A review by megatza
Back in the Burbs by Tracy Wolff, Avery Flynn

emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Mallory Martin Bach, soon to be just Martin again, is jobless, nearly broke, and living in her childhood bedroom again after leaving her cheating and emotionally abusive soon-to-be ex-husband. Her favorite relative, Great Aunt Maggie, has recently passed away, leaving her New Jersey suburban house to Mallory…along with all of its baggage. The house is falling apart and has so many third warnings from the HOA that Mallory’s parents suggest she sell it. But Mallory is trying to prove herself and create a new life after leaving her ex, and she is determined to make this house her own. It doesn’t hurt that she lives across the street from a ridiculously handsome neighbor, even if he is on the HOA board and they are at each other’s throats from the get-go.

What a fun read this one was! However, if emotional abuse triggers you, *do not* read this one. The ex-husband is manipulative slime and Mallory’s parents keep trying to convince her to make the marriage work. Mallory is a very smart woman, but she needs distance from her ex and her family to recognize that she’s been used as a doormat for much of her life leading to unhappiness in her marriage and her life. You know I love a good enemies to lovers read - and this one has all the highlights of a very realistic evolution of the relationship. I also really enjoyed reading about some of the things found in Great Aunt Maggie’s hoarding collections. 
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