Come As You Are

I almost DNF'd this 😩. I did not like how it started and I struggled with the writing but I'm sooo glad I stuck through it. I picked it up not knowing what it was about but was told it had ‘older' characters (46 & 52). I loved that this book had good communication. If something was said or done there was a talk through it scene. I love that. The MMC (Madigan) seemed emotionally mature ❤️. The FMC (Ashley) struggled but was actively trying to be a better version of herself.

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!

I read this book as an ARC but after it was already out. I did really like it, I got extremely attached to all of the men in Little Timber. I wanted to know so much about their backstories and their futures outside of the sober living home. I loved Madigan so much, I loved hearing about his past and why he acted the way he did. I honestly would have read it without any romance if I could've learned more about the men. I did still LOVE AShley, Maude Alice & Davis. The romance was still amazing but I really connected with Madigan & the men with Little Timber. I hope we see more of these characters in future books because I am so attached to them. I think the ending was a little rushed for me but that's also because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters at all. I love love love this book. It's on KU and it will be a reread for me probably next winter.