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Bed and Breakup
“A small-town second-chance romance that celebrates the joy of art, food, and chosen family with a scorching hot love story impossible not to root for.”—Amy Spalding, bestselling author of For Her Consideration
Two exes reunite to fix up and sell the bed-and-breakfast that destroyed their marriage—because some dreams, no matter how dusty or broken, deserve a second chance.
Their love story is a bit of a fixer-upper.
As newlyweds, Molly and Robin made the Hummingbird Inn into a trendy destination for queer travelers in the quirky mountain town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. But when their career ambitions drove them apart, the young couple separated, handed over the property’s upkeep to a management firm, and never looked back.
Seven years later, Molly and Robin return to the Hummingbird Inn for very different reasons. Molly is an artist on the rise who’s been commissioned to create pieces in Eureka Springs; Robin is a celebrity chef whose restaurants have gone belly-up. Both feel entitled to their shared property, furious that the other refuses to leave, and each resorts to a series of escalating pranks in the hopes of scaring the other off. When neither woman budges, they resolve to renovate the bed-and-breakfast together, sell it, and at last go their separate ways. But their work to restore the inn’s vintage charm reignites memories—and chemistry—that make it hard to say goodbye.
Two exes reunite to fix up and sell the bed-and-breakfast that destroyed their marriage—because some dreams, no matter how dusty or broken, deserve a second chance.
Their love story is a bit of a fixer-upper.
As newlyweds, Molly and Robin made the Hummingbird Inn into a trendy destination for queer travelers in the quirky mountain town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. But when their career ambitions drove them apart, the young couple separated, handed over the property’s upkeep to a management firm, and never looked back.
Seven years later, Molly and Robin return to the Hummingbird Inn for very different reasons. Molly is an artist on the rise who’s been commissioned to create pieces in Eureka Springs; Robin is a celebrity chef whose restaurants have gone belly-up. Both feel entitled to their shared property, furious that the other refuses to leave, and each resorts to a series of escalating pranks in the hopes of scaring the other off. When neither woman budges, they resolve to renovate the bed-and-breakfast together, sell it, and at last go their separate ways. But their work to restore the inn’s vintage charm reignites memories—and chemistry—that make it hard to say goodbye.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2025
70 people are currently reading
7598 people want to read
About the author
Susie Dumond
3 books264 followersSusie Dumond is a queer writer originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. She is the author of Queerly Beloved, Looking for a Sign, and Bed and Breakup. Susie is also a senior contributor at Book Riot and a bookseller at Loyalty Bookstores. Susie lives in Washington, D.C., with her spouse, Mickey, and her cat, Maple. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her baking cupcakes or belting karaoke at the nearest gay bar.
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June 4, 2025
Book Riot's Best New Romance Books Out in June:
Book Riot writer Susie Dumond has a new book out and it sounds exhausting in the best way! When Molly and Robin first got married, they opened the Hummingbird Inn, but personality complications and career goals split them up. Now, years later, they’re both back, and each believes they deserve possession of their now dormant inn. Their competitive natures drive each to attempt to get the other to go, even if they have to resort to pranks. But neither is leaving. So of course, they decide to renovate it so they can sell it, split the proceeds, and go about their business. But all that time together! Of course Feelings are going to happen. —Jessica Pryde
Book Riot writer Susie Dumond has a new book out and it sounds exhausting in the best way! When Molly and Robin first got married, they opened the Hummingbird Inn, but personality complications and career goals split them up. Now, years later, they’re both back, and each believes they deserve possession of their now dormant inn. Their competitive natures drive each to attempt to get the other to go, even if they have to resort to pranks. But neither is leaving. So of course, they decide to renovate it so they can sell it, split the proceeds, and go about their business. But all that time together! Of course Feelings are going to happen. —Jessica Pryde
June 14, 2025
Where to even start with this one? A second chance romance? In an adorable small town? At an inn they have to renovate together?? And it's sapphic????
This gave me all the vibes I was wanting and I literally read this entire book in 24 hours. I loved the small town that forced Robin and Molly back together after their marriage ended 7 years ago. Now, they're both back at the inn they built together for different reasons and are horrified to find it was changed from charming and rustic to modern and boring by the company running it while they were away. They decide to renovate the inn back to its original design, which means being around each other all the time. This definitely had the second chance pining that I love in romances, and they both had to see what would change between them if they tried at a relationship again. I do think this was still missing addressing what ACTUALLY went wrong (why Robin left so abruptly...I still don't know what exactly happened? Which I find weird?), but they do stop when they start going back to bad habits and address how they approach fights and how they need to change.
The people in this town were so fun and I loved how everyone was rooting for them to get back together! And both have to take a hard look at what their futures could potentially look if they got back together, which I always love in a second chance romance. If you want the coziest setting of a small town inn and a second chance romance, definitely pick this up!!
This gave me all the vibes I was wanting and I literally read this entire book in 24 hours. I loved the small town that forced Robin and Molly back together after their marriage ended 7 years ago. Now, they're both back at the inn they built together for different reasons and are horrified to find it was changed from charming and rustic to modern and boring by the company running it while they were away. They decide to renovate the inn back to its original design, which means being around each other all the time. This definitely had the second chance pining that I love in romances, and they both had to see what would change between them if they tried at a relationship again. I do think this was still missing addressing what ACTUALLY went wrong (why Robin left so abruptly...I still don't know what exactly happened? Which I find weird?), but they do stop when they start going back to bad habits and address how they approach fights and how they need to change.
The people in this town were so fun and I loved how everyone was rooting for them to get back together! And both have to take a hard look at what their futures could potentially look if they got back together, which I always love in a second chance romance. If you want the coziest setting of a small town inn and a second chance romance, definitely pick this up!!
May 25, 2025
2 ˖⁺‧✮
dnf 60%
i always feel bad when writing bad reviews for arcs but i don’t think it’s fair for me to recommend books i genuinely didn’t enjoy. so here is my review
i dnf this book a little bit over 60%. i’m not going to lie but i was thinking about stopping my read around 40%, however, “bed and breakup” is a second chance romance, so i gave this book another chance.
the story and characters felt very bland and basic. they were married and then broke up, 7 years later they are pinning over each other again, both wishing to try the relationship. the premise of their second chance meting was promising and kind of unique. however, idk i couldn’t find any chemistry or tension. the moments where they were supposed have small touches and glances were just undeveloped and unrealistic.
i believe that romances have to be a good written stories with developed plot, great characters and of course chemistry, tension or whatever author wants.
Thank you Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for a digital arc of this book.
dnf 60%
i always feel bad when writing bad reviews for arcs but i don’t think it’s fair for me to recommend books i genuinely didn’t enjoy. so here is my review
i dnf this book a little bit over 60%. i’m not going to lie but i was thinking about stopping my read around 40%, however, “bed and breakup” is a second chance romance, so i gave this book another chance.
the story and characters felt very bland and basic. they were married and then broke up, 7 years later they are pinning over each other again, both wishing to try the relationship. the premise of their second chance meting was promising and kind of unique. however, idk i couldn’t find any chemistry or tension. the moments where they were supposed have small touches and glances were just undeveloped and unrealistic.
i believe that romances have to be a good written stories with developed plot, great characters and of course chemistry, tension or whatever author wants.
Thank you Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for a digital arc of this book.
July 1, 2025
Second Chance Romance
📖 Bookish Thoughts
This was one of my most anticipated new releases of the year, and while I was really hoping for a five-star read, it ended up being more of a 3.5 for me.
Bed and Breakup is a cute second-chance romance with solid romcom vibes, but it moved at a much slower pace than I expected. I didn’t really click with either of the FMCs until about 30% in. Even then, both Molly and Robin often came across as pretty immature.
That said, there were some elements I really enjoyed. The chosen family and queer community themes were heartwarming, and I liked how the story explored coming back to a shared past and trying to rebuild something new. The prank war between Robin and Molly had some funny moments, though a few of the pranks were a bit too mean for my taste. That doll prank? That would have sent me over and I would have packed my bags. 😭
The ending was cute, but it felt a little rushed, especially after such a slow build throughout the book. I wanted more and a deeper sense of growth from both main characters by the end. It just felt abrupt.
🩷What You Can Expect
• Second chance romance
• Forced proximity
• Small town charm
• Chosen family
• Prank war
• Queer community
📖 Final Score: ★★★½
📅 Pub Date: June 24, 2025
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
This was one of my most anticipated new releases of the year, and while I was really hoping for a five-star read, it ended up being more of a 3.5 for me.
Bed and Breakup is a cute second-chance romance with solid romcom vibes, but it moved at a much slower pace than I expected. I didn’t really click with either of the FMCs until about 30% in. Even then, both Molly and Robin often came across as pretty immature.
That said, there were some elements I really enjoyed. The chosen family and queer community themes were heartwarming, and I liked how the story explored coming back to a shared past and trying to rebuild something new. The prank war between Robin and Molly had some funny moments, though a few of the pranks were a bit too mean for my taste. That doll prank? That would have sent me over and I would have packed my bags. 😭
The ending was cute, but it felt a little rushed, especially after such a slow build throughout the book. I wanted more and a deeper sense of growth from both main characters by the end. It just felt abrupt.
🩷What You Can Expect
• Second chance romance
• Forced proximity
• Small town charm
• Chosen family
• Prank war
• Queer community
📖 Final Score: ★★★½
📅 Pub Date: June 24, 2025
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
June 9, 2025
Trying to read all of my queer ARCs in pride month hehe.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of this book.
June 25, 2025
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 and diverse 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!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the digital ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
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 and diverse 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!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the digital ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
June 29, 2025
I really did not like this book. Both characters were insufferable and spent more than half the book bickering over pointless things, playing toxic pranks on each other, that by the time they began to kiss and get together it felt jarring and unbelievable. I especially had a bone to pick with Robin because she CHEATED!!! Their relationship ended because Robin lied about her feelings for a woman and left for her cooking deal or whatever. The cheating was glossed over every single time these two sat down to talk about their past, it was always being discussed in euphemisms and sly comments and it felt like the author was trying to downplay the severity of it all. Molly, although also annoying, was a significantly better character to me. I did prefer the side characters though, Keyana especially!
The resolution just felt so rushed and underwhelming. I honestly do not see them lasting past a year
The resolution just felt so rushed and underwhelming. I honestly do not see them lasting past a year
May 2, 2025
I just don’t knooooow if I want to rate this 4 or 5 stars. Either way I am rounding, but neither feel quite right.
This was a great book. There writing was awesome, and the characters were wonderful. There was background, and depth, and character arcs galore. Characters felt like real people. There were fun parts and sad parts, and astrological parts too. I was invested in the story and could not stop reading! I would recommend this novel for sure (although I would recommend the authors other novel Looking For A Sign first, because that one was just perfect!)
A few bits were just underwhelming though, and they were major bits. I loved everything that I read on the page, but I felt like the romance was missing some things. In a second-chance romance I want to see a big conflict that ruined things the first time, and an equal sized rational for why they get back together. I’m not saying this book didn’t have that…. but I am saying that some key elements were a bit weak. This was a great novel, with an ok romance; so your experience might depend on what you are looking for.
My Rating: “A-“
Converted Rating: 4-Stars
Highlights:
-A cat named Marmalade.
-The plot immediately hooked me and kept me engaged. No slow-startup here.
-A lot happened in this story plot-wise. There were whole stages to the story and layers, and I appreciate that!
-I loved Molly’s old-southern-grandma sayings (although I feel like the author forgot about them in the later parts of the books. Shame)
-Pranks! Creepy soulless dolls!
-Getting absolutely called the f*ck out as a Pieces multiple times apparently. I’m talking unfortunately accurate and personalized attacks on me as a person from a book.
Downsides:
-Minor plot holes throughout, but nothing too bad.
-I thought their issues, and the later resolution of those issues, was all a little underwhelming. The book was good, but the conflicts were weak and that left me a little disappointed.
-The ending was way too fast and abrupt. Just felt rushed and didn’t give me the payoff I wanted.
-Question, because I couldn’t answer this:
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
This was a great book. There writing was awesome, and the characters were wonderful. There was background, and depth, and character arcs galore. Characters felt like real people. There were fun parts and sad parts, and astrological parts too. I was invested in the story and could not stop reading! I would recommend this novel for sure (although I would recommend the authors other novel Looking For A Sign first, because that one was just perfect!)
A few bits were just underwhelming though, and they were major bits. I loved everything that I read on the page, but I felt like the romance was missing some things. In a second-chance romance I want to see a big conflict that ruined things the first time, and an equal sized rational for why they get back together. I’m not saying this book didn’t have that…. but I am saying that some key elements were a bit weak. This was a great novel, with an ok romance; so your experience might depend on what you are looking for.
My Rating: “A-“
Converted Rating: 4-Stars
Highlights:
-A cat named Marmalade.
-The plot immediately hooked me and kept me engaged. No slow-startup here.
-A lot happened in this story plot-wise. There were whole stages to the story and layers, and I appreciate that!
-I loved Molly’s old-southern-grandma sayings (although I feel like the author forgot about them in the later parts of the books. Shame)
-Pranks! Creepy soulless dolls!
-Getting absolutely called the f*ck out as a Pieces multiple times apparently. I’m talking unfortunately accurate and personalized attacks on me as a person from a book.
Downsides:
-Minor plot holes throughout, but nothing too bad.
-I thought their issues, and the later resolution of those issues, was all a little underwhelming. The book was good, but the conflicts were weak and that left me a little disappointed.
-The ending was way too fast and abrupt. Just felt rushed and didn’t give me the payoff I wanted.
-Question, because I couldn’t answer this:
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
March 8, 2025
I don’t normally write book reviews, but seeing as I read an advance copy, I feel compelled to share something brief. As an elder millennial queer woman who’s never lived in or spent much time in the South, it was refreshing to know that there are safe havens with open minded communities like Eureka Springs, the Arkansas town featured in this book. While it did feel a bit cliche to me at first that the town, businesses, and characters were pretty much ALL queer, it felt good to read a story where queerness was so prevalent and normalized. The trope-y “young love-to heartbreak-to matured love” story was definitely on the cheesy side, but I still kept wanting to read on and enjoyed this book for what it is. I also appreciated the emphasis the book placed on the personal growth and learning/understanding of oneself that’s required to sustain a healthy romantic partnership. Grateful to have romance novels that, despite some eye-roll moments, feel relatable and thoroughly entertaining. A light, enjoyable read that made me smile. No complaints.
May 15, 2025
Susie Dumond is very good at writing easy, playful romances. The narrative is compelling from the start, in that it's a complicated situation that anyone would sort of dread finding themselves in for real. One issue I had, however, was that the two different POVs sounded very similar. I always have a hard time when a narrative is told in first person, as it's just not my personal favorite, and I find it really takes someone gifted to write a dual narrative that leans on first person, especially two women, because it's almost inevitable that the author's voice will come through stronger than anything else, which results in the voices of the characters sounding really similar. Took me a long time to get used to who was who; I kept finding myself in the midst of a chapter struggling to remember who's head I was in.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Paperback for an advanced reader copy of 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⭐️
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⭐️
August 9, 2025
Such a nice change of pace to read a second-chance romance about a married couple. Robin and Molly were young when they met and bought a historic inn that they lovingly restored. Years later they both find themselves back on Eureka Springs, Arkansas at the Hummingbird inn. Robin, Molly, and the Inn are all in desperate need of a little restoration to their previous glory.
As much as this book is a love letter to second chances it’s also a love letter to liberal southern towns with big personalities. This one was a joy to read.
As much as this book is a love letter to second chances it’s also a love letter to liberal southern towns with big personalities. This one was a joy to read.
April 26, 2025
This is a really cute novel about Molly who sees her ex-girlfriend, Robin when she returns to The Hummingbird Inn and sees that Molly is renovating their favorite place. And even though they broke up, Robin has such fond memories here that she begins helping Molly as she is now on social media featuring food creations and they both think it could bring more interest to the Inn. It has great snarky humor and is a quirky fun read!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
June 25, 2025
Bed and Breakup is an absolute MUST-READ for all my rom-com lovers 🤩🤩🤩
So if you know me, you know I am one that always has complaints about rom-coms 🫣 too cheesy, too unrealistic, not enough depth or development in the characters... Bed and Beeakup had NONE OF THIS. This book was fun, engaging, emotional, humorous and real!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC! — Grab your copy on June 24th! 🗓
So if you know me, you know I am one that always has complaints about rom-coms 🫣 too cheesy, too unrealistic, not enough depth or development in the characters... Bed and Beeakup had NONE OF THIS. This book was fun, engaging, emotional, humorous and real!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC! — Grab your copy on June 24th! 🗓
May 23, 2025
I will definitely be looking for more books by Susie Dumond. This was terrific. It had all the elements required for an emotional, colorful, tasty meaningful romance.
It starts with anger, slides into a truce then warms to a strong romance and bond.
The descriptions of the food, the preparation, the work on the inn...all very entertaining and moving. And the growing love between the two MCs was so emotional. It left me breathless at times.
I even gasped at an almost tragedy near the end.
Terrific writing I highly recommend it.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
It starts with anger, slides into a truce then warms to a strong romance and bond.
The descriptions of the food, the preparation, the work on the inn...all very entertaining and moving. And the growing love between the two MCs was so emotional. It left me breathless at times.
I even gasped at an almost tragedy near the end.
Terrific writing I highly recommend it.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 15, 2025
3 stars
2 for spice
Bed and Breakup is a contemporary, sapphic, second chance romance following Molly and Robin. I really liked a number of things in this book. The setting was a big one, this charming and famous bed and breakfast in a fun and vibrant town full of fun, talented and diverse individuals was just fascinating, never dull and made me really want to live there. The second thing that really drew me in was all the characters were so unique. I loved reading both Robin and Molly’s perspectives. Robin with all the food and cooking, made me hungry and she was so passionate about it and really finding her love of it again and the town. Molly was so talented and secure with how amazing her art is and sounded so beautiful and bright when described. Her struggle and growth really focused on emotions and things from her past. This book did a good job of showing their past together and history how it was affecting them now that they have come back together after seven years, as the reader you can definitely tell that they still care about each other. That being said, the relationship development to one being more than friends was just ok for me. I was just looking for something more from them during that transition to romantic one. Also, the spicy scenes were very quick and glossed over. It was a good book, and I had a good time.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
2 for spice
Bed and Breakup is a contemporary, sapphic, second chance romance following Molly and Robin. I really liked a number of things in this book. The setting was a big one, this charming and famous bed and breakfast in a fun and vibrant town full of fun, talented and diverse individuals was just fascinating, never dull and made me really want to live there. The second thing that really drew me in was all the characters were so unique. I loved reading both Robin and Molly’s perspectives. Robin with all the food and cooking, made me hungry and she was so passionate about it and really finding her love of it again and the town. Molly was so talented and secure with how amazing her art is and sounded so beautiful and bright when described. Her struggle and growth really focused on emotions and things from her past. This book did a good job of showing their past together and history how it was affecting them now that they have come back together after seven years, as the reader you can definitely tell that they still care about each other. That being said, the relationship development to one being more than friends was just ok for me. I was just looking for something more from them during that transition to romantic one. Also, the spicy scenes were very quick and glossed over. It was a good book, and I had a good time.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
September 5, 2025
Honestly, while trying to think about what I actually enjoyed about this book, I couldn't really think of that much, except for the side characters and the concept (which needed more work to really nail the execution). The idea for trying to fix up the BNB, and bring back the old charm, instead of the modern style was something that I appreciated. However, there actually wasn't that much of the actual work on the BNB.
The pacing was also super slow after the two reconnected and I grew bored very quickly, and was unable to regain interest in the book. One of the main characters left out of no where years ago to be with another woman, and to go follow her dreams, but in no way tried to reconcile and accept her part in what went wrong with their marriage ending. She definitely did not deserve a second chance, in my opinion.
Thank you to Random House, Susie Dumond, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
The pacing was also super slow after the two reconnected and I grew bored very quickly, and was unable to regain interest in the book. One of the main characters left out of no where years ago to be with another woman, and to go follow her dreams, but in no way tried to reconcile and accept her part in what went wrong with their marriage ending. She definitely did not deserve a second chance, in my opinion.
Thank you to Random House, Susie Dumond, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
February 28, 2025
Second chance romance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity: how many tropes can one author successfully put into a story?! Molly and Robin have been estranged for 6 years, but by chance, they're now both back in Eureka Springs for a while, living in the B&B they rehabbed and started when they married. And neither is happy with the situation. But they're going to have to find a way to get along because both refuse to leave. I loved this funny and sweet story and especially this super queer-friendly haven right in rural Arkansas!
August 11, 2025
Okay so Molly and Robin are married, they used to run a bed and breakfast but 7 years ago Robin up and left to become a celebrity chef, didn’t consult her wife Molly, its implied that she cheated on her? Sort of unclear unless I missed that.
But now they find themselves back in their still joint owned bed and breakfast that was being poorly run by a management company, Molly in my opinion is too forgiving of Robin but it’s a rom com so it’s fine, and it seems like the whole trying to drive the other person crazy so they’ll just leave doesn’t last long enough before they’re falling for each other again.
Also? They never divorced.
Overall this is a really sweet second chance romance, about separating and coming back together, the characters having grown up and learned more about who they are and what they want to do with their lives, and falling in love again.
Thank you @netgalley and @thedialpress for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
But now they find themselves back in their still joint owned bed and breakfast that was being poorly run by a management company, Molly in my opinion is too forgiving of Robin but it’s a rom com so it’s fine, and it seems like the whole trying to drive the other person crazy so they’ll just leave doesn’t last long enough before they’re falling for each other again.
Also? They never divorced.
Overall this is a really sweet second chance romance, about separating and coming back together, the characters having grown up and learned more about who they are and what they want to do with their lives, and falling in love again.
Thank you @netgalley and @thedialpress for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2025
Oh my gooooodness! This BOOK!!!!!!
So many things to love:
exquisitely developed characters (main and side), delicious food and plant descriptions, gorgeous stained glass and artsyness, *the bickering* !!!!! the pranks and messing with eachother, the tension, the renovations, the dislike for the grey landlord special. And! You’ll be happy to know that Susie Dumond’s classic expertise in writing friendships strikes again.
I loved learning about Eureka Springs and the Ozarks. The town sounds so lovely.
I really enjoyed this - the ultimate second-chance strong-dislike-to-lovers-again romance.
So many things to love:
exquisitely developed characters (main and side), delicious food and plant descriptions, gorgeous stained glass and artsyness, *the bickering* !!!!! the pranks and messing with eachother, the tension, the renovations, the dislike for the grey landlord special. And! You’ll be happy to know that Susie Dumond’s classic expertise in writing friendships strikes again.
I loved learning about Eureka Springs and the Ozarks. The town sounds so lovely.
I really enjoyed this - the ultimate second-chance strong-dislike-to-lovers-again romance.
Read
August 6, 2025Thank you PRH Audio and Dial Press Trade Paperback for a copy of this eARC.
I adored these two together! Even as bitter exes, I really liked the chemistry that brewed beneath the surface. Their pranks cracked me up (even if it is a low blow to use someone’s worst fear against them 😅). Lovers of second chance romances (especially those set in a small town with a sweet side of found family) need to check this one out asap!
I also really enjoyed and recommend this audiobook! Both narrators did a fantastic job encapsulating their respective characters and their voices blended well together.
I adored these two together! Even as bitter exes, I really liked the chemistry that brewed beneath the surface. Their pranks cracked me up (even if it is a low blow to use someone’s worst fear against them 😅). Lovers of second chance romances (especially those set in a small town with a sweet side of found family) need to check this one out asap!
I also really enjoyed and recommend this audiobook! Both narrators did a fantastic job encapsulating their respective characters and their voices blended well together.
July 7, 2025
Great setting. I love the town and all its characters. I was surprised to discover that Eureka Springs, a queer-friendly hippy town in red state Arkansas is a real place!The side characters were memorable. I’d love to see more of them. The inn that is being restored seems amazing. I want to stay there. And the descriptions of the various vegan meals that Robin created made me hungry and I’m not even vegan!
I did sometimes struggle to tell which character was which, even with the dual narrators. The narrators did an excellent job. It wasn’t their fault. But sometimes I couldn’t remember which backstory went with which character.
The second chance storyline was well done. There’s not often that level of animosity between the lovers in a SCR. All that anger and hurt led to some very passionate spice. But it also lent itself to excellent personal and relationship growth.
Thank you to @Netgalley @thedialpress @randomhouse and @prhaudio for the chance to review this ARC.
I did sometimes struggle to tell which character was which, even with the dual narrators. The narrators did an excellent job. It wasn’t their fault. But sometimes I couldn’t remember which backstory went with which character.
The second chance storyline was well done. There’s not often that level of animosity between the lovers in a SCR. All that anger and hurt led to some very passionate spice. But it also lent itself to excellent personal and relationship growth.
Thank you to @Netgalley @thedialpress @randomhouse and @prhaudio for the chance to review this ARC.
June 14, 2025
*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: June 24, 2025
An open door second chance sapphic romance following Molly and Robin who find themselves back in their small southern town and living under the same roof (of their defunct B&B). These two were married (and still are because apparently neither wanted to do the paperwork!) but have been separated for years and have a lot of animosity towards each other.
I found their actions against each other so toxic and childish that I struggled to find their reconciliation and rekindling believable. Instead of rebuilding their chemistry in the book, they just fall together again and we’re supposed to assume they had chemistry years ago and therefore believe it exists now even though it’s not in this book?
They were not my fav MCs and I honestly still feel like they’ll end up divorced, but the town and everyone in it was super charming. Loved the cake recipe at the end!
An open door second chance sapphic romance following Molly and Robin who find themselves back in their small southern town and living under the same roof (of their defunct B&B). These two were married (and still are because apparently neither wanted to do the paperwork!) but have been separated for years and have a lot of animosity towards each other.
I found their actions against each other so toxic and childish that I struggled to find their reconciliation and rekindling believable. Instead of rebuilding their chemistry in the book, they just fall together again and we’re supposed to assume they had chemistry years ago and therefore believe it exists now even though it’s not in this book?
They were not my fav MCs and I honestly still feel like they’ll end up divorced, but the town and everyone in it was super charming. Loved the cake recipe at the end!
Read
January 24, 2025Molly y Robyn fueron pareja, pero todo terminó mal. Durante siete años no se han visto ni hablado, hasta que por casualidad ambas regresan a la posada que compraron juntas, el Hummingbird. Ahora tendrán que convivir y hablar sobre lo que las llevó a distanciarse. ¿Será esta la oportunidad de separarse en buenos términos o, por el contrario, reavivarán su relación?
~
Honestamente, no sé cómo sentirme respecto a esta historia, porque siento que hay muchos vacíos y detalles importantes. El más relevante es que queda a la imaginación si Robyn fue infiel con Georgina o no, ya que se confirmó que después de que Molly la dejara, ellas fueron novias. Otra cuestión importante es que no se menciona si realmente terminaron o si simplemente tuvieron una pelea y cada una siguió su camino.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
~
Honestamente, no sé cómo sentirme respecto a esta historia, porque siento que hay muchos vacíos y detalles importantes. El más relevante es que queda a la imaginación si Robyn fue infiel con Georgina o no, ya que se confirmó que después de que Molly la dejara, ellas fueron novias. Otra cuestión importante es que no se menciona si realmente terminaron o si simplemente tuvieron una pelea y cada una siguió su camino.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
Caution: contains some spoilers
This fixer upper second chance sapphic romance follows Molly and Robin as they both randomly appear back at the place that started their relationship, the Hummingbird Inn. In the small town of Eureka Springs Arkansas where Molly and Robin spent their newlywed days, the two decided to open a bed and breakfast that welcomed people from all parts of life, but especially the queer community. Unfortunately their passions, ambitions, and career dreams drove a wrench in their relationship and caused them to hand over the Hummingbird Inn’s upkeep to a modern management firm and never look back.
That is, 7 years later, until a job requires Molly to come back into town, and Robin’s sinking career causes her to seek sanctuary away from the chef world to the only place that she felt like herself. Since the two technically never got officially divorced and both of them are entitled to half of the Hummingbird Inn, neither refuses to leave. Molly’s best friend Keyana convinced her to come back to town to commission a few creative stained glass pieces so that she could not only help out the town, but so that they could reconnect and hangout like the good ol days. Robin on the other hand, is a celebrity chef whose restaurants have failed and she no longer has the tv appearances like she used to. So when they both refuse to budge, it leads to outrageous pranks, late nights at the bar, numerous home projects, and non-stop bickering. But the one thing they can both agree on, is to fix up the Inn to how it used to be and sell it so that they can both take the money and go their separate ways.
Sounds like a solid plan, right? So why does when it comes time to sign the papers, both Molly and Robin start to second guess themselves? Maybe it has something to do with restoring the vintage charm of the inn, or the friendly townsfolk that treat them like they never left, or the undeniable chemistry that resurfaces and leads to new dreams and ideas better suited for the both of them, if they can just put aside old fights and focus on what they have in front of them.
Okay let’s start with Molly. I was super into Molly at first, with her cool, queer artist vibe, her southern charm (and quirky grandma sayings), and of course, her adorable cat Marmalade. But once Robin came into the picture, Molly became a whole new person, and not in a good way. Her behavior was extremely childish, she made rash decisions, and her assumptions about Robin got in the way of her willing to just hear her out. While I think both were to blame for the separation, I think a majority of it fell on Robin since she was the one who put the pressure on Molly to move and uproot her life for her own dream and ended up cheating. The 7 years apart definitely seemed to help them both grow individually and realize what they wanted, but everything leading up to them getting back together just felt childish and forced, which basically erased all the maturity they had supposedly gained. Overall as main characters, they really didn’t have alot of likeable factors, their romance was super underwhelming and underdeveloped, and the worst part of all is that I don’t even believe they have what it takes to stay together after that rushed ending.
The most frustrating part of the story was definitely the romance. It never once felt genuine, the pinning started out as childish revenge that at times just felt mean and toxic, and the intimate scenes seemed to be just thrown in at random points of the story. All there chemistry seemed to only stem from old memories and the fact that they were slowly able to trust or feel comfortable around each other. There were not current swoon worthy moments or moments of deep connection to back up the underwhelming sex they were having. I would have liked more sexual tension and exploration rather than half details with no real emotion. Instead of rebuilding their connection, it was like in a blink of an eye they went from hating each other to kissing each other which did not make their rekindling all that believable or worth rooting for. They need to have way more genuine conversations and admitting of feelings way before it actually happens. And once they were starting to reconnect, their voices and personalities started to blend and sound the same so it became harder to track who was talking and who was feeling what.
I thought the best parts of the story were the setting and the side characters. The little small town of Eureka Springs seems absolutely adorable and most importantly, super queer friendly. The townspeople felt real and I loved how much they cared and supported each other and the town itself. I loved Keyana and her artist personality and how she never shied away from telling Robin and Molly the truth even when they didn't want to hear it, but desperately needed it. She was a great buffer and a true friend. Jesse was also a great character whom I fell in love with. His passion for cooking was contagious, and I think without him, Robin wouldn’t have been able to rediscover her passion. The end cooking party was really fun and I loved how cooking was incorporated during the story.
As for conflict and resolution, I think they both struggled, which was also why it was hard to truly get behind the romance. There was way too much time spent on Molly and Robin bickering that by the time they seemed to actually “resolve” most of their issues, there was no time for them to actually focus on their relationship. I also wish there had been more details surrounding both of their backstories and a better insight into the details of their previous relationship before they settled on separating. And then after going on that slow and painful journey or reconciliation, the book all of the sudden ends. There was no big grand gesture, or proposal, or anything that felt like a genuine payoff in the end. All the conflict just seemed to float away and we are supposed to believe they have what it takes to have a happily ever after? I don’t think so. Overall, I think the story had a lot of potential, but the direction it took and the lack of build up and genuine connection, made everything else feel extremely underwhelming and unsatisfactory.
Thank you NetGalley and The Dial Press for the early digital copy for review.
This fixer upper second chance sapphic romance follows Molly and Robin as they both randomly appear back at the place that started their relationship, the Hummingbird Inn. In the small town of Eureka Springs Arkansas where Molly and Robin spent their newlywed days, the two decided to open a bed and breakfast that welcomed people from all parts of life, but especially the queer community. Unfortunately their passions, ambitions, and career dreams drove a wrench in their relationship and caused them to hand over the Hummingbird Inn’s upkeep to a modern management firm and never look back.
That is, 7 years later, until a job requires Molly to come back into town, and Robin’s sinking career causes her to seek sanctuary away from the chef world to the only place that she felt like herself. Since the two technically never got officially divorced and both of them are entitled to half of the Hummingbird Inn, neither refuses to leave. Molly’s best friend Keyana convinced her to come back to town to commission a few creative stained glass pieces so that she could not only help out the town, but so that they could reconnect and hangout like the good ol days. Robin on the other hand, is a celebrity chef whose restaurants have failed and she no longer has the tv appearances like she used to. So when they both refuse to budge, it leads to outrageous pranks, late nights at the bar, numerous home projects, and non-stop bickering. But the one thing they can both agree on, is to fix up the Inn to how it used to be and sell it so that they can both take the money and go their separate ways.
Sounds like a solid plan, right? So why does when it comes time to sign the papers, both Molly and Robin start to second guess themselves? Maybe it has something to do with restoring the vintage charm of the inn, or the friendly townsfolk that treat them like they never left, or the undeniable chemistry that resurfaces and leads to new dreams and ideas better suited for the both of them, if they can just put aside old fights and focus on what they have in front of them.
Okay let’s start with Molly. I was super into Molly at first, with her cool, queer artist vibe, her southern charm (and quirky grandma sayings), and of course, her adorable cat Marmalade. But once Robin came into the picture, Molly became a whole new person, and not in a good way. Her behavior was extremely childish, she made rash decisions, and her assumptions about Robin got in the way of her willing to just hear her out. While I think both were to blame for the separation, I think a majority of it fell on Robin since she was the one who put the pressure on Molly to move and uproot her life for her own dream and ended up cheating. The 7 years apart definitely seemed to help them both grow individually and realize what they wanted, but everything leading up to them getting back together just felt childish and forced, which basically erased all the maturity they had supposedly gained. Overall as main characters, they really didn’t have alot of likeable factors, their romance was super underwhelming and underdeveloped, and the worst part of all is that I don’t even believe they have what it takes to stay together after that rushed ending.
The most frustrating part of the story was definitely the romance. It never once felt genuine, the pinning started out as childish revenge that at times just felt mean and toxic, and the intimate scenes seemed to be just thrown in at random points of the story. All there chemistry seemed to only stem from old memories and the fact that they were slowly able to trust or feel comfortable around each other. There were not current swoon worthy moments or moments of deep connection to back up the underwhelming sex they were having. I would have liked more sexual tension and exploration rather than half details with no real emotion. Instead of rebuilding their connection, it was like in a blink of an eye they went from hating each other to kissing each other which did not make their rekindling all that believable or worth rooting for. They need to have way more genuine conversations and admitting of feelings way before it actually happens. And once they were starting to reconnect, their voices and personalities started to blend and sound the same so it became harder to track who was talking and who was feeling what.
I thought the best parts of the story were the setting and the side characters. The little small town of Eureka Springs seems absolutely adorable and most importantly, super queer friendly. The townspeople felt real and I loved how much they cared and supported each other and the town itself. I loved Keyana and her artist personality and how she never shied away from telling Robin and Molly the truth even when they didn't want to hear it, but desperately needed it. She was a great buffer and a true friend. Jesse was also a great character whom I fell in love with. His passion for cooking was contagious, and I think without him, Robin wouldn’t have been able to rediscover her passion. The end cooking party was really fun and I loved how cooking was incorporated during the story.
As for conflict and resolution, I think they both struggled, which was also why it was hard to truly get behind the romance. There was way too much time spent on Molly and Robin bickering that by the time they seemed to actually “resolve” most of their issues, there was no time for them to actually focus on their relationship. I also wish there had been more details surrounding both of their backstories and a better insight into the details of their previous relationship before they settled on separating. And then after going on that slow and painful journey or reconciliation, the book all of the sudden ends. There was no big grand gesture, or proposal, or anything that felt like a genuine payoff in the end. All the conflict just seemed to float away and we are supposed to believe they have what it takes to have a happily ever after? I don’t think so. Overall, I think the story had a lot of potential, but the direction it took and the lack of build up and genuine connection, made everything else feel extremely underwhelming and unsatisfactory.
Thank you NetGalley and The Dial Press for the early digital copy for review.
July 1, 2025
Thank you to Dial Press and Penguin Random House for the EARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bed and Breakup is a second chance romance that forces two exes into close proximity in the place they fell in love. Along the way they drive each other up a wall and can’t seem to stop bickering, until they decide to sell the Inn. Only problem? First they have to bring back the charm it had when they were running it, which means they’ll have to work together.
Bed and Breakup had a fun storyline that celebrated queer joy and a lovable cast of characters. I loved the idea of a DIY home fixer upper/artist and a celebrity chef coming back to the small town where their romance was born. And it felt at times like I was watching a crossover of a HGTV show and a Food Network show. As someone who grew up watching both networks constantly it was like coming home.
I loved watching both character come to a point where they found joy in the things they loved again after making them their careers. It was a reminder that sometimes we loose sight of why we fell in love with something, especially if we make it our career. I loved watching both characters relearn the things they loved and also have their own realizations about what they want from life in general moving forward.
The main issue I had while reading though was the romance fell flat. Molly and Robin’s relationship just didn’t seem to get off the ground the second time around. I first started getting nervous when both of them decided to prank each other with some of their biggest fears. It just felt wrong because they both knew how deep the fears ran and would know the type of reaction it would induce. If they hadn’t been married and together for so long I maybe wouldn’t have felt as strongly with this, but knowing how well they knew each other made me feel weird about it.
Then there was also the fact we don’t really see them fall in love. It’s more the old feelings stir and so they engage in a physical relationship. And while we get moments where you feel a slight tug towards romance, it doesn’t fully develop. Mix that with we don’t really get much detail on how they fell in love in the first place and it just felt hard to place exactly why they loved each other. Especially when there were signs of possible infidelity (it wasn’t very clear) , abandonment, and the fact they never legally got divorced in 7 years. It just made the whole romantic element of this story feel flat.
I will say there were some amazing moments at the end when they did decide to be together, but it felt like we didn’t get to see that type of love play out on page.
December 31, 2025
This is a cute second chance romance with cozy small-town vibes.
Molly and Robin split years ago, leaving behind Eureka Springs, Arkansas and the Hummingbird Inn, the beautiful, historic inn they lovingly restored together. Somehow, they both managed to *not* get formally divorced (amazing!) or to sell the inn, which has been sitting vacant since COVID. They each independently return to Eureka Springs: Molly to work on a series of art projects (stained glass – this story is wonderful about promoting artists) and Robin to regroup after several failed business projects (restaurants she started). Neither expects the other to be at the Inn, but surprise!
At first, they launch a series of preemptive pranks and annoying tactics to force the other out, but eventually, like all good lesbian exes, they find themselves sharing both a bed and cozy moments at the local bar. Being back together stirs up all sorts of feelings, of course. Robin convinces Molly to help her fix up the Inn (apparently some management community ruined it while they left town – the logistics of the Inn and its existence while its owners left is all very confusing) so they can sell it. Well, we can all see where this is going…
I wish there was more spark between Molly and Robin. There are a few steamy moments, but it would have been nice to see how two women who hated each other (Robin left Molly and Eureka Springs for another woman!) could reunite so easily, lesbian nature withstanding. I found it hard to warm up to Robin, especially since she seemed reluctant to take responsibility for much of anything. On the plus side, the diverse representation in this book is outstanding, with a full cast of queer or queer adjacent characters. Basically, Eureka Springs is the queer town of Arkansas and Robin and Molly’s quirky friends truly make the book.
If you love charming small-town second chance romances, you’ll like Molly and Robin’s story.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Dial Press in return for an unbiased review.
Molly and Robin split years ago, leaving behind Eureka Springs, Arkansas and the Hummingbird Inn, the beautiful, historic inn they lovingly restored together. Somehow, they both managed to *not* get formally divorced (amazing!) or to sell the inn, which has been sitting vacant since COVID. They each independently return to Eureka Springs: Molly to work on a series of art projects (stained glass – this story is wonderful about promoting artists) and Robin to regroup after several failed business projects (restaurants she started). Neither expects the other to be at the Inn, but surprise!
At first, they launch a series of preemptive pranks and annoying tactics to force the other out, but eventually, like all good lesbian exes, they find themselves sharing both a bed and cozy moments at the local bar. Being back together stirs up all sorts of feelings, of course. Robin convinces Molly to help her fix up the Inn (apparently some management community ruined it while they left town – the logistics of the Inn and its existence while its owners left is all very confusing) so they can sell it. Well, we can all see where this is going…
I wish there was more spark between Molly and Robin. There are a few steamy moments, but it would have been nice to see how two women who hated each other (Robin left Molly and Eureka Springs for another woman!) could reunite so easily, lesbian nature withstanding. I found it hard to warm up to Robin, especially since she seemed reluctant to take responsibility for much of anything. On the plus side, the diverse representation in this book is outstanding, with a full cast of queer or queer adjacent characters. Basically, Eureka Springs is the queer town of Arkansas and Robin and Molly’s quirky friends truly make the book.
If you love charming small-town second chance romances, you’ll like Molly and Robin’s story.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Dial Press in return for an unbiased review.
June 23, 2025
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!
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!
September 2, 2025
*3.5
This got off to a bit of a rocky start for me but was overall pretty solid. The writing is wonderful, and Dumond is incredible at writing mouth-watering descriptions of food and lush locations that both the leads visit. I’ve never felt the urge to travel to Arkansas, but if Eureka were a real town, I would love to see it. The characters with the town are just enough to flesh out the story of the city without distracting too much from the main characters. Sometimes with side characters like the ones in this book, i leave wishing we had read their story instead, but I don’t feel that way here. I also really enjoyed the discussions and exploration around being LGBTQ+ in the south, which I think has become a more important discussion point within the community over the past few months.
The main issue that I had with the book was the romance itself. While I enjoyed both Molly and Robin's individual stories (Molly more so than Robin, especially at the beginning), I didn’t really like them together as a couple. I feel like I agreed more with Molly's best friend, Key, that they should not start a friends with benefits agreement while also looking towards divorce. Also, while they both thought about what it would be like to run the inn at points, there was no discussion about actually running it until the last 2 chapters. Will Molly continue traveling to pursue her art, or will she give it up? I think things feel a bit rushed at the end, coming from two characters who are still healing from their initial separation and seem to be jumping right back into having a business together.
This got off to a bit of a rocky start for me but was overall pretty solid. The writing is wonderful, and Dumond is incredible at writing mouth-watering descriptions of food and lush locations that both the leads visit. I’ve never felt the urge to travel to Arkansas, but if Eureka were a real town, I would love to see it. The characters with the town are just enough to flesh out the story of the city without distracting too much from the main characters. Sometimes with side characters like the ones in this book, i leave wishing we had read their story instead, but I don’t feel that way here. I also really enjoyed the discussions and exploration around being LGBTQ+ in the south, which I think has become a more important discussion point within the community over the past few months.
The main issue that I had with the book was the romance itself. While I enjoyed both Molly and Robin's individual stories (Molly more so than Robin, especially at the beginning), I didn’t really like them together as a couple. I feel like I agreed more with Molly's best friend, Key, that they should not start a friends with benefits agreement while also looking towards divorce. Also, while they both thought about what it would be like to run the inn at points, there was no discussion about actually running it until the last 2 chapters. Will Molly continue traveling to pursue her art, or will she give it up? I think things feel a bit rushed at the end, coming from two characters who are still healing from their initial separation and seem to be jumping right back into having a business together.
May 4, 2025
Bed and Breakup is a super cute story of a 2nd chance at love. Robin and Molly are married but separated for many, many years. They basically just never got the paperwork done for divorce. Both return to the Hummingbird Inn in Eureka Springs, Arkansas (a real town per the author's note) which they co-own as a refuge. Robin is a chef taking a breath after her restaurant closed and Molly is a stained glass artist who has a few commissions in town. After initially not tolerating each other, they decide to refurb the inn together, amicably, and sell it so they can move on. I really loved following this story and their journey to decide whether or not they should take a second chance on each other. Both characters are entirely loveable and we get to know them both well through alternating chapters. Dumond does an artful job of showing how they have both matured individually and together since their original relationship. I also appreciated the found family and community that they had and created in the town where it takes place. The book has great representation as a sapphic story with a diverse group of friends. I will definitely pick up Susie Dumond's next book without question! Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read early!
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