Member Reviews

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair is a small town romance about a woman rebuilding her life and learning to find the beauty in a little messiness.

Hannah Tate: new mom, southern gal, awkward bisexual, pinning her dreams on an asshole baby daddy because she wants her son to have the stability she didn’t as a child.

When Hannah’s boyfriend and the father of her child dumps her, she packs herself and her 10 week old up to move in with her mom and step-dad in small town Georgia. Renovating the creepy downstairs apartment into a beautiful Airbnb becomes her new project— luckily, the hot neighbor who happens to life in a tiny home treehouse, is a fantastic carpenter who’s up for the job.

River Aronson: goofy, ex-corporate, treehouse-living, solitude-loving southern boy/hippie.

River and Hannah have immediate chemistry, but is she ready for a new relationship? Can River give her what she needs?

I really enjoyed this book! The characters had depth, with their fears, quirks, and strength rounding them out. It’s also a southern small town romance where BIPOC and queer people actually exist, which was a very pleasant surprise! Being a new mom was such a big part of Hannah’s character. If you’re not a baby person this may not be for you, because Hannah is totally in love with her baby. I enjoyed that aspect though, and felt it made the story unique, as we don’t often see romances featuring new moms. River was easy to root for as a love interest, despite his quirks.

We follow Hannah navigating her relationship with her mom and stepdad, and dealing with some resentment from all the times she bailed them out instead of the other way around. She also learns to identify her needs in a relationship, although I think this could have been expanded on more in a powerful way.

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Hannah Tate, new mom, believes she is a mess because of her past and how her boyfriend treats her (spoiler alert: poorly). Despite that, she is ready to say yes when she finds an engagement ring in her boyfriends stuff — anything to give her son the family she’s always dreamed of...

Though this wasn’t my favorite romance (built on lust and miscommunication), we love to see some character development in Hannah!

Sweet elements of a small, mountain town in the fall and winter, with quite the cast of characters showing up for their neighbors.

For the most part, I was satisfied with the way things wrapped up, but like I said, didn’t love the romance. Another thing I didn’t love was Hannah’s narration — she is the most millennial of all millennials and won’t let you forget it. Fun and quirky, but maybe a little too quirky for me!

Release date: February 13, 2024

Thank you NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the e-arc!

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*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

3.5 stars.
I had a hard time writing this review, because I think there were just things I didn't vibe with personally and I wasn't sure how to explain it. Overall, the story was good. But I can't say I liked any of the characters, except for Hannah. She was a flawed character which made her seem realistic. The bi representation was nice. Though I can't say I agree with her opinions on drinking alcohol while she was literally breastfeeding.
My problem, if you could call it that, was that I didn't like Hannah's love interest at all. They didn't really seem to have any chemistry past mutual lust. I found River really annoying so I couldn't get invested in their story.
I was also annoyed every time 'Big Daddy' was mentioned. If someone made me address them by that name (it's her step father, which just weirds me out so much) I would just never speak to them again. Problem solved.
The Air B'n'B conflict was predictable but worked for the plot.
Overall, I think it was a good story. But I wish it focused more of Hannah developing as a person after leaving a long term relationship where they had a baby together. And also with growing from her childhood trauma from her mother. Why did it have to turn into a romance?

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A tender, hilarious, and warm-hearted romance with grounded relationships and two very relatable leads.

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Any HGTV type romcom, I am going to read. I loved Tessa Bailey's Hot and Hammered series and Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail, so I was definitely excited about this. I also love a book when the lovable protagonist gets everything she deserves. Maybe my favorite read of the month.

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Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair is a fun rom-com spiced with fun and outrageous characters that will keep you turning the pages until the end. It is definitely more unique than many of the rom-com novels I've read lately. Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the ARC ebook I read to complete this review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This is a quirky, cute rom-com that immediately hooked me with its voice! Hannah has her fair share of worries, with a baby, a non-committal boyfriend, and a family that is just starting to get their feet beneath them. I loved the setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains and following Hannah as she renovated her family's home. The romance with River is sweet, and the cast of supporting characters is rowdy and add a lot of fun to the story.

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You recently became a mom, your child’s father dumps you and you get fired. What’s next? Moving back home to try and help your parents with remodeling their AIR B AND B and meeting a cute contractor in the process. That’s what.

I thought this book was cute. Maybe a little too silly and cute for my liking. But it didn’t offend me in anyway. I liked the chemistry between the leads. I wanted to see them end up together and isn’t that all we want?

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

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"Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair" by Laura Piper Lee is a delightful and light-hearted read that'll have you laughing and rooting for Hannah. Her struggles with adulting and the unexpected twists in her life are both relatable and entertaining. As she navigates love, family, and a fixer-upper cabin in Blue Ridge, you can't help but cheer her on, making this a solid 4-star pick for a fun and heartwarming escape.

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A perfect fall-vibed-small-town romance set against the gorgeous mountainside of Northern Georgia, USA! As I am a Southern gal, I'll always love romances set in sweet as molasses small Southern towns - but Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair feels so near and dear to my heart! So many great themes throughout - and our heroine Hannah Tate is a girl you definitely want to be friends with!

THOUGHTS:
- I've always loved a single-mom romance because I think these women are so strong! But to find a partner willing to jump in and be there? To me is the ultimate display of true love. So stinking sweet.

- If you've never traveled the North Georgia mountains, I'm telling you it's one of the prettiest areas of the South. I was so happy to see that wineries were mentioned because this really is an incredible wine region that most people don't know about! My husband and I took a vacation there years ago, and it was so lovely. We think about going back all the time.

- As for the plot itself -- if you've ever been the type of person who wants to rise above their circumstances and create the life you deserve - this is the romance for you this fall!! (I can always tell when I really liked a book because my fingers can't fly across the keys fast enough -- there are just so many good things to say about this one, and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it!)

NOTES:
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - Some spice - but really felt overall sweet. Just what I needed while sipping my PSL in the carwash line this week!
- Audiobook: I would definitely consider this for an audiobook if you're a commuter! The story flowed so easily!

**Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

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This was an adorable book that had many layers that kept me engaged in reading the entire time. I haven’t read a romance novel in awhile that wasn’t predictable every step of the way. Must read for those that want a light and airy that will keep you wanting more.

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This book was an emotional rollercoaster! There were so many moments that caught you by surprise or pulled the emotions out of you. I did enjoy reading it but I didn't expect so much of the heartache! I did enjoy the full-circle journey she went on in understanding her mother's decisions in their past.

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I loved Laura Piper lee’s writing! I really loved Bowie and Hannah too! It was a very honest and hilarious motherhood. It was a very realistic motherhood story, so if you like that this book is for you! I gave this book 4 stars

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DNF @ 35% — Man, I feel terrible dnf’ing an arc. And I hope people don’t take my DNF as a cue not to read this book because it is genuinely not a bad book. It’s well-written and fun and if you like:

- single moms with infants
- fresh starts
- funny inner monologues
- interior design
- goofy characters
- small towns

You should definitely add this to your tbr for next year because I think you’ll enjoy yourself.

It's just that I’ve read 5 other books in the time since I started this and no matter what I do I cannot get myself to keep going and finish it. I’m thinking that’s due to a combination of me problems, characters that I’m just not connecting with, a lack of emotional chemistry between the love interests (so far), and a plot that just isn’t hitting the way I expected it to. Home reno roms just might not be my thing and that’s totally okay.

Also, this story seems to be less about romance and more about Hannah’s journey in motherhood and finding stability in her life—with a lovely little side dish of hot carpenter who lives in a tree house, of course. He just doesn’t show up until the 25% mark, so if you’re expecting hot carpenter on page two, you’ll need to adjust your expectations.

Thoughts aside, congrats to Laura Piper Lee on the debut! The cover is just 😍

Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the opportunity to read this book early! This review reflects my honest thoughts.

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This was a fantastic book that was hard to put down. Hannah Tate is a mess but she is doing her best. When the father of his newborn baby breaks up with her she moved back in with her mother and stepdad Daryl to help them restore the first floor of their cabin for an Airbnb. Along comes neighbor River.

I loved this story, we see a single mother in her 30's who is so busy being a mother everything else feels too big and stressful. Baby Bowie is adorable and I loved that Laura Piper Lee gave him his voice in a way with the expressions we all know babies are all too good at making. Sexy Neighbor River who lives in a treehouse which is every young kids dream swoops in and loves them both for who they are. The transformation we see with Bowie's father Killian into someone who can co-parent well was great.

I also will forever appreciate a queer best friend couple who takes no crap and hates the ex. Daryl was a great character as well and made the story so funny at times.

Thanks to NetGalley, Union Square & Co. and Laura Piper Lee for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I LOVED Hannah Tate!! I loved her friends, her chaotic family, her very hot, treehouse-dwelling neighbor, and her sweet baby Bowie. Laura Piper Lee has the most unique and refreshing voice. Her depiction of family and new motherhood is always honest, hilarious, and heartfelt. The setting is so rich. The characters are beautifully drawn. The familial mess is MESSY in such a realistic and loving way. Can't wait to see this book on everyone's shelf!!
Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Sophie Cousens, and Rachel Lynn Solomon!

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ARC REVIEW🎨

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee is a single mom romance who moves into her old town to get her life together. While trying to find someone to help renovates her team, Hannah meets River who helps her in exchange of Sunday dinners.

To be honet this book is a 2⭐ for me. Mainly because the book is so basic there's no click. I felt like I was reading a Wattpad book. I absolutely loved her friends Kira and Matthie and they're daughter June they're the cutest.

Even tho I ADORE single moms/dads tropes, I was dreading to finish this book. I felt like it could get me into a reading slump I got so bored reading it.

The main point here, I didn't like the storyline but I adored the characters and the kids and their personalities.

Tropes:
Single mom
Hippie guy
Witty banter
Starting over
Queer characters
Small town

Thank you NetGalley and Union Square & Co for the ARC!!!

Pub Date: 13 Feb 2024

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I wasn't a huge fan of this one. For one, I didn't care for Hannah's character. While I empathized with her as a new mother myself, I had a hard time liking her - the entire time she felt so helpless with few redeeming characteristics. There were some parts that made me laugh out loud and I did enjoy the chemistry between River and Hannah, but I finished the book still wanting more. I'd definitely try another book by this author, but this one just wasn't my thing.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

✦ Small town romance
✦ Single parent
✦ Bi FMC

It is so rare for me to read a book and not stop every half hour or so for a break but I literally couldn’t stop reading this book.

The first 20% of the book was so heartbreaking to read. Hannah is such a lovely, sweet soul and reading everything she had to go through was rough.
All of the characters were so well written and it felt like I knew all of them. They all had such real personalities and relationships.

I loved Hannah and River together. I do wish that maybe this was a Dual POV book so we could have known River better but I understand that not knowing much about him was part of the story. I just loved these characters so much that I wanted more of them.

Overall, this book was incredible. I think this may be my favourite book I’ve read all year.

Perfect for fans of Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake, Astrid Parker Doest Fail and Maggie Moves On.

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Laura Piper Lee's debut novel "Hanah Tate, Beyond Repair" is a fun-loving, laugh-out-loud, easy-to-read novel.
On the other hand, our main character Hannah Tate, is a little bit of a mess. Hannah's given birth to her beautiful boy, Bowie, a few months prior to the novel's beginning and she's feeling, what I would assume every new mother goes through at least once in the first few months of motherhood, a whole lot of "is this what my life is like now??". When Hannah finds an engagement ring in the bottom of her boyfriend's shoe, she thinks this will be what turns her life around. Which is exactly what happens.
Except her boyfriend doesn't propose. He breaks up with her.
This then sparks Hannah to move out, Bowie in tow, and move in with her mum and stepdad who live up a mountain, surrounded by forest.
The little AirBnB connected to her mum and stepdad's cabin is in dire need of an upgrade, and Hannah has always wanted to flex her interior design skills. However, the cabin is in such bad shape she would have no hope of completing a renovation on her own. Herein lies the introduction of the golden retriever-type man from next door, River. A fitting name for someone who lives in such a rustic environment, if you ask me.

With a cute cover, and the fact I'm in my renovation sub-plot era, I was very excited to read this one.
This novel brought all the feelings of rediscovering your place in your family as an adult, as well as discovering family doesn't have to be blood-related. There was a realistic approach that I appreciated with how Hannah went about her life and connected with her surrounding community.
There were however, a few things I wished were slightly different.
In parts, I felt the plot was not developed with the same depth as the characters were. I found the settings in some scenes confusing and was unsure when characters had come or gone from a place. These were rare incidents so it didn't bother me completely but it definitely brought me out of the immersive reading experience for a few seconds.
The cover is what caught my eye at first (judging a book by its cover, I know, blasphemy) so I had hoped the renovation of the cabin had a larger influence on the book. I don't want to spoil too much but I was a little disappointed it wasn't explored in more depth. It could have brought out a few more sweet moments between Hannah and River.
All in all, Laura Piper Lee has created a great story that I enjoyed reading and would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to pick up a light-hearted contemporary romance.
Thank you NetGalley and Union Square & Co for providing me with an early copy of this novel for review.

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