I’ve found another great writing duo!
I missed out on their debut novel, Beach Trap, last year but I loved the newest book, The Comeback Summer.
Two sisters inherit their grandmother’s business and struggle to keep it afloat. They’re approached by a new “life coach type” potential client and must also complete her personal growth challenge. For Libby, it’s training for and competing a gritty goddess team event. For Hannah, it’s going on 12 dates with different people through a dating app. Libby gets help from her athletic sister, Hannah. Hannah gets help from Libby when Libby begins chatting with Adam (as Hannah). What happens when Libby finds herself falling for Adam? What happens when Hannah’s former first love, Josh moves back to the area and seeks her out? Eeeks!! Que the entanglements 😉

The chapters alternate between Libby and Hannah, their thoughts, backgrounds and experiences. I found myself drawn more to Hannah’s story the first part of the book, but eventually became equally invested in Libby. I really enjoyed the book, the plot development and the characters. I thought the romance was perfectly done. It was a great read, and a good choice for summer, poolside or vacay!

Sisters and business partners Hannah and Libby need a miracle to save their failing business. They are introduced to a potential new client who wants them to push from their comfort zone for 12 weeks, the sisters agree. Hannah struggles with making small talk, so her challenge is to go on 12 dates. Libby struggles with physical fitness, so her challenge is to complete an obstacle course race. The sisters aren’t sure they will be able to complete the challenge – and might end up losing their business altogether.

I really enjoyed this book written by author friends Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey who write under the pen-name Ali Brody. This is their sophomore novel, and I did not read their debut.

Hannah and Libby were amazingly written. I felt so connected and in tune with both of them. I chuckled at the sisterly dynamics, as I have felt them with my own sister. I enjoyed the Jewish representation in this book and how the cultural and food references left me wanting to try new things. I also enjoyed the romance aspect of this one, for both sisters and how it wasn’t about women needing men, but how relationships can be healthy and supportive.

I’ve read so many books with summer in the title lately that I can’t wait for it to be here. This book would make the perfect beach read and I hope you check it out May 9th.

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, @berkleyromance and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to my partners, Let’s Talk Books Promo, Berkley Publishers, and NetGalley, and the authors, Ali Brady. I appreciate the gifted eARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily! Swipe for synopsis!

1. Second Chance Romance - Or wait…is it? I can’t handle how much I want Josh and Hannah back together and yet don’t. Ugh! Just get to it already! I can’t handle the suspense!

2. Secret Identity - Man oh man…the reader can feel it from the get-to. Libby falling for Adam, the man she’s setting Hannah up with. And they are perfect! But will the front that is being put on make it a disaster?

3. Crush Your Comfort Zone - This read came at exactly the right time for me. It has me veering toward crushing my own comfort zone! I’ve needed a motivation push and I feel ready to tackle myself now! It’s about time to get my ass in gear!

4. Body Image - Libby has dealt with so much body shaming in her life. It is a sad cycle that is extremely difficult for her to break, even after she begins her exercise program with Hannah.

5. Down & Dirty - The race that is in the back of the story is a great euphemism for this story. When blows come to blow between the sisters, everything that they’ve needed to say for years is said. While it is hurtful at first, the truth is always the best medicine. Things have to get down and dirty before the healing truly begins.

P. S. My husband’s name is Josh. He is the epitome of a walking green flag 💕 I definitely do not agree with the stigma around guys named Josh 😂😉

The Comeback Summer is the second book by author duo Ali Brady. Inheriting their grandmother's struggling PR agency, sisters Hannah and Libby are desperate to save it when eccentric self-help guru Lou offers them a lifeline—with a catch. Both sisters must complete daunting personal challenges as part of Lou's "Crush Your Comfort Zone" program, but secrets and romantic entanglements threaten not only their progress but their relationship as well. As they strive to honor their grandmother, the sisters must confront the question: Are they on the right path? I absolutely adored the premise of The Comeback Summer and appreciated the distinct personalities of each sister. I found myself drawn more to Libby's perspective and storyline than Hannah's. Libby's inner monologue and challenges were well-developed and I felt they could have made a complete book on their own. On the other hand, Hannah's challenge seemed somewhat sidelined and her love interest, Josh, really bothered me due to his underdeveloped character. The conflict between Hannah and Josh felt unresolved towards the end which was a bit strange. I enjoyed Libby's ending much more. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who loved the author duo's previous work, The Beach Trap.

I loved The Comeback Summer! A book about sisters in their mid to late 20s figuring life with alternating POV! The premise of this book is great, and I loved all the topics it explored. I think Ali Brady did a beautiful job of weaving together so many subplots from romance to body positivity to the importance of family and legacy. The writing is great, and each sister has such a unique voice. This is my first book by this author duo and it won't be my last!

The Comeback Summer, was the first book I kicked off my vacation with...

I am currently in Bermuda. and have completely immersed myself in relaxation mode. All I want to do is read and listen to the water crash into the sand. I had kicked off the week with this incredible book and all I can say is Ali Brady is a genius! I don't know who you are or where you came from but I will not miss a beat when it comes to any future releases!

The Comeback Summer is going to be an instant bestseller and will be the book in everyones beach tote this Summer!

I don't think I could ever do this book justice in just a few paragraphs. I will try to keep it short and sweet and let you pick up your own copy to feel the love I feel for this book .

Family
Love
Secrets
Betrayal

This book holds so much, you will find yourself lost within in the pages. Say good-bye to reality, you are about to plunge yourself into a whole different atmosphere. Everything is described so vividly, you will feel as if the book is playing out like a movie right before your eyes.

I cried, I laughed, I craved a warm hug...

I felt it all.


Teaser :

Two sisters have one summer to crush their comfort zones and save their grandmother’s legacy in this sweet, sexy, and heartfelt novel by Ali Brady, author of The Beach Trap.

Hannah and Libby need a miracle. The PR agency they inherited from their grandmother is losing clients left and right, and the sisters are devastated at the thought of closing. The situation seems hopeless—until in walks Lou, an eccentric self-help guru who is looking for a new PR agency. Her business could solve all their problems—but there’s a catch. Whoever works with Lou must complete a twelve-week challenge as part of her “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program.

Hannah, whose worst nightmare is making small talk with strangers, is challenged to go on twelve first dates. Libby, who once claimed to have period cramps for four weeks straight to get out of gym class, is challenged to compete in an obstacle course race. The challenges begin with Hannah helping Libby train and Libby managing the dating app on her sister’s behalf. They’re both making good progress—until Hannah’s first love rolls into town, and Libby accidentally falls for a guy she’s supposed to be setting up with her sister.

Things get even more complicated when secrets come to light, making the sisters question the one relationship they’ve always counted on: each other. With their company’s future on the line, they can’t afford to fail. But in trying to make a comeback to honor their grandmother, are they pushing themselves down the wrong path?

This book was so much fun! Sisters Hannah and Libby are so opposite, yet two perfect halves to one whole. Their banter made me giggle and they both felt like real people.

The entire premise of a comeback summer was unique and wildly entertaining! I loved the challenges they had to complete and how they instantly decided to help each other succeed! This story is heartwarming, funny, and (at times) gut wrenching.

The main characters deal with different mental health topics which I always love to see in fiction. Libby has low self esteem stemming from lifelong personal issues with her weight while Hannah is riddled with anxiety in certain situations. I think this makes them much more relatable and adds depth to the story as a whole.

Told in alternating points of view, we get a front row seat to Hannah and Libby’s thoughts and actions. Their reasoning behind certain major plot points are easier to understand since we, as the reader, are witness to the decision making.

In conclusion, I found this book to be very enjoyable and laugh-out-loud funny while also shedding light on some more serious topics. This one is perfect for a discussion group or book club!

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

Sisters Hannah and Libby have always been close, despite being opposite in so many ways. After the loss of their beloved grandmother, together they decide to honor her memory by taking over her well respected PR business.

But maintaining their grandmother’s legacy proves to be easier said than done. Afraid they might fail, Hannah and Libby need a Hail Mary. Enter Lou, a self help expert looking for the perfect PR company to rep her. Then they learn the catch- each of them would have to complete
a twelve-week challenge as part of the “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program she’s created.

Mortified at the prospect (they call
It a comfort zone for a reason), the sisters still know this is their best bet at salvation. So they reluctantly agree. Hannah, the insecure introvert and still holding a torch for her ex, is challenged to go on 12 blind dates. Older sister, Libby meanwhile who has always been intimidated by physical exertion, is challenged to complete a rigorous obstacle course. But when Hannah’s ex comes back into her life and Libby’s best intentions for her sister’s love life backfire in a surprising turn of events, both sisters begin to see the challenge in a whole new light.

The Comeback Summer is the sophomore novel by talented writing team, @alibradybooks. To me, their novels feel like adult versions of the books I read as a kid, featuring headstrong girls-an ironic twist as such novels were my own comfort zone. I enjoyed both sister’s stories equally and found myself rooting for them, both as a team and as individuals. It also made me wish I had a sister for the zillionth time in my life.

The latest in a long line of stories about feisty females, I’m glad such a trend is making a comeback of its own.

4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Okay this is very very cute. I've been in the mood for something feel good and I love Ali Brady's books because they are not just romance, they also include some family dynamics. I loved the sisters Hannah and Libby in this one and how they each grew into their own person. There were laugh out loud moments, touching sister moments, and steamy romance moments. The perfect mix of everything I love.

This one just came out so be sure to grab a copy. Thanks to Berkley for the gifted copy.

More fiction than romance, The Comeback Summer is the story about overcoming insecurities, learning how to get outside your comfort zone, and fight for what you want in life. Libby is the older sister who has always suffered from body self-esteem issues, so going from couch potato to obstacle race runner is a big step but her sister helps her step by step. On the flip side, Hannah had the same boyfriend for eight years and has trouble putting herself out into the dating world. She still has trauma from being in a secure relationship to not understanding why she was dumped. Knowing this will be hard for her sister Libby steps in to help with the matchmaking apps, finding and setting up her sister on some safe dates. At the beginning of the book you really see how these sisters are there for each other, but it’s when the conflict enters their lives in the form of Hannah’s old boyfriend coming back to town, and Libby falling for one of the men on the app she is monitoring for her sister that we see that their relationship may need some work.

The romances in this book were secondary to the relationship between Hannah and Libby. A big romance fan, I thought I’d struggle with this but I actually liked how the sisters were what drove the story. Not to say there wasn’t any romance because both sisters found some and those scenes were sizzling, but there was purpose behind the timing of those scenes that moved Hannah and Libby’s characters forward towards crushing their comfort zone’s.

If you’re looking for a strong sister story, look no further than The Comeback Summer. I liked these two ladies and was happy to read about their journey of self discovery over this one summer. Yes, they also found love but the stronger plot was the familial story between Hannah and Libby.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest.

I’ve always loved reading about sibling stories. Especially if they have dynamic and complex relationship. In The Comeback Summer, both sisters Libby and Hannah have such a wonderful bond despite the fact that there were also hidden emotional baggages, which of course, would resurface as they deal with challenges in their professional lives and spilling over their own personal relationships. I liked that the story focused on how they each got out of their comfort zones by doing the challenges set out by Lou. Bonus that they each got their love stories too! I must say that I liked Hannah’s story better than Libby’s. Though I also applaud Libby for pushing herself really to the max. Hannah’s more of an emotional and mental push while Libby’s more of the physical one. The story also dealt with lots of mental health issues, which is great, but could be overwhelming to read at times. If you enjoy stories such as this, then do add it to your tbr. It will definitely motivate you to get out of your own safe coccoons and explore outside your own world!

Thanks to @berkleypub, @alibrady and @netgalley for my ARC. This book is now out in the world!🥳🎉🥳

The dynamic duo, Ali Brady, returns following The Beach Trap with THE COMEBACK SUMMER, a perfect beach read featuring two sisters on a quest to save their grandmother's legacy. While doing so, they experience much personal growth, forcing them out of their comfort zones and overcoming insecurities.

Set in Chicago, with alternating POVs, sisters Hannah and Libby (two years apart) inherited a PR firm, The Freedman Group, in Chicago from their grandmother, GiGi. It was her pride and joy.

Things have gone downhill since her death three years ago.

A popular self-help guru—Lou's Crush Your Comfort Zone, steps in with a program to turn the business around, but she wants to ensure the sisters are promoting correctly, pushing boundaries.

It involves a 12-week challenge of doing things that will be outside their comfort zone. Will they be up for the challenge?

Hannah's challenge: She has not had a serious relationship in five years. She despises small talk. Her challenge is to go on twelve dates in twelve weeks. Her sister will set up her online profile and handle the messaging. All Hannah has to do is go on the dates.

Libby's challenge: Fitness and health. She would like nothing more than to read romance novels and snack. She has a challenge of a physical competition called Down and Dirty. Hannah enjoys working out and will assist her sister with the schedule.

THE COMEBACK SUMMER is delightful! I loved the Freedman sisters. Libby battles her body image issues while Hannah confronts her confidence issues.

A witty, fun summer read with two sisters on a journey to self-discovery! Empowering and inspiring—an exploration into relationships, romance, health, fitness, image, family, business, and sisterhood. Also an excellent Jewish representation.

For fans of authors Kristy Woodson Harvey, Colleen Oakley, and Rochelle Weinstein. The best part was getting a special preview of the next Ali Brady novel, CAMP PEOPLE! Cannot wait.

Thanks to #Berkley for a gifted ARC via #NetGalley for review purposes. I also purchased the audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley (favorite) and Lauren Fortgang for an outstanding performance!

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 9, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars
May 2023 Must-Read Books

Honestly, this wasn’t my favorite book. I enjoyed the setting and premise, but it just wasn’t a book for me. Too many spicy scenes and some characters were whiny.

Comeback Summer is the story of two sisters who agree to a 12 week challenge to do things outside of their comfort zone in order to win a potential large client. I loved the sister dynamics so much. I loved their snappy and witty banter, I loved their support, I loved how protective they were over each other. I also loved how this book tackled mental health issues and body image issues straight on, in all of their raw and honest relatable glory. It was such a fun summer read with so much more substance than just a fluffy beach read. And it made me hungry with all of the food descriptions!

Short synopsis: Sisters Libby and Hannah join a personal growth challenge in attempts to convince Lou a popular podcaster to hire them as her PR Reps to save the family business.

@alibrady does it again! After reading and Loving the Beach Trap last year, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their newest novel!

This book is about falling in love, with someone else and yourself. Stepping outside your comfort zone and find the best version of you. Letting down your walls, and growth.

This had not one, but two romantic stories within the pages. I kept finding myself rooting for each storyline and hoping the relationships would find a way to survive.

I adored the sister storyline. I always wanted a sister but grew up with 3 brothers. My love for them is still so fierce, but I loved to see the lengths Libby and Hannah would go to make sure the other was happy. I especially enjoyed the differences between each sister, Libby was confident and social, but struggled with her weight and healthy eating. Hannah was fit, but struggled socially. The fact they had to work together in Lou’s challenge made me so happy.

Read if you love:
- Stories about relationships
- Two romance storylines
- Stepping outside your comfort zone
- Challenges
- Saving the family business
- Jewish rep

I loved this book! It had a slow start for me - about the first 10% I was struggling to get invested, not quite sure where the book would go, but then it hit its stride and I couldn't put it down!

This is the story of two sisters - Hannah and Libby. They took over their grandmother's PR business after her death and it's currently struggling to make ends meet. They try to acquire a new high-paying client, who has a 12-step project for improving your life and the client wants the two sisters to complete the steps before she will decide if she will give the her business. Both sisters are tasked with getting out of their comfort zones - Hannah needs to go on 12 dates and Libby needs to train for a race and journal along the way.

Once the story was set up - it really hit it's groove. I LOVED the two romances - one was a second-chance, with Josh and Hannah and one was a You've Got Mail type of trope with Adam and Libby. Josh has ADHD and Hannah has anxiety and it felt so familiar to my husband and I's relationship so it was fun to read about a realistic relationship. Libby is battling her own demons with her weight and I also related to her story line. The sister storyline was also relatable as I have a close relationship with my sister! It was all very relatable but so enjoyable. And the steamy scenes were very steamy with the right amount of tension leading up to them. I thought they were so well done.

One of my favorite romances I've read lately. It is longer than most romances, which I think was a bit daunting at first, but once I got into it I didn't notice the length and just really enjoyed all that unfolded! This was my first book by the duo and I can't wait to go back and read their debut.

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.

This was such a charming story about two sisters who live very codependent lives trying to keep their family business afloat. They are instructed by a potential client to follow her 12 week “crush your comfort zone” program. For introverted, anxious Hannah, she’s supposed to go on 12 dates with 12 different people, but an ex swoops back into her life. For social butterfly with a body image complex Libby, she’s supposed to move her body and have an end goal set up. For her that’s a Down and Dirty obstacle race.

Throughout the program, they learn more about themselves as individuals and grow into who they’re meant to be, not the box they’ve been placed in. There’s a lot of mental health rep and body positivity while still having lighthearted romances. And I really enjoyed reading about that obstacle course!

This writer duo can really write emotional stories about sisters. Just like The Beach Trap, I enjoyed both sisters’ perspectives, and enjoyed going on this journey with them.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a fun book about sisters crushing their comfort zones. It’s perfect for a pool or beach read. I really enjoyed the sister relationship in this one and it had me wishing I had a sister.

Told in alternating POVS from Hannah and Libby, sisters who have always been there for each other. Their grandmother, GiGi, leaves them her PR agency when she passes but they are struggling to keep it going. They meet Lou, a potential client, who wants them to do her 12 week challenge to get out of their comfort zones. Hannah is still reeling from her high school sweetheart years ago and hasn’t had luck dating so she has to go on 12 dates in 12 weeks for her challenge. Libby who is overweight and embarrassed to workout in public is challenged to be active almost daily and take on the Down and Dirty race.

I identified with both sisters in different ways. Hannah and I both hate small talk and love true crime. Libby and I both are non athletic and love to curl up with a book. I loved both of the male leads in this book as well and was happy to see the relationships develop. My one complaint is the miscommunication which is addressed somewhat in the book. It’s so frustrating to read though. It was set in Chicago which is such a cool city.

Thank you to @netgalley @letstalkbookspromo and @berkleypub for the arc for review.

Sisters Hannah and Libby run their late grandmother’s PR agency in Chicago. However, they are concerned about its future after losing another client (a nod to the Rooneys who first appeared in The Beach Trap).
Then a self-help podcaster named Lou indicates she might hire them but first they have to complete her 12-week challenge to push them out of their comfort zone.
Hannah, who had her heart broken when her boyfriend left for Australia, has to go on 12 dates, while Libby, who has some weight issues, has to train for an obstacle course event.
The sisters band together to help one another but soon their tight bond is tested.
The Ali Brady writing duo have a knack for coming up with an intriguing premise and delivering on it, and this book was even better than the debut. Tracking the women on their Crush Your Comfort Zone challenge ensured we got character growth as well as plenty of endearing romance.

What a fun and joyful read!

Sisters Hannah and Libby each have fears to overcome. The fear of failing with the PR agency their grandmother left them, the fear of closeness for Hannah who has never recovered from being ruthlessly dumped by her High School sweetheart. The fear of physical activity for Libby, who feels she is not built for athleticism and uses humor to deflect whenever she feels in adequate in life.

When Lou, a podcaster and self-help expert, walks into their PR agency, and challenges Libby and Hannah to take on a 12-week course in crushing their comfort zones, the sisters learn much more than they expected. They’ll start to question what they want out of life, love, and even their sibling relationship.

Lighthearted, joyful, but with deep themes around body acceptance and living with anxiety, Hannah and Libby’s story kept me rapt from the first page until the last. Add in a sizzle of romance for both sisters, and The Comeback Summer is such a fun read.

Ideal for your porch, the beach, or anywhere you’d like a fun escape this summer!