This has all the right ingredients for a delightful, contemporary romance— including a female character with a less conventional background than your typical romance book.

Emma is a recovering alcoholic and has reached her 1 yr sober milestone. Before her party she encounters Ben, the IT guy at her job. And basically there’s an instant connection and things just kind of go from there.

Now, for whatever reason, I didn’t expect this to be romance heavy. And I know that really depends on what my definition of romance heavy means. I expected more of a self improvement journey based on the synopsis and I quickly realized I had the wrong idea about this book.

But even knowing that, I just felt really bored. The dynamics between Emma and her parents was the only interesting aspect and I felt like we really didn’t dig deep enough into her Daddy issues. I also thought I would be moved by her recovery in general, as someone who has experienced recovery too, but it still felt very surface level. I think if the author spent more time with Emma’s decision to become sober I would’ve understood her motives a little more and taken more of an interest in Emma’s overall story.

Unfortunately, there was nothing groundbreaking or insightful, being inside Emma’s head was exhausting and it just felt like she was yapping constantly about nothing. This book lacked any decent humor as well, so it missed a lot of marks for me to make it enjoyable.

Thank you @netgalley and @mirabooks for my complimentary e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a heartfelt and uplifting novel, it did a great job of blending themes of self-discovery, healing, and second chances.

The Author did a great job creating some very relatable characters and some surprisingly witty dialogue, with tons of emotional depth with moments of humor and hope. The Protagonist’s sobriety journey feels so authentic, making it seem so raw and real, you really end up rooting for their growth and wishing the best for them.

I really enjoyed this story and this Author’s writing and how she expressed such deep and dark emotions with humor, I would recommend to a friend! 4.5 ⭐️‘s

Thank you to the Author Olivie Blake for writing this story and sharing it with us.

I loved this book from the first chapter. I thought it was a great story about someone overcoming addiction and how they used the tools they had learned to learn how to live differently. The romance was perfect, it wasn't central to the story but it was a big part (as a romance fan I loved it). It seemed very realistic and I loved the example of being open and honest with yourself and with those in your life. Such a great story!

(4.25 stars)
Definitely Better Now was a touching and funny read. We follow 20-something Emma, in her recovery from alcoholism. As the book opens, she’s trying to write a short speech to mark her one year of sobriety. But she’s at her office and her ancient computer locks up on her. She has to call on IT for help and her instinct is to protect/hide what she was working on when the computer went kaput from Ben, the cute IT guy who showed up to help her.

Emma is trying to figure out how to deal with life. (After a year of sobriety, some “rules” are loosened a bit.) When she finally agrees to go out with her coworkers for “drinks” for the first time, the reader cannot help but feel for her. When her well-meaning coworkers help her set up an online dating profile, Mitchell, the office jerk borderline stalks her and starts rumors about their non-existent relationship. I couldn’t stand this guy but recognized the type: quite full of himself. Ben, on the other hand, was a lovely character, and I was so glad that Emma gravitated toward him and not Mitchell.

Emma’s family background is a difficult one. Her father, also an alcoholic, but one who mainly denies it, left her mother when Emma was young and lives a hippie lifestyle with his long-term partner in the Catskills. He and Emma don’t have much of a relationship but toward the end of the book, they get closer.

Most of the book takes place in various locations in New York City and I enjoyed reading about the reality of city life. I was pulled in by the inside look at different kinds of AA meetings and the struggles Emma faces in trying to live her new life.

The writing was terrific and I had no idea that this was a debut novel. Despite my busy schedule, I sped through the book, mostly on audio, wanting to see how things would work out for Emma.

Karissa Vacker did a great job with the audiobook narration, with different voices for different characters.

Thank you to MIRA and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Emma is a recovering alcoholic. She has put in the work, gone through all the steps, and yet now, she doesn’t feel like she’s “made it” in the sobriety world. Her strained relationship with her parents - especially her father - and her closed-off persona at work make it hard for her to connect with others. She’s one year sober, and she’s finally able to look beyond the “one day at a time” mentality. She wants to start living the amazing life she was promised in sobriety. Because she’s better now… right?

This was a sweet story. Emma is like a baby deer, taking her first shaking steps as she interacts with people in the real world. From small-talk with coworkers to dating apps to developing meaningful relationships, she has to relearn how to do it all sober, without self-sabotaging or running away. Throughout the story, we see her use the tools she gained from AA to cope with increasingly challenging situations. I appreciated getting to experience Emma’s journey as she learns to open up to those around her.

I thought the story’s exploration of the intersections of faith and AA was really interesting. The AA group featured in the novel was very mega-church-like, with her sponsor mirroring a lot of the performed perfection that runs rampant in Fundamentalist Christian circles. I think Ava Robinson walked a tightrope in writing those scenes - she demonstrated the importance of having a set framework and routine in overcoming addiction while also criticizing those who take a one-size-fits-all approach to sobriety.

One area that was touched on but not explored past the mid-point in the novel was Emma’s grief over the broken connection with her former best friend Susannah. I thought the latter half of the story would go deeper into those feelings, but that thread is left unresolved instead, which was a small disappointment in an otherwise excellent story.

Ultimately, Definitely Better Now is a novel with heart. Emma is a flawed main character who puts in the self-work to pull herself out of a dark place. The ancillary characters are complex and the story’s conflicts are believable. There are moments in the book where the reader gets a glimpse into what Emma’s life was like before sobriety, and Ava Robinson clearly took her time to write those scenes with honesty and respect. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel; Robinson has created a story that will resonate with readers who, like Emma, had to remake themselves following a toxic or self-destructive situation, and who could use a renewed sense of hope.

**Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing (Mira Imprint) and Ava Robinson for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**

Now. I got this as a ARC this summer and have been putting of reading it, so it is a month past due.. but let me tell you! So good and is making me question why I waited so long! Our main character Emma is a year sober and this novel tells the story of how she navigated friendship, family, and love. This book was funny, heartwarming and also heartbreaking at times.

Ave Robinsons writing is also beautiful and I’m eagerly awaiting her next book. Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review (even if it was late).

Anyway, I really enjoyed this story a lot! Character driven stories aren’t usually my jam, but this one worked & I was rooting for Emma the whole way through!

In our story we meet Emma, a woman in her mid-twenties who works in marketing for a company, she also has just celebrated one year sober at AA. Emma has had a complicated relationship with alcohol since her teenage years & she had a roommate that would encourage drinking & drug use. One morning she wakes up, having been sick in the night, and decides that this is enough, she decides to get sober.

We follow Emma to AA meetings, navigating Friday night drinks with colleagues while not drinking, she explores a new relationship and we see her parental struggles.

I liked this because it wasn’t a story of exceptionalism or of Emma doing anything unbelievable, it was a normal woman getting through life & avoiding alcohol. It was just nice to read a normal person story, if that makes sense.
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👏The Good:
This was a very relatable story, although I haven’t struggled with alcohol dependency, it was easy to root for Emma. I found this to be a quick read in the way that I wanted to keep checking in with her. Overall, it was a nice story about hard things.

Also, this has one of the best male characters that I’ve read in a while. Ben is caring, understanding, and curious without being jealous or judgmental. It was refreshing to read about an unproblematic man.

One year sober, Emma has transformed much of her life. She has a steady office job, attends AA meetings regularly, and is in frequent contact with her sponsor.

But, even with all the effort she’s put in, life still isn’t easy. She hasn’t spent time developing friendships and relationships with the people in her everyday life. And she wants to put herself out there to try dating again, but doing that sober is so scary.

I fell in love with the story of Emma, the changes she’s undergone, her emotional growth, her learning to be openly vulnerable, and her search for connection and where she truly fits.

And, goodness, I sure did adore steadfast and steady Ben. Honestly, is there anything better than a quiet love interest blushing to the tips of his ears due to banter? I don’t think so.

I laughed; I cried; and I cheered Emma on.

I received an advance copy of the ebook from Harlequin Trade Publishing. All review opinions are my own.

4.75⭐️ rounded up! The ending is what demoted it a little, but it was soo good the whole way through. I loved how imperfect and raw Emma was. She was so brutally and heart-wrenching honest with us. It was comical, but it was tough. She’s lived so many lives and is still trying her to be better. We see her figuring out this potential romantic relationship and she’s so hesitant and overthinking everything. I loved her, but I was also mad at her for self-sabotaging!! There are definitely trigger warnings to be wary of. I loved her healing. We know she’s been sober for one year now, but she’s still figuring things out, which I think is so important to demonstrate and see. I also like the idea of how different methods of healing and communication and community can be good for different reasons and for different seasons. Just because one thing doesn’t work for someone doesn’t mean that thing isn’t good or isn’t fine/effective. It also doesn’t mean that another thing/way isn’t equally as fine or good. (I feel like that is cryptic but hopefully it makes sense, especially for people who’ve read the book lol). The lead male character was so perfectly sweet. I want one of him! This book was a classic, girlie-pop romance. The new wave of these modern covers and the bright colors and the character artwork is impeccable. 10/10 recommend. So honest, so sweet, so cutesy, so real, so much heart!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing and MIRA, for this touching, genuine, and fantastic ARC!

This book wasn’t a good fit for me, unfortunately. I tried to continue reading on, but I just couldn’t get into it. Started out very slow and it didn’t catch my attention at all. DNF the book after a few chapters.

A new fave ☁️☕️💌

There was something so painfully charming -and at times relatable- about seeing our main character fumble through life but ultimately finding herself. Bearing witness to her character growth and knowing that she started off plagued with so much self doubt just made the ending that much sweeter and satisfying.

This book exists in its own genre in my head Messy Women Making Messy Decisions. Sort of like Crushing and No Hard Feelings by Genevieve Novak, or Really Good Actually by Monica Heisey. All these books dive into the interiority of women’s lives and shows the painful and embarrassing parts of life all while including this very specific type of humor that I love. It’s heavy, but so funny.

This was a beautiful story about sobriety, parental relationships, a very unique coming of age, and sure, love ❤️

Much thanks to Mira Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

A beautiful story of recovery - through addiction, through her relationship with her father, through learning how to become a real friend again, and, most importantly, how to trust and love herself again. Emma is a former train wreck who has just hit a year sober, she’s gone through the steps and came out the other side as a new person. But she still has so much more growth and learning to accomplish. Her story was so endearing to me (a crush on the office IT guy? Being nominated to plan the office holiday party?) as much as it was heartbreaking. I didn’t expect to cry so much, but I was in tears for a good portion of the end of the novel.

Some may consider this a romance, but the romance, while I really enjoyed it, was not the highlight of the story for me. The father/daughter relationship at the core of the story was my favorite part.

All of the characters were so well developed. The writing was great. I truly am so excited to see what comes next for this author.

I really loved having a story from a not so perfect character and the growth she made over time in all aspects of her life.

This book was just ok for me. I didn’t love it - I didn’t hate it. I do want to thank the publishers for this arc!

Thank you @harlequinbooks and @netgalley for the Advanced Reader eCopy of Ava Robinson’s Definitely Better Now.

I can count the funny moments in this book in one hand. I was expecting Eleanor Oliphant or I Hope This Finds You Well vibes from this one, and did not get it.

Learned a lot about sobriety, addiction, AA, and one’s recovery journey. I liked Emma and Ben’s relationship progression, and the highlight for me was Emma’s reconnection with her father. There was not enough moments of redemption to balance out all of Emma’s first person self-deprecating internal monologues, and that for me was the weak point of this book. I did appreciate the anecdotes on power, and our human nature to seek control despite not having any.

What a great read! I found myself thinking of this and what would happen next in the moments I was unable to read it. Of course, it’s difficult subject matter and being inside Emma’s head can be hard sometimes. But, I think this book provides such insight into what the struggle may look like for someone struggling with addiction and the anxiety it brings to try to be a “good, normal” human with the social challenges life can bring. The introduction of HG and the Big Book also added a complexity that I enjoyed. The whole book introduces characters that opens up a debate of what makes a good or bad person. Maybe as Ben said, there’s no villains or fools, just people. Also speaking of Ben, heart eyes forever!!

*Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This is a heartfelt read that dives into addiction, sobriety, mental health and family.
Emma is navigating sobriety, dating, navigating friendships and family issues. I enjoyed Emma's journey and her relationship with Ben.

This book took me by surprise in the best way possible! It was one of those books that had me stopping to reflect. It is depressing at times due to the heavy topics, but there is a lot of dark humor mixed in. My favorite kind of books are ones that deal with messy characters who experience growth and this delivered. It was tender and thought provoking.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin trade Publishing/MIRA for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Emma, 26, has just celebrated her first year sober and with her new adopted lifestyle, she is ready to put herself out there. Emma is open to dating, she’s on the party planning committee at work and she’s even working on her difficult familial relationships. This witty, relatable, and heart-felt debut novel effectively captures what it is like to be a young woman in NYC living a newly sober life, including all of the ups and downs.

I enjoyed it. There are some really good moments that make you raise your eyebrows and think “damn” but then there are moments that are a bit slow or repetitive (in nature) but don’t aid or contribute to the progressing narrative. Emma is a complex and vulnerable character who lays bare so many dark and emotional moments from her past; however, I had a hard time connecting with her. It felt as if she had one foot in the door and the other out.

Instead of Emma’s romantic relationship with a co-worker (Ben) being a big theme in this book, I would have much rather enjoyed seeing how her relationships with her mother and “work friend” Vanessa played out, especially because her previous rocky friendship with Susannah had a big part of who she was as an alcoholic and how she approaches friendships now.

Overall, this was an impressive feat for a debut novel and Ava should be proud for accomplishing such an important topic in a healthy, realistic yet empathetic way. I was cheering Emma on in the end when she left her somewhat toxic AA group and found one that seemed much more her speed! I am excited to see what Ava has in store for us next!

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I came in expecting a train wreck main character; which, who doesn’t love? But I ended up with a deeply relatable, touching story. I loved Emma and seeing her growth through the story. And Ben is one of my favorite book boyfriends I’ve read. While I really enjoyed the relationship aspect of this book, I loved that that wasn’t the main focus of the story. This book is about so much more than the romance. It’s about growth and acceptance, and grief and family.
I’m so glad I got to read this book and loved it so much I was able to pick a physical copy through BOTM. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author.