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New York, New Year, New You
Sometimes it takes starting over to discover who we really are…
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, forced to choose between who you used to be and who you want to be?
And whichever path you choose will wind up hurting someone you love?
Well, if you haven’t, I can tell you firsthand: it’s the worst.
But it’s exactly where I find myself. In New York, the city of endless possibilities, faced with an impossible choice. Kinda like deciding between Wicked and Hamilton on opening night, except the wrong decision could ruin your life.
And I have no idea what to do.
It all started three months ago, with a friendly family competition, decade-old bucket list, and a long overdue trek across the country.
But as I checked off tasks like learning to cook French cuisine (pro tip: it helps if you actually turn the oven on) and running a marathon (which is way longer than I thought), something remarkable happened.
I discovered skills and strengths I never knew existed, gained the respect I’d once deemed undeserved, and ditched my not-so-endearing nickname—Quincy “The Quitter” Carmichael.
I also reconnected with my childhood best friend’s older brother—who’s still swoon-level cute, by the way—and let’s just say, Nora Ephron would be proud.
But if I’ve learned anything from binge-watching romantic comedies, it’s that most happily ever afters come with a price. And not usually the one you expect.
So, here I am, torn between family and friendship, past and present, love and livelihood. And I could really use some advice.
Sincerely,
Neurotic in New York
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, forced to choose between who you used to be and who you want to be?
And whichever path you choose will wind up hurting someone you love?
Well, if you haven’t, I can tell you firsthand: it’s the worst.
But it’s exactly where I find myself. In New York, the city of endless possibilities, faced with an impossible choice. Kinda like deciding between Wicked and Hamilton on opening night, except the wrong decision could ruin your life.
And I have no idea what to do.
It all started three months ago, with a friendly family competition, decade-old bucket list, and a long overdue trek across the country.
But as I checked off tasks like learning to cook French cuisine (pro tip: it helps if you actually turn the oven on) and running a marathon (which is way longer than I thought), something remarkable happened.
I discovered skills and strengths I never knew existed, gained the respect I’d once deemed undeserved, and ditched my not-so-endearing nickname—Quincy “The Quitter” Carmichael.
I also reconnected with my childhood best friend’s older brother—who’s still swoon-level cute, by the way—and let’s just say, Nora Ephron would be proud.
But if I’ve learned anything from binge-watching romantic comedies, it’s that most happily ever afters come with a price. And not usually the one you expect.
So, here I am, torn between family and friendship, past and present, love and livelihood. And I could really use some advice.
Sincerely,
Neurotic in New York
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2023
465 people are currently reading
5844 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
March 6, 2025
Ah I love New York in winter
January 7, 2025
Loved this captivating, easy to fall in love with, romance.
Quincy is awesome, but has a hard time finishing her deadlines. But the way her brother and sister demean. disparage and disrespect her is horrible. However, Ethan her best friend's brother ,has had enough and he tells them where to go and how to get there. Loved it!!!!
The dog and cat in this story are even more hilarious than some of the characters!
December 27, 2024
THIS BOOK WAS SO CUTE OH MY GOD.
January 7, 2025
Rating: 5.0 ⭐️
Updated Review:
What can get more cozy and magical like New York during the holiday season? 🥹 Especially between the snow falling, the decked-out department stores, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, all the twinkly lights and life drama on the menu?
For as long as she can remember, our FMC Quincy Carmichael is a quitter and she likes being that way.
It all started with a "friendly" family competition on Christmas. They all shared a list of "Christmas Commitments" (like a bucket list) and for Quincy, many of the items remain unchecked, including the most important: moving to New York to live with her bestie Brynn (temporarily) and obviously falling in love (again.) 👉 👈
So, for a chance at a great promotion at her parents' marketing company, Quincy's father comes to the conclusion that if she wants to participate in getting this life-changing promotion, she needs to complete all the unfinished challenges she's set for herself over the years (almost a decade, damn Quincy 🤭) and not look for the easy way out - meaning quitting (once again.)
Suddenly, she’s thrown into uncertainty in the beautiful, crazed city of New York and she has no idea what to do with her life, following these Christmas Commitments. As she settles in, she ends up living with her once childhood crush, Brynn's older brother, Ethan.
Quincy quickly finds out she's always been head over heels for him, but how can she fall in love and commit when that’s the very thing she's bad at? Remember, she's quite the quitter.
But, as she journeys with the items of her list, with a little help of her loved ones, especially Ethan 😏 she's reminded of how much it would mean for her and the rest of her life to not “let herself off the hook” every time she's halfway there and actually go for it!
This story was remarkably heartfelt and cozy, my first 5 star ⭐️ read of the year 🤍 If you want to read a short compelling love story with lots of growth and self-discovery, this might be the right book for you.
It's short (209 pages) but it's wholesome. The characters are very likeable, especially Quincy, and also if you're enamored with New York (like me!) it will transport you there, no doubt. Wonderful book, Rachael Bloome!
Updated Review:
What can get more cozy and magical like New York during the holiday season? 🥹 Especially between the snow falling, the decked-out department stores, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, all the twinkly lights and life drama on the menu?
For as long as she can remember, our FMC Quincy Carmichael is a quitter and she likes being that way.
It all started with a "friendly" family competition on Christmas. They all shared a list of "Christmas Commitments" (like a bucket list) and for Quincy, many of the items remain unchecked, including the most important: moving to New York to live with her bestie Brynn (temporarily) and obviously falling in love (again.) 👉 👈
So, for a chance at a great promotion at her parents' marketing company, Quincy's father comes to the conclusion that if she wants to participate in getting this life-changing promotion, she needs to complete all the unfinished challenges she's set for herself over the years (almost a decade, damn Quincy 🤭) and not look for the easy way out - meaning quitting (once again.)
Suddenly, she’s thrown into uncertainty in the beautiful, crazed city of New York and she has no idea what to do with her life, following these Christmas Commitments. As she settles in, she ends up living with her once childhood crush, Brynn's older brother, Ethan.
Quincy quickly finds out she's always been head over heels for him, but how can she fall in love and commit when that’s the very thing she's bad at? Remember, she's quite the quitter.
But, as she journeys with the items of her list, with a little help of her loved ones, especially Ethan 😏 she's reminded of how much it would mean for her and the rest of her life to not “let herself off the hook” every time she's halfway there and actually go for it!
This story was remarkably heartfelt and cozy, my first 5 star ⭐️ read of the year 🤍 If you want to read a short compelling love story with lots of growth and self-discovery, this might be the right book for you.
It's short (209 pages) but it's wholesome. The characters are very likeable, especially Quincy, and also if you're enamored with New York (like me!) it will transport you there, no doubt. Wonderful book, Rachael Bloome!
January 2, 2024
It feels very fitting to have started this on the way to New York for New Year’s Eve, and finish it on New Year’s Day. It was an easy, cute story and a good palate cleanser.
December 31, 2024
Perfect last read of the year!!!!!
Loved it fully and I sooo relate to Quincy 🥹
Loved it fully and I sooo relate to Quincy 🥹
December 31, 2024
IRL Book Club for January 2025
Light Winter Romance
A predictable but cute story with a lot of different tropes thrown in. I don’t think there is anything new and innovative in the story but it did have some feel good moments. I did sort of like the idea of doing a Christmas Commitment (like a New Year’s Resolution) with your family each year. It’s something you pledge to complete in the coming year and it’s revealed the next Christmas.
Light Winter Romance
A predictable but cute story with a lot of different tropes thrown in. I don’t think there is anything new and innovative in the story but it did have some feel good moments. I did sort of like the idea of doing a Christmas Commitment (like a New Year’s Resolution) with your family each year. It’s something you pledge to complete in the coming year and it’s revealed the next Christmas.
January 9, 2024
⭐️New Year, New Five Star, New Favorite⭐️
Adored everything about Quincy’s story! It was funny, emotional and just the perfect book to start the year strong👏🏻 Can’t wait to get my physical copy so I can read it again—10/10🥰🎉
Adored everything about Quincy’s story! It was funny, emotional and just the perfect book to start the year strong👏🏻 Can’t wait to get my physical copy so I can read it again—10/10🥰🎉
January 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Cheesy but cute!
December 31, 2025
Such a cute read for new years eve
Made me laugh also made me cry what a lovely last read of 2025!! Definitely recommend if you want to squeeze one last read in tonight.
Made me laugh also made me cry what a lovely last read of 2025!! Definitely recommend if you want to squeeze one last read in tonight.
Read
January 10, 2025the ending was cutesy bootsey
December 7, 2024
yk what, hell yeah. nothing extraordinary but i had fun, i needed something easy and yep it sure was. 2.5 stars if i could rate it that way
December 30, 2025
New York, New Year, New You by: Rachael Bloome
📖 Quincy heads to New York to spend three months with her best friend and complete a list of challenges.
➡️Swipe for stories with a similar vibe
You'll Find 🔍
Great friendships
Complex family dynamics
Lots of humorous situations
Immersive descriptions of NY
Slow burn
I thought 💬
This was a perfect mix of a character driven story with many fun plot points.
There is a brief Christmas scene but this book takes place from January through March. However, I read it in June 🤣 A good story works Year round.
I loved ♥️
The cat Cafe
The cooking scenes
The way Ethan quietly helped her discover her inner strengths
The marathon
The character arc
The last scene
If you have not read Rachael Bloome, give any of her books a try. Her stories are like a big hug.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#rachaelbloome
#newyorklove
#cleanreads
#closeddooraudiobook
#mybookishpeeps
#heatherlovesbooks
CW: no language, kisses
📖 Quincy heads to New York to spend three months with her best friend and complete a list of challenges.
➡️Swipe for stories with a similar vibe
You'll Find 🔍
Great friendships
Complex family dynamics
Lots of humorous situations
Immersive descriptions of NY
Slow burn
I thought 💬
This was a perfect mix of a character driven story with many fun plot points.
There is a brief Christmas scene but this book takes place from January through March. However, I read it in June 🤣 A good story works Year round.
I loved ♥️
The cat Cafe
The cooking scenes
The way Ethan quietly helped her discover her inner strengths
The marathon
The character arc
The last scene
If you have not read Rachael Bloome, give any of her books a try. Her stories are like a big hug.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#rachaelbloome
#newyorklove
#cleanreads
#closeddooraudiobook
#mybookishpeeps
#heatherlovesbooks
CW: no language, kisses
January 19, 2024
I wasn’t expecting much when I picked this up for free on Stuff Your Kindle Day, so this was a very sneaky surprise. Quincy is trying once and for all to show her family that she is not a quitter and deserves a prominent role in her father’s company. Her challenge is to complete all of her New Year’s resolutions from the last 10 years in just 3 months. This was very cute, and I actually wish it would have been a bit longer.
December 31, 2023
This book was very silly. The concept was cute! But the execution just did not do it for me. At only 204 pages, it felt like there was not enough time to develop the idea and the characters. Very predictable and some of the dialogue was forced. A cute story but I would ultimately say skip it, there are similar books out there that just do it better.
January 18, 2024
After 8 excruciating days of reading this book, it is finally over. I only gave it 1-star because it had a quote I enjoyed.
To be fair to the author, these aren’t the type of books I typically enjoy, but I did genuinely try to enjoy it and hated 99% of it.
To be fair to the author, these aren’t the type of books I typically enjoy, but I did genuinely try to enjoy it and hated 99% of it.
January 1, 2024
My mind keeps mulling over our earlier conversation, and his words are starting to reshape my thoughts, like tumbling a sharp stone inside a rock polisher. What if he’s right? What if I should focus less on striving for perfection and more on continual growth and, dare I say, finding enjoyment in the process? It’s at least something to consider, isn’t it?
——
Quincy comes from a family that strives for perfection. So much so, that Quincy has been nicknamed “Quincy the quitter” because compared to her high achiever siblings, Quincy can’t seem to follow through with her commitments or goals. Given another opportunity, Quincy has the chance for a coveted position at her families company that she desperately wants. On one condition can she qualify: she has to go back and check off her previous, unfinished goals from other years. This lands Quincy in New York City, staying with her long time best friend and her brother and in the process checking off all sorts of bucket list goals.
I found this cute book on Kindle Unlimited and went for it not knowing what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised! This is a fun and easy to read tale of a young woman who steps out of her comfort zone and discovers who she really is on the inside. Quincy’s bucket list journey is super hilarious, yet heartwarming as we see her learning what’s truly important in the big picture and as she begins to understand she can be herself and still be loved and accepted. There are many lessons in this book and it’s truly touching to see each layer peeled back and discovered by Quincy. Oh also, the MMC is 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻~you will love him! (& chapter 23 🫠🫠)
No content warnings for this lovely, clean book. If you love New York City, adorable, quirky main characters and very sweet, slow burn love stories or the best friends brother trope this book is for you! Let me know if you read it- it’s a light read that could be easily fit in before the New Year.
——
Quincy comes from a family that strives for perfection. So much so, that Quincy has been nicknamed “Quincy the quitter” because compared to her high achiever siblings, Quincy can’t seem to follow through with her commitments or goals. Given another opportunity, Quincy has the chance for a coveted position at her families company that she desperately wants. On one condition can she qualify: she has to go back and check off her previous, unfinished goals from other years. This lands Quincy in New York City, staying with her long time best friend and her brother and in the process checking off all sorts of bucket list goals.
I found this cute book on Kindle Unlimited and went for it not knowing what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised! This is a fun and easy to read tale of a young woman who steps out of her comfort zone and discovers who she really is on the inside. Quincy’s bucket list journey is super hilarious, yet heartwarming as we see her learning what’s truly important in the big picture and as she begins to understand she can be herself and still be loved and accepted. There are many lessons in this book and it’s truly touching to see each layer peeled back and discovered by Quincy. Oh also, the MMC is 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻~you will love him! (& chapter 23 🫠🫠)
No content warnings for this lovely, clean book. If you love New York City, adorable, quirky main characters and very sweet, slow burn love stories or the best friends brother trope this book is for you! Let me know if you read it- it’s a light read that could be easily fit in before the New Year.
January 2, 2025
This book was too short for what the author wanted it to be so the way the events planned out was cheap. Bucket list items for 10 years were glossed over in semi chapters. Bare minimum being praised. Nepo babies. Undeserved job positions. The fmc is a loser at everything she tries out from cooking to ice skating to flirting so how exactly are we to believe she’s fit to be marketing director or CEO of a company. She was pathetic and the mmc had to save her ass multiple time teaching her to cook, to run, stood up for her. And all she’s done in return was to call up some famous people to get them to do a marketing campaign for her. Made it look so easy too. Also running a full marathon and still having energy to get dressed and go out for dinner that same evening ? Never head of that. The sister had to be the mean sibling and the brother was all nice and friendly and bear hugs type sibling.. why are we still pandering to these ugly women love drama stereotypes in the year 2024. There was no chemistry between the main characters imo he was into her yes she was into him yes. But there wasn’t enough romance. This was an ok read.
January 2, 2024
This was a cute start for the New Year. I thought that it was an interesting premise and as a girl who is marrying her best friend's brother (and got engaged basically instantly) there were definitely some tropes I enjoyed, and rarely get to see. I also just enjoyed the overall plot and development because I am someone who has quit many resolutions, and over the past year or two have finally stuck to new habits (such as reading!) I am working on other areas of my life this year, so this was a nice little inspiration for 2024.
My only criticism is that it was fairly short, so the pacing wasn't my favourite. I wish we had had more time to really develop the MC's, particularly Ethan. I wanted to be more invested in their relationship but it was hard because we didn't get to see enough of it.
My only criticism is that it was fairly short, so the pacing wasn't my favourite. I wish we had had more time to really develop the MC's, particularly Ethan. I wanted to be more invested in their relationship but it was hard because we didn't get to see enough of it.
January 20, 2024
This was a heartwarming, sweet read that will have you rooting for our main character, Quincy. After years of failing to complete her Christmas Commitments (basically New Years resolutions, but made at Christmas time), she decides to forge ahead and finally complete all the commitments she's never finished.
The story is very much about Quincy's growth as a person, learning what she's capable of, and learning how perfection is not the most important thing in life.
There are layered dynamics with her family and friends that are explored, and a sweet romanve that blossoms with her best friends brother. This is definitely a great book to read to kick off the new year!
Tags:
-new beginnings
-self journey
-family dynamics
Spice: 0
First person/Single POV
The story is very much about Quincy's growth as a person, learning what she's capable of, and learning how perfection is not the most important thing in life.
There are layered dynamics with her family and friends that are explored, and a sweet romanve that blossoms with her best friends brother. This is definitely a great book to read to kick off the new year!
Tags:
-new beginnings
-self journey
-family dynamics
Spice: 0
First person/Single POV
January 1, 2024
The Carmichael Christmas Commitment scrolls turned 28 year old Quincy into a quitter as she struggled with self confidence vs her accomplished older siblings. When taxed with completing the last 10 tasks in order to land the CEO job, she accepts and moves to NY as her first. Other tasks she completes are online dating, learning knitting and to play an instrument, taking an art class and running a marathon etc. She moves in with her former bff Brynn & her brother Ethan who was her childhood crush. She mends friendships, struggles to complete tasks, falls in love, and is fun to cheer for! Great book to start off the year. 5 stars!
January 6, 2024
4.5 Stars!
This was a quick, fluffy read that reminded me of all those tv rom-com movies we love (Great American Family or Hallmark- take note of this story- it would be perfect to bring to life on your networks).
I knew this would have a love story, but what I wasn't prepared for is the growth of the other relationships in the book between family and friends. I especially loved Quincy's 'grand gesture' to Brynn (her best friend). It was a refreshing take on that concept and fun to see the arc play out on the pages of this book.
Great character developments, good plot lines, nice pacing made this a perfect New Years read.
This was a quick, fluffy read that reminded me of all those tv rom-com movies we love (Great American Family or Hallmark- take note of this story- it would be perfect to bring to life on your networks).
I knew this would have a love story, but what I wasn't prepared for is the growth of the other relationships in the book between family and friends. I especially loved Quincy's 'grand gesture' to Brynn (her best friend). It was a refreshing take on that concept and fun to see the arc play out on the pages of this book.
Great character developments, good plot lines, nice pacing made this a perfect New Years read.
December 29, 2025
3.5 stars actually. I loved the wanting to improve and grow aspect of the book. It’s just one of those books where you’re rooting for the main character but not wanting her to get the guy. The chemistry between a character she had one scene with was more powerful than the entire book with the guy she’s supposed to end up with. I wish the author would’ve cut the love story out of this book and focused solely on the self improvement aspect which was much more powerful.
December 31, 2025
I loved this book, and I think the timing of it coming into my life was perfect. There were a few plot points toward the end that really hit me hard emotionally. This book is about recognizing patterns that inhibit your own personal growth and attempting to overcome them. It is about sibling rivalry and relearning each other as adults. It's about nurturing the friendships that matter. It hit all these emotional chords while delivering humor and cute banter.
January 7, 2024
It's a cute love story with no racy bits. And the love story wasn't just a romantic interest (although there was that, too). It was a story of love and healing relationships with friends and family. I appreciated that for a New Year centered book.
November 9, 2024
I love this book so much! I wish I would have read it in January as it really isn’t a holiday book, but overall I really enjoyed it. The book had humor and the short, easy to read chapters were great. The book was quick and easy to read where the characters were relatable. Recommend!!
December 27, 2024
Tropes: Romance-Christmas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked this book because the title sounded like a good end of the year book, and it most definitely was. This actually turned out to be a really cute romance read! And I just have to note, the restaurant in chapter 23 sounds like a dream!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked this book because the title sounded like a good end of the year book, and it most definitely was. This actually turned out to be a really cute romance read! And I just have to note, the restaurant in chapter 23 sounds like a dream!!!
December 28, 2024
I hadn’t even heard of this book but downloaded it through BookBub - it was really cute! A quick read (only 200 or so pages) and I loved that it was set in New York City because I’ve loved it every time I’ve visited there!
January 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded to 4. An easy, sometimes cheesy, quick read of a rom com! Loved the setting of Christmastime in New York City. Also loved the underlying theme of keeping goals and that it’s never too late to start something new!
December 26, 2025
I love Quincy, and love how ambitious & courageous she is. I enjoyed reading how the risks she took helped her grow. Also, I love NYC!
I actually wish this book was a bit longer since I felt everything happened so fast.
It’s a really cute, heart felt holiday quick read ❤️
I actually wish this book was a bit longer since I felt everything happened so fast.
It’s a really cute, heart felt holiday quick read ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews