This story was cute, but desperately needed to pick a lane as it was about everything and nothing simultaneously. There were several storylines happening in this book, that would’ve been just fine to stand on their own. First, there’s the story of found family, and Trish’s is EVERYTHING. I love how this group of friends have just taken each other in, and are unfailingly loving and supportive of each other regardless. There’s also the story of the woman who’s pregnant and the father could be one of two guys-classic Lifetime stuff right there. There’s the budding love story which is absolutely Hallmark quality content. Scott is adorable, but this plotline wasn’t as in the forefront of the story as it should’ve been-I wanted more. Finally, this story offered sort of a round about commentary on mental health. I feel like it had the ability to say some really powerful stuff on the matter, but it really didn’t cover the issue the way that it should’ve. Again, I wanted more.

I was given an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Head of Zeus. All opinions are my own.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Head of Zeus and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I didn’t get into this one as much as I’d hoped. It was a nice enough book, just didn’t pull me in.

This book wasn't as good as I was expecting but it wasn't horrible. It would be a good book for a vacation/beach read where you want to be entertained but don't want to exert a lot of mental effort to follow the story

A Bumpy Year follows the story of Trish, a career-driven woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and unsure of the father. What sounds like a salacious premise becomes a story of family, found and otherwise, love, and personal growth.

I had a lovely time reading this book. The slow burn romance was really sweet, and I loved the relationship between Trish and her friends. I also thought that Trish's family life and her depression were really well-explored.

I do wish that this novel had done a better job with Trish's interiority, though. She's a closed-off character, but often she will tell us she has felt a certain way only moments before... but we never see any evidence of that feeling. As a result, the emotional impact of her story becomes oddly muted. I also thought that her lack of self-awareness, particularly around her love life, was taken a bit too far.

That said, I really enjoyed my time with A Bumpy Year and read it quickly. I recommend it for anyone looking for a quick, enjoyable contemporary romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.