Abeautiful coming of age story told through the lense of sobriety. Emma deals heartbreak, loss, and love as she rediscovers and experiences life through a new lense in her sobriety. A friendship breakup inspires her to finally make a change in her life and get sober - flash forward a year later and Ava Robinson takes us through Emma’s “first” in life as a sober person. This book had me laughing out loud at times and sobbing at others. I am absolutely in love with it and cannot wait to see what else is to come from Ava Robinson!

"Definitely Better Now" by Ava Robinson is a refreshingly honest and relatable exploration of love, recovery, and the messy journey towards self-acceptance.

Emma's journey towards sobriety forms the backbone of this novel, and Robinson doesn't shy away from portraying the challenges and triumphs of her recovery with authenticity and empathy. As Emma navigates the complexities of dating, family dynamics, and the unexpected curveballs life throws her way, readers are drawn into her world with its raw emotion and poignant moments of growth.

Robinson's writing is both witty and heartfelt, capturing the nuances of human relationships with warmth and humor. From Emma's awkward encounters on dating apps to her poignant interactions with her estranged father, every scene is imbued with a sense of authenticity that resonates long after the final page is turned.

At its core, "Definitely Better Now" is a story about embracing imperfection and finding beauty in the messy, unpredictable journey of life. Emma's gradual realization that true happiness lies not in perfection, but in the courage to embrace her flaws and vulnerabilities, is both empowering and deeply moving.

But perhaps the greatest strength of this novel lies in its portrayal of love—both romantic and familial—and the transformative power of connection. As Emma navigates the highs and lows of her relationships, she learns that true love isn't about finding someone who fixes her, but someone who accepts her for who she is, flaws and all.

With its engaging characters, heartfelt storytelling, and uplifting message of hope and resilience, "Definitely Better Now" is a novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Robinson's candid exploration of addiction, recovery, and the healing power of love makes this a must-read for anyone searching for inspiration and affirmation on their own journey towards self-discovery.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

This was an enjoyable read about a woman doing her best to keep it together through recovery. Anyone would be able to relate to the way life ebbs and flows, and sometimes you just get a bit too much all at once to handle. The author did a great job of illustrating this struggle while also showing optimism for the future. Well done.

I truly loved this book. I never read a book about addiction before. This will make you laugh and cry. You will also learn about AA. Which I loved how in detail this book went to that. Very educational. I loved Emma. I was rooting for her thru this whole story. I could relate to her in some aspects of her story. I loved how easy to read and it just flowed really nicely. I will recommend this book to my family and friends. Can't wait to read more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

First, thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this. While it was a slow start for me, the journey that Ava Robinson takes you through with Emma has you right there along side of her. The struggles, the frustration and all the feel goods. She takes you through the father/daughter relationship and the beginnings of a relationship that Emma hasn’t had since her journey to be sober. A wonderful read.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read Ava Robison’s feel good debut novel, Definitely Better Now. I am so glad I did! I was first drawn to select this title by the cover art and intriguing premise of the MC POV. I was pleasantly surprised I liked some of the characters immediately and the support she found from her tight knit AA group and Vanessa. Readers can easily relate to the main character, Emma, a 26 year old former alcoholic who put in the hard work and just reached her first sobriety milestone: 365 days. One long year full of AA and ups and downs only halfway through her 20's as she cuts drugs and alcohol from her life and focuses on her work and sobriety. Emma embarks on sober dating and subsequent trials and tribulations. Emma is likable and flawed as we all are. She anticipates things can only get better in life and relationships as she vulnerably shares her journey through from years of alcoholism. She also navigates layered relationships with both parents as an adult with grace. There are a myriad of emotions to explore and keep readers rooting for this young woman. She deserves happiness and peace. I really look forward to Emma conquering her past demons and thriving to earn her next chip! 3.5/5

4.5 stars. I didn't know what to expect when I first started reading but I found myself immersed in the story almost immediately.

The MC, Emma, expects her life to be less complicated after celebrating her first year of sobriety. Naturally, things don't exactly go according to plan. I didn't know a lot about AA and the different types of support groups available to addicts, so I enjoyed reading about Emma's experiences with this. The sprinkle of romance was also enjoyable and felt more realistic since it wasn't the entire focus of the novel. It's a very strong debut novel from Ava Robinson and I will be on the lookout for any future novels she writes.

Thank you to Harlequin and Net Galley for this ARC!

Thank you, Harlequin for letting me read this beautiful book!

This story was more of an inner monologue for the main character Emma. There is a bit of romance, but it’s more about her finding herself after a year of sobriety. This will hit home with a lot of people who have gone through sobriety or have grown up in a household where alcoholism is present. There are so many moments where you want to hug Emma or even scream at her that it’s okay, you can get through this!

Towards the ending, you get to see her patch her relationship back up with her father. It was such a bittersweet moment and I definitely shedded some tears.

Highly recommend this book. It speaks about weakness/disease/finding who you are as a person.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this ARC!

I wasn’t sure how I would relate to a main character who is a 20 something in AA but the author, Ava Robinson, managed to craft a very relatable character. Someone who is dealing with her past and how it affects her present.

I enjoyed the bit of romance, the bit of New York, and the idea of growth.

I thought some of the descriptions of the AA group were over done and over described. I also couldn’t help but feeling that it almost seemed like a cult and oppressive, not sure if that was the author’s intent but I was happy to see the direction Emma took with her sobriety.

I truly loved the character development and the relatability to the main character in this book. While I myself am not an alcoholic, I know people that deal with addiction on a daily basis and I felt like the description of the thought processes and feelings these people go through was accurate. I wish there had been more of a relationship shown for Emma and Ben, but I loved the ending. I loved their relationship as friends, leading up to the romantic relationship, I just wish we could have seen more of it. Overall, I felt like the characters were very relatable and I enjoyed the story. It’s always good to have a light hearted version of a topic that can get very heavy.

I truly loved this book. I never read a book about addiction before. This will make you laugh and cry. You will also learn about AA. Which I loved how in detail this book went to that. Very educational. I loved Emma. I was rooting for her thru this whole story. I could relate to her in some aspects of her story. I loved how easy to read and it just flowed really nicely. I will recommend this book to my family and friends. Can't wait to read more from this author.

I loved everything about this book. I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but that is what drew me in first. Once I started the book I fell in love with the writing. I definitely suggest people check their TW before they start this book, but I thought it was beautifully written. I am lucky enough to not have had to deal with some of the heavy things Emma has, however, Ava Robinson's writing still made Emma feel completely relatable. I was rooting for her the entire book; I was mad when she was mad; and I was sad when she was sad. I loved Ben he was the perfect love interest for Emma, and I think this is the first slow burn romance I have give 5 stars. I cannot wait to see what Ava Robinson does next.

Ava Robinson creates a strong sense of place and a real understanding of Emma's journey. Emma is going through a major life change in her mid twenties and the book uncovers her very human struggle of what it means to totally rewrite your life. Ava so perfectly captured the emotions and personal revelations that are true for Emma and relatable to anyone going through a major life upheaval. The main characters and plot felt real and textured, the genuine and patronizing concern of her mother, the tenuous relationship with her father, the difficulty of making new friends as an adult and the terrifying ordeal of being vulnerable in a romantic relationship. This book will increase the empathy you have for yourself and others. I enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down! I had to find out how Emma grew and changed throughout a very pivotal point in her life. Would be a good book club pick as there are a lot of character decisions and aspects of the writing that could be discussed. I found myself wanting a readers' guide at the end and wishing I could be in conversation about it! Highly recommend if you enjoyed Funny Story by Emily Henry or Sam by Allegra Goodman.

Definitely Better Now is a poignant and insightful novel that takes us into the life of Emma, a former alcoholic, as she navigates the challenges of sobriety, grief, and new relationships. Emma is a compelling and relatable MC, whose humor, honesty, and emotional depth make her incredibly endearing to readers.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the unique perspective it offers on addiction and recovery. Through Emma's experiences, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by those battling addiction and the importance of support systems like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This aspect of the novel not only educates but also fosters empathy, making it a valuable read for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of addiction.

Robinson's writing is engaging and heartfelt, pulling at the heartstrings of readers as Emma grapples with the complexities of her past and the uncertainties of her future. The novel skillfully blends humor and emotion, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Definitely Better Now is a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling story with a strong, relatable protagonist. Emma's journey is one of resilience, growth, and ultimately, hope, making this novel a truly uplifting and inspiring read. I laughed, I cried, and I cringed...but it was worth it to see Emma bloom!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

"...sometimes it can feel like disloyalty, letting go of past versions of yourself."

what do you do when you look in the mirror and don’t like the person reflected back at you?

this story touches on themes of addiction, intimacy, vulnerability, trust, empathy, grief, and finding yourself as a 26 year old trying to heal your younger self. i initially came into this expecting a cheesy romance, but it was far from it. while the book has a romantic subplot, most of the story is focused on her repairing her relationships and adjusting to her sobriety.

even as someone who has never struggled with addiction to alcohol, i found many parts of ava’s recovery relatable. learning to love someone you hardly know or like can already be a difficult task, made even more difficult when the person is yourself. the act of recognizing your own victimizing, taking accountability over your life, and accepting the consequences of your actions can be one of the most recurring lessons we learn in adulthood (independent of addiction or not) and i think the concept and journey was wonderfully executed throughout.

there were a a lot of different relationships within ava’s life that were explored to show how many people her alcoholism/sobriety affected; however, because where there was such a wide range, it felt as though there was a lack of depth at times. a deeper look at the relationships would have shown the dynamics and their complexities more clearly.

tldr; a feel good, coming of 20's story with a raw and honest redemption arc. 3.75/5

thank you to netgalley and harlequin trade publishing for providing me with the digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions!

I found immense pleasure in immersing myself in the pages of this book. Initially drawn by its vibrant cover, I embarked on this literary journey without any preconceived notions, and I must say, I am delighted that my instincts led me to it.

The narrative carries a weightiness that resonates deeply, particularly as it delves into Emma's journey toward sobriety and self-discovery. Ava Robinson skillfully invites readers into Emma's innermost thoughts and struggles, painting a vivid portrait of her quest to find a version of herself that truly aligns with her values.

One aspect that particularly struck a chord with me was Emma's portrayal of clumsiness and overthinking in social interactions, juxtaposed with her perception of others as flawless. This dynamic felt incredibly relatable, as Robinson adeptly illustrates Emma's journey of confronting her vulnerabilities head-on, without the crutch of alcohol.

Moreover, Emma's tumultuous relationship with her father adds another layer of depth to the narrative. The way she grapples with her identity, vacillating between mirroring her father and striving to be his antithesis, is portrayed with nuance and authenticity.

The exploration of romance within the story also captivated me, as it portrays the daunting task of forging connections and forming friendships amidst the uncertainty of self-discovery. The author expertly navigates the complexities of vulnerability and trust, offering readers a poignant portrayal of the human experience.

I can't wait to read more from Ava Robinson.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for providing me with a digital review copy of this heartfelt novel in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This was a bit of a heavy read, and my view on the story varied throughout the book. The beginning was slow, with lots of seemingly unnecessary details, but it picked up by the end. It was a coming-of-age story, mixed with a bit of a curve ball - you follow Emma through her sobriety journey and see the challenges that she faces along the way. I loved Emma, I was rooting for her throughout, but I didn’t think that the other characters were very developed. All in all, it was pretty good.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin/MIRA publishing for sending an eARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The author did not shy away from serious themes in this book, which made the book that much more important. Emma’s range of emotions felt so real and so moving. This was a fantastic women’s fiction read.

I'm not usually just a straight fiction kinda person, but this was a really great book! i enjoyed Emma's character development through sobriety and confronting her past

I enjoyed this book. This was better than I thought it would be. I grew up with alcoholic parents so I can relate to the main character in a way. I'm glad I read this. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.