DNFed - I chose to DNF this book in the past. I am typing as a review so it doesn't harm my %. I haven't chose to pick the title back up.

I loved how inclusive this one was! I liked the writing and how it felt very original with giving voice to "older" characters in romance.

This was fun! I liked that it was a romantic comedy starring older (fourties-fifties) protagonists and would love to see more of that.

I LOVED THIS so much! I generally tend to avoid any books that aren't focused on my age demographic but I took a chance with this one and MAN it paid off! I absolutely loved how raw and emotional the story and characters were. I cannot wait to read the next one!

I just finished 'Come As You Are' by Jess K. Hardy, and let me tell you, it's a total gem of a book!

First things first, the characters? Loveable. Hardy has a way of bringing them to life with all their quirks and flaws, making them feel like old friends you can't help but root for. And the chemistry between the leads? Off the charts! You'll be swooning from the very first page.

Now, let's talk about the setting. Hardy vividly describes the small town where the story takes place; you'll feel right there alongside the characters, soaking in all the charm and warmth.

But what sets this book apart is its heart. Hardy is fearless in tackling tough topics like identity, self-acceptance, and finding your place in the world. It adds a layer of depth to the story that'll have you laughing one minute and tearing up the next.

And the romance? Oh boy, get ready for some serious feels. From tender moments to steamy encounters, Hardy knows how to tug at your heartstrings in all the right ways.


Overall, 'Come As You Are' is a heartwarming, feel-good read that'll leave you with a smile and warmth. So grab a copy, curl up in your favourite spot, and get ready to fall in love with this beautiful story!

Come as You Are is a warm, soft contemporary romance set against a mountainous backdrop. Expect skiing and scheming, but also expect some of the challenging realities of life to go side-by-side with romantic ski lift moments and cozy cabin trysts. Ashley's taken over Bluebird Basin since her father died. The mountain is struggling to compete with the corporate monstrosity nearby, which just so happens to be run by her self-interested ex-husband. To make things worse, Ashley's mother is known for big ideas with little basis in practicality. Ashley is often left in the role of cleaning up her mother's messes, all while being accused of lacking vision and a sense of fun.

At the start of the book, Ashley's certain her mother's latest scheme is just another impulsive dream turned nightmare when Maude Alice proposes partnering with a local recovering addict program to cut costs on staffing. Ashley walks into the situation with many preconceived biases exacerbated by her desperate but controlled attempt to save the family mountain. Madigan, who runs the home and is an addict himself, wears down Ashley and convinces her to give his men a try. What follows is a fruitful partnership and the opportunity for a new relationship that neither Ashley nor Madigan thought to seek out amidst the many other things that keep life busy.

One thing I think the book does well, though I can't claim to be an ownvoices reviewer, is keeping the stories of addiction central to the book without depriving Madigan and his men of many happy moments right up to and including a happily ever after. While including elements of struggle and hardship with drug usage, the story is about a group who's currently on the other side of it, building up their lives into new, stronger shapes.

The romance is pleasant and fast-paced. The attraction is instant and feelings follow quickly. And while there's a final act breakup, it's not prolonged unnecessarily. I also appreciate having protagonists who are a bit older than are typical in the genre for the wealth of experiences they bring to the table and the encouragement that finding your match doesn't happen on a prescribed timeline. While I would have appreciated a bit more depth to the story and more romantic tension, this was an enjoyable reading experience. Thanks to Pinkity Publishing for my copy to read and review!

Had some unique elements to the story. Stands out from other romance books. Particularly for the Gen X folk.

I just couldn't get into the story, unfortunately. I think with some tweaking this book could be better. But as it stands I found it a bit lacking but still somewhat enjoyable.

Even though this was on my currently reading shelf for way longer than I care to admit, I really ended up enjoying this.

It definitely started slow for me, but by 50% I was hooked and really cared for these characters. This is very unique as far as plot: the characters are late 40s and early 50s, and the hero runs a sober living home. But it was still very hot and these two felt meant to be.

I really loved Madigan and how much he cared for the guys and everyone around him. You could tell that he had been shaped by his life experiences and he was honestly so refreshing for a hero. I appreciated how the story dealt with real conflicts and it was nice to see mature characters that actually communicate when there is a conflict. For example there was a scene with an overheard conversation that easily could have been miscommunication for a huge chunk of the book, but was resolved almost instantly.

I recommend this if you're interested in a unique romance, with older characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoy reading characters who are a little older than their 20s, as they often seem to have the same worries and responsibilities as I do. Ashley and Madigan definitely fit this description. I enjoyed reading about their struggles and worries.

Reading about Madigan's recovery from addiction was also an interesting topic. It was incredibly emotional, and I had huge respect for him as a character.

I would love to see a future book about Ashley's daughter, and I will definitely read more from this series in future.

Come As You Are by Jess K Hardy was lovely book refreshingly featuring an older female protagonist. Ashley Cooke is struggling to keep her family business afloat while battling the ex-husband who is working for a competing company that wants to buy the business from her. Her mother's interference brings a group of recovering addicts looking for work in the outdoors. Ashley eventually embraces the group and falls for their facilitator. I look forward to reading more in this series!

3.5 stars overall rounded up.

Ashley Cooke is a divorced mother who runs her family's rapidly failing ski hill. Her mother, in an attempt to help cut costs, hires men from Little Timber, a local sober living home, to work for the winter. It's good for the men to get outdoors, do meaningful work, learn new skills and stay away from temptation. It's good for Bluebird mountain because Ashley needs the help. Ashley isn't prepared for Matthew Madigan, the owner and director of Little Timber, and his open, honest, forthright way of working.

I liked the characters, and the way the author dealt with addicts in recovery and their very real desire to get their lives on track. I did like the fact that Madigan was in his early 50's and Ashley in her mid-forties. The things they worried about, their dates and conversations were definitely reflective of an older couple trying to find a way into a relationship after being single for so long. Sometimes they read a little younger at times. Was hoping for something more mature and heartfelt. Sometimes the story got a little convoluted, but overall it was a good read.

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

I really liked the premise of the book and the characters. How it was about helping people with addictions and the love story between the older characters. It's not often the main couple are not in their twenties. So it was really refreshing to read

I loved this book. It was so refreshing to have a novel with an older couple. So often romance books focus on characters who are in their 20s. But this offered a fresh perspective of two people who already have life experiences and struggles. The only thing I didn't like was that part on the cover that says a Gen X Romance. I found it cringey and unnecessary.

This book was really refreshing to read about two adults on both sides of fifty who brought a lot of baggage with them, sure, but were both mature adults and real people with their own insecurities while at the same knowing how to support each other. I've never read anything by Jess K Hardy before but really liked the way she tells a story and all the characters felt multidimensional and real. Thank you so much NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This book was boring. Lots of words with nothing really happening. Disappointing because I was very excited about the characters being older.

Thank you for writing a book that features a couple in a different age bracket that doesn’t consist of teenagers or young adults. Very cute story and I’d love to read more by the author.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review

Loved stumbling upon a book featuring a slightly older couple than I’m used to. It was a refreshing change! Both main characters had lived full lives apart and it was great to watch them grow and work on their confidence issues, both together and separately.
It was a fun, emotional read with a perfect amount of spice sprinkled in

I'll be honest I didn't know what to expect with a gen-x romance but I liked it!! I was pleasantly surprised by this debut author. It had steam and chemistry but also depth and emotion. I wont say it's a knock out of the park but I will defiantly recommend this and follow any future novels this author puts out! It had all the feel good vibes!!!

Enjoyed this but didn’t love it. Sometimes these cartoon covers are hit or miss for me. Overall okay

Honestly this cover is perfection. Come As You Are is a stand-alone contemporary romance. . Madigan and Ashley have incredible chemistry and a true emotional connection that radiates off the pages