I enjoyed this book. I read a lot of "romcoms" that aren't actually funny, but Finders Keepers had me laughing aloud. The romance was the perfect blend of spicy and sentimental. Plus, the mystery of the Fountain treasure added a fun layer to this second-chance romance. I genuinely enjoyed this book and would happily read more in this universe.

3.75 stars


This one started off stronger than it ended for me, but I did enjoy it more than I expected to, seeing other lackluster reviews. I thought the idea of a treasure hunt on the estate of an eccentric, Willy Wonka-esque industrialist was super fun, and I was much more invested in this side quest than the second chance friendship/romance between Nina and Quentin. Nina and Quentin were childhood best friends and neighbors, who's friendship fell apart after one night when they were 15 and Nina looked for the treasure on her own, leading to them both getting caught. When they both move back to town 15 years later to pick up the pieces after failed relationships and job losses, they decide to spend the Summer looking for the elusive treasure again. Nina was presented with having generalized anxiety disorder, and her worst case, best case, most likely rationalizations of every situation felt mighty familiar to me (I'd barely get any exercise at all if it weren't for jumping to conclusions). Where the lies of omission and miscommunication could almost be understandable coming from two 15 year olds, it was not cute when coming from adult Quentin, and I was mad at the end for what he had done, and for Nina being so quick to forgive it. I might have also needed an adjustment period for this one being another case where it was the first time reading the author's work digitally, having only listened to her books before, and maybe I would have liked this one a little better had I listened to it as well, since Mara Wilson is fabulous.

Five chapters and 49 pages in, I knew this book was something special. It taps into a very specific kind of millennial realism: the post-university boomerang back to your hometown, reuniting with people from your past, and quietly spiralling while pretending you have it all together. Personally, I didn’t have childhood besties to reconnect with. Unless you count the fictional men who lived on my bookshelf and never judged my excessive reading habits.

At its heart, this is a second-chance romance between two estranged childhood friends, full of unresolved tension, slow-burn angst, and you guessed it, a treasure hunt. That’s right, a literal treasure hunt. It’s giving National Treasure on a small scale but with more longing glances and no Nicolas Cage.

From the start, the tone is pitch perfect. Sweet without being saccharine. Funny without trying too hard. And deeply readable. As in, I-read-it-in-one-sitting readable. Somewhere around chapter 33, I had a full-on identity crisis. Nina is me in an alternate timeline. If I hadn’t dropped out of university (history major, obviously), gotten married, and had two kids, I’m fairly certain I’d also be solving emotional riddles and chasing metaphorical and actual treasure.

Nina’s inner world, especially her anxiety, is written with such authenticity that it feels like Sarah Adler cracked open the collective psyche of 30-something women everywhere. And honestly? Respect.

In short, this book is charming, heartfelt, witty, and exactly the kind of story you want to get lost in. Five stars. Gold-star treasure map optional.

I almost screamed when I got this approval from @berkleypub What an honor!

In Finders Keepers you find a love story for the ages featuring characters you can’t help but love with the best banter of any rom-com out there. This is a beautiful story that will stay with me as all her books do. If you love rom-coms don’t sleep on Sarah Adler. I still recommend her first book Mrs. Nash’s Ashes!

Nina Hunnicutt’s life has officially hit reset—no job, no boyfriend, and no clue what’s next. So she moves back home, feeling like a total mess… only to find her childhood heartbreak, Quentin Bell, living next door like he never ghosted her all those years ago (17, to be exact). He’s back from Paris and casually suggests they finish the treasure hunt they started as teens—with a 70/30 split if she helps. With zero better offers and a lot of unresolved feelings, Nina says yes.

What follows is a nostalgic, tender friends to lovers/second-chance romance full of buried feelings, and the kind of slow burn that sneaks up on you. Nina may be unsure of her future, but rediscovering love in the most unexpected place might just change everything.

I really enjoy Sarah Adler’s writing, and this book had me laughing out loud multiple times (the ending of chapter 25 had me absolutely ROLLING). Her characters are always full of wit and humor, and I adore her for it.

Thanks Berkley for the advanced digital copy through NetGalley—opinions are my own!

I read and absolutely loved Sarah Adler’s first book, Mrs. Nash’s Ashes, earlier this year, so I was beyond excited to read her latest release, Finders Keepers! And I’m happy to report that Finders Keepers was another home run! I just adore a Sarah Adler written romance. Something about her writing style scratches an itch for me and I love the quirky, fun, lovable characters she writes. Her books are full of heart and depth but they also make me laugh out loud, and Finders Keepers had all the trappings of a heartwarming romance that will have you smiling from beginning to end. I loved that this book was one part romance, one part journey to self-discovery. My favorite romances will forever be the ones where the main character ends up finding joy in who they are, and this book was a perfect example of this.

I think what I loved most about this book was that it felt so nostalgic. It was like The Goonies meets 13 Going on 30 meets Drive Me Crazy (one of my personal favorite romcoms from the 90s). From the childhood friends to lovers romance to the treasure hunt storyline, Finders Keepers was like a 90s summer in book form. Reading this book felt like catching fireflies at dusk, licking gooey marshmallows off your fingers as you down s’mores by the fire, stretching your toes out in the cool grass on a warm summer night. It had that inexplicable and intangible feeling of a careless summer. The writing was so immersive. Sarah Adler is so skilled at writing scenes in a way that makes me feel like a fly on the wall watching it all unfold and I couldn’t love it more!

If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to the summers of your youth, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this one!

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

Finders Keepers was my first Sarah Adler book, and I really enjoyed her writing style. This book was clever, heartfelt, and full of wit. The story follows Nina and Quentin, childhood best friends who grew up next door and bonded over an ambitious treasure hunt. But after a falling out, they haven’t spoken in seventeen years… until fate (and a certain eccentric seltzer magnate’s rumored riches) brings them back together.

I especially loved Nina’s inner dialogue—her best case/worst case/most likely scenarios had me laughing out loud. Unhinged Nina was my absolute favorite—her chaotic energy and quick wit made her such a fun character. Quentin was the perfect balance, and their dynamic brought a great mix of banter and emotional depth.

This is a slow-burn romance with a strong focus on second chances—not just romantically, but personally too. It’s about rediscovering who you were, who you’ve become, and who you might still be. I enjoyed the layers of growth and self-discovery with a splash of the treasure hunt backdrop. And the ending? Loved it.

A solid four stars. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Sarah Adler.

Read if you enjoy:
✔️ friends-to-strangers-to-lovers
✔️ second chances
✔️ emotional growth with humor
✔️ light adventure and small-town charm

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review an early copy.

FINDERS KEEPERS is the perfect light summer read! To open this books means getting lost in a story about two friends, who take their second chance...while getting lost in a story about a man who lived his life...lost in a story...I loved it! It's a slow burn, sweet second-chance romantic adventure with adorable characters. Sarah Adler knows how to write tales with characters that feel so authentic we may actually know them. It makes me want to go treasure hunting!

*3.5 stars*

This started out really cute and funny but I felt like the longer it went the more I started to lose interest. Some of that could have been my mood and overall it was still so cute. But it felt a little drawn out. The overall concept was quite fun tho! It could be the case of just not in the right mood or I lost the mood for it as I read it. It's definitely worth giving a try.

I was really intrigued by the premise of this book—second-chance romance and a treasure hunt? Total win-win! I loved the idea of rediscovering love while unearthing secrets from the past.

The dual timeline structure was unique and had so much potential, but unfortunately, both storylines felt a little underdeveloped. The romance was slow to build and at times felt more awkward than swoony, and the backstory of this ultra-successful bachelor felt almost too untouchable—until the ending finally brought some emotional payoff.

The last few chapters really pulled things together in a satisfying way, but I found myself struggling to stay invested for most of the journey. A great concept with some bright spots—I just wish the execution had matched the promise.

⭐⭐⭐.75 | 3.75 stars rounded up

This was a really sweet romcom that reminded me why I love the microtrope of childhood friends to lovers (sort of) to strangers to friends to lovers. I had such fun with the slow burn romance with Nina and Quentin, but please be advised that it is SLOWWW. The treasure hunting aspect and excerpts from niterviews with the eccentric Julius Fountain was an interesting addition that helped this book stand out from a typical romcom.

I also really appreciated the anxiety representation throughout this book. As someone who has to work through a similar process, I loved reading Nina's coping strategies.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinion.

Nina returns to her childhood home, jobless and homeless. But her former best friend Quentin is once again living next door.
They resume their treasure hunting expedition from their teen years.
I liked that aspect of the story plus all,of the history. I also liked that Nina had a PhD in history.
I did think Nina was overly dramatic and prone to overt moping.
I liked her mom and Mrs. McDonald the best because they were the sweet and sour combo that gave the book its added oooopmh.

A solid 3 star read.

I love the idea of estranged childhood friends reconnecting while looking for the treasure they were searching for before everything fell apart and they stopped speaking. I expected to love this a bit more and I'm sad I didn't.

The set up of the story was gold but I just felt it lacked a bit in how it was delivered, especially in the romance. They had some really sweet moments and Quentin is so earnest.. but I wanted to feel more invested in them getting together. I just needed to FEEL more of the yearning that I would expect from their situation.

Though I love Sarah Adler's humour and I definitely laughed a few times, some of it didn't quite land. There's this "window" bit that they do that was cute the first couple of times but I wished wasn't repeated again and again throughout the book.

I enjoy the authors ideas and will definitely keep checking out her future releases in the hopes of discovering a new favourite.

3.5 stars - Thanks to Berkley Romance for the free book - all opinions are my own!

This was a cute fast read that was very sweet if a tiny bit unrealistic and cheesy. The premise of the treasure hunt was a lot of fun, but was overshadowed a bit but all the petty (sorry) drama between Nina and Quentin. I don't want to dismiss the very real hurt that occurred between them as kids, the way they acted as adults, not having any sort of truly real conversation about what happened, was a little bit frustrating.

In the end, this was a fun read and would absolutely recommend for anyone wanting something quick and low-key.

Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Nina is down on her luck and moves back in with her parents after losing her job and breaking up with her long term boyfriend. She grew up next door to Quentin, the one who got away. They resume a treasure hunt in an old mansion they started as kids.

I liked the sense of adventure but some of the romance tropes were a little stale for me so that's why I gave four stars. I still recommend though, it was a cute read with some nostalgia thrown in.

Nina Hunnicutt’s life is sent into a tailspin when she loses her job and her boyfriend simultaneously. Starting at square one, Nina embarrassingly is forced to move back in with her parents. Just when Nina thinks things can’t get any worse she realizes her former childhood friend, Quentin Bell is back in town too, and once again living right next door.

Although they ended on a sour note, Nina and Quentin can’t help but to fall back into old habits, Quentin’s easiness on the eyes not hurting the matter. But then Quentin digs up the very thing that drew them apart seventeen years prior- the town’s unsolved treasure hunt.

Even though adult Nina can’t help but to think the supposed riches are all a ruse, she also can’t help but to be taken in at the possibility of prosperity. After all, she needs a win, literally. This is how Nina and Quentin find themselves joining forces to find the ultimate prize. Only undiscovered treasure might not be the only thing worth searching for as each finds themselves digging up long buried feelings in the process.

Finders Keepers is like a love letter to The Goonies with literal love thrown in. And while I loved The Goonies, and the banter between Nina and Quentin, I had a hard time investing in the story as a whole. Loving Adler’s Mrs. Nash’s Ashes, I was hoping her latest release would generate similar excitement. Unfortunately for me, Finders Keepers left me on the hunt for something more.

This was absolutely brilliant! I could not put it down and I already added it to my faves of 2025!

I loved everything from the very start. Quinten and Nina reuniting, their past unfolding, fun games and inside jokes. Top tier banter and flirting. There was so much left unsaid and my heart was just in a vice.

Speaking of, this book had so much heart. Him leaving and returning, picking up where they left off.

The treasure aspect was super fun! Reminded me of the movie Fool’s Gold or the episode of Bob’s Burgers where the kids look for treasure in the abandoned taffy. Just intense, cracking codes, getting excited! I totally get this feeling! I did a city wide treasure hunt with my husband once and it was so exhilarating; it also brought us so close!

I loved the development of Quinten and Nina’s relationship! Just so real and so many feels. I loved Nina’s mom too! She’s such a character. Mr Fountain as well, such a character! Even from just his interview transcriptions, you got so much about what a funny guy he was.

The ending was perfect! I was smiling and kicking my feet over it! Ugh I know I will be thinking about this for a long time

Thank you @berkleypub @netgalley @sarahadlerwrites for the opportunity to read Finders Keepers. This is my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

My thoughts:
A treasure hunt started many years ago.
A treasure hunt begins again.
Finders Keepers was an entertaining second chance romance that took awhile to get into….then things picked up in the story and I was hooked.
Major lack of communication between the two main characters, Nina and Quentin!
I did enjoy the banter between Nina and Quentin. As well as Nina’s mom….she is quite the character!
Just the right amount of spice rounded out the story quite nicely.
Overall….a funny and sweet read!

I’m such a fan of Ms. Adler’s writing. Mrs. Nash’s Ashes was one of my favorite reads. I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Finder’s Keepers. Nina and Quentin are childhood friends who become estranged. They both find themselves back in their childhood homes after their worlds crumble with difficulties.
There is a treasure hunt that as teenagers they became obsessed with solving and some bad decisions led to not speaking to each other for 17years.

The premise of this story was intriguing. The execution of it was a tad slow and times bogged down by details and of the treasures originating story.

I gave it 4 stars because the parts I loved were really great and I love her writing. I also loved the authors note explaining her inspiration. I’m trying to not judge too harshly the novels that come after her fabulous debut because they aren’t quite at the same level. The bar was raised a little too high with her first book so with that said, this one is good but not as great. Would I recommend it… sure! Just maybe know going into it that the backstory information about the treasure is (in my opinion) not always that interesting. The story about friendship turned into love was the story that pulled me through

Nice second-chance romance with a bit of a treasure hunt. I preferred the male perspective more than the female and found him more interesting.