Karissa Vacker did an excellent job with this narration! I recognized her voice from "When in Rome" (Sarah Adams) when she narrated Amelia's POV. She brings a steady and timidly optimistic energy to the main character Emma who has just achieved one year of sobriety. The entire story is told from her perspective. When she talks about her teenage self, I thought of the tv shows Grand Army and Gossip Girl. But her story as an adult reminded me of the tone in "Funny Story" (Emily Henry), because it's not about the romance. He's there but it's not about him.

From the very first line, I could tell this audiobook would be so easy to settle into. But the author also impressed me with how she introduced us to Emma who is writing her one year sobriety speech. Her AA group is perky and hyper-socialized and they throw a party for every first year to make sure they don't self-sabotage on day 365. Through the rest of the book you realize that this not a mold that Emma naturally fits into. But she tries, and so she shows up, and she opens up to coworkers and get wrangled into HR parties.

What I admired the most is that Emma's sobriety doesn't feel exploited to entertain us. I can count three tv shows in the last 5 years that have used a spunky woman in recovery as their plot. I loved them, but they relied on her failure, either to get sober or stay sober and used her mess to entertain audiences. This is not that. It’s hopeful and sincere without rose-tinting the experience. I think what the author has done is incredible. The religious and forced-positivity of AA prickled at my skin but the character’s own monologue helped to dull it enough that I could continue reading. I’m really glad I did.

Content Warnings for substance abuse by minors, recovery, religion, divorce, terminal illness and death, sobriety.

I don't know if I should thank netgalley for this or bill them for my therapy. Since I DID technically love this book, I guess I'll just thank them. I absolutely loved this beautiful, messy, heartwarming AND heartbreaking story. I loved Emma's transparent POV and seeing her grow throughout the story, perfectly describing the absolute storm of feelings that come with addiction and sobriety. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to slap some side characters on her behalf. On top of loving the story, the narrator did an INCREDIBLE job. Adding different tones and inflections for different characters, portraying emotion with their voice to fit the scene, putting emphasis where it made the most sense, all of it was phenomenal!

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!