This is a devastatingly relatable work of women's fiction about a woman in her twenties who is facing a time in her life that is supposed to be so much better than any time before. But as she reaches this period, the beauty and ease that she has been all but promised is still nowhere to be seen.

Summary:
Emma Finley has been sober for a year. A very unique type of AA group - that is more involved than most - has helped her achieve this goal, and she now feels like she mostly has her life together with a great new job, a nice place to stay, and a mom who is also her bestie. The AA meetings she has attended have preached about how incredible sobriety is, and Emma is excited to finally see that happen for herself. She is also excited and nervous to start dating again; per the rules of AA, dating is discouraged until a year of sobriety. As she crosses the threshold of a year, she realizes that dating isn't quite what it seemed, and she is still missing the amazing parts she has heard so much about. Then, the quiet and reserved woman is assigned to a "fun committee" at work, which is basically her worst nightmare. On top of that, her strained relationship with her father, who won't admit he has an alcohol problem, seems to be taking a turn for the worse. She is starting to wonder when things will actually be better.

Thoughts:
I rated this a 4.75/5 stars. As a young woman who has approached a different kind of goal in my life that I have heard is incredible, I could deeply relate to Emma in this story. Like her, I am waiting for this stage of life to be as awesome as I have heard it is, but it's a lot more complicated than it seems. If you feel the same way, you will love this book. Ava Robinson does a great job of telling a story so many people can relate to with characters that feel very realistic. These characters do awkward things, face challenges that real people face, and make mistakes they later have to fix. I really loved the focus on the main character and her experiences, and I didn't feel like I needed anything more from the other characters because the story is supposed to be introspective. It is so refreshing to read a story that you can imagine so clearly because it feels so authentic and is described so well. There were so many moments while reading that I was feeling lots of emotions. I laughed, I teared up, I was frustrated, and I found it incredibly comforting. It was really difficult to put this book down by the end, and I was really happy to have read it.

Critiques:
Though I loved this book and would highly recommend it, there were some parts that other readers may not enjoy as much. Some of the major conflict is almost spoiled by the blurb. Because of this, I was expecting some things to happen much earlier than they did and I was slightly disappointed by that. There was also much less focus on dating than I thought there would be based on the description, but I liked what was included. As I read some of the dialog, I felt there were a couple of times that the conversation didn't really feel organic, but that only happened a few times.

Final Words:
Overall, none of my complaints hindered my reading experience at all, but I know other readers may not feel the same way. I would still highly recommend this book to any woman in her twenties, but I think this book can bring comfort to a wide range of readers who may be able to relate in various ways. This is a fantastic debut novel that I will highly recommend, and I look forward to seeing what else Ava Robinson writes!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This slow-burn office romance is filled with a little spice and a lot of drama. Emma is struggling to find herself and is learning life after addiction. I enjoyed reading this book, not for the romance but for how I connected to Emma. I also enjoyed the creative touch of the emojis. I also felt second-hand embarrassment from the clumsy experience of Ben and Emma. I see this book less as romance and more as a fictional finding yourself book.
I did enjoy this book and could not put it down toward the end. It had ups and downs and I did cry reading about Houdini and Emma’s dad, something about pets just gets me.
The bad: The original description of Ben, yikes, talking about moles and incisors, I did work past this but it was an initial turn-off. The ending seemed a little rushed and I wish more details had been added to the last few chapters.
The Spice: 1/5
Favorite Quote: “I’m still an asshole”, wow did that hit me deep!
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.

3.75/5 stars

Definitely Better Now was surprising. I thought I was in for a run-of-the-mill romance, but that was not the case. I found the romance sweet, but it felt secondary to Emma’s sobriety story.

Following Emma as she navigates her life with one year of sobriety under her belt was interesting. At times, the story felt very low stakes, though I understand for an alcoholic, remaining sober has the highest stakes. And I don’t mind low stakes at all, but I feel the last third of the book is what really won me over. After watching Emma deal with regrets and struggle to open up to new people and come to terms with her relationship with her father, the last third of the book tied everything together really nicely.

The only reason I did not rate this book higher is because it felt slow at times and wasn’t able to hold my attention.

"'Because it's dangerously close to YOLO or...?' 'No, because that saying works for people who are too scared to do anything reckless, not people who are too reckless to be scared.' 'And you're the latter?'.... I nodded 'I think I'd be dead if I thought like that.'"

This is easily the best debut of 2024, with a layered story centered around addiction, self acceptance, and forgiveness. Emma is a 26 year old recovering alcoholic, and with one year sober she's finally got the rest of her life ahead of her! ...Except she can't figure out how to live it as 'Sober Emma'. It's certainly a romance, and while Ben is very sweet and understanding, where the real story lies is in Emma's relationship with herself and how she learns to accept her past, present, and hope for the future. What keeps the story alive with such a slew of heavy topics is the humor. I'm not sure how Robinson made getting pooped on by a pigeon in Bryant Park while eating lunch with your work crush romantic, but she did it. This one will stay with me for a long time, very mature well developed writing style with an interesting take on the rom-com genre.

The only part of the book that needed work for me was the other cast of characters, as most of her coworkers and family weren't developed. Maybe it's because it's from Emma's perspective and so much of her time is accepting she can't control what others do, but she also doesn't seem to go out of her way to learn about them. This leaves us with one very developed FMC, but a cast of throw away characters, even Ben ends up a little flat.

What Robinson Get's Right:
• Wonderfully developed FMC, Emma makes good choices and deserves good things!
• Very romanticized NYC, loved how Emma spoke about being from the City
• Silly details, and then sudden sweeping prose that is relatable on any self growth journey, not just AA

This book wasn't what I expected. Navigating through the one year anniversary of Emma's sobriety and beyond this was a story of emotions and struggle and ultimately growth. It was a little slow to start but the story was worth it.
I laughed and cried. This sparked more emotions in me than I thought was possible. It was a really good read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ava Robinson’s debut novel isn’t just a book; it’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with ups, downs, and all the twisty turns of life that keep you gripping the safety bar, wondering what’s next. Dive into Emma’s world, and you’re not just reading another story; you’re embarking on a journey that’s as raw as it is real, painted with the vibrant colors of resilience, recovery, and the pursuit of sobriety. Emma’s narrative isn’t just a tale; it reflects the battles many face, making it a beacon of hope for anyone who’s ever felt lost in the shuffle of life’s deck.
Robinson has this incredible knack for blending humor with heart, crafting Emma’s experiences with such authenticity that you can’t help but root for her from the get-go. Imagine navigating a year filled with life’s curveballs, family drama, unexpected news, and the quest for personal growth while maintaining a sense of humor. That's Emma for you. Through every challenge, her journey is a testament that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. And let’s not forget Ben, the IT guy with a heart of gold, who steps into Emma’s life with a smile and a helping hand, proving that sometimes, the best connections are the ones we never see coming.
Ava Robinson’s novel is more than just a story about sobriety; it’s a deep dive into the complexities of human relationships, the bittersweetness of life, and the beauty of finding oneself amidst the chaos. Emma’s tale is a powerful reminder that no matter how turbulent the journey, there’s always a silver lining waiting to be discovered. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s ever searched for light in the darkness, making it not just a novel but a companion on the road to recovery and self-discovery. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride through the pages of Emma’s life, you won’t regret it!

This was Ava Robinson’s debut novel and she did a good job. This story was about Emma who was living life 1 year sober and experiencing all the challenges that life present while sober. Emma meets a love interest early on in the story but there really doesn’t seem to be much chemistry between them until the very end of the book. The story had a good flow that made sense it was just a bit slow. It was a fine book but I was just not sucked in like I was expecting. I look forward to see what else Robinson publishes in the future.

I really enjoyed Ava Robinson's debut novel, Definitely Better Now, and I look forward to seeing her future work and growth as a writer! Emma is a likable, relatable character. It was probably a fairly realistic and honest portrayal of life as a recovering alcoholic and a young adult navigating career and life challenges. I think readers will find something if not many things they can relate with - complicated relationship with a parent, illness, death, navigating the minefield of work relationships and dating, personal growth and overcoming challenges - from social awkwardness and loneliness to addiction and facing the consequences of her actions. I zipped through this book and would recommend it without reservations. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!

This was a heavy read, and while there's some romance in it, it's more women's fiction than romance. I learned a lot about AA and how different groups do things differently, and I appreciated the authentic journey Emma (MC) took to process her drinking and figure out why she wanted to stop for good. Ben is a likeable character, and he respected her choices even though some of them were incredibly frustrating.
All in all, this is not a happy book, but it's a good read, there are no eye-rolling moments, and things resolve nicely at the end.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6448389528

I read a lot of romance and romcoms—I mean, A LOT—and lately I've found myself struggling to connect with the main characters. Some of them feel too similar to characters I've already read. Some of them lack depth or humor, or any defining features that make me want to root for them. But reader, when I tell you I did NOT have this problem with Emma, I am being SO serious. I loved her from the very first page. Ava Robinson's writing ripped me out of a reading slump and threw me into Emma's journey as she learned to navigate life and love as a recovering alcoholic, which was handled with so much care, honesty, and (of course) a little humor. This was such an emotional read, and I felt like I was in Emma's head. Like she was a real person. This was her diary, and I was reading it.

This would have been a 5-star read for me if we would've gotten more time with Ben. He's sweet! He's smart and supportive! He stayed sober with Emma at a bar without her even asking! (Ugh, as a now-sober girly, this made me swoon.) Their romance and some of the more serious moments felt a little rushed to me, and because I was rooting for Ben and Emma so hard, I wish we would've gotten some more time to sit in those deeper moments with them.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This story is like a day in the life of a recovering alcoholic except it took place over a longer period of time. It had its ups and downs. We got to see the main character, Emma, struggle with her life. We saw the mistakes she made, but more importantly we saw her learn from them.

I appreciated the fact that the author didn't portray a recovering alcoholic as someone who reaches her one year sober anniversary and everything is perfect. All of her issues go away, there are no more struggles. That is not real life. Things continue to happen in our lives that we can not control, but we can control how we react to them. That reminder will resonate with all readers.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book quite often while I was reading it. This book follows Emma, a recovering alcoholic, in her attempt to build a new life for herself. Emma is the most compelling part of the novel. Emma's anxieties—about dating, her family, her job, etc.—are all influenced by her history as an alcoholic. Yet, it never feels like Emma is solely defined as an alcoholic; she manages to feel three dimensional the entire time. Watching Emma attempt to navigate these anxieties, while making regular check-ins at her AA meetings, is exciting. So much of her character in this novel resonates deeply and powerfully. Those who know someone who has a history with addiction (or who have been through it themselves) will have a lot to love about the way she's written.

I have less to say about the love interest, Ben. He's sweet, I liked him. He's a bit vaguely defined, which allows the narrative to stay focused on Emma, though I wouldn't have minded a bit of extra from him. He does what he has to, helping Emma along on her character arc, but I honestly didn't think too much about him otherwise.

The book started off a bit slow, and the AA meetings do last just a bit too long every time, but the book ramps up quickly. Nearly all of the interactions with Emma's family are full of gripping character work, especially those near the end of the novel. I also loved the entire plotline about the holiday party, which really helps maintain the momentum of the book. I recommend giving this book a try.

(The ARC I read was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

I was lucky enough to get this ARC from NetGalley and I wasn’t prepared for how affecting this would be. A snapshot of a very specific time in someone’s life that felt so incredibly intimate - like I knew Emma personally. And aside from that the humor and romance was such a perfect foil for the serious subject matter! Couldn’t recommend more!

A big thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC copy!

I am so all over the place with this one and I mean that in a good way! I love me a good psychological thriller (no this is not one of them) but when you read that genre every now and again you really need a good head cleanse and this one did it for me for sure! It touched on so many feels. I went from liking it, to it seemed like it was too long, to laughing, to oh that's sweet, to being angry and then, I cried. I was sitting at my desk at work reading while eating my lunch and then, the tears just started falling and I had to get up and close my door because I was sobbing!! I very rarely cry when reading a book (maybe because I'm usually reading about serial killers or something?) but when your palette cleanser has you heaving with sobs, that's a good book and this is a good book!

I could relate to Emma on so many levels (other than being an alcoholic), her telling of her childhood, her parents, her coworkers, her feelings, there were times when I would be like, yes, I get that! She had me rooting for her, she had me mad at her, she had me laughing, and I already said she had me ugly crying. You may think that a book that leaves you sobbing isn't something you want to read but let me tell you, maybe my own personal haunts had something to do with those tears but we all need a good cry now and again, and there's so much more to this book than that and there is a happy ending.

Such a good story! I liked the flawed characters learning their way and growing. The relationships were well developed and worked well in the context.

I'm thrilled to share my thoughts on this fantastic debut! The book's unique perspective, told through the eyes of a recovering alcoholic, immediately caught my attention, and it was a delightful surprise how deeply I connected with it, considering I've never personally struggled with alcoholism. Emma's journey has a poignant coming-of-age quality that I thoroughly enjoyed. Despite our differences, Emma's character felt incredibly relatable, thanks to her authentic portrayal and the subtle humor sprinkled throughout her awkward office escapades.

The romance between Emma and Ben is tender and sweet, making Ben a character you can't help but adore. The book does touch on heavier themes, like the emotional upheaval of losing a parent, which might be challenging for some, but these elements add a rich layer of depth to the story. Emma's story explores addiction, family dynamics, mental health, and the bittersweet path to self-acceptance, making for an engaging read.

At 26, Emma celebrates a year of sobriety, supported by her group and her sponsor, Lola, while confronting her father's denial of his own issues. Her life in upstate New York, filled with new challenges and romantic entanglements, particularly with Ben, the charming IT guy, and Mitchell, the office troublemaker, paints a vivid picture of her growth and the complexities of human relationships.

Assigned to organize a Christmas party, Emma's interaction with Ben and Mitchell deepens, highlighting her personal evolution and her acceptance of life's imperfections. Her story is a genuine, heartwarming tale that resonates with anyone navigating the rough waters of personal transformation.

I found the texting scenes a bit scattered and think they could benefit from some tightening to enhance the flow of the story. Overall, the story is engaging and well-crafted. Ava Robinson's writing promises more inspiring works to come, and I am eagerly looking forward to her future books. This book is a touching, insightful, and beautifully honest exploration of life's trials and triumphs.

This book was not at all what I expected and I mean that in a good way! I love how much focus was put on Emma’s learning how to be part of the world as a sober person, and how while there is a romantic aspect to it? It definitely was complicated. It was deep and there were a lot of layers to Emma and her family and life as a whole. I hope she has her happy ever after.

4.5/5

Wow, I really enjoyed this one guys!! Once I started reading I had a hard time putting it down. The writing that Ava Robinson has done with her debut novel was done beautifully.

From the very first chapter we find out that Emma is a recovering alcoholic. We are thrown into her life on her one year anniversary of being sober. And even though I’m not a recovering alcoholic, I still felt so connected to Emma. As much as the story is about AA and alcoholism it really is also about just getting your life together and all the ups and down that come in doing so. Everything she was feeling, I felt as if I was right there with her. Through every hard, sad, overwhelming and even happy moments I felt like I was right there with her as if it was happening to me. I was honestly and truly rooting for Emma.

I could read an infinite amount of books just about Emma’s day to day life and not get bored. Everything Emma went through was real and messy and raw and most importantly. RELATABLE.

After reading another eARC with a main character who is working through alcoholism, I thought I was prepared to read another. I did not find this character or story to be very compelling, and the plot was hard to get into. Something about the writing felt oddly stilted and I had a hard time connecting with and being immersed in the storyline.

I loved reading about Emma’s day to day life since becoming sober and the struggles that come along with that. This story felt like a glimpse into a real persons life, and to learn that it’s this authors debut novel is crazy! This book is so well done and I will be recommending to all my friends/follwers!