This was a great read. It shows the realness and heaviness of being an alcoholic and being in recovery. Fantastic.

Emma is navigating so many things. She's just reached 1 year of sobriety. She's trying to open herself up to letting people into her life. Making friends, working on her relationship with her family and maybe even a boyfriend. All while maintaining her sobriety.

I loved how real this book was. It showed Emma really struggling at times. Not only with her alcoholism but also with how she wants to stay sober. What does she want in her life and what doesn't she want. Great read.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

This was a beautiful read that seamlessly blended the hard with the happy into perfect rolling hills. It was a wonderful reminder that sometimes being vulnerable isn’t as hard as we make it out to be in our minds. I especially loved Emma’s nerves and anxieties, her thought spirals and insecurities—they are all so relatable. Emma’s strained relationship with her father is well done, and captures the difficulties of someone who has a good relationship with their family members failing to understand or make space to accept that not everyone does.

3.5/5 stars

Definitely Better Now is a solid debut, and reminded me of different elements from Margot's Got Money Troubles (heart, going through struggles and family issues), Interesting Facts About Space (the writing), and I Hope This Finds You Well (workplace issues). The main character, Emma, is trying to find out who she is as a sober person. She is trying to work through all her issues with friends, work and family - and heal, while trying to maintain her sobriety. The book piqued my interest and I kept going, but did find the book ended sort of abruptly and didn't wrap aspects of the book up as much as I hoped it would. The book had a great slow burn romance and I liked the character development that Emma had.

Darkly funny, heartbreaking and awe inspiring barely scratches the surface of what lies between the first and last pages of this book.
I am familia with the AA program and found the descriptions here very accurate (though routines and vibes of each AA home group differs).

This starts on the eve of Emma's first full year sober and follows the next year of her life through the various ups and downs dating for the first time sober and trying to navigate a relationship with her estranged father.

There's so much to process her and I mean that in a good way. I absolutely love every messy thing about Emma and her journey. I'm also an ENORMOUS fan of Ben and how relatable their dating/getting to know each other plot unfolded despite some serious hiccups and personal family tragedy.

Parts of this book, especially the ones dealing with her dad's cancer, absolutely gutted me. Having lived through losing a loved one in that way, I have a great appreciation for how authentically this was conveyed.

I can't thank the publisher and author enough for the opportunity to read and review this. It was a beautiful, beautiful book. I look forward to future works by this writer for sure.

Definitely Better Now by Ava Robinson is an incredibly heartfelt and empowering read. The author beautifully captures the complexity of overcoming personal struggles and finding healing, all while crafting a story that is both raw and hopeful. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and Robinson’s writing offers a perfect balance of vulnerability and strength. It’s a poignant reminder that, no matter how difficult things may seem, growth and recovery are always possible. A truly inspiring book that resonates long after you turn the last page! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

*I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my opinion.*

This book is a journey. Real, addressing sobriety without being preachy and grossly positive, and often incredibly poignant and relatable to life in general not just sobriety. Pick this one up if you’re a fan of situations that read like a story your best friend might relate from their workday.

Emma’s been sober for a year, and we go into a lot of depth with her descriptions of AA meetings and her feelings about them.

I think what I appreciated most is the honesty of Emma’s navigation of her life after a year of sobriety. Her father’s cancer, a shitty coworker, and fledgling friendship and relationship—and she thinks how the old version of herself would react but she never really considered drinking in the present. She remembers some, frankly, gross things about her past but it’s from a distance and through the smudged lens of drunkenness. Emma feels very real, as do all of the characters around her. I really loved Ben, too. I think my favorite part is Emma’s finding a new meeting and having a lot of clarity in that new place.

This book feels very personal, we get so much insight to the pain alcohol has caused Emma all her life, and we get to see that the 12 steps aren’t a magical heal all spell, though she still manages to find her way through anyway.

Some heads up for content:
-a coworker who calls her crazy
-death of a parent and brief description of their decline
-loooots of prayer (and almost forced prayer) due to the Big Book used by AA

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book! It’s a bit of a departure from my usual romance reads, but I’d still recommend it to my friends who enjoy women’s fic. I know Emily Henry is often touted as romance (imo they’re women’s fic with romance aspects, at least her most recent ones) and I feel like Emily Henry readers would enjoy this one!

Thanks to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Ava Robinson for the arc!

I really enjoyed this novel! Knowing only the basic tenets of AA, I appreciated this closer look into the life of a recovering alcoholic. The reader empathizes and roots for Emma, even when she realizes she's "still an asshole." Maybe especially then! The trope of "oh there has been a misunderstanding but we're going to stew in it and not talk about it" drives me crazy. I LOVED seeing Emma take responsibility for her actions with Ben, initiate hard conversations, and ask forgiveness for her part. The characters illustrated what a real, adult relationship needs to be like. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and HTP/Mira for the advanced copy of Definitely Better Now.

What a great book this was, outside my comfort zone (I read mostly thrillers).
It's a heavy read with a touch of romance. I learned much more about AA from this novel, I can't imagine what people to through with an addiction and trying to recover.

Coming out December 17th.

Thank you once again to the publisher for this copy.

emma is one of my favorite book characters i've read this year. she's awkward, anxious, and kinda messy, but also feels very real. i loved being inside her head. the romance subplot was great too!

thank you to netgalley and harlequin trade publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

This is an emotional read. The main character has just completed one year of sobriety, and is dipping her toes back into dating. This covers the complexity of family relationships and a young woman navigating her "new normal" in the big city.
This wasn't exactly a favorite for me, but still a decent book to pick up.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

This is a journey of a young woman in New York after reaching her first year of sobriety and what it’s like to navigate family work and relationships as a newly sober person. In that sense it is a very real life relatable tale. This FMC will annoy you and in a way make you proud. The romantic relationship was a little bit unbelievable for me, I didn’t quite believe it. But I suppose in a way that’s very real as well.

I loved this book! I loved the angle of her sobriety and the journey she went on throughout the book because of it. Especially since she was young. And the romance aspect was great and realistic which I always appreciate.

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was perfect. Really impactful and just well-done overall. I loved that there was an overall theme of forgiveness and re-learning how to do life. I appreciated that this wasn't a typical book about someone relapsing, and that it went beyond that. I am a fan of this author from now on!

Thank you again for the ARC

I truly enjoyed this book, not just her journey and self discovery, but the tears and understanding that what works for others doesn’t work for everyone. Life isn’t a one size fits all.

This compelling novel offers a profound exploration of personal growth and healing, framed within the context of overcoming alcohol addiction. Although it features some romantic elements, it leans more towards women's fiction, providing an authentic and insightful journey that resonates deeply with readers.

The story centers around Emma, the main character, who embarks on a transformative journey to understand her relationship with alcohol and discover why she truly wants to quit. Her experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are depicted authentically, highlighting how different groups approach recovery in unique ways. Emma's path is not just about sobriety but also about self-discovery and understanding her past and motivations.

Ben, a supportive and likeable character, plays a significant role in Emma's journey. His respect for her choices, even when they are challenging, adds depth to their relationship. Ben emerges as a perfect "book boyfriend," bringing warmth and stability to the narrative and demonstrating the importance of supportive relationships in personal growth.
Themes and Emotional Depth
The novel delves into various themes, including strained family relationships, the loss of a parent to cancer, and the process of grief. These elements are woven seamlessly into the story, adding layers of emotional depth. Readers can expect moments of laughter and tears as they engage with the beautifully written text.

This book is not a light-hearted read, but it is a profoundly moving one. It offers a realistic portrayal of overcoming addiction and the complexities of human relationships. The resolution is satisfying. It's a story that touches the heart and provides meaningful insights.
For those seeking a story of resilience and healing, this book is a must-read. Its touching narrative and deep meanings will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I look forward to exploring more works by this talented author.

This book was so good! It is quite heavy emotionally so know that going in! This book follows Emma as she rebuilds her life after realizing she was addicted to drugs and alcohol. Definitely read the trigger warnings. She is now one year sober which means her sponsors looses the reins a little. She's now able to date again, but does she want to and what does this look like for her?

Enter hot IT guy Ben. For the first time in a long time she's able to flirt, be free, and feel comfortable with another person. This slow burn friends to lovers romance had me from the start. Such an amazing debut novel!

Thank you to @HarperCollins and #NetGalley for the digital ARC of #DefinitelyBetterNow. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

After 1 year of sobriety, 20-something Emma is ready to expand her life beyond AA meetings and her so-so job in marketing. As she starts to open herself up to co-workers, she quickly learns that being sober and vulnerable is tricky, but most definitely worth it.

The portrayal of addiction and the emotional tumult of relationships (parental, platonic & romantic) felt authentic. Light romance was sweet and earnest. Overall, an enjoyable read.

This book completely hit the mark for me! I absolutely felt all the emotions throughout this story and was left deeply thinking about everything that had happened.
I really loved our main character, Emma, I found her easy to route for while also being very relatable. We journey with her through her second official year of sobriety and watch as she tries to handle normal emotions and life situations that have always been dulled by alcohol. I think the author did a great job of depicting what it really would feel like to almost re-awaken to the world and experience a lot of things for the first time without alcohol.
I also absolutely loved the character, Ben and found myself really connecting with him and hoping the best for him. He added so much depth and empathy to this story and I feel he was such a necessary and wonderful addition to Emma's story.
I completely loved this book and don't see these characters ever leaving my brain.
Thank you so much to The Hive and Ava Robinson for my arc copy, these opinions are my own!

Ava Robinson’s Definitely Better Now is a heartfelt and engaging novel that strikes the perfect balance between humor and emotional depth. From the very first page, I found myself drawn into the protagonist's journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. Robinson’s writing is both witty and introspective, making the story feel deeply personal and relatable.

The novel explores complex themes like mental health, friendship, and love, all while maintaining a lightness that never feels too heavy. The characters are vivid and well-developed, especially the protagonist, who is equal parts vulnerable and strong. Her journey through her struggles and triumphs is both inspiring and genuine, leaving you rooting for her from start to finish.

What stood out to me was Robinson’s ability to weave humor into serious moments without taking away from the gravity of the situations. The friendships in the book were a highlight—authentic and full of warmth—and the romance felt natural, though it didn’t overshadow the protagonist’s personal growth.

The pacing occasionally slowed down, and a few plot points felt predictable, which is why it’s not a full five stars for me. However, the emotional resonance and the well-crafted dialogue more than made up for these minor issues.

Overall, Definitely Better Now is an uplifting, feel-good read that reminds us that even when life feels tough, there's always room for hope and better days ahead. If you're looking for a novel that combines wit, emotion, and personal growth, this one is definitely worth picking up.

This book drew me in immediately because of its rawness and honesty. As a licensed clinical social worker and someone with family in addiction, Emma’s story gave me a unique perspective into the personal life of someone in active recovery. Oftentimes, we only know what our patients tell us. This book gave an unfiltered look into the struggles those in recovery face including triggers, navigating relationships with those in active addiction, developing new romantic relationships, discovering who and what you want to be and self-forgiveness. As Emma navigates these struggles along with her job and her father‘s death; she really learns what works for her as she continues to maintain her sobriety.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It started out slow for me but once I got past the first few chapters it really picked up. Emma’s story came across as authentic and I liked that she wasn’t afraid to change what wasn’t working for her in regard to her sobriety. I think that is such an important message for those in recovery or considering it. Definitely Better Now was a great first novel and I look forward to more works by this writer!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.