters, I was also rooting for the men from Little Timber to succeed.
WE NEED MORE GEN X ROMANCE BOOKS! Give me all the older protagonists with messy lives and lived experiences, and bodies that don’t quite work the way they did in their younger years. I want adult children butting into their budding romances and honest conversations about mistakes and traumas and how much hard work it takes to forgive yourself and trust others. Gimme, gimme, gimme.
Grade- B+
Content notes- frank talk about addiction and recovery, gaslighting, mentions of death of a parent, grief
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Solid contemporary romance. Paced just like a Hallmark movie- not really a bad thing. I loved that the characters were middle aged- it is so refreshing to have main characters who aren't 22. The two leads have pasts that affect their relationship, and that felt pretty real. The mother made me want to throw her off a cliff though :P Ultimately a really tidy ending and some stuff you kind of have to hand wave off- She didn't notice a snowboarding park being built on her property? They plan a benefit concert for a business? Outside? In Montana in the winter? Really? but as a low stakes comfort read it hits the spot.
Jen’s BookNook Review
Book: Come As You Are
Author: Jess K Hardy
First thought: Loved this one, it is a story of growth, redemption and triumph. Life doesn’t always turned out as planned, and this is a love story to the hard, messy and emotional side and shows its worth it to push through.
Ashley is divorced and is trying to run her families ski resort after her dad sudden death, but they are in the red and if things don’t turn around she’ll be forced to sell. She doesn’t have the luxury of taking chances or she could loose it all, but her mom who is the complete opposite proposes they use a local recovery house for their labor this season.
Madigan is an ex rockstar who is has been in recovery for over 20years, and he runs the recovery house. He’s made it his mission to help others have a space safe after they are released from prison. His group just lost their jobs, as the local mill closed but he’s hoping the family owned ski resort will take him and his men on this season.
Backed into a wall she has no choice and gives this group a chance, so the men move to the resort and train to be the staff for the winter season. Ashley and Madigan have insta chemistry but they both have a lot going on to make this work and it’s not worth the risk for romance or a fling.
This ski season is going to be one hell of a ride you don’t want to miss!
Potential Triggers: Death of parent, Divorce, Cheating, Addiction/Recovery:Sex, Drugs,Alcohol
Tropes you’ll find:
* Insta Chemistry
* Addiction/Recovery
* Forced Proximity
* Divorced FMC
* Ex Rockstar MMC
* Love Story to GenX
* Second Chance
* Winter Vibes
* Spicy
Book: Come As You Are
Author: Jess K Hardy
First thought: Loved this one, it is a story of growth, redemption and triumph. Life doesn’t always turned out as planned, and this is a love story to the hard, messy and emotional side and shows its worth it to push through.
Ashley is divorced and is trying to run her families ski resort after her dad sudden death, but they are in the red and if things don’t turn around she’ll be forced to sell. She doesn’t have the luxury of taking chances or she could loose it all, but her mom who is the complete opposite proposes they use a local recovery house for their labor this season.
Madigan is an ex rockstar who is has been in recovery for over 20years, and he runs the recovery house. He’s made it his mission to help others have a space safe after they are released from prison. His group just lost their jobs, as the local mill closed but he’s hoping the family owned ski resort will take him and his men on this season.
Backed into a wall she has no choice and gives this group a chance, so the men move to the resort and train to be the staff for the winter season. Ashley and Madigan have insta chemistry but they both have a lot going on to make this work and it’s not worth the risk for romance or a fling.
This ski season is going to be one hell of a ride you don’t want to miss!
Potential Triggers: Death of parent, Divorce, Cheating, Addiction/Recovery:Sex, Drugs,Alcohol
Tropes you’ll find:
* Insta Chemistry
* Addiction/Recovery
* Forced Proximity
* Divorced FMC
* Ex Rockstar MMC
* Love Story to GenX
* Second Chance
* Winter Vibes
* Spicy
Thank you to NetGalley and Pinkity Publishing for providing the ARC.
This book had a really interesting premise and I was happy to see Gen X get represented in a romance, since I feel that most romance books are about people in their late 20s-early 30s. It was refreshing to get a side of romance not often seen.
That said, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters, mostly due to their personalities. I thought Ashley was too uptight and when she did "let go" it wasn't believable. I thought Madigan was acting very naively for someone in his 50s. It just didn't sit well with me. Additionally there were some cringey dialogue choices that I really didn't jive with.
Overall, not a bad book, but also not my favorite.
This book had a really interesting premise and I was happy to see Gen X get represented in a romance, since I feel that most romance books are about people in their late 20s-early 30s. It was refreshing to get a side of romance not often seen.
That said, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters, mostly due to their personalities. I thought Ashley was too uptight and when she did "let go" it wasn't believable. I thought Madigan was acting very naively for someone in his 50s. It just didn't sit well with me. Additionally there were some cringey dialogue choices that I really didn't jive with.
Overall, not a bad book, but also not my favorite.