Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️.5/5

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this prior to release on 6/24!

This was such a fun romcom that was unique in its storyline with the treasure hunt. Quentin and Nina were so relatable I giggled several times, and they had vulnerabilities that we’ve all felt. I love a second chance romance and I loved the journey these two went on. I loved the anecdotes with the interviews and how everything tied together at the end. It was a great little story and I will read anything Sarah Adler puts out!!

If you are looking for a fun summer romance, this is it!

I enjoyed myself from beginning to end.

Nina and Quentin find themselves on opposites sides of their childhood duplex once again as they both have recently going through some huge and devastating life changes. While there is a lot left unsaid and things to figure out as the story progresses, they jump into familiar childhood habits and familiarity.

Not only are they back together, but picking up where they left off means also resuming the treasure hunt they left unfinished when they were 15.

I love a good childhood friends to lovers trope, and this was full of tons of inside jokes and bits they had with each other that was so much fun. Their banter had me laughing out loud multiple times.

This was fun, and sweet and the perfect summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I love a treasure hunting storyline! The estate setting was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the little snippets about the late owner and all of his eccentricities. Obviously the romance was the star of the show though - Nina and Quentin were childhood friends to lovers / second chance / he falls first / it’s always been you. Their banter was so great and Quentin especially made me laugh a lot.

The conflict involved a lot of misunderstandings and strange decisions on behalf of both characters, but ultimately it turned out to be really sweet and heartwarming so I didn’t mind too much. I also appreciated the anxiety rep. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun second chance romance with a side of mystery!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler is a super cute second chance romance!

Nina and Quentin grew up together and were close friends, but they drifted apart during adulthood. Now - both in their 30's- Nina is dealing with a break up, lost her job, and moved back to her hometown as she lives with her parents for now.

Nina and Quentin are hunting for treasure - an expedition that began almost 15 years ago. The slow burn romance between Nina and Quentin is so charming, spicy, and satisfying sprinkled in along with the treasure hunt that includes a road trip!

I will admit the ending is a bit anti-climactic, but if you're just looking for a good laugh, witty banter, some spice, and an overall good story then check this one out!!

Thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I look forward to more from Sarah Adler!

I had not read any of Sarah Adler's previous works so I was not sure what to expect but I know her Mrs Nash's Ashes is beloved by many and I was looking forward to possibly finding a new author. I went into Finders Keepers intrigued by the premise and hoping for a charming, quirky story. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The setup had potential, but the plot wandered too much to maintain momentum. What should have been a fun, heartfelt tale got buried beneath clunky pacing and frustrating character dynamics.

The main characters especially struggled—they spent so much time tangled in their own hang-ups that it became difficult to root for them. Rather than endearing flaws, their constant overthinking and missteps just became exhausting. I kept waiting for a turning point, but it never came. Eventually, the experience grew too painful to push through, and I had to put the book down unfinished.

There were moments of wit and warmth, but they were too few and far between to make up for the overall slog. This one just didn’t deliver on its promise.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story follows Quentin and Nina who have both, ironically, just gotten out of relationships and found themselves unemployed and living at their parents home. At this point, they're estranged friends and decide to embark on a treasure hunt where they find more than they expected.

I had such high hopes for this book. After reading the first chapter with Nina hiding behind the car I was hooked because I found that so funny to me. However, it quickly began to change as I found the pacing for this story way too slow. It felt very repetitive and like there were unnecessary things added to the story.

The whole treasure hunting aspect of the story fell flat for me, I was expecting more excitement, but I was surprised to find that I didn't really care what the treasure was by the end of the story. I expected more fun riddles and mysteries that I would be dying to solve. The interview entries with clues to the treasure even felt boring to me. I'd say this story was more focused on uncovering Quentin and Nina's relationship than the actual treasure. The third act break up seemed unrealistic as well.

I did love the themes of this story though. There's a focus on finding yourself and seeking your own self-fulfillment. Themes of redemption and forgiveness. It even briefly tackles how a toxic home environment can impact how children behave and regulate emotions.

I enjoyed reading about the bond between Nina and her mother. My absolute favorite parts were the scenes where we were able to read about Quentin and Nina giving in to their love for one another.

In short, I think this just didn't work for me because of the expectations that I had for this book before reading it. I was expecting something entirely different than what I was presented. I was longing for more action, more adventure, more excitement. However, just because this wasn't a favorite for me, doesn't mean it won't be for you. I rated it 3-stars because it does have a solid plot and the characters are well written. It's great story that felt unique and different, with important themes.

2.75 stars.

This book has so many fun elements to it – childhood friends to strangers to lovers (ergo, second chance romance), a treasure hunt, quirky characters along with a somewhat quirky setting. I loved the idea of these two childhood best friends, long separated, reuniting and once again participating in their childish antics.

However, something about this one missed the mark for me, and no one is more surprised by this than me, as it has everything in a book I generally love.

It felt like their reunion happened too suddenly. One minute, she didn’t even know he was back in town, the next minute she’s hurt by old wounds and his seemingly careless attitude toward them, the next minute she’s opening the door (or window) to a friendship again. I think there was a good opportunity for a slower rebuilding of their trust with each other, but that didn’t happen. Or, maybe it was supposed to happen, but just didn’t hit the right way with me?

I didn’t mind that the whole premise of their issues was based on a lot of miscommunication, but I found their reasoning behind it weak. I had a hard time connecting to it.

I also felt like there was some missed opportunities for the side characters to be an amazing addition to the story – the mom, dad, the records keeper, heck even the neighbor could have added so much to the story, but none of them really played much of a part (the mom a bit more, but still felt like there could have been more there).

Lastly, the treasure hunt throughout the whole story was very anticlimactic and a bit lackluster. I was expecting more adventurous shenanigans (which even the cover implies there could be with the treasure map, the shovel, etc.).

I think for me this was a story that I kept imagining and getting excited about other directions this story could have gone. I still think there’s so much for people to love here, so I if you love the tropes listed at the beginning of this review, give this book a try!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

My review is already up on Goodreads and will be up on Instagram by Monday, June 23.

Thank you to Berkeley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler in exchange for an honest review.

As a teenager, Nina Hunnicutt wanted two things in life: to kiss the boy next door Quentin Bell, and to get the heck out of their small town after graduation. But after a misunderstanding ended of their friendship, she only managed to accomplish her second goal. She left for college, earned all the degrees, and prepared to settle into a life of academia with her stable, long-term boyfriend.

That plan blew up in her face, so now she's back home, living with her parents and trying to figure out what to do next. She's also hiding behind her car because upon arrival, she encounters Quentin, who is also back, also fresh off a nasty breakup, and also trying to find a new direction. He's home to fix up and sell his father's half of the duplex they grew up.

Nina begrudgingly admits that he looks pretty darn good all grown up, and they tentatively start talking. The summer their friendship ended, they enjoyed a wild treasure hunt, looking for a lost treasure by a long-gone local millionaire Julius J. Fountain They never found the treasure, so Nina is surprised when Quentin asks her to go looking again and offers to split the reward. She's curious and she could definitely use the money, so she agrees.

What follows is a sweet, fun rekindling of their relationship, as well as a detangling of what went wrong all those years ago. Second chance romances can be difficult to pull off, because at least one party had to have been enough of a jerk to end a precious relationship. But Adler handles that challenge deftly and both Nina and Quentin come across as sympathetic characters a reader can cheer for.

As the two main protagonists, they make a fabulous pair. Their past friendship provides a great foundation on which to build their new relationship. It is enormously satisfying to watch they two of them pick up where they left off. The side characters are a little flat, just existing as a supporting cast to push the story along. The main focus, start to finish, is all Nina and Quentin and to a lesser extent, millionaire Julius J. Fountain. That said, the story of Fountain's treasure adds the right amount of playfulness to the story.

It's a fun story, with relatable main characters. It's easy to fall a little in love along with them, because despite breaking up years ago, the memories of that affection waft through the pages. Recommended reading for lovers of second chance romance, readers who get a little nostalgic over summer days gone by, and anyone looking for a sweet, low angst love story.

I continue to be completely charmed by Sarah Adler’s work—her writing never fails to deliver the perfect balance of wit, heart, and emotional depth. Her stories feel both vibrant and grounded, and this latest novel was no exception.

I absolutely adored Nina and Quentin’s relationship. Their chemistry felt natural and deeply earned.

The treasure hunt plot adds a wonderfully playful and adventurous element to the story, while also serving as a vehicle for exploring deeper themes around identity, relationships, and personal growth.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Nina moves back home to live with her parents after her life falls apart. Quentin, her neighbor and childhood crush is also back. The two team up to complete a treasure hunt they started as kids and fall for each other. Nina’s inner dialogue drove me crazy. It was too long winded and made her character annoying. I was hoping for a little more from this second chance romance, but I never felt the chemistry between Nina and Quentin. Also, the lack of communication is not my cup of tea. The story itself was OK. I really enjoyed Adler’s previous book: Mrs Nash’s Ashes and this one didn’t live up to my expectation.

This one was unfortunately just ehh to me. I did not enjoy the main characters. I found the pacing to be off and way too slow. I just never felt connected to the story which made it difficult to engage. I felt that instead of the chemistry and romance feeling natural, it felt forced and therefore not realistic. The treasure hunt idea was cute, but it just did not seem to flow naturally. I wished there was more chemistry and banter between the characters which would have made the treasure hunt much more fun for everyone. The communication was off and there was not enough adventure to keep it one of those "I can't put this down" kind of books. There were definitely cute parts and I really enjoyed the idea behind the book, the execution just felt too forced for my liking.
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

Nina’s life is in shambles and she just wants to spend a quiet summer in her childhood home to gather her strength, lick her wounds, and rebuild. Too bad when she arrives her childhood best friend, who completely ghosted her after their almost kiss - is also back home too. Two estranged childhood best friends find themselves back in their hometown and decide to resume a treasure hunt they began seventeen years ago. While it has a slower start, I found this romance really heartfelt as Nina and Quentin find their way back to each other. A treasure hunt or scavenger hunt storyline is always a win for me, and while it was a bit cheesy, it made for a perfect backdrop. Mara Wilson never fails to amaze me on audio, and she did a great job with Nina’s internal monologue and all of the spicy scenes when they hit.

Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 1 chili
Pub date: 6/24

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for my free book!

Nina is having a rough time. She just lost her job, broke up with her boyfriend, and had to move back in with her parents. Enter Quentin, her old childhood best friend (and crush), who’s also back in town. He convinces her to pick up where they left off on a treasure hunt that ended their friendship nearly two decades ago.

This is a fun, feel-good read! It’s a friends-to-lovers romance with a small-town treasure hunt that brings all the nostalgia, banter, and swoons you could want.

I loved the dynamic between Nina and Quentin. Their banter is hilarious and sweet, and you can really feel the history between them. Quentin is a soft, steady love interest who delivers some very sweet lines throughout their reconciliation. I love a treasure hunt story, and that aspect added a fun, light mystery without making things confusing or overcomplicated.

What held me back from loving this one is Nina. While I appreciate that she’s on a personal journey and trying to find her place in the world, her inner thoughts were repetitive. I also had a tough time with the prolonged miscommunication.

Overall, this was still a fun read. If you’re into friends-to-lovers stories with great banter, small-town charm, and a bit of adventure, you’ll definitely want to check this one out!

Read if you like:
*slow burn
*second chance
*treasure hunting
*some open door steam

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
5/5

As someone who grew up watching movies like Indiana Jones, Romancing the Stone, Fool’s Gold , & National Treasure….when I read the synopsis of Sarah Adler’s new book I may or may not have let out a somewhat embarrassing giggle of glee! This book was a treasure itself. Sarah literally always writes the very best FMCs. And while, I obviously love me a great MMC (when applicable), I stay for the FMC and I root for her happiness the whole way until the end!! Nina was a girl after my own heart. And the CHEMISTRY between her & Quentin was absolutely divine.

Sarah Adler always writes an original story that you will not find the aspects of in another book. I can always count on her novels to be refreshing, inspiring, and exciting. I fall in love with each story because it’s not only beautifully written, but also because it’s creative & one of a kind. In this book, along with the storyline being original & unlike any other I’ve read (or watched, since I did compare this to some movies above, but the treasure aspect is the only true comparison), Adler has written oral history sections into the book that I absolutely LOVED.

So that brings us to what else I loved…

📍 how Nina is not only searching for this treasure with Quentin, but also navigating & searching for herself throughout the story

📂 Nina’s cataloging of Quentin’s laughs & how it foreshadows her true calling

🌙 “zee moon” window conversations

🐱 Faustine & Quentin’s love of animals

🪟 the window scene 😮‍💨

📺 the Penelope in the Past mention!

🍪 cookiepuss (that is all)

📖 the Behind the Book note from Sarah at the end!!

🫣 73 annotation highlights… must I say more.

This book is so sweet, heart warming and nostalgic!! If you're looking for a romance novel that will leave you just feeling fuzzy inside this one is perfect!
The friendship between Nina and Quinten is so genuine, real and easy. I liked the treasure hunting aspect, it was a really fun way to bring these characters back together and push them into their past & re-hash it a little. The banter is great, the tension was wonderful and the whole message of the story was very well thought out. I won't spoil it, but it's a feel good read! There are some spicy scenes in this book, they compliment the story progression nicely!!

I will be recommending (and already have been) to my friends!!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group and most importantly Sarah Adler for providing me with this ARC and opportunity to read this lovely story 🥰

An adventure two decades in the making!

I went in blind and found myself immediately drawn into the mystery of the treasure hunt between two childhood friends brought back to their hometown when each of their lives fall apart.

It was almost two stories in one with the occasional flashback interview of the eccentric man who started the hunt. I enjoyed watching the story unfold with characters you can't help but root for. Plus, how can you not love a man dedicated to his furbaby?

First and foremost, thank you to the publisher and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this story and it was definitely worth the read! I absolutely loved this book!!!

I loved this book (unsurprisingly, as Adler’s previous books were also amazing)! The writing style in Finders Keepers was delightful, almost like a friend telling you a story, including all of the funny, awkward moments. I loved all of the references to late 90s/early 2000s music - took me right back to my college/early 20s (Slim Shady, No Doubt and of course DMB). The banter was fantastic and I read much of the book with a smile on my face. I love how Nina has a mental catalog of all of Quentin’s different laughs along with the memory that goes with each one. I did lots of highlighting while reading this - here was a favorite-
“I understand now that love, when it’s real, doesn’t require you to be someone different. It just makes you even more solidly yourself.”
4.5 stars

Ho there, howdy, and good morning. “Finders Keepers” is a charming second chance romance with just the right dose of childhood nostalgia, treasure map magic, and small town sparkle. Think National Treasure meets childhood sweethearts. And yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.

The novel truly shines in its exploration of the childhood friends to lovers trope. The way the games and bets Nina and Quentin shared as kids came full circle was incredibly sweet and satisfying, especially those memorable French moon scenes. The banter between Nina and Quentin is sharp, witty, and a definite highlight, making their interactions a joy to read.

What really makes this story shine is the emotional honesty. Nina’s fear of being hurt again felt so real, and it made their rekindled romance all the more rewarding. The slow burn between her and Quentin, layered with sharp, flirty banter, was everything I wanted.

While the ending felt a bit anticlimactic, the journey was so much fun it hardly mattered. If you’re into treasure hunts, emotional slow burns, and childhood crushes finally getting their moment, this one is for you. Check it out when it comes out on June 24th!

I liked this one! I enjoyed the comedic bits and the overall story of them restarting a treasure hunt that they started as kids. I enjoyed it but I didn’t really click with the characters personally. However, such a cute summer read!