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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Come as You Are is a warm, soft contemporary romance set against a mountainous backdrop. Expect skiing and scheming, but also expect some of the challenging realities of life to go side-by-side with romantic ski lift moments and cozy cabin trysts. Ashley's taken over Bluebird Basin since her father died. The mountain is struggling to compete with the corporate monstrosity nearby, which just so happens to be run by her self-interested ex-husband. To make things worse, Ashley's mother is known for big ideas with little basis in practicality. Ashley is often left in the role of cleaning up her mother's messes, all while being accused of lacking vision and a sense of fun.
At the start of the book, Ashley's certain her mother's latest scheme is just another impulsive dream turned nightmare when Maude Alice proposes partnering with a local recovering addict program to cut costs on staffing. Ashley walks into the situation with many preconceived biases exacerbated by her desperate but controlled attempt to save the family mountain. Madigan, who runs the home and is an addict himself, wears down Ashley and convinces her to give his men a try. What follows is a fruitful partnership and the opportunity for a new relationship that neither Ashley nor Madigan thought to seek out amidst the many other things that keep life busy.
One thing I think the book does well, though I can't claim to be an ownvoices reviewer, is keeping the stories of addiction central to the book without depriving Madigan and his men of many happy moments right up to and including a happily ever after. While including elements of struggle and hardship with drug usage, the story is about a group who's currently on the other side of it, building up their lives into new, stronger shapes.
The romance is pleasant and fast-paced. The attraction is instant and feelings follow quickly. And while there's a final act breakup, it's not prolonged unnecessarily. I also appreciate having protagonists who are a bit older than are typical in the genre for the wealth of experiences they bring to the table and the encouragement that finding your match doesn't happen on a prescribed timeline. While I would have appreciated a bit more depth to the story and more romantic tension, this was an enjoyable reading experience. Thanks to Pinkity Publishing for my copy to read and review!
At the start of the book, Ashley's certain her mother's latest scheme is just another impulsive dream turned nightmare when Maude Alice proposes partnering with a local recovering addict program to cut costs on staffing. Ashley walks into the situation with many preconceived biases exacerbated by her desperate but controlled attempt to save the family mountain. Madigan, who runs the home and is an addict himself, wears down Ashley and convinces her to give his men a try. What follows is a fruitful partnership and the opportunity for a new relationship that neither Ashley nor Madigan thought to seek out amidst the many other things that keep life busy.
One thing I think the book does well, though I can't claim to be an ownvoices reviewer, is keeping the stories of addiction central to the book without depriving Madigan and his men of many happy moments right up to and including a happily ever after. While including elements of struggle and hardship with drug usage, the story is about a group who's currently on the other side of it, building up their lives into new, stronger shapes.
The romance is pleasant and fast-paced. The attraction is instant and feelings follow quickly. And while there's a final act breakup, it's not prolonged unnecessarily. I also appreciate having protagonists who are a bit older than are typical in the genre for the wealth of experiences they bring to the table and the encouragement that finding your match doesn't happen on a prescribed timeline. While I would have appreciated a bit more depth to the story and more romantic tension, this was an enjoyable reading experience. Thanks to Pinkity Publishing for my copy to read and review!
“You are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I’ve never felt like this with anyone before. I don’t understand how I even lived before I met you, like my world was in black and white until you showed me color, and now everything just…glows.”
•
•
Listen. This book has become my new personality. I want to reread this over and over and over again. It was so good, so sweet, so spicy, so honest, so warm and so cozy! I L.O.V.E.D. everything about it. And I must say, the COMMUNICATION in this was *chefs kiss.* It was perfection. Madigan and Ashley had struggles and there was a bit of 3rd act drama but it felt real and honest and not overdramatized just for the sake of having drama. These two characters KNOOOOW how to fucking talk and make up and be champions for each other. Ugh, so good.
This is classified as a "Gen X romance" and tbh I had no idea that was a thing but I really just want to books in that "genre" forever. I am obsessed with characters who have LIVED and have had lives and are wise and seasoned and know what they are doing. It is so damn refreshing in CR. Lucy Score is a really great example of writing older characters and I am adding Jess K Hardy to that list. Like people over the age of 35 have love stories too! Love doesn't just end when you turn 30.
There are so many loveable side characters (Maude Alice, Davis, Kev, Clay, Sam, Brian, Tex, Shannon, Mace, MURPHY THE DOG) and they all have individual stories that you are INVESTED in. Like, I was sobbing for Sam at the end. And I would beg on my hands and knees for a book about Kev and Davis. And was there a lil ~something~ between Clay and Maude Alice? Shannon and Tex? See what I'm talking about? Everyone was so amazing.
Ashley Cooke is 46. She owns and operates Bluebird, a local mom and pop ski resort. She is also a mom to a college student, divorced and constantly trying to dodge her dick ex husband, Chuck, who can't quite get the memo that him and Ashley are divorced and have been for 8 years. Bluebird is unfortunately failing. They are losing money year over year due to the "corporate" ski resorts with much fancier and newer amenities. Her ex also just happens to work for one who is constantly trying to buy her out. She is desperate to cut costs, save Bluebird and honor her Dad's legacy.
Maude Alice, Ashley's mom, presents Ashley with an idea - hire the men of Little Timber - a sober living home for men who are recovering addicts - to work at the resort for the season. Their labor is cheaper, and even though risk-averse Ashley is hesitant, she knows it's her only option.
Matthew Madigan is 53. He owns and operates Little Timber. He used to be the lead guitarist in a very popular grunge band in the 90's and he himself is a recovering addict who has been sober for 20+ years. When he learns about an opportunity to bring his guys to a local ski resort, Bluebird, for work over the winter, he jumps at the chance. He loves the work he does and he loves the guys he takes care of, but he doesn't let himself envision a future of anything but Little Timber - 100% devoted to that alone.
Ashley and Madigan can't stay away from each other but they're scared and timid - both of their lives have given them scars and ghosts - but they know there is something special between them that cannot be ignored. And over the course of the winter, not only do Madigan and Ashley fall in love - but Little Timber's men fall in love with Bluebird Basin, and Bluebird Basin falls in love with them right back.
•
•
Listen. This book has become my new personality. I want to reread this over and over and over again. It was so good, so sweet, so spicy, so honest, so warm and so cozy! I L.O.V.E.D. everything about it. And I must say, the COMMUNICATION in this was *chefs kiss.* It was perfection. Madigan and Ashley had struggles and there was a bit of 3rd act drama but it felt real and honest and not overdramatized just for the sake of having drama. These two characters KNOOOOW how to fucking talk and make up and be champions for each other. Ugh, so good.
This is classified as a "Gen X romance" and tbh I had no idea that was a thing but I really just want to books in that "genre" forever. I am obsessed with characters who have LIVED and have had lives and are wise and seasoned and know what they are doing. It is so damn refreshing in CR. Lucy Score is a really great example of writing older characters and I am adding Jess K Hardy to that list. Like people over the age of 35 have love stories too! Love doesn't just end when you turn 30.
There are so many loveable side characters (Maude Alice, Davis, Kev, Clay, Sam, Brian, Tex, Shannon, Mace, MURPHY THE DOG) and they all have individual stories that you are INVESTED in. Like, I was sobbing for Sam at the end. And I would beg on my hands and knees for a book about Kev and Davis. And was there a lil ~something~ between Clay and Maude Alice? Shannon and Tex? See what I'm talking about? Everyone was so amazing.
Ashley Cooke is 46. She owns and operates Bluebird, a local mom and pop ski resort. She is also a mom to a college student, divorced and constantly trying to dodge her dick ex husband, Chuck, who can't quite get the memo that him and Ashley are divorced and have been for 8 years. Bluebird is unfortunately failing. They are losing money year over year due to the "corporate" ski resorts with much fancier and newer amenities. Her ex also just happens to work for one who is constantly trying to buy her out. She is desperate to cut costs, save Bluebird and honor her Dad's legacy.
Maude Alice, Ashley's mom, presents Ashley with an idea - hire the men of Little Timber - a sober living home for men who are recovering addicts - to work at the resort for the season. Their labor is cheaper, and even though risk-averse Ashley is hesitant, she knows it's her only option.
Matthew Madigan is 53. He owns and operates Little Timber. He used to be the lead guitarist in a very popular grunge band in the 90's and he himself is a recovering addict who has been sober for 20+ years. When he learns about an opportunity to bring his guys to a local ski resort, Bluebird, for work over the winter, he jumps at the chance. He loves the work he does and he loves the guys he takes care of, but he doesn't let himself envision a future of anything but Little Timber - 100% devoted to that alone.
Ashley and Madigan can't stay away from each other but they're scared and timid - both of their lives have given them scars and ghosts - but they know there is something special between them that cannot be ignored. And over the course of the winter, not only do Madigan and Ashley fall in love - but Little Timber's men fall in love with Bluebird Basin, and Bluebird Basin falls in love with them right back.
Don't let the cute cover fool you or no, this story is so cute and so fluffy but still touch some "serious issues" like divorce, grief, addictions, but honestly it never felt like a burden but like something that could help the story to improve.
I really like the main characters. I rooted for them all the book.
I really like the main characters. I rooted for them all the book.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
(Arc)
This book had high potential - especially as its dubbed as a Gen X romance. However 'Come As You Are' fell flat on me. Multiple times I just went: yeah no I'm not into that.
It's clearly a personal taste thing but this novel was not for me.
This book had high potential - especially as its dubbed as a Gen X romance. However 'Come As You Are' fell flat on me. Multiple times I just went: yeah no I'm not into that.
It's clearly a personal taste thing but this novel was not for me.
I would like to thank Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Pinkity Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Come as you are was a refreshing romance read as it features Ashley, a 46 divorced snow resort owner, and Madigan, a 53 year old guitarist, recovering addict and owner of a recovering house for ex-cons and addicts.
The story includes heavy topics such as grief, substances abuse and the difficult reintegration of ex-cons in society. Despite the difficult topics, it is a heartwarming read as, in its essence, it is a story about forgiveness, acceptance and second chances in life.
Older couple’s romance books are a rarity. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it because love has no age, and romance books should not have too.
Bonus points for the 90’s playlist!
Come as you are was a refreshing romance read as it features Ashley, a 46 divorced snow resort owner, and Madigan, a 53 year old guitarist, recovering addict and owner of a recovering house for ex-cons and addicts.
The story includes heavy topics such as grief, substances abuse and the difficult reintegration of ex-cons in society. Despite the difficult topics, it is a heartwarming read as, in its essence, it is a story about forgiveness, acceptance and second chances in life.
Older couple’s romance books are a rarity. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it because love has no age, and romance books should not have too.
Bonus points for the 90’s playlist!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
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
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes