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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book, provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First off, I have to say how refreshing it is to read a romance where the characters are my generation. GenX is so often overlooked on the whole, and to read characters who are more like me is so great.
Ashley is a mid-40s single mom, with an overbearing mother, a jerk of an ex and a ski resort in dire need of saving. It's no wonder she's grumpy. Enter early-50s, tatted-up, muscular, former 90s grunge rocker Madigan and the gaggle of guys staying in his sober living home. Utilizing those guys to work at the resort could be the best idea Ashley's mother has ever had - or will it be the worst?
As the days go by, Ashley feels herself drawn to Madigan in strange ways. The guys are hard workers, and everything is going smoothly. But Ashley's yucky ex keeps showing up and trying to ruin everything, her mom does something really really stupid, and something not so great happens with the guys. Can Ashley and Madigan hold it together?
I could not get enough of this book. I didn't want it to end. the chemistry between Ashley and Madigan was *fans self* Being older and more mature, they actually did talk to each other when stuff came up. They worked out issues with each other without letting things get too far out of hand. They may have second guessed themselves, but they honestly were upfront and honest with each other when it really mattered. The sexy times are spicy, and different than any others I've read before. Madigan knows his way around if you know what I mean haha! But he's sweet in all the right ways.
There were so many GenX references. Music, themes, and even an 80s movie villainy vibe off Ashley's ex. I didn't want this book to end. I just felt ... good while I was reading it. Like I felt kinda seen. That's the mark of a great book in my opinion, and I am a huge fan here. I hope we can get more books in this universe. I'd love to see any of the relationships hinted at here in these pages. I hope everyone will give this book a chance. You won't regret it if you read it!
First off, I have to say how refreshing it is to read a romance where the characters are my generation. GenX is so often overlooked on the whole, and to read characters who are more like me is so great.
Ashley is a mid-40s single mom, with an overbearing mother, a jerk of an ex and a ski resort in dire need of saving. It's no wonder she's grumpy. Enter early-50s, tatted-up, muscular, former 90s grunge rocker Madigan and the gaggle of guys staying in his sober living home. Utilizing those guys to work at the resort could be the best idea Ashley's mother has ever had - or will it be the worst?
As the days go by, Ashley feels herself drawn to Madigan in strange ways. The guys are hard workers, and everything is going smoothly. But Ashley's yucky ex keeps showing up and trying to ruin everything, her mom does something really really stupid, and something not so great happens with the guys. Can Ashley and Madigan hold it together?
I could not get enough of this book. I didn't want it to end. the chemistry between Ashley and Madigan was *fans self* Being older and more mature, they actually did talk to each other when stuff came up. They worked out issues with each other without letting things get too far out of hand. They may have second guessed themselves, but they honestly were upfront and honest with each other when it really mattered. The sexy times are spicy, and different than any others I've read before. Madigan knows his way around if you know what I mean haha! But he's sweet in all the right ways.
There were so many GenX references. Music, themes, and even an 80s movie villainy vibe off Ashley's ex. I didn't want this book to end. I just felt ... good while I was reading it. Like I felt kinda seen. That's the mark of a great book in my opinion, and I am a huge fan here. I hope we can get more books in this universe. I'd love to see any of the relationships hinted at here in these pages. I hope everyone will give this book a chance. You won't regret it if you read it!
funny
inspiring
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:
Complicated
I wanna start of by saying I LOVE to see a couple in their 40s/50s. Often we do have an older man, but just because of a large age gap, so seeing a heroine that is a bit more age appropriate is great. Madigan (the pirate) and Ashley are so sweet together and I loved seeing how both of them overcame their reservations when it came to relationships. Madigan has such a wonderfully supportive dad (and family), that encouraged him and shoved him in the right direction, when he kind of started questioning himself. I really felt for Ashley, not being able to lean on her mom the same way and kind of have to figure things out on her own and by talking through stuff with Madigan.
We've also got a great supporting cast, that I expect to see in later books as well as an adorable puppy trying to become a rescue dog. As a skier myself I really enjoyed the ski hill setting, the subtle snowboarder slander (sorry lol), and the last chair talks.
I do wish there had been a bit more of a resolution between Ashley and her mom. While her mom does apologize for one particular thing (no spoilers), I don't think she really understands the underlying issue between them, which is that she is inherently selfish and doesn't take Ashley's feelings or the reality of their situation into consideration.
The only thing that kind of bugged me though was the side story of Sam (one of the recovering addicts staying with Madigan) and his ex-wife Izzy. I really felt for Sam, but I don't think it was Ashley's or Madigan's place to get involved. Neither of them, but especially Ashley, know what kind of person he was while he was using and how he treated Izzy. Izzy herself says he left her completely alone with their child while she was struggling. I understand that addiction is a disease and Sam was using while all of this happened, but Izzy was not obligated to forgive him. It was well within her rights to say she understands he's sorry, but she doesn't want to forgive him or take him back. There really are things that can't be forgiven and it felt like by Ashley pushing Izzy to give Sam a chance, she was somewhat invalidating Izzys experience when Sam was using, just because Sam was suffering now from consequences. This didn't really affect my enjoyment of the book, but it also didn't really fit with Ashley's or Madigan's character.
Overall an absolutely lovely holiday/winter romance with fantastic characters and spice.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We've also got a great supporting cast, that I expect to see in later books as well as an adorable puppy trying to become a rescue dog. As a skier myself I really enjoyed the ski hill setting, the subtle snowboarder slander (sorry lol), and the last chair talks.
I do wish there had been a bit more of a resolution between Ashley and her mom. While her mom does apologize for one particular thing (no spoilers), I don't think she really understands the underlying issue between them, which is that she is inherently selfish and doesn't take Ashley's feelings or the reality of their situation into consideration.
The only thing that kind of bugged me though was the side story of Sam (one of the recovering addicts staying with Madigan) and his ex-wife Izzy. I really felt for Sam, but I don't think it was Ashley's or Madigan's place to get involved. Neither of them, but especially Ashley, know what kind of person he was while he was using and how he treated Izzy. Izzy herself says he left her completely alone with their child while she was struggling. I understand that addiction is a disease and Sam was using while all of this happened, but Izzy was not obligated to forgive him. It was well within her rights to say she understands he's sorry, but she doesn't want to forgive him or take him back. There really are things that can't be forgiven and it felt like by Ashley pushing Izzy to give Sam a chance, she was somewhat invalidating Izzys experience when Sam was using, just because Sam was suffering now from consequences. This didn't really affect my enjoyment of the book, but it also didn't really fit with Ashley's or Madigan's character.
Overall an absolutely lovely holiday/winter romance with fantastic characters and spice.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
omg, that was a wild ride, one I want to take again. This is a romance between, Ashley, a divorced woman, trying to keep her ski resort alive while juggling an errant mother and toxic ex. Madigan is the 'boss', the leader of a sober house, helping ex addicts back on their feet. he's working from experience having been a musician before drugs took hold. with money tight Ashley takes on Madigan's cohort and they fall, madly deeply in pure love. The romance between these two people who are in their mid forties and have given up on finding it, is so joyous to read. the spice is amazing, if you love romance books pick this up!
medium-paced
Ashley is working hard to keep the slopes open at the Bluebird. When her mother proposes they employ the men from the local sober-living facility, Ashley scoffs at the idea but relents when she realizes their labor is badly needed. Madigan, the operator of the facility, takes Ashley off-guard with his charm. But, like the men of the facility, Ashley and Madigan are deserving of a second chance, too.
I love some Gen X rep. The MCs are both over-40 with some baggage and trauma that have affected their relationships. Ashley is driven and dedicated but closed off from others. Madigan is a recovering addict following fame as a grunge rocker. He leads his men at the facility with compassion and a listening ear. I love both these MCs. Being over-40 myself, I realize how life can step in and affect how we approach life. It’s nice to show the world that our lives are rich and varied.
This book is like a hug. I definitely recommend picking this up when you’re in the mood for a Hallmark-style story with plenty of steam!
Special thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
I love some Gen X rep. The MCs are both over-40 with some baggage and trauma that have affected their relationships. Ashley is driven and dedicated but closed off from others. Madigan is a recovering addict following fame as a grunge rocker. He leads his men at the facility with compassion and a listening ear. I love both these MCs. Being over-40 myself, I realize how life can step in and affect how we approach life. It’s nice to show the world that our lives are rich and varied.
This book is like a hug. I definitely recommend picking this up when you’re in the mood for a Hallmark-style story with plenty of steam!
Special thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.