What do you think?
Rate this book
When in West Virginia #1
Alone Together
Max and Hannah have each made themselves a promise.
He’s finally going to ask a woman out for the first time in nearly ten years. And since he can’t stop thinking about the beautiful woman who teaches water aerobics at his gym, she seems like a great place to start.
Little does Max know Hannah has made a promise to swear off men for the foreseeable future.
When circumstances beyond their control force them to quarantine together, Hannah decides being friends with the sexy guy next door is totally fine--because friendship doesn’t end in heartbreak.
Plus, did she mention how dreamy he is? Just because she’s not in the market doesn’t mean she can’t window shop, right? And spending a little of her time with Max every day isn’t as costly as giving him her heart.
Besides, she’s bored. And lonely.
But as Hannah gets to know her neighbor and his kind, caring heart, she begins to feel a yearning in hers. Is the promise she made keeping her from getting hurt again…or is she hurting herself anyway because she won’t allow herself to be happy?
Will sweet surprises, meddling friends, and a man who is as kind as he is attractive finally convince Hannah that maybe it’s better to be alone together?
A sweet, feel-good romantic comedy, Alone Together has slow-burn chemistry, mild language, and plenty of steam.
He’s finally going to ask a woman out for the first time in nearly ten years. And since he can’t stop thinking about the beautiful woman who teaches water aerobics at his gym, she seems like a great place to start.
Little does Max know Hannah has made a promise to swear off men for the foreseeable future.
When circumstances beyond their control force them to quarantine together, Hannah decides being friends with the sexy guy next door is totally fine--because friendship doesn’t end in heartbreak.
Plus, did she mention how dreamy he is? Just because she’s not in the market doesn’t mean she can’t window shop, right? And spending a little of her time with Max every day isn’t as costly as giving him her heart.
Besides, she’s bored. And lonely.
But as Hannah gets to know her neighbor and his kind, caring heart, she begins to feel a yearning in hers. Is the promise she made keeping her from getting hurt again…or is she hurting herself anyway because she won’t allow herself to be happy?
Will sweet surprises, meddling friends, and a man who is as kind as he is attractive finally convince Hannah that maybe it’s better to be alone together?
A sweet, feel-good romantic comedy, Alone Together has slow-burn chemistry, mild language, and plenty of steam.
270 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2022
79 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Jesionowski
7 books76 followersLindsey Jesionowski is a wife and mom who does most of her writing in her car in the school pickup lot. She’s a native of West Virginia, a lover of coffee, and a fan of books with happy ever afters—so she decided to write one.
Lindsey’s books are full of heart and humor with plenty of sizzle and no explicit content. Just lots of smiles.
Lindsey’s books are full of heart and humor with plenty of sizzle and no explicit content. Just lots of smiles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
April 7, 2024
Can I rate my own book? I mean, I do love it.
In all seriousness, I hope you enjoy reading about Max and Hannah. It was fun to take their story and spin it into a tale of hope (with several laughs along the way).
In all seriousness, I hope you enjoy reading about Max and Hannah. It was fun to take their story and spin it into a tale of hope (with several laughs along the way).
January 13, 2023
Харесвам хора, които намират положителното дори в най - трудната ситуация или събитие. А когато тези хора са писатели, то те действат вдъхновяващо за читателите си.
В Alone Together на Lindsay Jesionowski нещата се въртят около онази смазваща ентусиазма ситуация с Корона вируса в целия свят. Но младостта и креативноста превръщат карантината в работа у дома. Силата на социалните медии и интернет могат да се използват за връзка с всеки, чийто живот е поставен под доброзорно запрещение. Благотворителни събития, тренировки, концерти, презентации се състояха онлайн, за да докажат, че Земята продължава да се върти и хората ще продължат да държат съществуването си в свои ръце. Загрижеността за собственото здраве и здравето на останалите е приоритет, но светът е оцелявал и при по - страшни катаклизми.
А докато всеки се опитва да не лудне в затвореното пространство на собствения си дом и едновременно с това да развива уменията и професията си на ново ниво, се случват и добри неща. Като срещата между съседи. Разговори през балконите, споделяне на храна, оставена до вратата, слушане на музика от китара през тънките като хартия стени на апартаментите... Откриването на деликатна душа със сходни интереси и нежно сърце е истинска изненада. Макс и Хана стоят надалеч от сърдечна връзка всеки по своя собствена причина.Но някои връзки грабят от доверчивостта на влюбеността, докато от нея остане несигурност и самосъжаление. Хората, които обичаме в един момент си тръгват от нас - по желание или по нещастно стечение на обстоятелствата. Затова и Макс и Хана са решили да се движат през дните сами. Но когато се срещат и бавно и предпазливо откриват у другия всичко, което направи живота им пълен и ярък, предишния страх ги кара да пазят самодостатъчността си упорито. И да се опитат да бъдат с другия, но да останат сами. Само че подобен експеримент не оцелява дълго. И не носи нищо удовлетворяващо за никого.
В любовта може да се носим върху най - леките и розови облаци от уверения и жестове. Но понякога настроенията на едната половинка се променят, появяват се обстоятелства и възможнсти, които не са за изпускане или на хоризонта застават нови хора - по - атрактивни, по - привличащи.... И тогава обещанията за приятелство, любов, страст и доверие се изместват , забравят , потулват... Поне Хана усеща наближаващата катастрофа предварително. Защото мнозина нямат този шанс ,докато случващото се не ги връхлети със скоростта на товарен влак.
Добра тема. Но стилът ми попречи да повярвам на емоциите на героите. Стори ми се прекалено сладко, като в приказка.
В Alone Together на Lindsay Jesionowski нещата се въртят около онази смазваща ентусиазма ситуация с Корона вируса в целия свят. Но младостта и креативноста превръщат карантината в работа у дома. Силата на социалните медии и интернет могат да се използват за връзка с всеки, чийто живот е поставен под доброзорно запрещение. Благотворителни събития, тренировки, концерти, презентации се състояха онлайн, за да докажат, че Земята продължава да се върти и хората ще продължат да държат съществуването си в свои ръце. Загрижеността за собственото здраве и здравето на останалите е приоритет, но светът е оцелявал и при по - страшни катаклизми.
А докато всеки се опитва да не лудне в затвореното пространство на собствения си дом и едновременно с това да развива уменията и професията си на ново ниво, се случват и добри неща. Като срещата между съседи. Разговори през балконите, споделяне на храна, оставена до вратата, слушане на музика от китара през тънките като хартия стени на апартаментите... Откриването на деликатна душа със сходни интереси и нежно сърце е истинска изненада. Макс и Хана стоят надалеч от сърдечна връзка всеки по своя собствена причина.Но някои връзки грабят от доверчивостта на влюбеността, докато от нея остане несигурност и самосъжаление. Хората, които обичаме в един момент си тръгват от нас - по желание или по нещастно стечение на обстоятелствата. Затова и Макс и Хана са решили да се движат през дните сами. Но когато се срещат и бавно и предпазливо откриват у другия всичко, което направи живота им пълен и ярък, предишния страх ги кара да пазят самодостатъчността си упорито. И да се опитат да бъдат с другия, но да останат сами. Само че подобен експеримент не оцелява дълго. И не носи нищо удовлетворяващо за никого.
В любовта може да се носим върху най - леките и розови облаци от уверения и жестове. Но понякога настроенията на едната половинка се променят, появяват се обстоятелства и възможнсти, които не са за изпускане или на хоризонта застават нови хора - по - атрактивни, по - привличащи.... И тогава обещанията за приятелство, любов, страст и доверие се изместват , забравят , потулват... Поне Хана усеща наближаващата катастрофа предварително. Защото мнозина нямат този шанс ,докато случващото се не ги връхлети със скоростта на товарен влак.
Добра тема. Но стилът ми попречи да повярвам на емоциите на героите. Стори ми се прекалено сладко, като в приказка.
January 7, 2026
Alone Together by Lindsey Jesionowski is a sweet, heartwarming contemporary romantic comedy about Hannah Jenkins, a fitness instructor newly navigating life after a tough breakup, and Max Robertson, a thoughtful, kind man still healing from the loss of his longtime girlfriend, whose slow-burn connection evolves into something tender and meaningful when they discover they are neighbors just as the world shuts down for the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine brings them closer in unexpected ways. Their story is about finding comfort, trust, and love when life feels uncertain.
From the very first moments I learned about Hannah and Max, I felt pulled into their quiet resilience, the kind that doesn’t shout but gently unfolds in everyday kindness and shared laughter. Hannah, still scarred by her last relationship and managing her anxiety with grace, was real and relatable to me, and Max’s sweet, careful attempts to connect, awkward, hopeful, and full of heart made me root for him fiercely.
The pandemic setting isn’t heavy or overwhelming, it simply gives them space to become friends and slowly let their walls down while they share meals, favorite shows, and genuine compassion for each other’s past hurts, a kind of closeness that felt both comforting and thrilling. I especially loved how their connection didn’t rush but grew through small, honest moments: shared jokes, balcony conversations, and the way they learned to support each other without losing themselves.
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
This novel gave me that cozy, fluttery feeling you hope for in a rom-com and also made me reflect on healing, hope, and the joy of finding someone who sees you even on your most vulnerable days. Hannah and Max stayed with me long after the final page, and the way they found love in a time of isolation felt deeply satisfying and tenderly human.
From the very first moments I learned about Hannah and Max, I felt pulled into their quiet resilience, the kind that doesn’t shout but gently unfolds in everyday kindness and shared laughter. Hannah, still scarred by her last relationship and managing her anxiety with grace, was real and relatable to me, and Max’s sweet, careful attempts to connect, awkward, hopeful, and full of heart made me root for him fiercely.
The pandemic setting isn’t heavy or overwhelming, it simply gives them space to become friends and slowly let their walls down while they share meals, favorite shows, and genuine compassion for each other’s past hurts, a kind of closeness that felt both comforting and thrilling. I especially loved how their connection didn’t rush but grew through small, honest moments: shared jokes, balcony conversations, and the way they learned to support each other without losing themselves.
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
This novel gave me that cozy, fluttery feeling you hope for in a rom-com and also made me reflect on healing, hope, and the joy of finding someone who sees you even on your most vulnerable days. Hannah and Max stayed with me long after the final page, and the way they found love in a time of isolation felt deeply satisfying and tenderly human.
April 5, 2022
Max and Hannah meet while he is doing laps during her water aerobics class, and Max is smitten as soon as he lays eyes on her.
Hannah is equally enamored with Max, and soon the pair discover that they are neighbors in the same apartment complex.
When COVID lockdowns go into effect, Hannah and Max decide to be alone together. They quarantine for two weeks, and soon the pair are inseparable. Sharing meals and watching old sitcoms together. Max and his niece Quinn help Hannah with her virtual exercise classes, Hannah and Quinn bond over mask making and homemade Chex mix.
The chemistry between Max and Hannah is sizzling. Lindsey brings the heat in this closed door romance!!
COVID brings them together, but is not used as a major plot point. Her handling of it is very well done.
Max is dealing with grief following the (off page) death of his girlfriend and Hannah deals with anxiety. Lindsey very deftly portrays Hannah’s anxiety and the way that Max walks beside her through it.
Max and Hannah’s love story is so comforting. So beautiful. It’s a story of healing. Of community. Of beauty in the broken places.
““If you don’t want to talk about why you were crying, that’s okay. But if you need a hand to hold, an ear to listen, or just a big guy to lean on while you watch your favorite show, I can be whatever you need, Hannah. Just, please”—his eyes rounded as he looked at her—“let me be whatever you need.”
⭐️5/5
🔥2/5 (closed door)
👕10/10 for tee shirt puns
[CW/TW: on page anxiety attacks, discussion of odd page parental death, discussion of off page death cause by drunk driver, discussion of grief]
Hannah is equally enamored with Max, and soon the pair discover that they are neighbors in the same apartment complex.
When COVID lockdowns go into effect, Hannah and Max decide to be alone together. They quarantine for two weeks, and soon the pair are inseparable. Sharing meals and watching old sitcoms together. Max and his niece Quinn help Hannah with her virtual exercise classes, Hannah and Quinn bond over mask making and homemade Chex mix.
The chemistry between Max and Hannah is sizzling. Lindsey brings the heat in this closed door romance!!
COVID brings them together, but is not used as a major plot point. Her handling of it is very well done.
Max is dealing with grief following the (off page) death of his girlfriend and Hannah deals with anxiety. Lindsey very deftly portrays Hannah’s anxiety and the way that Max walks beside her through it.
Max and Hannah’s love story is so comforting. So beautiful. It’s a story of healing. Of community. Of beauty in the broken places.
““If you don’t want to talk about why you were crying, that’s okay. But if you need a hand to hold, an ear to listen, or just a big guy to lean on while you watch your favorite show, I can be whatever you need, Hannah. Just, please”—his eyes rounded as he looked at her—“let me be whatever you need.”
⭐️5/5
🔥2/5 (closed door)
👕10/10 for tee shirt puns
[CW/TW: on page anxiety attacks, discussion of odd page parental death, discussion of off page death cause by drunk driver, discussion of grief]
April 9, 2022
Web designer Max Robertson has had a tough time since his longtime girlfriend, Courtney, passed away on his birthday three years ago. This year, he resolves to start getting back out there and spending time with friends, but he's sure love isn't in the cards for him. He's therefore surprised to feel a spark of interest when he sees Hannah Jenkins for the first time. Hannah, a fitness instructor and social media director for the gym where Max's best friend Johnny works, went through a bad breakup shortly before her recent move to West Virginia. She's been focusing on herself instead of dating ever since, but can't help being drawn to Max too. Just as Max finally gets up the courage to ask Hannah out, the country goes into lockdown at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and he figures he's lost his chance with her. That is, until he ventures out onto the balcony of his new apartment and realizes that she's his next-door neighbor. Maybe all isn't lost after all...
Max and Hannah were incredibly likeable, relatable protagonists and I loved rooting for them both individually and as a couple. It was adorable how nervous and awkward they both were in their first few interactions! The pacing of their relationship development was absolutely perfect. Given the circumstances of being stuck together in lockdown, they easily could have rushed into something they weren't ready for, but instead, they took their time, got to know each other and became friends first. That's not to say that everything went smoothly for them from the start; they each had more than their fair share of emotional baggage to sort through in order to make the relationship work. I particularly empathized with Hannah's struggles with anxiety and admired her determination to overcome them.
The book's secondary characters were a ton of fun and added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I especially enjoyed Max's funny, sweet niece Quinn, who seemed mature for her age but still brought some silliness when needed. I also enjoyed Hannah's best friend Angie and Max's best friend Johnny. I can't wait for their story in the next book! Johnny was kind of a goofball, but he was a really good friend to Max, and I think he and Angie will be a whole lot of fun together.
Overall, I loved this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story and highly recommend it for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was a fantastic debut for author Lindsey Jesionowski and I look forward to more from her and this series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Max and Hannah were incredibly likeable, relatable protagonists and I loved rooting for them both individually and as a couple. It was adorable how nervous and awkward they both were in their first few interactions! The pacing of their relationship development was absolutely perfect. Given the circumstances of being stuck together in lockdown, they easily could have rushed into something they weren't ready for, but instead, they took their time, got to know each other and became friends first. That's not to say that everything went smoothly for them from the start; they each had more than their fair share of emotional baggage to sort through in order to make the relationship work. I particularly empathized with Hannah's struggles with anxiety and admired her determination to overcome them.
The book's secondary characters were a ton of fun and added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I especially enjoyed Max's funny, sweet niece Quinn, who seemed mature for her age but still brought some silliness when needed. I also enjoyed Hannah's best friend Angie and Max's best friend Johnny. I can't wait for their story in the next book! Johnny was kind of a goofball, but he was a really good friend to Max, and I think he and Angie will be a whole lot of fun together.
Overall, I loved this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story and highly recommend it for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was a fantastic debut for author Lindsey Jesionowski and I look forward to more from her and this series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 15, 2022
I was immediately interested in this book when I found out it was set in West Virginia. I feel like there aren’t many books that are based in WV, so it always makes me so happy when I find one! Especially when the author is a WV native, too!
There’s something special about WV, and Lindsey Jesionowski did an amazing job at bottling up that special feeling in Alone Together. I’m not super familiar with Wheeling since I’ve only been there twice, but there were many WV references that I knew right away, and that was fun. I never thought that reading about characters mentioning WVU would make me smile, yet it did! I guess it’s because WVU is plastered all over everything around here 😅
Hannah and Max…where do I even start! They were brilliant, and I loved watching their personal growth and romance blossom.
Oh, and Johnny and Max are literally friendship goals!! They can act completely stupid with each other, yet still have deep, heartfelt-bring-you-to-tears conversations, and that is the best type of friendship if you ask me.
This book kept me up way too late, but I don’t care—it was totally worth it! And when I say this book was hilarious I mean it. I was curled up under my covers at 2 am with my hand clapped over my mouth trying to choke back a laugh so I wouldn’t wake anyone up! 😂
This book will definitely be a reread, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
There’s something special about WV, and Lindsey Jesionowski did an amazing job at bottling up that special feeling in Alone Together. I’m not super familiar with Wheeling since I’ve only been there twice, but there were many WV references that I knew right away, and that was fun. I never thought that reading about characters mentioning WVU would make me smile, yet it did! I guess it’s because WVU is plastered all over everything around here 😅
Hannah and Max…where do I even start! They were brilliant, and I loved watching their personal growth and romance blossom.
Oh, and Johnny and Max are literally friendship goals!! They can act completely stupid with each other, yet still have deep, heartfelt-bring-you-to-tears conversations, and that is the best type of friendship if you ask me.
This book kept me up way too late, but I don’t care—it was totally worth it! And when I say this book was hilarious I mean it. I was curled up under my covers at 2 am with my hand clapped over my mouth trying to choke back a laugh so I wouldn’t wake anyone up! 😂
This book will definitely be a reread, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
June 3, 2022
Alone Together is a unique spin on the classic forced proximity trope. Neighbors Max and Hannah meet just before the world shuts down due to the global pandemic. The isolation created by quarantine not only leads to a sweet new friendship between the two neighbors, but also forces them both to finally process trauma from their pasts.
I heard of this book on Bookstagram months ago and immediately put it on my calendar! I was honored to receive an ARC from the author, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. In so many ways I can relate to Max and Hannah and I know I am not alone in that. For many, the isolation caused by the pandemic provided the space and opportunity to face hard topics that the busyness of life previously allowed us to ignore. Lindsey Jesionowski coupled hard topics with humor to create a thoroughly enjoyable story.
I definitely developed a little crush on Max and would love to give him a big hug! However, I have a feeling that his best friend, Johnny, might end up being my next book boyfriend. I have my fingers crossed for a sequel with Johnny and Angie! 😍
I heard of this book on Bookstagram months ago and immediately put it on my calendar! I was honored to receive an ARC from the author, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. In so many ways I can relate to Max and Hannah and I know I am not alone in that. For many, the isolation caused by the pandemic provided the space and opportunity to face hard topics that the busyness of life previously allowed us to ignore. Lindsey Jesionowski coupled hard topics with humor to create a thoroughly enjoyable story.
I definitely developed a little crush on Max and would love to give him a big hug! However, I have a feeling that his best friend, Johnny, might end up being my next book boyfriend. I have my fingers crossed for a sequel with Johnny and Angie! 😍
January 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: contemporary romance
Content: mild language, mentions of sex, loss of loved ones to drunk driving (in the past), set during the COVID pandemic
I’ve never read a story set during the pandemic before so this was unique! I was always so grateful I was already married by the time it happened because dating would’ve been hard with all the restrictions! This was cute. Both Max and Hannah had suffered major losses in their lives in the recent past. Each was hesitant to move forward in love but there was a definite pull between the two of them. I loved the forced proximity being neighbors in the midst of a pandemic and hungry for human interaction. Also the water aerobics ladies were funny 😄 I’m looking forward to reading Shut Up and Dance!
I will say it needed a copy edit. The typos were driving me crazy 😳
Quotes That Stuck Out:
💡 Sure, the cracks would always be there, but light was shining through them. She felt like herself. It had been a long time since that was the case.
🧩Like a stained-glass window, she was comprised of many pieces that, when separate, didn't show a complete picture. But when the pieces were bound together, they were not only stronger, but they told a story through beauty and light.
😍 "I want to snuggle with you on the couch and watch sitcoms, but I also want to hold you when life gets too rough. I want to be the one you run to when you get good news, but I also want to be the one who scoops you up when you find it hard to stand on your own. And I want to help you get stronger even though you're already so much stronger than I'll ever be." He moved closer, taking both of her hands in his. The warmth of his breath on her face both soothed and riled her. "I don't want easy, Hannah. I want you."
❤️ "Because that's what love is, Max. It's beautiful, unselfish, and wonderful. But it's also painful, difficult, and oftentimes inconvenient. But we do it anyway. We take the chance we were afraid of taking. We make the leap that causes our stomachs to drop to our ankles. We give our hearts to a person who has the capacity to destroy us because we realize we're not living if we do the opposite.
We love, despite all the obstacles, because love is why we live, son.”
Genre: contemporary romance
Content: mild language, mentions of sex, loss of loved ones to drunk driving (in the past), set during the COVID pandemic
I’ve never read a story set during the pandemic before so this was unique! I was always so grateful I was already married by the time it happened because dating would’ve been hard with all the restrictions! This was cute. Both Max and Hannah had suffered major losses in their lives in the recent past. Each was hesitant to move forward in love but there was a definite pull between the two of them. I loved the forced proximity being neighbors in the midst of a pandemic and hungry for human interaction. Also the water aerobics ladies were funny 😄 I’m looking forward to reading Shut Up and Dance!
I will say it needed a copy edit. The typos were driving me crazy 😳
Quotes That Stuck Out:
💡 Sure, the cracks would always be there, but light was shining through them. She felt like herself. It had been a long time since that was the case.
🧩Like a stained-glass window, she was comprised of many pieces that, when separate, didn't show a complete picture. But when the pieces were bound together, they were not only stronger, but they told a story through beauty and light.
😍 "I want to snuggle with you on the couch and watch sitcoms, but I also want to hold you when life gets too rough. I want to be the one you run to when you get good news, but I also want to be the one who scoops you up when you find it hard to stand on your own. And I want to help you get stronger even though you're already so much stronger than I'll ever be." He moved closer, taking both of her hands in his. The warmth of his breath on her face both soothed and riled her. "I don't want easy, Hannah. I want you."
❤️ "Because that's what love is, Max. It's beautiful, unselfish, and wonderful. But it's also painful, difficult, and oftentimes inconvenient. But we do it anyway. We take the chance we were afraid of taking. We make the leap that causes our stomachs to drop to our ankles. We give our hearts to a person who has the capacity to destroy us because we realize we're not living if we do the opposite.
We love, despite all the obstacles, because love is why we live, son.”
April 7, 2022
Sparks fly between Max and Hannah from their very first meeting at the gym where she works, but when the Covid-19 pandemic hits and everyone goes into lockdown, they both think they missed their chance with each other. Imagine their surprise when they realize that the new apartment Hannah just moved into is right next door to Max.
This is the first book I’ve read that takes place during Spring/Summer 2020 and follows the events of the Coronavirus pandemic/lockdown/quarantine. I was a little nervous going in about reliving that scary time, but I ended up really enjoying it. It was really nice to read a book that acknowledged the craziness and stress of that time but that was full of so much light and laughter and all the good, happy, romance-y things.
Max and Hannah were super cute together. Their dynamic was tentative and awkward and adorable in the beginning, and I loved watching them grow closer and more comfortable together and flirtier. And as a milkshake-loving girl myself, I LOVED that for Hannah!
If you like:
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ A Cute Niece
✨ Anxiety Rep
✨ Chex Mix
✨ Workout Classes
✨ Swoony Kisses
✨ Clean Romance
✨ West Virginia Settings
and more, definitely check out Alone Together, available NOW!!
This is the first book I’ve read that takes place during Spring/Summer 2020 and follows the events of the Coronavirus pandemic/lockdown/quarantine. I was a little nervous going in about reliving that scary time, but I ended up really enjoying it. It was really nice to read a book that acknowledged the craziness and stress of that time but that was full of so much light and laughter and all the good, happy, romance-y things.
Max and Hannah were super cute together. Their dynamic was tentative and awkward and adorable in the beginning, and I loved watching them grow closer and more comfortable together and flirtier. And as a milkshake-loving girl myself, I LOVED that for Hannah!
If you like:
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ A Cute Niece
✨ Anxiety Rep
✨ Chex Mix
✨ Workout Classes
✨ Swoony Kisses
✨ Clean Romance
✨ West Virginia Settings
and more, definitely check out Alone Together, available NOW!!
July 7, 2023
Being set throughout the start/height of the pandemic in 2020 I was unsure of how I’d feel about this rom com, but went into it with an open mind & it exceeded all of my expectations! It was a very relatable read, with it taking place during the pandemic there were a lot of nuances that I feel like most people will remember vividly about that timeframe — from people frantically crafting masks to monotonous Zoom meetings & online classes. Jesionowski provided relevant details about pandemic life but it wasn’t what the book was all about. It felt surprisingly good to read about something I actually lived through too, even if it wasn’t the main focus of the book.
It’s always special to stumble upon a gem of an author you’ve never read before, but it’s even more special when the first book of theirs that you read is their debut! It’s hard to believe that Alone Together is Lindsey Jesionowski’s first novel.
The main characters, Hannah & Max, are truly a precious pair that deserve all of the happiness. Their connection was instant, but their relationship was a slow burn that made me giddy & all smiley at my Kindle screen!
Love, love, loved this book & I look forward to reading more from Lindsey!
It’s always special to stumble upon a gem of an author you’ve never read before, but it’s even more special when the first book of theirs that you read is their debut! It’s hard to believe that Alone Together is Lindsey Jesionowski’s first novel.
The main characters, Hannah & Max, are truly a precious pair that deserve all of the happiness. Their connection was instant, but their relationship was a slow burn that made me giddy & all smiley at my Kindle screen!
Love, love, loved this book & I look forward to reading more from Lindsey!
February 21, 2024
Emotionally deep and moving
This is my first quarantine book and I think the author should write more!
It was an amazing book full of emotional highs and lows I think we all could relate to during the pandemic. Not to mention the struggles Maz and Hannah had previously gone through before they met.
I loved Hannah and her representation of a woman who has anxiety. Fantastic example of someone learning to improve their mental health.
Both Hannah and Max have a lot of grief to deal with because of loss in their life. I also felt like this was well portrayed and was sensitive to the emotions of their situations.
Hannah and Max were so swoony and I loved the healing they went through as they fell in love. So romantic.
👄Descriptive Makeouts and some innuendo
⚠️Loss of significant other as well as loss of parents. Anxiety representation
🤬Less than 10 swear/crude words
This is my first quarantine book and I think the author should write more!
It was an amazing book full of emotional highs and lows I think we all could relate to during the pandemic. Not to mention the struggles Maz and Hannah had previously gone through before they met.
I loved Hannah and her representation of a woman who has anxiety. Fantastic example of someone learning to improve their mental health.
Both Hannah and Max have a lot of grief to deal with because of loss in their life. I also felt like this was well portrayed and was sensitive to the emotions of their situations.
Hannah and Max were so swoony and I loved the healing they went through as they fell in love. So romantic.
👄Descriptive Makeouts and some innuendo
⚠️Loss of significant other as well as loss of parents. Anxiety representation
🤬Less than 10 swear/crude words
August 9, 2022
This book grabbed my attention and I was invested right from the beginning. Hannah and Max are both dealing with some heavy issues, and it's refreshing to see an author that doesn't just gloss over the issues and have them put on the back burner just because someone falls in love.
Now, just because there are some heavy issues that Lindsey writes about doesn't mean there aren't some good laughs all throughout the book. I chuckled so much, especially when Max was called Maximus as a joke because that's my dog's name. 🐶
Overall, Alone Together is a super cute #romanceread and reading it made me even more excited for the next book, Mishaps and Mistletoe, coming out in November!
Now, just because there are some heavy issues that Lindsey writes about doesn't mean there aren't some good laughs all throughout the book. I chuckled so much, especially when Max was called Maximus as a joke because that's my dog's name. 🐶
Overall, Alone Together is a super cute #romanceread and reading it made me even more excited for the next book, Mishaps and Mistletoe, coming out in November!
March 10, 2022
This was a cute, pandemic love story. It was really unique to read something set amid the reality we’ve all been living the past two year rather than something completely fictional. It doesn’t go into major detail regarding the pandemic and the reason the characters are quarantining, but it’s implied that readers understand.The story was well written and I really liked the characters, but there were a few times where I felt like I was missing something or that things didn’t completely add up. The story was sweet, I love seeing characters who’ve had a difficult go of it get a HEA. It was a little too insta-love for my taste, but the later 2/3 of the story was definitely more believable and relatable.
I was given an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
I was given an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
March 30, 2022
Alone Together was such a cute story. Mad and Hannah made the best out of the pandemic and it was even better that they were neighbors. They were both hurting from their past and were able to help eachother heal. Hannah's at home workouts sounded awesome. I wish I could have joined in. 😉
I received an early copy in exchange for a review.
I received an early copy in exchange for a review.
April 5, 2022
I love how Lindsey wrote the pandemic into this story! You knew it was during Covid but it was done in a way that wasn't stressful to read about. I also loved that both Hannah and Max have their own struggles that add to what would otherwise be smooth sailing love at first sight. Max is a cinnamon roll hero and Hannah is a kind soul too. They make a great couple! This book has some great side characters. It also represents themes of anxiety, loss, grief, and healing. All of which I love seeing in literature. I did honestly struggled to get into the story at the beginning. This is told in 3rd person POV alternating focus which is just not my personal preference. But by the half way mark I was won over by the characters and their goodness. They really deserved the happiness of being together! I also think as Lindsey continues to write she'll easily become a 5 star author for me. So I'm looking forward to her future books and growth as a writer.
Language- there is mild swearing
Heat- lots of kissing, also some reference to arousal. There is a scene where it is implied that Max gets hard. There is also a part where you know Hannah use to hear her neighbor's love making through her thin walls. There is no implied or on page sex. It is closed doored, kissing only between the main characters.
**I enjoyed this book and was glad to receive an eARC in exchanged for an honest review.
Language- there is mild swearing
Heat- lots of kissing, also some reference to arousal. There is a scene where it is implied that Max gets hard. There is also a part where you know Hannah use to hear her neighbor's love making through her thin walls. There is no implied or on page sex. It is closed doored, kissing only between the main characters.
**I enjoyed this book and was glad to receive an eARC in exchanged for an honest review.
January 10, 2023
I really liked this book. Hannah had been through a lot with her ex and she deserved someone that loved her completely. Max had also been through a lot and he was the sweetest guy, he expressed his love through actions and I loved that. They deserved each other and the fact that they both thought the other deserved better, makes their love even better
December 12, 2022
This book holds a very tender place in my heart. Hope in the midst of loss and struggle. Life goes on. Heartaches are only for a season. I will carry this story with me for a long time ❤️❤️❤️ thank you Lindsey
June 28, 2024
I picked up this book to fit a Goodreads prompt for taking place in WV and wow, am I so pleasantly surprised. I didn't realize it was a book about the start of covid, or I might have been swayed from reading it, but it turns out, I'm just swooning over Hannah and Max.. but by the end of the book, I felt like it was too cookie cutter for me.
Sweet, clean story, but I need steam.
Sweet, clean story, but I need steam.
August 15, 2022
👟Review👟
Alone Together by Lindsey Jesionowski
A super cute, friends-to-lovers, romantic comedy with a relatable twist!
Alone Together is the story of Max & Hannah. Max is a homegrown boy who has been stifled by his past and the loss of his girlfriend. Hannah has just moved to town after a break up that truly wrecked her psyche. Max is hesitantly ready to move on but, Hannah has decided to put on the relationship breaks. Hannah and Max meet at the gym, Max rehabbing an ankle and Hannah teaching the “Flirty over Fifty Crew”. After a meet-cute involving a whole lot of pool noodles & a superhero save from Max, Hannah & Max begin to reconsider their position on relationships. But, before they can make it happen the world shuts down, forcing these two unwitting neighbors to become fast friends…and more.
Max & Hannah’s relationship is filled with witty banter, knowingly cheesy flirtation, & adorable thoughtfulness!After being out of the game, Max’s flirt skills are authentically dorky. He is the ultimate cinnamon roll hero which compliments Hannah’s needs perfectly. Dealing with anxiety & being deemed “too much” by her ex, Max shows up throughout the story, showing Hannah what being cared about truly means. For her part, Hannah brings the fun, sunshine, & joy back to Max’s life. Positive energy, zest for life, & desire for connection are the hallmark of her personality, drawing Max out of his shell!
Although Alone Together is set during the pandemic, DO NOT let it deter you from reading this absolutely adorable story! Brief mentions of struggles we went through like working from home, virtual “friend dates” & toilet paper shortage only make this story relatable, not stressful. And it definitely, doesn’t overshadow Hannah & Max’s story, it’s just forced proximity at its finest!
Alone Together is a MUST read if you like:
✨Forced Proximity
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Small Town Romance
✨Meddling Friends & Family
✨Closed Door Romance
✨Hot Chemistry and Swoon Factor!
✨Funny Puns and 90s references
✨Disability Rep
TW: Sexual innuendo, mild adult language, genuine anxiety/panic attack rep
Alone Together by Lindsey Jesionowski
A super cute, friends-to-lovers, romantic comedy with a relatable twist!
Alone Together is the story of Max & Hannah. Max is a homegrown boy who has been stifled by his past and the loss of his girlfriend. Hannah has just moved to town after a break up that truly wrecked her psyche. Max is hesitantly ready to move on but, Hannah has decided to put on the relationship breaks. Hannah and Max meet at the gym, Max rehabbing an ankle and Hannah teaching the “Flirty over Fifty Crew”. After a meet-cute involving a whole lot of pool noodles & a superhero save from Max, Hannah & Max begin to reconsider their position on relationships. But, before they can make it happen the world shuts down, forcing these two unwitting neighbors to become fast friends…and more.
Max & Hannah’s relationship is filled with witty banter, knowingly cheesy flirtation, & adorable thoughtfulness!After being out of the game, Max’s flirt skills are authentically dorky. He is the ultimate cinnamon roll hero which compliments Hannah’s needs perfectly. Dealing with anxiety & being deemed “too much” by her ex, Max shows up throughout the story, showing Hannah what being cared about truly means. For her part, Hannah brings the fun, sunshine, & joy back to Max’s life. Positive energy, zest for life, & desire for connection are the hallmark of her personality, drawing Max out of his shell!
Although Alone Together is set during the pandemic, DO NOT let it deter you from reading this absolutely adorable story! Brief mentions of struggles we went through like working from home, virtual “friend dates” & toilet paper shortage only make this story relatable, not stressful. And it definitely, doesn’t overshadow Hannah & Max’s story, it’s just forced proximity at its finest!
Alone Together is a MUST read if you like:
✨Forced Proximity
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Small Town Romance
✨Meddling Friends & Family
✨Closed Door Romance
✨Hot Chemistry and Swoon Factor!
✨Funny Puns and 90s references
✨Disability Rep
TW: Sexual innuendo, mild adult language, genuine anxiety/panic attack rep
September 21, 2022
I have very purposefully stayed away from all pandemic/lockdown/quarantine-related stories (fictional or otherwise), but I am so glad I gave this debut novel from Lindsey a chance because oh. my. goodness. Alone Together is so stinkin’ adorable.
Max is still recovering from a tragic event in his past. Hannah is finally starting to feel like herself after a bad break-up. Right after their meet-cute at the gym, the world goes into a pandemic-induced lockdown, so any chance of seeing each other again is now gone… until they realize that they are literal next door neighbors!
What I loved most about this story is that the progression of Max and Hannah’s relationship felt very real. The forced proximity via lockdown is cleverly done, and it is equal parts funny and heartfelt, dealing with really humorous situations, as well as issues like anxiety and grief.
If you enjoy Friends references, taco nights, punny t-shirts, and closed-door romances, then you should definitely check this one out!
Lindsey is already working on a novella and a second novel for other characters we meet in Alone Together, and I am so excited to read more from her!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Level: Adult
Content: Kisses, anxiety, grief after loss
Max is still recovering from a tragic event in his past. Hannah is finally starting to feel like herself after a bad break-up. Right after their meet-cute at the gym, the world goes into a pandemic-induced lockdown, so any chance of seeing each other again is now gone… until they realize that they are literal next door neighbors!
What I loved most about this story is that the progression of Max and Hannah’s relationship felt very real. The forced proximity via lockdown is cleverly done, and it is equal parts funny and heartfelt, dealing with really humorous situations, as well as issues like anxiety and grief.
If you enjoy Friends references, taco nights, punny t-shirts, and closed-door romances, then you should definitely check this one out!
Lindsey is already working on a novella and a second novel for other characters we meet in Alone Together, and I am so excited to read more from her!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Level: Adult
Content: Kisses, anxiety, grief after loss
June 14, 2022
Just a phrase: It was so good!!!
The story develops in a moment in time we all know very well 😷
I loved Max and Hannah and how, little by little, they were developing their personalities as well as their relationship.
Also, I really liked how Lindsey (the author) wrote about a sensitive topic such as anxiety.
The Flirty over fifty crew? Amazing. They were hilarious 😂
And the friends! Johnny and Angie are the best! When both appeared in the same scene I was like “I SHIP THEM!”
I also have to say, as a big fan of graphic t-shirts myself... I WISH I HAD HANNAH'S WARDROBE!
If you read it, you won't be disappointed, I promise! 🥰🥰🥰
The story develops in a moment in time we all know very well 😷
I loved Max and Hannah and how, little by little, they were developing their personalities as well as their relationship.
Also, I really liked how Lindsey (the author) wrote about a sensitive topic such as anxiety.
The Flirty over fifty crew? Amazing. They were hilarious 😂
And the friends! Johnny and Angie are the best! When both appeared in the same scene I was like “I SHIP THEM!”
I also have to say, as a big fan of graphic t-shirts myself... I WISH I HAD HANNAH'S WARDROBE!
If you read it, you won't be disappointed, I promise! 🥰🥰🥰
April 29, 2022
Fitness Instructor Hannah Jenkins recently went through a bad break up and has decided she needs a fresh start to focus on herself. This is how she winds up in small town Wheeling, West Virginia. She adores her job at the local gym and while you aren’t supposed to have favourites she may just look forward to her 4:30 pm water aerobics classes the most. The group of charismatic ladies who attend are a lot of fun despite their curiosity of her love life. Thankfully there isn’t much to tell so she has been able to keep them at bay … that is until one day Max Robertson shows up and catches her eye, which does not go unnoticed.
Max grew up in Wheeling, it is where he met his high school sweetheart and the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. That is until the accident. Max had closed himself off from love but enough time has passed and he has decided to put himself out there. While he isn’t sure anyone will ever measure up to what he has lost, she wouldn’t want him to be alone forever. So on his 30th birthday he finds himself taking his very first water aerobics class … or rather, at the recommendation of his best friend Johnny, he finds himself doing laps of the pool when the most beautiful woman is teaching such a class at the other end of the pool. It figures just as he works up the courage to ask her out the whole world screeches to a halt. Commence pandemic lockdown.
Hannah and Max are both such lovely characters. They’ve both been through traumatic relationships and struggle to not only move on but find love and trust again. However as it turns out they are neighbours as Max discovers when he walks out on the balcony of his new apartment and finds Hannah sitting on the balcony next door. Their relationship builds slowly with the pandemic requiring they stay 6ft apart. As restrictions lift it becomes obvious there is something between them to be explored. Their experiences have been very different but they fit together beautifully. I loved that they started out as friends and build their romance slowly. It would have been so easy to write this story as a forced proximity and have their relationship move much faster but Lindsey build a lovely foundation for their relationship to grow on. Max is such a sweet, loving and considerate person, the true definition of a cinnamon roll. Hannah is so much stronger than she thinks, it really warmed my heart to see how Max helped her work through her anxiety. And can we just acknowledge the origami *swoon*
The side characters really make this book. They add so much depth to the story, I especially loved the old ladies from the pool and the Colonel.
"We take the chances we were afraid of taking. We make the leap that causes our stomachs to drop to our ankles. We give our hearts to a person who has the capacity to destroy us because we realize we're not living if we do the opposite. We love, despite all the obstacles, because love is why we live, son." - The Colonel
Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Max grew up in Wheeling, it is where he met his high school sweetheart and the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. That is until the accident. Max had closed himself off from love but enough time has passed and he has decided to put himself out there. While he isn’t sure anyone will ever measure up to what he has lost, she wouldn’t want him to be alone forever. So on his 30th birthday he finds himself taking his very first water aerobics class … or rather, at the recommendation of his best friend Johnny, he finds himself doing laps of the pool when the most beautiful woman is teaching such a class at the other end of the pool. It figures just as he works up the courage to ask her out the whole world screeches to a halt. Commence pandemic lockdown.
Hannah and Max are both such lovely characters. They’ve both been through traumatic relationships and struggle to not only move on but find love and trust again. However as it turns out they are neighbours as Max discovers when he walks out on the balcony of his new apartment and finds Hannah sitting on the balcony next door. Their relationship builds slowly with the pandemic requiring they stay 6ft apart. As restrictions lift it becomes obvious there is something between them to be explored. Their experiences have been very different but they fit together beautifully. I loved that they started out as friends and build their romance slowly. It would have been so easy to write this story as a forced proximity and have their relationship move much faster but Lindsey build a lovely foundation for their relationship to grow on. Max is such a sweet, loving and considerate person, the true definition of a cinnamon roll. Hannah is so much stronger than she thinks, it really warmed my heart to see how Max helped her work through her anxiety. And can we just acknowledge the origami *swoon*
The side characters really make this book. They add so much depth to the story, I especially loved the old ladies from the pool and the Colonel.
"We take the chances we were afraid of taking. We make the leap that causes our stomachs to drop to our ankles. We give our hearts to a person who has the capacity to destroy us because we realize we're not living if we do the opposite. We love, despite all the obstacles, because love is why we live, son." - The Colonel
Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 14, 2022
A super cute, friends-to-lovers, romantic comedy with a relatable twist!
Alone Together is the story of Max & Hannah. Max is a homegrown boy who has been stifled by his past and the loss of his girlfriend. Hannah has just moved to town after a break up that truly wrecked her psyche. Max is hesitantly ready to move on but, Hannah has decided to put on the relationship breaks. Hannah and Max meet at the gym, Max rehabbing an ankle and Hannah teaching the “Flirty over Fifty Crew”. After a meet-cute involving a whole lot of pool noodles & a superhero save from Max, Hannah & Max begin to reconsider their position on relationships. But, before they can make it happen the world shuts down, forcing these two unwitting neighbors to become fast friends…and more.
Max & Hannah’s relationship is filled with witty banter, knowingly cheesy flirtation, & adorable thoughtfulness!After being out of the game, Max’s flirt skills are authentically dorky. He is the ultimate cinnamon roll hero which compliments Hannah’s needs perfectly. Dealing with anxiety & being deemed “too much” by her ex, Max shows up throughout the story, showing Hannah what being cared about truly means. For her part, Hannah brings the fun, sunshine, & joy back to Max’s life. Positive energy, zest for life, & desire for connection are the hallmark of her personality, drawing Max out of his shell!
Although Alone Together is set during the pandemic, DO NOT let it deter you from reading this absolutely adorable story! Brief mentions of struggles we went through like working from home, virtual “friend dates” & toilet paper shortage only make this story relatable, not stressful. And it definitely, doesn’t overshadow Hannah & Max’s story, it’s just forced proximity at its finest!
Alone Together is a MUST read if you like:
✨Forced Proximity
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Small Town Romance
✨Meddling Friends & Family
✨Closed Door Romance
✨Hot Chemistry and Swoon Factor!
✨Funny Puns and 90s references
✨Disability Rep
TW: Sexual innuendo, mild adult language, genuine anxiety/panic attack rep
Such a unique & sweet debut from @authorlindseyjesionowski
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alone Together is the story of Max & Hannah. Max is a homegrown boy who has been stifled by his past and the loss of his girlfriend. Hannah has just moved to town after a break up that truly wrecked her psyche. Max is hesitantly ready to move on but, Hannah has decided to put on the relationship breaks. Hannah and Max meet at the gym, Max rehabbing an ankle and Hannah teaching the “Flirty over Fifty Crew”. After a meet-cute involving a whole lot of pool noodles & a superhero save from Max, Hannah & Max begin to reconsider their position on relationships. But, before they can make it happen the world shuts down, forcing these two unwitting neighbors to become fast friends…and more.
Max & Hannah’s relationship is filled with witty banter, knowingly cheesy flirtation, & adorable thoughtfulness!After being out of the game, Max’s flirt skills are authentically dorky. He is the ultimate cinnamon roll hero which compliments Hannah’s needs perfectly. Dealing with anxiety & being deemed “too much” by her ex, Max shows up throughout the story, showing Hannah what being cared about truly means. For her part, Hannah brings the fun, sunshine, & joy back to Max’s life. Positive energy, zest for life, & desire for connection are the hallmark of her personality, drawing Max out of his shell!
Although Alone Together is set during the pandemic, DO NOT let it deter you from reading this absolutely adorable story! Brief mentions of struggles we went through like working from home, virtual “friend dates” & toilet paper shortage only make this story relatable, not stressful. And it definitely, doesn’t overshadow Hannah & Max’s story, it’s just forced proximity at its finest!
Alone Together is a MUST read if you like:
✨Forced Proximity
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Small Town Romance
✨Meddling Friends & Family
✨Closed Door Romance
✨Hot Chemistry and Swoon Factor!
✨Funny Puns and 90s references
✨Disability Rep
TW: Sexual innuendo, mild adult language, genuine anxiety/panic attack rep
Such a unique & sweet debut from @authorlindseyjesionowski
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 21, 2024
About a month ago, I read “Mishaps & Mistletoe,” knowing it was in the middle of a series, so now I’m coming back to the series with this one! Let me tell you, this book doesn’t disappoint either! Lindsey Jesionowski transports us to her hometown of Wheeling, WV in weeks leading up to the 2020 pandemic with anxiety prone FMC and a romantically cautious MMC! Both have had some tough things thrown at them in the past few years and only start to be potentially open minded to what their eyes can’t stop staring at when the world shuts down!
Hannah, a relatively recent arrival to town, is a fun-loving fitness instructor at the local community center, specifically water aerobics! She can’t help but notice a Hulk of a man walking laps for PT while she teaches her class, however with having recently gotten out of a bad relationship, the man will remain eye candy!
Max, currently healing from a broken ankle, PT rehabbing computer specialist sees the new instructor he can’t help but be captivated by her beauty! Problem for him is that he doesn’t know whether love is in the cards as he still thinks about his late fiancé! One day fate helps the pair out, when Max prevents Hannah from falling into the pool, they shyly flirt but then go their separate ways- a few weeks pass and then the shocking blow of the pandemic lockdown occurs!
Fate comes back and helps the pair discover that they are neighbors! That’s where the real story begins! They face the highs and lows together, while allowing them to move forward beyond their pasts into the future in a world full of uncertainty!
The book hit me hard with all the emotions from their pasts and their realities! It’s curious to think of how I would have survived that time if I didn’t have my husband and kids to see me through! I’m so grateful that this story was written, and I encourage anyone who wants to read something that is a little different from the everyday romcom to give this a shot! While this may not be for everyone, it was certainly a fantastic read for me! Can’t wait to read the last current book of the series, at least until the next one is released this summer!
Hannah, a relatively recent arrival to town, is a fun-loving fitness instructor at the local community center, specifically water aerobics! She can’t help but notice a Hulk of a man walking laps for PT while she teaches her class, however with having recently gotten out of a bad relationship, the man will remain eye candy!
Max, currently healing from a broken ankle, PT rehabbing computer specialist sees the new instructor he can’t help but be captivated by her beauty! Problem for him is that he doesn’t know whether love is in the cards as he still thinks about his late fiancé! One day fate helps the pair out, when Max prevents Hannah from falling into the pool, they shyly flirt but then go their separate ways- a few weeks pass and then the shocking blow of the pandemic lockdown occurs!
Fate comes back and helps the pair discover that they are neighbors! That’s where the real story begins! They face the highs and lows together, while allowing them to move forward beyond their pasts into the future in a world full of uncertainty!
The book hit me hard with all the emotions from their pasts and their realities! It’s curious to think of how I would have survived that time if I didn’t have my husband and kids to see me through! I’m so grateful that this story was written, and I encourage anyone who wants to read something that is a little different from the everyday romcom to give this a shot! While this may not be for everyone, it was certainly a fantastic read for me! Can’t wait to read the last current book of the series, at least until the next one is released this summer!
April 13, 2022
Alone Together is written by debut author Lindsey Jesionowski. Wow, what a sweet story written with humor, depth, & emotion.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
TBH, I was a little worried about how this story was going to be written. The book takes place in March 2020...& we all know what happened that month. Lindsey fully embraced the beginning of the pandemic in her book. 𝙃𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, she wrote about it SO well.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She touched on the beginning of the pandemic - how there was anxiety over the uncertainty, the stay-at-home order, & the whole toilet paper shortage. Honestly, it was kind of humorous to read about our initial reactions.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Hannah was so sweet during the whole book. She has faced a lot of loss in her life & over the years she's developed an anxiety disorder, one her emotionally abusive ex couldn't hand, which makes Hannah hesitant on putting herself back out in the dating pool. Until she meets Max.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
OMG, Max was 😍😍 Like Hannah, Max has unfortunately experiened loss & is avoiding the dating game. That is until he locks eyes on Hannah at the gym. He's going through physcial therapy after he broke his ankle & she's teaching water aerobics.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When the world shuts down, Max is disappointed he won't be able to see Hannah. Until he goes out on his balcony & discovers she's his next door neighbor.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There was just so much to love about this book. Max is understanding w/ Hannah's anxiety. She's patient with his healing. The book is one everyone should read.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨
💛Forced Proximity
💛Friends-to-Lovers
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
💛Binge-Watching FRIENDS
💛Punny T-Shirts
💛Origami Flower
💛Mental Health Rep
💛Swoony Hero
💛Clean & Closed Door Romance
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 4.5
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
TBH, I was a little worried about how this story was going to be written. The book takes place in March 2020...& we all know what happened that month. Lindsey fully embraced the beginning of the pandemic in her book. 𝙃𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, she wrote about it SO well.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
She touched on the beginning of the pandemic - how there was anxiety over the uncertainty, the stay-at-home order, & the whole toilet paper shortage. Honestly, it was kind of humorous to read about our initial reactions.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Hannah was so sweet during the whole book. She has faced a lot of loss in her life & over the years she's developed an anxiety disorder, one her emotionally abusive ex couldn't hand, which makes Hannah hesitant on putting herself back out in the dating pool. Until she meets Max.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
OMG, Max was 😍😍 Like Hannah, Max has unfortunately experiened loss & is avoiding the dating game. That is until he locks eyes on Hannah at the gym. He's going through physcial therapy after he broke his ankle & she's teaching water aerobics.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When the world shuts down, Max is disappointed he won't be able to see Hannah. Until he goes out on his balcony & discovers she's his next door neighbor.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There was just so much to love about this book. Max is understanding w/ Hannah's anxiety. She's patient with his healing. The book is one everyone should read.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨
💛Forced Proximity
💛Friends-to-Lovers
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
💛Binge-Watching FRIENDS
💛Punny T-Shirts
💛Origami Flower
💛Mental Health Rep
💛Swoony Hero
💛Clean & Closed Door Romance
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 4.5
June 3, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 4.5/5
This is the first book I’ve read that centers almost entirely around that oh so difficult time in our lives when the world shut down due to the Covid pandemic. Not exactly a time that most of us look back fondly on, but what if you were living out your mandatory quarantine only to find the guy you’ve had your eye on is your neighbor? You spot him out on his balcony one sunny afternoon when social distancing is at it’s peak. How incredible to find that there’s someone you “know” and can get to know better just a stone’s throw away!
Max and Hannah are “Alone Together” in this incredibly fun RomCom. What a perfect book title. Forced proximity with social distancing! I mean, how’s that for unique!? HaHa I loved the way that their circumstances really allowed for them to get to know each other on a deeper level. I enjoyed Hannah’s representation of anxiety and Max’s history that puts him in a place where it’s been nearly a decade since he’s asked a woman out.
Max’s 16-year-old niece is a sweet and fun side character as well as the senior ladies who Hannah teaches swim aerobics to at her gym. And then there’s of course Johnny who I first read and fell in love with in Lindsey’s book, Shut Up and Dance. He’s Max’s best friend and isn’t going to hesitate for even a second to try and nudge Max into a future with Hannah when he clearly sees a connection that’s meant to be.
I’m looking forward to picking up Mishaps and Mistletoe later this year to continue on in the series.
4.5 star clean rating for a few uses of the word d*mn, make outs and innuendos.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 4.5/5
This is the first book I’ve read that centers almost entirely around that oh so difficult time in our lives when the world shut down due to the Covid pandemic. Not exactly a time that most of us look back fondly on, but what if you were living out your mandatory quarantine only to find the guy you’ve had your eye on is your neighbor? You spot him out on his balcony one sunny afternoon when social distancing is at it’s peak. How incredible to find that there’s someone you “know” and can get to know better just a stone’s throw away!
Max and Hannah are “Alone Together” in this incredibly fun RomCom. What a perfect book title. Forced proximity with social distancing! I mean, how’s that for unique!? HaHa I loved the way that their circumstances really allowed for them to get to know each other on a deeper level. I enjoyed Hannah’s representation of anxiety and Max’s history that puts him in a place where it’s been nearly a decade since he’s asked a woman out.
Max’s 16-year-old niece is a sweet and fun side character as well as the senior ladies who Hannah teaches swim aerobics to at her gym. And then there’s of course Johnny who I first read and fell in love with in Lindsey’s book, Shut Up and Dance. He’s Max’s best friend and isn’t going to hesitate for even a second to try and nudge Max into a future with Hannah when he clearly sees a connection that’s meant to be.
I’m looking forward to picking up Mishaps and Mistletoe later this year to continue on in the series.
4.5 star clean rating for a few uses of the word d*mn, make outs and innuendos.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
April 6, 2022
Title: Alone Together
Author: Lindsey Jesionowski
Hero/Heroine: Max & Hannah
Trope: Friends to Lovers/Romantic Comedy
TW/CW: On page anxiety attack, death of a loved one, grief, mention of a verbally abusive relationship
THE GOOD 😀
Have you ever read something that was like a hug in book form? Well, Alone Together was exactly this for me. A sweet romantic comedy with the most gorgeous characters, I swooned hard for this story.
Having noticed Hannah during an aqua aerobics class that she runs at the local gym, Max finds himself attracted to someone for the first time in three years. With this book taking place during the early months of the pandemic, this was certainly a unique and engaging love story.
For me, the growth of both Max and Hannah as characters was one of the things that stood out for me in this story. Both having lost someone dear to them and also dealt with their fair share of grief, they found themselves drawn to one another. Bonding over graphic tees and reruns of Friends, their connection was so organic, and I loved watching the transition from friends to so much more. Max, as a hero, was top tier. Caring, loving and not afraid to show his vulnerable side, he was exactly what Hannah needed and she, in turn, became exactly what he needed to bring him out of the fog he’d been in for the last few years.
Sweet and completely swoon worthy, Alone Together shows that the most epic of love stories can happen in the most unique of circumstances. Definitely one of my favourite reads of 2022.
THE BAD ☹️
Not a thing.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: An epic love story with two wonderful, likeable characters
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lindsey Jesionowski
Hero/Heroine: Max & Hannah
Trope: Friends to Lovers/Romantic Comedy
TW/CW: On page anxiety attack, death of a loved one, grief, mention of a verbally abusive relationship
THE GOOD 😀
Have you ever read something that was like a hug in book form? Well, Alone Together was exactly this for me. A sweet romantic comedy with the most gorgeous characters, I swooned hard for this story.
Having noticed Hannah during an aqua aerobics class that she runs at the local gym, Max finds himself attracted to someone for the first time in three years. With this book taking place during the early months of the pandemic, this was certainly a unique and engaging love story.
For me, the growth of both Max and Hannah as characters was one of the things that stood out for me in this story. Both having lost someone dear to them and also dealt with their fair share of grief, they found themselves drawn to one another. Bonding over graphic tees and reruns of Friends, their connection was so organic, and I loved watching the transition from friends to so much more. Max, as a hero, was top tier. Caring, loving and not afraid to show his vulnerable side, he was exactly what Hannah needed and she, in turn, became exactly what he needed to bring him out of the fog he’d been in for the last few years.
Sweet and completely swoon worthy, Alone Together shows that the most epic of love stories can happen in the most unique of circumstances. Definitely one of my favourite reads of 2022.
THE BAD ☹️
Not a thing.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: An epic love story with two wonderful, likeable characters
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 26, 2022
Are you looking for a sweet, fun rom-com for your next read?? Then I cannot recommend enough "Alone Together" by Lindsey Jesionowski! This is such a fun take on being locked in quarantine (I am sure a few of us know what that is like?! 🤪), and finding love when it is unexpected!
This story is about Max and Hannah - they happened to meet literally right before everything is shut down due to the global pandemic. Little do they know, they recently had become next door neighbors! Through quarantine they slowly become good friends with quite the crushes on each other. At the same time, they are both working through past grief and trauma, and find the unexpected support and love from each other that it is okay to not be fully okay. Sparks fly and they finally take a chance on love!!
This story had me on the edge of my seat a few times screaming "just kiss already!", had me cracking up and highlighting so many lines of dialogue, and very pleased with how Hannah's anxiety and panic attacks are written and not just quickly shared and then miraculously not a problem any longer.
If you haven't read Alone Together already, then add it to your TBR! It will put you in a good mood, and smiling even once you finish, thinking back on the love, family, and support you read in this story!
To see everything I thought about this book, you can read my full review at the link below!
www.twogirlsbookinit.com/post/book-re...
This story is about Max and Hannah - they happened to meet literally right before everything is shut down due to the global pandemic. Little do they know, they recently had become next door neighbors! Through quarantine they slowly become good friends with quite the crushes on each other. At the same time, they are both working through past grief and trauma, and find the unexpected support and love from each other that it is okay to not be fully okay. Sparks fly and they finally take a chance on love!!
This story had me on the edge of my seat a few times screaming "just kiss already!", had me cracking up and highlighting so many lines of dialogue, and very pleased with how Hannah's anxiety and panic attacks are written and not just quickly shared and then miraculously not a problem any longer.
If you haven't read Alone Together already, then add it to your TBR! It will put you in a good mood, and smiling even once you finish, thinking back on the love, family, and support you read in this story!
To see everything I thought about this book, you can read my full review at the link below!
www.twogirlsbookinit.com/post/book-re...
April 11, 2022
First off, to Lindsey - how dare you… write the sweetest, swooniest, heartfelt rom-com I’ve read in a while? 🥰
Synopsis:
Max is walking laps in the pool as he recovers from an injury when he notices the beautiful water aerobics instructor, senior-citizen-gossip-crew-favorite Hannah. After a few weeks of eying her from afar, he finally works up the courage to ask her to coffee. Only - wait - it’s mid-March 2020 and suddenly the gym closes and everyone has to stay home. This gives Max time to get more settled in his new apartment, only to find that his neighbor is – you guessed it – Hannah the fitness instructor. Since everyone is stuck at home, they make the most of their time in lockdown by sharing meals, watching their favorite TV shows, and letting their walls crumble down. Both Max and Hannah have suffered losses (cw: grief, anxiety, panic attacks, cheating off-page) that make it difficult to open their hearts to new people, but their story of building trust together and sharing their happiness and sadness was off-the-charts delightful.
Yes - this book is set during the pandemic but it still reads with all the escapism you want in a romantic comedy. I loved how the characters were honest and messy with their feelings. The flirting, the banter, the glances, the build-up – It’s hard to believe that this is Lindsey’s debut release but you know I’m counting down the days to the next installments in this series!
Synopsis:
Max is walking laps in the pool as he recovers from an injury when he notices the beautiful water aerobics instructor, senior-citizen-gossip-crew-favorite Hannah. After a few weeks of eying her from afar, he finally works up the courage to ask her to coffee. Only - wait - it’s mid-March 2020 and suddenly the gym closes and everyone has to stay home. This gives Max time to get more settled in his new apartment, only to find that his neighbor is – you guessed it – Hannah the fitness instructor. Since everyone is stuck at home, they make the most of their time in lockdown by sharing meals, watching their favorite TV shows, and letting their walls crumble down. Both Max and Hannah have suffered losses (cw: grief, anxiety, panic attacks, cheating off-page) that make it difficult to open their hearts to new people, but their story of building trust together and sharing their happiness and sadness was off-the-charts delightful.
Yes - this book is set during the pandemic but it still reads with all the escapism you want in a romantic comedy. I loved how the characters were honest and messy with their feelings. The flirting, the banter, the glances, the build-up – It’s hard to believe that this is Lindsey’s debut release but you know I’m counting down the days to the next installments in this series!
March 13, 2022
The story
Hannah teaches an aqua aerobics class at the local gym. Max’s friend Johnny encourages him to come walk in the pool at the gym at 4 on Tuesdays and Thursdays while he is healing from a broken ankle. Is it a co-incidence that Hannah teaches a class of oldies at those times? Max has moved into a new apartment and soon after it’s March 2020, and the world goes into lockdown. When Max and Hannah realise they are neighbours, their connection is strengthened.
My thoughts
I am so impressed with this debut from author Lindsey Jesionowski, and love how she explains that her young daughters were keeping busy one day, and she sneaked off and started writing. This is an adorable romance, but there are real life situations in this story that are handled with so much love and sensitivity. Both Hannah and Max have lost people close to them, and Hannah recently moved to town after a bad break up. I love how kind each are with the other’s hearts. I want to believe that maybe up in heaven, Courtney (Max’s late fiancé) and Hannah’s late mother have been plotting to get the two to find each other ❤️❤️❤️ So many books seem to avoid the whole Covid lockdown period in time. I appreciate that this story uses this unusual period in all of our lives for the characters to find each other and grow closer.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.
Hannah teaches an aqua aerobics class at the local gym. Max’s friend Johnny encourages him to come walk in the pool at the gym at 4 on Tuesdays and Thursdays while he is healing from a broken ankle. Is it a co-incidence that Hannah teaches a class of oldies at those times? Max has moved into a new apartment and soon after it’s March 2020, and the world goes into lockdown. When Max and Hannah realise they are neighbours, their connection is strengthened.
My thoughts
I am so impressed with this debut from author Lindsey Jesionowski, and love how she explains that her young daughters were keeping busy one day, and she sneaked off and started writing. This is an adorable romance, but there are real life situations in this story that are handled with so much love and sensitivity. Both Hannah and Max have lost people close to them, and Hannah recently moved to town after a bad break up. I love how kind each are with the other’s hearts. I want to believe that maybe up in heaven, Courtney (Max’s late fiancé) and Hannah’s late mother have been plotting to get the two to find each other ❤️❤️❤️ So many books seem to avoid the whole Covid lockdown period in time. I appreciate that this story uses this unusual period in all of our lives for the characters to find each other and grow closer.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews