Make sure to add this one to your summer reading list! ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
These two sisters were relatable on many levels. I loved how this author duo wrote two female protagonists that had real struggles, such as anxiety, body image, self-confidence, family expectations, to name a few. We all have our insecurities. In many ways, I couldn’t help wondering if the authors wrote themselves into this book. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
But it’s not just women’s fiction, just wait until you met their two love interests! One can cook and the other is both sweet and beyond frustrating.
​​​​​​​​
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 is also a book with amazing Jewish food representation. So much so that I asked my friend where I could find mandel bread in KC to try. Her reply: “my mom’s house” and then she kindly brought me these treats! Yum! ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Thank you to @alibradybooks for the traveling arc! It was a 4.5 stars rounded to 5 for me!

I read this book in a matter of hours! It's a big one but doesn't feel that way.
I just love sisters and Hannah and Libby are great. They both have their insecurities (who doesn't?!) but they are there for one another in every way. Through their parents divorce, through trying to keep their Grandmother's company afloat and through a unique 12 week challenge to try and get the business of a woman that can help them.

I love what they find out about themselves through this challenge of "crushing their comfort zones" and what they really and truly want out of life/from each other.

The side characters of Josh, Adam, and Great Scott were wonderful additions. I didn't always vibe with Josh and how he acted but in ways, I got him. Adam was just awesome. Scott had me laughing and rolling my eyes at the same time, though I want him in my life 🤣

Thanks to Berkley Publishing for the advance e-publicity copy of THE COMEBACK SUMMER by Ali Brady, out May 9.

I loved watching Hannah + Libby's romances unfold, their relationship with each other mature, and their abilities to stand up for themselves (and make individual comebacks!) be the ultimate storylines to root for in this book about two Jewish sisters who inherit a PR firm from their grandmother.
Definitely a book to stash in your vacation bag - you won't regret it.

Thank you NetGalley, Ali Brady and Berkley for the eARC!

I loved this book! I love how both books the authors have wrote include sister relationships. This one revolves around two very close sisters, Hannah and Libby, who start a crush your comfort zone challenge with a prospective client. Both characters were so real and relatable. To me, Libby’s character was someone I could really understand and empathize with.

I loved the two romcom tropes that are in the book, but no spoilers! Definitely a super binge worthy beach read! 4.5 rounded to 5

Rating: 4/5 stars

Sisters Hannah and Libby are struggling to keep their grandmother’s PR firm afloat when they get the opportunity to earn the business of a major client—if they can impress her by participating in a 12-week challenge to “Crush their Comfort Zones.” But the challenge gets complicated when Hannah’s ex comes back to town, Libby develops feelings for someone she’s trying to set her sister up with, and buried secrets come to light.

I loved THE BEACH TRAP last year, and Ali Brady have once again created a super fun dual romance centered on sisterhood and the relationships between women, while still giving us adorable book boyfriends and some spicy scenes! The premise of this was one I don’t think I’ve encountered before, and while it took me a few minutes to get into (self-help challenges aren’t really my thing), the characters and their journeys really sucked me in and I was rooting for them *so* hard by the end!

I will say that I was a bit angry at one of the sisters (I won’t be saying which one but feel free to guess if you’ve read this!) and that never really went away…but the beauty of the writing here is that I fully understood and even empathized with her decision making even while it upset me.

Truly, I’ll read anything Ali Brady (or Ali or Bradeigh) come out with, and I can’t wait for everyone to have the chance to pick this one up!

Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: sister stories; dual romances; finding your purpose

CW: Discussions of mental illness/mental health; fatphobia (internalized and external); mentions of terminal illness

Pub date: 5/9/23
Genre: contemporary fiction with romantic elements
Quick summary: Sisters Hannah and Libby have one chance to save the family PR agency - but their potential client Lou wants them to take on her twelve-week "Crush Your Comfort Zone" program before she hires them.

I loved Ali Brady's debut THE BEACH TRAP, and I think THE COMEBACK SUMMER is even better! Hannah and Libby were so fun to get to know, and I loved seeing them pushed to their limits with Lou's challenge. There was some sisterly conflict (of course) but ultimately lots of beautiful support. Each sister got a romantic storyline - but the focus here wasn't just on the romance but also on how the sisters learned to love themselves. The romance is not too steamy, so I'd recommend it to a wide variety of readers.

I think this one is perfect for your beach bag - and if you have a sister, I bet you'll want to tell her to read it too!

Thank you to Berkley and @thoughtsfromapage podcast for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Two sisters who inherited their grandmother’s PR firm are about to lose the business when a popular self-help guru walks in. Her business could turn things around, but she wants to be sure the sisters are promoting a brand they can do themselves. It involves a 12-week-challenge of doing the things they feel least comfortable doing—breaking out of their comfort zones.

Hannah hasn’t had a serious relationship since her heart was completely crushed five years ago. Small talk is one of her least favorite things, so her challenge is to go on 12 dates in 12 weeks. Her sister Libby volunteers to set up Hannah’s online dating profile and do the messaging with the guys—all Hannah has to do is survive the actual date. Libby would like nothing more than to read romance novels and snack, so her challenge is to finish a difficult physical competition called the Down and Dirty. Hannah finds working out relaxing, so she helps plan the workout schedule.

Along the way, they have to confront each other, themselves, their pasts—and what they really want for their future.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel, which RELEASES MAY 9, 2023.

Hannah and Libby are struggling to run their late grandmother's PR firm after it was left to them. Clients are jumping ship for better options, and the sisters are facing the reality they may have to close. Their last ditch effort is to be hired by a wellness guru and podcaster, but first both sisters must complete her twelve week "Crush Your Comfort Zone" challenge. Hannah has to overcome her shyness and fear of romance by going on twelve dates in twelve weeks. Libby has to build up her physical confidence by training for an obstacle course at the end of the summer. Will getting out of their comfort zones be the key to saving the business?

I really liked this book! I've been reading less "cartoon cover" romances, as I've been finding that I need a deeper story and some of the spice in these books just seems too awkwardly placed/forced in/uncomfortable for me as the author is just trying to fit that popular formula. This book was great, for all those things. There's a genuine story here about two sisters figuring out their adult lives, and the romances involved are sweet and realistic, with not-awkward spicy scenes. Would recommend!

I loved this book so much! The characters were fantastic, and it was the perfect combination of romance, sisterhood, self development, and mental health awareness.

This book featured two sisters as main characters, and like many siblings, they were as close as they were different. I loved following their stories as they each figured out relationships, careers, their relationship with each other, and pursued a challenge that put them both out of their comfort zones.

I love a fiction book that has hidden bits of advice in its storyline and the author did this so well. I was sad to see this book come to an end and I look forward to these author duo's next read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for my free copy to read and review.

Looking for a book that belongs in your beach bag this summer? This is THE book you need! Not only is it adorable but the story is just so perfect! I adored this one. I can't wait to read more from these two!

Again anything with sisters as the main characters and you have my attention as a reader. Ali Brady has done it again with the story about Hannah and Libby, who live into their roles as younger and older sister really well. The 12 week challenge pushes them further than they ever thought and causes them to rethink how they relate to each other. There is romance in this one but for me the focus is as on each of them and their relationship with each other.

Plus it takes part in my favorite city, Chicago.

This book was a breath of fresh air!!! I love the sister’s relationship in the book. It took me a bit of time to get into in the beginning but once I was a bit in, I was hooked. I liked how both sisters had to work through their emotions and learn how to be successful in their own ways. Plus, nostalgia since I grew up near Chicago and this was set in Chicago!

Thank you NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review

Hannah and Libby are in need of a Hail Mary to keep their family business afloat. When Lou comes to them with the possibility of winning her business, but is only willing to even consider them if they follow her 12 week plan, the sisters feel they can’t say no. the challenge is all about getting out of their comfort zone though, which leads both sisters to learn more about themselves, both the good and the bad.

Ali Brady have done it again…and dare I say? Even better the second time around! I just loved The Beach Trap, so was so excited when @Thesaltybookworm was the first to receive the sisterhood of the traveling arc, and passed it on to me! This book was just absolutely delightful. It had family, it had love, it had drama, and it had ALL the rom com tropes in one. I loved the entire idea behind the story, and watching as Libby and Hannah grew throughout the book. Plus the love stories were of course swoon worthy, as well as fury inducing at times. This dynamic author duo is for sure an auto-buy! They already were, but this novel just confirmed what I already knew….these ladies are kicking some serious writing ass.

Oh, Ali Brady! Please just keep writing these delightful books.

The Beach Trap was a strong debut and this author duo isn’t hitting a sophomore slump with The Comeback Summer. The easy, light humor made me relate to both of the main characters. I laughed about the messiness of sisterhood and just life in general. It is rare for a book to make you feel seen in this genre, but I did with this one. Confidence in your abilities and body are tough, but this book tackles some topics with care and consideration. And it made me want a sister even more than I already did. When I closed the book, it made me think of the sisters I’m raising and hoped they have a bond like Hannah and Libby.

Oh, and there are twooooo swoony romances. In the city. In the summer.

They knocked this one out of the park!

Thank you to the authors for sending me a copy.

The Comeback Summer
by Ali Brady
Pub Date 09 May 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Romance | Women's Fiction

My thoughts:
The Comeback Summer will grab your heart with its relatable storyline. I was enamored with the novel's main characters, supporting cast and dreamy love interests. My mind drifted to the possibilities of making this book about sisters Hannah and Libby into a rom-com with Melissa McCarthy playing Libby.

Synopsis:
Hannah and Libby's situation seems hopeless. They are desperately trying to save their grandmother's failing PR firm, but at what cost? Lou, a self-empowerment teacher with an unconventional outlook, approaches them with a proposal. She can solve all of her business's financial woes, but one condition must be met. As part of Lou's "Crush Your Comfort Zone" program, everyone who works with her must complete the course with specific challenges. Do Hannah and Libby have what it takes to succeed?

Self-discovery, love, and emotional connection are central themes in The Comeback Summer. This creative and inspiring must-read is written by Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey under the pen name Ali Brady.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this incredible book with me. I appreciate your kindness.

Not only was this a fun cozy romance with loveable and quirky characters, but it provided lots of food for thought. Sisters Hannah and Libby are barely squeaking by trying to salvage the successful PR firm started by their grandmother when in walks a potential client, Lou, who just might bring in enough money to save the firm. But first the girls must complete a 12 week challenge. The challenges, individualized for each girl take them outside their respective comfort zones, but over the course of the twelve weeks the sisters each realize who they really are, what they want, and how they can each stand on their own two feet without the sister co-dependency they’ve lived since childhood. The romance woven throughout the novel follow the typical trope – fall in love, big fight, happy ending – but the addition of the out of comfort zone challenge makes this one stand out head and shoulders above the rest. Readers will be left questioning themselves and wondering if they are hiding within their own comfort zones and if they are, how would their lives change if they too took the risk and stepped outside those zones. Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for giving me and e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Recommended read. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this novel! As a huge fan of Ali Brady's debut novel, I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of their second novel and I am happy to report they hit it out of the park again. The story centers on two very codependent sisters who run their beloved Grandmothers PR firm. The firm unfortunately is hemorrhaging money, and they decide to do a 12 week challenge that a potential client insists they do to break outside of their comfort zones. Ali Brady knows the ins and outs of sisterhood and the bonds that can both strengthen .. and break .. relationships, and writes the girls relationship perfectly. I enjoyed every moment of this book, and especially loved that it is based in Chicago during summer, which in my opinion is the best time of year to be in Chi town.
I cannot wait to read her next novel!

Ali Brady (co-writers Allison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey) have done it again in giving me all the feels! I love sister stories and this one was fantastic. I felt the love and also the tug when things went awry.

I also thought that their dual narrative style worked well and I even better, I liked both of their storylines equally.

Way to go!!

THIS BOOK IS ALL THE STARS!! I was impressed by Ali Brady’s first book last year but this is took their writing to a whole new level.

Synopsis: Sisters Libby and Hannah have taken over their late grandmother’s PR company but are in desperate need of more clients. When a successful self-help guru expresses interest, she admits she will only consider their business if they complete her 12 week “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program. To conquer their fears, Libby is tasked with completing an obstacle race course while Hannah has to go on twelve first dates. At first, everything seems to be going as planned… that is until Libby starts to fall for a guy she meant to set up with her sister while Hannah’s first love and the one she never got over comes back to town. With that, secrets between the two sisters are also revealed, making them question their relationship with each other.

What I loved:
-Having two sisters of my own, I LOVED and valued the theme of sisterhood. Even when they fought or disagreed, I couldn’t help but think about how I would feel in the same situation.
-I felt equally invested in both Libby and Hannah’s stories and wasn’t favoring one perspective over another. I also found myself relating to and routing for both of them.
-How each sister had their own love story that was impossible not to swoon over. Seriously both Josh and Adam are rising the ranks as ultimate book boyfriends.
-The Jewish representation was top notch. I loved all the cultural and food references, and how these pieces were seamlessly integrated into the story. Also, all the character names were so quintessential Jewish and that warmed my heart.
-How participating in the Crush Your Comfort Zone program led to amazing character growth and self-discovery. Every week we got snippets of a sister’s journey entry too, which I loved.
-The blend between women’s fiction and romance. I find this style of writing, where we see the perspectives of two women who not only grow as individuals but also find love, so rare and I can’t wait for more.
-How at 480, the story FLEW by. I will say I was nervous about the length but now I want more.
-All the tropes, banter, and steamy scenes. My favorite of course being the second chance love story between Hannah and Josh.

Have I convinced you to read this book yet?! Huge thank you to Berkley for the ARC! This comes out 5/9/23

I absolutely loved Ali Brady’s debut The Beach Trap. It was a surprise top read for me of 2022. I am excited to say, they have knocked it out of the park again with The Comeback Summer.

I’m not sure what I loved most about this story but it included all the things I look for when I want to be taken away and lost for a few days in a great read.
Family Drama - ✅
Characters written with depth ✅
Great banter ✅
some dreamy love interests ✅
and Characters you root for and can actually see yourself being friends with ✅.

Add in the location (Chicago in the summer - because what other time would you really want to be there), Jewish Representation at its best, some very funny coincidences with names in the book being very similar to your own, and an Epilogue (because I love knowing where characters you’ve invested time in, end up) - and I’m giving their sophomore novel 5 ⭐️!

Ali Brady is now on my auto-buy list. They write so seamlessly you’d never know there are two great women behind the name Ali Brady!

Thank you so much to the authors for this ARC, all opinions are my own!