Yay, a romance with Gen X and "elder millennials" as the main characters. It is refreshing to read about my own age group and the nostalgia of the 90s music scene. The main characters are both mapping out the next steps in their life. Ashley needs to save her mountain and Madigan wants to find meaningful work for the guys in Sober Living. How oh how could they work together? In this cute, sexier version of Hallmark, the men from sober living work at the Ski resort. While Ashley teaches Madigan how to ski, sparks fly between them. While the romance is what you would typically expect, it is still an enjoyable read, full of anticipation as the two navigate how they feel. But are they able to save the mountain from being gobbled up by their corporate competitors?

I definitely enjoyed this book. I love the fact that they were able to work with a sober living facility. There were questions and preconceptions about employing the alcoholics and addicts. The book addressed those and hopefully educated some readers along the way. It tastefully described the hardships some face when returning to life while working hard to stay sober and regain trust. The romance was wonderful as well.

I didn't know what to expect going into this but it was a lovely surprise all around. I think it's important that not only are the stories we read entertaining but that we also have an opportunity to learn something from them. This story gives what i think is an unexpected view into the world of sobriety and recovery. It allows for just enough to open the door to a view many don't always check. Hardy gives us this by introducing Matthew Madigan and his people from Little Timbers. The support that Ashley receives when she opens her door to Madigan and his crew shows just how important taking a chance in life can be.

unfortunately, i had to DNF this book. I tried picking it up multiple times but it just wasn’t for me.

thank you netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book!

Such an amazing book! I loved every second of reading this! All of the characters were so deep and amazing! The dialogue was fantastic! I absolutely can’t wait to see what comes next!!

This was a sweet romance for two people who had basically given up on finding someone special. Ashley is a divorced mom of a grown daughter who was cheated on many times by her ex-husband. Not only was he a cheater, he made her feel "less than," instead of building her up. It's difficult for her to find self-confidence in anything after living through that marriage. Then she meets Madigan, an ex-rocker and recovering addict. On paper they couldn't be more different yet they work. Both of them are in need of someone to prioritize them and Madigan definitely does that with Ashley. However, Ashley is so confused that she has a hard time understanding that Madigan needs that from her. Eventually she'll figure it out but it takes her a bit.

The push and pull of their relationship is believable and tugs at the heartstrings. In addition, the side characters are well thought out and add quality to the storyline.

This is an enjoyable story and I look forward to reading more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley for this complimentary ebook. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This storyline was beautifully written. Ashley and Madigan are in the middle-age bracket, but you forget that, unless it’s mentioned. They both have gone through a lot in their lives, from heartbreak to dealing with trust issues. But through it all they find each other and start to learn how to trust and depend on others. A second chance at falling in love and really feeling how it is to be in love with someone so enamored by you.

Ashley is a single mom who is trying to save her home from becoming an overly developed ski resort. Madigan is an ex-musician who happens to run a home for ex-cons on the road to getting back into society. As they spend time with each other during the Winter season, feelings start to develop. The thing is, he’s afraid to get too close to Ashley and be his authentic self, someone he’s never shown to any one. Ashley is also afraid that Madigan will end up being like her ex and leaving.

Things are going to well for the Bluebird either, they’re in way over their head with debt. Ashley’s mother Maude Alice isn’t that helpful and their relationship is strained, after the death of her father. Max. It doesn’t help that Chuck, Ashley’s ex is trying to buy Bluebird and develop it and always trying to get back with her.

This is a sweet winter read, that reminds you people can change, if we let them. That if we’re willing to see our past mistakes and move on from them, that we also should let go of the sorrow and sadness.

Thank you #NetGalley for the arc of this book. I absolutely loved every second of it.

2.5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. I’ve been feeling very guilty that it is taking me so long to get through books. Life has gotten very busy - my apologies to the publisher.

There were so many things that had me excited about this book. I was keen for older lead characters, the plot about Little Timber and the workers, and a mature romance.

The addiction recovery centre and men working at the ski site storyline were the things I enjoyed most. I liked the cast of characters, and the message that people in recovery aren’t villains. The messaging around addiction was great.

The romance fell flat for me because the leads did not speak or behave like they were in their 40s/50s - the immaturity and instalove made it a little jarring. I also didn’t buy the timeframe. I was more invested in Kev/Davis than the MCs.

The mother and daughter characters and their relationships were added side-plots that I don’t think were fleshed out and resolved enough. The animosity between Maude Alice and Ashley didn’t add much to the experience for me.

In short: I’d recommend this because of the addiction recovery content, but the romance didn’t work for me.

First thought: Loved this one, it is a story of growth, redemption and triumph. Life doesn’t always turned out as planned, and this is a love story to the hard, messy and emotional side and shows its worth it to push through.

Ashley is divorced and is trying to run her families ski resort after her dad sudden death, but they are in the red and if things don’t turn around she’ll be forced to sell. She doesn’t have the luxury of taking chances or she could loose it all, but her mom who is the complete opposite proposes they use a local recovery house for their labor this season.

Madigan is an ex rockstar who is has been in recovery for over 20years, and he runs the recovery house. He’s made it his mission to help others have a space safe after they are released from prison. His group just lost their jobs, as the local mill closed but he’s hoping the family owned ski resort will take him and his men on this season.

Backed into a wall she has no choice and gives this group a chance, so the men move to the resort and train to be the staff for the winter season. Ashley and Madigan have insta chemistry but they both have a lot going on to make this work and it’s not worth the risk for romance or a fling.

This ski season is going to be one hell of a ride you don’t want to miss!

Potential Triggers: Death of parent, Divorce, Cheating, Addiction/Recovery:Sex, Drugs,Alcohol

Tropes you’ll find:

* Insta Chemistry
* Addiction/Recovery
* Forced Proximity
* Divorced FMC
* Ex Rockstar MMC
* Love Story to GenX
* Second Chance
* Winter Vibes
* Spicy 🔥

This was a fun little wintery rom-com. I loved the main characters, and I particularly liked that they were a bit older, so closer to my age group. This romance is more of a slow burn and has themes of starting over, friendships, healing, and family. This was an enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book. The fmc is caring, single mom and strong. The mmc is sexy, vulnerable and a breath of fresh air. I loved their story and the pace. Some of those steamy scenes .. wow. I also enjoyed the side stories of her mother , her daughter and the men trying to fix their lives. I wouldn’t mind another book from the other guys. Sam and Izzy’s story maybe.

This was a cute, quick wintry read. There were a few more serious topics like addiction, manipulative relationships etc so just a heads up on that. I enjoyed the adorable mischievous rescue dog and that it was an later in life romance.

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

This was such a good book! Loved the characters and the storyline. It was super quick and easy to read. Add this to your TBR!

4.5 stars rounded to a 5.

I ended up loving this later-in-life romance! The biggest hook for me was the fact that it took place at a small, family-owned ski resort. As it just so happens, *I* work at a small, family owned ski resort, and I can confirm that the resort elements of the book were spot-on, from learning to ski to struggling with pass sales and finding winter help.

As far as the romance, we have two adults in their forties who both have pasts that they're still dealing with when they find themselves working together over the winter. The relationship is naturally progressing and has to navigate around real-life speed bumps. It's a very authentic romance with tons of fun characters and perfect wintery vibes. If you love skiing, tattooed reformed baddies, and a woman who's just trying to hold it all together, then you'll love this book!

I liked the themes in this book: Second chances, fresh starts, taking a risk, trust.

I found it refreshing that the main characters were older and had their own baggage and actually talked to each other. I was so worried there would be a miscommunication plot line and I was thrilled when people talked to each other and actually figured it out!

Four stars,. Murphy the pup stole the show, really. What a cutie!

One star knocked off because they sounded like horny teens at times and I feel like a 50-ish rockstar wouldn't sound like that, but this was an enjoyable read.

This was really nice to read. I work in recovery-related services and it was really wonderful to see such a loving depiction of people in recovery. I also loved the setting of a ski mountain. It is fade to black, which I don’t love, but I still thought this was worth the read!

Come As You Are is an emotional, inspiring romance novel about love, forgiving yourself, and second chances.
This book had me smiling, laughing, and crying. The romance is so hot, there was snow melting and you will just enjoy the whole story that Jess takes you on.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was getting background stories on the other characters involved in The Little Timber. Sam especially stole my heart and I was rooting for him the whole book. This book had me smiling, laughing, and crying. The romance is so hot, there was snow melting and you will just enjoy the whole story that Jess takes you on.

Overall, this is a really great romance book and I would definitely recommend it!

Thank you so much to netgalley and Jess K. Hardy for the e-copy!

This book is so much more than a love story, it discusses heavy topics of addiction and the road to recovery, the effects of family and personal relationships due to addiction, and focuses on the re-entering of the workforce after spending time in prison. This was such a lovely read between to mature adults who focus all of their time taking care of other people, always putting other’s needs above their own emotional needs. These two, while helping teach other people valuable life lessons, learn their own harsh lessons about what it takes to be in a relationship, and it was so lovely to read.

These characters are so incredibly real, and each one is tested in unique ways, physically and emotionally. Everyone is facing their own battles and it’s really interesting to read about.

This book was really special, it took me on a bit of an emotional ride but in the best way. There’s toxic exes, rehabilitation, family drama, and a lot of emotional processing and talking through things in a mature way. I really loved this!

Side note, the spice was sweet and spicy in the best ways too. Their chemistry is off the charts, these two were clearly made for each other. I loved reading about their journey!

Come As You Are is beautifully written, emotional, and honest, and I loved every second of of! Add this to your tbr ASAP!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

TW: addiction

such a feel good read. i thoroughly enjoyed this and i can’t wait to read more from this author!! so fun and cute and hot

I really LOVED this book! I loved seeing a much older FMC. And the ex-addict MMC. It's something that isn't done a lot in romance and Hardy does it WELL.