I did a tandem read with print and audio. The print version is great, but the narrator brings so much personality to Emma, who already is an extremely well developed character. The delivery of the lines containing humor, sadness, anger, etc are spot on. I loved this story so much. It was a breath of fresh air. Emma was such a well developed character and I fell in love with her almost immediately. I got completely lost in this story. It was like a novel version of your coming tv show. I can’t wait to see what this author does next.

Ava Robinson’s Definitely Better Now is a beautifully raw and inspiring story that offers an honest look into sobriety and the complexities of building relationships while navigating recovery. This book isn’t just a romance—it’s a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, resilience, and learning to embrace vulnerability.

The main character’s journey is deeply moving. From her struggles to her triumphs, you can’t help but root for her every step of the way. Robinson captures the highs and lows of sobriety with authenticity, showing both the challenges and the quiet victories. Watching her navigate relationships—both with herself and others—felt incredibly real and relatable.

The writing is heartfelt and engaging, and the romance adds a hopeful layer to the story. It’s not just about finding love with someone else but also about finding love and acceptance within yourself.

Definitely Better Now is a book that will stay with me. It’s a hopeful, uplifting read that reminds us that even in the hardest of times, there’s a path forward—and it can lead to something better.

Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.

A debut novel that follows a recovering alcoholic and her interactions with the world—her family, coworkers, and potential love interest—while sober for the first time. It’s a heavy but fulfilling read that will make you want to hug your loved ones close.

This one hit soooo close to home, which made me love it so much more—even when it put me in all my feels. Definitely one of favorite books of the year.

Heads up, you might need tissues for this one 😭😭😭

(Thank you, Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.)

This book was incredible. I loved it, it was a beautiful book about navigating life and relationships while maintaining a sober lifestyle. It was very impactful and well told.

What a beutifully written novel. The cover is *chef's kiss* and I had the hardest time putting the book down. I was so invested into the FMC that I felt like I kind of new her by the end of it. Wow. Who knew books about 26 year olds could be so good?

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Definitely better now was one of my most anticipated 2024 debuts and I really enjoyed this honest, relatable and funny workplace romance set in Brooklyn that features Emma, a recovering alcoholic who is celebrating one year of being sober and trying to figure out how to come out to her co-workers and try her luck at dating again.

I thought Emma was such a memorable and easy heroine to root for. She is trying her best, even when things don't go to plan and she gets appointed to the holiday party planning committee at her work while also having to deal with unwanted advances from her supervisor, a new relationship with her coworker, Ben and growing tensions with her AA sponsor.

Emma also has a complicated relationship with her dying alcoholic father and has to process her feelings with his impending death. Good on audio read by one of my favorite narrators, Karissa Vacker and highly recommended for fans of books like Rufi Thorpe's Margo's got money troubles. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital, audio and physical ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!