Review: Bed and Breakup by Susie Dumond
Bed and Breakup is a sapphic second-chance romance set in the charming, queer-friendly town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The story follows ex-wives Molly and Robin, who unexpectedly reunite at the Hummingbird Inn—the bed and breakfast they opened during their newlywed years. Seven years after their split, Molly returns to town for an art commission, while Robin, reeling from the collapse of her celebrity chef career, seeks solace in the one place she once felt truly herself. Since neither of them has officially filed for divorce, and both have a legal claim to the property, they’re forced into an awkward cohabitation at the inn they once built together.
What starts as a tense standoff quickly becomes a chaotic mix of home renovations, bar nights, and escalating pranks—all with the shared goal of fixing up the inn to sell it and finally part ways for good. But as they restore the Hummingbird Inn’s vintage charm and reconnect with the welcoming community that once embraced them, unresolved feelings begin to resurface. The real question: is this truly closure, or a second chance they didn’t see coming?
The setting is where Bed and Breakup shines. Eureka Springs is painted with warmth, quirk, and a deep sense of community. The townsfolk—especially standout side characters like Keyana and Jesse—add richness to the story. Keyana, Molly’s best friend, brings honesty and groundedness to the narrative, while Jesse’s passion for food and unwavering support for Robin adds much-needed depth to her arc. The town’s inclusivity and charm offer a hopeful backdrop, and moments like the end-of-book cooking party bring a heartfelt sense of joy and celebration.
Unfortunately, the romance between Molly and Robin didn’t land for me in the way I had hoped. Their dynamic, while rooted in a strong premise, too often came across as combative and emotionally immature. Much of the early story is spent on constant bickering and unresolved tension, with little emotional payoff. Their chemistry felt more rooted in the past than the present, and the transition from enemies to lovers lacked the depth and buildup needed to feel authentic or satisfying. The intimate scenes, while steamy in intent, felt disconnected from the emotional arcs and at times lacked genuine vulnerability.
I also found the character development uneven. Molly starts out as a compelling, artistic lead with a unique voice and vibrant personality, but her behavior toward Robin often veers into childish and reactive territory. Robin’s backstory—particularly around her departure and the hinted betrayal—was never fully explored, leaving gaps in understanding that made it hard to root for the couple’s reunion. When they finally start to soften toward one another, their emotional voices begin to blend, making it difficult to distinguish their perspectives.
The novel’s resolution felt rushed. After such a long buildup of conflict, the ending offered minimal closure. I would have liked to see more meaningful conversations between the leads, clearer accountability, and a deeper emotional reconciliation. As it stood, the HEA felt more like a narrative convenience than an earned reward.
That said, Bed and Breakup is a promising concept, especially for readers who love second-chance romance, strong sapphic representation, and small-town charm. While the central romance didn’t fully resonate for me, the atmosphere, side characters, and queer community at the heart of the story were lovely highlights.
Book Stats:
Rating 3/5
Tropes: Second-chance romance, Small-town, Lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers tension, Queer-friendly found family dynamics,
Looking for more Sapphic Romances- check out Episode 254 of Buzzing about Romance
