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The Abandoned Brothers #2
Where You Belong
What if you’re lost? What will it take to find your way back?
Andie has been hiding, wanting to stay in the past rather than face the uncertainty of the future. When the force of a lie pulls her out of the darkness and into the light – the spotlight she’s avoided – she has to decide if she’ll stand and fight or run for cover.
With each step, she has a choice to make. She can continue to watch life go on around her or see what might be waiting on the other side. Will fear keep her from moving on, or can she find the courage to take the leap?
Sean thought he had it all. That is…until he realized it was only surface-deep. He let himself get caught up in fame, fortune, and the life that comes with it. But when his superficial world blows up in his face, the face of the man he let himself become, he has a battle on his hands.
When the professional footballer’s career is left hanging in the balance along with a life of his own, Sean has to decide if the risk of losing all he’s worked for is worth it to get back to the man he wants to be – the man he used to be.
Where You Belong is a touching love story that reminds us that even when we don’t expect it…love shows up.
Andie has been hiding, wanting to stay in the past rather than face the uncertainty of the future. When the force of a lie pulls her out of the darkness and into the light – the spotlight she’s avoided – she has to decide if she’ll stand and fight or run for cover.
With each step, she has a choice to make. She can continue to watch life go on around her or see what might be waiting on the other side. Will fear keep her from moving on, or can she find the courage to take the leap?
Sean thought he had it all. That is…until he realized it was only surface-deep. He let himself get caught up in fame, fortune, and the life that comes with it. But when his superficial world blows up in his face, the face of the man he let himself become, he has a battle on his hands.
When the professional footballer’s career is left hanging in the balance along with a life of his own, Sean has to decide if the risk of losing all he’s worked for is worth it to get back to the man he wants to be – the man he used to be.
Where You Belong is a touching love story that reminds us that even when we don’t expect it…love shows up.
387 pages, Paperback
Published February 26, 2024
515 people are currently reading
2220 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Williams
4 books211 followersStacy Williams lives with her husband and children in Illinois. She writes in five-minute increments between homeschooling and extracurricular activities. She’s spent years dreaming about writing love stories that in a worn and broken world, remind us of what we're truly made for.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
June 23, 2024
I really loved book 1. It was great.
This one just wasn't great.
The heroine has SO much negative motivation that it became EXHAUSTING. Even towards the end when he declares he loves her, she tells him "you suck" and then gets upset that she didn't have time to tell him she loves him too. 🙄
The relationship felt lopsided and off. And then, when she decided she was in, she didn't tell him. She just comes with the intention of moving in. It was weird.
Also, this is a single mom romance, but it felt like the baby wasn't important. It felt like a missed opportunity.
This one just wasn't great.
The heroine has SO much negative motivation that it became EXHAUSTING. Even towards the end when he declares he loves her, she tells him "you suck" and then gets upset that she didn't have time to tell him she loves him too. 🙄
The relationship felt lopsided and off. And then, when she decided she was in, she didn't tell him. She just comes with the intention of moving in. It was weird.
Also, this is a single mom romance, but it felt like the baby wasn't important. It felt like a missed opportunity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
OBSESSED.
After absolutely loving I Got You, I jumped at the chance to be on Stacy’s launch team for this book. Let me tell you, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! 😍
I loved Sean and Andie’s story so much. There was so much heartache and healing that had to happen throughout the book and how everything unfolds was done incredibly well. It is definitely a sloooow burn, but I promise it is worth it!
Loved all the football and music elements to the story. I also adored the side characters—especially Andie’s grandma, Gemma. She was hilarious! Definitely need a Gem in my life.
I don’t want to say any more because I really think going into this one blind and uncovering the details yourself makes the experience so much better!
Thank you to the author for an eARC!
Content: Closed door
After absolutely loving I Got You, I jumped at the chance to be on Stacy’s launch team for this book. Let me tell you, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! 😍
I loved Sean and Andie’s story so much. There was so much heartache and healing that had to happen throughout the book and how everything unfolds was done incredibly well. It is definitely a sloooow burn, but I promise it is worth it!
Loved all the football and music elements to the story. I also adored the side characters—especially Andie’s grandma, Gemma. She was hilarious! Definitely need a Gem in my life.
I don’t want to say any more because I really think going into this one blind and uncovering the details yourself makes the experience so much better!
Thank you to the author for an eARC!
Content: Closed door
April 26, 2024
Stacy Williams writes romances that feel grounded in reality. She really focuses on those day to day interactions and the words said and unsaid in each of them. When you read one of her romances you feel like you really get into the heads of both characters and feel their struggles from the very start.
Where You Belong focuses on the need to find a grounding place. Where do you go when the odds are stacked against you and everything falls apart. Where do you find the bravery to finally take that leap into the very last thing you were looking for? Both of these main characters had a lot going on, and I think that's what made them very dynamic and complex. I loved how they each became each others safe place. The banter back and forth starts from a sharp wounded place but ultimately that same snark becomes something that the other finds comfort in.
I also really loved that when Stacy writes a sports romance the SPORTS will be in the romance. I loved all the football scenes from the plays, to the injuries, to the time spent watching the game itself. You can't write a sports romance without incorporating the sport intrinsically into the plot, and this was done so well.
Sean and Andie are fabulous characters and I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. I also loved the interactions with other characters and players within the story which added additional depth. The conflict within the story also felt feel and played out like a real scenario...there's never like a fix all for a problem and the characters were forced to work through their issues like adults. There were a couple things I didn't anticipate within the story because I don't read synopsis' so I think it's best to go in blind.
I can't wait to see where book 3 of this series takes our next character Mark.
Where You Belong focuses on the need to find a grounding place. Where do you go when the odds are stacked against you and everything falls apart. Where do you find the bravery to finally take that leap into the very last thing you were looking for? Both of these main characters had a lot going on, and I think that's what made them very dynamic and complex. I loved how they each became each others safe place. The banter back and forth starts from a sharp wounded place but ultimately that same snark becomes something that the other finds comfort in.
I also really loved that when Stacy writes a sports romance the SPORTS will be in the romance. I loved all the football scenes from the plays, to the injuries, to the time spent watching the game itself. You can't write a sports romance without incorporating the sport intrinsically into the plot, and this was done so well.
Sean and Andie are fabulous characters and I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. I also loved the interactions with other characters and players within the story which added additional depth. The conflict within the story also felt feel and played out like a real scenario...there's never like a fix all for a problem and the characters were forced to work through their issues like adults. There were a couple things I didn't anticipate within the story because I don't read synopsis' so I think it's best to go in blind.
I can't wait to see where book 3 of this series takes our next character Mark.
February 25, 2024
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
I LOVE SLOW BURN.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Slow burn romances just hit different y’all. The tension and angst was pulled out beautifully and I was chomping at the bit waiting for them to finally kiss.
This was a beautiful love story with a lot of nuanced pieces that made of these two characters. I adored both Sean and Andie. The banter was fun and sassy, but then you can slowly see the breakdown of walls and allowing the other person to see a deeper side of you. There’s many complex situations happening in both of their lives and I love how they learned to do life together.
I do think this one felt a little more repetitive in inner dialogue, if that was scaled back the pacing would have been a little better. That’s my only iffy thing though. I love the way Stacy Williams creates a story. These are slightly heavier romances with the right amount of lightness and humor to show that hope and happiness is coming.
I absolutely loved all of the football and music content. There were some good things woven throughout and one of the cutest little characters around. Another great book in this series and I look forward to the next!
Overall audience notes:
- Sports Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: parental abandonment, poor mother/daughter relationship, loss of a spouse (recounted)
I LOVE SLOW BURN.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Slow burn romances just hit different y’all. The tension and angst was pulled out beautifully and I was chomping at the bit waiting for them to finally kiss.
This was a beautiful love story with a lot of nuanced pieces that made of these two characters. I adored both Sean and Andie. The banter was fun and sassy, but then you can slowly see the breakdown of walls and allowing the other person to see a deeper side of you. There’s many complex situations happening in both of their lives and I love how they learned to do life together.
I do think this one felt a little more repetitive in inner dialogue, if that was scaled back the pacing would have been a little better. That’s my only iffy thing though. I love the way Stacy Williams creates a story. These are slightly heavier romances with the right amount of lightness and humor to show that hope and happiness is coming.
I absolutely loved all of the football and music content. There were some good things woven throughout and one of the cutest little characters around. Another great book in this series and I look forward to the next!
Overall audience notes:
- Sports Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: parental abandonment, poor mother/daughter relationship, loss of a spouse (recounted)
March 3, 2024
4.25/5 ⭐️
2 empty tissue boxes,
1 trash bag full of snack wrappers and tissues,
12 days of staring off into space thinking about this book,
3 days of seclusion in my library,
And…possibly happy tears running down my face right now…
Wow.
This book hit a lot differently than the first book. It deals with some heavy issues and I don’t want to say much because it’s best going into it with an open mind and no expectations. Overall, great book if you are looking for a sports romance with found family and deep meaning.
Thank you again Stacy for giving me an ARC of this amazing book. I can’t wait to read the next one you write ❤️🫶
2 empty tissue boxes,
1 trash bag full of snack wrappers and tissues,
12 days of staring off into space thinking about this book,
3 days of seclusion in my library,
And…possibly happy tears running down my face right now…
Wow.
This book hit a lot differently than the first book. It deals with some heavy issues and I don’t want to say much because it’s best going into it with an open mind and no expectations. Overall, great book if you are looking for a sports romance with found family and deep meaning.
Thank you again Stacy for giving me an ARC of this amazing book. I can’t wait to read the next one you write ❤️🫶
January 2, 2024
two words — SLOW. BURN. 😮💨
𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it didn’t disappoint. i became wholly invested in andie and sean’s story when i read their teaser chapter at the end of 𝙞 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. the witty banter and instant chemistry that stacy hooked me with carried right on over into sean and andie’s book, but that’s where the similarities end. this story was so different and beautifully stands on its own. i didn’t know what to expect from 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜, but i knew it would be good. in true stacy williams fashion, bombs were dropped that i never could have anticipated. the way she slowly and expertly reveals things had me turning the pages.
what unfolded was an achingly tender and beautiful love story as two completely different people go from strangers to friends to so much more. this slow burn about killed me, but it was so worth it. i love a relationship built on friendship, and as you learn about the hardships that sean and andie faced, you realize that it could have turned out no other way. i promise the pay off will have you absolutely melting. sean’s determination to be absolutely everything for andie gave me all the butterflies. these two show up for each other in every way and i couldn’t get enough! there is so much goodness in this book, but as with 𝙞 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪, this is a story you have to read for yourself to experience the magic.
i loved gemma and taco dates and all the beautiful things in between. i loved seeing shane and maggie. livy graces us with some words of wisdom. there are some characters that you’ll love to hate. we got to know mark a little more and of course, his teaser chapter at the end has me dying for his story! stacy williams’s sophomore novel is one to not be missed and i’m so excited for y’all to read it!
thank you to the author for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own.
𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it didn’t disappoint. i became wholly invested in andie and sean’s story when i read their teaser chapter at the end of 𝙞 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. the witty banter and instant chemistry that stacy hooked me with carried right on over into sean and andie’s book, but that’s where the similarities end. this story was so different and beautifully stands on its own. i didn’t know what to expect from 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜, but i knew it would be good. in true stacy williams fashion, bombs were dropped that i never could have anticipated. the way she slowly and expertly reveals things had me turning the pages.
what unfolded was an achingly tender and beautiful love story as two completely different people go from strangers to friends to so much more. this slow burn about killed me, but it was so worth it. i love a relationship built on friendship, and as you learn about the hardships that sean and andie faced, you realize that it could have turned out no other way. i promise the pay off will have you absolutely melting. sean’s determination to be absolutely everything for andie gave me all the butterflies. these two show up for each other in every way and i couldn’t get enough! there is so much goodness in this book, but as with 𝙞 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪, this is a story you have to read for yourself to experience the magic.
i loved gemma and taco dates and all the beautiful things in between. i loved seeing shane and maggie. livy graces us with some words of wisdom. there are some characters that you’ll love to hate. we got to know mark a little more and of course, his teaser chapter at the end has me dying for his story! stacy williams’s sophomore novel is one to not be missed and i’m so excited for y’all to read it!
thank you to the author for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own.
August 14, 2025
Too much droning internal dialogue
I like the first book of the series pretty well. The character development was amazing. There were some parts that drug on and I got bored in. This book, however, I felt like I had to skip over almost half of it. There were whole chapters dedicated to the internal thoughts of both main characters. And often times, one paragraph said the exact some as the one before, just in different words. The thoughts were so repetitive and mostly unnecessary. I like m owing a bit about what each character is thinking, but as a reader, I can also put two and two together based on the actions and words of the character. You could have literally taken entire chapters out of this book and the story wouldn’t have changed at all. I actually thought the story itself was cute enough. I just got so bored with all the extra word vomit going on between the actual action of the story. This one was boring enough I probably won’t even finish the series.
I like the first book of the series pretty well. The character development was amazing. There were some parts that drug on and I got bored in. This book, however, I felt like I had to skip over almost half of it. There were whole chapters dedicated to the internal thoughts of both main characters. And often times, one paragraph said the exact some as the one before, just in different words. The thoughts were so repetitive and mostly unnecessary. I like m owing a bit about what each character is thinking, but as a reader, I can also put two and two together based on the actions and words of the character. You could have literally taken entire chapters out of this book and the story wouldn’t have changed at all. I actually thought the story itself was cute enough. I just got so bored with all the extra word vomit going on between the actual action of the story. This one was boring enough I probably won’t even finish the series.
August 14, 2024
Where You Belong is another incredibly moving story by Stacy. It pulled at every single heartstring and was a beautiful story of finding your place in the world, knowing your worth, and not letting go of the people who love you unconditionally. The character depth is unmatched. I truly could feel their raw emotions through the pages, and fell in love with all the characters in this book! This is a must read book for 2024!
Reread: this series is just tattooed on my heart at this point. I love Andie and Sean so much!
Reread: this series is just tattooed on my heart at this point. I love Andie and Sean so much!
February 13, 2024
To all Swiftie fans, this story is for you all. 💖
This book resonated with me and tugged at my heartstrings. At the beginning of the story, a moment brought me to tears. I felt like I was there experiencing the moment with the main characters Andie and Sean.
It sets the tone of Andie’s story and the direction as to why she’s unsettled and broken trying to push through her inner turmoil and move forward. Sean is a professional football player with his inner battles. His life intertwines with Andie’s in an eventful way.
I loved how Sean’s life outside of his professional football career is focused on. Sometimes we all overlook the fact that even famous athletes are people too. Money doesn’t solve the past or future, especially when it's deeper than material things.
The side characters are fun-loving and inspiring. I hope everyone falls in love with Andie and Sean’s journey as their lives mesh together. I don’t want to spoil too much of this story because there are so many surprising moments to experience. Trust me, you’ll feel all the feels while reading this love story.
This book is for you if you like:
• Singer/Songwriter FMC -- it has Taylor vibes but with in-depth tribulations.
• Real characters with real struggles
• Enemies to lovers
• Slow burn
• American Football
• Fun-loving side characters
This book resonated with me and tugged at my heartstrings. At the beginning of the story, a moment brought me to tears. I felt like I was there experiencing the moment with the main characters Andie and Sean.
It sets the tone of Andie’s story and the direction as to why she’s unsettled and broken trying to push through her inner turmoil and move forward. Sean is a professional football player with his inner battles. His life intertwines with Andie’s in an eventful way.
I loved how Sean’s life outside of his professional football career is focused on. Sometimes we all overlook the fact that even famous athletes are people too. Money doesn’t solve the past or future, especially when it's deeper than material things.
The side characters are fun-loving and inspiring. I hope everyone falls in love with Andie and Sean’s journey as their lives mesh together. I don’t want to spoil too much of this story because there are so many surprising moments to experience. Trust me, you’ll feel all the feels while reading this love story.
This book is for you if you like:
• Singer/Songwriter FMC -- it has Taylor vibes but with in-depth tribulations.
• Real characters with real struggles
• Enemies to lovers
• Slow burn
• American Football
• Fun-loving side characters
February 25, 2024
Stacy wrote such a beautiful story!
I loved the premise of this story and the characters were the BEST!
Read this if you love:
Grumpy Sunshine
Sports Romance
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Thank you Stacy for letting me read this ARC!
Make sure to read this one!
I loved the premise of this story and the characters were the BEST!
Read this if you love:
Grumpy Sunshine
Sports Romance
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Thank you Stacy for letting me read this ARC!
Make sure to read this one!
February 5, 2025
Super disappointed. I loved the first book and couldn’t wait to read about the brothers. However, I felt like this and the last books were not as well developed both in terms of plot and characters. I didn’t feel tension or romance and I didn’t enjoy the characters the way I had the first book.
January 14, 2024
First of all, THANK YOU STACY!
This book was the perfect start into the new year! It made me laugh, gave me butterflies, and I might have cried a tear or two.
"ʜᴜʜ. ɪ'ᴍ ɪᴍᴘʀᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ. ɪᴛ ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅꜱ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴍɪɢʜᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴏᴜʟ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴡʜᴇʀᴇ."
"ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛᴏᴏ ꜰᴀʀ ɪɴᴛᴏ ɪᴛ."
To say Sean and Andie weren't impressed when they first met would be an understatement, but their banter was on point.
They both come from difficult family relations, and even if their childhoods were very different, they understood each other. Andie is still trying to get used to a life without her husband and as a single mum, when a few pictures from Sean defending her pull her into the interest of the press. To clear their name and save both their careers, they have to work together and plan a social event.
The friendship that builds between Sean and Andie is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever read about, and I love the pacing. But as much as I enjoyed the slow burn, seeing them finally find their way together is the most beautiful thing ever.
Sean is protective and sweet and thoughtful, and Andie finds the perfect balance between pushing him to open up and leaving him space.
"ɪᴛ'ꜱ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴇᴡ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴅᴏᴇꜱɴ'ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴏʀ ᴡᴏʀꜱᴇ."
All in all, this is the perfect feel-good romance, and I can't wait to learn more about Mark next!
Also, I want Gem in my life.
This is an arc review, but I can really only recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel good and warm and loved!
This book was the perfect start into the new year! It made me laugh, gave me butterflies, and I might have cried a tear or two.
"ʜᴜʜ. ɪ'ᴍ ɪᴍᴘʀᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ. ɪᴛ ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅꜱ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴍɪɢʜᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴏᴜʟ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴡʜᴇʀᴇ."
"ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛᴏᴏ ꜰᴀʀ ɪɴᴛᴏ ɪᴛ."
To say Sean and Andie weren't impressed when they first met would be an understatement, but their banter was on point.
They both come from difficult family relations, and even if their childhoods were very different, they understood each other. Andie is still trying to get used to a life without her husband and as a single mum, when a few pictures from Sean defending her pull her into the interest of the press. To clear their name and save both their careers, they have to work together and plan a social event.
The friendship that builds between Sean and Andie is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever read about, and I love the pacing. But as much as I enjoyed the slow burn, seeing them finally find their way together is the most beautiful thing ever.
Sean is protective and sweet and thoughtful, and Andie finds the perfect balance between pushing him to open up and leaving him space.
"ɪᴛ'ꜱ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴇᴡ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴅᴏᴇꜱɴ'ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴏʀ ᴡᴏʀꜱᴇ."
All in all, this is the perfect feel-good romance, and I can't wait to learn more about Mark next!
Also, I want Gem in my life.
This is an arc review, but I can really only recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel good and warm and loved!
October 2, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
October 29, 2025
Meh. DNF @63%.
I’m bored with the uninteresting plot, there’s NO chemistry, the internal monologuing is repetitive, the romantic “banter” is prickly instead of flirty, and the two MC’s are angry and offended all the time. (Not toward each other, but toward other people and their circumstances.)
So much angst and complaining. I want to tell them both to just chill for a second.
Sheesh. It must be exhausting to be up in arms 24/7.
The FMC has a difficult, prickly personality.
The MMC describes Andie as “There’s no pretense with this woman or anything artificial about her. She’s a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of person, and it’s invigorating.”
I don’t think being authentic means being unkind or voicing every uncharitable thought or snap judgement you have. People sometimes mislabel tactlessness and unkindness with the positive attribute of being “real.” I think Andie falls into this mislabel at times.
I think true authenticity is the positive attribute of being true to your core values and living without pretense. If one of your core values is kindness, as it is for most people, then being authentic also includes subduing judgmental or prideful tendencies and making an effort to give grace to others.
Unfortunately, I don’t think Andie embodies that. She is very hypocritical in this book as she frequently judges others before she even knows them. She is prejudiced against Sean immediately and acts aggressively and waspish toward him in their first scene, without much cause. She judges many of the football players’ girlfriends as being shallow and cookie cutter simply because they are beautiful with model-like bodies. Her hypocrisy and the way she looks down on others before she even knows them is disappointing.
Also, her brash, confrontational, in-your-face manner is off putting. This author must fantasize about putting people in their place with a hard, forceful set down, bc it happens all the time in this book and I only read 60% of it.
I much prefer someone who exercises more restraint. It is 100% possible to set someone in their place and set boundaries with tact, firmness, and gentleness. Not like this:
“These two groups of people we’re talking about wear shoes that your tiny, self-absorbed feet would never ever be able to stand in, let alone survive. So, I don’t really care what you want or who you think needs to be impressed. We’re not here to massage anyone’s image or work this for some kind of publicity stunt to look better in anyone’s eyes. It’s called kindness, and you'd do well to try it on, although I’m not sure they make it in your size.”
Good grief.
This is woman does not know how to communicate with difficult people in a respectful, productive manner.
IRL, she would bring contention everywhere she went.
She inserted herself into this convo to give this verbal slap to a man she’s never even met before. Sure, he didn’t seem like a nice person, but it was still over the top and inappropriate. Amazingly, the MMC respects her for her outrageous presumption instead of being turned off.
(Incidentally, the FMC in the first book had this tendency as well, but it only came out occasionally versus constantly like this book! And we had lots of uplifting scenes in that book featuring the FMC and the kids, which balanced the angst, but this book is missing all those redeeming, happy scenes.)
At 30% in, Andie was still kinda aggressive and rude to Sean, even tho she knew he was actually a good guy. She was still acting snotty to him, like cutting him off to say, “Does Craig dictate your whole life?” He consistently responded to her sarcasm and snide remarks with patience and honesty, without getting offended. This guy is a saint.
At 60% she’s still harshly pushing him away. What does he even see in her???!
I think most people would find her hard to be around. I, for one, can’t take any more of her and will be moving on.
WHAT I LIKED:
Her baby is described in a way that had me nostalgically remembering my own chubby cheeked babies. Oh my heart!
Also, Nora was a great friend to the FMC and I love the brotherly relationship between the MMC and the heroes from the other books in the series.
I liked that the FMC isn’t chasing fame and the spotlight. She wants a normal life where she can enjoy her baby and be around for him. That was a new perspective that I appreciated. Sean also puts relationships before career, and I love how they have their priorities straight!!
Content-
Language- 85 uses of the a- word, and 90 uses of the sh-word. These words were used on basically every page in chapter 32, which was the last chapter I read. They were incredibly OVERUSED. No f-words, so that was a relief!
Spice- No, I expect kissing at the end.
Violence- no
Substance abuse- no.
Cover- fine
POV- dual POV, first person
Cliffhanger- No. each book in the series features a new character. I might try out the next one since I really enjoyed book 1!
Format- KU
I’m bored with the uninteresting plot, there’s NO chemistry, the internal monologuing is repetitive, the romantic “banter” is prickly instead of flirty, and the two MC’s are angry and offended all the time. (Not toward each other, but toward other people and their circumstances.)
So much angst and complaining. I want to tell them both to just chill for a second.
Sheesh. It must be exhausting to be up in arms 24/7.
The FMC has a difficult, prickly personality.
The MMC describes Andie as “There’s no pretense with this woman or anything artificial about her. She’s a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of person, and it’s invigorating.”
I don’t think being authentic means being unkind or voicing every uncharitable thought or snap judgement you have. People sometimes mislabel tactlessness and unkindness with the positive attribute of being “real.” I think Andie falls into this mislabel at times.
I think true authenticity is the positive attribute of being true to your core values and living without pretense. If one of your core values is kindness, as it is for most people, then being authentic also includes subduing judgmental or prideful tendencies and making an effort to give grace to others.
Unfortunately, I don’t think Andie embodies that. She is very hypocritical in this book as she frequently judges others before she even knows them. She is prejudiced against Sean immediately and acts aggressively and waspish toward him in their first scene, without much cause. She judges many of the football players’ girlfriends as being shallow and cookie cutter simply because they are beautiful with model-like bodies. Her hypocrisy and the way she looks down on others before she even knows them is disappointing.
Also, her brash, confrontational, in-your-face manner is off putting. This author must fantasize about putting people in their place with a hard, forceful set down, bc it happens all the time in this book and I only read 60% of it.
I much prefer someone who exercises more restraint. It is 100% possible to set someone in their place and set boundaries with tact, firmness, and gentleness. Not like this:
“These two groups of people we’re talking about wear shoes that your tiny, self-absorbed feet would never ever be able to stand in, let alone survive. So, I don’t really care what you want or who you think needs to be impressed. We’re not here to massage anyone’s image or work this for some kind of publicity stunt to look better in anyone’s eyes. It’s called kindness, and you'd do well to try it on, although I’m not sure they make it in your size.”
Good grief.
This is woman does not know how to communicate with difficult people in a respectful, productive manner.
IRL, she would bring contention everywhere she went.
She inserted herself into this convo to give this verbal slap to a man she’s never even met before. Sure, he didn’t seem like a nice person, but it was still over the top and inappropriate. Amazingly, the MMC respects her for her outrageous presumption instead of being turned off.
(Incidentally, the FMC in the first book had this tendency as well, but it only came out occasionally versus constantly like this book! And we had lots of uplifting scenes in that book featuring the FMC and the kids, which balanced the angst, but this book is missing all those redeeming, happy scenes.)
At 30% in, Andie was still kinda aggressive and rude to Sean, even tho she knew he was actually a good guy. She was still acting snotty to him, like cutting him off to say, “Does Craig dictate your whole life?” He consistently responded to her sarcasm and snide remarks with patience and honesty, without getting offended. This guy is a saint.
At 60% she’s still harshly pushing him away. What does he even see in her???!
I think most people would find her hard to be around. I, for one, can’t take any more of her and will be moving on.
WHAT I LIKED:
Her baby is described in a way that had me nostalgically remembering my own chubby cheeked babies. Oh my heart!
Also, Nora was a great friend to the FMC and I love the brotherly relationship between the MMC and the heroes from the other books in the series.
I liked that the FMC isn’t chasing fame and the spotlight. She wants a normal life where she can enjoy her baby and be around for him. That was a new perspective that I appreciated. Sean also puts relationships before career, and I love how they have their priorities straight!!
Content-
Language- 85 uses of the a- word, and 90 uses of the sh-word. These words were used on basically every page in chapter 32, which was the last chapter I read. They were incredibly OVERUSED. No f-words, so that was a relief!
Spice- No, I expect kissing at the end.
Violence- no
Substance abuse- no.
Cover- fine
POV- dual POV, first person
Cliffhanger- No. each book in the series features a new character. I might try out the next one since I really enjoyed book 1!
Format- KU
November 12, 2024
Almost so good
This book would’ve been much better if the pacing was improved. The characters were multidimensional, but they spent too much time in internal monologues saying the same thing in slightly different wording. About 100 pages could’ve been cut, or it could’ve been filled with more plot points and less reflection. Reflection is important, but this ended up being overly redundant.
This book would’ve been much better if the pacing was improved. The characters were multidimensional, but they spent too much time in internal monologues saying the same thing in slightly different wording. About 100 pages could’ve been cut, or it could’ve been filled with more plot points and less reflection. Reflection is important, but this ended up being overly redundant.
August 3, 2025
Cute but just a little too long!
February 20, 2024
Another gem of a sports romance from Stacy Williams. I don’t know how she does it but her characters don’t feel like characters. I feel all of their emotions while I’m reading and genuinely feel like I know them!
In Where You Belong we have Andie who is genuine, sassy, not afraid to speak her mind but also has lost some of her confidence while finding her way out of the dark post tragedy.
Sean is my favorite kind of MMC, tough masculine and cocky on the surface but under it all he’s a softie who wants so badly to be loved and accepted for who he is.
These two have such great banter and I just loved how they teased each other. The sarcasm and witty comments are so good and add so much tension to the slow burn between them.
I really loved how Stacy honored the sacrifice that military families make. As an Army wife that part of the story really hit home for me and it felt like she genuinely understood the struggles that the military life entails.
One of my favorite things about this book are the side characters.
Gem in particular is such a special lady and I absolutely want to be like her when I grow up.
The way the brothers call, text and visit each other and depend on one another for advice and support is so special.
This is the 2nd book in the Abandoned Brothers series and though it can be a standalone I highly recommend you read book 1 (I Got You) if you haven’t already.
The teaser at the end of this book has me so excited for the 3rd brother to get his happy ending. I cannot wait. These guys are so special. If you are looking for a closed door sports romance with wounded MMCs who love deeply these books are for you!
Available on KU and paperback on Monday 2/26!
CW: some cursing
ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
In Where You Belong we have Andie who is genuine, sassy, not afraid to speak her mind but also has lost some of her confidence while finding her way out of the dark post tragedy.
Sean is my favorite kind of MMC, tough masculine and cocky on the surface but under it all he’s a softie who wants so badly to be loved and accepted for who he is.
These two have such great banter and I just loved how they teased each other. The sarcasm and witty comments are so good and add so much tension to the slow burn between them.
I really loved how Stacy honored the sacrifice that military families make. As an Army wife that part of the story really hit home for me and it felt like she genuinely understood the struggles that the military life entails.
One of my favorite things about this book are the side characters.
Gem in particular is such a special lady and I absolutely want to be like her when I grow up.
The way the brothers call, text and visit each other and depend on one another for advice and support is so special.
This is the 2nd book in the Abandoned Brothers series and though it can be a standalone I highly recommend you read book 1 (I Got You) if you haven’t already.
The teaser at the end of this book has me so excited for the 3rd brother to get his happy ending. I cannot wait. These guys are so special. If you are looking for a closed door sports romance with wounded MMCs who love deeply these books are for you!
Available on KU and paperback on Monday 2/26!
CW: some cursing
ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2024
Y’all I am swooning over everything Stacy Williams writes! She is just so good at story telling and giving you the giddy butterflies and diving into some really deep stuff. This is book 2 of the Abandoned Brothers series. I loved Sean and Andie both. They were both genuinely so good together. And they were so good for each other. They both pushed each other to wake up and live the life that was waiting for them. And they were both so supportive of each other. They were both there for each other and they were each a steady presence in the other’s life.
I loved watching them form a genuine friendship before they gave into their attraction and more-than-friendly feelings. You really watch them become each others’ best friend and that was so sweet. Their meet cute was so fun. Gem and Nora are the best duo out there. There were just so many sweet moments.
Y’all I am loving these guys so much and I am immediately going to start my ARC of It’s Always Us because I NEED to watch this flirty smart mouthed Mark boy get his girl. I highly recommend adding this series to your TBR. You will not be disappointed.
This is a fade to black romance with moderate language and innuendo.
Content Warnings: foster care, brief mention of sexual assault (in past), loss of husband, brief insinuation of mistreatment as a child (no details)
I loved watching them form a genuine friendship before they gave into their attraction and more-than-friendly feelings. You really watch them become each others’ best friend and that was so sweet. Their meet cute was so fun. Gem and Nora are the best duo out there. There were just so many sweet moments.
Y’all I am loving these guys so much and I am immediately going to start my ARC of It’s Always Us because I NEED to watch this flirty smart mouthed Mark boy get his girl. I highly recommend adding this series to your TBR. You will not be disappointed.
This is a fade to black romance with moderate language and innuendo.
Content Warnings: foster care, brief mention of sexual assault (in past), loss of husband, brief insinuation of mistreatment as a child (no details)
January 15, 2024
What can I say except this is an exceptional read, totally had me hooked from the beginning. It is more than a football romance. It takes you on such an emotional journey between the two main characters, Andie and Sean, some scenes I definitely had a tear in my eyes and I hardly get emotional reading a story. This is definitely a slow burn romance story which is totally understandable as you learn the back story and history between the two. It is truly beautifully written so heartfelt. I simply fell in love with Andie and Sean and their journey finding their happy ever after. This is my first read by Stacy Williams and it will definitely not be my last, it’s also the second book in the Abandoned Brothers series. I personally hadn’t read the first one in the series and had no problems following along, I will definitely read the first one soon. This is one of my all time favourite reads and would highly recommend it to anyone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2024
Sean & Andie
Tropes:
•Enemies to Lovers
•Slow Burn
•Protective MMC
Quotes:
•”Good grief, this guy. I should cut him slack. All that arrogance would be a heavy load to carry.”
•”That person who looks at you and sees nothing but the flawed person you are underneath and cares enough to stick around anyway because they think you're worth it. When you find that person, you do whatever is necessary to pull them in tight and pray that they never let go.”
Thoughts:
Stacy Williams has done it again! Y’all aren’t ready for this book! Stacy Williams is an auto-buy, auto-read, auto-fan club member, auto-everything. I just feel lucky to read her work before she blows up big time because she’s going places ladies and the two gents that follow me. For real grab I Got You now so you have that read by the time Where You Belong comes out!!
(Dual POV and Fades to Black)
*Language*
Tropes:
•Enemies to Lovers
•Slow Burn
•Protective MMC
Quotes:
•”Good grief, this guy. I should cut him slack. All that arrogance would be a heavy load to carry.”
•”That person who looks at you and sees nothing but the flawed person you are underneath and cares enough to stick around anyway because they think you're worth it. When you find that person, you do whatever is necessary to pull them in tight and pray that they never let go.”
Thoughts:
Stacy Williams has done it again! Y’all aren’t ready for this book! Stacy Williams is an auto-buy, auto-read, auto-fan club member, auto-everything. I just feel lucky to read her work before she blows up big time because she’s going places ladies and the two gents that follow me. For real grab I Got You now so you have that read by the time Where You Belong comes out!!
(Dual POV and Fades to Black)
*Language*
February 19, 2024
Where You Belong by Stacy Williams is the second book in the Abandoned Brothers series.
If possible, I enjoyed Andie and Sean’s story even more than the first books’ couple. Coming from childhoods that were traumatic for different reasons actually ends up bringing them even closer together.
For the first time in my reading, ever, I highlighted not one but two lines that struck cords within me.
You are going to LOATHE some of the people in this book and be devastatingly in love with others. The fact that Stacy Williams can invoke such emotion through words on pages is astounding. This series is everything and I am beyond grateful this author found me and I get to watch this journey.
This story will hurt and tear your heart apart, then put it back together. I wish these characters were real so I could be best friends with them.
Bibliophilebookstackswithdi on IG
If possible, I enjoyed Andie and Sean’s story even more than the first books’ couple. Coming from childhoods that were traumatic for different reasons actually ends up bringing them even closer together.
For the first time in my reading, ever, I highlighted not one but two lines that struck cords within me.
You are going to LOATHE some of the people in this book and be devastatingly in love with others. The fact that Stacy Williams can invoke such emotion through words on pages is astounding. This series is everything and I am beyond grateful this author found me and I get to watch this journey.
This story will hurt and tear your heart apart, then put it back together. I wish these characters were real so I could be best friends with them.
Bibliophilebookstackswithdi on IG
January 24, 2024
This book enraptured me from page one. The slow burn and how the story was told had me on an emotional roller coaster ride. As a military spouse and Army mom, the story resonated with me at deeper and more emotional level. Andie and Sean's story was well written and the emotional turmoil felt by both had my heart breaking for them. I was so happy to read of their happily ever after. Gemma and Nora were a hoot as well as Jonesy. Ax made the story even more loveable. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It is now one of my favorites along with the story of Shane, Sean's brother. Such a wonderful story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2024
I love this book so much! It had just the right amount of drama and heat plus a big helping of conflict and wow! I couldn’t ask for a better introduction into this family of brothers. Andie is a single mom who meets Sean, the football player, and it puts a spark in both their lives. Between families and the media they really must overcome it all if they want more out of life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2026
it was nice
but there was no transition between strangers, friends and lovers. I didn't connect with their relationship much. and we dont get that much insight on how they actually feel about each other, I enjoyed the book but skipped through most of the last few chapters because it was moving so fast.
also, he said he loved her son but there was no evident relationship between him and her son except a few head pats and one nap on his chest.
but meh it was nice.
but there was no transition between strangers, friends and lovers. I didn't connect with their relationship much. and we dont get that much insight on how they actually feel about each other, I enjoyed the book but skipped through most of the last few chapters because it was moving so fast.
also, he said he loved her son but there was no evident relationship between him and her son except a few head pats and one nap on his chest.
but meh it was nice.
January 6, 2026
3.7. 🎼🏟🏈
"I’ve learned recently that sometimes even disasters can be beautiful.”
🏟 U knjizi mi radnja i emocije nisu toliko duboko odjeknule. Bila je u redu knjiga, ali mislim da se moglo poboljšati.
🏈 Seanovo postupno suočavanje s onime što on želi u životu je bilo dobro opisano i bolje smo mogli razumiti karakter.
🎼 Ne znam zašto, al Andien lik mi se nije baš sviđa. Nisam mogla dobro doživiti lik.
"I’ve learned recently that sometimes even disasters can be beautiful.”
🏟 U knjizi mi radnja i emocije nisu toliko duboko odjeknule. Bila je u redu knjiga, ali mislim da se moglo poboljšati.
🏈 Seanovo postupno suočavanje s onime što on želi u životu je bilo dobro opisano i bolje smo mogli razumiti karakter.
🎼 Ne znam zašto, al Andien lik mi se nije baš sviđa. Nisam mogla dobro doživiti lik.
November 30, 2025
I loved this story so much. The characters are complex. Their individual stories are deep and sad but meaningful. Their relationship is funny, complex and raw. Their dynamic is infectious but honest.
This is a closed door, slow burn romance and I loved every second of it.
This is a closed door, slow burn romance and I loved every second of it.
December 30, 2025
I loved the first book about Shein. This one was disappointing 😞
The characters were good but the plot repeated itself and most of the book , nothing significant happened.
The characters were good but the plot repeated itself and most of the book , nothing significant happened.
January 24, 2025
I laughed, cried, and felt overwhelmed with emotion. Such a great story that tells how love can enter into our lives with no expectation at all.
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