Book Review: "Come As You Are" by Jess K. Hardy

“Come As You Are” by Jess K. Hardy is the perfect cozy read as we head into Fall. Ashley Cooke is a 46-year-old mom and business owner who is desperately trying to save her struggling ski resort - and her father’s legacy. Drowning in credit card debt and dealing with an aggressive, ex-husband who’s intent on buying the resort from her, Ashley hires local men from the sober living house at the behest of her mother, and fellow co-owner.

Matthew Madigan, a recovering addict and ex-grunge rocker, has dedicated the last decade of his life to helping fellow recoverers. The sparks fly between Ashley and Matthew from their first meeting and only heat up when the two start spending more time together on the slope. Ashley even teaches Matthew how to ski, while he in turn, teaches her St. Bernard to be the rescue dog he should be. Matthew opens up to Ashley, exposing his own vulnerabilities and fears, as Ashley overcomes her own insecurities and lets herself fall for mix-tape master Matthew.

When sabotage threatens Ashley’s operations on the mountain and Matthew’s career, the pair’s compatibility is questioned. (Can we all guess who the villain is at this point in the story? Spoiler alert - it’s Ashley’s slimy, cheater of an ex-husband.) Ashley and Matthew respond to the threats spectacularly and send the asshole packing - just in time for Matthew’s return to the stage.

This book was full of raw emotion and storylines that were so well-developed they were palpable. My heart was aching at certain points and I was SO invested in Ashley and Matthew’s love story - I was rooting for them (along with all of Matthew’s men who complimented the story so well, especially Sam!) I originally gave this story four out of five stars - but I’m revising my original score to be a 5/5. This book continues to hold me in its clutches, even weeks later.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt, wintery romance book featuring older characters and full of second chances, redemption themes and more, check out “Come As You Are” by Jess K. Hardy.