Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this advance reader's copy. I first heard about this book on a Fated Mates podcast episode, and it lives up to it's positive recommendation. Come as you are is a sweet, second-chance romance that had a plot I could totally relate to. Ashley and Madigan's paths cross later in life, at her family's strugging ski slope where Madigan has brought the halfway house he runs for a season. Ashley is flustered and shy, but they soon crack the ice and their story unfolds in a sweet way. This second chance romances is meaningful and touching. The couple runs into many obstacles, but their intense connection and attraction withstand the obstacles. Jess K Hardy writes and develops characters with honesty and in a refreshing way. Her subject matter stands out from other romantic plot lines. I highly recommend this book and the Bluebird Basin series overall!

5 stars

I feel like there aren’t enough romances for a slightly more mature age. But having the MCs in their 40s and 50s was such a joy and a wonderful change of pace in the genre. Both MCs have lived a lot of life and come to the table fully formed humans who have made mistakes, done crazy things, had long relationships, and carrying some huge baggage. Relationships aren’t about shedding that baggage but finding someone who is willing to take some of that weight when it gets too heavy. What a beautiful story between two healing souls trying to prove to themselves and each other that they are worth finding true happiness. And the conflict was something real and heavy (not just a dumb miscommunication). All around, a great and moving story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book!

I received an ARC of this book. Which I realized I had read before. I was not sorry to give it a second read. First off, as a Gen Xer, I love a couple over 45. That still have hot steamy time (yes they sure do). The story is set in a family run ski resort. Ashley is doing everything she can to save the mountain, while fending off her evil ex. And along comes Madigan. He is broken in his own way, but they fit. The book has strong 80s ski movie vibes (better off dead, anyone). But that just adds to the charm. I loved these characters. And the supporting characters have some lovely moments as well. Well worth a read. (Heck I am going to stop writing this and start reading the next one LOL)

There were so many charming elements to this novel! I loved that the protagonists were in their 40s/50s. I loved that a hysterectomy got described as sexy. I loved that Madigan cried all the time. Very charming.

46-year-old Ashley Cooke will do just about anything to save her struggling ski hill. When she hires the men from a local sober living home for the season to cut costs, even she thinks she’s gone too far.
However there's something about 53 year old Madigan.
Oh what a book it gave me all the feels and about a genx couple I mean this book was perfect in every way and Ashley and Madigan, the sparks, the tension all brilliant.
I love that this dealt with recovering addicts and how kind and sensitive people can be, giving them hope, support and a second chance. I felt that the author handled this with supreme empathy
I'm rushing to get the next in this series
Kerry Kennedy Author

Yes! It is SO REFRESHING to read a romance between a 46 and 53 year old with all the life experience, fears, and misgivings about starting a relationship, and with ALL the intimacy. I loved this book. The premise is so original and gave me all the feel good vibes. Ashley reluctantly hires men from a sober living facility to help work at her flailing Montana ski resort. She’s a mother, has an awful patronizing ex, and an oddball mother who is a bit flighty and impulsive. Ashley isn’t looking for romance, in fact it’s probably the last thing in her mind with her to-do list a million miles long. But when Matthew Madigan, a recovering addict himself and hot former lead guitarist for a famous band, moves in with his men to the ski lodge’s boarding house, it doesn’t take much to turn Ashley’s head.

I loved the playfulness between Madigan and Ashley and the thoughtfulness they gave each other. These are two people who have been out of the love game for quite awhile, but just because it’s been a minute, doesn’t mean they forget what it’s like to be attracted to someone. I honestly believed the chemistry between Madigan and Ashley and this for me always makes the sex scenes so much more emotionally charged. They felt like real people with real lives too. Imagine having a fight with someone and actually listening to the other person and making concessions to them because you care. Groundbreaking! Or maybe, this is just what two mature people do…No miscommunication trope here!

The setting for this book was the perfect mix of small-town romance and forced proximity. I cannot think of any other romance I’ve read set at a ski lodge and I loved the work ethic and trust that Ashley establishes with the sober-living men. Jess K. Hardy says she writes romance, aged up, and this is EXACTLY what this Xennial didn’t know she needed. It’s the perfect blend of great storytelling with a close knit cast of characters, steamy scenes that just made me want to pump my fist, and all the fun 90’s music references (The Lemonheads! How did I forget about Evan Dando?) a girl could want. Just because you aren’t a co-ed, doesn’t mean you can’t get it, and Madigan and Ashley deserve an HEA just like anyone else. You can believe I’ll definitely be picking up Hardy’s next book in the same universe. Big thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for my e-copy. All opinions are my own.

(Posted to IG today, Sunday June 23, 2024)

Wow! I had been looking for a romance story that included characters that weren't necessarily in their early twenties. Looked look no further and found this book and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to review it.

Ashley and her family run a skiing mountain and need extra help because they are low on funds. Matthew and his group of men aren't there likely workers, but when Ashley is desperate she decides that it's a good idea. Matthew is a recovering addict and his men are part of a group for ex-cons that have had addiction histories, looking for a second chance to get back on their feet. They start to work at the resort, finding jobs that they enjoy. Ashley starts to become invested in their lives and particularly enjoys the company of Matthew. As she starts spending more time with him, they get closer and start falling for each other. As the story goes on, Ashley's ex-husband tries to interfere with the relationship and her ski resort being successful.

This story is about second chances, not just from bad choices in life but for surviving rough relationships. Ashley wants her business to be successful, recovering from a horrible marriage and learning to love again. Matthew is years sober and wanting a partner in life, after sacrificing for the guys in his care. This book is so sweet, with spice in the all the right places! Great book for those liking older characters, second chances, and happy endings!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jess K. Hardy, and Victory editing group for allowing me to review this ARC!

Come As You Are is a romance between Ashley, the owner of a ski mountain in dire financial straits, and Madigan, a former addict who now runs a group home. I really liked the way all the men were portrayed and liked the it really emphasized that they are not bad people just because they made some bad life choices.

I loved that both the main characters are older! It was so refreshing to have middle aged characters in a romance.

I hope as the series continues we get to see more on Kev and Davis and also Clay and Maude Alice.

Thank you to NetGalley (and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op) for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Come As You Are was a unique romance novel not only in its focus being on slightly older protagonists but also in its plot. On the former this book made it apparent this trend should catch on as main characters in their 40’s and 50’s bring a more believable back story and set of circumstances that move the plot while also giving an added benefit of adult children who are ripe for a follow up and act as perfect foils. On the latter the setting was cozy and the tale of a mountain ski destination employing ex addicts and prisoners was really heartwarming.

I loved the story of Ashley and Madigan as well as the spice levels this book brought. Just generally a great book to lower the temperatures on a hot day or feel like a cozy getaway on a cold one. Highly recommended for fans of light romance - I will be getting the follow up which is already out there!

I was happily surprised to have a story revolve around two main characters closer to my own age! They've both overcome challenging obstacles and have come out on the better side. I devoured it almost immediately and can't wait to read the next book in the series.

This was a breath of fresh, mountain air - a sweet, heart-warming small-town romance with protagonists who have lived a little and have the baggage to show for it. That the main characters were older than your typical romance novel was really refreshing, and as someone who grew up in the 90s, the nods to that era and its grunge scene were pure nostalgia for me! I really appreciated how the author explored the way that, being older, the characters approached relationships differently - both the potential negatives, in terms of needing to navigate complex emotional baggage from their previous relationships and life in general, and also for the better, because they'd had experience in dealing with those things, and had the sort of self-awareness that gives you strength in your choices (and in recognising your mistakes and doing better).

I think this would appeal to a general romance audience, and particularly fans of the Gilmore Girls, as well as those who've enjoyed small-town romances from the likes of Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score. I'm definitely planning on reading the next book in the series, and look forward to more!

Hope and Fear
“Come As You Are” by Jess K. Hardy is perfect for readers who adore heartwarming, emotional, and inspiring stories about second chances, recovery, and the transformative power of love. Set against the snowy mountains, this novel features a swoon-worthy romance that will leave readers feeling hot, hopeful, and uplifted.

This novel is the first in Hardy’s ‘Bluebird Basin’ romance series, featuring protagonists who are refreshingly Generation X’ers. In “Come As You Are,” we follow Madigan, a former rock star and recovering addict, and Ashley, a grieving divorcée fighting to keep her business afloat. Both struggle with regrets, low self-esteem, and disbelief in their own value and worth as partners.

While the topics are certainly heavy, they are beautifully handled, creating space for great honesty and vulnerability in both the main and side characters. Some of my favorite parts were the interactions, openness, and support among the Little Timber men, Madigan’s sober living home for recovering addicts. These moments really make you root for them and almost steal the show from Madigan and Ashley.

4+⭐️

I recommend “Come As You Are” to readers who enjoy a romance between a more mature couple than is typically portrayed in the genre, in a story full of vulnerable men and strong women. Additionally, readers of Sarina Bowen, Devney Perry, and Rebecca Yarros’ ‘Madigan Mountain’ series will most likely also love this.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with this ARC.

Title: Come As You Are by Jess K Hardy

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars


46-year-old Ashley Cooke is desperate to save her struggling ski hill. In an attempt to cut costs, she hires men from a local sober living home, despite thinking she might have gone too far. With maxed-out credit cards, a cheating ex-husband trying to buy her out, and record-breaking snow on the way, Ashley can’t afford any distractions.

Enter 53-year-old Matthew Madigan, the bearded, tattooed owner of the sober living home, who brings a simmering desire Ashley can’t ignore.

Matthew, a recovering addict and ex-grunge rocker, has spent the last decade dedicated to the men at his sober living home. Meeting the tightly wound Ashley stirs up desires he’s kept dormant. Immune to his rusty charm, Ashley presents a challenge he’s eager to tackle.

As they navigate bunny hill lessons, chairlift confessions, and steamy cabin serenades, both learn valuable lessons about second chances and self-worth.

When sabotage threatens both Ashley’s ski hill and Matthew’s men, they must decide if their relationship is just a winter fling or something worth fighting for.

What I Loved:

* Mature Characters: It was refreshing to read about characters in their 40s and 50s experiencing love and personal growth. This later-in-life romance added depth and relatability to the story. As well as making the setting and scenarios realistic and giving us romantics hope that true love does exist in all settings and ages.

* Realistic Themes: The novel handles themes of addiction and therapy in a healthy and positive manner. It’s a realistic portrayal of second chances and healing, making the setting feel genuine and grounded. I felt so much with this story and its delicate themes.

* Second Chances: The second-chance love story was heartwarming and filled with “the feels.” Both Ashley and Matthew’s journeys toward self-acceptance and love were beautifully portrayed. Their whole relationship is just beautiful.

* Humour and Charm: The bunny hill shenanigans and chairlift confessions were delightful. The humour sprinkled throughout the book made it an enjoyable and light-hearted read considering the dark, delicate themes being explored.

* Emotional Depth: The steamy cabin serenades and deep emotional connections between the characters added layers to the romance. It wasn’t just about the physical attraction but also about emotional healing and understanding and I was all for this!

* Strong Supporting Cast: The men from the sober living home and the St. Bernard rescue dog added charm and warmth to the story. Their interactions with Ashley and Matthew enriched the narrative. The supporting cast added to the healing aspects of the story.

Come As You Are by Jess K Hardy is a heartwarming, later-in-life romance that beautifully tackles themes of addiction, therapy, and second chances. With mature characters, realistic settings, and a perfect blend of humour and emotional depth, this novel is a must-read for anyone looking to experience a heartfelt love story. Highly recommended for those who enjoy feeling all the emotions while reading!

Thank you to The Publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op ,The Author Jess K Hardy & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Another great romcom to add to my summer reading journal. I can’t believe that I had not heard of this book! It was great!