ARC Review: If You Ask Me by Libby Hubscher

If You Ask Me
Author: Libby Hubscher
Publication: Berkley (March 8, 2022)

Description: When an advice columnist’s picture-perfect life implodes, she opts to go rogue in this hilarious, heartwarming romance from the author of Meet Me in Paradise.

Violet Covington pens Dear Sweetie, the most popular advice column in the state of North Carolina. She has an answer for how to politely handle any difficult situation…until she discovers her husband, Sam, has been cheating on her. Furious and out of sensible solutions, Violet leaves her filter at the door and turns to her column to air her own frustrations. The new, brutally honest Dear Sweetie goes viral, sending more shock waves through Violet’s life. When she burns Sam’s belongings in a front-yard, late-night bonfire, a smoking-hot firefighter named Dez shows up to douse the flames, and an unexpected fling quickly shows potential to become something longer lasting.

A lot of people want to see the old polished Violet return—including her boss, who finds her unpredictability hard to manage, and Sam, who’s begging for another chance. But Dez appreciates Violet just the way she is—in fact, he can’t get enough of her. The right answers don’t come easily when Violet finds herself at her own personal crossroads. But maybe, by getting real, Violet can write her own happy ending.

My Thoughts: When advice columnist Violet Covington walks in on her husband of twelve years having sex with another woman in their bed, Violet's "perfect" life explodes. She's angry and heartbroken and her feelings find their way into her advice column. All of a sudden Violet is putting the perfect Southern woman facade aside and getting real with the people who ask her for advice.

When she burns her husband Sam's stuff - expensive suits, autographed Michael Jordan poster and all - in her front yard, a busybody neighbor calls the fire department. That's when Violet meets Dez who is new in town with a heartbreak of his own and who likes Violet just the way she is. 

But being real isn't always a blessing. Her boss and best friend has troubles dealing with the new, unfiltered Violet's columns, and old friends are taking sides in the Sam versus Violet conflict. Then there is Dez who is always there when Violet has problems and offers unwavering support. But can Violet afford to take a chance and fall in love again?

This was an entertaining story that hits on the themes of infidelity and infertility and building a new life after heartbreak. I found myself rooting for Violet and wanting her to take the leap into a new, happier future. Dez was a sweetheart and wonderful character too.

Favorite Quote:

I bit my lip. It had been a long time since I'd desired anything more than a baked good. Wanting things was a path to getting hurt. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.