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Stuck
Mia Kaplan lives an unassuming life tending bar at a local music dive in downtown Chicago. When an up-and-coming band takes up residency, not only does she have to play nice to every fangirl that walks in the place, she also has to deal with the cocky, yet irresistibly handsome lead singer. With her brother's growing juvenile record, her father's drunken tantrums, and the unwanted (albeit entertaining) attention of this singer who has set his sights on her, Mia has to decide if she's ready to break down her carefully built walls.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 13, 2021
My Thoughts 💭 :
After reading the blurb, the first impression that I got from this book was that it was going to be a cliche.
And though my opinion stayed same, but I definitely enjoyed reading this cliche love story. Because though it had its normal cliches Stuck had a depth that some of the cliche stories lacked.
✅ What I liked about the book :
Even though Mia is the main character, I didn't like her character much. Idk why. But after knowing more about her. She definitely became my favourite character.
The love and care that she had for her brother. It was definitely very sweet to read.
Hayden was so irresponsible. And yeah I get it. Wanting someone's approval that doesn't give a shit about you. But seriously. Care for that person that has cared for you since you were a baby.
Julia was a great best friend. The kind of person that every person needs in their life.
Both the love interests would have been a great match for Mia. And some drama regarding their love triangle would have been great. But I was definitely rooting for Nick.
And off course. I am a sucker for happy ending. And was definitely happy that Mia and Nick got it.
❎ What I didn't like about the book :
The book felt a bit rushed in some parts.
Problems that were supposed to be a big deal (Especially Nick's alleged drinking problem) got solved way too easily.
Some part of the book definitely needs some editing.
Though the cover is immensely attractive but it needs to be more suitable for the book.
My Final Thoughts 💭 :
Book Rating : 4/5 (A Cliche but definitely a great one time read. )
Cover Rating : 3/5 (Though attractive, it doesn't suit the book much)
After reading the blurb, the first impression that I got from this book was that it was going to be a cliche.
And though my opinion stayed same, but I definitely enjoyed reading this cliche love story. Because though it had its normal cliches Stuck had a depth that some of the cliche stories lacked.
✅ What I liked about the book :
Even though Mia is the main character, I didn't like her character much. Idk why. But after knowing more about her. She definitely became my favourite character.
The love and care that she had for her brother. It was definitely very sweet to read.
Hayden was so irresponsible. And yeah I get it. Wanting someone's approval that doesn't give a shit about you. But seriously. Care for that person that has cared for you since you were a baby.
Julia was a great best friend. The kind of person that every person needs in their life.
Both the love interests would have been a great match for Mia. And some drama regarding their love triangle would have been great. But I was definitely rooting for Nick.
And off course. I am a sucker for happy ending. And was definitely happy that Mia and Nick got it.
❎ What I didn't like about the book :
The book felt a bit rushed in some parts.
Problems that were supposed to be a big deal (Especially Nick's alleged drinking problem) got solved way too easily.
Some part of the book definitely needs some editing.
Though the cover is immensely attractive but it needs to be more suitable for the book.
My Final Thoughts 💭 :
Book Rating : 4/5 (A Cliche but definitely a great one time read. )
Cover Rating : 3/5 (Though attractive, it doesn't suit the book much)
October 5, 2021
After reading mythology, this was a good break being a contemporary read. I was intrigued with the cover and title of the book.
The story is narrated in first POV of Mia. She lost his mother while her brother's birth. She took care of her brother because her father had lost himself after her mother's death. He became a regular drinker. He had lost control of his life. I could feel how hard it would be for Mia. Also, her brother Hyden was like his father only. He usually got arrested by police for one case or another.
I liked characters of Julia and Joel. Everyone need a friend like her. Mia liked Joel since childhood. And then comes Amber Stich, the popular band and Nick was a part of it. I liked Nick and Mia's chemistry. It was like hot and cold. Overall, this is an interesting and enjoyable contemporary read.
The story is narrated smoothly. The characters will stay with you till long. I could relate with Mia being a responsible person in the family. Julia was a great friend. The language is lucid. The writing style is captivating. I couldn't stop reading. Definitely recommend!
The story is narrated in first POV of Mia. She lost his mother while her brother's birth. She took care of her brother because her father had lost himself after her mother's death. He became a regular drinker. He had lost control of his life. I could feel how hard it would be for Mia. Also, her brother Hyden was like his father only. He usually got arrested by police for one case or another.
I liked characters of Julia and Joel. Everyone need a friend like her. Mia liked Joel since childhood. And then comes Amber Stich, the popular band and Nick was a part of it. I liked Nick and Mia's chemistry. It was like hot and cold. Overall, this is an interesting and enjoyable contemporary read.
The story is narrated smoothly. The characters will stay with you till long. I could relate with Mia being a responsible person in the family. Julia was a great friend. The language is lucid. The writing style is captivating. I couldn't stop reading. Definitely recommend!
February 6, 2022
A cliche love story? Yes please. I needed a feel good book and this was IT. I connected with Mia immediately following the death of her mom when she was young. I grew up the same and found mothers in my friends. Julia and Mia’s friendship made my heart soar and I loved being able to connect with them both. I’m only sad this book was so quick to read. I need more. Pleaseeeeeee.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
Stuck is a wonderfully emotional and captivating debut novel! It follows Mia Kaplan, a giving, loving woman who will do anything for her family who is feeling stuck in her life in Downtown Chicago. When an up-and-coming band gets a spot playing regularly at the bar she works for with her amazing, fun, and original best friend, her life is shaken up thanks to lead singer Nick. This book is so much more than a romance. It’s a coming-of-age for Mia as she looks to find herself. I didn’t plan to read this in one sitting, but once I started, I didn’t want to put it down! The writing is so fluid, the characters so captivating. I wanted to know about everyone! There’s a band member Quinn who was mostly set to the background, but Emily Bellas was so vivid in her character creation that even this background character stood strong as someone you wanted to know more. I liked this was a romance—Nick and Mia have a great enemies to lovers type romance with a touch of a love triangle that I thought was handled so well! But I liked that more than the romance, it was about Mia and her growth. The love triangle was a nice touch in her growth too, but it didn’t have the frustrating tone that some other love triangles can have—this triangle truly added to Mia as she navigates what she really wants out her life and it works to further emphasize how far she’s come. I loved the chemistry all of these characters. Mia and Julia are such lively and strong best friends, and I love their friendship was spotlighted so strongly. I also think Mia and Nick had such great and natural chemistry! Their banter was so great, and I loved Nick’s sexy arrogance. Mia’s relationship with her family too is so complex and interesting and it just added so much to Mia as a person. This is such a heartwarming and genuine story. I loved the writing, and I just adored these characters so much. There was so much to this fast-paced story, and I can’t recommend it enough!
October 6, 2021
'Stuck: She always been' by 'Emily R Bellas' is a novel set in the downtown Chicago.
The story starts with the lead character 'Mia Kaplan' whose mother has passed away and she is left along with her brother and father. Her brother has done something wrong and has come under juvenile record. Her father is a drunkard and treats them inappropriate way.
Well, this incident has led Mia to confine herself abstractically inside wall and she has fortified herself, surrounded by thoughts of wall. She does not crave for love, respect, care, attention and so on just due to her own mentality that she has set for herself.
She lives an unassuming life tending bar at a local music where she gets to know the lead singer of the band name Nick Hudson. He is the man who gives all the attention she does not crave for.
Well, how it develops and the story goes forward. To find out whether Mia goes with Hudson or keep herself confined. The story has an universal appeal and globally deals with the abstract that we very often not express. It has a reality that deals with the society and readers can definitely find it while reading.
Here, Author has themed the whole story on a female protagonist Mia Kalpan. She resembles the characters that can be seen and observed in reality. We often confirm ourselves and create a wall surrounding us and never let anyone breach it. Our own sadness keep us letting down and make us depressed. Author has also throw light on parenting.
The title of the novel 'Stuck' is apt and justified according to the story. The language is quite simple and engrossing.
Overall, it's a good read and a sensitive one.
The story starts with the lead character 'Mia Kaplan' whose mother has passed away and she is left along with her brother and father. Her brother has done something wrong and has come under juvenile record. Her father is a drunkard and treats them inappropriate way.
Well, this incident has led Mia to confine herself abstractically inside wall and she has fortified herself, surrounded by thoughts of wall. She does not crave for love, respect, care, attention and so on just due to her own mentality that she has set for herself.
She lives an unassuming life tending bar at a local music where she gets to know the lead singer of the band name Nick Hudson. He is the man who gives all the attention she does not crave for.
Well, how it develops and the story goes forward. To find out whether Mia goes with Hudson or keep herself confined. The story has an universal appeal and globally deals with the abstract that we very often not express. It has a reality that deals with the society and readers can definitely find it while reading.
Here, Author has themed the whole story on a female protagonist Mia Kalpan. She resembles the characters that can be seen and observed in reality. We often confirm ourselves and create a wall surrounding us and never let anyone breach it. Our own sadness keep us letting down and make us depressed. Author has also throw light on parenting.
The title of the novel 'Stuck' is apt and justified according to the story. The language is quite simple and engrossing.
Overall, it's a good read and a sensitive one.
October 3, 2021
Mia Kaplan, the main character has been through a lot after her mom passes away and has sort of created a wall around herself. We also get to peek into her past, how her brother started his juvenile record and how her drunk father used to treat them. Finding love and happiness is something that she is not looking for, but when she meets Nick Hudson (a lead band singer) while tending bar her life takes a new path.
You'd think with all the love interests going on it would get slightly irritating but it doesn't, not in the least. The love interests and each of their attributes are so well written that no matter what happens with them, and in between them, you will continue to like each of them for the individuals they are. It's one of the stories which leaves you thinking about the characters long after you have finished reading the book and the ending fulfills your heart leaving a warm feeling.
You'd think with all the love interests going on it would get slightly irritating but it doesn't, not in the least. The love interests and each of their attributes are so well written that no matter what happens with them, and in between them, you will continue to like each of them for the individuals they are. It's one of the stories which leaves you thinking about the characters long after you have finished reading the book and the ending fulfills your heart leaving a warm feeling.
October 6, 2021
The book Stuck is written by Emily R Bellas. The story in the book is so captivating that it will stay in your mind even after you are done reading the book. The book revolves around the protagonist Mia Kaplan. The death of her mother has made her silent. This wasn't the only disheartening thing about her life. The way her father treated her after being drunk was worse. Usually when we face a lot of sad moments we expect nothing more from life. We just go numb and flow with whatever comes our way. So was the same with her but meeting Nick changed her life. Nick was a band singer. The story is narrated very smoothly. Their love story is potrayed really beautifully. I loved the character of Julia. The cover is simple yet looks very attractive. It is a a type of book that will want you to read more and more. The language was easy to understand and the story is heartwarming. A quick and highly recommended read.
January 9, 2023
I finished Stuck by Emily R. Bellas
I had won this back in August.
For me this book was alright I gave it 3.5 ⭐️
Mia lives in Chicago and works at a dive bar. When a band comes in for residency. The lead singer is a heartthrob and has his eyes on her. While all this is going on Mias father is alcoholic and her brother is starting to get a record.
I really liked some things in this book and others not so much. To be honest I'm not a fan of the main love interest lol. Along with a certain other person deserves a happy ending.
I had won this back in August.
For me this book was alright I gave it 3.5 ⭐️
Mia lives in Chicago and works at a dive bar. When a band comes in for residency. The lead singer is a heartthrob and has his eyes on her. While all this is going on Mias father is alcoholic and her brother is starting to get a record.
I really liked some things in this book and others not so much. To be honest I'm not a fan of the main love interest lol. Along with a certain other person deserves a happy ending.
October 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a day.
Although quick reads are either hit or miss, this one was a hit for me.
I liked that we got the back story of the main character, Mia, to see why she was the way she is and acted the way she is.
I could really feel for her throughout the story.
I also liked how the end wrapped everything up. Or did it? 😉
Although quick reads are either hit or miss, this one was a hit for me.
I liked that we got the back story of the main character, Mia, to see why she was the way she is and acted the way she is.
I could really feel for her throughout the story.
I also liked how the end wrapped everything up. Or did it? 😉
July 16, 2022
great debut!
Emily Bellas is a new author who struck it out of the book park. I truly loved this debut novel! Mia and Nick gave me all the feels and I loved the story line. Looking forward to reading more from her!
Emily Bellas is a new author who struck it out of the book park. I truly loved this debut novel! Mia and Nick gave me all the feels and I loved the story line. Looking forward to reading more from her!
April 15, 2025
This is my first contemporary romance read and I enjoyed it a lot! Was a quick read too! Started and finished it while waiting for a delayed flight. Wonderful balance of Mia’s emotional journey spiked with bits of steaminess.
October 1, 2021
Beautifully written. I loved the complicated story of the main character, her inability to let people in felt extremely relatable. Also always a sucker for a feel good ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
Honestly I loved this book! I enjoyed the MC and the conflicts she faced. I just wanted more!! I felt like some of the conflicts were resolved too quickly.
January 1, 2022
I love a happy, unexpected ending.
October 11, 2022
This was such a great read! I was drawn in from the very beginning. Emily keeps the book flowing from page one to the very end! Can't wait to read her other books!
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May 17, 2022Congratulations on your book, Emily! I wish you much success.
February 1, 2023
We love to support our indie authors and Emily did not disappoint. This was a quick read and I fell in love with Mia, the MC. She always had to be the responsible one after her mothers death and her father becoming an alcoholic to cope with the loss of his wife’s death. Mia had to be a parent and take care of her little brother while their father behaved recklessly and consistently made poor decisions while being a wreck less drunk.
The first page is captivating and the storyline is good. It’s a very cliche romcom but written exceptionally well. I loved her use of the word chagrin- as I’d never heard this word or seen it used in any writing before.
Nick tore me into 2 with the back and forth but he had a beautiful grand gesture in the end to show much much Mia meant to him.
Though Mia was reluctant to allow herself to fall for Nick, sometimes it really is true that you can’t help whom you fall in love with. He tore through all her walls.
I’m glad her father got the help he needed and her brother turned this around to avoid going down the wrong path. Beautiful happy ending that gave me closure. I hope the bar continues to do well haha.
The first page is captivating and the storyline is good. It’s a very cliche romcom but written exceptionally well. I loved her use of the word chagrin- as I’d never heard this word or seen it used in any writing before.
Nick tore me into 2 with the back and forth but he had a beautiful grand gesture in the end to show much much Mia meant to him.
Though Mia was reluctant to allow herself to fall for Nick, sometimes it really is true that you can’t help whom you fall in love with. He tore through all her walls.
I’m glad her father got the help he needed and her brother turned this around to avoid going down the wrong path. Beautiful happy ending that gave me closure. I hope the bar continues to do well haha.
January 4, 2022
I throughly enjoyed this fast paced romance story by @authoremilyrbellas !!! I loved everything about this book !!! I loved Mia and Trevor… I even held my breath when they got “stuck”. I enjoyed the love triangle and felt it really added to the story. Mia is such a strong character!! She persevered through a horrible childhood and she didn’t seem to let it get her down!!! I didn’t want the story to end and im@praying there wil be a sequel … wink wink
Synapses:
This book is a romance about enemies to lovers. The protagonist is a young woman,Mia Kruger, who is a bartender at a local dive bar in downtown Chicago. She has been through a lot with her mother dying when she was young. Her father as a turned to alcohol to get over his grief. Mia therefore feels responsible to take care of her younger brother who seems to be getting into trouble with the law. In order to save the bar from closing a popular band starts playing at the bar. Mia’s life is suddenly shook up when the handsome, cocky lead singer,Nick, starts giving her attention. Will Mia be stable to knock down her walls and let Nick in?
Synapses:
This book is a romance about enemies to lovers. The protagonist is a young woman,Mia Kruger, who is a bartender at a local dive bar in downtown Chicago. She has been through a lot with her mother dying when she was young. Her father as a turned to alcohol to get over his grief. Mia therefore feels responsible to take care of her younger brother who seems to be getting into trouble with the law. In order to save the bar from closing a popular band starts playing at the bar. Mia’s life is suddenly shook up when the handsome, cocky lead singer,Nick, starts giving her attention. Will Mia be stable to knock down her walls and let Nick in?
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews