3.5 stars

*Definitely* an interesting story, and I thought it was a respectful take on alcoholism and sobriety. I just didn’t like how the story became all about one particular thing towards the end.

This book had some good lessons and touched on serious or dark topics in a way that was approachable and relatable.

I really enjoyed Definitely Better Now by Ava Robinson. The main female character has struggled with alcoholism in the past and will be celebrating a year of sobriety. Therefore, we go along for the ride while she rebuilds relationships with family and friends, and navigates new relationships both in and off the job. A few struggles arise through the story and we get to see how this impacts her recovery. As a mom with a young adult daughter who recently struggled with addiction, I found it very helpful and theraputic to read a story told from the perspective of a young woman with similar struggles.

Emma has hit 12 months of sobriety from alcohol. She’s been working, going to meetings, and getting her life back on track. But life has a way of throwing obstacles in your way when you’re trying to find the right path for yourself. A cute IT guy could be an obstacle but it could also be a step in the right direction.

I absolutely LOVED reading a romance that focused on addiction and recovery and the very real struggles that the process comes with. I really enjoyed watching Emma’s character grow and stand up for herself. I appreciate that this was a different kind of romance and was really invested in this story!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Ava Robinson, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on December 17th.

I did the audio version of this and am glad I did, I don’t know if it would have hooked me as much in the physical version. But it was a great story, about a young girl navigating dating, her family, and sobriety,

Emma is newly sober. With sobriety comes many obstacles that are foreign and almost too hard to handle. Ava Robinson creates a heartwarming, emotional story about sobriety and self-discovery that felt relatable and comforting given my own life experience. Definitely recommend to anyone new to literary fiction or looking for a digestible, quick read.

Thank you Ava Robinson, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration.

Ava Robinson’s debut novel, Definitely Better Now, follows Emma Finley, a 26-year-old New Yorker who has just celebrated her first year of sobriety. Emma is ready to re-enter the dating world. However, she quickly learns that her new sobriety doesn't magically fix everything else in her life.

What makes this novel stand out is its honest portrayal of recovery including setbacks, revelations, and victories. Emma is flawed and vulnerable. making her someone you want to root for while you read this book.

A great debut! I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Thank you for the ARC. I had pretty high hopes for this book, but I found it to be like every other book that falls into this genre. The main characters all seemed to be very two demensional and I found it difficult to root for them. I didn't find this story or characters to be too compelling and it was hard to give it a positive review, even though I was rooting for it.

As someone who has had to start over, this book made me feel way less alone. I absolutely loved this story. I can't wait to read more from this author.

4.5 ⭐️

Definitely Better Now tells a very specific story yet manages to be widely relatable to anyone who’s ever struggled in life. Filled with humor and pathos, I couldn’t put it down. It’s definitely the sort of book that stays with you long after reading it.

Karissa Vacker did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Ava Robinson, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'll be honest, when I picked up this book I had no idea what I was getting into. - but I really enjoyed it! 

The character Emma felt so real. I could feel her highs and her lows as she learned all about her life as “Sober Emma”. I wasn't expecting so much family the her family, or a new romance to take hold. 

Overall, the story really pulled me in and I enjoyed it!

This book was a cute, funny, honest look at how someone goes through a healing journey. It was a nice mix of sweet and spicy,

The narrator was wonderful. I just struggle to connect with the main character. I’m sure others will love it more than I did. Thanks for the review copy.

I love realistic and imperfect protagonists like our main character. She's navigating a world in which she is sober, and all of the awkwardness, struggle, and pitfalls that entails. Including, both big and small wins. The way she navigates the relationships around her, and chooses herself And her sobriety, is so real. The humor that weaves in and out is realistic and much needed. I highly recommend

Thank you NetGalley and MIRA for a copy of Definitely Better Now!

"A touching and deeply funny debut about starting over sober only to discover life’s biggest messes are still waiting right where you left them."

I love this book! It fits the "girl who is going to be okay" niche trope lol - and it's just an amazing day-to-day story.

This story is about someone's sobriety journey; understanding that people are imperfect and we can be assholes; and the messy relationships we have.

Highly recommend for fans of Margo's Got Money Troubles!

Emma, at 26 years old, is celebrating a full year of sobriety after spending much of her life since age 14 lost in a haze of alcohol, drugs, and reckless decisions—many alongside her wild and enabling best friend, Susannah. When their friendship falls apart, Emma reaches her breaking point and realizes something has to change. Enter Lola, her outspoken but well-meaning sponsor, who guides her through the ups and downs of recovery.

At work, no one knows the real Emma—only the polished version she presents. Her past, shaped by an alcoholic father who later turned to an off-the-grid hippie lifestyle, has left her deeply distrustful, especially when he suddenly reappears in her life. I admired Emma’s resilience as she faced these emotional challenges and continued her journey despite setbacks.

One of the most compelling moments in the book is when Emma reconnects with Susannah, only to realize they no longer have much in common now that their bond isn’t built on partying. Having spent so much of her life under the influence, Emma struggles to navigate genuine relationships, particularly with Ben, her patient and understanding coworker. Their dynamic highlights her fears and insecurities about love and commitment in sobriety.

This book offers an insightful and realistic look into the inner workings of addiction and recovery. It portrays the challenges, setbacks, and personal growth that come with rebuilding a life from the ground up. A raw and powerful read!
Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily

Definitely Better Now is definitely a good read, but not necessarily a happy read. Its a book that will hit you in the feels. The theme of addiction is a bit heavy and emotional, yet I felt that Robinson balanced it well with humor. I liked Emma and related to her lack of social anxiety. There's a sweet romance subplot, but DBN mainly focuses on the MC as she navigates sobriety. Though DBN technically takes place around Christmas, I wouldn't consider it a holiday book. It works pretty much any time of year. Just maybe avoid it it if you're feeling messy or depressy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the eARC!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Thank you NetGalley, and Ava Robinson for an eARC of Definitely Better Now.

While this book was funny, it was also a pretty heavy read. There’s some romance, but I find it’s more women’s fiction than a traditional romance. I learned a lot about AA and how different groups approach things, which I really appreciated. Emma had an authentic journey as she worked through her issues with drinking and figured out why she wanted to quit for good. Ben was a likable character who respected her choices, even though some of them were frustrating. Overall, it’s not a lighthearted book, but it’s definitely a worthwhile read. There are no cringy moments, and the story wraps up in a satisfying way.

Ava Robinson's Definitely Better Now offers a sincere glimpse into the life of Emma Finley, a 26-year-old navigating her first year of sobriety in the bustling backdrop of New York City. The novel delves into Emma's challenges, from workplace dynamics to complex family relationships, all while she strives to maintain her newfound sobriety.

Robinson's portrayal of early recovery is both authentic and unflinching, capturing the internal battles and external pressures that accompany such a journey. Emma's character is relatable in her imperfections, and her struggles resonate on a genuine level. The budding romance with Ben, the IT director at her firm, adds a layer of sweetness to the narrative, providing moments of light amidst the heavier themes.

However, while the novel excels in depicting the realities of sobriety, it occasionally falters in pacing. Some subplots, particularly those centered around Emma's workplace, feel underdeveloped and could have benefited from deeper exploration. Additionally, certain secondary characters lack depth, making their interactions with Emma less impactful than they could be.

In essence, Definitely Better Now is a heartfelt debut that authentically portrays the complexities of starting over. While it offers moments of humor and hope, it leaves a desire for more nuanced character development and a more cohesive narrative flow. It's a commendable read for those interested in stories of personal growth and resilience, even if it doesn't fully reach its potential.