3.5 Stars!

'Finders Keepers' is a love story wrapped in a treasure hunt, it was a fun read!

I had a minor issue with the miscommunication trope here, at times I wanted to shake Nina for being so dumb (her reasons are there, I just wanted her to get a grip lol). The childhood crush-adult love storyline was really cute and I'm glad for the HEA.

Either way, an enjoyable romcom with a treasure-hunting side quest.
I have Sarah Adler's previous novels at home, so I'll definitely be upping those on the TBR list. She is a good storyteller :)

*Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC*

This was my first book by this author. I liked it, I just didnt love it. The story had an interesting idea and the characters were decent, but overall I found it a bit slow and I didn't feel as much chemistry with the characters as I'd have liked. I can see this appealing to a lot of people and it was a alright read. I will try some other books by this author.

I love me a good friends-to-lovers romance! I love how we could see the love between Rosie and Leo long before they officially became a couple so by the time they made the leap I was truly rooting for them! A very heart warming book

Last week, Nina had it all figured out. This week, she’s broke, single, and crashing in her childhood bedroom. The last thing she expects is to bump into Quentin, former best friend, one-time crush, and the boy who vanished from her life after a treasure hunt gone wrong. Now he’s back, the map is back, and so are the feelings she thought were long buried. As they search for the rumoured treasure hidden somewhere in their hometown, Nina and Quentin must confront the past that tore them apart and the spark that never quite burned out. Some things stay buried for a reason. Others are just waiting to be found.

This slow burn friends to lovers is one of my favourite reads of 2025! I had high expectations from Adler and she delivered. I found the treasure hunting plot really engaging, it was like a really light mystery. Characters and characterisation is Adlers strength and this will be one of her best known and regarded books for sure.

This was an enjoyable read though I don’t know that I loved the pacing. I thought Nina & Quentin had great chemistry and I loved the glimpses of their childhood friendship and the way they fall back into a lot of those routines. I did, however, find that I just didn’t really care about the “treasure hunt” part of the plot.

Finders Keepers
Sarah Adler

"But he was the sort of person to hide something of immense value somewhere on his property and construct an elaborate treasure hunt for strangers to find it?"

Two estranged best friends find that a long-abandoned treasure hunt might be the key to a fresh start.

"I competed with you, Nina. Never against you. It's an important distinction."

This was a light and breezy rom com that has charm. Featuring lots of people’s least favourite trope; the second chance romance.

“Sometimes," he says, voice soft, "not intending to hurt each other isn't enough to keep it from happening anyway."

This had childhood best friends who live literally next door to each other, an ambitious and adventurous treasure hunt and a delightful small town setting. Oh and there’s a cat, enough said.

“Oh, great. That's ... great. Thanks . . . lovemuffin."
"My pleasure, cookiepuss."
"Oh, aren't you cute together!" Gladys exclaims.
"Some might say too cute," I mutter under my breath.

There was plenty of quirky side characters - especially Mom and Julius James Fountain, that inject humour and lightheartedness.

‘I reach for it and find a text from Mom: I wasn't there. I didn't see anything. Please proceed.’

Overall sweet and enjoyable. Had fun reading this.

"Can't, can't, can't," she says dismissively, "Don't talk to me about can't. There's a difference between can't and won't.”

(Review posted 10th July 2025)

A very fun, fast paced, exciting novel. I really enjoyed the repaired relationship between the FMC and MC, and the real treasure they find together.

I enjoy Sarah Adler’s stories, and I think there is really something about what she writes. It’s cute and wholesome and the characters are endearing. In this book, I found Nina really easy to relate to, with her struggles with anxiety and feeling lost in life, not knowing which direction to go, and the added layer of rekindling her friendship with Quentin after all these years. The treasury hunt made for an original and funny sort of forced proximity, since Nina and Quentin have to spend a lot of time together to solve the mystery, even if that means reopening old wounds from the last time they spoke when they were teenagers.

I would say the one thing I struggled with the book is the beginning was too slow. I found it took a lot of time to feel a real interest in the treasure hunt storyline, and it took me several days of putting down the book and coming back to it until I start enjoying book at around the 50% mark. Because I had enjoyed Sarah’s previous book a lot I thought it would likely get better (and it did), but I’m not sure this would be the best introduction to her work if you’re not familiar already.

Finders Keepers, by Sarah Adler gives you a cute story of your childhood crush and dreams turning true with a cute treasure hunt along the way. Here is my review of this good book.

First thoughts: I like the book cover. It caught my eye with the colours and artwork, which is one of the main reasons why I wanted to read this book.

Blurb: It is good and effective. It had a nice description, and I can truly say that it captured my attention and hopefully yours too.
Final impressions: The book was a good read. I can’t say that it was my favourite read but it was good. Unfortunately, it contained quite a lot of swear words which kind of ruined it for me but that’s my personal opinion. The storyline was nice and cute. Overall, it was ok.

Here are my answers to some important book review questions.

1. Who was your favourite character, and why?
A. I would have to say Quentin. His character was funny, and he had lovely qualities that every woman would want in a man. He was the perfect character and funny with it.
2. Did the characters feel real to you?
A. I think yes, they felt mostly relatable.
3. Did the story keep you guessing?
A. I guess you can that yes it did keep me guessing with regards the treasure hunt side of things of the story but the romance blooming between Quentin and Nina was kind of obvious but cute.
4. What was your favourite part of the book, and why?
A. My favourite part of the book was at the beginning with all the awkwardness between the two with all their past history and Quentin’s character blooming and coming through.
5. Did the story grip you and keep you turning the pages?
A. This would be a yes and no. It did get my attention at the beginning, which is good, but it was hard for me to come back to it to continue reading at times.
6. Did you find it difficult to like/care about a main character, and could you work out why?
A. Yes, it was quite difficult to care about Nina because she was so self-absorbed in her own problems. She kept feeling sorry for herself and thinking her problems were worse than everyone else. Also, the holding on to a grudge thing from her past with Quentin seemed too much and was very childish of her. She needed to grow up! So no, I did NOT like Nina’s character at all.
7. Would you recommend this book to others?
A. Yes and no. If you want a great read and not lose precious time on a book that is just ok but not the best, then skip it and read something else. However, if you want a cute read to pass the time, then give it a go!

REVIEW
cw: anxiety, depression, mention of cheating

Nina Hunnicutt lost her job, boyfriend, and apartment all within a few days. Now, suddenly single, unemployed, and living with her parents, she's surprised to find Quentin Bell, her childhood neighbour and teenage crush, also back in town. Quentin wants to resume the treasure hunt that ended their friendship seventeen years ago. Nina hopes the reward promised by the eccentric turn-of-the-century seltzer magnate will help her get her life back on track, even though last time the search resulted in a broken heart and seventeen years of silence.
Quentin is also older and wiser, not to mention distractingly handsome. As they resume their hunt, Nina and Quentin begin to rediscover all the things they once loved best about each other. But unlike the treasure, the secrets that left them empty-handed the first time refuse to stay buried.

I always love Sarah Adler's signature mix of humour and swoony romance, and this book was no exception. Once I got over the realisation that seventeen years ago was 2008(!), because my unhelpful (old) brain kept trying to tell me seventeen years ago was 1998, I loved all of the little hints slowly unfolding about Nina and Quentin's last summer together, as well as the reasons they each had for not staying in touch.
I immediately loved both characters in different ways. Nina was so relatable, and I loved it whenever she was adorably discombobulated and flustered, especially whenever she completely forgot herself and let her attraction to Quentin creep out. I also cackled laughing so many times whenever she was exasperated with her mum. I related to the way Cole, Nina’s ex, had treated her and how his expectations swamped her wants and needs. But I loved how she slowly relearned to trust her own instincts. Quentin was SUCH a cinnamon roll, and I really loved his vulnerable moments, as well as his sense of humour. My heart ached for him when he spoke about his reasons for returning to the town, but I ADORED the way her spoke about Faustine, his cat.
Their opening reunion was comically written. You could feel Nina's embarrassment through the page, and their attempts to outdo each other with their respective 'rough patches' were hilariously written. But I loved their banter, especially their adolescent shorthand, and I adored their 'Mr Moon' conversations throughout the story. The slow-burn was deeply satisfying, and I loved that the author took the time to truly re-establish their friendship properly first. I also LOVED Quentin's 'catch up' idea at the fundraiser. But the growing tension and pining as they once again became closer was sublime, and all of the almost kisses only added to the anticipation.
Quentin and Nina's various ruses to gain access to different parts of the Fountain estate grew steadily more hilarious, and I cackled laughing at their terms of endearment for each other and also the 'disagreement' on their private tour, especially at the grandmother comment. As for the improvisation... *fans self* But I absolutely ADORED their more candid, tender moments. Seriously, Quentin was so heartachingly romantic, but also nervously adorable. I loved Hanako, their former schoolmate's, gentle teasing, and even though I quickly guessed what was behind Quentin's blushes, I loved how he finally began to hint at his feelings for Nina. As for their first kiss? It was so swoony. Meanwhile, THAT window scene will live rent-free in my head for a long time, and their conversation the following morning was so adorably awkward. I loved how flustered they both were, but especially Quentin, and the intimacy felt so well-earned
Though the story was at its best in the moments between Nina and Quentin, there were also some fun supporting characters. Nina’s mum was hilarious, especially when she repeatedly came into the room at inopportune moments. I also liked Mrs. McDonald's no-nonsense attitude, but also her advice for Nina. Sabrina, Nina’s best friend, felt a bit superfluous, but she did also give some great advice, especially about communicating openly with Quentin. But I loved Hanako. She was so sweet and welcoming throughout.
While the quest was engaging, and I loved the Edlo parts, it always felt secondary (in the best way) to the rekindling of Nina and Quentin's friendship, and it was their romance that shone brightest. I guessed the treasure, but it was still deeply gratifying and made me sob happy tears. While there was some conflict, I appreciated that it wasn’t drawn out, and while I empathised with Nina’s hurt, I also understood Quentin’s (albeit misguided) reasons. Their reciprocal attempts at grand gestures were hilariously adorable, though, and so them.
This was a gorgeous story of soulmates, and I finished the book with a big, silly grin on my face.

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥

*Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. Finders Keepers is published today in the UK*

Favourite Quotes:

“Why did you pretend you didn’t know he was back?” I ask.
“Who?”
“Slim Shady,” I say, folding my arms in annoyed disbelief.

In Quentin’s presence, I can’t even string together a coherent sentence. It was never like this before.
I blame his forearms.

“I competed with you, Nina. Never against you. It’s an important distinction.” His voice sounds sharp, and there’s something balancing on the knife-edge of it. “This jerk stood in your way and called it making you stronger. That’s not what support looks like. That’s not what love looks like. He wasn’t there for you the way he should have been.”

“Sometimes,” he says, voice soft, “not intending to hurt each other isn’t enough to keep it from happening anyway.”

Quentin, of course, does not come to the door wearing nothing but a fig leaf. But he does open it wearing gray sweatpants, which might as well be the same damn thing as far as my libido is concerned.

We are doing an excellent job here. Such a good job that it seems both of our bodies have forgotten it’s all a ruse. Either that or Quentin has an unripe banana stashed in his pocket.

“And you look . . .” His eyes sweep over me briefly, as if refreshing his memory, before closing hard, an almost pained smile on his face. “You look so f**king beautiful, Neen.”

“Thanks for bringing breakfast,” I say, sucking sugar off my fingertip.
“I have never come as hard as I did watching you touch yourself.” He drops this absolute bombshell of a non-sequitur, then turns his head to look at me.

“So many things that happened to me, things that I thought were awful at the time . . . Feel like silver linings when I’m with you..."

"...I happen to really f**king love the person you are, Nina. I always have and I always will, even if you don’t.”

"My god, Nina. I’d seen my parents hurt each other with words countless times in my life, but I’d never once seen them make amends for it. I had no idea what to do."

"I need to go to... the store! For ... onions. Hope you’ll join us for dinner tonight, Quentin. We’re having . . . uh . . . something with onions, I guess! Six o’clock? Great! See you later.”

“I was not kidding when I said I’ve never known what to do with the way I feel about you.”

“There it is. That’s the look I’ve always loved most,” he whispers. “The one on your face right now. Like you’ve just conquered the world. Hard to mind you beating me at anything when it always put that look on your face.”

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.

Nina Hunicutt is having a time of it, she’s just been dumped, lost her apartment and her job all in one fell swoop and so she returns to her childhood home and her doting parents. She feels like a big, fat failure and to make it worse her childhood friend who suddenly stopped speaking to her seventeen years ago appears to have moved back in next door. For reasons, they decide to team up and finish the treasure hunt they started as kids and end up finding each other instead. Aww. This was charming. Sarah Adler is becoming one of my favourites, her characters are well rounded, they don’t always behave well but they are good at heart. I liked this book, Nina was a little whiny but she’s having a tough time so we can let her away with it and Quentin is suitably charming and there’s a little mystery to get your little grey cells bubbling. Good stuff.

'Finders Keepers' by Sarah Adler is a gem! Author Sarah combines a character driven romance with a secondary plot about an eccentric billionaire who leaves a treasure hunt in his Will. This whimsical plotline gives our protagonists something to do, as they try and reconnect after seventeen years apart.

Nina Hunnicutt and Quentin Bell (what great names!) are both back at home after they suffer disasters in their personal and professional lives. Nina is an academic and archivist who has just lost her job, her boyfriend and her apartment. With no savings or work prospects, she is back home in her childhood bedroom, dealing with her too-exuberant mother and too-remote father as she regroups. Similarly, Quentin has been working as a lawyer in France and loses his job after his engagement ends. This sends him back to Catoctin and his childhood home, right next door to Nina.

The romance is fanciful and quirky, there’s some tough moments, but overall it’s lighthearted and a gentle read. Sarah Adler is protective of her characters, and while they do face some tough times, it’s a romance wrapped in a warm hug. It’s steamy, as Nina fights her horniness, and Quentin is into her from the start. Nina is a lot, and as we are in her point of view, we get all her introspection. Too much? Not for me, but then I gobble up this stuff. Quentin is vulnerable too, and not nearly as afraid, so they are such a good pair. A wonderful read if you love a warm-hearted, low-angst romance!

Full review on All About Romance and Goodreads after release. Thank you so much Sarah Adler and Quercus Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Finding the Treasure you Least Expect

Nineteenth century business man, Julius James Fountain’s last will and testament reveals a secret; the Seltzer company magnate has left a riddle. And to anyone who can find it, the item, or treasure hidden on his property, it's - well - finders, keepers.
The Present:
Nina, academic and historian, has lost her job, boyfriend, and apartment all in the space of seventy two hours. So she's headed to her childhood home in Catoctin with proverbial tail tucked between her legs.
Further embarrassment comes in the form of an attractive guy in his thirties catching her hiding behind her car, who happens to be her old friend and neighbour Quentin Bell.
Best friend, nemesis and old, lingering crush.
And now he's around, talking to her like years haven't passed and asking her to go treasure hunting like they're fifteen again, following a hand drawn treasure map of Sprangbur Castle.
For some unknown reason, despite the hurt from their teenage friendship ending, despite needing to find a job, she agrees.
The eccentric, rich recluse was known for his practical jokes so no one really knows if the treasure exists, but with Quentin quoting Charlie's Law regarding a £10,000 reward, they join forces again.
Now, I don't know if the law exists and I don't care. I just love the fact it's named for the golden ticket and Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
In hunting an old treasure and playing with clues and whimsy, Quentin and Nina find themselves and each other along the way.
The epistolary parts of the book make for interesting reading and insight into the mind of the eccentric millionaire. As for Nina's mom and her various hobbies? Well, her preparation for her art class is priceless.
As is the scene in the Star Parlor with Quentin, Nina and a character named Avanti. I burst out laughing at the shenanigans.
This is chock full of love, laughter, friendships, family, reconnecting and steamy moments.
Nina arrives scarred and lost back at her home town, but the book gives us the HEA we need. And for both main characters, a new purpose.
It's a terrific read and a good reminder of the things in life we treasure..

Sarah Adler continues to be a writer that I can't help but be drawn to. This is her third novel and like the two before I absolutely adored this!

A hilarious story full of fun, whimsey and romance. I loved both main characters, they felt fully fleshed out and their history combined with the backstory of the elusive treasure and the man behind it made for such a wonderful read.
Also top marks for the Bon Jovi references throughout!

I truly cannot wait for what she writes next

I absolutely ADORED this. like. one of my favourite reads of 2025 adored this.

I should be really clear at the beginning here that this book felt made for me. It’s friends to lovers?? but it’s also a second chance romance because they’re estranged?? And they’re both back in their small town after break ups and career ‘failures’?? Also the main character is a history PhD AND THEY’RE HUNTING FOR TREASURE????

The main characters even slow dance to S Club 7 at one point. Like. come on.

I truly loved Nina so much. She was so damn relatable (like so relatable that as someone who left academia and later had a huge ‘I don’t know who I am without it’ burnout I had to occasionally put the book down because it was hitting a little close to home… ). I loved her and Quentin and their dynamic but also their flaws and their anxieties.

Nina’s relationship with her mum was a true highlight of the book for me. So lovely and supportive.

As a historian it was so nice to see the aspects of the treasure hunting, searching in the archives etc and I thought that was all really well done. I loved the snippets of the oral history interviews (I love a good oral history).

This book was also so funny (young Quentin naming the cemetery ‘The Bone Zone’ had me cackling out loud).

I honestly didn’t personally love the explanation/reveal of why they lost touch. But that honestly didn’t effect my enjoyment of the book. I truly loved the characters so much and this was such a joyful read for me.

As someone who left academia I also found this to be a surprisingly affirming and needed read for me, it encouraged me that you can find yourself again and that there is a version of you that can exist and thrive and be happy outside of that vision you once saw for yourself.

Thank you so much to Quercus Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

4 stars.

"The treasure is worth everything," he says. "Because for me the treasure is you, Nina. And it always has been."

Former childhood friends meet again and continue the treasure hunt they had when they were kids. There are past misunderstandings and mistakes but also many good memories.

WHAT I LIKED: I loved the French Moon! It was absolutely adorable. (And so was the Australian Sun.)

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: As I am not a friend of misunderstandings, I had some problems with those. But the book was otherwise so good that the miscommunication wasn't too bad.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Pov: heroine, 1st person
Heat: open doors
Pacing: slowburn
Communication: miscommunication
Third act: break up
Ending: HEA

Main characters:
* Cinnamon roll hero
* Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
* Neighbors

What?
* Fake dating (a bit)
* Forced proximity
* Grand gesture
* Second chance

Where?
* Catoctin, Maryland
* Return to hometown
* Small town

Drama?
* Difficult past
* Lots of miscommunication and misuderstandings

Other vibes:
* It has always been you
* Mystery
* The one that got away
* Treasure hunt
* ”We’re just friends”

I’ve enjoyed Sarah Adlers books in the past, so was excited for this one - it was sweet, and I was rooting for them, but it didn’t blow me away i’m afraid.

What to expect:
- former childhood best friends on a treasure hunt (mostly digging through old documents with past interviews included).
- a second chance romance
- cosy, slow-burning romance with a sprinkling of Adler's usual magical realism.
- a relatable FMC with anxiety and afraid she doesn't measure up on a self-discovery journey.
- LOL banter!
- an unexpected reveal at the end.

After losing my job, my boyfriend, and my apartment all within 72 hours, I am Nina Hunnicutt—returning to my family home with nothing but heartache and a suitcase full of questions. 🧳💔

After my girlfriend cheated on me and got me fired, I am Quentin Bell—headed back to the States with a bruised ego and zero plans. ✈️💥

Nina and Quentin haven’t seen each other in 17 years… and now they're back in their childhood homes, surrounded by old memories and the very thing that once tore them apart.

Seventeen years ago, a treasure hunt ended their friendship. Now, Quentin wants to find that treasure again—hoping it might also lead them back to each other. 🗺️✨

They have four weeks. Then Nina walks away. But being that close again stirs up everything—the laughter, the hurt, the unspoken feelings. Could the treasure they’re looking for be more than just gold? Could it be… love? 💞🏡

I absolutely adore the childhood-friends-to-lovers trope, and the author nailed it perfectly. Nina and Quentin’s dynamic was everything—funny, heartfelt, full of banter and sweet teasing. 🥰💬 Their friendship felt so real, and their journey? A wild, emotional adventure I loved being part of! 📚💫

Thanks to @netagalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #FindersKeepers in exchange for my honest review.

Xoxo😘