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Bed and Breakup by Susie Dumond
3.0

3.5 ⭐️

Bed and Breakup delivers a cozy, rom-com setup: two exes, one crumbling bed-and-breakfast, and a whole lot of unresolved tension. Set in the charming, queer-friendly town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas (think Stars Hollow with more rainbow flags), this sapphic second-chance romance reunites Molly, a rising stained glass artist, and Robin, a down-on-her-luck celebrity chef, seven years after their divorce. They’re both back to claim the Hummingbird Inn, and neither plans to leave.

What follows is forced cohabitation, chaotic renovation plans, and a flurry of pranks that toe the line between petty and painful. The town is buzzing with excitement to see them back, cheering them on like they’re the hometown team in a romantic Super Bowl. The chemistry is complicated. The history is murky. The unresolved feelings are very much still simmering.

There’s a lot to love here:
⭐️ The quirky small-town charm and community are standout features, full of heart and humor
⭐️ The side characters, especially Keyana and Jesse, bring warmth and depth
⭐️ The inn renovation scenes are rich with atmosphere and give a great sense of place
⭐️ The second-chance romance premise, with a sapphic twist, is refreshing and full of potential

That said, some readers may find it hard to fully root for Robin and Molly’s reunion. Their dynamic often reads more combative than romantic, with mean-spirited pranks and lingering bitterness making the relationship feel a bit toxic at times. There’s also a lack of clarity around why they broke up to begin with, particularly Robin’s abrupt departure, which leaves some emotional threads unresolved. For a romance centered around healing and reconnection, that missing piece stands out.

Still, the story offers sweet and steamy moments, a satisfying (if slightly rushed) emotional resolution, and a final act that pushes both characters to grow and confront their patterns. Fans of cozy, character-driven romances with strong small-town vibes and a touch of chaos will find plenty to enjoy, especially on audio where the dual narration helps keep Robin and Molly’s voices distinct.

In the end, Bed and Breakup may not reinvent the second-chance romance wheel, but it spins it with heart, humor, and a whole lot of queer joy.