Come As You Are ⛷️ by Jess K Hardy
thank you to @netgalley for this arc, here is my honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
My thoughts: As a single mom, I loved this. Ashley is 46, divorced and Madigon is 53, owner of sober living home. Ashley’s ex husband Chuck is persistently involving himself in her business and wants to buy her ski hill but she refuses to let go of the place her dad always fought so hard to save. She has her hands full and cannot be distracted by Madigon whose men are the workers she hired to cut costs to survive the season. Both have their hands full, so will they stop resisting each other and have a fling or will it become more?
This book snatched my attention up with the cover, I didn’t even read the blurb. I went in blind and am so happy I did. The characters were so easy to love, even in cold snowy weather, this just felt so cozy! I mean it got pretty heated in plenty of scenes but I didn’t mind 😌 Maud Alice, Ashley’s mother was such a character! She had me cracking up and I was hoping her and Clay could start something 👀 and Ashley’s daughter Davis needed a scene with the Kev, but I hope to read the second book soon. This book was so amazing and gave me all the warm feels. The plot was perfect and the plot twist took me off guard. I love how it ended, perfect with everyone getting what they deserve. I really took this as a sign that no matter where life takes you, no matter what your past is, true love and happiness is always worth fighting for. I definitely recommend!

I looooooovvvveed everything about this story!

The relationship that Madigan has with the Timber Creek men was inspiring. THe love that Ashley has for the mountain and her family is huge.

I can not even put into words the growth both Madigan and Ashley had through out this story. i NEEEDDDDDD more. Literally can not wait to read the second one!

Posted to Goodreads and Amazon

Loved it!!! It was great to read characters that were similar to my age. Romance is not just for the young!

Highly, highly, recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars!

Madigan and Ashley were upper cute together! I loved the setting and that they’re both older and more mature. Their storylines worked really well. If you’re looking for a lighter storyline (with some depth) and a lot of fun side characters, you’ll want to pick this one up!

If you want a winter hallmark love story with spice look no further. This is such a sweet, low angst romance that will have you kicking and giggling. I love that together they save the resort and both fit into each other like missing pieces to a puzzle.

A FANTASTIC read! I loved so much about this book. The characters, their age, the life struggles, the humor, the banter. It was such a great book.

This was my first by Jess K. Hardy and now I can’t wait to read the second.

Right from the start you know you’re going to love both Ashley and Matthew. Then we find out Matthew is from the PNW??? I should have known from the title.. but it definitely made me love him that much more.

I really thought this one was being hyped up when I read the reviews, but for sure it lived up to the hype!

One thing for sure, not only do you love the MCs, you’ll love the supporting characters as well.

A must read! Thanks so much NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC.

Thank You to Netgalley, author, and publisher for sending me a digital e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The cover is vivid, well-drawn, and accurately depicts the characters, scene, and tale. The map in the book is lovely and looks like a marketing map for a park or ski resort. The narrative contains elements of humor, realism, romance, sadness, and reflection, which made me laugh, smile, cry, and feel and reflect with the characters. The characters are all so relatable, charming, and well-developed that you feel as if you are right beside them, developing with them on their adventures. The plot was brilliantly written, well-developed, and had a few minor plot twists that added mystery and intrigue to the story, making it even more engaging. The writing was beautiful, realistic, and inventive, which made it easy to identify with the characters and immerse oneself in the plot and environment. The characters, events, and plot drew me in from the first page, and I wish I could have read it all in one night, but I couldn't.

The humor is well-done, and it serves to alleviate the stress and difficult periods in the book while helping readers laugh alongside the characters. There are so many relatable moments for various people, such as worrying about how one will pay their bills, feeling like life has taken you on a rollercoaster you did not agree to ride, grieving a parent, having a difficult time in life but doing your best to get back on track for yourself and loved ones. I appreciate how on the cover and in the book, it is mentioned that Madigan has fear and hope tattooed on his hands, which to me felt like a nod and warning to not let fear control you or overwhelm optimism for a brighter future. I adored and enjoyed Madigan's brother and parent-type banter, as well as his bond with the men from Little Timber. Their friendships were entertaining, witty, relatable, and admirable. Ashley's connection with her daughter Davis and mother, Maude Alice, was relatable and reminded me of my own with my mother. Murphy the dog, despite being a minor character, plays a crucial role as a lovable sidekick who sets things in motion while also serving as a loving fur companion. I liked how Ashley and Madigan's romance progressed; it was realistic, amusing, and impressive in how they supported each other's journey to conquer their challenges, anxieties, and strive for their goals. The romance becomes a little spicy, hence the mature rating, but it contributes to the plot and character development rather than detracting from it, which I really loved.

Come As You Are by Jess K. Hardy is a beautifully written and developed book about overcoming obstacles, finding one's way again, moving on from the past, and learning to live in the present, as well as learning that things and people are not all the same and that it is okay to learn, give, and receive love again. Recommended for readers looking for a beautiful, amusing, and touching contemporary romance with two older main characters, a cute dog, sibling-like banter amongst friends, and more. This is the first novel in Jess K. Hardy's Bluebird Basin series; however, both may be read as standalones. I've already bought a digital copy of both volumes in the series, Come As You Are and Lips Like Sugar. I look forward to reading Lips Like Sugar and additional Jess K. Hardy works in the future.

Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this advance reader's copy. I first heard about this book on a Fated Mates podcast episode, and it lives up to it's positive recommendation. Come as you are is a sweet, second-chance romance that had a plot I could totally relate to. Ashley and Madigan's paths cross later in life, at her family's strugging ski slope where Madigan has brought the halfway house he runs for a season. Ashley is flustered and shy, but they soon crack the ice and their story unfolds in a sweet way. This second chance romances is meaningful and touching. The couple runs into many obstacles, but their intense connection and attraction withstand the obstacles. Jess K Hardy writes and develops characters with honesty and in a refreshing way. Her subject matter stands out from other romantic plot lines. I highly recommend this book and the Bluebird Basin series overall!

5 stars

I feel like there aren’t enough romances for a slightly more mature age. But having the MCs in their 40s and 50s was such a joy and a wonderful change of pace in the genre. Both MCs have lived a lot of life and come to the table fully formed humans who have made mistakes, done crazy things, had long relationships, and carrying some huge baggage. Relationships aren’t about shedding that baggage but finding someone who is willing to take some of that weight when it gets too heavy. What a beautiful story between two healing souls trying to prove to themselves and each other that they are worth finding true happiness. And the conflict was something real and heavy (not just a dumb miscommunication). All around, a great and moving story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book!

I received an ARC of this book. Which I realized I had read before. I was not sorry to give it a second read. First off, as a Gen Xer, I love a couple over 45. That still have hot steamy time (yes they sure do). The story is set in a family run ski resort. Ashley is doing everything she can to save the mountain, while fending off her evil ex. And along comes Madigan. He is broken in his own way, but they fit. The book has strong 80s ski movie vibes (better off dead, anyone). But that just adds to the charm. I loved these characters. And the supporting characters have some lovely moments as well. Well worth a read. (Heck I am going to stop writing this and start reading the next one LOL)

There were so many charming elements to this novel! I loved that the protagonists were in their 40s/50s. I loved that a hysterectomy got described as sexy. I loved that Madigan cried all the time. Very charming.

46-year-old Ashley Cooke will do just about anything to save her struggling ski hill. When she hires the men from a local sober living home for the season to cut costs, even she thinks she’s gone too far.
However there's something about 53 year old Madigan.
Oh what a book it gave me all the feels and about a genx couple I mean this book was perfect in every way and Ashley and Madigan, the sparks, the tension all brilliant.
I love that this dealt with recovering addicts and how kind and sensitive people can be, giving them hope, support and a second chance. I felt that the author handled this with supreme empathy
I'm rushing to get the next in this series
Kerry Kennedy Author

Yes! It is SO REFRESHING to read a romance between a 46 and 53 year old with all the life experience, fears, and misgivings about starting a relationship, and with ALL the intimacy. I loved this book. The premise is so original and gave me all the feel good vibes. Ashley reluctantly hires men from a sober living facility to help work at her flailing Montana ski resort. She’s a mother, has an awful patronizing ex, and an oddball mother who is a bit flighty and impulsive. Ashley isn’t looking for romance, in fact it’s probably the last thing in her mind with her to-do list a million miles long. But when Matthew Madigan, a recovering addict himself and hot former lead guitarist for a famous band, moves in with his men to the ski lodge’s boarding house, it doesn’t take much to turn Ashley’s head.

I loved the playfulness between Madigan and Ashley and the thoughtfulness they gave each other. These are two people who have been out of the love game for quite awhile, but just because it’s been a minute, doesn’t mean they forget what it’s like to be attracted to someone. I honestly believed the chemistry between Madigan and Ashley and this for me always makes the sex scenes so much more emotionally charged. They felt like real people with real lives too. Imagine having a fight with someone and actually listening to the other person and making concessions to them because you care. Groundbreaking! Or maybe, this is just what two mature people do…No miscommunication trope here!

The setting for this book was the perfect mix of small-town romance and forced proximity. I cannot think of any other romance I’ve read set at a ski lodge and I loved the work ethic and trust that Ashley establishes with the sober-living men. Jess K. Hardy says she writes romance, aged up, and this is EXACTLY what this Xennial didn’t know she needed. It’s the perfect blend of great storytelling with a close knit cast of characters, steamy scenes that just made me want to pump my fist, and all the fun 90’s music references (The Lemonheads! How did I forget about Evan Dando?) a girl could want. Just because you aren’t a co-ed, doesn’t mean you can’t get it, and Madigan and Ashley deserve an HEA just like anyone else. You can believe I’ll definitely be picking up Hardy’s next book in the same universe. Big thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for my e-copy. All opinions are my own.

(Posted to IG today, Sunday June 23, 2024)

Wow! I had been looking for a romance story that included characters that weren't necessarily in their early twenties. Looked look no further and found this book and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to review it.

Ashley and her family run a skiing mountain and need extra help because they are low on funds. Matthew and his group of men aren't there likely workers, but when Ashley is desperate she decides that it's a good idea. Matthew is a recovering addict and his men are part of a group for ex-cons that have had addiction histories, looking for a second chance to get back on their feet. They start to work at the resort, finding jobs that they enjoy. Ashley starts to become invested in their lives and particularly enjoys the company of Matthew. As she starts spending more time with him, they get closer and start falling for each other. As the story goes on, Ashley's ex-husband tries to interfere with the relationship and her ski resort being successful.

This story is about second chances, not just from bad choices in life but for surviving rough relationships. Ashley wants her business to be successful, recovering from a horrible marriage and learning to love again. Matthew is years sober and wanting a partner in life, after sacrificing for the guys in his care. This book is so sweet, with spice in the all the right places! Great book for those liking older characters, second chances, and happy endings!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jess K. Hardy, and Victory editing group for allowing me to review this ARC!

Come As You Are is a romance between Ashley, the owner of a ski mountain in dire financial straits, and Madigan, a former addict who now runs a group home. I really liked the way all the men were portrayed and liked the it really emphasized that they are not bad people just because they made some bad life choices.

I loved that both the main characters are older! It was so refreshing to have middle aged characters in a romance.

I hope as the series continues we get to see more on Kev and Davis and also Clay and Maude Alice.

Thank you to NetGalley (and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op) for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Come As You Are was a unique romance novel not only in its focus being on slightly older protagonists but also in its plot. On the former this book made it apparent this trend should catch on as main characters in their 40’s and 50’s bring a more believable back story and set of circumstances that move the plot while also giving an added benefit of adult children who are ripe for a follow up and act as perfect foils. On the latter the setting was cozy and the tale of a mountain ski destination employing ex addicts and prisoners was really heartwarming.

I loved the story of Ashley and Madigan as well as the spice levels this book brought. Just generally a great book to lower the temperatures on a hot day or feel like a cozy getaway on a cold one. Highly recommended for fans of light romance - I will be getting the follow up which is already out there!

I was happily surprised to have a story revolve around two main characters closer to my own age! They've both overcome challenging obstacles and have come out on the better side. I devoured it almost immediately and can't wait to read the next book in the series.

This was a breath of fresh, mountain air - a sweet, heart-warming small-town romance with protagonists who have lived a little and have the baggage to show for it. That the main characters were older than your typical romance novel was really refreshing, and as someone who grew up in the 90s, the nods to that era and its grunge scene were pure nostalgia for me! I really appreciated how the author explored the way that, being older, the characters approached relationships differently - both the potential negatives, in terms of needing to navigate complex emotional baggage from their previous relationships and life in general, and also for the better, because they'd had experience in dealing with those things, and had the sort of self-awareness that gives you strength in your choices (and in recognising your mistakes and doing better).

I think this would appeal to a general romance audience, and particularly fans of the Gilmore Girls, as well as those who've enjoyed small-town romances from the likes of Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score. I'm definitely planning on reading the next book in the series, and look forward to more!

Hope and Fear
“Come As You Are” by Jess K. Hardy is perfect for readers who adore heartwarming, emotional, and inspiring stories about second chances, recovery, and the transformative power of love. Set against the snowy mountains, this novel features a swoon-worthy romance that will leave readers feeling hot, hopeful, and uplifted.

This novel is the first in Hardy’s ‘Bluebird Basin’ romance series, featuring protagonists who are refreshingly Generation X’ers. In “Come As You Are,” we follow Madigan, a former rock star and recovering addict, and Ashley, a grieving divorcée fighting to keep her business afloat. Both struggle with regrets, low self-esteem, and disbelief in their own value and worth as partners.

While the topics are certainly heavy, they are beautifully handled, creating space for great honesty and vulnerability in both the main and side characters. Some of my favorite parts were the interactions, openness, and support among the Little Timber men, Madigan’s sober living home for recovering addicts. These moments really make you root for them and almost steal the show from Madigan and Ashley.

4+⭐️

I recommend “Come As You Are” to readers who enjoy a romance between a more mature couple than is typically portrayed in the genre, in a story full of vulnerable men and strong women. Additionally, readers of Sarina Bowen, Devney Perry, and Rebecca Yarros’ ‘Madigan Mountain’ series will most likely also love this.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with this ARC.