A review by fantasticallyfabled
Come As You Are by Jess K. Hardy

emotional funny 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

4.5

Were you a 90s alternative kid? Do you like small-town feels, 90s grunge, flannel, a good mixed tape, one hell of an epic love story, and adorable St. Bernard puppies? How about a sexy 53-year-old guitar player with tattoos or a badass 46-year-old divorcee who owns a ski resort? No? Well then, we can't be friends.

 

An ex-rockstar and recovering addict—who now runs a sober living home—helps a divorced, single mom save her beloved ski resort from being bought by her asshole ex-husband. 

 

That simple synopsis does NOT do this book justice. Because Jess Hardy created a relationship masterpiece with Ashley and Madigan, and Bluebird Basin is such a quaint, dreamy little mountain—I want to go to there. Come As You Are has everything I want in a book. The main characters have real-world, relatable problems/baggage but grow throughout the story. Their relationship is healthy, supportive, and honest. The side characters all have fantastic personalities (that make me want to read their stories), and the plot is believable enough to keep me entertained—and steamy scenes. Don’t forget about those.

 

If you want a feel-good story with positive messages about everything from addiction to loving your body as it ages, do yourself a favor and pick this book up. I promise you won’t regret it.