Holy Moly! Come As You Are is freaking amazing. It is a must read for any rom-com fan.

Get ready for some major gushing on my part. I cannot believe how much I loved this book. I immediately re-read this book because I loved it so much. Come As You Are is a great rom-com for book lovers who are looking for a romance with characters that are a bit older. Ashley is in her 40's, and Madigan is in his 50's. I adored and enjoyed the fact that the two main characters were older. It doesn't exist in the romance world too often, and I am not sure why. Having characters that are a bit older means that they have plenty of great and not-so-great life experiences, which gives them so much more depth and makes them interesting. I loved this story; it has it all humour, spice, romance, relationship and family drama, and an adorable dog. Everything works so well together, and the end product is this entertaining, emotional and steamy love story that you won't forget.

For readers who are looking for a wintery read but don't want a book full of holiday hoopla, then this is the book for you. This story is set in a ski resort, and you feel like you are being transported to this wintery wonderland. I wanted to pack my bags and visit this place. I loved the scenes where Jess taught all the guys how to ski. It was hilarious and something I could relate to. I have no sense of balance and cannot ski to save my life. So I got why the guys constantly fell on their asses while learning to ski.

All the characters in this book are fabulous! I found myself invested in all of their stories and wanted to learn everything I could about them. Hell, I even like Chuck (Jess's asshole of an ex-husband). He was a man you loved to hate and really the perfect "bad guy" for this story. Jess's mom was a flighty delight and ensured that this story was never dull. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Jess and her mom. They are polar opposites, and this creates a lot of conflict between the two of them. It was wonderful watching as these two tried to navigate their relationship.

Jess did a great job at addressing the topics of alcoholism and substance abuse, the recovery progress when trying to overcome these addictions and the reintegration into society of people on parole. There are tough topics to discuss and even tougher topics to integrate into a rom-com. I could tell that Jess researched these issues and put a lot of thought into how she was going to include them in her story. Madigan and his men were never shown in a negative light in this book. As a reader, I felt a tremendous amount of compassion for them. Their recovery journey is not easy; there are plenty of ups and downs, but I was rooting for them the entire book. Jess addressed plenty of common stereotypes often associated with addictions and made sure to portray these men as humans. They are good guys in this book; they are just going through a rough life patch and deserve compassion and forgiveness. Their stories will touch your heart.

Jess and Madigan are one of my favourite all-time rom-com couples! These two are perfect for each other. That is not to say that their relationship was smooth sailing because it definitely wasn't. These two had to overcome many bumps and hurdles in this book before they could get their happily ever after. They both have complicated backstories. Madigan is a former addict and has dedicated his life to helping others overcome their addictions. He is afraid of pursuing a romantic relationship with anyone, especially Jess, because of his past and this fear that a romantic partner would judge him for it. Jess was in a very toxic marriage for many years. Chuck did a number on her self-confidence, which made her terrified to open her heart to another guy. It doesn't help that the ski lodge is under major financial stress, which makes her feel like even more of a failure and the fact that Chuck keeps on popping up in her life trying to mess with her head only complicates the matter more. As you can see, Jess and Madigan bring a lot of emotional baggage to this relationship, which creates many problems. What I like about them is that neither tries to swing in and rescue the other person. Instead, they help each other by being there and listening and being that calm, supportive and understanding presence they need in their lives.

On the more fun and swoony side of things, Madigan really knows how to turn on that charm. When he sets out to sweep Jess off her feet, it creates moments that are sweet and spicy. The dialogue between these two is smart and witty, and you can see the sparks flying when these two are together. The spice in this book is on fire, and there is plenty of it.

Come As You Are is a swoontastic rom-com that will warm you up on chilly winter's night.

Thank you, Pinkity Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

**Thankyou for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!**

This book was absolutely amazing! I loved it! It had everything that is needed for me, for a 5 star read! I loved the two main characters and their relationship! It was definitely a slow burn, but once it was on .. it was on. I personally enjoyed all of the characters and their development over time. There were a couple moments that caught me in the feels too, not just a basic rom com. I really enjoyed the realness behind this novel and how nothing is black and white.

I haven't read many Gen X romance novels, but this one definitely makes me want to give more a shot!

Will definitely be buying a hard copy of this one and adding it to my library!

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.
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.

This was everything I wanted in a ski resort romance novel. The characters were lovable, sexy and realistic.

It was so refreshing to see these characters facing problems that don't get a lot of attention within fiction. We especially don't see a lot of Gen X romances which was another plus for me.

There are still scenes in this novel that I'm still thinking about. You know the one I'm talking about ;)

This isn't your usual rom-com, but it is a sincerely adorable book. I love the main characters and was drawn into the story

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

My mind was charmed and my heart was warmed by this book. Both characters were past the “prime” of their lives already and struggled with their own problems respectively. Then they met and the fire that lit was there and stayed there. I loved how each character went through so much growth from before and each learned to face their fears, because of them helping each other and supporting each other. The romance was sweet as ice cream and I totally loved reading this! (I literally binge read it instead of sleeping and watching the NFL Thanksgiving game.)

This was absolutely adorable!

I am not normally a "romcom" type of girl (I'm not even sure if that is what it's labled as, however this cover immediatly caught my attention! IT is so so cute..... and I'll also say I wasn't even sure what "Gen X Romance" was. But whatever this glorious masterpiece is- I'll take it and can't wait for another.

This was a story of two believable characters, that I immediatly fell in love with, and it was such a refreshing breath of air.

If you find this cover adorable read this, if you want a great little romance read this. If you just can't figure out what to read- read this.

This was a really cute book and had a lot of potential. Sometimes I thought it dragged but other than that I really loved it. Can't wait for the second book.

*Also, this cover is SOOOOOOO good!!!!*

4.5
this was such a beautiful book. the way it handled addiction and recovery of addicts, it was done in such a way that was sweet and true??

dont even get me started on the ACCURATE portrayal of mother daughter relationships. like it was so fucking real??? bc as a desi girl, I've always seen yt mother daughter relationships that are always either the most loving and supporting or the most abusive deadbeat! it's never the middle.

like i hate my mother bc anything i do is never enough for her, but i love her bc she's the most haunted person I've ever known. i hate her bc sometimes i see myself in her, but i love her bc she brings me fruits.
(lol okay enough trauma dumping)

this brings me to the next relationship i loved; ashley and matthew . they were so CUTE together. literally teenagers in love 😭😭 im like "sir you are FIFTY "💀
anyways i also appreciated the author made the mmc vulnerable and in touch with his emotions. I've had enough of the grunting emotionally unavailable alpha holes 👍
Now, i would just say ONE thing about ashley; SHE'S JUST LIKE ME FR

I've never related to a character more. she was angry and cold and sometimes mean, but she's mother so it's okayy ig.

the plot and story were adorable but what was even more adorable were the rest of the members of Little Timber

ps. murphy deserves a special mention.

i definitely definitely recommend this book<3


ARC received from Netgalley and author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Cute and Fun! Definitely a book I'd recommend again and consider reading again to. I also enjoyed the fact it brought to light what it's like living with a recovering addict and the struggles they go through.

This book had it all. Romance, struggles and along with being sweet mixed in. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Go read it today.

As a new adult reader, I rarely reading book with more adult/age group older than me, but this book has been a surprise! Both MCs are adults with their own faults and bearing their past trauma but when they together it feels like they're become teenagers in love again that's very sweet and cute! And as mature person, I really like the way they're so dedicated to their own lifeline, Ashley for managing her family ski resorts and Madigan for handling his shelter for the recovering addicts.

I'm in love with the ski resort settings, holiday season yet showing more perspective from the working side and The Little Timber guys! I'm totally in love with their brotherhood and fighting spirit to be a better clean man.
The more we get into the story, the more adorable they are. This book has already got me with the ski lessons things and how we gradually getting to know the guys a little bit better. I'm totally digging for more side story of Sam-Izzy, Kevin-Davis, and Maude Alice-Clay!

This has been a pleasant read for me! Still feels flustered with the confession and steamy scenes too.

P. S: as someone who's obsessed with band from 60s - 90s, I could totally imagine how hot Madigan is.. thanks for including more of his back story and rekindling moments with the music industry!

Rate: 4.5/5.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity of reading the e-ARC of this book!

I loved seeing a slightly older couple at the forefront of this story, so much of the romance novels out there are focused on couples in their twenties and it was such a breath of fresh air to read about a couple starting over and second chances later in life. It really drove home the message that it's never too late. The book tactfully dealt with heavier topics such as addiction and grief while also balancing cozy, sexy, and sweet moments. The perfect winter read!

I loved this Gen X romance. Mix tape memories! Come as you are by Jess K Hardy is perfect read for Gen Xers!

I love romance/chicklit/women's fiction books, but for the most part they feature 20-30 year old main characters, which is great - I was that age too once, but I'm not now.

Our two leads, Ashley and Madigan are in their 40s and 50s, they've been through a lot between them and so their hesitation in pursuing a new relationship and the internal monologue that we're privy to is familiar. Overthinking, reading too much into things but also in a very realistic way a misunderstanding about one side of an overheard phone conversation was resolved quickly with a quick chat and clarification, I was so glad it didn't become a plot point that lasted a few chapters!

The description of the characters was great, I could imagine them all and with a lot of the 80s references, Chuck, in my mind, was definitely a jock that I'd seen in many John Hughes and similar movies. And Madigan...super hot I imagine!

The book had a couple of spicy parts that were quite realistic in terms of writing used around them, no random similes that take you out of the moment!

To begin with I did think the time frame of the book happened quite quickly, but then I remembered that I met my husband, he moved in within a week and we were married within a year so it was great to have this when you know you know feeling with Ashley and Madigan.

I also really enjoyed the Spotify link that had some amazing music in it.

Finally I really hope this book is the start of a series, whether about the same characters, some of the side characters, or other couples within the Gen X age group.

It's been said that GenX'ers just want to be left alone and, this is mostly accurate, but oh how fun it was to read a story centered around fellow members of the Oregon Trail generation. And! I'm a sucker for a winter story that doesn't revolve around Christmas.

The characters are nuanced, likable, and dynamic. The antagonist is an amalgamation every douchey f**k boy ever (like that guy in high school you had a crush on until he opened his mouth) and his comeuppance is delightfully satisfying.

I loved the concept on this one. I'm a sucker for second chance redemption tropes... add in the mix tapes and I was all for this!

Definitely an enjoyable and relatable read. Very well written and it flowed nicely. Would I read it again? Probably not but it was a sweet read to curl up with.

Thank you NetGalley and Jess K Hardy for this ARC.

This was the first book I've read from the author and it didn't disappoint!

I loved this book!! You can never be wrong about a small town romance! It's a perfect second chance romance and the chemistry between the main characters, Ashley and Madigan, was great! It was nice to see Ashley learn how to trust someone again. It was also interesting to read about more older protagonists than what I'm used to. In addition, I would really like to read more about the secondary characters, they could have their own book for sure.

Overall, this one was a great choice and I would definitely recommend it!

4/5
All in all this is a cute fun read. Honestly you really didn't need to include the Gen X romance in the title once you realize that the characters are in their 40/50s you can figure it out for yourself. This book had a hallmark movie vibe too it which i really enjoyed.

Single mom Ashley is struggling to run her fathers sky resort along with dealing with her ex-husband who is trying to take it away from her. In comes Madigan who is an ex-rockstar/addict who runs a sober living home who wants to bring his men to the resort to work for cheap.

I loved reading about how Ashley learns to trust these men, especially Madigan. Finally there is a book where the main characters actually know how to communicate with each other!!! They both were wonderful to read about and I hope that there are other books so we can learn more about the secondary characters.

I found it refreshing that addiction wasn't look down at and Jess K. Hardy did a wonderful job showing what these men were going through with out trashing them for a disease they are suffering from.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of Come as You Are in return for my honest review.

A second chance redemption story, Come As You Are follows Ashley and Madigan. An insta love story that is full of spice but with heart as well. The characters are likeable and the story is entertaining.

This book is a breath of fresh air. Older protagonists who have lived lives and were not looking for anything, should it disrupt the careful constructed order they've created around them. But love is stronger than all and they find each other in the most beautiful ways. The nuance and care the author takes with the characterization of not only the main characters, but the people around them is so beautiful. Difficult topics (addiction, divorce, familial relationship, grief) are handle most carefully.
I adored everything about this book.