Yes, And...

by Rachel Carey

She thought she had life figured out—until love rewrote the script.

At 37, Abby insists she doesn’t need a romance of her own. She’s the cool aunt, the witty best friend, the self-sufficient Brooklyn single woman with a flexible writing career. But when her sister Laura decides to reconcile with her unreliable musician ex—taking Abby’s beloved niece along—Abby discovers that her life is emptier than she imagined.

Determined not to trail after her sister, Abby escapes to St. John’s, Newfoundland, planning a short trip abroad while she waits for her sister’s relationship to implode. But her careful plan goes sideways when she meets Paul, a teacher with a passion for improv comedy.

Paul is charming, thoughtful, and unexpectedly funny, and he draws Abby into a world of laughter and possibility that she didn’t know she was missing. Yet Paul’s own history of heartbreak makes him wary of falling for someone who might leave at any moment.

Can she embrace the first rule of improv—say yes, and see where she lands—or will fear keep her from making the greatest leap of all?

Genres: Romance

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2025

Reviews

[Amy Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. We don’t get too many romance novels where the main characters are older than 28. This is about a woman from NYC who decides to spend a summer in Newfoundland. She discovers an independence from her sister that gives her a chance to be more free. There’s a grumpy old lady in her building that is such an awesome character. She gets into a comedy improv group and makes lifelong friends… and falls in love 🩷

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me a arc of this book!

However, I think that book wasn't for me. When I get a romantic book, what I expect to happen is that I fall in love with the character's love, but that didn't happened in "Yes, And...". As a matter of fact, I didn't even seen Abby and Paul's relashionship grown, it kind of just happend. Soooooo, I lost the main reason of this book.

BUT!! Lisette is amazing, by far the BEST character in the book. Loved loved loved her!! Since this is going to be a series, I hope my girl can find love and with someone that truly deserves her.

[bookdatewithjdate · Rating 3 out of 5]

In many ways this book just flew by, in mainly good ways. Crisp writing, interesting characters, and legitimately funny dialogue. But when reading a book with a central plot point of improv, it was extremely jarring that the book was closed door. I will never quibble with an author on whether they choose to write open- or closed-door romance (or fiction, what have you). That’s their choice. But a crucial development in the book is how the characters learn how to be vulnerable enough to perform something as unforgiving as improv, Wouldn’t then a book centering vulnerability want to showcase all forms of vulnerability like physical intimacy? So much of the book was “will they won’t they” and when they did get together, I was left feeling cheated on not seeing the rest of their relationship. This is a couple that has trouble communicating, so it seems only fair that some of the way they communicate is through sex. But we get none of that. It was such a missed opportunity to bring us into those scenes with the MCs since we get so little time with them anyway.

It was an entertaining book, but it could have been so much more. All of the characters were damaged in some way - and the story was a great exploration into the many ways people are in relationship with one another when they are each hurting and healing. But it was missing scenes that explored how vulnerable the MCs were trying to be with each other. Instead, we’re expected to believe that the MCs have fallen for the other based mainly on the inner dialogue of the FMC. I love to be shown through dialogue and interaction how characters fall in love. I struggle with books that resort to tell me it happened and having me accept it as fact. Interestingly, we did get that with.the FMC and the new friend, Lizette, but only at the end did the FMC and MMC really open up to one another that their relationship felt earned.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review this book.

[Lisi Bee (Beth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby is an American temporarily living in Newfoundland and adjusting to a life that's newly far away from her sister and niece. She gets drawn into joining a small local improv group and meets Paul, a charming and handsome teacher with significant emotional baggage. As their attraction grows, potential barriers to getting involved come to life. Will Abby learn to say yes, and... to what she truly wants? This quick read was more contemplative than I thought it would be, but was quietly funny while dealing with multiple heavier issues. I loved the banter within the inprov group (these are quippy people), and there was a gentle found family vibe between them (loved Lisette!). The reader is kept a bit off balance throughout the book because there's a tenuous nature to everything: will Abby stay in Canada or go back to the US? Does Paul want to get back together with his ex-wife or is Abby worth fighting for? Will Abby have the courage to decide what she wants and just go for it? And what will Abby's sister Laura decide to do with her own life? (Speaking of, there's an upcoming companion book with the sister's story, and although I wasn't a huge fan of Laura I definitely enjoyed this new-to-me author enough that I'd gladly read the next book.) This was written in 1st-person POV from Abby's perspective, and while normally I would have liked Paul's POV too this is more of Abby's story and the singular POV choice definitely worked here. I liked both Abby and Paul, individually and together. (Paul is a buttoned up guy with hidden passion, which is one of my personal MMC preferences.) I think readers who enjoy fish-out-of water, fade to black romances with witty banter will love this book. This review was based on a complimentary DRC, all opinions are my own.

[Samia Vermeulen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I closed Yes, And with the happiest little sigh! 💖 I picked it up out of curiosity about Newfoundland, but what I found inside these pages was so much more—I found pieces of myself. At first, I wasn’t sure about the improv storyline. I wasn’t sure where it was going… but then the story shifted, and my heart was completely hooked. 💕
Abby stole my heart! From her tight bond with her sister to her quiet self-doubt, I couldn’t help but relate. The way she navigates life, love, and self-worth felt so real. And oh… the friendships! 😍 Abby and Lisette’s connection is the kind of supportive, laugh-out-loud friendship that warms your soul.
Paul made my heart flutter 💌—gentle, thoughtful, a little reserved, and totally swoon-worthy. That line where he admits he might get his heart broken? 🥺 It stayed with me. The romance builds naturally, sweetly, and slowly enough to make you sigh with every page turn.
What I adored most was how the book handles boundaries, self-value, and the courage to walk away from relationships that no longer serve you. It’s honest, tender, and empowering. 🌸
Rachel Carey’s writing is thoughtful, funny, and effortlessly heartfelt. The story balances lighthearted improv fun with deeper themes like love, friendship, and self-discovery. It made me laugh, made me smile, and yes… made me feel all the feels. 😌
If you’re looking for a romance that’s smart, charming, and full of emotional depth with characters you’ll genuinely root for, Yes, And is a delight. I can’t wait to read more from Rachel Carey!
Thank you so much to the Rachel Carey and Netgalley for the ARC! 💕 Highly, highly recommend!

[Helen Wu ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

I closed “Yes, And” with my heart feeling strangely full. I started it out of simple curiosity about Newfoundland, since it is where my brother-in-law’s father grew up. I didn’t expect to see so much of myself in these pages. The improv storyline in the beginning didn’t fully hook me. I wasn’t sure where it was going. Then the book shifted. The friendship that forms later felt so real that it pulled me straight in. And I found myself relating to Abby. The tight bond with her sister. The way she questions her own worth at times. The quiet wondering if she is good enough. It all felt familiar.

I also loved how the story touches on setting boundaries and knowing when to walk away from relationships that keep breaking you down. That felt honest. And I have such a soft spot for a vulnerable Canadian man. When he said, “I just got divorced and you are the first person I’ve really liked since then…and I have a feeling that I’ll get my heart broken,” that line stayed with me.

The second half is where the book shines. It becomes a story about courage, sisterhood, self value, and the kind of love that invites you to stand steadier in your own skin. I highlighted so many lines. I finished the book grateful for it. I can’t wait to read more of her work. Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC!

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, And... is the first book in Carey's Arts and Lovers series.

When Abigail's (Abby) older sister Laura decides to leave Brooklyn and try to reconnect with her ex, she realizes there isn't much keeping her in Brooklyn. Having always wanted to live in another country, she decides to try living in St. John's, Newfoundland. She assumes that given enough time, Laura will return to Brooklyn, and at that time, she will too.

While in St. John's, she meets Lisette who introduces her to fellow Newfingers, Paul and Mark. The trio form an improv group. Paul, a history teacher, isn't anything like her usual type, and yet Abby can't help but be charmed by him. While she opens herself up to the possibility of a short-term relationship, Paul's own romantic history has him keeping her in the friend-zone.

When Abby decides to give improv a try, she discovers that not only is it not as horrible as she originally expected, but she's actually pretty good at it. As she and Paul spend more time together, their connection grows. Whether it will blossom into something may depend on the other woman in Paul's life - his mother.

I enjoyed this book. As a Canadian, I always love it when books are set in a Canadian city. While I'm not averse to improv, it has not been a particular passion of mine. I did however connect with the characters, especially Abby since I too have a close relationship with my sister and her children. I loved Abby's drive and her dry humour. I also appreciated the friendship Abby formed with Lisette. While both women had very different backgrounds, they shared common experiences of less than ideal past relationships, being courageous, and recognizing their own self-worth.

This was the first book I've read by Carey but I'm keen to explore more of her work.

[Cybelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, intelligently and thoughtfully written romantic comedy centering on some genuinely likable characters who will draw you in, improv fan or no. The book hits harder than its class, mixing light and dark humor seamlessly with a variety of serious adult themes. It explores relationships that don't work in addition to those that do, adult friendships, small vs. big city life, and the repercussions of depression, neglect, abuse, etc. You may also just learn a thing or two about Newfoundland, improv and the pursuit of spontaneous joy. "Yes, And..." explores how far people will go for each other, or won't, and why. When is boundary setting healthy and appropriate? When do you just not care enough to go out on a limb? The answer is never easy in a complex, adult world, and you can feel the characters' struggle as they grapple with difficult life-changing questions in a realistic, relatable way. Despite the book's depth, it's highly digestible, so you can feel good about yourself for reading something with actual nutritional value while expending the effort of a light beach read. Really loved this one!

[Roma Cordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows Abby, a woman with a sharp sense of humor in her late thirties who leaves New York for a temporary stay in Canada after a shift in her family life forces her to reexamine her own. She is very relatable and human in her contradictions. She's also funny without trying too hard and self-aware without being indulgent. She is capable and independent, yet clearly carries fatigue of long having prioritized others over herself.
Paul, the central romantic figure, is gentle, thoughtful, and emotionally reserved in a way that feels realistic.
There are several secondary characters that feel purposeful, shaping Abby’s choices and perspective rather than existing as background.
The author’s writing is conversational and humorous. The emotional growth is subtle and believable, unfolding through small moments rather than grand gestures.
At its core, its a story about loosening control and allowing connection without overthinking: its thoughtful, funny, and quietly satisfying.

[Brit · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Lisette had joked about being a stray dog, but I felt like the real rescue"

The book at first was slow, I had a hard time getting into it. However, I have never been happier with sticking with something. I found myself being filled with all the emotions, I mean ALL the emotions! There was Drama, love, and crying. I found myself feeling sad, happy, and even at times caught up in the Characters problems as if they were my own friends sitting here talking to me about their life. I really like the play on the name of the chapters and what happens within the chapter. The book really surprised me! I give it a four star for the reason of it being slow to get into. The best part of the book is how relatable the main character is. She is so relatable that the quote I started with has stuck with me since I read it. There are times in life where I think we all feel like we are the real rescue and our friends saved us.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a warm, easy-to-love romance about starting over and letting life surprise you. Abby is relatable and funny, especially as she faces the quiet loneliness she didn’t realize she was carrying. Her trip to Newfoundland feels like a natural escape, and the setting adds a cozy, down-to-earth charm to the story.
Paul is kind, thoughtful, and genuinely likable, and their connection grows in a sweet, believable way through shared laughter and small moments. The romance is gentle rather than dramatic, focusing on personal growth, trust, and the courage to take a chance on happiness. A comforting, feel-good read with heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left a smile on my face. The use of improv in the story lifted the mood of what could have been very heavy. As someone in their late 30’s, I can relate to Abby trying to find herself and her purpose after taking care of others for so long. I loved the message of setting boundaries to protect yourself and your peace. The relationships between the friends were very supportive and sweet. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby lives in NYC. She lives near her sister and young niece. When her sister moves to Atlanta, Abbie decides to move for the summer to Newfoundland because she hates hot weather. She is 37 and figures she's beyond finding marriage. She immediately makes friends and gets drawn into joining a local improv group. She falls for Paul, a member of the group. It is difficult to stay in Canada without an approved work visa, which she doesn't have.

I enjoyed the descriptions of St. Johns.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the use of improv as a lot of the plot in this book. It allowed levity in what could have been a dark book. All of the characters have dark parts of. Their lives they must work through. The improv gives hope.

I loved all of the characters and their intricate lives.

Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Ruedisueli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just something about a woman of 37 who decides to try Newfoundland (to live there ) because it's not too hot....makes the setting unique and important but not the most important.

Great characters and fun to read.
I've been to St. Johns twice and the author teased a lot of the charm into the story. I always went in summer but imagine winter would be quite a bit cosier.

[elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, sweet read about love and taking risks. I was living vicariously through Abby’s courage to uproot and move somewhere completely unfamiliar (but ridiculously cozy and charming) where she embraces the cringeworthiness of improv and makes lifelong connections. An engaging story that I recommend to anyone looking for a mental escape!

[C J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this as a Goodreads Giveaway.

This book has potential, but it is so slow in spots that I wanted to quit reading in numerous places. 248 pages has never felt so long. The second chapter is ok, but the first couple of pages is where it started I almost quit. The last couple of chapters made me want to love the book, it just felt like moving in molasses to get there.

[Kate Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute. So much humor in this closed-door romance between two improv friends. If you love a story of someone who reinvents themselves and moves to a different country, this is a great one for you.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute rom-com

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read with so many good one-liners that I highlighted them throughout the book! :)