I really enjoyed this! Ali Rosen writes deep characters and engaging storylines that feel both character and plot driven, which I like. There were some really great lines in this one! I definitely got twinges of that longing and yearning that I love. Like “Recipe For Second Chances,” “Alternate Endings” straddles that line between romance and women’s/lit fic—much like Emily Henry’s books. They feature prominent romantic storylines but are also heavily influenced by the personal growth of the main character(s).

The story follows Bea, a recent divorcee who shares a son named Bash with her ex, and Jack, her high school ex. After years of no communication (and bitterness on her part), they find themselves thrown into work together when Jack is hired by Bea’s eccentric boss. We follow Bea and Jack as they reacquaint themselves, quickly become “sex friends,” and over time, rekindle a deeper connection.

The story felt consistently paced overall, and I appreciated the growth displayed in Bea and Jack— both together and separately. I liked that Bea’s divorce wasn’t harped on excessively. It was a theme and was talked about, but the majority of the interactions we see with the ex wind up being neutral/positive so the growth felt genuine. It was clear that Bea was really trying to get out of her own way to be a better mom/friend/etc. The romance storyline was sweet. Bea and Jack had some good banter, but definitely took their sweet time learning to communicate. The story was spicy in the sense that they had a lot of sex, but the scenes weren’t really explicit on-page. I liked seeing their emotional connection deepen throughout the story. The small ways they started showing up for each other contributed to the believability of their arc.

The side characters were, for the most part, enjoyable. But I did find myself frustrated/annoyed with Bea’s boss, Brigid. She just came across to me as very insensitive, blasé, and manipulative. I understand that Bea appreciates a lot of that detachedness, but the ups and downs of that relationship as Bea clearly worked to be better herself, bothered me. I wish Brigid had softened up better, sooner.

Overall I really enjoyed this! Ali Rosen is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me and I enjoy recommending her to friends and followers. I would have read it much faster if I wasn’t traveling for work this week

I totally understand why my friend said that Ali Rosen’s writing reminds her of Emily Henry’s, because I agree 100%! It’s also a little similar to Sarah Adams, so naturally, I am here for it!

I love that there’s a healthy mix of humor and fun, as well as emotions that hit hard with a dose of reality.

Unfiltered thoughts:
Bea’s a single mom who has to travel every 2 times a month to Ireland for work because her boss moved to a castle there and she likes to host in-person team meetings. On her first meeting in Ireland, she finds out that the CTO of the company is none other than Jack, the guy who broke Bea’s heart on prom night. The forced proximity is bringing back feelings and attraction, so they put it to good use and become “sex friends”.

The story is mostly set in Ireland, so we get more of the romance aspect, but we also get some moments of Bea’s life in NY with her son, her ex-sister-in-law, and her best friends. Her friends and ex-sil are a hilarious bunch! Their friendship is so strong and beautiful! I love how supportive they are of Bea, always there to give advice and a wake-up call when needed.

The romance… the romance! Jack Sanders is the sweetest cinnamon roll! I loved him so much! I love how much he’d love Bea’s ramblings. Their entire non-relationship was filled with so much intimacy and longing stares and communication. It was beautiful to witness. And Jack’s conversations with Bea’s son were such a highlight for me.

The one who stole the show was Bea’s boss, Brigid. My gosh, I love her and I want to be her when I grow up! She’s such a power woman and her “let go and move on” mantra is the best I’ve heard, and gosh, did I need it. Now I need Brigid to get her love story!

The moments when Bea’s infertility were discussed hit home for me, but also were what I needed to read, especially knowing the author took from her own experience to write Bea’s story. The author handled everything with care and gentleness and grace, and I applaud her immensely for that.

Overall, this book already made it in my 2024 faves. It’s absolutely wonderful and breath-taking! And Ali Rosen is now an author that is going in my auto-buy list.