Come as You Are

Bluebird Basin, Book 1

By: Jess K. Hardy

Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Stephen Borne

46-year-old Ashley Cooke will do just about anything to save her struggling ski hill. When she hires the men from a local sober living home for the season to cut costs, even she thinks she’s gone too far. With her credit cards maxed, her cheating ex-husband intent on buying the mountain out from under her, and record-breaking snow in the forecast, she can’t afford to be distracted by the six-foot-tall bearded and tattooed sober-living-home owner moving onto her mountain.

53-year-old recovering addict and ex-grunge rocker Matthew Madigan has devoted every minute of the last decade to the men residing at his sober-living home. When he meets tightly wound and adorably flustered Ashley, desires he’s put on the back burner for years start to simmer. Immune to his infamous, albeit rusty charm, Ashley presents a challenge he can’t resist. When she offers to give him skiing lessons in exchange for his help training her St. Bernard rescue dog, he jumps at the chance to ride next to her on the chairlift despite his debilitating fear of heights.

During bunny hill shenanigans, chairlift confessions, and steamy cabin serenades, Madigan teaches Ashley that a person’s past doesn’t define them, and Ashley shows Madigan that the men he helps aren’t the only people who deserve a second chance. When sabotage threatens both the men and the mountain, Ashley and Madigan will have to decide if they’re only having a winter fling or if the mountain isn’t the only thing worth fighting for.

©2022 Jess K. Hardy (P)2024 Dreamscape Media

Great story!

A truly captivating story of ordinary people overcoming their demons, putting their pasts behind them and falling deeply in love

Poor narrator

The male narrator was difficult to listen to - cadence, tone, over- annunciation. It was rough. I stopped and started this book several times. if I hadn't have picked it up on a 2 for 1, I would have returned it.

Good story and likable characters

Good story with likable characters that want to do better and improve their lives while supporting and standing up for each other. I’m not one to like unnecessary drama due to miscommunication or misunderstandings, (or sabotage) and while there was some drama it wasn’t enough to turn me away.

Cute Romance

I really liked this story but almost stopped a few times--I had a hard time with the male narrator.

Come as You Are

I first learned about this book a few months ago when it was recommended in a romance reader group. When I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read it ASAP, but alas, it wouldn’t be available in audio until March.
And so, I waited, not so patiently, for the audiobook, and I spent yesterday, and most of the night, reading it while taking care of a sick labrador. It was the perfect distraction.
Come as You Are had everything I hope for in a romance – flawed, relatable characters, a hero who has been a bit scarred by life, a heroine who finds her confidence and feels like a friend, interesting secondary characters, a slow burn romance, and suitably sexy sexy times. I loved it.
Andi Arndt and Stephen Borne did a beautiful job bringing the characters to life. Their voices were perfect for Ashley and Madigan, and reading this book in audio really enhanced the experience.
If you’re looking for a warm and lovely romance with realistic older characters who’ve been burned in the past but find the courage to trust in themselves and love, definitely give this book a try. You won’t be disappointed.