What I loved:
✨“Crush Your Comfort Zone” program: I LOVED this journey. Hannah and Libby participate in the client’s new program in hopes of wooing this client. I love the message of becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable because that’s where growth occurs. As a result, we experience a wonderful character arc for both Libby and Hannah as they discover their own path.
✨Chicago setting: feels almost like a character itself. I live here, and all the sites, sounds, and people are authentically Chicago, especially in the summer!
✨Acknowledgment of romance tropes: sSecond chance romance, forced proximity, and more, but I especially love the explanation for miscommunication trope - a trope I don’t particularly like. But here, we see it explained as romantic realism because, in reality, we fear judgment, thus not revealing our whole truth.
✨All the representation:
Jewish characters
Plus size character (love her romance in the story ❤️)
LGBTQ character - Great Scott
Mental health - ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression
And the list goes on!

The Comeback Summer is filled with love, laughter, and sisterhood. Perfect for your beach bag, summer vacation, or backyard reading!

🎉 𝙷𝙰𝙿𝙿𝚈 𝙿𝚄𝙱 𝙳𝙰𝚈 to @alibradybooks & one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year!! 🎉

sisters Hannah & Libby are on the verge of losing their PR agency inherited from their grandmother. desperate to save the business and their grandmother’s legacy, they agree to complete a popular self-help guru’s 12-week “crush your comfort zone” challenge in the hopes of gaining her as a client.

the challenges take both sisters from one extreme to another—introverted Hannah, who is still damaged from her last relationship, must go on 12 first dates; while Libby, whose idea of comfort includes having themed snack & rom-com movie nights, must complete a high-intensity obstacle course.

together, the girls use their individual strengths to help the other out—while Libby finds online matches for Hannah, Hannah plans Libby’s training schedule & becomes her accountability partner. but the further they get into their challenges, the higher emotions become, and the more unspoken thoughts are exposed, leaving the girls to decide if saving their business is worth risking their relationship as sisters.

you know those books that are so good, they don’t feel like they’re almost 500 pages long? well, this was one of them! i looooved everything about this book 🥰 the characters were super likable, the plot was fun & kept my attention throughout, and its plot + character developments were comfortably predictable without being super corny. the dialogue was also pretty relatable, which I think can be hard to nail with romances at times.

i appreciated the witty banter between characters & the sisterly bond between Libby and Hannah. i don’t have a sister, but their relationship really emulated what I’d imagine it to be like. this really was just a feel-good book all around, and I’ve found myself loving and wanting more from these two dynamic writers!! 🫶🏽

thank you to @netgalley & @berkleypub for my #arc of this book! if you’re a fan of Christina Lauren or TJR, I highly recommend this one!!

Hannah and Libby are two sisters trying to save the family business Following the death of their grandma, they are left in charge of her company nearly on the brink of collapse.

An opportunity of a lifetime presents itself but in order for them to be successful, they need to "crush their comfort zone." That means embarking on a 12 week challenge to get them out of their rutt.

In The Comeback Summer, you get 2 romances in one, along with their sisterly relationship, the business management and the growth of their characters. It's almost like 5 stories in one and is the perfect light beach read.

I loved that it took place in Chicago. Although I am a suburbanite, Chicago is a great city and I spend as much time as possible there. It was so great to see it perfectly captured here.

First summer book of the season and it was FABULOUS! I loved “The Beach Trap” and knew I would love any book Ali Brady put out after that!

“The Comeback Summer” is an adorable story about two sisters trying to save their family business. Along the way they get tangled up in a “crush your comfort zone” challenge.

I loved following the growth of these two lovable sisters. You will laugh, cry, and find yourself smiling to yourself the whole read! The perfect book to get you geared up for summer 2023!

Unfortunately this one did not resonate. The differing perspectives were enjoyable but there was zero connection with any of the characters.

The Chicago setting was well done and the personal growth for each of the characters was admirable. “Great Scott” provided much needed comedic relief and the body positivity was appreciated.

Judging by others reviews, my opinions are definitely in the minority of this one. This was a miss for me but I can see why others will love it!

[Absolutely LOVED it]

This was such a fun read! I flew through this book and couldn’t get enough. I absolutely loved the characters and the fun storyline. The writing was great and made it so easy to get into this book. Make sure to add this one to your summer reading TBR!

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for providing a free advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 1 chili
Pub Date: 5/9

This story follows Hannah and Libby, two sisters trying to save the PR firm their grandmother started years ago. To do this, they must compete in a twelve-week challenge designed to get them out of their comfort zones.

I enjoyed this one! Hannah and Libby are both likable and easily relatable characters who get so involved in each other’s lives that it’s hard to imagine one without the other. They are total opposites in their professional strengths and personalities, and both have insecurities that keep them stuck and unhappy. The challenges they’re given help them to start believing in themselves and to break out of their typical routines.

Romance is a big part of this story, but it’s not the main piece. The relationship between the sisters shines, and I love the transformation they each go through by the end.

Learning to love yourself, going after what you want, how to get outside of your comfort zone, and strong, sisterly bonds are all explored throughout this story. I love that we experience two love stories with two chances at HEA! Josh and Adam are both strong love interests, and I enjoyed getting to know them both.

Read if you like:
*second chance romance
*Chicago setting
*plus-sized rep
*dual POV
*Jewish rep
*witty banter

I’m so excited to add Ali Brady to my list of auto-buy romance authors! Thanks to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for the digital copy to read and review!

This was one of my most anticipated reads if the year and it did not disappoint. This was definitely a 5 star read for me.

What I loved about this book:
- It’s a story about two sisters (Hannah and Libby) who are also business partners and best friends and encourage each other as they take on a 12-week challenge to push themselves outside their comfort zones.
- They run their own PR firm. I also work in public relations, so I really connected with them in that respect.
- It takes place in my favorite city, Chicago. I loved all the references to places I’ve frequented.
- There are references to other characters and places in the author’s previous book: The Beach Trap
- There is some romance, but it’s not the main or sole focus of the novel. It is much more about the relationships between the sisters and their own personal growth as they push themselves outside their comfort zones.

Hannah and Libby inherited their grandmother’s PR agency and they are struggling. In an effort to save their business, they apply to work with Lou, a self-help guru. But before they get the job, Lou insists that they participate in her 12 week challenge to get out of their comfort zones. Hannah is challenged to go on 12 dates while Libby is challenged to compete in an obstacle course race. The sisters agree to help each other through the challenges, but of course various plot twists start to complicate things.

I loved this story - at the heart of it is two sisters who will do anything for each other. They are each other’s biggest supporters and know each other on such a deep level. Their sisterly conflicts felt realistic and their relationship was so special. I also loved the growth each sister went through in the course of this story. They each had separate challenges and really pushed themselves to get out of their respective comfort zones to really embrace life. The love interests were just the icing on the cake for this story. While I didn’t love how either love story started, I love how they ultimately played out. Adam was the best love interest you could want, and Josh really redeemed himself as you got to know more about him and his past. Overall, this is a great summer read!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I read The Beach Trap last year, and I thought it was the cutest summer read. I was excited to learn that Ali Brady were coming out with another book, The Comeback Summer.

Libby and Hannah need to save their late grandma’s PR firm. In order to do so, they hire Lou, a self-help guru. Before Lou agrees to help them, they need to participate in her 12 week “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program.

Friends, if you’re looking for the perfect summer read, this one’s it! It has love, second chance romance, drama, sisterhood, body positivity, and mental health representation. I loved how the story is told in both Libby’s and Hannah’s point of view. The bond between the two sisters is really sweet. Libby, being the oldest, is very protective of Hannah, but times a tad bit over protective. I also loved the fact that the book touched upon getting out of your comfort zone and facing your fears, and going after what you want in life. I will be recommending this one all summer long!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun and delightful pre-summer read. Grab this one for your beach bag you won't be disappointed. So fun!!
Easily can be read in an afternoon.



From synopsis:
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 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?

Summary
Hannah and Libby run their grandmother's PR agency, but it is floundering. They don't want to destroy her legacy, and then the opportunity drops in their lap to potentially represent Lou, a self-help queen looking for representation, with a catch. They have to participate in her 12 week program, Crush Your Comfort Zone, as part of the pitch before Lou will make a decision.
Hannah struggles with dating and social anxiety and it challenged to go on 12 first dates. Libby struggles with confidence and is challenged to participate in an obstacle race. Being the close sisters they are, they decide to support each other weaknesses with their strengths. Libby will manage Hannah's dating profiles and Hannah will make a training schedule for Libby.

Review
I loved this story. I want to do the Crush Your Comfort Zone challenge! This story had so many layers. At it's core, its about sisters and the complicated relationships we have with them (trust me, I'm one of four girls). Hannah and Libby have fit specific roles in each other's lives for so long, they don't know how to let that go, for themselves or each other. It's relatable, whether you have a role in your family or your friends, to feel stifled by it but also not sure if you can change that role. The romance portion of the story was a bonus and just as lovely. Second chances and secret identities... the whole story just gave me hope and joy.

This is my first Ali Brady book and it definitely won't be my last!

The Comeback Summer was a delightful read that I binged in a day! There was depth in this story about Hannah and Linny that I didn’t expect that was so entertaining. I love that there are sections of the book that open with a self help prompt geared towards stepping out of your comfort zone. To be honest, I journaled some of my own responses and really enjoyed my own personal exploration while reading alongside Hannah and Libby.
Hannah and Libby are polar opposites and I really loved hearing their perspectives in the dual points of view. There are themes of sisterhood, self-discovery and reflection, and second chances that made me think of my own sisters and dynamics. I am in my character development era and Brady portrays what so many women and sisters struggle with in such a relatable way with Hannah and Libby. This is one you definitely need to read this summer!

4.25 stars

Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for the early copy!

This one is out tomorrow!

#favoriteauthor #berkley #berkleypublishing #berkleyromance #bookish #bookstagrammer #booknerd #bookaddict #bibliophile #readersofinstagram #instabook #love #reader #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #writing #booklove #literature #bookphotography #booksbooksbooks #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview

So I thought that the writing duo, Ali Brady, did a great job with their debut novel, The Beach Trap, so I was excited to read The Comeback Summer, their sophomoric novel, set to release May 9th. Thank you to @prhaudio for my copy of this audiobook!

What worked for me: A sisters’ storyline- I liked that they were trying to pay homage to their sweet grandmother, who was clearly so influential on the sisters’ lives. I like how their potential client ties together at the end of the novel, I wish that was revealed earlier so we could explore that relationship more. The audiobook narration was solid.

What didn’t: How much focus on “the not pretty sister” there was. It is okay to identify this and I am happy there was a variety of physical representation, but it felt overdone. It still became the crux of Libby’s existence, and I feel she as a character was so much more than that- her internal monologue just continued to drag her through the mud. I wish she had more character growth instead of the last couple chapters of the novel. I also struggled a bit with Josh as a character, again until the last couple chapters. These two things made me feel like the novel had a rushed ending after so many mini-details along the way.

If you like polar opposite sisters, common goals, second chances, Jewish representation, you will likely enjoy this novel. I am looking forward to seeing what they create in their 3rd novel!

CW: body shaming, messy breakups, miscommunication.

The Comeback Summer is a delightful tale of sisterhood, self-discovery, and summer romance. The author deftly weaves together two sweet love stories, creating a warm and charming narrative that is both complex and engaging. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories that capture the essence of summer and the power of sisterly bonds.

Omg this book is amazing and I want everyone to read it!! Seeing the personal growth journey of these two sisters was so wonderful and I couldn’t help to root for them both! This story also provided an opportunity for me to reflect on myself and the fears that may be holding me back in some areas in my life, so it almost felt a bit interactive with that.

The theme of sisterly love or sisterhood was strong throughout and as a someone who has a sister myself, I felt such a connection to them and their conversations. I loved that Libby was a fat leading lady and that she really came to love herself and push herself in a way that she never had before. Her journey to health, self-acceptance, and love was really inspiring. I also loved Hannah’s growth with pushing herself out of her comfort zone and learning to stand up for herself. Her romantic storyline also pulled at my heartstrings and I loved the ending it had. The secondary characters were great and I really enjoyed the different scenarios the ladies found themselves in with those characters throughout. The Jewish representation was also really well done and enriched the story so much!

I flew through this book and absolutely loved it. The alternating POVs kept me invested in both MCs stories and the romance pieces were so good! I can’t wait to read the next novel, Camp People, the preview got me so excited! Thank you so much to Berkley for the free arc copy. #berkleypartner and #berkley. I also loved doing the traveling arc with my AOTM club ladies, it was so much fun to share that experience with them!

This was my first Ali Brady book and it made me want to run to pick up a copy of their other release, because I fell madly in love with their writing style. THE COMEBACK SUMMER is the story of sisters Libby and Hannah Freedman who run their grandmother’s PR firm together now that she’s passed. They’re having trouble keeping it afloat, so when they get solicited from a big name client they have to take a chance. The twist is, the client is a self-help guru who won’t officially hire them until they complete her 12 week “Crush Your Comfort Zone” challenge.

This book totally blew me away. I was expecting a cute little summer beach read but I got so much more. I loved the relationship between the sisters and the way they learned so much about themselves from their summer challenge. I loved the self-discovery and the way they re-evaluated how they were interacting with the world around them. I loved their bravery and their love for each other and their late grandmother. I just loved everything about these women and their stories.

Both of the romance storylines in this story were amazing, but they almost seemed secondary to the self-discovery of the comfort zone challenge. I love that we got to experience Libby and Hannah’s character growth alongside their budding relationships, which felt so human and real. There was a scene about halfway through the book that unexpectedly hit me right in the feels - swipe to see photo evidence 😂

I also LOVED the Jewish representation in this book! It was super casual but so clearly an important part of these characters’ lives.

I also have to say, I loved both of the perspectives in this book and never favored one over the other, which is impressive. I truly cared so much about both women and their journeys of personal growth, self-discovery, and finding love.

Seriously y’all - this book is the perfect summer beach read. It may be long (over 400 pages!) but I zipped through it in 2 sittings!

This book is everything! I read it in one day and I am absolutely OBSESSED

Two relatable main female characters and two swoonworthy guys?! Witty banter, laughs, smiles, and tears? Y E S

Hannah and Libby are sisters that took over their legendary grandmother’s PR firm in Chicago. But business is bad and they are barely staying afloat

Until Lou, a wellness and life coach guru walks in and offers them the client of a lifetime! Only catch? Hannah and Libby must complete her 12 week challenge to break free from your comfort zone

Hannah, still unable to trust men after the devastating break up of her high school sweetheart. Libby, the romance lover but doesn’t feel she is worthy of love because of her body and low confidence

While Hannah helps Libby train for an upcoming full body challenge, Libby signs up as Hannah to set her up on the perfect dates! What could possibly go wrong when the love of Hannah’s life returns and Libby falls head over heels for a guy she meets on a dating app, as Hannah?

An absolute must read!!

Wowwwww, guys!! I absolutely loved this book!

I buddy read The Beach Trap last summer with my friend and we really enjoyed this book and this new up and coming author duo!

One year and another book later, I feel like they’ve really figured it out! This book is incredible!

I love the bond between the two sisters and the whole idea of crushing your comfort zones. Putting yourself out there and doing the hard stuff and taking the risk…it was so sweet and inspiring!

Definitely had a little spice and I was so invested I got teared up a couple times!!

So so happy with this book! I can’t wait to see what Ali Brady can do next. 🤍

Sisters! This is all about sisters, Hannah and Libby realize they need help to see their grandmother's PR business going and then find themselves doing things they never expected to do. Whether it's becoming physically fit or dating, everything is outside their comfort zones at first but then slowly, slowly they both grow as people. But the key is that they never forget that they must help one another. It's a tad trope-y in spots but the dialogue sparkles and the story pops along. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. This will be perfect for travel, the beach, or just hanging out.