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Leade Park #2
The Write Time
You can’t love someone else until you learn to love yourself. If anyone had asked her nine years ago, Jenny Green would have said she was ready to settle down into domestic bliss. She had a boyfriend, a job teaching English at the local high school, and everything was falling into place. Except the guy was wrong, the job was hard, and everything was actually falling apart. Enter Ben the strong, sexy wrestling coach who probably would have asked Jenny on a date the moment he met her, if it weren’t for that other guy. But even when Jenny is single, a series of stumbles keep her and Ben apart, and when Jenny begins to fill the gaps with drunken escapades and one night stands, Ben is forced to watch from the sidelines. Now, nine years later, everyone around her seems to have their lives in order, but Jenny is left feeling more alone than ever before. Luckily, Ben is more than willing to step in to help her find her balance. It’d be easy to fall for him if it weren’t for Jenny’s past continuing to haunt her, convincing her she’s not good enough for the kind of love Ben wants to give. Ben wants to wrestle Jenny away from her own self-doubt, but is she strong enough to let love win?
A full list of content warnings can be found at
A full list of content warnings can be found at
303 pages, Paperback
Published July 6, 2023
129 people are currently reading
1862 people want to read
About the author
Allie Samberts
14 books304 followersAllie Samberts is a romance writer, book lover, and high school English teacher. She was voted funniest teacher of the year for 2023 by her students, which is probably her highest honor to date. She is also a runner, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two kids, and a very loud beagle. You can follow her on Instagram @alliesambertswrites, read her blog at alliesamberts.substack.com, and get other updates at www.alliesamberts.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
November 22, 2023
Ben has been in love with Jenny for nine years but their timing has always been off.
First I need to state how much I loved book one. It consumed me for weeks. I was incredibly excited to read The Write Time, but it fell so short for me. Let’s start right off the bat. Why did Ben love Jenny? All we know is he has forever but we don’t experience bonding on why they would feel this way. I started off loving Ben without fully understanding this because his golden retriever energy was enough to keep me happy. Then when they get together there were little things that set me off when he got upset with her. The raising of the voice, the implied slut shaming, the curling of the hands, being upset with her for not moving as fast as he is because he’s been in love with her for 9 years. Ok sweetie but you just started dating like two weeks ago, let her breathe. The real romance of the book isn’t the couple- it’s the friendship between Mac and Jenny. And they weren’t even the stars of the book. It was clearly Katie! A ringer we don’t even know!
Overall book ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
First I need to state how much I loved book one. It consumed me for weeks. I was incredibly excited to read The Write Time, but it fell so short for me. Let’s start right off the bat. Why did Ben love Jenny? All we know is he has forever but we don’t experience bonding on why they would feel this way. I started off loving Ben without fully understanding this because his golden retriever energy was enough to keep me happy. Then when they get together there were little things that set me off when he got upset with her. The raising of the voice, the implied slut shaming, the curling of the hands, being upset with her for not moving as fast as he is because he’s been in love with her for 9 years. Ok sweetie but you just started dating like two weeks ago, let her breathe. The real romance of the book isn’t the couple- it’s the friendship between Mac and Jenny. And they weren’t even the stars of the book. It was clearly Katie! A ringer we don’t even know!
Overall book ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
December 8, 2024
Top 10 book of this year for me. This was perfection😭😭😭😭😭😭
Ben for book boyfriend of the year
Ben for book boyfriend of the year
July 11, 2023
“I have a feeling Ben would give you anything you want and then some, but whatever helps you sleep at night.” ❤️
4.5 stars!! ⭐️
✨Dual timeline
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Workplace romance
✨Slow burn
✨He falls first
Oh wow, Jenny and Ben are SO perfect for each other. I absolutely loved reading their story, especially since they’ve been in each other’s lives for 9+ years.
In this story, we read about Jenny and Ben. Learning about Jenny, and even more about her’s and Mac’s friendship, was incredible. I absolutely loved it being dual timeline, as we get a grasp of Jenny’s life pre- and post-breakup. Watching Jenny’s character grow and develop into who she becomes with Ben was absolutely beautiful. She’s someone I can totally relate to. Jenny is always putting others before herself, including Mac and her ex-boyfriend. Ben helps her realize that it’s about time she becomes the protagonist in her own story.
Ben is ultimate boyfriend goals. That man NEVER GAVE UP! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 He has been in love with Jenny from the moment they met 9 years ago when they started teaching at Leade Park High School. The mouth on this man?! 🥵 AND THE CONSENT?! When I tell you he wanted to know everything about Jenny on how to pleasure her, he wanted to know EVERYTHING! 💞💞💞
I absolutely loved reading this. Reading this right after The Write Place was perfect. A huge shoutout to Allie Sambert for the ARC. I’m so grateful I was able to read this amazing story!!
All thoughts and opinions are my own as I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5 stars!! ⭐️
✨Dual timeline
✨Friends to Lovers
✨Workplace romance
✨Slow burn
✨He falls first
Oh wow, Jenny and Ben are SO perfect for each other. I absolutely loved reading their story, especially since they’ve been in each other’s lives for 9+ years.
In this story, we read about Jenny and Ben. Learning about Jenny, and even more about her’s and Mac’s friendship, was incredible. I absolutely loved it being dual timeline, as we get a grasp of Jenny’s life pre- and post-breakup. Watching Jenny’s character grow and develop into who she becomes with Ben was absolutely beautiful. She’s someone I can totally relate to. Jenny is always putting others before herself, including Mac and her ex-boyfriend. Ben helps her realize that it’s about time she becomes the protagonist in her own story.
Ben is ultimate boyfriend goals. That man NEVER GAVE UP! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 He has been in love with Jenny from the moment they met 9 years ago when they started teaching at Leade Park High School. The mouth on this man?! 🥵 AND THE CONSENT?! When I tell you he wanted to know everything about Jenny on how to pleasure her, he wanted to know EVERYTHING! 💞💞💞
I absolutely loved reading this. Reading this right after The Write Place was perfect. A huge shoutout to Allie Sambert for the ARC. I’m so grateful I was able to read this amazing story!!
All thoughts and opinions are my own as I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2023
4.5 stars
If you loved The Write Place, you will love the return to Leade Park High where this time it’s Jenny and Ben who have a chance at love. Flipping between the current day and up to nine years ago, we see how Jenny and Ben first meet and become not only coworkers, but friends. If it weren’t for Jenny being in a relationship at the time, Ben definitely would’ve asked her out, but that’s just it; timing is Jenny’s thing and she and Ben just can’t seem to get it right.
In the current timeline, we are two years past the end of The Write Place and Mac is stressed out planning her wedding to Daniel. Ben has moved classrooms closer to Jenny and opportunities keep presenting themselves for her and Ben to finally go on a date and take a chance with each other. Equal parts friend-mance and romance, Jenny’s relaationship with Mac is just as if not more important than her burgeoning relationship with Ben, and it might be the thing that keeps her from fully committing to Ben.
I liked seeing how Jenny and Ben’s story began. I’m a sucker for when the guy falls first and Ben is pretty much the ideal cinnamon roll hero. He’s so kind and understanding and will WAIT FOR HER. I wish we saw more of Jenny and Ben’s relationship as a couple once they actually commit. There are a few spicy scenes that are perfect—my favorite being the four-word phrase scene, I looooved it—and for as much chemistry as these two had, I just wanted more of it. That being said, their relationship is nine years in the making, so we know that once they’re together, they’re TOGETHER. There were a few questions I had, like what happens to Jenny’s relationship with her mom? Is it necessary to a future plot line? And what happens at work, once these two finally get together? What’s the story with Daniel’s friends? Again, I think I just wanted a longer section on Jenny and Ben actually dating. Regardless, this book scratched that itch for a warm fuzzies romance with a hint of dirtiness. It also had the best epilogue ever so now you have to read the whole thing!
Read this book if you like:
-Friends to Lovers
-He falls first
-A little bit of dirty talk
-Best friend secondary storyline
-PASTA!
-Timing is everything
If you loved The Write Place, you will love the return to Leade Park High where this time it’s Jenny and Ben who have a chance at love. Flipping between the current day and up to nine years ago, we see how Jenny and Ben first meet and become not only coworkers, but friends. If it weren’t for Jenny being in a relationship at the time, Ben definitely would’ve asked her out, but that’s just it; timing is Jenny’s thing and she and Ben just can’t seem to get it right.
In the current timeline, we are two years past the end of The Write Place and Mac is stressed out planning her wedding to Daniel. Ben has moved classrooms closer to Jenny and opportunities keep presenting themselves for her and Ben to finally go on a date and take a chance with each other. Equal parts friend-mance and romance, Jenny’s relaationship with Mac is just as if not more important than her burgeoning relationship with Ben, and it might be the thing that keeps her from fully committing to Ben.
I liked seeing how Jenny and Ben’s story began. I’m a sucker for when the guy falls first and Ben is pretty much the ideal cinnamon roll hero. He’s so kind and understanding and will WAIT FOR HER. I wish we saw more of Jenny and Ben’s relationship as a couple once they actually commit. There are a few spicy scenes that are perfect—my favorite being the four-word phrase scene, I looooved it—and for as much chemistry as these two had, I just wanted more of it. That being said, their relationship is nine years in the making, so we know that once they’re together, they’re TOGETHER. There were a few questions I had, like what happens to Jenny’s relationship with her mom? Is it necessary to a future plot line? And what happens at work, once these two finally get together? What’s the story with Daniel’s friends? Again, I think I just wanted a longer section on Jenny and Ben actually dating. Regardless, this book scratched that itch for a warm fuzzies romance with a hint of dirtiness. It also had the best epilogue ever so now you have to read the whole thing!
Read this book if you like:
-Friends to Lovers
-He falls first
-A little bit of dirty talk
-Best friend secondary storyline
-PASTA!
-Timing is everything
March 23, 2024
After LOVING The Write Place, I had been meaning to read The Write Time forever, and when I saw that the audiobook (beautifully narrated by @thornsnroses.co) was now available, I took it as a sign!
If you are new to Allie's books, she is the type of writer who you can tell thinks of her characters as people she loves and cares about. This comes through in the gentle way she treats each of them in her beautiful stories.
When Jenny met Ben nine years ago, she was in a committed relationship and was contemplating her future. She had a long-term boyfriend; they'd just moved in together, and she had her teaching job. She was thinking about milestones like marriage and starting a family. However, when her personal life took a drastic turn, Jenny abandoned the idea of love and long-term relationships. She opted for commitment-free hookups instead. Ben, who had been smitten with Jenny since they met, hated her boyfriend's ill-treatment of her. After they broke up, Ben thought he might have a chance with Jenny, but instead, he watched as she made one poor decision after another. Despite his attempts to win her over, fate never seemed to be on their side. Now, almost a decade later, both are single and teaching English across the hall from each other. Ben sees this as his last chance to win Jenny over. But the question remains: can Jenny let go of her past and open herself up to love?
I recommend reading The Write Place first because many past events referenced in this book are developed in the first book in the series. Now, let's talk about Jenny and Ben. They are fun, complex, and full of life. They can sometimes aggravate each other, but their adorable quirks make them all the more endearing. Their characters are infused with so much heart that you can't help but root for them. After years of friendship, the thought of risking what they have is scary, and this tentativeness is beautifully portrayed in Allie's writing. Between the teachers, their families, friends, and co-workers, Allie creates a universe in which the characters have so much love but have also endured a lot. They call each other out when needed, stand by each other during tough times, and even though they frustrate each other, they always come through in the end. I hope you'll read this series; it is truly special.
If you are new to Allie's books, she is the type of writer who you can tell thinks of her characters as people she loves and cares about. This comes through in the gentle way she treats each of them in her beautiful stories.
When Jenny met Ben nine years ago, she was in a committed relationship and was contemplating her future. She had a long-term boyfriend; they'd just moved in together, and she had her teaching job. She was thinking about milestones like marriage and starting a family. However, when her personal life took a drastic turn, Jenny abandoned the idea of love and long-term relationships. She opted for commitment-free hookups instead. Ben, who had been smitten with Jenny since they met, hated her boyfriend's ill-treatment of her. After they broke up, Ben thought he might have a chance with Jenny, but instead, he watched as she made one poor decision after another. Despite his attempts to win her over, fate never seemed to be on their side. Now, almost a decade later, both are single and teaching English across the hall from each other. Ben sees this as his last chance to win Jenny over. But the question remains: can Jenny let go of her past and open herself up to love?
I recommend reading The Write Place first because many past events referenced in this book are developed in the first book in the series. Now, let's talk about Jenny and Ben. They are fun, complex, and full of life. They can sometimes aggravate each other, but their adorable quirks make them all the more endearing. Their characters are infused with so much heart that you can't help but root for them. After years of friendship, the thought of risking what they have is scary, and this tentativeness is beautifully portrayed in Allie's writing. Between the teachers, their families, friends, and co-workers, Allie creates a universe in which the characters have so much love but have also endured a lot. They call each other out when needed, stand by each other during tough times, and even though they frustrate each other, they always come through in the end. I hope you'll read this series; it is truly special.
July 3, 2023
Another amazing story by Allie Samberts!
Just like her first book, The Write Place, I was hooked from the start. Her writing has a way of making you feel like you’re a part of their world and I was happy to be back in Leade Park with the epic bff duo, Jenny and Mac.
Jenny and Ben’s story was a slow burn but I loved watching Jenny let her guard down and Ben’s patience and confidence take the lead. The dual timelines showed the history of their friendship throughout the years and heartwarming moments along the way. Ben is just perfect. 🔥
I definitely recommend this sweet and spicy read that I didn’t want to end!
Just like her first book, The Write Place, I was hooked from the start. Her writing has a way of making you feel like you’re a part of their world and I was happy to be back in Leade Park with the epic bff duo, Jenny and Mac.
Jenny and Ben’s story was a slow burn but I loved watching Jenny let her guard down and Ben’s patience and confidence take the lead. The dual timelines showed the history of their friendship throughout the years and heartwarming moments along the way. Ben is just perfect. 🔥
I definitely recommend this sweet and spicy read that I didn’t want to end!
July 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I read The Write Place & The Write Time back to back & loved them both…I do think I liked The Write Time more though…I loved that you get more context to the Write Place & the story does overlap quite a bit in The Write Time….even though this was Jenny & Ben’s story we get the continuation of Mac & Daniels story & see how it all plays out with Jenny & Ben
Jenny & Ben
Jenny couldn’t get out of her own way enough…she could be frustrating but we’ve all been there…Ben 😍a man who knew exactly what & who he wanted…such a rare find…even when pushed away he was always there…wish there were more Ben’s in the world
Overall I loved it…I wouldn’t change a thing & I can’t wait for book 3
I read The Write Place & The Write Time back to back & loved them both…I do think I liked The Write Time more though…I loved that you get more context to the Write Place & the story does overlap quite a bit in The Write Time….even though this was Jenny & Ben’s story we get the continuation of Mac & Daniels story & see how it all plays out with Jenny & Ben
Jenny & Ben
Jenny couldn’t get out of her own way enough…she could be frustrating but we’ve all been there…Ben 😍a man who knew exactly what & who he wanted…such a rare find…even when pushed away he was always there…wish there were more Ben’s in the world
Overall I loved it…I wouldn’t change a thing & I can’t wait for book 3
June 7, 2023
The Write Time by Allie Samberts is a great book! I found myself enjoying both timelines and getting to know Jenny and Ben.
Jenny and Ben are both English teachers, who easily become friends the first time they meet. While it's obvious to everyone that Ben definitely has a "thing" for Jenny, Jenny has a less than great boyfriend who she's been with for the better part of a decade. They eventually break up, and the dance of when Ben and Jenny will get together starts. I really enjoyed the dual-timelines of this book. Both gave me a good amount of character development and time with both mcs. I loved how respectful Ben was with Jenny, and how he never pushed Jenny to go back out with him after a big event happens to one of her friends. He's patient... I mean the guy waits 9 years for her! It takes Jenny a while to see that she's worth putting herself first. Encouraging her to be the "protagonist in her own story". This story was fun and well written and showed me plenty of the small moments where they start to fall in love, which is my favorite part of romance books. I hate when those scenes are rushed or glossed over, but didn't have to worry about that with The Write Time.
I gave it a 4/4.5 star rating only because I wish we had gotten to see more of Ben and Jenny after they got together (even though that little epilogue was adorable!). And because I felt like some of the side characters got more attention than needed, but not much. I still loved this story and can't wait to put a physical copy on my shelf!
Jenny and Ben are both English teachers, who easily become friends the first time they meet. While it's obvious to everyone that Ben definitely has a "thing" for Jenny, Jenny has a less than great boyfriend who she's been with for the better part of a decade. They eventually break up, and the dance of when Ben and Jenny will get together starts. I really enjoyed the dual-timelines of this book. Both gave me a good amount of character development and time with both mcs. I loved how respectful Ben was with Jenny, and how he never pushed Jenny to go back out with him after a big event happens to one of her friends. He's patient... I mean the guy waits 9 years for her! It takes Jenny a while to see that she's worth putting herself first. Encouraging her to be the "protagonist in her own story". This story was fun and well written and showed me plenty of the small moments where they start to fall in love, which is my favorite part of romance books. I hate when those scenes are rushed or glossed over, but didn't have to worry about that with The Write Time.
I gave it a 4/4.5 star rating only because I wish we had gotten to see more of Ben and Jenny after they got together (even though that little epilogue was adorable!). And because I felt like some of the side characters got more attention than needed, but not much. I still loved this story and can't wait to put a physical copy on my shelf!
August 22, 2023
I was ranting about Ben's behavior all through the ending of this book.
I finished the Write Place with a feeling of awww.
I finished this with a feeling of ARGGHHHH.
Ben did multiple very non romantic hero sorts of things.
Raising his voice when she doesn't do what he wants.
Curling of his hands like he wants to punch something when they disagree.
Getting mad and storming out because she won't agree to move in with him after a little over 2 weeks of dating because she should just know like he does. This was followed by the silent treatment and waiting for her to come and say it's her fault. It's been 2 weeks! And you know the last guy she lived with cheated on her!
The implication that she was either a slut or a cheat because she slept with other guys when he wanted to go out with her. Not when he was going out with her, but when he wanted to be.
Dude.
And that doesn't even include his trash talking session about Mac in book 1.
We're supposed to think he's great because he took her home when she got smashing drunk when she was hurting but where was he when Ellie died? Was he there checking on her? Bring her and Mac food?
I'm being told he is great but other than wanting to give her orgasms, I'm really not seeing it.
I finished the Write Place with a feeling of awww.
I finished this with a feeling of ARGGHHHH.
Ben did multiple very non romantic hero sorts of things.
Raising his voice when she doesn't do what he wants.
Curling of his hands like he wants to punch something when they disagree.
Getting mad and storming out because she won't agree to move in with him after a little over 2 weeks of dating because she should just know like he does. This was followed by the silent treatment and waiting for her to come and say it's her fault. It's been 2 weeks! And you know the last guy she lived with cheated on her!
The implication that she was either a slut or a cheat because she slept with other guys when he wanted to go out with her. Not when he was going out with her, but when he wanted to be.
Dude.
And that doesn't even include his trash talking session about Mac in book 1.
We're supposed to think he's great because he took her home when she got smashing drunk when she was hurting but where was he when Ellie died? Was he there checking on her? Bring her and Mac food?
I'm being told he is great but other than wanting to give her orgasms, I'm really not seeing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2023
After reading The Write Place I wasn’t sure if the second book in the series could top the first book for me, but I was wrong! Somehow I loved The Write Time even more!
Jenny and Ben had such amazing chemistry and I loved getting to go back in time and relive their entire friendship and all the ups and downs Ben stood by Jenny through. Watching their friends to lovers story play out was so organic and perfect and Jenny might be my favorite character now! And Ben was just *chefs kiss* 🔥🥵
I also was happy to pick up right where we left off with Mac and Daniel. I really enjoyed that Mac was such a big part of Jennys story. Reading this book felt like coming home to old friends.
Also, I need Jennys meatball recipe ASAP! 🤣🍝
Read if you like:
-friends to lovers
-workplace romance
-🌶️🌶️🌶️
-dual timeline
-he falls first
Warning: This book was definitely a tear jerker and hit me right in the feels.
July 19, 2023
"You remember that?"
"I remember you."
This love story is one to grab - really! Jenny and Ben have been friends for 9 years - working across the hall, going from "Howdy Neighbor" to "Sweetheart" right before our eyes. Being the follow up to Allie's The Write Place, you see Jenny's journey to love this time, finding out why she is the way she is and how she grows to become the woman before us. It's told in Dual Timelines - spanning nine years - you really see their relationship grow.
Ben is caring and genuine, truly loving Jenny with his full heart, the complete book boyfriend. Jenny is an amazing female lead, rebuilding her life you root for her from the beginning. I loved see Mac and Daniel back again, and a glimpse into Mac's past. Be prepared to have some tissues.
Truly a wonderful follow up and second novel for Allie, I can't wait to see what else she brings us!
"I remember you."
This love story is one to grab - really! Jenny and Ben have been friends for 9 years - working across the hall, going from "Howdy Neighbor" to "Sweetheart" right before our eyes. Being the follow up to Allie's The Write Place, you see Jenny's journey to love this time, finding out why she is the way she is and how she grows to become the woman before us. It's told in Dual Timelines - spanning nine years - you really see their relationship grow.
Ben is caring and genuine, truly loving Jenny with his full heart, the complete book boyfriend. Jenny is an amazing female lead, rebuilding her life you root for her from the beginning. I loved see Mac and Daniel back again, and a glimpse into Mac's past. Be prepared to have some tissues.
Truly a wonderful follow up and second novel for Allie, I can't wait to see what else she brings us!
April 30, 2025
I am such a fan of Allie Samberts!!! I’ve now only read 3 of her books but i fall in love more each time! Her writing is fantastic. The characters are so well thought and complex and struggling with real things. This one was good!! I love a dual timeline! It gave us a deeper look into Jenny, and even her and Max’s friendship which was crucial to the story. And we of course got to see Ben and Jenny circling each other forever, trying to figure out their timing. When they FINALLY figured it out, it made my heart so happy!!
This is about Ben and Jenny, but like the Write Place it’s also really about Jenny and Mac. I love their friendship so much. We get to see them in the past, and see them grieving Ellie, and seeing them really living life together and it’s so amazing. And then in the present we see how things are changing with Mac getting married and they both are so scared of the change but also so scared to talk about it! It’s both frustrating and so sweet that they just love each other so much and they don’t want to upset the other!!
I really loved when Ben and Jenny were GOOD. When they finally gave in! They had fun and they fit! And seeing her with his family was SO CUTE! Her mom…isn’t my favorite…so seeing her be welcomed into Ben’s family was exactly what she needed!
I wish we could have gotten a little deeper into Ben’s feelings. I LOVED that he’s loved her for so long, that he’s been such a good friend to her, that he’s always there for her!! He just had big feelings and loud confessions of his undying love… But he knew the timing was never right…and he knew she had a lot to work through…and while he wasn’t wrong to say that to her?? It just felt…so fast…cause while he was IN IT for the last nine years…she wasn’t totally?? and he was too quick to get upset…but also quick to apologize because he knew he was wrong to get so frustrated?? It was just weird.
I am going to read The Write Choice asap bc I think Brandon and Katie are going to be my favorite!!! And then I will continue on my Allie Samberts journey!!
3.5 🌟 rounded up!!
This is about Ben and Jenny, but like the Write Place it’s also really about Jenny and Mac. I love their friendship so much. We get to see them in the past, and see them grieving Ellie, and seeing them really living life together and it’s so amazing. And then in the present we see how things are changing with Mac getting married and they both are so scared of the change but also so scared to talk about it! It’s both frustrating and so sweet that they just love each other so much and they don’t want to upset the other!!
I really loved when Ben and Jenny were GOOD. When they finally gave in! They had fun and they fit! And seeing her with his family was SO CUTE! Her mom…isn’t my favorite…so seeing her be welcomed into Ben’s family was exactly what she needed!
I wish we could have gotten a little deeper into Ben’s feelings. I LOVED that he’s loved her for so long, that he’s been such a good friend to her, that he’s always there for her!! He just had big feelings and loud confessions of his undying love… But he knew the timing was never right…and he knew she had a lot to work through…and while he wasn’t wrong to say that to her?? It just felt…so fast…cause while he was IN IT for the last nine years…she wasn’t totally?? and he was too quick to get upset…but also quick to apologize because he knew he was wrong to get so frustrated?? It was just weird.
I am going to read The Write Choice asap bc I think Brandon and Katie are going to be my favorite!!! And then I will continue on my Allie Samberts journey!!
3.5 🌟 rounded up!!
July 26, 2023
I liked this! The school setting was fun and I liked that this was a romance but also had heavier themes and some angst. The author did a great job balancing it all out. There were plenty of times where I was smiling, but also others where I was tearing up from how emotional I was getting lmao.
I'm normally such a fan of books that switch between the past and present, but I feel like it didn't work as well in this one. It wasn't done in a way that I felt was super meaningful. So many of the obstacles that were supposedly in the way between Ben and Jenny felt small in the grand scheme of things and could have been solved with some communication.
Also, Jenny was kinda hard to warm up to. I loved Ben, but I wanted him to be more than just the guy who held a torch for Jenny for almost 10 years.
I feel like sometimes you can get lucky with interconnected standalone series where it's not really necessary to read the first book, but that wasn't the case here. It's not so much that I didn't know the back story of the couple in the first book (the author does a good job at not making you feel out of the loop) but it's more that they still play such a crucial role in this book - specifically the fmc. If you read the first book, I'm sure it was absolutely lovely getting to see them past the epilogue of their book. So, def recommend reading this one in order!
I'm normally such a fan of books that switch between the past and present, but I feel like it didn't work as well in this one. It wasn't done in a way that I felt was super meaningful. So many of the obstacles that were supposedly in the way between Ben and Jenny felt small in the grand scheme of things and could have been solved with some communication.
Also, Jenny was kinda hard to warm up to. I loved Ben, but I wanted him to be more than just the guy who held a torch for Jenny for almost 10 years.
I feel like sometimes you can get lucky with interconnected standalone series where it's not really necessary to read the first book, but that wasn't the case here. It's not so much that I didn't know the back story of the couple in the first book (the author does a good job at not making you feel out of the loop) but it's more that they still play such a crucial role in this book - specifically the fmc. If you read the first book, I'm sure it was absolutely lovely getting to see them past the epilogue of their book. So, def recommend reading this one in order!
February 15, 2024
tldr: this convinced me to read the third book 🫣
so i think i’ve finally nailed down what i like in romance books thanks to the fact that i enjoyed this book IMMENSELY more than the first one:
— for the leads to know each other prior to the story’s beginning
— for both of them to have fleshed out backgrounds, especially if the story is narrated by only one of the leads (probably my biggest issues with the first book was daniel’s lack of background… like i literally knew nothing about him)
— for one of the leads to pine after the other for NINE YEARS (ok this is not a strict requirement lol but a man who says “you’re it for me. if it’s not you, it’s no one.” 😭😭😭 i just KNOW that means LOVE because the successful couple from ‘love is blind’ had the same sentiments and they’re still together BUT I DIGRESS)
i felt a bit iffy abt the sudden conflict, and thought like jenny’s character somewhat dimmed as the narrator and not an entertaining side character, but per usual loved the friendships & katie + brandon’s official introduction to the series ✨
so i think i’ve finally nailed down what i like in romance books thanks to the fact that i enjoyed this book IMMENSELY more than the first one:
— for the leads to know each other prior to the story’s beginning
— for both of them to have fleshed out backgrounds, especially if the story is narrated by only one of the leads (probably my biggest issues with the first book was daniel’s lack of background… like i literally knew nothing about him)
— for one of the leads to pine after the other for NINE YEARS (ok this is not a strict requirement lol but a man who says “you’re it for me. if it’s not you, it’s no one.” 😭😭😭 i just KNOW that means LOVE because the successful couple from ‘love is blind’ had the same sentiments and they’re still together BUT I DIGRESS)
i felt a bit iffy abt the sudden conflict, and thought like jenny’s character somewhat dimmed as the narrator and not an entertaining side character, but per usual loved the friendships & katie + brandon’s official introduction to the series ✨
July 29, 2023
diablo k mucho llore cb que carajo paso aqui JAJAJAJAJAJA she was everything and he was also everything la manera en que este ser humano espero 9 años para estar con ella…. yo quedo frozen 😭 las personalidades de los dos were to good and they complimented each other a la perfeccion me thinks y el relationship ENTRE ELLA Y LA AMIGA??? puñeta they got me las amo y asi es que se hace patria also en este hay third act breakup pero hace sentido and i kinda luved it anyways me when
July 26, 2023
Another perfect book by Allie
I didn’t think it could get better than The Write Place, but somehow it did!
Ben is the ultimate gentleman, pining over Jenny for 9 years. The multiple timelines were so well executed and I loved getting glimpses of them throughout their journey. Another comfort read for me.
I didn’t think it could get better than The Write Place, but somehow it did!
Ben is the ultimate gentleman, pining over Jenny for 9 years. The multiple timelines were so well executed and I loved getting glimpses of them throughout their journey. Another comfort read for me.
September 3, 2023
Another fantastic romance by Allie Samberts! Truly could not put this book down. I love the continuation and familiarity of the characters from “The Write Place,” while focusing on Jenny and Ben’s relationship. A great read all around!
March 21, 2024
I loved going back to Leade Park! As always Mac & Jenny are friendship goals, even though they have their rough spots. I liked getting to read about Jenny’s background and I can’t wait to read Katie & Brandon’s story next!
September 17, 2023
Cute, easy read
April 3, 2024
These characters are so vivid. Read this in a day and will def read book 3.
June 25, 2024
I loved this book so much. Everyone needs a Ben 💜
July 11, 2023
Oh. My. Goodness. I loved this books is much!
After reading The Write Place (Book 1), I didn’t know how I could love a book more- but I knew I couldn’t wait to read Jenny’s story.
Jenny and Ben have been friends since they started teaching together 9 years ago. Ben has always been interested in Jenny, but she has been dealing with the fallout of the ending of an almost 10 year relationship that left her broken and unsure of relationships. Ben wants to love Jenny, but she has to realize she’s worthy and capable of being loved and loving.
Seriously loved everything about this book! I loved getting to see who Jenny is and what made her that way & Ben is just so hot and incredibly sweet at the same time. And I’m not usually into the blonde sweet MMC but whew I am here for Ben 🥵
💚 He falls first
💚 Workplace romance
💚 Dual timeline
💚 Second chance
💚 “Good girl” & “sweetheart”
💚 Coworkers-to-friends-to-lovers
After reading The Write Place (Book 1), I didn’t know how I could love a book more- but I knew I couldn’t wait to read Jenny’s story.
Jenny and Ben have been friends since they started teaching together 9 years ago. Ben has always been interested in Jenny, but she has been dealing with the fallout of the ending of an almost 10 year relationship that left her broken and unsure of relationships. Ben wants to love Jenny, but she has to realize she’s worthy and capable of being loved and loving.
Seriously loved everything about this book! I loved getting to see who Jenny is and what made her that way & Ben is just so hot and incredibly sweet at the same time. And I’m not usually into the blonde sweet MMC but whew I am here for Ben 🥵
💚 He falls first
💚 Workplace romance
💚 Dual timeline
💚 Second chance
💚 “Good girl” & “sweetheart”
💚 Coworkers-to-friends-to-lovers
September 6, 2023
DNF 20%. This is glacial and boring. I bailed in the middle of the “😄Actually, Shakespeare *is* quite fun! 😄” long-ass scene. I wanted to jump ship in the middle of the interminable “😣Oh no you’re wedding dress is ugly what do we do☹️” scene but I assumed things would get better. They did not. The jumps between the past and the present are mind-numbing, how many more ways can we spell out that Kyle wasn’t right for her and that Ben always liked her? Maybe dual POV would have helped here?? The driving force of any romance book is sprinkles of sexy tension, there is literally zero of that here. There is just “Gee, Ben sure does have kind eyes.” Oh and let’s not forget when Ben gets some wings from the bar and she says the last time she ate them, she ended up with her head in the toilet. What a sexy image to put on our hero! Bye.
(Also the note about what to skip if you don’t want to read sex scenes: let’s stop catering to the church types who are terrified of human sexuality?? Let them read their Amish romance about a lady who falls for a man who will be terrible to her later, and STFU.)
(Also the note about what to skip if you don’t want to read sex scenes: let’s stop catering to the church types who are terrified of human sexuality?? Let them read their Amish romance about a lady who falls for a man who will be terrible to her later, and STFU.)
June 28, 2023
Jenny was my favorite character in The Write Place, so I was very excited to read this book as it is her story. As expected, it did not disappoint!
Through past and present timelines, we learn more about Jenny’s life and her nine year on and off friendship/co-worker relationship with Ben. I found myself rooting for them since the first day they met, and while I got super frustrated at times, I also understand that timing is everything. Jenny and Mac’s friendship so memorable and Jenny’s selflessness and loyalty to those she loves is admirable. This was such a cute and cozy read with a little spice added in and I highly recommend it.
I also need Jenny’s meatball recipe ASAP!
Follow us on Instagram for a more detailed review of this book and some other book reviews and recs! @wewineaboutbooks
Through past and present timelines, we learn more about Jenny’s life and her nine year on and off friendship/co-worker relationship with Ben. I found myself rooting for them since the first day they met, and while I got super frustrated at times, I also understand that timing is everything. Jenny and Mac’s friendship so memorable and Jenny’s selflessness and loyalty to those she loves is admirable. This was such a cute and cozy read with a little spice added in and I highly recommend it.
I also need Jenny’s meatball recipe ASAP!
Follow us on Instagram for a more detailed review of this book and some other book reviews and recs! @wewineaboutbooks
November 6, 2023
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
ARC REVIEW:
after reading the write place, i had high hopes for this one. and i wasn’t disappointed. i was so excited to read jenny’s story because i loved her in the first book. now for ben, that’s another story, but he completely made up for his mistakes in this book.
jenny and ben’s story spans over nine years. the book alternate between past and present to weave together a beautiful love story that shows that sometimes waiting for the right person and the right time is worth it.
now in the write place, i loved ben at first and how in love he seemed to be with jenny. then, an incident happened and i was quite angry at him, just like jenny was.
but two years have passed since that incident. mac and daniel are getting married and moving in together, leaving jenny feeling alone. of course, ben is there for her as always. but can she put her walls down and finally let him in?
jenny isn’t like mac. instead of curling up on herself and disappearing when she’s hurt, she’s self-destructive. she goes out, gets drunk and sleeps with guys who aren’t worth her time. but she’s tired of this life and wishes she could settle down like everyone else around her.
i loved that ben was a constant in her life and he was always there for her when she needed him. jenny needs that kind of person she can rely on. now did i like how he talked to her sometimes? not always. but it always came from a good place. he wanted her to see that she was worth everything good he could offer her and that she could be the main character in her own story.
like in the first book, i loved jenny and mac’s friendship, even if it is tested at times. they are each other’s true family. but jenny needed to see that she doesn’t have to put her life aside for mac’s happiness. she can still be a good friend and put herself first sometimes.
there is, just as there was in the first book, a third act breakup. again, i did not mind it at all, but i know some people don’t like those.
i really recommend you check out the write place and then this one when it comes out on july 11! those two books were a breath of fresh air when it came to my reading. allie samberts is definitely an author to look out for!
i would like to thank allie samberts for sending me an ARC of her book in exchange for an honest review.
read if you like:
- slow (and i mean SLOW) burn
- friends to lovers
- workplace (high school) romance
- forced proximity
- he falls first and hard
- dual timelines
- strong female friendship
2.5/5 🌶️
ARC REVIEW:
after reading the write place, i had high hopes for this one. and i wasn’t disappointed. i was so excited to read jenny’s story because i loved her in the first book. now for ben, that’s another story, but he completely made up for his mistakes in this book.
jenny and ben’s story spans over nine years. the book alternate between past and present to weave together a beautiful love story that shows that sometimes waiting for the right person and the right time is worth it.
now in the write place, i loved ben at first and how in love he seemed to be with jenny. then, an incident happened and i was quite angry at him, just like jenny was.
but two years have passed since that incident. mac and daniel are getting married and moving in together, leaving jenny feeling alone. of course, ben is there for her as always. but can she put her walls down and finally let him in?
jenny isn’t like mac. instead of curling up on herself and disappearing when she’s hurt, she’s self-destructive. she goes out, gets drunk and sleeps with guys who aren’t worth her time. but she’s tired of this life and wishes she could settle down like everyone else around her.
i loved that ben was a constant in her life and he was always there for her when she needed him. jenny needs that kind of person she can rely on. now did i like how he talked to her sometimes? not always. but it always came from a good place. he wanted her to see that she was worth everything good he could offer her and that she could be the main character in her own story.
like in the first book, i loved jenny and mac’s friendship, even if it is tested at times. they are each other’s true family. but jenny needed to see that she doesn’t have to put her life aside for mac’s happiness. she can still be a good friend and put herself first sometimes.
there is, just as there was in the first book, a third act breakup. again, i did not mind it at all, but i know some people don’t like those.
i really recommend you check out the write place and then this one when it comes out on july 11! those two books were a breath of fresh air when it came to my reading. allie samberts is definitely an author to look out for!
i would like to thank allie samberts for sending me an ARC of her book in exchange for an honest review.
read if you like:
- slow (and i mean SLOW) burn
- friends to lovers
- workplace (high school) romance
- forced proximity
- he falls first and hard
- dual timelines
- strong female friendship
June 14, 2023
{I received this as an advanced readers copy from the author. I was not paid for this review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.}
🌶️🌶️
What a sweet romance novel! As someone with an English degree who grew up with a parent who worked in the public school system, this book was everything I needed and more.
Though it’s the second book in the Leade Park series, it can be read as a standalone.
This novel follows Jenny who we learn has experienced a toxic and emotionally abusive relationship and has had a string of one-night stands ever since. She’s comically chronically late to everything—appointments, meetings, and relationships.
Ben, a fellow English teacher with whom Jenny has been friends for 9 years, seems like the perfect guy. But is Jenny really worth his time and attention? And can they ever get their timing right?
This is a novel about learning to love yourself and discovering how to put yourself first… even when you’re a chronic people pleaser.
🌶️🌶️
What a sweet romance novel! As someone with an English degree who grew up with a parent who worked in the public school system, this book was everything I needed and more.
Though it’s the second book in the Leade Park series, it can be read as a standalone.
This novel follows Jenny who we learn has experienced a toxic and emotionally abusive relationship and has had a string of one-night stands ever since. She’s comically chronically late to everything—appointments, meetings, and relationships.
Ben, a fellow English teacher with whom Jenny has been friends for 9 years, seems like the perfect guy. But is Jenny really worth his time and attention? And can they ever get their timing right?
This is a novel about learning to love yourself and discovering how to put yourself first… even when you’re a chronic people pleaser.
July 1, 2023
I REALLY enjoyed this book! I bought and read the first book, The Write Place, in a few days and loved it. I wasn’t sure the second book could be better, but it was! I received an ARC copy of The Write Time and finished it even faster. Ben and Jenny are so fun to read and have GREAT chemistry. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to get insight into the buildup of their nine year journey to present day. You will not regret reading this!
July 19, 2023
I have never been more excited for a book to release and I finished this book in two days (I would have finished it in one, if I didn’t have to work!) I see myself in Jenny and I love the way Ben treated Jenny with patience, care, and love. Ben is now my new favorite book boyfriend. While reading this book I found myself both laughing and crying uncontrollably. I felt like I was there with the characters in the book and I could feel each emption that the characters were feeling. I can’t wait to read this book again and will definitely recommend this book to my friends, family, and anyone else that is reading this review.
May 21, 2023
It was just so cozy and adorable.
October 7, 2023
It seemed like the write time to review book 2! (See what I did there?) Having absolutely loved book 1, and also having seen a bit of Ben and Jenny in it I cannot explain to you how excited I was for their story because I just knew it was going to be adorable and oh my was it! I loved the change from book 1's dual POV approach to book 2's dual timeline-ness because of the nature of their relationship. I always say I love dual POV because I love to see what the guy is thinking too, but with this one, Ben is so honest and open about his feelings I really didn't feel it was missing anything by not having any chapters from his POV. I was never left wondering what he was thinking at any point. The dual timeline worked so well for their story and every few present day chapters you got a chapter from X years in the past starting from 9 years ago in their first year of teaching together up to the present. Keeping the "past" timeline chronological always helps for me to keep it in order rather than jumping around (with the exception of the prologue set "2 years ago" but that one was fine because it was at the beginning and essentially a little added bonus from when book 1 was set). It was honestly devastating seeing their past though and how/why it hadn't worked out for them sooner. They were such a great couple and they could have had so many more happy years together already! I hadn't expected it to be set a whole 2 years after The Write Place but I thought it worked really well. The only thing I wasn't sure about was the way Mac and Daniel were portrayed in it. I know most of Jenny's issues with them was just down to her loneliness and not actually them together but sometimes I felt like it seemed they weren't actually great together which made me sad. I'm really looking forward to the third book though about Katie and Brandon! With them already being together, married with kids, it's not going to be a typical romance, and although we met them a bit in these first two books, we don't know them anywhere near as well as you normally know them I don't think, so I'm excited to find out their story!
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