NetGalley ARC Review ✨


Bed and Breakup
By: Susie Dumond
Pub Date: 06/24/25


If you love small town, second chance, enemies to lovers romance stories then you'll enjoy Bed and Breakup!

When Molly and Robin both need to regroup they both end up back at their abandoned bed and breakfast. Even though they have been separated for years, the hurt and hate are still very present. How will they be able to stay under the same roof?

This story is about discovering new dreams while also exploring old ones, growing and learning about yourself, and not giving up on the people we love. Overall, a really cute read.

This was a sweet second chance sapphic romance and I enjoyed it very much! The fact that it’s a queer romance that takes place in Arkansas?! Yes!! 🙌🏼

Robin and Molly had parted ways but both their life paths have brought them back to the Hummingbird Inn (which they own) and mayhem ensues. I found it so funny when they were playing pranks on each other but I enjoyed seeing them come to an understanding of why they had felt like they had to separate. I think a little more depth could have made this book a 5 star read for me but overall, it really made me cheer for them both. Things get mildly spicy so I give it 2 🌶️ out of 5.

The small town vibes were great, especially seeing how supportive the town is. The author took a lot of her personal experiences and it really shows. It makes me want to visit this place one day.

Thank you NetGalley, Dial Press and Susie Dumond for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

4.25 stars

Dumond's writing continues to get better with each book. I love the queer small-town setting in a conservative state and the kindness of the townspeople. I also really enjoyed the character arc of Robin from being a "failed" celebrity chef to the progress she makes. I love the artistry of Molly's work. I wish I loved Molly and Robin together, but it just didn't quite land for me. I did appreciate how the book showed the stress of being a couple while doing reno projects or even just trying to live together. It was certainly not all sunshine and daisies for them.

Absolutely will read another of Dumond's books in the future. I recommend this if you like messy Sapphic artistic types and second chance romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Thank you to Random House, Dial Press, and NetGalley for the gifted arc of this book.

Bed and Breakup was a cute and quick sapphic summer read. I enjoyed the characters and their development over the course of the book, but I did find this situation to be totally unbelievable and more than a bit privileged feeling at times. Their privilege made the characters feel less relatable to me. I really adored a most of the side characters, as well, and I appreciated the level of found family this book presented.

The ending of this book was lovely and a HEA, however, it felt a bit rushed and sudden to me. Like I had to check to see that I wasn’t missing a section or something. Maybe an epilogue would have helped this?

Overall, this was a 3.75⭐️ book for me, and I feel it would make a great beach read!

Thanks for the review copy. I love second-chance romances and cozy small towns. I know people will love this one.

Funny, fresh, and full of romantic tension. Dumond delivers a delightful breakup-to-love-again arc that balances heartache with humor. A few moments felt predictable, but the charm and chemistry more than made up for it. A great comfort read.

I was skeptical at first, y'all. I didn't really like Robin in the beginning (I too took Molly's side in the 'divorce' apparently) but she grew on me as the story went on. I loved Eureka Springs and its inhabitants and I was surprised to find it is an actual place! I've never been to Arkansas or had the urge to but I might have to now. But yeah, the more I read the less I wanted to put it down!

I really enjoyed this sweet story! Second chance romance isn't usually my thing, but I thought both Molly and Robin were developed well, I appreciated that they both knew their own faults and grew as characters, and it was fun getting to read both of their sides of the same events. It wasn't the most original story I've ever read, but the setting contributed a lot for me- I felt like I could really picture their inn and the entire town of Eureka Springs.

Second chance romance that is full of potential but fell just short for me.

What I liked: the setting was dreamy. Really needing a trip to Eureka Springs. Also appreciated the author's juxtaposition between Eureka Springs and Arkansas as a whole. It painted a realistic picture with meaningful perspective. I also really liked the overall cast of characters. The writing style was artistic and flowing.

What didn't work: Molly and Robin just seem a little toxic for each other. The prank war was a fun idea but went a little beyond for me. The two just seemed to lack chemistry, and the romance was confusing. I wanted a little more conflict resolution; I am still not sure what exactly drove the two apart and then how they overcame it for a HEA?

Some readers may appreciate a little more rawness and realness in the romance, especially if you find romance a little far-fetched at times.

Bed and Breakup is a sapphic second-chance romance set in the charming, queer-friendly town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The story follows ex-wives Molly and Robin, who unexpectedly reunite at the Hummingbird Inn—the bed and breakfast they opened during their newlywed years. Seven years after their split, Molly returns to town for an art commission, while Robin, reeling from the collapse of her celebrity chef career, seeks solace in the one place she once felt truly herself. Since neither of them has officially filed for divorce, and both have a legal claim to the property, they’re forced into an awkward cohabitation at the inn they once built together.

What starts as a tense standoff quickly becomes a chaotic mix of home renovations, bar nights, and escalating pranks—all with the shared goal of fixing up the inn to sell it and finally part ways for good. But as they restore the Hummingbird Inn’s vintage charm and reconnect with the welcoming community that once embraced them, unresolved feelings begin to resurface. The real question: is this truly closure, or a second chance they didn’t see coming?

The setting is where Bed and Breakup shines. Eureka Springs is painted with warmth, quirk, and a deep sense of community. The townsfolk—especially standout side characters like Keyana and Jesse—add richness to the story. Keyana, Molly’s best friend, brings honesty and groundedness to the narrative, while Jesse’s passion for food and unwavering support for Robin adds much-needed depth to her arc. The town’s inclusivity and charm offer a hopeful backdrop, and moments like the end-of-book cooking party bring a heartfelt sense of joy and celebration.

Unfortunately, the romance between Molly and Robin didn’t land for me in the way I had hoped. Their dynamic, while rooted in a strong premise, too often came across as combative and emotionally immature. Much of the early story is spent on constant bickering and unresolved tension, with little emotional payoff. Their chemistry felt more rooted in the past than the present, and the transition from enemies to lovers lacked the depth and buildup needed to feel authentic or satisfying. The intimate scenes, while steamy in intent, felt disconnected from the emotional arcs and at times lacked genuine vulnerability.

I also found the character development uneven. Molly starts out as a compelling, artistic lead with a unique voice and vibrant personality, but her behavior toward Robin often veers into childish and reactive territory. Robin’s backstory—particularly around her departure and the hinted betrayal—was never fully explored, leaving gaps in understanding that made it hard to root for the couple's reunion. When they finally start to soften toward one another, their emotional voices begin to blend, making it difficult to distinguish their perspectives.

The novel’s resolution felt rushed. After such a long buildup of conflict, the ending offered minimal closure. I would have liked to see more meaningful conversations between the leads, clearer accountability, and a deeper emotional reconciliation. As it stood, the HEA felt more like a narrative convenience than an earned reward.

That said, Bed and Breakup is a promising concept, especially for readers who love second-chance romance, strong sapphic representation, and small-town charm. While the central romance didn’t fully resonate for me, the atmosphere, side characters, and queer community at the heart of the story were lovely highlights.

Giving this a solid 4 stars! The story was great, the writing was lovely and the characters were even better! Small-town, exes to lovers, home renos and an incredible group of friends really made this a cozy read!

Molly and Robin have been separated for seven years when they decide to each make their way back to the Hummingbird Inn. Molly is returning to Eureka Springs to help some old friends with their storefronts. Robin is returning to figure some things out and get her head in the right space after several failures. When they happen to venture back at the exact same time...things take a ghostly turn.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I took it with me on a trip and it was perfect for the airports and plane! I loved the development of each of the two main characters through the book. I thought the way they came back to each other was very "them". I'm also dying to visit Eureka Springs...because apparently this is a real place!

The Dial Press eARC
Another second chance after divorce that worked for me! I am so picky about this trope, but this so well done. I ate the tension between them up. This was a slow burn, and I'm so glad because there was a lot of trauma for them to work through. I liked how they worked on themselves and their careers separately for a bit before the romance got going. It showed great depth and just how perfectly flawed people are. I loved the supporting characters here because they worked so hard to make sure Robin and Molly were supported in all facets. This book was lovely, and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to Dial Press and Netgalley for a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 44%

I tried but I just couldn’t get into this one. I found it to be too slow moving and a bit repetitive. I don’t feel any chemistry between the main characters and I felt like they had good reasons for having broken up previously.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Oh I wanted to love this book so much. It has everything: second-chance romance, small town charm, forced proximity... but somehow it just wasn't enough for me. There was just too much left unsaid (like did Robin actually cheat, or was it just in my head??) and there really wasn't an explanation for why/how things ended the first time; and more importantly, there was no apology for their first breakup. How can two people really give things a second try if they haven't processed the first ending together?

Their romance felt lackluster, and I was never fully invested in them getting back together anyway (maybe it had something to do with the fact I thought Robin was a cheater, but that's besides the point)-- and it's hard to really enjoy a book if you're not rooting for the couple.

I'm certain this will be a lot of people's jam, and I would love to read some of the author's other works because I can <I>tell</I> she's a good writer, but BED AND BREAKUP just wasn't my favorite.

3.75 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this, but only once i got about 40-45% in. I did not really like Robin at first and the whole idea of the prank war between them was less pranky, and more actually cruel. Also, Robin just not taking responsibility for anything at first irked me. I do also wish we found out what truly happened between them. Like maybe a dual timeline, or just one flashback chapter for clarity would have been insightful.
This is also such an odd thing to nitpick, I know, but the use of the word “hella” in this just did not do it for me.
I do think Molly and Robin were a cute couple and I love all of the relationships that had with the people in the town. The community was so cute and I loved all the queer representation! I loved a lot of elements of this but the impact was not there for me. It was very cute tho and the imagery was absolutely beautiful! I would recommend this, especially as a pride month read!

Molly and Robin return to the Eureka Springs B&B that strained their marriage, vowing to fix it up and sell it so they can finally leave their past behind and get a long-avoided divorce. But as they reexamine the failures of their relationship and their career ambitions, will too many good memories throw their practical plan off the rails? This was a great second chance romance; Molly's reno skills and Robin's culinary chops really were the perfect combo for a queer B&B and I loved the descriptions of their art and food. The characters were loveable, though flawed, and their friends were diverse, warm, and talented. I want to go to the Hummingbird!

CWs - Drug use, Sexual content, Cursing, Homophobia, Racism, Abandonment, Alcohol, Pandemic/Epidemic, Chronic illness, Slavery, Transphobia, Death of parent

3.5 ⭐️

Bed and Breakup delivers a cozy, rom-com setup: two exes, one crumbling bed-and-breakfast, and a whole lot of unresolved tension. Set in the charming, queer-friendly town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas (think Stars Hollow with more rainbow flags), this sapphic second-chance romance reunites Molly, a rising stained glass artist, and Robin, a down-on-her-luck celebrity chef, seven years after their divorce. They’re both back to claim the Hummingbird Inn, and neither plans to leave.

What follows is forced cohabitation, chaotic renovation plans, and a flurry of pranks that toe the line between petty and painful. The town is buzzing with excitement to see them back, cheering them on like they’re the hometown team in a romantic Super Bowl. The chemistry is complicated. The history is murky. The unresolved feelings are very much still simmering.

There’s a lot to love here:
⭐️ The quirky small-town charm and community are standout features, full of heart and humor
⭐️ The side characters, especially Keyana and Jesse, bring warmth and depth
⭐️ The inn renovation scenes are rich with atmosphere and give a great sense of place
⭐️ The second-chance romance premise, with a sapphic twist, is refreshing and full of potential

That said, some readers may find it hard to fully root for Robin and Molly’s reunion. Their dynamic often reads more combative than romantic, with mean-spirited pranks and lingering bitterness making the relationship feel a bit toxic at times. There’s also a lack of clarity around why they broke up to begin with, particularly Robin’s abrupt departure, which leaves some emotional threads unresolved. For a romance centered around healing and reconnection, that missing piece stands out.

Still, the story offers sweet and steamy moments, a satisfying (if slightly rushed) emotional resolution, and a final act that pushes both characters to grow and confront their patterns. Fans of cozy, character-driven romances with strong small-town vibes and a touch of chaos will find plenty to enjoy, especially on audio where the dual narration helps keep Robin and Molly’s voices distinct.

In the end, Bed and Breakup may not reinvent the second-chance romance wheel, but it spins it with heart, humor, and a whole lot of queer joy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Molly returns to Eureka Springs, Arkansas to work on a few projects - including getting the Bed and Breakfast she owned with her ex-wife ready to sell. To Molly’s surprise, her ex-wife, Robin, beat her there.

Robin has admitted defeat after closing her last few west coast restaurants, and her TV chef gigs have dried up. She might as well return to the Bed and Breakfast and save some cash while she pivots. She doesn’t expect to see Molly walk through the door after Robin left her 7 years ago for greener pastures. They made a good team at one time, so maybe they can come together to fix up the Bed and Breakfast, and just possibly their relationship.

This was a really cute book, and I adored the premise. It was a little tough for me to get into during the first half of the book, because I didn’t care much for Robin, and had a hard time rooting for her. Once I crossed the halfway point, I tore through it. Some aspects were a touch clunky, but overall, I would recommend it for a cute little second-chance romance.

I ended up DNFing because I didn’t like Robin, didn’t love Molly, and absolutely did not think these two people, who’d ended a marriage previously, should get back together. I liked the rest of the story (the location was great and I enjoyed the premise) but the relationship itself was just something I really didn’t find myself rooting for at all, which is necessary in a romance novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC of Bed and Breakup by Susie Dumond! This was a perfect book to launch my summer reading. I'd been in a reading slump, but then found myself drawn into this cute little book immediately and finished it quickly. It reads like a typical queer RomCom book, following all the familiar tropes. I didn't fall in love with the characters (they were fine -- nothing against them, but they were pretty typical of the genre), but what I did fall in love with is the setting, which is apparently a real gay oasis nestled in the Ozarks. Never have I ever wanted to visit Arkansas, but this book made me want to make the journey to Eureka Springs to experience its queer-friendly small-town vibe and its natural beauty. I think this second-chance romance is a great way to start your summer reading journey!