This book has such a sweet and cozy premise and is a great palate cleanser or reading slump cure: after her beloved grandmother passes, Mallory inherits a charming beachside cottage, with the added responsibility of caring for her grandfather. I was immediately drawn in by the potential for a heartfelt, quiet story about grief, connection, and self-discovery.

One of the highlights for me was Mallory’s relationship with her grandfather. Their interactions were tender, warm, and often quite moving and easily my favorite part of the book. I loved watching that bond grow as they navigated life without her grandmother, and those scenes added real emotional depth to the story.

That said, I struggled a bit with Mallory as a character. For someone in her mid-twenties, she came across as surprisingly immature at times. Her motivations were often unclear, and her impulsive choices and reluctance to take responsibility made it difficult for me to connect with her. While I appreciated that she was written as a deeply introverted and flawed person, some of her actions felt more frustrating than relatable.

Overall, An Introvert’s Guide to Life and Love offers a heartwarming, introspective story with strong themes of family, personal growth, and finding comfort outside your comfort zone. While I didn’t fully connect with the main character, I think this book will resonate with those who are looking for a gentle, low conflict story about learning to open your heart, even when it's scary.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Appelbaum, and Forever for the eARC of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for this ARC!

This book has a very sweet plot — our protagonist’s grandmother passes and she inherits a beachside cabin in the process.

I enjoyed the interactions between Mallory and her grandfather but otherwise I found it difficult to relate to Mal. She came off as very immature for someone in their mid-twenties and her motivations didn’t make much sense to me.

The writing is vivid, with moments of humor, heartache, and passion seamlessly woven together. While some plot points are predictable, the emotional payoff more than compensates.

Verdict: A tender and engaging read for anyone who enjoys a well-written love story with emotional resonance.

I read this book cover to cover in one sitting, staying up way past my usual bedtime on a work night, because I was absolutely entranced by this story. Lauren Appelbaum perfectly captured the almost introvert struggle between the comfort of routine and isolation with the joy of new and adventure in such a heartwarming and fun story!

Introverted remote workers, this will be all too relatable!

I liked the premise of this book. Interestingly, it is written in present tense, which is not my favorite, especially since the story is not action-packed.

The romance is a slow burn - a very slow one - and closed door, which is also not my personal preference, though I know there is an audience for this.

Instead of focusing too much on the romance, the story is more of a women’s lit novel focusing on self-discovery, and it reminded me a lot of another ARC I recently read, Overdue.

So while the book might not have been my jam, it’s readable and will likely call to other demos.

In some ways this is exactly what I think of for women’s fiction - following a woman’s life and personal growth. Throughout the book, Mallory is learning to deal with grief (passing of her grandma), new responsibility (taking care of her grandfather), and embracing change (living in Florida, meeting someone, figuring out what she wants in her work-life).

However, I never really connected with Mallory herself, she came across immature and not willing to take responsibility in her life. She complains she feels life a failure on the work front in her family, but are also doesn’t try at her job and seems to skate by (e.g., forgetting she has work, lying to her boss, not paying attention in meetings). She is said to be an introvert but comes across more paralyzed by self-consciousness (e.g., at the bar age wants there patrons to talk to her, she chats up the barista). And she doesn’t seem to appreciate her grandma giving her the house, instead focus on money (which she could better adored if she didn’t shop online so much).

Thank you to Lauren Appelbaum, Forever, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

love this story of a girl getting a house and realizing that she needs to grow up and finds a way to take care of her gramps and finds love along the way and makes more friends.

An Introvert’s Guide to Life and Love by Lauren Appelbaum is a sweet, reflective, and heartwarming story about growth, connection, and finding home in unexpected places. It’s not just about love in the romantic sense it’s about the love found in family, in community, and most importantly, in choosing a life that aligns with who you truly are.

Mallory Rosen is instantly relatable. Her introverted nature, her quiet routine, and her preference for solitude make her feel like someone many readers will see themselves in. She isn’t running from her life in Seattle; she’s just existing until her grandmother’s will sends her to Florida for what’s supposed to be a quick visit. But as days turn into weeks and weeks into a month, Mallory begins to bloom in the warmth of a town that unexpectedly feels like home.

The highlight of the book for me wasn’t the romance, but rather Mallory’s beautiful and evolving relationship with her grandfather. Their connection was tender and authentic, and watching it deepen felt like such a gift. Appelbaum excels at writing intergenerational bonds with care and nuance, and this one felt especially poignant. Mallory’s character arc, slow, gentle, and grounded in real emotional shifts, was where the book truly shone.

As for the romance: Daniel, while kind and clearly meant to be a source of light in Mallory’s journey, didn’t quite leap off the page for me. There wasn’t much romantic tension or emotional investment built up between them, and their dynamic leaned more toward sweet companionship than true longing. That said, I think this was by design. The novel never felt like it was trying to sweep you off your feet with a grand love story, it’s about quieter things. About being seen. About choosing a life rather than settling into one by default.

Who Should Read It?
-Gentle, low-conflict women’s fiction
-Stories about self-discovery and emotional growth
-Found family & small town community vibes
-Intergenerational relationships
-Comfort reads with introvert representation

Final Verdict
This is the kind of book that feels like a quiet exhale. There’s no drama, no angst, just a woman slowly learning that maybe she doesn’t want to live on the sidelines of her own life anymore. If you’re an introvert at heart and long for stories that center emotional connection over external conflict, An Introvert’s Guide to Life and Love is worth picking up.

Grateful to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Lauren Appelbaum for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this short story in exchange for an honest review.

4.25
This was so much more than I thought it was going to be. I loved it. Marllory works in tech. Everyone else in her family is a lawyer. She thought she was going to go down that path to but it end up not working out. Instead, now she works remotely She also has a shopping addiction. When her grandmother passes and she inherit a cottage with a stipulation that she doesn’t sell it and she takes care of her grandfather she ends up going down to Florida for a visit….and to renovate it for rental.
We get a heartwarming story of reconnection with a grandfather. A love story with the person who is her property manager. And just a funny and overall heartwarming time. I really loved that we had lots of time with her and her grandfather. I loved the writing, the is my first Lauren Appelbaum. And this looks like it is her second book. I will definitely be checking out the other book and watching for subsequent works that this author put out.
Thank you to Forever for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a good read!! I couldn’t put it down, there was just something about it. I loved how there was a dual focus of both romance and finding yourself. I loved Mallory and Daniel’s relationship and I absolutely loved Mallory and her grandpa’s relationship too! I thought that this book did a good job of highlighting the after effects of the pandemic while still maintaining the lighter nature of a romance book. Definitely check this one out when it releases!

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All opinions are my own.

3.5/5
As an introvert, this book's summary caught my eye. Mallory is a little bit awkward but endearing, loves her alone time, and she's a sucker for romance. I've never related to a main character more. This was very heart-warming, and it's mainly focused around Mallory and her grandfather's relationship after the loss of her grandmother. Mallory goes through a journey of self-discovery and comes out of her shell as an introvert to find her home and her people. One of the people she grows close to is Daniel, her main love interest. I wish that their relationship was explored a little more in depth - it was a lot of "we shouldn't do this" that eventually turned into a one night stand because they wouldn't do long distance. I got Mallory's perspective on their relationship, but I didn't really see the emotional connection on Daniel's part. The best part of the book was seeing Mallory and her grandfather get to know each other better and seeing Mallory grow as a person.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you so much for sending me the E-Arc. I Just finished The Introvert’s Guide to Life and Love by Lauren Applebaum, and I adored it. Mallory’s journey as an introvert navigating love, family, and self-worth was so real and heartfelt. A perfect summer read that quietly sticks with you long after the last page. he characters were wonderfully portrayed and the detail given to them was great. I loved the cover and title and will be recommending this book when it comes out to my fellow teachers and the many book clubs I belong to.

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

Such a good read! it was a cute and easy read. it had good development! it's not a long review for me but i enjoyed it very much thank you NetGalley!!1

I picked this up expecting a light, romantic beach read and instead was gifted a beautiful, heartfelt story about connection, grief, and growth.

As an introvert myself, I found Mallory easy to relate to. Her awkwardness in social situations felt genuine and familiar, and her journey was both emotional and quietly powerful. She can be impulsive, routine-driven, insecure, and dealing with a shopping addiction; all of which made her character feel human and real.

After the death of her grandmother, Mallory unexpectedly inherits a beach house across the country and is asked to help care for her aging grandfather. Watching their bond slowly grow and seeing them navigate grief together was deeply moving—I’ll admit I ugly cried more than once.

Mallory’s relationship with Daniel was sweet but felt more like a subplot. While I enjoyed their moments together, I would’ve liked a bit more chemistry and development between them.

Overall, this was a touching and emotional read. It wasn’t the lighthearted story I expected but I’m by no means disappointed. I truly enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it.

Mallory Rosen está perfectamente cómoda con su rutina solitaria: trabaja desde casa, evita la confrontación y encuentra consuelo en su apartamento lleno de velas y series de Netflix. Pero todo cambia cuando, tras la muerte de su abuela Lottie, hereda una casa en la costa de Florida... con una condición: debe cuidar de su abuelo viudo, Leonard.

Atrapada entre el deber familiar y su necesidad de espacio personal, Mallory se embarca en una inesperada aventura de autodescubrimiento. Rodeada de familiares excéntricos, recuerdos de una relación pasada con un exprofesor y nuevas responsabilidades que amenazan su zona de confort, deberá replantearse qué significa realmente vivir y amar para alguien que siempre ha preferido observar desde la periferia.

--

Los primeros capítulos se me hicieron muy pesados, tanto que estuve a punto de abandonarlo. Pero fue mejorando, o al menos lo suficiente como para terminarlo.

Cómo odio cuando presentan historias de supuesto amor verdadero, donde la pareja ha estado junta toda la vida y, cuando ella muere, él sufre muchísimo, dice que no puede vivir sin ella… pero a los pocos meses ya tiene a alguien más. En este caso, fue el abuelo de Mallory.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

As an introvert myself I thought I would really enjoy this one. I did, but I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. I had a hard time connecting with the main character. I can't fully explain it but I thought I'd like her more than I did. She felt a bit more awkward than introverted... But, I've also been in a bit of a slump for a while now so maybe if I read it again in a year I might like it more. 🤷

Thank you so much for providing me with this E-ARC!

I really loved the book and the characters as they all greatly contributed to that laid back coastal setting, and Mallory was very relatable. There were a few moments that felt a bit awkward, but I think showing that Mallory struggled with interacting with others at times added to the charm and relatability, especially for me.

3.5 ⭐️ but rounded up.

If you’re expecting a cozy, small beach town romance, this is not the book. While there is romance, it’s the subplot. This story’s primary focus is Mallory’s personal growth and her building meaning and loving connections with people.

This book hit home in more than one way since I’m an introvert. I related to Mallory’s social awkwardness and her inner monologue of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, excessive spending habits, and overthinking. I loved watching her battle herself and learn how to build connections with people and live a little.

The writing did feel immature and chunky. There were also odd assumptions and stereotypes that threw me off.
Example: Mallory learned Daniel was a vegetarian and her response was, “Wow. I’m surprised. You seem so...” I don’t even know what I’m going to say. Manly? Floridian?”
😂 Manly? All because he doesn’t like meat, he’s not manly?

And although I really appreciated & related to Mallory’s behavior, there were times that she was too impulsive, erratic, and all over the place. With this plus the writing style, I felt like I was reading more of a diary than a story. Plus, it gave me whiplash.

Nevertheless, I liked this book and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick, emotional cozy read 💕

Thank you, NetGalley & publishers for my gift ARC ☺️

Mallory’s character didn’t resonate with me.

Conflicted over her cluelessness vs. her unlikability. This absence of empathy for her made this reader not cheer for her. I get that she feels untethered from her family given the decades plus of careers in the legal profession; the family business, so to speak. But the way her character was portrayed left me with little sympathy.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever , visNetgalley in exchange for an honest review.