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!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Paperback for an advanced reader copy of The Bed and Breakup by Susie Durmond in exchange for my honest review. This novel is a queer second chance romance set in the Ozark mountains. Robin and Molly are exes (of course they never sign the divorce papers 😉) who jointly own a bed and breakfast in the quirky small town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They left to pursue other career paths after their marriage fell apart.
The story picks up 7 years later, and is told in short chapters from their alternating points of view. Robin, a celebrity chef, retreats to the B&B to lick her wounds after 2 of her restaurants failed. Molly is in town after being commissioned to make several stained glass windows for local businesses. They are equally reluctant to be together at the inn, and pull childish pranks to force the other to leave. This felt really toxic, but eventually they decide to renovate the inn together and sell it. I love a great romance, and enjoyed the forced proximity, small town, slow burn, I have insomnia unless we share a bed, let’s just be friends with benefits tropes. However I tend to struggle with second chance romances, and ultimately did not feel that these characters were better off together. 3/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC of Bed and Breakup! I had the absolute pleasure of attending an event last summer where Susie Dumond told us (alongside Casey McQuiston!) that she was working on this second-chance romance, so getting to read it early felt full-circle and truly special.

I'm picky about second-chance romances, they need to be emotionally authentic and handled with care, and this one delivered in some surprising ways. At first, I struggled with Robin. She didn’t seem to take real accountability for her part in ending her seven-year marriage with Molly, and her lack of remorse made it hard for me to root for their reconciliation. On the other hand, Molly was written with such heart and pain that I couldn’t help but empathize with her deeply.

That said, the novel shines in its small-town charm (Eureka Springs stole my heart), slow-burn tension, and satisfying emotional growth. Watching Robin and Molly fix up their co-owned inn, prank each other, and rediscover their connection was heartwarming. I especially loved the found family (Jesse and Caro were a delight) and the Black Business coalition founded by Keyana, a fiercely loyal friend and talented local artist. There’s wonderful queer representation throughout, and I appreciated how the story centered chosen family, healing, and rediscovery.

Robin’s journey back to finding meaning in food, and realizing that fame isn’t fulfillment, was a highlight, as was Molly’s work in stained glass. Also, I laughed out loud when Robin was teased for being a stereotypically bad lesbian who can’t use power tools, because that is so me. (My fiancée does all our handy work while I admire her skills!)

While I enjoyed the emotional payoff and seeing these two women grow back toward one another, I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed. I was also left wanting more clarity and closure on what actually went down in the breakup years ago. Still, the humor, heart, and charm of this book make it an easy recommendation.

A delightful, heartfelt read- perfect for fans of small-town romance, mature emotional arcs, and a big helping of lesbian joy.

A fun rom-com read showcasing Molly and Robin: two exes returning to Eureka Springs and their former B&B, the Hummingbird Inn, after they separated 7 years ago and left the Inn’s upkeep in the hands of a management company. Molly is a stained glass artist, who’s been commissioned to create pieces in Eureka Springs, and Robin is a celebrity chef whose restaurants have flopped. Both decide to move back into the Inn and both are furious that the other won’t leave. The residents of the town are thrilled to have them back and are all rooting for them to get back together, except Molly and Robin have decided to instead renovate/sell the Inn, to finally finalize their divorce, and to move on for good… or do they? The Inn’s peculiar charm may reignite some old feelings that have Robin and Molly rethinking their choices! ✨

This was a cutesy, LGBTQIA+ rom-com but I couldn’t get fully behind the premise of the story. Sure, people can separate and fall back in love, but I felt like M+R were better off apart. They had some steamy scenes, but besides that they were quite horrible to one another and their relationship felt toxic. Obviously they get a HEA but I wouldn’t have been mad if they just left things amicably and moved on finally. Also, it was never explained why Robin left in the first place (do we assume she cheated?) and I needed closure. Eureka Falls reminded me a lot of Stars Hollow with the entire town being invested in their fixer upper relationship, but their chemistry needed to be more for me to be convinced.

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
🛏️ Second chance romance
🛏️ Small town romance
🛏️ Lovers to enemies to lovers
🛏️ Strong female leads
🛏️ Stars Hollow vibes
🛏️ Rustic charm

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 | 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘!

Bed and Breakup is a second chance romance full of quirky characters and a charming town. Exes Molly and Robin are forced to reunite to fix up their queer bed and breakfast in the small town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas and things get interesting. Neither one will give up the property and both want to stay so they work together. Kind Of. A charming story of second chance love, in a small town that's so idyllic, you'll want to move immediately, makes Bed and Breakup a fun read!

Susie Dumond’s Bed and Breakup was a book I was offered via a widget. As such, I didn’t seek it out and honestly, probably would not have under other circumstances. While the book was a relatively easy read and the world (and setting) building was quite good, the plot and the characters fell very flat. At first, Robin and Molly seem like decent characters— their pranks definitely gave them some personality. However, as I reached the last few chapters, I realized that Dumond had done little to establish their traits outside of their interactions with one another and the ensuing internal battles they grappled with on their journey to restore not only their inn, but their relationship too. Like other reviews I read in the midst of my reading, all of the elements were present for a great novel. However, something in the writing style led me to view them through a superficial lens and quickly recognize their lack of romantic chemistry. Thus, the protagonists became a bit insufferable throughout the rest of the novel, as their connection seemed unlikely and unrealistic.

Thank you to Dial Press/Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.

Seven years after an explosive ending to their marriage, Robin and Molly both end up back in the inn they still co-own. Molly is successful in her career and is in town making stained glass windows for her friend's businesses, while Robin is facing a rough patch with her closed restaurants and cancelled television series. Neither expected to be sharing the space and they definitely aren't excited about it.

This is a second chance romance done well. The two take their time making it back to each other and figuring out their future goals. I loved the setting of Eureka Springs, particularly after learning the author's connection to the town.

Overall, this is a fun romance novel that I would recommend reading!

Much like I imagine the Hummingbird Inn to be, this story was brimming with charm. I loved both FMCs, but they were (in the best way!) almost outshone by the surrounding characters (Jesse, Keyana, my loves).

A really well done second chance romance full of wit.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Marketing for this eARC!