4.5 stars

What a fabulous read! The author duo of Avery Flynn and Tracy Wolff have created a fun, emotional, and sweet story.

Mallory is soon to be divorced from her cheating jerk of a husband. When her beloved great aunt dies, Mallory inherits her house and is determined to use it to start her life over. What she finds instead is a pile of HOA violation notices, repairs and other work that needs to be done, and a new neighbor she definitely doesn't want to be attracted to.

The story is told completely from Mallory's POV and she was a really relatable heroine. She is trying to find herself and what she wants after letting her ex boss her around. She struggles with her relationships both familial and romantic, but is determined not to make the same mistakes again. I loved her mix of humor, sass, and self awareness as she figures life out.

The romance and other plot points were nicely paced. There is a bit of slow burn leading up to Mallory exploring her romantic options, and it was hard to put the book down. I really hope that these two wonderful authors write more books together!

I LOVED this romantic comedy book!

This is the perfect quick vacation read! Avery Flynn and Tracey Wolff have created a fabulous mix of comedy and personal growth, along with some super steamy enemies to lovers! The witty banter in this book is on point, and helps keep the action moving.

The characters are phenomenal. Mallory is the perfect lead, broken and downtrodden when we first meet her, but still having that spark of bravery that leads her to tackle renovating her Great-Aunt's house after she is willed it. I think we can all relate to Mallory, at least a little, by having been in a relationship with someone who made us give more then we should have. I love how she slowly gains her confidence back, and her journey is entertaining and full of hope!

The male lead is the perfect counter to Mallory, neat and organized to her sporadic and messy life. I loved seeing them interact, and when they finally get together it's well worth the wait. The supporting character's are fabulous too, from Mallory's parents, to Sarah, and even great-aunt Maggie clearly made her mark in the story, though she's passed on.

This is a fun, warm, hilarious, and ultimately empowering romantic comedy, full of wine, vibrators, HOA's from hell, and lots of heart.

Thank you Entangled Teen for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.

**I received a copy of Back in the Burbs from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.**

Back in the Burbs by Avery Flynn and Tracy Wolff was an absolute joy to read and I wish I could give it more than five stars. Growing up my Auntie was exactly like Aunt Maggie maybe not extreme but her house had a path to the bedrooms and bathroom. When she passed we found quite a lot of magazines, newspaper clippings and we won't talk about what was in the tea pot...yep a petrified mouse. I loved Aunt Maggie's chest of surprises though that was hilarious!

Mallory Martin Bach in the midst of a divorce from her soon to be ex-cheating hubby, unemployed and needing to rebuild her life but her Aunt Maggie just passed away and left her house to her which includes several HOA violations. Her neighbor grumpy Nick with a cute dog and a lawn fetish but he also help Maggie out when she needed it but when Mallory decides to keep and clean out the house of all of its junk (I LOVED the name of the tins in the kitchen), he'll also step in when said Ex shows up plus offer her a job. Plus who wouldn't love a purple caddy named Jimi? When Nick is hired for a dollar and helping Mallory clean out the house I fell in love with this couple. There will be ups and downs with Mallory helping run Nick's law office plus meeting his family is very funny indeed. This book was fantastic and worth reading way into the wee hours of the morning because I just had to find out what happened on the next page.

I really hope that there's a book about Mal's new half sister Stacy and maybe Mikey?

I wasn’t sure about this book at first. Mallory was kind of a Debbie downer in the beginning. But oh did this book get better. It was super funny. But mostly, I loved Mallory’s character growth. The writing was stellar. The atmosphere was oh so fun! I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good reading time. Thank you to Entangled for allowing me to read and review this book!!

This book is a delight! Mallory is mid-divorce, jobless and just down on her luck when she learns that she has inherited her beloved Aunt Maggie's house in the suburbs. Which would be great if the yard wasn't a jungle, the porch falling apart, and a ton of HOA grievances that need handling. Plus, she had no idea that her aunt was a major hoarder and the home is filled to the brim with stuff. Nick is the straight-laced, sexy neighbor down the street who would be fantastic except for his pushing Mallory to fix those HOA violations ASAP.

I really enjoyed this book. Mallory and NIck have chemistry from the start. The banter is great. I laughed out loud many times reading this. I loved Nick and the way that he was quietly supportive the whole time even when he didn't seem as if he was. Mallory is so much fun. She is vulnerable and yet has so much spunk! You just can't help but cheer for her HEA as you get to know her.

Back in the Burbs is one of those fun, easy reads that is well-written and tough to put down. It just puts you in a good mood. I had not read a book from either author but you can bet they are on my radar now.

I finished this book this morning and I'm still reeling. I literally was crying then burst out laughing near the end of the book. That's the kind of story Back in the Burbs is. As they say, it has "all the feels".

Mallory is a mess. She's inherited a house that's an even bigger mess. Mallory's story is an age old retelling of the girl lets herself be the least important person in her own life. It's appalling to see how Mallory has let Karl run her down. He's taken over her whole life until she's almost ready to sign divorce papers leaving her destitute and homeless. She believes his crap about not deserving anything. One of my favorite tropes is watching a woman become a lioness and we see that with Mallory.

Nick, sigh, I want a Nick. He's big and sexy and yet so very kind and caring. He's befriended an old lady and kept an eye on her helping when needed, which is frequently. He's smart and funny. I just can't say enough about him. He quickly takes Mallory under his wing the way he had her great-aunt. He's helping her get her house in order, cleaned out and repaired. Like me, Mallory can't help but start falling for him.

While Mallory's growth and self-awakening isn't a unique tale, the means of getting there are endlessly entertaining. There were many literally laugh out loud moments. There was also lots of stress and intense moments. Wonderful characters fill Mallory's life. I wish I'd known Aunt Maggie even more. She's that great fun relative everyone needs at least one of. And Nick's mom? OMG, I want one of her too.

I can't recommend this book enough. I know everyone has different tastes but I just can't imagine anyone not loving this story.

Oh my gosh, I don’t think I can say enough about this book!!! Back in the Burbs by Avery Flynn and Tracy Wolff is everything you didn’t know you needed! It’s got humor, self-reflection, a hot guy, a hot guy that listens, did I mention a hot guy?! No, really when Mallory catches her husband in an uncompromising position with his paralegal, she decides to find herself again. At the reading of her Aunt Maggie’s will, she comes to find out she is the new owner of a run-down, old house that needs a lot of TLC. Little does she know that the neighbor across the street would be the knight in shining armor she doesn’t any any help from. Gah, I really could continuously gush about this book but I will just leave it at, you need to read this book!! Coming out March 30th!!!!

This was such a fun book! Mallory was such a relatable character. She was has been going along with what her parents wanted for her and then what her husband wanted for so long that she didn't know exactly who she truly was anymore. I so enjoyed watching her find herself. She was so open and comfortable with her flaws but she also found out what her true strengths are.

This is a funny and heartwarming story and I can't wait for it to come out so more people can read it! Thank you so much Entangled Publishing for giving me an early copy!

This book is freaking hilarious! As soon as I read that Mallory was having issues with the HOA, I knew I was going to love this book. And I did! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. I laughed, I connected with the characters, and I really want to be Victoria when I grow up.

Almost every family has that one aunt. You know the one, she's just the family weirdo. Well, when Mallory's eccentric Aunt Maggie passes away and gifts her house and all her belongings to Mallory, she feels like she's won the lottery. She's in the middle of a nasty divorce, living with her uptight parents, and struggling to find herself again. But then she gets to the house and realizes her work is cut out for her...

Not only is the house in serious disrepair, but her aunt was a total hoarder. And after finding a drawer full of nasty-grams from the HOA, Mallory is about to call it quits and sell. Then she meets the super hot, perma-grump neighbor and decides to stay just to stick it to him. How much worse can it get, right?

You will love Mallory and Nick!

Mallory left her husband after she found him with his assistant plus her Great Aunt Maggie died leaving her house in the suburbs. She thought it would be a better place to live even with all the HOA violations. Only it wasn’t so simple with a house in shambles and junk to clean out and a cute guy fixing up her house plus Nick Holloway who just happens to live across the street.

If you want a book that will make you laugh at someone’s mid-life disaster this is the book for you! I love to read Avery Flynn and Tracy Wolff so when I found out they had written a book together I had to read it because you will laugh and a few moments will make you want to drink along with Mallory and her friends when they have to deal with life in the suburbs.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is funny, sweet, sexy and filled with drama.

Mallory inherits her aunts very old house. However she is determination to get her life back on track after she finds her husband cheating on her. Starting with renovating the house. Nick, her new neighbour, doesn't offer his warmest welcome when she arrives in the suburbs.

This enemies to lovers is such a perfect read. I laughed so hard. I loved most of the characters. Mallory's parents were a work of art and not in a good way. In saying that I loved Mallorys development throughout the book, she became stronger in herself and stood up for her beliefs.

I really enjoyed this book and I want to thank the authors and entangled publishing for a copy of this earc in exchange for an honest review.

Back in the Burbs is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with some drama thrown in for good measure. The main character, Mallory, found her successful lawyer husband eating lunch in the downtown region of his paralegal and their impending divorce has stripped her of just about everything. She slinks back to her parents' in New Jersey and that's not the worst thing. Her favorite aunt, Maggie, passed away. The only silver-lining in this dumpster fire of Mallory's life is the house Maggie bequeathed to her. Until she gets to the house. The dumpster fire just increased in size and intensity. Determined to make a go of things, even without a job, or money, Mallory is convinced her life is going to change. She can take care of herself and doesn't need anyone - especially a man - to help her.

She clings to that sentiment as she wades through a massive number of HOA infractions, warnings, and threats (firmly cementing the fact that I could never live where an HOA exists). She clings to that sentiment after meeting her uptight neighbor with a thing for the rules. She clings to that sentiment until...well, she doesn't. It's a hard pill to swallow when she realizes that asking for help or having help offered is a whole lot different than being told what to do or having things done for you with purely selfish motives in mind. Her soon-to-be ex-husband did a number on Mallory over the past 10 years. The authors did a fantastic job describing a broken woman who did everything in her marriage to keep the peace, while the man (and I use that term loosely) continued to take advantage.

Mallory is great and I found her easy to relate to and completely likable. Mallory's inner monologues were brilliantly written, realistic, and snarky. Nick is equally great, and I loved how the authors developed him. The interactions between Mallory and Nick begin strained but evolve into something more. Both have baggage and I loved watching them explore and learn about each other. They have chemistry from the start, and I love how it was explored. The secondary characters, especially Sarah and Nick's parents, were amazing, as well.

In true Avery Flynn fashion, this book has so much snark and wit and I enjoyed every single minute. I love the co-writing of Avery Flynn and Tracy Wolff. Both authors top my favorites and must-read lists and together they created a masterpiece in the contemporary romance genre. The authors created a fun story with excellence characters who are full of life, personality, ambition, and emotion. They brought out the emotions of the characters in a way that the reader will run the gamut with them. The book is perfectly paced, written well, and the setting and world building expertly descripted and set up. I read this book in one day because once I started, I was hooked.

Back in the Burbs is a must-read contemporary romance full of heartbreak, laughs, love, and lots of HOA violations. Avery Flynn and Tracy Wolff knock it out of the park with this unputdownable read.

When I found out that two of my favorite authors were joining forces to write a book, I was ECSTATIC! I also knew that I needed to read it as soon as I could. So, when I got the opportunity to read an ARC I dove in. I was so captivated by the story of a woman, Mallory, who has lived a life where she has always put her husband first and had to pick up the pieces because of his cheating ways. Readers will see pretty quickly how strong and determined Mallory. She is so easy to like because she feels like she could be one of my best friends. So, when she is dealing with her horrible and douche of a husband and their divorce it is easy to root for Mallory.

Her life is not going as planned and things get worse when she learns that her Aunt Maggie has passed away. That was about the only person in her family that she felt like she could be open and honest with. Her aunt always looked out for her and still proved to be doing just that when she leaves her house to Mallory. This looks like the perfect opportunity for her to start over in Jersey.

Mallory is back in the burbs and knows it will be a challenge hearing about all the work that is needed to fix up the house along with the countless number of HOA violations. She is overwhelmed and her hot neighbor, Nick, isn't helping things. He keeps nagging her about repairs and mowing her lawn. To say that they don't get off on the right foot would be an understatement. But oh I just love an enemies to lovers trope.

I loved how their relationship changed so much throughout the book. In the beginning, they barely speak, and as time goes on and they get to know each other better you really see how perfect they could be together. Nick is a lawyer just like her ex and she does NOT want a repeat of that relationship. But Nick is a big ole softie. He is caring and will always help when he can. They both share their kind hearts and sense of humor and the authors showcase a beautiful relationship between the two. I think readers will fall in love with Nick and root for him and Mallory.

I give Back in the Burbs 5 stars. I could go on and on about this book because it was just everything you want in a romance. The plot was unique, the chemistry between Nick and Mallory is sizzling, their sexual tension could be cut with a knife, and there is the perfect amount of humor to keep you laughing over and over again. It is such a satisfying read that left me smiling, swooning, and laughing. I think this duo should definitely continue their partnership for a few more books because this one is sensational.

35 and nearly divorced, Mallory didn´t have much luck when her great-aunt Maggie died. However when at the will reading, Mallory finds out she is being given Maggie's house along with all the debt and HOA violations with it. But maybe its tell from Mallory to move to the suburbs.

Let me start this out by saying usually a book by two authors doesn´t always turn out the best however this was certainly not the case. This was a fun collaboration by two great authors who made an amazing book. I absolutely loved the fun writing and the romance was just as excellent as everything else both these authors have written.

I had high hopes going into Back in the Burbs and I have to say it didn't disappoint. There was nothing that I really found wrong with this novel. I was entertained all the way through with the incredibly funny way this was written. The romance was just excellent, nothing went too slow or too fast with just the perfect amount of spice.

Reading through Mallory finding herself again after her divorce was probably the best part of this book. She was done with men telling her what to do and even though it gave her problems with new romance, it was very empowering to read and makes her very relatable. And Nick. Gotta love a supportive boyfriend who somewhat understands that she needs to grow. (somewhat because of romance and all).

But like I said, this is a fantastic novel. If Tracey Wolff and Avery Flynn ever collaborate again, I will definitely be the first person in line to buy. I can't wait for March 30th for everyone to read it.
***Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for an arc of this amazing book.***

4.5 stars

Avery Flynn and Tracy Wolff knock the ball out of the park with their hilarious and heartfelt collaboration, ‘Back in the Burbs.’

Mallory Martin Bach (soon to be Martin once again) has reached the end of her rope. She’s in the throes of a nasty divorce with her cheating, gaslighting soon-to-be ex-husband who is actively trying to ensure that she leaves their ten-year marriage with nothing. She’s been kicked out of her home, is jobless, and worst of all, her favorite great-aunt just died. But when she’s bequeathed her aunt’s home in her will, Mallory takes it for the second chance that it is… multiple HOA violations and grumpy, hot, neighbors aside.

This book was an utter delight to read, and one I could envision easily adapted to film. Flynn and Wolff balance the delicate edge of angst and humor as Mallory’s story unfolds. Told entirely from Mallory’s POV, this story is all about her process of coming into herself and allowing herself to start over at the age of 35. It’s frustrating to be inside her head sometimes, but it allows the reader to really get an insight into how much deprogramming Mallory really has to undergo in order to heal.

Nick Holloway is a delightful, compelling hero, and while I would have loved to have been able to read chapters from his perspective, I think the narrative choice to keep it single POV was the right one. He’s not a caricature, nor is he a savior, and I love his humanness and his vulnerability. The slow burn of Mallory and Nick’s chemistry is delightful to read.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters that are introduced, and have some hope that perhaps Flynn and Wolff may revisit this universe in the future.

Overall, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this novel, and recommend it to anyone who loves a witty and sincere read. Be prepared to laugh some laughs and feel some feels!

An ARC was generously provided by Entangled and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I'll admit that when I first came across this book, I hesitated a bit. The last couple of rom-coms I've read haven't been that great, but the blurb intrigued me enough to give it a try. Now I'm glad I did. I absolutely loved this story! The characters were well-rounded and interesting and the connection between them was obvious. I enjoyed Nick and Mallory's banter, their candid conversations and the funny moments the authors sprinkled throughout. But what really stood out for me in this story was how well the characters were developed and the range of emotions brought to the page. As the story progressed, the reader got to experience every facet of Mallery's growth, from a woman unsure of herself and her future to a confident professional who recognized her abilities and her own worth. And I loved that Nick recognize that in her too.

Avery Flynn and Tracy Wolff did an amazing job in bringing forth a realistic romance with flawed characters who eventually heal from their past through hard labor, old music albums and a little wine.

All in all, a fantastic read about a pair of individuals trying their hand at a new start and where humor, banter and the connection between the characters took center stage.

I seriously need a good laugh, and Back in the Burbs provided all the laugh attacks I needed this past week. I love Mallory, our main character because she's a hot mess who doesn't yet realize her own worth. Her journey takes a wild detour when in the middle of divorce proceedings from her cheating ex, she winds up inheriting her Great Aunt's Maggie's house.

Having to bulldoze through her Aunt's clutter and collections is quite the challenge, but doesn't compare to getting the multiple Home Owner Association's violations. Cutting grass doesn't seem to be a major task until Mallory manages to do it in such an epic way, I am still laughing over the scene she created!

Characters to love (Mallory and Nick) and hate (Mallory's jerky soon to be ex who really is evil) combine with plenty of opportunities to laugh in this rom-com that has me smiling. Who wouldn't want to read a book that has you laughing your head off out loud? What has me sad? The fact that Maggie is someone I want for my very own Great Aunt and I can't have her!!

Authors Avery Flynn and Tracy Wolf have just the right amount of magic in Back in the Burbs. Magic, you ask? Yes, magic! Chemistry, spice, and comedy combined with interesting and realistic characters (Mallory's parents, her new friend Sarah...).... I am taking all the liberties here by calling that magic! We all know that the authors that have it are rare and should be praised from the mountaintops when they nail a really good novel! This is the case with Back in the Burbs...perfect magic!

Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing for this temporary review copy for me to read and enjoy. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own!

Oh Dear - Mallory just can't escape lawyers, can she?!?! Daughter of a lawyer, soon to be ex of a slimebag lawyer and now the hottie neighbour from hell is also a lawyer!

Mallory is striking out on her own. When she inherits beloved great-aunts home, she also inherits a pile of HOA violations. But money is tight and her skills are, well, more suited for an office than DIY. But she soon finds that between old school friends, mates rates with a hunky builder and the weirdly helpful neighbour/lawyer/HOA member. Mallory may have bitten off more than she can chew!

Nick is a fab lead. You routinely swing from loving him to wanting to hit him (whilst still loving him LOL). He just lives for his rules. But when he breaks more than a few of them with Mallory, well, let's just say that this lawyer could look at my briefs any time! He does have a wonderful backstory and his parents are a riot. Mallory is a great balance of slighted wife, a hidden female warrior and office mage. She can organise anything and has a knack with clients.

Was totally absorbed from the start and read in one go. The "Mr President" thing just tickled me and I kept snorting even after I finished the book. Warm-hearted & funny, sweet without being slushy.

This book was wonderful. I absolutely adored it and couldn't put it down. I could relate to Mallory and the struggles she was going through. I love the humor mixed with the seriousness of what all the characters are going through. Wonderfully written and utterly enjoyable.

So the first 10 chapters I was thinking this would be one that I did not finish. It was a bit of a pity party which basically the antithesis of my personality; however, by chapter 12(ish) I was hooked. I seriously stayed up until 2am finishing it because I did not want to put it down. Mallory still drove me a bit mad toward the end but oh my goodness did I love this book. From the romance to the humor that had me seriously laughing out loud (and getting side eye from my husband), I am so glad I kept going. And my goodness do I need more of Nick's mom.

Romantic comedy fans (especially if you have ever dealt with an HOA) will really enjoy this one.

I'm also excited to dive into both these authors backlist.

Full review will be live on www.readandwander.com within a week of publication.