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The MASH Up
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26It’s all fun and games until someone falls in love.
MANSION • APARTMENT • SHACK • HOUSE
Ruby Wynne is a staunch rule-follower who lives by the numbers. So when a surprising breakup – on her thirty-fifth birthday – ruins all her well-laid plans, Ruby makes an unexpected wish . . . Only to wake up inside a M.A.S.H. game from seventh grade.
Settled in a Technicolor mansion, driving a tie-dye Jeep, and running a roller-disco restaurant, Ruby is living out her childhood dreams come true—with one exception. According to the game, Ruby’s “other half” is supposed to be Penn Hayes, her brother’s annoying, and annoyingly handsome, best friend. But there’s zero romance between them. Just like in real life, all they share is sarcasm. With no rules to follow and desperate to return to reality, Ruby makes her best guess at an escape plan: win Penn’s heart so the game comes completely true and she can go home.
It’s unthinkable. On Ruby’s list of dos and don’ts, Penn Hayes is a lifelong don’t. But as Ruby navigates the magical world she dreamed up at thirteen, she wonders if, by finally throwing out her rules, she might just find her way home to the life and love she deserves.
MANSION • APARTMENT • SHACK • HOUSE
Ruby Wynne is a staunch rule-follower who lives by the numbers. So when a surprising breakup – on her thirty-fifth birthday – ruins all her well-laid plans, Ruby makes an unexpected wish . . . Only to wake up inside a M.A.S.H. game from seventh grade.
Settled in a Technicolor mansion, driving a tie-dye Jeep, and running a roller-disco restaurant, Ruby is living out her childhood dreams come true—with one exception. According to the game, Ruby’s “other half” is supposed to be Penn Hayes, her brother’s annoying, and annoyingly handsome, best friend. But there’s zero romance between them. Just like in real life, all they share is sarcasm. With no rules to follow and desperate to return to reality, Ruby makes her best guess at an escape plan: win Penn’s heart so the game comes completely true and she can go home.
It’s unthinkable. On Ruby’s list of dos and don’ts, Penn Hayes is a lifelong don’t. But as Ruby navigates the magical world she dreamed up at thirteen, she wonders if, by finally throwing out her rules, she might just find her way home to the life and love she deserves.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 7, 2026
18 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
About the author
Laura Marie Meyers
1 book10 followersLaura Marie Meyers is an author and journalist whose work is focused on books, trends, and pop culture. As an interviewer and event moderator, she’s led conversations with actors, experts, and bestselling authors. Originally from Chicago, she lives in Northern California with her husband, two sons, and far too many concert t-shirts.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 27, 2025
Ruby gets stuck in her middle school MASH game where the guy she ends up with, according to the game, is her brother’s loathsome (but obviously unbelievably charming) best friend?! You already know it was bound to be a banger (and it WAS)!
It also reminded me I could’ve ended up with Devon Sawa in a shack 💕
It also reminded me I could’ve ended up with Devon Sawa in a shack 💕
January 10, 2026
I loved played MASH as a kid! This story was full of millennial nostalgia and the romance was so sweet. I loved the boy/girl next door pairing and the many ways Ruby and Penn supported one another. This is the perfect story for readers looking to relive their 90s/early aughts childhoods through a light-hearted and romantic story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
Excellent!! Immediately I was swept up into my 90s/early 2000s youth, racing through the pages like I was again a MASH playing girl myself, instead of a thirty something whose morning work alarm was going to be blaring far too soon. Loved this author’s voice - original and captivating. Felt like I was immersed in this plot and setting - with the author painting such realistic imagery. Loved the witty dialogue. Loved how it tied together. Loved it all! This will be an auto buy author for me. Thank you NetGalley for the chance!
January 9, 2026
3.75 ⭐️ such a fantastic debut from laura marie meyers! the creative premise and playful, witty, vibrant voice pulled me in immediately. the banter was funny and flirty with such a fun, lighthearted energy, and the fast pace made it a real page-turner. overall, this story felt really fresh while also nostalgic in the best way.
thank you so much to netgalley and g.p. putnam’s sons (penguin group) for providing me with this arc!
thank you so much to netgalley and g.p. putnam’s sons (penguin group) for providing me with this arc!
January 13, 2026
I loved the idea of this book! I think I would’ve been more invested if there had been more showing of history between Ruby and Penn? The romance didn’t quite hit as hard as I wanted it to. But still a cute, fun and easy read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, Putnam, Penguin Books | G.P. Putnam's Sons, for providing this digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby Wynne has always followed the rules, so when a breakup on her thirty-fifth birthday derails her perfectly planned life, she makes a wish that lands her inside a childhood M.A.S.H. game. Living out her teenage dreams in a colorful fantasy world, Ruby’s biggest obstacle is Penn Hayes—her brother’s annoying best friend—who the game says is her soulmate. Determined to get home, Ruby tries to make the game come true, but as she lets go of her rules, she starts to wonder if this unexpected world holds the love she’s been missing.
My initial thought is that you need to mark this as a TBR immediately. The second is that this MUST become a movie adaptation. It’s one of those types of books you can’t stop visualizing. Everything about this encapsulated the perfect 90s/early 2000s rom-com. Imagine a similar vibe to 13 Going on 30 and She’s All That. If you loved those, you will love this even more. And if you think rom-coms are dead, this book is the resurrection. I loved the entire premise of this, and the nostalgia of it all really hits home.
I don’t know what it is about alternate realities, but they can’t help but pull you in. Escapism becomes fairly easy, especially if you’re stuck in a M.A.S.H. game you played when you were 12. The technicolor mansion with thirteen fish, a tie-dye jeep, and a disco roller rink diner, I mean, who even comes up with that? The intrigue was there, and it was just so fun. All the descriptive aspects of the plot were creative and articulated so perfectly. It felt like every page was written in a different color glitter pen.
Then, when you add the banter & chemistry between Ruby and Penn, it was to die for you guys. The trope was enemies, to friends, to lovers, and close proximity, so you know the tension was very relevant. The character development was so strong, and the yearning made my stomach drop to my ass (in the good way) on many occasions. Ruby was funny, relatable, messy, and overall just a comforting FMC to read about. You connect with her on a personal level via the quarter-ish life crisis. She doesn’t quite know who she is or what she wants, similar to like everyone on Earth. But Penn was the perfect guide. He also doesn’t have his life all figured out, but that didn’t stop him, his abs, and his backwards hat from moving mountains for her.
This is a must-read for any girl in their 20s & 30s. Read it on July 7th when it comes out, because if this doesn’t get a movie adaptation, I will raise hell. Thanks.
Ruby Wynne has always followed the rules, so when a breakup on her thirty-fifth birthday derails her perfectly planned life, she makes a wish that lands her inside a childhood M.A.S.H. game. Living out her teenage dreams in a colorful fantasy world, Ruby’s biggest obstacle is Penn Hayes—her brother’s annoying best friend—who the game says is her soulmate. Determined to get home, Ruby tries to make the game come true, but as she lets go of her rules, she starts to wonder if this unexpected world holds the love she’s been missing.
My initial thought is that you need to mark this as a TBR immediately. The second is that this MUST become a movie adaptation. It’s one of those types of books you can’t stop visualizing. Everything about this encapsulated the perfect 90s/early 2000s rom-com. Imagine a similar vibe to 13 Going on 30 and She’s All That. If you loved those, you will love this even more. And if you think rom-coms are dead, this book is the resurrection. I loved the entire premise of this, and the nostalgia of it all really hits home.
I don’t know what it is about alternate realities, but they can’t help but pull you in. Escapism becomes fairly easy, especially if you’re stuck in a M.A.S.H. game you played when you were 12. The technicolor mansion with thirteen fish, a tie-dye jeep, and a disco roller rink diner, I mean, who even comes up with that? The intrigue was there, and it was just so fun. All the descriptive aspects of the plot were creative and articulated so perfectly. It felt like every page was written in a different color glitter pen.
Then, when you add the banter & chemistry between Ruby and Penn, it was to die for you guys. The trope was enemies, to friends, to lovers, and close proximity, so you know the tension was very relevant. The character development was so strong, and the yearning made my stomach drop to my ass (in the good way) on many occasions. Ruby was funny, relatable, messy, and overall just a comforting FMC to read about. You connect with her on a personal level via the quarter-ish life crisis. She doesn’t quite know who she is or what she wants, similar to like everyone on Earth. But Penn was the perfect guide. He also doesn’t have his life all figured out, but that didn’t stop him, his abs, and his backwards hat from moving mountains for her.
This is a must-read for any girl in their 20s & 30s. Read it on July 7th when it comes out, because if this doesn’t get a movie adaptation, I will raise hell. Thanks.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ruby thinks she is living her best life. She's at her thirty fifth birthday party with her twin brother and her best friend and her boyfriend, ruby likes order plans,navy white and beige and absolutely no surprises, well, after birthday, her best friend surprises her with an old mash game they did in 7th grade ( or you're gonna live, what your job is, your car and who you will end up with - remember that game) she can't believe i'm partner was going to be her brother's best friend Penn who happens to be the bartender that night- for somebody who likes it doesn't like surprises. It's a very odd time for her boyfriend to decide to tell her he's his job (and her) and moving to New York City to try something different. - what else to do but get blackout drunk, But when ruby wakes up, she's now living in her MASH world- this is driving a crazy car, not her reliable nissan. living in a fourteen year olds dream house and not a beige cardigan in sight, she's even got her dream career. Running a roller skate rank slash diner- the one thing missing is she single, so is the key to getting out of her mash world getting in tune with Penn, Ruby, just once out of the chaos and into her body. stable boring life- so she's gotta try to figure out how to make Penn fall in love with her. So she can make her way back home-- this book is so fun. I loved the characters all the characters. Her twin brother, her best friend even her texting parents are fun. I totally laughed out loud. It just made me smile.We'd love to see more on the other characters, especially the brother - i have really no complaints about this book. Except I feel the ending was just a little bit rush.But totally would recommend totally would buy it loved it
Thank you.Netgalley, for an arc, in exchange for an honest review
Thank you.Netgalley, for an arc, in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my gosh!! What a cute book. I loved this so much. Thank you to Netgalley, Laura Marie Meyers, and publisher for sending me an ARC. I am so happy I got the opportunity to read this sweet love story between Ruby and Penn.
This was an incredibly whimsical, cozy read filled to the brim with funny jokes, swoon-worthy lines, and self-discovery. This book is reminiscent of 13 going on 30 in all the best ways. On Ruby's 35th birthday, she makes a wish on an elevated surface and wakes up in the world predicted by a seventh grade M.A.S.H game. Ruby is desperately trying to figure out how to get back to her own world after it was turned upside down and her friend suggests playing each of the acronyms in M.A.S.H out to see if meeting the rules of the game would send Ruby back to her real world.
I had so much fun with Ruby and crew during this read. Like I mentioned above, it's such a whimsical read filled with vibrant colors and patterns. It's so nostalgic and reminds me of the late 90s and early 2000s. There are lots of fun references to LipSmackers and Lisa Frank! I loved watching Ruby rediscover her dreams in her MASH world and loved watching the relationship between Penn and Ruby unfold. I laughed out loud and chuckle several times. The romance is sweet. It is closed door, but I'd give it one chili pepper!
All in all, this is a must read!
This was an incredibly whimsical, cozy read filled to the brim with funny jokes, swoon-worthy lines, and self-discovery. This book is reminiscent of 13 going on 30 in all the best ways. On Ruby's 35th birthday, she makes a wish on an elevated surface and wakes up in the world predicted by a seventh grade M.A.S.H game. Ruby is desperately trying to figure out how to get back to her own world after it was turned upside down and her friend suggests playing each of the acronyms in M.A.S.H out to see if meeting the rules of the game would send Ruby back to her real world.
I had so much fun with Ruby and crew during this read. Like I mentioned above, it's such a whimsical read filled with vibrant colors and patterns. It's so nostalgic and reminds me of the late 90s and early 2000s. There are lots of fun references to LipSmackers and Lisa Frank! I loved watching Ruby rediscover her dreams in her MASH world and loved watching the relationship between Penn and Ruby unfold. I laughed out loud and chuckle several times. The romance is sweet. It is closed door, but I'd give it one chili pepper!
All in all, this is a must read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5
I loved the concept of the plot - it felt like a reverse 13 Going on 30. While I enjoyed the premise, I didn’t fully connect with the characters as much as I hoped. Although Ruby and Penn’s evolving relationship seemed inevitable, I never quite felt their chemistry. To me, their dynamic read more like an older brother–sister relationship, which made the shift in their romantic status feel a bit sudden. I wanted more yearning and more moments that helped reframe the brother’s best friend–to–lover trope in a convincing way.
With that being said, they did balance each other well. Ruby initially saw Penn as flighty and noncommittal, but it was clear that he genuinely valued her opinions and perspective. He wanted her to see him in a new light that reflected his personal growth. He was also patient with Ruby when she was hesitant about their relationship and waited for her to catch up to his feelings, but was still always there for Ruby when she needed him.
Overall, this was a nice, lighthearted read that leans heavily into nostalgia, especially for anyone who grew up playing MASH and daydreaming about their future fantasy life.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!
I loved the concept of the plot - it felt like a reverse 13 Going on 30. While I enjoyed the premise, I didn’t fully connect with the characters as much as I hoped. Although Ruby and Penn’s evolving relationship seemed inevitable, I never quite felt their chemistry. To me, their dynamic read more like an older brother–sister relationship, which made the shift in their romantic status feel a bit sudden. I wanted more yearning and more moments that helped reframe the brother’s best friend–to–lover trope in a convincing way.
With that being said, they did balance each other well. Ruby initially saw Penn as flighty and noncommittal, but it was clear that he genuinely valued her opinions and perspective. He wanted her to see him in a new light that reflected his personal growth. He was also patient with Ruby when she was hesitant about their relationship and waited for her to catch up to his feelings, but was still always there for Ruby when she needed him.
Overall, this was a nice, lighthearted read that leans heavily into nostalgia, especially for anyone who grew up playing MASH and daydreaming about their future fantasy life.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What if the outcome of that MASH game you played as a kid came true? And what if that premise was written as a delightful romance novel? The best news is the latter of these questions is going to be a thing, and let me tell you more. Ruby is a 35 year old, and life just isn't going her way. She wishes that a MASH outcome would be her reality. And there she is with a tie-dyed jeep, in a mansion, operating a roller-disco, and with her brother's best friend. That last one is definitely not where she saw herself. Ruby then has to figure out how to get out of this MASH alternate reality, but as you might guess, she also finds some interesting developments, particularly with Penn. This was just so wonderful. There was some humor given what Ruby's MASH world is, but also it's got such heart and feels as she navigates life in her mid-30s. This is a book I adored. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the look at this July 2026 release!
January 10, 2026
4.75 ⭐️ This was so fun! It has 13 going on 30 vibes! After celebrating her 35th birthday, Ruby woke up in her MASH game from middle school, which is a far cry from the life she actually lives. She has to navigate living in her dreams from the past—some great, and some not.
It’s a heartfelt and humorous story with a reminder not to take growing up so seriously. And that we got some things right in our youth. It brought all the nostalgia from childhood—roller rink hangouts, laser tag, bean bags, Lisa Frank, passing handwritten notes, pet goldfish, and a cute crush. The pacing was perfect, and the romance was too.
Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest thoughts. I really enjoyed this one! It publishes in July 2026.
It’s a heartfelt and humorous story with a reminder not to take growing up so seriously. And that we got some things right in our youth. It brought all the nostalgia from childhood—roller rink hangouts, laser tag, bean bags, Lisa Frank, passing handwritten notes, pet goldfish, and a cute crush. The pacing was perfect, and the romance was too.
Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest thoughts. I really enjoyed this one! It publishes in July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so excited to read The Mash Up by Laura Marie Meyers, and the premise did not disappoint. Thirty-five-year-old Ruby is celebrating her birthday with her twin when her long-term boyfriend breaks up with her. After consoling themselves with drinks, she and her best friend revisit a middle-school favorite—MASH. Ruby then wakes up the next morning living in the MASH world, where she’s somehow meant to be in love with her lifelong frenemy… who also happens to be her brother’s best friend.
This book is a clever, witty, and nostalgic trip down memory lane, especially for anyone who grew up in the ’90s. Light, fun, and full of charm, it’s a strong debut novel from Laura Marie Meyers. I’ll definitely be watching for more from her in the future.
3.5 bones from Herb and me!
This book is a clever, witty, and nostalgic trip down memory lane, especially for anyone who grew up in the ’90s. Light, fun, and full of charm, it’s a strong debut novel from Laura Marie Meyers. I’ll definitely be watching for more from her in the future.
3.5 bones from Herb and me!
January 4, 2026
I absolutely loved the concept of The MASH Up. As someone who grew up playing MASH endlessly, this book felt instantly nostalgic in the best way. Waking up inside a MASH game is such a clever, playful idea, and the author leaned into it with charm and humor.
The romance is cute and easy to root for, the tone is lighthearted, and the story never takes itself too seriously, which made it a joy to read. It was funny, sweet, and full of that cozy, feel-good energy I crave every once in a while.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
The romance is cute and easy to root for, the tone is lighthearted, and the story never takes itself too seriously, which made it a joy to read. It was funny, sweet, and full of that cozy, feel-good energy I crave every once in a while.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25/5 Stars
The early 2000s detailed descriptions made my nostalgic heart extremely happy! The pace of the story was great and kept me eager to find out what happened next. The back-and-forth with Penn was sweet, but I could have used more heat (personal preference). The main thing I felt was missing was being shown, not told, about her past. Show me more of what Penn, Ruby, and Ryan were like growing up. Show us who she was before entering an alternate universe.
Overall, a great first book! I can’t wait to see what else the author writes.
The early 2000s detailed descriptions made my nostalgic heart extremely happy! The pace of the story was great and kept me eager to find out what happened next. The back-and-forth with Penn was sweet, but I could have used more heat (personal preference). The main thing I felt was missing was being shown, not told, about her past. Show me more of what Penn, Ruby, and Ryan were like growing up. Show us who she was before entering an alternate universe.
Overall, a great first book! I can’t wait to see what else the author writes.
January 4, 2026
4 ⭐️
What a fun concept for a novel and a great first one from Laura Marie Meyers! I loved playing MASH when I was younger and to be able to live one of the dream lives I achieved- how fun (& crazy)!!!!!
I was sucked into this story immediately because I felt Ruby was such a funny and enjoyable FMC. I was rooting for her the whole story and I loved how much she changed from living her best MASH life. And I think her and Penn were perfect for each other!
What a fun concept for a novel and a great first one from Laura Marie Meyers! I loved playing MASH when I was younger and to be able to live one of the dream lives I achieved- how fun (& crazy)!!!!!
I was sucked into this story immediately because I felt Ruby was such a funny and enjoyable FMC. I was rooting for her the whole story and I loved how much she changed from living her best MASH life. And I think her and Penn were perfect for each other!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a wonderful nostalgic read that filled my heart with hope. This book was a trip back to childhood days of believing our future was pre planned and a reminder that our dreams and the teens that we were with big ones live inside us. I absolutely loved this cute book and these characters hold a special place in my heart
January 12, 2026
If you’re looking for a story that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a bright Lisa Frank cardigan, look no further. This book is an absolute delight from start to finish.The wit is sharp, the situational comedy is top-tier I was laughing out loud. If you remember the game MASH this is defiantly a book for you.
January 13, 2026
I cannot express how incredibly cute this book was. Playing MASH in my youth was such a fun pastime and this brought all the memories back. If you know what this game is at all, then please give this a read!!
***Thanks to Putnam Books via NetGalley for access to the e-arc in exchange of my honest opinion.
***Thanks to Putnam Books via NetGalley for access to the e-arc in exchange of my honest opinion.
January 9, 2026
3.75
The Mash Up was a cute read with a really fun, creative concept that I enjoyed. However, once Ruby returned to “reality,” the story started to drag and felt longer than necessary. It easily could have been about 40 pages shorter.
The Mash Up was a cute read with a really fun, creative concept that I enjoyed. However, once Ruby returned to “reality,” the story started to drag and felt longer than necessary. It easily could have been about 40 pages shorter.
January 13, 2026
The way I devoured this book. It was so hard to put down and I would’ve loved to read this in one setting. Think “13 Going on 30” vibes but better. The characters are great. The story is delightful. Thrilled this is my first 5 star of the year. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
January 14, 2026
3.75 - I really enjoyed this one! The whole MASH part of the plot was so fun and creative it really sold the book for me. I will say the technicolor wardrobe in her mash dreams made me think of 2014 a little too hard but I still had such fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
RTC but I ADORED this book!!!
January 13, 2026
3.5 stars
cute fun and fast romance read ! kinda like 13 going on 30 if instead the mc wakes up living the neon and unrealistic life her 13yo self wanted
rtc
cute fun and fast romance read ! kinda like 13 going on 30 if instead the mc wakes up living the neon and unrealistic life her 13yo self wanted
rtc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this! A fun walk down memory lane for all of us who grew up with MASH, Lisa frank notebooks, and gushers. Excellent witty banter and a sweet romance between childhood friends. Highly recommend.
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