Row-mantically Challenged

by Kristen B. Cole

639 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 13, 2026

Reviews

[Ashley Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.

Row-manically Challenged was so much more than a rom-com. Yes, it was funny and romantic, but underneath that it tackled some pretty heavy topics—parental abandonment, PTSD, trauma, depression, the death of a friend, questioning the path you’ve chosen in life, found family, and of course, love.

I really loved Myles and connected with her in so many ways. Parts of her story felt surprisingly personal to me. My biological father was never really part of my life, yet I’ve been told we share some of the same interests despite barely knowing each other. I’ve also had those moments of questioning the path I chose in life, so I understood a lot of what Myles was working through. I would have loved to see a bit more of her relationship with her mother explored.

Wes was such a complex character. His grief and trauma after the devastating loss of his best friend added an emotional depth I wasn’t expecting. There was a whole portion from Wes’s POV that probably could have been left out and the story still would have worked—but I’m SO glad it wasn’t. The way Kristin addressed getting help for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma was beautifully done. These are things so many people experience but don’t always talk about, and I loved seeing them handled with so much care.

But this book is also FUNNY. Myles’s sarcasm and humor were right up my alley, and that’s something I really enjoy about Kristin’s writing. She manages to weave witty lines and comedy into a story without taking away from its heavier moments. I also loved the side characters—especially Ashley, and not just because we share a name. 😂 She was hilarious.

This one made me laugh, but it also made me think and hit closer to home than I expected. I’m really glad I randomly found Kristin on Facebook one day, and even more grateful that she continues to let me read her books as ARCs. ❤️. I also love to see STL represented in books too!

[Ellen Marie Tietjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing this review and received an early copy from the publisher or author.

Oh, how from the first chapter you are captivated and drawn into the world of Tate and her found family, never wanting this one to end! Myles and Weston’s story takes place during a time when they are both working through a difficult phase—one of what’s next for Myles versus Weston battles through his own inner challenges. This is my second read from Kristen B. Cole, and her Row-mantically Challenged did not disappoint! The story and plot were the perfect mix of yearning, banter from all characters, and kept me thoroughly engaged and wanting to read more!

The development of the side characters helped to fully contribute to the arc of Weston and Myles. From the witty banter of Colin and Declan, to Myles always telling how it is, and Wyatt acting as the true golden retriever he is, the banter and relationships within the characters allowed the topes of enemies to lover and grumpy to sunshine come to life.

While the development of the plot and characters were both fantastic, the book’s greatest strength comes from how the author highlights the topic of mental health in a sensitive, yet relatable and authentic way for the audience to understand. Kristen utilizes this opportunity in the book to highlight Myles and Weston’s separate experiences with grief, depression, and PTSD beautifully and they battle their deepest struggles. Cole honors and captures a perspective for the audience in an identifiable and transferable way similar to that of other individuals we surround ourselves with everyday.

Overall, another beautifully written, well-written story that has been finished too quickly! I am already anticipating Cole’s next release!

Thanks to the author for the ARC—as with her previous release, “The Scientist,” I’ll definitely be looking out for future releases! If you have not picked this one up or her previous release, you’re missing out!

[StoryLoverShelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had absolutely no business being this hilarious while also being this emotionally deep.

I always love this author’s humor. Honestly, she could make some serious bank writing sitcom pilots. Her ability to find humor in even the most unexpected situations is one of my favorite things about her writing.

And she couldn’t have picked a better setting than whitewater rafting. It’s something I used to love doing, and it created the perfect backdrop for so many funny, adventurous, and genuinely dangerous situations. The plot was never dull.

Beyond all the humor and chaos, this book had so much heart. It was funny yet deep. Playful yet therapeutic.

There were so many themes that hit surprisingly close to home:

• Resentment toward a parent because of childhood trauma
• Building a found family
• Loving someone who struggles with mental health
• Helping a loved one navigate the VA
• And, of course, whitewater rafting

This book managed to make me laugh while also tackling heavy topics. That’s hard to pull off, but she absolutely nailed it.

Without a doubt, this is going on my top ten reads of the year.

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot I liked about Row-mantically Challenged. I liked the main couple, the banter and the friend group, and there were some genuinely funny and emotional moments.

My main issue was that I really felt like the book needed another edit. The FMC is supposed to be a yapper, which I actually liked, but there was also a lot of repetition beyond that. Things we already knew or scenes that had already happened would get explained again. There were also so many side characters, backstories, tropes and emotional storylines that at times it just felt like too much.

I normally like high-spice romance, so the explicit scenes weren’t the problem, but here the spice sometimes felt a little out of step with the rest of the book.

By the last part I did find myself skimming some of the repeated explanations and longer emotional sections. There is a lot that’s good here, and I think a tighter edit would have made the parts I really liked stand out so much more.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen B Cole has done it again! She has made me fall in love with all her characters; their conflict and growth and especially their humour.

I love the humour and lightness in Kristen’s work even when addressing serious topics.

I love how confident and self assured Myles is. Her strength and humour are definitely the best part. And just like the last book I love all the side characters. It blows my mind how she can make you feel deeply for so many characters

Kristen B Cole is definitely going to be an automatic read for me. No matter the story or the tropes involved! I went in completely blind to this story and didn’t even know what it was about ,but I have no regrets and loved every minute 💕

[Li Sa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect enemies-to-lovers slow burn! It was so much fun to read; Myles has such a good humor. At the same time, it was also incredibly real and honest and depicted such good communication, especially in difficult moments. I am glad Wes's struggles weren't sugarcoated and that it was shown that he needed external help, even with a caring and available support system.
This wasn't my first book from Kristen Cole, and I equally enjoyed this one. I really appreciate how much care she puts into writing deep connections and friendships.
I almost feel like the title and cover don't do this beautifully written story justice!
Thanks for the ARC.

[Simone Haeseler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very hilarious, the way she talked and answers, quick witted and full of sarcasm just funny to read. Myles and Wes, great pair, Wes had a big ship on his shoulder, due to a great loss. But of course he came around, but the way till then, just a great read. Loved the book from a to z, loved Myles the most, he honestly, her outgoing personality, just a great character. Honestly the whole crew was hilarious and great. What I also loved, was that it not ended after they fall in love, instead you have the boyfriend and girlfriend experience as well. Really loved the story and I will re read it again.

[Wendie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Row-mantically Challenged was a quick, fun read about difficult subjects - loss, abandonment, PTSD, and life decisions. Kristen B. Cole always does a great job of writing strong, flawed female characters who are able to surmount their challenges. I always enjoy her male characters who are supportive of the females and quite memorable.

Kristen B. Cole invited me to read her new novel as an ARC reader, and I'm happy I accepted. I do live her novels!

[Anshika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author for the ARC

Genuinely fun read, it felt like I was watching a new show with these hilarious characters. I liked that the initial enmity did not stretch on for too long and that the MMC took accountability for his behaviour. I would say that the book can be shortened a bit - felt too lengthy overall.

[Sherry Strohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author really knows how to capture your attention right from the start. Her characters are very interesting and real. The only complaint I have is the attempt at spelling dialogue from the Australian character in a way that tried to imitate the accent. It was distracting. Other than that, I absolutely loved this book and plan on reading any future books by this author!

[Ally Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a unique story! The banter had me laughing out loud at times, I truly enjoyed Myles’ personality! I am envious of the way she lives her truth and is true to herself with no shame.
Loved this book!!

[Catherine Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC did my unbiased review. I loved Kristen's first book The Scientist! This was good but I wasn't a fan of the rafting aspect (fear of drowning) but the overall story was good. The found family was perfection!

[Lindsay Boutte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure perfection!! I’m not sure how, but Kristen outdid herself with this one! I LOVED it!! I couldn’t put it down and frequently caught my self laughing out loud. A incredible blend of wit and genuine emotion! This is definitely one to read over and over again!!