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River Valley Teacher's Lounge #2
Use Your Words
Aaron Hopeless romantic.
Ms. Lucy. Desperately hopeful.
I wanted a fresh start with my demon behind me, across the state line where he belongs. I didn’t want this instead–for my one night stand to show up at my new place of employment the next day.
When Aaron Russo, the middle school gym teacher, shows up as my mentor the day after I flee his bedroom in a panic, I have no choice but to grin and bear it. But despite my insistence to never give my heart to a man again, his puppy-dog demeanor and eyes that glimmer with hope make it almost too easy to fall.
Although Aaron is a hopeless romantic looking to jump the gun on finding his happily ever after, he slows down. Just for me. He puts on the brakes, and does things at my turtle-like pace, while also encouraging me to find my voice that was taken from me all those years ago. But just as I allow myself to believe in love again and start to take back the control that I lost during my decade-long marriage, my demon sneaks his way back in.
As I come to the crossroads of my mangled past, the words I once buried deep have to break through the rubble. Because slaying those demons once and for all means reaching Aaron’s shining light that is the hope at the end of the tunnel.
Ms. Lucy. Desperately hopeful.
I wanted a fresh start with my demon behind me, across the state line where he belongs. I didn’t want this instead–for my one night stand to show up at my new place of employment the next day.
When Aaron Russo, the middle school gym teacher, shows up as my mentor the day after I flee his bedroom in a panic, I have no choice but to grin and bear it. But despite my insistence to never give my heart to a man again, his puppy-dog demeanor and eyes that glimmer with hope make it almost too easy to fall.
Although Aaron is a hopeless romantic looking to jump the gun on finding his happily ever after, he slows down. Just for me. He puts on the brakes, and does things at my turtle-like pace, while also encouraging me to find my voice that was taken from me all those years ago. But just as I allow myself to believe in love again and start to take back the control that I lost during my decade-long marriage, my demon sneaks his way back in.
As I come to the crossroads of my mangled past, the words I once buried deep have to break through the rubble. Because slaying those demons once and for all means reaching Aaron’s shining light that is the hope at the end of the tunnel.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2023
47 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 10, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
A pesar de haberme gustado mucho el libro anterior, este no tanto. 😐
Creo abusaron un poco del tema de Disney.
La familia de Sam es horrible, menos la mamá.
Quería ver la reunión de Lucy con sus papás. Siento que hubiera sido una escena muy lacrimogena que desaprovecharon.
Y ni que hablar de Scott. Me quedé con las ganas de alguien le recetara unos golpes. 🧐 Aka Sam.
Nathan me parece que será un buen personaje. Le tengo fe. Quiero leer su libro. Me gustan los serios y misteriosos. 😍🙌🏻
A pesar de haberme gustado mucho el libro anterior, este no tanto. 😐
Creo abusaron un poco del tema de Disney.
La familia de Sam es horrible, menos la mamá.
Quería ver la reunión de Lucy con sus papás. Siento que hubiera sido una escena muy lacrimogena que desaprovecharon.
Y ni que hablar de Scott. Me quedé con las ganas de alguien le recetara unos golpes. 🧐 Aka Sam.
Nathan me parece que será un buen personaje. Le tengo fe. Quiero leer su libro. Me gustan los serios y misteriosos. 😍🙌🏻
November 14, 2024
Fue un libro que me gustó. Es ligero y de ritmo rápido con personajes agradables y una trama entretenida. Sin embargo, es demasiado largo y redundante.
December 2, 2023
Workplace romance set in a middle school, with dual POV, abuse experience, and mental health/therapy rep.
Other tropes:
Golden retriever MMC (but with a mouth)
Love at first sight
He falls first...and way way WAY harder
Found Family
Spicy slow burn (?) I don't even know if that's a thing, but this is the only way to describe this book 🫠
Lucy is escaping her past and starting over after leaving an abusive husband. She starts a new counseling job at a middle school. But, before her first day she has a one night stand at a bar. When she goes to school the next day, she happens to see her one night stand....oh, and he's her new teacher mentor!
Aaron just wants to meet the love of his life, get married, and have a family. The only problem is, everyone he dates is "the one." Until she walks into the bar and literally takes the air out of his lungs. After their night together though, she panics and dashes out of his house. Aaron thinks yet another "the one" has left him, until she shows up at his school and she's his mentee for the year.
Pros for me: Aaron and Lucy grow so much throughout this book. Both have serious issues, Lucy with her abusive ex husband still lurking around, and Aaron is a perpetual people pleaser and overcommits himself to the point of exhaustion and resentment. With each other's help they overcome their obstacles and grow closer in the process. I loved the different coping mechanisms used and discussed in the book, and the real life application of counseling techniques in the school and what issues young people are dealing with in school.
This book is spicy!! Yet, it has a slow burn, it was a very different vibe for sure. Aaron is a total golden retriever, goofy, Disney simp, but he's got a mouth on him in the bedroom. Lucy and Aaron are really cute together and you do root for them through all the ups and downs; their relationship is a marathon. Aaron started out grating, but then you get used to him 😅 I think this mostly stems from the fact that the author just turned predominantly FMC traits on their head and put them on the MMC. So, good on her for turning a stereotype on its head for me 👏🏻 However, his mental health crisis was all too real for lots of people, and I really appreciated the context it added to the story.
Cons for me were: Lucy seems to use sex as a coping mechanism for when she is dealing with difficult emotions related to her ex-husband's emotional abuse. There was not any explanation from the author about how this storyline was adapted or if it was beta read by anyone in the counseling community, at least not in my ARC. It was a bit uncomfortable for me, and I just wish I had a confirmation that this was a normal way to process these experiences and not a foil used to create smutty scenes. Maybe there is one in the final published version, I will be on the lookout!
It was a bit long and repetitive. I think the timeline of a school year was a neat idea, but if it forced the story to go into repeat five times, it's not worth sacrificing the plot. I understand the reasons behind Lucy wanting to go slow, and for Aaron to realize the importance of slowing down, but the story just got a bit repetitive to take up time, and I thought it could have been a bit shorter and still had the same impact.
Overall I really liked the concept and the story. I'm loving this subgenre of teacher workplace romance 😍 The other characters were great! This is a second book in the series and I do want to go back and read the first one (the characters' from that book do continue their story in this one). I also hope more characters are their own book; there were a couple options thrown out there is this book!
Thank you to author, Allie Marie, for the eARC in exchange for my review and post!
Other tropes:
Golden retriever MMC (but with a mouth)
Love at first sight
He falls first...and way way WAY harder
Found Family
Spicy slow burn (?) I don't even know if that's a thing, but this is the only way to describe this book 🫠
Lucy is escaping her past and starting over after leaving an abusive husband. She starts a new counseling job at a middle school. But, before her first day she has a one night stand at a bar. When she goes to school the next day, she happens to see her one night stand....oh, and he's her new teacher mentor!
Aaron just wants to meet the love of his life, get married, and have a family. The only problem is, everyone he dates is "the one." Until she walks into the bar and literally takes the air out of his lungs. After their night together though, she panics and dashes out of his house. Aaron thinks yet another "the one" has left him, until she shows up at his school and she's his mentee for the year.
Pros for me: Aaron and Lucy grow so much throughout this book. Both have serious issues, Lucy with her abusive ex husband still lurking around, and Aaron is a perpetual people pleaser and overcommits himself to the point of exhaustion and resentment. With each other's help they overcome their obstacles and grow closer in the process. I loved the different coping mechanisms used and discussed in the book, and the real life application of counseling techniques in the school and what issues young people are dealing with in school.
This book is spicy!! Yet, it has a slow burn, it was a very different vibe for sure. Aaron is a total golden retriever, goofy, Disney simp, but he's got a mouth on him in the bedroom. Lucy and Aaron are really cute together and you do root for them through all the ups and downs; their relationship is a marathon. Aaron started out grating, but then you get used to him 😅 I think this mostly stems from the fact that the author just turned predominantly FMC traits on their head and put them on the MMC. So, good on her for turning a stereotype on its head for me 👏🏻 However, his mental health crisis was all too real for lots of people, and I really appreciated the context it added to the story.
Cons for me were: Lucy seems to use sex as a coping mechanism for when she is dealing with difficult emotions related to her ex-husband's emotional abuse. There was not any explanation from the author about how this storyline was adapted or if it was beta read by anyone in the counseling community, at least not in my ARC. It was a bit uncomfortable for me, and I just wish I had a confirmation that this was a normal way to process these experiences and not a foil used to create smutty scenes. Maybe there is one in the final published version, I will be on the lookout!
It was a bit long and repetitive. I think the timeline of a school year was a neat idea, but if it forced the story to go into repeat five times, it's not worth sacrificing the plot. I understand the reasons behind Lucy wanting to go slow, and for Aaron to realize the importance of slowing down, but the story just got a bit repetitive to take up time, and I thought it could have been a bit shorter and still had the same impact.
Overall I really liked the concept and the story. I'm loving this subgenre of teacher workplace romance 😍 The other characters were great! This is a second book in the series and I do want to go back and read the first one (the characters' from that book do continue their story in this one). I also hope more characters are their own book; there were a couple options thrown out there is this book!
Thank you to author, Allie Marie, for the eARC in exchange for my review and post!
May 20, 2024
"Use Your Words" by Allie Marie is the second book in the River Valley Teacher's Lounge series. It offers a heartwarming story about teachers navigating their personal and professional lives. The protagonist, a dedicated teacher, struggles with balancing work and love. The narrative is engaging, with well-developed characters and relatable situations. Allie Marie's writing style is straightforward yet emotive, making the book an easy and enjoyable read. The themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery are woven seamlessly into the plot. Overall, it's a delightful book that highlights the challenges and joys of being a teacher.
December 2, 2023
Thank you Allie Marie for the arc!
I related so much to the MMC as someone who always viewed marriage as such a peak adult end game goal, just looking to find that person who can make you feel whole. And as a theatre girlie, I love a good junior musical experience.
I appreciated the growth that both the MMC and FMC went on individually that helped them become better partners for each other.
Fans of Disney, golden retriever boyfriends, and happily ever after dreamers will love this one.
I related so much to the MMC as someone who always viewed marriage as such a peak adult end game goal, just looking to find that person who can make you feel whole. And as a theatre girlie, I love a good junior musical experience.
I appreciated the growth that both the MMC and FMC went on individually that helped them become better partners for each other.
Fans of Disney, golden retriever boyfriends, and happily ever after dreamers will love this one.
January 4, 2024
If you are a teacher or in education in general beware before you read! Allie does a phenomenal job of day to day ‘stories’ and descriptions of what it’s like in the classroom and what some of the students are dealing with. I found myself taking notes on the emotion colors and wanting to incorporate that into my lessons. Crazily reading this story made me feel less alone in the trenches! The only thing I did not like was that I felt in the end it glossed over what Aaron was clearly experiencing: burnout. It did stem from his personality which was a major plot point in the end BUT I wish this had been dealt with more.
Moving on. The story of Lucy and Aaron was so sweet. Aaron had to do a complete reset of how he approached things because he was drawn to Lucy so much. Lucy had to heal before she could be 100% in a relationship with Aaron, but both had to learn to ‘trust the process’
If you’re looking for a sweet and somewhat uncomplicated story of a couple finding the happily ever after then this is the perfect read for you.
That being said, I’m pumped to read Pen’s story because she’s a hot mess, but now I’m intrigued by Don’s replacement as well….
Happy reading!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Moving on. The story of Lucy and Aaron was so sweet. Aaron had to do a complete reset of how he approached things because he was drawn to Lucy so much. Lucy had to heal before she could be 100% in a relationship with Aaron, but both had to learn to ‘trust the process’
If you’re looking for a sweet and somewhat uncomplicated story of a couple finding the happily ever after then this is the perfect read for you.
That being said, I’m pumped to read Pen’s story because she’s a hot mess, but now I’m intrigued by Don’s replacement as well….
Happy reading!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
December 8, 2023
ugh! was really excited for this but it fell kinda flat for me :(
i really loved lucy and aaron and i loved their relationship and lucy’s growth!! so much!!
but! full transparency, i did not love the way that (pretty much?) every single time lucy had a major breakdown it ended with some sort of sexual interaction with aaron. the first time was kinda a shock? it was just a little odd to me personally!!!! i think maybe if there was more explanation behind that it wouldn’t have bothered me as much like. hey, women taking control of their emotions however they please all the way!!!! i just didn’t really get where that came from for her. and also didn’t seem like the best coping mechanism??? i don’t know??? the lack of explanation just made it odd to me almost like her breakdowns were only being used as a way to introduce smut into the story? which was like really downplaying it, which is sad bc her story was so inspiring and i was rooting for her a lot!!!! don’t know if any of this makes sense??
still a great story! i had a great time and i’m still going to be reading future books in this series! it was just slightly disappointing to see how lucy’s trauma was being handled at times.
i really loved lucy and aaron and i loved their relationship and lucy’s growth!! so much!!
but! full transparency, i did not love the way that (pretty much?) every single time lucy had a major breakdown it ended with some sort of sexual interaction with aaron. the first time was kinda a shock? it was just a little odd to me personally!!!! i think maybe if there was more explanation behind that it wouldn’t have bothered me as much like. hey, women taking control of their emotions however they please all the way!!!! i just didn’t really get where that came from for her. and also didn’t seem like the best coping mechanism??? i don’t know??? the lack of explanation just made it odd to me almost like her breakdowns were only being used as a way to introduce smut into the story? which was like really downplaying it, which is sad bc her story was so inspiring and i was rooting for her a lot!!!! don’t know if any of this makes sense??
still a great story! i had a great time and i’m still going to be reading future books in this series! it was just slightly disappointing to see how lucy’s trauma was being handled at times.
November 26, 2023
Another sweet, teacher romance from Allie Marie. We're back at River Valley, this time with romantic dreamer, gym teacher, Aaron Russo, and the new school counsellor, Ms Lucy.
It was fun to be back in amongt this lovely group of teachers. I do love the teacher rep in these books; it's done so well and their care and concern for their students is heartwarming.
I liked that Aaron learned to slow down, rein it in and let Lucy lead when she was ready. I liked that space was given so that trust could be built. I liked that they were able to find ways to communicate and support each other.
Sadly, though, I can't say I loved this book like I loved Apple of My Eye. Aaron is a lot, which is fine; Lucy has demons to face, which is fine; but I felt like parts of the story were overdone and extra bits of complexity were thrown in unnecessarily.
For me, it was too sugary, too much. I really enjoy this world Allie Marie has created and would read more in the series if more were to come, but this one just didnt quite do it for me.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC and for letting me read and provide an honest review.
It was fun to be back in amongt this lovely group of teachers. I do love the teacher rep in these books; it's done so well and their care and concern for their students is heartwarming.
I liked that Aaron learned to slow down, rein it in and let Lucy lead when she was ready. I liked that space was given so that trust could be built. I liked that they were able to find ways to communicate and support each other.
Sadly, though, I can't say I loved this book like I loved Apple of My Eye. Aaron is a lot, which is fine; Lucy has demons to face, which is fine; but I felt like parts of the story were overdone and extra bits of complexity were thrown in unnecessarily.
For me, it was too sugary, too much. I really enjoy this world Allie Marie has created and would read more in the series if more were to come, but this one just didnt quite do it for me.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC and for letting me read and provide an honest review.
November 19, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5.
Thoughtful, sweet, just enough spice, engaging main characters. I LOVE a male main character that can learn and grow like Aaron did throughout this book. 🩵
Aaron and Lucy were both fully fleshed out characters. Their backgrounds and motivations and emotions all seemed to make sense and be well explained.
At first, Aaron was overwhelming but I think that was kind of the intention. He’s a golden retriever, cinnamon roll, absolute softie of a man. A Disney adult. An always says yes to helping others guy. He just wants to be married and have kids like his parents and their beautiful relationship but he seems to have forgotten that there are a lot of steps between meeting someone and proposing. He’s known for blowing relationships quickly because he scares off women with his intensity towards a happily ever after.
I don’t care for the love at first sight trope so I was skeptical at first as to how this was going to play out.
Aaron really seemed to have the wind knocked out of his sails after his one night stand with Lucy gone awry. He couldn’t believe this woman he took home and found to be practically perfect didn’t want him back. I loved his realization that he was going to have to do things differently this time. To slow down and give Lucy what she needed if he wanted to be in her life.
I love that this took place over the course of a school year. Their friendship, then love built so slowly and carefully, with a natural progression that really took Lucy’s feelings into consideration. There was no rush to get this couple together, and that’s mentioned many times in the book too- Lucy would remind Aaron she needs time, and he would tell her he’s patient…because he definitely was learning that with her.
As a recent divorcee who experienced heavy emotional and psychological abuse, Lucy was NOT in the space for finding love. She admits the one night stand with Aaron was completely out of character for her. It took a lot of trust and growth on her part to accept Aaron’s friendship, not to mention the friendship of her workmates, before she started to open up and let people in. I loved that she saw a therapist and slowly but surely let people know what her situation was. I liked that they talked a lot about how her past would probably always affect her in different ways going forward, but they would work through it together. There was a lot of communication especially as the relationship progressed.
The sexy parts were sprinkled in nicely and involved a lot of communicating as well. I like that as sweet and adorable as Aaron was, it didn’t necessarily translate to the bedroom…dude had some good dirty talk. 🤣
So far, I am loving this series. The author’s first book in this series, Apple of my Eye was a top read for me earlier this year so I was really looking forward to this one too and was NOT disappointed.
Thank you so much to Allie Marie for an advanced copy of Use Your Words in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thoughtful, sweet, just enough spice, engaging main characters. I LOVE a male main character that can learn and grow like Aaron did throughout this book. 🩵
Aaron and Lucy were both fully fleshed out characters. Their backgrounds and motivations and emotions all seemed to make sense and be well explained.
At first, Aaron was overwhelming but I think that was kind of the intention. He’s a golden retriever, cinnamon roll, absolute softie of a man. A Disney adult. An always says yes to helping others guy. He just wants to be married and have kids like his parents and their beautiful relationship but he seems to have forgotten that there are a lot of steps between meeting someone and proposing. He’s known for blowing relationships quickly because he scares off women with his intensity towards a happily ever after.
I don’t care for the love at first sight trope so I was skeptical at first as to how this was going to play out.
Aaron really seemed to have the wind knocked out of his sails after his one night stand with Lucy gone awry. He couldn’t believe this woman he took home and found to be practically perfect didn’t want him back. I loved his realization that he was going to have to do things differently this time. To slow down and give Lucy what she needed if he wanted to be in her life.
I love that this took place over the course of a school year. Their friendship, then love built so slowly and carefully, with a natural progression that really took Lucy’s feelings into consideration. There was no rush to get this couple together, and that’s mentioned many times in the book too- Lucy would remind Aaron she needs time, and he would tell her he’s patient…because he definitely was learning that with her.
As a recent divorcee who experienced heavy emotional and psychological abuse, Lucy was NOT in the space for finding love. She admits the one night stand with Aaron was completely out of character for her. It took a lot of trust and growth on her part to accept Aaron’s friendship, not to mention the friendship of her workmates, before she started to open up and let people in. I loved that she saw a therapist and slowly but surely let people know what her situation was. I liked that they talked a lot about how her past would probably always affect her in different ways going forward, but they would work through it together. There was a lot of communication especially as the relationship progressed.
The sexy parts were sprinkled in nicely and involved a lot of communicating as well. I like that as sweet and adorable as Aaron was, it didn’t necessarily translate to the bedroom…dude had some good dirty talk. 🤣
So far, I am loving this series. The author’s first book in this series, Apple of my Eye was a top read for me earlier this year so I was really looking forward to this one too and was NOT disappointed.
Thank you so much to Allie Marie for an advanced copy of Use Your Words in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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December 31, 2023✨ Use Your Words by Allie Marie ✨
Memorable Moments/Ideas:
💜 Disney Movie Marathon
✨ Girls Nights Out
💜 Found Family
✨ Roller Skating
💜 Learning to say no
I don’t know what I was expecting when I started reading about Lucy and Aaron (ok, full disclosure, read his name a-a-ron at points because how could I not?!) but what I wasn’t expecting was a gut punch of a read IMMEDIATELY after finishing a different gut punch read. And I mean gut punch in all the best ways. The kind of story that’s not just tropes and spice, but also depth and trauma and healing. The kind that make you realize how much we love therapists and karma to come around and help deal with the people that put us in therapy in the first place.
Legitimately, Lucy’s backstory breaks my heart because in so many ways, that’s the life of someone close to me, and to see the parallels and relive the verbal abuse, gosh, it was so hard to read, but also so beautifully represented. Trauma takes time to heal. Period. And sometimes, time isn’t always enough. The thing I really loved about Lucy’s interactions with others was how others genuinely respected her boundaries. It’s important and seen and respected in this storyline and I love that.
Aaron. Oh, Aaron. Puppy dog. Adorable. Sweet. Respectable. Thinking of him brings sweet, sweet honey to mind, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Want to know more? Read the book. 😅
Despite being an intensely serious story, there is also so much humor and wit throughout the book. The Eminem quote? I was legit cackling. The commentary on Disney adults? Yes. But also, I’m a Disney adult, so it just felt relatable and unapologetic. Overall, it was almost a 500 page read, and it didn’t feel like it. At all. It was seamless and witty and so well balanced. Solid, solid writing style.
Spice: 🌶️
Recommend: YES, but the trigger warnings on this are DEEP. Read with caution.
Audience: People who love SWOONWORTHY MMCs, feisty best work friends, and FMCs who learn to find themselves again.
Memorable Moments/Ideas:
💜 Disney Movie Marathon
✨ Girls Nights Out
💜 Found Family
✨ Roller Skating
💜 Learning to say no
I don’t know what I was expecting when I started reading about Lucy and Aaron (ok, full disclosure, read his name a-a-ron at points because how could I not?!) but what I wasn’t expecting was a gut punch of a read IMMEDIATELY after finishing a different gut punch read. And I mean gut punch in all the best ways. The kind of story that’s not just tropes and spice, but also depth and trauma and healing. The kind that make you realize how much we love therapists and karma to come around and help deal with the people that put us in therapy in the first place.
Legitimately, Lucy’s backstory breaks my heart because in so many ways, that’s the life of someone close to me, and to see the parallels and relive the verbal abuse, gosh, it was so hard to read, but also so beautifully represented. Trauma takes time to heal. Period. And sometimes, time isn’t always enough. The thing I really loved about Lucy’s interactions with others was how others genuinely respected her boundaries. It’s important and seen and respected in this storyline and I love that.
Aaron. Oh, Aaron. Puppy dog. Adorable. Sweet. Respectable. Thinking of him brings sweet, sweet honey to mind, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Want to know more? Read the book. 😅
Despite being an intensely serious story, there is also so much humor and wit throughout the book. The Eminem quote? I was legit cackling. The commentary on Disney adults? Yes. But also, I’m a Disney adult, so it just felt relatable and unapologetic. Overall, it was almost a 500 page read, and it didn’t feel like it. At all. It was seamless and witty and so well balanced. Solid, solid writing style.
Spice: 🌶️
Recommend: YES, but the trigger warnings on this are DEEP. Read with caution.
Audience: People who love SWOONWORTHY MMCs, feisty best work friends, and FMCs who learn to find themselves again.
November 19, 2023
After a one night stand, Lucy and Aaron are pushed back into each others orbits when they realize that they are now working together. For hopeless romance Aaron Russo, this is practically a dream come true. For Lucy, who is still struggling with a past relationship, it’s more akin to a nightmare.
Aaron was such a good character to read about. A people pleaser to his core, he had so much work to do to figure out how to put himself first sometimes. I loved how, as the story went along, it was clear that Lucy wasn’t the only one who needed to do some self work and adjustment to their life. It was also just so nice to see the interactions with his family, whether they were positive or negative, and for Aaron to still be just such a family oriented guy. He’s also just so patient with everyone and does his best to make everyone happy at the end of the day - even if that’s to his own detriment. His little Disney adult quirks were also super cute.
My love for Lucy was just so strong as she worked through her history with an abusive ex-husband. She worked so hard on accepting that even though it wasn’t physical, it was still abuse and that she deserved better than that. Her, Penny, and Juliet together as a workplace girl group were really sweet. I enjoyed watching her make connections that were more than just her romantic involvement with Aaron.
Their relationship together was very touch and go, though that was sort of expected. There was definitely some two steps forward, one step back action going on, but considering they both needed to work on themselves to be the best them, it made sense.
Forced proximity, workplace romance, and a lot of working on themselves. Use Your Words is a super cute book that anyone wanting a quick romance read should pick up.
Aaron was such a good character to read about. A people pleaser to his core, he had so much work to do to figure out how to put himself first sometimes. I loved how, as the story went along, it was clear that Lucy wasn’t the only one who needed to do some self work and adjustment to their life. It was also just so nice to see the interactions with his family, whether they were positive or negative, and for Aaron to still be just such a family oriented guy. He’s also just so patient with everyone and does his best to make everyone happy at the end of the day - even if that’s to his own detriment. His little Disney adult quirks were also super cute.
My love for Lucy was just so strong as she worked through her history with an abusive ex-husband. She worked so hard on accepting that even though it wasn’t physical, it was still abuse and that she deserved better than that. Her, Penny, and Juliet together as a workplace girl group were really sweet. I enjoyed watching her make connections that were more than just her romantic involvement with Aaron.
Their relationship together was very touch and go, though that was sort of expected. There was definitely some two steps forward, one step back action going on, but considering they both needed to work on themselves to be the best them, it made sense.
Forced proximity, workplace romance, and a lot of working on themselves. Use Your Words is a super cute book that anyone wanting a quick romance read should pick up.
December 1, 2023
If you love teacher workplace romance, a cinnamon roll MMC, he falls first and hard, and dual POV, be sure to check out Use Your Words by Allie Marie! Please check trigger warnings (there is a content warning included at the beginning of the book).
I really enjoyed reading Lucy and Aaron’s story. I loved how they both had areas in their lives where they needed to learn and grow and they did it together. You couldn’t help but cheer Lucy on after what she had experienced in her previous relationship. Aaron was super sweet, almost too sweet in my opinion. He kind of reminded me of an ex-bf of mine and I think that’s why I thought he was too much at times. I loved Lucy and Aaron’s connection though and how their relationship developed.
This was a sweet story that definitely had its spicy parts, so beware if spice isn’t your thing! I also felt that the story was a bit long and began to feel a little repetitive after a while. I understand that Lucy needed to take things slow and that Aaron was learning how to slow things down, but I feel the story could have been a little shorter and still had the same impact.
Although I’ve worked in finance for the last 12+ years, I went to school to be a teacher and so I love when books bring me back into the teaching world once again. Unless you’ve been there, I feel it’s hard to truly understand what it’s like for teachers and other professionals in the education field. You can tell that Allie writes from experience.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you @alliewrites_ for the opportunity to read an ARC of Use Your Words! I didn’t realize that this was the second book in a series and plan to go back and catch up on Sam and Juliet’s story in Apple of My Eye.
I really enjoyed reading Lucy and Aaron’s story. I loved how they both had areas in their lives where they needed to learn and grow and they did it together. You couldn’t help but cheer Lucy on after what she had experienced in her previous relationship. Aaron was super sweet, almost too sweet in my opinion. He kind of reminded me of an ex-bf of mine and I think that’s why I thought he was too much at times. I loved Lucy and Aaron’s connection though and how their relationship developed.
This was a sweet story that definitely had its spicy parts, so beware if spice isn’t your thing! I also felt that the story was a bit long and began to feel a little repetitive after a while. I understand that Lucy needed to take things slow and that Aaron was learning how to slow things down, but I feel the story could have been a little shorter and still had the same impact.
Although I’ve worked in finance for the last 12+ years, I went to school to be a teacher and so I love when books bring me back into the teaching world once again. Unless you’ve been there, I feel it’s hard to truly understand what it’s like for teachers and other professionals in the education field. You can tell that Allie writes from experience.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you @alliewrites_ for the opportunity to read an ARC of Use Your Words! I didn’t realize that this was the second book in a series and plan to go back and catch up on Sam and Juliet’s story in Apple of My Eye.
December 1, 2023
3.5 🌟 Ms Lucy is hot for Teacher, Gym teacher 😉
Ms Lucy is hiding the secret she’s a newly divorced woman starting over in a brand new state and school. She decides to do something Ms Lucy would never do, and that’s going home with a random man for a little night time fun. But when he asks her to stay she darts. Thinking she can put that night into the past, she walks into her first day of a new school year and smack dab front and center is Aaron Russo the mystery man from the bar. & He is head over hells smitten for her & after Lucy’s last relationship she is the furthest thing from ready right now. She agrees to being friends because not only are they going to be working at the same school, but will be co-teaching a class together also. What happens when Ms Lucy decides she is ready to start dating again? What about when others find out her secret of her recent divorce and why it happened to begin with. & What about Mr Relationship and the pressure he tries to tone down on Lucy?
📚 Workplace Romance
📚 Forced Proximity
📚 One Night Stand
📚 Friends To Lovers
📚 Trauma Healing
📚 2nd Book in Series
📚 Dual POV
This was my first Allie Marie book and I really enjoyed it. The importance of actually using your words because the other people can’t hear your thoughts and that your words matter and are important. Oooo and the sweet hearted man that Aaron was (all the blushing)
Ms Lucy is hiding the secret she’s a newly divorced woman starting over in a brand new state and school. She decides to do something Ms Lucy would never do, and that’s going home with a random man for a little night time fun. But when he asks her to stay she darts. Thinking she can put that night into the past, she walks into her first day of a new school year and smack dab front and center is Aaron Russo the mystery man from the bar. & He is head over hells smitten for her & after Lucy’s last relationship she is the furthest thing from ready right now. She agrees to being friends because not only are they going to be working at the same school, but will be co-teaching a class together also. What happens when Ms Lucy decides she is ready to start dating again? What about when others find out her secret of her recent divorce and why it happened to begin with. & What about Mr Relationship and the pressure he tries to tone down on Lucy?
📚 Workplace Romance
📚 Forced Proximity
📚 One Night Stand
📚 Friends To Lovers
📚 Trauma Healing
📚 2nd Book in Series
📚 Dual POV
This was my first Allie Marie book and I really enjoyed it. The importance of actually using your words because the other people can’t hear your thoughts and that your words matter and are important. Oooo and the sweet hearted man that Aaron was (all the blushing)
December 3, 2023
If you’re looking for a romantic drama that’s sweet and spicy and thoughtful and deeply emotional, then let me tell you: Use Your Words will be right up your alley.
A one-night stand to coworkers set-up, this delivers spice straight out the gate and then slows things down to a slow-burning simmer for a while.
The story follows Lucy, a school counselor who has left a toxic and emotionally abusive marriage and arrived at River Valley, where she meets (and sleeps with) Aaron – who unbeknownst to her is the gym teacher at her new school.
And though this is a tropey situation, Allie Marie put a ton of care and heart into this story, making it respectful and realistic as the characters grapple with setting boundaries and exercizing patience and being realistic about what they’re both looking for and prepared for.
So yes, much of the subject matter here is very serious – but the book is also fun and funny and very swoony and extremely hot. Sunshiney, golden retriever guys aren’t always my cup of MMC tea, but Aaron Russo, the sunshiniest, golden retriveriest guy possibly ever written charmed me very quickly.
I greatly enjoyed the first book in this series of interconnected standalones earlier this year, and am so glad to report that Aaron and Lucy’s story is a wonderful and tender and lovely addition. I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series!
4.25🌟
2🌶️
💙A huge thank you to Allie Marie for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy! Use Your Words is out now!🏀
A one-night stand to coworkers set-up, this delivers spice straight out the gate and then slows things down to a slow-burning simmer for a while.
The story follows Lucy, a school counselor who has left a toxic and emotionally abusive marriage and arrived at River Valley, where she meets (and sleeps with) Aaron – who unbeknownst to her is the gym teacher at her new school.
And though this is a tropey situation, Allie Marie put a ton of care and heart into this story, making it respectful and realistic as the characters grapple with setting boundaries and exercizing patience and being realistic about what they’re both looking for and prepared for.
So yes, much of the subject matter here is very serious – but the book is also fun and funny and very swoony and extremely hot. Sunshiney, golden retriever guys aren’t always my cup of MMC tea, but Aaron Russo, the sunshiniest, golden retriveriest guy possibly ever written charmed me very quickly.
I greatly enjoyed the first book in this series of interconnected standalones earlier this year, and am so glad to report that Aaron and Lucy’s story is a wonderful and tender and lovely addition. I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series!
4.25🌟
2🌶️
💙A huge thank you to Allie Marie for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy! Use Your Words is out now!🏀
November 21, 2023
Allie Marie does it again.
I said it with the first book in this universe, but holy moly Allie just gets the teaching aspect of these books RIGHT. It makes sense since she is a teacher, but let me tell you how damn refreshing it is seeing an actual teacher writing about the struggles that actual teachers (and counselors in this case) face. So many authors I feel don't do this justice, and it always breaks my heart coming from the perspective of a teacher myself.
Now getting into the actual book. We follow Aaron and Lucy on their journey with navigating their relationship while also battling their own demons. Aaron is facing clear burnout while Lucy is running from an emotionally abusive ex. While I loved getting to see the two's journey to love, I found Aaron a bit overbearing at times, especially at the beginning of the story. Love at first sight is not a trope that I tend to vibe with really well, so I can completely understand why i might not have connected as much with Aaron as others do. Despite this, it was nice getting to see him slow down and take steps back when it came to Lucy because it showed how much he did care for her.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book. Big big thanks to Allie Marie and her team for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I said it with the first book in this universe, but holy moly Allie just gets the teaching aspect of these books RIGHT. It makes sense since she is a teacher, but let me tell you how damn refreshing it is seeing an actual teacher writing about the struggles that actual teachers (and counselors in this case) face. So many authors I feel don't do this justice, and it always breaks my heart coming from the perspective of a teacher myself.
Now getting into the actual book. We follow Aaron and Lucy on their journey with navigating their relationship while also battling their own demons. Aaron is facing clear burnout while Lucy is running from an emotionally abusive ex. While I loved getting to see the two's journey to love, I found Aaron a bit overbearing at times, especially at the beginning of the story. Love at first sight is not a trope that I tend to vibe with really well, so I can completely understand why i might not have connected as much with Aaron as others do. Despite this, it was nice getting to see him slow down and take steps back when it came to Lucy because it showed how much he did care for her.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book. Big big thanks to Allie Marie and her team for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 24, 2023
As a former teacher, I enjoy reading novels where the main characters are teachers or work in the education profession. Allie Marie knocked "Use Your Words" out of the park.
Lucy is trying to start fresh in a new city after getting out of a ten year abusive relationship. She's a middle school counselor who can practice what she learns in therapy with her students. What she's not looking for is love, especially not after a one night stand.
Aaron Russo believes in love at first sight. He's always trusted that the women he dates are "the one." When he meets and instantly connects with Lucy, he can't believe he'll see her again everyday at work. She's not looking for love though and he's willing to wait. They've just got to use their words.
I loved Allie Marie's "Use Your Words" and am instantly going back to read the first in the series. Allies take on teaching is realistic and one can tell she's writing from experience. Lucy's story is a beautiful one that instantly I could tell was written with insane amount of care. This book brings up domestic violence throughout so please take care of yourselves, friend.
Thank you Allie Marie for my earc in exchange for my honest opinion!
Lucy is trying to start fresh in a new city after getting out of a ten year abusive relationship. She's a middle school counselor who can practice what she learns in therapy with her students. What she's not looking for is love, especially not after a one night stand.
Aaron Russo believes in love at first sight. He's always trusted that the women he dates are "the one." When he meets and instantly connects with Lucy, he can't believe he'll see her again everyday at work. She's not looking for love though and he's willing to wait. They've just got to use their words.
I loved Allie Marie's "Use Your Words" and am instantly going back to read the first in the series. Allies take on teaching is realistic and one can tell she's writing from experience. Lucy's story is a beautiful one that instantly I could tell was written with insane amount of care. This book brings up domestic violence throughout so please take care of yourselves, friend.
Thank you Allie Marie for my earc in exchange for my honest opinion!
November 24, 2023
Eep! Y’all, okay. This book is amazing. Aaron and Lucy had me a chokehold with their adorableness.
Quick synopsis: Aaron just wants to find love and after jumping in too quickly with literally every woman he’s ever dated and his patience is put to the test when he meets Lucy. Lucy, just out of a terrible marriage, is looking for peace. She’s looking to rebuild her life and her sense of self. She didn’t anticipate that the man she took home from a bar to be her mentor at the elementary school she is a guidance counsellor at, however. Use Your Words is a book about triumph after grief, putting yourself first, and love persevering through hardship.
Aaron and Lucy taught me so much while they learned about themselves through this magical book. Their friends to lovers story was *chefs kiss* and made me smile so many times. Their devotion and appreciation of each other was impeccable and a dream. I cannot recommend this book (and the book before this, Apple of my Eye) more🥰
✨will be available on KU soon!
Spice: 2.5/5🌶️
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Tropes: one night stand, friends to lovers, small town romance, golden retriever hero, Insta-love
Thank you Allie for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Quick synopsis: Aaron just wants to find love and after jumping in too quickly with literally every woman he’s ever dated and his patience is put to the test when he meets Lucy. Lucy, just out of a terrible marriage, is looking for peace. She’s looking to rebuild her life and her sense of self. She didn’t anticipate that the man she took home from a bar to be her mentor at the elementary school she is a guidance counsellor at, however. Use Your Words is a book about triumph after grief, putting yourself first, and love persevering through hardship.
Aaron and Lucy taught me so much while they learned about themselves through this magical book. Their friends to lovers story was *chefs kiss* and made me smile so many times. Their devotion and appreciation of each other was impeccable and a dream. I cannot recommend this book (and the book before this, Apple of my Eye) more🥰
✨will be available on KU soon!
Spice: 2.5/5🌶️
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Tropes: one night stand, friends to lovers, small town romance, golden retriever hero, Insta-love
Thank you Allie for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2023
First, thank you, Allie, for the ARC of your new novel coming out on November 30th!
Use Your Words is the second book in the River Valley series, and we get to see Aaron (who is the golden retriever man of all men) get his happy ending with Lucy, the one escaping a horrific past.
Lucy moves to Massachusetts after enduring a ten-year-long relationship and marriage with her abuser of an ex-husband. She doesn’t know how to let herself love, let alone exist peacefully anymore.
Aaron rushes into every relationship too fast, thinking each woman he meets is his forever, and his family has a hard time believing him when he says, “She’s the one.”
The two meet and realize they’ll be working at the same school. Neither is on the same page about what their relationship looks like or if there even is one. Lucy is still trying to figure out what her new life looks like and who she is while Aaron is already planning their wedding.
This story is so sweet, and we see Lucy teach Aaron a thing or two about setting boundaries and filling your cup up so you can help others.
You can find this on KU or buy it on Amazon!
Use Your Words is the second book in the River Valley series, and we get to see Aaron (who is the golden retriever man of all men) get his happy ending with Lucy, the one escaping a horrific past.
Lucy moves to Massachusetts after enduring a ten-year-long relationship and marriage with her abuser of an ex-husband. She doesn’t know how to let herself love, let alone exist peacefully anymore.
Aaron rushes into every relationship too fast, thinking each woman he meets is his forever, and his family has a hard time believing him when he says, “She’s the one.”
The two meet and realize they’ll be working at the same school. Neither is on the same page about what their relationship looks like or if there even is one. Lucy is still trying to figure out what her new life looks like and who she is while Aaron is already planning their wedding.
This story is so sweet, and we see Lucy teach Aaron a thing or two about setting boundaries and filling your cup up so you can help others.
You can find this on KU or buy it on Amazon!
November 24, 2023
I loved the first River Valley book so I was excited for more teacher love! Aaron is the gym teacher, baseball coach, basketball coach and anything anyone needs. Lucy is the new school counselor at River Valley ready to start her life over in a new place.
Aaron and Lucy meet at a bar before school starts and Aaron is immediately in love and planning their future. Lucy is up for a one night stand but that’s it so when they find out they are new coworkers everything changes.
I enjoyed watching Aaron and Lucy grow into their relationship. Aaron for the first time in his life slows down his rush to the alter and focuses on what Lucy needs to be comfortable. Lucy is rebuilding from the ground up and as she discovers Aaron is a man who can be trusted she breaks down her walls. They were adorable! I truly hope we get some Penelope and the mystery coach in our future!
Thank you @alliewrites_ for the ARC!
Release Date: November 30, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “Use your words. How do I get you out of control?”
Aaron and Lucy meet at a bar before school starts and Aaron is immediately in love and planning their future. Lucy is up for a one night stand but that’s it so when they find out they are new coworkers everything changes.
I enjoyed watching Aaron and Lucy grow into their relationship. Aaron for the first time in his life slows down his rush to the alter and focuses on what Lucy needs to be comfortable. Lucy is rebuilding from the ground up and as she discovers Aaron is a man who can be trusted she breaks down her walls. They were adorable! I truly hope we get some Penelope and the mystery coach in our future!
Thank you @alliewrites_ for the ARC!
Release Date: November 30, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “Use your words. How do I get you out of control?”
November 30, 2023
Just gotta say this book hit me in all the feels. This is the second book in the River Valley Teacher's Lounge series, and if you've read the first one then you'll love this one too.
Aaron Russo is hands-down the most golden of all golden retriever MMCs in the book world. His utter adoration of Lucy from the moment they met was so sweet 🥰
Our FMC in this book, Lucy, didn't have quite the same energy to match Aaron, but her character growth was a good one. Her focus on mental health and the representation of some of my favorite teacher moves was really moving. I really related to Lucy in many ways. As both a teacher and someone who struggles with mental health, she showed the reality of what that's like.
When Lucy and Aaron finally start growing together, that's when the real magic of the story happens. They're a good reminder to accept the love that you deserve 💕
Thank you to Allie Marie for the ARC of this book! Catch this one out on KU and Paperback now, and read if you love:
📒Trauma Healing
📒Workplace Romance
📒Golden Retriever MMCs
📒Disney movie loving Men
Aaron Russo is hands-down the most golden of all golden retriever MMCs in the book world. His utter adoration of Lucy from the moment they met was so sweet 🥰
Our FMC in this book, Lucy, didn't have quite the same energy to match Aaron, but her character growth was a good one. Her focus on mental health and the representation of some of my favorite teacher moves was really moving. I really related to Lucy in many ways. As both a teacher and someone who struggles with mental health, she showed the reality of what that's like.
When Lucy and Aaron finally start growing together, that's when the real magic of the story happens. They're a good reminder to accept the love that you deserve 💕
Thank you to Allie Marie for the ARC of this book! Catch this one out on KU and Paperback now, and read if you love:
📒Trauma Healing
📒Workplace Romance
📒Golden Retriever MMCs
📒Disney movie loving Men
November 22, 2023
I read apple of my eye which is first of this series and LOVED it so I KNOW I had to read about Aaron's story and boy did it NOT disappoint!!!
This book is such a warm and tight hug on a very stressful day, like literally! It goes deep about trauma/abuse and it's long term affects on people and how honestly finding the right person to hold your hand and let you set your own pace while finding yourself again can help with your healing process 🥹 this is just a beautiful story overall and I loved seeing sam and Jules back on the paper (or my Kindle in this case).
One of the things I loved apart from the story too (same with AOME) was how I get a glimpse of the educator world and it honestly makes me appreciate teachers even more!
Read it!! You won't be disappointed..and I'm hoping to read about 2 more ladies from river valley middle School in the future 👀🤭
Thank you Allie Marie for an advanced copy of Use Your Words in exchange for an honest review.
This book is such a warm and tight hug on a very stressful day, like literally! It goes deep about trauma/abuse and it's long term affects on people and how honestly finding the right person to hold your hand and let you set your own pace while finding yourself again can help with your healing process 🥹 this is just a beautiful story overall and I loved seeing sam and Jules back on the paper (or my Kindle in this case).
One of the things I loved apart from the story too (same with AOME) was how I get a glimpse of the educator world and it honestly makes me appreciate teachers even more!
Read it!! You won't be disappointed..and I'm hoping to read about 2 more ladies from river valley middle School in the future 👀🤭
Thank you Allie Marie for an advanced copy of Use Your Words in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2023
Synopsis 📖: Dual POV. Aaron is a golden retriever puppy, Disney Adult, helpless romantic, yes man, and middle school gym teacher. He falls for Lucy the moment he sees her. Lucy is looking to rebuild her life, quiet the negative voices in her head, and help teens regulate their feelings. They start with a one night stand and turn out to be coworkers.
I recommend this book to readers who like:
👉 RomComs that don't shy away from difficult, mature conversations about mental health ❤️🩹
👉 Spicy relationships 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
👉 Super sweet MMCs
👉 Longer romance stories with lots of character growth
👉 Books like Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
👉 Sticky notes
Review: 4⭐
I love when romance books get into difficult conversations and when characters are working through mental health challenges as a team. This book had so many conversations that cut me deep in the 💗 and some helpful tools for communicating. The way Lucy and Aaron paid attention to each other and learned to be each other's strengths was so healthy and beautiful 😍
I recommend this book to readers who like:
👉 RomComs that don't shy away from difficult, mature conversations about mental health ❤️🩹
👉 Spicy relationships 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
👉 Super sweet MMCs
👉 Longer romance stories with lots of character growth
👉 Books like Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
👉 Sticky notes
Review: 4⭐
I love when romance books get into difficult conversations and when characters are working through mental health challenges as a team. This book had so many conversations that cut me deep in the 💗 and some helpful tools for communicating. The way Lucy and Aaron paid attention to each other and learned to be each other's strengths was so healthy and beautiful 😍
November 30, 2023
Lucy is one of my new favorite FMCs!!
Use Your Words is another book in the River Valley Middle School series by Allie Marie. It starts with Aaron, a Disney obsessed gym teacher who just wants to be married. He spots Lucy at a bar and takes her home. She bolts after a one night stand, only to find out that she is the new guidance counselor at the same school and Aaron is her new teacher mentor. Lucy is escaping an abusive relationship and is trying to make a new life for herself at River Valley. She is SO strong and grounded and REAL and I cannot express how much I loved her. Aaron was slightly off-putting to me because of how love drunk he was and how obsessed he was with Disney. I did love them together, though!
Thank you Allie Marie for the ARC!
Use Your Words is another book in the River Valley Middle School series by Allie Marie. It starts with Aaron, a Disney obsessed gym teacher who just wants to be married. He spots Lucy at a bar and takes her home. She bolts after a one night stand, only to find out that she is the new guidance counselor at the same school and Aaron is her new teacher mentor. Lucy is escaping an abusive relationship and is trying to make a new life for herself at River Valley. She is SO strong and grounded and REAL and I cannot express how much I loved her. Aaron was slightly off-putting to me because of how love drunk he was and how obsessed he was with Disney. I did love them together, though!
Thank you Allie Marie for the ARC!
May 6, 2024
my heart is exploding
I knew that from meeting in the first book that Aaron was definitely going to be a character in his own book. I didn’t expect him to be so soft for everyone, but especially for Lucy, when she never knew true softness in her previous marriage.
I felt like Lucy was constantly speaking to me, in her lessons, her meetings with students, her conversations with Aaron. It’s amazing to see her growth from the beginning of the book to the end, when she finally confronts what’s been haunting her. And Aaron figuring out how to slow down just enough to be patient and understanding for Lucy, gosh I could sob. His love for love is endearing and will also have you thinking about the way you love.
Amazing.
I knew that from meeting in the first book that Aaron was definitely going to be a character in his own book. I didn’t expect him to be so soft for everyone, but especially for Lucy, when she never knew true softness in her previous marriage.
I felt like Lucy was constantly speaking to me, in her lessons, her meetings with students, her conversations with Aaron. It’s amazing to see her growth from the beginning of the book to the end, when she finally confronts what’s been haunting her. And Aaron figuring out how to slow down just enough to be patient and understanding for Lucy, gosh I could sob. His love for love is endearing and will also have you thinking about the way you love.
Amazing.
May 21, 2024
This was a solid book, I enjoyed reading it. In my opinion, it had a better plot line than the first book in the series but the spice was severely lacking. Disney plays a huge role in this book and the whole thing kind of felt like a pg-13 Disney movie. We get to see a couple of on-screen kisses but that’s about it.
It’s also extremely long, to the point where I kept thinking “surely there’s not another chapter after this one.” It easily could have been 10-15 chapters shorter without compromising the story.
Overall, it’s good but not great. Looking forward to reading the third one that comes out soon.
It’s also extremely long, to the point where I kept thinking “surely there’s not another chapter after this one.” It easily could have been 10-15 chapters shorter without compromising the story.
Overall, it’s good but not great. Looking forward to reading the third one that comes out soon.
July 21, 2024
Emotion rollercoaster!
This book was way more emotional then I thought it would be going in … Aaron is a sweet golden retriever of a man and Lucy is recently divorced.
But! Aaron is a people pleaser and has ran himself into the ground with never saying no.
While Lucy was in an emotionally abusive marriage for many years, and he still has a huge hold over her.
These two … then have a wonderful budding relationship, and while they wander this together they fall in love.
I would have liked a bit more of an epilogue about their parents than the next school year but I really enjoyed this book.
I also wish Penelope was the next book but hope she is soon!
This book was way more emotional then I thought it would be going in … Aaron is a sweet golden retriever of a man and Lucy is recently divorced.
But! Aaron is a people pleaser and has ran himself into the ground with never saying no.
While Lucy was in an emotionally abusive marriage for many years, and he still has a huge hold over her.
These two … then have a wonderful budding relationship, and while they wander this together they fall in love.
I would have liked a bit more of an epilogue about their parents than the next school year but I really enjoyed this book.
I also wish Penelope was the next book but hope she is soon!
August 27, 2025
Es de esos que tienen una idea linda y momentos que realmente funcionan, pero también varias cositas que hacen que no termine de brillar. La premisa y el mensaje central son tiernos, con escenas que te sacan una sonrisa y personajes con potencial, pero a veces la historia se siente un poco irregular: algunas partes fluyen genial y otras se arrastran o repiten demasiado.
Tiene diálogos que a veces son muy divertidos y otras un poco forzados. No es un libro que me haya volado la cabeza, pero tampoco lo pasé mal leyéndolo. Es el tipo de lectura ligera para cuando no querés pensar demasiado y solo acompañar a los personajes un rato.
Tiene diálogos que a veces son muy divertidos y otras un poco forzados. No es un libro que me haya volado la cabeza, pero tampoco lo pasé mal leyéndolo. Es el tipo de lectura ligera para cuando no querés pensar demasiado y solo acompañar a los personajes un rato.
November 26, 2023
I loved this book! The Characters are so lovable and Allie writes their story so well. I really like the way that the each of the main characters has their own story line as well as the one they have together. The love story between Aaron and Lucy truly one that I could not put down and can not wait to make my friends read. Overall I loved the love story but I also liked how Allie also intertwined other story lines that made the story deeper, covering both internal and external elements that can effect the way we function and act around those we love and that is a huge reason I liked this book so much. Allie Marie is going to be a new must read for me!
November 28, 2023
Thank you so much to Allie Marie for the ARC.
I love all of Allie’s books. They have so much heart, such wonderful romance, and always more depth than your typical romance.
The personalities in this book weren’t exactly for me, i still appreciate the journey and love between the two main characters and really really appreciate the growth they both had by the end. In classis Allie Marie style, they manage to make each other better without compromising themselves.
If you’re a Disney fan with a love of a very golden retriever MMC, I highly recommend.
I love all of Allie’s books. They have so much heart, such wonderful romance, and always more depth than your typical romance.
The personalities in this book weren’t exactly for me, i still appreciate the journey and love between the two main characters and really really appreciate the growth they both had by the end. In classis Allie Marie style, they manage to make each other better without compromising themselves.
If you’re a Disney fan with a love of a very golden retriever MMC, I highly recommend.
December 4, 2023
Use Your Words follows the story of a one-night stand between Lucy and Aaron. Lucy is just getting out of an abusive marriage while Aaron is a fall feet first all in kinda guy looking for marriage. You can imagine the hesitation that Lucy feels, however through the use of her own tools of the school counselor, the two become friends and gradually continue to gravitate further towards each other. Throughout the story, you watch each character grow and learn from each other.
Spice is open door and done very well without feeling gratuitous. Despite the one night stand, the characters take their time getting to know each other without pushing their very clear boundaries.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Spice is open door and done very well without feeling gratuitous. Despite the one night stand, the characters take their time getting to know each other without pushing their very clear boundaries.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
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