It's refreshing to read a romance written about a woman in her 40s and a man in his 50s, we don't see enough of those nowadays. A fun romance between a ski resort owner and a former rock star, and I just had a great time reading this one. I appreciated that the stakes in this book were not necessarily tied completely to the romance and that both main characters had goals to accomplish outside of the romance. Some things could have been defined more which is why 4 stars and not 5, but would happily read more by this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of Come As You Are in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I don't think I realized this one had older protagonists, however I liked it. I don't know that I enjoy reading the younger protagonists as much anymore in some of these romances (unless it's one that I know). This was refreshing and I think added a good layer to their personalities. If you like spicy, holiday romance, you'd like this one!

❄️ Forced Proximity
❄️Slowburn
❄️Gen-X couple
❄️Smalltown Romance

Come As You Are is a heartwarming romance that beautifully explores second chances, personal growth, and the power of resilience.

Ashley Cooke is 46 and she’s juggling the challenges of saving her beloved ski hill while dealing with her ex-husband's schemes. Her strength, vulnerability, and sharp wit make her journey deeply engaging. Enter Matthew Madigan, a 53-year-old former grunge rocker and recovering addict whose rugged charm and gentle nature make him an irresistible love interest. Their connection unfolds naturally, filled with humour, tenderness, and a slow-burning passion that makes every interaction shine.

Hardy’s writing immerses readers in the snow-covered ski hill, cozy cabins, and the warmth of a close-knit community. The novel also delves into weighty topics like substance abuse and grief, handling them with care while maintaining a hopeful, uplifting tone. The message of learning to accept, forgive, and embrace change resonates deeply.

Such a cozy and cute romance!

“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘵, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘵.”

I just love when a book makes you swoon and giggle throughout, then hits you in the feels. AND the FMC has your name, Ashley (though I’m ee). I so thoroughly enjoyed this book! We meet Ashley who runs a ski hill with her mom, and Madigan who wants to partner with her to staff her mountain (he manages a sober living home). There’s so many heartfelt moments plus shenanigans and laughs. The side characters had you wrapped up in their stories too of wanting to see them succeed, or hoping the meddling ex gets what he deserves. Their chemistry and relationship felt so realistic and raw as they battled with their own inner demons.

This was a story about overcoming what you’re settling for, and rising up to grab happiness!

Read if you enjoy
❄️HEA
❄️Winter Vibes
❄️Forced Proximity
❄️Smalltown Romance
❄️Former Rockstar

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for the copy!

Come As You Are is a story of redemption, trust, and love. Not only is it love between lovers, but love between friends, too. Madigan is a phenomenal sober house leader who has the interests of his men in mind first and foremost. Add in a woman who has him drop to his knees so fast and you have a wonderful found family. I wasn’t mega thrilled with how Maude Alice acted throughout the story, but I could sympathize once the explanation of her behavior came to light. Overall, I am so glad I picked this one up - spicy, sweet, and everything in between. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read!

This book was so sweet, it’s a second chance at life, because the majority of the men in this book are felons, and recovering addicts. But also it’s a new romance as well, because the main characters are older, and they are discovering love, but in the right way for them… and I thought this was so cute, I will most definitely read the second book. And of course, I cannot lead behind the spicy scenes, because Madigan and Ashley are FIRE!

Jess K Hardy’s *Come As You Are* is a heartwarming, mature romance that deftly blends second chances, personal growth, and a charming small-town setting. With its unique premise and richly drawn characters, this story stands out as a refreshing take on love and redemption.

Ashley Cooke is a resilient and relatable protagonist. At 46, she’s facing a mountain of challenges—both literal and figurative—as she fights to save her beloved ski hill while fending off her scheming ex-husband. Ashley’s grit and vulnerability make her journey deeply engaging, and her witty, no-nonsense demeanor adds a spark to every scene she’s in.

Enter Matthew Madigan, a 53-year-old recovering addict and former grunge rocker, whose rugged charm and gentle soul make him an irresistible love interest. The chemistry between Ashley and Madigan is electric, full of humor, tenderness, and slow-burning passion. Their relationship unfolds naturally, with delightful moments like skiing lessons and intimate cabin serenades that feel authentic and heartwarming.

The supporting cast, particularly the men from Madigan’s sober living home, adds depth to the story. Their presence highlights themes of redemption, community, and the idea that everyone deserves a second chance. The subplot involving the sabotage of Ashley’s ski hill injects just the right amount of tension, keeping the narrative dynamic without overshadowing the romance.

Hardy also excels in capturing the setting. The snow-covered ski hill, cozy cabins, and wintry small-town vibes create a perfect backdrop for this story of love and resilience.

If there’s a minor critique, it’s that some of the conflicts—particularly the sabotage plotline—resolve a bit too neatly. However, this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall charm and emotional resonance of the story.

*Come As You Are* is a heartfelt and uplifting romance that proves it’s never too late for love or a fresh start. With its mature protagonists, sizzling chemistry, and themes of healing, it’s a delightful read for anyone craving a love story with depth and heart.

A well-deserved 4 stars—a cozy, emotional, and thoroughly satisfying romance!

Any book gets extra stars for being something I haven’t read 100x before.

Maddigan, 53, ex rockstar x ex con x sober living boss
Ashley, 47, ski resort owner, divorced mom

Struggling ski resort owner Ashley needs men to work for her. Maddigan has a bunch of men in his sober living housing program looking for work. Add in an over the top mom, a dog, and a really awful ex husband.

3rd person POV 🥴 not for me. But I got over it.

4.25/5 stars! The cover of this book was adorable. This is the first book I've read by Jess K. Hardy. This was a really well-written mature romance. I appreciated the depth of Ashley and Matthew's character development. There was so much nostalgia in this book and I appreciated that there wasn't silly conflicts. Everything was paced well and made sense.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

love when characters help each other move on from the past and give each other the confidence boost they deserve. a well written book that had everything in order to make the story great.

This book was like a Hallmark Christmas movie, if Hallmark Christmas Movies involved 50% less actual Christmas, and 100% more grown adults who fuck. Which is to say, I really enjoyed it, though it does feel very much like the kind of thing to pick up only when you're in a specific mood.

This was cute and sweet. if you love cozy romances it's a must! I loved every minute of it. A total must read!

“Hiding from life is not recovery. The freedom is in embracing life fully, the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

Read if you enjoy:
❄️ Older Couple Romance (MMC 53, FMC 46)
❄️ FMC (Resort Owner)
❄️ MMC (Owner of Recovering House / Former Rockstar Guitarist)
❄️ Forced Proximity
❄️ Grumpy x Sunshine
❄️ Slow Burn

“Growth is uncomfortable. Clinging to comfort leaves little room for growth. Chase after comfort, and you’ll be running in place for the rest of your life.”

This wintery love story is about two mature adults who are navigating the struggles of their stages in life and connect through a mutual agreement. It’s a story of taking chances despite your age and believing in the power of growth, embracing life as it comes. I enjoyed the backstory of some of the characters and how through a recovery program, they are having a second chance at reintegrating themselves into society.

This book touches on difficult topics such as substance abuse and grief. Despite all, I enjoyed the message carried throughout of learning to accept and forgive.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

I picked this book up during a random, sleepless night knowing nothing about it besides the fact it took place on a ski resort. I loved that this romance followed two people in their late forties/early fifties as they navigate a second chance at love. It had a good mix of family drama and personal drama to keep the story interesting. I really appreciated how relatable the characters are. Ashley is still healing from her emotionally abusive marriage as well as grieving the death of her father. Madigan runs a sober recovery home for men and is trying to right all of this wrongs from when he was a young rock star. They are both very inspiring characters and it was so fun watching them fall in love.

READ IF YOU LIKE:
- gen x romance
- forced proximity
- work place romance
- single mom
- former rock star
- he falls first

i LOVED this ashley and madigan are the perfect couple and i love RUGGED man her ex-husband on the other line absolutely despise him. this is one of my FAV books this year

> Maybe it was beards and flannels and tattoos and a heart so big she could hear it beating through the window. <

Diese süß Romance kann ich jedem Empfehlen der es gerne cozy hat und ein wenig spice ist auch mit dabei.
Dieses Buch behandelt wirklich ganz tolle und wichtige Themen, die in Büchern bisher doch eher unterrepräsentiert sind. Die Protagonisten sind zudem schon etwas älter wodurch das Ganze nicht mehr diesen jugendlichen Leichtsinn und Naivität hat, welche mich in anderen Büchern doch immer wieder stören. Dennoch verliert das Buch nicht seine Leichtigkeit denn die ist definitiv noch vorhanden. Auch der Schreibstil spielt da mit rein denn dieser ist wirklich sehr schön ausgearbeitet und super zu lesen.
Ashley und Madigan sind mir wirklich ans Herz gewachsen und ich werde auch in die kommenden Bände defintiv mal einen Blick reinwerfen.

Come As You Are was a heartwarming story. Many romance center younger adults so it was refreshing to meet Ashley and Madegan who are in their 40/50s and are finding love after really challenging adulthoods.

Come as you are is about a struggling business woman and a recovering addict who are able to strike a mutually beneficial relationship, but not as you would expect (at first).

Ashley inherited a family-owned ski resort and is in need of some cheap labor to help keep the resort afloat. Madigan is a recovering addict who is also a business man and long ago famed rockstar. His owns a sort of halfway house helping others in their recovery, and has the chance to work with Ashley.

I liked the dynamics between the two, as it’s always good to see a flawed FMC working through her own issues and insecurities along with the MMC. There is some miscommunication, which is always tough to read, but the issues get resolved and they end up making it through and provide the HEA in a very round about way.

I would recommend this to anyone! It was a quick read and I enjoyed myself.

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.

The audio was great and drew me in almost immediately. I can't wait for the second book to release in audio format as well, and will be listening asap.

This was a great romance. The chemistry between Madigan and Ashley is notable from the moment they meet. They have pasts that define how they view each other, that taint their views on life and that put them in a position where they are taking measured steps towards each other. It's a different perspective on romance and it makes the story richer.